CN115742986A - Automobile interior part comprising light-transmitting fabric layer - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an automotive interior part comprising a light-transmitting textile layer, wherein the light-transmitting textile layer is formed by weaving and comprises a pattern area and a peripheral area surrounding the pattern area, wherein the pattern area comprises a first yarn and the peripheral area comprises a second yarn, and wherein a pattern corresponding to the pattern area appears to be visible to a user only when the textile layer is illuminated.

Description

Automobile interior part comprising light-transmitting fabric layer

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an automobile interior part, and more particularly to an automobile interior part including a light-transmitting fabric layer.

Background

Along with the improvement of the living standard of people, automobile consumers have high requirements on the aspects of automobile driving performance and safety, and meanwhile, the requirements on the environment in the automobile are continuously upgraded. The automobile interior part with the light-transmitting surface has a patterned light-transmitting effect, can provide multiple functions such as attractiveness, texture, light effect and interactive touch control, and provides good user experience for consumers.

Currently, patterned light transmission effects for automotive interior parts are generally provided by processing a light transmission surface to form a patterned region, but generally have certain disadvantages. For example, in the ink screen printing technology, ink does not exist or ink with high light transmittance exists in a screen plate graphic area, and other peripheral areas are light-shielding ink, but the technology is only suitable for plane printing, is not suitable for curved surface printing, and has a certain odor problem. For the paint spraying laser carving technology, after paint spraying, paint is removed through laser carving according to the requirements of patterns, so that the patterns are exposed to form pattern areas, but the mode has long processing period and has the defects of dust, waste gas and the like which are not beneficial to the environment. For the membrane technology (IML, in-mold labeling), which implements curved patterns, a two-shot injection molding process is usually combined. And adopting one or more combined pattern technologies of ink roller coating, screen printing, UV printing or offset printing on the membrane. The special modeling can be realized by adopting an IML process, but the method needs to use a membrane and double-shot injection molding, the cost is relatively high, and the process path is relatively complex.

DE102016206419A1 relates to a method for producing a visible component having a visible surface, wherein at least part of the visible surface is divided into a pattern area and a non-pattern area, wherein the pattern area can be backlit, wherein light transmission takes place in the pattern area of the visible component by means of a grinding process.

Disclosure of Invention

In order to solve some defects (environmental protection problem, complex process path and the like) of realizing the patterning effect of the light-transmitting surface in the prior art, the invention provides the automobile interior part comprising the light-transmitting fabric layer, which has a good patterning light-transmitting effect, a simple preparation process, environmental protection and a good marketization application prospect.

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an automotive interior component comprising a light-transmitting fabric layer formed by knitting, the light-transmitting fabric layer comprising a graphic area and a peripheral area surrounding the graphic area, the graphic area comprising a first yarn and the peripheral area comprising a second yarn, a graphic corresponding to the graphic area appearing to be visible to a user only when the fabric layer is illuminated.

In one embodiment, the light transmittance of the pattern region is different from the light transmittance of the peripheral region.

In one embodiment, the weaving process for forming the pattern region and/or the peripheral region includes: a weaving jacquard process, a flannelette jacquard process or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the graphic region and/or the peripheral region are formed by one-step or distributed knitting.

In one embodiment, the automotive interior part of the present invention further comprises a cover layer providing an appearance effect, and when the fabric layer is illuminated, a graphic corresponding to the graphic region appears on the surface of the cover layer.

In another embodiment, the cover layer of the present invention comprises a fabric layer, and the transparent or translucent material has a light transmittance of 30% or less.

In one embodiment, the cover layer of the present invention comprises a fabric layer, and the pattern region and the peripheral region have the same knitting density.

In one embodiment, the cover layer of the present invention is positioned over the fabric layer, and the transparent or translucent material has a light transmittance of 30% or more.

Drawings

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference should now be made to the embodiments illustrated in greater detail in the accompanying drawings and described below by way of examples of the invention wherein:

FIG. 1: a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a light-transmitting fabric layer in the automotive interior part of the present invention;

FIG. 2: a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a light-transmitting fabric layer in an automobile interior part of the present invention, wherein a first pattern region 101A and a second pattern region 101B have different light transmittances;

FIG. 3: a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a light-transmitting fabric layer in an automobile interior part of the present invention, wherein the pattern region 101 includes a first pattern region 101A, a second pattern region 101B having different light transmittances, the first pattern region 101A and the second pattern region 101B being adjacent to each other;

FIG. 4: a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a light-transmitting fabric layer in an automobile interior part according to the present invention, wherein the pattern region 101 includes a first pattern region 101A and a second pattern region 101B having different light transmittances, the first pattern region 101A and the second pattern region 101B partially overlapping each other to form overlapping regions 101A-B;

FIG. 5: a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a light-transmitting fabric layer in an automobile interior part of the present invention, in which a pattern region 101 includes a first pattern region 101A, a second pattern region 101B having different light transmittances, the first pattern region 101A being contained in the second pattern region 101B;

FIG. 6: a) A plan view of one exemplary embodiment of a light-transmitting fabric layer of the present invention using a woven jacquard weaving process; b) A schematic diagram of the weaving mode of the light-transmitting fabric layer; c) A schematic cross-sectional view of the light-transmitting fabric layer;

FIG. 7: a) A plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a light-transmitting fabric layer of the present invention using a pile jacquard weaving process; b) A schematic cross-sectional view of the fabric layer;

FIG. 8: a schematic structural view of one exemplary embodiment of a vehicle interior component of the present invention comprising a light-transmitting fabric layer, wherein the vehicle interior component has a planar light-transmitting surface;

FIG. 9: a schematic structural view of one exemplary embodiment of a vehicle interior component of the present invention comprising a light-transmitting fabric layer, wherein the vehicle interior component has a light-transmitting surface that is curved;

FIG. 10: a schematic illustration of a comparative version of a vehicle interior component having a planar light-transmitting surface;

FIG. 11: a schematic illustration of a comparative version of a vehicle interior component having a light-transmitting surface that is curved;

reference numerals: 1-a first yarn; 2-a second yarn; 101-a graphics area; 101A-a first graphic area, 101B-a second graphic area; 101A-B-overlap region; 102-a peripheral region; 10-light; 20-a cover layer; 60-a soft layer; 70-a framework; 40-a conventional pattern layer; 401-pattern area of regular pattern layer; 402-the peripheral region of the regular pattern layer; 80-a membrane pattern layer; 50-base cloth; 30-a light-transmitting textile layer; 301-graphic area of light-transmitting textile layer; 302-peripheral area of light-transmitting textile layer; 90-light source.

Detailed Description

General definitions and terms

All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety if not otherwise indicated.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the definitions provided herein will control.

All percentages, parts, ratios, etc. are by weight unless otherwise indicated.

When an amount, concentration, or other value or parameter is given as either a range, preferred range, or a pair of upper and lower preferable values or specific values, this is to be understood as specifically disclosing all ranges formed from any pair of any upper range limit or preferred value and any lower range limit or preferred value, regardless of whether ranges are separately disclosed. When numerical ranges are recited herein, unless otherwise stated, the stated ranges are meant to include the endpoints thereof, and all integers and fractions within the ranges. The scope of the invention is not limited to the specific values recited when defining a range. For example, "1-8" encompasses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, as well as any subrange consisting of any two values therein, e.g., 2-6, 3-5.

The terms "about" and "approximately," when used in conjunction with a numerical variable, generally mean that the value of the variable and all values of the variable are within experimental error (e.g., within 95% confidence interval for the mean) or within ± 10% of the specified value, or more.

The terms "comprising," "including," "having," "containing," or "involving," and other variations thereof herein, are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that terms such as "including" and "comprising" are intended to have the meaning of "… composition". The expression "consisting of 8230comprises" excludes any element, step or ingredient not specified. The expression "consisting essentially of 8230comprises" means that the scope is limited to the specified elements, steps or components, plus optional elements, steps or components which do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed subject matter. It is understood that the expression "comprising" covers the expressions "consisting essentially of and" consisting of \82303030303030A ".

The term "selected from 8230;" refers to one or more elements of the later listed groups, independently selected, and may include combinations of two or more elements.

When values or range ends are described herein, it is to be understood that the disclosure includes the particular values or ends recited.

The term "one or more" or "at least one" as used herein refers to one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or more.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "combination thereof" and "mixture thereof" refer to a multi-component mixture of the elements described, such as two, three, four, and up to the maximum possible multi-component mixture.

Furthermore, no number of elements or components of the invention has been previously indicated and no limitation on the number of occurrences (or presence) of an element or component is intended. Thus, it should be read to include one or at least one and singular forms of a component or ingredient also include the plural unless the numerical value explicitly indicates the singular.

The terms "optionally" or "optionally" as used herein mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

Where methods, components or steps are described, they are identified by letters or numbers for the purpose of distinction only and are not intended to limit the order in which the methods, components or steps must be performed. Those skilled in the art can make reasonable adjustments.

Herein, "yarn outer diameter" is used to indicate the degree of thickness of the yarn, which indicates the outer diameter of the individual yarn.

Herein, the weaving of the yarn includes the winding, crossing of the yarn itself or between the yarns, the winding, crossing of the loop formed by the yarn, and the winding, crossing of the loop formed by the yarn and the yarn.

Herein, the "user" refers to a person who can observe the automobile interior part without limiting whether or not it can directly contact the automobile interior part. The "user" may be located inside the vehicle or outside the vehicle.

Herein, "crystalline material", "non-crystalline material" and "semi-crystalline material" have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person skilled in the art. "crystalline material" may refer to a material in which the molecules are in a regular arrangement. "amorphous material" refers to a material in which the molecules are in an irregular arrangement. "semi-crystalline material" refers to a material in which the degree of molecular alignment is between "crystalline material" and "non-crystalline material".

Herein, light is in the visible light domain, i.e. consists of electromagnetic waves with wavelengths typically between 380 nm and 780 nm. Throughout the following description, transparent or translucent materials refer to: a material that is transparent to all or part of the light. The light transmittance of the transparent or translucent material is preferably about 1% or more, more preferably about 5% or more. The opaque material means: light-impermeable materials, i.e., opaque materials, have a light transmission of zero or very close to zero, e.g., a light transmission of less than about 1%.

Automotive interior part comprising a light-transmitting textile layer

The automotive interior part of the present invention comprises a light-transmitting fabric layer comprising: a graphic region and a peripheral region surrounding the graphic region. The graphics corresponding to the graphic regions appear to be visible to the user only when the fabric layer is illuminated. It should be understood that the graphics referred to herein may be images, characters, logos, i.e., all forms of display designed by the designer.

By "illuminated" is meant that light (e.g., from a light source) travels along the side of the fabric layer facing away from the user, through the light-transmitting fabric layer, and to the side adjacent to the user. When light is transmitted to the fabric layer, the pattern area and the peripheral area of the light-transmitting fabric layer generate different phenomena respectively due to the difference (including material selection, weaving parameters and the like) between the pattern area and the peripheral area, so that a patterning effect is realized, and a pattern can be displayed and seen by a user.

The automotive interior part of the present invention comprises a light-transmitting fabric layer, wherein the light-transmitting fabric layer can simultaneously achieve structural support and patterning effects by a single-layer structure. The preparation process of the light-transmitting fabric layer is simple, green and environment-friendly, and has rich application scenes. Suitable scenarios for the automotive interior components of the present invention include, but are not limited to: decorative board, embedded decorative board, handrail, instrument board facade etc. region. When the fabric layer is illuminated, the vehicle interior component may exhibit a particular pattern depending on the fabric layer.

The light-transmitting fabric layer is applied to the automobile interior part, and the surface type of the obtained automobile interior part is not limited. For example, automotive interior components may have various types of light-transmitting surfaces, either soft or hard, or may have a curved or planar configuration.

Graphic region and peripheral region

The light and shade difference formed by different penetration conditions of light rays in the graphic area and the peripheral area can be utilized, so that a user can observe the graphic corresponding to the graphic area. It should be understood that the shape of the visualized figure corresponds to the figure area, wherein the outline of the visualized figure is the boundary between the figure area and the peripheral area.

In one embodiment, light may pass through all or part of the pattern area of the light-transmissive fabric layer, but not through the peripheral area (see, e.g., fig. 1). In another embodiment, light may pass all or part of the way through the peripheral region of the light-transmitting fabric layer without passing through the graphics region.

Herein, the failure of light to pass through a certain region means that the light transmittance in the region is zero. For example, in fig. 1, light may pass through all or part of the pattern area 101 of the light-transmitting fabric layer, but not through the peripheral area, in which case the light transmittance of the peripheral area 102 is zero.

Herein, light transmittance refers to the ability of light to transmit through a fabric layer (e.g., graphic area, peripheral area) and is the percentage of the flux of light transmitted through a transparent or translucent object (e.g., graphic area or peripheral area) as compared to the flux of light incident thereon. The light transmittance Y may be: y = I/I ₀ Wherein I represents transmitted luminous flux, I ₀ The flux of incident light.

In one embodiment, the light transmittance of the pattern region is different from that of the peripheral region. The light transmittance of the pattern region may be higher or lower than that of the peripheral region. For example, when the transmittance of the pattern region is higher than that of the peripheral region, the developed pattern is specifically: the pattern area is a bright portion and the peripheral area is a shape corresponding to the dark portion. When the light transmittance of the pattern region is lower than that of the peripheral region, the appearing pattern is specifically: the pattern area is a dark part and the peripheral area is a shape corresponding to the bright part.

When the difference of the light transmittance of the pattern area and the peripheral area is larger, the difference of the light and the shade is more obvious. The display effect of the display graph can be regulated and controlled by adjusting the light transmittance difference between the graph area and the peripheral area.

One or more graphic regions may be included in the light-transmitting fabric layer. When there are multiple graphics regions, these graphics regions can be written as: a first graphics region, a second graphics region, a third graphics region, etc., which together comprise the graphics regions described herein. The characteristics (such as shape, material, light transmittance, etc.) of the pattern regions may be the same or different.

In one embodiment, the pattern areas of the light-transmitting fabric layer include a first pattern area and a second pattern area, the first pattern area having a light transmittance that is different from a light transmittance of the second pattern area. As shown in fig. 2, the light-transmitting fabric layer includes: the light-transmitting substrate comprises a peripheral area 102, a first graph area 101A and a second graph area 101B, wherein the light transmittance of the first graph area 101A and the light transmittance of the second graph area 101B are different, and the first graph area 101A and the second graph area 101B jointly form the graph area 101.

When the light-transmitting fabric layer includes a plurality of pattern regions, there is no particular requirement on the relative positional relationship between the respective pattern regions (e.g., the first pattern region, the second pattern region, the third pattern region, etc.). The setting may be made according to actual conditions to achieve a desired effect.

In one embodiment, the first graphic region and the second graphic region are contiguous with each other. Taking fig. 3 as an example, the light-transmitting fabric layer includes: the light-emitting device comprises a peripheral area 102, a first graph area 101A and a second graph area 101B, wherein the first graph area 101A and the second graph area 101B have different light transmittances and jointly form the graph area 101. When the fabric layer is illuminated, the graphic appearance corresponding to the graphic area 101 is seen by a user, wherein the graphic appearance has the outline of the rectangle corresponding to the graphic area 101, the inside of the graphic appearance has brightness difference, and the user can observe a rectangular graphic consisting of two rectangles with different brightness (the graphics corresponding to the first graphic area 101A and the second graphic area 101B respectively).

In another embodiment, the first graphic region and the second graphic region at least partially overlap each other. Herein, partially overlapping means: and a portion of the first pattern region and a portion of the second pattern region overlapping each other, wherein a light transmittance of the overlapped portion is the same as a lower light transmittance of the first pattern region and the second pattern region. Taking fig. 4 as an example, the light-transmitting fabric layer includes: the light-emitting device comprises a peripheral area 102, a first graph area 101A and a second graph area 101B, wherein the first graph area 101A and the second graph area 101B have different light transmittances and jointly form the graph area 101. The first pattern area 101A and the second pattern area 101B overlap each other to form an overlapping portion 101A-B. The light transmittance of the overlapping portion 101A-B is the lower light transmittance in the first pattern region 101A and the second pattern region 101B.

The first graphic region and the second graphic region at least partially overlap each other, which may include a case where one graphic region completely overlaps in the other graphic region. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that complete overlap occurs if one of the graphics regions is completely contained by the other region. Wherein the light transmittance of the overlapped portion is the same as the lower light transmittance in the first pattern region and the second pattern region. For example, referring to fig. 5, the light-transmitting fabric layer comprises: the light-emitting device comprises a peripheral area 102, a first graph area 101A and a second graph area 101B, wherein the first graph area 101A and the second graph area 101B have different light transmittances and jointly form the graph area 101. The first graphic area 101A is completely overlapped in the second graphic area 101B, i.e. the first graphic area 101A is included in the second graphic area 101B, and the overlapped portion is the first graphic area 101A.

First and second yarns

In the light-transmitting textile layer, the pattern region may include first yarns, and the peripheral region may include second yarns. In order to impart differentiated properties, in particular with respect to light transmission, to the graphic area and the peripheral area, the light-transmitting textile layer may be produced by weaving by selecting a first yarn and a second yarn, each having different properties.

The pattern areas include first yarns, which may be knit from the first yarns. It should be understood that knitting from a first yarn may be understood as being formed from one or more yarn materials that satisfy the conditions, not just a single yarn, i.e., there may be multiple first yarns that satisfy the conditions, denoted as first yarn a, first yarn B, first yarn C, etc.

The peripheral region includes a second yarn, which may be knit from the second yarn. Similarly, it should be understood that the second yarn is understood herein to be made of one or more yarn materials that satisfy the conditions, not just a single yarn, i.e., there may be multiple second yarns, denoted as second yarn a, second yarn B, second yarn C, etc.

In one embodiment, in order to knit a light transmitting fabric layer from a first yarn and a second yarn each having different properties, one of the first yarn and the second yarn is formed of a transparent or translucent material and the other is formed of an opaque material.

The transparent or translucent material can be a polymer fiber material, and has the advantages of good stability, wear resistance, high tensile strength and the like. In addition, compared with other common woven materials (such as cotton, flax, wool and the like), the high polymer fiber material can also have a wider light transmittance range and higher light transmittance, and is favorable for realizing a light transmittance effect.

The transparent or translucent material may be a polymeric material. Transparent or translucent materials include, but are not limited to: transparent or translucent amorphous or semi-crystalline materials. The transparent or translucent amorphous or semi-crystalline material of the present invention comprises: a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer. The fabric is woven by the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, so that the fabric can have good light transmission and the mechanical property can be improved: such as wear resistance, mechanical strength, etc.

The light transmittance of a transparent or translucent material can be affected by its material type. For example, different types of materials may differ in their light transmission properties due to differences in their molecular structures. The light transmittance of a transparent or translucent material can also be adjusted by dyeing the material. For example, the light transmittance of the material is adjusted by using particle-wetting dyeing.

The color of the transparent or translucent material is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, colorless or have a certain color, preferably colorless so as to allow light in the entire visible light range to pass therethrough.

The opaque material may include: a dark crystalline material. Dark crystalline materials of the present invention include, but are not limited to: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyamide (nylon), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polyacrylonitrile (acrylon), or combinations thereof.

Opaque materials are typically dark in color, including but not limited to: black, dark gray, dark brown, dark blue, etc. The opaque material with single color or the opaque material with two or more colors can be selected to form the color mixing effect.

The thickness of the yarn affects the light transmittance, mechanical strength, etc. of the light-transmitting fabric. The finer yarn is advantageous for obtaining better patterning, for example, when the fabric layer is illuminated, the border between the pattern area and the peripheral area will be clearer, the sharpness of the displayed pattern will be higher, and a better visual effect will be obtained.

In one embodiment, the first yarn has a yarn outer diameter of 100D or less, preferably 50D or less. In another embodiment, the second yarn has a yarn outer diameter of 100D or less, preferably 50D or less.

Light-transmitting fabric layer

The light-transmitting textile layer is formed by weaving. The pattern area and the peripheral area may be obtained by weaving. Different weaving processes may impart different properties to the fabric layer. The knitting process for forming the pattern region and/or the peripheral region includes: a weaving jacquard process, a flannelette jacquard process or a combination thereof.

The same weaving process can be adopted in the pattern area and the peripheral area, so that the light-transmitting fabric layer can be conveniently woven through a one-step method, the integral forming of the fabric layer is realized, the manufacturing process is simplified, and the sudden change of the mechanical property of the junction due to the structural change can be avoided when different weaving modes are adopted. Thereby avoiding the formation of weak spots that may be due to stress or other factors.

The pattern area and the peripheral area can also adopt different weaving processes, so that different properties are given to the pattern area and the peripheral area, and application scenes of the light-transmitting fabric layer are enriched.

In the present invention, a region (which may be a pattern region or a peripheral region) formed by knitting a yarn made of a transparent or translucent material has light-transmitting properties and may be referred to as a light-transmitting region. The region (pattern region or peripheral region) where the yarn made of the opaque material is woven is not light-transmissive and may be referred to as a light-shielding region.

The light transmittances of the pattern region and the peripheral region can be selected according to actual conditions. In one embodiment, the graphic region is a light-transmitting region and the peripheral region is a light-shielding region. In another embodiment, the pattern region is a light-shielding region and the peripheral region is a light-transmitting region.

There is a difference in the shape of the light transmitting area that can be achieved with different weaving patterns. The suede jacquard process is suitable for preparing light-transmitting areas in various shapes. The weave jacquard process is suitable for light transmission areas that are rectangular (e.g., rectangle, square) or that consist of rectangles. Thus, the light transmitting areas may be produced by a pile jacquard process or a weave jacquard process, preferably by a pile jacquard process. The weaving process may be selected according to the actual situation, taking into account the difference in weaving process required to achieve a specific shape of the luminescent pattern.

The light-blocking regions (which may be provided as pattern regions or peripheral regions) formed by the knitting of yarns of opaque material may include a third yarn. The third yarns include, but are not limited to: chemical fibers (such as polyester fibers, polyamide fibers, polyacrylonitrile fibers, polyvinyl formal fibers, polyvinyl chloride fibers, polyolefin elastic fibers, polyurethane elastic fibers, viscose fibers, acetate fibers and the like), natural fibers (such as cotton, hemp, fruit fibers and the like, animal hair, silk and the like), and metal wires (such as iron wires, copper wires and the like).

By introducing the third yarn, the performance of the shading area can be improved, and other excellent performance can be given to the fabric layer as required. On the basis of not influencing the light-shielding property, a third yarn (such as hemp, animal hair and the like) with higher roughness can be introduced, so that the friction force between the area and the adjacent layer is increased, the displacement of the light-transmitting fabric layer in the automobile interior part is avoided, and better use feeling is obtained. A third yarn (e.g., a wire) of relatively high hardness may be incorporated without affecting the light-blocking properties, thereby imparting some structural support to the region. And the third yarn (such as silk, animal hair and the like) with good touch can be provided to provide good use feeling for users.

The third yarn may be introduced directly into the light-blocking area by means of weaving. The light-blocking area may also be introduced by other means (e.g., sewing, embroidery, secondary insertion), etc.

The pattern area and/or the peripheral area need to have a greater weaving density to form a dense fabric layer. The compact weaving is beneficial to presenting uniform and beautiful patterns, and can also improve the mechanical property of the light-transmitting fabric layer, so that the light-transmitting fabric layer has good mechanical properties, such as enhanced abrasion resistance, breaking strength and the like.

The light-transmitting region (which may be a pattern region or a peripheral region) formed by weaving a transparent or translucent material can avoid voids therein when it has a large weaving density, to prevent adverse visual effects such as uneven light intensity. The light-shielding area (which may be a pattern area or a peripheral area) formed by weaving the opaque material can sufficiently block light and avoid a gap therein when the light-shielding area has a larger weaving density, so as to prevent adverse visual effects such as light leakage.

The light-transmitting fabric layer can be directly knitted through a one-step method. The one-step knitting formation means that the light-transmitting fabric layer is knitted in one step by adopting a single knitting mode (such as a weaving jacquard process and a flannelette jacquard process) to form the light-transmitting fabric layer comprising a pattern area and a peripheral area.

The light-transmitting fabric layer can also be formed by weaving in a distributed manner. The pattern and peripheral regions may be separately knitted and joined by other knitting processes (e.g., sewing). Similarly, when there are a plurality of pattern regions, such as a first pattern region, a second pattern region, etc., the first pattern region and the second pattern region may be knitted separately and then connected by another knitting process (e.g., sewing) to form the pattern regions.

The light-transmitting fabric layer is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 6 shows the realization of the light-transmitting textile layer by a weaving jacquard process. Fig. 6 a) is a plan view of a light-transmitting fabric layer, wherein 101 is a pattern area and 102 is a peripheral area. Fig. 6 b) shows further details of the weaving, the light-transmitting textile layer being formed by weaving a first yarn 1 and a second yarn 2. Wherein the first yarns 1 are made of a transparent or translucent material and the second yarns 2 are made of an opaque material. All the warp and weft yarns passing through the pattern area 101 are the first yarns 1, and the rest of the warp and weft yarns are set as the second yarns 2. Fig. 6 c) is a cross-sectional view of the light-transmitting fabric layer of fig. 6 b) at the location of the dashed line indicated by the arrow.

Fig. 7 shows a light-transmitting textile layer formed by knitting in a pile jacquard process. Fig. 7 a) is a plan view of a fabric layer having a graphic area 101 and a peripheral area 102. The pattern area 101 is formed by knitting the first yarn 1. The peripheral region 102 is formed by the co-weaving of a first yarn 1 and a second yarn 2. Wherein the first yarn 1 is made of a transparent or translucent material and the second yarn 2 is made of an opaque material. During the weaving of the peripheral area 102, the second yarn 2 is woven and implanted. Figure 7 b) is a cross-sectional view of the fabric layer of figure 7 b) at the location of the dashed line.

Cover layer

The automotive interior component further includes a cover layer providing an appearance effect, and when the fabric layer is illuminated, the graphics corresponding to the graphic regions appear on the surface of the cover layer to be visible to a user. The covering layer is an outer layer structure which is coated on the outer surface of the inner part and can be directly contacted by a driver and passengers.

The cover layer may comprise a light-transmitting textile layer, i.e. as part of the cover layer, on the outer surface of the interior part, which may be directly contacted by the driver, passengers. Such an arrangement is advantageous in simplifying the structure of the internal components. In one embodiment, the cover layer comprises a light-transmissive fabric layer, the transparent or translucent material having a light transmission of 30% or less, such that the fabric layer surface is capable of achieving the desired effect of integrity when the fabric layer is not illuminated.

When the cover layer includes a light-transmitting fabric layer, since a user can directly touch the fabric layer, in order to impart aesthetic appearance and good feeling in use, it is necessary to control the knitting density of the pattern region and the peripheral region so as to avoid undesirable situations (e.g., unevenness of the fabric layer due to difference in knitting density, poor uniformity of appearance, poor uniformity, etc.). In one embodiment, the cover layer comprises said fabric layer, the weave density of the pattern area and the peripheral area being the same. The same weaving density is adopted in the pattern area and the peripheral area, so that the fabric layer with good smoothness, excellent appearance consistency and good uniformity is obtained. The covering layer can be composed of a light-transmitting fabric layer, or can be formed by combining the light-transmitting fabric layer and other soft materials. The soft materials for the covering layer include, but are not limited to: artificial leather, and the like.

The cover layer may also be located above the light-transmitting textile layer, i.e. on the side of the cover layer facing away from the user, which is not directly accessible to the user. In one embodiment, the transparent or translucent material has a light transmission of 30% or more to ensure that sufficient light is transmitted through the area formed.

When the covering layer is located above the light-transmitting fabric layer, the material of the covering layer may be selected from suitable soft or hard materials according to practical situations, including but not limited to: leather, wood veneer, plastic, stone veneer, rubber, resin, fabric, composite material, or a combination thereof.

Other constructions

The vehicle interior component may include a light-transmissive soft layer disposed below the light-transmissive fabric layer to provide cushioning and a soft feel, and to have a light-transmissive function. The light transmittance of the light-transmitting soft layer may range from 30 to 100%. So that light passes through. The material of the light-transmitting soft layer may include, but is not limited to: a 3D mesh (e.g., a 3D mesh of PET material), a foamed layer (e.g., a foamed layer of PU, a foamed layer of TPE), or a combination thereof. When the cover layer is a hard surface layer, the vehicle interior component may not include a soft layer.

The vehicle interior component may also include a skeleton to provide support to the product. The skeleton generally has a certain light transmittance, which may be greater than 80%.

The material of the skeleton may be a material commonly used in the art, such as a plastic material, e.g., polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), etc. The backbone can be prepared by processes conventional in the art, such as injection molding.

The vehicle interior component may include a light source to provide a lighting effect. The light source may be a light source commonly used in the art, such as an LED lamp or the like.

The vehicle interior component of the present invention is further described below with reference to the drawings, wherein the vehicle interior component comprises a light-transmitting fabric layer.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic structural view of an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle interior component of the present invention, wherein the vehicle interior component has a planar light-transmitting surface, comprising: the light-transmitting fabric layer comprises a covering layer 20, a light-transmitting fabric layer 30, a pattern area 301 of the light-transmitting fabric layer, a peripheral area 302 of the light-transmitting fabric layer, a soft layer 60 and a framework 70. Light 10 is emitted from the light source 90, wherein light is transmitted through the pattern area 301 of the fabric layer, while light is blocked through the peripheral area 302, and the pattern corresponding to the pattern area 301 is displayed on the surface of the cover layer 20, thereby forming a lighting pattern effect.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic structural view of an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle interior component of the present invention, wherein the vehicle interior component has a light-transmitting surface with a curved surface, comprising: the light-transmitting fabric layer comprises a covering layer 20, a light-transmitting fabric layer 30, a pattern area 301 of the light-transmitting fabric layer, a peripheral area 302 of the light-transmitting fabric layer, a soft layer 60 and a framework 70. Light 10 is emitted from the light source 90 and illuminates the light-transmitting fabric layer, light passing through the fabric layer's graphic area 301 being transmitted while light passing through the peripheral area 302 is blocked. The pattern corresponding to the pattern area 301 appears on the surface of the cover layer 20, and forms a lighted patterning effect.

Advantageous effects

The vehicle interior component of the present invention includes a light-transmitting fabric layer formed using a knitting process. The light-transmitting fabric layer can achieve both structural support and patterning effects in the vehicle interior component through a single layer structure. The vehicle interior part comprising the light-transmitting fabric layer has the advantages of simple preparation process, environmental protection, rich applicable scenes, no limitation on surface types, and capability of having various soft or hard surfaces and also having curved or planar shapes.

Examples

The present invention will be described in further detail with reference to specific examples.

It should be noted that the following examples are only for clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other variations and modifications may be made in the foregoing disclosure without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention, and it is not desired to exhaustively enumerate all embodiments, but rather those obvious variations and modifications are within the scope of the invention.

Example 1

The vehicle interior component structure of embodiment 1 is shown in fig. 8, and includes: a cover layer 20, which is artificial leather; a light-transmitting fabric layer 30 composed of a light-transmittable pattern region 301 and a light-shielding peripheral region 302; a soft layer 60, which is a 3D mesh; a skeleton 70.

Comparative example 1

The vehicle interior part structure of comparative example 1 is shown in fig. 10, and includes: a cover layer 20, which is artificial leather; a regular pattern layer 40 composed of a light-transmittable pattern region 401 and a light-shielding peripheral region 402; a soft layer 60, which is a 3D mesh; a skeleton 70.

Example 2

The vehicle interior component structure of embodiment 2 can be seen with reference to fig. 8, which includes: a cover layer 20, which is a light-transmitting real wood; a light-transmitting fabric layer 30 composed of a pattern region 301 and a peripheral region 302; the armature 70, excluding the softer layer 60.

Comparative example 2

The vehicle interior component structure of comparative example 2 may be shown with reference to fig. 10, which includes: a cover layer 20, which is a light-transmitting real wood; a regular pattern layer 40 composed of a light-transmittable pattern region 401 and a light-shielding peripheral region 402; the armature 70, excluding the softer layer 60.

Example 3

The vehicle interior component structure of embodiment 3 is shown in fig. 9, and includes: a cover layer 20, which is an injection molded skin; a light-transmitting fabric layer 30 composed of a light-transmittable pattern region 301 and a light-shielding peripheral region 302; a soft layer 60 which is a TPE foamed layer; a backbone 70.

Comparative example 3

The vehicle interior part structure of comparative example 3 is shown in fig. 11, and includes: a cover layer 20, which is an injection molded skin; a soft layer 60 which is a TPE foamed layer; the framework 70 is a dual-injection molding framework and consists of a light-permeable pattern area 701 and a light-shading peripheral area 702; a membrane pattern layer 80.

The control of the examples and comparative examples is shown in table 1 below:

TABLE 1

The vehicle interior component of an embodiment includes a light-transmitting fabric layer formed by knitting, using a transparent TPU yarn as a first yarn, forming a plurality of pattern areas and collectively constituting the pattern areas, and using a dark PET yarn as a second yarn, forming a peripheral area.

As can be seen from the above table, the vehicle interior part including the light-transmitting fabric layer of the present invention has a wide range of applications, and may have a light-transmitting surface that is soft or hard, flat or curved. The light-transmitting fabric layer is of a single-layer structure and can provide supporting and patterning effects at the same time.

For the light-transmitting skin type product, comparative example 1 needs to use a base fabric to realize a supporting function, and needs a pattern formed by screen printing to realize a patterning effect. The light-transmitting fabric layer formed by weaving a single layer in the embodiment 1 can provide supporting and patterning effects at the same time, reduce the process path, save energy and protect environment, and can effectively solve the problem of ink odor.

For light-transmitting real wood products, the base cloth is needed to realize the supporting function in the comparative example 2, the paint is needed to be subjected to laser engraving according to the pattern requirement by adopting a paint spraying laser engraving technology, and the patterning effect is realized. In the embodiment 2, the light-transmitting fabric layer is formed by weaving a single layer, so that the process path is reduced, energy is saved, the environment is protected, and the problem of waste gas generated in the production process is solved.

For the curved surface injection molding skin product, the pattern formation of the comparative example 3 needs to be realized by the double-shot injection molding and the membrane technology, and the process is complex and the cost is high. In example 3, the fabric layer formed by weaving a single layer is used, the process is simple, and the pattern has higher sharpness of light transmission.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations of the present invention can be made without departing from its spirit and scope. The specific embodiments described herein are provided by way of example only and are not meant to be limiting in any way. The true scope and spirit of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, and the specification and examples are exemplary only.

Claims (14)

1. An automotive interior part comprising a light-transmitting fabric layer, wherein,

the light-transmitting fabric layer is formed by weaving and comprises a pattern area and a peripheral area surrounding the pattern area, the pattern area comprises a first yarn, the peripheral area comprises a second yarn, and the pattern corresponding to the pattern area is displayed and is seen by a user only when the fabric layer is illuminated.

2. The automobile interior part of claim 1, wherein,

the light transmittance of the pattern area is different from that of the peripheral area.

3. The automobile interior part of claim 1 or 2,

one of the first and second yarns is constructed of a transparent or translucent material and the other is constructed of an opaque material.

4. The automobile interior part according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the transparent or translucent material comprises: a transparent or translucent non-crystalline or semi-crystalline material, preferably comprising: a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer; and/or

The opaque material includes: a dark crystalline material, preferably comprising: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyamide (nylon), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polyacrylonitrile (acrylon), or combinations thereof.

5. The automobile interior part according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the first and/or second yarns have a yarn outer diameter of 100D or less, preferably 50D or less.

6. The automobile interior part of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein,

the pattern area comprises a first pattern area and a second pattern area, and the light transmittance of the first pattern area is different from that of the second pattern area;

preferably, the first and second electrodes are formed of a metal,

the first graphic area and the second graphic area are adjacent to each other or at least partially overlap each other.

7. The automobile interior part of any one of claims 1 to 6,

the weaving process for forming the pattern region and/or the peripheral region includes: a weaving jacquard process, a flannelette jacquard process or a combination thereof.

8. The automobile interior part of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein,

the pattern region and/or the peripheral region are formed by one-step or distributed knitting.

9. The automobile interior part of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein,

the automobile interior component further comprises a covering layer for providing an appearance effect, and when the fabric layer is illuminated, the graphics corresponding to the graphic areas appear on the surface of the covering layer.

10. The automobile interior part of any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein,

the cover layer comprises the fabric layer, and the light transmittance of the transparent or semitransparent material is below 30%.

11. The automobile interior part of claim 9 or 10, wherein,

the covering layer comprises the fabric layer, and the weaving density of the pattern area is the same as that of the peripheral area.

12. The automobile interior part according to any one of claims 3 to 11,

the covering layer is positioned above the fabric layer, and the light transmittance of the transparent or semitransparent material is more than 30%.

13. The automobile interior part of any one of claims 9 to 12,

the cover layer is located over the fabric layer, the cover layer comprising: leather, wood veneer, plastic, stone veneer, rubber, resin, fabric, composite material, or a combination thereof.

14. The automobile interior part of any one of claims 9 to 13,

the automobile interior part further includes: a light-transmitting soft layer arranged below the fabric layer,

preferably, the light-transmissive soft layer includes: a 3D mesh, a foam layer, or a combination thereof.

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