Skin for decorating backlit vehicle interior parts, method and device for manufacturing the skin

Abstract

The present invention provides a skin for decorating a backlit vehicle interior, the skin comprising a perforated opaque decorative layer and a light-transmitting material filling the holes, wherein the light-transmitting material is a reactive hot-melt adhesive, the reactive hot-melt adhesive forms a base layer, the base layer extends on the rear side of the opaque decorative layer and comprises a central portion and a transition portion surrounding the central portion, and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the central portion of the base layer and completely filling the through holes; a method and facility for manufacturing the skin for decorating a backlit vehicle interior.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover for decorating a backlit vehicle interior component, specifically, the cover comprises a perforated opaque decorative layer and a light-transmitting material filling the holes, wherein the cover is configured so that light can pass through the holes filled with the light-transmitting material.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method and a plant for producing such a skin for decorating a backlit vehicle interior trim part. Background Art

[0003] To enhance occupant comfort, it is becoming increasingly common to seek ambient or decorative lighting and functional lighting within vehicles.

[0004] Considering the importance of maintaining a good appearance of the vehicle interior, lighting devices are generally integrated in the vehicle interior in a manner of being hidden at the rear side of the vehicle interior.

[0005] This means that when viewed from the vehicle cabin, the visual appearance of the vehicle interior parts does not change because they contain lighting devices, unless the lighting devices are turned on. These vehicle interior parts are often referred to as backlit vehicle interior parts.

[0006] Since the lighting device is hidden at the rear side, every component in front of the lighting device, namely the carrier forming the structural part of the vehicle interior and the skin forming the outer decorative layer, must be translucent so that light can pass through them from the rear side of the vehicle interior to the front side, thereby illuminating the vehicle cabin.

[0007] As for the skin, it may comprise a translucent layer, such as a translucent film, a thin veneer or a fabric; or an opaque layer, such as leather or synthetic leather.

[0008] In case an opaque layer is used, the opaque layer needs to be perforated so that light can pass through them.

[0009] Since the skin is the exterior decorative layer that is exposed to the environmental conditions of the vehicle, there is a risk that the holes may become clogged with dust or other material, thereby hindering or blocking the light from passing through the holes.

[0010] In order to overcome said problems, it is known to fill the holes with a light-transmitting material. Some examples are patent documents DE102008043441B4, DE102016214806A1 or DE102019121917A1.

[0011] However, filling the holes with light-transmissive materials requires consideration of challenges such as maintaining a good finish for both the skin and the vehicle interior trim that is decorated with the skin, as well as controlling the quality of light that passes through the light-transmissive filler.

[0012] Regarding the quality of the finish in particular, it had to be taken into account that the light-transmitting filler was perfectly flush with the front side of the skin in order to give the front side a continuous visual-tactile appearance.

[0013] To ensure a quality finish, it is also important that the front side of the skin does not become dirty due to filler leakage during filler application and that the skin is not damaged by the high temperatures of the filler during application.

[0014] Regarding lighting quality, it is important to consider that the filler fills the hole completely and evenly, thus avoiding voids or bubbles that affect the effective use of light. It is also important that the filler is completely flush with the front side of the skin, which means a light exit with smooth edges that directly affects the effective distribution of light.

[0015] On the outermost surface of a light-transmitting filler, that part from which light exits, both the quality of illumination and the quality of the finish are particularly important.

[0016] Additionally, the quality of lighting and finish must remain constant over the life of the skin. This means that the light-transmitting filler should retain its chemical and physical stability over its life.

[0017] A known solution to the above challenges is disclosed in patent document DE102019107019A1.

[0018] It discloses a method for manufacturing a skin comprising a perforated opaque layer and a light-transmitting filler filling the holes to prevent clogging of the holes due to dust or other unexpected materials.

[0019] The method includes filling the holes with a reactive hot melt adhesive having a low viscosity when applying the filler to ensure complete and even filling.

[0020] The viscosity of the light-transmitting filler is low enough to mean that the filler overflows during the filler application step. This means that the skin becomes dirty and the filler is not flush with the front side of the skin.

[0021] In order to overcome the above problems, DE 10 2019 107 019 A1 discloses a method in which a protective sheet is firmly connected to the front side of the skin before applying a light-transmitting filler, and once the light-transmitting filler is cured, the protective sheet is removed.

[0022] This implies some disadvantages, such as an increase in the cycle time due to the addition of an extra step to the method or the need to wait for the light-transmitting filler to cure before removing the protective sheet, the risk of damaging the skin during the removal step and the use of an extra component.

[0023] Additionally, while DE 10 2019 107 019 A1 addresses the challenge of achieving complete and uniform filling of holes by using a light-transmitting filler with low viscosity, it does not describe the viscosity balance in order to maintain complete and uniform filling and avoid leakage of the filler at the front side of the skin.

[0024] On the other hand, as disclosed in DE 10 2019 107 019 A1, it is necessary to form an excess of light-transmitting filler on the rear side of the skin to ensure complete filling of the hole.

[0025] For reasons of cost-efficiency, the light-transmitting filler and therefore the excess layer are only applied locally in the area of ​​the holes, thereby forming a non-continuous layer on the rear side of the skin.

[0026] This leads to another disadvantage that the problem of controlling the excess light-transmitting filler must be solved, which, since the rear side of the skin is not continuous, affects the finish of the vehicle interior trim after the carrier and the skin are connected.

[0027] Other known solutions include the use of light-transmitting fillers with a higher viscosity.

[0028] Sufficiently high viscosity makes it difficult to achieve uniform and complete filling of the pores, which means there is a risk of air bubbles, voids and non-uniformly dense filling. It mainly has a negative impact on the lighting quality.

[0029] Additionally, such light-transmitting fillers are often thermoplastic, meaning they tend to melt at high temperatures and lose their physical stability.

[0030] Since the cabin is exposed to temperatures of up to 120°C and above during its service life, not to mention those parts exposed to direct sunlight, this material is not sufficient, since the loss of physical stability would make the material flow, thus directly affecting the finishing quality of the skin and the lighting quality. Summary of the invention

[0031] In view of the above-mentioned drawbacks, the object of the present invention is a skin for decorating a backlit vehicle interior, said skin comprising a perforated opaque decorative layer and a light transmitting filler filling the holes, thereby preventing material from accidentally clogging the holes, wherein the holes are filled uniformly and completely, wherein the light transmitting material is configured so that light can pass through it and it is flush with the front side of the perforated opaque decorative layer, so as to allow, according to a manufacturing method that is cost-effective in terms of cycle time and tools, the lighting quality and finishing quality of both the skin of the backlit vehicle interior thus decorated and the backlit vehicle interior comprising said skin, and due to the chemical and physical stability of the light transmitting filler, the lighting quality and finishing quality can be maintained throughout its service life.

[0032] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a cover for decorating a backlit vehicle interior trim, the cover comprising an opaque decorative layer having a plurality of through holes and a light-transmitting filler filling the holes.

[0033] Since the holes are filled with a light-transmitting filler, clogging of the holes by unintended materials such as dust or other materials is avoided.

[0034] Thus, light can pass through the holes, maintaining the greatest possible luminous intensity and maintaining or even improving the luminous quality through the holes.

[0035] According to the invention, when first heated and melted, the light-transmitting filler has a dynamic viscosity between 10.000 cPs and 30.000 cPs at a temperature between 110° C. and 170° C.

[0036] On the one hand, the dynamic viscosity is low enough to achieve uniform and complete filling of the pores, thereby avoiding air bubbles or voids and achieving uniform dense filling.

[0037] In this way, a uniform light can be obtained in the light emission portion and an efficient use of the light emitted by the lighting device can be achieved, both effects resulting in a better lighting quality.

[0038] On the other hand, when the filler is applied to the back side of the opaque decorative layer, the dynamic viscosity is high enough to minimize the leakage of the filler and thus minimize the contamination of the front side thereof.

[0039] In this way, a high-quality finish of the opaque decorative layer and thus of the final skin can be obtained.

[0040] Since the light-transmitting filler includes a reactive hot melt adhesive, once the light-transmitting filler is heated and cured for the first time, it becomes a physically and chemically stable final part.

[0041] Specifically, a reactive hot melt adhesive that is a thermoplastic allows the portion of the adhesive that is flush with the front side of the opaque decorative layer to solidify when it comes into contact with a cold surface.

[0042] This allows stabilizing the light-exiting portion of the adhesive and forming a solid surface barrier which prevents the adhesive from escaping and thus contaminating the front side of the opaque decorative layer.

[0043] As a result, the adhesive remains in place and flush with the front side of the opaque decorative layer and quickly acquires its final outer shape.

[0044] This partial adhesive stability at the surface flush with the front side of the opaque decorative layer allows the skin to be removed from the light-transmitting filler application tool before the adhesive has completely cured.

[0045] In this way, the hole filling cycle time is shortened because no additional material such as a protection sheet covering the front side of the opaque decorative layer is used.

[0046] Reactive hot melt adhesives, on the other hand, are reactive and once the adhesive has cured, can withstand the high temperatures that can be reached within a vehicle cabin without losing its integrity. This allows the adhesive to maintain its qualities throughout its service life, including lighting quality and finish quality.

[0047] Due to the base layer formed to extend on the rear side of the opaque decorative layer, sufficient additional light-transmitting filler is ensured to completely fill the hole.

[0048] In combination with the dynamic viscosity of the light-transmitting filler which ensures uniform filling, this benefits the quality of the light obtained.

[0049] Although the base layer ensures complete filling of the holes, thereby having a positive influence on the lighting quality, it is very important to control the configuration of said base layer, since it does not extend continuously over the entire rear side of the opaque decorative layer.

[0050] This means that after the skin has been joined to the carrier to form the final vehicle interior component, the discontinuous base layer may result in visible markings, which can have a negative impact on the finish quality of the final vehicle component.

[0051] The small thickness of the base layer according to the invention, less than 0.25 mm, therefore minimizes the marks formed after lamination of the skin with the carrier forming the final vehicle interior component. In this way, the finishing quality of the final vehicle component is ensured.

[0052] In addition, the base layer includes a transition portion around the central portion, the width of which is at least 5 mm, wherein its thickness gradually decreases from a thickness of less than 0.25 mm, i.e. the thickness of the central portion, to a thickness of 0 mm at the periphery of the base layer, thereby configuring a gentle transition between the base layer and the rear side of the skin in this way.

[0053] This also helps to minimize the risk of leaving marks on the front side of the final vehicle component after the skin is connected to the carrier by adhesive to form the final vehicle interior component. In this way, the finishing quality of the final vehicle component is also ensured.

[0054] According to a second and a third aspect, the invention relates to a method and a plant for producing a skin for decorating a backlit vehicle interior trim part.

[0055] The flat bearing surface with a temperature below 40°C for laying the opaque decorative layer is configured to bear the opaque decorative layer and the pressure and force of the dosing head and to contact the front side of the opaque decorative layer. This particular configuration allows the light-transmitting filler, which is a reactive hot melt adhesive, to cool and solidify when it is in contact with the flat bearing surface.

[0056] The light exit portion is thus flush with the front side of the opaque decorative layer and becomes stable immediately after mutual contact with the flat carrier surface, whereby it acquires its final shape and texture.

[0057] In addition, immediate curing of the light-exiting portion allows the formation of a stable and strong surface barrier that prevents the light-transmitting filler from overflowing on the front side of the opaque decorative layer without using an additional protective member.

[0058] It helps ensure finish quality and saves cycle time and costs.

[0059] On the other hand, a stable and strong surface barrier allows the skin to be safely extracted from the light filler application tool before the light filler cures, resulting in a more efficient process in terms of cycle time and cost.

[0060] Additionally, since during the light-transmitting filler application, the front surface of the opaque decorative layer is in contact with a flat bearing surface with a temperature below 40ºC, and considering the high temperature of the light-transmitting filler, it allows to keep the front side of the opaque decorative layer cool enough to prevent visible damage. Therefore, the finishing quality is also ensured.

[0061] According to the invention, a light-transmitting filler is applied on the rear side of the opaque decorative layer in order to fill the holes by means of a movable metering head which is configured to be slidably movable on the rear side.

[0062] Specifically, the movable metering head includes: a pressure component configured to increase the pressure above 0.3 kg / cm 2 A first pressure P1 is applied to the opaque decorative layer; and a metering nozzle, the metering nozzle is configured to apply a light-transmitting filler at a temperature between 110°C and 170°C and at a second pressure P2, the second pressure being 0 at the periphery of the transition portion and 0.25 kg / cm through the base layer length 2 With 1 kg / cm 2 , wherein the second pressure P2 is less than the first pressure P1.

[0063] The pressure exerted by the pressure member ensures that the pressure of the opaque decorative layer against the flat carrier surface is maintained during the application of the light-transmitting filler.

[0064] This is very important to achieve that the light-transmitting filling, in particular the light exit portion formed at the outermost portion of the protrusion, is flush with the front side of the opaque decorative layer.

[0065] The pressure applied by the metering nozzle allows controlling the amount of light-transmitting filler applied in each hole so as to configure a base layer on the back side including a sufficient excess of light-transmitting filler to ensure complete filling of the holes, compact the base layer, and configure a specific shape of this base layer.

[0066] On the one hand, the specific combination of pressure applied by the pressure member and the metering nozzle allows to ensure complete filling of the holes and compaction of the base layer. This avoids the appearance of bubbles or voids along the protrusions of the filled holes. Both together allow to produce a light-transmitting filler with continuity and homogeneity within each hole.

[0067] Therefore, the light passing through the hole maintains the greatest possible luminous intensity, and the luminous quality is maintained or even improved by the hole.

[0068] As mentioned above, base layer comprises the transitional section around the central part. Said transitional section comprises a first part again, said first part is formed by two parts, i.e. a front part and a rear part, each of which extends continuously in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion "S" of the movable metering head; and a second part, said second part is formed by two transverse sections, each of which extends continuously in the "S" direction.

[0069] The specific combination of pressure applied by the pressure member and the metering nozzle allows the first part of the transition section to be produced.

[0070] The geometry of the pressure element, including the specially shaped open inner cavity, allows the second part of the transition section to be deployed when the metering head moves forward in the direction of movement "S".

[0071] The transition section as a whole allows minimizing visible markings in the final vehicle component.

[0072] On the other hand, laying the opaque decorative layer on a cool flat support surface combined with the pressure exerted on the opaque decorative layer by the pressure member of the metering head causes the light-transmitting filler to be flush with the front side of the opaque decorative layer before the light-transmitting filler cures.

[0073] In particular, the combination allows to define a controlled hole surface, shape and texture, flush with the front side of the opaque decorative layer and allows to define a perfect hole contour, thus creating a smooth-edged light exit and in this way maintaining the lighting quality of the obtained light.

[0074] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a backlit vehicle interior trim part comprising a skin as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0075] The descriptive content of the present invention is completed by a set of drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments and which in no way limit the invention.

[0076] Figure 1 A skin for decorating a backlit vehicle interior trim is shown in a top view from the front side.

[0077] Figure 2 A skin for decorating a backlit vehicle interior trim is shown in a top view from the rear side.

[0078] Figure 3 Shown according to Figure 1 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a skin for decorative backlit vehicle interior trim, plane AA indicated in FIG.

[0079] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a backlit vehicle interior trim part including a skin according to the present invention is shown.

[0080] Figure 5 Shown according to Figure 4 Detail D is shown in a detailed view of the skin used to decorate a backlit vehicle interior trim component.

[0081] Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a facility for manufacturing skins for decorative backlit vehicle interior trim is shown. Specifically, Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing a bearing member and a metering head, Figure 7 Shown in Figure 6 Details of the metering head shown in E, Figure 8 Shown according to Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the metering head in plane BB is shown in FIG. Fig. 9 Shown in Figure 8 Detail of the pressure part of the metering head shown in F. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] Figure 1 The front side 1 . 1 of a skin 1 for decorating a backlit vehicle interior trim 10 is shown, and Figure 2 The rear side 1 . 2 thereof is shown. Specifically, the skin 1 comprises an opaque decorative layer 2 and a light-transmitting filler 3 .

[0083] like Figure 3 As shown, the opaque decorative layer 2 has a front side 2.1, a rear side 2.2 and a number of through holes 2.3 extending from the rear side 2.2 to the front side 2.1 and having a diameter of less than 2.5 mm. More preferably, the diameter is between 0.6 mm and 2 mm.

[0084] Preferably, the opaque decorative layer 2 is a flexible layer, for example of leather or synthetic leather, and has a thickness between 0.6 mm and 1.5 mm. More preferably, the thickness is between 0.75 mm and 1.25 mm.

[0085] The through holes 2.3 are configured so that light can pass through them. They can form a decorative or indicating design, which can be configured, for example, to indicate the position of a capacitive switch or to indicate a specific state of the vehicle.

[0086] The light-transmitting filler 3 completely fills the through hole 2.3 of the opaque decorative layer 2 and allows Figure 4 The light provided by the lighting device 20 schematically shown in FIG. 1 passes through it to illuminate the vehicle compartment (VC). The light-transmitting filler 3 may be transparent or translucent.

[0087] In the case of translucency, the light-transmitting filler 3 may be colored. The color may be selected according to the color of the opaque decorative layer 2 in order to improve the visual continuity between its perforated and non-perforated areas, in such a way that the through holes 2.3 cannot be visually perceived when the lighting device 20 is turned off, or in order to create an intentional color contrast, thereby providing a decorative effect.

[0088] In addition, the colored light-transmitting filler 3 can provide a diffuse lighting effect to improve the uniformity of light.

[0089] The light-transmitting filler 3 comprises a reactive hot melt adhesive having a dynamic viscosity between 10.000 cPs and 30.000 cPs at a temperature between 110° C. and 170° C. Specifically, it may be a reactive polyurethane-based hot melt adhesive (PUR) or a reactive polyolefin-based hot melt adhesive (POR).

[0090] The light-transmitting filler 3 comprises a base layer 3.1 and a plurality of protrusions 3.2, which protrude from the base layer 3.1 and completely fill the through hole 2.3.

[0091] The base layer 3.1 extends on the rear side 2.2 of the opaque decorative layer 2 and it has a front side 3.1.1 in contact with the opaque decorative layer 2 and a rear side 3.1.2 opposite to the front side 3.1.1, and includes a central portion 3.1.3 in which the protrusion 3.2 protrudes and a transition portion 3.1.4 with a width "w" surrounding the central portion 3.1.3.

[0092] Specifically, if Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the transition portion 3.1.4 comprises a first component, which is composed of two parts, namely a front portion 3.1.4.1 and a rear portion 3.1.4.2, each of which extends continuously in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement "S" of the metering head 8 described below; and a second component, which is composed of two transverse portions 3.1.4.3 and 3.1.4.4, each of which extends continuously in the "S" direction.

[0093] The central portion 3.1.3 has a continuous thickness "e" of less than 0.25 mm and more preferably less than 0.2 mm. The transition portion 3.1.4 has a width "w" of at least 5 mm, wherein the thickness of the transition portion gradually decreases from a thickness of less than 0.25 mm, i.e. the thickness of the central portion 3.1.3, to a thickness of 0 mm at the periphery of the base layer 3.1. According to a more preferred embodiment, the width "w" is about 10 mm.

[0094] The protrusion 3.2 includes a bottom end 3.2.1 connecting the protrusion 3.2 to the base layer 3.1 and a light emission portion 3.2.2 opposite the bottom end 3.2.1, which is flush with the front side 2.1 of the opaque decorative layer 2, wherein light is emitted from the backlit interior trim 10 to the vehicle cabin VC.

[0095] according to Figure 5 In the embodiment represented in , the light exit portion 3.2.2 has a predefined textured surface which is intentionally configured to diffuse the light passing through said light exit portion 3.2.2 and thus improve the uniformity of the light obtained at the vehicle cabin VC.

[0096] Figure 4 A backlit vehicle interior trim part 10 comprising the above-described skin is shown. In particular, it comprises a light-transmitting carrier 4 connected to the skin 1 by an adhesive 5 according to the invention.

[0097] Preferably, the light-transmitting carrier 4 and the skin 1 are connected by lamination.

[0098] like Figure 4 As shown, the gentle transition provided by the transition portion 3 . 1 . 4 minimizes the risk of having perceptible markings visible on the front side of the backlit vehicle interior trim 10 .

[0099] Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 A schematic representation of a plant for producing a skin 1 for decorating a backlit vehicle interior trim part 10 comprising the technical features described above, as well as a method for producing said skin 1 is shown.

[0100] Specifically, the method comprises steps a) to e) described below.

[0101] a) Providing an opaque decorative layer 2 having a front side 2.1 and a rear side 2.2 and having several through holes 2.3 extending from the rear side 2.2 to the front side 2.1, wherein the through holes 2.3 have a diameter smaller than 2.5 mm. More preferably, the diameter is between 0.6 mm and 2 mm.

[0102] For example, the opaque decorative layer 2 is previously perforated by a perforating member, such as a die-punch, which is not shown since this aspect is not relevant to the invention.

[0103] b) laying the opaque decorative layer 2 on a bearing member 7, wherein the bearing member comprises:

[0104] a flat bearing surface 7.1 in contact with the front side 2.1 of the opaque decorative layer 2, and a cooling member 7.2 for keeping the flat bearing surface 7.1 at a temperature below 40°C and more preferably below 30°C.

[0105] c) applying a light-transmitting filler 3 as a reactive hot-melt adhesive on the rear side 2.2 of the opaque decorative layer 2 by means of a metering head 8, which comprises a pressure element 8.1 and a metering nozzle 8.2 and is slidably movable in a direction "S" corresponding to the direction of movement of the metering nozzle 8.2,

[0106] Wherein, in order to configure the base layer 3.1, the base layer has a central portion 3.1.3 and a transition portion 3.1.4 surrounding the central portion 3.1.3; and a plurality of protrusions 3.2, which protrude from the central portion 3.1.3 and completely fill the through hole 2.3:

[0107] - Pressure component 8.1 will be higher than 0.3 kg / cm 2 The first pressure P1 is applied to the opaque decorative layer 2. Preferably, the first pressure P1 is less than 4 kg / cm 2 .

[0108] The pressure member 8.1 comprises a pressure surface 8.1.1 configured to be in contact with the rear side 2.2 of the opaque decorative layer 2 and to apply a first pressure P1, and an open cavity 8.1.2 configured to provide the shape of the light-transmitting filler 3, such as Figure 8 As shown, specifically the shape of the second part of the transition part 3.1.4 and the central part 3.1.3,

[0109] - the metering nozzle 8.2 applies the light-transmitting filler 3 at a temperature between 110°C and 170°C and at a second pressure P2, which is 0 at the periphery of the transition section 3.1.4 and 0.25 kg / cm through the length of the substrate 3.1 2 With 1 kg / cm 2 The second pressure P2 is less than the first pressure P1.

[0110] d) cooling a portion of the light-transmitting filler 3 upon contact with a flat carrier surface 7.1 having a temperature below 40°C and forming a solid surface barrier flush with the front side 2.1 of the opaque decorative layer 2,

[0111] e) Cooling the remaining part of the light-transmitting filler 3 and solidifying the entire light-transmitting filler 3 .

[0112] According to an embodiment, the light-transmitting filler 3 may be cured in ambient moisture present during the manufacturing method or in moisture added during said method to accelerate said curing.

[0113] According to an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of embossing a portion of the light-transmitting filler 3 flush with the front side 2.1 of the opaque decorative layer 2 and in contact with the predefined textured surface of the flat bearing surface 7.1, ie the light exit portion 3.2.2 defined above.

[0114] According to the invention, a facility for manufacturing a skin 1 for decorating a backlit vehicle interior trim 10 comprising the above-mentioned technical features comprises:

[0115] i) a carrying member 7 for supporting an opaque decorative layer 2, the opaque decorative layer having a front side 2.1 and a rear side 2.2 and having a number of through holes 2.3 extending from the rear side 2.2 to the front side 2.1, wherein the through holes 2.3 have a diameter of less than 2.5 mm, Figure 6 The load-bearing member 7 shown in FIG. 1 comprises:

[0116] a flat bearing surface 7.1 arranged to be in contact with the front side 2.1 of the opaque decorative layer 2, and a cooling member 7.2 for keeping the flat bearing surface 7.1 at a temperature below 40°C and more preferably below 30°C.

[0117] According to an embodiment, the flat carrying surface 7.1 comprises a predefined textured surface configured to emboss a portion of the light transmissive filler 3 in contact therewith, ie the light exit portion 3.2.2 defined above.

[0118] Such a configuration is particularly advantageous since the light exit portion 3.2.2 directly obtains a predefined textured surface during the application of the light-transmitting filler 3 without any special additional steps being required for configuring the predefined textured surface.

[0119] ii) a movable metering head 8, which is configured to be slidably movable on the back side 2.2 of the opaque decorative layer 2 in the direction "S", for applying a translucent filler 3 to the back side 2.2 of the opaque decorative layer 2 to configure a base layer 3.1, the base layer having a central portion 3.1.3 and a transition portion 3.1.4 surrounding the central portion 3.1.3; and a plurality of protrusions 3.2, which protrude from the central portion 3.1.3 and completely fill the through hole 2.3.

[0120] In particular, as described above, the transition section 3.1.4 again comprises a first component and a second component according to the above-mentioned specific features.

[0121] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the movable metering head 8 comprises a pressure member 8.1 and a metering nozzle 8.2.

[0122] The pressure member 8.1 is configured to be higher than 0.3 kg / cm 2 , more preferably less than 4 kg / cm 2 The first pressure P1 is applied to the opaque decorative layer 2 .

[0123] In addition, if Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown and described above, the pressure component 8.1 includes a pressure surface 8.1.1, which is configured to contact the back side 2.2 of the opaque decorative layer 2 and apply a first pressure P1; and an open inner cavity 8.1.2, which is configured to provide the shape of the light-transmitting filler 3, specifically the shape of the second part of the transition part 3.1.4 and the center part 3.1.3.

[0124] In particular, the open inner cavity 8.1.2 comprises a first portion having a constant thickness and defined by a main top wall 8.1.2.1 and two lateral portions having a gradually decreasing thickness and defined by two inclined walls 8.1.2.2, 8.1.2.3 connecting the main wall 8.1.2.1 to the pressure surface 8.1.1.

[0125] The metering nozzle 8.2 is configured to apply the light-transmitting filler 3 at a temperature between 110°C and 170°C and at a second pressure P2, which is 0 at the periphery of the transition portion 3.1.4 and 0.25 kg / cm through the length of the substrate 3.1. 2 With 1 kg / cm 2 The second pressure P2 is less than the first pressure P1.

[0126] As mentioned above, the light-transmitting filler 3 is a reactive hot-melt adhesive having a dynamic viscosity between 10.000 cPs and 30.000 cPs at a temperature between 110° C. and 170° C., ie at the application temperature of the light-transmitting filler 3 .

Claims

1. A skin (1) for decorating a backlit vehicle interior trim (10), the skin comprising: - an opaque decorative layer (2), the opaque decorative layer (2) comprising: front side (2.1) and rear side (2.2), a plurality of through holes (2.3), each through hole having a diameter less than 2.5 mm, - a light-transmitting filler (3), the light-transmitting filler comprising a reactive hot-melt adhesive, the light-transmitting filler having: a base layer (3.1) extending on the rear side (2.2) of the opaque decorative layer (2) and comprising a central portion (3.1.3) and a transition portion (3.1.4) surrounding the central portion (3.1.3), A plurality of protrusions (3.2), the protrusions protruding from the central portion (3.1.3) of the base layer (3.1) and completely filling the through hole (2.3), each protrusion (3.2) comprising: a bottom end (3.2.1) connecting the protrusion (3.2) to the base layer (3.1), and a light exit portion (3.2.2), said light exit portion being flush with said front side (2.1) of said opaque decorative layer (2), wherein the reactive hot melt adhesive has a dynamic viscosity between 10.000 cPs and 30.000 cPs at a temperature between 110° C. and 170° C., wherein the central portion (3.1.3) has a constant thickness of less than 0.25 mm; and the transition portion (3.1.4) has a width of at least 5 mm, wherein the thickness of the transition portion gradually decreases from a thickness of less than 0.25 mm to a thickness of 0 mm at the periphery of the base layer (3.1).

2. The skin (1) for decorating a backlit vehicle interior trim (10) according to claim 1, wherein the light exit portion (3.2.2) has a predefined textured surface.

3. The skin (1) for decorating a backlit vehicle interior component (10) according to claim 1, wherein the light-transmitting filler (3) is colored or transparent.

4. A backlit vehicle interior decoration component (10), comprising: The skin (1) according to claim 1, a light-transmitting carrier (4), The skin (1) is connected to the light-transmitting carrier (4) via an adhesive (5).

5. A method for manufacturing a skin (1) for decorating a backlit vehicle interior trim (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) providing an opaque decorative layer (2) having a front side (2.1) and a rear side (2.2) and having a number of through holes (2.3) extending from the rear side (2.2) to the front side (2.1), wherein the through holes (2.3) have a diameter of less than 2.5 mm, b) laying the opaque decorative layer (2) on a bearing member (7), wherein the bearing member comprises: a flat bearing surface (7.1) which is in contact with the front side (2.1) of the opaque decorative layer (2), and cooling means (7.2) for maintaining the flat bearing surface (7.1) at a temperature below 40°C, c) applying a light-transmitting filler (3) as a reactive hot-melt adhesive on the rear side (2.2) of the opaque decorative layer (2) by means of a movable metering head (8), the light-transmitting filler having a dynamic viscosity of between 10.000 cPs and 30.000 cPs during application at a temperature between 110° C. and 170° C., the movable metering head comprising a pressure member (8.1) and a metering nozzle (8.2) and being slidably movable in direction S, Wherein, in order to configure the base layer (3.1), the base layer has a central portion (3.1.3) and a transition portion (3.1.4) surrounding the central portion (3.1.3); and a plurality of protrusions (3.2), which protrude from the central portion (3.1.3) and completely fill the through hole (2.3): The pressure component (8.1) will be higher than 0.3 kg / cm 2 A first pressure P1 is applied to the opaque decorative layer (2), The pressure member (8.1) comprises a pressure surface (8.1.1) configured to contact the back side (2.2) of the opaque decorative layer (2) and apply the first pressure P1; and an open inner cavity (8.1.2) configured to provide the shape of the light-transmitting filler (3), The metering nozzle (8.2) applies the light-transmitting filler (3) at a temperature between 110°C and 170°C and at a second pressure P2, which is 0 at the periphery of the transition portion (3.1.4) and passes through the substrate (3.1) for a length of 0.25 kg / cm 2 With 1 kg / cm 2 The second pressure P2 is less than the first pressure P1, d) cooling the light-transmitting filler (3) when in contact with the flat bearing surface (7.1) having a temperature below 40° C. and forming a solid surface barrier flush with the front side (2.1) of the opaque decorative layer (2), e) cooling the remaining part of the light-transmitting filler (3) and solidifying the entire light-transmitting filler (3).

6. The method for producing a skin (1) for decorating a backlit vehicle interior trim (10) according to claim 5, wherein P1 is less than 4 kg / cm 2 .

7. The method for manufacturing a skin (1) for decorating a backlit vehicle interior trim (10) according to claim 5, wherein the method further comprises the following steps: embossing A light exiting portion (3.2.2) of the light transmissive filler (3) is flush with the front side (2.1) of the opaque decorative layer (2) and in contact with the predefined textured surface of the flat bearing surface (7.1).

8. A plant for producing a skin (1) for decorating a backlit vehicle interior trim (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plant comprises: i) a carrying member (7) for supporting an opaque decorative layer (2), the opaque decorative layer having a front side (2.1) and a rear side (2.2) and having a number of through holes (2.3), the through holes extending from the rear side (2.2) to the front side (2.1), wherein the through holes (2.3) have a diameter of less than 2.5 mm, the carrying member (7) comprising: a flat bearing surface (7.1) configured to be in contact with the front side (2.1) of the opaque decorative layer (2), and cooling means (7.2) for maintaining the flat bearing surface (7.1) at a temperature below 40°C, ii) a movable metering head (8) configured to be slidably movable on the rear side (2.2) of the opaque decorative layer (2) in a direction S and used to apply a light-transmitting filler (3) to the rear side (2.2) of the opaque decorative layer (2) to configure a base layer (3.1), the base layer having a central portion (3.1.3) and a transition portion (3.1.4) surrounding the central portion (3.1.3); and a plurality of protrusions (3.2) protruding from the central portion (3.1.3) and completely filling the through hole (2.3), Wherein the movable metering head comprises: Pressure parts (8.1) for applying pressures above 0.3 kg / cm 2 A first pressure P1 is applied to the opaque decorative layer (2), The pressure member (8.1) comprises a pressure surface (8.1.1) configured to contact the back side (2.2) of the opaque decorative layer (2) and apply the first pressure P1; and an open inner cavity (8.1.2) configured to provide the shape of the light-transmitting filler (3), A metering nozzle (8.2) for applying the light-transmitting filler (3) at a temperature between 110° C. and 170° C. and at a second pressure P2, the second pressure being 0 at the periphery of the transition portion (3.1.4) and having a length of 0.25 kg / cm through the base layer (3.1); 2 With 1 kg / cm 2 The second pressure P2 is less than the first pressure P1, The light-transmitting filler (3) is a reactive hot-melt adhesive having a dynamic viscosity between 10.000 cPs and 30.000 cPs at a temperature between 110° C. and 170° C.

9. A plant for producing a skin (1) for decorative backlit vehicle interior trim (10) according to claim 8, wherein P1 is less than 4 kg / cm 2 .

10. Plant for manufacturing a skin (1) for decorating a backlit vehicle interior trim part (10) according to claim 8, wherein the flat bearing surface (7.1) has a predefined textured surface.

11. A facility for manufacturing a skin (1) for decorative backlit vehicle interior parts (10) according to claim 8, wherein the open inner cavity (8.1.2) comprises a first portion having a constant thickness and defined by a main top wall (8.1.2.1); and two lateral portions having a gradually decreasing thickness and defined by two inclined walls (8.1.2.2, 8.1.2.3) connecting the main top wall (8.1.2.1) to the pressure surface (8.1.1).

Images