Optical element for a vehicle component, method for manufacturing an optical element, and vehicle component

Abstract

The invention relates to an optical element (100) for a vehicle component. The optical element has a frame (10) with an upper crosspiece (14) and a lower crosspiece (12). The upper crosspiece (14) and the lower crosspiece (12) each have a receiving face (11, 13) which faces mainly towards one another. The optical element (100) further has a plurality of linear elements (16) which extend between the upper crosspiece (14) and the lower crosspiece (12) and are oriented substantially parallel to one another. The upper crosspiece (14) has guide-through holes (18) through which the linear elements (16) each extend at least partially. The linear elements (16) of the plurality of linear elements (16) are arranged and spaced apart from one another in such a way that an image (20) displayed behind them can be perceived with a visual effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to the field of optical elements for vehicle components. More specifically, this invention relates to an optical element for a vehicle component, a method for manufacturing the optical element, and a vehicle component incorporating such an optical element. Background Technology

[0002] End users are placing increasingly higher demands on the visual appearance and aesthetic design of vehicle interiors. Beyond pure functionality, design elements used to beautify the interior and enhance its appeal are becoming increasingly important.

[0003] Correspondingly, decorative elements are increasingly being installed in the cockpit area of ​​vehicles. These elements, in addition to their pure function, are intended to provide decorative and aesthetic value. Such elements may be, for example, special panels, decorative rings, or trim strips, which enhance the appearance of the interior space and create a beautiful, high-quality feel. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention is based on the following objective: to provide an optical element for vehicle components that meets the aforementioned requirements for aesthetic design and is also easy to manufacture.

[0005] This invention is defined in the independent claims. Advantageous improvements of the invention are derived from the dependent claims and the description below.

[0006] The first aspect of this disclosure relates to an optical element for a vehicle component. The optical element has an upper crossbeam and a lower crossbeam. The upper and lower crossbeams each have a receiving surface, which faces primarily towards each other. The optical element also has a plurality of linear elements extending between the upper and lower crossbeams and oriented substantially parallel to each other. The upper crossbeam has a guide aperture through which the linear elements extend at least partially. The linear elements are arranged and spaced apart from each other such that an image displayed behind them can be perceived visually.

[0007] A component for a vehicle part is proposed, which can influence or redirect light in a specific manner. This optical element can be an optical structural element, and more particularly, can be referred to as an ambient display. The optical element can be mounted, for example, in the cockpit area of ​​a vehicle. The optical element may include an upper crossbeam and a lower crossbeam. The upper and lower crossbeams can be part of a frame. This means that the optical element can have a frame at least partially formed by the upper and lower crossbeams. The crossbeams may each have a receiving surface substantially facing each other. The receiving surface is preferably a surface on which linear elements can be mounted. Multiple linear elements can be strategically positioned between the upper and lower crossbeams such that when the entire optical element is positioned in front of an image, the linear elements can produce a special visual effect on the perception of the image. The linear elements can be tubes, rods, lines, and / or filaments. Therefore, the linear elements can be used as a means to verfremden or alter an image in a specific manner, thereby producing a special visual impression.

[0008] To create a specific visual impression, linear elements can be arranged close together at varying densities. For example, linear elements can be arranged relative to each other at a predetermined first spacing in a first region and at a predetermined second spacing in a second region. Linear elements can be arranged and spaced apart according to a predetermined pattern. For example, linear elements can be spaced apart at a constant spacing between 1 mm and 10 mm, particularly between 1 mm and 5 mm. Alternatively, linear elements can be spaced apart at a variable spacing between 1 mm and 10 mm, particularly between 1 mm and 5 mm.

[0009] The linear elements between the beams can act as a lens grating or a biconvex lens grating. Such gratings can produce a 3D effect by slightly different refractions of light from different viewing angles. This creates an impression of depth and space. The degree of 3D effect varies depending on the orientation, shape, and arrangement of the linear elements. Examples of visual effects could be a slight three-dimensional effect or even a significant impression of depth in an image that is in the background or displayed. Precise orientation and parallelism of the linear elements can be crucial for achieving the desired visual effect.

[0010] Preferably, a small tube is used as the linear element. Using a small tube allows for precise parallel orientation of the linear elements relative to each other because the small tube is particularly resistant to bending. In particular, linear elements with a high elastic modulus are preferred.

[0011] Linear elements can be arranged with high precision between crossbeams by extending at least partially through guide holes in the upper crossbeam. These guide holes can be constructed as blind holes, or alternatively, through holes. The guide holes are preferably oriented substantially perpendicular to the receiving surface of the upper crossbeam. The guide holes are preferably shaped such that they can guide and secure the linear elements in the desired orientation. The diameter of the guide holes should be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the linear elements. This allows the linear elements to be easily guided through the holes without being overly clamped. However, the diameter difference should not be too large, so that the linear elements can still be accurately oriented and secured. Furthermore, the linear elements can be secured at the lower crossbeam. For example, the lower crossbeam may have receiving holes for this purpose.

[0012] The holes, i.e., receiving holes and / or guiding through holes, may be configured, for example, as slightly tapered or funnel-shaped. Alternatively, the holes may also be straight, but with special surface structures to give the linear element the desired orientation.

[0013] The structure of this optical element enables precise orientation of linear components, which in turn allows for precise light guidance. This optical element allows for the achievement of desired visual effects with the highest quality. It can also be used to enhance the aesthetics of vehicle interiors.

[0014] The vehicle component is, in particular, part of the vehicle's interior space. For example, a vehicle component could be a dashboard or door trim. An image or displayed content, visible behind the optical elements in the line of sight, can be generated, for example, by a display device. It should be noted that, in the context of this disclosure, the term "image" is preferably interpreted broadly. The image can also, in principle, be a light source, i.e., a display or illumination element visible through the optical elements.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the linear element has a diameter between 0.7 mm and 0.2 mm, particularly between 0.5 mm and 0.2 mm. The invention is based on the understanding that linear elements with this diameter are particularly well-suited for producing visual appeal while simultaneously ensuring the required mechanical stability of the linear element.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the lower crossbeam has receiving holes through which linear elements extend at least partially. The linear elements can be selectively integrated into openings or channels in the lower crossbeam. The receiving holes in the lower crossbeam allow the linear elements to be fixed and / or stabilized in position.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the lower crossbeam has a hollow space. The receiving hole of the lower crossbeam opens toward this hollow space. One of the plurality of linear elements extends into this hollow space. The hollow space is preferably located in the lower region of the lower crossbeam, i.e., on the surface opposite the receiving surface. The linear elements can be arranged such that they do not extend into the stop surface within the hollow space, but rather extend freely into the hollow space. If the linear elements do not rest against the stop surface, damage due to pressure or friction can be avoided. This improves the service life and reliability of the linear elements. Preferably, the length of the linear element is greater than the distance between the two crossbeams. In particular, the linear element is so long that it can extend into the hollow space and simultaneously extend at least partially in the guide passage hole of the upper crossbeam.

[0018] The hollow space can be used for other functions or components. For example, cables, wiring, or other components can be laid or placed in the hollow space.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the hollow space of the lower crossbeam is filled with a filler material used to anchor the linear element. The filler material within the hollow space ensures that the linear element is firmly and reliably anchored in its position. This protects the linear element from displacement, torsion, or loosening. The filler material may include, for example, foam materials, gels, resins, or other supporting substances. The filler material may have adhesive properties and may adhere, for example, to the inner wall of the hollow space of the lower crossbeam.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the lower crossbeam and / or the upper crossbeam have comb-like teeth extending through the lower or upper crossbeam, such that the comb teeth protrude from the receiving surface of the lower or upper crossbeam. The corresponding comb-like teeth are configured such that an image displayed behind them can be visually perceived. The comb-like teeth are preferably a support strip with a plurality of comb teeth arranged side-by-side (especially parallel to each other). The comb teeth may be substantially rectangular. The support strip may be arranged below the lower crossbeam, i.e., on the side opposite the receiving surface. The comb teeth may extend from the lower side of the lower crossbeam to above the receiving surface. The lower crossbeam may have holes (also called comb teeth holes) provided for this purpose.

[0021] Comb teeth, especially the comb teeth themselves, can produce a visual effect on the image displayed behind them. The combination of a linear element and at least one comb tooth can produce a synergistic, or mutually reinforcing, visual effect. That is, the visual impression perceived by the observer may not be merely the sum of the individual effects of the linear element and the comb tooth. Novel and sudden visual effects may arise from the interaction of these two components.

[0022] The cross-section of each comb tooth is preferably larger than the cross-section or diameter of the linear element.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the comb teeth are arranged in front of a plurality of linear elements in the lower and / or upper crossbeams in the viewing direction toward the image. That is, the linear elements are preferably located behind at least one comb tooth, i.e., between the comb tooth and the image.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the linear elements can be arranged such that they form at least two rows, wherein the linear elements in one row are particularly unevenly spaced from each other. For example, the linear elements in one row can be spaced from each other according to a predetermined pattern.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the linear elements can be arranged such that they form a plane substantially parallel to the image orientation. For example, each row of linear elements can form a plane substantially parallel to the image orientation.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the linear elements and / or comb racks are made of stainless steel. This invention is based on the understanding that stainless steel has a high modulus of elasticity and is therefore particularly suitable for the required precision and parallelism not only when arranging linear elements but also when arranging comb racks. The rigidity of the material allows the linear elements and / or comb racks to be oriented parallel to each other as precisely as possible, thereby achieving the desired visual effect as best as possible. Furthermore, stainless steel is resistant to rust. This contributes to maintaining the optical quality of the optical elements over a long period.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the linear elements among the plurality of linear elements have the same length. Alternatively or additionally, the comb teeth of the comb rack have different lengths. If all linear elements have the same length, the optical element can be installed or manufactured particularly easily. In this case, it is not necessary to mate the linear element with a specific guide hole. When installing the optical element, it is particularly unnecessary to concern oneself with which linear element is inserted into which guide hole.

[0028] The varying lengths of the comb teeth on a comb bar can create additional visual effects. By varying the length of the comb teeth, an impression of motion and dynamism can be created even when the displayed image is static. This can produce vivid visualizations. Furthermore, different comb tooth lengths can, for example, create a sense of depth, as shorter comb teeth appear closer to the observer, while longer comb teeth appear further back. This enhances the impression of space and three-dimensionality.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the frame of the optical element may have structural elements. These structural elements may be configured to connect the optical element to vehicle components and / or another optical element.

[0030] A second aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing optical elements for vehicle components. The method includes the following steps:

[0031] - A frame is manufactured using an additive manufacturing method, wherein the frame has an upper crossbeam and a lower crossbeam, wherein the upper crossbeam and the lower crossbeam each have receiving surfaces that are primarily oriented toward each other, and the upper crossbeam has a through guide hole;

[0032] - A plurality of linear elements are pushed in through guide holes in the upper crossbeam such that the linear elements extend between the upper and lower crossbeams and are oriented substantially parallel to each other and, in particular, substantially perpendicular to the receiving surface of the upper crossbeam.

[0033] The linear elements are arranged and spaced apart from each other in such a way that the image displayed behind them can be visually perceived.

[0034] A method is proposed that enables the fabrication of optical elements for vehicle components, such as vehicle dashboards. In a first step, a frame can be fabricated using 3D printing or other additive manufacturing methods. The frame can form a window for a rear-positioned image. The frame particularly has two crossbeams, which are preferably oriented substantially parallel to each other. The receiving surfaces of the upper and lower crossbeams face each other. This means that linear elements can be fixed to surfaces facing each other. The upper crossbeam has through holes through which linear elements can be pushed in during a second step. The linear elements and, in particular, the guide through holes, can be arranged and spaced apart from each other so that the image displayed behind them can be visually perceived. A first region can be provided in which the linear elements are arranged more closely together than in a second region. The guide through holes can be correspondingly arranged in the upper crossbeam.

[0035] After the multiple linear elements are pushed in through the guide holes, the guide holes can be closed in an optional third step, particularly from the side of the upper crossbeam opposite the receiving surface. That is, the surface of the upper crossbeam opposite the receiving surface can be covered. Adhesive tape can be applied to this surface for this purpose. Alternatively, liquid adhesive can be applied to this surface. It is also conceivable to cover this surface with silicone. By covering the surface of the upper crossbeam opposite the receiving surface, the guide holes are closed, which can prevent foreign objects or liquids from entering the guide holes.

[0036] All the advantages, disclosures and / or embodiments described above and / or below regarding optical elements also apply to the methods used to manufacture optical elements, and vice versa.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the method, an optical element as described above and / or below is manufactured.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the method, at least one comb bar is arranged in the lower crossbeam, particularly pushed through from the underside of the lower crossbeam. The underside (also called the bottom side) of the lower crossbeam is preferably the side opposite the receiving surface of the lower crossbeam. The underside of the lower crossbeam can serve as a stop surface for the support bar of the comb bar. The lower crossbeam may have additional holes or comb tooth holes through which the comb teeth of the comb bar can extend.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the method, the hollow space of the lower crossbeam is filled with a filler material. The hollow space can be filled with foamed plastic, which on the one hand improves the rigidity of the frame, and on the other hand stabilizes the linear elements preferably extending into the hollow space. Alternatively or additionally, the hollow space can be filled with a synthetic resin system. Furthermore, it is conceivable to fill the hollow space with metal foam. For example, steel foam is very light compared to other foams. The filler material can fix and / or stabilize the linear elements extending into the hollow space through the receiving holes.

[0040] A third aspect of this disclosure relates to a vehicle component comprising optical elements as described above and / or below, and a display device, wherein the optical elements are positioned in front of the display device in a line-of-sight direction. The vehicle component may particularly have a plurality of optical elements arranged side-by-side. The vehicle component may also have a glass sheet arranged in front of the optical elements in a line-of-sight direction.

[0041] All advantages, disclosures and / or embodiments described above and / or below with respect to one aspect of this disclosure also apply to all other aspects of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0043] Figure 1 An optical element according to one embodiment is shown;

[0044] Figure 2 An optical element according to one embodiment is shown;

[0045] Figure 3 A frame for an optical element according to one embodiment is shown;

[0046] Figure 4 A comb bar is shown according to one embodiment of an optical element. Detailed Implementation

[0047] In the accompanying drawings, similar, identical, or identical elements are given similar or identical reference numerals. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not to scale.

[0048] Figure 1An optical element 100 according to one embodiment is shown. In particular, Figure 1 A side sectional view of the optical element 100 is shown. Figure 1 An optical element 100 is positioned in front of an image 20, which is generated, for example, by a display device. The optical element 100 can be configured for integration into vehicle components, such as a dashboard. The optical element 100 has an upper crossbeam 14 and a lower crossbeam 12. The upper crossbeam 14 and the lower crossbeam 12 can at least partially form the frame 10 of the optical element 100. The two crossbeams 12, 14 each have receiving surfaces 11, 13 that are primarily oriented towards each other. The optical element 100 also has a plurality of linear elements 16. The linear elements 16 extend between the upper crossbeam 14 and the lower crossbeam 12, wherein the linear elements can be received via corresponding receiving surfaces 11, 13. The lengths of the linear elements 16 are preferably all the same. The lengths of the linear elements 16 can be measured along the z-direction. Figure 1 As can be seen, the tube 16 extends not only through the upper crossbeam 14 but also through the lower crossbeam 12. For this purpose, the upper crossbeam 14 has a through guide hole 18, while the lower crossbeam 12 has a receiving hole 15. The linear element 16 preferably has a diameter between 0.7 mm and 0.2 mm, particularly between 0.5 mm and 0.2 mm. The linear elements 16 are substantially parallel to each other and, particularly substantially perpendicular to the receiving surface 13 of the upper crossbeam 14. Precise parallel orientation of the linear elements 16 is desired. However, due to practical manufacturing considerations, minor deviations from this perfect parallelism may be unavoidable and acceptable. These minor deviations, however, are within permissible limits, thus still achieving the desired visual effect of parallel linear elements 16. The linear elements 16 can be arranged in rows, wherein each row can be arranged one after the other in the viewing direction R (i.e., towards the displayed image 20). The rows can be arranged adjacent to each other at varying distances in the viewing direction R.

[0049] The receiving hole 15 of the lower crossbeam 12 can be configured to be through. This means that the linear element 16 can be guided through the entire height or thickness of the lower crossbeam 12 along the z-direction.

[0050] The lower crossbeam 12 may also have a hollow space 22. The linear element 16 may extend through the receiving hole 15 and extend into the hollow space 22. The linear element 16 can then be fixed, held, or stabilized by a filler material 23 arranged in the hollow space 22. The filler material 23 may be, for example, plastic foam.

[0051] Figure 1 The optical element 100 also has three comb bars 19. In particular, the lower crossbeam 12 of the optical element 100 has three comb bars 19. Each comb bar 19 has a support bar 24 and a plurality of comb teeth 21 fixed on the support bar 24 (see Figure 4The comb teeth 21 can extend from the receiving surface 11 of the lower crossbeam 12. For this purpose, the lower crossbeam 12 preferably has additional holes (also called comb tooth holes 17, see below). Figure 3 The comb teeth 21 can extend through the additional holes. The comb teeth 19 are arranged in front of the plurality of linear elements 16 in the line-of-sight direction R. The comb teeth 21 are preferably arranged parallel to each other, and are particularly arranged and constructed such that the image 20 displayed behind them can be visually perceived. The comb teeth 21 preferably have a larger diameter than the linear elements 16.

[0052] Figure 2 An optical element 100 according to one embodiment is shown. In particular, Figure 2 A front view of the optical element 100 is shown. Figure 2 As can be seen, the receiving surface 11 of the lower crossbeam 12 is inclined or inclined downward. That is to say, the height of the lower crossbeam 12 increases along the line of sight R. Figure 2 The optical element 100 has a plurality of comb teeth 19. The comb teeth 21 of the comb teeth 19 have different lengths. In particular, the length of the comb teeth increases at least locally along the y-direction. The comb teeth 19 may, for example, be formed with a wavy profile. This can be achieved by varying the lengths of the comb teeth 21. Figure 2 The upper crossbeam 14 of the optical element 100 also has multiple comb teeth 19.

[0053] like Figure 2 As can be seen, the linear element 16 is arranged in a pattern within the optical element 100. This pattern can also be... Figure 3 I saw it in the middle.

[0054] Figure 3 A frame 10 of an optical element according to one embodiment is shown. The frame 10 is preferably 3D printed. The frame 10 (particularly the lower crossbeam 12) has receiving holes 15 for a linear element 16. Furthermore, the lower crossbeam 12 also has comb holes 17 through which comb teeth 21 of a comb bar 19 extend. The frame 10 of the optical element 100 also has at least one structural element 25, which can be configured for integrating the optical element 100 into a vehicle component. The frame 10 may also have structural element 25 configured for securing a glass sheet to the optical element 100. Alternatively or additionally, this structural element 25 may be configured for connecting the optical element 100 to another optical element 100. That is, a vehicle component (e.g., a dashboard) may have multiple (particularly arranged side-by-side) optical elements 100.

[0055] Figure 4A comb bar 19 of an optical element 100 according to one embodiment is shown. The comb teeth 21 are fixed to a support bar 24 and are preferably rectangular in construction. The lengths of the comb teeth 21 are not all the same, but preferably have different lengths. These different lengths of the individual comb teeth 21 create specific "patterns" on the comb bar 19.

[0056] It should be further noted that the terms "comprising" and "having" do not exclude the possibility of other elements, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude the plural. Furthermore, it should be noted that the features and steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments can also be used in combination with other features and steps of the other embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims should not be considered limiting.

[0057] List of reference numerals

[0058] 100 optical components

[0059] 10 frames

[0060] 11. Receiving surface of the lower crossbeam

[0061] 12 lower crossbeams

[0062] 13. Receiving surface of the upper crossbeam

[0063] 14 Upper crossbeam

[0064] 15 receiving holes

[0065] 16 linear elements

[0066] 17 comb teeth

[0067] 18 Guide through the hole

[0068] 19 comb teeth

[0069] 20 images

[0070] 21 comb teeth

[0071] Hollow space in the lower crossbeam 22

[0072] 23 Filler Material

[0073] 24 load-bearing bars

[0074] 25 structural components

Claims

1. An optical element (100) for a vehicle component, said optical element comprising: An upper crossbeam (14) and a lower crossbeam (12), wherein the upper crossbeam (14) and the lower crossbeam (12) each have receiving surfaces (11, 13) that primarily face each other; and Multiple linear elements (16) extend between the upper crossbeam (14) and the lower crossbeam (12) and are oriented substantially parallel to each other; The upper crossbeam (14) has a guide hole (18), through which the linear elements (16) extend at least partially; and The linear elements (16) of the plurality of linear elements (16) are arranged and spaced apart from each other such that the image (20) displayed behind them can be perceived visually.

2. The optical element (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The linear element (16) has a diameter between 0.7 mm and 0.2 mm, particularly between 0.5 mm and 0.2 mm.

3. The optical element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The lower crossbeam (12) has a receiving hole (15), through which the linear elements (16) extend at least partially.

4. The optical element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The lower crossbeam (12) has a hollow space (22); and The receiving hole (15) of the lower crossbeam (12) is open toward the hollow space (22), and the linear element (16) of the plurality of linear elements (16) extends into the hollow space (22).

5. The optical element (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The hollow space (22) of the lower crossbeam (12) is filled with a filling material (23) for anchoring the linear element (16).

6. The optical element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The lower crossbeam (12) and / or the upper crossbeam (14) have comb teeth (19) extending through the lower crossbeam (12) or the upper crossbeam (14), such that comb teeth (21) protrude from the receiving surfaces (11, 13) of the lower crossbeam (12) or the upper crossbeam (14); and The corresponding comb bar (19) is constructed such that the image (20) displayed behind it can be perceived visually.

7. The optical element (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The comb bar (19) is arranged in front of the plurality of linear elements (16) in the lower crossbeam (12) and / or the upper crossbeam (14) in the line of sight toward the image (20).

8. The optical element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The linear elements (16) are arranged such that the linear elements form at least two rows, wherein one row of the linear elements (16) is particularly unevenly spaced from each other.

9. The optical element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The linear element (16) and / or the comb (19) are made of stainless steel.

10. The optical element (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The linear elements (16) among the plurality of linear elements (16) have the same length; and / or The comb teeth (21) of the comb bar (19) have different lengths.

11. A method for manufacturing an optical element (100) for a vehicle component, the method comprising the steps of: A frame (10) is manufactured by an additive manufacturing method, wherein the frame (10) has an upper crossbeam (14) and a lower crossbeam (12), wherein the upper crossbeam (14) and the lower crossbeam (12) have receiving surfaces (11, 13) that are mainly facing each other, and the upper crossbeam (14) has a through guide hole (18). Multiple linear elements (16) are pushed in through guide holes (18) of the upper crossbeam (14) such that the linear elements (16) extend between the upper crossbeam (14) and the lower crossbeam (12) and are oriented substantially parallel to each other and particularly substantially perpendicular to the receiving surface (13) of the upper crossbeam (14). The linear elements (16) are arranged and spaced apart from each other such that the image (20) displayed behind them can be perceived visually.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Manufacturing an optical element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein, At least one comb bar (19) is arranged in the lower crossbeam (12), particularly pushed through from the underside of the lower crossbeam (12).

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, The hollow space (22) of the lower crossbeam (12) is filled with filling material (23).

15. A vehicle component comprising an optical element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a display device, wherein, The optical element (100) is positioned in front of the display device in the line of sight direction.

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