Vehicle exterior article

Abstract

Provided is an exterior article for a vehicle. The vehicle exterior article includes a housing disposed in a vehicle, a decorative body portion disposed on an outer side of the housing, and a light source disposed in the housing. The decorative main body part is provided with a base material made of a transparent material or a semitransparent material, and a decorative layer laminated on the outer side or the inner side of the vehicle relative to the base material. The decorative layer is provided with: a first colored layer which is formed from a colored coating material and has light permeability; and a second colored layer which is laminated on the vehicle inner side of the first colored layer, in which a filler is dispersed in a coating material, and which has light permeability. The filler is provided with a filler main body and a coating film covering the filler main body. The coating film is formed from a colored coating material having a color difference [Delta] E of 30 or less with respect to the colored coating material of the first colored layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle exterior product. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-88652 discloses a vehicle exterior product, which includes a base material made of a transparent material or a translucent material and a blue or other colored layer laminated on the surface of the base material on the vehicle outer side or the vehicle inner side. On the colored layer, many tiny holes with a hole diameter of about tens to hundreds of μm are formed in a state of penetrating the colored layer.

[0003] According to the vehicle exterior product, when the surroundings of the vehicle are bright and the light source is off, the colored layer appears blue from the outside of the vehicle. On the other hand, when the surroundings of the vehicle are dark and the light source is on, the light irradiated from the light source passes through the hole. The light passing through the hole is visible from the outside of the vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle exterior product can be expressed in different colors when the light source is off, such as during the day, and when the light source is on, such as at night.

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional vehicle exterior parts, even though the diameter of the hole is small, it is easy to see the hole from outside the vehicle when the light source is off. This problem can be solved by reducing the hole diameter. However, as the hole diameter becomes smaller, it is difficult for light irradiated from the light source to pass through the hole. The light passing through the vehicle exterior parts becomes less, so the pattern expressed by the light becomes darker.

[0005] Therefore, the above-mentioned conventional vehicle exterior products have room for improvement in terms of improving the appearance design both when the light source is off and when it is on. Summary of the invention

[0006] A vehicle exterior product according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a shell arranged on a vehicle, a decorative main body arranged on the vehicle outer side relative to the shell, and a light source arranged in the shell, and light irradiated from the light source is incident on a surface of the decorative main body on the vehicle inner side. In the vehicle exterior product, the decorative main body includes a base material composed of a transparent material or a translucent material and a decorative layer stacked on the vehicle outer side or vehicle inner side relative to the base material, and the decorative layer includes: a first colored layer formed of a colored paint and having light transmittance; and a second colored layer stacked on the vehicle inner side of the first colored layer, in which a filler is dispersed in the paint and has light transmittance. In the vehicle exterior product, the filler includes a filler main body and a film covering the filler main body, and the film is formed of a colored paint having a color difference ΔE of 30 or less with the colored paint of the first colored layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 This is a front view of a vehicle exterior product in one embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 2-2 line cross-sectional view.

[0009] Figure 3 Yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view showing a partial enlargement of the decorative main body portion.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the situation in which the first light component reflected by the surface of the film of the filler and the second light component reflected by the surface of the filler body overlap and reinforce each other in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the layer structure of the decorative layer in the above-mentioned embodiment together with the light source.

[0012] Figure 6 It is the light from the light source passing through Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the situation in which the color changes occur when each coloring layer is formed.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the results of measuring the reflectivity for each wavelength when irradiating the decorative layer with light of various wavelengths from the vehicle exterior.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a graph showing the results of measuring the transmittance for each wavelength when irradiating the decorative layer with light of various wavelengths from the vehicle exterior. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Hereinafter, one embodiment of a vehicle exterior product will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] In the following description, the vehicle 10 is described as moving forward and backward. The vertical direction refers to the vertical direction of the vehicle 10, and the horizontal direction is the vehicle width direction, and the horizontal direction coincides with the horizontal direction when the vehicle 10 moves forward.

[0017] like Figure 2 As shown, a millimeter wave radar device 12 is mounted at the center of the front part of the vehicle 10 in the left-right direction and behind the front grille 11 as a sensor for detecting objects outside the vehicle. The millimeter wave radar device 12 transmits millimeter waves, which are a form of electromagnetic waves, toward a predetermined angle range outside the vehicle and in front of the vehicle 10. The millimeter wave radar device 12 receives millimeter waves reflected by objects outside the vehicle, including other vehicles (preceding vehicles), pedestrians, etc.

[0018] Window 13 is provided on front grille 11 at a location that is a path of millimeter waves of millimeter wave radar device 12, specifically, in front of millimeter wave radar device 12. Vehicle exterior product 20 in an upright state is disposed in window 13 in a posture facing forward.

[0019] In addition, in order to explain the positional relationship between the various parts of the vehicle exterior product 20 and the positional relationship between the vehicle exterior product 20 and the millimeter wave radar device 12, there are cases where the "vehicle outer side" and the "vehicle inner side" are referred to. For example, with respect to the front-back direction, the side near the center of the vehicle 10 in the direction is referred to as the "vehicle inner side", and the side away from the center is referred to as the "vehicle outer side". With respect to the up-down direction and the left-right direction, the "vehicle outer side" and the "vehicle inner side" are also defined in the same manner as the front-back direction.

[0020] Since the vehicle exterior product 20 is arranged in a posture facing forward, and the vehicle exterior product 20 and the millimeter-wave radar device 12 are arranged in the front-to-back direction, the "vehicle exterior side" and "vehicle interior side" in the present embodiment refer to the "vehicle exterior side" and "vehicle interior side" in the front-to-back direction. In particular, in the present embodiment in which the vehicle exterior product 20 and the millimeter-wave radar device 12 are arranged in the front part of the vehicle 10 and the vehicle exterior product 20 is arranged in front of the millimeter-wave radar device 12, the "vehicle exterior side" corresponds to the "front side" in the front-to-back direction. The "vehicle interior side" corresponds to the "rear side" in the front-to-back direction.

[0021] The vehicle exterior product 20 is used to decorate the exterior of the vehicle 10. The vehicle exterior product 20 of this embodiment is generally equivalent to a component called a vehicle logo. The vehicle exterior product 20 includes a housing 31, a decorative main body 41, and a light source 81. Next, each part constituting the vehicle exterior product 20 will be described.

[0022] <Casing 31>

[0023] In the vehicle 10, the housing 31 is disposed on the vehicle outer side of the millimeter wave radar device 12. The housing 31 has a performance of transmitting the millimeter waves transmitted from the millimeter wave radar device 12, that is, millimeter wave transmittance.

[0024] The entire housing 31 is formed of a resin material in which a white light diffusion material is dispersed. As the resin material, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer) resin is used, but other resin materials such as PC (polycarbonate) resin and a polymer alloy of ABS resin may also be used. In addition, as the light diffusion material, metal oxides such as titanium oxide and zinc oxide are used. The housing 31 diffuses and reflects the irradiated light in a manner that it becomes white light.

[0025] <Decorative body portion 41>

[0026] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the decorative main body 41 is disposed on the vehicle outer side of the housing 31. The decorative main body 41 is formed into a substantially elliptical plate shape in a horizontally long shape as a whole. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the decorative main body 41 includes a substrate made of a transparent material or a translucent material, a light shielding portion, a decorative layer 60, and a hard coating layer 71. The substrate is composed of an inner substrate 42 and an outer substrate 51 arranged on the outer side of the vehicle than the inner substrate 42. Figure 2 In the figure, the decorative layer 60 and the hard coating layer 71 are omitted.

[0027] <Inner base material 42>

[0028] The inner substrate 42 has millimeter wave permeability. The inner substrate 42 is formed of a transparent resin material as a transparent material, such as AS (styrene acrylonitrile) resin, PC resin, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) resin, etc. In addition, the inner substrate 42 may be formed of a translucent resin material as a translucent material.

[0029] The inner base material 42 includes a general portion 43 and a protrusion 44 that protrudes toward the vehicle outer side from the general portion 43. Figure 1 The protrusion 44 corresponds to the background area 21 of the vehicle exterior product 20. The protrusion 44 corresponds to the pattern area 22 of the vehicle exterior product 20. Here, the pattern area 22 is composed of the character portion 23 and the annular portion 24 around it.

[0030] <Light shielding part>

[0031] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the light shielding portion includes a peripheral light shielding portion 47 and an intermediate light shielding portion 48. The peripheral light shielding portion 47 and the intermediate light shielding portion 48 are formed of a mixed material of PC resin and carbon black, for example. The peripheral light shielding portion 47 and the intermediate light shielding portion 48 shield the transmission of light by absorbing light. The peripheral light shielding portion 47 is formed into an elliptical ring shape by being provided along the outer peripheral edge portion 45 of the inner substrate 42 and is closely attached to the outer peripheral edge portion 45. The intermediate light shielding portion 48 is located in a portion surrounded by the peripheral light shielding portion 47 and on the vehicle outer side of the above-mentioned common portion 43 in the inner substrate 42.

[0032] <Outer base material 51>

[0033] The outer substrate 51 has millimeter wave transmittance similar to the inner substrate 42. The outer substrate 51 is formed of a transparent resin material as a transparent material similar to the inner substrate 42. The outer substrate 51 is formed on the vehicle outer side relative to the inner substrate 42 and the light shielding portion (peripheral light shielding portion 47 and intermediate light shielding portion 48). Alternatively, the outer substrate 51 may be formed of a translucent resin material as a translucent material.

[0034] The portion of the outer substrate 51 on the vehicle inner side is formed into a shape corresponding to the shape of the portions of the inner substrate 42 and the light shielding portion on the vehicle outer side. That is, a recessed portion 52 is formed on the portion of the outer substrate 51 on the vehicle inner side and on the vehicle outer side of the protrusion 44 of the inner substrate 42. In addition, an annular recessed portion 54 is formed on the surface on the vehicle inner side of the outer peripheral edge portion 53 of the outer substrate 51. The annular recessed portion 54 is in close contact with the peripheral light shielding portion 47 from the vehicle outer side. In addition, a recessed portion 55 is formed on the portion of the outer substrate 51 on the vehicle inner side and on the vehicle outer side of the intermediate light shielding portion 48. The recessed portion 55 is in close contact with the intermediate light shielding portion 48 from the vehicle outer side.

[0035] <Decorative layer 60>

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the decorative layer 60 is a layer for decorating the decorative main body 41. The decorative layer 60 is formed between the inner base material 42 and the intermediate light shielding portion 48 and between the inner base material 42 and the outer base material 51. More specifically, on the vehicle outer side of the protrusion 44, the decorative layer 60 is formed between the protrusion 44 and the recessed portion 52. In addition, on the vehicle outer side of the ordinary portion 43, the decorative layer 60 is formed between the intermediate light shielding portion 48 and the ordinary portion 43. If the expression is changed, the decorative layer 60 is laminated on the vehicle outer side relative to the inner base material 42, and is laminated on the vehicle inner side relative to the outer base material 51.

[0037] The decorative layer 60 includes a first colored layer 61, a second colored layer 62, a third colored layer 63, and a fourth colored layer 64 each having millimeter wave transmittance. The first colored layer 61, the second colored layer 62, the third colored layer 63, and the fourth colored layer 64 are stacked in this order from the vehicle exterior to the vehicle interior.

[0038] The decorative layer 60 is configured so that, when the decorative main body 41 is viewed from the outside of the vehicle, the pattern region 22 (the character portion 23 and the annular portion 24 ) satisfies the following conditions in terms of color.

[0039] Condition: When the light source 81 is on in darkness such as at night, the pattern area 22 is visible with the same color as the color of the light emitted from the light source 81 .

[0040] Furthermore, unlike Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-88652, many fine holes penetrating the decorative layer 60 are not formed in the decorative layer 60 .

[0041] [First Colored Layer 61]

[0042] The first colored layer 61 is formed of a colored paint and has light transmittance. In the present embodiment, the first colored layer 61 is formed of a blue colored paint. However, if the blue color of the first colored layer 61 is too dark, the white light irradiated from the light source 81 may have a blue tint when passing through the first colored layer 61. Therefore, when viewed alone, the first colored layer 61 appears to be light (pale) blue.

[0043] More specifically, the first colored layer 61 is formed by using a colored clear coating as a colored coating. The colored clear coating is a coating that is colored to a specific color, in this case, blue, by adding at least one of a pigment and a dye, that is, only a pigment, only a dye, or both of a pigment and a dye to a clear coating. As the clear coating, for example, a common clear coating such as an acrylic resin, a polyurethane resin, a polyester resin, or an epoxy resin can be used.

[0044] [Second coloring layer 62]

[0045] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second colored layer 62 is provided to suppress the influence of the color (white) of the light irradiated from the light source 81 and to make the pattern area 22 visible as a specific color from the outside of the vehicle. The "specific color" includes not only a color different from the first colored layer 61, but also a color darker than the first colored layer 61. The second colored layer 62 is laminated on the vehicle interior side of the first colored layer 61. The second colored layer 62 is formed by dispersing a filler 65 as a flash material in a blue paint having a transmittance to the light irradiated from the light source 81.

[0046] The filler 65 includes a filler body 66 made of mica or the like and a film 68 covering the filler body 66. In addition, a metal filler such as an aluminum filler may be used as the filler body 66. The film 68 is formed by a coloring paint having a color difference ΔE of 30 or less with the coloring paint of the first coloring layer 61. The color difference ΔE of the two coloring paints is preferably 25 or less, and more preferably 10 or less. In the present embodiment, the film 68 is formed by a coloring paint composed of a purple pigment. When the color difference ΔE between the purple coloring paint of the film 68 and the blue coloring paint of the first coloring layer 61 is measured, it is 25.

[0047] [Third coloring layer 63]

[0048] Figure 3 The third colored layer 63 shown is formed by a smoke-colored transparent paint composed of a transparent resin and a dark colorant. The third colored layer 63 is laminated on the vehicle interior side of the second colored layer 62. As the transparent resin, for example, a resin material with excellent light resistance such as acrylic resin is preferred, but it is not limited to this. In addition, as the colorant, for example, a black pigment is used.

[0049] [Fourth coloring layer 64]

[0050] Figure 3 The fourth colored layer 64 shown is formed using a coloring paint having a complementary color relationship with respect to the color of the first colored layer 61. Here, complementary colors refer to another color relative to a color when two colors are mixed in a predetermined ratio to form a specific color (white in the case of light). The color of the first colored layer 61 is blue, so the color in a complementary color relationship is yellow. In this embodiment, the fourth colored layer 64 is formed by adding a yellow coloring agent to a transparent paint to be colored with yellow.

[0051] <Hard coating 71>

[0052] The hard coating layer 71 is formed in a transparent manner and has millimeter wave transmittance. The hard coating layer 71 is formed by applying a known hard coating agent to the surface of the outer substrate 51 that is close to the vehicle outer side. Examples of the hard coating agent include organic hard coating agents such as acrylate, oxetane, and silicone, inorganic hard coating agents, and organic-inorganic hybrid hard coating agents. The surface of the hard coating layer 71 that is close to the vehicle outer side constitutes the exterior design surface of the vehicle exterior product 20.

[0053] The hard coating layer 71 has a function of suppressing damage to the outer base material 51. In addition, the hard coating layer 71 also has a function of suppressing the vehicle exterior product 20 from being altered or deteriorated due to sunlight, wind and rain, temperature changes, and the like.

[0054] <Light Source 81>

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the outer peripheral edge portion 32 of the housing 31 and the peripheral light shielding portion 47 constituting the outer peripheral edge portion of the decorative main body 41 are joined to each other. The area enclosed by the housing 31 and the decorative main body 41 and the portion joined as described above (the outer peripheral edge portion 32 and the peripheral light shielding portion 47) constitutes the housing portion 73. A portion of the area separated inward from the joined portion in the housing portion 73 becomes a passing area 74 (see FIG. 1 ) through which the millimeter wave transmitted from the millimeter wave radar device 12 passes. Figure 1 ).

[0056] The light source 81 is composed of a light emitting diode (LED) chip. In this embodiment, a plurality of light sources 81 are used. Each light source 81 is composed of an LED element 83 mounted on a substrate 82.

[0057] Each light source 81 is disposed in the housing 31, that is, disposed in a position in the receiving portion 73 that is offset relative to the above-mentioned passing area 74. In this embodiment, a portion of the light sources 81 is disposed at a position that is offset upward relative to the passing area 74, and the remaining light sources 81 are disposed at a position that is separated downward relative to the passing area 74.

[0058] The light source 81 is arranged in such a manner that the irradiated light is diffusely reflected by the housing 31 toward the inner substrate 42. As described above, each light source 81 is arranged so that the LED element 83 is located closer to the vehicle interior than the substrate 82. In addition, the LED element 83 of each light source 81 irradiates light of a specific color, which is white in this embodiment, toward the vehicle interior from a portion separated from the vehicle exterior relative to the housing 31.

[0059] Each light source 81 is turned off when the surroundings of the vehicle 10 are bright during the day. Each light source 81 is turned on when the surroundings of the vehicle 10 are dark at night. The turning off and on of the light sources 81 can be automatically performed according to control, or can be performed by the switch operation of the occupant. In the former case, for example, the brightness of the surroundings of the vehicle 10 is detected by a sensor, and the turning off and on of the light sources 81 is controlled by the control device based on the detection result.

[0060] The vehicle exterior article 20 is arranged in a standing state at the window portion 13 of the front grille 11 and is mounted on the front grille 11. Here, there is no particular limitation on the structure of mounting the vehicle exterior article 20 on the front grille 11. The vehicle exterior article 20 is mounted on the front grille 11 by, for example, a clip, a screw, a claw engagement, or the like. In addition, the vehicle exterior article 20 may be mounted on the vehicle body (not shown) instead of being mounted on the front grille 11.

[0061] Next, the operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

[0062] <External recognition by the millimeter wave radar device 12>

[0063] If from Figure 2 The millimeter wave radar device 12 shown transmits millimeter waves toward the outside of the vehicle, and the millimeter waves sequentially pass through the housing 31 and the decorative main body 41 in the passing area 74 .

[0064] Here, the LED element 83 of each light source 81 is located in a portion of the housing portion 73 that is offset upward or downward relative to the passing area 74. Therefore, the millimeter wave transmitted from the millimeter wave radar device 12 passes through the portion of the housing portion 73 where the light source 81 is not arranged. Each light source 81 is unlikely to become an obstacle to the millimeter wave transmitted from the millimeter wave radar device 12.

[0065] The millimeter waves transmitted through the decorative body 41 are reflected by objects outside the vehicle such as other vehicles (preceding vehicles ahead) and pedestrians, and then sequentially transmit through the decorative body 41 and the housing 31 . The millimeter waves are received by the millimeter wave radar device 12 .

[0066] The millimeter wave radar device 12 recognizes the object based on the transmitted and received millimeter waves, and detects the distance, relative speed, and the like between the vehicle 10 and the object.

[0067] <When the light source 81 is turned off>

[0068] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, when the surroundings of the vehicle 10 are bright during the day or when the light source 81 is off, a portion of light incident on the decorative main body portion 41 from the vehicle exterior sequentially passes through the hard coating layer 71 and the outer base material 51 .

[0069] A portion of the light that has passed through the outer substrate 51 is absorbed by the peripheral light shielding portion 47 and the intermediate light shielding portion 48. Therefore, the peripheral light shielding portion 47 and the intermediate light shielding portion 48 can be seen from the outside of the vehicle through the peripheral light shielding portion 47 and the intermediate light shielding portion 48, which are located on the inner side (inner side) of the hard coating layer 71 and the outer substrate 51. In addition, the peripheral light shielding portion 47 and the intermediate light shielding portion 48 appear to be black. Components closer to the inner side (inner side) of the vehicle than the peripheral light shielding portion 47 and the intermediate light shielding portion 48 are not visible or difficult to be seen.

[0070] Here, if Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the light that enters the first coloring layer 61 after passing through the outer base material 51 is referred to as light 88. In addition, the light reflected by the surface of the first coloring layer 61 on the vehicle outer side is referred to as light 89. The light 89 passes through the outer base material 51 and the hard coating layer 71 in sequence, and then is emitted from the surface of the hard coating layer 71 on the vehicle outer side.

[0071] The remaining light that enters the decorative main body 41 from the vehicle exterior and sequentially passes through the hard coat layer 71 and the outer base material 51 passes through the first colored layer 61 and then enters the filler 65 of the second colored layer 62. This light is referred to as light 90 to distinguish it from other light.

[0072] like Figure 4As shown, a part of the light 90 incident on the filler 65 is reflected by the surface 69 of the film 68 as the first light component 90A. The rest of the light 90 incident on the filler 65 is not reflected by the surface 69 of the film 68 but passes through the film 68 and is reflected by the surface 67 of the filler body 66 as the second light component 90B. The first light component 90A and the second light component 90B overlap and reinforce each other. The mutually reinforced light 90C is emitted from the first coloring layer 61 to the outside of the vehicle. The light 90C is mixed with the above-mentioned light 89 reflected by the surface of the first coloring layer 61 on the outside of the vehicle, thereby generating dark blue light. The dark blue light is emitted from the surface of the hard coating layer 71 on the outside of the vehicle after passing through the outer substrate 51 and the hard coating layer 71 in sequence. Therefore, if the vehicle exterior product 20 is observed from the outside of the vehicle, it can be seen that the pattern area 22 (text part 23, annular part 24) of the decorative layer 60 is dark blue. Such an effect can be obtained when the film 68 is formed by a coloring paint having a color difference ΔE of 30 or less with the coloring paint of the first coloring layer 61 .

[0073] Figure 7 The results are shown in which the decorative layer 60 is irradiated with light of various wavelengths from the vehicle exterior and the reflectance at each wavelength is measured. Figure 7 , the double-dashed characteristic line L1 shows the measurement result of the comparative example in which the decorative layer 60 is composed of only the first colored layer 61. The single-dashed characteristic line L2 shows the measurement result in the case in which the decorative layer 60 is composed of the first colored layer 61 and the second colored layer 62. The dotted characteristic line L3 shows the measurement result in the case in which the decorative layer 60 is composed of the first colored layer 61, the second colored layer 62, and the third colored layer 63. The solid characteristic line L4 shows the measurement result of the present embodiment in which the decorative layer 60 is composed of the first colored layer 61, the second colored layer 62, the third colored layer 63, and the fourth colored layer 64.

[0074] Figure 8 The results are shown in which the decorative layer 60 is irradiated with light of various wavelengths from the vehicle exterior and the transmittance for each wavelength is measured. Figure 8 , the double-dashed characteristic line L5 shows the measurement result of the comparative example. The single-dashed characteristic line L6 shows the measurement result in the case where the decorative layer 60 is composed of the first colored layer 61 and the second colored layer 62. The dotted characteristic line L7 shows the measurement result in the case where the decorative layer 60 is composed of the first colored layer 61, the second colored layer 62, and the third colored layer 63. The solid characteristic line L8 shows the measurement result of the present embodiment.

[0075] Above Figure 7 and Figure 8 The thickness of each of the first colored layer 61, the third colored layer 63, and the fourth colored layer 64 used in the measurement was 8 μm, and the thickness of the second colored layer 62 was 7 μm.

[0076] The wavelength region of 460 nm to 480 nm is a wavelength region in which light appears blue. In this wavelength region, as shown by the characteristic line L1, in the case of a comparative example in which the decorative layer 60 is composed of only the first colored layer 61, the reflectivity is as low as about 3%. In addition, as shown by the characteristic lines L2 to L4, in the case of a decorative layer 60 in which at least one of the other colored layers 62 to 64 is added to the first colored layer 61, the reflectivity becomes as high as 5% to 8%.

[0077] In the above wavelength region, as shown by the characteristic line L5, the transmittance is as high as 40% to 60% in the case of the comparative example in which the decorative layer 60 is composed of only the first colored layer 61. In addition, as shown by the characteristic lines L6 to L8, in the case of the decorative layer 60 in which at least one of the other colored layers 62 to 64 is added to the first colored layer 61, the transmittance becomes as low as 5% to 15%.

[0078] As mentioned above, according to Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the wavelength region where light appears blue, less light 89 is reflected by the first colored layer 61, and more light is transmitted through the first colored layer 61. However, it is known that more light is reflected by the second colored layer 62, and less light is transmitted through the second colored layer 62, among the light transmitted through the first colored layer 61.

[0079] Furthermore, in such a second colored layer 62, Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first light component 90A and the second light component 90B overlap and reinforce each other. The mutually reinforced light 90C is mixed with the light 89 reflected by the surface of the first colored layer 61 on the vehicle outer side. When viewed from the outside of the vehicle, the pattern area 22 of the decorative layer 60 is dark blue, which is the color of the light mixed as described above.

[0080] Here, if the decorative layer 60 is composed of only the first colored layer 61 and the second colored layer 62 , when the light source 81 is turned off, components and portions on the vehicle interior side relative to the decorative main body 41 may be seen through the decorative main body 41 from the outside of the vehicle.

[0081] In this regard, in the present embodiment, the third colored layer 63, which is located closer to the vehicle interior than the second colored layer 62 and is formed of a smoke-colored transparent paint, suppresses the transmission of light. Figure 8 Compared with the case where the decorative layer 60 is composed of the first colored layer 61 and the second colored layer 62 (characteristic line L6), the transmittance is reduced when the third colored layer 63 is further added (characteristic line L7, characteristic line L8).

[0082] In this case, the third colored layer 63 lowers the L value indicating brightness (brightness) in the Lab color system, making the color of the light (dark blue) darker. Therefore, the above phenomenon that the components and parts closer to the inside of the vehicle can be seen through the decorative main body 41 from the outside of the vehicle is less likely to occur.

[0083] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, in the pattern area 22 , the decorative layer 60 is formed between the recessed portion 52 and the protruding portion 44 , so that the decorative layer 60 is three-dimensionally visible to protrude forward.

[0084] <When the light source 81 is turned on>

[0085] like Figure 2 As shown, when the surroundings of the vehicle 10 are dark at night and each light source 81 is turned on, the light emitted from the LED element 83 of each light source 81 is irradiated to the housing 31 and diffusely reflected. The diffusely reflected light is irradiated to the surface of the decorative main body 41 on the vehicle inner side. The light passes through the inner base material 42 and then enters the decorative layer 60. Here, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, light incident on the decorative layer 60 from the vehicle interior is referred to as light 85. The light 85 sequentially passes through the fourth colored layer 64, the third colored layer 63, the second colored layer 62, and the first colored layer 61 in the decorative layer 60. The color of the light 85 changes during the passage.

[0086] in addition, Figure 6 In the figure, adjacent colored layers 64 to 61 are shown separated in order to explain the state of color change of light 85. In addition, different letters are added after light 85 to distinguish light 85 passing through each colored layer 64 to 61.

[0087] White light 85 enters the fourth coloring layer 64. Light 85A passing through the fourth coloring layer 64 changes to yellow, the same color as the fourth coloring layer 64, during the passing process. That is, light of the wavelength band of the same color as the fourth coloring layer 64, here yellow light, in the white light 85 easily passes through the fourth coloring layer 64. In contrast, light of the wavelength band of a color different from the color (yellow) of the fourth coloring layer 64 does not easily pass through the fourth coloring layer 64.

[0088] Therefore, the yellow light 85B converted as described above is emitted from the fourth colored layer 64 and enters the third colored layer 63. While the light 85B passes through the third colored layer 63, the color of the light 85B hardly changes.

[0089] Light 85C having almost the same color as when incident on the third colored layer 63, in this case yellow, is emitted from the third colored layer 63 and is incident on the second colored layer 62. In the second colored layer 62, the yellow light 85C passes through the fillers 65 of the second colored layer 62. During the passage, the color of the light 85C hardly changes.

[0090] Light 85D having substantially the same color as that when incident on the second colored layer 62 , which is yellow in this case, is emitted from the second colored layer 62 and is incident on the first colored layer 61 .

[0091] Here, the first colored layer 61 is formed as a blue colored transparent layer using a colored transparent paint as described above. When viewed alone, the first colored layer 61 has a light (pale) blue color. Therefore, when the light 85D passes through the first colored layer 61, it is suppressed that the light 85D has a blue tint.

[0092] Furthermore, as described above, the fourth colored layer 64 is colored yellow, which is a complementary color to the blue of the first colored layer 61. In other words, the color of the first colored layer 61 is a complementary color to the color of the fourth colored layer 64. Therefore, the yellow light 85D changes to white light while passing through the first colored layer 61. The first colored layer 61 emits white light 85E, which is the same as the light irradiated from the light source 81.

[0093] The white light 85E passes through Figure 3 The outer substrate 51 and the hard coating layer 71 are then emitted from the surface of the hard coating layer 71 on the vehicle outer side. Therefore, the light 85E emitted from the hard coating layer 71 as described above is visible from the outside of the vehicle as white light. The pattern area 22 (the text portion 23 and the annular portion 24) appears to be emitting white light.

[0094] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0095] (1) Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, a structure including a first colored layer 61 and a second colored layer 62 laminated on the vehicle interior side of the first colored layer 61 is used as the decorative layer 60. As the first colored layer 61, a structure formed by a colored paint and having light transmittance is used. As the second colored layer 62, a structure in which a filler 65 is dispersed in the paint and having light transmittance is used. As the filler 65, a structure including a filler body 66 and a film 68 covering the filler body 66 is used. The film 68 is formed by a colored paint having a color difference ΔE of 30 or less with the colored paint of the first colored layer 61.

[0096] Therefore, when the light source 81 is off during the day, the pattern area 22 appears dark blue. In addition, when the light source 81 is turned on at night, the light passes through the decorative body 41, so that the pattern area 22 glows and can be seen.

[0097] In this way, the pattern area 22 can be made to look different in color when the light source 81 is off and when it is on. The design of the exterior can be improved both when the light source 81 is off and when it is on.

[0098] (2) Related to (1) above, in this embodiment, unlike Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-88652, no tiny hole is formed in the decorative layer 60, so the hole is not visible from the outside of the vehicle. In addition, the light irradiated from the light source 81 does not pass through the hole. Therefore, the phenomenon that the light passing through the decorative main body 41 is reduced due to the hole does not occur. It is possible to prevent the text portion 23 and the annular portion 24 of the pattern area 22 from appearing to glow dimly.

[0099] Therefore, in this regard, the above-mentioned effect (1) of improving the design property is achieved both when the light source 81 is off and when it is on.

[0100] (3) Depending on the size of the color difference ΔE, the color (hue) of the pattern area 22 of the decorative layer 60 can be made different when the vehicle exterior product 20 is observed from the outside of the vehicle. For example, under the condition that the color difference ΔE is 30 or less, the color of the coloring paint of the first coloring layer 61 and the color of the coloring paint of the film 68 are selected in such a way that they become larger values. By doing so, the pattern area 22 can be made to look different from the first coloring layer 61. In addition, the colors of the above two coloring paints are selected in such a way that the color difference ΔE becomes a smaller value. In this way, the pattern area 22 can also be made to look darker than the first coloring layer 61.

[0101] (4) In the present embodiment, the first colored layer 61 is formed by adding at least one of a pigment and a dye to the transparent coating material to form a colored transparent coating material. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the phenomenon that the white light emitted from the light source 81 changes color due to the influence of the pigment and the dye when passing through the first colored layer 61 (the phenomenon of having a blue tint in the present embodiment).

[0102] (5) In the present embodiment, a third colored layer 63 formed of a smoke-colored transparent paint is used as the decorative layer 60. Therefore, the third colored layer 63 can prevent the situation where components and parts closer to the inside of the vehicle can be seen through the decorative main body 41 from the outside of the vehicle when the light source 81 is turned off. In this regard, the appearance design can also be improved.

[0103] (6) In the present embodiment, a structure that irradiates white light is used as the light source 81. As the decorative layer 60, a structure is adopted in which a fourth colored layer 64 colored with a color that is complementary to the color of the first colored layer 61 is provided on the vehicle inner side relative to the second colored layer 62. Therefore, when the light source 81 is turned on, the pattern area 22 can appear to emit white light that is the same as the light irradiated from the light source 81.

[0104] (7) Figure 2 As shown, in the present embodiment, the housing 31 and the decorative main body 41 of the vehicle exterior 20 disposed on the vehicle outer side relative to the millimeter wave radar device 12 are structures having millimeter wave permeability. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the housing 31 and the decorative main body 41 from interfering with the detection of the millimeter wave radar device 12.

[0105] In this embodiment, each light source 81 in the housing 31 is disposed in a region between the housing 31 and the decorative main body 41 and is offset from the millimeter wave passing region 74. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the light source 81 from obstructing the millimeter wave transmitted from the millimeter wave radar device 12.

[0106] In addition, the above-mentioned embodiment can also be implemented as a modified example in which the above-mentioned embodiment is modified as follows. The above-mentioned embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within the range in which there is no technical contradiction.

[0107] <Light Source 81>

[0108] The light source 81 may be arranged so that the irradiated light is not reflected by the housing 31 but is directly directed toward the inner base material 42. In other words, the light source 81 may be arranged so that the light is irradiated toward the inner base material 42.

[0109] A different number of light sources 81 from that in the above embodiment may be used. The minimum value is "1".

[0110] The light source 81 may be disposed at a position offset in the left-right direction in addition to being disposed at a position separated in the vertical direction relative to the passing area 74 in the receiving portion 73, or may be disposed at a position offset in the left-right direction instead of being disposed at a position separated in the vertical direction relative to the passing area 74 in the receiving portion 73.

[0111] A light source 81 that emits light based on a principle different from that of an LED that emits light using electric field light may be used as the light source 81. For example, a light source 81 that emits light using incandescent light, fluorescent light, discharge light, chemiluminescence, laser light, or the like may be used.

[0112] A configuration that emits light of a color different from white may be used as the light source 81 .

[0113] <Position of decorative layer 60>

[0114] The inner base material 42 may be omitted, and the base material may be constituted by only the outer base material 51. In this case, the decorative layer 60 is laminated on the vehicle interior side with respect to the base material.

[0115] The outer base material 51 may be omitted, and the base material may be constituted by only the inner base material 42. In this case, the decorative layer 60 is laminated on the vehicle outer side of the base material.

[0116] <Layer Structure of Decorative Layer 60>

[0117] The first colored layer 61 may be formed of a colored paint (a colored clear paint) having a color different from blue.

[0118] The first colored layer 61 may be formed of a colored paint without using a clear paint. The same applies to the fourth colored layer 64.

[0119] The combination of the color of the coloring paint of the first coloring layer 61 and the color of the coloring paint of the film 68 may be changed to a combination different from that in the above embodiment (coloring paint of the first coloring layer: blue; coloring paint of the film: purple) under the condition that the color difference ΔE is 30 or less.

[0120] The third colored layer 63 may be omitted, and the decorative layer 60 may be composed of the first colored layer 61 , the second colored layer 62 , and the fourth colored layer 64 .

[0121] The fourth colored layer 64 may be omitted, and the decorative layer 60 may be composed of the first colored layer 61 , the second colored layer 62 , and the third colored layer 63 .

[0122] The third colored layer 63 and the fourth colored layer 64 may be omitted, and the decorative layer 60 may be composed of the first colored layer 61 and the second colored layer 62 .

[0123] <Sensor>

[0124] The sensor may detect an object outside the vehicle by transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves different from millimeter waves, such as infrared rays.

[0125] The sensor may be mounted at a location other than the front of the vehicle 10 , for example, at the rear. In this case, the sensor transmits electromagnetic waves toward the rear of the vehicle 10 .

[0126] Furthermore, the sensor may be mounted on the oblique front side portion, the oblique rear side portion, etc. of the vehicle 10. In this case, the sensor transmits electromagnetic waves toward the oblique front side portion, the oblique rear side portion, etc. of the vehicle 10.

[0127] In all cases, the vehicle exterior product 20 is disposed in a location that is in front of the sensor in the transmission direction of the electromagnetic wave, that is, in a location that is closer to the vehicle outer side than the sensor.

[0128] <Other>

[0129] The above-described vehicle exterior product 20 can also be applied to a vehicle 10 that is not equipped with a sensor that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves for detecting an object outside the vehicle.

[0130] The vehicle exterior product of the present disclosure can be widely used as long as it is assembled to the exterior of the vehicle 10 to decorate the vehicle 10 and has a light-emitting function. Examples of the vehicle exterior product 20 include vehicle emblems, decorations, emblems, front grilles, rear grilles, side fenders, etc.

Claims

1. A vehicle exterior product, comprising: a housing disposed on a vehicle, a decorative main body disposed on the vehicle outer side relative to the housing, and a light source disposed in the housing, wherein light irradiated from the light source is incident on a surface of the decorative main body on the vehicle inner side, The vehicle exterior product is characterized in that: The decorative main body includes a base material made of a transparent material or a semi-transparent material and a decorative layer laminated on the vehicle outer side or the vehicle inner side of the base material. The decorative layer comprises: a first colored layer formed of a colored paint and having light transmittance; and The second colored layer is laminated on the vehicle interior side of the first colored layer, has a filler dispersed in the paint, and has light transmittance, The filler comprises a filler body and a film covering the filler body. The coating film is formed of a coloring paint having a color difference ΔE of 30 or less with the coloring paint of the first coloring layer.

2. The vehicle exterior article according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first colored layer is formed by adding at least one of a pigment and a dye to a clear coating material to thereby color the clear coating material.

3. The vehicle exterior article according to claim 1, characterized in that: The decorative layer further comprises a third colored layer formed of a smoke-colored transparent paint. The third colored layer is formed on the vehicle inner side relative to the second colored layer.

4. The vehicle exterior article according to claim 1, wherein: As the light source, a light source that radiates white light is used. The decorative layer further includes a fourth colored layer, the fourth colored layer being colored with a color that is complementary to the color of the first colored layer. The fourth colored layer is formed on the vehicle inner side relative to the second colored layer.

5. The vehicle exterior article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The vehicle is equipped with a sensor, which transmits and receives electromagnetic waves for detecting objects outside the vehicle. The housing is arranged on the outer side of the vehicle than the sensor. The housing and the decorative main body have the permeability of the electromagnetic waves, The light source is disposed in a region between the housing and the decorative main body at a position offset from a region through which the electromagnetic wave transmitted by the sensor passes.

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