Interior part welding structure, interior part for vehicle, and welding apparatus

Abstract

The present application discloses an interior part welding structure, an interior part for a vehicle, and a welding apparatus. The welding structure comprises an opaque first connecting plate and a light-transmitting second connecting plate. The first connecting plate defines an accommodating space and has a first end portion. The second connecting plate is disposed within the accommodating space and has a second end portion corresponding to the first end portion. The first end portion of the first connecting plate forms an opaque covering structure that wraps around at least a part of an end surface of the second end portion and defines a light-transmitting gap corresponding to the remaining part of the end surface of the second end portion. In this way, light emitted from the end surface of the second end portion of the second connecting plate is blocked by the covering structure, which prevents light leakage from occurring at least along a portion of an edge of a framework plate in an interior part using such a welding structure, thereby improving the decorative effect of the interior part.

Description

Welding structures for interior trim components, interior trim components for vehicles, and welding equipment. Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a welded structure for an interior trim component. This application also relates to an interior trim component for a vehicle having such a welded structure, and a welding apparatus for implementing such a welded structure. Background Technology

[0002] In some vehicles, ambient lighting is often incorporated into interior trim to create desired decorative effects. Some trim pieces consist of a housing made of a non-opaque material and a support plate made of a translucent material, assembled together. Multiple light-transmitting holes are provided in the housing, and a light source is housed within it. When the light source is illuminated, the light emitted passes through the support plate and exits through the light-transmitting holes in the housing, creating the desired optical effect on the interior trim.

[0003] In the actual production process of interior trim parts, a welding device 6 (as shown in Figure 2) is typically used to perform hot riveting welding on the assembly part 5 of the housing and the assembly part 4 of the support plate. This causes the end face of the assembly part 4 of the support plate to deform and form a weld scar 41 covering the assembly part 5 of the housing. When light propagates within the support plate, some light may escape from the weld scar 41. The weld scar emits light as a whole, and the light propagation direction 42 is scattered (as shown in Figure 1), which may cause light leakage in at least a portion of the edge of the housing, thereby adversely affecting the decorative effect of the interior trim parts. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, a first aspect of this application proposes a welding structure for an interior trim component. This welding structure includes an opaque first connecting plate extending circumferentially and defining a receiving space; the first connecting plate having a first end; and a translucent second connecting plate disposed within the receiving space and having a second end corresponding to the first end; the second end having an end face; wherein the first end of the first connecting plate forms an opaque covering structure; the covering structure extends circumferentially and inwardly to cover at least a portion of the end face of the second end of the second connecting plate and defines a translucent gap corresponding to the remaining portion of the end face of the second end of the second connecting plate.

[0005] In one embodiment, the edge region of the end face of the second end is covered by a covering structure; the area of ​​the edge region accounts for more than 10% of the area of ​​the end face of the second end.

[0006] In one embodiment, the central region of the end face of the second end corresponds to the light-transmitting gap; the area of ​​the central region is less than or equal to 50 mm². 2 .

[0007] In one embodiment, the welding structure further includes an opaque cover plate disposed on the covering structure and sealing the light-transmitting gap.

[0008] A second aspect of this application provides an interior trim for a vehicle. The interior trim includes an opaque base; a translucent frame plate mounted on and spaced apart from the base; and a light source assembly disposed between the base and the frame plate; wherein the base is provided with a plurality of opaque first connecting plates, each first connecting plate extending away from the frame plate; the frame plate is provided with a plurality of translucent second connecting plates, each second connecting plate extending toward the base; at least one second connecting plate is adapted to be inserted into a corresponding first connecting plate, and the first and second connecting plates are connected together to form a welded structure according to the interior trim described above.

[0009] In one embodiment, at least one first connecting plate is welded together with a corresponding second connecting plate, and the first connecting plate completely covers the second connecting plate.

[0010] In one embodiment, the height of the first connecting plate is greater than the height of the second connecting plate before they are joined together.

[0011] In one embodiment, each first connecting plate is cylindrical, and each second connecting plate is adapted to be inserted into the corresponding first connecting plate to form a welded structure.

[0012] In one embodiment, a skin is provided on the side of the skeleton plate away from the light source assembly, and a plurality of light-transmitting holes are provided on the skin.

[0013] A third aspect of this application provides a welding apparatus for forming a welded structure of an interior trim piece as described above. The welding apparatus includes a welding head; the welding head includes a boss; and a sidewall disposed around the boss; a cavity is formed between the sidewall and the boss; wherein a first end of a first connecting plate is adapted to be inserted into the cavity, and an end face of a second end of a second connecting plate is adapted to abut against the boss; the sidewall is adapted to heat the first connecting plate, and the boss is adapted to heat the second connecting plate, so that the first end of the first connecting plate and the second end of the second connecting plate form a welded structure.

[0014] In one embodiment, the height of the sidewall is greater than or equal to the height of the boss.

[0015] In one embodiment, the inner surface of the sidewall is configured as an arcuate surface.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: According to the technical solution of this application, the opaque covering structure of the first connecting plate covers at least a portion of the end face of the second end of the second connecting plate, and defines a light-transmitting gap corresponding to the remaining portion of the end face of the second end. In this way, the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate are firmly connected together. Moreover, a portion of the light emitted from the end face of the second end of the second connecting plate (i.e., the light-transmitting gap) is blocked by the covering structure, preventing light leakage in at least a portion of the edge of the frame plate in interior trim using this welded structure, thereby improving the decorative effect of the interior trim. Attached Figure Description

[0017] With the aid of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of this application, the present application will be further described in a detailed description following with reference to several accompanying drawings. The drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0018] Figure 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the welded structure of an interior trim component in the prior art.

[0019] Figure 2 schematically shows a welding apparatus in the prior art.

[0020] Figure 3 schematically shows an interior trim piece for a vehicle according to one embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 4 schematically shows an exploded view of the interior trim components.

[0022] Figure 5a schematically shows the skeleton plate.

[0023] Figure 5b schematically shows the base.

[0024] Figure 6a schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the welded structure of the interior trim according to the first embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 6b schematically shows a welded structure with a cover plate.

[0026] Figure 6c schematically shows the welded structure in which the first connecting plate completely covers the second connecting plate.

[0027] Figure 7 schematically shows a welding apparatus according to a first embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 8 schematically shows the welding head of the welding apparatus shown in Figure 7.

[0029] Figure 9 schematically shows a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate assembled together according to a first embodiment of the present application, the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate not yet welded together.

[0030] Figure 10 schematically shows the welded structure of the first embodiment formed by the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate shown in Figure 9.

[0031] Figure 11 schematically shows the state of the welding device, the first connecting plate, and the second connecting plate before welding.

[0032] Figure 12 schematically shows the state of the welding device, the first connecting plate, and the second connecting plate during the welding process.

[0033] Figure 13 schematically shows the state of the welding device, the first connecting plate, and the second connecting plate after welding is completed.

[0034] Figure 14 schematically shows a welding apparatus according to a second embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 15 schematically shows the welding head of the welding apparatus shown in Figure 14.

[0036] Figure 16 schematically shows a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate assembled together according to a second embodiment of the present application, the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate not yet welded together.

[0037] Figure 17 schematically shows the welded structure of the second embodiment formed by the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate shown in Figure 16.

[0038] Figure 18 schematically shows a welding structure according to a third embodiment of the present application, wherein an S-shaped light-transmitting gap is shown.

[0039] Figure 19 schematically shows a welding structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present application, wherein a T-shaped light-transmitting gap is shown.

[0040] Figure 20 schematically shows a welding structure according to a fifth embodiment of the present application, wherein a U-shaped light-transmitting gap is shown.

[0041] List of reference numerals 1 Interior trim for vehicles 101 Filler 102 Wiring harness 103 Light-shielding foam 11 Base 12 Frame plate 13 Light source assembly 131 PBCA plate 132 Light guide plate 14 Skin 141 Light-transmitting hole 2 Welding structure 201 Accommodating space 202 Light-transmitting gap 203 Direction of light propagation 204 Cover plate 21 First connecting plate 211 First end 212 Covering structure 22 Second connecting plate 220 End face 221 Second end 222 Edge region 223 Central region 3 Welding device 31 Mounting handle 32 Welding head 320 Cavity 321 Boss 322 Side wall 4 Assembly part of light-transmitting support plate in the prior art 41 Weld scar 42 Direction of light propagation in the prior art 5 Assembly part of opaque shell in the prior art 6 Welding device in the prior art Z Height direction of the first connecting plate T Lateral direction of the first connecting plate Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0043] Figure 3 schematically shows an interior trim 1 (hereinafter referred to as interior trim 1) for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application. In one embodiment, interior trim 1 is mounted on a vehicle door.

[0044] As shown in Figure 4, the interior trim 1 mainly includes a base 11, a frame plate 12 mounted on the base 11, a light source assembly 13, and a skin 14.

[0045] The base 11 is made of an opaque material. For example, an opaque material is PC-ABS. Of course, depending on the specific circumstances, the base can also be made of other suitable opaque materials.

[0046] The frame panel 12 is made of a light-transmitting material. For example, the light-transmitting material is light-transmitting PC. Of course, depending on the actual situation, the frame panel can also be made of other suitable light-transmitting materials.

[0047] The base 11 is provided with a plurality of cylindrical first connecting plates 21 (as shown in Figure 5b). These first connecting plates 21 are also opaque, for example, the first connecting plates are integrally formed with the base. The first connecting plates 21 extend away from the frame plate 12. The frame plate 12 is provided with a plurality of translucent second connecting plates 22 (as shown in Figure 5a). For example, the second connecting plates are integrally formed with the frame plate. The second connecting plates 22 extend toward the base 11. During the assembly of the interior trim 1, each second connecting plate 22 is inserted into the corresponding first connecting plate 21, and then the combined first connecting plates 21 and second connecting plates 22 are welded together to form a welded structure 2 (as shown in Figure 6a). Thus, the first connecting plates 21 and second connecting plates 22 are connected together, thereby firmly assembling the frame plate 12 and the base 11 together.

[0048] The light source assembly 13 is disposed between the base 11 and the frame plate 12. In this way, the surface of the frame plate 12 facing the light source assembly 13 forms the light-incident surface, and the surface away from the light source assembly 13 forms the light-exit surface.

[0049] The skin 14 covers the light-emitting surface of the frame plate 12, forming part of the interior surface of the vehicle's interior space. In one embodiment, the skin 14 is provided with a plurality of light-transmitting holes 141.

[0050] After the light source assembly 13 is lit, the light emitted by the light source assembly 13 passes through the frame plate 12 and shines onto the skin 14, and further shines out of the interior trim 1 from the light-transmitting holes 141 on the skin 14. In this way, multiple light spots are displayed on the interior trim 1, which has a good decorative effect on the door.

[0051] In one embodiment, the light source assembly 13 includes a PCBA board 131 with a light source lamp (not shown) and a light guide plate 132 assembled together with the PCBA board 131. The light-incident surface of the frame plate 12 faces the light-exiting surface of the light guide plate 132. Thus, light emitted from the light source lamp enters the light guide plate 132 and then flows from the light guide plate 132 into the frame plate 12. In some embodiments not shown, the PCBA board and the frame plate can also be assembled together, allowing light emitted from the light source lamp to directly enter the frame plate. In this case, the frame plate has a similar structure and function to the light guide plate, and the light source assembly does not require a separate light guide plate.

[0052] In addition, as shown in Figure 4, the interior trim 1 also includes other components, such as the filler 101, wiring harness 102, and light-blocking foam 103 disposed between the frame plate 12 and the skin 14, which will not be described in detail here.

[0053] The welding structure between the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate will be described below.

[0054] As shown in Figure 6a, the first connecting plate 21 extends circumferentially and defines a receiving space 201 (e.g., as described above, the first connecting plate is generally cylindrical). The first connecting plate 21 has a first end 211 remote from the base 11.

[0055] The second connecting plate 22 is inserted into the receiving space 201 and has a second end 221 corresponding to the first end 211. The second end 221 has an end face 220. In one embodiment, the second connecting plate is a columnar member, and the end face of the second end is the cross-section of the columnar member. In another embodiment, the second connecting plate can be a cylindrical member, and the end face of the second end includes the annular cross-section of the columnar member and the hollow portion surrounded by the cross-section.

[0056] As also shown in Figure 6a, the end face 220 includes an edge region 222 and a central region 223 surrounded by the edge region 222. An opaque covering structure 212 is formed at the first end 211 of the first connecting plate 21. The covering structure 212 is formed by welding using a welding device, which will be described below. The covering structure 212 extends circumferentially and protrudes inward to cover the edge region 222 of the end face 220 of the second end 221. In this way, the first connecting plate 21 and the second connecting plate 22 are fixedly connected together along the height direction Z of the first connecting plate 21 and the lateral direction T of the first connecting plate 21 (i.e., the direction substantially perpendicular to the height direction Z), thereby achieving a stable connection between the base 11 and the frame plate 12.

[0057] The covering structure 212 also defines a light-transmitting gap 202. The light-transmitting gap 202 corresponds to the middle region 223 of the end face 220 of the second end 221 of the second connecting plate 22.

[0058] As described above, when the light source assembly 13 is lit, the light emitted by the light source assembly 13 enters the skeleton plate 12. As the light propagates within the skeleton plate 12, some of the light may shine outwards from the end face 220 of the second end 221 of the second connecting plate 22. Due to the obstruction of the covering structure 212, this light can only escape through the light-transmitting gap 202. Moreover, after escaping from the light-transmitting gap 202, the light is still blocked by the covering structure 212 in the lateral direction T. Therefore, the diffusion angle of the light escaping from the light-transmitting gap 202 is very small (for example, as shown in FIG. 6a, the propagation direction 203 of the light after escaping from the light-transmitting gap 202 is substantially parallel to the height direction Z of the first connecting plate 21), rather than spreading in all directions. This avoids light leakage at least in a portion of the edge of the skeleton plate 12, thereby improving the decorative effect of the interior trim 1.

[0059] In one embodiment, the area of ​​the edge region 222 is more than 10% of the area of ​​the end face 220 of the second end 221. This results in a larger portion of the end face 220 of the second end 221 of the second connecting plate 22 covered by the covering structure 212, which helps to more stably assemble the frame plate 12 with the base 11. Furthermore, the larger the area of ​​the portion of the end face 220 covered by the covering structure 212 (i.e., the edge portion 222), the smaller the area of ​​the central region 223. This results in a smaller area of ​​the light-transmitting gap 202, less light emanating from the light-transmitting gap 202, and a smaller diffusion angle of the light emanating from the light-transmitting gap 202, which further helps to prevent light leakage at least in a portion of the edge of the frame plate 12. In one embodiment, the area of ​​the central region is less than or equal to 50 mm². 2 Therefore, the area of ​​the light-transmitting gap is less than or equal to 50mm². 2 For example, the area of ​​the central region of a circle is less than or equal to 50 mm². 2 For the central region of a roughly rectangular area, its area is less than or equal to 20 mm². 2 Of course, depending on the actual situation, the central region can also be of other shapes, and the area of ​​the central region can also be of other values, which will not be elaborated here.

[0060] In one embodiment, the welded structure further includes an opaque cover plate 204 (as shown in FIG. 6b). The cover plate 204 is disposed on the covering structure 212 and closes the aforementioned light-transmitting gap. In this way, light cannot shine out from the light-transmitting gap, completely avoiding light leakage at least in a portion of the edge of the frame plate 12, and ensuring a good decorative effect of the interior trim.

[0061] Before the welding structure 2 is formed, the height of the first connecting plate 21 is greater than the height of the second connecting plate 22 (as shown in Figure 11). Thus, during the welding of the first connecting plate 21 and the second connecting plate 22 together, the inwardly extending length of the covering structure 212 is longer, resulting in a larger area of ​​the end face 220 of the second end 221 of the second connecting plate 22 covered by the covering structure 212. This makes the skeleton plate 12 more stably assembled with the base 11. Furthermore, because the inwardly extending length of the covering structure 212 is longer, the size of the light-transmitting gap 202 is smaller, resulting in less light emanating from the light-transmitting gap 202 and a smaller diffusion angle of the light emanating from the light-transmitting gap 202, further helping to prevent light leakage at least in a portion of the edge of the skeleton plate 12.

[0062] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG6c, when the first connecting plate 21 and the second connecting plate 22 are welded together, the first connecting plate 21 completely covers the second connecting plate 22. In other words, this welded structure formed by the first connecting plate 21 and the second connecting plate 22 has no light-transmitting gaps, which also completely avoids light leakage at least in a portion of the edge of the frame plate 12, ensuring a good decorative effect for the interior trim.

[0063] It should be understood that the frame plate and the base can be connected together using both of the above-mentioned welding structures, or they can be welded together using only one of the welding structures, as long as light leakage can be avoided at least in some sections of the edge of the frame plate.

[0064] The welding apparatus used to form the welded structure shown in FIG6a will now be described.

[0065] Figure 7 schematically shows the welding apparatus 3 of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the welding apparatus 3 includes a mounting handle 31 and a welding head 32 disposed at the end of the mounting handle 31. When using the welding apparatus 3, the mounting handle 31 is mounted on a clamping device or a robotic arm, the welding head 32 is joined together with the first end 211 of the first connecting plate 21 and the second end 221 of the second connecting plate 22, and the first end 211 of the first connecting plate 21 and the second end 221 of the second connecting plate 22 are heated, thereby welding the first connecting plate 21 and the second connecting plate 22 together.

[0066] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the welding head 32 includes a boss 321 and a sidewall 322 surrounding the boss 321. A cavity 320 is formed between the sidewall 322 and the boss 321. Also as shown in Figure 8, the cross-section of the boss 321 is generally circular, the cross-section of the sidewall 322 is generally annular, and the cross-section of the cavity 320 is annular. Both the boss 321 and the sidewall 322 are heatable to perform welding operations (which will be described below).

[0067] Figure 9 schematically shows the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate of the first embodiment. The shape of the first connecting plate 21 matches the shape of the cavity 320 of the welding head 32, and the shape of the second connecting plate 22 matches the shape of the protrusion 321 of the welding head 32. For example, the first connecting plate 21 is cylindrical (i.e., with an annular cross-section), and the second connecting plate 22 is also cylindrical (i.e., with an annular cross-section). In other embodiments, the second connecting plate may also be cylindrical, which will not be described further here.

[0068] The process of welding the first connecting plate 21 and the second connecting plate 22 together using the welding device 3 is described below.

[0069] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, at least a portion of the first connecting plate 21 is inserted into the cavity 320, and the first connecting plate 21 abuts against the side wall 322 of the welding head 32. The end face of the second connecting plate 22 abuts against the boss 321.

[0070] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the sidewall 322 heats the first connecting plate 21. The boss 321 heats the second connecting plate 22. The heated portion of the first connecting plate 21 melts and flows inward. The portion of the second connecting plate 22 that contacts the boss 321 is also heated and melted. In this way, the melted portion of the first connecting plate 21 fuses with the melted portion of the second connecting plate 22, and the melted portion of the first connecting plate 21 gradually covers the corresponding portion of the second connecting plate 22, thereby forming the welded structure 2 described above, and the skeleton plate 12 and the base 11 are connected together. As shown in Figure 10, the formed welded structure 2 includes a generally annular covering structure 212 and a generally annular light-transmitting gap 202 surrounded by the covering structure 212.

[0071] In one embodiment, during the welding process, the welding device can be pressed to further fuse the molten portion of the first connecting plate with the molten portion of the second connecting plate. This makes the connection between the first and second connecting plates more stable, and thus the connection between the frame plate and the base more stable.

[0072] In one embodiment, the inner surface of the sidewall is configured as a generally arcuate surface. During welding, the molten portion of the first connecting plate flows smoothly inward, guided by this type of sidewall, to cover the corresponding portion of the second connecting plate. In one embodiment, depending on the specific circumstances, the corners of the inner surface of the sidewall are rounded to create a generally arcuate surface. In other embodiments, depending on the specific circumstances, the inner surface of the sidewall may also be configured as a circular arcuate surface.

[0073] In the welding head 32, the height of the sidewall 322 can be greater than the height of the boss 321. For example, the height of the sidewall is approximately between 3.5 mm and 4 mm, and the height of the boss is approximately between 2 mm and 3 mm. This allows for a larger heating range of the sidewall on the first connecting plate during welding, resulting in more of the first connecting plate being heated and melted. This leads to a greater inward extension of the resulting covering structure, and consequently, a larger area covered by the second connecting plate. This also helps to make the connection between the first and second connecting plates more stable, and the connection between the frame plate and the base more stable. Furthermore, it helps to reduce or eliminate light transmission gaps, further reducing or preventing light leakage at least in a portion of the edge of the frame plate. Of course, depending on the actual situation, the height of the sidewall can also be approximately equal to the height of the boss, which will not be elaborated here. Additionally, depending on the actual situation, the sidewall and / or the boss can also have other heights, which are not limited here.

[0074] The welding process from Figure 11 to Figure 13 can be completed using a single welding apparatus (i.e., a one-step welding process). Depending on the specific circumstances, two different welding apparatuses can also be used to complete the welding process from Figure 11 to Figure 13 (i.e., a two-step welding process). For example, in a two-step welding process, one welding apparatus is first used to complete the welding process from Figure 11 to Figure 12, and then another welding apparatus is used to complete the welding process in Figure 13. In some cases, a two-step welding process can achieve a completely opaque welded structure (i.e., the welded structure shown in Figure 6c), thus completely preventing light leakage at least in certain sections of the edge of the frame plate.

[0075] Figures 14 and 15 schematically show the welding apparatus 3 of the second embodiment. The welding apparatus of the second embodiment is generally the same as that of the welding apparatus of the first embodiment; only the main differences between the two are described here. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the cross-sectional profile of the sidewall 322 of the welding head 32 of the welding apparatus of the second embodiment is generally rectangular and annular, and the cross-sectional shape of the boss 321 is generally rectangular. Therefore, the cross-section of the cavity 320 is also generally rectangular and annular.

[0076] Figure 16 schematically shows the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate of the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 16, the cross-sectional shape of the first connecting plate 21 is generally rectangular and annular, matching the shape of the cavity 320 of the welding apparatus of the second embodiment. The cross-sectional shape of the second connecting plate 22 is generally rectangular and matches the shape of the boss 321. Thus, the welding apparatus 3 of the second embodiment can be used to weld the first connecting plate 21 and the second connecting plate 22 of the second embodiment together.

[0077] Figure 17 schematically shows the welding structure 2 of the second embodiment formed by the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate. In this welding structure 2, the covering structure 212 is generally rectangular and the light-transmitting gap 202 surrounding the covering structure 212 is generally rectangular.

[0078] In the welding structure 2 of the third embodiment shown in Figure 18, the light-transmitting gap 202 is generally S-shaped. In the welding structure 2 of the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 19, the light-transmitting gap 202 is generally T-shaped. In the welding structure 2 of the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 20, the light-transmitting gap 202 is generally U-shaped.

[0079] In some cases, welded structures can also be used as ambient lighting for vehicles. In such cases, the various types of light-transmitting gaps described above can achieve the desired decorative effect when illuminated.

[0080] It should be understood that when forming a welded structure using the welding apparatus shown in Figure 7, the covering structure can also completely cover the end face of the second end of the second connecting plate, that is, the formed welded structure has no light-transmitting gaps. The same applies to the welding apparatus shown in Figure 14.

[0081] It should be understood that, depending on the vehicle's interior design, the welding structure mentioned above can also be applied to areas requiring lighting, such as seams, dashboards, and center consoles, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0082] It should be noted that the present invention (e.g., inventive concepts, etc.) has been described in the specification of this patent document and / or illustrated in the figures according to exemplary embodiments; embodiments of the present invention are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The structure and / or arrangement of the elements of the inventive concept embodied in the present invention as described in the specification and / or illustrated in the figures are merely illustrative. Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this patent document, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that equivalents, modifications, variations, etc., of the subject matter of the exemplary 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 / other modifications, variations, substitutions, equivalents, alterations, omissions, etc., 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, sequence of process / method steps, operation, operating conditions, performance, materials, composition, combination, etc.). All such subject matter (e.g., modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) is intended to be included within the scope of this invention without departing from its scope; all such subject matter (e.g., modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) is intended to be included within the scope of this invention. The scope of this 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 figures of this patent document. It should be understood that the claims of this patent document will be properly interpreted to cover the full scope of the subject matter of this invention (e.g., including any and all such modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.); the terminology used in this patent document is intended to provide a description of the subject matter of exemplary embodiments and not to limit the scope of the invention.

[0083] It should also be noted that, according to exemplary embodiments, the present invention may include conventional techniques (e.g., techniques implemented and / or integrated in exemplary embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents, etc.), or may include any other applicable techniques (now and / or in the future) with the ability to perform the functions and processes / operations described in the specification and / or illustrated in the figures. All such techniques (e.g., techniques implemented in the manner of embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are considered to be within the scope of the present invention of this patent document.

Claims

1. A welding structure for an interior trim component, characterized in that, The welded structure includes: An opaque first connecting plate extends circumferentially and defines an accommodating space; the first connecting plate has a first end; and A light-transmitting second connecting plate is disposed within the receiving space and has a second end corresponding to the first end; the second end has an end face. Wherein, the first end of the first connecting plate is formed with an opaque covering structure; the covering structure extends circumferentially and extends inward to cover at least a portion of the end face of the second end of the second connecting plate and defines a light-transmitting gap corresponding to the remaining portion of the end face of the second end of the second connecting plate.

2. The welded structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The edge region of the end face of the second end is covered by the covering structure; the area of ​​the edge region accounts for more than 10% of the area of ​​the end face of the second end.

3. The welded structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The central region of the end face of the second end corresponds to the light-transmitting gap; the area of ​​the central region is less than or equal to 50 mm². 2 .

4. The welded structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The welding structure also includes an opaque cover plate, which is disposed on the covering structure and closes the light-transmitting gap.

5. An interior trim piece for a vehicle, characterized in that, The interior trim includes: An opaque base; A translucent frame plate, mounted on and spaced apart from the base; and A light source assembly is disposed between the base and the frame plate; The base is provided with a plurality of opaque first connecting plates, each of which extends away from the frame plate; the frame plate is provided with a plurality of translucent second connecting plates, each of which extends toward the base; at least one first connecting plate and a corresponding second connecting plate form a welded structure for the interior trim according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and are connected together.

6. The interior trim component according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least one of the first connecting plates is welded together with a corresponding second connecting plate, and the first connecting plate completely covers the second connecting plate.

7. The interior trim component according to claim 5, characterized in that, Before they are connected, the height of the first connecting plate is greater than the height of the second connecting plate.

8. The interior trim component according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the first connecting plates is cylindrical, and each of the second connecting plates is adapted to be inserted into the corresponding first connecting plate to form the welded structure.

9. The interior trim component according to claim 5, characterized in that, The skeleton plate has a skin on the side away from the light source assembly, and the skin has a plurality of light-transmitting holes.

10. A welding apparatus, characterized in that, For forming a welding structure of the interior trim according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the welding apparatus includes a welding head; the welding head includes: Boss; and A sidewall is provided around the protrusion; a cavity is formed between the sidewall and the protrusion; Wherein, the first end of the first connecting plate is adapted to be inserted into the cavity, and the end face of the second end of the second connecting plate is adapted to abut against the boss; the sidewall is adapted to heat the first connecting plate, and the boss is adapted to heat the second connecting plate, so that the first end of the first connecting plate and the second end of the second connecting plate form the welded structure.

11. The welding apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The height of the sidewall is greater than or equal to the height of the boss.

12. The welding apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The inner surface of the sidewall is constructed as an arcuate surface.

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