Component for use in a motor vehicle

Abstract

Component for use in a motor vehicle, wherein the component (1-1; 3-1) is manufactured by means of a plastic injection molding process and the component (1-1; 3-1) has at least two electrically conductive areas 1-2, 1-3 that are separate from each other; 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8) and wherein the component (1-1; 3-1) consists substantially of thermoplastic material and can be manufactured by a 2K injection molding process, wherein the at least two separate electrically conductive areas (1-2, 1-3; 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8) consist of an electrically conductive thermoplastic material largely surrounded by a second dielectric thermoplastic material, and wherein the component (1-1; 3-1) has electrical connection areas (1-5, 1-6; 3-9, 3-10, 3-11, 3-12) formed by the electrically conductive thermoplastic material, and the component (1-1; 3-1) is a lamella for use in a housing of an air outlet,wherein the air outlet serves to guide an airflow from an air supply duct or air supply line in heating, ventilation or air conditioning systems for passenger compartments in motor vehicles, the air outlet consists of a housing that can be inserted into or mounted behind a wall opening and the housing has a rear connection for an air supply duct or air supply line as well as a front air outlet opening, wherein at least one louver block is arranged in the housing, which has at least two mechanically coupled louvers, one of the louvers of the louver block being the louver, wherein the louvers in the louver block are arranged such that the at least two louvers are pivotable about an axis, in such a way that the coupled,at least two louvers of the airflow exiting the air outlet opening of the air vent can be deflected in its orientation, or the at least two louvers almost completely close the air outlet opening in the housing in order to prevent the airflow, or is a housing of an air vent or the housing part of a climate control arrangement, a multimedia unit or a control unit, or part of a glove compartment or a sun visor or the housing of an interior mirror, wherein the at least two separate electrically conductive areas (1-2, 1-3; 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8) connecting them, an electrical consumer (1-12) can be connected which is connected via the at least two separate electrically conductive areas (1-2, 1-3; 3-5, 3-6, 3-7,3-8) is supplied with electrical energy and, by means of the dimensioning and / or the cross-sectional area and / or the quantity of additives of the at least two separate electrically conductive areas (1-2, 1-3; 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8), the respective internal resistance of each of the electrically conductive areas (1-2, 1-3; 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8) is adjustable such that at least one of the two separate electrically conductive areas (1-2, 1-3; 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8) realizes the electrical function of a series resistor for the electrical load (1-12).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a plastic component for use in a motor vehicle with the features of claim 1, wherein the plastic component has at least two electrically conductive areas that are separate from each other.

[0002] Plastic components for use in motor vehicles are already known. Furthermore, electrically conductive plastics are also known.

[0003] From DE 20 2011 102 425 U1, a conductive substrate with at least one conductive particle is known. An electrical conductor for an electric current can be produced using the conductive substrate, which is arranged on a substrate carrier. Such conductors are used, for example, in electrical resistance devices or in contacting devices, temperature control devices, air conditioning devices, detector devices, coverings for objects requiring temperature control, vehicle interior components, and / or interior furnishings. It is essential, however, that the conductive substrate must have at least two strand-shaped conductive particles that are electrically connected to each other at at least one electrical contact point.

[0004] From DE 20 2013 006 968 U1, an electrically heated module is known. The electrically heated module consists of a planar support element and an electrically conductive transparent layer applied to it. This electrically conductive transparent layer has at least one zone for electrical contact and at least one, preferably circumferential, zone for mechanical fixation. The electrically conductive transparent layer applied to the module is deposited using thin-film technology and consists of a transparent conductive oxide.

[0005] From DE 10 2008 009 775 A1, a display device, in particular a large-area display device or a transparent media facade, is known. The large-area display device or transparent media facade has at least one transparent element, wherein the transparent element comprises at least one transparent substrate and light sources are mounted on at least part of the transparent substrate.

[0006] A process for producing conductive polymers is known from DD 293 595 A5. For their production, iodine is mixed with an anhydrous, polymer-bound nitrogen donor compound. This results in a polymer plastic characterized by high mechanical stability and can therefore be used as a non-metallic, electrically conductive polymeric material.

[0007] From DE 10 2012 111 937 A1, an electrically conductive polymer composition with good film-forming properties is known. The electrically conductive polymer composition contains an electrically conductive polymer doped with a dopant, a water-soluble polymer resin, and an organic solvent. The organic solvent has a higher dielectric constant than water. The electrically conductive polymer material is obtained by drying the electrically conductive polymer composition and removing the solvent.

[0008] From DE 102 04 257 A1, a housing for a consumer electronics device is known. In this housing, the necessary connecting cables can be easily attached to the housing or the consumer electronics device by arranging the cables directly in or on the housing without them being immediately apparent. For this purpose, the consumer electronics device has a transparent or opaque housing on which the electrically conductive components are arranged. The electrically conductive components in / on the housing consist of indium tin oxide, are partially transparent, consist of a thin metal layer, or are design elements of at least parts of the housing. The electrically conductive components are located inside the housing, or the housing is designed as an insulator, at least in the area of ​​the electrically conductive components, and the electrically conductive components run parallel to each other.

[0009] German patent application DE 10 2011 109 696 A1 discloses a functionalized interior trim component for a motor vehicle, comprising conductive heating fibers and non-conductive fibers. The interior trim component is a sandwich component with a layered arrangement comprising at least one honeycomb core and two cover layers, each of which includes at least one reinforcing fiber arrangement embedded in a thermoplastic matrix, with the honeycomb core positioned between these layers. A surface heating textile is present, positioned on at least one of the cover layers on a side facing away from the honeycomb core, and has at least one decorative layer that covers the surface heating textile and forms a surface of the interior trim component.

[0010] German patent DE 10 2011 109 474 A1 describes a fiber composite component consisting of a body made of at least one electrically insulating matrix material and at least one electrically conductive fiber. The electrically conductive fibers are embedded at least partially in the matrix material. According to the invention, at least one preparation element is attached to the or at least one of these electrically conductive fibers and is completely enclosed by the matrix material. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing such a fiber composite component is described.

[0011] DE 198 19 632 A1 discloses a one-piece door module for motor vehicles made of thermoplastic material comprising a self-supporting carrier plate and a plurality of integral retaining elements in the form of protrusions, recesses and indentations with which the assembly of the motor vehicles is facilitated.

[0012] From DE 199 44 383 A1, a housing for electrical or electronic devices made of a thermoplastic material is known, which contains integrated conductive tracks and electrical contacts, as well as a method for its manufacture. The conductive tracks are sealed with thermoplastic material.

[0013] DE 100 65 856 A1 discloses a method for manufacturing circuit-supporting plastic housings for electronic components. According to this method, in a two-component injection molding process, electrical conductor tracks of the circuit, including connections that later pass through walls, are injection molded in a first injection molding operation using an electrically conductive plastic, and in a second injection molding operation, the conductor tracks are overmolded with a non-conductive plastic to form the finished housing shape.

[0014] DE 201 18 014 U1 discloses an air nozzle for discharging an airflow from an air supply duct, comprising a housing with a front air passage opening and horizontal or vertical louvers that are either fixed in place or pivotably mounted about axes within the housing. It is proposed that the louvers be made of a light-permeable material and that at least one narrow side be exposed to light, which is distributed within the louver body and, with appropriate coating, emerges from a defined section or sections. This section could, for example, be the end wall section and could be chrome-plated. Diffuse light then emerges through the thin metal layer. Symbols can also be laser-etched or printed into the coating, making them clearly visible.

[0015] Electrical components, such as sensors, lights, or input devices for controlling a component in a motor vehicle, are often integrated or intended to be integrated into or attached to such plastic components. These electrical components require an electrical power supply and, if necessary, control lines. Until now, corresponding electrical lines have had to be routed along the components and electrically connected to them during installation.

[0016] A disadvantage of this approach is that cables for supplying power to the electrical components and any control lines must be connected before installation in the vehicle. These cables must be routed along the component and then connected to the electrical components. This is very time-consuming and expensive. During the design and development of the component, care must be taken to ensure that the cables are largely invisible to the user after installation and do not impair the component's function or appearance.

[0017] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a component for use in a motor vehicle which does not have the aforementioned problems, can be manufactured simply by means of an injection molding tool and process known per se, and eliminates the need for separate routing of electrical lines for supplying and / or connecting electrical components to or in the component.

[0018] This problem is solved using the features of claim 1.

[0019] The component according to the invention is intended for use in a motor vehicle. The component is manufactured using a plastic injection molding process and has at least two separate electrically conductive areas. An electrical potential, and thus an electrical voltage, can be established across these two separate electrically conductive areas. If an electrical load is connected to the two separate electrically conductive areas, and the two separate electrically conductive areas are connected to an electrical power supply, the electrical load can be supplied with electrical energy via the two separate electrically conductive areas without the need for a cable to the electrical load; the housing itself, with the two electrically conductive areas, replaces the cable.

[0020] The component consists primarily of thermoplastic material and can be manufactured using a two-component injection molding process. The at least two separate electrically conductive areas consist of an electrically conductive thermoplastic material largely surrounded by a second dielectric thermoplastic material. Because the electrically conductive area is largely surrounded by the dielectric area, there is little need to consider the possibility of a short circuit between the component and electrically conductive elements.

[0021] The component features electrical connection areas formed by the electrically conductive thermoplastic material. This provides electrical connection points to which an electrical power supply or electrical device can be easily connected.

[0022] The component is a louver for use in the housing of an air outlet, the air outlet serving to guide an airflow from an air supply duct or air duct in heating, ventilation, or air conditioning systems for passenger compartments in motor vehicles. The air outlet consists of a housing that can be inserted into or mounted behind a wall opening. The housing has a rear connection for an air supply duct or air duct and a front air outlet opening, wherein at least one louver block is arranged in the housing, comprising at least two mechanically coupled louvers, one of which is the louver itself.The louvers in the louver block are arranged in such a way that the at least two louvers can be pivoted about an axis, in such a way that the airflow exiting the air outlet of the air diffuser can be deflected in its orientation by the coupled, at least two louvers, or the at least two louvers can almost completely close the air outlet opening in the housing in order to prevent the airflow.

[0023] The component is a housing of an air outlet or a housing part of a climate control arrangement, a multimedia unit or a control unit, or part of a glove compartment or a sun visor or the housing of an interior mirror.

[0024] An electrical consumer can be connected to at least two electrically conductive areas that are separated from each other. This consumer can be supplied with electrical energy via the at least two electrically conductive areas, and the internal resistance of each of the electrically conductive areas can be adjusted by the dimensioning and / or the cross-sectional area and / or the quantity of additives in the at least two electrically conductive areas, so that at least one of the two electrically conductive areas fulfills the electrical function of a series resistor for the electrical consumer.

[0025] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims, the further description and in particular by means of exemplary embodiments.

[0026] According to the features of claim 2, it is advantageously provided that the at least two electrically conductive areas are galvanically isolated from one another. Galvanic isolation—also referred to as galvanic decoupling—generally describes the electrical separation of two conductive objects, for example, metal plates or electrical circuits. In the case of electrical circuits, charge carriers are therefore unable to flow from one circuit to another, since there is no electrically conductive connection between these two circuits. Because electrical potentials are separated in galvanically isolated connections, they are also referred to as potential-free connections.

[0027] According to the features of claim 3, it is advantageously provided that the electrically conductive thermoplastic and the dielectric thermoplastic consist of linear and / or aromatic polymers, preferably polyamide, containing additives.

[0028] According to the features of claim 4, it is advantageously provided that the additives of the electrically conductive thermoplastic are fibers in the form of metal fibers or metal thread segments, and the additives of the dielectric thermoplastic are fibers in the form of carbon fibers, glass fibers, or fibers made of plastic with a roughened surface, and that both the fibers of the conductive thermoplastic and the dielectric thermoplastic have different thicknesses, diameters, or lengths. The choice of fibers influences, firstly, the modulus of elasticity, and secondly, the choice of material and / or the resulting surface structure of the fibers are important, and thus the way in which the fibers integrate into the molecular structure of the plastic, thereby influencing the material properties of a component produced with the mixture of plastic and added fibers.Because the fibers have different dimensions, they form additional mechanical bonds during the manufacturing of the plastic component by interlocking with each other. Due to the linear nature of the polymers, the fibers are directly incorporated into the molecular chains of the plastic that form as it cools.

[0029] According to the features of claim 5, it is advantageously provided that the fibers of the dielectric thermoplastic polymer are selected such that the component has a modulus of elasticity of at least 42,000 MPa in the longitudinal direction and / or in the transverse direction and / or during torsional twisting.

[0030] According to the features of claim 6, it is advantageously provided that the at least two electrically conductive areas, separated from each other, extend along the inside or outside of the component and are arranged converging or parallel to each other.

[0031] According to the features of claim 7, it is advantageously provided that the electrical consumer is a light source, a diode, a sensor element or an electrical or electronic functional unit or an electric motor or a stepper motor or a control unit for an electric motor or a stepper motor.

[0032] The invention is described below using specific embodiments shown in the figures. Fig. 1 to Fig. 5. Explained by way of example.

[0033] The description based on the specific embodiments does not constitute a limitation of the invention to any one of these specific embodiments.

[0034] It shows: Fig. 1. A perspective view of a lamella; Fig. 2 a cut through the lamella of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a perspective view of the housing of an air outlet; Fig. 4 the perspective view of the housing of the air outlet according to Fig. 3 with an electrical connection module; and Fig. 5 a schematic representation of the electrical connection module of Fig. 4.

[0035] The specific embodiment according to the figures Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows the invention using an embodiment of a lamella which can be arranged, for example, in an air outlet for supplying air into the interior of a motor vehicle and serves to guide and direct the airflow exiting the air outlet.

[0036] The specific embodiment according to the figures Fig. 3 to Fig. Figure 5 illustrates the invention using an embodiment of a housing that can be arranged, for example, in the interior of a motor vehicle and serves to supply air to the interior. For better understanding of the invention and for improved clarity, the figures and the accompanying figure descriptions are simplified. Fig. 3 to Fig. 5. Same reference symbols are used for identical elements.

[0037] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a lamella 1-1 in perspective.

[0038] The lamella 1-1 is designed for use in a lamella block or in the housing of an air outlet. The lamella block can have several identical or different lamellae, which are preferably arranged parallel and usually equidistant from each other within the lamella block. The lamella block is also designed for use in the housing of an air outlet.

[0039] The lamella 1-1 is provided with lateral projections and projections, which in the design according to Fig. 1 are designed as bearing pins 1-7, 1-8 and serve for the mechanical support of the lamella 1-1 in corresponding abutments in a housing or a lamella block.

[0040] The lamella 1-1 is mounted in abutments and can be pivoted about the longitudinal axis formed between the bearing pins 1-7, 1-8.

[0041] The lamella 1-1 has a cross-sectional structure that is preferably flat, but can also be wavy or angular. Likewise, in the longitudinal direction, the lamella 1-1 can have flat, wavy, or distributed angular structures; structures deviating from a flat shape are application-dependent and contribute to stiffening the lamella 1-1.

[0042] The bearing pins 1-7, 1-8 projecting laterally on the upper and lower end faces can be formed from the plastic of the lamella 1 or machined from an insert overmolded with the plastic of the lamella 1. The insert can have projections extending into the plastic bearing pins 1-7, 1-8.

[0043] In order to swirl or better direct the airflow when exiting an air outlet, a further advantageous embodiment of the lamella 1-1 provides that in the front area the lamella 1-1 has a bead-shaped thickening extending over at least a partial length.

[0044] The lamella 1-1 consists of two different thermoplastic materials, and the lamella 1-1 is manufactured using a 2-component injection molding process.

[0045] The first thermoplastic material essentially forms the shape of lamella 1-1. This region 1-4 of the lamella is non-conductive and consists of thermoplastic material to which additives are added for reinforcement and to influence the mechanical properties of the material. Furthermore, two additional regions 1-2 and 1-3 are incorporated into lamella 1-1; these are electrically conductive and are located in Fig. 1. A conductor is formed that runs longitudinally through the lamella 1-1, but is interrupted approximately in the middle 1-9 of the lamella 1-1. The two electrically conductive areas 1-2, 1-3 of the lamella 1-1 consist of thermoplastic material that is made electrically conductive by the addition of additives.

[0046] In a particular embodiment of the invention, it has proven particularly advantageous to incorporate this thermoplastic material, which preferably consists of polyamide, with fibers and / or fiber sections made of metal in order to introduce an electrically conductive structure into the lamella 1-1.

[0047] To supply the lamella 1-1 with electrical current, wire sections 1-5, 1-6 or projections made of electrically conductive thermoplastic material are provided protruding from the bearing pins 1-7, 1-8, which extend laterally beyond the bearing pins 1-7, 1-8 and connect to electrical contact points, so that electrical energy can be supplied to or removed from the two conductive areas 1-2 and 1-3.

[0048] In the area of ​​the center 1-9 of the lamella 1-1, contact surfaces 1-10, 1-11 are formed. An electrical load, in the specific configuration according to Fig. 1 in the form of an LED 1-12. The LED 1-12 is connected at one electrical connection point to contact point 1-10 and at the other electrical connection point to contact point 1-11, so that in the event of a corresponding current flow, conducted through the two electrically conductive areas 1-2 and 1-3 of the lamella 1-1, the LED 1-12 illuminates. The LED 1-12 can either be injection-molded onto contact points 1-10 and 1-11 of the lamella 1-1 during the injection molding manufacturing process of the lamella 1-1, or welded or riveted to contact points 1-10 and 1-11 after the lamella 1-1 has been manufactured.

[0049] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it has proven particularly advantageous to use a polyamide with a glass fiber content of 30% to 50% for mechanical reinforcement for the lamella 1-1 and the non-conductive area 1-4, and to use an electrically conductive polyamide for the electrically conductive areas 1-2, 1-3, as well as the contact points 1-10, 1-11, and to provide this with a glass fiber content of 50% for mechanical reinforcement.

[0050] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that, instead of the wire sections 1-5, 1-6 protruding from the bearing pins 1-7, 1-8, contact points are provided on the side areas of the lamella 1-1 which are in contact with the electrically conductive areas 1-2, 1-3.

[0051] As previously described, the non-electrically conductive area 1-4 of lamella 1-1 consists of thermoplastic material, in which fibers of different types and lengths are incorporated and mixed with the corresponding thermoplastic granules. Additional or alternative additives may also be mixed into the thermoplastic material.

[0052] To ensure that the lamella 1-1 is sufficiently lightweight yet stable, it is designed to be made of thermoplastic material reinforced with fibers and / or additives. These fibers and / or additives are selected such that the manufactured lamella 1-1 exhibits a modulus of elasticity of at least 42,000 MPa. However, selecting fibers and / or additives that result in a modulus of elasticity of at least 36,000 MPa after manufacturing has proven particularly effective; it is even envisaged that the lamella 1-1 will have a modulus of elasticity of 48,000 MPa.

[0053] The lamella 1-1 is designed to have a modulus of elasticity of at least 42,000 MPa in the longitudinal direction and / or in the transverse direction and / or under torsional stress. However, it has proven particularly effective to select the fibers and / or additives such that the lamella 1-1 has a modulus of elasticity of at least 36,000 MPa in the longitudinal direction and / or in the transverse direction and / or under torsional stress after its manufacture.

[0054] A 1-1 lamella with a corresponding modulus of elasticity of at least 42,000 MPa is achieved by adding fibers and / or additives of a predefined type and quantity to the thermoplastic material. These fibers and / or additives will be discussed in more detail below.

[0055] The lamella 1-1 consists of the two plastics that form the two conductive areas 1-2, 1-3 and the non-conductive area 1-4. An interface forms at the contact surfaces of the two conductive areas 1-2, 1-3 and the non-conductive area 1-4, in which the two plastics of the conductive areas 1-2, 1-3 and the non-conductive area 1-4 interlock.

[0056] In Fig. 2 is a section through part of lamella 1-1 of Fig. 1 shown; Fig. Figure 2 shows a partial section of the cross-section in the area of ​​the contact surface of the two plastics 2-1, 2-2. The area where the two plastics 2-1 and 2-2 of the lamella 2-3 are in contact is shown schematically enlarged. Both plastics 2-1, 2-2 are made of thermoplastic material mixed with fibers 2-4, 2-5 and / or additives.

[0057] The plastic 2-1 contains fibers 2-4, preferably designed as "short fibers", which consist of electrically conductive material, e.g., metal. The plastic 2-2 contains fibers 2-5, designed as "long fibers", which consist of non-conductive material, such as carbon fibers, carbon fiber sections, glass fibers, glass fiber sections, plastic fibers, or sections of plastic fibers.

[0058] In a particular embodiment of the invention, it is provided that, in the case of the use of plastic fibers or sections of plastic fibers, this plastic from which the fibers or fiber sections are made has a much higher melting point than the plastic to which they are added.

[0059] During the two-component injection molding process used to produce the lamella 3, an interface or boundary layer 2-6 forms between the two plastics 2-1 and 2-2. Interlocking occurs between the fibers 2-4 and 2-5 of the two plastics 2-1 and 2-2 at this boundary layer 2-6. At the time the second plastic 2-2 is applied to the first plastic 2-1, the first plastic 2-1 is not yet cured or is partially melted by the hot, liquid plastic of the second plastic 2-2. This results in the molecular chains of the first and second plastics 2-1, 2-2 bonding together at the boundary layer 2-6, and the fibers 2-4, 2-5 also become entangled within this boundary layer.

[0060] The plastic used to manufacture lamella 2-3 is preferably linear and / or partially aromatic polyamides and mixtures thereof. Short designations include, for example, PA, PAA, and PPA. Polyamides are polymers with regularly repeating amide bonds along the main chain. The amide group can be understood as the condensation product of a carboxylic acid and an amine. The resulting bond is an amide bond that can be hydrolytically cleaved.

[0061] Polyamides are often used as construction materials due to their excellent strength and toughness. They exhibit good chemical resistance to organic solvents. However, there is still a possibility that polyamides can be attacked by acids or oxidizing chemicals. To further influence the properties of polyamides, i.e., plastic polyamides, towards the desired housing stability, fibers and / or other components are added to the polyamides.

[0062] Fibers 2-4 and 2-5 are fibers of the same and / or different lengths, as already described. In their specific configuration, fibers 2-4 and 2-5 exhibit the following characteristics: Fig. Two different lengths, diameters, or thicknesses are available. By selecting the fibers 2-4, 2-5, their dimensions, and / or the material of the fibers 2-4, 2-5, the physical and chemical properties of the polyamide to which these fibers are added can be modified. The physical properties of the plastic, especially the polyamide, can be influenced and changed by adding the aforementioned fibers 2-4, 2-5, and in particular, one of the two plastics can be made electrically conductive. In this way, simple and structural properties of the plastic can be modified and adapted to required specifications. A current supply line can be integrated into the lamella 2-3 in the manner described.

[0063] In plastics engineering, an important characteristic of a plastic's mechanical properties is its modulus of elasticity, also known as Young's modulus (after the physicist Thomas Young). The modulus of elasticity is a material property that describes the relationship between stress and strain during the deformation of a solid body exhibiting linear-elastic behavior. The higher the modulus of elasticity, the greater the resistance a material offers to deformation. A material with a high modulus of elasticity is stiff, while a material with a low modulus is flexible.

[0064] The modulus of elasticity is the constant of proportionality in Hooke's law. For crystalline materials, the modulus of elasticity is generally direction-dependent. However, as soon as a material has a crystallographic texture, its modulus of elasticity becomes anisotropic.

[0065] The lamella 2-3 is selected such that, through the addition of fibers 2-4, 2-5, or alternatively, additives, the manufactured lamella 2-3 exhibits a modulus of elasticity (E-modulus) of at least 42,000 MPa. This is achieved by adding the fibers 2-4, 2-5, and / or other additives to the thermoplastic material. In the case of fibers 2-4 and 2-5, these additives are fibers with a predefined fiber length and / or material type. The mixture of the plastic and the proportion of fibers 2-4 and 2-5 are selected such that a lamella 2-3 manufactured from this mixture also exhibits a modulus of elasticity of at least 42,000 MPa, in addition to the functionality of integrating a conductive area 2-1.

[0066] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an air outlet.

[0067] The air outlet consists of a housing 3-1, which has two air outlet openings 3-2 on the front and two air inlet openings 3-3 on the rear.

[0068] Airflow is supplied to the air outlet via the two air inlet openings 3-3, which is directed in the housing 3-1 via louvers that are in Fig. 3, which are not shown, is affected in its orientation. A cover 3-4 is arranged in front of the air outlet openings 3-2, which can be attached to the front of the housing 3-1 and connected to it in a force-fit and form-fit manner.

[0069] Housing 3-1 consists of two different thermoplastic materials. Therefore, housing 3-1 is manufactured using a two-component injection molding process. The first thermoplastic material forms the housing 3-1 and is electrically non-conductive. This thermoplastic material is reinforced with additives to enhance its strength and modify its mechanical properties.

[0070] The housing 3-1 has several areas 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8. These areas 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8 are made of electrically conductive thermoplastic and form straight, linear sections resembling conductor tracks. Each of these areas 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8 has two contact surfaces, wherein in Fig. Only one contact surface 3-9, 3-10, 3-11, 3-12 is visible in each case. The areas 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8 each form a quasi-conductor that at least partially surrounds or passes through the housing 3-1.

[0071] To supply the electrically conductive areas 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8 with electrical current, i.e., to provide this electrical current, contact surfaces are provided via which the housing 3-1 can be electrically connected to a power supply. The electrically conductive areas 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8 are formed in pairs and constitute a current supply and current return line to an electrical load that is arranged in or on the housing 3-1. Such an electrical load is, for example, an actuator for adjusting louvers arranged in the housing 3-1 or one or more lighting units in or on the housing 3-1. Fig. 3. The electrical consumers are not shown.

[0072] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it has proven particularly advantageous to use a polyamide with a glass fiber content of 30 to 50% for mechanical reinforcement of the housing 3-1 and its non-conductive plastic, and to use an electrically conductive plastic for the electrically conductive areas 3-5 to 3-8 and the contact points 3-9 to 3-12, providing a glass fiber content of 50% for mechanical reinforcement there.

[0073] As already described, the thermoplastic material of housing 3-1 consists of thermoplastic material to which fibers of different types and lengths have been added and mixed with the corresponding thermoplastic granules. Additional or alternative additives may also be mixed into the thermoplastic material.

[0074] To ensure that the housing 3-1 is both lightweight and stable, the thermoplastic material used is to be reinforced with fibers and / or additives. These fibers and / or additives are selected such that the housing 3-1, after its manufacture, exhibits a modulus of elasticity of at least 42,000 MPa. However, selecting fibers and / or additives that achieve a modulus of elasticity of at least 36,000 MPa after manufacture has proven particularly effective; it is even planned to give the housing 3-1 a modulus of elasticity of 48,000 MPa. The modulus of elasticity of the housing 3-1 is present in the longitudinal direction and / or in the transverse direction and / or under torsional stress.

[0075] In Fig. Figure 4 is the perspective view of the housing 3-1 of the air outlet according to Fig. Figure 3 shows an electrical connection module arranged on the housing 3-1. The electrical connection module 3-13 has mating contact points 3-14 to 3-17 that are matched to the contact points 3-9 to 3-12 of the housing 3-1. The connection module 3-13 has a plug 3-18. A counterpart can be inserted into the plug 3-18, which is connected to a power supply and connects the mating contact points 3-14 to 3-17 to the plug 3-19 via conductor tracks 3-19 to 3-22.

[0076] The connection module 3-13, in its simplest form, is a printed circuit board with the mating contact points 3-14 to 3-17. The mating contact points 3-14 to 3-17 are electrically connected to the contact points 3-9 to 3-12 by welding or crimping them together.

[0077] In Fig.Figure 5 shows the connection module 3-13 separately. The connection module 3-13 is rectangular and has a mating contact point 3-14 to 3-17 and conductor tracks 3-19 to 3-22 at each of its corners, which connect the mating contact point 3-14 to 3-17 to the connector 3-18. Reference symbol list 1-1 lamella 1-2 electrically conductive area 1-3 electrically conductive area 1-4 electrically non-conductive area 1-5 electrical connection 1-6 electrical connection 1-7 Bearing journals 1-8 bearing journals 1-9 Middle (of the lamella) 1-10 contact area 1-11 Contact area 1-12 LED 2-1 first plastic layer 2-2 second plastic layer 2-3 slats 2-4 fibers 2-5 fibers 2-6 Boundary layer 3-1 Housing 3-2 Air outlet opening 3-3 Air intake opening 3-4 f-stops 3-5 electrically conductive area 3-6 electrically conductive area 3-7 electrically conductive area 3-8 electrically conductive area 3-9 electrical connection 3-10 electrical connection 3-11 electrical connection 3-12 electrical connection 3-13 Connection module 3-14 Counter-contact point 3-15 Counter-contact point 3-16 Counter-contact point 3-17 Counter-contact point 3-18 plugs 3-19 conductor track 3-20 conductor track 3-21 conductor track 3-22 conductor track

Claims

[1] Component for use in a motor vehicle, wherein the component (1-1; 3-1) is manufactured by means of a plastic injection molding process and the component (1-1; 3-1) has at least two separate electrically conductive areas 1-2, 1-3; 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8) and wherein the component (1-1; 3-1) consists substantially of thermoplastic material and can be manufactured by a 2K injection molding process, wherein the at least two separate electrically conductive areas (1-2, 1-3; 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8) consist of an electrically conductive thermoplastic material largely surrounded by a second dielectric thermoplastic material, and wherein the component (1-1; 3-1) has electrical connection areas (1-5, 1-6; 3-9, 3-10, 3-11, 3-12) formed by the electrically conductive thermoplastic material, and the component (1-1; 3-1) is a lamella for use in a housing of an air outlet,wherein the air outlet serves to guide an airflow from an air supply duct or air supply line in heating, ventilation or air conditioning systems for passenger compartments in motor vehicles, the air outlet consists of a housing that can be inserted into or mounted behind a wall opening and the housing has a rear connection for an air supply duct or air supply line as well as a front air outlet opening, wherein at least one louver block is arranged in the housing, which has at least two mechanically coupled louvers, one of the louvers of the louver block being the louver, wherein the louvers in the louver block are arranged such that the at least two louvers are pivotable about an axis, in such a way that the coupled,at least two louvers of the airflow exiting the air outlet opening of the air vent can be deflected in its orientation, or the at least two louvers almost completely close the air outlet opening in the housing in order to prevent the airflow, or is a housing of an air vent or the housing part of a climate control arrangement, a multimedia unit or a control unit, or part of a glove compartment or a sun visor or the housing of an interior mirror, wherein the at least two separate electrically conductive areas (1-2, 1-3; 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8) connecting them, an electrical consumer (1-12) can be connected which is connected via the at least two separate electrically conductive areas (1-2, 1-3; 3-5, 3-6, 3-7,3-8) is supplied with electrical energy and, by means of the dimensioning and / or the cross-sectional area and / or the quantity of additives of the at least two separate electrically conductive areas (1-2, 1-3; 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8), the respective internal resistance of each of the electrically conductive areas (1-2, 1-3; 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8) is adjustable such that at least one of the two separate electrically conductive areas (1-2, 1-3; 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8) realizes the electrical function of a series resistor for the electrical load (1-12). [2] Component according to claim 1, characterized by , that the at least two electrically conductive areas (1-2, 1-3; 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8) are galvanically isolated from each other. [3] Component according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the electrically conductive thermoplastic and the dielectric thermoplastic consist of linear and / or aromatic polymers containing additives. [4] Component according to claim 3, characterized by , that the additives of the electrically conductive thermoplastic are fibers (2-4) in the form of metal fibers or metal thread sections and the additives of the dielectric thermoplastic are fibers (2-5) in the form of carbon fibers, glass fibers or fibers of plastic with a roughened surface and that both the fibers (2-4; 2-5) of the conductive thermoplastic and of the dielectric thermoplastic have different thicknesses, diameters or lengths. [5] Component according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the fibers (2-5) of the dielectric thermoplastic polymer are selected such that the component (1-1; 3-1) has a modulus of elasticity of at least 42,000 MPa in the longitudinal direction and / or in the transverse direction and / or during torsional twisting. [6] Component according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the at least two electrically conductive areas (1-2, 1-3; 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8) which are separate from each other extend along the inside or outside of the component (1-1; 3-1) and run towards each other or are arranged parallel to each other. [7] Component according to claim 1, characterized by , that the electrical consumer (1-12) is a light source, a diode, a sensor element or an electrical or electronic functional unit or an electric motor or a stepper motor or a control unit for an electric motor or a stepper motor.

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