Cover plate of airbag and vehicle steering wheel

Abstract

A cover plate (1) of an airbag and a vehicle steering wheel. The cover plate (1) of the airbag comprises a skeleton layer (11) and a skin layer (12). The skin layer (12) is located on the outer surface of the skeleton layer (11) and is integrated with the skeleton layer (11). A weakening line (2) is constructed on the cover plate (1), and the strength of the weakening line (2) is less than that of other portions of the cover plate (1); the weakening line (2) comprises at least one tearing section (3) and at least one extension section (4) connected to the tearing section (3), and the strength of the tearing section (3) is less than that of the extension section (4). According to the cover plate (1) of the airbag, the skeleton layer (11) and the skin layer (12) are integrally formed. During the manufacturing of the cover plate (1), the covering operation of skin is not needed, which helps to reduce the manufacturing costs of the cover plate (1).

Description

Airbag cover and vehicle steering wheel Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a cover plate for an airbag. The present application also relates to a vehicle steering wheel comprising the cover plate for the airbag. Background Art

[0002] Automobiles are often equipped with airbag assemblies. For example, airbag assemblies are installed in the center of the steering wheel and below the instrument panel. An airbag assembly typically includes an airbag and a cover that covers the airbag.

[0003] In the prior art, cover panels typically include a cover body and a skin covering the cover body to meet product strength requirements and improve product aesthetics. However, the skin covering operation is relatively complex and usually requires the use of adhesives, which leads to high manufacturing costs for the cover panels. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the above technical issues, the first aspect of this application provides an airbag cover. The airbag cover comprises a skeleton layer and a skin layer, the skin layer being located on the outer surface of the skeleton layer and integral with the skeleton layer. The cover comprises a weakening line, wherein the strength of the weakening line is lower than that of other parts of the cover. The weakening line comprises at least one tear-initiating segment and at least one extension segment connected to the tear-initiating segment, wherein the strength of the tear-initiating segment is lower than that of the extension segment.

[0005] A second aspect of the present application provides an airbag cover. The airbag cover comprises a skeleton layer and a skin layer disposed on the outer surface of the skeleton layer. The cover is formed by two-shot injection molding, wherein the material of the first shot is used to form one of the skeleton layer and the skin layer, and the material of the second shot is used to form the other of the skeleton layer and the skin layer. The cover is provided with a weakening line, wherein the strength of the weakening line is lower than that of the rest of the cover.

[0006] In one embodiment, the weakening line is injection molded together with the skeleton layer and / or the skin layer.

[0007] In one embodiment, the weakening line includes at least one tear-initiating segment and at least one expansion segment connected to the tear-initiating segment, and the strength at the tear-initiating segment is less than the strength at the expansion segment.

[0008] In one embodiment, the number of the tear-initiating segments is plural, the number of the expansion segments is plural, and the plurality of tear-initiating segments are separated by the plurality of expansion segments.

[0009] In one embodiment, the weakening line includes two first weakening lines disposed opposite and spaced apart from each other; each first weakening line includes a first middle section and two first extension sections located on either side of the first middle section; the weakening line also includes at least one second weakening line located between the two first weakening lines; the second weakening line includes a second middle section, two end sections, and two second extension sections; each second extension section connects the second middle section and a corresponding end section, and the two end sections are respectively connected to the corresponding two first middle sections. The tear-initiating section includes two first middle sections, two end sections, and a second middle section; and the extension section includes two first extension sections and two second extension sections.

[0010] In one embodiment, the tearing section is configured as a first groove; the first groove extends from the inner surface of the skeleton layer to the skin layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate, and the bottom of the first groove is spaced apart from the outer surface of the skin layer to form a first skin layer residual thickness between the bottom of the first groove and the outer surface of the skin layer.

[0011] In one embodiment, the residual thickness of the first skin layer is between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.

[0012] In one embodiment, the width of the bottom of the first groove is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 0.2 mm.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first groove includes: a first groove section, the first groove section penetrates the skeleton layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate; and a second groove section, the second groove section extends from the groove bottom of the first groove section to the epidermis layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate, and the depth of the second groove section is less than the thickness of the epidermis layer; wherein the groove width of the second groove section is less than or equal to the groove bottom width of the first groove section.

[0014] In one embodiment, the width of the slot opening of the first slot segment is greater than the width of the slot bottom of the first slot segment; and / or the width of the slot opening of the second slot segment is greater than the width of the slot bottom of the second slot segment.

[0015] In one embodiment, there is an interface between the skeleton layer and the skin layer; the expansion section includes a second groove, the second groove extends from the inner surface of the skeleton layer into the skeleton layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate, and the bottom of the second groove is spaced apart from the interface.

[0016] In one embodiment, the second groove is configured such that a groove opening width is greater than a groove bottom width.

[0017] In one embodiment, the tearing segment includes a plurality of first holes arranged in sequence and spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the tearing segment and a third groove connected between adjacent first holes; the first hole extends from the inner surface of the skeleton layer into the skin layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate, and the bottom of the first hole is spaced apart from the outer surface of the skin layer to form a second skin layer residual thickness between the bottom of the first hole and the outer surface of the skin layer; the third groove extends from the inner surface of the skeleton layer into the skin layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate, and the bottom of the third groove is spaced apart from the outer surface of the skin layer to form a third skin layer residual thickness between the bottom of the third groove and the outer surface of the skin layer.

[0018] In one embodiment, the third skin layer residual thickness is greater than the second skin layer residual thickness.

[0019] In one embodiment, the residual thickness of the second skin layer is between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, and the residual thickness of the third skin layer is between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0020] In one embodiment, the bottom area of ​​the first hole is 0.1 mm 2 to 0.6mm 2 The width of the bottom of the third groove is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 0.2 mm.

[0021] In one embodiment, each first hole includes at least two opposite first vertices, and a line connecting the first vertices extends longitudinally along the tearing section; the third groove is connected between the opposite first vertices of two adjacent first holes.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first hole includes: a first hole segment, the first hole segment penetrates the skeleton layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate; and a second hole segment, the second hole segment extends from the bottom of the first hole segment to the epidermis layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate, and the depth of the second hole segment is less than the thickness of the epidermis layer; wherein the orifice area of ​​the second hole segment is less than or equal to the bottom area of ​​the first hole segment.

[0023] In one embodiment, the orifice area of ​​the first hole segment is larger than the hole bottom area of ​​the first hole segment; and / or the orifice area of ​​the second hole segment is larger than the hole bottom area of ​​the second hole segment.

[0024] In one embodiment, the side wall of the first hole section is configured in a stepped shape.

[0025] In one embodiment, the third groove includes: a third groove section, the third groove section penetrates the skeleton layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate; and a fourth groove section, the fourth groove section extends from the groove bottom of the third groove to the epidermis layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate, and the depth of the fourth groove section is less than the thickness of the epidermis layer; wherein the groove opening width of the fourth groove section is less than or equal to the groove bottom width of the third groove section.

[0026] In one embodiment, the slot opening width of the third slot segment is greater than the slot bottom width of the third slot segment; and / or the slot opening width of the fourth slot segment is greater than the slot bottom width of the fourth slot segment.

[0027] In one embodiment, the sidewalls of the third slot segment are smooth sidewalls.

[0028] In one embodiment, the extension section further includes a plurality of second holes, which are arranged in sequence and spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the extension section; the number of second grooves is multiple, and a second groove is connected between adjacent second holes; the second holes extend from the inner surface of the skeleton layer into the epidermis layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate, and the bottom of the second hole is spaced apart from the outer surface of the epidermis layer to form a fourth epidermis layer residual thickness between the bottom of the second hole and the outer surface of the epidermis layer.

[0029] In one embodiment, the residual thickness of the fourth skin layer is between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.

[0030] In one embodiment, the bottom area of ​​the second hole is 0.1 mm 2 to 0.6mm 2 between.

[0031] In one embodiment, each second hole includes at least two opposite second vertices, and a line connecting the second vertices extends along the longitudinal direction of the expansion section; and the second groove is connected between the opposite second vertices of two adjacent second holes.

[0032] In one embodiment, the second hole includes: a third hole segment, the third hole segment penetrates the skeleton layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate; and a fourth hole segment, the fourth hole segment extends from the bottom of the third hole segment to the epidermis layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate, and the depth of the fourth hole segment is less than the thickness of the epidermis layer; wherein the orifice area of ​​the fourth hole segment is less than or equal to the bottom area of ​​the third hole segment.

[0033] In one embodiment, the orifice area of ​​the third hole segment is larger than the hole bottom area of ​​the third hole segment; and / or the orifice area of ​​the fourth hole segment is larger than the hole bottom area of ​​the fourth hole segment.

[0034] In one embodiment, the tearing section includes: a fifth groove; the fifth groove extends from the inner surface of the skeleton layer to the interior of the skeleton layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate, and the bottom of the fifth groove is separated from the interface between the skeleton layer and the skin layer; and an inner groove of the skin layer formed at the interface; the inner groove of the skin layer extends to the interior of the skin layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate and is filled by the skeleton layer; the bottom of the inner groove of the skin layer is separated from the outer surface of the skin layer to form a fifth skin layer residual thickness between the bottom of the inner groove of the skin layer and the outer surface of the skin layer; wherein the bottom of the inner groove of the skin layer is within the range of the positive projection of the fifth groove toward the skin layer and deviates from the bottom of the fifth groove.

[0035] In one embodiment, the residual thickness of the fifth skin layer is between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0036] In one embodiment, a lateral distance between the bottom of the groove in the skin layer and the bottom of the fifth groove is between 0.6 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0037] In one embodiment, the fifth groove is configured such that a groove opening width is greater than a groove bottom width.

[0038] In one embodiment, the tearing section includes: a seventh groove; the seventh groove extends from the inner surface of the skeleton layer to the interior of the skeleton layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate, and the bottom of the seventh groove is separated from the interface between the skeleton layer and the skin layer; and a thickness thinning area formed in the skin layer, the thickness thinning area is constructed to gradually reduce the thickness from both ends to the middle along the width direction of the weakening line; the orthographic projection of the seventh groove toward the skin layer is within the range of the thickness thinning area.

[0039] In one embodiment, the thickness of the middle portion of the reduced thickness region is between 0.6 mm and 1 mm.

[0040] In one embodiment, the thickness of the reduced thickness region decreases smoothly from both ends to the middle along the width direction of the weakening line.

[0041] In one embodiment, the bottom of the seventh trench is directly opposite to the middle of the reduced thickness region.

[0042] In one embodiment, the seventh groove is configured such that a groove opening width is greater than a groove bottom width.

[0043] In one embodiment, the cover panel of the airbag further includes a surface modification layer, which is located on the outer surface of the skin layer.

[0044] A third aspect of the present application provides a vehicle steering wheel, which includes the cover of the airbag described above.

[0045] The beneficial effects of the present application are as follows: According to the cover plate of the airbag of the present application, the skeleton layer and the skin layer are integrally formed. In this way, when making the cover plate, there is no need to prepare a skin and adhesive for covering the cover plate body, and there is no need for a skin covering operation, which helps to reduce the manufacturing cost of the cover plate. In addition, the tearing section and the expansion section are both weak strength areas on the cover plate, and the strength of the tearing section is less than the strength of the expansion section. Therefore, when the airbag is inflated and opened, the cover plate will first crack at the tearing section under the impact of the airbag, and the crack will quickly expand along the expansion section, thereby causing the cover plate to crack, so that the airbag can be quickly ejected. Moreover, the cover plate will crack along a predetermined trajectory (i.e., a weakening line). This makes the cracking mode of the cover plate controllable, avoids the generation of splashes, and thus helps to improve the safety of the cover plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The present invention will be further described in the following detailed description by means of non-limiting examples of typical embodiments of the present invention, based on a number of accompanying drawings, which are not drawn to scale.

[0047] FIG1 schematically shows a cover of an airbag according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0048] FIG2 schematically shows the skeleton layer and the skin layer of the cover plate of the airbag.

[0049] FIG3 schematically shows the weakening line of the first embodiment.

[0050] FIG. 4 schematically shows the tear-starting section of the weakening line of the first embodiment.

[0051] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of the tear-starting section shown in FIG4.

[0052] FIG. 6 schematically shows an extended section of the weakening line of the first embodiment.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the expansion section shown in FIG. 6 .

[0054] FIG8 schematically shows a weakening line of the second embodiment.

[0055] FIG9 is a partial enlarged view of the tearing section of the weakening line shown in FIG8 .

[0056] FIG10 is a cross-sectional view of the first hole in the tear-starting section shown in FIG9.

[0057] FIG11 is a cross-sectional view of the third groove in the tear-initiating section shown in FIG9 .

[0058] FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged view of an extended section of the weakening line shown in FIG. 8 .

[0059] 13 is a cross-sectional view of the second hole in the expansion section shown in FIG. 12 .

[0060] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the second groove in the extended section shown in FIG. 12 .

[0061] FIG. 15 schematically shows a weakening line of a third embodiment.

[0062] FIG. 16 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a tear-initiating section of a weakening line according to the third embodiment.

[0063] FIG. 17 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an expanded section of the weakening line of the third embodiment.

[0064] FIG. 18 schematically shows a weakening line of a fourth embodiment.

[0065] FIG. 19 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a tear-initiating section of a weakening line according to a fourth embodiment.

[0066] FIG. 20 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an extended section of a weakening line of a fourth embodiment.

[0067] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 1 airbag cover 11 skeleton layer 111 inner surface of skeleton layer 12 skin layer 121 outer surface of skin layer 13 interface 14 logo 2 weakening line 201 first weakening line 202 second weakening line 203 first middle section 204 first extension section 205 second middle section 206 end section 207 second extension section 3 tearing section 31 first groove 313 groove bottom of first groove 311 first groove section 3111 notch of first groove section 3112 groove bottom of first groove section 312 second groove section 3121 notch of second groove section 321 first hole 3211 first hole section 3212 second hole section 3213 hole bottom of first hole section 3214 hole opening of second hole section 3216 hole opening of first hole 3217 hole bottom of first hole 3218 first apex 3219 sidewall of first hole 323 third groove 3231 notch of third groove 3232 Bottom of the third groove 3233 Third groove section 3234 Fourth groove section 3235 Bottom of the third groove section 3236 Notch of the fourth groove section 3237 Sidewall of the third groove section 331 Fifth groove 3311 Notch of the fifth groove 3312 Bottom of the fifth groove 332 Groove in the epidermal layer 3321 Bottom of the groove in the epidermal layer 333 Connecting portion between the bottom of the fifth groove and the bottom of the groove in the epidermal layer 341 Seventh groove 3411 Notch of the seventh groove 3412 Bottom of the seventh groove 342 Thinned area of ​​the epidermal layer 3421 Middle portion of the thinned area 3422 Both ends of the thinned area 4 Extended section 411 Second groove 4111 Notch of the second groove 4112 Bottom of the second groove 421 Second hole 4211 Third hole section 4212 Fourth hole section 4213 Bottom of the third hole section 4214 Hole of the fourth hole section4216 Orifice of the second hole 4217 Bottom of the second hole 4218 Second vertex angle L Skin layer thickness L1 Residual thickness of the first skin layer L2 Residual thickness of the second skin layer L3 Residual thickness of the third skin layer L4 Residual thickness of the fourth skin layer L5 Residual thickness of the fifth skin layer L6 Transverse distance between the bottom of the groove in the skin layer and the bottom of the fifth groove S Skeleton layer thickness S1 Residual thickness of the first skeleton layer S2 Residual thickness of the second skeleton layer S3 Residual thickness of the third skeleton layer S4 Residual thickness of the fourth skeleton layer S5 Residual thickness of the fifth skeleton layer S6 Residual thickness of the sixth skeleton layer A Thickness direction of the cover plate W Transverse direction DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] The details described herein are exemplary and are only used to illustrate the embodiments of the present application. They are intended to provide what is believed to be the most useful and understandable description of the principles and concepts of the present application. In this regard, no attempt is made to introduce the structural details of the present application beyond the level required for a basic understanding of the present application. Those skilled in the art can clearly understand how to implement the various forms of the present application in practice through the description and the drawings.

[0069] In this application, the term "outside" refers to the direction pointing to the interior of the vehicle, and the term "inside" refers to the direction opposite to "outside." In other words, the passenger or driver can see the outer surface of the cover panel (or skin layer) but cannot see the inner surface of the cover panel (or frame layer).

[0070] Figure 1 schematically shows a cover plate 1 (hereinafter referred to as the cover plate 1 for simplicity) of an airbag according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cover plate 1 includes a skeleton layer 11 and a skin layer 12. The skin layer 12 is on the outer surface of the skeleton layer 11 and is integral with the skeleton layer 11. As shown in Figure 3, a weakening line 2 is constructed on the cover plate 1. The strength at the weakening line 2 is less than the strength of other parts of the cover plate 1. The weakening line 2 includes at least one tear-initiating segment 3 and at least one extension segment 4. The extension segment 4 is connected to the tear-initiating segment 3, and the strength at the tear-initiating segment 3 is less than the strength at the extension segment 4.

[0071] In the cover panel 1 of the present application, the skeleton layer 11 and the skin layer 12 are integrally formed. When manufacturing the cover panel 1, there is no need to prepare a skin and adhesive for wrapping the cover panel body, as is done in the prior art. This also eliminates the need for the skin wrapping process required in the prior art. This helps reduce the manufacturing cost of the cover panel 1.

[0072] Furthermore, when the airbag (not shown) inflates and deploys, the impact of the airbag first causes a crack to form at the tear-initiating section 3 of the cover panel 1. The crack then rapidly expands along the expansion section 4, causing the cover panel 1 to split along the weakening line 2, thereby enabling the airbag to deploy quickly. In other words, the cover panel 1 splits along a predetermined trajectory (i.e., the weakening line 2) under the impact of the airbag. This makes the splitting pattern of the cover panel 1 controllable, avoids the generation of splashes, and thus helps improve the safety of the cover panel 1.

[0073] In one embodiment, the weakening line 2 deviates from the logo 14 on the cover plate 1 to prevent the logo 14 from flying away and causing danger when the cover plate 1 is cracked.

[0074] The shape of the cover plate 1 shown in FIG1 is compatible with a vehicle steering wheel (not shown) for installation on the vehicle steering wheel. It should be understood that the airbag cover plate 1 may also be configured in other shapes to be installed in other locations on the vehicle, such as on the instrument panel. For simplicity, the following description of the technical solution of this application uses the cover plate 1 suitable for installation on a steering wheel as an example.

[0075] Optionally, the cover plate 1 is formed by two-color injection molding. This ensures that the skeleton layer 11 and the skin layer 12 are well bonded together. When the cover plate 1 ruptures, both the skeleton layer 11 and the skin layer 12 rupture simultaneously without delamination. This further helps prevent splashing and improves the safety of the cover plate 1.

[0076] In one embodiment, during the two-shot molding process, the material used in the first shot is used to form one of the skeleton layer 11 and the skin layer 12, and the material used in the second shot is used to form the other of the skeleton layer 11 and the skin layer 12. For example, the material used in the first shot is TPEE (thermoplastic polyester elastomer), which is used to form the skeleton layer 11. The material used in the second shot can also be TPEE, which is used to form the skin layer 12 on the skeleton layer 11. The two-shot molding process is simpler than the coating process in the prior art and requires less time, which helps to further reduce the manufacturing cost of the cover plate 1 and improve the production efficiency of the cover plate 1. In other embodiments, other materials can also be used to manufacture the cover plate 1 according to actual conditions, such as TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) or TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin). It should be understood that those skilled in the art can also mold the cover plate 1 in other ways, which will not be repeated here.

[0077] In one embodiment, a structure for forming a weakening line 2 is constructed on an injection mold (not shown). Thus, during the injection molding of the cover plate 1, the weakening line 2 is also formed simultaneously. This is readily accomplished by those skilled in the art and will not be further described here. Of course, as needed, the weakening line 2 can also be formed on the cover plate 1 using conventional cold knife weakening or laser weakening. Both cold knife weakening and laser weakening are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be further described here.

[0078] In one embodiment, the skeleton layer 11 can be relatively thick and strong to serve as a support structure for the cover plate 1. Typically, the thickness S of the skeleton layer 11 is greater than the thickness L of the skin layer 12. For example, the thickness S of the skeleton layer 11 can be between 1 mm and 5 mm; the thickness L of the skin layer 12 can be between 0.5 mm and 3 mm. Of course, the thicknesses of the skeleton layer 11 and the skin layer 12 can also range from other values ​​and are not limited here.

[0079] The structure of the weakening line 2 on the cover plate 1 will be described below.

[0080] Weakened Lines of the First Embodiment

[0081] As also shown in Figure 3, the line of weakness 2 includes two first lines of weakness 201 disposed opposite and spaced apart, and a second line of weakness 202 connected between the two first lines of weakness 201. The two first lines of weakness 201 are not connected to each other. Specifically, each first line of weakness 201 includes a first central section 203 and two first extension sections 204 located on either side of the first central section 203. The second line of weakness 202 includes a second central section 205, two end sections 206, and two second extension sections 207. The second extension sections 207 are connected between the second central section 205 and the corresponding end sections 206, and the two end sections 206 are respectively connected to the corresponding two first central sections 203. In this structure, the tear-initiation section 3 includes two first central sections 203, two end sections 206, and a second central section 205; the extension section 4 includes two first extension sections 204 and two second extension sections 207. Therefore, a tearing section 3 is formed in the middle of the first weakening line 201 and the second weakening line 202. When the cover plate 1 is impacted by the airbag, cracks will appear at these weakening lines almost simultaneously, and these cracks will quickly expand along the corresponding weakening lines, thereby further accelerating the speed of the cover plate 1 to split, and the airbag will be ejected more quickly.

[0082] Optionally, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the tear-initiating section 3 is configured as a first groove 31. The first groove 31 extends from the inner surface 111 of the skeleton layer 11 into the skin layer 12 along the thickness direction A of the cover plate 1. The groove bottom 313 of the first groove 31 is spaced apart from the outer surface 121 of the skin layer 12, so that a first skin layer residual thickness L1 is formed between the groove bottom 313 of the first groove and the outer surface 121 of the skin layer 12. From the overall perspective, the skeleton layer 11 is opened up, and the thickness of the corresponding part of the skin layer 12 is also reduced, which makes the strength at the tear-initiating section 3 smaller. From the overall perspective, the tear-initiating section 3 forms a weak area of ​​the cover plate 1. Therefore, when the cover plate 1 is impacted by the airbag, cracks are likely to occur at the tear-initiating section 3. In addition, from the overall perspective of the cover plate 1, the skin layer 12 remains intact, which helps to improve the aesthetics of the cover plate 1.

[0083] Optionally, the residual thickness L1 of the first epidermis layer is between 0.1 mm and 1 mm. In this way, the residual thickness L1 of the first epidermis layer is smaller, the strength is weaker and it is easy to tear. In addition, it is also found that even after the epidermis layer 12 is aged by being subjected to long-term high temperature and / or sunlight, the residual thickness L1 of the first epidermis layer of this size will not cause a depression corresponding to the first groove 31 (i.e., a weakening mark) on the outer surface of the epidermis layer 12, which helps to further improve the aesthetics of the cover plate 1. In a preferred embodiment, the residual thickness L1 of the first epidermis layer can be between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm. Of course, the residual thickness L1 of the first epidermis layer can also be constructed to other values ​​according to actual conditions, which is not limited here.

[0084] Optionally, the width of the groove bottom 313 of the first groove 31 is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 0.2 mm. Thus, the width of the groove bottom 313 of the first groove 31 is relatively small. After aging of the skin layer 12, weakening marks corresponding to the first groove 31 are less likely to form on the skin layer 12 or the weakening marks are less visible, thereby further improving the aesthetics of the cover plate 1.

[0085] Optionally, as also shown in FIG5 , the first groove 31 includes a first groove section 311 and a second groove section 312. The first groove section 311 extends through the skeleton layer 11 along the thickness direction A of the cover plate 1. Thus, the first groove section 311 has a groove opening 3111 located at the inner surface 111 of the skeleton layer 11 and a groove bottom 3112 located at the interface 13 between the skeleton layer 11 and the skin layer 12. The second groove section 312 extends from the groove bottom 3111 of the first groove section 311 into the skin layer 12 along the thickness direction A of the cover plate 1. The depth of the second groove section 312 is less than the thickness L of the skin layer 12, thereby forming the first skin layer residual thickness L1 described above. The second groove section 312 has a groove opening 3121 located at the interface 13. The groove bottom 313 of the first groove 31 forms the groove bottom of the second groove section 312. The width of the groove opening 3121 of the second groove section 312 is equal to the width of the groove bottom 3112 of the first groove section 311. In this way, the first groove is continuous along the thickness direction A of the cover plate 1, which facilitates simultaneous molding of the first groove during injection molding of the cover plate 1. In one embodiment, the width of the notch 3121 of the second groove section 312 can also be smaller than the width of the groove bottom 3112 of the first groove section 311.

[0086] Optionally, as also shown in FIG5 , the width of the notch 3111 of the first slot section 311 is greater than the width of the slot bottom 3112 of the first slot section 311. Overall, the cross-section of the first slot section 311 is generally trapezoidal. According to this structure, the thickness of the skeleton layer 11 at the first slot section 311 changes relatively smoothly. During injection molding, the area around the first slot section 311 is less likely to produce injection molding defects, so the quality of the skin layer 12 molded on the skeleton layer 11 and the shape of the outer surface 121 of the skin layer 12 are also better, which helps to improve the aesthetics of the cover plate 1. In one embodiment, the cross-section of the first slot section 311 can also be other appropriate shapes. The same is true for the second slot section 312, which will not be described here.

[0087] In one embodiment, the width of the notch 3111 of the first slot section 311 is between 7 mm and 10 mm; the width of the slot bottom 3112 of the first slot section 311 is between 0.4 mm and 0.7 mm. The width of the notch 3121 of the second slot section 312 is between 0.4 mm and 0.7 mm. These dimensions of the first and second slot sections 311 and 312 also facilitate injection molding.

[0088] Optionally, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the expansion section 4 is configured as a second groove 411. The second groove 411 extends from the inner surface 111 of the skeleton layer 11 into the skeleton layer 11 along the thickness direction A of the cover plate 1. In this way, the second groove 411 has a notch 4111 on the inner surface 111 of the skeleton layer 11 and a groove bottom 4112 in the skeleton layer 11. The groove bottom 4112 of the second groove 411 is separated from the interface 13 between the skeleton layer 11 and the epidermis layer 12, thereby forming a first skeleton layer residual thickness S1 between the groove bottom 4112 of the second groove 411 and the interface 13. Overall, the thickness at the second groove 411 (or the expansion section 4) is also relatively thin, and the strength is also relatively low, which also forms a weak area of ​​the cover plate 1. When the cover plate 1 is impacted by the airbag, the crack generated in the tearing section 3 will rapidly expand along the expansion section 4, eventually causing the cover plate 1 to split. It should be noted that the second groove 411 (or the extension section 4 ) does not penetrate the skeleton layer 11 , and therefore the strength at the second groove 411 (or the extension section 4 ) is greater than the strength at the tearing section 3 .

[0089] Furthermore, because the skeleton layer 11 is not penetrated by the second groove 411 at the extension section 4, the portion of the skin layer 12 corresponding to the extension section 4 is well supported by the skeleton layer 11. When the skin layer 12 ages, weakening marks corresponding to the second groove 411 (or the extension section 4) are less likely to form on the outer surface 121 of the skin layer 12, thereby improving the aesthetics of the cover panel 1. Furthermore, the extension section 4 separates the tear-initiating sections 3. Thus, from the perspective of the cover panel 1 as a whole, the skeleton layer 11 is penetrated only at a few separate tear-initiating sections 3. This helps prevent the overall strength of the cover panel 1 from being too weak, thereby preventing accidental damage to the cover panel 1.

[0090] In one embodiment, the residual thickness S1 of the first skeleton layer is between 0.1 mm and 1 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the residual thickness S1 of the first skeleton layer is between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm.

[0091] Optionally, as also shown in FIG7 , the width of the notch 4111 of the second groove 411 is greater than the width of the groove bottom 4112 of the second groove 411. Overall, the cross-section of the second groove 411 is generally V-shaped. Similar to the first groove section 311 of the first groove 31, during injection molding, the area around the second groove 411 is less prone to injection molding defects, which helps to improve the quality of the epidermis 12 molded on the skeleton layer 11 and the morphology of the outer surface 121 of the epidermis 12, thereby helping to improve the aesthetics of the cover plate 1. In one embodiment, the cross-section of the second groove 411 can also be a trapezoid or other appropriate shape. In one embodiment, the width of the notch 4111 of the second groove 411 is between 6 mm and 10 mm, and the width of the groove bottom 4112 is between 0.4 mm and 0.7 mm.

[0092] Line of weakness of the second embodiment

[0093] As shown in FIG8 and FIG3 , the weakening line of the second embodiment is generally similar to the weakening line of the first embodiment, and only the difference between the two will be described below.

[0094] As shown in Figure 9, the tear-initiation segment 3 includes a plurality of first holes 321, which are sequentially spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the tear-initiation segment 3. The tear-initiation segment 3 also includes third grooves 323 connecting adjacent first holes 321. In this application, the longitudinal direction of the tear-initiation segment 3 refers to a direction generally parallel to the length of the tear-initiation segment.

[0095] As shown in FIG10 , the first hole 321 extends from the inner surface 111 of the skeleton layer 11 into the skin layer 12 along the thickness direction A of the cover plate 1. Thus, the first hole 321 has a hole opening 3216 located in the inner surface 111 of the skeleton layer 11 and a hole bottom 3217 located in the skin layer 12. The hole bottom 3217 of the first hole 321 is spaced apart from the outer surface 121 of the skin layer 12, thereby forming a second skin layer residual thickness L2 between the hole bottom 3217 of the first hole 321 and the outer surface 121 of the skin layer 12.

[0096] As shown in Figure 11, the third groove 323 extends from the inner surface 111 of the skeleton layer 11 into the skin layer 12 along the thickness direction A of the cover plate 1. Thus, the third groove 323 has a notch 3231 located in the inner surface 111 of the skeleton layer 11 and a groove bottom 3232 located in the skin layer 12. The groove bottom 3232 of the third groove 323 is spaced apart from the outer surface 121 of the skin layer 12, thereby forming a third skin layer residual thickness L3 between the groove bottom 3232 of the third groove 323 and the outer surface 121 of the skin layer 12.

[0097] Viewed from the perspective of the cover panel 1 as a whole, the skeleton layer 11 is penetrated throughout the tear-initiation section 3, and the thickness of the corresponding portion of the skin layer 12 is also reduced, resulting in reduced strength in the tear-initiation section 3. When impacted by an airbag, the cover panel 1 is susceptible to cracks in the tear-initiation section 3. Furthermore, the outer surface 121 of the skin layer 12 remains intact, improving the aesthetics of the cover panel 1.

[0098] Optionally, the residual thickness L3 of the third skin layer is greater than the residual thickness L2 of the second skin layer. Therefore, the strength of the portion of the skin layer 12 corresponding to the third groove 323 is greater than the strength of the portion of the skin layer 12 corresponding to the first hole 321. Thus, when the skin layer 12 ages, the portion of the skin layer 12 corresponding to the third groove 323 pulls on the portion of the skin layer 12 corresponding to the first hole 321, thereby less likely to produce or obscure a weakening mark corresponding to the tear-initiating segment 3 on the outer surface 121 of the skin layer 12, thereby improving the appearance quality of the cover plate 1. In one embodiment, the residual thickness L2 of the second skin layer is between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm; and the residual thickness L3 of the third skin layer is between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, preferably between 0.6 mm and 1.0 mm.

[0099] Optionally, the area of ​​the bottom 3217 of the first hole 321 is 0.1 mm 2 to 0.6mm 2 The width of the bottom 3232 of the third groove 323 is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 0.2 mm. This reduces the area of ​​the bottom 3217 of the first hole 321, and also reduces the width of the bottom 3232 of the third groove 323. After aging of the skin layer 12, weakening marks corresponding to the first hole 321 and the third groove 323 are less likely to form on the outer surface 121 of the skin layer 12, or the weakening marks are less visible, thereby further improving the aesthetics of the cover plate 1.

[0100] Optionally, as also shown in FIG9 , each first hole 321 includes at least two opposite first vertices 3218, and the connecting line between these first vertices 3218 extends in the longitudinal direction of the tearing section 3. The third groove 323 is connected between the opposite first vertices 3218 of two adjacent first holes 321. As a whole, the first vertices 3218 are sharper than other parts of the first hole 321. When the cover plate 1 is impacted by the airbag, a greater stress concentration will be generated at the first vertices 3218 of the first hole 321, making it easier for cracks to form quickly at the first vertices 3218. In one embodiment, the first hole 321 may be generally diamond-shaped, but may also be other shapes, such as an ellipse.

[0101] Optionally, as shown in FIG10 , the first hole 321 includes a first hole section 3211 and a second hole section 3212. The first hole section 3211 penetrates the skeleton layer 11 along the thickness direction A of the cover plate 1. Thus, the first hole section 3211 has a hole bottom 3213 located at the interface 13 between the skeleton layer 11 and the skin layer 12, and the orifice 3216 of the first hole 321 forms the orifice of the first hole 3211. The second hole section 3212 extends from the hole bottom 3213 of the first hole section 3211 into the skin layer 12 along the thickness direction A of the cover plate 1. Thus, the second hole section 3212 has an orifice 3214 located at the interface 13 between the skeleton layer 11 and the skin layer 12, and the hole bottom 3217 of the first hole forms the hole bottom of the second hole section 3212. The depth of the second hole section 3212 is less than the thickness L of the skin layer 12, so as to form the second skin layer residual thickness L2 described above. In addition, the area of ​​the opening 3212 of the second hole section 3212 is smaller than or equal to the area of ​​the bottom 3213 of the first hole section 3211. Thus, the first hole 321 is continuous as a whole, which facilitates simultaneous molding of the first hole 321 during injection molding of the cover plate 1.

[0102] Optionally, as also shown in FIG10 , the first hole segment 3211 is constructed so that the area of ​​its orifice is larger than the area of ​​its hole bottom 3213. In this way, the thickness of the skeleton layer 11 at the first hole segment 3211 changes more gently. During injection molding, the area around the first hole segment 3211 is less likely to produce injection molding defects, so that the quality of the epidermis 12 formed on the skeleton layer 11 and the morphology of the outer surface 121 of the epidermis 12 are better, which helps to improve the aesthetics of the cover plate 1. In a specific embodiment, the side wall 3219 of the first hole segment 3211 is formed in a stepped shape (the entire first hole segment 3211 forms a stepped hole) (as shown in FIG10 ), and can also be constructed in other appropriate shapes. The same is true for the second hole segment 3212, which will not be described here.

[0103] In a specific embodiment, the area of ​​the orifice of the first hole section 3211 (ie, the orifice 3216 of the first hole) is 1.5 mm. 2 to 2.2mm 2 The area of ​​the bottom 3213 of the first hole section 3211 is 0.4mm 2 to 0.6mm 2 The area of ​​the orifice 3214 of the second hole section 3212 is between 0.4mm 2 to 0.6mm 2 The first hole segment 3211 and the second hole segment 3212 of such a size are convenient for injection molding. Of course, the area of ​​the respective orifices and the area of ​​the bottom of the first hole segment 3211 and the second hole segment 3212 can also be set to other values ​​according to actual conditions, and are not limited here.

[0104] Optionally, as shown in FIG11 , the third groove 323 includes a third groove section 3233 and a fourth groove section 3234. The third groove section 3233 penetrates the skeleton layer 11 along the thickness direction A of the cover plate 1. Thus, the third groove section 3233 has a groove bottom 3235 located at the interface 13 between the skeleton layer 11 and the epidermis layer 12, and the notch 3231 of the third groove forms the notch of the third groove section 3233. The fourth groove section 3234 extends from the groove bottom 3235 of the third groove 3233 into the epidermis layer 12 along the thickness direction A of the cover plate 1. Thus, the fourth groove section 3234 has a notch 3236 located at the above-mentioned interface 13, and the groove bottom 3232 of the third groove forms the groove bottom of the fourth groove section 3234. The depth of the fourth groove section 3234 is less than the thickness L of the epidermis layer, so as to form the aforementioned third epidermis layer residual thickness L3. In addition, the width of the notch 3236 of the fourth groove section 3234 is less than or equal to the width of the groove bottom 3235 of the third groove section 3233. Thus, the third groove 323 is continuous as a whole, which facilitates simultaneous molding of the third groove 323 during injection molding of the cover plate 1.

[0105] Optionally, as also shown in Figure 11 , the third groove segment 3233 is configured such that the area of ​​its notch opening is larger than the area of ​​its groove bottom 3235. Similar to the second groove 411, during injection molding, the area surrounding the third groove segment 3233 is less susceptible to molding defects. This improves the quality of the skin layer 12 molded onto the skeleton layer 11 and the morphology of the outer surface 121 of the skin layer 12, thereby enhancing the aesthetics of the cover plate 1. In one embodiment, the cross-section of the third groove segment 3233 is generally trapezoidal, although other suitable shapes are also possible. The same applies to the fourth groove segment 3234, which will not be further described here.

[0106] In a specific embodiment, the width of the notch of the third slot section 3233 (i.e., the notch 3231 of the third groove) is between 3 mm and 5 mm, and the width of the groove bottom 3235 of the third slot section 3233 is between 2 mm and 3 mm. The width of the notch 3236 of the fourth slot section 3234 is between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm. Such dimensions of the third and fourth slot sections 3233 and 3234 also facilitate injection molding. Of course, the area of ​​the respective orifice and the area of ​​the orifice bottom of the third and fourth slot sections 3233 and 3234 can also be set to other values ​​according to actual conditions, and are not limited here.

[0107] Optionally, as also shown in Figure 11 , the sidewalls 3237 of the third slot segment 3233 are smooth. This way, the sidewalls 3219 of the first hole segment 3211 and the sidewalls 3237 of the third slot segment 3233 have different shapes. During the injection molding process, this helps prevent the accumulation of molding defects in the third slot segment 3233 and the first hole segment 3211. This improves the quality of the skin layer 12 molded on the skeleton layer 11 and the morphology of the outer surface 121 of the skin layer 12, thereby improving the aesthetics of the cover plate 1.

[0108] Optionally, as shown in FIG12 , the expansion segment 4 includes a plurality of second holes 421 and a plurality of second grooves 411. These second holes 421 are sequentially spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the expansion segment 4, and a second groove 411 is connected between adjacent second holes 421. In this application, the longitudinal direction of the expansion segment 4 refers to a direction generally parallel to the length direction of the expansion segment.

[0109] As shown in FIG13 , the second hole 421 extends from the inner surface 111 of the skeleton layer 11 into the skin layer 12 along the thickness direction A of the cover plate 1. Thus, the second hole 421 has a hole opening 4216 located in the inner surface 111 of the skeleton layer 11 and a hole bottom 4217 located in the skin layer 12. The hole bottom 4217 of the second hole 421 is spaced apart from the outer surface 121 of the skin layer 12, thereby forming a fourth skin layer residual thickness L4 between the hole bottom 4217 of the second hole 421 and the outer surface 121 of the skin layer 12.

[0110] As shown in FIG14 , the second groove 411 extends from the inner surface 111 of the skeleton layer 11 into the skeleton layer 11 along the thickness direction A of the cover plate 1. Thus, the second groove 411 has a notch 4111 located in the inner surface 111 of the skeleton layer 11 and a groove bottom 4112 located within the skeleton layer 11. The groove bottom 4112 of the second groove 411 is spaced apart from the interface 13 between the skeleton layer 11 and the skin layer 12, thereby forming a second skeleton layer residual thickness S2 between the groove bottom 4112 of the second groove 411 and the interface 13.

[0111] From the perspective of the cover plate 1 as a whole, the second holes 421 along the extension section 4 penetrate the skeleton layer 11, and the second grooves 411 also reduce the thickness of the skeleton layer 11, resulting in lower strength at the extension section 4. When the cover plate 1 is impacted by the airbag, the cracks formed in the tear-initiation section 3 will rapidly expand along the extension section 4, causing the cover plate 1 to rapidly split along the weakening line 2. It should be noted that because the second grooves 411 do not penetrate the skeleton layer 11, the strength at the extension section 4 is greater than that at the tear-initiation section 3. Furthermore, these second holes 421 are separated by the second grooves 411, maintaining a relatively intact structure of the skeleton layer 11 at the extension section 4. This helps prevent the overall strength of the cover plate 1 from being too low, thereby preventing accidental damage. Furthermore, the skeleton layer 11 provides good support for the skin layer 12, making it less likely that weakening marks corresponding to the extension section 4 will form on the outer surface 121 of the skin layer 12. In one embodiment, the residual thickness L4 of the fourth skin layer is between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, preferably, between 0.4 mm and 0.8 mm; the residual thickness S2 of the second skeleton layer is between 1 mm and 2 mm, preferably, between 1.3 mm and 1.8 mm.

[0112] Optionally, the area of ​​the bottom 4217 of the second hole 421 is 0.1 mm 2 to 0.6mm 2 Thus, the area of ​​the bottom 4217 of the second hole 421 is smaller. After aging of the skin layer 12, weakening marks corresponding to the second hole 421 are less likely to appear on the outer surface 121 of the skin layer 12, or the weakening marks are less likely to be observed, thereby further improving the aesthetics of the cover plate 1.

[0113] Optionally, as also shown in FIG12 , each second hole 421 includes at least two opposing second apex corners 4218, and the line connecting these second apex corners 4218 extends longitudinally along the extension section 4. The second groove 411 connects between the opposing second apex corners 4218 of two adjacent second holes 421. Similar to the first hole 321 in the tearing section 3, when the cover plate 1 is impacted by the airbag, a large stress concentration will also occur at the second apex corner 4218 of the second hole 421. This helps the crack to expand rapidly along the extension section 4, thereby causing the cover plate 1 to split rapidly. In one embodiment, the second hole 421 may be generally diamond-shaped, but may also be other shapes, such as an ellipse.

[0114] Furthermore, looking at the weakening line 2 as a whole, the first holes 321 and the second holes 421 are both distributed along the longitudinal direction of the weakening line 2, and the line connecting the first vertex 3218 and the line connecting the second vertex 4218 also extends along the longitudinal direction of the corresponding weakening line 2. Thus, when the cover plate 1 is impacted by the airbag, the cover plate 1 will crack along a predetermined trajectory (i.e., the weakening line 2), making the cracking pattern of the cover plate 1 controllable and helping to avoid the generation of splashes.

[0115] Optionally, as shown in FIG13 , the second hole 421 includes a third hole segment 4211 and a fourth hole segment 4212. The third hole segment 4211 penetrates the skeleton layer 11 along the thickness direction A of the cover plate 1. Thus, the third hole segment 4211 has a hole bottom 4213 located at the interface 13 between the skeleton layer 11 and the epidermis layer 12, and the orifice 4216 of the second hole forms the orifice of the third hole segment 4211. The fourth hole segment 4212 extends from the hole bottom 4213 of the third hole segment 4211 into the epidermis layer 12 along the thickness direction A of the cover plate 1. Thus, the fourth hole segment 4212 has an orifice 4214 located at the interface 13 between the skeleton layer 11 and the epidermis layer 12, and the hole bottom 4217 of the second hole forms the hole bottom of the fourth hole segment 4212. The depth of the fourth hole segment 4212 is less than the thickness L of the epidermis layer 12, so as to form the fourth epidermis layer residual thickness L4 mentioned above. In addition, the area of ​​the hole opening 4214 of the fourth hole segment 4212 is smaller than or equal to the area of ​​the hole bottom 4213 of the third hole segment 4211. Thus, the second hole 421 is continuous as a whole, which facilitates simultaneous molding of the second hole 421 during injection molding of the cover plate 1.

[0116] Optionally, as also shown in FIG13 , similar to the first hole segment 3211, the third hole segment 4211 is constructed so that the area of ​​its opening is larger than the area of ​​its hole bottom 4213. This makes it less likely that molding defects will occur in the area surrounding the third hole segment 4211 during injection molding. This improves the quality of the skin layer 12 molded on the skeleton layer 11 and the shape of the outer surface 121 of the skin layer 12, thereby enhancing the aesthetics of the cover plate 1. The same is true for the fourth hole segment 4212, and will not be further described here.

[0117] In a specific embodiment, the area of ​​the orifice of the third hole segment 4211 (ie, the orifice 4216 of the second hole 421) is 1.5 mm. 2 to 2.2mm 2 The area of ​​the bottom 4213 of the third hole section 4211 is 0.4mm 2 to 0.6mm 2 The area of ​​the orifice 4214 of the fourth hole section 4212 is between 0.4mm 2 to 0.6mm 2 The third hole segment 4211 and the fourth hole segment 4212 of this size are convenient for injection molding. Of course, the area of ​​the respective orifices and the area of ​​the bottom of the third hole segment 4211 and the fourth hole segment 4212 can also be set to other values ​​according to actual conditions, and this is not limited here.

[0118] Optionally, as shown in Figure 14, the width of the notch 4111 of the second groove 411 is greater than the width of the groove bottom 4112 of the second groove. Overall, the cross-section of the second groove 411 is generally trapezoidal. During injection molding, the area around the second groove 411 is less prone to injection molding defects, which helps to improve the quality of the epidermis 12 molded on the skeleton layer 11 and the shape of the outer surface 121 of the epidermis 12, thereby helping to improve the aesthetics of the cover plate 1. In one embodiment, the cross-section of the second groove 411 can also be V-shaped or other appropriate shapes. In one embodiment, the width of the notch 4111 of the second groove 411 is between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm, and the width of the groove bottom 4112 is between 2.5 mm and 3 mm.

[0119] It should be understood that, in the weakened line of the second embodiment, the expansion segment 4 may also include a portion having only the second groove 411 but no second hole 421. For example, these portions without the second hole 421 are away from the tear-initiating segment 3.

[0120] Weakened Line of the Third Embodiment

[0121] As shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 3 , the weakening line of the third embodiment is generally similar to the weakening line of the first embodiment, and only the difference between the two will be described below.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 16 , the tearing section 3 of the weakening line 2 of the third embodiment includes a fifth groove 331 and an inner groove 332 in the skin layer, and the inner groove 332 in the skin layer is formed at the interface 13 between the skeleton layer 11 and the skin layer 12 .

[0123] Specifically, as shown in FIG16 , the fifth groove 331 extends from the inner surface 111 of the skeleton layer 11 to the interior of the skeleton layer 11 along the thickness direction A of the cover plate 1. Thus, the fifth groove 331 has a notch 3311 located on the inner surface 111 of the skeleton layer 11 and a groove bottom 3312 located within the skeleton layer 11. The groove bottom 3312 of the fifth groove 331 is spaced apart from the interface 13, thereby forming a third skeleton layer residual thickness S3 between the groove bottom 3312 of the fifth groove 331 and the interface 13.

[0124] As also shown in FIG16 , the inner groove 332 of the skin layer extends into the interior of the skin layer 12 along the thickness direction A of the cover plate 1 and is filled with material from the skeleton layer 11. The inner groove 332 of the skin layer has a groove bottom 3321 located within the skin layer 12. The groove bottom 3321 of the inner groove 332 of the skin layer is spaced apart from the outer surface 121 of the skin layer 12, thereby forming a fifth skin layer residual thickness L5 between the groove bottom 3321 of the inner groove 332 of the skin layer and the outer surface 121 of the skin layer 12. Furthermore, the groove bottom 3321 of the inner groove 332 of the skin layer is within the range of the orthographic projection of the fifth groove 331 toward the skin layer 12 and deviates from the groove bottom 3312 of the fifth groove 331 along the transverse direction W. In this application, the term "transverse direction" refers to a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the weakening line.

[0125] With this structure, the fifth groove 331 reduces the thickness of the skeleton layer 11, and the inner groove 332 of the skin layer also reduces the thickness of the skin layer 12. Consequently, the overall thickness at the tear-initiation section 3 is reduced, and the strength is correspondingly reduced. Furthermore, the inner groove 332 and the fifth groove 331 are adjacent in the transverse direction W, and the connecting portion 333 between them is thinner, thus reducing the strength. When the cover panel 1 is impacted by an airbag, the connecting portion 333 is easily torn, and the skeleton layer 11 and the skin layer 12 are also easily torn, resulting in a crack at the tear-initiation section 3.

[0126] In one embodiment, the residual thickness S3 of the third skeleton layer is between 0.2 mm and 1.5 mm, preferably between 0.4 mm and 1 mm. The residual thickness L5 of the fifth skin layer is between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm, preferably between 0.4 mm and 1 mm.

[0127] Furthermore, because the bottom 3321 of the inner groove 332 of the skin layer deviates laterally from the bottom 3312 of the fifth groove 331, the skeleton layer 11 has an appropriate thickness corresponding to the inner groove 332 of the skin layer along the thickness direction A of the cover plate 1, thereby providing better support for the corresponding portion of the skin layer 12 (i.e., the portion corresponding to the tear-initiation segment 3). This helps prevent weakening marks corresponding to the tear-initiation segment 3 from forming on the outer surface 121 of the skin layer 12, or makes the weakening marks difficult to observe, thereby improving the appearance quality of the cover plate 1. In one embodiment, the lateral distance L6 between the bottom 3321 of the inner groove 332 of the skin layer and the bottom 3312 of the fifth groove 331 is between 0.6 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0128] Optionally, as also shown in FIG16 , the width of the notch 3311 of the fifth groove 331 is greater than the width of the bottom 3312 of the fifth groove 331. Overall, the cross-section of the fifth groove 331 is generally V-shaped. Similar to the second groove 411, during injection molding, the area around the fifth groove 331 is less prone to injection molding defects, which helps to improve the quality of the epidermis 12 molded on the skeleton layer 11 and the morphology of the outer surface 121 of the epidermis 12, thereby helping to improve the aesthetics of the cover plate 1. In one embodiment, the cross-section of the fifth groove 331 can also be a trapezoid or other appropriate shape. In one embodiment, the width of the notch 3311 of the fifth groove 331 is between 6 mm and 8 mm, and the width of the bottom 3312 is between 0.2 mm and 0.7 mm.

[0129] Alternatively, as shown in FIG17 , the structure of the extension section 4 is similar to that of the extension section 4 shown in FIG7 , and both are configured as a second groove 411. In FIG17 , the second groove 411 extends from the inner surface 111 of the skeleton layer 11 into the skeleton layer 11 along the thickness direction A of the cover plate 1. In this way, the second groove 411 has a notch 4111 on the inner surface 111 of the skeleton layer 11 and a groove bottom 4112 in the skeleton layer 11. The groove bottom 4112 of the second groove 411 is spaced apart from the interface 13, thereby forming a fourth skeleton layer residual thickness S4 between the groove bottom 4112 of the second groove 411 and the interface 13.

[0130] Similar to the second groove 411 of the weakening line of the first embodiment, the strength at the second groove 411 is relatively low, so that when the cover plate 1 is impacted by the airbag, the crack generated at the tearing section 3 will quickly expand along the second groove 411, eventually causing the cover plate 1 to split. In addition, because the second groove 411 does not penetrate the skeleton layer, the portion of the epidermis 12 corresponding to the second groove 411 will be well supported by the skeleton layer 11, which makes it difficult for a weakening mark corresponding to the second groove 411 to be generated on the outer surface 121 of the epidermis 12, thereby helping to improve the aesthetics of the cover plate 1. This form of second groove 411 also helps to prevent the overall strength of the cover plate 1 from being too low, thereby preventing the cover plate 1 from being accidentally damaged. In one embodiment, the residual thickness S4 of the fourth skeleton layer is between 1 mm and 4 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the residual thickness S4 of the fourth skeleton layer is between 2 mm and 3.5 mm.

[0131] Optionally, as also shown in FIG17 , the width of the notch 4111 of the second groove 411 is greater than the width of the groove bottom 4112. Overall, the cross-section of the second groove 411 is generally V-shaped. Similar to the second groove 411 of the weakening line in the first embodiment, this type of second groove 411 also helps improve the quality of the epidermis 12 and the morphology of the outer surface 121 of the epidermis 12, thereby helping to improve the aesthetics of the cover plate 1. In one embodiment, the cross-section of the second groove 411 can also be a trapezoid or other appropriate shape. In one embodiment, the width of the notch 4111 of the second groove 411 is between 6 mm and 8 mm, and the width of the groove bottom 4112 is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

[0132] Weakened Line of the Fourth Embodiment

[0133] As shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 3 , the weakening line of the fourth embodiment is generally similar to the weakening line of the first embodiment, and only the difference between the two will be described below.

[0134] As shown in Figure 19, the tearing section 3 of the weakening line 2 of the fourth embodiment includes a seventh groove 341 and a thinning area 342 of the skin layer. The seventh groove 341 extends from the inner surface 111 of the skeleton layer 11 to the interior of the skeleton layer 11 along the thickness direction A of the cover plate 1. In this way, the seventh groove 341 has a notch 3411 located in the inner surface 111 of the skeleton layer 11 and a groove bottom 3412 located in the skeleton layer 11. The groove bottom 3412 of the seventh groove 341 is spaced apart from the interface 13 between the skeleton layer 11 and the skin layer 12, thereby forming a fifth skeleton layer residual thickness S5 between the groove bottom 3412 of the seventh groove 341 and the interface 13.

[0135] As also shown in FIG. 19 , the reduced thickness region 342 is configured to gradually decrease in thickness from the two ends 3422 to the middle portion 3421 along the width direction W of the weakening line 2. For example, both the inner and outer surfaces of the reduced thickness region 342 are smoothly curved. The orthographic projection of the seventh groove 341 toward the skin layer 12 lies within the reduced thickness region 432.

[0136] According to this structure, the seventh groove 341 and the reduced thickness area 342 jointly reduce the thickness of the tear-initiation segment 3, thereby reducing the strength of the tear-initiation segment 3. When the cover plate 1 is impacted by an airbag, cracks may form in the tear-initiation segment 3. In one embodiment, the bottom 3412 of the seventh groove 341 is aligned with the middle portion 3421 of the reduced thickness area 342, which further reduces the strength of the tear-initiation segment 3. In addition, the seventh groove 341 does not penetrate the skeleton layer 11. Therefore, the portion of the skin layer 12 corresponding to the tear-initiation segment 3 is well supported by the skeleton layer 11. This makes it difficult to produce weakening marks corresponding to the tear-initiation segment 3 on the outer surface 121 of the skin layer 12, thereby improving the aesthetics of the cover plate 1. In one embodiment, the residual thickness S5 of the fifth skeleton layer is between 1 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 1.3 mm and 2 mm; the thickness of the middle portion 3421 of the reduced thickness area 342 is between 0.6 mm and 1 mm.

[0137] In addition, the thickness of the thickness reduction zone 342 decreases smoothly without any significant thickness mutation point, which also helps to avoid the generation of a weakening mark corresponding to the thickness reduction zone 342 on the outer surface 121 of the skin layer 12; and this form of thickness reduction zone 342 also helps to improve the injection molding quality of the skin layer 12, thereby improving the appearance quality of the cover plate 1.

[0138] Optionally, the width of the notch 3411 of the seventh groove 341 is greater than the width of the groove bottom 3412 of the seventh groove 341. Overall, the cross-section of the seventh groove 341 is generally V-shaped. Similar to the second groove 411, during injection molding, the area around the seventh groove 341 is less prone to injection molding defects, which helps to improve the quality of the epidermis 12 molded on the skeleton layer 11 and the morphology of the outer surface 121 of the epidermis 12, thereby helping to improve the aesthetics of the cover plate 1. In one embodiment, the cross-section of the seventh groove 341 can also be a trapezoid or other appropriate shape. In one embodiment, the width of the notch 3411 of the seventh groove 341 is between 6 mm and 8 mm, and the width of the groove bottom 3412 is between 0.2 mm and 0.7 mm.

[0139] Optionally, as also shown in FIG20 , the structure of the extension segment 4 is similar to that of the extension segment 4 shown in FIG7 , and both are configured as a second groove 411. In FIG20 , the second groove 411 extends from the inner surface 111 of the skeleton layer 11 into the skeleton layer 11 along the thickness direction A of the cover plate 1. In this way, the second groove 411 has a notch 4111 on the inner surface 111 of the skeleton layer 11 and a groove bottom 4112 in the skeleton layer 11. The groove bottom 4112 of the second groove 411 is spaced apart from the interface 13, thereby forming a sixth skeleton layer residual thickness S6 between the groove bottom 4112 of the second groove 411 and the interface 13. Similar to the seventh groove 341, the second groove 411 does not penetrate the skeleton layer 11, so a weakening mark corresponding to the second groove 411 is not likely to appear on the outer surface 121 of the epidermis layer 12. In one embodiment, the sixth skeleton layer residual thickness S6 is between 2 mm and 4 mm, preferably, between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm.

[0140] Optionally, as also shown in FIG20 , the width of the notch 4111 of the second groove 411 is greater than the width of the groove bottom 4112 of the second groove 411. Overall, the cross-section of the second groove 411 is generally V-shaped. Similar to the seventh groove 341, during injection molding, the area around the second groove 411 is less prone to injection molding defects, which helps to improve the quality of the epidermis 12 molded on the skeleton layer 11 and the morphology of the outer surface 121 of the epidermis 12, thereby helping to improve the aesthetics of the cover plate 1. In one embodiment, the cross-section of the second groove 411 can also be a trapezoid or other appropriate shape. In one embodiment, the width of the notch 4111 of the second groove 411 is between 6 mm and 8 mm, and the width of the groove bottom 4112 is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

[0141] In one embodiment, the cover plate 1 further includes a surface modification layer (not shown in the figure). The surface modification layer is on the outer surface 121 of the epidermis layer 12. The surface modification layer can give the cover plate 1 a special visual effect, such as a matte finish, which also helps to hide the weakening mark formed on the outer surface 121 of the epidermis layer 12. In addition, the surface modification layer also protects the epidermis layer 12 to prevent the epidermis 12 from being quickly worn. In one embodiment, the material of the surface modification layer is TPEE (i.e., thermoplastic polyester elastomer) with a thickness of between 50 μm and 100 μm.

[0142] It should be noted that the present invention (e.g., the inventive concepts, etc.) has been described in the specification and / or illustrated in the drawings of this patent document based on exemplary embodiments; the embodiments of the present invention are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The structure and / or arrangement of the elements of the inventive concepts embodied in the present invention as described in the specification and / or illustrated in the drawings is illustrative only. Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this patent document, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that equivalents, modifications, variations, and the like of the subject matter of the exemplary embodiments and alternative embodiments are possible and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention; all such subject matter (e.g., modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. It should also be noted that various modifications, variations, substitutions, equivalents, changes, omissions, and the like may be made in the configuration and / or arrangement of the exemplary embodiments (e.g., in terms of concept, design, structure, apparatus, form, assembly, construction, means, function, system, process / method, steps, order of process / method steps, operation, operating conditions, performance, materials, composition, combination, etc.). ) without departing from the scope of the present invention; all such subject matter (e.g., modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the subject matter (e.g., details, structures, functions, materials, behaviors, steps, sequences, systems, results, etc.) described in the specification and / or drawings of this patent document. Considering that the claims of this patent document will be appropriately interpreted to cover the full scope of the subject matter of the present invention (e.g., including any and all such modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.); it should be understood that the terminology used in this patent document is intended to provide a description of the subject matter of exemplary embodiments, and not as a limitation on the scope of the present invention.

[0143] It should also be noted that, depending on the exemplary embodiments, the present invention may include conventional technologies (such as those implemented and / or integrated in the exemplary embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents), or may include any other applicable technologies (present and / or future) that have the ability to perform the functions and processes / operations described in the specification and / or illustrated in the figures. All of these technologies (such as those implemented in embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are considered to be within the scope of the present invention of this patent document.

Claims

1. A cover plate of an airbag, characterized in that: include: Skeleton layer; and An epidermis layer, the epidermis layer being located on the outer surface of the skeleton layer and being integral with the skeleton layer; Wherein, a weakening line is constructed on the cover plate, and the strength at the weakening line is lower than the strength of other parts of the cover plate; the weakening line includes at least one tear-starting segment and at least one extension segment connected to the tear-starting segment, and the strength at the tear-starting segment is lower than the strength at the extension segment.

2. A cover plate for an airbag, characterized in that: include: Skeleton layer; and An epidermis layer, the epidermis layer being located on the outer surface of the skeleton layer; The cover plate is formed by two-color injection molding, and the material of the first shot in the two-color injection molding is used to form one of the skeleton layer and the skin layer, and the material of the second shot is used to form the other of the skeleton layer and the skin layer; A weakened line is formed on the cover plate, and the strength at the weakened line is lower than the strength of other parts of the cover plate.

3. The airbag cover according to claim 2, characterized in that: The weakening line is injection molded together with the skeleton layer and / or the skin layer.

4. The airbag cover according to claim 2, characterized in that: The weakening line includes at least one tear-starting segment and at least one extension segment connected to the tear-starting segment, and the strength at the tear-starting segment is less than the strength at the extension segment.

5. The airbag cover according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: There are a plurality of tear-starting segments, a plurality of expansion segments, and a plurality of tear-starting segments are separated by a plurality of expansion segments.

6. The airbag cover according to claim 5, characterized in that: The weakening line comprises two first weakening lines which are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart; each of the first weakening lines comprises a first middle section and two first extension sections respectively located on both sides of the first middle section; The weakened line further includes at least one second weakened line between the two first weakened lines; the second weakened line includes a second middle section, two end sections and two second extension sections; each second extension section connects the second middle section and the corresponding end section, and the two end sections are respectively connected to the corresponding two first middle sections; The tear-starting section includes two first middle sections, two end sections and the second middle section; the extension section includes two first extension sections and two second extension sections.

7. The airbag cover according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: The tearing section is configured as a first groove; The first groove extends from the inner surface of the skeleton layer to the skin layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate, and the bottom of the first groove is spaced apart from the outer surface of the skin layer to form a first skin layer residual thickness between the bottom of the first groove and the outer surface of the skin layer.

8. The airbag cover according to claim 7, characterized in that: The residual thickness of the first epidermis layer is between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.

9. The airbag cover according to claim 7, characterized in that: The width of the bottom of the first groove is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 0.2 mm.

10. The airbag cover according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first groove comprises: A first groove section, wherein the first groove section penetrates the skeleton layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate; and a second groove section, wherein the second groove section extends from the groove bottom of the first groove section to the skin layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate, and the depth of the second groove section is less than the thickness of the skin layer; Wherein, the slot width of the second slot section is less than or equal to the slot bottom width of the first slot section.

11. The airbag cover according to claim 10, characterized in that: The width of the slot opening of the first slot section is greater than the width of the slot bottom of the first slot section; and or The slot opening width of the second slot section is greater than the slot bottom width of the second slot section.

12. The airbag cover according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: There is an interface between the skeleton layer and the epidermis layer; The expansion section includes a second groove, the second groove extends from the inner surface of the skeleton layer into the skeleton layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate, and the bottom of the second groove is spaced apart from the interface.

13. The airbag cover according to claim 12, characterized in that: The second groove is configured such that a groove opening width is greater than a groove bottom width.

14. The airbag cover according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: The tear-starting segment includes a plurality of first holes sequentially spaced apart and arranged along the longitudinal direction of the tear-starting segment and a third groove connected between adjacent first holes; The first hole extends from the inner surface of the skeleton layer into the skin layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate, and the bottom of the first hole is spaced apart from the outer surface of the skin layer to form a second skin layer residual thickness between the bottom of the first hole and the outer surface of the skin layer; The third groove extends from the inner surface of the skeleton layer into the skin layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate, and the bottom of the third groove is spaced apart from the outer surface of the skin layer to form a third skin layer residual thickness between the bottom of the third groove and the outer surface of the skin layer.

15. The airbag cover according to claim 14, characterized in that: The third epidermal layer residual thickness is greater than the second epidermal layer residual thickness.

16. The airbag cover according to claim 14, characterized in that: The residual thickness of the second epidermis layer is between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, and the residual thickness of the third epidermis layer is between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm.

17. The airbag cover according to claim 14, characterized in that: The bottom area of ​​the first hole is 0.1 mm 2 To 0.6mm 2 The width of the bottom of the third groove is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 0.2 mm.

18. The airbag cover according to claim 14, characterized in that: Each of the first holes includes at least two opposite first vertices, and a line connecting the first vertices extends longitudinally along the tearing section; the third groove is connected between the opposite first vertices of two adjacent first holes.

19. The airbag cover according to claim 14, characterized in that: The first hole comprises: A first hole segment, wherein the first hole segment penetrates the skeleton layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate; and a second hole segment, wherein the second hole segment extends from the hole bottom of the first hole segment to the skin layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate, and the depth of the second hole segment is less than the thickness of the skin layer; Wherein, the orifice area of ​​the second hole segment is smaller than or equal to the bottom area of ​​the first hole segment.

20. The airbag cover according to claim 19, characterized in that: The orifice area of ​​the first hole segment is greater than the bottom area of ​​the first hole segment; and or The orifice area of ​​the second hole segment is greater than the hole bottom area of ​​the second hole segment.

21. The airbag cover according to claim 19, characterized in that: The side wall of the first hole section is configured in a stepped shape.

22. The airbag cover according to claim 14, characterized in that: The third groove comprises: A third groove section, wherein the third groove section penetrates the skeleton layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate; and a fourth groove section, wherein the fourth groove section extends from the groove bottom of the third groove to the skin layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate, and the depth of the fourth groove section is less than the thickness of the skin layer; The slot opening width of the fourth slot section is less than or equal to the slot bottom width of the third slot section.

23. The airbag cover according to claim 22, characterized in that: The slot width of the third slot section is greater than the slot bottom width of the third slot section; and / or The slot opening width of the fourth slot section is greater than the slot bottom width of the fourth slot section.

24. The cover plate of the airbag according to claim 22, characterized in that: The side wall of the third groove section is a smooth side wall.

25. The airbag cover according to claim 12, characterized in that: The expansion section further includes a plurality of second holes, which are sequentially spaced apart and arranged along the longitudinal direction of the expansion section; the number of the second grooves is plural, and one second groove is connected between adjacent second holes; The second hole extends from the inner surface of the skeleton layer into the epidermis layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate, and the bottom of the second hole is spaced apart from the outer surface of the epidermis layer to form a fourth epidermis layer residual thickness between the bottom of the second hole and the outer surface of the epidermis layer.

26. The airbag cover according to claim 25, characterized in that: The residual thickness of the fourth epidermal layer is between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.

27. The cover plate of the airbag according to claim 25, characterized in that: The bottom area of ​​the second hole is 0.1 mm 2 To 0.6mm 2 between.

28. The cover of the airbag according to claim 25, characterized in that: Each of the second holes includes at least two opposite second vertices, and a connecting line between the second vertices extends along the longitudinal direction of the expansion section; the second groove is connected between the opposite second vertices of two adjacent second holes.

29. The airbag cover according to claim 25, characterized in that: The second hole comprises: A third hole segment, wherein the third hole segment penetrates the skeleton layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate; and a fourth hole segment, wherein the fourth hole segment extends from the hole bottom of the third hole segment to the skin layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate, and the depth of the fourth hole segment is less than the thickness of the skin layer; Wherein, the orifice area of ​​the fourth hole segment is smaller than or equal to the hole bottom area of ​​the third hole segment.

30. The airbag cover according to claim 29, characterized in that: The orifice area of ​​the third hole segment is greater than the bottom area of ​​the third hole segment; and / or The orifice area of ​​the fourth hole segment is greater than the hole bottom area of ​​the fourth hole segment.

31. The cover plate of the airbag according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: The tearing section comprises: A fifth groove; the fifth groove extends from the inner surface of the skeleton layer to the inside of the skeleton layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate, and the bottom of the fifth groove is spaced apart from the interface between the skeleton layer and the skin layer; and An inner groove of the skin layer is formed at the interface; the inner groove of the skin layer extends into the skin layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate and is filled with the material of the skeleton layer; the bottom of the inner groove of the skin layer is spaced apart from the outer surface of the skin layer to form a fifth skin layer residual thickness between the bottom of the inner groove of the skin layer and the outer surface of the skin layer; The bottom of the groove in the epidermal layer is within the range of the orthographic projection of the fifth groove toward the epidermal layer and deviates from the bottom of the fifth groove.

32. The airbag cover according to claim 31, characterized in that: The residual thickness of the fifth epidermal layer is between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm.

33. The airbag cover according to claim 31, characterized in that: The lateral distance between the bottom of the groove in the epidermal layer and the bottom of the fifth groove is between 0.6 mm and 1.5 mm.

34. The airbag cover according to claim 31, characterized in that: The fifth groove is configured such that a groove opening width is greater than a groove bottom width.

35. The cover plate of the airbag according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: The tearing section comprises: a seventh groove; the seventh groove extends from the inner surface of the skeleton layer to the interior of the skeleton layer along the thickness direction of the cover plate, and the bottom of the seventh groove is spaced apart from the interface between the skeleton layer and the skin layer; and A reduced thickness area is formed in the epidermis layer, wherein the thickness of the reduced thickness area is gradually reduced from both ends to the middle along the width direction of the weakening line; and the orthographic projection of the seventh groove toward the epidermis layer is within the range of the reduced thickness area.

36. The airbag cover according to claim 35, characterized in that: The thickness of the middle part of the reduced thickness zone is between 0.6 mm and 1 mm.

37. The airbag cover according to claim 35, characterized in that: The thickness of the reduced thickness area decreases smoothly from both ends to the middle along the width direction of the weakening line.

38. The airbag cover according to claim 35, characterized in that: The bottom of the seventh groove is directly opposite to the middle of the thickness reduction area.

39. The airbag cover according to claim 35, characterized in that: The seventh groove is configured such that the groove opening width is greater than the groove bottom width.

40. The cover plate of the airbag according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The cover plate of the safety airbag further comprises a surface modification layer, and the surface modification layer is located on the outer surface of the skin layer.

41. A vehicle steering wheel, characterized in that: The vehicle steering wheel includes the cover panel of the airbag according to any one of claims 1 to 40.

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