WO2012004012A1

WO2012004012A1 - Method for introducing an invisible weak point into a decorative layer and method for producing an airbag cover having a decorative layer weakened in such a manner

Info

Publication number: WO2012004012A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/003567
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bülent KALKAN
Original assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme Gmbh
Priority date: 2010-07-09
Filing date: 2011-07-08
Publication date: 2012-01-12
Also published as: DE102010027145A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for introducing an invisible weak point (4) into a decorative layer (2), wherein holes are introduced into the decorative layer (2) by exposing the decorative layer (2) to a laser beam (10), wherein to this end a laser (7) having a wavelength of less than 800 nm and an output of less than 3 W is used. The invention further relates to a method for producing an airbag covering (1) having a decorative layer (2) weakened in such a manner.

Description

Method for introducing an invisible weakening in a decorative layer and method for producing an airbag cover with such a weakened decorative layer

The invention relates to a method for introducing an invisible weakening in a decorative layer according to the preamble of the main claim and to a method for producing an airbag cover with a weakened decorative layer.

According to the prior art, it is known to introduce Schwächun conditions in decorative layers for airbag covers. This can be done for example by means of a laser. For this purpose, a laser beam is directed to the decorative layer, whereby depressions are generated in the decorative layer.

Disadvantage of known weakening method of this type, however, is that the introduced weakening either is directly visible or - at least after prolonged exposure to sunlight - visible. Furthermore, undesired changes in the feel of the decorative layer result, for example in such a way that the decorative layer hardens in the region of the introduced weakenings.

The object underlying the invention is to provide a method for introducing an invisible weakening in a decorative layer, on the one hand, is easy to carry out and in which, on the other hand, no undesirable changes in the look and feel of the decorative layer arise.

This object is achieved by a method for introducing an invisible weakening in a decorative layer with the features of claim 1 and by a method for producing an airbag cover with a decorative layer according to claim 17. Advantageous developments and refinements emerge with the features of the subclaims.

By using a laser having a wavelength of less than 800 nm and a power of less than 3 W for introducing the holes, damage to the holes surrounding areas of the holes is caused

Decorative layer avoided. Both the low wavelength and the low power result in that a thermal load on the surrounding areas of the decorative layer is reduced. By using a laser with a wavelength of less than 800 nm, even with powers of less than 3 W, reliable and reproducible production of holes in the decorative layer is possible

Weakening line possible. In particular, it is even possible to weaken a decorative layer which has a constant thickness and can be used in the region of laser weakening is not vorwächtte. This is particularly advantageous since visibility is particularly reliably avoided, especially in the case of non-pre-weakened decorative layers, and, moreover, no work step for pre-weakening occurs.

Of course, however, the method can also be applied to pre-weakened decorative layers.

By means of the laser, the material in the region of the decorative layer can be converted directly from solid to gaseous state by sublimation and / or pyrolysis. As a result, a faster and more reliable removal is possible. To prevent the material thus vaporized from precipitating on surrounding areas of the decorative layer, a

Protective layer applied to the decorative layer (preferably sprayed). The protective layer may facilitate removal of condensed material. For this purpose, the protective layer itself even

removable, preferably completely removable.

Alternatively, the protective layer may be formed such that adhesion of condensed material to it is significantly lower than on a surface of the decorative layer without the protective layer. In addition, the protective layer can change a burning behavior or behavior under thermal stress of the decorative layer in such a way that thermal damage to the edge of the holes and in the area surrounding the holes is further reduced.

A removal of the converted into the gas phase material of the decorative layer can be ensured by a protective gas atmosphere. In particular, during the introduction of the holes, a gas flow may be provided over the surface of the decorative layer. The gas with the evaporated (and possibly partially decomposed dusted) material can be sucked off.

In an advantageous embodiment, the holes are formed as perforation holes that completely penetrate the decorative layer, ie as through-holes. In particular, the holes or perforation holes may have a diameter of at most 300 μπι, highest 100 μπι or at most 50 μπι. A diameter of the holes may be between 20 and 40 μιη, preferably between 25 and 35 μπι. Likewise, a diameter of the holes between 15 and 50 μιη amount.

The holes are preferably arranged in a row of holes forming a line of weakness. A distance between adjacent holes can be between 50 μιτι and 500 μπι, preferably between 100 μιη and 300 μπι, more preferably between 150 μπι and 250 μπι.

Likewise, a distance between adjacent holes (from hole center to hole center) between 20 and 100 μπι, between 30 and 80 μπι or between 40 and 60 μπι amount. A ratio of the distance (hole center to hole center) to the hole diameter may be between 1.1 and 10, between 1.5 and 5 and / or between 2 and 3.5. Particularly preferred embodiments are those in which the line of weakness is also formed by a hole matrix of several parallel rows of holes. Adjacent rows of holes are then preferably between 500 μιη and 2000 μπι and more preferably between 800 μπ \ and 1200 μπ \ spaced from each other.

In another embodiment, the holes are stochastically distributed, i. arranged at irregular intervals. It is both a single one

Weakening line with irregular hole spacing as well as a flat stochastic arrangement possible. In the case of a weakening line with irregular hole pitches, all the holes may be located exactly on the line, with only the positions of the individual holes in the longitudinal direction of the line deviating by random values from the positions in a regular arrangement. Alternatively, a random deviation of the position in the direction orthogonal to the line may additionally be provided. In a flat stochastically distributed arrangement, for example, a random displacement of the holes can be provided in both spatial directions lying in the plane of the decorative layer. As starting positions for the displacement can serve a regular arrangement of the holes in rows and rows. Starting from this regular arrangement, the holes are each shifted in a random direction by a random amount. The hole distances can be determined in particular by means of a random generator. Due to the irregular arrangement, a perceptibility of the weakening is reduced or particularly reliably excluded.

For the same reasons, it may be advantageous to randomly vary a hole diameter or hole shape.

In a further embodiment, the

Decorative layer weakened even outside a Aufrissbereichs for an airbag. In particular, the entire decorative layer can be weakened. The exact tear behavior (i.e., the path along which

Decorative layer in the case of an airbag opening ruptures) is then determined by arranged below the decorative layer layers of a vehicle interior trim part, while a sufficiently low tearing force of the decorative layer over the complete Decorative layer is ensured.

In a particularly preferred application, the method can weaken a decorative layer formed as a leather layer and particularly preferably a genuine leather layer. In particular, genuine leather layers are particularly sensitive to thermal damage, since these

Contain collagen fibers which harden in an undesirable manner when heated too much.

Particularly suitable is the method for weakening light leather layers (preferably genuine leather). With prior art methods, laser attenuation of light leather layers leads to a visibly dark discoloration in the region of the weakening. Therefore, until now in light leather, other methods of weakening, such as weakening with a blade, have been used. By contrast, light-colored leather layers with a B value of more than 40% or 50%, preferably more than 60%, particularly preferably more than 70%, in the HSB color space can be used with the method according to the invention. Since in the present method preferably substantially no or only little damage to the leather surrounded by the holes occurs, it is possible to use a leather whose coloration on thermal damage to the eye can be differentiated in color from undamaged leather. A B-value of the discolored leather can therefore be, for example, at least 5%, 10% or 20% smaller than the B-value of the undamaged leather itself. The term discolored leather refers to the thermally damaged leather, as in conventional laser weakening processes using C0 ₂ lasers directly on the circumference of the holes is produced.

In order to further reduce the visibility of the weakening, the weakening may be performed on a leather which has not yet been straightened, with the leather subsequently being dressed. For the trimming, it is possible, for example, to apply a color layer and / or a preferably thermoplastic film (a thickness may amount to, for example, less than 50 μm), which in particular has a light color tone (with B

Values as indicated above).

In a further advantageous embodiment, the laser beam is focused directly on the decorative layer. As a result, holes with a particularly small diameter can be generated. Furthermore, there is the advantage that a diameter of the holes in the thickness direction of the decorative layer is almost constant. Preferably, a Rayleigh length of

Laser focus at least 1 mm and in particularly preferred embodiments at least 4 mm. As a result, a particular uniformity of the opening diameter in the thickness direction of the decorative layer is achieved. Alternatively, the focus of the laser in

Beam direction can also be easily placed behind the leather. Particularly preferably, an adjusting device for moving the focus position in the beam direction can be used. The hole size can be set to an optimum value, so that the holes are still not visible on the one hand and on the other hand through each hole the greatest possible contribution to the weakening is done, with no unnecessarily high number of holes is necessary. In a further advantageous embodiment, a laser beam having a wavelength of less than 600 nm and preferably less than 360 nm. By using such short wavelengths thermal damage to the decorative layer is further reduced. Particularly simple laser beams with such a low wavelength by excimer laser or by solid state laser with downstream photonic crystal for the production of

Harmonic radiation of the laser radiation are generated. Particularly preferably, such a crystal can be designed to generate the third harmonic. For this purpose, in particular a KDP crystal can be used as the crystal. However, depending on the output wavelength of the solid-state laser, crystals may also be used to generate the second harmonic. Similarly, two second harmonic generation crystals may be connected in series to produce the fourth harmonic of the output radiation. In this case, both crystals differ from each other and are respectively designed according to the corresponding phase matching conditions.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the power of the laser carries less than 2W. Particularly preferred, a power of the laser between 0.5 W and 1.5 W and in particular between 0.8 W and 1.2 W amount. By such low laser powers thermal damage to the decorative material is further reduced.

Further reduction of the thermal damage of the decorative material can be achieved by using a pulsed laser. By using a pulsed laser, the holes are inserted within an extremely short time. As a result, a dissipation of energy in the weakening forming Lö- rather surrounding area of the decorative material largely avoided. Pulse hollow rates between 1 kHz and 20 kHz, pulse energies between 50 J and 200 (particularly preferably between 80 × 1 and 120 J) and pulse durations of less than 40 ns and particularly preferably less than 30 ns have proven to be particularly suitable. Each individual hole is preferably produced successively by firing the same location of the decorative material with a plurality of laser pulses. Preferably, each hole position is irradiated with at least 50 laser pulses in succession. As a result, a complete perforation of the decorative material is preferably achieved. Particularly preferably, each hole position can also be irradiated with over 80 or over 120 laser pulses.

In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of laser pulses are not irradiated directly successively to the same location of the decorative material. Instead, after a pulse or a few pulses, another place (for another hole) is the one

Decor layer irradiated, whereby only at a later time, the first irradiated point is irradiated again. This allows the decorative layer to cool down at the point before further pulses are irradiated onto the spot.

Particularly preferably, all holes arranged within a row (or the locations where the holes are to be produced) can be irradiated successively, with the last hole in the row being restarted from the front when the first hole in the row is irradiated , This is repeated until the holes or perforation holes are completely created.

Alternatively or in addition to the alternating len holes as described above, a thermal damage to the decorative layer can also be achieved by previously cooling the decorative layer. For this purpose, the decorative layer is cooled down to a value below the ambient temperature. Particularly preferably, the decorative layer can be cooled to a temperature below -50 ° or -100 ° C. For cooling, for example, liquid nitrogen can be used.

In order to achieve a particularly low visibility of the weakening, it is advantageous to irradiate the decorative layer from a backside with the laser beam. In contrast to the prior art, however, it is also possible in the inventive method to carry out an irradiation from the front side. As a result, a weakening in a decorative layer could be introduced even if it is already installed in a finished instrument panel.

In order to start a line of weakness to be introduced with the laser beam, it is possible to change a beam path of the laser beam during the irradiation. This can be done for example by means of a movable or adjustable optical element. An example of such an optical element is a rotatable mirror. The advantage of a shutdown by changing the beam path is that a simple and inexpensive implementation of the method is possible. In this way, however, only a method in a relatively small area is possible, since changes in a strong change in the beam path, a focus position in the direction orthogonal to the surface of the decorative layer. Likewise, for traversing a weakening line to be introduced by means of the laser beam, it is possible to move the decorative layer during the irradiation. Although an expense for this compared to a change in the beam path is increased, however, so relatively long lines of weakness can be generated. In order to keep an effort as low as possible even with relatively large lines of weakness, it is also possible to combine a change of the beam path with a movement of the decorative layer. Thus, the advantages of a simple change of the beam path are fully exploited, the decorative layer has to be moved only to a small extent. In a further advantageous embodiment, a layer for changing the absorption properties is applied to the back of the decorative layer prior to the irradiation. For example, the layer can reduce absorption of the laser light. When irradiating with the laser beam, the layer is then rapidly removed in the areas in which holes are to be introduced, while in the surrounding areas of the decorative layer, an intensity of the laser beam required for this purpose is not achieved. In these areas, the layer can therefore serve to reduce thermal damage, while due to the rapid removal of the layer in the region of the holes to be introduced, the absorption of the laser light is only briefly reduced.

Likewise, an adhesive layer may be applied to the back of the decorative layer. This may also serve to reduce thermal damage to the material surrounding the holes. In particular, the adhesive layer as a layer for changing the

Absorption properties as described above ben, serve. If an adhesive layer or a layer for changing the absorption properties is applied to the rear side of the decorative layer before introducing the weakening, each hole position is preferably irradiated with more than 400 laser pulses. However, it is also possible to weaken the decorative layer without an adhesive layer and without a layer for changing the Absorbtionseigenschafen. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a decorative layer is used, which has a thickness in the range in which the holes are to be inserted between 0.7 mm and 1.5 mm. Preferably, the decorative layer in this area has a thickness between 1 mm and 1.3 mm. In particular, the

Thickness of the decorative layer should be 1.1 mm. Due to the sufficiently large thickness of the decorative layer in the region in which holes are introduced, a negative effect on the visual appearance of the decorative layer by the weakening is avoided particularly efficiently.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the decorative layer is joined to an intermediate layer prior to weakening. The intermediate layer may be formed, for example, as a spacer. Alternatively, for example, a foam layer, a fleece or other knitted fabric may be used. This can be made of two reticulate one another

spaced apart layers are connected by a plurality of orthogonal to these layers extending threads. It is possible to simultaneously weaken the intermediate layer and the decorative layer. Even with the weakening of the intermediate layer, advantages result from the use according to the invention of short wavelengths and low powers. INS particular when using a spacer knit, as described above, an invisible weakening becomes possible only by the use of a short-wave laser beam according to the invention. Namely, an IR laser beam as used in the prior art would thermally damage the filaments connecting the sheets, which would cause the intermediate layer to sag. The simultaneous weakening of the intermediate layer also has the advantage that an additional process step for separately weakening the intermediate layer is avoided. Besides, the weakening in the

Decorative layer and the weakening in the intermediate layer so automatically positioned to suit each other.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is possible to weaken the decorative layer and the intermediate layer while they are already applied to a carrier. This is possible above all because, due to the negligible thermal damage to the decorative layer, irradiation from the front is also possible. Preferably, however, the decorative layer is irradiated individually or connected to the intermediate layer.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing an airbag cover with a

Decorative layer, wherein this, as described above, is weakened. The airbag cover can be formed in particular with a decorative layer, an intermediate layer and a carrier. However, it is also an education without intermediate layer possible.

Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. Show it: Fig. An illustration of a first advantageous method for weakening a

Decorative layer,

Fig. 2. shows a representation of a second advantageous method for weakening a

Decorative layer, Fig. 3. a section through a according to a third

Embodiment of the invention weakened decorative layer along a weakening line,

Fig. 4. is a plan view of a section of a

Decorative layer with a line of weakness with stochastically distributed holes and

Fig. 5. is a plan view of a section of a

Decorative layer with flat weakening with stochastically distributed holes.

In Fig. 1, a workpiece 1 is shown, which consists of a decorative layer 2 and an intermediate layer 3. In the decorative layer 2 and the intermediate layer 3, a weakening line 4 is introduced, are formed by the two airbag flaps 5, 6.

The workpiece 1 is to be irradiated by a laser 7 with a laser beam 10. The latter is focused by a focusing element designed as a lens 8 and directed by a rotatable mirror 9 onto the surface of the workpiece. The beam direction of the laser beam 10 when hitting the workpiece 1, even if this is shown differently for reasons of clarity, is substantially orthogonal to the plane formed by the decorative layer 2. The

Decorative layer 2 is in this embodiment as

Real leather layer formed and has a on the Area substantially constant thickness of about 1.1 mm. Of course, other embodiments of the decorative layer 2, for example as a synthetic leather layer, would be conceivable. The intermediate layer 3 is preferably formed as a spacer.

This may preferably have a decorative layer 2 facing and a decorative layer 2 facing away from the net-like surface. Both surfaces can preferably be connected to one another by orthogonal to the surfaces aligned threads. Particularly preferably, the decorative layer 2 and the intermediate layer 3 are already connected to each other prior to the introduction of the weakening line 4. It should be noted, however, that in the same way a single

Decorative layer 2, which is not or not yet connected to an intermediate layer, can be weakened. This is particularly advantageous if, due to a material used for the intermediate layer for weakening the intermediate layer another method is preferable. Particularly preferably, the workpiece 1 is applied after introduction of the weakening line 4 on a carrier, not shown. As a result, the term intermediate layer is justified, because this is then between see the decorative layer 2 and the carrier arranged.

Alternatively, it would also have been possible to apply the workpiece 1 to a carrier before introducing the weakening line 4 and then to weaken the layers 2, 3 first.

As the laser 7, in this embodiment, a solid-state laser, more specifically, a Nd: YAG laser with built-in KDP crystal, is used to generate the third harmonic. This is operated pulsed. A pulse repetition rate is 10 kHz, a pulse energy preferably 95 pJ and a pulse duration preferably 28 ns The wavelength of the laser beam is 355 nm and the power of the laser just under 1 W. The focal length of the focusing element 8 is chosen such that the focus of the laser beam 10 is as accurate as possible in the plane of the decorative layer 2. Alternatively, the focus can also be placed behind the leather layer. A diameter of the focus is about 25 pm. The Raylleighlänge of the laser beam 10 is there about 5.5 mm. Due to the high raylength of the laser beam and the focusing in the plane of the

Decorative layer 2 is achieved that a diameter of the laser beam 10 in the region of the decorative layer 2 is almost constant. A lowering of the surface of the decorative layer 2 is achieved in this embodiment by rotating the rotatable mirror 9 in each case after about 100 times bombarding the same point on the surface of the decorative layer. By rotating a beam path is changed so that the focus of the laser beam 10 is moved over the surface of the decorative layer 2.

Another embodiment of a preferred method is shown in FIG. This differs from the method illustrated in FIG. 1 on the one hand in that no rotatable mirror 9 is provided. Instead, the laser beam 10 is focused by means of the focusing element 8 directly on the workpiece 1. A beam path of the laser beam 10 remains constant during the implementation of the method. In addition, the method illustrated in FIG. 2 differs in that the workpiece 1 is irradiated from the rear side. The laser beam 10 thus strikes first on the intermediate layer 3 and subsequently pierces the decorative layer 2. As in the first exemplary embodiment, the decorative layer and

Intermediate layer weakened at the same time. In order to To allow driving the line of weakness with the laser beam, the workpiece 1 is mounted in a displaceable workpiece holder. In this way, the workpiece 1 can be moved so that a line of weakness 4 is generated. It should be noted that even a single decorative layer 2, which is not connected to an intermediate layer 3, can be irradiated on the back for introducing a weakening line 4. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that an additional layer for changing the absorption properties can be applied to the rear side of the decorative layer 2 or, in the case of simultaneous weaknesses, with an intermediate layer on the back side of the intermediate layer 3. This additional layer preferably has a relatively low absorption coefficient with respect to light of the wavelength of the laser beam 10. This ensures that takes place only in the inner region of impact points of the laser beam 10 on the workpiece 1, a sufficient absorption to remove the additional layer. In an area around the points of impact of the laser beam 10 on the workpiece, the intensity of the laser beam 10 is preferably not high enough to remove the additional layer. As a result, an introduced amount of energy is reduced in these areas, which further reduces the resulting thermal damage.

FIG. 3 shows a section through a decorative layer 2 weakened according to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention along a weakening line 4. The weakening line is formed by the plurality of perforation holes 11. As can be seen in FIG. 3, a diameter of the perforation holes is essentially constant over the thickness of the decorative layer 2. In the illustrated example play is a diameter 12 of the perforation holes about 30 μτη. Due to the small diameter, the perforation holes 11 are not visible to the human eye, although they completely penetrate the decorative layer 2.

A distance 13 of adjacent perforation holes 11 in this embodiment is about 180 μτη, i. more than 5 times and less than 10 times the diameter 12 of the perforation holes 11. This achieves, on the one hand, a sufficiently strong weakening for the correct opening of the airbag flap, whereby at the same time long-term invisibility of the weakening line 4, even after several years of sunbathing. radiation is achieved. Preferably, several parallel lines for generating the weakening 4 can be introduced. These can be arranged, for example, offset from each other by 800 μπι. In a further exemplary embodiment, the spacing of adjacent perforation holes (in this exemplary embodiment, the distance between adjacent hole centers is meant) is between 60 and 80 μπ / (for example 67 μπι) and the hole diameter is 20 to 25 μπι. The ratio between hole spacing and hole diameter is between 1.5 and 5.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative arrangement of the perforation holes of a weakening line. The perforation holes 15 are not arranged at the positions 14, which would correspond to a regular hole arrangement, but are displaced in the longitudinal direction of the line in each case by a random distance 16. This avoids a regular pattern that would be easier to perceive. In FIG. 5, the holes have also been displaced by a distance 17 from a regular arrangement. However, in this embodiment, the underlying array is a raster having multiple rows and columns. Accordingly, the holes are also displaced in a random direction within the plane of the decorative layer.

By the method described above arbitrarily shaped weakenings, suitable for single or multi-flap airbags can be generated. In addition, it should be noted that with the method a decorative layer individually, a decorative layer can be weakened together with an already connected to the decorative layer intermediate layer or a complete vehicle interior trim part with carrier, interlayer and decorative layer.

Claims

claims

A method for introducing an invisible weakening in a decorative layer (2), wherein holes are introduced into the decorative layer by irradiating the decorative layer with a laser beam, characterized in that a laser with a wavelength of less than 800 nm and a power of less than 3W is used.

A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the holes are formed as the decorative layer completely penetrating perforation holes.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holes are arranged as a line of weakness forming rows of holes or a plurality of parallel rows of holes.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holes are formed with a diameter of at most 300 pm or at most 100 μπι, preferably at most 50 μιτι and particularly preferably with a diameter between 15 and 40 μτη or between 25 and 35 μπι.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that as

Decorative layer a leather layer, preferably a ne genuine leather layer and particularly preferably a bright genuine leather layer is used.

A method according to claim 5, characterized in that a not yet dressed leather is weakened as a decorative layer, wherein the leather is subsequently dressed with the introduced weakening.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laser beam is focused on the decorative layer, wherein a Rayleighlänge one on the

Decor layer placed focus of the laser beam is preferably at least 1 mm and more preferably at least 4 mm.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a wavelength of the laser is less than 600 nm and preferably less than 360 nm.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an excimer laser or a solid-state laser, preferably with a downstream nonlinear crystal, is used as the laser.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a power of the laser is less than 2 W and preferably between 0.5 W and 1.5 W and particularly preferably between 0.8 W and 1.2 W.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a pulsed laser is used, wherein a pulse repetition rate preferably between 1 kHz and 20 kHz, a ne pulse energy is preferably between 50 J and 200 μJ and particularly preferably between 80 J and 120 μ.Τ, and a pulse duration is preferably below 40 ns and particularly preferably below 30 ns.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that for generating a respective hole a plurality of laser pulses is used.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that first one or more laser pulses for partially generating a first hole are irradiated to a first location on the decorative layer, then laser pulses for partially generating further holes are irradiated to other locations of the decorative layer and subsequently one or several more laser pulses are irradiated to the first location on the decorative layer.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the

Decor layer is irradiated from a backside with the laser.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the

Decorative layer is moved during the irradiation, so that with the laser beam to be introduced a weakening line.

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a beam path of the laser beam is changed during the irradiation, so that with the laser beam to be introduced weakening line is traversed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that prior to irradiation of the decorative layer, a layer for changing the Absorbtionsverhaltens is applied to the back of the decorative layer.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a

Decorative layer is used, which in a region in which the holes are introduced, a thickness between 0.7 mm and 1.5 mm, and preferably between 1 mm and 1.3 mm, particularly preferably has a thickness of about 1.1 mm ,

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the

Decorative layer is connected before introducing the weakening with an intermediate layer and / or carrier layer, wherein the intermediate layer is preferably weakened in weakening the decorative layer.

A method for producing an airbag cover with a decorative layer, characterized in that the decorative layer is weakened according to a method according to one of the preceding claims.