Skin for vehicle interior trim parts including operating elements

Abstract

The skin (1) comprises at least: an outer elastomeric layer (5) having an inner surface and an outer surface; and at least one operating element (8A) adhered to the inner surface of the outer skin layer (5). The operating element (8A) is intended to be connected to an electrical or electronic component to enable the operation of the component to be controlled. In order to indicate the position of the operating element (8A) in the skin (1) with minimal deformation of the visible appearance of the skin, the operating surface (9) of the operating element (8A) extends in a first area (11) of the visible surface of the skin (1), the first area (11) having a first surface texture that is different from the surface texture of the surrounding area (12) of the visible surface of the skin. In particular, the two textures can produce different glosses, and the first area (11) can also be provided with surface relief elements (16, 17).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a covering for a vehicle interior trim component. The covering comprises at least an outer elastic layer having an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surface forming the visible surface of the covering (the so-called A-surface). The covering also comprises at least one operating element having an operating surface and adhered to the inner surface of the outer layer of the covering. The operating element is intended to be connected to an electrical or electronic component to control the operation of the component. Background Art

[0002] A motor vehicle, such as a car or a truck, comprises a number of electrical or electronic components which can be controlled by the driver or passengers. Operating elements for controlling the operation of these elements, such as buttons, switches and sliders, are usually mechanically mounted individually or as an assembly in openings in the trim part itself. Between the areas with the operating elements, the trim part usually comprises areas formed by an elastomeric skin, optionally with other functional or aesthetic components integrated in the skin. On the outer surface of the skin, the elastomeric skin has a surface texture. The texture can be intended to imitate leather, but the texture can also be intended to reduce the gloss of the skin material. This can be important, for example, on top of the dashboard to avoid too strong light reflections.

[0003] The operating element can be adhered to the back of the elastomeric skin. In the method disclosed in DE 10 2006 061 388, this is accomplished by manufacturing the skin on a mold surface according to a powder slush process and applying the operating element against the back of the slush skin when the skin material has not yet fully solidified. In this way, the operating element adheres to the skin by the adhesive properties of the curing skin material. In a similar method disclosed in EP 2 275 307, the operating element is applied against the back of a first polyurethane skin layer before the reactive material used to manufacture the skin layer has fully solidified. Subsequently, another polyurethane skin layer is sprayed onto the back of the first skin layer and onto the back of the operating element to embed the operating element in the elastomeric polyurethane skin.

[0004] In recent years, there has been increasing interest in integrating operating elements into the skin in a virtually invisible manner. For example, reference can be made to US Pat. No. 7,638,719 and US Pat. No. 2019 / 0326908.

[0005] In US 7 638 719, the operating element is a pressure-sensitive element covered by a flexible skin material. Since the operating element is not visible to the user in this way, a designated area is provided on the outer surface of the skin to indicate the presence of the operating element.

[0006] In US2019 / 0326908, a proximity sensor and light source are positioned on the back of the cover. Using an icon layer between the light source and the cover, indicia can be projected onto the cover. Consequently, the switch assembly is hidden unless illuminated by the light source. A problem with this hidden arrangement is that during daylight hours, when the light source is not activated, the user cannot see the presence or location of any of the operating elements.

[0007] In US Pat. No. 5,448,028, this problem is addressed by spraying markings onto the outer surface of the cover, or by shaping the cover so that a raised portion in the shape of a switch or button is formed at the location of the switch or at an indentation or recess surrounding the switch. A problem with such a shaped cover is that design freedom is quite limited, and the switch position cannot be accurately and clearly indicated. Consequently, the visible indication of the switch position may significantly interfere with the visible appearance of the cover. Summary of the Invention

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new covering with an operating element, wherein the position of the operating element, in particular the position of the operating surface of the operating element, can be indicated with minimal deformation of the visible appearance of the covering.

[0009] To this end, the cover according to the invention is characterized in that the operating surface of the operating element extends in a first region of the visible surface of the cover, the first region being at least partially surrounded by a second region of the visible surface of the cover, the outer surface of the outer layer having a first surface texture at least in a portion of the first region and a second surface texture in the second region, the second surface texture being different from the first surface texture. In particular, the operating element is configured to be connected to an electrical or electronic component in order to enable a user to control the operation of the electrical or electronic component.

[0010] The texture of a surface is the visible or tactile features of that surface and its appearance. The surface of the skin can be quite rough, or it can be completely smooth. Even if the surface is completely smooth or flat, it is considered a textured surface, i.e., the lack of any texture is still considered textured.

[0011] The texture is formed by the surface of the outer elastomeric layer, rather than by the shape of the outer elastomeric layer itself. When the elastomeric layer is shaped, the shape of the outer surface of the elastomeric layer is generally the negative of the shape of the inner surface. Conversely, the texture of the outer surface of the elastomeric layer is independent of the texture of the inner surface. In fact, the inner surface of the elastomeric layer can have a smooth surface, while the outer surface can have a rougher surface texture.

[0012] More specifically, texture includes, among other things, those surface features that contribute to the gloss of the surface.

[0013] Because the surface texture is defined by the outer surface of the outer elastomeric layer itself, the shape or contour of the outer elastomeric layer does not need to change to indicate the presence of the operating surface of the operating element. This means that the shape or contour of the visible surface of the outer skin does not need to be deformed to indicate the location of the operating surface of the operating element. Instead, only the surface texture of the outer surface of the outer layer needs to be changed. In other words, the general contour and visual appearance of the visible surface of the outer skin can be maintained.

[0014] Preferably, the surface texture of the outer surface of the outer elastomeric layer is a moulded surface texture, i.e. a surface texture obtained by moulding the outer elastomeric layer against a textured mould surface. The outer elastomeric layer may be made of a thermoplastic material which is moulded in a molten state against a mould surface, for example in a slush moulding process. Alternatively, a layer (foil) of such thermoplastic material may be moulded in a solid state against a mould surface. The solid layer of thermoplastic material is moulded by pushing or pumping the solid layer of thermoplastic material against the textured mould surface with sufficient pressure so that the negative texture on the mould surface is transferred to the skin layer. Preferably, the skin layer and / or the mould surface are heated to assist the moulding process. The elastomeric layer may also be made of a reactive mixture (e.g. a polyurethane reactive mixture) which is applied in a liquid state to the textured mould surface and which is allowed to solidify against the mould surface.

[0015] Preferably, the second surface texture is visually distinct from the first surface texture. This can be achieved in various ways. For example, one of the textures can be coarse, while the other can be finer. Alternatively, both textures can be coarse, but can include other textural elements of different shapes. Alternatively, or in addition, the two textures can have different light-reflecting properties, such that the differently textured areas have different glosses. For example, one area can be matte, while the other can be more glossy.

[0016] An important advantage of distinguishing the first and second areas of the visible surface of the skin by different surface textures is that such different surface textures can be easily obtained without the need for any additional process steps by molding the outer elastomeric layer on a mold surface, which is provided with a negative image of the first and second surface textures.

[0017] In an embodiment of the skin according to the invention, said portion of said first area forms a visible marking indicating the presence of an operating surface of said operating element.

[0018] The visible identification portion may be a symbol or an icon. The visible identification portion may also be a letter or a number, wherein preferably a plurality of letters or numbers formed by different parts of the first area form a word, or even a text or a number.

[0019] In an embodiment of the skin according to the invention, the outer surface of the outer elastomeric layer has at least one surface relief element in the first area, the surface relief element forming a visible marking portion, the visible marking portion indicating the presence of the operating surface of the operating element, the surface relief element comprising at least one recess in the outer surface, at the at least one recess the outer elastomeric layer having a reduced thickness, and / or the surface relief element comprising at least one raised portion on the outer surface, at the at least one raised portion the outer elastomeric layer having an increased thickness.

[0020] The visible marking portion formed by the surface relief element can be a symbol or an icon. The visible marking portion can also be a letter or a number, wherein preferably, a plurality of letters or numbers formed by different parts of the first area form a word, or even text or a number.

[0021] As with the first and second surface textures, the surface relief elements are not formed by the shape or profile of the outer elastomeric layer itself, but rather are formed as projections on the outer surface of the outer elastomeric layer or as depressions in the outer surface of the outer elastomeric layer. Consequently, the surface relief elements are typically visible only on one side of the outer layer, i.e., on the outer surface (visible surface) of the outer layer. One or more surface relief elements can be individually distinguished (visually, but preferably also tactilely) and thus appear as separate elements on the outer surface of the outer elastomeric layer.

[0022] Thus, in an embodiment of the skin according to the invention having at least one surface relief element in the first region, the surface relief element or elements thus cover preferably less than 50%, more preferably less than 40%, and more particularly less than 30% of the surface of the first region. Thus, the surface relief elements are spaced apart from one another by a considerable distance.

[0023] Preferably, the recessed portion and / or the raised portion creates a height difference on the outer surface that is at least 0.10 mm, preferably at least 0.15 mm. The height difference can be even greater, greater than 0.20 mm, greater than 0.25 mm, or greater than 0.30 mm.

[0024] This height difference allows the surface relief elements to be better distinguished individually. The height difference is determined as the maximum vertical height difference between the surface relief element and the surface area immediately adjacent to the surface relief element. In the case where the surface relief element is a raised portion positioned immediately adjacent to the surface relief element formed by a recessed portion, the height difference caused by the raised portion or the height difference caused by the recessed portion is the height difference between the top of the raised portion and the bottom of the recessed portion, measured on the profile in a plane perpendicular to the outer surface of the outer layer.

[0025] Preferably, the surface relief elements have a surface area projected on a flat plane tangential to the outer surface of the outer elastomeric layer of at least 1 mm 2 , preferably at least 2 mm 2 .

[0026] This also helps to make the surface elements individually distinguishable.

[0027] In an embodiment of the skin according to the invention having at least one surface relief element in said first region, at least a portion of the surface of said surface relief element has said first surface texture.

[0028] Thus, the surface relief element becomes more distinguishable from the second visible surface area by the different textures of the surface of the surface relief element and the surface of the second visible surface area of ​​the skin. This feature thus helps to more clearly indicate the position of the operating surface of the operating element.

[0029] In an embodiment of the skin according to the invention having at least one surface relief element in the first region, the outer surface of the outer layer has the first surface texture at least in a portion of the first region immediately adjacent to the surface relief element.

[0030] By virtue of the different textures of the surface of the first area (which is immediately adjacent to the surface relief element or, if multiple surface relief elements are present in the first area, between multiple surface relief elements) and the surface of the second area of ​​the visible surface of the skin, the first area can be more easily distinguished from the second area, or in other words, the position of the surface relief element is more clearly indicated on the visible surface of the skin.

[0031] In another embodiment of the skin according to the present invention having at least one surface relief element in the first region, at least a portion of the surface of the surface relief element and at least a portion of the first region immediately adjacent to the surface relief element has the first surface texture. In this way, a larger portion of the first region (or preferably, even substantially the entire first region) has the first surface texture and can therefore be more easily distinguished from the second region of the visible skin surface as a whole, clearly indicating the position of the operating surface of the operating element.

[0032] In an embodiment of the skin according to the invention, the second surface texture differs from the first surface texture in order to produce a difference in gloss value between the portion of the first area having the first texture and the second area having the second surface texture, in particular, the second surface texture has a different roughness and / or a profile with a different root mean square slope value than the first surface texture.

[0033] The difference in gloss helps to distinguish between the first and second areas of the visible surface of the cover. Because the difference in gloss is due to the surface texture, no additional post-processing steps (e.g., subsequent painting) or other post-surface treatments are required to achieve this difference in the manufactured cover. The advantage of the difference in gloss is that it is a clear visual indicator of the difference in surface texture. A further advantage is that the difference in gloss is associated with another tactile sensation. Thus, the driver can feel the texture difference without having to look at the cover to see the exact location of the operating surface of the operating element.

[0034] The gloss value of the first region and the gloss value of the second region can be measured according to ASTM D523-14 (2018). The roughness of the surface texture (particularly, roughness Ra) can be measured as defined in DIN EN ISO 4287:1998, and the root mean square slope value (particularly, delta q value Rdq) can be determined in accordance with DIN EN ISO 4287:1998. The greater the surface roughness Ra (i.e., higher peaks and deeper valleys) and / or the greater the delta q value (i.e., steeper slope), the less specular reflection of light, or in other words, less light reflected into the eye, and thus the lower the gloss of the skin surface.

[0035] In an embodiment of the skin according to the present invention, the first surface texture is smoother than the second surface texture to provide a higher gloss to the portion of the first area having the first surface texture, in particular, the gloss value of the second area of ​​the skin measured at an angle of 60° according to ASTM D523-14 (2018) is less than 2.0, more particularly less than 1.5.

[0036] The glossier areas allow for clear differentiation from surrounding areas, particularly when the surrounding areas are matte. In particular, for matte areas with gloss values ​​less than 2.0 gloss units, or even less than 1.5 gloss units (100 gloss units corresponds to the gloss value of a black glass standard), the human eye can easily notice a difference of several gloss units, particularly a difference of 2.0 gloss units. It has been found that when the elastomeric layer is molded against a smooth mold surface, in particular so that the outer surface has a roughness Ra of less than 10 μm as defined in DIN EN ISO 4287:1998 (in conjunction with ISO 11562:1996, which describes a Gaussian phase correction filter to filter out fine roughness profiles), the gloss value of the outer surface is at least 2 to 3 gloss units higher than the rougher, textured outer surface, and can include, for example, 4 gloss units for the elastomeric polyurethane layer.

[0037] In an embodiment of the skin according to the invention, the skin comprises an inner layer adhered to the inner surface of the outer layer and the operating element is embedded between the outer and inner layers, preferably comprising a sensor element and a light source.

[0038] The advantage of this embodiment is that the operating element is completely isolated from dust and moisture. In addition, the operating element can be easily and completely integrated when the two skin layers are molded against the mold surface. Therefore, when the skin is transferred to the next mold, in particular a foam backing mold, the operating element is protected from any damage, wherein the substrate is adhered to the back of the skin via the intermediate portion formed by the foam layer.

[0039] The operating element may comprise a mechanical switching element with two stable positions. However, in an embodiment of the skin according to the invention, the operating element comprises a sensor element. Such a sensor element may be more reliable and compact than a bistable mechanical on / off switching element. The sensor element may be a contact sensor (e.g., a resistive sensor or a pressure sensor), but may also be a remote sensor (e.g., a capacitive sensor, an infrared sensor, or an electromagnetic sensor, for example, to read RFID data).

[0040] Preferably, the operating element further comprises a light source. Preferably, the light source is activated when the operating element is operated.

[0041] In an embodiment of the skin according to the invention, the visible surface of the skin in the first region and in the second region is formed from one and the same material.

[0042] The elastomeric layer can be made of a single material or can further include a coating layer applied by an in-mold coating process, thereby forming the outer surface of the (composite) outer elastomeric layer. Thus, in the first and second regions, the visible surface is formed by a single material of the outer layer or by the coating layer. Thus, it is not necessary to apply the coating layer separately to the first or second region, or to remove any portion of the coating layer, for example by laser, to indicate the position of the first region within the second region. Thus, the visible outer surface of the skin is formed in a single step, preferably in a single step, against the mold surface when the skin is molded.

[0043] The invention also relates to a vehicle trim part comprising a skin according to the invention, adhered to a base layer, in particular via an intermediate portion formed by a foam layer.

[0044] Finally, the present invention also relates to a method for producing a skin according to the invention, comprising the following steps:

[0045] - molding the outer elastomeric layer, wherein the outer surface of the outer elastomeric layer bears against a mold surface provided with a negative image of the first surface texture to produce the first surface texture on the outer surface of the outer elastomeric layer, and the mold surface provided with a negative image of the second surface texture to produce the second surface texture on the outer surface of the outer elastomeric layer; and

[0046] - adhering the operating element to the inner surface of the outer layer.

[0047] The advantage of this method is that during moulding, in one step, different textures of the visible surface of the skin and optionally one or more relief elements are immediately obtained, the one or more relief elements further indicating the position of the operating elements.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the method comprises the further step of embedding the operating element between the outer layer and the inner layer, and after positioning the operating element against the inner surface of the outer layer, adhering the inner layer to the inner surface of the outer layer, preferably, the operating element comprises a sensor element and a light source.

[0049] In practice, it is already possible to manufacture a two-layer skin. For example, see EP 2 024 413, where the outer layer is made of a light-stable aliphatic polyurethane material and the inner layer is made of a more flexible aromatic polyurethane material. By positioning the operating element behind the first layer before applying the second layer, the operating element can be easily inserted between the two layers in the correct position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of some specific embodiments of the skin and the method for manufacturing the skin according to the invention. This description is given by way of example only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The reference numerals used in the description refer to the following figures, in which:

[0051] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a trim component, in particular an instrument panel, comprising an elastomeric skin according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 2 is an enlarged schematic front view of a portion of the skin at the location of the first operating element (ie, at the location of the pressure-sensitive switch sensor);

[0053] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view through a trim component at the location of a pressure sensitive switch sensor;

[0054] Figure 4 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view through the outer layer of the skin at the location of the pressure sensitive switch sensor; and

[0055] Figure 5 is an enlarged schematic front view of a portion of the skin at the location of the second operating element, ie at the location of the sensor element forming the slide. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The present invention generally relates to a skin 1 for a vehicle interior trim component 2, such as an instrument panel, a door panel, a console, a glove box cover, etc. Figure 3 As shown, the trim component comprises a skin 1 adhered to a rigid base layer 3. The skin 1 can be adhered directly to the base layer 3 by means of an adhesive or by means of an overmolding process in which the skin 1 is molded onto the base layer 3 in a mold. Preferably, the skin 1 is adhered to the base layer 3 via an intermediate portion formed by a foam layer 4. This foam layer 4 can be produced between the skin 1 and the base layer 3 by means of a molding process.

[0057] The skin 1 according to the invention comprises at least a flexible outer elastomer layer 5 having an inner surface 6 and an outer surface 7, the outer surface forming the visible surface of the skin 1, i.e. the A-surface. The outer elastomer layer 5 can be a thermoplastic layer or a thermoplastic foil, in particular a TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) layer, such as a TPO skin or a PVC skin. Such a thermoplastic skin layer can be molded by a thermoforming process or, for example, by a slush molding process. The outer elastomer layer 5 can also be made from a curable composition, in particular, from a curable polyurethane composition. The curable composition is a flowable material that is applied to a mold surface and that is cured on the mold surface to produce the outer elastomer layer 5.

[0058] Curable composition can be applied on the surface of open mould or can be applied in closed mould by spraying process, more particularly, curable composition is poured, but preferably, curable composition is injected according to reaction injection moulding (RIM) technique. Light-stable colored PU reaction mixture can be used. Can refer to EP-B-0 303 305, EP-B-0 379 246, WO 98 / 14492, EP-B-0 929586 and WO 04 / 000905, these documents are included herein by reference at this.

[0059] In a variant embodiment, a finishing layer (in particular, a water-based or solvent-based light-stable lacquer layer or a so-called mold undercoat) can be applied as a first coating layer on the mold surface. This lacquer layer, together with an elastomer layer subsequently applied thereto, constitutes the outer elastomer layer 5.

[0060] The outer elastomeric layer 5 is elastomeric, which means that the elongation of the outer elastomeric layer measured according to DIN / EN / ISO 527-3 is generally at least 30%, preferably at least 50%. The flexural modulus of the outer elastomeric layer measured according to ASTM D790-03 is preferably less than 100 MPa, more preferably less than 75 MPa, most preferably less than 55 MPa, or even less than 40 MPa. Typically, the overall density of the outer elastomeric layer is greater than 300 kg / m 3 , preferably greater than 500kg / m 3 , more preferably greater than 600 kg / m 3 .

[0061] The substrate layer 3 is relatively rigid compared to the outer elastomeric layer 5 and, in particular, has a flexural modulus of greater than 500 MPa, preferably greater than 700 MPa, measured according to ASTM D790. While the substrate layer may be made of a thermosetting material, it is preferred that the substrate be made of a thermoplastic material. Preferably, the thermoplastic material is selected from the group consisting of PC (polycarbonate), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and ABS blends (particularly PC / ABS), SMA (styrene maleic anhydride), PPO (polyphenylene oxide), TPO (thermoplastic olefin) (particularly PP (polypropylene)), polyacetal (particularly POM (polyoxymethylene)), nylon, polyester, acrylic, and polysulfone.

[0062] As described in WO 2007 / 137623, the outer elastomeric layer 5 may also be made of two or more layers, each made of a curable composition.

[0063] Furthermore, the skin 1 according to the invention comprises at least one operating element having an operating surface 9 and adhered to the inner surface 6 of the outer elastomeric layer 5. In the present text and in the claims, the term "operating element" refers to an element that is configured to be connected to an electrical or electronic component in order to enable a user to control the operation of this element.

[0064] In order to adhere the operating element to the outer elastomeric layer 5, the operating element can be adhered to the outer elastomeric layer by an adhesive, or the operating element can be applied to the outer elastomeric layer during the manufacture of the outer elastomeric layer when the material of the outer elastomeric layer 5 has not yet completely cured. Alternatively, the operating element can be applied to the base layer 3 and overmolded together with the base layer 3 using the liquid material used to manufacture the outer elastomeric layer 5.

[0065] exist Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the operating element is adhered to the outer elastomeric layer 5 via an inner elastomeric layer 10, which is fabricated against the inner surface of the outer elastomeric layer 5. The inner elastomeric layer 10 can have the same composition as the outer elastomeric layer 5 and can be fabricated in the same manner as described above for the outer elastomeric layer 5. In particular, the outer elastomeric layer 5 and the inner elastomeric layer 10 can be fabricated in the manner disclosed in WO 2007 / 137623. Preferably, the outer elastomeric layer 5 is fabricated by applying a first curable polyurethane composition to the mold surface, and the inner elastomeric layer 10 is fabricated by applying a second curable polyurethane composition to the back of the outer elastomeric layer 5. The first curable polyurethane composition is preferably an aliphatic polyurethane composition, while the second curable polyurethane composition is preferably an aromatic polyurethane composition.

[0066] exist Figure 1 The decorative component 2 shown in FIG is an instrument panel. The instrument panel comprises an elastomeric skin 1 with openings for integrating functional elements (e.g., an instrument panel) in the skin 1. The skin 1 also includes an area where operating elements are integrated on the back side of the skin, making them invisible. These operating elements can be arranged on an electronic printed foil 15 with a tail extending from the decorative component 2, allowing the operating elements to be connected to a control.

[0067] In order to avoid deformation in the integrated area when the product is exposed to different ambient temperatures, the integrated printed foil preferably has a similar shrinkage coefficient as the elastomeric skin and / or an E modulus (Young's modulus) that is the same as or lower than the E modulus of the elastomeric layer. Printed foils made of TPU material are very suitable for use in combination with elastomeric materials.

[0068] Electronic printed foils can already foresee electronic surface mount devices such as LEDs, tactile actuators, electric coils for contactless charging, RFID readers, antennas, etc. The printed foil can also be an OLED display.

[0069] The first operating element 8A can be designed to illuminate other hidden operating elements, making them visible. The first operating element includes an on / off switch formed by a pressure sensor 13 having an operating surface 9. The first operating element 8A also includes a light source 14 having two opposing LEDs 14A and 14B. The spaces between the LEDs are filled with a light-directing material that diffuses the LED light in different directions, creating uniform illumination of the first area 11. Alternatively, the light source 14 can be fully or partially covered by a filter that removes certain wavelengths, for example, to allow for color images. Such a filter also forms part of the light source 14, as it determines the wavelength of light provided by the light source 14 to the inner surface 6 of the outer elastomeric layer 5. Upon initial actuation of the pressure sensor 13, the LEDs 14A and 14B are energized, providing a visible indication of the actuation of the operating element 8A and a clearer view of the position of the first operating element 8A. Additionally, when the first operating element 8A is actuated, the light sources of the other hidden operating elements may be powered, so that the other hidden operating elements become visible to the user.

[0070] In order to indicate the position of the first operating element 8A when its light source 14 is not powered, the operating surface 9 of the first operating element 8A is positioned in a first region 11 of the visible surface of the cover 1, which is surrounded by a second region 12 of the visible surface. At least a portion of the first region 11 has a first surface texture that is different from the surface texture of the second region 12, i.e., the second surface texture.

[0071] Typically, the second surface texture is present on a major portion of the surface of the skin. This second surface texture may be, for example, a leather texture or any other texture used for decorative parts. This leather texture is Figure 4The texture of this leather is shown on a larger microscopic scale in FIG. This leather texture has relatively deep valleys and relatively high peaks, and the surface forming the peaks and valleys is also relatively rough. The measured Ra value (roughness value) (arithmetic mean deviation of the evaluated texture profile) as defined in DIN EN ISO 4287:1998 comprises, for example, 54 μm for the texture profile shown, while the Pt value, i.e., the measured total profile height (the sum of the height of the largest profile peak and the depth of the largest profile valley within the evaluation length) as defined in DIN EN ISO 4287:1998, comprises, for example, approximately 220 μm. The root mean square slope value (in particular, the delta q value Rdq as determined in accordance with DIN EN ISO 4287:1998) is, for example, approximately 1.27. The greater the delta q value, the steeper the slope of the profile, the more diffuse the reflection of light, and therefore the more matte the surface. A higher roughness also results in a more matte surface. Due to these parameter values ​​of the second surface texture, and the reflectivity of the polyurethane material used to manufacture the skin (by spraying process on the textured mold surface), the above-described and Figure 4 The gloss value of the skin 1 shown in comprises approximately 0.2 gloss units in the second region 12 of the skin.

[0072] As in Figure 4 As shown in , preferably, the first surface texture is smoother than the second surface texture. In this way, the surface of the first area 11 has a higher gloss than the surface of the second area 12. This means that the specular light reflection in the first area 11 is stronger than the specular light reflection in the second area 12, and the diffuse light reflection in the first area is weaker than the diffuse light reflection in the second area. This helps to make the first area 11 visible within the second area 12 or the first area next to the second area visible. The gloss difference between the first area and the second area can be measured according to ASTM D523-14 (2018). This is typically done at an angle of 60°, but for low gloss values, the different gloss values ​​can be more clearly determined when the difference is measured at an angle of 85° (which results in a higher gloss value).

[0073] The first surface texture can be produced on a completely smooth mold surface, i.e. on a mold surface that can even be polished and has no texture. Depending on the skin material, the surface of the skin will be smoother or less smooth. When the skin material is applied to the mold surface in liquid form, the viscosity of the skin material may, for example, have an influence on the smoothness of the resulting skin surface. The resulting gloss of the skin surface also depends on the composition of the skin material. For a polyurethane skin produced by spraying a curable polyurethane material on the mold surface, the gloss value can, for example, be between 3 gloss units and 6 gloss units. If a higher gloss is desired, an under-mold coating, such as a paint, can first be applied to the mold surface.

[0074] To indicate the position of the first operating element even more clearly in the absence of illumination, surface relief elements are provided in the first region, i.e., at the location of the first operating element 8A. These relief elements comprise a central icon 16, which indicates the on / off switch function and is surrounded by a circle consisting of dots 17. This circle not only provides a clear visual indication, but also a clear tactile indication of the position of the first operating element 8A. The dots 17 are similar to the raised dots of Braille, but are even larger, making them easily felt by inexperienced users. Within the circular icon 16, the surface of the cover is completely smooth, allowing the recessed area within the circular icon 16 to be clearly felt, indicating to the user where they must press to activate the first operating element 8A.

[0075] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the cross section shown in FIG, it can be seen that the icons 16 and the dots 17 have a height h, or in other words, a height difference h, which is of the same order of magnitude as the overall profile height Pt of the second surface texture and is in particular between 0.15 mm and 0.2 mm. This height difference corresponds to the increased thickness of the outer elastomeric layer 5 at the location of the icons 16 or dots 17.

[0076] In an alternative embodiment, the icons 16 and / or dots 17 may be formed by corresponding depressions in the outer surface 7 of the outer elastomeric layer 5 rather than by elevations.

[0077] exist Figures 2 to 4 In the embodiment shown in FIG, the difference in gloss between first region 11 and second region 12 is maximized because not only are the skin surfaces immediately adjacent to dots 17 and icons 16 completely smooth, but the surfaces of dots 17 and icons 16 themselves are also completely smooth. In alternative embodiments, the surfaces of dots 17 and icons 16 can be roughened, making them more matte and easier to feel. When the dots and icons have smooth surfaces, their slanted sides reflect light in different directions, which aids in their visibility.

[0078] Figure 5 The surface of the skin 1 is shown at the location of the second operating element 8B. This element 8B comprises an elongated sensor element which is able to detect the position of the user's finger and any sliding movement of the finger. Thus, such a slider enables the control of, for example, the volume of the radio, the temperature, the speed of the fan, the opening and closing of the windows, etc. The first area also has a smooth surface texture and is provided with dots 18 which correspond to the dots on the first area. Figure 4The dot portions shown in FIG have the same shape. More specifically, the dot portions have a rounded dome shape, allowing the user to easily slide their finger over first region 11. Dot portions 18 also have a smooth surface, and between dot portions 18, first region 11 is also smooth. First region 11 has an elongated shape with a gradually narrowing width, forming an indicator portion. By sliding a finger to the narrower side, the value of the parameter controlled by second operating element 8B decreases, while when the user slides the finger to the wider side, the value of the parameter controlled by second operating element 8B increases.

Claims

1. A skin (1) for a vehicle interior decoration component (2), the skin (1) comprising at least: an outer elastomeric layer (5) having an inner surface (6) and an outer surface (7); and at least one operating element adhered to the inner surface (6) of the outer elastomeric layer (5) and having an operating surface (9), the outer surface (7) of the outer elastomeric layer (5) forming the visible surface of the skin, It is characterized by: The operating surface (9) of the operating element extends in a first area (11) of the visible surface of the skin (1), the first area being at least partially surrounded by a second area (12) of the visible surface of the skin (1), the outer surface (7) of the outer elastomeric layer (5) having a first surface texture at least in a part of the first area (11) and a second surface texture in the second area (12), the second surface texture being different from the first surface texture, and the operating element being configured to be connected to an electrical or electronic component so as to enable control of the operation of the electrical or electronic component.

2. The skin according to claim 1, characterized in that The outer surface (7) of the outer elastomeric layer (5) has at least one surface relief element in the first region (11), the surface relief element forming a visible marking portion, the visible marking portion indicating the presence of the operating surface (9) of the operating element, the surface relief element comprising at least one recess in the outer surface (7), at which the outer elastomeric layer (5) has a reduced thickness, and / or the surface relief element comprising at least one raised portion on the outer surface (7), at which the outer elastomeric layer (5) has an increased thickness.

3. The skin according to claim 2, characterized in that The recessed portion and / or the raised portion generates a height difference on the outer surface (7), and the height difference is at least 0.10 mm.

4. The skin according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that At least a portion of the surface of the surface relief element has the first surface texture.

5. The skin according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The outer surface of the outer elastomeric layer has the first surface texture at least in a portion of the first region (11) immediately adjacent to the surface relief elements.

6. The skin according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The surface relief element has a surface area projected on a flat plane tangential to the outer surface (7) of the outer elastomeric layer (5), the surface area of ​​the projected surface being at least 1 mm 2 .

7. The skin according to claim 1, characterized in that The portion of the first area (11) forms a visible marking portion, which indicates the presence of the operating surface (9) of the operating element.

8. The skin according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The second surface texture is visually distinct from the first surface texture.

9. The skin according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The second surface texture is different from the first surface texture to produce a difference in gloss value between the portion of the first region (11) having the first surface texture and the second region (12) having the second surface texture.

10. The skin according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first surface texture is smoother than the second surface texture to provide a higher gloss to the portion of the first region (11) having the first surface texture.

11. The skin according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The skin (1) comprises an inner elastomeric layer (10) adhered to the inner surface (6) of the outer elastomeric layer (5), and the operating element is embedded between the outer elastomeric layer (5) and the inner elastomeric layer (10).

12. The skin according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The operating element comprises a sensor element.

13. The skin according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The operating element comprises a light source (14).

14. The skin according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The visible surface of the skin (1) in the first region (11) and the second region (12) is formed from one and the same material.

15. The skin according to claim 3, characterized in that The height difference is at least 0.15 mm.

16. The skin according to claim 6, characterized in that The projected surface area is at least 2 mm 2 .

17. The skin according to claim 9, characterized in that The second surface texture has a different roughness and / or a profile with a different root mean square slope value than the first surface texture.

18. The skin according to claim 10, wherein: The second region (12) of the skin (1) has a gloss value of less than 2.0 when measured at an angle of 60° according to ASTM D523-14 (2018).

19. The skin according to claim 18, characterized in that The second region (12) of the skin (1) has a gloss value of less than 1.5 when measured at an angle of 60° according to ASTM D523-14 (2018).

20. A vehicle interior trim component comprising a skin according to any one of claims 1 to 19, the skin (1) being adhered to a base layer (3) via an intermediate portion formed by a foam layer (4).

21. The vehicle interior trim component according to claim 20, wherein: The operating element is connected to an electrical or electronic element.

22. Method for producing a skin according to any one of claims 1 to 19, comprising the steps of: - moulding the outer elastomeric layer (5), wherein the outer surface (7) of the outer elastomeric layer is abutted against a mould surface, the mould surface being provided with a negative image of the first surface texture to produce the first surface texture on the outer surface (7) of the outer elastomeric layer (5), and the mould surface being provided with a negative image of the second surface texture to produce the second surface texture on the outer surface (7) of the outer elastomeric layer (5); and - Adhere the operating element to the inner surface (6) of the outer elastomeric layer (5).

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The operating element is adhered to the inner surface (6) of the outer elastomeric layer (5) before the outer elastomeric layer (5) is removed from the mold surface.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that The method comprises the further step of embedding the operating element between the outer elastomeric layer (5) and the inner elastomeric layer (10), and after positioning the operating element against the inner surface (6) of the outer elastomeric layer (5), adhering the inner elastomeric layer (10) to the inner surface (6) of the outer elastomeric layer (5).

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The operating element comprises a sensor element and a light source (14).

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