JP3299133B2 - Metal glitter products - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention includes a base attached to a support, a main body disposed at a position separated from the base, and a connecting portion connecting the base and the main body to each other, and protruding from the surface of the support. The present invention relates to a metallic glitter product that is mounted to be mounted.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Such metallic glitter products are widely used in various technical fields, and typical examples include interior and exterior products of automobiles. In recent years, products that use a die-cast molded body such as an aluminum alloy or zinc as a base material and form a metal glittering layer composed of a continuous metal layer on the surface thereof by plating a metal such as chromium mainly from a decorative point of view are often used. ing. When a product of this kind has a rigid structure as a whole, when an external force is applied due to contact with an external object, the product may be totally or locally damaged or permanently deformed, and merely the appearance of the product itself Not only may be damaged, but also may need to be replaced with a new one. In order to solve such difficulties, an omnidirectional folding mechanism including a metal elastic body such as a spring is provided between the base and the connecting part, and the main body is elastically moved in the direction of the external force with respect to the base under the action of the external force. A configuration has been put to practical use in which the tilting mechanism can be tilted, and when the external force is released, the elastic body restores the initial state. However, a product provided with such a tilting mechanism is structurally complicated, an increase in the number of parts is inevitable, and the cost is disadvantageous.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The main object of the present invention is to propose a metallic glitter product which does not have the above-mentioned disadvantages.

In the course of searching for a solution to this problem, the present inventors, instead of the above-mentioned folding mechanism, elastically apply the whole or a part of the base material of the metallic glitter product under the action of an external force. We focused on the superiority of using an elastomer resin that bends and returns to the initial state when the external force is released. On the other hand, when at least a part of the base material is made of the elastomer resin, when the base material bends under the action of an external force, a tensile stress acts on the metal glittering layer on the extension side of the base material part made of the elastomer resin. As a result, cracks are formed in the metallic glitter layer and / or the protective coating layer covering the metallic glitter layer, and water and the like invade from the cracks later, causing rust, expansion of the glitter layer over time, and peeling of the glitter layer. Confirmed that it is the cause. And
It goes without saying that a metal glittering layer in which rusting or its expansion or peeling has failed to fulfill its original decorative function and impairs the appearance of the product itself.

[0005] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned recognition, and despite the fact that at least a part of the base material itself is made of an elastomer resin, when the base material bends under the action of external force, An object of the present invention is to provide a metal glittering product in which a protective film is hardly cracked and rust and peeling are less likely to occur even if a crack is caused.

For this purpose, the metallic glitter product according to the present invention comprises a base attached to a support, a main body disposed at a position separated from the base, and a connecting portion connecting the base and the main body to each other. It is attached to a support so as to protrude from the body surface. In the metallic glitter product according to the present invention, at least the connecting portion is made of an elastomer resin that is elastically bent under the action of an external force and is restored to an initial state when the external force is released. On a substrate made of an elastomer resin, a metal thin film layer is formed by a vacuum metallization process such as a sputtering method or a heat evaporation method, and the entire surface of the metal thin film layer is visually observed as an integral metal glittering surface. Innumerable fine flake-shaped individual metal particles have a microstructure in which the metal particles are individually surrounded by valleys on the entire circumference and exist in a substantially isolated state. Further, a thin transparent and flexible protective layer is formed on the metal thin film layer, and the protective layer individually covers the individual metal particles and enters the valleys and adheres to the base material. . As a result, the individual metal particles are encapsulated and sealed by the protective layer, and are maintained in a substantially continuous state with the adjacent metal particles by the protective layer penetrating into the valley.

According to the present invention, since the base material itself of the metallic glitter product is entirely or partially made of the elastomer resin, even if an external force acts on the metallic glitter product by coming into contact with an external object, the entire product is supported. It elastically bends against the body and restores to its initial state when the external force is released. Furthermore, when the metallic glitter product bends under the action of an external force, even if a tensile stress acts on the elongation side of the base portion made of the elastomer resin, the product is formed on the base material made of the elastomer resin by vacuum metallization. The generation of cracks in the damaged metallic glitter layer and the protective coating layer covering the metallic glitter layer is suppressed, and even if cracks are generated and rust is generated, they do not expand, and peeling of the protective coating is suppressed. In other words, on the one hand, the metal thin film layer is visually viewed as an integral metal glittering surface as a whole, but countless fine flake-like individual metal particles are individually surrounded by valleys on the entire circumference. It has a microstructure that exists substantially in an isolated state, and on the other hand, a thin translucent protective layer formed on the metal thin film layer has flexibility in itself, This is because the metal particles are coated and enter the valleys and adhere to the base material. In addition, the generation of cracks in the metallic glitter layer and / or the protective coating layer can be suppressed, and even if cracks are generated and rust is generated, the rust stops within a single metal particle and extends to adjacent metal particles. Rusting within a very small range, so that rusting and peeling to the extent that the glittering layer can be seen can be effectively prevented, and metal glittering can be effectively prevented. This makes it possible to stably maintain the original decorative function of the layer, that is, the aesthetic appearance of the product itself for a long period of time.

In one embodiment of the metallic glitter product according to the present invention, the substrate includes a base coat layer having a smooth surface made of a flexible synthetic resin as a surface layer, and a metal thin film layer is formed on the base coat layer. The light-transmitting and flexible protective layer may be configured to be in close contact with the base coat at the valley.

The flake-shaped metal particles have a thickness of 10 to 30 nm and a particle size of 10 to 60 nm (typically around 40 nm) when the metal thin film layer is formed by a sputtering method, and are formed by a heat evaporation method. If the thickness is around 50nm, the particle size is 50 ~
It is 400 nm (typically 150 to 200 nm).
And, in order to more effectively exert the intended function of the present invention, it is preferable that the valley surrounding the flaky metal particles has a form narrower than the particle diameter of the metal particles.

[0010] The main body of the metallic glitter product according to the present invention may be configured to include a display portion composed of characters, figures, symbols or a combination thereof. Such a product is suitable for, for example, a so-called “ornament” or “mark” (hereinafter, generally referred to as “ornament”) arranged at a tip portion on an engine hood in a passenger car.

In order that the metallic glitter product according to the present invention can be easily and surely attached to the support, the base has:
It is desirable to provide an attachment means such as a double-sided adhesive (adhesive) tape or an embedded bolt.

In the metallic glitter product according to the present invention, it is desirable that at least the main body and the connecting portion of the base, the main body and the connecting portion are integrally formed. From the viewpoint of cost, it is particularly preferable to integrally mold the entire base, main body, and connecting portion.

The metallic glitter product according to the present invention desirably exhibits sufficient flexibility in all directions, and cracks are generated in the metallic glitter layer and / or the protective coating layer when flexing in any direction. It is preferable that the connecting portion has an outer shape having substantially no edges from the viewpoint of effectively suppressing the external force.

Chromium or a chromium alloy can be used as the metal forming the metal thin film layer. However, it is desirable that the metal thin film layer bend together with the base material, and in view of being completely covered by the protective layer, a relatively soft material which does not itself have sufficient corrosion resistance, mainly from a cost standpoint. It is desirable to form the metal thin film layer with a metal such as lead, aluminum, tin, indium or an alloy thereof.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in more detail with reference to the illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 show, as an embodiment of a metallic glitter product according to the present invention, an ornament which uses an engine hood as a support in a passenger car.

The ornament 10 according to the present embodiment includes a base 11 attached to an upper surface of a distal end of an engine hood H as a support, a main body 12 disposed at an upper position separated from the base 11, a base 11 and a main body. And a connecting portion 13 for connecting the portions 12 to each other. That is, the main body 12 and the connecting portion 13 are arranged to protrude from the surface of the engine hood H toward the outside of the vehicle. Even if the base 11, the main body 12, and the connecting part 13 are in contact with an external object, an elastomer resin that elastically bends under the action of the external force accompanying the elastic body and restores to the initial state when the external force is released is used. It is integrally formed as a base material. However, the main body 12 and the connecting part
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which only 13 is integrally formed of an elastomer resin, and the base is integrally formed later on the base 11 formed separately. Basically, only the connecting portion 13 is formed of an elastomer resin, and is integrally connected to the base portion 11 and the main body portion 12 which are separately formed, so that the ornament projecting from the surface of the engine hood H is formed.
It is possible to ensure the flexibility required for 10.

The base 11 has a flat shape in which a relatively large semicircle located forward in the traveling direction and a relatively small semicircle located backward in the traveling direction are connected by a pair of common external tangents. It is formed in a simple pedestal shape. On the back surface of the base 11, a double-sided adhesive tape 11a as a means for attaching the ornament 10 to the engine hood H and a pair of protrusions 11b and 11c as a means for positioning the ornament 10 with respect to the engine hood H are provided. Projection 11b, 11c
Are engaged in corresponding positioning holes formed in the engine hood H.

The main body 12 is configured to include an annular outer peripheral portion 12a and a display portion 12b which displays characters, figures, symbols or a combination thereof arranged inside the outer peripheral portion 12a. The display portion 12b in the illustrated example shows the letter "A" connected to the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral portion 12a at three positions, that is, the upper end and the lower end, but represents an appropriate trademark other than this. Of course, it is also good. Outer periphery of main body 12
An area between the display portion 12a and the display portion 12b is formed as a transparent space, that is, an air vent hole 12c.

In order to sufficiently exhibit the omnidirectional flexibility of the ornament 10, the connecting portion 13 is preferably formed in an outer shape having substantially no edges, such as a substantially cylindrical shape illustrated in FIG. It is.

As described above, in the ornament 10 according to the present embodiment, the whole of the base 11, the main body 12, and the connecting portion 13 are integrally formed using the elastomer resin as a base material. As the elastomer resin, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer resin such as TPO (thermoplastic olefin resin) or TPU (thermoplastic urethane resin) is preferably used from the viewpoint of exhibiting excellent elasticity, flexibility and resilience. is there.

As shown in FIG. 4, a base coat layer 21, a metal thin film layer 22, and a top coat layer 23 are sequentially formed on a base material 20 made of an elastomer resin. As the base coat layer 21, for example, it is preferable to apply a two-component urethane-based paint because it has flexibility / flexibility. The metal thin film layer 22 is formed by a vacuum metallization process. As the vacuum metallization, a known process such as a heat evaporation method, a sputtering method, or an electron beam method can be appropriately adopted. The entire surface of the metal thin film layer 22 is macroscopically visible as an integrated metal glittering surface, but microscopically, a myriad of fine flake-like metal particles 22a are substantially surrounded by valleys 22b all around. It has a microstructure that exists in an isolated state. Such a valley portion 22b can be formed by a known process such as etching that is immersed in an acid or alkali solution capable of dissolving the metal thin film layer 22 after the vacuum metallization. The top coat layer 23 is formed as a light-transmitting and flexible thin protective layer, covers the flaky metal particles 22a in the metal thin film layer 22, enters the valley 22b, and is in close contact with the base coat layer 21. . This allows
Each flaky metal particle 22a is encapsulated between the base coat layer 21 and the top coat layer 23 independently of the other metal particles, and is kept individually sealed. As the top coat layer 23, it is preferable to use a two-component urethane paint. In this case, the top coat layer 23 needs to be light-transmitting, but the base coat layer 21
Does not necessarily require translucency. Base coat layer 21
Even if fine irregularities are present on the surface of the base material 20, if a two-component urethane paint is applied to the surface by a spray gun or the like, the surface is formed smoothly until it is cured. The surface of the substrate 20 is formed to be smooth enough to reflect light in almost one direction, and the top coat layer 23 exhibits sufficient adhesion to the elastomer resin of the substrate 20. In this case, the base coat layer 21 can be omitted.

The metal thin film layer 22 formed by the vacuum metallization process will be further described. As the metal forming the thin film layer 22, chromium or a chromium alloy commonly used in bright products can be used. However, it is desirable that the thin film layer 22 be able to bend together with the base material, and because it is completely covered by the top coat layer 23 as a protective layer, it is relatively soft and does not itself have sufficient corrosion resistance. Forming the thin film layer 22 from a good metal, such as lead, aluminum, tin, indium, or an alloy thereof, is desirable primarily from a cost standpoint. In addition, flaky metal particles 22a
When the thin film layer 22 is formed by a sputtering method, the thickness is 10 to 30 nm, the particle size is 10 to 60 nm, typically about 40 nm, and when the thin film layer 22 is formed by a heat evaporation method, the thickness is 50.
The particle size is around nm, and the particle size is 50 to 400 nm, typically 150 to 200 nm. And, in order to more effectively express the intended function of the present invention, the valleys 22b surrounding the flaky metal particles 22a are formed in a form having a width smaller than the particle diameter of the metal particles, for example, a width of 5 to 10 nm. It is preferred to do so. FIG.
Schematically shows the fine structure of the metal thin film layer 22 in relation to the base coat layer 21 and the top coat layer 23, and does not accurately reflect the dimensional proportionality. It is desirable that the metal thin film layer 22 does not exist in the valley portion 22b, but the liquid paint of the top coat layer 23 is applied to the base coat layer 21.
If it is thin enough to penetrate toward the surface, some may remain.

The function of the ornament 10 according to the above embodiment will be described as follows. That is, in the ornament 10 according to the present embodiment, the upright state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is in the neutral position, and the metal thin film layer 22 formed by vacuum metallization on the base material 20 made of an elastomer resin is transparent. Through the thin top coat layer 23 having flexibility and flexibility, it is visually observed from the outside as an integral metal glittering surface, and exhibits an initial decorative function. Further, since at least the connecting portion 13 (in this example, the entire ornament 10) is made of a flexible elastomer resin, even if an external object such as a pedestrian comes into contact with the ornament 10, the external force fx acts from the front. In this case, the ornament 10 tilts backward (see the phantom line 10 [fx] in FIG. 2), and when the external force fy acts from one side, the ornament 10 tilts toward the other side (FIG. 1). (See virtual line 10 [fy]), required security is ensured. In addition, when the external force is released, the ornament 10 has the shape shown in FIG.
And restores to the upright state (neutral position) shown in FIG.

By the way, when the ornament 10 is tilted, the connecting portion 13 which may cause particularly severe bending deformation.
In the elongation side of the base material 20 made of an elastomer resin, a tensile stress acts, but the metal glitter layer 22 formed on the base material 20 by the vacuum metallization treatment, and the top coat layer 23 covering the metal glitter layer 22 Is suppressed, and even if rust is generated due to crack generation, the spread of rust to other parts and peeling of the top coat layer 23 are avoided. In other words, on the other hand, it has a microstructure in which innumerable fine flake-like metal particles 22a constituting the metal thin film layer 22 are individually surrounded by the valleys 22b and are substantially isolated. On the other hand, the thin translucent top coat layer 23 formed on the metal thin film layer 22 has flexibility in itself,
It covers the metal particles 22a and penetrates into the valleys 22b and adheres tightly to the base coat layer 21 on the base material 20. Because it does not spread to them. The generation and propagation of visible rust and peeling of the glittering layer 22 can be greatly reduced because the generation of cracks in the metal glittering layer 22 and / or the top coat layer 23 can be largely suppressed and the rust can be prevented from spreading. Can be effectively prevented, and the original decorative function of the glittering layer 22, that is, the aesthetic appearance of the ornament 10 can be stably maintained for a long period of time.

FIG. 5 shows FIGS. 1 to 3 according to the embodiment described above.
7 shows the deformation of the base attached to the top surface of the front end of the engine hood H in the ornament shown in FIG. The ornament 30 according to the present embodiment also includes a base 31, a main body (not shown) arranged at a position separated from the engine hood H, and a connecting part 33 for connecting the base 31 and the main body to each other.
These are integrally formed as a whole using an elastomer resin as a base material. Note that FIG.
And only a part of the connecting portion 33 are shown. In this example,
On the back surface of the base 31, a double-sided adhesive tape 31a and a pair of embedded bolts 31b, 31c are provided as mounting means for positioning and positioning the ornament 30 with respect to the engine hood H. These studs 31b, 31c
It is integrally connected with a predetermined rigidity by a connecting plate 31d embedded in the inside 31. The embedded bolts 31b, 31c
Through the corresponding holes formed in the engine hood H, and then fastening the bolts 35b and 35c from the back side of the engine hood HE with the washers 34b and 34c therebetween, thereby positioning the ornament 30 with respect to the engine hood H.・ It goes without saying that it is fixed. Ornament according to this example
30, excluding the above difference, including the point of forming a metal thin film layer by vacuum metallization on a base material made of an elastomer resin,
The configuration and function are basically the same as those according to the above-described embodiment.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show another embodiment of the metallic glitter product according to the present invention, which is a center hub cap having a wheel disc (not shown) in a passenger car as a support. It is arranged on the center axis C of the wheel. The hub cap 40 according to the present example includes a base 41 including a number of radially outwardly projecting portions corresponding to the number of wheel nuts, and a substantially cup-shaped main body 42 that is spaced apart from the base 41 and axially outwardly project. And a connecting portion 43 formed of a thin portion for connecting the base portion 41 and the main body portion 42 to each other, all of which are integrally formed using an elastomer resin as a base material. Hub cap 40
Is attached to the wheel disc, the radially projecting portion of the base 41 can be engaged with the tapered portion of the wheel nut N located behind the hexagonal head. Base 41
It is advantageous to provide a reinforcing ring 44, preferably made of a metal wire. The reinforcing ring 44 has a shape protruding radially outward at a protruding portion of the base 41 that can be engaged with the tapered portion of the wheel nut N. Also in this example, a metal thin film layer similar to that shown in FIG. 4 is formed on the base material made of the elastomer resin in the hub cap 40 by vacuum metallization. On the outer end face in the axial direction of the main body portion 42, an annular outer peripheral portion 42a and a display portion 42b representing a character, a graphic, a symbol, or a combination thereof, located inside the outer peripheral portion 42a are provided. In this example, it is assumed that the character "H" or the like is displayed in the display portion 42b. In the outer peripheral portion 42a and the display portion 42b, the bright color of the metal thin film layer is made visible from the outside. In addition, a portion other than the outer peripheral portion 42a and the display portion 42b on the outer end surface in the axial direction of the main body portion 42 is defined as a different-color background portion 42c having a color tone different from the metallic bright color. The background portion 42c is formed by, for example, applying an appropriate color organic paint. Since the organic paint has high adhesion to the top coat layer of the substrate, there is no need to worry about peeling.

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, since the base material itself of the metallic glitter product is entirely or partially made of the elastomer resin, even if the metallic glitter product comes into contact with an external object, the metallic glitter product is subjected to an external force. When the external force is applied, the entire product elastically bends with respect to the support, and when the external force is released, the product returns to the initial state. Furthermore, when the metallic glitter product bends under the action of an external force, even if a tensile stress acts on the elongation side of the base portion made of the elastomer resin, the product is formed on the base material made of the elastomer resin by vacuum metallization. The metal thin film layer is visible as an integral metal glittering surface as a whole, but a microstructure in which a myriad of fine flake-like metal particles are surrounded by valleys on the entire circumference and exist in a substantially isolated state Having a thin translucent protective film layer formed on the metal thin film layer, which itself has flexibility,
Since the metal particles are coated and enter the valley and adhere to the base material, the generation of cracks in the metal glittering layer and the protective coating layer covering the metal glittering layer is suppressed. Also, even if cracks occur, rusting of the metal glittering layer remains in an extremely fine range that is not visible, and it is possible to effectively prevent the spread of rust and peeling of the protective coating layer, and This makes it possible to stably maintain the original decorative function, that is, the beauty of the product itself for a long period of time.

It should be noted that the specific embodiments described above are merely examples of preferred embodiments and do not limit the present invention. It goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various modified forms. For example, the present invention can be applied to a side mirror housing and interior parts for a passenger car.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a metallic glitter product according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view showing a fine structure of a metal thin film layer in a base material of a metal glitter product according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a means for attaching a metallic glitter product to a support according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing a metallic glitter product according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 6;

[Explanation of symbols]

 10, 30, 40 Metal brilliant products 11, 31, 41 Base 12, 42 Body 12b, 42b Display 13, 33, 43 Connection 20 Base material 21 Base coat layer 22 Metal thin film layer 22a Flaky metal particles 22b Valley 23 Topcoat layer H Engine hood as support

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-10-735 (JP, A) JP-A 9-156034 (JP, A) JP-A-56-92053 (JP, A) JP-A-59-920 49961 (JP, A) JP-A-10-329499 (JP, A) JP-A 62-177556 (JP, U) JP-A 55-146349 (JP, U) JP-A 6-74394 (JP, U) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B32B 15/08 B44C 5/00

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. A support comprising: a base attached to a support; a main body disposed at a position separated from the base; and a connecting part connecting the base and the main body to each other. A metal glitter product to be attached, wherein at least a connecting portion is made of an elastomer resin that is elastically bent under the action of an external force and restores to an initial state when the external force is released, and a base made of the elastomer resin. A metal thin film layer is formed on the material by a vacuum metallization process, and the entire surface of the metal thin film layer is visually observed as an integrated metal brilliant surface, but countless fine flaky metal particles surround the entire circumference in a valley. Having a microstructure that exists substantially in an isolated state, a thin protective layer having a light transmitting property and flexibility is formed on the metal thin film layer,
The metal glittering product, wherein the protective layer covers the flaky metal particles and penetrates into the valleys to adhere to the substrate. 2. The base material includes a base coat layer made of a flexible synthetic resin as a surface layer, the metal thin film layer is formed on the base coat layer, and the protective layer adheres to the base coat at the valley. The metallic brilliant product according to claim 1, characterized in that: 3. The metal glittering product according to claim 1, wherein the valley has a width smaller than a particle diameter of the flaky metal particles. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body includes a display portion including a character, a graphic, a symbol, or a combination thereof.
The metallic glitter product according to claim 1. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said base includes means for attaching said product to said support.
5. The metallic glitter product according to any one of 4. 6. The base, the main body, and the connecting portion.
The metal glitter product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least the main body portion and the connection portion are integrally formed. 7. The metal glittering product according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion has an outer shape having substantially no edge. 8. The metal forming the metal thin film layer is lead,
The metallic brilliant product according to claim 1, wherein the product is aluminum, tin, indium, or an alloy thereof.