DE10025360C1 - Decorative strip for internal use in cars comprises upper strip with decorative outer surface which fits into recess in lower strip, inside upwardly-sloping outer section with different decorative outer surface - Google Patents

Abstract

Decorative strip for internal use in cars comprises an upper strip (1) with a decorative outer surface (5). This fits into a recess in a lower strip (2), inside an upwardly-sloping outer section with a different decorative outer surface (6). The edges (3) of the upper strip are cut and fit into shallower recesses (4) so that they are form a butt joint (7) with the back of the sloping section. An Independent claim is included for a method for making the strip.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a composite trim part, in particular for the decorative interior of vehicles, and a Method of manufacturing a composite trim part.

State of the art

In motor vehicles, but also in rail, air and Decorative trim is used for watercraft. There is an increasing trend in the automotive industry in particular Trend, the design of the vehicle interior to upgrade high-quality decorative parts, for example in the form of panels, Moldings and covers, e.g. B. precious wood, aluminum, Have chrome or carbon surfaces. A typical one Real wood trim consists of a carrier, e.g. B. made of aluminum or plastic, blind veneer Interlayers, e.g. B. made of beech wood, and one on it arranged fine wood veneer. The fine wood veneer is typically by applying several layers of clear lacquer sealed.

In addition to such real wood trim, for example Plastic trim or metal trim used. Plastic trim parts are, for example, with a decorative Chrome coating or covered with a decorative film. Furthermore, decorative part surfaces can also be printed or being shaped.

With older vehicles, for example, it was also known massive wooden slats with chromed metal slats too  combine, the metal bar with the wooden bar was screwed. This creates a composite trim, that combines two decorative surfaces. On such composite trim from previous vehicles however, large gaps and striking transition dividing lines from the chrome-plated strip to the solid wood part. Different manufacturing tolerances between the Chrome bar and the wooden bar could not balance become. Such a composite trim part is therefore not sufficient more the highs set today by the automotive industry Requirements for an optically perfect surface from Decorative parts that also offer a pleasant feel when you it touches.

DE 81 25 242 U1 is a decorative and ram protection strip known as preferably on the side parts of a Motor vehicle body are attached. This molding shows a retroreflective element, which is a decorative Has visible surface and a back surface. The The molding itself has a second decorative visible surface and an adjacent one to this decorative visible surface Joining surface. The two decorative visible surfaces of the both elements are juxtaposed with theirs Butt edges joined together along a butt joint, whereby the joining surface of the trim and the back surface of the Reflecting element form a connection area in which the two elements are firmly connected.

Presentation of the invention

The invention is therefore based on the technical problem a composite trim part and a method for producing a Specify composite trim that the combination two  various decorative visible surfaces with an optical and haptically flawless transition realized.

According to the invention, this technical problem is solved by one Composite trim part with the features of claim 1 and a manufacturing process with the features of Claim 18 solved.

The composite trim part according to the invention consists of a first trim element, which is a first decorative Visible surface on the front and one Has back surface. This also includes Composite trim part a second trim element that on the Front has a second decorative visible surface, which are different from the visible surface of the first Decorative part element is formed. To the decorative Visible surface of the second trim element borders on the Front side forming a butt edge one by one defined depth dimension deepened  arranged contact surface. There is another border with respect to the contact surface again arranged deeply Joining surface. The first trim element has one in one Butt edge ending projection, which after completion of the first decorative visible surface of the first Trim element by machining or material removal Machining of the back surface is made. The The advantage is a defined thickness manufactured to the defined depth dimension of the contact surface corresponds to the second trim element or by one defined height offset is chosen smaller or larger than the defined depth dimension. The advantage lies on the Contact surface on and the two decorative visible surfaces of the two trim elements are side by side with their abutting edges joined together along a butt joint. The joining surface of the second trim element and the Back surface of the first trim element are at least partially overlapping and form between them a connection area in which the two Trim elements are firmly connected.

In the composite trim part according to the invention, one receives visually and haptically flawless transition between the two trim elements and thus between the two various decorative visible surfaces. The transition the butt joint is precisely defined and is subject to only extremely small tolerance fluctuations. The target transition can either be set flush or in the form of a small, defined height offset can be designed. Because in practice it is sometimes desirable from the outset the one trim element in a defined manner on the to let adjacent trim element protrude because then the slight tolerance fluctuations in production in the visual appearance practically imperceptible impact.  

According to the invention, the projection after the manufacture of the decorative visible surface machined to its finished size and from the back, for example by milling. So you go from the actual dimension of the first trim element and processed in reference to the finished surface the lead to a tightly tolerated desired thickness. This thickness measure is in the desired manner on the depth measure matched the bearing surface of the second trim element. So you get either a flush transition or one predetermined height offset. For example, if the first Trim element is a precious wood trim, as it started was explained by way of example, the thickness of this is subject Trim element inevitable tolerance fluctuations. This Tolerance fluctuations result from the fact that the Fine wood veneer is a natural product. But especially bears also the varnish layer applied in several layers the precious wood veneer to inevitable tolerance fluctuations at. These tolerances have an effect according to the invention not on the transition between the two decorative visible surfaces, since they are with the manufacture of the lead are balanced.

In a favorable embodiment of the invention Butt joint of the two decorative pieces joined together Visible surfaces are flush and have a maximum tolerance-related height offset of ± 0.3 mm.

In another advantageous embodiment, the Defined height offset designed so that the decorative Visible surface of the second trim element over the decorative visible surface of the first trim element protrudes. The defined height offset is preferably on the butt joint of the two decorative pieces joined together Visible surfaces selected from a range of 0.2-0.5 mm. The setpoint selected from this range for the Defined height offset then only shows, for example a tolerance-related deviation of ± 0.2 mm. In  the defined one can accordingly Height offset can be reversed, so that the Visible surface of the first trim element over the Visible surface of the second trim element protrudes.

It is convenient if the abutting edges of the two Trim elements, seen from the visible surface, enclose an angle of 3 ° to 20 ° between them. By this measure is a particularly close one Butt joint achievable.

The desired, visually and haptically flawless transition is between the two decorative visible surfaces realizes the lead and the contact surface. Regarding the connection technology with which the two trim elements to be firmly connected, you are with your choice largely free, since the quality of the transition is not being affected. So it can vary depending on the specific existing conditions, such as the one to be connected Material combination, various joining techniques for Come into play.

In one embodiment, the fixed connection of the two Trim elements in the connection area by a Adhesive layer can be formed, for example in the form of a 1- Component glue or a 2-component glue. Next this, known to the expert adhesive systems, their concrete Choice of the material combination of the two Decorative elements in the connection area, can Of course, other suitable adhesives can also be used.

In another embodiment, the fixed connection is the two trim elements in the connection area by riveting manufactured. Here are preferably on the back surface the first decorative part element provided cup-like openings and fittingly in the second trim element Through holes through which a rivet is inserted  can be. Spreads during the production of the rivet connection the rivet then forms an undercut the cup-like opening. But also can Blind rivets on the back surface of the first Decorative part element to be formed by matching arranged through openings in the second trim element reach through and on the back of the second Trim part elements are flanged or spread.

Another cheap embodiment of the connection technology is the firm connection of the two Trim elements in the connection area by welding to produce, such as by friction welding or Ultrasonic welding. Preferably are on the Back surface of the first trim element cup-like Openings provided in the corresponding pin on the Joining surface of the second trim element under formation engage an undercut, the pin through a Ultrasonic welding process in the cup-like openings are melted into it. For example, the Back surface of the first trim element from a Metal carrier layer can be formed, the cup-like Has openings. The pegs on the joint surface of the second Decorative element can for example be made of a plastic consist of the corresponding by ultrasonic welding in the cup-like openings are melted in and after the re-rigidity by the realized Undercut forms a firm connection.

For the firm connection of the two trim elements together it is sufficient if individual adhesive, rivet or welds spread over the connection area become. Definitely should connect the two Decorative part elements are made so that a firm support of the Projection on the contact surface is guaranteed. How mentioned other suitable joining techniques be used.  

The two trim elements that make up the composite trim result in principle in various ways be built and designed. It can be so different decorative surfaces in one Combine composite trim. This results in an enormous Numerous new design options for trim parts.

In a preferred embodiment, the first is decorative visible surface of the first trim element a decorative layer. The decorative layer is preferred as Veneer layer, textile layer or film layer formed. However, it can also be done in any other way be designed. Preferred veneer layers consist of Real wood, especially precious wood, paper, cork or Natural stone. The decorative layers can also be printed or be provided with a surface embossing. Farther can also be processed in other ways his. The decorative layer is preferably at least one partially transparent coating. The coating, which can also be colored, for example, from a Lacquer layer, one for example by injection molding applied layer or a film layer.

In a further embodiment, the first Decorative element on at least one carrier layer, the is firmly connected to the decorative layer on the back. The at least one carrier layer is preferably made of metal, Wood or plastic. As with conventional ones Precious wood trim parts can do several Backing layers made of different materials, such as a Metal carrier with additional layers of blind veneer made of wood, be provided.

The second trim element consists of an inexpensive one Design form made of metal, plastic or wood. In particular can the second trim element with a decorative  Be provided surface coating, such as one Chrome plating or the like. As already mentioned, can both the first and the second trim element have any desired construction.

A method according to the invention will now be described below Production of a composite trim part described. Doing so a first trim element with a desired first decorative visible surface and a back surface manufactured. The production of the first trim element takes place in a manner known to the person skilled in the art and is of course depending on the desired concrete design of the first trim element. Then the Machining the back surface of the first trim element or removing material, e.g. B. machined by milling to to form a projection with a butt edge, the one has a defined thickness. Parallel to manufacturing and The first trim element is machined Production of a second trim element with a desired second decorative visible surface. The The second trim element is produced in such a way that adhere to the decorative visible surface, forming a Butt edge a defined recessed support surface connects and adjoins a joining surface, which in turn is recessed to the support surface. Joining follows of the two trim elements by the protrusion of the first Trim element on the support surface of the second Decorative element is placed such that the two decorative visible surfaces with their abutting edges are joined together. The two trim elements are in a connection area between the back surface of the first trim element and the joining surface of the second Trim element firmly connected.

In one embodiment of the method, the step of joining an adhesive layer at least on partial areas of the Joining surface of the second trim element and / or the  Back surface of the first trim element applied, and the firm connection takes place by reaction or hardening the adhesive layer. Alternatively, an adhesive after the Step of joining through at least one through opening in the second trim element introduced into the connection area and the solid connection in turn by reacting or curing the adhesive layer.

In preferred embodiments, the fixed connection takes place of the two trim elements by riveting or Welding.

Brief description of the drawings

The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention Described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows:

Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of a first embodiment of the composite trim part according to the invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a second embodiment of the composite trim part according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic sectional detail view of a third embodiment of the composite trim part according to the invention before joining.

Fig. 4 is a schematic sectional detail view of the composite trim part of Fig. 3 after joining.

Description of exemplary embodiments of the invention

The first exemplary embodiment of a composite decorative part shown in FIG. 1 consists of a first decorative part element 1 and a second decorative part element 2 , which are firmly connected to one another.

The first trim element 1 has a decorative visible surface 5 . In the example, the decorative visible surface is a fine wood veneer with a transparent lacquer coating. For reasons of clarity, the layer structure of the first trim element 1 is not shown in detail. It is, for example, a structure known per se from a metal carrier with blind veneer layers provided thereon and the noble wood veneer with lacquer sealing arranged thereon. The first trim element 1 has a subsequently produced projection 3 .

The second trim element 2 has a decorative visible surface 6 . In the example, it is a plastic strip that is chrome-plated in the area of the decorative visible surface 6 . Adjacent to the decorative visible surface 6 , a recessed support surface 4 is provided in the second trim element 2 . A joining surface 8 is formed adjoining this and again recessed.

The two decorative part elements 1 and 2 are joined together in such a way that the decorative visible surface 5 directly abuts the decorative visible surface 6 . Here, a butt joint 7 is formed. The projection 3 of the first trim element 1 lies on the support surface 4 of the second trim element. A slightly defined height offset is formed on the butt joint in such a way that the decorative visible surface 6 of the second decorative element 2 protrudes over the decorative visible surface 5 of the first decorative element 1 . From Fig. 1 it can also be seen that the abutting edges of the two trim elements 1 and 2 enclose a small angle in the region of the butt joint. This also ensures that the two abutting edges nestle close together and a perfect butt joint 7 is present. The two decorative part elements 1 and 2 are firmly connected to one another in a connection area between a rear face 9 of the first decorative part element 1 and the joining surface 8 of the second decorative part element 2 by means of an adhesive layer 10 .

After the production of the first decorative part element 1, the projection 3 is manufactured by subsequent milling of its rear side and machined to a desired, defined thickness dimension D. The projection 3 is milled in reference to the decorative visible surface 5 . The contact surface 4 of the second trim element 2 is arranged recessed by a defined depth dimension T to the edge of the decorative visible surface 6 . In the example, the thickness dimension D of the projection 3 is selected to be slightly smaller than the predetermined depth dimension T. This results in the desired defined height offset at the butt joint 7 when the projection 3 lies firmly on the bearing surface 4 . The subsequent milling out of the projection 3 with respect to the lacquer surface ensures that the projection always has the desired thickness dimension D, regardless of the thickness of the first trim element 1 that is actually present at first. Because, as explained at the beginning, this actual thickness is naturally subject to certain fluctuations, in particular as a result of the multilayer coating. The projection 3 subsequently milled in reference to the lacquer surface therefore always has the desired thickness dimension D in relation to the predetermined depth dimension T. A defined transition at the butt joint 7 can thus be ensured, either in the form of a flush transition or in the form of a defined height offset.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the projection 3 has a greater length dimension than the associated contact surface 4 . This also ensures that the two decorative part elements 1 and 2 are in any case adjacent to each other along the butt joint 7 and that there is no undesired contact of the first decorative part element 1 with the shoulder between the contact surface 4 and the joining surface 8 .

The second exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2 differs from the first exemplary embodiment only in the type of fixed connection of the two decorative part elements 1 and 2 . In Fig. 2 (as well as in Fig. 3 and 4) the same or corresponding components are provided with the same reference numerals as in Fig. 1, so that reference is made in this respect to the preceding explanations. In FIG. 2, a rivet is shown by way of example. Overall, several such rivet connections are suitably distributed over the composite trim part.

The first decorative part element 1 has on its rear side a metal carrier layer 11 which is provided with a cup-like opening 13 for each desired rivet connection. The second trim element 2 suitably has a through opening 15 . The cup-like opening 13 engages in the through opening 15 . With a known device for setting rivets, a rivet 12 is set, which spreads into the cup-like opening 13 . The rivet 12 forms an undercut with respect to the cup-like opening 13 . Thus, the two trim elements 1 and 2 are clamped together by the rivet 12 and firmly connected to each other. The riveted connection is therefore an alternative to the adhesive connection.

The third exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 3 and 4 shows a further connection possibility. Here, the fixed connection is realized by an ultrasonic welded connection. The first decorative part element 1 has a metal carrier layer 11 with a cup-like opening 13 for each desired welding point. The second trim element 2 has a pin 14 per weld. Fig. 3 illustrates how the pin is inserted in the arrow direction in the associated cup-like opening 13 14.

FIG. 4 shows the finished connection state of a welding point corresponding to FIG. 3. After inserting the pin 14 into the opening 13 , the pin is melted into the cup-like opening 13 by means of an ultrasound sonotrode 16 (only shown schematically). The pin 14 forms an undercut with the cup-like opening 13 of the metal carrier layer 11 . The pin 14 consists of a plastic suitable for ultrasonic welding. After the welding process, the pin 14 solidifies in its engaged state in the associated opening 13 . A fixed connection of the two decorative part elements 1 and 2 is thus also realized.

Compared to the adhesive connection, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the two other exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 2-4 offer the advantage that the handling and application of the adhesive and the time for the adhesive 10 to react completely are eliminated. In particular, the third exemplary embodiment in FIGS . 3 and 4 does not require any additional connecting means to be handled, while in the two other variants shown either the additional adhesive 10 or the rivet elements 12 are required. Even with blind rivets that are prefabricated on the first trim element, no additional parts are required.

Claims (21)

1. composite trim, especially for the decorative interior of vehicles, with

• - A first trim element ( 1 ), which has a first decorative visible surface ( 5 ) on the front and a rear surface ( 9 ), and
• a second decorative part element ( 2 ) which has a second decorative visible surface ( 6 ) on the front, which is designed differently from the first decorative visible surface ( 5 ), and a joining surface ( 8 ),
• - Wherein the decorative visible surfaces ( 5 , 6 ) of the two trim elements ( 1 , 2 ) side by side with their abutting edges along a butt joint ( 7 ) are joined together, and
• - The joining surface ( 8 ) of the second trim element ( 2 ) and the rear surface ( 9 ) of the first trim element ( 1 ) are arranged at least partially overlapping and form a connection area between them, in which the two trim elements ( 1 , 2 ) are firmly connected ( 10 ; 12 , 13 ; 14 , 13 ),

characterized in that the second trim element ( 2 ), adjacent to the second decorative visible surface ( 6 ) on the front to form a butt edge, has a support surface ( 4 ) which is recessed by a defined depth dimension (T) and which in turn is in relation to the support surface ( 4 ) deepens the joint surface ( 8 ) again,

• - The first trim element ( 1 ) has a projection ( 3 ) ending in a butt edge, which after completion of the first decorative visible surface ( 5 ) of the first trim element ( 1 ) by material-removing processing of its rear surface ( 9 ) with a defined thickness dimension (D. ) is manufactured, and
• - The projection ( 3 ) rests on the bearing surface ( 4 ).

2. Composite trim part according to claim 1, characterized in that the butt joint ( 7 ) of the two decorative surfaces ( 5 , 6 ) joined together has a flush transition with a maximum tolerance-related height offset of ± 0.3 mm. 3. Composite trim part according to claim 1, characterized in that the setpoint of the defined height offset at the butt joint ( 7 ) of the two decorative surfaces ( 5 , 6 ) joined together is selected from a range of 0.2-0.5 mm. 4. composite trim according to claim 1, characterized in that the abutting edges of the two trim elements ( 1 , 2 ), seen from the visible surface ( 5 , 6 ), enclose an angle of 3 ° to 20 ° between them. 5. composite trim part according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixed connection of the two trim part elements ( 1 , 2 ) in the connection area is formed by an adhesive layer ( 10 ). 6. composite trim part according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixed connection of the two trim part elements ( 1 , 2 ) is made in the connection area by riveting ( 12 ). 7. composite trim part according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixed connection of the two trim part elements ( 1 , 2 ) in the connection area is made by welding ( 13 , 14 ). 8. composite trim part according to claim 7, characterized in that on the rear side surface ( 9 ) of the first trim part element ( 1 ) cup-like openings ( 13 ) are provided, in the corresponding pin ( 14 ) on the joining surface ( 8 ) of the second trim part element ( 2 ) intervene to form an undercut, the pins ( 14 ) being melted into the cup-like openings ( 13 ) by an ultrasonic welding process ( 16 ). 9. A composite decorative part according to claim 1, characterized in that the first decorative visible surface ( 5 ) of the first decorative part element ( 1 ) consists of a decorative layer, preferably with an at least partially transparent coating. 10. composite trim part according to claim 9, characterized characterized in that the decorative layer as Veneer layer, preferably made of real wood, paper or Natural stone, as a textile layer or as a film layer is trained. 11. A composite trim part according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the first trim element ( 1 ) has at least one carrier layer ( 11 ), preferably made of metal, wood or plastic, which is firmly connected on the back ( 9 ) to the decorative layer. 12. Composite trim according to claim 1, characterized in that the second trim element ( 2 ) consists of metal, plastic or wood. 13. A composite trim according to claim 12, characterized in that the second trim element ( 2 ) is provided with a decorative surface coating ( 6 ). 14. Composite trim part according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projection ( 3 ) of the first trim part element ( 1 ) is produced by machining. 15. Composite trim part according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thickness dimension (D) of the projection ( 3 ) corresponds to the depth dimension (T) of the bearing surface ( 4 ). 16. Composite trim part according to one of claims 1-14, characterized in that the depth dimension (T) of the projection ( 3 ) is smaller by a defined higher offset than the depth dimension (T) of the contact surface ( 4 ). 17. A composite trim part according to any one of claims 1-14, characterized in that the thickness dimension (D) of the projection ( 3 ) is chosen to be greater than the depth dimension (T) of the contact surface ( 4 ) by a defined height offset. 18. A method for producing a composite trim part comprising the following steps:

• - Manufacture of a first decorative part element ( 1 ) with a first desired decorative visible surface ( 5 ) and a rear surface ( 9 ) and
• - Subsequent material-removing processing of the rear surface ( 9 ) of the first trim element ( 1 ) to form a projection ( 3 ) with a butt edge, which has a defined thickness dimension (D), and
• - producing a second trim piece member (2) having a desired second decorative show surface (6) and an adjacent thereto to form an abutting edge and defines recessed (T) disposed support surface (4) and a position adjacent to the support surface (4) and to deepen arranged joining surface ( 8 );
• - Joining of the two decorative part elements ( 1 , 2 ) by placing the projection ( 3 ) of the first decorative part element ( 1 ) on the bearing surface ( 4 ) of the second decorative part element ( 2 ) in such a way that the two decorative visible surfaces ( 5 , 6 ) are included their abutting edges are directly joined together ( 7 );
• - Firmly connecting the two trim elements ( 1 , 2 ) to one another in a connection area between the rear surface ( 9 ) of the first trim element ( 1 ) and the joining surface ( 8 ) of the second trim element ( 2 ).

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that before the step of joining, an adhesive layer ( 10 ) is applied to at least partial areas of the joining surface ( 8 ) of the second decorative part element ( 2 ) and / or the rear surface ( 9 ) of the first decorative part element ( 1 ) is and the firm connection takes place by reacting or curing the adhesive layer ( 10 ). 20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that after the step of joining an adhesive through at least a through opening in the second trim element in the connection area is introduced and and that firm connection by reaction or hardening of the Adhesive layer is done. 21. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that the fixed connection of the two trim elements ( 1 , 2 ) by riveting ( 12 ) or welding ( 13 , 14 , 16 ).