Illuminated trim component of or for a vehicle and method for producing such an illuminated trim component

Abstract

The invention relates to an illuminated or illuminable trim part (121, 122, 123) of a vehicle (10) or for a vehicle, comprising: a light source (28) for providing light; -a transparent or translucent carrier layer (22); 0 at least one opaque component (30) which is applied to the carrier layer (22) or integrated into the carrier layer (22); and / or 0 at least one paint layer (44) applied to the carrier layer (22); -the foil (38) 0 comprises a printed area (40) and / or 0 has at least one cut-out (42) through which light provided by the light source (28) can penetrate. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a decorative part (121, 122, 123).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an illuminated decorative component for or for a vehicle, and to a method for producing such an illuminated decorative component. Background Technology

[0002] More and more vehicle trim pieces are being illuminated, primarily for aesthetic reasons, but also to provide specific functionality by displaying certain information. This can be achieved by switching an area of ​​the trim piece from off to illuminated, or vice versa, by having that area flash or be illuminated in a particular color. This mainly applies to interior trim pieces. However, exterior trim pieces are also becoming increasingly illuminated. The front grille is an example of an exterior trim piece, highly valued for its key role in differentiating one vehicle from another from a particular brand. Illuminated front grilles typically feature intricate patterns or graphics, including the vehicle manufacturer's logo. The illuminated parts of the front grille are becoming larger, and the complexity of the graphics is also increasing.

[0003] Complex graphics can be achieved through multiple layers of paint combined with laser removal. This requires numerous manufacturing steps. Simultaneously, the high amount of waste makes this manufacturing method quite expensive.

[0004] Another way to provide intricate graphics is by using decorative foil that can be screen-printed. This method allows for the creation of complex shapes and colors that extend across the entire decorative element; however, it is also typically expensive. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One objective of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an illuminated decorative element that includes complex graphics, but can be provided in a cost-effective manner.

[0006] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a method for producing such illuminated decorative components.

[0007] This task is accomplished by the features specified in claims 1 and 10. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] One embodiment of this disclosure relates to an illuminated decorative component for or for a vehicle, including...

[0009] - A light source, which is used to provide light.

[0010] -Transparent carrier layer,

[0011] ○ At least one opaque component, which is applied to or integrated into the carrier layer, and / or

[0012] ○ At least one paint layer, which is applied to the carrier layer, and

[0013] -foil

[0014] ○ Including the printing area, and / or

[0015] It has at least one cut, through which light supplied by a light source can pass.

[0016] A core concept of this invention is to divide the graphic of a given decorative component to be illuminated into areas of relatively simple graphics and areas of more complex graphics. As mentioned, the grille of a vehicle is a particularly important decorative component. Typically, the vehicle manufacturer's logo is positioned in the center, while other components, such as the grille frame, are positioned on the periphery. While the frame typically has a fairly simple shape, the vehicle manufacturer's logo often has greater complexity. According to the applicable regulations of a given country, the vehicle manufacturer's logo may not be illuminated. In this case, the foil may be opaque and include a printed area representing the logo. Where applicable regulations permit the logo to be illuminated, the opaque foil may include cutouts representing the logo, allowing light from a light source to penetrate the foil and be seen from the vehicle's surroundings in an illuminated manner.

[0017] The lighting of the frame can be achieved using opaque components, which are arranged such that the course of the frame is illuminated while the surrounding area remains dark.

[0018] The use of relatively expensive foil is limited to the necessary areas, while the rest of the grille is illuminated in the desired manner by cheaper opaque components. This allows the overall manufacturing cost of the grille to remain low.

[0019] In another embodiment

[0020] - Apply an opaque component and / or paint layer such that at least one blank area is formed on the carrier layer, the blank area being neither covered by the opaque component nor by the paint layer, and

[0021] - The foil is transparent or translucent to light provided by a light source and is arranged in a blank area.

[0022] The term "translucent" can be understood as meaning that the color and / or intensity of light passing through it changes. A foil can comprise transparent and translucent areas arranged adjacent to or at a distance from each other. Therefore, specific illuminating effects can be provided, particularly by altering the color and / or intensity of light.

[0023] The arrangement in the blank areas allows the foil to directly utilize the light provided by the light source, ensuring that the light intensity is not reduced or almost not reduced between the light source and the foil.

[0024] In another embodiment, the printed area is translucent or opaque to light. The foil itself can be transparent. This embodiment is particularly suitable for providing illuminated graphics, especially logos of vehicle manufacturers. The printed area extends over a large portion of the foil, leaving only sections of the desired logo shape. Light can penetrate these sections or penetrate them with different intensity and / or different color compared to the rest of the area. Therefore, the logo is clearly visible even at night.

[0025] In another embodiment, characterized in that the carrier layer has an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface faces the light source, wherein...

[0026] -Opaque components and / or

[0027] - Paint layer and / or

[0028] -foil

[0029] Arranged in the inner surface.

[0030] The inner surface is shielded from external influences such as ultraviolet radiation, temperature, and stone cracking. The arrangement on the inner surface allows the grille to remain illuminated for a significantly longer period. However, it should be noted that, in particular, the foil can also be arranged on the outer surface of the carrier layer.

[0031] In another embodiment, the printing area includes ink and / or lacquer. The use of ink and lacquer has proven well-suited for providing intricate patterns to be illuminated. The ink can be transparent, translucent, or opaque.

[0032] In another embodiment, the decorative component further includes a transparent or translucent protective layer applied to the outer surface of the carrier layer. This protective layer shields the decorative component from external influences such as ultraviolet radiation and stone chipping.

[0033] According to another embodiment, a transparent or translucent anti-fog layer is applied to the inner surface and / or foil. Depending on the design of the decorative component, it can form a closed housing that is not ventilated or only poorly ventilated. This may increase the risk of condensation buildup in areas permeable to light provided by the light source. The accumulated water degrades the quality of the illuminated pattern, particularly regarding clarity and uniformity. The application of the anti-fog layer reduces condensation buildup and the aforementioned adverse effects.

[0034] In another embodiment, the coating layer includes light-permeable void regions. These void regions can be provided by laser ablation, which can provide a highly filamentary structure.

[0035] According to another embodiment, an additional paint layer is disposed on top of the paint layer. Areas with different colors and intensities can be provided.

[0036] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing an illuminated decorative component according to one of the foregoing embodiments, comprising the following steps:

[0037] - Print the printing area on the foil.

[0038] Insert the foil into the injection mold.

[0039] - A transparent carrier layer is molded and then covered with a molded foil.

[0040] The technical effects and advantages discussed regarding this decorative component also apply to this method. In short, the use of foil is limited to areas of the graphic to be illuminated that are of considerable complexity, while other areas of the graphic with less complexity are provided by paint layers and / or opaque components. The overall cost of the corresponding decorative component can be kept low, especially because only a very small number of injection molding steps are required.

[0041] In another embodiment, the method includes the following steps:

[0042] - The foil is formed by high-pressure molding between the printing and insertion steps.

[0043] This embodiment is particularly suitable when the decorative parts have obvious curvature or kinks.

[0044] In another embodiment, the method includes the following steps:

[0045] - The carrier layer and opaque components are produced by two-component injection molding.

[0046] No additional steps are required to provide opaque components. Therefore, low production costs and production time can be maintained.

[0047] The present invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a trim component according to one of the foregoing embodiments and / or a trim component manufactured by a method according to one of the foregoing embodiments. The technical effects and advantages discussed with respect to this trim component also apply to the vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0048] The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein

[0049] Figure 1A The illustration shows the front of a vehicle according to the invention, including an illuminateable decorative element (in this case, a grille), which is not illuminated.

[0050] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A The vehicle shown, however, has its trim pieces illuminated.

[0051] Figure 2A yes Figure 1AAn independent front view of the first embodiment of the grille shown.

[0052] Figure 2B It is the edge of the grille Figure 2A Cross-sectional view of the cutting plane AA as defined in the middle.

[0053] Figure 3A yes Figure 1A A separate front view of the second embodiment of the grille shown.

[0054] Figure 3B It's the edge of the grille. Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the cutting plane BB defined in the middle.

[0055] Figure 4 The third embodiment of the grille along Figure 2B and Figure 3B A view of the lines. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A front view of a vehicle 10 is shown, including a first embodiment of a decorative element 121 that is illuminated or can be illuminated according to the invention. The decorative element 121 is implemented as a front grille 14 extending between the left headlight 16 and the right headlight 16 of the vehicle 10.

[0057] The grille 14 features different illuminated patterns 18, namely multiple hexagons, and a logo 20 that may be the vehicle manufacturer's logo 20. Figure 1A In the middle, grille 14 was not illuminated, while... Figure 1B It is illuminated. Different illumination states are illustrated only by logo 20. Figure 1A In the unlit state shown, logo 20 is black, while in the non-illuminated state, it is black. Figure 1B In the illuminated state shown, logo 20 is white, with only its outline remaining black.

[0058] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the middle, different views are shown separately. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The decorative component 121 of vehicle 10. Figure 2B It is along Figure 2A The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the cutting plane AA as defined in the diagram. However, it should be noted that these diagrams are only of principle nature. Therefore, Figure 2B Only an approximation Figure 2A The illuminated decorative component 121.

[0059] The decorative component 121 includes a transparent carrier layer 22, sometimes referred to as a lens, which has an approximately U-shaped form and forms an inner surface 24 and an outer surface 26. Furthermore, the decorative component 121 is provided with a plurality of light sources 28. The inner surface 24 of the carrier layer 22 faces the light sources 28, while the outer surface 26 faces the surrounding environment of the vehicle 10.

[0060] Multiple opaque components 30 are arranged on the inner surface 24. They can be provided using two-component injection molding in the same injection molding step as the carrier layer 22. However, they can also be attached to the carrier layer 22 in different manufacturing steps, such as by gluing.

[0061] On the lateral region 31 of the trim member 121, an opaque member 30 forms a fastening section 32, through which the trim member 121 can be connected to the housing 34 or the support element of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the opaque member 30 prevents light from entering and exiting the trim member 121 in the lateral region 31.

[0062] Oriented toward the center of the decorative component 121, the opaque member 30 forms a hexagonal opening 37 through which light provided by the light source 28 can pass and enter the surrounding environment of the vehicle 10, thereby providing a corresponding illuminated pattern 18 for the grille 14. Furthermore, the opaque member 30 does not extend into the central blank area 36 of the carrier layer 22 (see...). Figure 2A ).

[0063] Foil 38 is located in blank area 36 and can be molded by overlaying carrier layer 22. Foil 38 itself is transparent and includes printing area 40, in which ink or paint is applied to foil 38. Printing area 40 is opaque or translucent. In the first case, light cannot pass through foil 38, while in the second case, the color and / or intensity of light changes compared to the rest of foil 38. In both cases, the graphic can be projected onto a significantly more complex surrounding environment compared to the shape provided by the opaque component 30. As mentioned, highly complex graphics can be such as... Figure 1A and Figure 1B The logo of the vehicle manufacturer shown is 20.

[0064] According to the invention, the use of foil 38 is limited to highly complex patterns. Since the use of foil 38 typically incurs higher manufacturing costs compared to opaque member 30, grid 14 can provide the desired illumination at a lower cost compared to embodiments in which all patterns to be illuminated are provided by foil 38.

[0065] A transparent anti-fog layer 41 is applied to the inner surface 24 of the opaque component 30, foil 38 and carrier layer 22 to prevent the accumulation of condensation, which could adversely affect light propagation through the decorative component 121 and the surrounding environment of the vehicle 10.

[0066] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A second embodiment of the decorative component 122 is shown, wherein Figure 3B It is along Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the cutting plane BB defined in the middle. Figure 3A Only an approximation Figure 3A The illuminated decorative component 122. The construction of the decorative component 122 according to the second embodiment is largely similar to that of the decorative component 122 in the first embodiment. Therefore, only the main differences are described below.

[0067] The foil 38 itself is opaque or translucent and includes a cut 42 through which light supplied by the light source 28 can pass. The cut 42 can be created by laser ablation.

[0068] Furthermore, a paint layer 44 is applied to the inner surface 24 of the carrier layer 22 instead of the opaque component 30. The paint layer 44 forms a light-permeable void region 46. The void region 46 can be provided by laser ablation.

[0069] exist Figure 3B The housing 34 is not shown in the diagram. However, the carrier layer 22 may be provided with, for example, Figure 2B The fastening section 32 shown is used to connect the decorative part 122 to the housing 34 or to the support element (not shown) of the vehicle 10.

[0070] Figure 4 A third embodiment of the decorative component 123 is shown, which is largely similar to... Figure 3A and Figure 3B The second embodiment of the decorative component 123 shown differs primarily in that an additional paint layer 48 is applied to the paint layer 44. In the third embodiment, the additional paint layer 48 completely covers the paint layer 44. However, the additional paint layer 48 may only partially cover the paint layer 44. The color and intensity of light penetrating the paint layer 44 and the additional paint layer 48 can be varied to achieve specific lighting effects. An example is not shown where more than one, but two or more, additional paint layers 48 are applied to the paint layer 44.

[0071] Furthermore, in the lateral region 31, the opaque member 30 is arranged on another paint layer 48 and is thus at least indirectly connected to the carrier layer 22. As in the first embodiment, the opaque member 30 in the lateral region 31 forms a fastening segment 32 to connect the decorative member 123 to the housing 34 or to a support element (not shown) of the vehicle 10.

[0072] In addition, a protective layer 50 is applied to the outer surface 26 of the carrier layer 22. The protective layer 50 is primarily used to protect the decorative component 123 from external influences such as UV radiation and stone chipping. The protective layer 50 may be made of PUR (polyurethane).

[0073] The foil 38 and the carrier layer 22 may be made of PC (polycarbonate), while the opaque component 30 may be made of PC (polycarbonate) and / or ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer).

[0074] Reference List

[0075] 10 vehicles

[0076] Decorative components 121 to 123

[0077] 14 Grilles

[0078] 16 headlights

[0079] 18 patterns

[0080] 20 logos

[0081] 22 Transparent carrier layer

[0082] 24 Inner Surface

[0083] 26. Outer surface

[0084] 28 Light Sources

[0085] 30 Opaque Components

[0086] 31 Lateral region

[0087] 32 Fastening section

[0088] 34. Shell

[0089] 36 blank areas

[0090] 37 Opening

[0091] 38 foil

[0092] 40 Printing Area

[0093] 41 Anti-fog layer

[0094] 42 Incisions

[0095] 44 Coating layers

[0096] 46. ​​Void area

[0097] 48. Additional paint layers

[0098] 50 protective layers

Claims

1. An illuminated or illuminateable decorative component (121, 122, 123) for or for a vehicle (10), comprising: - Light source (28), the light source being used to provide light; - A transparent or translucent carrier layer (22); ○ At least one opaque member (30), said at least one opaque member being applied to or integrated into the carrier layer (22); and / or ○ At least one paint layer (44), said at least one paint layer (44) is applied to the carrier layer (22), and -Foil(38) ○ Including the printing area (40), and / or It has at least one cut (42) through which light provided by the light source (28) can penetrate.

2. The illuminated or illuminateable decorative component (121, 122, 123) according to claim 1, Its features - Apply the opaque member (30) and / or the paint layer (44) such that at least one blank area (36) is formed on the carrier layer (22), the blank area being neither covered by the opaque member (30) nor by the paint layer (44), and The foil (38) is transparent or translucent to light provided by the light source (28) and is disposed in the blank area (36).

3. The illuminated or illuminateable decorative component (121, 122, 123) according to claim 1 or claim 2, Its features are, The printed area (40) is translucent or opaque to light provided by the light source (28).

4. The illuminated or illuminateable decorative component (121, 122, 123) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The carrier layer (22) has an outer surface (26) and an inner surface (24), wherein the inner surface (24) faces the light source (28), wherein -The opaque member (30) and / or -The paint layer (44) and / or -The foil(38) Arranged in the inner surface (24).

5. The illuminated or illuminateable decorative component (121, 122, 123) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The printing area (40) includes ink and / or paint.

6. The illuminated or illuminateable decorative component (121, 122, 123) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The decorative components (121, 122, 123) also include a transparent or translucent protective layer (50) applied to the outer surface (26) of the carrier layer (22).

7. The illuminated or illuminateable decorative component (121, 122, 123) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, A transparent or translucent anti-fog layer (41) is applied to the inner surface (24) and / or the foil (38).

8. The illuminated or illuminateable decorative component (121, 122, 123) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The paint layer (44) includes a light-permeable void region (46).

9. The illuminated or illuminateable decorative component (121, 122, 123) according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, Another paint layer (44) is arranged on the paint layer (44).

10. A method for producing an illuminated or illuminateable decorative component (121, 122, 123) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: -The printing area (40) is printed on the foil (38). - Insert the foil (38) into the injection mold, and - Molding the transparent carrier layer (22) and thereby covering the molded foil (38).

11. The method according to claim 10, Its features are, The method includes the following steps: - The foil (38) is formed by high-pressure molding between the printing and insertion steps.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, Its features are, The method includes the following steps: - The carrier layer (22) and the opaque component (30) are produced by two-component injection molding.

13. A vehicle (10) comprising decorative elements (121, 122, 123) manufactured according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and / or by any one of claims 10 to 12.

Images