Automobile grille decorating part

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model relates to an automobile grille decorating part which comprises a main grille decorating part and at least one secondary grille decorating part, the main grille decorating part extends in the first direction, the at least one secondary grille decorating part extends in the first direction, and the main grille decorating part and the at least one secondary grille decorating part are spaced from each other in the second direction. A hollow structure formed on the main grille garnish; and wherein the main grille trim comprises a plurality of trim parts, the plurality of trim parts being spaced apart from each other along the second direction, the plurality of trim parts being joined together via a hollow structure, and at least one of the plurality of trim parts being disconnected by the hollow structure along the first direction. The automotive grille trim may enable customization and / or improvement of the functionality and / or appearance of an automotive grille of an automobile.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the field of automotive parts, and more specifically to automotive grille trim pieces, such as those for attaching to an original equipment manufacturer's grille of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Most cars have a front grille at their forward end, typically located under the hood and between the headlights. A car grille often comprises one or more horizontal, vertical, or otherwise oriented strips, bars, or panels of material, and may also include branding elements such as logos, symbols, or text. For engine cooling, ventilation, or other purposes, one or more horizontal, vertical, or otherwise oriented strips, bars, or panels have slots or openings to allow airflow.

[0003] Some car enthusiasts enjoy customizing their vehicles or improving the functionality and / or appearance of their car's original equipment. Therefore, it has been found that there is a continuous need for improvement in the automotive parts industry. This disclosure is primarily directed to providing improved automotive parts, and in particular, automotive grille trim pieces suitable for automotive grilles to meet these and other needs. Utility Model Content

[0004] This disclosure provides automotive accessories in the form of automotive grille trim pieces, which are used to customize and / or improve the function and / or appearance of automotive grilles.

[0005] This disclosure relates to automotive grille trim pieces, which are configured, for example, to be applied above an existing original equipment manufacturer (OEM) grille of a vehicle to customize or improve the functionality and / or appearance of the OEM grille.

[0006] This disclosure relates to automotive grille trim pieces, which include one or more components or sub-assemblies that may replace, for example, an existing OEM grille for a vehicle.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an automotive grille trim includes: a main grille trim and at least one secondary grille trim, the main grille trim extending along a first direction and the at least one secondary grille trim extending along the first direction, wherein the main grille trim and the at least one secondary grille trim are spaced apart from each other along a second direction; a hollow structure is formed on the main grille trim; and wherein the main grille trim includes a plurality of trim pieces, the plurality of trim pieces being spaced apart from each other along the second direction, the plurality of trim pieces being joined together via the hollow structure, and at least one of the plurality of trim pieces being disconnected along the first direction by the hollow structure.

[0008] As an example, along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a hollow structure can be formed on the centerline of multiple decorative elements passing through the main grille trim.

[0009] As an example, the main grille trim may include a top trim component, a lower trim component, and a middle trim component, with the middle trim component located between the top trim component and the lower trim component, wherein the middle trim component is broken by a hollow structure along a first direction.

[0010] As an example, automotive grille trim may also include at least one light source.

[0011] As an example, at least one light source may be an in-vehicle light source and is arranged on the top trim component.

[0012] As an example, at least one light source can be powered by an LED light strip, which can be mounted on a printed circuit board, wherein the printed circuit board can be mounted in a housing, and the housing can be mounted to the back of the top decorative component.

[0013] As an example, automotive grille trim pieces can be attached to the existing structure of the vehicle via connectors, the connectors being located on each of the main grille trim piece and at least one secondary grille trim piece, wherein the connectors can be provided by at least one of the following: snap-fit ​​coupling structure, interference fit coupling structure, clip, screw, hook and loop fastener, adhesive, double-sided tape.

[0014] As an example, at least one secondary grille trim may include a first trim component and a second trim component, the first trim component and the second trim component being spaced apart from each other along a second direction; and any two adjacent trim components among the top trim component, the middle trim component, the lower trim component, the first trim component and the second trim component may be spaced apart at the same interval along the second direction.

[0015] As an example, the connection structure can be provided on each of the top decorative component, the middle decorative component, the lower decorative component, the first decorative component, the second decorative component, and the hollow structure.

[0016] As an example, an existing structure may include an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) grille for a car, and the hollow structure may be shaped and sized to at least partially surround the brand logo of the OEM grille.

[0017] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will be understood with reference to the accompanying drawings and the detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations specifically pointed out in the appended claims. It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of exemplary embodiments are explanations of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and do not limit this disclosure as claimed. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A front view of an automotive grille trim piece according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 2 A rear view of an automotive grille trim piece according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 3 A perspective view of an automotive grille trim piece according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The left and right views of an automotive grille trim piece according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure are shown.

[0022] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The images show a top view and a bottom view of an automotive grille trim piece according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0023] This disclosure can be more readily understood by referring to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, which form part of this disclosure, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions, or parameters described and / or shown herein, and the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to limit the claimed disclosure. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[0024] Similarly, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms, and unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, a reference to a specific numerical value includes at least that specific value. A range may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one specific value and / or to “about” or “approximately” another specific value. When expressing such a range, another embodiment includes from one specific value and / or to another specific value. Likewise, when a value is expressed as an approximate value using the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the specific value forms another embodiment.

[0025] In an exemplary form, this disclosure provides an automotive grille trim that includes one or more components or sub-assemblies configured to be applied over an existing OEM grille of an automobile, wherein the original grille remains in place. For example, one or more components or sub-assemblies of the automotive grille trim may include one or more snap-fit ​​coupling structures, interference fit coupling structures, clips, screws, hook-and-loop fasteners, adhesives, double-sided tape, bolted connection structures using additional backing as clamps, and / or other means for removably, semi-permanently, or permanently attaching the automotive grille trim to the OEM grille of the automobile. Attachment to an existing OEM grille allows for easy placement of the grille trim without requiring removal of the OEM grille. Similarly, in some exemplary embodiments, the parts of the grille trim may be thinner and lighter because the OEM grille provides structural support. In alternative embodiments, the OEM grille may be removed, and the automotive grille trim of this disclosure is configured to be placed and attached in place of the OEM grille.

[0026] Please refer to the attached diagram for details. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 5A and Figure 5B Front, rear, perspective, left, right, top, and bottom views of an automotive grille trim 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. In the depicted embodiment, the automotive grille trim 100 is configured for use as an OEM grille for a Lexus GX 550 vehicle. In alternative embodiments, the automotive grille trim 100 may be configured, sized, and / or shaped in other ways to suit OEM grilles for various other brands and models of passenger cars, trucks, SUVs, or other types of vehicles.

[0027] In the illustrated example embodiment, the grille trim 100 includes three parts or sub-assemblies: a first part or sub-assembly 1, a second part or sub-assembly 2, and a third part or sub-assembly 3, as shown. The first sub-assembly 1, or upper portion assembly (constituting the main grille trim), is a single part extending along a first direction, such as the generally horizontal direction X as shown, and includes a top panel 11, a middle panel 12, and a bottom panel 13, which are joined together via a central elliptical member 14 that is presented as a hollow structure. When the automotive grille trim is mounted above an OEM grille, the central elliptical member 14 may surround the OEM grille's logo or other grille markings or identifiers. As shown, the central elliptical member 14 may be formed on a centerline C passing through the plurality of trim parts (top panel 11, middle panel 12, and bottom panel 13) of the main grille trim 1.

[0028] The second sub-component 2 and the third sub-component 3 located below it are independent components that constitute the secondary grille trim. The secondary grille trim can be customized according to the user's requirements via one or more mounting structures or attachment devices (such as those that can be installed on the grille). Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4A and Figure 4B The best-looking mounting structure or attachment (represented by reference numerals 121, 131, 141, 21, 31) is individually mounted to the OEM grille. Exemplarily, the secondary grille trim includes at least one horizontal panel, independent of each other and independent of the first sub-assembly, with one or more mounting structures or attachments provided on each of the secondary grille trims, as shown on the second sub-assembly 2 and the third sub-assembly 3. Here, "independent" means that the components are spaced apart from each other along a second direction (as shown in the generally vertical Y direction), wherein the second direction may be perpendicular to the first direction.

[0029] In the example embodiment, the first sub-component 1, the second sub-component 2, and the third sub-component 3 may be formed of plastic or polymer materials, metals, ceramics, composite materials, natural or synthetic wood, carbon fibers, wrought carbon, glass fibers, and / or other structural materials.

[0030] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 5AIn the illustrated embodiment, at least one of the aforementioned components or sub-assemblies (the top panel 11 of the first sub-assembly 1 in the depicted example) includes one or more integrated lamps 4, such as LED (light-emitting diode) light sources 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 that produce one or more colors and / or brightness levels of light. The integrated lamps 4 can be arranged on the top panel 11 from the back 111 and illuminate forward (i.e., in the vehicle's direction of travel) through the front surface of the top panel 11. The front surface of the top panel 11 can be transparent or translucent.

[0031] In an example embodiment, the lamp 4 may be powered by an LED strip mounted on a single or integral PCB (printed circuit board). This PCB may be mounted inside a plastic housing that is also mounted to the back of the front grille (e.g., the back 111 of the top panel 11) and includes separate compartments to ensure that each of the lamps 4 illuminates only in a designated area.

[0032] The automotive grille trim 100 can be constructed in several ways, for example: (1) the automotive grille trim is constructed as a single injection-molded part with an LED light strip design cutout. A semi-transparent material is injection-molded to fill the cutout to provide a completely flush and semi-transparent surface that perfectly matches the rest of the grille curvature. The automotive grille trim is then masked and painted to specifications. The LED housing and electronics are then screwed onto the back, soldered, or otherwise attached to the painted part to complete the assembly. The second sub-assembly 2 and the third sub-assembly 3 are individually injection-molded and painted to specifications. Another example construction method includes: (2) the automotive grille trim 100 is injection-molded in a semi-transparent material and painted completely to specifications. The light strip design is then laser-etched onto the paint to remove the paint and expose the semi-transparent material again. The LED grille component, i.e., the first sub-assembly 1, is then transparently coated / sealed to prevent damage to the design and to provide a completely flush surface.

[0033] In any of the example configurations above, the LEDs may include individually addressable LEDs, or be composed of individually addressable LEDs, which can be programmed to meet any desired animation, color scheme, brightness level, on / off mode, or other desired specifications. The entire light bar design in any example can be powered directly from the vehicle via an existing wiring harness connected to the vehicle, or alternatively via an onboard power source such as a rechargeable battery. Custom wiring harnesses may be included to provide a plug-and-play solution. Another approach could be to power the grille lights directly from the headlight power source, or to power them by laying new cabling to the battery and setting up relays so that the grille lights only turn on when the daytime running lights are on. In any of the methods described above, the vehicle itself can power the LED lights without requiring an additional power source, and this would be configured such that the front LED grille can be opened and closed without additional remote or control unit access, and that it can be opened / closed using the vehicle's lighting settings along with other lights. Therefore, when the daytime running lights are turned on / off in any configuration from the OEM settings (DRL on, low beam, high beam, automatic), the front grille lights will be on / off in the same state as the OEM lights. Alternatively, separate controls can be provided, such as a separate on / off switch, remote control, control and programming via a mobile app, etc.

[0034] This disclosure also relates to a method of customizing, in particular, a car grille, by installing a car grille trim piece according to the embodiments shown and described onto a vehicle. In example embodiments, double-sided tape is used as the primary attachment method to attach the grille trim piece to the OEM grille. Alternatively, the grille trim piece can be attached via double-sided tape plus snap-fit ​​connection or snap-fit ​​with additional screw-on clamps for securing the car grille trim piece completely around the OEM grille. Wiring is then routed behind the OEM grille to be inserted into the vehicle's wiring harness, for example, connected via relays to the car's headlights or battery, to meet the control methods described above. Due to space constraints, this installation method may or may not require the removal of the OEM grille, but in some example embodiments, the OEM grille will still be used as a primary structural component of the trim piece design.

[0035] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of this disclosure, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A car grille trim piece, characterized in that, include: A main grille trim and at least one secondary grille trim, the main grille trim extending along a first direction, the at least one secondary grille trim extending along the first direction, wherein the main grille trim and the at least one secondary grille trim are spaced apart from each other along a second direction; and A hollow structure is formed on the main grille trim; The main grille trim includes a plurality of trim components spaced apart from each other along the second direction, the plurality of trim components being joined together via the hollow structure, and at least one of the plurality of trim components being disconnected by the hollow structure along the first direction.

2. The automotive grille trim according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the hollow structure is formed on the centerline of the plurality of decorative components passing through the main grille trim.

3. The automotive grille trim according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main grille trim includes a plurality of trim components, a top trim component, a lower trim component, and a middle trim component, wherein the middle trim component is located between the top trim component and the lower trim component, and wherein the middle trim component is interrupted by the hollow structure along the first direction.

4. The automotive grille trim according to claim 3, characterized in that, The automotive grille trim also includes at least one light.

5. The automotive grille trim according to claim 4, characterized in that, The at least one lamp is an in-vehicle light source and is arranged on the top trim component.

6. The automotive grille trim according to claim 5, characterized in that, The at least one lamp is powered by an LED light strip, which is mounted on a printed circuit board, wherein the printed circuit board is mounted in a housing, which is attached to the back of the top decorative component.

7. The automotive grille trim according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, The automotive grille trim is attached to the existing structure of the vehicle via a connecting structure located on each of the main grille trim and the at least one secondary grille trim, wherein the connecting structure is provided by at least one of the following: a snap-fit ​​coupling structure, an interference fit coupling structure, a clip, a screw, a hook-and-loop fastener, an adhesive, or double-sided tape.

8. The automotive grille trim according to claim 7, characterized in that, The at least one secondary grille trim includes a first trim component and a second trim component, the first trim component and the second trim component being spaced apart from each other along the second direction; as well as Any two adjacent decorative components among the top decorative component, the middle decorative component, the lower decorative component, the first decorative component, and the second decorative component are spaced apart at the same interval along the second direction.

9. The automotive grille trim according to claim 8, characterized in that, The connecting structure is provided on each of the top decorative component, the middle decorative component, the lower decorative component, the first decorative component, the second decorative component, and the hollow structure.

10. The automotive grille trim according to claim 7, characterized in that, The existing structure includes the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) grille of the vehicle, and the hollow structure is shaped and sized to at least partially surround the brand logo of the OEM grille.

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