DE102011081864B4 - Molded part for forming a vehicle component - Google Patents

Abstract

A molded part (10) for forming a vehicle component with a one-piece base body having a first surface (12) and a second surface (14), wherein the first (12) and the second surface (14) intersect, the base body at least in Area of the first surface (12) contains light-conducting material and is adapted to decouple in the region of the first surface (12) coupled-in light, characterized in that the first (12) and the second surface (14) along an edge (34 ) and the shaped part (10) is designed to decouple light coupled into the region of the first surface (12) along the edge (34).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a molding for forming a vehicle component with a one-piece body having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first and the second surface intersect.

STATE OF THE ART

As a rule, the lighting in the car is achieved with a light source in the interior. However, annoying glaring light is often produced, which distracts the driver when driving in the darkness and affects his attention.

In principle, it is known that indirect or linear lighting can be introduced into the interior via special light guides. For this purpose, either a separate light body or a light guide has been used, which must be installed and attached separately. Furthermore, this type of lighting requires additional space for the separate elements and the attachment.

An example of such illumination by a light guide is through DE 10 2008 008 180 A1 given, is coupled to the light from a light source in a light guide. In this case, the light is coupled in substantially parallel to a side edge of the elongated light guide and coupled out laterally over a surface to this side edge.

Such constructions have hitherto been known only for pure light guides, which are designed such that the light can be optimally conducted and / or decoupled at certain points and thus used for illumination.

If light is to be brought into the interior of a vehicle by a light guide, this often requires expensive constructions in order to guide the light in a targeted manner into the interior and to make the lighting visually appealing.

Against this background, the object of the invention is to provide a means for illuminating the vehicle interior of a vehicle, which on the one hand avoids dazzling the vehicle occupants and on the other hand allows a visually appealing interior lighting, which requires little space and a small number of parts.

DE 103 13 067 A1 discloses a vehicle roof with a non-transparent lid with a luminous surface. There acts a plastic plate made of PMMA as a light guide for laterally irradiated light from a light source. DE 100 32 927 A1 describes a lighting device for illuminating the interior of a motor vehicle. Light is coupled into a light guide and decoupled at certain points. Also DE 10 2008 008 180 A1 relates to a motor vehicle lighting device for the interior with a lighting means and a light guide. Out DE 20 2009 010 837 U1 a light guide with a substantially cylindrical guide body and a functional surface emerges. US Pat. No. 6,431,716 B1 discloses an illumination system having a rod-shaped light source and a substrate in which the light source is embedded. US 6 036 340 A relates to a vehicle lighting system having a photoconductive flat element. DE 20 2004 008 681 U1 finally discloses a light-guiding structure for floor pan edges in automobiles, in which LEDs serve as light source body for a thin light-guiding plate.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The solution of the problem is given by the subject of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments will be apparent from the dependent claims.

According to the invention, a molded part for forming a vehicle component comprises a one-piece base body having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first and the second surface intersect. In this case, at least a region of the first surface contains light-conducting material, and the base body is designed to decouple light coupled into the region of the first surface.

The term "area of a surface" is understood to mean a flat part of the molded part. This term not only designates a surface, but also a part of the main body, which may, for example, be substantially cuboidal or curved and extends below the surface into the main body.

"Integral" in this context means that there is a material connection between the parts of a one-piece element. The one-piece element may nevertheless have several parts which are not made of the same material. A manufactured in 2-K injection molding process element is therefore also in one piece.

Due to the one-piece base body with the first and second surface, it is not necessary to fasten separate components to each other, whereby the work involved in assembling the vehicle component is reduced. The intersection of the first and second surfaces means that these surfaces are at an angle to each other, which makes a light pipe difficult at this angle. Preferably, the light pipe is completely suppressed by this angle, that is, in one direction, so that the light would have to follow the angle perpendicular to the cutting line. However, this also means that the first and second surfaces intersect over a curve. The transition between a first and second surface is therefore understood as an angle at a sufficiently small radius of curvature, so that light can not follow the corresponding rounding.

The region of the first surface preferably contains a transparent or translucent material. In the case of a transparent or translucent material, not only is the light pipe through the region of the first surface possible, but the first surface can also be laid over a decorative surface so that the decoration is visible from the vehicle interior through the first surface. This allows a particularly attractive visual design of the vehicle interior.

In a preferred embodiment, the first surface is designed to decouple surface-coupled light in the region of the first surface. This means that the light, which is coupled, for example, via a side edge of the main body in the region of the first surface, can be coupled out via the first surface, so that a discreet and uniform planar illumination image can be achieved by the first surface.

According to the invention, the first and the second surface intersect along one edge, and the molded part is designed to decouple light coupled into the region of the first surface along the edge. Such a configuration makes it possible, in particular, to provide strong lines of light, that is to say of one-dimensional light sources along the edge or of the several edges between the first surface and the second surface. Thus, both a surface and a line lighting can be made possible, which allows attractive visual appearance of the molding. The decoupling along the edge may be effected, for example, by the angle at which the first and second surfaces intersect along the edge, or by the radius of curvature at that edge.

In an advantageous embodiment, the first surface and the second surface contain different materials. Through this choice of materials, diverse designs of the molded part and thus of the vehicle component can be realized and also influence the light pipe properties of the molded part. However, the various materials are integral with each other, for example by 2K injection molding.

Advantageously, the first surface is provided with a treatment at least in regions, so that a coupling out of light from the region of the first surface in a region of the treatment appears differently than in an untreated region. In this way it is possible to influence the appearance of the molded part and thus also of the vehicle component in many ways and thus to increase its value.

In this case, the treatment is preferably a printing, the introduction of a joint, roughening, erosion, milling, embossing, deformation, the introduction of air inclusions or microlenses or a recess which influences the decoupling of light from the region of the first surface , especially reinforced or weakened. In this way, it is possible to form particularly light or dark areas, shades, patterns, depth effects, lenticular areas or the like on the first surface of the molded part, so that there are further possibilities for optical design and enhancement of the vehicle component.

In a preferred embodiment, the molding is configured to be at least partially applied to a decorative surface so that the decorative surface remains at least partially visible through the first surface. In such an embodiment, it is possible to make the vehicle component appear particularly attractive in the dark by lighting effects. On the other hand, a decorative appearance of the vehicle component can be achieved in brightness by the decorative surface is at least partially visible through the first surface. The decorative surface and the first surface can also be coordinated with one another such that the decorative surface is visible even in the dark, in particular by illumination through the first surface. The vehicle component can thus be designed particularly attractive.

Advantageously, the molded part is designed to couple light at least in the region of the first surface over a side edge, wherein the peripheral extent of the side edge less than half, preferably less than a quarter and more preferably less than one-eighth of the entire circumference of the first surface is. In other words, light can be coupled through a particularly narrow side edge of the first surface into the region of the first surface and decoupled over the first surface and / or one of the edges of the first surface. This preferred embodiment contributes to realize a discreet and uniform illumination of the vehicle component, because the light source from the outside is not necessarily visible, but can be covered and only causes a gentle illumination through the first surface.

Advantageously, the molding comprises at least one light source for coupling light at least in the region of the first surface, wherein the light source is covered such that it is not directly visible. Bright light spots are thereby avoided. Already with a few light sources, a large-area illumination can be achieved.

By this configuration, the direct and dazzling illumination of the interior of the vehicle can be avoided, yet an attractive and effective lighting of the vehicle component is possible.

By the above-described invention and the preferred embodiments, unique effects of planar and linear illumination of a vehicle component are possible, which do not require separate light guides or light bodies. In this way, the space otherwise required for this and separate fastening means can be saved, which can also contribute to a more efficient production of the vehicle component.

Preferably, light from LEDs or OLEDs etc. can be coupled in via a short side edge of a transparent or translucent plastic molded part, which is at the same time a functional component. Such a functional component is formed for example by a trim part, a decorative surface or other components of the vehicle. The illumination via a light coupling can take place directly, in particular punctiform, in an area of an edge between the first and the second area in order to illuminate the first area more weakly and to emphasize the edge on the other hand.

The vehicle component can be both a structural and a purely decorative component and designed and manufactured by folding, injection molding, thermoforming or other conventional methods. In particular, it is provided that the component has so-called cambered surfaces, which are characterized by a gentle curvature.

The at least one light source preferably sits behind a diaphragm or a component, so that the light source itself and the first 0.5 to 2 cm of the first surface covered by the light source are covered. Here, otherwise, a relatively high intensity is generated and impaired the valence of the design of the molding. In addition, a glare is prevented by the light source or the particularly intense glowing area of the first surface in the immediate vicinity of the light source.

Printed or colored films, translucent materials, opaque materials, such as textiles, metal plates or glasses, which do not affect the propagation of light as long as there is an air layer between these materials and the first surface, and no mechanical attachment, can also be applied to the first surface the first surface itself takes place.

For the first surface is preferably a transparent or translucent material, for. As PC or PMMA used.

The molded article described herein may be particularly preferably used to form an I-panel, a center console, a door trim, a vehicle headliner, or portions thereof.

Further preferred embodiments, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the totality of the claims and the following description of the figures.

BRIEF FIGURE DESCRIPTION

1 shows a schematic sectional side view of a preferred embodiment of a molding.

2 shows a second preferred embodiment of a molding in a side sectional view.

3 shows a third preferred embodiment of a molding in a side sectional view.

4 shows a fourth preferred embodiment of a molding in a side sectional view.

5 shows a perspective view of a fifth preferred embodiment of a molding.

6 shows a perspective view of a sixth preferred embodiment of a molding.

7 shows a perspective view of a seventh preferred embodiment of a molding.

8th shows a perspective view of an eighth preferred embodiment of a molding.

WAYS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

1 shows a side sectional view of a molding 10 with a base body with a first surface 12 , in the area one as LED trained light source 13 is arranged, according to a first preferred embodiment. The first area 12 is with a protective layer 20 coated, which protects them from external influences, especially scratches or dirt. Below the area of the first surface 12 there is a decorative surface 18 , which may be formed for example of wood, textile, leather, glass, metal or other decorative material. Under the decorative surface 18 there is a carrier 16 , which may be made of aluminum, for example. However, such a carrier or such a decorative surface are not necessary in a molded part according to the invention, because such a molded part can also be made self-supporting and / or decorative and so far in addition to the lighting can also fulfill other functions.

The protective layer 20 and the area of the first area 12 are transparent, so that the decorative surface 18 from the outside, that is from above the protective layer 20 off, is visible.

Like elements are identified by like reference numerals in the accompanying figures and are not described separately for each embodiment.

2 shows a second preferred embodiment of a molding 10 in a to 1 analog representation. In addition to the in 1 shown and mentioned elements shows 2 a treatment layer 22 , the intentional surface strengthening, roughening, erosion, microlenses, milling, deformations, imprints, splices and the like for influencing the light extraction from the region of the first surface 12 can have. Here, one or more similar or different treatments in the treatment layer 22 be provided, through which the external appearance of the molding can be significantly designed. The treatment layer 22 can also over the first surface 12 be arranged (not shown). Also, two treatment layers 22 , one above the first surface 12 and one under the first surface 12 be provided (not shown). The treatment may also be integrated directly into the first area (not shown).

3 shows a third preferred embodiment of a molding 10 with a first surface 12 , a protective layer attached to it 20 and a decorative surface 18 and a carrier 16 as well as in the first and second embodiment of the 1 and 2 are shown.

In contrast to the first and the second embodiment of the 1 and 2 shows the side sectional view of 3 spacers 24 that is an air layer 25 between the decorative surface 18 and the area of the first area 12 enable. This layer of air 25 influences the visibility and the appearance of the decorative surface 18 through the first area 12 and the protective layer 20 ,

4 shows a fourth preferred embodiment of the molding 10 in one of the 1 to 3 analog representation. In addition to the third preferred embodiment according to 3 has the in 4 shown fourth embodiment of a treatment layer 22 on, the treatment layer 22 out 2 equivalent. Below the treatment layer 22 In the fourth embodiment, there is an air layer 25 passing through spacers 24 opposite the decorative surface 18 is produced. The treatment layer 22 is so at the area of the first surface 12 arranged that the light-guiding properties and the light-outcoupling properties of the area of the first surface 12 through the treatment layer 22 can be influenced.

5 shows a perspective view of a molding 10 according to a fifth preferred embodiment with a base body having a first surface 12 and a second surface 14 that cut and are integrally connected. Furthermore, in 5 a third area 26 shown the at least the second surface 14 cuts and integrally with the first surface 12 and the second surface 14 is trained.

This in 5 shown molding 10 illustrates a molding for a center console in a vehicle. Along one side edge is an LED array 28 attached the light over this side edge to the area of the first surface 12 coupled and thus generally the possibility for coupling out the light from the photoconductive region of the first surface 12 offers.

6 shows a variation of the fifth embodiment as a sixth preferred embodiment, in which the first surface 12 with a printed image 30 is provided. The printed image 30 on the one hand already generates an optical characteristic of the first surface per se 12 , Furthermore, the printed image 30 as in the illustrated sixth preferred embodiment be designed such that in addition to the printed image 30 Light intensively decoupling areas 31 and light only weakly decoupling areas 32 arise. This allows the visual appearance of the first surface 12 and thus the vehicle component can be influenced in many ways.

7 shows a seventh preferred embodiment of a molding 10 , Unlike the fifth and sixth preferred embodiments, the embodiment according to 7 designed such that along edges 34 between the first surface 12 and the second surface 14 as well as between the second surface 14 and the third area 26 Light from the molding 10 is decoupled.

This causes these edges 34 appear as particularly intense light and thus the contour of the molding 10 underline. The first area 12 and in this seventh preferred embodiment also the second surface 14 also couple light flatly, but with a much lower intensity compared to the one through the edges 34 decoupled light. By this design, a non-dazzling and attractive lighting can be achieved with an accentuation of the design lines of a vehicle component.

8th shows a further variant of the molding 10 according to an eighth preferred embodiment. Unlike in the embodiment of 7 However, light is not through an LED array 28 over an entire side edge in the area of the first surface 12 coupled. Instead, there are four individual LEDs 36 arranged so that they light punctiform and directly in the area of the edges 34 between the first surface 12 and second surface 14 as well as between the second surface 14 and the third area 26 inject. Thus, the first, second and third surfaces may be illuminated or unlit while the edges 34 between these surfaces are illuminated and along the contour of the molding 10 radiate light in a line. This leads to a further increase in the variety of design options of a molded part 10 by the invention.

Claims (9)

Molded part ( 10 ) for forming a vehicle component with a one-piece base body having a first surface ( 12 ) and a second surface ( 14 ), the first ( 12 ) and the second surface ( 14 ), wherein the base body at least in the region of the first surface ( 12 ) contains light-conducting material and is designed to be in the area of the first surface ( 12 ) coupling in coupled light, characterized in that the first ( 12 ) and the second surface ( 14 ) along one edge ( 34 ) and the molded part ( 10 ) is adapted to the area of the first surface ( 12 ) coupled light along the edge ( 34 ) decouple. Molded part ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the region of the first surface ( 12 ) contains a transparent or translucent material. Molded part ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the region of the first surface ( 12 ) is adapted to the area of the first surface ( 12 ) decoupled coupled light surface. Molded part ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first surface ( 12 ) and the second surface ( 14 ) contain different materials. Molded part ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first surface ( 12 ) is provided at least in regions with a treatment, so that a coupling out of light from the region of the first surface ( 12 ) appears differently in one area of treatment than in an untreated area. Molded part ( 10 ) according to claim 5, wherein the treatment is a printing, the insertion of a joint, a roughening, an erosion, a milling, an embossing, a deformation, the introduction of air bubbles or microlenses or a recess, which is the decoupling of light from the area the first area ( 12 ), in particular intensified or weakened. Molded part ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the molded part ( 10 ) is configured, at least partially, on a decorative surface ( 18 ) so that the decorative surface ( 18 ) at least partially through the first surface ( 12 ) remains visible. Molded part ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, which is designed to light at least in the region of the first surface ( 12 ) via a side edge, wherein the peripheral extent of the side edge is less than half, preferably less than a quarter and more preferably less than one-eighth of the entire circumference of the first surface. Molded part ( 10 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one light source ( 13 ) for coupling light at least into the region of the first surface ( 12 ), wherein the light source ( 13 ) is covered so that it is not directly visible.

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