DE102009032815A1 - Lacquer film product for applying a seamless surface over an object embedded in a carrier element, comprises a transparent area, which is arrangeable over the object, a transparent film layer, and a transparent cover layer - Google Patents

Abstract

The lacquer film product (1) for applying a seamless surface over an object (3) embedded in a carrier element (2), comprises a transparent area (4), which is arrangeable over the object, a transparent film layer (5), and a transparent cover layer in-situ produced using a hardenable material by supplied energy, where the cover layer is arranged on one side of the film layer turned away from the carrier element. The film layer has one of a screen printed layer and a base coat layer at one side of the film layer onto an area that does not contain the transparent area. The lacquer film product (1) for applying a seamless surface over an object (3) embedded in a carrier element (2), comprises a transparent area (4), which is arrangeable over the object, a transparent film layer (5), and a transparent cover layer in-situ produced using a hardenable material by supplied energy, where the cover layer is arranged on one side of the film layer turned away from the carrier element. The film layer has one of a screen printed layer and a base coat layer at one side of the film layer onto an area that does not contain the transparent area. The hardened transparent cover layer is made of hardenable material by photonic or electronic radiation energy. The hardenable material comprises a first ethylene group containing polymer with a mole mass of more than 2000 g/mole, a second ethylene group containing polymer with a mole mass of less than 2000 g/mole, and a third ethylene group containing polymer that is a thermoplastic polymer. The hardenable material absorbs the photonic radiation with a wavelength range of 250-400 nm. The hardenable material absorbs the electronic radiation in an energy range of 150-300 keV, provides the cover layer, and has a removable protective layer at the side turned away from the film layer. A side of the film layer and/or the screen printed layer turned to the carrier element and the object has an adhesive layer. The film layer is a composite film made of two or more films. Independent claims are included for: (1) a carrier element; and (2) a method for providing a carrier element.

Description

The The invention relates to a paint film product which is suitable seamless surface over one in a carrier element to provide embedded object. Furthermore, one with the paint film product coated carrier element with embedded object and discloses the corresponding manufacturing process.

Out the prior art is known, seamless transparent surfaces in paint or screen printing surfaces to produce, the so created surfaces but not scratch resistant and are not suitable for the production of metallic effects. Further The production of seamless lighting elements is known by means of a punched lacquer foil which is back-injected with polymethylmethacrylate will be produced. However, the size is the transparent area here by the injection molding used limited in space. In addition, the injection molding technique requires very high tooling costs.

The WO 2005/080484 and the EP 2005/001672 describe the use of radiation-curable compositions for the production of high-quality surfaces of films or composite laminate panels for the coating of molded parts.

In the DE 10 2004 012 467 B4 discloses a vehicle film component and a method for its production, which is technically simple and joint-free to produce. The film is inserted into the component mold and adapted, and at least partially backfilled with a plastic layer, wherein before the backfill a hole with a predetermined contour is introduced into the film, after which the film is backfilled with a transparent plastic at least in the region of the hole.

Another seamless surface is in the DE 10 2005 043 499 A1 discloses: There is described an outdoor lamp of a motor vehicle in the surrounding body structure. The headlamp described therein, which is formed of a transparent plastic, such as polycarbonate, is seamlessly and flush integrated in the surrounding contour by a subsequent to a light exit panel trim panel is provided with an outer coating, or with a conventional topcoat.

Also in the DE 10 2005 043 500 A1 a lighting arrangement is set forth, which allows easy fitting of the headlamp with the light exit opening in the surrounding contour. Also there, the transition region between the cover with the light exit area and the cowling is seamless and flush designed by the headlamp housing both the cover, which contains the light exit surface, as well as the cover surrounding the cover panel, wherein the trim part has a paint, so that as visible outline contour only the cover and / or the light exit surface remains unpainted.

In the DE 10 2007 029 716 A1 a plastic component is described, which comprises a plastic layer with an externally applied film, which has a cutout, in which a transparent protective layer is provided. The plastic layer lying behind the film is transparent at least in the area of the cutout. A radiation-curable clearcoat can form the transparent protective layer.

outgoing From this prior art, it is desirable to To provide paint film product that allows over a carrier element with embedded object a paint film to arrange with the formation of a seamless surface, transparent areas should be present in the film.

These The object is achieved by a paint film product having the features of the claim 1 solved.

It exists in this context also the task of creating a corresponding, provided with an embedded object support element with seamless paint film coating.

These The object is achieved by the subject matter with the features of the claim 12 solved.

Furthermore It is desirable to provide a method that the creation of a seamless surface over a flat, embedded in a support element Object by means of a paint film product allows.

One Such method is by the method with the features of Claim 16 discloses.

further developments the respective objects are in the subclaims executed.

A first embodiment of the present invention relates to a paint film product, which serves to provide a seamless surface over a support element, in which an object is embedded, at the same time advantageously a high-quality surface, with the paint or screen printing decor, also for the representation of metallic Effects, is prepared by the film layer, which forms the basis of the paint film product, with a by means of curable material by energy supplied in situ versible transparent cover layer verse hen will. In this case, the paint film product has one or more transparent areas, depending on the design of the object to be coated. This is formed from the support member and one or more objects fitted in its surface: such as a screen in a refrigerator door or a monitor in a motor vehicle interior surface. These objects are therefore optimally protected by the paint film product and are also optimally visible, whereby by avoiding joints by means of the paint film product an aesthetic design on the one hand and perfectly clean surfaces on the other hand, which is particularly scratch resistant, chemical and weather resistant and cleanable and polishable , be created.

The Seamless, high quality surface of the top layer is created advantageous only when the curing by the supplied energy, for example in the form of photonic or electronic radiation. Therefore, the film product initially converted into the version of a precursor are then adapted to the shape of the support element can be applied before it is applied to this and the topcoat cure is left, so that the paint film final product only after customization is generated on the object to be coated.

at the curable material forming the cover layer these are ethylene group-containing polymers having a molecular weight of more than 2000 g / mol or an ethylene group-containing polymer with a molecular weight of less than 2000 g / mol and corresponding mixtures act. A thermoplastic polymer containing ethylene groups is also involved in question.

Ethylene group containing Comprise polymers having molecular weights of greater or less than 2000 g / mol any polymers of ethylenically unsaturated compounds, Polyesters, polyethers, polycarbonates, polyepoxides, polyurethanes.

A thermoplastic polymer may be a polymethyl methacrylate, a polystyrene, an impact polymethylmethacrylate or polystyrene, as well as polycarbonates or polyurethanes. A variety of polymers and compounds suitable for forming a transparent topcoat to form a high quality surface are disclosed in U.S.Pat WO 2005/080484 A1 described.

to Curing the curable material may be this Light with a wavelength range of 200 to 700 nm, preferably 200 to 500 nm and in particular from 250 to 400 nm or electronic radiation in an energy range of 150 to 300 keV get abandoned.

The Paint film product may over the topcoat as well have a removable protective layer.

In In another embodiment, the paint film product additionally have an adhesive layer, the facing the carrier element, so that it by means of adhesion attached to the support element with the embedded object becomes.

One another inventive subject is the Carrier element with an embedded object itself, the advantageous with the paint film product according to the invention is coated, and thus an optimized, jointless and durable product provides.

One corresponding method to the inventive, coated support element with embedded object too manufacture, wherein the paint film product is used and on the above-mentioned object comprises the steps the application of the screen printing layer or the basecoat layer on one side of the transparent film layer in the area where the film should not remain transparent. Of course you could also provide both sides of the film with the colored coating become.

Then the application of the curable material takes place on one the sides of the film layer, so either over the colored Precoating or on the uncoated side. It follows forming the paint film precursor according to a geometry the support element with the embedded object, wherein the curable material is arranged so that there is a top layer forms when the film layer over the Carrier element is arranged with the embedded object. Thus, the molding can be done easily, without the cover layer tears or by the during forming, such as deep drawing, resulting voltages is pre-damaged.

Now can the preformed paint film precursor on the support element be arranged, whereby by the arrangements made and by preforming the transparent area accurately over the embedded object comes to rest, making this optimally visible is.

It follows the curing process, which is at the selected Material with exposure to photonic or electronic radiation is initiated. This is the case after hardening the material the transparent cover layer with the aforementioned advantageous Features and imposes the seamless surface a flat, embedded in a support element Object ready.

in principle The transparent area can also be in the Surface of the support element embedded object extend, if for aesthetic reasons is desired.

So can with the present inventive objects beneficial any surface that is flat or free can be designed with a seamless in a paint or screen printing surface integrated transparent area equipped and an embedded Object to be made visible, while being a high quality and decorative surface is made that insensitive is against scratches, chemicals and weathering, shine has polishable and metallic effects, any Coloring or special and screen printing decor can show. The transparent areas can be any size and be executed in any form, as far as the support element allowed.

These and further advantages are provided by the following description with reference to the accompanying figures.

Of the Reference to the figures in the description is for assistance the description and the easier understanding of the Object. Objects or parts of objects, which are essentially the same or similar be provided with the same reference numerals. The figures are merely a schematic representation of an embodiment of the Invention.

there demonstrate:

1 a schematic sectional view of a paint film product according to the invention, which is arranged over a carrier element with embedded object,

2 a sketched view of a dashboard of a motor vehicle in the area of the center console, with a display as an embedded object and the paint film product according to the invention, which provides a seamless surface between the display and the surrounding armature structure.

The Paint film product of the invention serves the Providing a seamless surface over an object embedded in a support element. this will achieved by the paint film product one or more transparent Has areas that or over the embedding object (s) such as lights or displays is arranged. This will be a transparent film layer in the non-transparent areas provided with a colored coating while the area, through which the object is to be seen remains free. The proceedings for colored coating can provide the color-free To mask areas to be held so that there is no paint application takes place and the masking after the paint application are replaced again can. The paint film product is coated with a transparent topcoat provided by a curable material supplied by Energy at the desired time - about after Forming of the color-coated foil - made in-situ becomes. The cover layer forms the uppermost layer in the end result of the provided with the film product carrier element with embedded object.

The Carrier element can be flat or arbitrary three-dimensional be formed, even the object may be flat or bulge out of the carrier surface.

The fulfilled with the paint film product created surface Requirements, for example, to a surface for a motor vehicle outer skin or an interior thereof However, it is not for use in the automotive sector Restricted, she is equally suitable to items in building envelopes embed seamlessly.

Further is it for the seamless integration of objects in furniture suitable. The transparent provided with the paint film product Area can be used for the seamless integration of screens or Lighthouses are used while the surrounding area through a paint or screen printing surface designed arbitrarily can be, whereby also metallic effects can be produced.

Thereby, that the paint film product according to the invention additionally In addition to providing an in situ coatable topcoat, it also provides one mechanically and chemically insensitive surface ready. The transparent area, which is an embedded one for a viewer Object will be visible during the screen printing process generated in a known manner by the corresponding section of the Lackfolienprodukts is not printed. Also, the use of known Masking process can be a screen section in screen printing or at Protect paint against color pickup; the masks can after removed from the paint job.

applications for the paint film product in the exterior area of motor vehicles like passenger cars, commercial vehicles, buses in the embedding of advertising space or information boards, the identification indications of bus lines or markings of Hazardous substances exist.

In the automotive interior, the paint film product according to the invention can be used to create a seamless surface of an embedded Screen, a reversing camera monitor, a display of radio or navigation system and other control units.

Independently the size and geometry of the surface to be created can be any transparent areas in an environment Seamlessly integrated with screen printing decor or even metallic effects while maintaining a high quality finish provided.

1 shows a schematic sectional view of the paint film product according to the invention 1 that over the carrier element 2 into which an object 3 embedded, creating a smooth seamless surface, with a view of the embedded object 3 through the transparent area 4 is guaranteed. Starting from a first transparent film layer 5 becomes the paint film product 1 generated by a screen printing layer 7 in the sections 4 ' is printed, so that the area 4 that attach to the embedded object 3 is provided, remains transparent. The transparent area 4 can also be smaller than a surface of the embedded object 3 , giving the viewer a seamless transition between the screen printing decor 7 and the embedded object 3 is taught. A joint between the carrier element 2 and the embedded object 3 can thus be covered. In 1 is the screen printing layer 7 on the side of the first film layer 5 imprinted in the direction of the support element 2 has.

Alternatively or additionally, in 1 not shown, a screen printing layer may also be applied to the side facing away from the carrier element side of the first film layer.

On the side of the first film layer 5 that of the carrier element 2 is facing away, and which is intended to form the seamless surface, a layer of material is applied, which by supplying energy to form the transparent cover layer 6 can be cured. The paint film product 1 For example, by deep drawing before or after the application of the curable material layer according to the geometry of the support element 2 with the embedded object 3 however, the molding step must be done before the curing step. The paint film product 1 can after molding on the support element 2 and the embedded object 3 whereupon the curable material is exposed to suitable photonic or electronic radiation which results in the curing of the curable material so that the transparent cover layer 6 provided. The curable material of the paint film product 1 Alternatively, however, it may also be allowed to cure first to form the topcoat before the paint film product 1 on the carrier element 2 and the embedded object 3 is arranged.

The first, transparent film layer 5 , as the basis for the paint film product 1 may be made of a transparent thermosetting polymer such as a synthetic resin or a transparent thermoplastic polymer such as a polymethyl methacrylate, a polycarbonate or a styrene-acrylonitrile.

The execution of a screen printing layer 7 is known in the art, as well as the alternative application of a basecoat film on the film 2 ,

Like in the WO 2005/080484 A1 This may be the top layer 6 forming curable material to be a clearcoat and one or more ethylene group-containing polymers having a molecular weight of more than 2000 g / mol, at least one further ethylene group-containing polymer having a molecular weight of less than 2000 g / mol and optionally comprise a thermoplastic polymer which is also ethylene group-containing. The thermoplastic polymer may be a polymethylmethacrylate, a polystyrene, an impact-resistant polymethyl methacrylate or an impact-resistant polystyrene or else a polycarbonate or polyurethane. The other polymers having molecular weights of greater or less than 2000 g / mol include polymers of ethylenically unsaturated compounds as well as polyesters, polyethers, polycarbonates, polyepoxides and polyurethanes.

The hardenable material that is primarily a polymer blend is, may also contain solvents and further photoinitiators, Leveling agents and stabilizers. Furthermore, UV absorbers and radical scavengers, if the paint film product intended for outdoor use.

The Curing of the curable material can be achieved by an ionic or free-radical polymerization, preferably but radically and by energy supply by means of photonic or electronic radiation initiated. Depending on the type of ethylenic unsaturated compound can choose the type of radiation necessary to produce radicals that are the Start the crosslinking reaction. The photonic radiation can while in a wave range of 200 to 700 nm, preferably 200 to 500 nm and more preferably from 250 to 400 nm, ie in the UV range lie.

To avoid premature curing of the curable material, after it has been applied to the film layer, it may be covered with a suitable removable protective layer, for example, to absorb light. Depending on the viscosity of the curable Ma terials can be applied to the first layer of film by extrusion or co-extrusion or spraying; however, the curable material may also be applied by trowelling, knife coating, brushing, rolling, rolling, casting or laminating.

Becomes to initiate the polymerization reaction, electronic radiation used, the electrons can an energy range from 150 to 300 keV.

to Arrangement of the paint film product over the carrier element and the embedded object, can on the side of the paint film product, which faces the support element and the object, an adhesive Layer may be provided, so that the paint film product on the support element can be glued to the embedded object. It can however, other suitable attachment measures such as Plug can be used.

In 2 is an exemplary embodiment for the application of the paint film product 1 its arrangement shown in the dashboard of a motor vehicle. The paint film product 1 creates for the embedded display 3 a seamless, high-quality surface. The embedding of the display 3 in the fitting environment 2 Thus, in addition to the advantages that are provided by the transparent cover layer in the form of scratch resistance, chemical and weather resistance and a beautiful gloss and polishability, can with the printed area 4 ' Any decorative impression or a seamless transition to the fitting environment 2 be executed.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2005/080484 [0003]
• - EP 2005/001672 [0003]
• DE 102004012467 B4 [0004]
• - DE 102005043499 A1 [0005]
• DE 102005043500 A1 [0006]
• DE 102007029716 A1 [0007]
• WO 2005/080484 A1 [0019, 0048]

Claims (17)

Paint film product ( 1 ) for providing a seamless surface over one in a carrier element ( 2 ) embedded object ( 3 ), wherein the paint film product ( 1 ) - at least one transparent area ( 4 ), which is above the object ( 3 ) can be arranged, and - at least one transparent film layer ( 5 ), characterized in that the paint film product ( 1 ) a by means of a curable material supplied by energy supplied in-situ transparent cover layer ( 6 ) located on one of the support element ( 2 ) facing away from the film layer ( 5 ) and that the film layer ( 5 ) on at least one area ( 4 ' ) that does not cover the transparent area ( 4 ), at least one of a screen printing layer ( 7 ) and a base coat layer ( 7 ) on at least one side of the film layer ( 5 ) having. Paint film product ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cured transparent cover layer ( 6 ) is manufacturable from a curable by a photonic or electronic radiation energy material. Paint film product ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the curable material - at least a first ethylene group-containing polymer having a molecular weight of more than 2000 g / mol, - at least one second ethylene group-containing polymer having a molecular weight of less than 2000 g / mol. Paint film product ( 1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the curable material comprises at least a third ethylene group-containing polymer which is a thermoplastic polymer. Paint film product ( 1 ) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the first and the second polymer are selected from a group comprising polymers of ethylenically unsaturated compounds, polyesters, polyethers, polycarbonates, polyepoxides and polyurethanes. Paint film product ( 1 ) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the third polymer is selected from a group comprising polymethylmethacrylate, polystyrene, impact-resistant polymethylmethacrylate, impact-resistant polystyrene, polycarbonates and polyurethanes. Paint film product ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the curable material absorbs photonic radiation in a wavelength range of 200 nm to 700 nm, preferably 200 nm to 500 nm, and particularly preferably from 250 nm to 400 nm. Paint film product ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the curable material absorbs electronic radiation in an energy range of 150 to 300 keV. Paint film product ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the curable material comprising the top layer ( 6 ), on which of the film layer ( 5 ) facing away from a removable protective layer. Paint film product ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a support element ( 2 ) and the object ( 3 ) facing side of the film layer ( 5 ) and / or the screen printing layer ( 7 ) has an adhesive layer. Paint film product ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the film layer ( 5 ) is a composite foil of two or more foils. Carrier element ( 2 ) with embedded object ( 3 ), characterized in that the carrier element ( 2 ) with embedded object ( 3 ) with a paint film product ( 1 ) is coated according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a seamless surface over the support element ( 2 ) with embedded object ( 3 ) provided. Carrier element ( 2 ) with embedded object ( 3 ) according to claim 12, characterized in that the embedded object ( 3 ) - with a surface of the carrier element ( 2 ) is aligned, or - is a three-dimensional freeform. Carrier element ( 2 ) according to claim 13, characterized in that the transparent area ( 4 ) of the paint film product ( 1 ) above the object ( 3 ) is arranged. Carrier element ( 2 ) according to claim 14, characterized in that the transparent region ( 4 ) of the paint film product ( 1 ) over the object ( 3 ) and over at least a part of the carrier element ( 2 ). Method for providing a carrier element ( 2 ) according to any one of claims 12 to 15 using a paint film product ( 1 ) after egg of any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the steps of - applying the layer selected from a screen-printing layer ( 7 ) or a basecoat film ( 7 ), on at least one side of the transparent film layer ( 5 ) in one area ( 4 ' ), where the transparent area ( 4 ) is not printed, - application of the curable material on one side of the film layer ( 5 ), wherein a paint film precursor ( 1' ), - forms of the paint film precursor ( 1' ) corresponding to a geometry of the carrier element ( 3 ) with the embedded object ( 4 ), wherein the curable material is arranged so that it forms an uppermost layer when the film layer over the support element ( 3 ) with the embedded object ( 4 ), - arranging the paint film precursor ( 1' ) on the carrier element ( 2 ), so that the transparent area ( 4 ) over the embedded object ( 3 ), - exposing the curable material of the photonic or electronic radiation, wherein the hardening of the curable material takes place, so that the transparent cover layer ( 6 ) provided. The method of claim 16, comprising the step of masking the transparent film layer ( 5 ) in that area ( 4 ), which remains transparent, before applying the layer selected from the screen-printing layer ( 7 ) or the base coat layer ( 7 ), with a masking, removable coating.

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