Multi-color injection-molded automobile trim

Abstract

A multi-color injection-molded automobile trim, which comprises a skeleton layer, a first skin layer, a second skin layer and a boundary, wherein the first skin layer is molded from a first thermoplastic elastomer on a first region of the skeleton layer, the second skin layer is molded from a second thermoplastic elastomer on a second region of the skeleton layer, and the boundary for distinguishing or isolating the first skin layer from the second skin layer is provided by the first thermoplastic elastomer, the second thermoplastic elastomer or a protruding structure. In the multi-color injection-molded automobile trim, the boundary for distinguishing or isolating the first skin layer from the second skin layer is provided by the first thermoplastic elastomer or the protruding structure, so as to form a clear boundary without causing problems such as color mixing.

Description

A multi-color injection molded automotive trim Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to vehicles, and more specifically to a multi-color injection-molded automotive trim. Background Technology

[0002] Multi-color injection-molded automotive trim parts typically involve first-shot molding of the skeleton, followed by second and subsequent injection molding of the finish layers. These finish layers often require different materials, colors, and textures. If two or more finish layers are adjacent, issues such as color mixing or unclear boundaries can easily occur. This is especially true when the finish layers are made of soft materials (such as thermoplastic elastomers). Because soft materials generally have low melting points, sequential injection molding of multiple finish layers can easily lead to the melting and destruction of previous finish layers, resulting in material shortages and other finish defects.

[0003] One known solution in the prior art is to design isolation grooves between multiple surface layers. However, this solution places high demands on the mold and imposes limitations on the appearance due to the grooves. In particular, when the surface layers are made of soft materials, the surface layers corresponding to the isolation grooves often exhibit undesirable appearances such as collapse.

[0004] Another known solution in the prior art is to pre-inject a clear layer between the second and subsequent appearance layers. However, this solution has disadvantages such as complex processing and high cost. (Disclosure)

[0005] To address the issues of high mold requirements or complex processes in the prior art, this disclosure provides a multi-color injection molded automotive trim part.

[0006] A first aspect of this disclosure provides a multi-color injection-molded automotive trim component, comprising a skeleton layer, a first skin layer, a second skin layer, and a boundary, wherein the first skin layer is formed of a first thermoplastic elastomer in a first region of the skeleton layer, the second skin layer is formed of a second thermoplastic elastomer in a second region of the skeleton layer, and the boundary for distinguishing the first skin layer and the second skin layer is provided by either the first thermoplastic elastomer or the second thermoplastic elastomer.

[0007] Preferably, the melting point of the first thermoplastic elastic material is different from the melting point of the second thermoplastic elastic material.

[0008] Preferably, the material of the skeleton layer is polycarbonate, engineering plastic alloy, polypropylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene copolymer, nylon, resin-modified filler / reinforcing material, or natural fiber.

[0009] Preferably, the multi-color injection-molded automotive trim according to claim 1 is characterized in that the thickness of the first skin layer and the second skin layer is between 0.5-3mm.

[0010] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a multi-color injection-molded automotive trim piece, the multi-color injection-molded automotive trim piece including a skeleton layer, a first skin layer, a second skin layer, and a boundary, wherein the first skin layer is formed of a first thermoplastic elastomer in a first region of the skeleton layer, the second skin layer is formed of a second thermoplastic elastomer in a second region of the skeleton layer, and the boundary for separating the first skin layer and the second skin layer is provided by a raised structure.

[0011] Preferably, the surface of the protruding structure is not lower than the surface of the first epidermal layer, nor lower than the surface of the second epidermal layer.

[0012] Preferably, the material of the skeleton layer is polycarbonate, engineering plastic alloy, polypropylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene copolymer, nylon, resin-modified filler / reinforcing material, or natural fiber.

[0013] Preferably, the first thermoplastic elastic material and the second thermoplastic elastic material are the same.

[0014] Preferably, the thickness of the first epidermis and the second epidermis is between 0.5 and 3 mm.

[0015] Preferably, the surfaces of the first epidermal layer, the second epidermal layer, and the raised structure are flush.

[0016] Preferably, in the multi-color injection-molded automotive trim according to claim 5, the width of the raised structure is between 0.5 and 3 mm.

[0017] Preferably, the protruding structure is a symmetrical structure.

[0018] Preferably, the protruding structure and the skeleton layer are an integral structure.

[0019] Preferably, the upper surface of the protruding structure is a plane.

[0020] Preferably, the protruding structure is a flat-top structure that protrudes along a linear side or a flat-top structure that protrudes along an arcuate side.

[0021] Preferably, the protrusion structure is an insert independent of the skeleton layer.

[0022] Preferably, the skeleton layer includes a first skeleton layer and a second skeleton layer, wherein the first skeleton layer is formed on one side of the protruding structure, the second skeleton layer is formed on the other side of the protruding structure, the first skin layer is formed on the first skeleton layer, and the second skin layer is formed on the second skeleton layer.

[0023] Preferably, the material of the protruding structure is an engineering plastic alloy, polypropylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene copolymer, nylon, or resin-modified filler / reinforcing material.

[0024] Preferably, the protruding structure is a flat-top structure that protrudes from the skeleton layer along a linear side, or a flat-top structure that protrudes from the skeleton layer along a concave arcuate side, or a flat-top structure that protrudes from the skeleton layer along a convex arcuate side.

[0025] According to the multi-color injection-molded automotive trim parts disclosed herein, the boundary for distinguishing or isolating the first skin layer and the second skin layer is provided by a first thermoplastic elastic material or a raised structure to form a clear boundary without causing problems such as color mixing. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with multi-color injection-molded automotive trim parts according to the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2 shows the interior of the vehicle in Figure 1.

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 3.

[0030] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part according to another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 6 is a top view of the multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part in Figure 5.

[0032] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part in Figure 5.

[0033] Figure 8 is a variation of Figure 7.

[0034] Figure 9 is another variation of Figure 7.

[0035] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 11 is a variation of Figure 10.

[0037] Figure 12 is another variation of Figure 10. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure are given below with reference to the accompanying drawings and described in detail.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1-2, the interior I of the vehicle V includes multi-color injection-molded automotive trim according to the present disclosure, which can be formed as, for example, dashboard 1, door panel 2, sub-dashboard 3, door frame trim 4, seat trim 5, etc.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the multi-color injection-molded automotive trim according to this embodiment includes a skeleton layer 11, a first skin layer 12a, a second skin layer 13a, and a boundary 14a. The first skin layer 12a is formed in a first region of the skeleton layer 11 by a first thermoplastic elastic material, and the second skin layer 13a is formed in a second region of the skeleton layer 11 by a second thermoplastic elastic material. The boundary 14a, which distinguishes the first skin layer 12a and the second skin layer 13a, is provided by the first thermoplastic elastic material, and the melting point of the first thermoplastic elastic material is higher than that of the second thermoplastic elastic material.

[0042] In this embodiment, the material of the skeleton layer 11 is polycarbonate, engineering plastic alloy, polypropylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene copolymer, nylon, resin-modified filler / reinforcing material, or natural fiber, such as hemp fiber, bamboo fiber, coconut shell fiber, etc.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first skin layer 12a and the second skin layer 13a have the same main material, and by adding additives, the melting point of the first skin layer 12a is higher than that of the second skin layer 13a.

[0044] In this embodiment, the thickness of both the first skin layer 12a and the second skin layer 13a is 1 mm. In particular, the thickness data can be adjusted accordingly for different thermoplastic elastomers, and the thickness is preferably between 0.5 and 3 mm.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first epidermal layer 12a and the second epidermal layer 13a have different colors to achieve various appearance effects.

[0046] In the specific process of multi-color injection molding of automotive trim parts, the first injection molding is performed on the skeleton layer 11, the second injection molding is performed on the first skin layer 12a and the boundary 14a, and the third injection molding is performed on the second skin layer 13a.

[0047] Example 2

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the multi-color injection-molded automotive trim according to this embodiment includes a skeleton layer 11, a first skin layer 12b, a second skin layer 13b, and a boundary 14b. The skeleton layer 11 has a raised structure 11a. The first skin layer 12b is formed from a first thermoplastic elastic material in a first region on one side of the raised structure 11a of the skeleton layer 11. The second skin layer 13b is formed from a second thermoplastic elastic material in a second region on the other side of the raised structure 11a of the skeleton layer 11. The surface of the raised structure 11a is not lower than the surface of the first skin layer 12b, nor lower than the surface of the second skin layer 13b. The boundary 14b, which separates the first skin layer 12b and the second skin layer 13b, is formed opposite to the raised structure 11a.

[0049] In this embodiment, the material of the skeleton layer 11 is polycarbonate, engineering plastic alloy, polypropylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene copolymer, nylon, resin-modified filler / reinforcing material, or natural fiber, such as hemp fiber, bamboo fiber, coconut shell fiber, etc.

[0050] In this embodiment, the first thermoplastic elastomer and the second thermoplastic elastomer are the same. It should be understood that it is also possible to provide the first skin layer 12b and the second skin layer 13b with different thermoplastic elastomers.

[0051] In this embodiment, the thickness of both the first skin layer 12b and the second skin layer 13b is 1 mm. In particular, the thickness data can be adjusted accordingly for different thermoplastic elastomers, and the thickness is preferably between 0.5-3 mm.

[0052] In this embodiment, the surfaces of the first epidermal layer 12b, the second epidermal layer 13b, and the raised structure 11a are flush, that is, the raised structure 11a is flush with the first epidermal layer 12b and the second epidermal layer 13b.

[0053] In this embodiment, the width of the boundary 14b between the first skin layer 12b and the second skin layer 13b is 1 mm. Specifically, the thickness and width data can be adjusted accordingly for different thermoplastic elastomers, preferably between 0.5 and 3 mm. Here, "width" refers to the width of the surface (top surface) of the protruding structure 11a between the first skin layer 12b and the second skin layer 13b.

[0054] As shown in Figure 6, the first epidermal layer 12b and the second epidermal layer 13b have different textures to achieve various appearance effects. It should be understood that the raised structure 11a, the first epidermal layer 12b, and the second epidermal layer 13b can have different colors, textures, and other appearance effects.

[0055] In the specific molding process of multi-color injection-molded automotive trim parts, the first injection molds the skeleton layer 11 and its protruding structure 11a, the second injection molds the first skin layer 12b, and the third injection molds the second skin layer 13b. When the first skin layer 12b and the second skin layer 13b are made of the same material, they can also be integrally molded simultaneously in the second injection. It should be understood that when there are more than two skin layers, the protruding structures can be added sequentially. It should be understood that the integral structure of the protruding structure and the skeleton layer can be formed in one injection, or the skeleton layer can be formed first, and then the protruding structure can be formed in the second injection.

[0056] In this embodiment, the upper surface of the protruding structure 11a is a plane, specifically a flat-top structure protruding along a concave arc-shaped side, as shown in Figure 7. In a variation, the protruding structure 11b is a flat-top structure protruding along a linear side, as shown in Figure 8. In another variation, the protruding structure 11c is a flat-top structure protruding along a convex arc-shaped side, as shown in Figure 9.

[0057] In this embodiment, the protrusions 11a, 11b, and 11c are symmetrical structures. It should be understood that asymmetrical structures are also feasible.

[0058] Example 3

[0059] As shown in Figure 10, the multi-color injection-molded automotive trim according to this embodiment includes a first skeleton layer 111, a second skeleton layer 112, a first skin layer 12c, a second skin layer 13c, a boundary 14c, and a raised structure 15a. The raised structure 15a is an insert pre-installed in the mold structure, independent of the skeleton layers 111 and 112. The first skeleton layer 111 is formed on one side of the raised structure 15a, and the second skeleton layer 112 is formed on the other side of the raised structure 15a. The first skin layer 12c is formed on the first skeleton layer 111 on one side of the raised structure 15a by a first thermoplastic elastic material, and the second skin layer 13c is formed on the second skeleton layer 112 on the other side of the raised structure 15a by a second thermoplastic elastic material. The surface of the raised structure 15a is not lower than the surface of the first skin layer 12c or the surface of the second skin layer 13c. The boundary 14c, which is used to separate the first skin layer 12c and the second skin layer 13c, is formed opposite to the raised structure 15a.

[0060] In this embodiment, the materials of the skeleton layers 111 and 112 are polycarbonate, engineering plastic alloy, polypropylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene copolymer, nylon, resin-modified filler / reinforcing materials, or natural fibers, such as hemp fiber, bamboo fiber, coconut shell fiber, etc.

[0061] In this embodiment, the material of the raised structure is an engineering plastic alloy, polypropylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene copolymer, nylon, or resin-modified filler / reinforcing material. It should be understood that, through the insert-type raised structure 15a, the metal material can provide an appearance with a metal insert.

[0062] In this embodiment, the first thermoplastic elastomer and the second thermoplastic elastomer are the same. It should be understood that it is also possible to provide the first skin layer 12c and the second skin layer 13c with different thermoplastic elastomers.

[0063] In this embodiment, the thickness of both the first skin layer 12c and the second skin layer 13c is 1 mm. In particular, the thickness data can be adjusted accordingly for different thermoplastic elastomers, and the thickness is preferably between 0.5-3 mm.

[0064] In this embodiment, the surfaces of the first epidermal layer 12c, the second epidermal layer 13c, and the raised structure 15a are flush, that is, the raised structure 15a is flush with the first epidermal layer 12c and the second epidermal layer 13c.

[0065] In this embodiment, the width of the boundary 14c between the first skin layer 12c and the second skin layer 13c is 1 mm. In particular, the width data can be adjusted accordingly for different thermoplastic elastic materials, and preferably the width is between 0.5-3 mm.

[0066] In the specific molding process of multi-color injection-molded automotive trim parts, the first injection molds the skeleton layers 111 and 112, the second injection molds the first skin layer 12c, and the third injection molds the second skin layer 13c. When the first skin layer 12c and the second skin layer 13c are made of the same material, they can also be integrally molded in the second injection simultaneously. It should be understood that when there are more than two skin layers, the raised structures can be added sequentially. It should be understood that when the raised structure is not an insert pre-installed in the mold structure, the skeleton layer can be molded in the first injection, the raised structure in the second injection, the first skin layer in the third injection, and the second skin layer in the fourth injection. When the first skin layer and the second skin layer are made of the same material, the first skin layer and the second skin layer can also be integrally molded in the third injection simultaneously.

[0067] In this embodiment, the protruding structure 15a is a flat-top structure that protrudes from the skeleton layers 111 and 112 along the linear side surface, as shown in FIG10. In a variation, the protruding structure 15b is a flat-top structure that protrudes from the skeleton layers 111 and 112 along the concave arc-shaped side surface, as shown in FIG11. In another variation, the protruding structure 15c is a flat-top structure that protrudes from the skeleton layers 111 and 112 along the convex arc-shaped side surface, as shown in FIG12.

[0068] In this embodiment, the protrusions 15a, 15b, and 15c are symmetrical structures. It should be understood that asymmetrical structures are also feasible.

[0069] This disclosure distinguishes or isolates the first skin layers 12a, 12b, 12c and the second skin layers 13a, 13b, 13c by setting boundaries 14a, 14b, 14c to form a clear boundary without causing color mixing or other problems. The boundaries 14b, 14c can be provided by the raised structures 11a, 11b, 11c, 15a, 15b, 15c. The separately formed raised structures 15a, 15b, 15c can easily meet various appearance requirements and improve the product's styling characteristics. The raised structures 11a, 11b, 11c, which are integrated with the skeleton layer 11b, can shorten the process steps, improve production efficiency, and reduce production costs. By setting different melting points for the first skin layer 12a and the second skin layer 13a, the raised structures can be omitted to directly provide the boundary 14a, thus providing more styling options.

[0070] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Various variations can be made to the above embodiments of this disclosure. That is, all simple and equivalent changes and modifications made based on the claims and description of this application fall within the protection scope of the claims of this patent. Any aspects not described in detail in this disclosure are conventional technical content.

Claims

1. A multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part, characterized in that, The multi-color injection-molded automotive trim includes a skeleton layer, a first skin layer, a second skin layer, and a boundary. The first skin layer is formed in a first region of the skeleton layer by a first thermoplastic elastomer, and the second skin layer is formed in a second region of the skeleton layer by a second thermoplastic elastomer. The boundary separating the first skin layer and the second skin layer is provided by either the first thermoplastic elastomer or the second thermoplastic elastomer.

2. The multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part according to claim 1, characterized in that, The melting point of the first thermoplastic elastic material is different from that of the second thermoplastic elastic material.

3. The multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part according to claim 1, characterized in that, The skeleton layer is made of polycarbonate, engineering plastic alloy, polypropylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene copolymer, nylon, resin-modified filler / reinforcing materials, or natural fibers.

4. The multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the first and second epidermis is between 0.5 and 3 mm.

5. A multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part, characterized in that, The multi-color injection-molded automotive trim includes a skeleton layer, a first skin layer, a second skin layer, and a boundary. The first skin layer is formed in a first region of the skeleton layer by a first thermoplastic elastomer, and the second skin layer is formed in a second region of the skeleton layer by a second thermoplastic elastomer. The boundary separating the first skin layer and the second skin layer is provided by a raised structure.

6. The multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part according to claim 5, characterized in that, The surface of the protruding structure is not lower than the surface of the first epidermal layer, nor lower than the surface of the second epidermal layer.

7. The multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part according to claim 5, characterized in that, The skeleton layer is made of polycarbonate, engineering plastic alloy, polypropylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene copolymer, nylon, resin-modified filler / reinforcing materials, or natural fibers.

8. The multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first thermoplastic elastomer and the second thermoplastic elastomer are the same.

9. The multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part according to claim 5, characterized in that, The thickness of the first and second epidermis is between 0.5 and 3 mm.

10. The multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part according to claim 5, characterized in that, The surfaces of the first epidermis, the second epidermis, and the raised structures are flush.

11. The multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part according to claim 5, characterized in that, The width of the raised structure is between 0.5 and 3 mm.

12. The multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part according to claim 5, characterized in that, The protruding structure is symmetrical.

13. The multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part according to claim 5, characterized in that, The raised structure and the skeleton layer are an integrated structure.

14. The multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part according to claim 13, characterized in that, The upper surface of the protruding structure is flat.

15. The multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part according to claim 14, characterized in that, The protruding structure is a flat-top structure that protrudes along a linear side or a flat-top structure that protrudes along an arcuate side.

16. The multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part according to claim 5, characterized in that, The raised structure is an insert independent of the skeleton layer.

17. The multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part according to claim 16, characterized in that, The skeleton layer includes a first skeleton layer and a second skeleton layer, wherein the first skeleton layer is formed on one side of the protruding structure, the second skeleton layer is formed on the other side of the protruding structure, the first skin layer is formed on the first skeleton layer, and the second skin layer is formed on the second skeleton layer.

18. The multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part according to claim 16, characterized in that, The materials for the raised structures are engineering plastic alloys, polypropylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene copolymers, nylon materials, or resin-modified filler / reinforcing materials.

19. The multi-color injection-molded automotive trim part according to claim 16, characterized in that, The protruding structure is a flat-top structure that protrudes from the skeleton layer along a linear side, or a flat-top structure that protrudes from the skeleton layer along a concave arc-shaped side, or a flat-top structure that protrudes from the skeleton layer along a convex arc-shaped side.

Images