Reflector device, method of manufacturing a reflector device, and motor vehicle having a reflector device

Abstract

The invention relates to a reflector device (10), comprising a reflector element (12) having a reflective surface (14) and a rear side (16) opposite the reflective surface (14), the reflective surface being designed to reflect light waves impinging on the reflective surface (14) and having a predefined shape, a housing element (20) having a recess (18) which receives the reflector element (12), wherein the reflector element (12) is seated in the recess (18) such that the reflective surface (14) of the reflector element (12) faces away from the recess (18), and a cover element (26) having a transparent portion through which the reflective surface (14) of the reflector element (12) is visible, and wherein the cover element (26) and the housing element (20) are arranged relative to each other such that they form a receptacle for the reflector element (12). Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for producing a reflector device (10) and a motor vehicle (28) having a reflector device (10).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a reflector device / reflector arrangement, to a method for producing a reflector device and to a motor vehicle having a reflector device. BACKGROUND

[0002] A reflector device is a component or assembly that reflects light. Here, the element of a component or assembly that is designed to reflect light is referred to as a reflector element. The surface of a reflector element that reflects light is referred to below as a reflective surface.

[0003] The reflectors of a motor vehicle are usually arranged at the rear side of the motor vehicle for reflecting, for example, the headlight light of a vehicle behind so that it can be seen by the driver of the vehicle behind. Thereby, the risk of a rear-end collision can be reduced.

[0004] US 7,011,418 B2 describes a retroreflective cover film or strip which is suitable for the side of a trailer and has alternating red and white colors which are separated on a customized surface of the cover film or strip at predetermined locations and lengths. This strip or cover film is very costly in production.

[0005] DE 20 2018 006 359 U1 describes a motor vehicle having a front window, a rear window and at least two side windows, and at least one element arranged on the outer surface of the motor vehicle, which element can be seen in particular from other vehicles driving on the opposite lane and / or following the motor vehicle, wherein at least one reflector element is arranged on the element, the reflector element having a plurality of reflecting microprisms.

[0006] EP 0 004 976 B1 relates to a general warning strip which is mainly intended for installation at the rear side of land vehicles, in particular on vehicles intended for road traffic.

[0007] From DE 20 2009 013 886 U1 a trim and sealing element for vehicle windows, doors and roofs and hoods of vehicles is known, which is realized by a surface material having reflecting or retroreflecting properties.

[0008] US 2003 / 0142505 A1 describes a motor vehicle lamp apparatus comprising a reflector having light baffles formed in a surrounding wall thereof, the light baffles configured to receive light emitting diodes in an orientation generally perpendicular to the surrounding wall.

[0009] If the reflective film is simply bonded to the vehicle, the film is not protected from external influences, such as weather, and can be torn off, for example, by passers-by. Such films are often damaged by rain, corrosion and driving wind, external mechanical forces, i.e. passers-by who tear at the film, or when the vehicle is washed, and cannot be kept in permanent mechanical position and can even lose their reflective ability. Furthermore, the bonding of reflective films is hardly suitable for mass production, since the film has to be positioned and bonded manually. If the film should be repositioned or a further film should be bonded, for example, traces or possible damage can remain at the paintwork, or the glue dries and the film comes off more quickly after repositioning. Furthermore disadvantageously, although strong glue reduces the likelihood of the film slipping, it can have a greater impact on the paintwork, especially when the film is torn off again. Conversely, weaker glue can in some cases be easily softened by rain, so that the film slips or even comes off completely.

[0010] As an alternative to reflective films, the area of the motor vehicle can be illuminated at night, in particular from the inside, for example with LEDs, for example in order to improve the visibility of warning signs at the motor vehicle. Disadvantageously here, however, this is very costly and the LEDs can fail at any time, so that the signs for a police car or for an ambulance are no longer illuminated completely. Further disadvantages are the high energy consumption and the high demand for installation space of the LEDs. Such lighting devices can also fail completely after only a small crash which has damaged them. If the vehicle is parked and switched off, the area is either not illuminated or places a burden on the battery of the motor vehicle. In some countries, active illumination by means of a light is also not permitted in certain cases. SUMMARY

[0011] It is an object of the application to highlight an area of a motor vehicle particularly effectively by means of light.

[0012] This object is achieved by the device according to the application and the method according to the application according to the independent claims. Advantageous refinements are given by the dependent claims.

[0013] The idea on which the application is based is to use a reflector element instead of actively illuminating, and to integrate the reflector element into a component (or assembly) which is designed as a housing or container to be covered. The housing or container can be bonded or clipped at the desired location, for example on the outside of the motor vehicle.

[0014] The reflector element is accommodated in the housing and is shielded from external influences by a cover part which is at least partially transparent in the form of a cover element. Here, the cover element, which can be designed for example as a cover flap, is preferably completely transparent or substantially transparent or mostly transparent, so that the reflector element in the shape of the desired trademark, symbol or lettering or the desired sequence of symbols is visible from the outside. During the day, the reflector element which can have for example the shape of a sequence of letters or a symbol is clearly visible, and at night, when light falls onto the reflector element, the reflector element reflects in a luminous manner. Thereby, the reflector element which gives the given shape is visible not only during the day but also at night, that is to say the exemplary symbol always has the same appearance during the day as well as at night. Preferably, the shape of the reflector element, that is to say its design, can also give the covered housing or container a shape.

[0015] The reflector element in its preset shape, that is to say in its design as a symbol, for example a warning symbol, is clearly visible during the day and at night, wherein the night visibility is obtained in that the reflector element is illuminated for example by traffic, that is to say for example by other road users, and the headlight light is reflected. At night, the exemplary symbol cannot be seen or cannot be seen clearly by passers-by because of the position of the reflector element in the recess or cavity, but can be seen for example by car drivers or cyclists because of the reflection of the light of the headlight of the other (motor) vehicle. This is very economical compared to active illumination for example by LEDs and requires significantly less installation space. That is to say, there is no additional energy consumption. This reflection is not susceptible to interference and thereby also failsafe. For example, rainwater or dirt does not fall directly onto the reflector element, and the cover element as well as the housing element is easy to clean. In other words, the cover element fulfils the function as a protective layer.

[0016] This reflector element also has a function even after a minor frontal collision. The reflector element is also visible when the motor vehicle is parked. Furthermore, the solution according to the application is very suitable for series production, since the reflector device does not have to be applied by hand compared to a reflective film. Another positioning advantage is that this positioning is very durable.

[0017] The reflector device is particularly advantageous if it is manufactured by means of an injection-moulding method, for example by back injection moulding (Hinterspritzen) or overmoulding (Umspritzen) of the reflector element in a one-component injection-moulding method or preferably in a two-component injection-moulding method. By means of injection moulding, the cover element and the housing element are fixed to one another in a sealed manner, so that for example water cannot enter the housing interior. The reflector device then has no gaps and is particularly preferably overmoulded in a sealed manner. Thereby, the reflector element is better protected against corrosion.

[0018] The reflector arrangement according to the application is preferably used on a motor vehicle, preferably on the exterior of a motor vehicle, i.e. for example on the vehicle body, for example on the vehicle doors, or on the radiator grille. Alternatively, the reflector arrangement can be used for example as a sign. But especially in the reflector arrangement according to the application for a motor vehicle, the particular advantage of suitability for mass production contributes, since the mass production suitability of the corresponding motor vehicle is also improved.

[0019] The reflector arrangement according to the application has a reflector element, which has a reflective surface, which is designed to reflect light waves that impinge on the reflective surface. The reflector element has a predetermined shape. Here, the predetermined shape describes for example a trademark, a wordmark, a letter, a symbol or a sequence of symbols, and thereby gives the reflection a given shape. The reflector element has a rear side opposite the reflective surface and is designed to be planar, for example as a strip or a sheet.

[0020] The reflective surface of the reflector element turns the impinging light waves back to the direction of incidence of the light waves. In other words, the reflector element is a retroreflective reflector element. Compared to a mirror for example, the retroreflective reflector element is much brighter. The light is reflected regardless of the direction from which it comes. In such a reflector element, the reflective surface can have glass beads and / or glass powder and / or microprisms for example. The reflection is much more intensive, i.e. much brighter, which significantly increases the above-mentioned advantages especially when the reflector arrangement is installed at the exterior of a motor vehicle.

[0021] The reflector element is designed as a retroreflective film. Thus, the reflector arrangement can be constructed very flat and light, and in combination with the retroreflective property can provide a very bright reflector very effectively and compactly.

[0022] The reflector arrangement comprises a housing element, which has a recess or a cavity that receives the reflector element. In other words, the recess or the cavity has a shape that cooperates with the reflector element, i.e. it receives the reflector element. The trademark, the symbol or the sequence of symbols or the wordmark of the reflector element is thus again significantly highlighted also during the day.

[0023] The reflector element is thus positioned very well in the recess or the cavity also by the non-transparent housing element without being bonded. If not only the recess or the cavity but also the entire housing element has the shape of the pattern of the reflector element, the housing element can give the entire reflector arrangement a characteristic shape, i.e. for example the shape of an exemplary sequence of symbols.

[0024] The reflector element is seated in the recess or the cavity in such a way that the reflective surface faces away from the recess. The rear side of the reflector element thus faces the recess. That is, if the reflector element is located in the recess or the cavity of the housing element, the reflective surface is still visible.

[0025] The reflector arrangement comprises a cover element having a transparent portion through which the reflective surface of the reflector element is visible. Here, the cover element and the housing element are arranged relative to one another such that the cover element and the housing element form a receptacle or a housing for the cover of the reflector element which is accommodated in the recess or the recessed cavity.

[0026] Preferably, the transparent portion of the cover element has the shape of the reflector element or completely releases the line of sight onto the reflective surface of the reflector element. In other words, ideally, the entire trademark or symbol, the entire symbol sequence or the entire wordmark is visible; preferably, the entire reflective surface in the shape as intended is visible which is accommodated in the housing element.

[0027] Here, the shape as intended refers to the shape which forms the trademark, the wordmark or the symbol sequence, i.e. the pattern of the reflector element. If the shape as intended of the reflective surface (and thus of the reflector element) is, for example, the shape of the letter "P", the transparent portion of the reflector element is designed and is so large that this P is also recognizable and visible from the outside. Preferably, the cover element can be completely transparent.

[0028] The above-mentioned advantages are achieved here.

[0029] As already mentioned above, the shape as intended of the reflector element can be, for example, a symbol or a symbol sequence, i.e. forms a symbol or a symbol sequence; exemplary, for example, forms a letter or a sequence of letters. The combination of shape and reflection is particularly effective when conveying information at night, since, for example, the logo of a police car with the reflected wordmark "police" or, for example, warning symbols can be recognized significantly more easily.

[0030] Preferably, the shape of the recess of the housing element can correspond to the shape as intended of the reflector element. Ideally, the reflector element can be accommodated in the recess or the recessed cavity with a precise fit. This serves for a particularly good retention, respectively. In order to additionally more prominently display the exemplary wordmark by also using the shape of the housing element as an information carrier, the shape of the housing element can correspond to the shape as intended of the reflector element. The housing element gives the entire reflector arrangement a characteristic shape, i.e. for example, the shape of the exemplary symbol sequence.

[0031] In a further embodiment of the reflector arrangement according to the application, the shape of the cover element can correspond to the shape of the housing element. In other words, the cover element and the housing element precisely fit into one another. This makes the reflector arrangement particularly convenient and well-integratable in a motor vehicle or at, and improves the design.

[0032] If the shape of the cover element and the shape of the housing element correspond to the predetermined shape of the reflector element, the entire reflector arrangement reflects the exemplary symbol sequence by its characteristic shape. Thus, the exemplary trademark or symbol, or symbol sequence or logo of the reflector element is highlighted more significantly again, even during the day.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment of the reflector arrangement according to the application, the housing element has a base element, i.e. a portion which forms a base in which the recess or the recess cavity is located. Thus, the cover element surrounds the base with the recess or the recess cavity. Thereby, a special reflective depth effect is caused when light is shot in. Thus, the attention of another road user can be better attracted to the reflector element.

[0034] The object set out above is achieved by a method for producing a reflector arrangement according to one of the above-described embodiments. The method comprises providing a reflector element which is designed as a retroreflective film and has a predetermined shape.

[0035] Preferably, one or more walls of the base element can form the sides of the recess such that the reflective surface is sunken into the base element and the walls protrude beyond the reflective surface. The wall(s) can thus also be referred to as side elements or light shielding elements which shield the reflective surface from ambient light which is shot in laterally. Thus, on the one hand at night, the reflected light can only be seen from a limited viewing angle. Additionally, during the day, the reflective surface is protected from ambient light laterally, thus reducing the erosion due to sunlight, i.e. due to UV radiation.

[0036] Furthermore, the method comprises arranging the housing element and the at least partially transparent cover element at the reflector element provided by using an injection molding method of plastic, i.e. by injection molding, such that the housing element is arranged at the rear side of the provided reflector element and the cover element is arranged on the housing element such that the reflective surface of the reflector element faces the partially transparent cover element. Preferably, the injection molding method can comprise back injection molding or overmolding. At this point, the order of arranging the housing element and the cover element is not important. The arrangement of the housing element and the cover element can also be carried out simultaneously.

[0037] Preferably, the method can be a two-component injection-molding method. A preferred way of the two-component injection-molding method can be that first the housing element is injection-molded as a first component, and subsequently the mold upper side is removed. Subsequently, the reflector element, preferably a retroreflective film, can be arranged in the recess, for example glued or applied in another way. After the application of a further, i.e. alternative, mold upper side, the combination of the housing element and the reflector element is injection-molded from above with a transparent component, preferably only the transparent component is injection-molded, wherein subsequently the transparent component forms the cover element. Here, the transparent component is understood to be a transparent plastic. Advantageously, it is achieved that the reflector element is completely enclosed in the component and thus cannot be contaminated. In contrast to a multi-piece construction, liquids, for example rain or splashing water, and thus also contaminants, cannot get in.

[0038] The advantages have already been set out above. The reflector element is particularly well protected against external influences, and the housing is particularly sealed.

[0039] Preferably, the method can comprise arranging the reflector device in or at the motor vehicle, for example clipped or glued on the exterior of the motor vehicle, for example at the vehicle body or at the radiator grille. The method can then also be referred to as a method for providing a reflector device at a motor vehicle, or as a method for providing a motor vehicle.

[0040] The objects set out above are likewise achieved by a reflector device which is produced by an embodiment of the method according to the application. The advantages already set out are achieved here.

[0041] The objects set out above are achieved by a motor vehicle which has an embodiment of the reflector device according to the application. The motor vehicle according to the application is preferably designed as a car, in particular as a passenger car or a utility vehicle, or as a bus or a motorcycle.

[0042] Preferably, the reflector device can be arranged on the exterior of the motor vehicle, i.e. for example at the vehicle body, in particular at the rear lid, at the engine hood, at the vehicle door, or at the radiator grille. Thus, other road users can also clearly see the reflector element and for example be warned in advance. In the variant in which the reflector device is arranged at the exterior, the protective function of the cover element has a particularly good contribution, since it protects the reflector element against dirt and corrosion. Preferably, the reflector device can be arranged at the front of the motor vehicle, in particular at the radiator grille, and / or at the rear of the motor vehicle. At these locations, the reflector element can either be irradiated against oncoming traffic and / or vehicles driving behind, so that exemplary trademarks or symbols are particularly clearly visible by reflection.

[0043] The application also comprises improvements of the method according to the application and of the motor vehicle according to the application, which have the features as already described in connection with the improvements of the reflector arrangement according to the application. For this reason, the respective improvements of the method according to the application and of the motor vehicle according to the application are not described again here.

[0044] The application also comprises combinations of features of the described embodiments. Thus, the application also comprises realizations which each have a combination of features of several of the described embodiments, as long as these embodiments are not described as mutually exclusive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0045] Embodiments of the application are described in the following. The drawings show:

[0046] Figure 1 A schematic view of a first embodiment of a reflector arrangement is shown in cross section;

[0047] Figure 2 A further schematic view of an exemplary reflector arrangement is shown in a front view;

[0048] Figure 3 A schematic three-dimensional view of an exemplary reflector arrangement is shown in Figure 2

[0049] Figure 4 A schematic view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle with a reflector arrangement is shown; and

[0050] Figure 5 A schematic view of an embodiment of a method according to the application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The embodiments explained in the following are preferred embodiments of the application. In the embodiments, the described components of the embodiments are each individual, mutually independent features of the application, which also each improve the application independently of one another. The disclosure should therefore also include feature combinations which differ from the shown embodiment feature combinations. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by other features of the already described features of the application.

[0052] In the drawings, identical drawing references respectively designate identical elements having the same function.

[0053] Figure 1 The principle of a reflector arrangement 10 according to the application is explained in a first embodiment. In Figure 1 the reflector arrangement 10 is shown here in cross section. Preferably, the reflector arrangement 10 can be designed as a component for a motor vehicle (not shown in Figure 1 ) or, for example, as a sign or as a decoration for a bag (Tasche).​

[0054] Figure 1 The reflector device 10 of the kind has a reflector element 12, which can preferably be designed as a thin film that is retroreflective. For example, the reflector element 12 can be mirror-finished, i.e. have a silver coating for example, or be coated with glass beads, glass powder and / or microprisms for example. Materials suitable for reflective or retroreflective thin films or sheets are known to the person skilled in the art from the prior art and are available in different qualities from different manufacturers. For example, the reflector element 12 can form a trademark, a wordmark or a sequence of symbols, or form a symbol.

[0055] The reflector element 12, in particular if it is designed as a thin film, can be planar, i.e. flat or flat-lying, for example, or can be curved simply or in a double curve, or be twisted, for example. The curved reflector element 12 can preferably be curved along its length and / or be or form a relief, for example.

[0056] Optionally, the rear side 16 opposite the reflective surface 14 can be a carrier material known to the person skilled in the art from the prior art.

[0057] Figure 1 The principle shown is that the reflector element 12 is located in a recess 18 with the rear side 16, which can also be referred to as a "cavity". Preferably, the recess 18 can correspond in its shape to the shape of the reflector element 12, so that the reflector element 12 can simply be placed in and thereby held in the recess 18, for example. Alternatively, the reflector element 12 can be glued or clamped in the recess 18, for example. The recess 18 is formed by a housing element 20, which can preferably be made of plastic. Figure 1 The example shown of the kind has a base element 22, which can form the main body of the housing element 20 that forms the recess 18. Preferably, as shown in Figure 1 The wall 23 of the base element 22 can be located at the side of the recess 18 such that the reflective surface 14 sinks into the base element 22 and the wall 23 protrudes beyond the reflective surface 14, as shown in

[0058] Furthermore, the reflector device of the kind shows an optional holding element 24, for example a clip, for fixing the reflector device 10 at the radiator grille of a motor vehicle for example. Figure 1 Furthermore, the reflector device of the kind shows an optional holding element 24, for example a clip, for fixing the reflector device 10 at the radiator grille of a motor vehicle for example.

[0059] Furthermore, the reflector device of the kind shows an optional holding element 24, for example a clip, for fixing the reflector device 10 at the radiator grille of a motor vehicle for example. Figure 1A cover element 26, preferably completely transparent, is shown. That is, the transparent portion of the cover element 26 is ideally so large that the entire reflector element 12 is visible when looking at the cover element 26, or at least the shape of the reflector element 12 is visible and identifiable through the cover element 26. Preferably, the cover element 26 can be made of transparent plastic. A variation of the housing element 20 with a base element 22 is shown. Figure 1 Furthermore, it is shown that the cover element 26 may surround the base element 22. Ideally, the cover element 26 may be made of plastic or include plastic with UV protection, such as UV-resistant components known from the prior art.

[0060] Ideally, the cover element 26 and the housing element 20 can be molded by injection molding, so preferably, the cover element 26 completely or almost completely covers the reflector element 12. This airless or almost airless enclosure prevents corrosion and contamination of the reflector element 12.

[0061] Figure 2 A preferred embodiment of the reflector device 10 is shown in top view, in which the reflector element 12 has, for example, a trademark shape. For greater clarity, in... Figure 2 Details are not specified regarding the reflector element 12. In terms of its structure, the reflector device 10 is preferably adapted to... Figure 1 For example, alternatively corresponding to a reflector device 10 without a base element 22. Figure 1 The top view illustrates that the reflector device 10 itself can preferably have the same shape as the symbol formed by the reflector element 12. This is in Figure 3 The three-dimensional diagram is shown schematically. Therefore, preferably, both the cover element 26 and the housing element 20 can be molded into the shape of the trademark.

[0062] For clarity, the cover element 26 and the housing element 20 are... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The middle part was not particularly highlighted.

[0063] Figure 4 An example of a motor vehicle 28, such as a passenger car, is shown, in which the reflector device 10 is attached, clipped, or screwed onto the exterior, such as the radiator grille. Alternatively or additionally, the reflector device 10 may be arranged on body parts and / or the rear cover or trunk lid, or, for example, on the exterior of the doors of the motor vehicle 28. In daylight, the trademark can be seen, for example, through the reflector element 12, which is designed as a white film, wherein the exemplary film typically does not reflect during the day because the headlights of other vehicles are usually turned off during the day.

[0064] For example, Figure 4The reflector element 12 can have the shape of a trademark, with the reflector element 12 having the shape of a trademark. The structure can be, for example Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 and / or Figure 3 of the reflector device 10.

[0065] Figure 5 The principle of the method is explained, wherein the reflector element 12 can be provided in a first step S1, for example a retroreflective film in a predefined shape, in that the reflector element 12 is provided, for example, or the provision S1 can optionally comprise the production of the reflector element 12.

[0066] In a step S2, the housing element 20 and the at least partially transparent cover element 26 are arranged by means of an injection-molding method, preferably from the same or a different plastic. Preferably, the arrangement S2 can be carried out by overmolding the reflector element 12, or for example the housing element 20 is arranged first by back injection molding of the reflector element 12, and subsequently the cover element 26 is arranged by injection molding with another plastic.

[0067] In the example of Figure 5 the reflector element 12 and / or the reflector device 10 has, preferably both the reflector element 12 and the reflector device 10 have, the shape of an arrow. Alternatively, however, the reflector element 12 and the reflector device 10 can also have other shapes, for example the shape of a trademark.

[0068] The examples in general show how a reflective, preferably retroreflective, surface in the shape of, for example, a trademark, a logotype or a sequence of symbols can be provided, for example, on the exterior of a motor vehicle 28 or an attachment. Here, the reflector element 12, preferably a retroreflective film, is cut out, for example, in the shape of a trademark, a logotype or a symbol or a sequence of symbols, and can be positioned on the exterior of the motor vehicle 28 by means of the reflector device 10.

Claims

1. A reflector device (10), comprising: - a reflector element (12) having a reflective surface (14) designed to reflect light waves impinging on the reflective surface (14) and having a preset shape, said shape being a reflection of a given shape, and having a rear side (16) opposite the reflective surface (14), wherein the reflector element (12) is designed as a retroreflective film, - a housing element (20) having a recess (18) receiving the reflector element (12), wherein the reflector element (12) is seated in the recess (18) such that the reflective surface (14) faces away from the recess (18), and - a cover element (26) having a transparent portion through which the reflective surface (14) of the reflector element (12) is visible, and wherein the cover element (26) and the housing element (20) are arranged with respect to each other such that they form a container for accommodating the reflector element (12), wherein - the cover element (26) and the housing element (20) are manufactured by back-molding of the reflector element (12) such that the reflector device (10) has no gaps, - the recess (18) of the housing element (20) corresponds to the preset shape of the reflector element (12) such that the reflector element (12) is seated in the recess (18) with a precise fit, - the housing element (20) has a base element (22) in which the recess (18) is located, and - the cover element (26) surrounds the base element (22).

2. The reflector device (10) according to claim 1, wherein The reflective surface (14) of the reflector element (12) redirects the impinging light waves back into the direction of impingement of the light waves.

3. The reflector device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The preset shape of the reflector element (12) forms a symbol or a sequence of symbols, or forms a letter or a sequence of letters.

4. The reflector device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The shape of the housing element (20) corresponds to the preset shape of the reflector element (12).

5. The reflector device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The shape of the cover element (26) corresponds to the shape of the housing element (20).

6. The reflector device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The shape of the cover element (26) and the shape of the housing element (20) correspond to the preset shape of the reflector element (12).

7. The reflector device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The cover element (26) is made of a plastic having a UV light-resistant component.

8. A method for manufacturing a reflector device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the steps of: - providing a reflector element (12) designed as a retroreflective film and having a preset shape (SI), - arranging a housing element (20) and an at least partially transparent cover element (26) by injection molding at the provided reflector element (12) such that the housing element (20) is arranged at the rear side (16) of the provided reflector element (12) and the cover element (26) is arranged at the housing element (20) such that the reflective surface (14) of the reflector element (12) faces the at least partially transparent cover element (26) (SI2).

9. The method according to claim 8, being a two-component injection molding method; wherein: - the housing element (20) is arranged by injection molding the housing element (20) as a first component. - after injection molding of the housing element (20), removing the mold upper side; - after removing the mold upper side, arranging the reflector element (12) in the recess (18); - fitting another mold upper side; - after fitting the other mold upper side, injection molding of the housing element (20) and the reflector element (12) above with a transparent component to form the cover element (26).

10. A reflector arrangement (10) manufactured by the method according to claim 8 or 9.

11. A motor vehicle (28) having a reflector arrangement (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and / or according to claim 10.

12. The motor vehicle (28) of claim 11, wherein, The reflector arrangement (10) is arranged on the outside of the motor vehicle (28).

Images