Trim panel with badge for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle trim assembly. The trim assembly comprises a trim panel (26), such as a bodywork part, having a first face (24) with a recess (28) which comprises a bottom (34) with a receiving surface (36). The trim assembly further comprises a coating (54) covering the first face. The assembly also has a surface insert (30), such as a logo, having a contour (38) and an attachment surface (48) which is attached to the receiving surface by an adhesive (50). The bottom further comprises a gutter (40) around the receiving surface that runs along the contour of the surface insert and is suitable for receiving a raised portion (52) of the coating. The gutter is suitable for receiving a raised portion of the coating such as a sag or a bubble. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a trim assembly.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Vehicle emblem panel

[0001] The present invention claims priority from French application 2208848 filed on September 2, 2022, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The invention relates to surface inserts, such as logos, for motor vehicles. More specifically, the invention deals with the attachment of a surface insert for a motor vehicle. The invention provides a vehicle trim assembly with a bonded surface insert. The invention also provides a method for manufacturing a vehicle trim assembly.

[0003] A motor vehicle commonly includes one or more surface inserts, such as the vehicle's brand logo or a model designation. A surface insert can also serve a decorative function, allowing for the addition of specific materials in certain areas. For ease of installation, such a surface insert is glued to a trim panel. This trim panel acts as a support, receiving the insert in a dedicated recess.

[0004] With decoration in mind, the trim panel is generally coated with paint. This coating allows for both a predefined appearance and protection of the panel. However, during application, the paint can form localized bumps and even bubbles. In some cases, the paint clumps into droplets or runs on the area where a surface insert is bonded. This paint clump locally pulls the insert away from its substrate. Consequently, the adhesive layer used to fix the surface insert only adheres to one edge and the clump. The panel-insert joint is then partially open. The strength of this bond is insufficient for the entire lifespan of a vehicle.

[0005] Over time, water can seep into the bonding interface and cause it to deteriorate. Cleaning with a pressurized water jet risks detaching the surface insert. Furthermore, mechanical cleaning with robotic rollers can tear off the surface insert if a roller strand becomes caught between the insert and the facing panel.

[0006] The loss of the surface insert detracts from the perceived quality of the vehicle. It must be replaced. This requires time-consuming manual work.

[0007] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to improve the bonding of a surface insert on a motor vehicle. The invention also aims to optimize the manufacturing cost of a trim assembly and the bonding of a surface insert on a motor vehicle.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes a vehicle trim assembly, the trim assembly comprising a trim panel which has a first face with a recess, the recess comprising a bottom with a receiving surface; a coating covering at least the bottom of the recess; a surface insert having a contour, a fixing surface and a surface opposite the fixing surface, the fixing surface being fixed to the receiving surface by an adhesive; notable in that the bottom has a gutter around the receiving surface, said gutter running along the contour of the surface insert and being able to receive an extra thickness of the coating.

[0009] The invention adapts the bottom of the recess by providing a gutter-shaped relief to receive, concentrate, and trap excess thicknesses that would hinder homogeneous bonding. Thus, the effective bonding surface between the surface insert and the receiving surface is preserved.

[0010] We are familiar with document CN 107694792A, which proposes a mask for painting a vehicle logo. The mask is attached to a support to define a pocket for the logo to be painted. The edge of the mask allows the logo to be painted according to a precise outline. However, this document does not improve the adhesion of a logo to the trim element on which it is applied.

[0011] Preferably, the gutter includes a continuous groove surrounding the receiving surface.

[0012] Preferably, the continuous groove comprises a profile with a constant width and height that is less than the width.

[0013] Preferably, the gutter includes a depth, and the cladding panel includes a metal sheet with a thickness less than the depth of the gutter; preferably the depth of the gutter is between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

[0014] Preferably, the first face includes a main surface surrounding the recess, the recess includes an edge surface extending from the main surface to the gutter; the edge surface conforming to the contour of the surface insert.

[0015] Preferably, the surface insert covers the gutter; preferably the gutter forms a closed loop with a path corresponding to the contour of the surface insert.

[0016] Preferably, the first face comprises a main surface, the receiving surface has a first level, and the gutter has a second level, the main surface being further from the second level than from the first level.

[0017] Preferably, the coating includes a layer of paint and / or a layer of cataphoresis.

[0018] Preferably, the fixing surface covers the gutter.

[0019] Preferably, the recess is watertight.

[0020] Preferably, the trim set is either an exterior trim set or an interior trim set.

[0021] Preferably, the gutter includes an identical profile along the contour of the surface insert.

[0022] Preferably, the coating comprises a layer of paint covering a layer of cataphoresis.

[0023] Preferably, the cladding panel includes a plastic skin.

[0024] Preferably, the surface insert is thicker than the cladding panel.

[0025] Preferably, the surface insert and / or adhesive cover the entire receiving surface.

[0026] Preferably, the adhesive includes an adhesive film.

[0027] Preferably, the gutter surrounds the surface insert.

[0028] Preferably, the cladding panel includes a face opposite to the first face, with the receiving recess extending towards the opposite face.

[0029] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle trim panel, the trim panel comprising a housing with a base surface, a coating covering at least the receiving surface, an insert with a fixing surface, a visible surface opposite the fixing surface and a contour; notable in that the base surface comprises a groove surrounding the insert along the contour of said insert in order to store irregularities in the coating.

[0030] According to another aspect, the invention provides a trim assembly for a motor vehicle, the trim assembly comprising a decorative insert with a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a contour; a trim support with a first face and a second face opposite the first face, the first face having a recess with a base surface, the second surface being on the side of the first face; the trim assembly further comprising a covering covering the less the background surface, and an adhesive fixing the first surface to the background surface; remarkable in that the recess includes a groove surrounding the decorative insert along the contour of the decorative insert; the groove being between the background surface and the fixing surface so as to be able to receive an extra thickness of the coating.

[0031] According to another aspect, the invention proposes an assembly for a motor vehicle, the assembly comprising an insert with a fixing surface and a surface opposite to the fixing surface; a trim panel comprising a main surface with a first main surface, a surface opposite to the main surface, a recess with a receiving area having a first depth relative to the main surface; a coating covering the main surface; an adhesive fixing the first surface to the receiving area of ​​the trim panel; notable in that the receiving area has a peripheral reservoir bordering the insert, the peripheral reservoir having a second depth greater than the first depth relative to the main surface.

[0032] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising a bodywork assembly, remarkable in that the bodywork assembly conforms to the invention, and in that the bodywork panel is a body panel of the motor vehicle.

[0033] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a method for manufacturing a vehicle trim assembly, remarkable in that the trim assembly conforms to the invention; and in that the manufacturing method comprises the following steps: supplying or producing a trim panel having a first face with a recess, the recess comprising a base with a receiving surface and a gutter surrounding the receiving surface and being suitable for receiving an additional thickness; applying a coating to the base of the trim panel; supplying or producing a surface insert having a contour, a fixing surface and a surface opposite the fixing surface; bonding the fixing surface of the surface insert against the receiving surface with adhesive, so that the gutter runs along the contour of the surface insert.

[0034] Preferably, the application step includes a substep of spraying the coating in a direction perpendicular to the receiving surface.

[0035] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will become clear upon reading the following description, given with reference to the attached figures listed below.

[0036] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a front view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0037] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 shows a set of trim for a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0038] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a cross-section of Figure 2 along axis III-III.

[0039] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a diagram of a manufacturing process for a motor vehicle trim assembly according to the invention.

[0040] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 illustrates a coating application step of the manufacturing process according to the invention.

[0041] In the following description, the term "include" is synonymous with "include" and is not restrictive in that it permits the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle, the body assembly, or other stages in the manufacturing process to which it relates. It is understood that the term "include" includes the terms "consist of." The terms "external" and "internal" will refer, respectively, to what is oriented toward the outside of the vehicle and toward the inside of the vehicle.

[0042] In this description, the terms "longitudinal," "longitudinally," "transverse," and "transversely" are used with respect to the vehicle's frame of reference in the mounting configuration. "Longitudinal" refers to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Front" refers to the vehicle's principal direction of travel. "Rear" refers to the opposite of the front of the vehicle. The X-axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y-axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z-axis represents the vertical direction. Edge surface

[0043] In this description, the ranges of values ​​include the bounds that delimit them.

[0044] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0045] Figure 1 represents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

[0046] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12, also called the body. The structure 12 partially forms the body 14 of the vehicle at the roof 16, the front fenders, and the front hood 18. The front hood 18 forms an opening that provides access to the front compartment. The body 14 forms the external shell of the motor vehicle 10. It delimits the passenger compartment (not shown) of the motor vehicle 10. The motor vehicle 10 may also include one or more 20 front grille air vents.

[0047] The motor vehicle 10 further comprises at least one vehicle body panel 22. The body panel 22 may be an exterior body panel, in that it forms the outer shell of the motor vehicle 10. The body panel 22 may be formed on the front hood 18. It may also be formed on a rear tailgate (not shown), or on a side fender, or a C-pillar of the structure 12. The body panel 22 may be integrated into one of the air vents 20.

[0048] The trim assembly 22 comprises a trim panel 26 having a first face 24 in which a recess 28 is formed. The trim panel 26 covers components or structural parts of the vehicle. It forms a finishing element. A surface insert 30 is housed in the recess 28. The surface insert 30 can be a decorative insert or an ornamental insert. The first face 24 is covered with a coating (not shown), for example, a protective coating. The coating can also cover the entire structure 12. It can also cover the front hood 18, the rear tailgate, and side openings. The surface insert 30 is visible from outside the motor vehicle 10.

[0049] The surface insert 30 is located on the surface of a trim panel 26. It is attached to the panel by means of an adhesive film. The surface insert 30 has a contour, an opposite surface, and a mounting surface opposite the opposite surface, these surfaces being delimited by the contour. They are generally a first surface and a second surface. In the present illustration, the surface insert 30 has a cross shape. However, it can have any other shape or configuration. Several surface inserts 30 can be placed side by side. These surface inserts can have different shapes.

[0050] In the present illustration, the trim assembly 22 is an exterior trim assembly. However, the present invention also covers an interior trim assembly. The interior trim assembly can be formed within the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. It can be formed on a dashboard panel.

[0051] Figure 2 shows a set of trim 22 for a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle may correspond to the one shown in relation to Figure 1.

[0052] The cladding assembly 22 includes the cladding panel 26 (partially shown) to which the surface insert 30 (shown in dashed lines) is attached. On the side of the first face 24, or visible face, the cladding panel 26 has the recess 28. The recess- Cement 28 forms a hollow, a recess, or a pocket. The shape of the surface insert 30 coincides with the shape of the recess 28.

[0053] The recess 28 includes a base 34 with a receiving surface 36, or base surface. The receiving surface 36 may be flat. The base 34 has a gutter 40 around the receiving surface 36. The gutter 40 forms a channel or groove. It follows the contour 38 of the surface insert 30 and is adapted to receive an extra thickness of the coating that covers the first face 24. The gutter 40 surrounds the receiving surface 36. It delimits and borders the receiving surface 36. The gutter 40 follows the contour 38 of the surface insert 30.

[0054] The gutter 40, with its extra depth, forms a peripheral reservoir. It is suitable for capturing and storing excess material from the coating. Preferably, the gutter 40 forms a closed loop with a profile corresponding to the contour 38 of the surface insert 30.

[0055] The first face 24 is partially formed by a main surface 42 surrounding the recess 28. The recess 28 includes an edge surface 44. The edge surface 44 forms a rim of the bottom 34. The edge surface 44 extends from the gutter 40. The gutter 40 and the edge surface 44 connect the receiving surface 36 to the main surface 42. The edge surface 44 extends from the main surface 42 to the gutter 40. The edge surface 44 follows the contour 38 of the surface insert 30. They are of complementary shapes.

[0056] The body panel 26 is presented as a metal sheet forming part of the vehicle's structure. The metal sheet can be made of steel or aluminum. Alternatively, the body panel may include a plastic skin.

[0057] Figure 3 shows a cross-section of Figure 2 along axis III-III. The cross-section passes through a portion, like a branch, of the surface insert 30 of the covering assembly 22.

[0058] The cladding panel 26 includes a face opposite 25 to the first face 24, the recess 28 extending towards the opposite face 25.

[0059] The surface insert 30 has a fixing surface 48 and an opposing surface 46. The latter is on the side of the first face 24, opposite the fixing surface 48. The opposing surface 46 and the fixing surface 48 are delimited by the contour 38. The opposing surface 46 is the visible surface. It is free of any covering. It faces the environment. The fixing surface 48 is attached to the receiving surface 36 by an adhesive 50. The receiving surface 36 forms, in particular, a bonding zone. The surface insert 30 at least partially fills the recess 28. It covers the gutter 40. The surface of fixing 48 closes the gutter 40 so as to form a closed conduit.

[0060] The base 34 is bordered by the gutter 40. The gutter 40 separates the receiving surface 36 from the edge surface 44. The gutter 40 runs along the contour 38 of the surface insert 30 and allows for the reception of an additional thickness 52 of the coating 54.

[0061] The gutter 40 forms a continuous groove surrounding the receiving surface 36. The continuous groove includes a profile. The gutter 40 has a constant profile along the contour of the surface insert 30. The profile has a width L and a height H. The height H and the width L can be constant. The height H is less than the width L. This feature simplifies the construction of the groove.

[0062] The gutter 40 has a depth P. The cladding panel 26 can include a metal sheet with a thickness E less than the depth P. The sheet thickness is constant. It can be between 0.5 mm and 0.8 mm; preferably between 0.65 mm and 0.75 mm. The depth P of the gutter 40 is between 0.5 mm and 2 mm. This range of depths allows for the elimination of excess thickness such as bubbles and runs.

[0063] The receiving surface 36 has a first level NI, and the gutter 40 has a second level N2, located away from the first level NI. The second level N2 can be at the lowest point of the gutter 40 depending on the thickness of the cladding panel 26. The main surface 42 is further from the second level N2 than from the first level N1.

[0064] The coating 54 covers the main surface 42, the edge surface 44, the gutter 40, and the receiving surface 36. It generally covers the bottom 34. The coating 54 comprises a layer of paint and / or a layer of cataphoresis. Optionally, the coating 54 comprises several layers of paint and possibly a varnish. The recess 28 is watertight. It retains the precursor liquids of the coating 54.

[0065] The surface insert 30 is thicker than the cladding panel 26. They are stacked together. The surface insert 30 is made of a different material than the cladding panel 26. The surface insert 30 and / or the adhesive 50 cover the entire receiving surface 36. The adhesive 50 is an adhesive film. Its thickness is less than or equal to 0.5 mm, preferably less than or equal to 0.2 mm.

[0066] Figure 4 shows a diagram of a manufacturing process for a vehicle body assembly. The body assembly may correspond to the one shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3.

[0067] The manufacturing process includes the following steps, for example carried out in the order illustrated in figure 4.

[0068] Supply or production of 100 of a cladding panel having a first face with a recess, the recess comprising a base with a receiving surface and a gutter surrounding the receiving surface, which is suitable for receiving an additional thickness of cladding.

[0069] Application 102 of a coating on the first face of the cladding panel, and in particular in the recess so as to cover the bottom.

[0070] Supply or production 104 of a surface insert having a contour, an opposite surface and a fixing surface opposite to the opposite surface.

[0071] Bonding 106 of the fixing surface of the surface insert against the receiving surface with adhesive, so that the gutter runs along the contour of the surface insert.

[0072] At stage 100 of the panel supply or manufacturing process, the gutter can be formed by stamping, simultaneously with the recess. This optimizes manufacturing costs when the panel is made of sheet metal. When the panel is made of plastic, the gutter can be formed during injection molding by incorporating an additional rib into the mold. Therefore, the gutter production can be integrated into other stages.

[0073] In application step 102, a precursor material of the coating can flow into the channel. The flow can originate from the receiving surface or the edge surface, for example. The flow can be formed by cataphoresis liquid or paint. Thus, any material that could create an excess thickness is trapped in the channel. The channel then acts as a barrier. The invention therefore prevents an excess thickness from remaining or flowing towards the receiving surface, so that the adhesive benefits from a homogeneous surface, free of protrusions that could accelerate detachment of the surface insert.

[0074] The application step 102 includes a substep 108 of immersing the cladding panel in a cataphoresis bath; and a substep 110 of spraying the coating in a direction perpendicular to the receiving surface. The spraying substep 110 may include spraying liquid paint or varnish.

[0075] At the gluing step 106, the surface insert is inserted into the recess. Its contour is aligned with the groove it conceals.

[0076] Figure 5 shows a detail of the coating application step in the manufacturing process for a housing assembly according to the invention. The housing assembly may correspond to those described in relation to any one of Figures 1 to 3. The manufacturing process corresponds to the process shown in relation to Figure 4. This figure is similar to Figure 3, differing in that it omits the adhesive and the surface insert, which are not shown. Not yet added.

[0077] A nozzle 60 projects a liquid 62, for example in the form of droplets onto the first face 24 of the cladding panel 26. The liquid 62 is projected into the recess 28, against the receiving surface 36. A cataphoresis layer 64 has been previously applied to form the coating 54. The coating 54 then comprises a layer of paint covering the cataphoresis layer 64.

[0078] During its projection, the liquid 62 is likely to form bubbles 66. Upon drying, the bubbles become solid protrusions. Thanks to the flow of the liquid 62, the bubbles 66 are expelled from the receiving surface 36 towards the gutter 40. The bubbles 66 are separated from the interface between the surface insert and the receiving surface 36.

[0079] Similarly, the present illustration highlights the reservoir character which captures excess liquid, and therefore traps excess thicknesses 52. This effect is permitted when a liquid is projected, or when the cladding panel 26 is immersed in the cataphoresis bath.

Claims

Claims

1. A trim assembly (22) for a motor vehicle (10), the trim assembly (22) comprising a trim panel (26) which has a first face (24) with a recess (28), the recess (28) comprising a bottom (34) with a receiving surface (36); a covering (54) covering at least the bottom (34) of the recess (28); a surface insert (30) having a contour (38), a fixing surface (48) and a surface (46) opposite the fixing surface (48), the fixing surface (48) being fixed to the receiving surface (36) by an adhesive (50); characterized in that the bottom (34) has a gutter (40) around the receiving surface (36), said gutter (40) running along the contour (38) of the surface insert (30) and being capable of receiving an excess thickness (52) of the coating (54).

2. A cladding assembly (22) according to claim 1, characterized in that the gutter (40) comprises a continuous groove surrounding the receiving surface (36), preferably, the continuous groove comprises a profile with a constant width (L) and height (H) which is less than the width.

3. Cladding assembly (22) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the gutter (40) comprises a depth (P), and the cladding panel (26) comprises a metal sheet with a thickness (E) less than the depth (P) of the gutter (40); preferably the depth (P) of the gutter (40) is between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

4. A cladding assembly (22) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first face (24) comprises a main surface (42) surrounding the recess (28), the recess (28) comprises an edge surface (44) extending from the main surface (42) to the gutter (40); the edge surface (44) matching the contour (38) of the surface insert (30).

5. Covering assembly (22) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first face (24) comprises a main surface (42), the receiving surface (36) has a first level (NI), and the gutter (40) has a second level (N2), the main surface (42) being further from the second level (N2) than from the first level (NI).

6. Covering assembly (22) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the surface insert (30) covers the gutter (40); preferably the gutter (40) forms a closed loop with a path corresponding to the contour (38) of the surface insert (30).

7. Cover assembly (22) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the coating (54) comprises a layer of paint and / or a layer of cataphoresis.

8. Motor vehicle (10) comprising a trim assembly (22), characterized in that the trim assembly (22) is in accordance with one of claims 1 to 7, and in that the trim panel (26) is a body panel (14) of the motor vehicle (10).

9. A method of manufacturing a trim assembly (22) for a motor vehicle (10), characterized in that the trim assembly (22) is in accordance with one of claims 1 to 7; and in that the manufacturing method comprises the following steps: providing or producing (100) a trim panel (26) having a first face (24) with a recess (28), the recess (28) comprising a bottom (34) with a receiving surface (36) and a gutter (40) surrounding the receiving surface (36) and being capable of receiving an excess thickness (52); applying (102) a coating (54) to the bottom (34) of the trim panel (26); providing or producing (104) a surface insert (30) having a contour (38), a fixing surface (48) and a surface (46) opposite the fixing surface (48);bonding (106) the fixing surface (48) of the surface insert (30) against the receiving surface (36) with adhesive (50), so that the gutter (40) runs along the contour (38) of the surface insert (30).;

10. Manufacturing method according to claim 9, characterized in that the application step (102) comprises a sub-step of spraying (110) a coating (54) in a direction perpendicular to the receiving surface (36).

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