Skin for a vehicle interior trim part comprising a light source
US11794642B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 2021 |
| Grant date | Oct 24, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60K2360/345
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The skin (1) comprises at least a translucent elastomeric layer (5) composed of a pigmented plastic material and comprising at least one first portion (8) which is configured to be placed in front of a light source (9). The light of this light source (9) produces an image on this first portion (8) of the translucent layer due to the presence of a surface relief (17, 18) on the surface of the translucent layer (5). A clearly visible image can be obtained by providing even small differences in thickness of the translucent layer (5) when the pigmented plastic material thereof has an average spectral attenuation coefficient (αav) of between 1.0 and 25 mm−1. The difference in layer thickness (d2−d1) and the average spectral attenuation coefficient (αav) should moreover be large enough to meet the formula: αav(d2−d1)>−In a, wherein a is equal to 0.50. Since the surface relief (17, 18) can automatically be produced when moulding the translucent layer (5) against a mould surface, the image can easily be obtained in the correct position on the skin (1).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.