EP2419297A1

EP2419297A1 - Decorative element and method for production thereof and method for actuating the same

Info

Publication number: EP2419297A1
Application number: EP10703819A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Steffen Breunig; Lutz Schmittat
Original assignee: Daimler AG
Current assignee: Mercedes Benz Group AG
Priority date: 2009-04-14
Filing date: 2010-02-11
Publication date: 2012-02-22
Also published as: WO2010118795A1; DE102009017363A1; US20120032592A1; US8915001B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a decorative element (10) for a motor vehicle and to a method for producing the same. The decorative element (10) thereby comprises an at least partially transparent decorative film (12) applied to a flat carrier element (30) and back injection molded with two plastic layers (14, 16). At least the first plastic layer (14) is thereby at least partially transparent. The use of the first plastic layer (14) as an optical conductor is thereby made possible, allowing particularly optically attractive light coupling into the decorative element, and opening particularly extensive latitude in design.

Description

Decorative element and method for its production and method for its activation

The invention relates to a decorative element, in particular for an interior trim part of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1, a method for producing such a decorative element and a method for driving such a decorative element.

Such decorative elements to improve the appearance of trim parts of motor vehicles are well known. DE 10 2004 060 810 A1 discloses such a decorative element, in which a decorative film is back-injected with a transparent plastic. This embodiment allows the backlighting of the decorative element by a light source or the use of the decorative element as a cover for a headlight or as part of a disc.

This limitation of the application is disadvantageous to known decorative elements. To improve the appearance of a car interior, it is of particular interest to be able to attach decorative elements at almost any location and to achieve attractive optical effects under different active or passive lighting conditions. However, this can not be achieved from the prior art known decorative elements.

The present invention is therefore based on the object, a decorative element of the type mentioned in such a way that an increased creative freedom is ensured in its use. The invention is further based on the object to provide a method for producing such a decorative element.

This object is achieved by a decorative element having the features of patent claim 1, as well as by a method for producing such a decorative element having the features of patent claim 14. Such a decorative element is designed in particular for an interior trim part of a motor vehicle and has an at least partially transparent decorative film, which is applied to a flat carrier element. In this case, a first layer of a transparent plastic is arranged between the carrier element and the decorative film. According to the invention, it is provided that a second layer of a further plastic is provided between the carrier element and the first layer. The provision of a second layer of plastic in layer order behind the transparent plastic layer allows further modulation of the optical properties of the decorative element. In particular, by the second layer, the transparent plastic layer can be provided with light-guiding properties, so that a large number of optical effects can be achieved, regardless of the lighting conditions. Even without an active lighting of the decorative element, for example, a three-dimensional depth effect can be achieved, which gives the decorative element a particularly high-quality appearance.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that light from a light source can be coupled into the first layer. The decorative element does not have to be backlit, as known from the prior art decorative elements, as obtained by the second plastic layer, the transparent plastic layer an optical waveguide-like function. It is also possible, for example, to distribute laterally coupled light homogeneously over the decorative element by means of surface lines. This allows particularly space-saving applications of the decorative element in conjunction with a laterally arranged light source. Of course, such decorative elements can also be backlit in a known manner.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the light source has at least two different, selectable emission spectra. In this way, additional optical effects can be achieved, which can satisfy either purely aesthetic aspects or the decorative element can also give additional functions as display elements in response to an operating state of a device associated with it.

In a further embodiment, the first layer has at least one outcoupling element for coupling out light in a direction of emission pointing substantially in the direction of a surface normal of the decorative film. This allows light, which is coupled either laterally by a light source or in the form of ambient light through the Penetration of the decorative film enters the first layer, selectively decoupled from the first layer. This makes it possible to realize a brightness profile over the surface of the decorative element, which further increases the freedom of design when designing the decorative element. The first layer particularly preferably has a plurality of outcoupling elements, so that light can be variably coupled out of the first layer depending on the location. The decoupling elements are preferably formed by thickening or indentations of the first layer. The brightness distribution over the first layer thus results only on the basis of its geometrical design. So there are no additional elements necessary, which would have to be grown in the form of separate components to the decorative element. Thus, the production of such a decorative element is simplified and designed particularly inexpensive.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a structure layer with a surface texture is provided in layer sequence behind the first layer-that is, on the side of the first layer which faces away from the decorative film. As a result, additional optical effects can be achieved, which extend the design freedom in the design of such a decorative element.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a further decorative film is provided, which is connected directly to the first decorative film. This also makes possible optical effects which can not be realized with a single decorative film, for example the superimposition of different symbols, or else the formation of interference effects or spatially effective designs.

The decorative films are preferably printed on the side facing the first layer and / or on the side facing away from the first layer. By a direct pressure on the decorative films can be realized on manufacturing technology simplest way a variety of decorations. Such decorative elements are designed in particular for use for an interior trim of a motor vehicle. However, the fields of application of such decorative elements are not limited to the automotive industry. In particular, it is also possible to use decorative elements of the type described in pieces of furniture or the like in order to give them a particularly high-quality visual appearance.

The invention further relates to a method for producing a decorative element for an interior trim of a motor vehicle, wherein initially provided a decorative film and Thermoforming is reshaped. After the thermoforming of the decorative film, a first layer of an at least partially transparent plastic is applied to the decorative film by injection molding. After curing of this layer can be applied in the same or in another injection molding tool in any case by injection molding a second layer of a further plastic on the first layer. Finally, in the last method step, a carrier part of the inner lining is also applied to the second layer by an injection molding process. The injection molding of all plastic layers of the decorative element eliminates the need to provide further connecting means such as adhesion promoters or adhesives. This results in a simple to produce and at the same time particularly durable decorative element. By using multi-component injection molding tools, such a decorative element can ideally be produced in a single injection molding tool, without requiring removal of an intermediate product from the mold and its transfer to another tool. The method is thus particularly fast and therefore cost-effective.

In decorative elements with an associated light source for illuminating the decorative element, it is also possible to assign such a decorative element further functions that go beyond the mere aesthetics. The invention therefore also relates to a method for driving an illuminated decorative element for an interior lining of a motor vehicle, which has an at least partially transparent decorative film, behind which an at least partially transparent layer of a plastic is arranged, in which light can be coupled via a light source. This layer also has at least one coupling-out element for coupling out light from the layer in a direction of emission directed substantially in the direction of a surface-normal decorative film. Essential features of the method according to the invention is the coupling of the decorative element with a driver assistance system, so that as a function of information transmitted by this driver assistance system, an emission characteristic of the light source is changed. The inventive method can thus the driver of the motor vehicle in a particularly distraction-poor manner additional information concerning the current driving state of the vehicle, are transmitted. In particular, it is possible in this case to activate or deactivate the light source as a function of the information. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to change an emission spectrum of the light source as a function of the information of the driver assistance system. A single decorative element can thus convey a multiplicity of information, which can be distinguished, for example, by color coding, using the method according to the invention. This allows for a special simple and distraction-poor design of a car cockpit, which allows the driver an optimal focus on the current driving situation.

In the following, the invention and its embodiments will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Hereby show:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a decorative element according to the invention

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a decorative element according to the invention

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of another alternative

Embodiment of a decorative element according to the invention with backlighting

Fig. 4, the decorative element of Fig. 3 with deactivated lighting

Fig. 5 is a detail view of the transition region between the decorative element and

Interior trim part of the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4

Fig. 6 is a cutaway perspective view of a further alternative

Embodiment of a decorative element according to the invention

Fig. 7 is a plan view of another embodiment of a decorative element according to the invention

Fig. 8 is a cutaway perspective view of another

Embodiment of a decorative element according to the invention

9 is a cutaway perspective view of another

Embodiment of a decorative element according to the invention

Fig. 10 is a cutaway perspective view of another

Embodiment of a decorative element according to the invention Fig. 11 is a cutaway perspective view of another

Embodiment of a decorative element according to the invention

Fig. 12 is a plan view of another embodiment of a decorative element according to the invention with a structural material behind the transparent plastic layer

Fig. 13 is a cutaway perspective view of another

Embodiment of a decorative element according to the invention

Fig. 14A) ₁ B) is a plan view of a further embodiment of a decorative element according to the invention with additional display function

An entire decorative element designated 10 comprises a foil 12, which is back-injected with a transparent plastic layer 14. On the side facing away from the decorative film of the transparent plastic layer 14, a further non-transparent plastic layer 16 is molded. On average, the transparent plastic layer has a contour, wherein the transparent plastic layer 14 is thickened into a partial region 18. The controlled execution of the transparent plastic layer 14 results in the plan view of the decorative element 10, a decorative structure 20, which has a three-dimensional depth effect. To enhance the effect, light can be coupled into the transparent plastic layer 14 in the direction of the arrows 22, that is to say laterally. This passes on the light in the manner of an optical waveguide by surface reflection on. Due to the thickened shape of the region 18, this acts as a decoupling element, so that light in the region of the decorative structure 20 is coupled out of the transparent plastic layer 14 in the direction of the arrow 24. The light therefore emerges essentially in the direction of a surface normal on the surface of the decorative film 12.

Different types or types of light sources can be used. In particular, it can be provided to use a light source with controllable illumination intensity. Likewise, individual lighting elements can be provided to illuminate the illuminated area to different, or to illuminate the individual areas individually, partially or together. These are in particular individually controllable LEDs, possibly also possible in different colors. The intensity of the light can also be achieved via the dimensioning of the light guide, for example in notch shape, notch depth or - large.

In addition to purely geometric designs, which are effected only by the structure of the transparent plastic layer 14, additional design elements can also be provided. Such a configuration can be seen by way of example in FIG. For this purpose, the film 12 is printed on each driver and / or back with a lettering 26, which in turn can be backlit by coupled by a light source 28 in the transparent plastic layer 14 light. Behind the second plastic layer 16, a carrier part 30 of the lining part 32 is likewise arranged by injection-molding, so that the decorative film 12 is integrated directly into the lining part 32. In the areas of the trim part 32 next to the decorative film 12, this has a molded skin 34 on the outside, which is connected via a polyurethane foam layer 36 to the carrier 30. Additional optical effects can be achieved by activating or deactivating the light source 28, as can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. Special surface effects can be achieved by the formation of the decorative sheet 10. For example, it is possible to make these as a plastic film, as a partially perforated metal foil or sheet, modified natural fiber fabric for injection molding, knitted fabric of the leather part.

By a corresponding bias in the molding of the molded skin or the carrier can also, as shown in Fig. 5, a lateral force along the arrows 38 on the edge portion 40 of the decorative sheet 12 are applied so that an automatic sealing of the decorative element 10 results. The seal can also be done by an adhesive.

An additional effect can, as shown in Fig. 6, achieve by the use of two, superimposed decorative films. In this way, a three-dimensional appearance of the design element can be achieved, which is further enhanced by the thickened regions 18 of the transparent plastic layer 14 that are in turn present in the embodiment shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, a brightness progression over the decorative film 12 can be achieved away by way of a corresponding thickness profile of the transparent plastic layer 14, resulting in the embodiment shown in a fade-out effect of the writing printed on the decorative film 12. In addition to the illustrated written symbols, of course, geometric or pictorial patterns can also be imaged on the decorative film, as shown in FIG. 8. The example shown in FIG. 8 does not require any backlighting of the decorative film 12. The effect is achieved by a two-sided pressure on the decorative sheet 12, wherein a background color on the back of the decorative sheet 12 and the actual pattern on the front of the decorative sheet 12 is shown.

Again, of course, a constant or variable backlighting is possible. Also transparent and only partially colored decorative films are suitable in combination with a corresponding geometric design of the plastic layers 14, 16 in order to achieve interesting optical effects, as shown for example in Fig. 9. Due to the formation of thickened regions 18, which run along the longitudinal extension of the decorative element 10, a strip pattern results here which yields an appealing three-dimensional effect only in ambient lighting, ie without the use of an associated light source. The second plastic layer goes directly into the carrier 30.

In addition to the already shown lateral illumination of the transparent plastic layer 14, it is of course, as shown in Fig. 10, also possible to backlight them in a conventional manner. The carrier material 30 is interrupted in the area behind the second plastic layer 16, wherein the second plastic layer 16 is also transparent. A light source is arranged behind the decorative element 10. Even with a direct backlighting reinforced areas 18 of the first plastic layer 14 may be provided which generate the light color in the direction of the surface normal of the decorative sheet 12 and so additional, appealing effects. Additional effects can be achieved by arranging structural materials 42 in the area behind the decorative film 12. The structural material 42 has a textured, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 tissue-like surface and is arranged behind the carrier 30 of the trim part 32 in the illustrated embodiment. Openings in the carrier 30 are provided in the region of the decorative element 10, so that the structural element 42 is visible through the transparent plastic layers 14, 16 as well as through the likewise transparent decorative film 12. As in the previous exemplary embodiments, thickened regions 18 are again provided in the first plastic layer, which contribute to the formation of linear, three-dimensional structures. An advantage of the invention is that here very different geometric structures can be formed. Fig. 12 shows the same embodiment again in plan view, with particularly good the textile-like textured surface of the structural element 42 can be seen, which is recognizable by recesses 44, which may also be formed as apertures of the support member 30.

Finally, FIG. 13 shows a further exemplary embodiment, where a symmetrical pattern of the decorative film 12 is particularly emphasized by backlighting. The backlighting is in turn realized here by openings in the carrier 30 of the trim part 32. Alternatively, partially transparent plastic can be used instead of breakthroughs.

It is of particular interest to provide decorative elements 10 with an additional display function in addition to their decorative function. This is shown in Figs. 14A) and B). When the light source is deactivated or the decorative element is only partially illuminated, as shown in FIG. 14A, only a neutral area in the area of the decorative foil 12 can be seen. The backlight or lateral light coupling for the decorative element 10 can be controlled in the embodiment shown by a driver assistance system. Under certain operating conditions of the vehicle, a warning symbol 46 can thereby be displayed on the decorative element 10. For example, such a driver assistance system can inform the driver about vehicles in the blind spot. An alternative application would be the integration of such a decorative element 10 in a door panel, so that a warning symbol is displayed when there are objects in the pivot area when the door is opened.

In addition to the transmission of information by activating or deactivating a lighting of the decorative element 10, it is furthermore also possible to vary the hue or the brightness of the decorative element 10 as a function of information transmitted by the driving assistance system. An example would be the monitoring of the fuel demand of the motor vehicle. Exceeds the driver due to particularly aggressive driving a predetermined consumption limit, the decorative element could, for example, be backlit red. On the other hand, if the fuel consumption is in the desired range, a green backlighting should be provided. By integrating decorative and informative functions into the same element, it is possible to create particularly clear and distracting cockpits. This has a positive impact on traffic safety. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 interior trim part

12 decorative foil

14 first shift

16 second shift

18 decoupling elements

24 radiation direction

28 light source

30 carrier element

32 interior trim part

34 molded skin

36 polyurethane foam layer

38 arrows

40 border area

42 structural layer

44 recesses

46 warning symbol

Claims

claims

1. decorative element (10), in particular for an interior trim part (32) of a motor vehicle, with at least one partially transparent decorative film (12) which is applied to a flat carrier element (30), wherein between the carrier element and the decorative film (12) has a first layer (14) is arranged made of a transparent plastic, characterized in that between the carrier element (30) and the first layer (14) has a second layer

(16) is provided from a further plastic.

2. decorative element (16) according to claim 1, characterized in that in the first layer of light (14) from a light source (28) can be coupled.

3. decorative element (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the light source (28) is arranged laterally next to the first layer (14).

4. decorative element (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the light source (28) in layer order behind the first layer (14) is arranged.

5. decorative element (10) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the light source (28) has at least two different, selectable emission spectra.

6. decorative element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first layer (14) has at least one outcoupling element (18) for coupling out of light in a substantially in the direction of a surface normal of the decorative film (12) pointing emission direction ,

7. decorative element (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the first layer (14) has a plurality of coupling-out elements (18) for location-dependent variable coupling of light in substantially in the direction of the surface normal of the decorative film (12) facing the emission direction (24) having.

8. decorative element (10) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the decoupling elements (18) are formed by thickening or indentations of the first layer (14).

9. decorative element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that in layer order behind the first layer (14) is provided a structural layer (42) having a surface texture.

10. decorative element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a further decorative film (12) is provided, which is directly connected to the first decorative sheet (12).

11. decorative element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the decorative films (12) on the first layer (14) facing side and / or on the first layer (14) facing away from the printed side.

12. Use of a decorative element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11 for an interior lining of a motor vehicle.

13. Use of a decorative element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11 for a piece of furniture.

14. A method for producing a decorative element (10) for an interior trim (32) of a motor vehicle comprising the steps of: a) providing a decorative film (12), b) deep-drawing the decorative film (12), c) applying a first layer (14) d) applying a second layer (16) of a further plastic to the first layer (14) by insert molding; e) applying a carrier part (30) of the inner lining (32) the second layer (16) by injection molding.

15. A method for controlling an illuminated decorative element (10) for an interior trim (32) of a motor vehicle, which has an at least partially transparent decorative film (12) behind which at least one partially transparent layer (14) is arranged made of a plastic, wherein a light source (28 ) is provided for coupling light into the layer and at least one coupling-out element (18) for coupling out light from the layer (14) in a substantially directed in the direction of a surface normal of the decorative film radiation direction (24), depending on one of a driving assistance system transmitted information, an emission characteristic of the light source (28) is changed.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the light source (28) is activated and / or deactivated depending on the information.

17. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that an emission spectrum of the light source (28) is activated and / or deactivated depending on the information.