EP1981680B1 - Control element - Google Patents

Control element Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1981680B1
EP1981680B1 EP07702909.8A EP07702909A EP1981680B1 EP 1981680 B1 EP1981680 B1 EP 1981680B1 EP 07702909 A EP07702909 A EP 07702909A EP 1981680 B1 EP1981680 B1 EP 1981680B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
coating
layer
nanoparticles
opaque coating
transparent
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EP07702909.8A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1981680A1 (en
Inventor
Matthias Lust
Horst Wilhelm
Michael Haller
Martin Stahl
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Preh GmbH
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Preh GmbH
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/18—Distinguishing marks on switches, e.g. for indicating switch location in the dark; Adaptation of switches to receive distinguishing marks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
    • B44C—PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
    • B44C1/00—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects
    • B44C1/22—Removing surface-material, e.g. by engraving, by etching
    • B44C1/228—Removing surface-material, e.g. by engraving, by etching by laser radiation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
    • B44F—SPECIAL DESIGNS OR PICTURES
    • B44F1/00—Designs or pictures characterised by special or unusual light effects
    • B44F1/06—Designs or pictures characterised by special or unusual light effects produced by transmitted light, e.g. transparencies, imitations of glass paintings
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
    • G05G1/08—Controlling members for hand actuation by rotary movement, e.g. hand wheels
    • G05G1/10—Details, e.g. of discs, knobs, wheels or handles
    • G05G1/105—Details, e.g. of discs, knobs, wheels or handles comprising arrangements for illumination
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
    • G05G1/30—Controlling members actuated by foot
    • G05G1/50—Manufacturing of pedals; Pedals characterised by the material used
    • G05G1/503—Controlling members for hand-actuation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/04—Signs, boards or panels, illuminated from behind the insignia
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/18—Distinguishing marks on switches, e.g. for indicating switch location in the dark; Adaptation of switches to receive distinguishing marks
    • H01H2009/187—Distinguishing marks on switches, e.g. for indicating switch location in the dark; Adaptation of switches to receive distinguishing marks having symbols engraved or printed by laser
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/002—Materials
    • H01H2209/0021—Materials with metallic appearance, e.g. polymers with dispersed particles to produce a metallic appearance
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24802—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24893—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.] including particulate material

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for producing an operating element, in particular for producing a control element for a motor vehicle, from a transilluminable material which is provided with at least one opaque coating and with a transparent lacquer layer on the coating.
  • a preferred field of application of the invention is in the field of motor vehicles and there with controls, which are backlit for the most part. It is also conceivable to use the invention on controls of consumer electronics, in the range of kitchen appliances or washing machines, the so-called white goods, just where controls are used, which are backlit and have a metallic appearance of their appearance should.
  • preferably translucent plastics are used here, which offer the possibility of illuminating the control element or the button from a rear side by means of a light source and backlit one introduced into the coating of the control element or the button symbolism.
  • a preferred material used for this purpose is polycarbonate (PC) or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), these plastics offer favorable properties in terms of processing and through- or backlighting.
  • the components are molded from a plastic and provided by various methods with a metallic coating.
  • Metallic coatings which have a high-gloss chrome finish or the appearance of aluminum (AL) or ruthenium (RU) or a comparable glossy surface are, according to the current state of the art, usually applied by a galvanization or PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) method.
  • metallization usually takes place after the process steps: palladium nucleation, reduction, chemical metallization, for example by means of nickel or copper, and galvanic reinforcement, for example with chromium.
  • palladium nucleation for example by means of nickel or copper
  • chemical metallization for example by means of nickel or copper
  • galvanic reinforcement for example with chromium.
  • the metallization takes place by means of a physical deposition from the gas phase, for example by means of vapor deposition.
  • the disadvantage here is that the symbolism must represent a coherent area, since the adhesion-promoting first coating for electroplating below Tension must be put. There are thus no symbols representable, which have metallic areas in their interior.
  • a method for the production of controls with backlit symbols is known in which a transparent base body is provided with three layers of paint. Between a diffusely transparent layer or a diffusely transparent base body and an opaque layer, a clear transparent buffer layer is arranged. The lower lacquer layer determines the appearance of the control element and is completely retained when the upper opaque lacquer layer is removed to generate a symbol by means of laser radiation, wherein the underlying clear lacquer layer is only partially removed from the laser radiation penetrating it.
  • the DE 20 2004 003 362 discloses the use of nanoparticles that highly transparent plastic materials can be made laser markable and / or laser weldable by the addition of nanoscale laser-sensitive metal oxides.
  • the laser markability can be used, for example, to introduce symbols into transparent plastics by discoloring or decolorizing the transparent plastic material in these areas.
  • the symbolism in one step should be recoverable.
  • the object of the invention is achieved according to claim 1 by a method in which the transparent lacquer layer is provided with nanoparticles and the coating and the lacquer layer are partially removed by means of a laser.
  • the inventive composition of the transparent lacquer layer, which can also be labeled as a clear lacquer layer, and the integrated nanoparticles, according to the invention now provides the possibility that the clear lacquer can be removed by means of the energy of the laser irradiation. By selecting the particles in the nanometer range, the clearcoat layer remains transparent and can be activated simultaneously by means of the laser irradiation. It is thus possible to produce the control element or the control knob with an opaque coating and a clearcoat layer applied above and then incorporate a symbolism in the operating element or the button in one operation.
  • the targeted selection of the diameters of the nanoparticles introduced into the clearcoat layer leaves the clearcoat layer transparent, so that the seemingly metallic appearance of the control panel is retained.
  • the diameters of the nanoparticles are in the range between 10 nm to about 10 ⁇ m and are thus not visible in the clearcoat layer.
  • FIG. 1 shows the section through an inventively designed control element 1, which is in the form of a button 1.
  • the key 1 is hollow in its interior, and has different thicknesses.
  • an opaque coating 3 is applied, on which in turn a clearcoat film 4 has been applied.
  • a symbolism 5 was introduced by means of a laser.
  • a light source 7 is arranged, which emits light L at least in the direction of the upper side 8 of the key 1.
  • the key base body 2 is limited in terms of its chemical and physical properties only in so far that it consists at least teilrang.aus a translucent material selected from the group: glass, ceramic and polymers.
  • the material is made of a polymer.
  • Preferred polymers are plastics, such as polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS, (PC + ABS) black, polyamide (PA) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).
  • Transparent ceramics such as, for example, a sapphire, can also be used Depending on the required light intensity of the symbol 5, it is conceivable to form the material of the key base 2 in different thicknesses 9, 10 FIG. 1 As shown, the thicknesses in the regions 9 and 10 are different so as to provide a sufficient luminance in the region of the symbol 5.
  • an opaque coating 3 made of one or more different materials.
  • the coating 3 in this case had a thickness of up to 5 microns and consists of transition metals, precious metals, alloys or oxide, carbide, nitridic metal layers, which are applied in one or more layers.
  • the thickness of the coating 3 is dependent on the material used and must be chosen in each case such that it can be removed by means of a laser activation.
  • the coating 3 can also be produced from a dyed lacquer.
  • a primer coating as a coating 3 on the key body 2.
  • the coating 3 is in any case impermeable to light, and has the advantageous property that the key base body is provided with a metallic or optically enhancing coating 3.
  • the transparent clearcoat layer 4 according to the invention is applied.
  • the application of the clearcoat layer 4 takes place in the usual manner by means of spraying.
  • nanoparticles are introduced, which can be activated by means of the energy of the laser beam, so that the clearcoat layer 4 can be removed by means of the laser.
  • the nanoparticles consist of metal oxides such as zinc oxide, indium tin oxide (ITO) and are transparent.
  • the nanoparticles have a diameter of between 10 nm and 10 ⁇ m.
  • the nanoparticles are used in a volume concentration of 0.01% up to 10%.
  • the nanoparticles 11 are uniformly distributed in the clearcoat film 4 and as points 11 in the clearcoat film 4 of FIG. 1 shown.
  • a symbol 5 is introduced after the application of the coating 3 and the clearcoat layer 4 by means of a laser.
  • the clearcoat layer 4 can be activated by means of the laser and because the coating 3 has a thickness which can be removed by means of the energy of the laser. It is thus possible according to the invention to introduce into the control element 1 any symbolism 5 after coating and spraying the button in the key 1 and in a single operation or process step. It is thus conceivable according to the invention to produce an operating element 1 which has a metallic appearance and in which a back-lightable symbolism is incorporated.
  • Such controls 1 are for example in the motor vehicle as controls, in consumer electronics, in kitchen appliances or in the so-called white goods, such as a washing machine stainless steel look, used.
  • the clearcoat film 4 has a thickness of up to 100 ⁇ m.
  • the symbolism is thus backlashable with a suitable material, that is to say substrate, if, for example, polycarbonate is used as the translucent material.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Application Of Or Painting With Fluid Materials (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Bedienelementes, insbesondere zur Herstellung eines Bedienelementes für ein Kraftfahrzeug, aus einem durchleuchtbaren Werkstoff, das mit mindestens einer opaken Beschichtung versehen ist und mit einer transparenten Lackschicht auf der Beschichtung.The invention relates to a method for producing an operating element, in particular for producing a control element for a motor vehicle, from a transilluminable material which is provided with at least one opaque coating and with a transparent lacquer layer on the coating.

Ein bevorzugtes Anwendungsgebiet der Erfindung liegt im Bereich der Kraftfahrzeuge und dort bei Bedienelementen, die zum größten Teil hinterleuchtet sind. Es ist darüber hinaus ebenfalls vorstellbar, die Erfindung an Bedienelementen der Unterhaltungselektronik, im Bereich von Küchengeräten oder an Waschmaschinen, der sogenannten weißen Ware, einzusetzen, eben dort, wo Bedienelemente eingesetzt werden, die hinterleuchtet sind und die von ihrer Optik her ein metallisches Aussehen aufweisen sollen. Zur Hinterleuchtung werden hierbei bevorzugt transluzente Kunststoffe eingesetzt, die die Möglichkeit bieten, mittels eines Leuchtmittels das Bedienelement oder den Taster von einer Rückseite her auszuleuchten und eine in die Beschichtung des Bedienelementes oder der Taste eingebrachte Symbolik zu hinterteuchten. Ein hierfür bevorzugt eingesetzter Werkstoff ist Polycarbonat (PC) oder Polymethylmethacrylat (PMMA), diese Kunststoffe bieten günstige Eigenschaften in Bezug auf die Verarbeitung und die Durch- oder Hinterleuchtung.A preferred field of application of the invention is in the field of motor vehicles and there with controls, which are backlit for the most part. It is also conceivable to use the invention on controls of consumer electronics, in the range of kitchen appliances or washing machines, the so-called white goods, just where controls are used, which are backlit and have a metallic appearance of their appearance should. For backlighting preferably translucent plastics are used here, which offer the possibility of illuminating the control element or the button from a rear side by means of a light source and backlit one introduced into the coating of the control element or the button symbolism. A preferred material used for this purpose is polycarbonate (PC) or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), these plastics offer favorable properties in terms of processing and through- or backlighting.

Ein Trend, der sich bei Bedienelementen in Kraftfahrzeugen durchsetzt, ist der, die Bedienelemente oder Taster mit einer metallisch anmutenden Optik zu versehen. Hierbei werden die Bauelemente aus einem Kunststoff gespritzt und nach verschiedensten Verfahren mit einer metallischen Beschichtung versehen. Metallische Beschichtungen, die eine hochglänzende Chromoptik oder das Aussehen von Aluminium (AL) oder Ruthenium (RU) oder eine vergleichbare glänzende Oberfläche aufweisen, werden nach heutigem Stand der Technik zumeist durch ein Galvanisierungs- oder PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) - Verfahren aufgetragen.A trend that prevails in controls in motor vehicles, is to provide the controls or buttons with a metallic-looking look. Here, the components are molded from a plastic and provided by various methods with a metallic coating. Metallic coatings which have a high-gloss chrome finish or the appearance of aluminum (AL) or ruthenium (RU) or a comparable glossy surface are, according to the current state of the art, usually applied by a galvanization or PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) method.

Beim Galvanisieren erfolgt eine Metallisierung üblicherweise nach den Prozessschritten: Palladiumbekeimung, Reduktion, chemische Metallisierung, zum Beispiel mittels Nickel oder Kupfer, und galvanische Verstärkung, zum Beispiel mit Chrom. Beim PVD-Verfahren erfolgt das Metallisieren mittels einer physikalischen Abscheidung aus der Gasphase, zum Beispiel mittels Aufdampfens.During plating, metallization usually takes place after the process steps: palladium nucleation, reduction, chemical metallization, for example by means of nickel or copper, and galvanic reinforcement, for example with chromium. In the PVD process the metallization takes place by means of a physical deposition from the gas phase, for example by means of vapor deposition.

Ein Einsatz eines PVD-Verfahrens in Bezug auf Kunststoffe zur Erzeugung von metallischen Beschichtungen auf Werkstücken ist in der DE 103 37 456 A1 beschrieben. So bietet dieses Verfahren die Möglichkeit einer Direktmetallisierung der Oberfläche des Werkstoffes oder eines Bauteils, wobei die metallische Beschichtung aus einer oder mehreren aufeinander liegenden gleichen oder unterschiedlichen Metallschichten besteht. Mittels der in dem Verfahren beschriebenen Technik, können auch Werkstoffe oder Bauteile mit niedrigeren Oberflächenenergien beschichtet werden. Hierbei werden die Oberflächenenergien der Werkstoffe oder Bauteile mittels eines Plasmas aktiviert, wodurch eine sehr gute Haftung auf Polymeren erzeugt wird. Bei der Plasmaaktivierung wird ein Gas oder ein Gasgemisch einer elektrischen Gasentladung im Vakuum unterzogen. Dabei werden Elektronen, Ionen, Radikale und Neutralteilchen erzeugt, die auf die Oberfläche des Werkstoffs des Bauteils prallen, dadurch können Kontaminationen entfernt und die Oberfläche aufgeraut und chemisch modifiziert werden. Danach erfolgt eine Direktmetallisierung, bei der in einem beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiel eine Chrom- und Aluminiumschicht erzeugt wird, die eine Gesamtschichtdicke von etwa 330 nm aufweist.A use of a PVD process with respect to plastics for producing metallic coatings on workpieces is disclosed in US Pat DE 103 37 456 A1 described. Thus, this method offers the possibility of direct metallization of the surface of the material or of a component, wherein the metallic coating consists of one or more superimposed identical or different metal layers. By means of the technique described in the process, also materials or components with lower surface energies can be coated. Here, the surface energies of the materials or components are activated by means of a plasma, whereby a very good adhesion to polymers is produced. In the plasma activation, a gas or a gas mixture is subjected to an electrical gas discharge in a vacuum. In doing so, electrons, ions, radicals and neutral particles are generated which impinge on the surface of the material of the component, thereby contaminations can be removed and the surface roughened and chemically modified. This is followed by direct metallization, in which, in a described exemplary embodiment, a chromium and aluminum layer is produced which has a total layer thickness of about 330 nm.

In der gattungsbildenden, unveröffentlichten DE 10 2005 006 459 ist ein metallisiertes Kunststoffbauteil und ein Verfahren zur Herstellung eines metallisierten Kunststoffbauteils mit einer metallischen Beschichtung und einer auf die metallische Beschichtung aufgebrachten Lackschicht, die in ungefärbter Form vorliegen kann, beschrieben. Beschrieben ist ein Bedienelement, das mit einer metallischen Beschichtung versehen ist, die beispielsweise mittels eines PVD-Verfahrens aufgetragen ist. Nach dem Aufbringen der metallischen Beschichtung wird mittels eines Lasers eine Symbolik in das Bedienelement eingebracht. Auf diese erste metallische Beschichtung, wird anschließend beispielsweise mittels eines galvanischen Verfahrens eine Metallschicht abgeschieden, so dass eine aus zwei Lagen bestehende metallische Beschichtung erzeugt ist, bei der der vorab freigelaserte Bereich nicht mit der metallischen Beschichtung versehen ist. Wird nun das Bedienelement hinterleuchtet, so tritt das Licht lediglich im Bereich des freigelaserten Bereichs des Bedienelementes aus. Der opake Bereich, auf dem die metallische Beschichtung vorhanden ist, erscheint hierbei als Metallteil, in das eine Symbolik eingebracht ist. Beschrieben ist ebenfalls das Auftragen einer ungefärbten Lackschicht, die auch als Klarlackschicht bezeichnet ist. Nachteilig hierbei ist, dass die Symbolik einen zusammenhängenden Bereich darstellen muß, da die haftvermittelnde erste Beschichtung zum Galvanisieren unter Spannung gelegt werden muß. Es sind somit keine Symbole darstellbar, die in ihrem Inneren metallische Bereiche aufweisen.In the generic, unpublished DE 10 2005 006 459 is a metallized plastic component and a method for producing a metallized plastic component having a metallic coating and a coating applied to the metallic coating paint layer, which may be present in undyed form described. Described is a control element, which is provided with a metallic coating, which is applied for example by means of a PVD process. After the application of the metallic coating, a symbolism is introduced into the operating element by means of a laser. A metal layer is then deposited on this first metallic coating, for example by means of a galvanic process, so that a metallic coating consisting of two layers is produced, in which the area exposed in advance is not provided with the metallic coating. If the operating element is backlit, the light only emerges in the region of the exposed area of the operating element. The opaque area, on which the metallic coating is present, appears here as a metal part, in which a symbolism is incorporated. Described is also the application of an undyed lacquer layer, which is also referred to as a clearcoat. The disadvantage here is that the symbolism must represent a coherent area, since the adhesion-promoting first coating for electroplating below Tension must be put. There are thus no symbols representable, which have metallic areas in their interior.

Aus der DE 42 12 423 ist ferner ein Verfahren zur Herstellung von Bedienelementen mit hinterleuchtbaren Symbolen bekannt, bei dem ein transparenter Grundkörper mit drei Lackschichten versehen wird. Zwischen eine diffus-transparente Schicht oder einem diffus-transparenten Grundkörper und einer lichtundurchlässigen Schicht wird eine klar transparente Pufferschicht angeordnet. Die untere Lackschicht bestimmt das Aussehen des Bedienelementes und bleibt vollständig erhalten, wenn die obere lichtundurchlässige Lackschicht zur Erzeugung eines Symbols mittels Laserstrahlung abgetragen wird, wobei die darunter liegende Klarlackschicht nur teilweise von der auf sie durchdringenden Laser-strahlung abgetragen wird.From the DE 42 12 423 Furthermore, a method for the production of controls with backlit symbols is known in which a transparent base body is provided with three layers of paint. Between a diffusely transparent layer or a diffusely transparent base body and an opaque layer, a clear transparent buffer layer is arranged. The lower lacquer layer determines the appearance of the control element and is completely retained when the upper opaque lacquer layer is removed to generate a symbol by means of laser radiation, wherein the underlying clear lacquer layer is only partially removed from the laser radiation penetrating it.

Aus der US 2003/0215634 ist es ferner bekannt, Metall-Nanopartikel in Materialien für magnetische Aufzeichnungsmedien zu verwenden. Dabei wird eine Schicht mit Nanopartikeln auf einen Träger aufgebracht und anschließend mit Laserlicht bestrahlt.From the US 2003/0215634 It is also known to use metal nanoparticles in materials for magnetic recording media. In this case, a layer with nanoparticles is applied to a carrier and then irradiated with laser light.

Die DE 20 2004 003 362 offenbart zu der Verwendung von Nanopartikeln, dass hochtransparente Kunststoffmaterialien durch die Zugabe von nanoskaligen lasersensitiven Metalloxiden lasermarkierbar und/oder laserschweißbar gemacht werden können. Die Lasermarkierbarkeit kann beispielsweise dazu genutzt werden, um Symbole in transparente Kunststoffe einzubringen, indem sich das transparente Kunststoffmaterial in diesen Bereichen verfärbt oder entfärbt.The DE 20 2004 003 362 discloses the use of nanoparticles that highly transparent plastic materials can be made laser markable and / or laser weldable by the addition of nanoscale laser-sensitive metal oxides. The laser markability can be used, for example, to introduce symbols into transparent plastics by discoloring or decolorizing the transparent plastic material in these areas.

Darüber hinaus sind aus der DE 203 18 656 Bedienelemente bekannt, die auf der Oberseite eines Grundkörpers eine farbgebende Schicht aufweisen, die entsprechend eines darzustellenden Zeichens ausgenommen ist. Dabei ist das Material des Grundkörpers für einen die Zeichen herstellenden Laserstrahl transparent und wird beim Heraustrennen der Zeichen durch Laserstrahlung nicht beschädigt.In addition, from the DE 203 18 656 Operating elements are known which have on the upper side of a base body a coloring layer, which is excluded according to a character to be displayed. In this case, the material of the base body for a laser beam producing the characters is transparent and is not damaged when the characters are separated out by laser radiation.

Es ist Aufgabe der Erfindung, ein Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Bedienelementes bereit zu stellen, dass mit mindestens einer opaken Beschichtung versehen ist und darüber hinaus eine transparente Lackschicht aufweist, wobei in die Lackschicht und die Beschichtung eine beliebige Symbolik einbringbar ist. Darüber hinaus soll die Symbolik in einem Arbeitsschritt einbringbar sein.It is an object of the invention to provide a method for producing a control element that is provided with at least one opaque coating and moreover has a transparent lacquer layer, wherein in the lacquer layer and the coating any symbolism can be introduced. In addition, the symbolism in one step should be recoverable.

Die erfindungsgemäße Aufgabe wird gemäß Anspruch 1 durch ein Verfahren gelöst, bei dem die transparente Lackschicht mit Nanopartikeln versehen ist und die Beschichtung und die Lackschicht bereichsweise mittels eines Lasers entfernt werden. Durch die erfindungsgemäße Zusammensetzung der transparenten Lackschicht, die auch als Klarlackschicht bezeichenbar ist, und den integrierten Nanopartikeln, ist erfindungsgemäß nun die Möglichkeit gegeben, dass der Klarlack mittels der Energie der Laserbestrahlung abtragbar ist. Durch die Auswahl der Partikel im Nanometerbereich bleibt die Klarlackschicht transparent und wird gleichzeitig mittels der Laserbestrahlung aktivierbar. Es ist somit möglich, das Bedienelement oder den Bedienknopf mit einer opaken Beschichtung und einer darüber angebrachten Klarlackschicht herzustellen und anschließend in einem Arbeitsgang eine Symbolik in das Bedienelement oder die Taste einzuarbeiten. Ein weiterer wesentlicher Vorteil in Bezug auf den bekannten Stand der Technik ist der, dass das in das Bedienelement als letzten Arbeitsschritt die Symbolik eingebracht wird. Verschmutzungen des Bedienelementes durch das Einbringen der Symbolik In einen Zwischenschritt der Fertigung in die Beschichtung oder während des Transportes des Bedienelementes vor dem Lackieren können sich somit nicht nachteilig auf das Bedienelement, d.h. das Endprodukt oder den gesamten Fertigungsprozeß auswirken.The object of the invention is achieved according to claim 1 by a method in which the transparent lacquer layer is provided with nanoparticles and the coating and the lacquer layer are partially removed by means of a laser. The inventive composition of the transparent lacquer layer, which can also be labeled as a clear lacquer layer, and the integrated nanoparticles, according to the invention now provides the possibility that the clear lacquer can be removed by means of the energy of the laser irradiation. By selecting the particles in the nanometer range, the clearcoat layer remains transparent and can be activated simultaneously by means of the laser irradiation. It is thus possible to produce the control element or the control knob with an opaque coating and a clearcoat layer applied above and then incorporate a symbolism in the operating element or the button in one operation. Another significant advantage with respect to the known prior art is that the symbolism is introduced into the operating element as the last working step. Soiling of the operating element through the introduction of the symbolism In an intermediate step of the production in the coating or during the transport of the operating element before painting can thus not adversely affect the operating element, i. affect the end product or the entire manufacturing process.

Durch die gezielte Auswahl der Durchmesser der in die Klarlackschicht eingebrachten Nanopartikel bleibt die Klarlackschicht transparent, so dass die metallisch anmutende Optik des Bedienteils erhalten bleibt. Die Durchmesser der Nanopartikel liegen dabei in Bereichen zwischen 10 nm bis etwas 10 um und sind somit in der Klarlackschicht nicht sichtbar.The targeted selection of the diameters of the nanoparticles introduced into the clearcoat layer leaves the clearcoat layer transparent, so that the seemingly metallic appearance of the control panel is retained. The diameters of the nanoparticles are in the range between 10 nm to about 10 μm and are thus not visible in the clearcoat layer.

Nachfolgend wird die Erfindung anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Bedienelementes erläutert.The invention will be explained with reference to an embodiment of a control element.

Es zeigt

Figur 1
den Schnitt durch ein Bedienelement für ein Kraftfahrzeug, das beispielsweise eine Taste für ein Klimabediengerät darstellt.
It shows
FIG. 1
the section through an operating element for a motor vehicle, for example, represents a button for a climate control device.

Die Figur 1 zeigt den Schnitt durch ein erfindungsgemäß ausgebildetes Bedienelement 1, das in Form einer Taste 1 ausgebildet ist. Die Taste 1 ist in ihrem Inneren hohl ausgeführt, und weist unterschiedliche Dicken auf. Auf den Tastengrundkörper 2 ist eine opake Beschichtung 3 aufgebracht, auf die wiederum eine Klarlackschicht 4 aufgetragen wurde. In die Beschichtung 3 und die Klarlackschicht 4 wurde eine Symbolik 5 mittels eines Lasers eingebracht. Hierbei ist das Einbringen der Symbolik 5 mittels eines Lasers an der filigranen und beliebigen Form der Symbolik und anhand der Abtragung der Beschichtung 3 und der Klarlackschicht erkennbar, wobei die Abtragung in einem Arbeitsschritt und somit durch beide Schichten 3, 4 identisch, das heißt übereinstimmend erfolgt. Im Inneren 6 ist ein Leuchtmittel 7 angeordnet, das Licht L zumindest in Richtung der Oberseite 8 der Taste 1 emittiert.The FIG. 1 shows the section through an inventively designed control element 1, which is in the form of a button 1. The key 1 is hollow in its interior, and has different thicknesses. On the key base body 2, an opaque coating 3 is applied, on which in turn a clearcoat film 4 has been applied. In the coating 3 and the clearcoat layer 4, a symbolism 5 was introduced by means of a laser. In this case, the introduction of the symbolism 5 by means of a laser on the filigree and arbitrary form of the symbolism and on the basis of the removal of the coating 3 and the clearcoat layer recognizable, the removal in one step and thus by both layers 3, 4 identical, that is consistent , In the interior 6, a light source 7 is arranged, which emits light L at least in the direction of the upper side 8 of the key 1.

Der Tastengrundkörper 2 ist hinsichtlich seiner chemischen und physikalischen Eigenschaften nur in soweit eingeschränkt, dass er zumindest bereichsweise.aus einem transluzenten Werkstoff besteht, ausgewählt aus der Gruppe: Glas, Keramik und Polymeren. Vorzugsweise ist der Werkstoff aus einem Polymer gefertigt. Bevorzugte Polymere sind Kunststoffe, wie Polycarbonat (PC), Acrylnitril-Butadien-Styrol (ABS, (PC + ABS)-Blendes, Polyamid (PA) oder Polymethylmethacrylat (PMMA). Weiterhin einsetzbar sind transparente Keramiken, wie zum Beispiel ein Saphir sowie der Werkstoff Glas. Je nach geforderter Lichtintensität des Symbols 5 ist es hierbei vorstellbar, den Werkstoff des Tastengrundkörpers 2 in unterschiedlichen Dicken 9, 10 auszubilden. Wie in der Figur 1 dargestellt, sind die Dicken in den Bereichen 9 und 10 unterschiedlich, um somit eine ausreichende Leuchtdichte im Bereich des Symbols 5 bereit zu stellen.The key base body 2 is limited in terms of its chemical and physical properties only in so far that it consists at least teilsweise.aus a translucent material selected from the group: glass, ceramic and polymers. Preferably, the material is made of a polymer. Preferred polymers are plastics, such as polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS, (PC + ABS) black, polyamide (PA) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).) Transparent ceramics, such as, for example, a sapphire, can also be used Depending on the required light intensity of the symbol 5, it is conceivable to form the material of the key base 2 in different thicknesses 9, 10 FIG. 1 As shown, the thicknesses in the regions 9 and 10 are different so as to provide a sufficient luminance in the region of the symbol 5.

Auf den Tastengrundkörper 2 ist eine opake Beschichtung 3, aus einer oder mehrerer unterschiedlichen Werkstoffen herstellbar. So ist es erfindungsgemäß vorstellbar, eine Metallschicht oder ein Metallschichtsystem mittels eines PVD- oder CVD-Verfahrens auf dem Tastengrundkörper 2 abzuschneiden. Die Beschichtung 3 hatte hierbei eine Dicke von bis zu 5 µm und besteht aus Übergangsmetallen, Edelmetallen, Legierungen oder auch oxidischen, carbidischen, nitridischen Metallschichten, die in einer oder mehreren Lagen aufgetragen sind. Die Dicke der Beschichtung 3 ist abhängig vom eingesetzten Werkstoff und ist in jedem Fall derart zu wählen, dass sie mittels einer Laseraktivierung abtragbar ist. Darüber hinaus ist die Beschichtung 3 auch aus einem eingefärbten Lack herstellbar. Darüber hinaus besteht die Möglichkeit, den Tastengrundkörper 2 einer geeigneten Vorbehandlung, wie beispielsweise einer Plasmabehandlung, zu unterwerfen. Darüber hinaus ist es ebenfalls vorstellbar auf den Tastengrundkörper 2 eine Primer-Lackierung als Beschichtung 3 aufzubringen. Die Beschichtung 3 ist auf jeden Fall lichtundurchlässig auszuführen, und besitzt die vorteilhafte Eigenschaft, dass der Tastengrundkörper mit einer metallischen oder optisch aufwertenden Beschichtung 3 versehen ist.On the key body 2 is an opaque coating 3, made of one or more different materials. Thus, it is conceivable according to the invention to cut off a metal layer or a metal layer system by means of a PVD or CVD method on the key base body 2. The coating 3 in this case had a thickness of up to 5 microns and consists of transition metals, precious metals, alloys or oxide, carbide, nitridic metal layers, which are applied in one or more layers. The thickness of the coating 3 is dependent on the material used and must be chosen in each case such that it can be removed by means of a laser activation. Furthermore the coating 3 can also be produced from a dyed lacquer. In addition, it is possible to subject the key body 2 to a suitable pretreatment, such as a plasma treatment. In addition, it is also conceivable to apply a primer coating as a coating 3 on the key body 2. The coating 3 is in any case impermeable to light, and has the advantageous property that the key base body is provided with a metallic or optically enhancing coating 3.

Auf diese Beschichtung 3 wird die erfindungsgemäße transparente Klarlackschicht 4 aufgebracht. Das Aufbringen der Klarlackschicht 4 erfolgt in der üblichen Art und Weise mittels Sprühen. In die Klarlackschicht 4 sind Nanopartikel eingebracht, die mittels der Energie des Laserstrahls aktivierbar sind, so dass die Klarlackschicht 4 mittels des Lasers abtragbar ist. Die Nanopartikel bestehen aus Metalloxiden wie beispielsweise Zinkoxid, Indiumzinnoxid (ITO) und sind transparent. Die Nanopartikel weisen einen Durchmesser zwischen 10 nm und 10 µm auf. Eingesetzt werden die Nanopartikel in einer Volumenkonzentration von 0,01 % bis zu 10 %. Die Nanopartikel 11 sind in der Klarlackschicht 4 gleichmäßig verteilt und als Punkte 11 in der Klarlackschicht 4 der Figur 1 dargestellt.On this coating 3, the transparent clearcoat layer 4 according to the invention is applied. The application of the clearcoat layer 4 takes place in the usual manner by means of spraying. In the clearcoat layer 4 nanoparticles are introduced, which can be activated by means of the energy of the laser beam, so that the clearcoat layer 4 can be removed by means of the laser. The nanoparticles consist of metal oxides such as zinc oxide, indium tin oxide (ITO) and are transparent. The nanoparticles have a diameter of between 10 nm and 10 μm. The nanoparticles are used in a volume concentration of 0.01% up to 10%. The nanoparticles 11 are uniformly distributed in the clearcoat film 4 and as points 11 in the clearcoat film 4 of FIG. 1 shown.

In das Schichtsystem 3, 4 aus Beschichtung 3 und Klarlackschicht 4 wird nach dem Aufbringen der Beschichtung 3 und der Klarlackschicht 4 mittels eines Lasers ein Symbol 5 eingebracht. Dies wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch möglich, dass die Klarlackschicht 4 mittels des Lasers aktivierbar wird und weil die Beschichtung 3 eine Dicke aufweist, die mittels der Energie des Lasers abtragbar ist. Es ist somit erfindungsgemäß möglich, in das Bedienelement 1 eine beliebige Symbolik 5 nach dem Beschichten und Besprühen der Taste in die Taste 1 und in einem Arbeitsgang oder Verfahrensschritt einzubringen. Es ist somit erfindungsgemäß vorstellbar ein Bedienelement 1 herzustellen, dass eine metallische Optik aufweist, und in dem eine hinterleuchtbare Symbolik eingearbeitet ist.In the layer system 3, 4 of coating 3 and clearcoat layer 4, a symbol 5 is introduced after the application of the coating 3 and the clearcoat layer 4 by means of a laser. This is possible according to the invention in that the clearcoat layer 4 can be activated by means of the laser and because the coating 3 has a thickness which can be removed by means of the energy of the laser. It is thus possible according to the invention to introduce into the control element 1 any symbolism 5 after coating and spraying the button in the key 1 and in a single operation or process step. It is thus conceivable according to the invention to produce an operating element 1 which has a metallic appearance and in which a back-lightable symbolism is incorporated.

Derartige Bedienelemente 1 sind beispielsweise im Kraftfahrzeug als Bedienelemente, in Gebrauchsartikeln der Unterhaltungselektronik, in Küchengeräten oder in der sogenannten weißen Ware, wie beispielsweise einer Waschmaschine im Edelstahllook, einsetzbar.Such controls 1 are for example in the motor vehicle as controls, in consumer electronics, in kitchen appliances or in the so-called white goods, such as a washing machine stainless steel look, used.

Die Klarlackschicht 4 weist eine Dicke von bis zu 100 µm auf. Die Symbolik ist somit bei geeignetem Werkstoff, das heißt Substrat hinterleuchtbar, wenn zum Beispiel als transluzenter Werkstoff Polycarbonat Verwendung findet.The clearcoat film 4 has a thickness of up to 100 μm. The symbolism is thus backlashable with a suitable material, that is to say substrate, if, for example, polycarbonate is used as the translucent material.

Claims (7)

  1. A method for producing an operating element, in particular for a motor vehicle, in which an opaque coating (3) is applied onto a basic key body (2) made from a translucent material, whereupon a transparent paint layer (4) is applied onto the opaque coating (3), characterised in that nanoparticles (11) are incorporated into the transparent paint layer and the opaque coating (3) and the paint layer (4) are removed in a single working step in some areas by means of a laser, whereby symbols (5) that can be backlit are formed both in the opaque coating (3) and in the transparent paint layer (4).
  2. The method according to claim 1, characterised in that the nanoparticles (11) have a diameter of 10 nm to 10 µm and are provided in a volume concentration of 0.01% to 10% and consist of metal oxides.
  3. The method according to claim 2, characterised in that the nanoparticles (11) consist of zinc oxide or indium-tin-oxide (ITO).
  4. The method according to any one or more of the claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the transparent paint layer (4) has a thickness smaller than 100 µm.
  5. The method according to any one of more of the claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the opaque coating (3) is a metal layer with a thickness of <5 µm and is applied in one or more layers by means of a PVD or CVD process.
  6. The method according to claim 5, characterised in that the metal layer (3) is produced by means of a reactive PVD process and is formed as an oxidic, carbidic or nitridic metal layer (3).
  7. The method according to any one or more of the claims 1 to 6, characterised in that an bonding layer, in particular a primer paint coating, is applied onto the translucent material of the basic key body (2) prior to the opaque coating (3).
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DE102006005089B4 (en) 2015-04-16
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US20090022966A1 (en) 2009-01-22
WO2007087990A1 (en) 2007-08-09

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