Decorative part of or for vehicle and vehicle comprising such decorative part
By designing detachable vehicle decorative parts, the problem of high cost of personalized modification of vehicle appearance is solved, and fast and low-cost personalized modification and optical effects are achieved to meet the diverse needs of users.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510947791.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-07-11
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-10
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-16
AI Technical Summary
The cost of personalized modification of the exterior of existing vehicles is high and difficult to quickly replace, which cannot meet the personalized needs of users.
A vehicle decorative component is designed, comprising a base body and a removable insert. Through a detachable connection between a receiver and the insert, the insert can be replaced according to user preferences and equipped with a light source and a sealing element to achieve a personalized effect.
It enables fast and low-cost personalized modification of the vehicle's appearance. Users can replace inserts by themselves to meet the needs of different occasions and moods, and it has optical effects and protective functions.
Smart Images
Figure CN120645846A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a decorative part of or for a vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vehicle comprising such a decorative part. Background Art
[0002] Personalization of devices is a widespread trend. For example, the display settings of a mobile phone can be selected according to personal preferences.
[0003] While the vehicle's electronic input settings can also be selected according to personal preferences, once a vehicle has been ordered, the possibilities for personalizing its appearance are quite limited. One can change the vehicle's seats or bumpers or add a spoiler, however, such changes are associated with high costs. Summary of the Invention
[0004] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a decorative component for or on a vehicle that at least minimizes the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, one object is to provide a decorative component that can be easily and modifiably personalized. Furthermore, an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a vehicle that can be equipped with such a decorative component.
[0005] This object is achieved by the features specified in claims 1 and 14. Advantageous embodiments are subject matter of the dependent claims.
[0006] One aspect of the present invention relates to a decorative component of or for a vehicle, comprising:
[0007] a base body having a first surface and a second surface, the second surface being the visible side of the trim component when mounted to the vehicle,
[0008] - one or more receptors, said one or more receptors:
[0009] ○ is arranged on the second surface, and
[0010] o formed by or fastened to the base body, and
[0011] - At least one insert removably fastened to the receptacle and / or to the base body.
[0012] The decorative component in the present disclosure is preferably an exterior decorative component, such as a bumper, a grille, a pillar, etc. However, the decorative component may also be embodied as an interior decorative component, such as a lining or an instrument panel.
[0013] The insert can be inserted into the receptacle, similar to a plug and a corresponding socket. To this end, the insert can be at least partially formed to be complementary to the receptacle.
[0014] For example, the insert may be the same color as the rest of the trim, thus offering no personalization. This may be the default setting when the vehicle is delivered. Inserts in different colors and designs can be ordered as vehicle accessories or purchased later.
[0015] The insert can be removably fastened to the trim component, allowing it to be easily replaced with another insert of a different design. This replacement can be done by the owner or user themselves, however, there are also possible embodiments where the replacement can only be done at a service station. In both cases, the replacement is quick, allowing for spontaneous replacement depending on the vehicle's usage or the mood of the driver or owner.
[0016] According to another embodiment, a plurality of receptacles with identical cross-sectional shapes are arranged on the second surface. The decorative component can be equipped with only one receptacle or with multiple receptacles. In the latter case, it is possible to replace some of the inserts and arrange them in a certain manner. Of course, it is also possible to replace all the inserts. The possibilities for individual arrangements of the inserts increase with the number of receptacles. Since all receptacles have the same cross-sectional shape, a specific insert can be plugged into any receptacle, thereby increasing the number of possible arrangements.
[0017] In another embodiment, the receptacles are arranged in a matrix shape. The matrix shape arrangement enables the inserts to be arranged regularly and evenly. In addition, a large number of receptacles can be placed in a small area.
[0018] In another embodiment, the number of receptors per area unit is constant and / or variable within the second surface. The number of receptors per area unit can also be referred to as "receptor density." When the number is constant, a uniform appearance can be achieved. When the number of receptors per area unit varies, a specific optical effect can be preset. When areas with a high number of receptors are arranged adjacent to areas with a low number of receptors, a wavy optical effect can be achieved. Furthermore, some areas of the decorative component can be more prominent than others.
[0019] In another embodiment, when secured to the receptacle, the insert protrudes from the second surface. In this case, the insert can have two sections with different cross-sectional shapes. One section is complementary to the receptacle, while the cross-sectional shape of the other section protruding from the second surface can be freely selected, further increasing the degree of freedom.
[0020] According to another embodiment, the insert comprises a fastening device for removably fastening the insert to the receptacle and / or the base body. The insert can be fastened to the decorative component by friction engagement. However, during vehicle operation, the friction engagement may degrade as the operating time increases. In contrast, the fastening device can be designed specifically according to the operational requirements so that the insert can be reliably fastened to the decorative component. In addition, a tool may be required to remove the insert from the decorative component. The fastening device can be designed to interact with a given tool. The tool can work similar to a key, or contain a key, so that only authorized personnel can remove the insert.
[0021] In another embodiment, the fastening means comprises a latching element. In this embodiment, the insert only needs to be moved into the receptacle. The latching element (sometimes also referred to as a snap-fit) is activated simply by this movement. No additional tools or steps are required for fastening. Therefore, fastening the insert is very easy. However, the fastening means is not limited to the latching element. The fastening means may also comprise screws, bayonet fasteners, or magnets, to name a few examples.
[0022] In another embodiment, a sealing element is arranged in the receptacle and / or on the insert for sealing the insert relative to the base body. In particular, when the decorative component is an exterior decorative component, the sealing element prevents water from accumulating inside the receptacle, which could lead to scaling. The sealing element can prevent water from accumulating inside the receptacle.
[0023] In another embodiment, a decorative layer is applied to the insert. The decorative layer may have a metallic appearance or provide other optical effects, allowing for a high degree of personalization.
[0024] According to another embodiment, the insert is illuminated or can be illuminated and includes a light-transmitting section. In this embodiment, personalization can be achieved at night or at dusk. In addition, specific effects can be achieved, for example, by using different brightness levels or flashes.
[0025] In another embodiment,
[0026] - the light source can be connected to an electrical line via a plug connection or a contact connection, and / or
[0027] The insert can be connected to the light guide by a plug connection or a contact connection.
[0028] Both plug connections and contact connections facilitate the replacement of inserts equipped with light sources. A plug connection may have to be manually established. With a contact connection, the insert simply needs to be moved into the receptacle. The contact connection is established by positioning the insert relative to the receptacle. This makes it very easy and quick to establish.
[0029] According to another embodiment, the light source includes electronic components. In the case where the light source includes light-emitting diodes, the light-emitting diodes are arranged on a printed circuit board, which can carry one or more electronic components that can be connected to a control unit of the vehicle. The electronic components can include a memory unit in which information about the brightness, color, etc. of the light source is stored and can be used by the control unit, for example, to determine under which conditions the light source can be turned on or off. The control unit can activate and deactivate the light source, for example, to generate a specific scene that can be selected by the vehicle owner.
[0030] In another embodiment, the insert includes a coupling section for coupling with a tool. As mentioned above, there may be embodiments in which the owner or user of the vehicle can remove the insert themselves. However, this could allow others to do the same, thereby harming the owner or user of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the insert is designed so that it can only be removed using a specific tool. The coupling section can interact with the tool similar to a key and a lock. The owner or user of the vehicle can control the replacement of the insert. Unauthorized removal or replacement can be avoided or at least made more difficult.
[0031] In another embodiment, the decorative component includes a removable cover body that surrounds at least a portion of the second surface. Preferably, the cover body is at least partially transparent or translucent so that the insert can be seen from the outside, especially when the decorative component is an exterior decorative component. The cover body provides protection for the insert and prevents the insert from being accidentally loosened from the receptacle.
[0032] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle comprising a trim component according to one of the aforementioned embodiments.
[0033] The technical effects and advantages discussed with respect to this decorative component largely apply equally to the vehicle. Simply put, the insert can be removably fastened to the decorative component, allowing it to be easily replaced with another insert of a different design. This replacement can be accomplished by the owner or user themselves, though there are also cases where replacement can only be performed at a service station. In both cases, however, replacement is quick, allowing for spontaneous changes based on the vehicle's intended use or the driver's or owner's mood. This allows for a high degree of personalization in a simple and quick manner.
[0034] According to another embodiment, the vehicle comprises a control unit which is communicatively connected to the insert or is communicatively connected to the insert. In the event that the insert is illuminated or can be illuminated, the corresponding light source can be activated by the control unit. To this end, the light source can provide the control unit with specific information about its properties so that the control unit can provide appropriate commands to the light source. One piece of information can be whether the color and / or brightness of the light provided by the light source can be changed. The control unit can activate and deactivate the light source, for example, to generate specific scenes that can be selected by the owner of the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0036] Figure 1A A first embodiment of a decorative element according to the invention is shown in a principle front view,
[0037] Figure 1B Showing the decorative part along Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the cross section defined in,
[0038] Figure 1C The second embodiment of the decorative component is shown along Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the cross section defined in,
[0039] Figure 2 is a principle cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the decorative component,
[0040] Figure 3 is a principle cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the decorative component,
[0041] Figure 4 is a principle cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the decorative component,
[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the decorative component, and
[0043] Figure 6is a schematic top view of a vehicle comprising a trim component according to one of the illustrated embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] Figure 1A 1 shows a principle front view of a decorative component 101 according to the present invention, which can be embodied as an exterior decorative component 101, such as a grille or bumper of a vehicle 11 (see FIG. Figure 6 ). Figure 1B For the decorative part 101 along Figure 1A . The decorative component 101 comprises a base body 12 formed by a first subunit 14 and a second subunit 16 which are connected to each other so as to form a void 17. The base body 12 forms a first surface 18 and a second surface 20. When mounted to the vehicle 11, the first surface 18 faces inwardly and the second surface 20 faces outwardly. The second surface 20 is the visible side of the decorative component 101 that is visible to an observer in the vicinity of the vehicle 11. The decorative component 101 comprises a plurality of receptacles 22, into each of which an insert 24 can be introduced and fastened to the base body 12. The insert 24 can be made by injection molding or a similar manufacturing method. As Figure 1A As shown in FIG, the insert 24 can have the same color as the second surface 20 or a different color. Figure 1A The inserts 24 having different colors are arranged according to the preferences of the owner or driver of the vehicle 11. In the embodiment shown, the inserts 24 having different colors are arranged to form a pattern similar to the letter "H".
[0045] The receptors 22 have a uniform cross-sectional shape (here, a hexagonal shape) and are arranged in a matrix shape, that is, in columns and rows. Figure 1A In the embodiment, area units 26 are defined. The number of receptacles 22 per area unit 26 varies and decreases toward a side edge 28 of the decorative component 101.
[0046] Insert 24 may be releasably secured to base body 12 by frictional engagement and / or by magnets or other suitable means. Receptacle 22 is directly accessible so that insert 24 may be inserted into and removed from receptacle 22 with relative ease.
[0047] Figure 1C The second embodiment of the decorative component 102 is similar to Figure 1B According to the cross-sectional view of Figure 1AThe front view of the first embodiment of the decorative component 101 and the second embodiment of the decorative component 102 can be the same. The main difference is that a transparent or translucent cover body 30 is fastened to the base body 12 and surrounds the second surface 20 and the insert 24 inserted into the receptacle 22. The cover body 30 protects the second surface 20 and the insert 24 from external influences such as temperature, moisture, stone chips, and chemicals. However, the cover body 30 prevents direct access to the insert 24. To replace the insert 24, the cover body 30 must first be replaced, which can be done at a service station.
[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a decorative component 103. The insert 24 is provided with a fastening device 32, embodied as a latching element 34. The latching element 34 allows the insert 24 to be fastened to the base body 12. To this end, the second subunit 16 of the base body 12 is provided with a through-hole 36 into which the latching element 34 can be inserted. When the insert 24 is fastened to the base body 12, the latching element 34 elastically deforms and reaches behind the second subunit 16 of the base body 12.
[0049] A decorative layer 38 is applied to the insert 24. The decorative layer 38 can be any color and can represent a graphic element. The decorative layer 38 can be printed onto the insert 24 using color, ink, etc. The insert 24 can also be a "molded-in-color-part." The decorative layer 38 can also be designed to produce a metallic effect and can be applied by chemical or physical vapor deposition.
[0050] When insert 24 is inserted into receptacle 22, it protrudes from second surface 20 of base body 12. The portion of insert 24 that protrudes from second surface 20 can have a cross-sectional shape that is independent of the shape of receptacle 22. The shape of the protruding portion of insert 24 is visible to an observer. Not only can the color or surface appearance of insert 24 be varied, but its visible external shape can also be varied. The visible cross-sectional shape of insert 24 can be circular, star-shaped, or polygonal, to name a few examples.
[0051] The insert is equipped with various coupling sections 37 by which the insert 24 can be connected to a tool 39. The insert 24 can be fastened to the receptacle 22 so that it can only be removed using the tool 39. The tool 39 and the coupling sections 37 can interact like a key and a lock, thereby preventing unauthorized removal.
[0052] Figure 31 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a decorative part 104. The light source 40 is integrated into the insert 24. In the fourth embodiment, the light source 40 comprises an RGB-LED mounted on a printed circuit board 41, on which certain electronic components 43, such as a memory, are mounted. In addition to red, green and blue, other colors within the color range of the RGB-LED can be generated by mixing. A plug connection 42 is provided, by which the light source 40 can be connected to a wire 44 for supplying power to the light source 40. The plug connection 42 is usually established manually by inserting one or more plugs into the corresponding sockets before the insert 24 is introduced into the receptacle 22. Further, the light source 40 can be connected to a control unit 46 of the vehicle 11 (see Figure 6 ) communication connection. The control unit 46 and the light source 40 can exchange information, particularly information regarding the properties of the light source 40, for example, whether the color and / or brightness of the light provided by the light source 40 can be changed. This information is stored on the electronic component 43. Furthermore, the control unit 46 can obtain information regarding the position of the receptacle 22 into which the corresponding light source 40 has been inserted. The control unit 46 can turn the light sources 40 of multiple inserts 24 on and off in a certain order and color, allowing for the display of a welcome scene or a farewell scene.
[0053] In order to allow light to leave the insert 24, the insert is provided with a light-transmitting section 47. The insert 24 may consist of a transparent or translucent material and / or be provided with a plurality of small holes filled with a transparent or translucent filling material.
[0054] A sealing element 48 is arranged between the insert 24 and the second surface 20 of the base body 12 in order to prevent water from penetrating into the insert 24. In particular, the light source 40 and the plug connection 42 are prevented from being damaged.
[0055] Figure 4 FIG2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a decorative component 105. The design of the decorative component 105 according to the fifth embodiment is largely similar to that of the fourth embodiment. However, the wires 44 for power supply and communication with the control unit 46 are integrated into the second subunit 16 of the base body 12. Alternatively, the wires 44 may be embodied as conductive paths printed on the second subunit 16.
[0056] The contact connection 50 is established when the insert 24 is fastened to the base body 12. There is no need to insert a plug into a socket.
[0057] Figure 5A sixth embodiment of a decorative component 106 is shown. In this sixth embodiment of the decorative component 106, a remotely located light source 52 is connected to a light guide 54, into which light emitted by the remotely located light source 52 is directed. The light is then transmitted to the insert 24 and projected onto a diffuser layer 56, which evenly distributes the light within the insert 24 before it exits. Also in this case, the insert 24 is connected to the light guide 54 via a contact connection 50.
[0058] Figure 6 This is a schematic top view of a vehicle 11, for example, equipped with a front trim 10F and a rear trim 10R according to the fourth or fifth embodiment. The front trim 10F may be a grille, while the rear trim 10R may be a bumper. The insert 24 is connected to the aforementioned control unit 46 via a wire 44. The inserts 24 of the front and rear trims 101, 101, can be illuminated independently of each other by the control unit 46.
[0059] Reference Signs List
[0060] 101-106 decorative parts
[0061] 10F front decorative parts
[0062] 10R rear decorative parts
[0063] 11 vehicles
[0064] 12 base body
[0065] 14 First subunit
[0066] 16 Second subunit
[0067] 17 Gap
[0068] 18 first surface
[0069] 20 Second surface
[0070] 22 Receiver
[0071] 24 inserts
[0072] 25 connection section
[0073] 26 regional units
[0074] 28 side edges
[0075] 30 cover body
[0076] 32 fastening device
[0077] 34 latch elements
[0078] 36 through holes
[0079] 37 connection section
[0080] 38 decorative layers
[0081] 39 tools
[0082] 40 light sources
[0083] 41 printed circuit boards
[0084] 42 plug connection part
[0085] 43 electronic components
[0086] 44 wires
[0087] 46 control unit
[0088] 47 light-transmitting sections
[0089] 48 sealing elements
[0090] 50 contact connections
[0091] 52 Remotely located light sources
[0092] 54 light guide
[0093] 56 diffusion layer
Claims
1. A decorative component (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106) of or for a vehicle (11), comprising: a base body (12) having a first surface (18) and a second surface (20), the second surface (20) being the visible side of the decorative component (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106) when the decorative component is mounted on the vehicle (11), - one or more receptors (22), said one or more receptors (22): is arranged on the second surface (20), and formed by or fastened to the base body (12), and - at least one insert (24) removably fastened to the receptacle (22) and / or to the base body (12).
2. The decorative component (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106) according to claim 1, It is characterized by: A plurality of receptors (22) having the same cross-sectional shape are arranged on the second surface (20).
3. The decorative component (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106) according to claim 2, It is characterized by: A plurality of the receptors (22) are arranged in a matrix.
4. The decorative element (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: The number of receptors (22) per area unit (26) within the second surface (20) is: - Constant and / or -Changed.
5. The decorative element (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: When secured to the receptacle (22), the insert (24) protrudes from the second surface (20).
6. Decorative element (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: The insert (24) comprises fastening means (32) for removably fastening the insert (24) to the receptacle (22) and / or the base body (12).
7. The decorative component (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106) according to claim 6, It is characterized by: The fastening device (32) comprises a latching element (34).
8. Decorative element (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: A sealing element (48) is arranged in the receptacle (22) and / or on the insert (24) for sealing the insert (24) relative to the base body (12).
9. The decorative element (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: A decorative layer (38) is applied to the insert (24).
10. Decorative element (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: The insert (24) - is illuminated or capable of being illuminated, and - comprising a light-transmitting section (47).
11. The decorative component (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106) according to claim 10, It is characterized by: - at least one light source (40) is arranged inside the insert (24), and / or - providing at least one light guide (54) for guiding light generated by a remotely arranged light source (52) into said insert (24).
12. The decorative component (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106) according to claim 11, It is characterized by: - the light source (40) can be connected to an electrical line (44) via a plug connection or a contact connection, and / or The insert (24) can be connected to the light guide (54) via a plug connection (42) or a contact connection (50).
13. The decorative element (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized by: The decorative component (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106) includes a removable cover body (30) surrounding at least a portion of the second surface (20).
14. A vehicle (11) comprising a trim component (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106) according to any one of the preceding claims.
15. The vehicle (11) according to claim 14, A control unit (46) is included, which is communicably connected to the insert (24) or is communicably connected to the insert (24).