Integrated intelligent light-emitting exterior decoration
By applying special coating processes and micro-laser engraving technology to the exterior parts of smart cars, the design difficulty and cost of molds for integrated smart luminous front faces have been solved, achieving hidden luminous effects and radar component integration, thus improving design freedom and aesthetics.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511971166.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies for integrated intelligent luminous front face design suffer from problems such as difficult mold design, poor molding, high cost, and exposed radar sensors. Furthermore, the design freedom of the luminous shape is low, which cannot meet personalized needs.
Using a special coating process and a method for making light-emitting windows, a light-transmitting window is formed on the paint layer through micro-laser engraving, realizing an integrated intelligent light-emitting exterior without the need for openings. Combined with specific paint layer thickness and material selection, it ensures that light can pass through while concealing radar components.
It achieves an integrated body color design for the product, increases the freedom of light pattern design, reduces mold design difficulty and production cost, improves appearance and production yield, and supports intelligent driving functions.
Smart Images
Figure CN121590433A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of intelligent automotive trim technology, specifically relating to an integrated intelligent luminous exterior trim. Background Technology
[0002] With the booming development of electric vehicles, the design of front and rear fascias of automobiles is undergoing a profound transformation, with the front end showing particularly significant changes, exhibiting a trend towards integration, grille-less design, and borderless design. Currently, the market suffers from severe homogenization of vehicles; from an exterior design perspective, many models exhibit a "one-size-fits-all" appearance, failing to meet the personalized needs of end consumers. Based on market demand, there is a need to develop innovative technologies for integrated intelligent interactive front fascias. Currently, integrated intelligent illuminated front fascias are still in the conceptual trial stage for domestic and international automotive component manufacturers. In officially mass-produced products, the mainstream approach is still non-integrated, relying on openings in the product structure and assembling light-emitting panels to achieve the lighting effect. This technical approach has the following drawbacks: the illuminated area is not a seamless body-colored structure; the numerous perforations in the mold structure lead to complex mold design, resulting in problems such as overflow, insufficient glue, or difficulty in demolding during injection molding; and the design freedom of the illuminated shape is low; disassembly and assembly result in cumbersome finishing processes and high overall costs; the internal structure of the product is complex, the radar sensor is exposed and unsightly, and integration is low. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration that addresses the current state of the existing technology. Through a special coating process combination and a specific luminous window manufacturing method, a surface treatment technology can be achieved that allows the product substrate to be pore-free, while still matching the body color well and allowing white light to pass through.
[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: an integrated intelligent light-emitting exterior decoration, characterized in that it includes a backlight, a substrate layer, a first paint layer, a second paint layer and a third paint layer, wherein the first paint layer is located on the front surface of the substrate layer, at least one second paint layer is located on the upper part of the first paint layer, the third paint layer is located on the upper part of the second paint layer, and at least one paint layer has a light-transmitting window for transmitting light from the backlight.
[0005] In the aforementioned integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration, the light-transmitting window is formed by laser-engraved paint layer, and the luminous pattern is composed of tiny dot matrix, with the laser-engraved hole diameter ≤1mm and the hole spacing ≤1mm.
[0006] This new laser engraving process, also known as micro laser engraving, has a laser engraving hole diameter of ≤1mm and a hole spacing of ≤1mm. When not lit, the laser engraving pattern is basically invisible to the naked eye. When lit, it can transmit light, achieving a hidden luminous effect, which can preserve the integrated body color shape of the product to the greatest extent.
[0007] In the aforementioned integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration, the second paint layer is a single-layer colored paint layer or is composed of two or more layers of colored paint superimposed, the first paint layer is a primer layer and serves as the base layer for the second paint layer, and the third paint layer is a clear coat layer and is used to protect the underlying paint.
[0008] As one approach, in the aforementioned integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration, the substrate layer is translucent, and a first adhesive paint layer is coated on the front surface of the substrate layer. The first adhesive paint layer is located between the substrate layer and the first paint layer and enhances the adhesion between the first paint layer and the substrate layer. At least one second paint layer is located on the first paint layer. Both the first paint layer and the second paint layer have light-transmitting windows. A second adhesive paint layer is coated on the front surface of the second paint layer, and a third paint layer is located on the second adhesive paint layer.
[0009] In the aforementioned integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration, the thickness of the first attached paint layer is between 3-10 μm, the thickness of the first paint layer is between 6-25 μm, the thickness of the second paint layer is between 10-30 μm, the thickness of the second attached paint layer is between 3-10 μm, and the thickness of the third paint layer is between 25-50 μm.
[0010] As a second approach, in the aforementioned integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration, the substrate layer is light-transmitting, and a first adhesive paint layer is coated on the front surface of the substrate layer. The first adhesive paint layer is located between the substrate layer and the first paint layer and enhances the adhesion between the first paint layer and the substrate layer. At least one second paint layer is located on the first paint layer. The second paint layer has a light-transmitting window for transmitting backlight light. A second adhesive paint layer is coated on the front surface of the second paint layer, and a third paint layer is located on the second adhesive paint layer.
[0011] In the aforementioned integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration, the thickness of the first attached paint layer is between 3-10 μm, the thickness of the first paint layer is between 10-30 μm, the thickness of the second paint layer is between 10-30 μm, the thickness of the second attached paint layer is between 3-10 μm, and the thickness of the third paint layer is between 25-50 μm.
[0012] In the aforementioned integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration, the first and second attached paint layers are high-transparency paint layers.
[0013] As a third approach, in the aforementioned integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration, the substrate layer is light-transmitting, the front surface of the substrate layer is coated with a first paint layer, at least one second paint layer is located on the first paint layer, and a third paint layer is located on the second attached paint layer. The first paint layer, the second paint layer, and the third paint layer are all provided with light-transmitting windows for transmitting light from the backlight.
[0014] In the aforementioned integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration, the thickness of the first paint layer is between 5-20 μm, the thickness of the second paint layer is between 10-30 μm, and the thickness of the third paint layer is between 25-50 μm.
[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are that it can be applied to intelligent front and rear panels. By selecting a light-transmitting substrate (such as polypropylene (PP) or polycarbonate (PC) as the main material) and employing a special coating process combination and a specific method for manufacturing the light-emitting window, the following functions of the intelligent light-emitting front panel can be achieved: First, the product features an integrated design, unlike traditional open-hole designs on the market; second, the product can achieve various body colors, and the pattern emits white light when the light-transmitting area is illuminated, with light transmittance meeting regulatory requirements; third, the light-emitting pattern design is free, customizable, and can be family-oriented, without being constrained by molds and injection molding technology, resulting in a simpler, more integrated body color appearance. Fourth, by selecting the particle size and addition ratio of metal powder in the paint coating and controlling the wall thickness of the transparent substrate, this invention allows radar waves to penetrate the product. In this way, the radar component can be integrated and hidden on the back of the product, eliminating the need for the radar sensor to be exposed like in traditional products. This makes the product appearance more aesthetically pleasing and empowers intelligent driving. Fifth, the process is simpler and the yield is higher, offering a cost advantage compared to the low integration of open-hole routes. Sixth, when a high-transparency material is selected for the substrate, the luminous skin material can directly use the light-transmitting area as a protective cover for position lights and turn signals, replacing traditional automotive headlight protective cover parts, further reducing production costs, and resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing design. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first type of integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration;
[0017] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the second type of integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration;
[0018] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the third type of integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, which are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.
[0020] In the figure, the backlight is 100; the substrate layer is 200; the first paint layer is 300; the second paint layer is 400; the third paint layer is 500; the light-transmitting window is 600; the first attached paint layer is 700; the second attached paint layer is 800; and the laser-engraved pattern is 900.
[0021] This integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration can emit white light that transmits radar waves without openings. It mainly includes a backlight 100, a substrate layer 200, a first paint layer 300, a second paint layer 400, and a third paint layer 500. The first paint layer 300 is located on the front surface of the substrate layer 200. At least one second paint layer 400 is located above the first paint layer 300, and the third paint layer 500 is located above the second paint layer 400. At least one of the paint layers has a light-transmitting window 600 for transmitting light from the backlight 100. Three different process structures can be manufactured, including a light-transmitting... The window section 600 is formed by laser engraving a paint layer. Different sizes and shapes of laser engraved patterns 900 can be selected according to the customer's appearance and light transmission requirements. The luminous pattern is composed of tiny dots. The laser engraving aperture of the pattern is ≤1mm and the hole spacing is ≤1mm. This new laser engraving process is also called micro laser engraving. The laser engraved pattern 900 has an aperture of ≤1mm and a hole spacing of ≤1mm. When not lit, the laser engraved pattern 900 is basically invisible to the naked eye. When lit, it can transmit light, achieving a hidden luminous effect. It can preserve the integrated body color of the product to the greatest extent. The following are three different process solutions.
[0022] Example 1
[0023] like Figure 1As shown, the backlight 100 is used for emitting light and is located below the substrate layer 200. The substrate layer 200 is translucent, and its haze and transmittance are determined according to specific needs. A first adhering paint layer 700 is coated on the front surface of the substrate layer 200 by spraying or printing. Here, the first adhering paint layer 700 is a high-transmittance paint layer. The first adhering paint layer 700 is located between the substrate layer 200 and the first paint layer 300 and is an optional layer. The common thickness is between 3-10um, depending on the quality requirements of different customers. The purpose is to improve the adhesion between the paint and the substrate. Then, the first paint layer 300 is applied by spraying or printing. The first paint layer 300 is a primer layer and serves as the base layer for the second paint layer 400. The common thickness is between 6-25um. At least one second paint layer 400 is located on the first paint layer 300. The second paint layer 400 is mainly applied by spraying or printing. This layer is defined as a color paint layer (some complex colors may be composed of two or more layers of color paint). The common thickness is... The light transmittance is between 10-30µm. Both the first paint layer 300 and the second paint layer 400 have light-transmitting windows 600. That is, a light-transmitting window 600 is made in each of the first paint layer 300 and the second paint layer 400. This can be achieved mainly by laser engraving paint, or by pre-reserving the light-transmitting window 600 when printing the first paint layer 300 and the second paint layer 400. A second adhering paint layer 800 is coated on the front surface of the second paint layer 400. The second adhering paint layer 800 is mainly applied by spraying or printing. The second adhering paint layer 800 is a high-transmittance paint layer and is also an optional layer. The common thickness is between 3-10µm, depending on the quality requirements of different customers. The purpose is to improve the adhesion between the clear coat and the base coat and enhance weather resistance. The third paint layer 500 is located on the second adhering paint layer 800. Finally, the third paint layer 500 is applied by spraying or printing. This layer is a high-transmittance clear coat layer, which is used to protect the base coat paint. The common thickness is between 25-50µm.
[0024] Example 2
[0025] like Figure 2As shown, the backlight 100 is used for emitting light and is located below the substrate layer 200. The substrate layer 200 is translucent, and its haze and transmittance are determined according to specific needs. A first adhering paint layer 700 is coated on the front surface of the substrate layer 200 by spraying or printing. Here, the first adhering paint layer 700 is a high-transmittance paint layer. The first adhering paint layer 700 is located between the substrate layer 200 and the first paint layer 300 and is an optional layer. The common thickness is between 3-10um, depending on the quality requirements of different customers. The purpose is to improve the adhesion between the paint and the substrate. Then, the first paint layer 300 is applied by spraying or printing. The first paint layer 300 is a primer layer and serves as the base layer for the second paint layer 400. The common thickness is between 10-30um. At least one second paint layer 400 is located on the first paint layer 300. The second paint layer 400 is mainly applied by spraying or printing. This layer is defined as a color paint layer (some complex colors may consist of two or more layers). (Composed of multiple layers of paint), with a common thickness between 10-30µm. In this embodiment, only the second paint layer 400 has a light-transmitting window 600, that is, a light-transmitting window 600 is made in the second paint layer 400. This can be achieved mainly by laser engraving the paint, or by pre-reserving the light-transmitting window 600 when printing the second paint layer 400. A second adhering paint layer 800 is coated on the front surface of the second paint layer 400. Here, the second adhering paint layer 800 is mainly applied by spraying or printing. The second adhering paint layer 800 is a high-transmittance paint layer and is also an optional layer. The common thickness is between 3-10µm, depending on the quality requirements of different customers. The purpose is to improve the adhesion between the clear coat and the base coat and enhance weather resistance. The third paint layer 500 is located on the second adhering paint layer 800. Finally, the third paint layer 500 is applied by spraying or printing. This layer is a high-transmittance clear coat layer, which is used to protect the base coat paint. The common thickness is between 25-50µm.
[0026] Example 3
[0027] like Figure 3As shown, the backlight 100 is used for emitting light and is located below the substrate layer 200. The substrate layer 200 is translucent, and its haze and transmittance are determined according to specific needs. A first paint layer 300 is coated on the front surface of the substrate layer 200 by spraying or printing. The common thickness is between 5-20µm, depending on the quality requirements of different customers. The purpose is to improve the adhesion between the paint and the substrate, and at the same time, to provide light shielding. At least one second paint layer 400 is located on the first paint layer 300. The second paint layer 400 is mainly coated by spraying or printing. This layer is defined as the color paint layer (some complex colors may be composed of two or more layers of color paint). The first, second, and third paint layers 300, 400, and 500 are all equipped with light-transmitting windows 600. These can be achieved by laser engraving, which involves creating light-transmitting windows 600 on each of the first, second, and third paint layers 300 and 400 to allow light from the backlight 100 to pass through. The common thickness of the third paint layer 500 is between 10-30um. The third paint layer 500 is located on the second paint layer 800. The third paint layer 500 is mainly formed by spraying or printing. The common thickness of the third paint layer 500 is between 25-50um. The first paint layer 300, second paint layer 400, and third paint layer 500 are all equipped with light-transmitting windows 600. This can be achieved by laser engraving, which means that light-transmitting windows 600 are made on each of the first, second, and third paint layers 300 and 400 to allow light from the backlight 100 to pass through.
[0028] The above-listed film thickness ranges are for readers' reference and understanding of the process. In actual implementation, the thickness of each layer can be finely adjusted based on these ranges. Furthermore, the product surface can match any car body color, and the coating solution and innovative process combination that allows the product to transmit white light and light waves without openings enables highly integrated, intelligent, and interactive functions for automotive exterior products. It can also be applied to luminous automotive exteriors (such as luminous bumpers, luminous grilles, luminous masks, luminous trim strips, luminous tailgates, etc.).
[0029] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the spirit of the invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains may make various modifications to the described specific embodiments or adopt similar methods to replace them, but without departing from the scope defined by the spirit of the invention.
Claims
1. An integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration, characterized in that, It includes a backlight, a substrate layer, a first paint layer, a second paint layer, and a third paint layer. The first paint layer is located on the front surface of the substrate layer, at least one second paint layer is located on top of the first paint layer, and the third paint layer is located on top of the second paint layer. At least one paint layer has a light-transmitting window for transmitting light from the backlight.
2. The integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-transmitting window is formed by laser engraving a paint layer, and the light-emitting pattern is composed of tiny dots. The laser engraving hole diameter of the pattern is ≤1mm and the hole spacing is ≤1mm.
3. The integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second paint layer is a single layer of colored paint or is composed of two or more layers of colored paint. The first paint layer is a primer layer and serves as the base coat for the second paint layer. The third paint layer is a clear coat layer and is used to protect the underlying paint.
4. The integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration according to claim 3, characterized in that, The substrate layer is light-transmitting, and a first adhesive paint layer is coated on the front surface of the substrate layer. The first adhesive paint layer is located between the substrate layer and the first paint layer and enhances the adhesion between the first paint layer and the substrate layer. At least one second paint layer is located on the first paint layer. Both the first paint layer and the second paint layer have light-transmitting windows. A second adhesive paint layer is coated on the front surface of the second paint layer, and a third paint layer is located on the second adhesive paint layer.
5. The integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration according to claim 4, characterized in that, The thickness of the first attached paint layer is between 3-10 μm, the thickness of the first paint layer is between 6-25 μm, the thickness of the second paint layer is between 10-30 μm, the thickness of the second attached paint layer is between 3-10 μm, and the thickness of the third paint layer is between 25-50 μm.
6. The integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration according to claim 3, characterized in that, The substrate layer is light-transmitting, and a first adhesive paint layer is coated on the front surface of the substrate layer. The first adhesive paint layer is located between the substrate layer and the first paint layer and enhances the adhesion between the first paint layer and the substrate layer. At least one second paint layer is located on the first paint layer. The second paint layer has a light-transmitting window for transmitting light from the backlight. A second adhesive paint layer is coated on the front surface of the second paint layer, and a third paint layer is located on the second adhesive paint layer.
7. An integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration according to claim 6, characterized in that, The thickness of the first attached paint layer is between 3-10 μm, the thickness of the first paint layer is between 10-30 μm, the thickness of the second paint layer is between 10-30 μm, the thickness of the second attached paint layer is between 3-10 μm, and the thickness of the third paint layer is between 25-50 μm.
8. An integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration according to claim 6 or 4, characterized in that, The first and second attached paint layers are high-transparency paint layers.
9. An integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration according to claim 3, characterized in that, The substrate layer is light-transmitting, and a first paint layer is coated on the front surface of the substrate layer. At least one second paint layer is located on the first paint layer, and a third paint layer is located on the second attached paint layer. The first paint layer, the second paint layer, and the third paint layer are all provided with light-transmitting windows for transmitting light from the backlight.
10. An integrated intelligent luminous exterior decoration according to claim 9, characterized in that, The thickness of the first paint layer is between 5-20 μm, the thickness of the second paint layer is between 10-30 μm, and the thickness of the third paint layer is between 25-50 μm.