Component arrangement for an interior or exterior paneling of a vehicle and method for manufacturing such a component arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a component arrangement for an interior or exterior trim panel of a vehicle, comprising a decorative element (3) and a receiving part (1) on which the decorative element (3) can be mounted, wherein the decorative element (3) has a carrier part (5) which is coated on its visible side with a decorative layer (7), wherein an edge surface (15) of the carrier part (5) is exposed at an edge (17) of the decorative element, and wherein, for the purpose of concealing the exposed edge surface (15), a carrier part leg (19) is angled from a carrier part base section (21) towards the receiving unit (1), so that the carrier part (5) exposed at the edge (17) of the decorative element is concealed from view by the receiving part (1). According to the invention, the carrier part (5) has a folding axis (F). The carrier part leg (19) is angled about the folding axis (F) from the carrier part base section (21).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a component arrangement for an interior or exterior paneling of a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for manufacturing such a component arrangement according to claim 10.

[0002] In such a component arrangement, a receiving component could be, for example, an instrument panel, while the decorative element could be a display bezel that frames a vehicle display located on the instrument panel. In this arrangement, the decorative element consists of a carrier part coated on the visible side with a decorative layer. The carrier part is a thermoplastic base made of, for example, PC / ABS, while the decorative layer is made of PUR or PUA, providing a very high-quality and scratch-resistant surface. The decorative element can be manufactured using a two-component injection molding technique, in which the carrier part is formed in a first injection molding step, and the decorative layer is applied to the carrier part in a second injection molding step.

[0003] In the second injection molding step, a mold cavity is created in an injection mold between a mold surface of one mold half and the carrier part. This cavity is then filled with a low-viscosity base component of the decorative layer. To reliably seal the mold cavity, a carrier part edge (known as a sealing edge or impression rim) is in contact with the mold surface of the injection mold half. This creates a sealing zone that prevents the low-viscosity base component from escaping the mold cavity. Without such a carrier part edge, the low-viscosity base component could leak through gaps at the contact surface between the two mold surfaces.

[0004] The manufacturing process described above presents the following problem: The edge surface, i.e., the pressure or sealing edge, of the carrier part is not covered by the decorative layer. This results in a loss of design appeal when installed, as the edge of the carrier part remains visible to vehicle occupants at the edge of the decorative element. Furthermore, the carrier part material (PC / ABS) is not resistant to UV radiation, which will impair the material quality of the carrier part over time.

[0005] From DE 20 2013 103 738 U1, a generic component arrangement for an interior or exterior trim panel of a vehicle is known, comprising a decorative element and a receiving part on which the decorative element can be mounted. The decorative element has a carrier part which is coated with a decorative layer on its visible side. An edge surface of the carrier part is exposed at one edge of the decorative element. To conceal the carrier part exposed at the edge, a leg of the carrier part is angled from a base section of the carrier part towards the receiving unit, so that the carrier part exposed at the edge of the decorative element is concealed from view and faces the receiving part.

[0006] From DE 44 24 409 A1, a method for manufacturing decorative trim parts, in particular trim parts for the inside of automobile doors, is known. These are formed from carrier parts made of thermoplastic material, optionally with a lamination of a plastic film or a stretchable textile fabric on the visible side, in a heated hollow metal mold having the contours of the trim parts to be produced, under high pressure, forming an edge that is raised transversely to the main plane of the carrier parts. Subsequently, after heating to a temperature above the softening point of the carrier material, this edge is provided with a precisely defined bending contour by a folding process, which is adapted to the surface structure of the part to be covered, for example, the automobile door.In order to achieve high accuracy of the position of the bending edge without creating a wall thickness gradation, only the area of ​​the edge of the support part along the desired bending zone is locally heated to a temperature above the softening temperature of the material of the support part immediately before the bending process.

[0007] From DE 10 2007 037 328 A1, an interior component is known comprising a carrier component with an edge section in the region of a component edge and a base section, which is provided with a decorative layer. The edge section of the carrier component is designed to be bendable with respect to the base section of the carrier component.

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a component arrangement for an interior or exterior trim of a vehicle in which quality losses in the decorative element material due to environmental influences, in particular UV radiation, are prevented, and / or design requirements are better met compared to the prior art.

[0009] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1 or 10. Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0010] The invention relates to a component arrangement for the interior or exterior trim of a vehicle, comprising a decorative element and a receiving part. The decorative element is mounted on the receiving part. The decorative element has a carrier part, for example, a thermoplastic base body made of PC / ABS, which is coated on its visible side with a decorative layer. The decorative layer can be made of PUR or PUA, thus providing a very high-quality and scratch-resistant surface. For example, due to the manufacturing process, an edge surface of the carrier part is exposed at one edge of the decorative element.

[0011] To conceal the exposed support element at the edge of the decorative element, a support element leg is angled from a support element base section towards the receiving unit, such that the exposed support element at the edge of the decorative element faces the receiving unit and is thus concealed. Accordingly, the exposed edge surface of the support element is located in a joint area between the edge of the decorative element and the receiving unit. To simplify the process of implementing the angled geometry between the support element base section and the support element leg, the following measure is provided according to the characterizing part of claim 1: The support element is designed with a defined folding axis. In this way, the support element leg can be easily angled from the support element base section in a single folding operation about the folding axis.

[0012] In a technical implementation, the decorative element is manufactured in a first process step, preferably using two-component injection molding, in which a decorative element pre-product is initially produced that is still unfolded and preferably flat. In a subsequent second process step, the folding process takes place, in which the carrier part leg is angled around the folding axis with respect to the carrier part base section. In this way, in the assembled state, the visible side of the decorative element edge is provided exclusively by the decorative layer, while the exposed carrier part edge surface is completely concealed in the joint area with the receiving part.

[0013] In a third process step, which takes place before assembly with the receiving part, the angled state between the carrier part leg and the carrier part base section can be fixed in a dimensionally stable manner, for example by means of a force-fit and / or material-fit connection.

[0014] In two-component (2K) injection molding, the base part is formed in a first injection molding step, and the decorative layer is applied to the base part in a second injection molding step. When injection molding polyurethane (PUR) or polyurea (PUA) as the surface material for the base part, the following occurs: In the second step, a mold cavity is formed in the injection mold between a mold surface of one mold half and the already formed base part. This cavity is then flooded with the base component of the decorative layer. Especially when using PUR and PUA as the decorative layer, the base component is particularly low in viscosity. For this reason, the surface of the base part is pressurized against the mold surface of the injection mold half. This creates a sealing zone that prevents the low-viscosity base component from escaping the mold cavity.By flooding the carrier part in the second injection molding step, the subsequent painting of the carrier part, which is known from the prior art, can be eliminated.

[0015] In one specific embodiment, the support leg of the support element is divided into a leg section near the fold axis and a leg section further away from the fold axis, which transition into each other at a step. The leg section further away from the fold axis extends to the edge surface of the support element where the support element is exposed. Furthermore, the leg section further away from the fold axis can have a reduced material thickness compared to the leg section near the fold axis, thereby reducing the surface area of ​​the exposed edge of the support element relative to the entire edge of the decorative element.

[0016] In a specific embodiment, the folding axis formed in the support part can be defined by a material weakening, in particular a notch in the support part, where the layer thickness of the support part is reduced to a residual base thickness. For example, the material weakening can be produced during the first injection molding step. Alternatively, a milling operation can take place after the injection molding process, in which the material weakening is introduced into the support part by milling.

[0017] The leg section furthest from the fold axis, which is designed with reduced thickness, can form an internal corner area at the transition to the leg section closest to the fold axis. This corner area is filled with the material of the decorative layer when the decorative element is finished. Furthermore, the leg section furthest from the fold axis can transition flush with the leg section furthest from the fold axis on its underside facing away from the decorative layer. This positions the exposed edge of the support component as far away as possible from the visible side, towards the concealed area.

[0018] An embodiment of the invention and a comparative example not covered by the invention are described below with reference to the figures.

[0019] They show: Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 different views, each illustrating the structure and manufacture of the component arrangement according to the invention; and Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 views of a comparative example not covered by the invention.

[0020] For the sake of a simple understanding of the invention, a component arrangement according to a comparative example not encompassed by the invention is first described, which is found in the Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 is indicated. In the Fig. Figure 5 shows the component arrangement comprising a receiving part 1 and a plate-shaped decorative element 3, which is attached to the receiving part 1 at a connection point 4, for example by a clip connection (not shown). The decorative element 3 consists of a carrier part 5 made of PC / ABS, the visible side of which is coated with a decorative layer 7 made of PUR or PUA. The layer thicknesses are shown in the Fig. Figure 4 is not shown to scale. In an actual embodiment, the carrier part 5 may, for example, have a layer thickness of 2.5 mm to 4 mm, while the layer thickness of the decorative layer 7 may be between 0.1 mm and 0.8 mm.

[0021] The one in Fig. The decorative element shown in section 5 is manufactured using a 2K injection molding process, which is described below. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 is indicated.

[0022] Accordingly, in the first injection molding sub-step I ( Fig. 6) The carrier part 5 is preformed in a mold cavity bounded by a left injection mold half 8 and a right injection mold half 11. A subsequent second injection molding step II for coating the carrier part 5 with the top layer 7 is carried out in the Fig. 7 illustrates the second injection molding sub-step II ( Fig. 7) is carried out unchanged with the same right injection mold half 11 as in the first injection molding sub-step I, while the left injection mold half 9 has a different mold geometry compared to the left injection mold half 8 in the first injection molding sub-step I.

[0023] Between a mold surface 10 of the left injection mold half 9 ( Fig. 7) and the carrier part 5 form a tool cavity 13. This is flooded with a low-viscosity starting component of the decorative layer 7. As can be seen from the Fig. As further shown in Figure 7, an edge surface 15 of the carrier part 5 acts as a pressure edge or sealing edge, which in a sealing pressure system is in contact with the mold surface 10 of the injection mold half 9. In this way, a sealing zone D is formed ( Fig. 7), which prevents the low-viscosity starting component from escaping the tool cavity 13.

[0024] In the Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. In the comparative example shown in section 7, the following problem exists: Due to the manufacturing process, the edge surface 15, i.e., the pressure edge or the sealing edge of the carrier part 5, is not covered by the decorative layer 7. This leads to the following in the installed state ( Fig. 5) that the carrier part edge surface 15 is exposed at a decorative element edge 17, meaning it remains visible to the vehicle occupant, especially since the carrier part edge surface 15 is not covered by the receiving part 1. The exposed carrier part edge surface 15 may be perceived as disturbing by the vehicle occupant.

[0025] A key aspect of the invention is to avoid such design compromises. The following examples illustrate this: Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. The measures described in the 4 were carried out. The basic structure and manufacturing process of the [product / service] described in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. The component arrangement shown in section 4 is identical to the structure and manufacturing process as described above. Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7. Therefore, reference is made to the preliminary description.

[0026] Unlike the Fig. 5 indicates the support part 5 in the Fig. 1 A folding axis F is formed around which an edge-side support element leg 19 is angled from a support element base section 21 towards the receiving element 1. This ensures that the edge surface 15 is completely concealed within a joint area 12 between the decorative element edge 17 and the receiving element 1. The visible side of the decorative element edge 17 is therefore exclusively provided by the decorative layer 7.

[0027] According to the Fig. 1 the folding axis F is defined by a notch 23 on the underside of the support part 5 facing away from the visible side.

[0028] The support part 5 is according to the Fig. 1 is divided into a leg section 25 near the fold axis and a leg section 27 farther from the fold axis, which extends to the edge surface 15 of the carrier part where the carrier part 5 is exposed at its edge. The leg section 27 farther from the fold axis has a reduced material thickness compared to the leg section 25 near the fold axis. In addition, the leg section 27 farther from the fold axis is flush with the leg section 25 near the fold axis on its underside facing away from the decorative layer 7. Accordingly, in the Fig. 1. The exposed edge surface of the support element 15 is positioned as far away as possible from the visible side and offset into the joint area 12. Between the leg section 27 furthest from the fold axis and the leg section 25 closest to the fold axis, there is a step with an inner corner area that is completely filled with the material of the cover layer 7.

[0029] Decorative element 3 is manufactured using a 2K injection molding technique, as in the comparison example. In contrast to the comparison example, the decorative element 3 features... Fig. 2 the mold surface of the right injection mold half 11 a projection 22 ( Fig. 2 or Fig. 3) which replicates the negative shape of the notch 23. Accordingly, in the first injection molding process step I, the notch 23 is formed on the underside of the carrier part 5 by the mold's downward slope. The left injection mold half 8 is identical to the left injection mold half 8 used in the comparison example.

[0030] The second injection molding process step II ( Fig. 3) The coating of the carrier part 5 is carried out identically as shown in the comparative example according to the Fig. 7 described.

[0031] In the Fig. 4 is a component in the 2K injection molding process ( Fig. 2 and Fig.3) The produced decorative element pre-product 29 is shown, which is still flat, i.e., still unfolded. In a subsequent process step, the decorative element pre-product 29 is subjected to a folding process in which the support part leg 19 is angled relative to the support part base section 21 about the folding axis F. Subsequently, a further process step takes place in which the angled state between the support part leg 19 and the support part base section 21 is fixed in a dimensionally stable manner by a force and / or material bond (not shown). The now angled decorative element 7 can then be attached to the receiving part 1 at the attachment point 4.

[0032] As can be seen from a comparison of injection molding steps I and II of the exemplary embodiment and the comparative example, only the mold surface of the right injection mold half 11 needs to be slightly modified to implement the invention, while the left injection mold halves 8 and 9 remain unchanged in both the exemplary embodiment and the comparative example. Therefore, the invention can also be implemented with minimal effort in an existing injection mold. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 1 recording part 3 decorative elements 4 Connection point 5 Carrier part 7 decorative layer 8 Left injection mold half for the first injection molding step 9 Left injection mold half for the second injection molding step 10 Forming area 11 right injection mold half 12 Joint area 13 Tool cavity 15 Edge area 16 Edge 17 Decorative element edge 19 Carrier part leg 21 Carrier part - base section 22 lead 23 notches 25 leg section near the fold axis 27 leg section furthest from the fold axis 29 Decorative element pre-product F Folding axis I first injection molding sub-step II second injection molding sub-step D Sealing zone QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2013 103 738 U1

[0005] DE 44 24 409 A1

[0006] DE 10 2007 037 328 A1

[0007]

Claims

[1] Component arrangement for an interior or exterior trim of a vehicle, comprising a decorative element (3) and a receiving part (1) on which the decorative element (3) can be mounted, wherein the decorative element (3) has a carrier part (5) which is coated on its visible side with a decorative layer (7), wherein an edge surface (15) of the carrier part (5) is exposed at an edge (17) of the decorative element, and wherein, for the purpose of concealing the exposed edge surface (15), a carrier part leg (19) is angled from a carrier part base section (21) towards the receiving unit (1), so that the carrier part (5) exposed at the edge (17) of the decorative element is concealed from view by the receiving part (1), characterized by , that the support part (5) has a folding axis (F), and that the support part leg (19) can be angled about the folding axis (F) from the support part base section (21). [2] Component arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by, that in the manufacture of the decorative element (3), in particular in 2K injection molding technology, a decorative element pre-product (29) can be produced which is still unfolded, in particular still flat, and in the folding process the carrier part leg (19) can be angled around the folding axis (F), so that in the assembled state the visible side of the decorative element edge (17) can be provided exclusively by the decorative layer (7), and / or that the edge surface (15) of the carrier part (5) is arranged completely concealed in a joint area (12) between the decorative element edge (17) and the receiving part (1). [3] Component arrangement according to claim 2, characterized by , that in a further process step the angled state between the support part leg (19) and the support part base section (21) can be determined by a force and / or material bond. [4] Component arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by, that in 2K injection molding technology in a first injection molding step (I) the carrier part (5) is formed, and in a second injection molding step (II) the decorative layer (3) is coated onto the carrier part (5). [5] Component arrangement according to claim 4, characterized by, that in the second injection molding step (II) the already pre-formed carrier part (5) is arranged between the injection molding tool halves (9, 11) of an injection molding tool, that a mold cavity (13) is formed between a mold surface (10) of an injection molding tool half (9) and the carrier part (5), that in the second injection molding step (II) the mold cavity (13) is flooded with a particularly low-viscosity starting component of the decorative layer (3), and that in the second injection molding step (II) the edge surface (15) of the carrier part (5) is in pressure with the mold surface (10) of the injection molding tool half (9), forming a sealing zone (D) which prevents the starting component from escaping from the mold cavity (13). [6] Component arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the support leg (19) is divided into a leg section (25) near the fold axis and a leg section (27) far from the fold axis, which merge into each other at a step, and that the leg section (27) far from the fold axis extends to the exposed edge surface (15) of the support leg, and that in particular the leg section (27) far from the fold axis has a reduced material thickness compared to the leg section (25) near the fold axis. [7] Component arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the folding axis (F) is defined by a material weakening (23), in particular a notch, in the support part (5), in which the layer thickness of the support part (5) is reduced to a residual floor thickness. [8] Component arrangement according to claim 7, characterized by, that the material weakening (23) can be produced during the tooling process in the first injection molding sub-step (I), or can be produced in a separate post-processing step, for example in a milling process. [9] Component arrangement according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized by , that the leg section (27) furthest from the fold axis transitions flush into the leg section (25) closest to the fold axis on its underside facing away from the decorative layer (7). [10] Method for manufacturing a component arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims.

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