Visible component with translucent ornament and related uses

Abstract

The invention relates to a visible component which forms a visible surface which faces an observer and covers a functional surface when the visible component is installed according to the expectation. The visible component is provided with a translucent panel with a layer structure, a panel surface which faces an observer and at least partially forms a visible surface and a back surface facing away from the observer, the layer structure of the panel comprises a translucent decorative layer, and the decorative layer forms an ornament covering the functional surface; a transparent holder fixed at the panel, disposed on a back side of the panel and having a back side facing away from the panel; an opaque mask disposed between the bracket and the panel and defining a transparent window surface; and a functional component which is fixed on the support, forms a functional surface and is arranged on the back side of the support in such a way that the functional surface is visible through the window surface in an at least translucent manner relative to an observer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a visible component. Background Art

[0002] Visible parts, in particular for motor vehicles, should have a visually and tactilely perceptible appearance that is high quality and are particularly exposed to high thermal and mechanical loads, especially when these visible parts also provide operating surfaces for touch input or actuation input. Panels, in particular those associated with functional surfaces such as operating surfaces or display surfaces or combinations thereof, often have a translucent decorative layer in order to produce an optical decoration that covers the functional surface, thereby hiding the existing functional surface, in particular the display surface as a functional surface in the switched-off state, which is generally referred to as a vanishing effect. The translucency of the visible part is problematic if the unevenly formed back side of the visible part facing away from the operator (for example due to fastening structures, reinforcement ribs, positioning aids and / or markings formed or applied there) interferes with the desired visually uniform impression, especially in the case of incident external light. Therefore, in most cases, there is no other alternative than to abandon the continuous visual appearance across the functional surface and to cover the "unevenness" of the back side by additional structures on the visible surface facing the observer or operator. This measure increases complexity and disadvantageously increases the weight of the visible part and makes it no longer perceived as visually attractive. In addition, in the visible part, attempts are made to avoid gaps and disconnections and to form a visible surface that is as closed as possible, so as to contribute to durability and facilitate cleaning. Summary of the invention

[0003] Against this background, a visible component is needed which can be produced relatively simply and is formed in a weight-saving manner and meets current requirements in terms of visual appearance. This object is achieved by a visible component according to claim 1. Likewise advantageous uses are the subject matter of the parallel claims. Advantageous embodiments are respectively the subject matter of the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features specified individually in the claims can be combined with one another in any technically meaningful manner and represent other embodiments of the invention. The description additionally characterizes and explains the invention in detail, in particular in conjunction with the drawings.

[0004] The invention relates to a visible component which, when the visible component is installed as intended, forms a visible surface facing an observer or operator. In this case, the visible surface covers a functional surface, wherein the functional surface can be an operating surface or a display surface or a combination thereof. The visible component according to the invention also has a panel which is formed translucently and has a layer structure, which forms a panel surface facing the observer and at least partially constitutes the visible surface, and a back side facing away from the observer. Therefore, when the visible component is installed as intended, for example in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, the panel is the component of the visible component according to the invention which faces the observer, is arranged closest and is the only accessible component in most installation situations.

[0005] According to the present invention, the layer structure of the panel includes a translucent decorative layer, which forms a decoration covering the functional surface. For example, the decoration imitates naturally occurring optical structures (such as stone structures, wood grains, etc.) or technological structures (such as fiber composite material structures, etc.). The decorative layer preferably has an optical transmittance that varies with position, that is, the transmittance. The transmittance at any position of the decoration is, for example, in the range of 20% to 80%, preferably 30% to 70%. The decorative surface preferably extends substantially parallel to the visible surface with a corresponding consistent elongation. The layer structure of the panel is more preferably formed so that the remaining thickness of the panel determined between the visible surface and the decorative layer is constant over the total elongation of the decoration and is, for example, 0.01 mm to 0.25 mm.

[0006] According to the invention, the visible component has a transparent support, which is fixed to the panel, arranged on the back side of the panel and has a back side facing away from the panel. The support is used at least for load-bearing fastening of functional components, which form a functional surface and are arranged on the back side of the support. The support further preferably forms one or more fastening structures, reinforcing ribs, positioning aids and / or markings, such as manufacturing markings. The fastening structures are used, for example, for fastening to a dashboard component or a load-bearing body component.

[0007] According to the invention, an opaque mask is also provided, which is arranged between the support and the panel and defines a transparent window surface, so that the functional surface of the functional component is arranged visible through the window surface in an at least semi-transparent perspective manner for the observer. The opaque mask, together with the window surface defined by it, extends substantially parallel to the visible surface.

[0008] The opaque mask therefore provides a uniform visual appearance of the decoration, in particular at least in the area outside the window surface, while the transparency within the window surface is used to achieve good visibility of the functional surface, in particular formed as a display surface. From the perspective of the observer, the functional surface is preferably framed by the opaque mask.

[0009] In the region which is covered by the opaque mask and lies only outside the window surface from the perspective of the observer, the support preferably forms one or more of the above-mentioned fastening structures, reinforcing ribs, positioning aids and / or markings.

[0010] The support is preferably connected to the panel in a materially bonded manner, preferably over the entire surface.

[0011] An adhesion promoting layer is preferably arranged between the support and the panel. The support is preferably formed of thermoplastic by injection molding the back side of the panel.

[0012] In the region of the window surface, the total layer thickness of the visible component apart from the functional component is preferably 1 mm to 3 mm, in particular 2.5 mm.

[0013] The functional component is preferably connected to the support by a material connection, preferably by ultrasonic welding. From the perspective of an observer, the region where the functional component is materially connected to the support is preferably within the window surface.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the functional component has a foil with an electrically conductive sensor structure for capacitive sensing of the proximity of the associated operating surface and / or at least one transmissive display surface that can be backlit. Here, the foil is arranged adjacent to the back side of the support.

[0015] The foil preferably has an interruption, which is penetrated and engaged by the web forming the functional component. Here, the protruding end of the web is connected to the support materially.

[0016] The functional surface facing the support and / or the optional remaining surface of the functional component, except the functional surface, is adapted to the opaque mask in color. Both are, for example, dyed black. The total surface facing the back side of the support is preferably formed congruently with the window surface by all functional surfaces and all optional remaining surfaces. In other words, the entire surface of the functional element facing the back side of the support and thus facing the observer preferably corresponds to the window surface.

[0017] The support preferably has an average layer thickness determined only via the window surface, which is reduced relative to an average layer thickness determined only via the region of the support located outside the window surface (referred to as the outer average layer thickness). The average layer thickness of the window surface is reduced, for example, by at least 20%, preferably by at least 40%, relative to the outer average layer thickness. Due to the reduced average layer thickness of the window surface, negative visual effects (e.g. parallax effects or invisible edge regions of functional components) are minimized, while the overall stability of the assembly is ensured by the functional components connected to the support material.

[0018] The layer construction of the panel preferably has a layer of transparent thermoplastic, such as polycarbonate, which forms the rear side.

[0019] The invention furthermore relates to the use of a visible component in one of the above-described embodiments in a motor vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The invention is explained in detail with reference to the following drawings. The drawings are to be understood as being merely exemplary and represent only preferred embodiments. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a visible component 1 according to the invention;

[0022] Figure 2 Shown by Figure 1 A top view of a visible surface S formed by the panel 2 of the visible component 1;

[0023] Figure 3 Shown from Figure 1 A perspective view of the back side R of the carrier 3 of the visible component 1 without the functional component 6;

[0024] Figure 4 Shown from Figure 1 A perspective view of the back side R of the carrier 3 of the visible component 1 with the functional component 6 fixed to the carrier 3;

[0025] Figure 5 Shown from Figure 1 3D exploded view of the functional component 6 without its cover 6e facing the back. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The invention relates to a visible component 1, which forms a visible surface S facing an observer B or an operator when the visible component 1 is installed as intended. The visible component 1 has a bracket 3, which is used to fix the visible component 1 to a supporting component, such as a vehicle body. The bracket 3 is, for example, formed only on the side of the visible component 1 facing away from the observer B. The visible surface S covers at least one functional surface F of a functional component 6 belonging to the visible component 1. The functional surface F can be an operating surface or a display surface or a combination thereof. The visible component 1 also has a panel formed in a translucent manner and having a layer structure 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, which forms a panel surface 2s facing the observer B and at least partially forming the visible surface S and a back side 2r facing away from the observer B. Therefore, when the visible component 1 is installed as intended, for example in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, the panel 2 is the component of the visible component 1 that faces the observer B, is arranged closest and is only accessible in most installation situations.

[0027] The layer structure 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e of the panel 2 includes a translucent decorative layer 2c extending substantially parallel to the visible surface S, which forms a decoration covering the functional surface F. For example, the decoration imitates a naturally occurring optical structure (such as a stone structure, a wood grain, etc.) or a technological structure (such as a fiber composite material structure, etc.). The decorative layer 2c has an optical transmittance, that is, light transmittance, that varies with position. The decoration is, for example, a mesh-like array of light-transmitting holes with a maximum diameter of 0.1 mm or less. The decorative layer 2c is, for example, a printed layer applied by screen printing, which is applied, for example, to a foil layer 2b of the layer structure 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e that is formed as a foil, especially an acrylic foil.

[0028] The foil layer 2b is covered on the side facing the observer B, which has a cover layer 2a made of a transparent to translucent lacquer and forms the visible surface S. The decorative layer 2c is connected to a back layer 2e made of thermoplastic (such as polycarbonate) by back injection molding via a first adhesion-promoting layer 2d applied over the entire surface on the side facing away from the observer B, and the back layer forms the back side 2r of the panel 2 on the side facing away from the observer B. The thickness of the panel 2 is in the range of 0.25 to 0.5 mm.

[0029] The visible component 1 further comprises a transparent support 3, which is fixed to the panel 2, arranged on the back side 2r of the panel 2 and has a back side R facing away from the panel 2. The support 3 is used to at least load-bearingly fix a functional component 6, which forms a functional surface F and is arranged on the back side R of the support 3. The support 3 also forms one or more components on its back side R, such as Figure 3 The fastening structure 3b shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The reinforcing rib 3a shown in Figure 3The fastening structure 3b is used, for example, for fastening to a dashboard component (not shown) or a load-bearing body component.

[0030] An opaque mask M is also provided, which is arranged between the support 3 and the panel 2 and defines a transparent window surface W, so that the functional surface F of the functional component 6 is arranged visible through the window surface W in an at least semi-transparent perspective manner for an observer B. The opaque mask M extends substantially parallel to the visible surface S together with the window surface W defined thereby. In the embodiment shown, a second adhesion-promoting layer 5 is provided between the support 3 and the panel 2 so that the support 3 formed of a transparent thermoplastic is fixed to the panel 2 by back injection molding.

[0031] The opaque mask M therefore provides a uniform visual appearance of the decoration, in particular at least in the area outside the window surface W, while the transparency within the window surface W is used to achieve good visibility of the functional surface F, which is in particular formed as a display surface. From the perspective of the observer B, the functional surface F is framed by the opaque mask M.

[0032] In addition, the bracket 3 preferably forms the above-mentioned fastening structure 3b, reinforcing ribs 3a, positioning aids 3c and / or markings only in the area covered by the opaque mask M and located outside the window surface W from the perspective of the observer B.

[0033] In the region of the window surface W, the total layer thickness of the visible component 1, excluding the functional component 6, is 1 mm to 3 mm, for example 2.5 mm. Figure 1 and Figure 4 It can be seen that the functional component 6 is fastened to the rear side R of the carrier 3 , namely by a material-fitting connection, in particular ultrasonic welding.

[0034] like Figure 5 As shown, the functional component 6 has a foil 6a with a conductive sensor structure for capacitive sensing of the proximity to the associated operating surface F and at least one transmissive display surface that can be backlit. After the functional component 6 is fastened to the support 3, the foil 6a is arranged adjacent to the back side R of the support 3 and is inserted between the frame 6d and the back side R of the support 3, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 For material-fitting fixation, the foil 6a has an interruption 6f, which is penetrated and engaged by a web 6c forming a frame 6d of the functional component 6. Here, the outer end of the web 6c is connected to the bracket 3 by ultrasonic welding.

[0035] Thus, from the perspective of the observer B, the region in which the functional component 6 is materially connected to the support 3 is located within the window surface W.

[0036] The functional surface F facing the support 3 and / or the remaining surface of the functional component 6 except the functional surface F are adapted to the opaque mask in color. Both are dyed black, for example. Thus, the total surface facing the back side R of the support 3 is formed congruently with the window surface W by all functional surfaces F and all remaining surfaces. In other words, the entire surface of the functional element 6 facing the back side R of the support 3 and thus facing the observer B corresponds to the window surface W.

Claims

1. A visible component (1), which, when the visible component (1) is installed as intended, forms a visible surface (S) facing an observer (B) and covering a functional surface (F); the visible component has: A panel (2) formed translucently and having a layer structure (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e), the panel forming a panel surface (2s) facing the observer (B) and at least partially constituting the visible surface (S) and a back surface (2r) facing away from the observer (B), wherein the layer structure (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e) of the panel (2) comprises a translucent decorative layer (2c), the decorative layer forming a decoration covering the functional surface (F); a transparent bracket (3), the bracket being fixed to the panel (2), being arranged on the back side (2r) of the panel (2) and having a back side (R) facing away from the panel (2); an opaque mask (4), which is arranged between the support (3) and the panel (2) and defines a transparent window surface (W); A functional component (6) is fixed to the support (3), forms the functional surface (F) and is arranged on the back side (R) of the support (3) in such a way that the functional surface (F) is visible to the observer (B) through the window surface (W) in an at least semi-transparent perspective manner.

2. Visible element (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the functional surface (F) is framed by the opaque mask (4) for the observer (B).

3. The visible element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the support (3) is connected to the panel (2) in a materially bonded manner, preferably in a full-surface materially bonded manner.

4. A visible component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (3) has an average layer thickness determined solely via the window surface (W), which is reduced relative to an average layer thickness determined solely via areas of the support (3) located outside the window surface (W).

5. Visible part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the support (3) is formed from thermoplastic by back injection moulding of the panel (2).

6. Visible element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the translucent decorative layer (2c) has an optical transmittance that varies with position.

7. The visible element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the functional element (6) is connected to the carrier (3) by a material connection, preferably by ultrasonic welding.

8. The visible element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the functional surface (F) is an operating surface and / or a display surface.

9. A visible component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional component (6) has a foil (6a) having a conductive sensor structure (6b) for capacitive sensing of the proximity of an associated operating surface and / or having at least one transmissive, backlit display surface, wherein the foil (6a) is arranged adjacent to the back side (R) of the support (3).

10. Visible component (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the foil (6a) has an interruption which is penetrated by a web (6c) of the functional component (6), the protruding ends of which are respectively connected to the support (3) in a material-fitting manner.

11. A visible component (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support (3) forms one or more fastening structures, reinforcing ribs (3a), positioning aids and / or markings only in an area (M) outside the window surface (W) which is covered by the opaque mask (4) from the perspective of the observer (B).

12. The visible element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the functional surface facing the support (3) and / or the remaining surface of the functional element (6) except the functional surface (F) is adapted in color to the opaque mask (4).

13. Visible element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the layer construction (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e) of the panel (2) has a layer (2e) made of transparent thermoplastic such as polycarbonate, which forms the back side (2r).

14. Use of a visible element (1) according to one of the preceding claims in a motor vehicle.

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