Vehicle emblem assembly with pluggable interior module
By designing a connector pair structure between the external logo module and the internal module in the motor vehicle logo component, the logo component integrates additional functions on the external panel while protecting the internal components, thus solving the problems of large space occupation and susceptibility to environmental impact.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
Smart Images
Figure CN122143791A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to motor vehicles, and more particularly to emblem components for motor vehicles. Background Technology
[0002] Motor vehicles are affixed with external emblems for identification. These emblems may contain logos, characters, or a combination thereof to identify the vehicle manufacturer or model. Such emblems are affixed to exterior panels, including closed panels such as trunk lids. Summary of the Invention
[0003] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an emblem component comprising: an emblem module configured to be disposed on the outer side of an external panel element of a motor vehicle, wherein the emblem module includes at least one electrically activatable functional unit and at least one emblem connector; and an internal module configured to be disposed on the inner side of the external panel element, wherein the internal module includes an electrically activatable internal module unit and at least one internal connector, wherein the at least one internal connector and the at least one emblem connector form a connector pair, wherein at least a portion of the connector pair is configured to extend through a through-hole in the external panel element such that the emblem component is secured to the external panel element, and the internal module unit is electrically connected to at least one functional unit.
[0004] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a logo component in which internal module units are configured to control at least one functional unit.
[0005] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a logo component in which internal module units are configured to perform signal processing on at least one functional unit.
[0006] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a logo component, which also includes at least one additional connector pair.
[0007] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a logo component wherein at least one logo connector and at least one internal connector of a connector pair have electrical contacts, and an internal module unit and at least one functional unit are electrically connected via the electrical contacts.
[0008] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a logo assembly in which one of at least one logo connector and at least one internal connector has a resiliently deflectable locking element that engages in a recess of the other of the logo connector and at least one internal connector.
[0009] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a logo component in which at least one logo connector protrudes from a logo module and is configured to protrude through a through-hole.
[0010] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a logo component, wherein at least one functional unit has at least one light element configured to at least partially illuminate the logo module.
[0011] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a logo component in which at least one functional unit is a sensor unit that can be triggered by a user.
[0012] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a logo component in which the sensor unit is a capacitive sensor.
[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle comprising: an exterior panel element; and an emblem assembly comprising: an emblem module having an emblem module body disposed on the outside of the exterior panel element, at least one electrically activatable functional unit, and at least one emblem connector; and an interior module having an interior module body disposed on the inside of the exterior panel element, an electrically activatable interior module unit, and at least one interior connector, the at least one interior connector forming a connector pair with the at least one emblem connector, wherein at least one connector of the connector pair protrudes from one of the associated emblem module body and interior module body, wherein the connector pair is inserted together through a through-hole in the exterior panel element such that the emblem assembly is secured to the exterior panel element, and the interior module unit is electrically connected to the at least one functional unit.
[0014] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle in which at least one functional unit has at least one light element configured to at least partially illuminate a logo module.
[0015] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle in which at least one functional unit is a sensor unit that can be triggered by a part of a user's body.
[0016] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle in which the sensor unit is a capacitive sensor.
[0017] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle and also includes a shut-off element wherein the shut-off element is unlocked by triggering a sensor unit.
[0018] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle in which the closing element is a trunk lid.
[0019] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method comprising: mating a connector pair of logo components together through a through-hole in an external panel element of a motor vehicle, wherein the connector pair includes at least one logo connector of a logo module and at least one internal connector of an internal module, wherein, by mating operation, the logo component is secured to the external panel element in a form-locking manner, and an electrically activatable internal module unit of the internal module is electrically connected to at least one electrically activatable functional unit of the logo module.
[0020] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method, which also includes controlling at least one light element to at least partially illuminate the logo module.
[0021] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method, which also includes detecting a part of the user's body near the logo module via a sensor unit.
[0022] In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a method, which also includes: unlocking a closing element of a motor vehicle in response to detecting a part of a user's body. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1 A perspective view of a motor vehicle with an exemplary vehicle system is shown; Figure 2 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a portion of a motor vehicle with logo components during the initial assembly stage is shown; Figure 3 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a portion of a motor vehicle with logo components during another assembly stage is shown; Figure 4 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a portion of a motor vehicle with a logo component in an assembled state is shown. Detailed Implementation
[0024] This disclosure relates to motor vehicles, and more particularly to emblem components for motor vehicles. This disclosure allows the emblem module to maintain a size comparable to conventional emblems while integrating additional functionality. This disclosure further facilitates installation without redesigning external panel components. Additionally, in some variations, this disclosure allows the use of existing through-holes for conventional emblem attachment and places some relatively sensitive components on the inside to resist environmental impacts.
[0025] It should be noted that the features and measures individually explained in the following description can be combined with each other in any technically feasible manner, and other embodiments of this disclosure are disclosed. This description, in particular, is combined with the accompanying drawings to further define and illustrate this disclosure.
[0026] This disclosure provides a vehicle system for a motor vehicle. This disclosure is not limited to any particular type of motor vehicle. For example, the drive motor may be an internal combustion engine or an electric drive motor, or a combination of both. Furthermore, the motor vehicle may be a passenger car, a truck, or a bus. The motor vehicle may be controlled by a driver or autonomously. For the sake of brevity, the motor vehicle will also be referred to as a "vehicle" in some of the examples below. The vehicle system has various electrical components, i.e., components that can be operated electrically.
[0027] The vehicle system features an emblem component. The term "embroidery," as used here and below, refers to any type of marking used to identify a vehicle manufacturer or model. It can be, in particular, a graphic symbol, but it can also contain one or more characters, namely letters or numbers.
[0028] The logo assembly has a logo module with a logo module body for placement on the outside of an exterior panel element of a motor vehicle, at least one electrically activated functional unit, and at least one logo connector component (or simply "connector"). The logo module can also be referred to as an exterior module. It has a logo module body designed to be placed on the outside of the exterior panel element. The exterior panel element is part of the vehicle's exterior panel and has a surface facing the vehicle environment. It can be manufactured in known ways, such as from sheet metal or synthetic materials, or possibly from fiber-reinforced synthetic materials. Of course, it can also be composed of multiple materials. The exterior panel element can be considered part of a vehicle system. The exterior panel element has an outer side facing the vehicle environment and an inner side facing the interior of the vehicle body (e.g., passenger compartment, engine compartment, cargo compartment, etc.). In the assembled state, the logo module body is located on the outer side. In one example, the logo module body is at least partially abutted against the outer side of the exterior panel element. Its shape can be adapted accordingly to the shape of the exterior panel element. On the side facing away from the exterior panel element, the logo module body can have the aforementioned logo, which identifies the vehicle model and / or manufacturer.
[0029] Furthermore, the logo module has an electrically activated functional unit. This functional unit is integrated into the logo module body. The logo module body may have a housing made of an electrically insulating material (e.g., a synthetic material). The functional unit may be mounted in this housing. Due to the presence of the functional unit, the logo module is not merely a passive element for identification, but has at least one additional function. The type of additional function will be discussed further below. The functional unit is electrically activated, meaning its function involves the electrical energy supplied to the functional unit. For activation, current can flow through the functional unit; however, a voltage can also be applied to the functional unit without current flowing through it. Additionally, the logo module has at least one logo connector component. This can also be simply referred to as a logo connector. However, here and below, terms such as “connector,” “connector component,” or similar terms refer to male and female plug-in connectors, i.e., without distinguishing between plugs and sockets. As will be explained below, this at least one logo connector component is used to establish both mechanical and electrical connections. Although the logo connector component and the logo module body are mentioned separately here, embodiments in which there is no clear distinction between the two components are conceivable. For example, in some embodiments, the logo connector component may be at least partially integrated into the logo module body. Specifically, it can be manufactured at least partially integrally with the logo module body. For example, the non-conductive area of the logo connector component can be integrally manufactured with a portion of the housing of the aforementioned logo module body. In one example, the logo connector component is rigidly connected to the logo module body.
[0030] According to this disclosure, the logo component has an internal module with an internal module body for being disposed inside an external panel element, an electrically activatable internal module unit, and at least one internal connector component forming a connector pair together with a logo connector component, wherein at least one connector component protrudes from an associated module body, and the connector pair can be inserted together through a through-hole in the external panel element such that the logo component is fixed to the external panel element in a form-locking manner and the internal module unit is electrically connected to each functional unit.
[0031] In the assembled state, the inner module body is disposed inside the outer panel element and abuts the outer panel element from the inside in at least certain areas. Its shape can be adapted accordingly to the shape of the outer panel element. Furthermore, the inner module has electrically active inner module units. The inner module units are integrated within the inner module body. The inner module body may have a housing made of an electrically insulating material (e.g., a synthetic material). The inner module units can be mounted within this housing. The inner module units are electrically active, meaning their function involves the electrical energy supplied to them. To activate, current and / or voltage can be applied to the inner module units. However, embodiments are envisioned where the inner module units have their own power source, such as a battery, with a connector plug through which they can be connected to an external power source. Additionally, the inner module has at least one internal connector component. This can also be simply referred to as an internal connector. Likewise, this at least one internal connector component serves both to establish a mechanical connection and to establish an electrical connection. Although the internal connector component and the inner module body are mentioned separately here, embodiments without a clear distinction between these two elements are also envisioned. The internal connector component can be at least partially integrated into the internal module body, and in particular, can be manufactured at least partially integrally with it. For example, the non-conductive region of the internal connector component can be integrally manufactured with a portion of the housing of the internal module body. The internal connector component can be rigidly connected to the internal module body.
[0032] Each internal connector component, together with the logo connector component, forms a connector pair, meaning these connector components mate in shape and position to allow mating together. Due to their design and arrangement on their respective module bodies, the connector components can define a mating axis along which the modules must move toward each other for connection. At least one connector component protrudes from the associated module body. In the assembled state, the connector component protrudes toward the other module. For the logo module, the logo connector component protrudes inward toward the inner module. For the inner module, the inner connector component protrudes outward toward the logo module. Thus, the connector pair can be mated together through through-holes in the outer panel element, such that the logo assembly is form-locked to the outer panel element and the inner module unit is electrically connected to each functional unit. The outer panel element can have one or more through-holes connecting the inner and outer sides. Since at least one connector component protrudes from the module body, it can be arranged in the through-hole, while the module body is arranged on the inner or outer side. Therefore, connections to opposite sides of the outer panel element can be provided through the connector components. In the assembled state, the logo connector component and the internal connector component of the connector pair can be inserted through the same through-hole. In other words, at least one connector component, and possibly both, protrudes into the through-hole, making it possible to insert them together. The connection of the two connector components can be achieved by force-locking and / or form-locking. In each case, the two modules are mechanically connected by mating together.
[0033] Because the connector components are connected, a connection is formed between the logo module and the inner module through at least one through-hole. On one hand, this secures the logo assembly to the outer panel element in a form-locking manner. Once the plug-in connection is in place, the logo assembly cannot be pulled outwards because this is prevented by the form-locking connection between the inner module body and the outer panel element. It also cannot be pulled inwards because this is prevented by the form-locking connection between the logo module body and the outer panel element. Furthermore, it cannot be pulled along the planar direction of the outer panel element (i.e., typically relative to...). Figure 2 In terms of the direction of paper entry / exit, this is hindered by the form-locking connection between the connector pair and the outer panel element in the through-hole area. It should be noted that the form-locking connection between the logo assembly and the outer panel element can be supplemented by further measures. For example, the logo module body can have a self-adhesive coating on the inside, which creates a material bond with the outer panel element. This coating can also help seal the through-hole. The inner module body can also be connected to the outer panel element by additional measures, such as snap-fit connections, screw connections, clip connections, etc.
[0034] In addition to the mechanical connection between the two modules, the internal module unit is electrically connected to each functional unit via at least one connector pair. The electrical connection can be specifically designed such that at least one functional unit can be activated via the internal module unit. In other words, the power supply to the functional unit can be provided via the internal module unit. In one example, the internal module unit is connected to the at least one functional unit for signal transmission. In other words, analog and / or digital electrical signals can be transmitted via the at least one connector pair. Transmission can occur from the internal module unit to the functional unit and / or vice versa. Overall, due to the electrical connection, the internal module unit and at least one functional unit can be effectively considered as cooperating parts of an electrical assembly, which is partially arranged inside and partially outside the external panel element.
[0035] Overall, the structure of the logo component according to this disclosure allows for an advantageous design of the external logo module body. Since the components of the aforementioned electrical components are arranged inside the internal module unit, the functional units can be designed to be correspondingly compact and space-saving. Therefore, the size of the logo module can be somewhat comparable to that of a conventional logo. Particularly sensitive components can also be arranged internally. The at least one connector pair can have a relatively small cross-section, which is why a relatively small through-hole is sufficient. Therefore, the necessary intervention in the structure of the external panel element is minimal. Even through-holes used in other versions of motor vehicles for attaching conventional logos can be used. Therefore, different designs can be achieved with a single external panel element. It is even conceivable to use this logo component to retrofit and replace conventional logos.
[0036] In one example, the internal module unit is configured for the control and / or signal processing of at least one functional unit. In a first case, the internal module unit is configured to control and / or drive the associated functional unit. Specifically, it can generate control signals for the functional unit and transmit them through the at least one connector pair; these control signals can be digital or analog signals. In each case, they affect the functional unit, for example, by activating or deactivating it or changing its activity type. Setting a specific voltage or current to operate the functional unit can also be considered control. In a second case, the internal module unit is configured to receive and process signals from the functional unit. Processing may include evaluation, but may also involve signal preparation or conversion, such as filtering at a specific frequency, analog-to-digital conversion, amplification, etc. In each case, functions closely related to the operation of the functional unit can be transferred to the internal module. Therefore, the size of the logo module can be kept small. Furthermore, potentially sensitive electrical components used for control or signal processing can be better protected from environmental influences and interference by being located inside the external panel components.
[0037] An embodiment providing only a single connector pair is conceivable. However, in one example, the logo component has multiple connector pairs, which may be spaced apart from each other. Similarly, in one example, each connector pair is assigned a dedicated through-hole. In one example, the logo module is non-rotatably attached to the outer panel component. This applies even if the single through-hole has only a small cross-section, especially when it can also be used to attach a conventional logo.
[0038] Signal transmission between internal module units and functional units can, in principle, also be achieved through inductive and / or capacitive coupling. However, the connector components of at least one connector pair may have electrical contacts through which the internal module units and functional units can be electrically connected. For example, each connector component may have a non-conductive insulator that partially shields the respective contacts. Furthermore, the non-conductive portion of the connector component may at least partially form a mechanical connection with another connector component. This non-conductive portion may also mechanically stabilize the contact and / or a line connected to it. If the connector components are mated together, the electrical contacts of the two connector components come into contact with each other and thus create a conductive connection. A connector component may have one or more contacts. It should be understood that the number of contacts in the connector components of a connector pair should match.
[0039] The mechanical connection between the connector components of a connector pair can be based solely on a force-locking connection, whereby the connector components are pressed together and then held together by friction. However, preferably, the connector components are also connected at least in a form-locking manner. According to one embodiment, at least one connector component has a resiliently deflectable locking element that engages in a recess on the other connector component of the connector pair to prevent accidental disconnection of the connector pair. The locking element may have a profile inclined to one side relative to the mating axis, so that it deflects laterally when mated together. When the locking element reaches the recess on the other connector component, it returns to its original position and thus locks in place, which is particularly perceptible audibly. The profile on the opposite side extends perpendicular to the mating axis, such that the locking connection cannot be released by pulling force. For release, the locking element may have a release section that can be pressured, for example, using a suitable tool, to intentionally release the locking element. To keep the logo connector component as small and simple as possible, the inner connector component may have a locking element while the recess is formed on the logo connector component. However, the opposite arrangement is also possible. Both the locking element and a portion of another connector component defining the recess are made of a non-conductive material (e.g., a synthetic material).
[0040] At least one logo connector component protrudes from the logo module body and, in the assembled state, protrudes through the through-hole. Therefore, the logo connector component extends from the outside to the inside of the outer panel element. Correspondingly, the associated internal connector component can be arranged entirely inside the outer panel element, or, if necessary, protrude into the through-hole but not through it. In other words, once the internal module is assembled, it does not protrude outwards. This means that even if the logo module is missing, it is virtually impossible for it to be accidentally damaged, such as if the logo module was not installed during initial assembly or if it needs to be replaced. However, in this embodiment, the internal connector component may also protrude from the internal module body, albeit to a lesser extent.
[0041] Various types of functional units can be envisioned. For example, a functional unit may have at least one light element configured to at least partially illuminate the logo module. In this case, the functional unit may also be referred to as an illumination unit. In particular, the light element can be designed as an LED. Multiple light elements (especially LEDs) can also be provided for different colors. The internal module unit can drive the at least one light element, for example, by turning it on and off. The internal module unit can also selectively activate different light elements to achieve illumination of different colors. It should be understood that, in addition to light elements, reflective elements and / or light-conducting elements may also be provided. The illumination of the logo module may particularly involve the light element providing backlighting or translucent illumination to at least a translucent or even transparent portion of the logo module body.
[0042] The functional unit is also designed as a sensor unit that can be triggered by a user's body part, particularly the hand or part of the hand. The sensor unit can be triggered by pressing, non-pressurized touch, or proximity. For example, the sensor unit can be designed as a pressure switch, and the signal from the sensor unit can be received and processed by an internal module unit. The internal module unit can then send another signal to a higher-level control unit in the vehicle. Alternatively, the signal from the sensor unit can also be forwarded to the aforementioned control unit without further processing, which can be considered part of the vehicle system.
[0043] The internal module unit or control unit can also deactivate the sensor unit, making detection temporarily impossible. Specifically, the sensor unit can only be triggered if a transponder has previously been detected approaching the vehicle. Such transponders can be carried by an authorized user and detected by the vehicle. A change in lighting after a transponder is detected can also indicate that the sensor unit is now ready for use. For example, the aforementioned lighting element can be turned on once a transponder is detected. The color of the lighting can change if the sensor unit has been activated or if the triggering attempt is unsuccessful. For example, if the user attempts to activate the sensor unit but the signal received by the sensor is unclear, the color can change from white to red. Another color change is from white to blue if the triggering is successful. Other variations and changes in lighting are conceivable.
[0044] One embodiment provides a sensor unit designed as a capacitive sensor. The sensor unit may have one or more electrodes that can be integrated into the logo module body. Applying a voltage generates an electric field that is influenced by the presence of an object or body part near at least one electrode, which in turn affects the capacitance and impedance of the sensor unit. The internal module unit can control the applied voltage, which can be direct current or alternating current. Furthermore, the internal module unit can measure the flowing current to detect the proximity or contact of a body part. However, evaluation can also be performed in the aforementioned higher-level control unit. Instead of a specific voltage, a specific current can also be set, where the resulting voltage is measured to determine changes in impedance.
[0045] Closing elements of a motor vehicle, particularly a trunk lid, can be unlocked by triggering a sensor unit. In this context, a closing element is any element that closes a motor vehicle opening when in a closed position and releases that opening when in an open position. For example, this could be a door, an engine hood, or a cover covering a fuel filler or charging port. Specifically, it could be a trunk lid, where the term refers to all closing elements that close the cargo compartment or luggage compartment. In other words, a trunk lid can pivot about a horizontal or vertical axis, or can be displaced in other ways. Optionally, the trunk lid has at least one window. Closing elements can be locked or unlocked as needed. In other words, a locking mechanism is assigned to the closing element that prevents opening in the locked state; this locking mechanism can also be considered part of the vehicle system. If the sensor unit is activated, a corresponding signal can be processed in an internal module unit and / or control unit, which can then, for example, unlock the closing element. The user can then open the closing element. The trunk lid has an external panel element on which an emblem component is mounted. Since conventional emblems are also typically located on trunk lids, it is reasonable to install an emblem with a sensor unit here, which can be used to unlock the trunk lid. This layout is intuitive and ergonomic, making it easy for users to operate.
[0046] Figure 1 A motor vehicle 1 is shown, which in this case is a passenger car. This motor vehicle has a trunk lid 2, which serves as a luggage compartment. Figure 1 The closing element is not visible in the center. The trunk lid is secured by a locking mechanism 42. This locking mechanism is connected to the control unit 40 of the motor vehicle 1. The control unit 40 is also connected to the antenna 41, the function of which is explained below. The logo component 11 is disposed on the trunk lid 2, and... Figure 1 A logo module 12 of the logo component is visible in the image. The logo component 11, control unit 40, and locking mechanism 42 belong to the vehicle system 10 according to this disclosure.
[0047] Figure 2 The first stage of the assembly process is shown. On one hand, the logo module 12 can be seen, which is disposed on the outer side 4 of the outer panel element 3. The outer side 4 constitutes the outer skin of the trunk lid 2. On the other hand, the inner module 25, which is also part of the logo assembly 11, is shown. The inner module 25 is disposed on the inner side 5 of the outer panel element 3. Figure 2 Two modules 12 and 25 are shown, still spaced apart from the outer panel element 3. Logo module 12 has a logo module body 13, which is relatively flat and carries the logo (not visible) on the side facing away from the outer panel element 3. Furthermore, two functional units 14 are disposed inside the logo module body 13. One is a sensor unit 15 designed as a capacitive sensor, and the other is an illumination unit 16 with multiple light elements 17, which can be LEDs, such as OLEDs. Two logo connector components 18 protrude from the logo module body 13 and can be integrally manufactured with the logo module body 13 from a non-conductive material (e.g., a synthetic material). Each logo connector component 18 is assigned a through-hole 6 in the outer panel element 3. The orientation of the logo connector components 18 and the orientation of the through-holes 6 are along... Figure 2-4 The insertion axis is centered parallel to direction S. At the end, the logo connector component 18 has multiple logo contacts 20 that are electrically connected to the functional unit 14. On the side of each logo connector component 18, a recess 19 is formed perpendicular to direction S. A self-adhesive rubber coating 21 is provided on the side of the logo module body 13 facing the external panel element 3.
[0048] The internal module 25 has an internal module body 26, which can be made of a composite material. An internal module unit 32 is disposed within the internal module body 26 and has a connector plug 33. The connector plug 33 mates with a cable connector 43 disposed on a cable 44. The cable 44 can be, for example, a bus line through which the internal module unit 32 can be connected to other systems of the vehicle 1, particularly the control unit 40, i.e., the central control unit (CPU). Furthermore, two internal connector parts 27 are formed on the internal module body 26, each defining a recess whose size and shape match the logo connector part 18. Additionally, internal contacts 30 of each internal connector part 27 are connected to the internal module unit 32. These contacts mate with the aforementioned logo contacts 20. Thus, each logo connector part 18 and its corresponding internal connector part 27 form a connector pair 35. A resiliently deflectable locking element 28 is disposed on each internal connector part 27 and integrally manufactured with the internal module body 26. A deflection section 29 is connected to each locking element 28.
[0049] Figure 3 A configuration is shown in which the connector plug 33 and connector 43 are connected to each other, and the internal module 25, having the internal module body 26, is positioned on the external panel element 3 such that the position of the internal connector component 27 aligns with the position of the through-hole 6. Optionally, a connection device may be provided to attach the internal module 25 to the position shown. The logo connector component 18 is inserted along the mating axis direction through the through-hole 6 and partially inserted into the internal connector component 27, causing the locking element 28 to be laterally deflected relative to direction S. The logo contact 20 and the internal contact 30 remain separated from each other. Figure 4 The final assembled state is shown, with contacts 20 and 30 in contact with each other, thereby creating a conductive connection between the internal module unit 32 and the functional unit 14. A rubber coating 21 contacts the external panel element 3, thereby creating an adhesive bond between the logo module 12 and the external panel element 3. Each latching element 28 engages in a recess 19, thereby achieving a form-locking connection in the S-direction. If this connection is released, the corresponding latching element 28 can be deflected through a deflection segment 29, after which the two modules 12 and 25 can be separated from each other.
[0050] The emblem component 11 can be used as part of the vehicle system 10 to unlock the trunk lid 2. In a first step, the control unit 40 can use the antenna 41 to detect the approach of a user 50 carrying a transponder 51. For example, the latter can be integrated into the car key. Due to the approach of the user 50, the control unit 40 activates (optionally, in addition to other light elements not shown) at least one light element 17 of the illumination unit 16. This provides visual feedback to the user 50, indicating that their presence has been detected, and draws their gaze to the emblem module 12. The actual control of the illumination unit 16, such as setting the appropriate current for the corresponding light element 17, can be performed within the internal module unit 32. After detecting the user 50, the internal module unit 32 can also activate the sensor unit 15, causing it to generate a detection field (not shown here). If the user 50's hand is now close to the sensor unit 15, the change in capacitance and / or impedance of the sensor unit 15 can be detected by the internal module unit 32. After properly evaluating the signal, the internal module unit 32 can contact the control unit 40 via the cable 44, after which the control unit can release the locking mechanism 42. Meanwhile, if the user's hand is successfully detected, the internal module unit 32 can control the lighting unit 16 to change the lighting color.
[0051] It should be understood that terms such as “about,” “basically,” and “generally” are not intended to be unrestricted terms and should be interpreted in the manner in which those skilled in the art interpret these terms.
[0052] Although the different examples have the specific components shown in the figures, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those specific combinations. Some components or features from one example may be combined with features or components from another example. Furthermore, the various figures accompanying this disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show certain details of a particular component or arrangement.
[0053] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are exemplary and non-limiting. That is, modifications to this disclosure will fall within the scope of the claims. Therefore, the following claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.
Claims
1. A logo component, comprising: A logo module, configured to be disposed on the outer side of an external panel element of a motor vehicle, wherein the logo module includes at least one electrically activatable functional unit and at least one logo connector; and An internal module is configured to be disposed on the inside of the external panel element, wherein the internal module includes an electrically activatable internal module unit and at least one internal connector, wherein the at least one internal connector and the at least one logo connector form a connector pair, wherein at least a portion of the connector pair is configured to extend through a through-hole in the external panel element such that the logo component is secured to the external panel element, and the internal module unit is electrically connected to the at least one functional unit.
2. The logo component according to claim 1, wherein, The internal module unit is configured to control the at least one functional unit.
3. The logo component according to claim 1, wherein, The internal module unit is configured to perform signal processing on the at least one functional unit.
4. The logo component of claim 1, further comprising at least one additional connector pair.
5. The logo component according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one logo connector and the at least one internal connector in the connector pair have electrical contacts, through which the internal module unit and the at least one functional unit are electrically connected.
6. The logo component according to claim 1, wherein, One of the at least one logo connector and the at least one internal connector has a resiliently deflectable locking element that engages with a recess in the other of the at least one logo connector and the at least one internal connector.
7. The logo component according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one logo connector protrudes from the logo module and is configured to protrude through the through hole.
8. The logo component according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one functional unit has at least one optical element configured to at least partially illuminate the logo module.
9. The logo component according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one functional unit is a sensor unit that can be triggered by the user.
10. The logo component of claim 9, wherein, The sensor unit is a capacitive sensor.
11. A motor vehicle, comprising: External panel components; as well as Logo components, including: A logo module having a logo module body disposed on the outside of the external panel element, at least one electrically activatable functional unit, and at least one logo connector; and The internal module has an internal module body disposed inside the external panel element, an electrically activated internal module unit, and at least one internal connector, the at least one internal connector forming a connector pair with the at least one logo connector. Wherein, at least one connector of the connector pair protrudes from one of the associated logo module body and the internal module body. The connectors are inserted together through through holes in the outer panel element, thereby securing the logo assembly to the outer panel element, and the internal module unit is electrically connected to the at least one functional unit.
12. The motor vehicle according to claim 11, wherein, The at least one functional unit has at least one optical element configured to at least partially illuminate the logo module.
13. The motor vehicle according to claim 11, wherein, The at least one functional unit is a sensor unit that can be triggered by a part of the user's body.
14. The motor vehicle according to claim 13, wherein, The sensor unit is a capacitive sensor.
15. The motor vehicle of claim 13, further comprising a closing element, wherein the closing element is unlocked by triggering the sensor unit.
16. The motor vehicle of claim 15, wherein the closing element is a trunk lid.
17. A method comprising: The connector pairs of the logo components are plugged together through through holes in the external panel elements of the motor vehicle, wherein the connector pairs include at least one logo connector of the logo module and at least one internal connector of the internal module, wherein, through the plugging operation, the logo component is fixed to the external panel element in a form-locking manner, and an electrically activatable internal module unit of the internal module is electrically connected to at least one electrically activatable functional unit of the logo module.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: Control at least one light element to at least partially illuminate the logo module.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: The sensor unit detects parts of the user's body near the logo module.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: In response to detecting the user's body part, the closing element of the motor vehicle is unlocked.