Locally-metallized and locally-light-transmitting plastic part and vehicle accessory
By employing physical vapor deposition (PVD) and two-color injection molding processes on plastic parts to form PVD metal film and substrate layers, the high cost and high pollution problems of locally metallized and partially transparent plastic parts in existing technologies are solved, achieving an environmentally friendly and stable metallization effect.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422708043.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-06
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-02
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-06
AI Technical Summary
Existing plastic parts products suffer from high costs, easy loosening, and high pollution and energy consumption problems caused by electroplating processes due to the partial metallization and partial light transmission processes.
A PVD metal film layer is formed on the plastic part using physical vapor deposition (PVD) technology. A hollow area is formed by laser masking, masking tape, or peelable adhesive. Combined with two-color injection molding, a plastic part integrating a light-transmitting substrate and a light-shielding substrate is produced, avoiding the use of electroplating.
It achieves an environmentally friendly and clean metallization effect, reduces costs, avoids high pollution and high energy consumption, and improves the stability of plastic parts.
Smart Images
Figure CN223618680U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of plastic parts technology, and more specifically, to a plastic part and vehicle accessories that are partially metallized and partially translucent. Background Technology
[0002] A product structure that combines partial metallization and partial light transmission in plastic parts achieves both a metallic appearance and partial light transmission. This partial light transmission refers to light passing through lines or rings. Such plastic parts can be used for integrated grilles on vehicle fronts, side trim pieces, or front and rear badges.
[0003] Currently, one processing method for this plastic part is to use a one-piece solution, namely, a two-color injection molding process to manufacture the part, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this process, the first component 1 and the second component 2 are injection molded in a two-color mold. The first component 1 uses a material that can be electroplated, while the second component 2 uses a transparent material that cannot be electroplated. The first component 1 is then electroplated to achieve a metallization effect. Finally, the entire part is covered with a single coat of paint, meaning the same paint is used on both the opaque first component 1 and the translucent second component 2. This protects both the transparent second component 2 and the non-light-emitting metallic surface of the first component 1. However, using electroplating to achieve a metallization effect has drawbacks of high pollution and high energy consumption. Utility Model Content
[0004] The problems solved by this utility model are: high cost and easy loosening when manufacturing plastic parts with partial metallization and partial light transmission, and high pollution and high energy consumption when using electroplating to achieve the metallization effect.
[0005] To solve the above problems, this utility model provides a plastic part and vehicle accessory that is partially metallized and partially translucent.
[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a partially metallized and partially translucent plastic part, comprising: a translucent surface layer, a PVD metal film layer and a substrate layer stacked sequentially, wherein the substrate layer includes a translucent substrate and a light-shielding substrate, the PVD metal film layer includes a PVD deposition area and a hollow area penetrating the PVD metal film layer, wherein the orthographic projection of the PVD deposition area and the light-shielding substrate on the translucent surface layer coincides, and the orthographic projection of the translucent substrate on the translucent surface layer surrounds the orthographic projection of the hollow area on the translucent surface layer.
[0007] Optionally, the light-transmitting substrate and the light-shielding substrate are integrally formed, and the thickness of the PVD metal film layer is 20-200nm.
[0008] Optionally, a light-transmitting bottom layer is provided between the PVD metal film layer and the substrate layer, and the orthographic projection of the light-transmitting bottom layer on the light-transmitting surface layer surrounds or overlaps with the orthographic projection of the PVD metal film layer on the light-transmitting surface layer.
[0009] Optionally, the light-transmitting substrate and the light-shielding substrate are disposed in the same layer, and the orthographic projection of the light-transmitting substrate on the light-transmitting surface layer and the orthographic projection of the hollowed-out area on the light-transmitting surface layer coincide.
[0010] Optionally, the light-shielding substrate is located on the side of the light-transmitting substrate away from the light-transmitting surface layer, and the orthographic projection of the light-transmitting substrate on the light-transmitting surface layer surrounds the orthographic projection of the light-shielding substrate on the light-transmitting surface layer.
[0011] Optionally, the light-transmitting substrate includes a first part and a second part, the first part being disposed in the same layer as the light-shielding substrate, and the second part extending in a direction away from the light-transmitting surface and wrapping the side of the light-shielding substrate away from the light-transmitting surface.
[0012] Optionally, the orthographic projection of the light-transmitting substrate on the light-transmitting surface layer surrounds the orthographic projection of the light-shielding substrate on the light-transmitting surface layer.
[0013] Secondly, this utility model provides a vehicle accessory, including a partially metallized and partially translucent plastic part as described in any of the preceding claims.
[0014] Optionally, the vehicle accessory is a vehicle-illuminated grille, with the substrate layer closer to the inside of the vehicle than the light-transmitting surface layer.
[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model of a partially metallized and partially translucent plastic part and vehicle accessory are as follows: the metallization effect of the plastic part is formed by using physical vapor deposition (PVD) process, which is an environmentally friendly and clean coating process that can avoid the high pollution and high energy consumption problems caused by electroplating process; in addition, the translucent surface layer is sprayed on top of the PVD metal film layer, which can protect the PVD metal film layer and the substrate layer. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the plastic part product in the background technology;
[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 AA section view;
[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the plastic part in Embodiment 1;
[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the plastic part in Embodiment 2;
[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the plastic part in Embodiment 3;
[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the plastic part in Embodiment 4;
[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the plastic part in Embodiment 5;
[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the plastic part in Embodiment 6.
[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0025] 1. First component; 2. Second component; 3. Transparent surface layer; 41. Transparent substrate; 42. Light-shielding substrate; 51. PVD deposition area; 52. Hollowed-out area; 6. Transparent bottom layer. Detailed Implementation
[0026] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although some embodiments of this utility model are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that this utility model can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of this utility model. It should be understood that the drawings and embodiments of this utility model are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0027] The term "comprising" and its variations as used herein are open-ended, meaning "including but not limited to"; the term "based on" means "at least partially based on"; the term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment"; the term "some embodiments" means "at least some embodiments"; and the term "optionally" means "optional embodiments". Definitions of other terms will be given in the following description. It should be noted that the concepts of "first," "second," etc., mentioned in this utility model are only used to distinguish different devices, modules, or units, and are not used to limit the order of functions performed by these devices, modules, or units or their interdependencies.
[0028] It should be noted that the terms "one" and "multiple" used in this utility model are illustrative rather than restrictive. Those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise expressly indicated in the context, they should be understood as "one or more".
[0029] To address the problems existing in the aforementioned related technologies, this embodiment provides a plastic part and vehicle accessory that is partially metallized and partially transparent.
[0030] Example 1
[0031] like Figure 3As shown, the present invention provides a partially metallized and partially translucent plastic part, comprising: a translucent surface layer 3, a PVD metal film layer and a substrate layer stacked sequentially. The substrate layer includes a translucent substrate 41 and a light-shielding substrate 42 in contact with each other. The PVD metal film layer includes a PVD deposition area 51 and a hollow area 52 penetrating the PVD metal film layer. The orthographic projection of the PVD deposition area 51 and the light-shielding substrate 42 on the translucent surface layer 3 coincides. The orthographic projection of the translucent substrate 41 on the translucent surface layer 3 surrounds the orthographic projection of the hollow area 52 on the translucent surface layer 3.
[0032] The plastic part provided in this embodiment can optionally be integrally prepared using a two-color injection molding process for its substrate layer. Furthermore, the plastic part in this embodiment achieves a metallization effect (or a metallic visual effect) on the light-shielding substrate 42 by depositing a metal film on it using a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process to form a PVD metal film layer. The light-transmitting substrate 41 of the plastic part faces the hollowed-out area 52 of the PVD metal film layer. The hollowed-out area 52 is obtained by laser engraving the PVD metal film layer, allowing light to pass through, thus forming an integral plastic part that is partially metallized and partially translucent. It is understood that when the substrate layer is a single piece, the plastic part provided in this embodiment can avoid the high cost and loosening problems caused by using multi-part manufacturing methods. Moreover, physical vapor deposition is an environmentally friendly and clean coating process, avoiding the high pollution and high energy consumption problems caused by electroplating processes. Additionally, spraying a translucent surface layer 3 on top of the PVD metal film layer can protect both the PVD metal film layer and the substrate layer.
[0033] As described above, in possible embodiments, the light-transmitting substrate 41 can be made of transparent plastic, preferably polycarbonate (PC), or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), etc.; the light-shielding substrate 42 can be made of non-transparent plastic, preferably black polycarbonate (PC).
[0034] As described above, in possible embodiments, the PVD metal film layer can be coated by sputtering, evaporation, or other methods. The PVD target material can be a metal target material with a bright silver metallic luster, such as aluminum, chromium, or indium, or it can be a mixed target material and an oxide target material, or a multilayer compound, etc. In this utility model, a laser masking scheme is used to obtain the hollow area 52 of the PVD metal film layer. The laser masking scheme can be any one of the following three:
[0035] One approach is to use a masking fixture, which includes: fabricating a fixture with pre-set cutouts corresponding to the shape of the cutout area 52. The pre-set cutouts on the fixture are the areas to be laser-engraved, and the remaining areas of the fixture are made into a solid structure. For ease of description, the un-laser-engraved plastic part is considered as a prototype. In a possible implementation, the fixture is placed in front of the prototype, so that the laser can pass through the cutouts in the fixture to laser-engrave the cutout area 52 of the PVD metal film layer, making the cutout area 52 translucent.
[0036] Secondly, the masking tape solution involves applying masking tape to the PVD metal film layer to cover the PVD deposition area 51 outside the area 52 that needs to be laser-engraved to create the hollow area 52. The part that needs to be laser-engraved to create the hollow area 52 is not masked. In this way, the PVD metal film layer can be laser-engraved to achieve the purpose of removing the PVD layer at the hollow area 52 position, so that the hollow area 52 can be transparent.
[0037] Thirdly, the peelable adhesive solution involves coating the entire prototype with peelable adhesive. The peelable portion located in the PVD deposition area 51 is exposed and cured. The peelable portion on the cutout area 52 is then washed away in a cleaning solution. The peelable adhesive remaining in the PVD deposition area 51 acts as a laser mask, shielding the laser beam. Subsequently, laser engraving is performed on the PVD metal film layer, allowing the PVD layer to be removed from the cutout area 52 where the peelable adhesive has been washed away, thus enabling light transmission in the cutout area 52. Finally, the peelable adhesive is removed.
[0038] As described above, in a possible implementation, after electrostatic dust removal of the PVD metal film layer and the substrate layer, a transparent topcoat can be sprayed to form a light-transmitting surface layer 3. The transparent topcoat can be a UV material that can absorb or reflect ultraviolet rays, or a polyurethane material (PU), or a transparent coating obtained by other curing methods.
[0039] Optionally, the thickness of the PVD metal film is 20-200 nm.
[0040] Optionally, the thickness of the PVD metal film layer can be set according to the needs of the plastic product. When the thickness is 20-200nm, it is suitable for use in vehicle parts and other applications.
[0041] Furthermore, a light-transmitting bottom layer 6 is provided between the PVD metal film layer and the substrate layer. The orthographic projection of the light-transmitting bottom layer 6 on the light-transmitting surface layer 3 surrounds or overlaps with the orthographic projection of the PVD metal film layer on the light-transmitting surface layer 3. The light-transmitting substrate 41 and the light-shielding substrate 42 are disposed in the same layer, and the orthographic projection of the light-transmitting substrate 41 on the light-transmitting surface layer 3 coincides with the orthographic projection of the hollow area 52 on the light-transmitting surface layer 3.
[0042] In this embodiment, a transparent coating is sprayed onto the surface of the substrate layer near the light-transmitting layer 3 to form a light-transmitting underlayer 6. The transparent coating can be a UV material that can absorb or reflect ultraviolet rays, or a polyurethane (PU) material. A PVD process is performed on the light-transmitting underlayer 6 so that even when the PVD metal film is very thin, the metal film can still present a high-gloss surface instead of a matte surface.
[0043] Understandably, the design details of the plastic part in this embodiment may include: the light-transmitting substrate 41 and the light-shielding substrate 42 are disposed in the same layer, the sum of the areas of the orthographic projection of the light-transmitting substrate 41 on the light-transmitting surface layer 3 and the orthographic projection of the light-shielding substrate 42 on the light-transmitting surface layer 3 is equal to the area of the light-transmitting surface layer 3, the light-transmitting substrate 41 is able to transmit light, and the light-shielding substrate 42 is metallized, resulting in an integrated plastic part that is partially metallized and partially transparent.
[0044] Example 2
[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a partially metallized and partially transparent plastic part; the light-shielding substrate 42 is located on the side of the light-transmitting substrate 41 away from the light-transmitting surface layer 3, and the orthographic projection of the light-transmitting substrate 41 on the light-transmitting surface layer 3 surrounds the orthographic projection of the light-shielding substrate 42 on the light-transmitting surface layer 3.
[0046] In this embodiment, the light-shielding substrate 42 is located on the back of the plastic part, and the light-transmitting substrate 41 covers the light-shielding substrate 42. The light-transmitting substrate 41 is able to transmit light, and the light-shielding substrate 42 corresponds to the portion of the light-transmitting substrate 41. The light-transmitting substrate 41 is metallized, so that this embodiment obtains an integrated plastic part that is partially metallized and partially transparent.
[0047] Furthermore, in this plastic part, a light-transmitting bottom layer 6 is provided between the PVD metal film layer and the substrate layer. The orthographic projection of the light-transmitting bottom layer 6 on the light-transmitting surface layer 3 surrounds or overlaps with the orthographic projection of the PVD metal film layer on the light-transmitting surface layer 3.
[0048] Example 3
[0049] like Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment provides a partially metallized and partially transparent plastic part, wherein the light-transmitting substrate 41 includes a first part and a second part. The first part is disposed in the same layer as the light-shielding substrate 42, and the second part extends in a direction away from the light-transmitting surface layer 3 and wraps the side of the light-shielding substrate 42 away from the light-transmitting surface layer 3.
[0050] In this embodiment, the second part of the light-transmitting substrate 41 is located on the side of the light-shielding substrate 42 away from the light-transmitting bottom layer 6. The light-shielding substrate 42 is partially wrapped by the light-transmitting substrate 41. Light can pass through the light-transmitting substrate 41. The light-shielding substrate 42 is metallized to obtain an integrated plastic part that is partially metallized and partially transparent.
[0051] Furthermore, a light-transmitting bottom layer 6 is provided between the PVD metal film layer and the substrate layer. The orthographic projection of the light-transmitting bottom layer 6 on the light-transmitting surface layer 3 surrounds or overlaps with the orthographic projection of the PVD metal film layer on the light-transmitting surface layer 3.
[0052] Optionally, the orthographic projection of the light-transmitting substrate 41 on the light-transmitting surface layer 3 surrounds the orthographic projection of the light-shielding substrate 42 on the light-transmitting surface layer 3.
[0053] Specifically, the light-transmitting substrate 41 covers the entire back of the plastic part, protecting the surface of the back of the plastic part.
[0054] Example 4
[0055] like Figure 6 As shown, this embodiment provides a plastic part that is partially metallized and partially translucent, basically as provided in Embodiment 1. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the translucent underlayer 6 is removed.
[0056] Example 5
[0057] like Figure 7 As shown, this embodiment provides a plastic part that is partially metallized and partially transparent, basically as provided in Embodiment 2. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 is that the transparent underlayer 6 is removed.
[0058] Example 6
[0059] like Figure 8 As shown, this embodiment provides a plastic part that is partially metallized and partially translucent, basically as provided in Embodiment 3. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 3 is that the translucent underlayer 6 is removed.
[0060] In summary, this utility model also provides a vehicle accessory, including a partially metallized and partially translucent plastic part as described in any of the preceding embodiments.
[0061] Optionally, the aforementioned vehicle accessory is a vehicle light-emitting grille, with the substrate layer being closer to the inner side of the vehicle than the light-transmitting surface layer 3.
[0062] The beneficial effects of the vehicle accessory in this embodiment compared to the prior art are the same as those of the partially metallized and partially translucent plastic parts described above, and will not be repeated here.
[0063] Although the present invention has been disclosed above, its protection scope is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such changes and modifications will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A partially metallized and partially translucent plastic part, characterized in that, include: A light-transmitting surface layer (3), a PVD metal film layer, and a substrate layer are stacked in sequence. The substrate layer includes a light-transmitting substrate (41) and a light-shielding substrate (42). The PVD metal film layer includes a PVD deposition area (51) and a hollow area (52) penetrating the PVD metal film layer. The orthographic projection of the PVD deposition area (51) and the light-shielding substrate (42) on the light-transmitting surface layer (3) coincides. The orthographic projection of the light-transmitting substrate (41) on the light-transmitting surface layer (3) surrounds the orthographic projection of the hollow area (52) on the light-transmitting surface layer (3).
2. The partially metallized and partially translucent plastic part according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-transmitting substrate (41) and the light-shielding substrate (42) are integrally formed, and the thickness of the PVD metal film layer is 20-200nm.
3. The partially metallized and partially translucent plastic part according to claim 1, characterized in that, A light-transmitting bottom layer (6) is provided between the PVD metal film layer and the substrate layer. The orthographic projection of the light-transmitting bottom layer (6) on the light-transmitting surface layer (3) surrounds or overlaps the orthographic projection of the PVD metal film layer on the light-transmitting surface layer (3).
4. The partially metallized and partially translucent plastic part according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The light-transmitting substrate (41) and the light-shielding substrate (42) are disposed in the same layer, and the orthographic projection of the light-transmitting substrate (41) on the light-transmitting surface layer (3) and the orthographic projection of the hollow area (52) on the light-transmitting surface layer (3) coincide.
5. The partially metallized and partially translucent plastic part according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The light-shielding substrate (42) is located on the side of the light-transmitting substrate (41) away from the light-transmitting surface layer (3), and the orthographic projection of the light-transmitting substrate (41) on the light-transmitting surface layer (3) surrounds the orthographic projection of the light-shielding substrate (42) on the light-transmitting surface layer (3).
6. The partially metallized and partially translucent plastic part according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The light-transmitting substrate (41) includes a first part and a second part. The first part is disposed in the same layer as the light-shielding substrate (42), and the second part extends away from the light-transmitting surface layer (3) and wraps the side of the light-shielding substrate (42) away from the light-transmitting surface layer (3).
7. The partially metallized and partially translucent plastic part according to claim 6, characterized in that, The orthographic projection of the light-transmitting substrate (41) on the light-transmitting surface layer (3) surrounds the orthographic projection of the light-shielding substrate (42) on the light-transmitting surface layer (3).
8. A vehicle accessory, characterized in that, Including the partially metallized and partially translucent plastic parts as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.
9. The vehicle accessory according to claim 8, characterized in that, The vehicle accessory is a vehicle light-emitting grille, and the substrate layer is closer to the inner side of the vehicle than the light-transmitting surface layer (3).