Decorative panel for vehicle interior trim

Abstract

The utility model provides a decoration panel (100) for a vehicle interior. The trim panel (100) includes a molded plastic carrier (10) having a flange portion (20) and a clamping portion (30) adapted to engage with a utility member (50). The flange portion (20) extends from an edge of the molded plastic carrier (10). Furthermore, the clamping part (30) is arranged on the molded plastic carrier (10). The clamping portion (30) has at least two support legs (32a, 32b) and a head portion (34) extending from the support legs (32a, 32b). The support legs (32a, 32b) partially overlap the flanges. The head portion (34) overhangs from the flange portion (20) to form a space (25) between the head portion (34) and the flat surface (11). The space (25) reduces the thickness of the flange portion (20), thereby avoiding the formation of dimples.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present utility model relates to an interior panel of a vehicle. More specifically, the present utility model relates to a decorative panel for vehicle interiors, which has improved aesthetics without compromising the mechanical stability of the locking portion. Background Art

[0002] Generally, vehicle interior panels or vehicle decorative panels with a flange and a locking clip structure are commonly used to fix and lock utility components, such as the housing of a door handle or a glove box or devices with a similar design. In particular, the locking clip structure extends along the flange from the decorative panel. The locking clip structure extending from the decorative panel forms a surface contact with the flange, thus forming a greater thickness. Currently, the decorative panel is manufactured using an injection molding process, and common defects of the injection molding process include sink marks that occur at thicker portions.

[0003] Due to the different cooling rates or insufficient cooling of the entire panel when the decorative panel is in the mold, sink marks are formed in the thicker areas. Sink marks are depressions on the visible surface of the part, which are an undesirable effect on any aesthetic part, such as the interior panel or decorative panel of an instrument panel.

[0004] Currently, the locking clip structure extends along the flange from the decorative panel to engage with the instrument panel or any utility component. Therefore, the locking clip structure needs to be sufficiently stable and have good structural strength. Thus, reducing the thickness of the locking portion will reduce the mechanical stability of the locking portion.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a decorative panel for vehicle interiors with improved aesthetics, higher mechanical stability, and structural strength.

[0006] Purpose of the utility model

[0007] The object of the present utility model is to provide a decorative panel for vehicle interiors, which has improved aesthetics, no sink marks, and is structurally strong enough to fix the interior panel. Summary of the Utility Model

[0008] According to the present utility model, there is provided a decorative panel for a vehicle interior. The decorative panel includes a molded plastic carrier having a flange portion extending from an edge of the molded plastic carrier and a clamping portion disposed adjacent to the flange portion on the molded plastic carrier. The flange portion may extend substantially perpendicularly from an edge of a flat surface of the molded plastic carrier. The clamping portion may be adapted to engage with a utility member. The molded plastic carrier may be a door panel of a vehicle, and the utility member may be a housing of a door handle. The clamping portion may include at least two support legs spaced apart from each other, and the support legs may extend from the flat surface of the molded plastic carrier and overlap with the flange portion. Specifically, a width portion of the support leg may be adjacent to and overlap with an inner surface of the flange portion. In addition, the clamping portion may include a head portion extending away from the flange portion from the support leg. The head portion may partially overlap with the flange portion.

[0009] In another aspect of the present utility model, a length portion of the support leg may gradually decrease from the flat surface to an upper end of the inner surface of the flange portion.

[0010] The head portion may be an overhang extending from the inner surface of the flange portion, and the overhang forms a space between the head portion and the flat surface of the molded plastic carrier. In addition, the head portion may have an opening to engage with a hook portion of a utility member of the vehicle interior.

[0011] The decorative panel of the vehicle interior may be manufactured using an injection molding process. The injection molding process may include the following steps.

[0012] First, an injection molding tool having a lifter may be provided to manufacture the decorative panel. The lifter may be adapted to form the head portion, the support legs of the clamping portion, and the space between the head portion and the flat surface. The lifter may include a first protruding portion to form an opening of the head portion of the decorative panel. In addition, the lifter may include a second protruding portion to form the space between the head portion and the flat surface. The first protruding portion may have a width. The width of the first protruding portion may be smaller than the width of the second protruding portion.

[0013] In another aspect of the present utility model, the lifter may include at least two undercut portions spaced apart from each other, and the two undercut portions may extend away from the second protruding portion to form the support legs of the clamping portion.

[0014] In one aspect of the present utility model, the lifter can be adapted to form at least two clamping portions. The lifter can include a first lifter portion and a second lifter portion that extend laterally and are adapted to form two clamping portions. The first lifter portion and the second lifter portion can be adapted to form a head portion having an opening, at least two support legs of the clamping portion, and a space between the head portion and the flat surface of the molded plastic carrier.

[0015] After providing the injection mold and the lifter, the injection mold can be closed together with the lifter to form a cavity for the decorative panel of the vehicle. Thereafter, molten plastic can be injected into the cavity to fill the shape of the decorative panel. Then, the molten plastic solidifies to solidify the decorative panel. Finally, when the molten plastic solidifies, the injection mold is opened together with the lifter, thereby removing the decorative panel of the vehicle interior. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The advantages and features of the present utility model will be better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are denoted by like reference numerals, and in which:

[0017] Figure 1a A perspective view of a decorative panel having clips according to the present utility model is shown;

[0018] Figure 1b A cross-sectional view of the decorative panel shown in FIG. 1 according to the present utility model is shown;

[0019] Figure 2a A perspective view of a decorative panel according to another embodiment of the present utility model is shown;

[0020] Figure 2b Shown according to Figure 2a A cross-sectional view of the decorative panel of the shown embodiment is shown;

[0021] Figure 3 A perspective view of a decorative panel engaged with a utility member according to the present utility model is shown;

[0022] Figure 4a A perspective view of the lifter according to the present utility model is shown;

[0023] Figure 4b Shown according to Figure 4a A cross-sectional view of the shown lifter according to the present utility model is shown;

[0024] Figure 5 A perspective view of a lifter according to another embodiment of the present utility model is shown;

[0025] Figure 6a And Figure 6b A perspective view of a lifter according to another embodiment of the present utility model is shown; and

[0026] Figure 7 The flowchart of the injection molding process for manufacturing a decorative panel for a vehicle interior according to the present utility model is shown. Detailed implementation mode

[0027] Now, an embodiment of the present utility model will be described in detail to illustrate its features. Words such as "include", "have", "contain" and "comprise" and their other forms have equivalent meanings and are open, because one or more items following any of these words do not mean an exhaustive list of these items, nor are they limited to the listed items.

[0028] The terms "first", "second", etc. in this article do not represent any order, quantity or importance, but are used to distinguish one element from another. The terms "a" and "an" in this article do not represent a quantity limitation, but represent the existence of at least one cited item.

[0029] The disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present utility model, and the present utility model can be embodied in various forms.

[0030] The present utility model provides a decorative panel for a vehicle interior. The decorative panel has an improved locking portion, and the locking portion is arranged in such a way as to prevent the formation of dents. Through the process and arrangement of the proposed locking portion, dents can be removed while maintaining the mechanical stability of the locking portion.

[0031] Now refer to Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 3 , a decorative panel 100 for a vehicle interior according to the present utility model is shown. The decorative panel 100 includes a molded plastic carrier 10 having a flange portion 20 and a clamping portion 30. The molded plastic carrier 10 is adapted to engage with a practical member 50. In this embodiment of the present utility model, the practical member 50 is the housing of a door handle, and the molded plastic carrier 10 is the door panel of a vehicle. In another embodiment, the practical member 50 includes, but is not limited to, a main instrument panel, the interior roof of a vehicle, etc. The molded plastic carrier 10 includes, but is not limited to, decorative components, steering wheel components, door linings or roof linings, etc.

[0032] Refer again to Figure 1a and Figure 1b , the molded plastic carrier 10 has a flat surface 11 extending through its entirety. The flange portion 20 of the decorative panel 100 extends from the edge of the molded plastic carrier 10. Specifically, the flange portion 20 extends substantially perpendicularly from the edge of the flat surface 11 of the molded plastic carrier 10. The flange portion 20 has a rectangular shape and extends completely around the edge of the flat surface 11. The flange portion 20 has an inner surface 22 substantially perpendicular to the flat surface 11 and an upper end 21 away from the flat surface 11.

[0033] In addition, a clamping portion 30 having a thickness 343 is arranged adjacent to a flange portion 20 of a molded plastic carrier 10 of the decorative panel 100. The clamping portion 30 is adapted to engage with a utility member 50. The clamping portion 30 has at least two support legs 32a, 32b extending from a flat surface 11, and at least a portion of the at least two legs 32a, 32b abuts and overlaps an inner surface 22 of the flange portion 20. This embodiment is shown as having only two support legs 32a, 32b. These support legs 32a, 32b serve as structural extensions that facilitate attaching the clamping portion 30 to the plastic carrier 10 and provide stability and support. The support legs 32a, 32b are spaced apart from each other and overlap the flange portion 20 of the decorative panel 100. In one embodiment of the present utility model, more than two support legs may extend from the flat surface 11 of the plastic carrier 10 to provide more stability and support.

[0034] In this embodiment, the support legs 32a, 32b extend from the flat surface 11 and away from the inner surface 22 of the flange portion 20. The support legs 32a, 32b have a length portion 323 extending perpendicular to the flange portion 20 and a width portion 322 extending perpendicular to the length portion 323 of the support legs 32a, 32b. The length portion 323 of the support legs 32a, 32b is equal to the thickness 343 of the clamping portion 30. The support legs 32a, 32b overlap the flange portion 20, in particular, the width portion 322 of the support legs 32a, 32b abuts and overlaps the inner surface 22 of the flange portion 20.

[0035] In another embodiment, as Figure 2a and Figure 2b shown, the length portion 323 of the support legs 32a, 32b gradually decreases from the flat surface 11 of the inner surface 22 of the flange portion 20 to the upper end 21.

[0036] In addition, the clamping portion 30 has a head portion 34 extending from the support legs 32a, 32b. The head portion 34 extends through the support legs 32a, 32b and partially overlaps the inner surface 22 of the flange portion 20. The head portion 34 partially overlaps the inner surface 22 of the flange portion 20 but does not contact the flat surface 11 of the molded plastic carrier 10. The head portion 34 overhangs from the inner surface 22 of the flange portion 20, creating a space 25 between the head portion 34 and the flat surface 11 of the molded plastic carrier 10. The space 25 between the head portion 34 and the flat surface 11 ensures that the head portion 34 does not completely overlap the flange portion 20. By avoiding complete overlap, the material volume can be reduced. Reducing the material volume maintains a consistent thickness of the flange portion 20, which eliminates the formation of dimples due to variations in the cooling rate of the decorative panel 200 during the manufacture of the decorative panel 100.

[0037] In another embodiment of the present utility model, the clamping portion 30 is arranged on the flange portion 20 without providing the support legs 32a, 32b. Specifically, the clamping portion 30 extends from the upper end 21 of the flange portion 20. This prevents the overlapping of the clamping portion 30 on the inner surface 22 of the flange portion 20 and also prevents the overlapping of the support legs 32a, 32b on the flat surface 11 and the inner surface 23, which reduces the material volume. The reduction of the material volume is to maintain the consistent thickness of the flange portion 20. The consistent thickness of the flange portion 20 helps to prevent the formation of dents during the manufacture of the decorative panel 100.

[0038] In addition, the head portion 34 has an opening 341 for engaging with the utility member 50. Specifically, the opening 341 in the head portion 34 is designed to connect with the hook portion 51 of the utility member 50. The hook portion 51 extends from the utility member 50 and engages with the opening 341 in the head portion 34 to firmly hold the decorative panel 100 in place. The hook portion 51 is adapted to snap-fit with the clamping portion 30 of the decorative panel 100. The engagement of the hook portion 51 with the opening 341 in the head portion 34 allows the decorative panel 100 to be firmly held in place.

[0039] In addition, an injection molding process 300 is provided to manufacture the decorative panel 100 for vehicle interiors. For the sake of brevity, the injection molding process 300 is described in conjunction with the arrangement of the decorative panel 100. The process 300 includes the following steps:

[0040] The process 300 starts from step 310.

[0041] In step 320, an injection mold is provided to manufacture the decorative panel 100. Now referring to Figure 4a and Figure 4b , the injection mold includes a lifter 200 for forming the clamping portion 30 of the molded plastic carrier 10. Specifically, the lifter 200 is adapted to form the head portion 34 of the clamping portion 30 having the opening 341, at least two support legs 32a, 32b of the clamping portion 30, and the space 25 between the head portion 34 and the flat surface 11 of the molded plastic carrier 10. The lifter 200 includes a flat surface 210 which serves as the basis for forming the head portion 34 of the clamping portion 30. In addition, the lifter 200 includes a first protruding portion 220 which forms the opening 341 in the head portion 34 of the clamping portion 30. The first protruding portion 220 extends outward or away from the flat surface 210 of the lifter 200.

[0042] In addition, the lifter 200 has a second protruding portion 230 that extends from the bottom of the plane 210 of the lifter 100. The second protruding portion 230 forms a space 25 between the head portion 34 and the flat surface 11. The width of the first protruding portion 220 is smaller than the width of the second protruding portion 230.

[0043] In another embodiment of the present utility model as shown in Figure 5 , the lifter 200 includes at least two undercut portions 240a, 240b spaced apart from each other. The undercut portions 240a, 240b are recessed from the protruding portion 230 along the side surface of the lifter 200. The undercut portions 240a, 240b are provided to form Figure 2a and Figure 2b the support legs 32a, 32b of the clamping portion 30 as shown. In one embodiment, the undercut portions 240a, 240b are provided at the end of the lifter 200. Those skilled in the art can configure more than two undercut portions 240a, 240b, and the two undercut portions are spaced apart and provided at the outermost end of the lifter 200.

[0044] In another embodiment of the present utility model as shown in Figure 6a and Figure 6b , the injection mold includes a lifter 200 adapted to form at least two clamping portions. The lifter 200 includes a first lifter portion 250a and a second lifter portion 250b that extend laterally away from each other. The first lifter portion 250a and the second lifter portion 250b are adapted to form two clamping portions 30, which include a head portion 34 having an opening 341, at least two support legs 32a, 32b of the clamping portion 30, and a space 25 between the head portion 34 and the flat surface 11 of the molded plastic carrier 10. The first lifter portion 250a and the second lifter portion 250b include corresponding planes 210a, 210b for serving as the basis for forming the head portion 34, first protruding portions 220a, 220b for forming the opening 341 in the head portion 34 of the clamping portion 30, and second protruding portions 230a, 230b for forming the space 25 between the head portion 34 and the flat surface 11.

[0045] In step 330, the injection mold is closed together with the lifter 200 to form a cavity. The cavity has the shape of the decorative panel 100.

[0046] In step 340, molten plastic is injected into the injection mold. The molten plastic is injected using a nozzle (not shown) to fill the cavity with the molten plastic. It is obvious to those skilled in the art to use any type of plastic to inject into the interior of the cavity.

[0047] In step 350, the molten plastic is solidified within the cavity to form the decorative panel 100. The support legs 32a, 32b and the head portion 34 define a space 25 between the head portion 34 and the flat surface 11, and this space 25 reduces the material volume at the flange portion 20. The support legs 32a, 32b and the head portion 34 do not contact the surface of the flange portion 20, which allows the flange portion 20 to solidify at a constant cooling rate and avoids the formation of dents.

[0048] In step 360, after the molten plastic is solidified, the injection mold is opened together with the lifter 200. After the injection mold 341 is opened, the decorative panel 100 is ejected from the injection mold. The decorative panel 100 removed from the injection mold includes a molded plastic carrier 10 having a flange portion 20 and a clamping portion 30 adapted to engage firmly with the utility member 50. The decorative panel 100 removed from the injection mold has no dents.

[0049] The process 300 ends at step 370.

[0050] Therefore, the advantage of the present utility model is to provide a decorative panel 100 for a vehicle interior with improved aesthetics. The decorative panel 100 has support legs 32a, 32b extending from the flat surface 11 and a head portion 34 extending away from the flange portion 20 to configure the space 25 between the head portion 34 and the flat surface 11, thereby maintaining a constant thickness of the flange portion 20. Due to the constant thickness, defects such as dents are avoided, and the aesthetic improvement of the decorative panel 100 is achieved. Dents are avoided without compromising the mechanical stability of the clamping portion 30.

[0051] For purposes of illustration and description, the above description of specific embodiments of the present utility model has been given. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present utility model to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present utility model and its practical application, so that others skilled in the art can best utilize the present utility model and various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the intended specific purposes. It should be understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents may be advisable or convenient depending on the circumstances, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A decorative panel (100) for vehicle interior, the decorative panel (100) comprising: A molded plastic carrier (10) comprising: a flange portion (20); and a clamping portion (30) disposed adjacent to the flange portion (20) and adapted to engage with a utility member (50); Wherein, the clamping portion (30) comprises: at least two support legs (32a, 32b) spaced apart from each other; and A head portion (34) extends from the at least two support legs (32a, 32b) and away from the flange portion (20).

2. The decorative panel (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flange portion (20) extends substantially vertically from the edge of the flat surface (11) of the molded plastic carrier (10), wherein at least two supporting legs (32a, 32b) of the clamping portion (30) extend from the flat surface (11) of the molded plastic carrier (10), and at least one width portion (322) of the at least two supporting legs (32a, 32b) abuts and overlaps the inner surface (22) of the flange portion (20).

3. The decorative panel (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The head portion (34) is an overhang extending from the inner surface (22) of the flange portion (20), defining a space (25) between the head portion (34) and the flat surface (11) of the molded plastic carrier (10).

4. The decorative panel (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The length portion (323) of the supporting legs (32a, 32b) gradually decreases from the flat surface (11) to the upper end (21) of the inner surface (22) of the flange portion (20).

5. The decorative panel (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The head portion (34) includes an opening (341) to engage with a hook portion (51) of a utility member (50) of the vehicle interior.

6. The decorative panel (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The molded plastic carrier (10) is a door panel of a vehicle and the utility component (50) is a housing of a door handle.

7. The decorative panel (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flange portion (20) is rectangular in shape and extends completely around the edge of the planar surface (11) of the molded plastic carrier (10).

8. The decorative panel (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The space (25) between the head portion (34) and the flat surface (11) reduces the volume of material to maintain a consistent thickness of the flange portion (20) and prevent dents from forming during the manufacturing process.

9. The decorative panel (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The head portion (34) of the clamping portion (30) partially overlaps the inner surface (22) of the flange portion (20) but does not contact the flat surface (11) of the molded plastic carrier (10).

10. The decorative panel (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The hook portion (51) of the utility member (50) is adapted to snap-fit ​​with the clamping portion (30) by engaging with the opening (341) in the head portion (34) to securely hold the decorative panel (100) in place.

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