Vehicle parts and methods for manufacturing vehicle parts

Abstract

This technology makes it possible to apply fine patterns and other designs locally to vehicle parts. [Solution] The radiator grill 1 comprises a base portion 2, a protruding portion 4 that protrudes from the base portion 2, and a printed layer 5 laminated on the tip surface 4a of the protruding portion 4.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle parts and a method for manufacturing vehicle parts.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle including a vehicle front grille. The vehicle front grille shown in Patent Document 1 is disposed in front of a radiator housed in an engine room and is arranged to cover the front of the engine room.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Vehicle parts such as the vehicle front grille disclosed in Patent Document 1 are given colors and the like in order to improve the impression formation of the vehicle. When giving colors and the like to vehicle parts, it is common to perform painting or plating treatment. However, painting is formed by spraying paint on vehicle parts. Also, plating treatment is formed by immersing the entire vehicle part in a plating solution. Therefore, in either method, it is difficult to locally give a fine pattern or the like to a vehicle part having a complex shape. Vehicle parts greatly affect the impression formation of the vehicle. For this reason, it is required to be able to give a fine pattern or the like to vehicle parts.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to be able to locally give a fine pattern or the like to vehicle parts.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention employs the following configuration as a means to solve the above problems.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a vehicle component comprising a base, a projection protruding from the base, and a printed layer laminated on the tip surface of the projection.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention adopts a configuration in which, in the first aspect described above, a plurality of protrusions are provided that protrude from the base in the same direction, and the tip surfaces of the plurality of protrusions are curved along the same curved surface.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention adopts a configuration in which, in the first or second aspect described above, the protrusion has a side surface connected to the tip surface, and the printed layer is formed so as to cover a part of the side surface from the tip surface.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a vehicle part, wherein the vehicle part comprises a base and a plurality of protrusions projecting in the same direction from the base, and a printed layer is formed on the tip surface of the protrusions by transferring a printed layer attached to the surface of a pad to the tip surface of the protrusions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, a printed layer is provided on the tip surface of a protruding part. With such a vehicle part, the printed layer imparts color, patterns, etc. Compared to a paint film or plating layer, the printed layer can easily form fine patterns, etc. locally. Therefore, according to the present invention, fine patterns, etc. can be applied to vehicle parts locally. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a schematic front view showing the general configuration of a radiator grille in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view AA in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of a radiator grille according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of a radiator grille in a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic front view showing the general configuration of a radiator grille in a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of BB. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the vehicle part and the method for manufacturing the vehicle part according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, an example will be given in which the invention is applied to a radiator grille, which is one of the vehicle parts (vehicle exterior parts) that are attached to the exterior of a vehicle.

[0014] However, the present invention is not limited to radiator grilles and can be applied to other exterior vehicle parts installed on vehicles. It can also be applied to interior vehicle parts installed inside vehicles.

[0015] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic front view showing the general configuration of the radiator grille 1 of this embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view AA of Figure 1. The radiator grille 1 of this embodiment is installed at the front of the vehicle and is positioned opposite a radiator (not shown). This radiator grille 1 is positioned to block the entrance to the engine compartment and is visible from outside the vehicle.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1, the radiator grill 1 of the present embodiment includes a base 2, an outer peripheral flange 3, a plurality of protrusions 4, and a printing layer 5. In the radiator grill 1 of the present embodiment, the base 2, the outer peripheral flange 3, and the plurality of protrusions 4 are integrally formed of resin. Such a base 2, outer peripheral flange 3, and protrusions 4 are integrally formed, for example, by injection molding.

[0017] The base 2 is a part that directly or indirectly supports the outer peripheral flange 3 (outer edge frame part), the protrusions 4, and the printing layer 5. The base 2 is arranged with the back side facing the engine room side and the front side facing the outside of the vehicle. Also, the front and back of the base 2 are directed, for example, in the horizontal direction.

[0018] Note that the base 2 is provided with an opening (not shown) for allowing air to pass from the outside of the vehicle into the engine room. The air outside the vehicle is supplied into the engine room through the above opening due to the running of the vehicle or the like, and heat exchange between the air and the heat medium is performed by the radiator.

[0019] The outer peripheral flange 3 is provided at the outer edge of the base 2 and forms the outer periphery of the radiator grill 1 of the present embodiment. The outer peripheral flange 3 is formed to protrude from the base 2 toward the front side.

[0020] In the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, a plurality of protrusions 4 are provided. Each protrusion 4 has a columnar and hollow shape and is provided to protrude from the base 2 toward the front side. The tip surface 4a (front side surface) of each protrusion 4 is directed toward the outside of the vehicle. Also, the protrusion 4 has a side surface 4b connecting the base 2 and the tip surface 4a.

[0021] Note that the corner formed by connecting the tip surface 4a and the side surface 4b is curved so that the cross section is arc-shaped. Thereby, the tip surface 4a and the side surface 4b are smoothly connected without a bending portion.

[0022] Furthermore, the amount of protrusion of the projection 4 from the base 2 is greater than the amount of protrusion of the outer flange 3 from the base 2. In other words, the tip surface 4a of the projection 4 is located further outward from the vehicle than the tip surface of the outer flange 3.

[0023] The printed layer 5 is a layer for imparting color and patterns to the radiator grille 1. The printed layer 5 is formed by a printing method that transfers ink. For example, the printed layer 5 is formed by a pad printing method. Such a printed layer 5 can arbitrarily form gradients, geometric patterns, letters and symbols, etc., by the layout of the ink, and can express finer patterns than a paint film or plating layer.

[0024] Furthermore, such a printed layer 5 can be patterned in advance and then transferred to the radiator grille 1, allowing it to be formed locally on the radiator grille 1. For this reason, in this embodiment, the printed layer 5 is provided on the tip surface 4a of each of the multiple protrusions 4. In other words, the printed layer 5 is provided locally at multiple locations.

[0025] Each printed layer 5 is formed to cover a portion of the side surface 4b of the protruding portion 4, from the tip surface 4a. In other words, it is formed to cover the entire tip surface 4a of the protruding portion 4, as well as a portion of the side surface 4b. Therefore, a portion of the side surface 4b on the tip surface 4a side is covered by the printed layer 5.

[0026] Because the printed layer 5 is formed to cover a portion of the side surface 4b, the printed layer 5 can be seen over a wide area even when the protruding portion 4 is viewed from an oblique angle. Therefore, even if someone outside the vehicle views the radiator grille from an oblique angle, the printed layer 5 can be seen over a wide area.

[0027] Next, the manufacturing method of the radiator grille 1 of this embodiment (manufacturing method for vehicle parts) will be described with reference to Figure 3. In the following description, the method of printing the printed layer 5 using a pad will be explained. However, the printed layer 5 can also be formed by a printing method that does not use a pad.

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of forming a printed layer 5 on the radiator grill 1.

[0029] First, as shown in Figure 3(a), a printing layer 5 is formed on the pad 100. For example, a printing layer 5 patterned to match the tip surface 4a of the protrusion 4 is formed on the printing plate all at once, and these printing layers 5 are transferred all at once to the surface of the pad 100. The pad 100 is made of an elastically deformable material such as silicone, and the printing layer 5 can be transferred to the pad 100 by pressing it against the printing plate.

[0030] Next, as shown in Figure 3(b), the pad 100 on which the printed layer 5 is formed is pressed against the radiator grill 1 fixed to the base 101. Note that the printed layer 5 is not formed on the radiator grill 1 before the pad 100 is pressed against it.

[0031] In other words, the pad 100, with the printed layer 5 transferred to its surface, is pressed against the radiator grill 1, which is integrally molded with the base 2, outer flange 3, and multiple protrusions 4, and for which the printed layer 5 has not been formed, as shown in Figure 3(b).

[0032] When the pad 100 is pressed against the radiator grille 1, the printed layer 5 on the surface of the pad 100 is transferred to the radiator grille 1. At this time, the pad 100 elastically deforms and comes into contact with a part of the side surface 4b of the protrusion 4 in addition to the tip surface 4a. Therefore, the printed layer 5 can also be transferred to a part of the side surface 4b of the protrusion 4. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 3(c), the pad 100 is removed from the radiator grille 1, thereby manufacturing a radiator grille 1 with the printed layer 5 provided.

[0033] Furthermore, the printed layer 5 can be transferred to the radiator grill 1 without a drying process. However, the printed layer 5 transferred to the radiator grill 1 may be dried as needed.

[0034] The radiator grill 1 of this embodiment, as described above, comprises a base portion 2, a protruding portion 4, and a printed layer 5. The protruding portion 4 protrudes from the base portion 2. The printed layer 5 is laminated on the tip surface 4a of the protruding portion 4.

[0035] In this embodiment of the radiator grill 1, a printed layer 5 is provided on the tip surface 4a of the protruding portion 4. Therefore, with the radiator grill 1, the printed layer 5 can impart color, patterns, etc. Compared to a coating or plating layer, the printed layer 5 can easily form fine patterns, etc. locally. Thus, the radiator grill 1 of this embodiment can be given fine patterns, etc. locally.

[0036] Furthermore, in the radiator grill 1 of this embodiment, the protruding portion 4 has a side surface 4b connected to the tip surface 4a. The printed layer 5 is formed to cover a portion of the side surface 4b from the tip surface 4a.

[0037] According to the radiator grille 1 of this embodiment, since the printed layer 5 is formed to cover a portion of the side surface 4b, the printed layer 5 can be seen over a wide area even when the protruding portion 4 is viewed from an oblique direction. Therefore, even when someone outside the vehicle views the radiator grille from an oblique direction, the printed layer 5 can be seen over a wide area.

[0038] Furthermore, the radiator grille 1 of this embodiment includes an outer peripheral flange 3 provided on the outer edge of the base 2. Also, the amount of protrusion of the outer peripheral flange 3 from the base 2 is smaller than the amount of protrusion of the protruding portion 4 from the base 2.

[0039] With the radiator grille 1 of this embodiment, when the pad 100 is pressed against the radiator grille 1, it is possible to prevent the pad 100 from coming into contact with the outer flange 3. Therefore, with the radiator grille 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the shape of the pad 100 from being deformed due to the influence of the outer flange 3.

[0040] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the radiator grille 1 of this embodiment, the printed layer 5 attached to the surface of the pad is transferred to the tip surface 4a of the protruding portion 4, thereby forming a printed layer 5 laminated on the tip surface 4a of the protruding portion 4.

[0041] In this embodiment of the manufacturing method for the radiator grill 1, a printed layer 5 is provided on each of the tip surfaces 4a of the multiple protrusions 4. Therefore, with this manufacturing method for the radiator grill 1, colors, patterns, etc., can be imparted to the radiator grill 1 by the printed layer 5. Compared to coatings or plating layers, the printed layer 5 can easily form fine patterns, etc., locally. Thus, the manufacturing method for the radiator grill 1 in this embodiment makes it possible to impart fine patterns, etc., locally.

[0042] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 4. In this description, parts that are the same as those of the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of the radiator grille 1A of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the tip surfaces 4a of the multiple protrusions 4 are curved along the same curved surface R. For example, the curved surface R has a cross-sectional shape along a circular arc that curves with a constant radius of curvature.

[0044] In this embodiment of the radiator grill 1A, when transferring the printed layer 5 to the front surface 4a using the pad 100, the pad 100 can be pressed with a uniform force against multiple front surfaces 4a. Therefore, in this embodiment of the radiator grill 1, it is possible to equalize the color and other characteristics of the printed layer 5.

[0045] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. In this description, parts that are the same as those of the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0046] Figure 5 is a schematic front view showing the general configuration of the radiator grille 1B of this embodiment. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 1. As shown in these figures, the radiator grille 1B of this embodiment is equipped with a license plate mounting base 6.

[0047] The license plate mounting base 6 is formed to protrude from the base 2 in the same direction as the protruding portion 4. The license plate mounting base 6 has a mounting surface 6a at its tip to which the license plate is attached. This mounting surface 6a is oriented in the same direction as each of the tip surfaces 4a of the multiple protruding portions 4.

[0048] In this embodiment, the license plate mounting base 6 is located at the bottom of the radiator grille 1. Furthermore, the license plate mounting base 6 is positioned below the multiple protrusions 4.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, the mounting surface 6a of the license plate mounting base 6 is closer to the base 2 than the tip surface 4a of the protruding portion 4. In other words, in this embodiment, the amount of protrusion of the license plate mounting base 6 from the base 2 is also smaller than the amount of protrusion of the protruding portion 4 from the base 2.

[0050] With the radiator grille 1B of this embodiment, when the pad 100 is pressed against the radiator grille 1, it is possible to prevent the pad 100 from coming into contact with the license plate mounting surface 6a of the license plate mounting base 6. Therefore, with the radiator grille 1B of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the shape of the pad 100 from being deformed due to the influence of the license plate mounting base 6.

[0051] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The shapes and combinations of the constituent members shown in the above embodiments are examples, and can be modified in various ways based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0052] For example, the above embodiment described a configuration having multiple protrusions 4. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to adopt a configuration having a single protrusion. In such a case, the tip surface 4a of the protrusion 4 may be made wider. For example, when viewed from the front, the tip surface 4a of the protrusion 4 may occupy more than half of the entire radiator grille 1.

[0053] Furthermore, the shape of the tip surface 4a of the protruding portion 4 is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, each of the tip surfaces 4a of the protruding portion 4 may be curved. Alternatively, each of the tip surfaces 4a of the protruding portion 4 may be a shape in which multiple surfaces (flat or curved surfaces) are connected.

[0054] Furthermore, the multiple protrusions 4 may be separate from the base 2. For example, if the vehicle part is a radiator grille, the multiple protrusions 4 may be configured as multiple moldings separate from the base 2 and manufactured in a separate process from the base 2. The moldings manufactured in a separate process are assembled to the radiator grille after the printed layer is formed. In this case, for example, by grouping the multiple moldings together in a jig during the process of forming the printed layer, the printed layer can be formed with a small number of pad printing passes, thereby streamlining the process of forming the printed layer, which often involves many passes.

[0055] Furthermore, as described above, the vehicle component of the present invention is not limited to a radiator grille 1. For example, the vehicle component of the present invention can also be applied to a grille installed in an electric vehicle. In such cases, it is not necessary to provide an opening in the base.

[0056] Furthermore, as described above, the vehicle components of the present invention can also be applied to interior vehicle components installed inside a vehicle. In such cases, it is not necessary to provide an opening in the base. In addition, the printed layer of the present invention transmits infrared rays and radio waves. For this reason, for example, the vehicle components of the present invention can also be applied to rider covers and radar covers.

[0057] Furthermore, the present invention can employ the configurations described in the following appendix.

[0058] (Note 1) Vehicle parts, The base and, A protruding portion extending from the base, A printed layer laminated on the tip surface of the protruding portion, Equipped with, A vehicle component characterized by the following features.

[0059] (Note 2) Multiple protrusions are provided that protrude from the base in the same direction. The tip surfaces of the multiple protrusions are curved along the same curved surface. A vehicle part as described in Appendix 1, characterized by the features described herein.

[0060] (Note 3) The aforementioned protrusion has a side surface that is connected to the tip surface, The printed layer is formed so as to cover a portion of the side surface from the leading surface. A vehicle part as described in Appendix 1 or 2, characterized by the features described herein.

[0061] (Note 4) The base is provided with an outer edge frame portion, The amount of the outer edge frame portion protruding from the base portion is smaller than the amount of the protruding portion protruding from the base portion. A vehicle part characterized by any one of the appendices 1 to 3.

[0062] (Note 5) It is formed to protrude from the base in the same direction as the protruding portion and includes a license plate mounting base to which a license plate is attached, The mounting surface of the license plate mounting base is closer to the base than the tip surface of the protruding portion. A vehicle part characterized by any one of the appendices 1 to 4.

[0063] (Note 6) A vehicle component comprises a base and a plurality of protrusions projecting in the same direction from the base, By transferring the printed layer attached to the surface of the pad to the tip surface of the protrusion, a printed layer is formed on the tip surface of the protrusion. A method for manufacturing vehicle parts, characterized by the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1...Radiator grille, 1A...Radiator grille, 1B...Radiator grille, 2...Base, 3...Outer flange (outer edge frame), 4...Protruding part, 4a...Tip surface, 4b...Side, 5...Printed layer, 6...License plate mounting base, 6a...Mounting surface, 100...Pad

Claims

1. Vehicle parts, The base and, A protruding portion extending from the base, A printed layer laminated on the tip surface of the protruding portion, Equipped with, A vehicle component characterized by the following features.

2. Multiple protrusions are provided that protrude from the base in the same direction. The tip surfaces of the multiple protrusions are curved along the same curved surface. The vehicle part according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a vehicle part.

3. The aforementioned protrusion has a side surface that is connected to the tip surface, The printed layer is formed so as to cover a portion of the side surface from the leading surface. A vehicle part according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is a vehicle part according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A vehicle component comprises a base and a plurality of protrusions projecting in the same direction from the base, By transferring the printed layer attached to the surface of the pad to the tip surface of the protrusion, a printed layer is formed on the tip surface of the protrusion. A method for manufacturing vehicle parts, characterized by the following features.

Images