Component for a vehicle, vehicle and method for manufacturing a component

Abstract

The invention relates to a component (10) for a vehicle, comprising a carrier structure (12), a cover section (14), an elastic sealing section (16) which is located between the carrier structure (12) and the cover section (14) and is connected to the carrier structure (12) and / or the cover section (14) in a material-locking manner, and an optical waveguide (18), wherein the carrier structure (12), the cover section (14) and the sealing section (16) define a receptacle (20) which is sealed by means of the sealing section (16) and in which the optical waveguide (18) is accommodated. The invention also relates to a vehicle having the component and to a method for producing the component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a component for a vehicle, a vehicle having the component, and a method for manufacturing the component. The component is particularly configured to accommodate an optical waveguide. Background Technology

[0002] In modern transportation, optical waveguides can be part of the vehicle's lighting system. For example, in a vehicle, the lighting system may include multiple lights, particularly headlights, taillights, and side lights, which are used to improve the visibility of the vehicle in dark or inclement weather conditions and thereby enhance vehicle safety.

[0003] A vehicle lamp known from the prior art is disclosed in document DE 10 2004 028 970 A1. This lamp is constructed as a signal lamp and mainly consists of a light guide element, a light source, and a coating. The light guide element has a light-emitting surface on its front side, which is positioned along the radiation direction, and a reflective surface on its back side. Light coupled into the light guide element via the light-coupled surface continues to propagate within the light guide element through total internal reflection. Light incident on the reflective surface is deflected toward the light-emitting surface and exits from the light-emitting surface along the radiation direction. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Against this backdrop, the object of the present invention is to provide a component for a vehicle that can be manufactured relatively efficiently and at low cost, and in which an optical waveguide can be hermetically housed. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle having such a component, and a method for manufacturing the component for the vehicle.

[0005] The task is solved by a component for a vehicle, a vehicle, and a method for manufacturing the component.

[0006] Components for use in vehicles include a load-bearing structure, a cover section, an elastic sealing section formed between the load-bearing structure and the cover section and interlockingly connected to the material of the load-bearing structure and / or the cover section, and an optical waveguide. The load-bearing structure, the cover section, and the sealing section define a receiving portion sealed by means of the sealing section, in which the optical waveguide is housed.

[0007] "Material locking" here can refer to a connection in which the mating elements are held together by atomic or molecular forces, as generally defined. Material locking specifically means that they can only be separated by damage. Material locking can also specifically mean that no additional adhesive layer is placed between the material-locked connected elements; that is, these elements are not bonded to each other, but are cast onto each other, for example, by injection molding.

[0008] In a component constructed in this way, the housing for the optical waveguide is sealed relative to the environment by a sealing section. Therefore, the component can be placed in the external area of ​​a vehicle without the need for additional seals between the supporting structure and the cover section. Thus, the sealing section serves to house the optical waveguide and also acts as a sealing device between the supporting structure and the cover section. This simplifies the installation of the component.

[0009] The optical waveguide is protected within the housing from weather conditions, particularly rain, splashes, snow, and de-icing salt. Advantageously, especially the portion of the component consisting of a sealing section and a load-bearing structure or a cover section material-locked to the sealing section, can be manufactured relatively simply using a two-component injection molding method. The sealing section can here be directly cast onto the cover section or the load-bearing structure.

[0010] The load-bearing structure is preferably constructed integrally and / or monolithically (by casting). The load-bearing structure can be constructed as a profile, which, in cross-section, may have a base and two side legs extending away from the base at opposite ends of the base. The profile may have a constant thickness and / or be constructed as substantially concave, particularly U-shaped or W-shaped. A receiving portion may be provided in the base region. The load-bearing structure may have a recess constructed in the base region. The recess may extend from the base in the same direction as or in the opposite direction to the side legs. In the former case, the recess preferably forms part of the receiving portion. The optical waveguide, in cross-section, may be at least partially disposed in the recess.

[0011] The preferred support structure is arranged, at least in the receiving region for the optical waveguide, such that the support structure deflects at least partially the light radiated from the optical waveguide into the receiving region toward the cover section. For this purpose, the support structure can be configured, at least in the receiving region, to be reflective, particularly light-scattering or specular-reflective. When the support structure is made of a (light-colored) opaque material, particularly white thermoplastic, the desired light scattering / reflection can be achieved in a relatively simple manner.

[0012] The cover section is preferably constructed and arranged such that it covers the load-bearing structure, with the optical waveguide partially or completely (especially when viewed in cross-section) positioned between the cover section and the load-bearing structure. In a top view of the component (viewed towards the cover section), the optical waveguide and / or load-bearing structure are preferably positioned behind the cover section, i.e., between the cover section and the load-bearing structure. In other words, the cover section preferably extends along the outer side of the load-bearing structure, on which the optical waveguide is positioned. Preferably, the cover section is at least partially spaced from the load-bearing structure outside the area defining its receiving portion.

[0013] Viewed in cross-section of the support structure, cover section, and / or optical waveguide element, the cover section (except for its receiving area for the optical waveguide) preferably has substantially the same geometry as the support structure. Substantially the same geometry here can mean that these geometries differ at most through manufacturing tolerances. The cover section can be constructed as a profile, just like the support structure. In this case, the cover section preferably follows the contour of the support element when viewed in cross-section; that is, the cover section and the support structure extend at least partially parallel to each other, at least outside the receiving area. Alternatively, the cover section can be constructed as a plate or shaped independently of the support structure, provided that the cover section covers the support structure (as well as the sealing section and the optical waveguide). In all these cases, when the cover section is fixed to the support structure, the distance between the support structure and the cover section can be determined by the design of the flexible sealing section.

[0014] The cover section preferably forms part or the entirety of the outer lamp cover. The cover section is therefore preferably oriented towards the environment defining the component. In its installation state on a vehicle, the cover section / outer lamp cover is characterized in that it defines the component towards the environment of the vehicle. Therefore, the component is preferably designed such that light propagating from the optical waveguide into the receiving portion of the optical waveguide further propagates directly and / or after reflection on the supporting structure through the cover section into the environment of the component. For this purpose, it is preferably specified that the light emitting area of ​​the defining receiving portion of the cover section is at least partially, and especially completely, light-transmitting (transparent or translucent, clear (klar) or colored). The light emitting area of ​​the cover section, when viewed in the cross-section of the optical waveguide, preferably does not overlap with the sealing section.

[0015] Additionally, the cover section may include a translucent or substantially opaque / opaque (opaque) decorative section outside the light-emitting area. The decorative section may at least partially overlap the sealing section on the side of the sealing section facing the cover section, such that the sealing section is less noticeable or (in the case of an opaque decorative section) even completely hidden. The decorative section is preferably visible from the side of the cover section opposite to the supporting structure. The decorative section may be adjacent to the light-emitting area, thereby providing a clear, high-contrast boundary for the light-emitting area. Furthermore, the cover section may contact the sealing section through the decorative section, thus the decorative section is positioned on the side of the cover section facing the sealing section. The decorative section may be constructed as a membrane. The cover section, or the remaining portion of the cover section excluding the decorative section, may be constructed integrally.

[0016] In a preferred variation, the component is configured as a covering element / baffle for a vehicle assembly. The component can, in particular, form a frame for the assembly. The optical waveguide and light-emitting area preferably extend circumferentially along the frame to provide contour lighting. If the load-bearing structure and / or cover section is constructed as a profile, then it can be specified that the longitudinal extension of the profile extends along a path having multiple sections extending at acute angles relative to each other (these sections need not be adjacent to each other).

[0017] The housing for the optical waveguide is defined by a cover section, a sealing section, and a support structure. The housing is preferably configured to accommodate the optical waveguide in a form-locking or force-locking manner. The sealing section may have a notch that forms part of the housing. In a particularly preferred variation, the resilient sealing section clamps the optical waveguide in the event of deformation of the sealing section. Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) or thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) are particularly suitable materials for the sealing section. The sealing section can be integrally constructed, and its material can be directly adjacent to the material of the support structure and / or the cover section.

[0018] The sealing section may have a first portion in which the notch is formed. Furthermore, the sealing section may have a thinner second portion extending from the first portion, which extends along the surface of an element (cover section or load-bearing structure) of the component in the gap between the load-bearing structure and the cover section, to which the sealing section is locked in place. The second portion may be provided with sealing tabs, which may be integrally constructed with the remainder of the sealing section and provide further sealing between the cover section and the load-bearing structure. If the load-bearing structure and the cover section are each constructed as profiles, these sealing tabs preferably form a further seal between the cover section and the load-bearing structure in the side leg region.

[0019] To facilitate easy yet secure securing of the optical waveguide within the receiving portion or recess, the sealing section may also be equipped with a retaining device. This retaining device can be achieved via the sidewalls of the defining recess of the sealing section, which may have side recesses. In cross-section, the following applies: If the sealing section material is locked to the cover section, the side recesses can be constructed such that the spacing between the sidewalls at the end of the recess adjacent to the cover section is greater than the spacing between the sidewalls at the end of the recess away from the cover section. If the sealing section material is locked to a supporting structure, the side recesses can be constructed such that the spacing between the sidewalls at the end of the recess adjacent to the supporting structure is greater than the spacing between the sidewalls at the end of the recess away from the supporting structure.

[0020] Therefore, the retaining device can be configured to retain the optical waveguide in a way that prevents loss, on either the support structure or the cover section, with the sealing section materially locking to it, even when the retaining device is at least elastically deformed. In other words, when the sealing section is materially locked to the support structure, the retaining device can be configured to secure the optical waveguide to the support structure. Conversely, when the sealing section is materially locked to the cover section, the retaining device can be configured to secure the optical waveguide to the cover section. The sidewall may here have a retaining lip at its end (where the notch is narrowest) as part of the retaining device, the retaining lip being configured to elastically deform, in particular, when the optical waveguide is inserted into the receiving portion and subsequently clamp the optical waveguide securely in the receiving portion.

[0021] In the final state of the sealed section (where the cover section is mounted on the support structure), at least a first portion of the sealed section is preferably clamped (compressed) between the cover section and the support structure. The sealed section is preferably designed to reduce the housing due to this clamping, thereby increasing the holding force acting on the optical waveguide. This synergistically enables the easy introduction of the optical waveguide into the housing and its subsequent precise sealing and fixation within the housing.

[0022] The optical waveguide preferably comprises one or more optical fibers or bundles of optical fibers. The waveguide may have a diameter of up to 2 cm, 1 cm, 6 mm, 2 mm, or 1.5 mm. The optical fibers may have multiple cores within a sheath (so-called "multi-core fibers"). The waveguide is preferably configured to conduct light under total internal reflection within itself (particularly within one or more cores). The waveguide preferably has an emanating device designed to radiate light from its interior into the housing ("electrode"). The emanating device may have a corresponding scatterer or a region of material with a corresponding matching refractive index of the waveguide to provide the electrode. In other words, light propagating in the one or more cores of the waveguide is preferably deflected by the emanating device, causing the light to leave the waveguide and preferably directly (without passing through another refractive index transition) into the housing. A portion of the light can propagate directly from the housing towards the light-emitting surface of the cover section and through that cover section into the environment of the component. Another portion of the light is scattered on the surface of the defined receiving portion of the supporting structure, and then this portion of the light propagates through the light emitting surface.

[0023] The means of transport mentioned herein can be, in particular, a means of transport (e.g., a ground transport vehicle, an aircraft, or a ship). The means of transport includes the components described in detail above. A load-bearing structure (preferably detachably) is fixed to the cover section, and the components are preferably disposed on the exterior of the means of transport such that the cover section faces outward relative to the means of transport.

[0024] Because the component has a sealed enclosure relative to the environment, it is preferably part of the vehicle's external lighting system. However, it can alternatively be part of the vehicle's internal lighting system. The component can be a baffle, cover, or guard plate of a section of the vehicle. This section can be a vehicle component, such as a headlight, taillight, radiator grille, sensor, bumper, side sill, roof, or A / B / C pillar. The light waveguide and light emitting surface can extend along the contours of structural elements or assemblies of the vehicle, making these elements or assemblies more visible, for example, at night.

[0025] The method is used to manufacture components for vehicles as described in detail above and includes implementing a two-component injection molding process having the following steps: firstly injecting a first molding material into the cavity of a first injection mold to form one of the following parts of the component: a load-bearing structure of the component or a cover section of the component; while the part formed in the first injection step is placed in a second mold cavity, secondly injecting a second molding material into the cavity of a second injection mold to cast an elastic sealing section onto the part formed in the first injection step. If the sealing section has a side recess, the part of the component with the sealing section is forcibly demolded from the injection mold and / or demolded by a slider. Subsequently, another part of the component not formed in the first injection step is provided.

[0026] If the load-bearing structure of the component is manufactured during the first injection, it is placed into the cavity of a second injection mold during the second injection, for example, by insertion or rotation into the second mold cavity using a turntable or rotary table technique, so that the resilient sealing section can be cast onto the load-bearing structure. The other component (not yet manufactured) mentioned above is, in this case, a cover section. The cover section is provided, for example, manufactured separately by injection molding. Conversely, if the cover section of the component is manufactured during the first injection, it is placed into the cavity of a second injection mold during the second injection, for example, by insertion or rotation into the second mold cavity using a turntable or rotary table technique, so that the resilient sealing section can be cast onto the cover section. The other component not yet manufactured in this case is, in this case, a load-bearing structure. Again, the load-bearing structure is provided, for example, manufactured separately by injection molding.

[0027] An optical waveguide is then provided and disposed on the sealing section. Preferably, the optical waveguide is clamped into the aforementioned recess in the sealing section or at least partially placed into a recess in the support structure. Finally, the cover section, sealing section, and support structure are arranged such that they form a sealed receptacle within the sealing section, in which the optical waveguide is disposed.

[0028] The terms “comprising,” “having,” “featuring,” etc., as used in this disclosure are to be understood as non-exhaustive. In particular, the term “comprising” herein means “comprising at least one,” that is, “comprising” does not exclude the presence of other corresponding elements. More precisely, plural forms (including multiple elements) are also disclosed herein. For example, the terms “comprising a resilient sealing section,” “comprising an optical waveguide,” and “comprising a load-bearing structure” can be understood to mean that the component may include one or more sealing sections, one or more optical waveguides, or one or more load-bearing structures. Furthermore, in this disclosure, “at least partially” can mean “partially or completely.” Attached Figure Description

[0029] A preferred embodiment of a component for a vehicle, a vehicle, and a method for manufacturing the component will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying illustrative, non-scale drawings. The drawings are as follows: Figure 1 A first embodiment of the component is shown in cross-section, wherein the sealing section material is locked to the cover section and the load-bearing structure has a recess in which the optical waveguide is partially disposed; Figure 2 A second embodiment of the component is shown in cross-section, wherein the sealing section material is locked to the load-bearing structure. Figure 3 A third embodiment of the component is shown in cross-section, wherein the sealing section material is locked to the cover section. Figure 4 An embodiment of a vehicle with a component is shown, wherein the component is disposed in the front region of the vehicle; and Figure 5 One embodiment of a method for manufacturing a component is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1 Component 10 is shown, which is exemplarily configured here as a frame for the front cover of a vehicle 100. Component 10 includes a load-bearing structure 12, a cover section 14, a resilient sealing section 16, and an optical waveguide 18. The resilient sealing section 16 is formed between the load-bearing structure 12 and the cover section 14. In this variant, the sealing section 16 (by injection molding) is cast onto the cover section 14, thereby establishing a direct connection between the cover section 14 and the sealing section 16 (without an intermediate layer, and in particular, without an attachment layer). Therefore, the connection between the cover section 14 and the sealing section 18 is material-locked. The load-bearing structure 12, the cover section 14, and the sealing section 16 define a receiving portion 20 sealed by means of the sealing section 16, in which the optical waveguide 18 is housed.

[0031] Component 10 / frame is basically constructed as a U-shaped profile, with the main extension direction of the frame extending perpendicular to the plane of the paper, and the front (visible side) of component 10 is... Figure 1 The U-shaped profile is located at the top. It has a base 22 extending along the front and two back sections extending from the base toward the member 10. Figure 1 Side legs 24 and 26 extend almost parallel to each other (located below). The load-bearing structure 12, the cover section 14, and / or the sealing section 16 are respectively manufactured by injection molding and are therefore constructed integrally. The load-bearing structure 12 is constructed here as a light-scattering thermoplastic (e.g., white) and the sealing section 16 is constructed as a thermoplastic elastomer, especially a thermoplastic polyurethane (so-called TPE / TPU component).

[0032] In the base 22 region of component 10, the cover section 14 extends substantially flat, while the supporting structure 12 has a recess 30. The sealing section 16 also has a recess 28 in the base 22 region. The recess 30 and the recess 28 together form a receiving portion 20 for the optical waveguide 18 (see [link]). Figure 1 (Cross-sectional view), the optical waveguide is correspondingly disposed in the base 22 region of component 10 and along the frame (in Figure 1 (Extends perpendicular to the plane of the paper).

[0033] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, for clarity, the sealing section 16 is shown spaced apart from the optical waveguide 18, which is form-locked into the recess. In the completed installation state of component 10, the supporting structure 12 and the cover section 14 are pressed together by a form-locking, non-damaging fastening device 40 (here, a bolted or riveted connection), thereby pressing the sealing section 16 radially about the main extension direction (in... Figure 1 The middle section (vertically) is compressed. Therefore, the sealing section in the circumferential direction (…) Figure 1 The optical waveguide 18 expands and clamps (corresponding to a horizontal position) so that it does not make a clicking sound during the movement of the vehicle 100. Therefore, in this mechanism, the surface of the sealing section 16 adjacent to the optical waveguide 18 constitutes a holding device 36 for the optical waveguide 18.

[0034] The sealing section 16 extends from the base 22 of the member 10 as a surface coating 41 along the inner side of the side legs 24, 26, i.e., along the inner circumference of the profile. Sealing plates 42 are formed on the side legs 24, 26, extending from the cover section 14 toward the load-bearing structure 12 and abutting against the load-bearing structure in the installed state of the member to provide further sealing between the cover section and the load-bearing structure. Each sealing plate 42 can extend along the entire circumference of the member 10 (in... Figure 1 (Extends perpendicular to the plane of the paper).

[0035] The optical waveguide 18 includes an optical fiber having a core and a sheath. The optical waveguide is configured to couple light propagating in the optical waveguide 18 (more precisely, in the core) under total internal reflection to the receiving portion 20 via a coupling device not further shown in the figure. The coupled light finally passes through the light-emitting surface of the cover section 14 and exits from the member 10 facing forward. The light-emitting surface here is the area of ​​the cover section 14 not covered by the sealing section 16. The light-emitting surface is, for example, clear and transparent.

[0036] Figure 2 The other component 10 shown is... Figure 1 The difference lies in that the sealing section 16 is not cast onto the cover section 14, but rather onto the load-bearing structure 12. Furthermore, only the load-bearing structure 12 is constructed in a molded shape, while the cover section 14 is not. The cover section 14 is... Figure 2 The shape is shown as a plate, but it can also be other shapes. An opaque decorative section 34 in the form of a decorative film is constructed on the back side of the cover section 14 facing the support structure 12. This decorative section has an opening in the light-emitting surface region. The decorative film securely connects the cover section 14 to the sealing section 16. Accordingly, the decorative section 34 completely covers the sealing section 16.

[0037] In this variant, the retaining device 36 is formed by a lateral recess in the sealing section 16. Therefore, the recess 28 gradually tapers from the support structure 12 toward the cover section 14, thereby forcefully retaining the optical waveguide 18 within the recess 28. Furthermore, the retaining device 36 includes a fixing lip 38 adjacent to the cover section 14, which assists in securing the optical waveguide 18 within the recess 28. Since there is no force absorption through the recess 30 between the optical waveguide 18 and the support structure 12 in this variant, the sealing section 16 is more flexible than in other configurations. Figure 1 The variant is constructed to be larger and more robust. Accordingly, the supporting structure 12 has a protrusion 42 on which the optical waveguide 18 is supported, and the radial extension dimension of the sealing section 16 is... Figure 2 The cross-section of the component is larger than the diameter of the optical waveguide 18. In this variant, a fastening device 40 can be provided to secure the component 10 to the vehicle 100.

[0038] also, Figure 2 Component 10 includes Figure 1 All features of component 10.

[0039] Figure 3 The component 10 shown is Figure 2The difference in component 10 lies in that the sealing section 16 is cast again onto the cover section 14. In terms of the design of the receiving portion 20 and the retaining device 36, the cover section 14 effectively serves as the supporting structure 12, i.e., the receiving portion 20 tapers towards the supporting structure 12. This side recess is sufficient to fix the optical waveguide 18, thus eliminating the need for the fixing lip 38. The cover section 14 differs from the supporting structure 12 in its profile; these two components, as... Figure 1 They are thus clamped together by means of fastening device 40. Sealing section 16 again has a section in the form of surface coating 41 on cover section 14.

[0040] also, Figure 3 Component 10 includes Figure 1 and 2 All features of component 10.

[0041] Figure 4 A means of transport 100 is shown, which is in particular a vehicle. The means of transport 100 includes... Figures 1 to 3 One of the components, 10, has a supporting structure 12 detachably secured to a cover section 14 by means of a fastening device 40. Component 10 serves as a frame for an assembly, particularly a cover panel (e.g., for a vehicle sensor system), or for another component of the vehicle. An optical waveguide 18 and a light-emitting surface extend along the contour of the assembly or the other component and form a contour lighting device as part of the external lighting of the vehicle 100. The cover section 14 is disposed on the outer side relative to the vehicle 100, i.e., on the outer surface. The component can be secured to a section of the vehicle 100 adjacent to component 10 by means of the fastening device 40, particularly by means of bolts holding the supporting structure and the cover section together.

[0042] exist Figure 5 The method 200 shown schematically at a medium height is used for manufacturing Figure 1 Component 10. In method 200, a two-component injection molding process is first performed. This injection molding process includes injecting a first molding material 202 into the cavity of a first injection mold to form a load-bearing structure 12 of component 10. Then, while the formed load-bearing structure 12 is being placed in a second cavity, a second molding material 204 is injected a second time into the cavity of a second injection mold to cast an elastic sealing segment 16 onto the load-bearing structure 12. If the second cavity is larger than the first cavity, the second injection mold may be the first injection mold.

[0043] Then, the cover section 14 is manufactured, for example, similar to the support structure 12. Finally, the installation steps of the cover section 14, the sealing section 16, and the support structure 12 are arranged in such a way that the cover section 14, the sealing section 16, and the support structure 12 form a receiving portion 20 sealed by the sealing section 16, in which the optical waveguide 18 is housed. Here, the optical waveguide 18 is first placed into the recess 30, and then the cover section 14 together with the sealing section 16 cast thereon is fitted on, so that the optical waveguide 18 is positioned in the recess 28, and finally the cover section 14 is clamped to the support structure 12 by means of the fastening device 40.

Claims

1. A component (10) for a vehicle (100), said component comprising: Load-bearing structure (12); Cover section (14); An elastic sealing section (16) is formed between the supporting structure (12) and the cover section (14), which is materially locked to the supporting structure (12) and / or the cover section (14); and Optical waveguide (18). The supporting structure (12), the cover section (14) and the sealing section (16) define a receiving portion (20) sealed by means of the sealing section (16), in which the optical waveguide (18) is housed. The sealing section (16) clamps the optical waveguide (18) under elastic deformation, and the surface of the sealing section (16) adjacent to the optical waveguide (18) constitutes a holding device (36) for the optical waveguide (18).

2. The component (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The load-bearing structure (12) is constructed as an integral part and / or as a thermoplastic material, and / or the load-bearing structure (12) is at least partially constructed as specular or light-scattering.

3. The component (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The support structure (12) has a recess (30) that forms part of the receiving portion (20), and the optical waveguide (18) is at least partially disposed in the recess (30) when viewed in the cross-section of the optical waveguide (18).

4. The component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The load-bearing structure (12) can be disassembled and fixed to the cover section (14) without damage.

5. The component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The area of ​​the defined receiving portion (20) of the cover section (14) is at least partially translucent, and / or the cover section (14) has a translucent or substantially opaque decorative section (34) that at least partially overlaps the sealing section (16) on the side of the sealing section facing the cover section (14).

6. The component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The sealing section (16) is constructed of thermoplastic elastomer TPE or thermoplastic polyurethane TPU, and / or the material of the sealing section (16) is directly adjacent to the material of the load-bearing structure (12) and / or the material of the cover section (14).

7. The component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The retaining device is configured to retain the optical waveguide (18) on the support structure (12) or cover section (14) in a way that prevents loss in the event of elastic deformation of the retaining device (36).

8. The component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The optical waveguide (18) includes one or more optical fibers, and / or the optical waveguide (18) is configured to radiate light propagating inside the optical waveguide (18) into the accommodating portion (20).

9. A means of transport (100), the means of transport comprising a component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the load-bearing structure (12) being fixed to the cover section (14).

10. The means of transport according to claim 9, wherein, The means of transportation is a vehicle.

11. The means of transport according to claim 9, wherein, The component (10) is disposed on the exterior of the vehicle (100), so that the cover section (14) faces outward relative to the vehicle (100).

12. A method (200) for manufacturing a component (10) for a vehicle (100), the method comprising: A two-component injection molding process is implemented, which includes the following steps: - In the first injection step (202), the first molding material is injected into the first cavity of the first injection mold to form one of the following components of the member (10): the load-bearing structure (12) of the member (10) or the cover section (14) of the member (10). - During the period when the part formed in the first injection step (202) is placed in the second cavity of the second injection mold, the second molding material is injected into the second cavity in the second injection step (204) to cast the resilient sealing section (16) onto the part formed in the first injection step (202); Provides (206) another component in the components of component (10) that was not formed in the first injection step (202); and The cover section (14), the sealing section (16), and the support structure (12) are arranged (208) such that the cover section (14), the sealing section (16), and the support structure (12) form a receiving portion (20) sealed by means of the sealing section (16), in which the optical waveguide (18) is received, wherein the sealing section (16) clamps the optical waveguide (18) under elastic deformation, and the surface of the sealing section (16) adjacent to the optical waveguide (18) constitutes a holding device (36) for the optical waveguide (18).

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