Vehicle component, skin, and method for manufacturing same

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle component, a skin and a manufacturing method thereof. Wherein the skin comprises a skin body and an electroluminescent sewing thread, the sewing thread comprises a core wire layer, an electroluminescent layer wrapping the core wire layer, an electrode wire winding the electroluminescent layer and an insulating layer located on the surface of the sewing thread, the core wire layer serves as a first electrode, and the electrode wire serves as a second electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle component, a skin and a method for manufacturing the same. Background Art

[0002] For the surface of an object, such as the surface of a vehicle interior, users have a demand for the surface to be luminous.

[0003] In the current scheme, for example, the Chinese utility model patent publication document with publication number CN213199647U and titled "Vehicle interior part, vehicle interior and vehicle seat", electroluminescent fibers are used to realize the luminous function of the surface of the vehicle interior parts, so as to achieve spontaneous luminescence without the need for additional light sources. Compared with traditional LED lighting systems, it is more flexible and can occupy less space in the vehicle interior, which has the beneficial effect of reducing costs while ensuring uniform light emission.

[0004] However, the inventors have found that the current electroluminescent fiber solution and its corresponding manufacturing process need to be further improved. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a skin.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a skin.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle component.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing an epidermis comprises an epidermis body and an electroluminescent suture, wherein the electroluminescent suture comprises a core layer, an electroluminescent layer wrapped around the core layer, an electrode wire wrapped around the electroluminescent layer, and an insulating layer located on the surface of the suture, wherein the core layer serves as a first electrode and the electrode wire serves as a second electrode. The manufacturing method comprises:

[0009] The suture is sewn to the epidermis body to form a first intermediate body, and the suture includes a first portion sewn to the epidermis body and a second portion extending beyond the epidermis body;

[0010] The first intermediate is placed on an automatic conveyor, while the end of the second portion is immersed in a solvent;

[0011] At least part of the insulating layer of the end portion after being soaked in the solvent is stripped off to form a second intermediate body;

[0012] At the portion where the insulating layer of the second intermediate body is stripped, the electrode wire is unwound from the corresponding electroluminescent layer to form a third intermediate body;

[0013] Performing laser ablation on the portion of the electroluminescent layer of the third intermediate body where the electrode wire is unwound, exposing the core wire layer, and forming a fourth intermediate body;

[0014] Connectors are respectively connected to the electrode wires unwound from the electroluminescent layer and the exposed core wire layer of the fourth intermediate.

[0015] The method for manufacturing the epidermis described in the above embodiment introduces the processes of transmission and laser ablation during the peeling process, thereby improving the degree of automation of the manufacturing process, increasing production efficiency, reducing production costs, and improving the consistency of epidermis products.

[0016] In one or more embodiments of the manufacturing method, the time during which the end of the second portion is immersed in the solvent is the time from the initial position to the end position of the first intermediate in the conveying stroke of the automatic conveying device.

[0017] In one or more embodiments of the manufacturing method, the diameter of the suture is 0.2mm-0.6mm; the step of sewing the suture to the epidermal body to form a first intermediate includes: the diameter of the eye of the suture needle used is greater than 30%-50% of the diameter of the suture.

[0018] In one or more embodiments of the manufacturing method, the step of sewing the suture to the epidermal body to form a first intermediate body also includes: the surface of the winding body around which the suture is wound adopts a self-lubricating material; and / or both ends of the winding body adopt a non-stop structure.

[0019] In one or more embodiments of the manufacturing method, the step of sewing the suture to the epidermal body to form the first intermediate body further includes: the sewing speed of sewing the suture to the epidermal body is 0.15m / 40s-70s.

[0020] The beneficial effect of adopting the above embodiment is that it prevents thinner sutures from breaking during the sewing process, thereby improving the yield rate of the process.

[0021] In one or more embodiments of the manufacturing method, the step of connecting connectors to the electrode wires unwound from the electroluminescent layer and the exposed core wire layer of the fourth intermediate includes:

[0022] The exposed core wire layer is wound around the first winding position of the connector and then extends to the corresponding wiring position;

[0023] The unwound electrode wire is wound around the second winding position of the connector and then extends to the corresponding wiring position;

[0024] The remaining suture of the second portion is wound around the third winding position of the connector and then extends.

[0025] The beneficial effect of the above embodiments is that it can absorb the expected and unexpected pulling forces on the buffer core wire layer, electrode wire and suture during connection and use, prevent the breakage of thinner sutures, and improve the yield rate of the epidermis and the reliability of the use process.

[0026] A skin according to the second aspect of the present invention is manufactured by the manufacturing method introduced in the first aspect.

[0027] In one or more embodiments of the skin, the material of the core layer is metal, the material of the electroluminescent layer includes zinc sulfide particles doped with copper and phosphorus, and the electrode wire is a nylon fiber with a conductive coating.

[0028] The beneficial effect of the epidermis of the above embodiments is that it realizes spontaneous luminescence without the need for additional light sources, thereby being more flexible than traditional LED lighting systems and being able to occupy less vehicle space. It has the beneficial effect of ensuring uniform luminescence while reducing costs, and its cost is low, and the reliability and consistency of the luminous epidermis products are improved.

[0029] A vehicle component according to a third aspect of the present invention comprises the skin according to the second aspect.

[0030] In one or more embodiments of the vehicle component, the vehicle component includes a vehicle interior component and a vehicle seat.

[0031] The beneficial effect of the vehicle components of the above embodiments is that they achieve spontaneous illumination without the need for additional light sources, thereby being more flexible than traditional LED lighting systems and being able to occupy less space in the vehicle. On the basis of the beneficial effect of being able to ensure uniform illumination while reducing costs, the cost is low and the reliability and consistency of the luminous surface products are improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The above and other features, properties and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent through the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 The figure is a schematic flow chart of a method for manufacturing a skin according to an embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E The figure is a flow chart of some steps of a method for manufacturing a skin according to an embodiment.

[0035] 3A to 3H The figure is a flow chart of some steps of a method for manufacturing a skin according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 4The diagram is a schematic structural diagram of epidermal sutures according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 5A , Figure 5B Schematic diagram of the structure of vehicle components in some embodiments.

[0038] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a winding body used in a method for manufacturing a skin according to an embodiment.

[0039] Reference numerals:

[0040] 100-Vehicle Parts

[0041] 101-Vehicle interior parts

[0042] 102-Vehicle Seat

[0043] 1- Epidermis

[0044] 11- Epidermis

[0045] 12-Electroluminescent Suture

[0046] 1201-Part 1

[0047] 1202-Part 2

[0048] 121-core layer

[0049] 122-Electroluminescent layer

[0050] 123-Electrode wire

[0051] 124-Insulation layer

[0052] 1001-First Intermediate

[0053] 1002-Second Intermediate

[0054] 1003-Third intermediate

[0055] 1004-Fourth intermediate

[0056] 13-Connector

[0057] 131-First winding position

[0058] 132-Second winding position

[0059] 133-Third winding position

[0060] 14- Winding body

[0061] 141-Stop structure

[0062] 2-Laser Gun

[0063] 3-Automatic conveying device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The following embodiments of the technical solution of the present application are described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present application, and are therefore only used as examples, and cannot be used to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0065] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by technicians in the technical field to which this application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned figure descriptions and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0066] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the technical terms "first", "second", etc. are only used to distinguish different objects, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number, specific order or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the meaning of "multiple" is more than two, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0067] Reference to "embodiments" herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of the phrase in various locations in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It is explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0068] Although the skin disclosed in the embodiment of the present application is preferably applicable to a vehicle, the skin is a part of the vehicle component 100 .

[0069] For example Figure 5A The interior trim 101 for a vehicle shown may include, for example, a dashboard 1001 , a door panel 1002 , a center console 1003 , and the like.

[0070] It can also be used for example Figure 5B A seat 102 of a vehicle is shown.

[0071] However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention may be applicable to other transportation applications, such as railway trains, ships, and airplanes. As long as the transportation is a vehicle, the surface disclosed in the embodiments of the present application may be applied to achieve self-luminous light effects.

[0072] The skin component of the present application is particularly suitable for interior decoration of vehicles due to its luminous appearance, but it is not limited to this. For example, it can also be used in other occasions, such as the skin of smart leather goods, which is not limited to this.

[0073] It is understood that flow charts are used in the present application to illustrate the operations performed by the system according to the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that, according to the actual situation, the previous or following operations are not necessarily performed precisely in order. Other operations may also be added to these processes, or one or more operations may be removed from these processes.

[0074] refer to Figure 1 as well as FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E , and combined with Figure 4 As shown, the epidermis 1 includes an epidermis body 11 and an electroluminescent suture 12, the electroluminescent suture 12 includes a core layer 121, an electroluminescent layer 122 wrapped around the core layer 122, an electrode wire 123 wrapped around the electroluminescent layer 122, and an insulating layer 124 located on the surface of the suture 12, wherein the core layer 121 serves as a first electrode, the electrode wire 123 serves as a second electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode are connected to a power source via a connecting terminal of a connector.

[0075] The skin body 11 can be genuine leather or artificial leather, such as PVC leather, PU leather, TPO leather and the like.

[0076] Preferably, in some embodiments, the core layer 121 is made of metal, such as copper core. The electroluminescent layer 122 includes zinc sulfide particles doped with copper and phosphorus. The electrode wire 123 is nylon fiber with a conductive coating, such as a silver coating.

[0077] The basic principle of electroluminescence is generally that the electroluminescent layer 122 includes zinc sulfide particles doped with copper and phosphorus. After the power supply device supplies power, an electric field is generated at the electroluminescent layer 122, and the electrons excited by the electric field hit the luminescent center, causing the electrons to transition and change between energy levels, and then recombine, and the activated electrons release energy to generate a large number of photons, thereby causing the phenomenon of luminescence.

[0078] The specific parameters of the electroluminescence such as the supply voltage and current can be adjusted according to actual needs, and will not be described in detail here.

[0079] Continue to refer Figure 1 as well as FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E , the manufacturing method of the skin 1 comprises:

[0080] S100. The suture 12 is sewn to the epidermal body 11 to form a first intermediate body 1001, and the suture 12 includes a first portion 1201 sewn to the epidermal body 11 and a second portion 1202 extending beyond the epidermal body 11;

[0081] S200. The first intermediate 1001 is placed on the automatic conveyor 3, while the end of the second portion 1202 is immersed in a solvent;

[0082] S300. After being immersed in the solvent, at least part of the insulating layer 124 at the end is stripped off to form a second intermediate 1002;

[0083] S400. In the portion where the insulating layer 124 of the second intermediate body 1002 is stripped, the electrode wire 123 is unwound from the corresponding electroluminescent layer 122 to form a third intermediate body 1003;

[0084] S500. The electroluminescent layer 122 of the third intermediate 1003 is laser ablated at a portion where the electrode wire 123 is unwound, exposing the core layer 121 to form a fourth intermediate 1004;

[0085] S600 . Connect the connectors 13 to the electrode wires 123 unwound from the electroluminescent layer 122 and the exposed core wire layer 121 of the fourth intermediate 1004 , respectively.

[0086] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E The schematic diagram shown is a schematic diagram of specific steps of some embodiments of S200 to S500. 3A to 3H These are examples of specific steps of some embodiments of S600.

[0087] As mentioned above, for steps S200 to S500, since the diameter of the suture is relatively thin, which is 0.2mm-0.6mm, roughly the same thickness as a hair, it is easy to break. The comparative solution adopts a purely manual solution. The inventors found that its efficiency is low and the consistency of the product needs to be improved. In addition, since it needs to be soaked in alcohol and then artificially ignited and ablated, the safety of the process also needs to be further improved.

[0088] The automatic conveying device 3 may be Figure 2A In the conveyor belt shown, laser ablation can be performed automatically by the laser gun 2, but it is not limited thereto.

[0089] The above embodiment uses the technology of conveying and laser ablation in the process of peeling, so as to improve the automation degree of the manufacturing process, improve the production efficiency, reduce the production cost, and improve the consistency of the epidermal product. Figure 2B , Figure 2C The embodiment shown also adopts the introduction of manual operation, but at least the solution of the above embodiment is a semi-automatic process. In addition, it is not ruled out that the precision robot technology can make Figure 2B , Figure 2CThe manual operation in the illustrated embodiment is replaced by robot operation, thereby making the solution of the above embodiment a fully automated process.

[0090] Preferably, in some embodiments, for S200, if Figure 2A As shown, the time for the end of the second portion 1202 to be immersed in the solvent is the time from the initial position to the end position of the first intermediate 1001 in the conveying stroke of the automatic conveying device, as shown in FIG. Figure 2A As shown, the time from the initial position to the end position of the conveying stroke of the automatic conveying device is 30 seconds, and the time for the end of the second part 1202 to be immersed in the solvent is 30 seconds, which further improves the efficiency of the process. The composition of the solvent can be a composition that can soften the end of the second part 1202 to facilitate the stripping operation, such as alcohol, but it is not limited to this.

[0091] For the process of S100, preferably, in some embodiments, the diameter of the eye of the suture needle used is 30%-50% greater than the diameter of the suture 12. The inventors have found that this can reduce the friction force received by the suture 12 during the sewing process, prevent the thinner suture 12 from breaking during the sewing process, and thus improve the yield rate of the process.

[0092] In some embodiments, the surface of the winding body 14 on which the suture 12 is wound is made of self-lubricating material, and the winding body 14 is, for example, the winding body of the unwinding mechanism; the self-lubricating material can be, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyacetal, polyformaldehyde, polycarbonate, polyamide, polysulfone, polyimide, chlorinated polyether, polyphenylene sulfide and polyester terephthalate. Since the friction coefficient of soft metal is relatively large, the winding body 14 in the embodiment generally does not use soft metal to prevent the suture 12 from breaking during the sewing process due to friction, thereby improving the yield rate of the process. In addition, both ends of the winding body 14 use a non-stop structure 141. Figure 6 As shown, there are usually stop structures 141 shown by dotted lines at both ends of the winding body 14. In the embodiment, there is no stop structure 141 to prevent the stop structure 141 from exerting force on the suture so that the suture 12 breaks during the sewing process, thereby improving the yield rate of the process.

[0093] In some embodiments, the sewing speed of the suture 12 to the epidermal body 11 is 0.15m / 40s-70s. This can also reduce the tension of the suture 12 during the sewing process, prevent the force of the stop structure 141 on the suture from causing the suture 12 to break during the sewing process, thereby improving the yield rate of the manufacturing process.

[0094] refer to 3A to 3H As shown, for S600, the specific steps may be:

[0095] The exposed core wire layer 121 is wound around the first winding position 131 of the connector 13 and then extends to the corresponding wiring position;

[0096] The unwound electrode wire 123 is wound around the second winding position 132 of the connector 13 and then extends to the corresponding wiring position;

[0097] The remaining second portion 1202 of the suture is wound around the third winding position 133 of the connector and then extends.

[0098] The specific structure of the winding position may be a groove structure, a columnar structure, etc. as shown in the figure, but it is not limited thereto.

[0099] The beneficial effect of adopting the process of first winding and then extending the connection, and setting the corresponding first winding position 131, second winding position 132, and third winding position 133 on the connector 13 is that the winding structure can absorb the expected and unexpected pulling forces on the buffer core layer 121, the electrode wire 123 and the suture during the connection and use process, prevent the breakage of thinner sutures, and improve the yield rate of the epidermis and the reliability of the use process.

[0100] In summary, the beneficial effects of the vehicle parts, skins and manufacturing methods introduced in the above embodiments include but are not limited to: achieving spontaneous light emission without the need for additional light sources, thereby being more flexible than traditional LED lighting systems and being able to occupy less space in the vehicle, while ensuring uniform light emission while reducing costs. By introducing transmission and laser ablation processes during the stripping process, the degree of automation of the manufacturing process is improved, production efficiency is improved, production costs are reduced, and the consistency of the skin products is improved.

[0101] Although the present invention is disclosed as above with preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art may make possible changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, any modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiments according to the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for producing a skin (1), characterized in that: The epidermis (1) comprises an epidermis body (11) and an electroluminescent suture (12), wherein the electroluminescent suture (12) comprises a core layer (121), an electroluminescent layer (122) wrapped around the core layer (122), an electrode wire (123) wrapped around the electroluminescent layer (122), and an insulating layer (124) located on the surface of the suture (12), wherein the core layer (121) serves as a first electrode and the electrode wire (123) serves as a second electrode. The manufacturing method comprises: The suture (12) is sewn to the epidermal body (11) to form a first intermediate body (1001), and the suture (12) includes a first portion (1201) sewn to the epidermal body (11), and a second portion (1202) extending beyond the epidermal body (11); The first intermediate (1001) is placed on an automatic conveying device (3), and the end of the second part (1202) is immersed in a solvent; At least a portion of the insulating layer (124) of the end portion after being soaked in the solvent is peeled off to form a second intermediate body (1002); At the portion of the second intermediate body (1002) where the insulating layer (124) is stripped, the electrode wire (123) is unwound from the corresponding electroluminescent layer (122) to form a third intermediate body (1003); performing laser ablation on the portion of the electroluminescent layer (122) of the third intermediate (1003) from which the electrode wire (123) is unwound, exposing the core wire layer (121), thereby forming a fourth intermediate (1004); The electrode wire (123) unwound from the electroluminescent layer (122) and the exposed core wire layer (121) of the fourth intermediate (1004) are respectively connected to the connector (13).

2. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that The time during which the end of the second part (1202) is immersed in the solvent is the time from the initial position to the final position of the first intermediate (1001) in the conveying stroke of the automatic conveying device.

3. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of the suture (12) is 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm. The steps of sewing the suture (12) to the epidermal body (11) to form the first intermediate (1001) include: The diameter of the eye of the suture needle used is 30%-50% greater than the diameter of the suture (12).

4. The manufacturing method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The step of sewing the suture (12) to the epidermal body (11) to form the first intermediate body (1001) also includes: The surface of the winding body (14) on which the suture (12) is wound is made of self-lubricating material; and / or Both ends of the winding body (14) adopt a non-stop structure (141).

5. The manufacturing method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The step of sewing the suture (12) to the epidermal body (11) to form the first intermediate body (1001) also includes: The sewing speed at which the suture (12) is sewn to the epidermis body (11) is 0.15m / 40s-70s.

6. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step of connecting the electrode wire (123) unwound from the electroluminescent layer (122) and the exposed core wire layer (121) of the fourth intermediate (1004) with a connector (13) comprises: The exposed core wire layer (121) is wound around a first winding position (131) of the connector (13) and then extends to a corresponding wiring position; The unwound electrode wire (123) is wound around the second winding position (132) of the connector (13) and then extends to a corresponding wiring position; The remaining suture of the second portion (1202) is wound around the third winding position (133) of the connector and then extends.

7. An epidermis (1), characterized in that The method is produced by any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The skin (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The material of the core wire layer (121) is metal, the material of the electroluminescent layer (122) includes zinc sulfide particles doped with copper and phosphorus, and the electrode wire (123) is nylon fiber with a conductive coating.

9. A vehicle component (100), characterized in that: Comprising the epidermis (1) as claimed in claim 7 or 8.

10. The vehicle component (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that It comprises a vehicle interior decoration part (101) and a vehicle seat (102).

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