DE102015011404A1 - Component for an operating device of a motor vehicle with a partially structured surface - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a component (18) for an operating device (58) of a motor vehicle (54) having a partially structured surface, comprising the steps of: providing a workpiece (10, S1), arranging a first, non-galvanic metal layer (14) on a surface (12) of the workpiece (10, S2), structuring a portion (16) of the component (18) by partially removing the first, non-galvanic metal layer (14, S3) and thereby partially exposing the surface ( 12) of the workpiece (10) in the portion (16), and disposing a galvanic metal layer (22) on the first metal layer (14, S4). The arrangement of the first, non-galvanic metal layer (14, S2) can preferably be carried out by arranging a chemical nickel layer. The structuring (S3) can preferably be carried out by structural lasing of the first, non-galvanic metal layer (14). The invention likewise relates to an operating device (58) of a motor vehicle (54) which has a component (18) produced in this way and can be designed, for example, as a turntable or as a pushbutton, and a correspondingly equipped motor vehicle (54).

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing a component for an operating device of a motor vehicle with a partially structured surface by galvanizing a workpiece.

In motor vehicles, the focus is increasingly placed on comprehensive comfort electronics, by which comfort systems such as, for example, a navigation device, a parking heater, an air conditioning system or a window regulator can be operated electrically. In order to enable a user of the motor vehicle to operate, corresponding operating devices, ie devices that serve as a user interface between the user and the comfort electronics, must be provided. Such operating devices are classically designed, for example, as a turn-push button, push-button or button. Such operating devices are exposed to a certain load by the user and, moreover, always have an important decorative and design function.

Glossy and matte chrome areas can not be displayed side by side on a component, or on a surface of the component, which may for example form a cap or cover of an operating device. The representation succeeds only when different components are assembled with a different surface later.

From the EP 2 551 383 A1 For example, a method for the production of electroplated components is known in which a base component is electroplated with an electrically conductive surface. The electroplated layer is then sanded and another, overlying cover layer of chrome is brushed.

The US 2006/060473 A describes a method for producing sanitary fittings in which a galvanic metal layer is brushed.

The methods of the prior art are very complicated and expensive. In addition, an unsightly separation between the individual areas, if such structured components are assembled with a component without structure.

An electroplating process using a laser etching process is known from US patent no DE 10 2012 223 899 A1 known. In this process, a graphic is laser-etched onto a component coated with nickel and then chromium-plated. By closing the surface, this is indeed sealed, but a degree of gloss can not be changed hereby, that is, there are still the above-mentioned disadvantages.

An object underlying the invention is to improve a robustness of a component.

The object is achieved by the method according to the invention and the device according to the invention according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are given by the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the idea of later providing dull areas by structure lasers of a non-galvanic layer. As a result, no longer need to be assembled several different components, so that a surface appears partially frosted.

The method according to the invention serves to produce a component for an operating device of a motor vehicle with a partially structured surface, for example for producing a cap or a cover for a pushbutton or a turntable.

In a first method step, a workpiece is provided. Thereafter, a first, non-galvanic metal layer is arranged on a surface of the workpiece, for example by arranging a nickel layer on a pretreated surface of an exemplary plastic blank.

By partial removal of the first metal layer in a partial region of the component, a partial exposure of the surface of the workpiece is effected. This structures the subarea. Structuring takes place, in other words, directly on the surface of the component by penetrating the first metal layer. On the first, non-galvanic metal layer, a galvanic metal layer is arranged.

By structuring the partial region on the first, non-galvanic metal layer, the structure of the surface and the first metal layer is disturbed such that a galvanic structure is changed such that a galvanic metal layer arranged subsequently on the first metal layer forms a roughness at the locations of the structuring which is perceived as a dull area, while an unstructured subarea continues to shine. In other words, in the structure, no partial arrangement of the galvanic layer in a galvanic structure can take place, and thus the degree of gloss can be directly influenced. In this way, a symbol can also be introduced into the subarea. The placing of the galvanic metal layer takes place by electrochemical deposition of a metal, preferably of chromium.

In other words, according to the method of the invention, a workpiece predetermining a shape of the component is passed through a galvanic process. After arranging the first metal layer, the component is removed from the electroplating process and a partial area is structured. Thereafter, the component is returned to the electroplating process.

The method enables a more cost-effective, faster and less expensive producing a component with a matte portion. In addition, the method makes it possible to produce a one-piece component with matt and shiny areas, which does not have to be composed of several components. A component produced by the method according to the invention thus has matte and shiny areas directly next to one another without visible separation, that is to say without a separation area between two separate components. As a result, the component is very robust and there is no separation area in which, for example, water or hand cream can penetrate into the operating device.

In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first metal layer is arranged by arranging a chemical nickel layer, that is to say by chemical deposition of a nickel layer. In other words, the component can be nickel-plated. This forms a good adhesion base for the galvanic metal layer, so that the galvanic metal layer fits tightly against the areas freed from the first metal layer and allows a fine structuring of the matt area. Such a metal layer also offers a very good corrosion protection.

The structuring is preferably carried out by structural lasing of the first metal layer. With a simple method, a very precise fine structure can thus be introduced into the surface of the component. Structural lasering thus enables simple and accurate structuring directly on the workpiece surface. Alternatively, the structuring can be done for example by etching and / or milling and / or eroding.

According to a further, particularly preferred embodiment, the structuring takes place by forming a hole structure in the first metal layer. For this purpose, preferably one or more holes can be introduced into the first metal layer, preferably by laser. In the later galvanic structure, this hole structure is visible through the galvanic layer, wherein the galvanic layer, for example, due to the hole structure, although may grow together in a respective hole, but pronounced as depression by the sinking of the galvanic layer and thus a roughness of the visible surface of the Can affect component, so affects the gloss of the component. The hole structure is then visible as matting.

The placement of the galvanic metal layer may be accomplished by depositing chromium on the first non-galvanic metal layer. Such a galvanic metal layer represents a particularly robust and beautiful metal layer, for example as a visible outer layer.

The placement of the galvanic metal layer may preferably be carried out by depositing nickel on the first, non-galvanic metal layer, preferably by depositing bright nickel. With this, in combination with the structuring, a gloss level can be set very precisely. Optionally, this step can be followed by deposition of a further galvanic layer on the galvanic metal layer, preferably by depositing chromium.

It can also be provided that a symbol is provided in the first metal layer, in particular by lasering, for example, a letter into the first metal layer. In addition to matting, the method according to the invention thus also makes it possible to produce a symbol or inscription on the component.

The above object is also achieved by an operating device according to the invention, comprising a component with a partially structured surface, which is produced by a method according to one of the embodiments described above. It results in the above advantages.

The operating device may preferably be designed as a turntable or as a rotary-push-button or as a button.

The above object is also achieved by a motor vehicle according to the invention, comprising an operating device according to one of the described embodiments.

The invention will be explained in more detail by means of concrete embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the embodiments, however, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual, independently of each other to be considered features of the invention, which each further independently develop the invention and thus individually or in any other than the combination shown to be considered part of the invention. Furthermore are the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described. Functionally identical elements have the same reference numerals in the figures. It shows:

1 a schematic sketch of an embodiment of the method according to the invention,

2 a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, and

3 a schematic sketch of an embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention with an operating device according to the invention, which has a manufactured according to the inventive component.

The 1 illustrates the principle of the method according to the invention with reference to a first embodiment. This shows the 1 a workpiece 10 , which may be, for example, a plastic injection molding blank made of a plastic or a plastic mixture. The workpiece 10 In this case, for example, it can be produced with an injection molding process known to the person skilled in the art or a die-casting process known to the person skilled in the art and thus provided (process step S1). The workpiece 10 is shown for a better illustration in cross-section and is preferably at least partially made of a galvanisable plastic, such as polycarbonate (PC) or a plastic mixture of, for example, polycarbonate and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). The workpiece 10 can be provided for example as a blank for a cover of an operating device of a motor vehicle. The special feature of the method according to the invention is that the component thus produced 18 a frosted part 16 and still can be made in one piece.

On a surface 12 of the workpiece 10 becomes a metal layer 14 arranged (S2). This first, non-galvanic metal layer 14 may preferably in the course of a galvanic process on the surface 12 to be ordered. It is particularly advantageous if it is the first metal layer 14 is a chemically deposited nickel layer.

The workpiece 10 with the first metal layer 14 is then taken from the electroplating process and a subarea 16 of the workpiece 10 or of the component 18 is structured (S3). The structuring takes place by penetrating the first metal layer 14 so in the example pits 20 of the example of 1 directly on the workpiece 10 Influence is taken. In other words, in patterning (S3), the first metal layer becomes 14 permeated and there is also a structuring of the surface 12 of the workpiece 10 , The partial removal of the metal layer 14 This means that not the entire metal layer from the surface 12 is removed, but that only at predetermined locations, the first metal layer 14 Will get removed. As a result, the underlying portions of the surface 12 of the workpiece 10 exposed.

In method step S4, the component becomes 18 fed back to the electroplating process and it becomes a galvanic metal layer 22 on the remaining portion of the first metal layer 14 arranged. In the example of 1 In this case, the electroplating structure can be so disturbed that in the depressions 20 So, in the structure, no galvanization can take place, so the wells 20 exposed. The galvanic metal layer 22 can be at the edges of the wells 20 the first metal layer 14 wrap.

Alternatively it can be provided that, for example, for structuring (S3) a hole structure in the first metal layer 14 can be introduced. The galvanic metal layer 22 optionally within the wells designed as holes 20 grow together and then close them, so that, as in the 1 second alternative, a closed galvanic metal layer 22 that can result in the depressions 20 Can form dents.

The subarea 16 then appears to a user with a reduced degree of gloss, that is the dents and thus the partial area 16 appear dull. Another subarea 24 or further subareas 24 However, after the completion of the procedure, they continue to appear shiny.

The 2 illustrates another embodiment of the method according to the invention, in which an exemplary procedure is described in more detail.

The 2 shows an example of the workpiece 10 of the 1 , which can be prepared by way of example in a two-component injection molding process and, for example, from a galvanisable plastic mixture of a first plastic component 26 , For example, ABS, and a second plastic component 28 , For example, PC can exist. In the first plastic component 26 are schematically butadiene elements 30 which may be incorporated in the exemplary acrylonitrile-styrene component. ABS is a galvanisable plastic component while PC is a non-galvanizable plastic component.

The process steps S5 to S7 show an optional pre-treatment in a galvanic process. So that the first plastic component 26 gets a liability opportunity, can on the surface by contacting the workpiece 10 with an acid bath, which may for example have chromic acid, are inserted. By such a pretreatment, the butadiene components can be dissolved out. The dissolved butadiene components each leave a cavern 32 , In such a cavern 32 For example, a compound of palladium and tin can be incorporated (S6). Such a seed S6 may include the exemplary palladium elements surrounded by tin ions 34 in each case a cavern 32 The exemplary tin ions have a solubility of the palladium element 34 can cause in the acid. This solubility causes in an optional, subsequent acid bath with, for example, hydrochloric acid, the tin is triggered, so that the palladium element 34 in the cavern 32 can remain (S7).

When arranging the first, non-galvanic metal layer 14 Thus, for example, a mechanical adhesion of the first metal layer 14 be favored. The arrangement (S2) of the first metallic layer is preferably the placement of a chemically nickel layer on the workpiece 10 , In other words, a nickel ion of the chemical nickel layer may be due to atomic wetting to the palladium elements 34 tie. This takes place in chemically working nickel baths known to the person skilled in the art. The first, non-galvanic metal layer 14 can be a mechanical adhesion for a subsequent galvanic metal layer 22 . 40 . 46 favor.

The workpiece 10 with the first metal layer 14 So the component 18 , is then removed from the process, and there is the structuring of the subarea 16 , preferably by structure lasers. The method step S3 of 2 shows schematically a laser 36 for example, a hole structure in the surface 12 of the workpiece 10 , So a hole structure through the first metal layer 14 , can bring. In other words, structuring takes place down to the workpiece surface 12 so that the whole previous structure of the first metal layer 14 destroyed at this point. This is the exemplary plastic of the workpiece 10 visible, noticeable. In other words, not a galvanic metal layer is patterned, but the first, non-galvanic metal layer 14 , Be in the subarea 16 If one or more holes are structured as a hole structure, they will be used in the later construction of the galvanic metal layer 22 visible as dents again. As a result, at this point a gloss of the galvanic metal layer 22 reduced and the subarea 16 is optically perceived as matt. The exemplary laser process can, for example, by a single treatment with a small laser 36 and a small amount of energy. Corresponding reference values and settings are known to the person skilled in the art from the prior art.

The first, non-galvanic metal layer 14 can for example have a thickness of one micrometer. A corresponding structuring can then in the depressions forming the structure 20 have a depth of, for example, 1.5 microns. The depression 20 can be configured for example as a hole or as a groove or groove. Alternatively to a hole structure may also be provided to introduce a plurality of grooves or grooves on top of each other and / or side by side.

The method steps S8 to S10 describe further, optional method steps, which in each case optionally, preferably in the illustrated combination, can take place between the method steps S3 and S4. In this case, for example, the first metal layer 14 with a chemical copper layer 38 primed (S8). A corresponding procedure is known to the person skilled in the art. For example, a ductility of 30 microns may be a galvanic metal layer 40 , preferably a galvanic copper layer, are arranged on the primer. This can be done at a positive pole, so at an anode 42 , Copper, for example, in the form of copper balls 44 and a cathode may be attached to the electroplatable plastic component 26 of the workpiece 10 , that is the component 18 be arranged. An electrochemical deposition of the copper then takes place on the first metal layer 14 , The entire structure can be arranged according to a construction known to the person skilled in the art for electroplating in an electrochemical bath. On such a galvanic metal layer 40 can then, for example, another galvanic metal layer 46 , For example, a galvanic nickel layer can be arranged. As a result, as already known from the prior art, the anode 42 in an electrochemical bath with the nickel elements to be deposited 48 be connected. This galvanic metal layer 46 preferably consists of a galvanic nickel layer with a gloss of, for example, 10 microns. The nickel elements 48 can be provided, for example, as platelets.

Subsequently, the deposition of the further, galvanic metal layer takes place 22 as already described above. The metal to be deposited, preferably chromium, in this case, for example, as chromium powder 50 present and with the anode 42 be connected. This galvanic metal layer 22 may for example have a thickness of 0.3 microns.

Optionally, it can be provided that the resulting component 18 can be inserted as part of a cascade rinse for intermediate cleaning (S11). A frame 52 to which the workpiece 10 or the component 18 can be arranged for the process steps S9 to S11 and S4, can then be cleaned, for example, by an acid bath, which may have nitric acid.

The 3 shows an embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the invention 54 , which may preferably be designed as a motor vehicle, for example as a passenger car. The car 54 from the example of 3 can, for example, several components 18 exhibit. For example, in a center console 56 an operating device 58 located, for example, as a round button with a component 18 can be configured as a cap. The component 18 has a frosted part 16 and a shiny section 24 on. The operating device 58 may alternatively be configured as a turntable, which also has a cap as a component 18 can have. The frosted parts 16 can be configured in the form of an arrow, while a remaining area of the component 18 can appear as a shiny surface. The 3 shows by way of example also a circuit 60 , which may have a cover by a corresponding component 18 can be shaped. On this cover can be frosted areas 16 for example in the form of letters ("PRND").

The embodiments described above illustrate the principle of the invention, a later appearing dull portion 16 a component surface by, for example, structure lasers (S3) provide. Matte and shiny areas 16 . 24 can thus be created directly next to each other without separation, and the disadvantages mentioned is almost completely or even completely prevented.

In a further embodiment, the component 18 completely uniformly through the electroplating process. After applying, for example, a chemical nickel layer as the first metal layer 14 (S2) can the component 18 and, for example, a symbol (if desired / required) structured, for example lasered, become (S3). In this course can also areas 16 , which should later appear dull, be lasered with a structure (S3). This can be z. B. be a kind of hole structure, which consists of many very small holes. These holes can then "regrow" in the further electroplating treatment (S4) and thus produce a certain roughness on the surface. This will make these areas appear 16 then dull.

After the exemplary laser structuring process (S3), the component becomes 18 returned to the electroplating process. As a first galvanic metal layer 40 For example, a nickel layer, preferably a bright nickel layer, can be applied and then the component can 18 For example, be chrome plated (S4).

The exemplary laser treated surface appears dull and the untreated surfaces appear glossy.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 2551383 A1 [0004]
• US 2006/060473 A [0005]
• DE 102012223899 A1 [0007]

Claims (10)

Method for producing a component ( 18 ) for an operating device ( 58 ) of a motor vehicle ( 54 ) having a partially structured surface, comprising the steps of: - providing a workpiece ( 10 , S1), - arranging a first, non-galvanic metal layer ( 14 ) on a surface ( 12 ) of the workpiece ( 10 , S2), - structuring of a subarea ( 16 ) of the component ( 18 ) by partially removing the first, non-galvanic metal layer ( 14 , S3) and thereby partial exposure of the surface ( 12 ) of the workpiece ( 10 ) in the subarea ( 16 ), and - arranging a galvanic metal layer ( 22 ) on the first, non-galvanic metal layer ( 14 , S4). Method according to claim 1, wherein the arranging of the first, non-galvanic metal layer ( 14 , S2) by placing a chemical nickel layer. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the structuring (S3) by structure lasing the first, non-galvanic metal layer ( 14 ) he follows. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the structuring (S3) by forming a hole structure in the first, non-galvanic metal layer ( 14 ) he follows. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the arrangement of the galvanic metal layer ( 22 by depositing chromium on the first, non-galvanic metal layer ( 14 ) he follows. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the arrangement of the galvanic metal layer ( 22 , S4) by depositing nickel on the first, non-galvanic metal layer ( 14 ), preferably by depositing bright nickel, and optionally depositing a further galvanic layer on the galvanic metal layer ( 22 ), preferably by precipitation of chromium. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the step: - providing a symbol in the first, non-galvanic metal layer ( 14 ), preferably by lasers. Control device ( 58 ), comprising a component ( 18 ) having a partially structured surface produced by a method according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Control device ( 58 ) according to claim 8, which is designed as a turntable or rotary push-button or as a button. Motor vehicle ( 54 ), comprising an operating device ( 58 ) according to one of claims 8 or 9.

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