IP Library Granted Patent US 12668175
Granted Patent B2
US 12668175 · App. 17/593,719 · Granted Jun 30, 2026

Motor vehicle having a decorative part or trim part in the external region

Inventors: Stefan Adler (Munich, DE); Sabrina Duessel (Starnberg, DE); Arne Koehler (Pliening, DE); Haci Korkusuz Janket (Putzbrunn, DE)
Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
B60Q1/28B60R19/52F21S43/15F21S43/26B60R2019/525
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12668175
App. No.
17/593,719
Granted
Jun 30, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

In a motor vehicle, an elongated contour of a decorative part or trim part which is visible from outside the vehicle is illuminated in the external region. Such a contour may be, for example, a bead of a decorative part or trim part which, for example, is particularly striking or forms part of a vehicle manufacturer's typical design language. In darkness, the contour, which would otherwise no longer be discernible, is then readily visible due to the illumination. This increases the significance of the visual appearance of the vehicle in darkness.

Claims (24)

1 . A motor vehicle, comprising:

a decorative part or trim part in an exterior region of the motor vehicle, wherein

an elongated contour of the decorative part or trim part, which is visible from outside the vehicle, is illuminated, wherein

the decorative part or trim part has an at least substantially opaque chrome or paint layer in a region of the elongated contour on the outside visible from outside the vehicle,

the chrome or paint layer is applied onto an at least partially translucent plastic material into which light is introduced for illuminating the contour, and

the chrome or paint layer has at least one interruption and/or recess along the contour through which light introduced into the at least partially translucent plastic material emerges to the outside.

2 . The motor vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein

an outer contour of the decorative part or trim part, which is visible from outside the vehicle, is illuminated.

3 . The motor vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein

a recess in the decorative part or trim part, which is visible from outside the vehicle, is circumferentially illuminated.

4 . The motor vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein

lighting is integrated into the decorative part or trim part.

5 . The motor vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein

the decorative part or trim part is a radiator grille.

6 . The motor vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein

the at least partially translucent plastic material is adhesively bonded to the remaining decorative part or trim part in a waterproof manner.

7 . The motor vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the illuminated elongated contour defines a shape that is associated with a vehicle brand.

8 . A method for manufacturing a decorative part or trim part of a motor vehicle, the decorative part or trim part being for an exterior region of the vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

a. applying a primer onto the decorative part or trim part, wherein the decorative part or trim part has an elongated contour, which is visible from outside the vehicle, that is illuminated with lighting integrated into the decorative part or trim part;

b. removing the primer in a region of at least one interruption and/or recess for light emission; and

c. chrome-plating or painting the decorative part or trim part in the region of the contour, wherein the paint or chrome remains adhered only to the primer.

9 . A method for manufacturing a decorative part or trim part of a motor vehicle, the decorative part or trim part being for an exterior region of the vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

a. applying a primer or a second component onto the decorative part or trim part, wherein the decorative part or trim part has an elongated contour, which is visible from outside the vehicle, that is illuminated with lighting integrated into the decorative part or trim part, and a region of at least one interruption and/or recess remains free for light emission; and

b. chrome-plating or painting the decorative part or trim part in the region of the contour, wherein the paint or chrome remains adhered only to the primer or second component.