Vehicle interior component

Abstract

To improve visibility of an indicator provided on an interior component.SOLUTION: A vehicle interior component includes an indicator portion 20 on which a mark or characters are displayed, and an adjacent portion 30 adjacent to the indicator portion. The indicator portion and the adjacent portion include a common base layer 40. The base layer is formed of a material through which light is transmissible. The indicator portion includes a first region 21 corresponding to a shape of the mark or the characters, and a second region 26 located around the first region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an interior part of a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Various interior parts that are visible to occupants are installed inside a vehicle such as an automobile. An example of an interior part that is visible to occupants is a cover disclosed in Patent Document 1. The cover covers a detection device such as a camera for detecting objects outside the vehicle.

[0003] Furthermore, various indicators including marks or letters are installed inside vehicles such as automobiles. The indicators visually convey information such as the vehicle status and alarms to the occupants. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-172194 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A component having an indicator function may be mounted on a portion of an interior part. For example, an indicator unit is fitted into a hole formed in the portion of the interior part. The indicator unit includes, for example, an indicator portion on which a mark or letter is engraved and a lamp unit that emits light toward the indicator portion. When light passes through the indicator portion, the mark, letter, etc., appears clearly on the indicator portion.

[0006] When the indicator unit is fitted into a hole in an interior part, the outline of the hole is visible to the occupant, which is undesirable from the viewpoint of visibility.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an interior part that can solve these problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention relates to the following [1] to [6].

[0009] [1] An interior part of a vehicle, an indicator portion on which a mark or character is displayed; an adjacent portion adjacent to the indicator portion; the indicator portion and the adjacent portion include a common base layer; the base layer comprises a light-transmittable material; The indicator portion is an interior part including a first region corresponding to the shape of the mark or the character, and a second region positioned around the first region.

[0010] [2] In the interior part described in [1], the first region may be a transmissive portion that transmits light emitted toward the indicator portion, and the second region may be a shielding portion that shields the light emitted toward the indicator portion.

[0011] [3] In the interior part described in [2], the shielding portion may include a plurality of recesses or protrusions located on the inner surface of the second region.

[0012] [4] In the interior part according to [2], the shielding portion may include a film positioned on the inner surface of the second region.

[0013] [5] In the interior part according to any one of [1] to [4], the base layer may contain a light-transmitting resin.

[0014] [6] The interior part according to any one of [1] to [5] may be a cover for covering a camera. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, the visibility of an interior part having an indicator function can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of an outer surface of an interior part. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of an inner surface of an interior part. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a lamp unit installed on the inner surface of an interior part. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an interior part attached to a vehicle. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of an indicator portion. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an indicator portion and an adjacent portion. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an outer surface of an interior part in a comparative example. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an indicator unit in a comparative example. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an interior part in a comparative example attached to a windshield. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the indicator portion and the adjacent portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention relates to an interior part of a vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to an interior part that is arranged in a position visible to occupants and has an indicator function. According to the present invention, the visibility of the interior part is improved.

[0018] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the scale and aspect ratios of the drawings have been appropriately changed and exaggerated from those of the actual objects for ease of understanding.

[0019] (interior parts) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an interior part 10 installed inside a vehicle such as an automobile. The interior part 10 of this embodiment is installed in a position that is visible to the occupants. The surface of the interior part 10 that is visible to the occupants is referred to as the outer surface. FIG. 1 shows the outer surface 11 of the interior part 10.

[0020] The interior part 10 is, for example, a cover. The cover covers other interior parts such as a camera, a radar, etc. The other interior parts covered by the cover are not visible to the occupants.

[0021] The interior part 10 also functions as an indicator. Specifically, the interior part 10 includes an indicator portion 20 and an adjacent portion 30 adjacent to the indicator portion 20. The indicator portion 20 is preferably provided in a position that is easily visible to an occupant. For example, the indicator portion 20 is located diagonally in front of the occupant sitting in the seat.

[0022] 2 is a perspective view showing the inner surface 12 of the interior part 10. The inner surface 12 is located on the opposite side to the outer surface 11 in the thickness direction of the interior part 10. As shown in FIG. 2, marks or letters are formed on the indicator portion 20.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, an inner surface 12 of the interior part 10 may be provided with an attachment 13 to which a lamp unit, which will be described later, is attached.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a lamp unit 60 installed on the inner surface 12 of the interior part 10. The lamp unit 60 includes at least one lamp. The lamp is, for example, an LED. The lamp emits light toward the indicator portion 20. When the light passes through the indicator portion 20, marks, letters, etc. appear clearly on the indicator portion 20.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an interior part 10 attached to a vehicle. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the interior part 10 is attached to a windshield 5 of the vehicle. A camera 70 may be attached to the windshield 5 by a bracket 75. The interior part 10 may cover the camera 70. The interior part 10 may be configured so that the camera 70 is not visible to occupants. For example, the interior part 10 may be colored black or the like.

[0026] Even if the interior part 10 is colored, it is possible for a certain amount of light to pass through the interior part 10. When light emitted from the lamp 61 of the lamp unit 60 passes through the indicator portion 20, the occupant can see the marks, letters, etc. displayed on the indicator portion 20.

[0027] 5 is a plan view showing an example of the indicator portion 20. The indicator portion 20 includes at least one first region 21 and a second region 26 located around the first region 21. The indicator portion 20 may include a plurality of first regions 21. One first region 21 corresponds to the shape of one mark 22 or one character 23. For example, one first region 21 corresponds to the shape of one letter "S."

[0028] Although not shown, the lamp unit 60 described above may include multiple lamps 61 depending on the type of mark 22 or character 23 in the first area 21. For example, the lamp unit 60 emitting light toward the indicator portion 20 shown in FIG. 5 may include four lamps 61. The first lamp 61 emits light toward the group of characters "PASSENGER AIR BAG." The second lamp 61 emits light toward the combination of the group of characters "OFF" and the character. The third lamp 63 emits light toward the combination of the group of characters "ON" and the character. The fourth lamp 63 emits light toward the key character. The first to fourth lamps 61 may be controlled to be turned on or off independently.

[0029] The cross-sectional structure of the interior part 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4 , the indicator portion 20 and the adjacent portion 30 include a common base layer 40. The base layer 40 extends continuously from the indicator portion 20 to the adjacent portion 30. Therefore, there is no structural boundary, such as a gap or step, between the indicator portion 20 and the adjacent portion 30. In other words, the indicator portion 20 and the adjacent portion 30 are configured seamlessly. The adoption of a seamless structure enhances the design of the interior part 10.

[0031] As in a comparative example described below, when a structural boundary exists between the indicator portion 20 and the adjacent portion 30, the boundary is visible to the occupant. According to this embodiment, the boundary between the indicator portion 20 and the adjacent portion 30 is not visible or not noticeable to the occupant, so the mark 22, letters 23, etc. displayed on the indicator portion 20 are more noticeable. Therefore, the visibility of the mark 22, letters 23, etc. is improved compared to when a structural boundary exists between the indicator portion 20 and the adjacent portion 30.

[0032] The base layer 40 includes an outer surface 41 and an inner surface 42. The outer surface 41 of the base layer 40 may form the outer surface 11 of the indicator portion 20 and the outer surface 11 of the adjacent portion 30. The inner surface 42 of the base layer 40 may form the inner surface 12 of the indicator portion 20 and the inner surface 12 of the adjacent portion 30.

[0033] The base layer 40 is made of a material that allows light to pass through. For example, the base layer 40 includes a light-transmitting resin. The light-transmitting resin is, for example, polycarbonate. Preferably, the base layer 40 is made of a resin such as a transparent grade of polycarbonate.

[0034] The thickness of the first region 21 of the indicator portion 20 is set so that light can pass through the first region 21 while maintaining sufficient intensity. The thickness of the first region 21 is, for example, 3.0 mm or less, and may be 2.0 mm or less.

[0035] The cross-sectional structure of the interior part 10 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the indicator portion 20 and the adjacent portion 30.

[0036] The first region 21 of the indicator portion 20 is a transmissive portion that transmits light L1 emitted toward the indicator portion 20. On the other hand, the second region 26 of the indicator portion 20 is a shielding portion that blocks light L1 emitted toward the indicator portion 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the second region 26 includes a plurality of protrusions 45 located on the inner surface. The plurality of protrusions 45 may be formed on the inner surface 42 of the base layer 40. The plurality of protrusions 45 are formed on the inner surface by, for example, laser processing.

[0037] Light L1 that reaches the inner surface of second region 26 is diffused in various directions by multiple protrusions 45, as indicated by arrows L2. Therefore, the total light transmittance of second region 26 is lower than that of first region 21. Based on the difference in total light transmittance between the two regions 21 and 26, marks, letters, etc. can appear clearly on indicator portion 20.

[0038] Although not shown, the second region 26 may include a plurality of recesses located on the inner surface. In this case as well, the light L1 that reaches the inner surface of the second region 26 is diffused in various directions by the plurality of recesses.

[0039] The total light transmittance of the first region 21 of the indicator portion 20 is set so that marks, characters, etc. appear clearly on the indicator portion 20. The total light transmittance of the first region 21 is preferably 3.7% or more. When the first region 21 is made of the base layer 40, the total light transmittance of the base layer 40 is preferably 3.7% or more.

[0040] As described above, the interior part 10 may be colored black or the like. For example, the base layer 40 may contain a coloring agent such as a pigment or dye. This prevents the camera 70 and other components covered by the interior part 10 from being visible to the occupants. Even when the base layer 40 contains a coloring agent, marks, letters, and the like can be clearly seen in the indicator portion 20 based on the difference in total light transmittance between the two regions 21 and 26.

[0041] In FIG. 6, the dotted line labeled B1 indicates the boundary between the indicator portion 20 and the adjacent portion 30. The dotted line labeled B2 indicates the boundary between the first region 21 and the second region 26 of the indicator portion 20. Neither the boundary B1 nor the boundary B2 includes a structural boundary such as a gap or step on the outer surface 41. In other words, the indicator portion 20 and the adjacent portion 30 are configured seamlessly. Therefore, when light L1 is not emitted toward the indicator portion 20, the boundary B1 and the boundary B2 are not visible or noticeable to the occupant.

[0042] An example of the effect of this embodiment will be described in comparison with a comparative embodiment. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the outer surface 11 of an interior part 10 in the comparative embodiment. The interior part 10 in the comparative embodiment includes a hole 15. By fitting an indicator unit into the hole 15, the indicator function is realized.

[0043] 8 is a perspective view showing an indicator unit 65 fitted into the hole 15 of the interior part 10 of a comparative example. The indicator unit 65 includes an indicator portion 66 on which a mark or character is displayed, and a lamp that emits light toward the indicator portion 66.

[0044] 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a comparative interior part 10 mounted on a vehicle. The lamp 61 of the indicator unit 65 emits light toward the indicator portion 66. The indicator portion 66 is located in the hole 15 of the interior part 10. The outer surface 67 of the indicator portion 66 forms part of the outer surface 11 of the interior part 10.

[0045] In the comparative example, the boundary between the indicator portion 66 and the adjacent portion 30 is defined by the outer edge of the hole 15. Therefore, the boundary between the indicator portion 66 and the adjacent portion 30 is a structural boundary such as a gap, a step, or the like.

[0046] On the other hand, according to this embodiment, the indicator portion 20 and the adjacent portion 30 are configured seamlessly. This embodiment can improve the design and visibility of the interior part 10 compared to the comparative embodiment.

[0047] Consider a case where the interior part 10 is manufactured by molding resin using a mold. The interior part 10 does not always need to have an indicator function. Whether the indicator function is required or not, it is preferable to be able to manufacture the interior part 10 using a common mold.

[0048] In the comparative example, when the indicator function is not required, another mold part is fitted into the position of the mold body corresponding to the hole 15. The fitted mold part is also called a piece. In the comparative example, a boundary line caused by the piece appears on the interior part 10 that does not have the indicator function.

[0049] On the other hand, in this embodiment, if the indicator function is not required, the process of forming the multiple protrusions 45 is simply omitted, and the bridge of the comparative embodiment is not used. Therefore, the boundary line as in the comparative embodiment does not appear on the interior part 10 that does not have the indicator function. This is also an advantage of this embodiment.

[0050] One possible method for achieving a difference between the total light transmittance of the first region 21 and the total light transmittance of the second region 26 is to apply a coating to the surface of the second region 26. In this case, a solvent for the coating is required in the process. In the present embodiment, when the difference between the total light transmittance of the first region 21 and the total light transmittance of the second region 26 is achieved by the multiple protrusions 45, no solvent is used. This is also an advantage of the present embodiment.

[0051] The above-described embodiment can be modified in various ways. Hereinafter, other embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings as necessary. In the following description and the drawings used in the following description, parts that can be configured similarly to the above-described embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals as those used for the corresponding parts in the above-described embodiment. Duplicate descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, if it is clear that the effects obtained in the above-described embodiment can also be obtained in other embodiments, the descriptions may be omitted.

[0052] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the indicator portion 20 and the adjacent portion 30. As shown in FIG. 10, the second region 26 of the indicator portion 20 may include a film 50 located on the inner surface 42 of the base layer 40. The film 50 is configured to block light. Light L1 that reaches the inner surface of the second region 26 is blocked by the film 50 and cannot pass through the base layer 40. Therefore, the total light transmittance of the second region 26 is lower than that of the first region 21. Based on the difference in the total light transmittance of the two regions 21 and 26, marks, letters, etc. can be clearly displayed on the indicator portion 20.

[0053] As long as the interior part 10 has the indicator portion 20, its use is not limited to a cover. For example, the interior part 10 may be a part to which in-vehicle devices such as a camera, radar, or monitor are attached. The interior part 10 does not have to cover such in-vehicle devices. The interior part 10 may also be a resin product that may be required to have an indicator function, such as a sun visor, a center console, or an armrest. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 5. Windshield 10 Interior parts 11 Exterior 12 Inner 20 Indicator part 21 First area 22 marks 23 characters 26 Second area 30 Adjacent parts 40 base layer 41 Exterior 42 Inner 45 Convex part 50 films 60 Lamp unit

Claims

1. An interior part of a vehicle, an indicator portion on which a mark or character is displayed; an adjacent portion adjacent to the indicator portion; the indicator portion and the adjacent portion include a common base layer; the base layer is made of a light-transmitting material; The indicator portion includes a first region corresponding to the shape of the mark or the character, and a second region positioned around the first region.

2. the first region is a transmissive portion that transmits light emitted toward the indicator portion, The interior part according to claim 1 , wherein the second region is a shielding portion that blocks light emitted toward the indicator portion.

3. The interior part according to claim 2 , wherein the shielding portion includes a plurality of recesses or protrusions located on an inner surface of the second region.

4. The interior part according to claim 2 , wherein the shielding portion includes a film positioned on the inner surface of the second region.

5. The interior part according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base layer contains a light-transmitting resin.

6. The interior part according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the interior part is a cover for a camera.

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