Vehicle trim component with visible speckle or veining pattern and method for producing same
By injecting plastic melt into the cavity of the injection mold and arranging plastic components, the speckle and vein patterns of vehicle decorative parts are formed, and the problems of high cost and aesthetic dissatisfaction in the prior art are solved, and more cost-effective and Sustainable production of decorative components for vehicle.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202410732895.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-06-30
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-07
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-31
AI Technical Summary
The prior art is used to produce vehicle decorative components with visible speckle and vein patterns with high cost and lack of sustainability, and traditional processes such as in-mold decoration and molten filament manufacturing have high costs and aesthetic dissatisfaction.
Using an injection mold with a first mold half and a second mold half, a plastic melt is injected into the cavity of the injection mold and a plastic element is arranged on the surface of the cavity to lock the connection with the injected plastic melt material to form a visible Spots and vein patterns, with nozzle devices printing multiple lines or different shapes on flat or curved surfaces to form patterns.
The production of more cost-effective vehicle decorative components is achieved, which can significantly reduce production costs and make the use of sustainable or recycled materials more visible, with significantly improved pattern flexibility and aesthetic effects.
Smart Images

Figure CN119217642A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods for producing vehicle trim parts having visible speckle and / or veining patterns, vehicle trim parts having visible speckle and / or veining patterns, apparatus for simultaneously printing multiple lines on a flat or curved surface to form a veining pattern, and apparatus for printing a plurality of different shapes on a flat or curved surface to form a speckle pattern. Background Art
[0002] It may be desirable to provide a manufactured component, such as a vehicle trim component, particularly a vehicle trim component for a motor vehicle, with a speckle or veining pattern. For example, this may make the choice of recycled or sustainable materials in the manufacture of the component visible to the consumer.
[0003] Typically, in order to provide vehicle trim parts with a desired design, an in-mold decoration (IMD) or in-mold decoration label (IML) process is used, whereby a foil containing the design is placed in an injection mold and the design is then transferred to an injection molded part with (IML) or without (IMD) foil. However, these technologies have the disadvantage of high costs and, in particular, a lack of sustainability. In contrast, other processes using tools for direct printing, such as fused filament manufacturing or injection molding, can also be cost-intensive. On the other hand, processes that already involve premixing raw materials according to the desired pattern often show at least aesthetically unsatisfactory results in the finished part. Summary of the invention
[0004] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide an alternative and more cost-effective method for producing a vehicle trim component having a visible speckle and / or veining pattern, to provide an alternative and more cost-effective vehicle trim component having a visible speckle and / or veining pattern, to provide an alternative and more cost-effective apparatus for printing multiple lines simultaneously on a flat or curved surface to form a veining pattern, and to provide an alternative and more cost-effective apparatus for printing a plurality of different shapes on a flat or curved surface to form a speckle pattern.
[0005] This object is solved by a corresponding method, a corresponding vehicle trim component and two corresponding different devices according to the independent claims. Further embodiments of the invention are shown in the dependent claims, the drawings and the following description.
[0006] The proposed method for producing a vehicle trim component having a visible speckle and / or veining pattern on a visible side of the vehicle trim component visible from the outside comprises the following steps:
[0007] - providing an injection mold having a first mold half and a second mold half, the first mold half and the second mold half being movable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position of the injection mold, the injection mold forming a cavity between the first mold half and the second mold half when in the closed position;
[0008] - injecting plastic melt into the cavity;
[0009] - Hardening the injected plastic melt to form a vehicle trim part;
[0010] - Removal of vehicle trim parts by opening the injection mold;
[0011] Before the plastic melt is injected into the cavity
[0012] A plastic element is provided and arranged on the cavity surface such that during injection and / or hardening it connects in a material-locked manner with the injected plastic melt and forms a speckle and / or veining pattern on the visible side of the vehicle trim component.
[0013] By applying the desired pattern directly onto the cavity surface, corresponding vehicle trim parts can be produced in a particularly cost-effective manner.
[0014] The vehicle trim component may be a vehicle interior trim component or a vehicle exterior trim component. The vehicle trim component may be a decorative trim or a panel component. In the finished vehicle trim component, the materials of the plastic element and the injected plastic melt are combined into one piece by their material-locked connection.
[0015] In the present case, a vehicle decorative part having a visible side visible from the outside means that the visible side of the vehicle decorative part can be seen by the user of the vehicle without damaging or removing the vehicle decorative part when the vehicle decorative part is used as intended (for example in the passenger compartment). Depending on the transparency or translucency of the vehicle decorative part, its visible side may include only the visible outer surface of the vehicle decorative part, or in addition any visible interior of the vehicle decorative part. For example, if a transparent or translucent material is used for the injected plastic melt, the visible speckle and / or veining pattern may include the projection of the plastic element from the interior of the vehicle decorative part in the direction of the visible side. Therefore, the plastic element can be arranged on the inner side of the vehicle decorative part that faces substantially in the opposite direction to the visible side and / or on the inner side of the vehicle decorative part that faces substantially in the same direction as the visible side.
[0016] A speckle pattern in the present case refers to an at least apparently randomly distributed pattern of point-shaped speckle elements, for example on the visible side of a vehicle trim component. The speckle elements may form roundings, for example circular areas, or angular areas that are visually separated from the surrounding material. Such speckle patterns are often associated with the use of sustainable materials or material blends or recyclable or recycled materials.
[0017] In this case, a veining pattern is understood to mean, for example, an at least apparently randomly distributed pattern of curved, partially closed line elements, which extend at least in sections parallel and which may, for example, be reminiscent of the contour lines of a mountain range, forming, for example, on the visible side of a vehicle trim part. Such patterns are found, for example, in Cipollino marble or are formed when mixing color blends. Such veining patterns are often associated with the use of sustainable materials or material blends or recyclable or recycled materials.
[0018] The cavity surface on which the plastic element is arranged may basically include the surface of the first half mold and / or the surface of the second half mold facing the vehicle decorative part to be produced. The corresponding surface of the first half mold can be a surface that basically faces the direction opposite to the visible side. The corresponding surface of the second half mold can be a surface that basically faces the same direction as the visible side of the vehicle decorative part to be produced. Therefore, in the resulting vehicle decorative part, the plastic element can be arranged on the inner side of the vehicle decorative part that is basically facing the direction opposite to the visible side, and / or, in particular, when a transparent or translucent material is used for the injected plastic melt, it is arranged on the inner side of the vehicle decorative part that is basically facing the same direction as the visible side. The plastic element and the injected plastic melt can be arranged to be basically directly adjacent to the cavity surface, i.e., without any intermediate layer or substance. When the injection mold is in its open position, the plastic element can be provided and arranged on the cavity surface.
[0019] The plastic element may form a macroscopic speckle and / or veining pattern on the visible side of the vehicle trim component, which pattern is visible to the naked eye at a typical distance in the passenger compartment, for example. In this example, the typical distance may include a distance range between 30 cm and 3 m. In particular, the minimum visible range of the individual geometric elements of the speckle and / or veining pattern (e.g., the average diameter of the individual speckle spots or the average line width of the individual veining lines) may be at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.5 mm, or at least 2 mm on average and at most 5 mm, at most 10 mm, or at most 15 mm on average. The pattern may be different in color from the injected plastic melt, in particular significantly different. The pattern may be monochrome or multicolor. A single pattern element may be provided by a single plastic element or by a plurality of adjacent plastic elements. A combination of speckle and veining patterns, or different areas each having a speckle or veining pattern may be provided on the vehicle trim component.
[0020] The plastic element arranged on the cavity surface can be heated before the plastic melt is injected into the cavity. The heating of the plastic element can be provided by directly heating the plastic element and / or by heating the first half mold and / or the mold cavity, for example by hot air blowing, thermal resistance heating, induction heating or UV lamp heating. Heating, in particular heating of the cavity surface, can be provided before, during and / or after the plastic element is provided and arranged on the cavity surface. Additionally or alternatively, the plastic element arranged on the cavity surface can be pressed against the cavity surface by means of a pressing device, in particular a hot pressing device. The pressing device can be provided with a non-stick coating, in particular on the side facing the cavity surface during pressing, which prevents the plastic element from adhering to the pressing device. The heating and / or pressing of the plastic element can cause the deformation of the plastic element in a manner such that the resulting extension depth of the plastic element into the vehicle trim component measured along the surface normal of the vehicle trim component is 100%, not more than 80%, not more than 50% or not more than 30%. The deformation may cause the extension of the plastic element along the surface normal to be reduced to as low as 80%, 50% or 30% of its initial size. Additionally or alternatively, the pressing of the plastic element may provide a uniform and particularly flat surface of the plastic element facing the pressing device. Additionally or alternatively, the heating and / or pressing of the plastic element may cause an enhanced connection or adhesion of the plastic element to the cavity surface, particularly during the injection of the plastic melt into the cavity and / or the hardening of the injected plastic melt. Additionally or alternatively, the heating and / or pressing of the plastic element may provide a deformation and / or at least partial overlap and / or blending of adjacent pattern elements. Additionally or alternatively, the heating and / or pressing may provide a connection of adjacent plastic elements, particularly in a material-locked manner. In order to heat and / or press the plastic element, the plastic element and / or the cavity surface and / or the pressing device may be made to reach a temperature of at least 60°C, at least 100°C, at least 140°C or at least 150°C, particularly depending on the glass transition temperature or melting temperature of the plastic element.
[0021] The plastic element may include or consist of a thermoplastic, in particular a recycled thermoplastic. For example, the plastic element may include or consist of polypropylene or recycled polypropylene. Alternatively or additionally, the plastic element may include or consist of polylactic acid and / or recycled polylactic acid, as well as polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate and / or their recycled counterparts. The overall and / or individual plastic elements of the plastic element may be monochromatic, bichromatic or polychromatic, thereby also providing a pearlescent or glossy element surface. The injected plastic melt may include or consist of a thermoplastic or recycled thermoplastic. The injected plastic melt may include or consist of polypropylene, poly(methyl methacrylate), polycarbonate, polystyrene and / or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The injected plastic melt may be at least partially composed of a transparent or translucent material. In particular, the material of the plastic element and the material of the injected plastic melt should be selected to be compatible with each other so that a material bond is formed between the plastic element and the injected plastic melt during injection and / or hardening. The plastic element and / or the injected plastic melt can consist of a single material, i.e. a single pure material. Furthermore, additives, in particular adhesives, can be added or included in the plastic element and / or the injected plastic melt, so that the connection between the individual plastic elements and / or between the plastic element and the injected plastic melt is enhanced. Furthermore, the additives can also enhance the adhesion between the plastic element and the cavity surface.
[0022] The plastic element may include solid plastic particles, plastic pellets, plastic powders, plastic filaments, etc. or be composed of them. The plastic element may include a preformed design pattern. According to the step of providing and arranging the plastic element on the cavity surface, in addition to molten plastic, a plastic raw material including solid plastic particles, plastic pellets, plastic powders, plastic filaments, etc. or consisting of them can be used. Providing and arranging the plastic element on the cavity surface may include manual or mechanical application, such as by a dispensing device, spraying, screening, filtering, brushing, stamping, and in particular pellet extrusion or molten filament manufacturing. Along the surface normal of the cavity surface facing the vehicle decorative part to be produced, the plastic element may be basically arranged in a single layer or at least partially stacked on each other. The plastic element and / or the plastic raw material may be basically flat or expanded in all three spatial directions. According to the process, for example, the desired pattern of the distribution and arrangement of each pattern element may be partially randomized, but at least the average range and density of the plastic elements visible on the visible side of the vehicle decorative part to be produced is predetermined. Alternatively, the desired pattern may also be predetermined relative to the distribution and arrangement of each pattern element.
[0023] As described herein, the element provided and arranged on the cavity surface is a plastic element at least partially made of plastic. Additionally or alternatively, these elements may include or be composed of other materials (e.g., metal and / or wood). In particular, a material mixture or composite material including plastic and metal or wood may be used for the plastic element. In particular, when the corresponding element is a porous element, the corresponding element may alternatively be connected to the injected plastic melt in a forced interlocking manner.
[0024] The plastic element can be provided and arranged on the first half mold by at least one nozzle, in particular by pellet extrusion, for example, using a hot runner, or by manufacturing a molten filament of a plastic raw material. In the case of pellet extrusion, the plastic raw material can be a plastic pellet, and in the case of manufacturing a molten filament, the plastic raw material can be a plastic filament. In the case of pellet extrusion using a hot runner, the pipe and / or nozzle that conveys the molten plastic raw material to the nozzle can include a thermal insulation coating to maintain the desired temperature of the raw material plastic melt. The coating can be provided on the surface of the pipe and / or nozzle in contact with the raw material plastic melt. In order to arrange the plastic element using at least one nozzle, the at least one nozzle can be moved along the cavity surface. Alternatively or additionally, however, the cavity surface can also be moved relative to at least one nozzle. In order to provide a single pattern element of different shapes, nozzle cross sections of different shapes can be used. The corresponding nozzles are generally known. They are characterized by a nozzle inlet for receiving material and a nozzle outlet for discharging material, wherein the discharge is substantially carried out along the main nozzle axis. The cross section of the discharged material is substantially predetermined by the nozzle cross section, which defines a shape substantially perpendicular to the main nozzle axis. In the following, the terms main nozzle axis and nozzle cross section are used accordingly.
[0025] According to one embodiment of the method, in which the plastic element is provided and arranged by at least one nozzle, a plurality of plastic elements can be provided and arranged on the cavity surface simultaneously by using a plurality of nozzles arranged adjacent to each other. This can be particularly suitable for producing a vein pattern. The nozzles can be arranged substantially in one plane, in particular in a plane parallel to the cavity surface. The nozzles can be arranged so that their main axes are substantially parallel. Depending on the pattern, the nozzles can be arranged substantially linearly or in a package that is as compact as possible in all directions. Depending on the pattern, the nozzles can be moved individually or collectively along the side of the cavity surface and / or rotated around the main nozzle axis and / or supplied with plastic raw materials and / or provided with different nozzle cross sections, thereby, for example, providing adjacent lines of different line spacings, wavy lines, dotted lines and different line colors or different line shapes, respectively.
[0026] According to an alternative embodiment of the method, in which the plastic elements are provided and arranged by means of at least one nozzle, a cartridge having through holes of different shapes may be provided and arranged between the nozzle and the cavity surface. The through holes may be selectively aligned with the nozzle along the main nozzle axis so that plastic elements of different shapes are provided and arranged on the cavity surface according to the through holes. This may be particularly suitable for generating a speckle pattern having a plurality of differently shaped speckles of a predetermined shape.
[0027] As an alternative to providing and arranging the plastic elements directly on the cavity surface using at least one nozzle, the pattern of the plastic elements can be preformed on any working surface by at least one nozzle and then transferred to the cavity surface.
[0028] With regard to further features of the process steps just described using multiple nozzles or cartridges, reference is made to the apparatus described further below, and vice versa. These are not limited thereto, but are particularly well suited to carrying out corresponding process steps in the production of vehicle trim parts with speckle and / or veining patterns.
[0029] The injection of the plastic melt can be provided by one or more injection channels, which can be arranged in the first half mold and / or the second half mold. The injection of the plastic melt can be provided substantially along the direction of gravity acceleration or perpendicular to the direction of gravity acceleration, depending on the layout of the injection assembly. Typically, during the step of providing and arranging the plastic element on the cavity surface, the cavity surface will be arranged substantially horizontally, i.e., arranged in a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity acceleration. Therefore, when the plastic element is arranged on the first half mold and the second half mold, and / or when the plastic melt is injected in a direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity acceleration, the method may include at least the step of rotating the first half mold and / or the second half mold and / or the cavity before injecting the plastic melt. It may be advantageous if the above-mentioned optional heating and / or pressing steps are performed in advance. The hardening of the injected plastic melt can be provided by cooling, in particular passive or active cooling of the first and second half molds, in particular at the two half mold surfaces facing the vehicle trim part to be produced, depending on the material of the injected plastic melt.
[0030] Furthermore, a vehicle trim component with a visible speckle and / or veining pattern is proposed. The vehicle trim component has a visible side visible from the outside and comprises a plastic element which is arranged in an injection-molded plastic and is connected to the latter in a material-locked manner such that a visible speckle and / or veining pattern is formed on the visible side.
[0031] Since the patterned plastic elements are arranged in the injection-moulded plastic and are connected to it in a material-locked manner, this plastic can in principle be produced using more cost-effective processes than, for example, the above-mentioned IML and IMD processes.
[0032] In particular, the vehicle trim part may be a vehicle trim part producible or produced by the method as described above.
[0033] The plastic element may comprise or consist of a thermoplastic, in particular a recycled thermoplastic. For example, the plastic element may comprise or consist of polypropylene or recycled polypropylene. Alternatively or additionally, the plastic element may comprise or consist of polylactic acid and / or recycled polylactic acid, as well as polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate and / or their recycled counterparts. In particular, the plastic element may consist of a single material. The entirety of the plastic element and / or a single plastic element may be monochromatic, bichromatic or polychromatic, thereby also providing a pearlescent or glossy element surface. The injection molded plastic may comprise or consist of a thermoplastic or recycled thermoplastic. The injection molded plastic may comprise or consist of polypropylene, poly(methyl methacrylate), polycarbonate, polystyrene and / or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. In particular, the injection molded plastic may consist of a single material. The injection molded plastic may consist at least partially of a transparent or translucent material.
[0034] The extension depth of the plastic element into the vehicle trim component measured along the surface normal of the vehicle trim component may be 100%, not more than 80%, not more than 50%, or not more than 30%. Additionally or alternatively, the extension depth may be not less than 1%, not less than 5%, not less than 10%, or not less than 20%. The average extension depth of the plastic element may be 30%.
[0035] The vehicle trim component may be a vehicle interior trim component or a vehicle exterior trim component. The vehicle trim component may be a decorative trim component or a panel component, in particular as part of a door panel, a center console, a front console or a roof panel, etc. The vehicle trim component may be a trim component having a substantially flat or curved visible side.
[0036] Furthermore, a device for printing a plurality of lines simultaneously on a flat or curved surface to form a veining pattern is proposed. The device comprises a plurality of nozzles which are configured to provide and arrange plastic elements on the surface. The nozzles are arranged adjacent to each other and can be moved along the surface individually or together and / or can be rotated around a main nozzle axis and / or can be fed with plastic raw material and / or are provided with different nozzle cross sections.
[0037] Since the apparatus includes a plurality of nozzles that can print simultaneously, the overall cost of a printing process performed using the apparatus can be reduced.
[0038] The nozzle may be configured for printing by means of pellet extrusion of plastic raw materials (e.g., using a hot runner) or molten filament manufacturing. The nozzle may be arranged in a common movable print head for supplying and controlling the nozzle. The print head may be movable in all six degrees of freedom. The nozzle may be movably arranged in the print head so that movement of the print head causes global movement of all nozzles, and movement of the individual nozzles causes their movement relative to each other. The nozzles may be arranged substantially in a plane, in particular in a plane parallel to the surface. The nozzles may be arranged so that their main axes are substantially parallel. The nozzles may be arranged substantially linearly or in a package that is as compact as possible in all directions. The shortest distance between two adjacent nozzles, in particular the shortest distance perpendicular to the main nozzle axis, may be no greater than 0 mm, 0.1 mm, 1 mm, or 10 mm.
[0039] Finally, a device for printing a plurality of different shapes on a flat or curved surface to form a speckle pattern is proposed. The device comprises a nozzle configured to provide and arrange plastic elements on the surface, in particular by pellet extrusion or melt filament manufacturing of plastic raw materials, and the device comprises a cartridge having through holes of different shapes arranged between the nozzle and the surface. The through holes are selectively aligned with the nozzle along a main nozzle axis.
[0040] Since the device comprises a cartridge arranged between a nozzle and a surface, wherein through holes of different shapes can be aligned with the main nozzle axis to print different shapes, the overall cost of a printing process performed using the device can be reduced.
[0041] The through holes may be distributed radially around the axis of rotation of the cartridge, wherein the cartridge is rotatably mounted around the axis of rotation so that the through holes are aligned with the main nozzle axis. The axis of rotation of the cartridge and the main nozzle axis may extend in parallel and be spaced apart from each other. The shape of the through hole may be defined by a cross section of the through hole substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation and / or substantially perpendicular to the axis of the main nozzle. The different shapes of the through hole may be substantially circular and / or angular. The maximum diameter of the cross section of at least one or all through holes at the end of the through hole facing the nozzle may be substantially equal to and / or less than the maximum diameter of the nozzle cross section at the nozzle end facing the cartridge. The cross section of at least one or all through holes may taper toward the end of the through hole away from the nozzle. The cartridge may be arranged adjacent to the nozzle, in particular directly adjacent to the nozzle. The minimum distance between the cartridge and the nozzle may not exceed 0 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.5 mm, which is measured along the axis of the main nozzle. The cartridge may be shaped as a substantially flat disk, wherein optionally, the axis of rotation corresponds to the main axis of inertia extending along the surface normal of the disk base surface.
[0042] In particular, an apparatus for simultaneously printing multiple lines on a flat or curved surface to form a veining pattern and an apparatus for printing multiple different shapes on a flat or curved surface to form a speckle pattern are suitable for providing speckle and / or veining patterns on vehicle trim parts or for use with the above methods.
[0043] The presently disclosed methods, products and devices relate to speckle and / or veining patterns. However, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that other patterns are also conceivable in principle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] Several embodiments have been disclosed herein. Other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the drawings and detailed description should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Recurring features are marked with the same reference numerals in the description of the drawings, wherein:
[0045] Figure 1 The steps of providing an injection mold according to an embodiment of a method for producing a vehicle interior trim component having a visible speckle and / or veining pattern are shown,
[0046] Figure 2 The steps of providing and arranging plastic elements according to the method are shown,
[0047] Figure 3 The steps of injecting the plastic melt according to the method are shown,
[0048] Figure 4 The steps of removing the vehicle trim component according to the method are shown,
[0049] Figure 5 An exemplary vehicle trim component having a speckle pattern is shown,
[0050] Figure 6 An exemplary vehicle trim component having a veined pattern is shown,
[0051] Figure 7 shows a first alternative embodiment of a vehicle trim part produced according to a first alternative embodiment of the method,
[0052] Figure 8 A second alternative embodiment of a vehicle trim part produced according to the second alternative embodiment of the method is shown,
[0053] Fig. 9 shows the step of heating and pressing the plastic element according to a third alternative embodiment of the method,
[0054] Fig.10A first embodiment of an apparatus for printing a plurality of lines simultaneously on a flat or curved surface to form a veining pattern is shown,
[0055] Fig.11 Shown by Fig.10 The device provides a veining pattern on the surface,
[0056] Fig.12 A second embodiment of an apparatus for printing a plurality of lines simultaneously on a flat or curved surface to form a veining pattern is shown,
[0057] Fig.13 A rotating nozzle is shown. Fig.12 The device,
[0058] Fig.14 A first embodiment of an apparatus for printing a plurality of different shapes on a flat or curved surface to form a speckle pattern is shown.
[0059] Fig.15 Shown by Fig.14 The device provides a speckle pattern on the surface,
[0060] Fig.16 Shows Fig.14 the barrel of the device, and
[0061] Fig.17 A cartridge of a second embodiment of an apparatus for printing a variety of different shapes on a flat or curved surface to form a speckle pattern is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0062] In the following, reference is made to specific drawings only when major differences between the exemplary embodiments are explained.
[0063] Figures 1 to 4 Schematically illustrated is an embodiment of a method for producing a vehicle trim component 10; 10'; 10" having a visible speckle and / or veining pattern 1; 2 on a visible side 11 of the vehicle trim component 10; 10'; 10" visible from the outside. The exemplary method comprises a first step ( Figure 1 ): providing an injection mold 100 having a first mold half 110 and a second mold half 120, the first mold half 110 and the second mold half 120 being movable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position of the injection mold 100, the injection mold 100 forming a cavity 130 between the first mold half 110 and the second mold half 120 in the closed position. According to the second step ( Figure 2 ), a plastic element 150 is provided and arranged on the cavity surface. In the third step ( Figure 3), a plastic melt 140 is injected into a cavity 130, in which the plastic melt is hardened, for example by passive or active cooling, to form a vehicle trim component 10; 10'; 10", which is finally removed by opening the injection mold 100 ( Figure 4 ). A plastic element 150 is provided and arranged on the first mold half 110 so that during injection and / or hardening, the plastic element 150 is connected in a material-locked manner to the injected plastic melt 140 and forms a speckle 1 and / or a veining pattern 2 on the visible side 11 of the vehicle trim part 10; 10'; 10".
[0064] By applying the desired pattern directly onto the cavity surface, corresponding vehicle trim parts 10; 10'; 10" can be produced in a particularly cost-effective manner. At the same time, the use of sustainable and / or recycled materials can be made visible, in particular with the possibility of providing the desired pattern as simply and as precisely as possible. A further advantage is the flexibility of the process. For example, dimensional restrictions on plastic elements, such as exist in the case of a plastic melt premixed with the plastic element, can be circumvented.
[0065] Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The steps shown in are generally known. The following will discuss in more detail how to Figure 2 A specific example of a plastic element 150 is provided and arranged in the second step schematically shown in FIG.
[0066] The vehicle trim component 10; 10'; 10" can be a vehicle interior trim component or a vehicle exterior trim component. The vehicle trim component 10; 10'; 10" can be a decorative trim or a panel component. In the finished vehicle trim component 10; 10'; 10", the materials of the plastic element 150 and the injected plastic melt 140 are combined together into one piece through their material locking connection.
[0067] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Two exemplary vehicle trim components 10 are shown in a vehicle interior compartment with a speckle and veining pattern 1; 2, respectively. The respective vehicle trim components 10 may be produced using the method described herein.
[0068] The cavity surface on which the plastic element 150 is arranged may basically include a surface of the first mold half 111 or a surface of the second mold half 121 facing the vehicle trim component 10 to be produced. Figures 1 to 4 In the method shown in FIG. 1 , the plastic element 150 is arranged on a surface of the first mold half 111 that faces substantially in the direction opposite to the visible side 11 of the vehicle trim part 10 to be produced. Figure 4In the resulting vehicle trim component 10 shown, the plastic element 150 is arranged on the inner side of the vehicle trim component 10 facing substantially in the direction opposite to the visible side 11. According to a first alternative embodiment of the method, the cavity surface on which the plastic element 150 is arranged may substantially comprise a surface of the second mold half 121 facing substantially in the same direction as the visible side 11 of the vehicle trim component 10' to be produced. Figure 7 As shown, the plastic element 150 is arranged on the inner side of the vehicle trim part 10 ′ facing substantially in the same direction as the visible side 11. According to a second alternative embodiment of the method, the cavity surface on which the plastic element 150 is arranged may substantially comprise a surface of the first mold half 111 facing substantially in the direction opposite to the visible side 11 of the vehicle trim part 10 ″ to be produced and a surface of the second mold half 121 facing substantially in the same direction as the visible side 11. Thus, as Figure 8 As shown, the plastic element 150 is arranged on the inner side of the vehicle trim component 10 ″ which faces substantially in the direction opposite to the visible side 11, and on the opposite inner side of the vehicle trim component 10 ″ which faces substantially in the same direction as the visible side 11. Advantageously, the latter two embodiments of the vehicle trim components 10 ′, 10 ″ are provided using a transparent or translucent material for the injected plastic melt 140. The plastic element 150 and the injected plastic melt 140 are arranged substantially directly adjacent to the cavity surface, i.e. without any intermediate layers or substances. When the injection mold 100 is in its open position, the plastic element 150 can be provided and arranged on the cavity surface.
[0069] The plastic element 150 can form a macroscopic speckle and / or veining pattern 1; 2 on the visible side 11 of the vehicle trim part 10; 10'; 10", for example Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the pattern is visible to the naked eye, for example, at a typical distance in a passenger compartment. In this embodiment, the typical distance may include a distance range between 30 cm and 3 m. In particular, the minimum visible range of the individual geometric elements of the speckle and / or veining pattern 1; 2, such as the average diameter of the individual speckle spots or the average line width of the individual veining lines may average at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.5 mm or at least 2 mm and average at most 5 mm, at most 10 mm or at most 15 mm. The pattern may differ in color from the material of the injected plastic melt 140, in particular significantly different. The pattern may be monochrome or multi-color. A single pattern element may be provided by a single plastic element 150 or by a plurality of adjacent plastic elements 150. A combination of speckle and veining patterns 1; 2 or different areas each having a speckle or veining pattern 1; 2 may be provided on the vehicle trim part 10; 10'; 10".
[0070] The injected plastic melt 140 may be provided by a (e.g., Figure 3) or multiple injection channels are provided, which can be arranged in the second half mold 120 (for example, Figure 3 ) and / or in the first half mold 110. The injection of the plastic melt 140 can be provided substantially along the direction of gravity acceleration or perpendicular to the direction of gravity acceleration, depending on the layout of the injection assembly. Typically, during the step of providing and arranging the plastic particles 150 on the cavity surface, the cavity surface will be arranged substantially horizontally, i.e., arranged in a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity acceleration. Therefore, when providing the plastic element 150 on the first half mold 110 and the second half mold 120, and / or when injecting the plastic melt 140 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity acceleration, the method may include the step of rotating the first half mold 110 and / or the second half mold 120 and / or the cavity 130 at least before injecting the plastic melt 140. The hardening of the injected plastic melt 140 can be provided by passive or active cooling of the first half mold 110 and the second half mold 120, in particular at the two half mold surfaces 111, 121 facing the vehicle trim part to be produced, depending on the material of the injected plastic melt 140.
[0071] According to the optional steps of the method and as Fig. 9 As shown, before the plastic melt 140 is injected into the cavity 130, the plastic element 150 arranged on the first cavity surface can be heated (at Fig. 9 , schematically indicated by the curve) and by means of the pressing device 200 (see Fig. 9 , wherein the pressing is schematically indicated by arrows), in particular a hot pressing device is pressed against the cavity surface. Fig. 9 In an embodiment of the present invention, the corresponding plastic particles 150 are arranged on the surface 111 of the first half mold 110. Alternatively, the plastic element 150 can be heated or pressed only on the cavity surface. The heating of the plastic element 150 can be provided by directly heating the plastic element 150 and / or by heating the cavity surface and / or the mold cavity 130, for example by hot air blowing, thermal resistance heating, induction heating or UV lamp heating. The heating, in particular the heating of the cavity surface, can be provided before, during and / or after the plastic element 150 is provided and arranged on the cavity surface. According to Fig. 9In the embodiment shown, the pressing device 200 is provided with a non-stick coating 210 on its side facing the first mold half 110 during pressing. The coating 210 prevents the plastic element 150 from adhering to the pressing device 200. Heating and / or pressing of the plastic elements 150 can lead to deformation of the plastic elements 150 so that their resulting extension depth into the vehicle trim component 10; 10'; 10" measured along the surface normal of the vehicle trim component 10 is 100%, not more than 80%, not more than 50% or not more than 30%, thereby adjusting the size of the plastic elements 150 to the aesthetic requirements and structural requirements of the final product. The deformation can lead to the extension of the plastic elements 150 along the surface normal being reduced to 80%, 50% or 30% of their initial size. Additionally or alternatively, pressing of the plastic elements 150 can provide a uniform and, in particular, flat surface of the plastic elements 150 facing the pressing device 200. Additionally or alternatively, heating and / or pressing of the plastic elements 150 can lead to an enhanced connection or adhesion of the plastic elements 150 to the cavity surface, in particular during the injection of the plastic melt 140 into the cavity 130 and / or the injected plastic melt. During the hardening of 140. This can allow better control of the desired pattern and can be particularly useful when the first half mold 110 and / or the second half mold 120 must be rotated from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position before injecting the plastic melt 140. Additionally or alternatively, the heating and / or pressing of the plastic element 150 can provide deformation and / or at least partial overlap and / or blending of adjacent pattern elements. This can allow specific design effects to be produced, for example when a multi-color pattern design is used. Additionally or alternatively, the heating and / or pressing can provide a connection of adjacent plastic elements 150, in particular in a material-locked manner. In order to heat and / or press the plastic element 150, the plastic element 150 and / or the cavity surface and / or the pressing device 200 can be brought to a temperature of at least 60°C, at least 100°C, at least 140°C or at least 150°C, in particular depending on the glass transition temperature or melting temperature of the plastic element.
[0072] Plastic element 150 may include thermoplastics, particularly recycled thermoplastics or composed thereof, such as for improved sustainability. For example, plastic element 150 may include polypropylene or recycled polypropylene or composed thereof, thereby particularly providing improved sustainability and CO2 reduction in order to minimize global footprint. Alternatively or additionally, plastic element 150 may include polylactic acid and / or recycled polylactic acid, as well as polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate and / or their recycled counterparts, or composed thereof. The overall and / or single plastic element 150 of plastic element 150 may be monochromatic, bicolor or multicolor to provide a desired design, thereby also providing pearlescent or glossy element surfaces. Injected plastic melt 140 may include thermoplastics or recycled thermoplastics or composed thereof, such as for improved sustainability. Injected plastic melt 140 may include polypropylene, poly(methyl methacrylate), polycarbonate, polystyrene and / or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or composed thereof. The injected plastic melt 140 can be at least partially composed of a transparent or translucent material. In particular, the material of the plastic element 150 and the material of the injected plastic melt 140 should be selected to be compatible with each other so that a material bond is formed between the plastic element 150 and the injected plastic melt during injection and / or hardening.
[0073] The plastic element 150 and / or the injected plastic melt 140 may consist of a single material. In addition, additives, in particular adhesives, may be added or included in the plastic element 150 and / or the injected plastic melt 140 to enhance the connection between the individual plastic elements 150 and / or between the plastic element 150 and the injected plastic melt 140. In addition, the additives may also enhance the adhesion between the plastic element 150 and the cavity surface.
[0074] The plastic element 150 may include or consist of solid plastic particles, plastic pellets, plastic powders, plastic filaments, etc. The plastic element 150 may include a preformed design pattern. According to the steps of providing and arranging the plastic element 150 on the cavity surface, in addition to molten plastic, a plastic raw material including or consisting of solid plastic particles, plastic pellets, plastic powders, plastic filaments, etc. may be used. Providing and arranging the plastic element 150 on the cavity surface may include manual or mechanical application, such as by a dispensing device, spraying, screening, filtering, brushing, stamping, and in particular pellet extrusion or molten filament manufacturing. Along the surface normal of the first cavity surface facing the vehicle trim part 10; 10'; 10" to be produced, the plastic elements 150 can be arranged essentially in a single layer or at least partially stacked on top of each other. The plastic elements 150 and / or the plastic raw material can be essentially flat or expanded in all three spatial directions. Depending on the process, for example, the desired pattern with regard to the distribution and arrangement of the individual pattern elements can be partially randomized, but at least with regard to the average range and density of the plastic elements 150 visible on the visible side of the vehicle trim part 10; 10'; 10" to be produced is predetermined. Alternatively, the desired pattern can also be predetermined with respect to the distribution and arrangement of the individual pattern elements.
[0075] As described herein, the elements provided and arranged on the cavity surface are plastic elements 150 at least partially made of plastic. Additionally or alternatively, these elements may include or consist of other materials (e.g., metal and / or wood). In particular, a material mixture or composite material including plastic and metal or wood may be used for the plastic element 150.
[0076] Particularly in the case of a porous element, the corresponding element can alternatively be connected in a positively locking manner to the injected plastic melt.
[0077] The plastic element 150 can be provided and arranged on the first half mold 110 by at least one nozzle, in particular by pellet extrusion (e.g., using a hot runner), or by molten filament manufacturing of a plastic raw material. In the case of pellet extrusion, the plastic raw material can be a plastic pellet, and in the case of molten filament manufacturing, the plastic raw material can be a plastic filament. In the case of pellet extrusion using a hot runner, the pipe and / or nozzle that transports the molten plastic raw material to the nozzle can include a thermal insulation coating to maintain the desired temperature of the raw material plastic melt. A coating can be provided on the surface of the pipe and / or nozzle that contacts the raw material plastic melt. In order to arrange the plastic element 150 using at least one nozzle, the at least one nozzle can be moved along the cavity surface. Alternatively or additionally, however, the cavity surface can also be moved relative to at least one nozzle. In order to provide a single pattern element of different shapes, nozzle cross sections of different shapes can be used.
[0078] The process carried out by means of nozzles for printing the desired pattern has the advantage of being particularly precise. However, at the same time, it can be very time-consuming, in particular if only one nozzle or nozzle shape is used to provide different shapes and / or multi-colored speckle elements of the speckle pattern 1 or line elements of the veining pattern 2.
[0079] According to one embodiment of the method, in which the plastic element 150 is provided and arranged by at least one nozzle, a plurality of plastic elements 150 can be provided and arranged on the cavity surface simultaneously by using a plurality of nozzles arranged adjacent to each other. This can be particularly suitable for producing a vein pattern 2. The nozzles can be arranged substantially in one plane, in particular in a plane parallel to the cavity surface. The nozzles can be arranged so that their main axes are substantially parallel. Depending on the pattern, the nozzles can be arranged substantially linearly or in a package that is as compact as possible in all directions. Depending on the pattern, the nozzles can be moved along the side of the cavity surface individually or collectively and / or rotated around the main nozzle axis and / or supplied with plastic raw materials and / or provided with different nozzle cross sections, thereby, for example, providing adjacent lines of different line spacings, wavy lines, dotted lines and different line colors or different line shapes, respectively.
[0080] According to an alternative embodiment of the method, in which the plastic elements 150 are provided and arranged by means of at least one nozzle, a cartridge having through holes of different shapes may be provided and arranged between the nozzle and the cavity surface. The through holes may be selectively aligned with the nozzle along the main nozzle axis so that the plastic elements 150 of different shapes are provided and arranged on the cavity surface according to the through holes. This may be particularly suitable for generating a speckle pattern 1 having a plurality of different shaped speckles of a predetermined shape, such as Fig.15 shown.
[0081] As an alternative to providing and arranging the plastic element directly on the cavity surface using at least one nozzle, the pattern of the plastic element 150 may be preformed by at least one nozzle on any working surface and then transferred to the cavity surface.
[0082] In the following, two embodiments of each of an apparatus 300; 300' for printing a plurality of lines simultaneously on a flat or curved surface 311 to form a vein pattern 2 and an apparatus 400 for printing a plurality of different shapes on a flat or curved surface 411 to form a speckle pattern 1 are described. These are particularly suitable for implementing step 2 of the method illustrated above. In particular, the apparatus 300; 300'; 400 can be used to provide and arrange a plastic element 150 directly on a cavity surface.
[0083] according to Fig.10 , Fig.12 and Fig.13, two embodiments of a device 300; 300' for simultaneously printing a plurality of lines on a flat or curved surface 311 to form a vein pattern 2 are shown from the perspective of the surface 311 to be printed. The device 300; 300' comprises a plurality of nozzles 310, which are configured to provide and arrange plastic elements 150 on the surface 311. The nozzles 310 are arranged adjacent to each other. The nozzles 310 can be moved along the surface 311 individually or collectively and / or can be rotated around a main nozzle axis and / or can be supplied with plastic raw material and / or can be provided with different nozzle cross sections. For example, as Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, individual supply of nozzles 310 can provide dashed lines, different nozzle cross-sections can provide different line thicknesses, and the rotation of each nozzle 310 (by Fig.13 ) can provide wavy lines (indicated by corresponding black arrows). Moreover, the nozzles 310 are individually movable along the surface 311. The nozzles 310 can be configured for printing by means of pellet extrusion of plastic raw materials (for example, by a hot runner) or molten filament manufacturing. The nozzles 310 are arranged in a common movable print head 350 for supplying and controlling the nozzles 310. The layout of multiple nozzles 310 in one print head 350 enables a particularly compact nozzle 310 layout, wherein adjacent lines can be printed simultaneously and closer together. The print head 350 is movable in all six degrees of freedom. The nozzles 310 can be movably arranged in the print head 350 so that movement of the print head 350 results in global movement of all nozzles 310, and movement of individual nozzles 310 results in their movement relative to each other. The nozzles 310 are substantially arranged in a plane parallel to the surface 311. The nozzles 310 are arranged so that their main nozzle axes are substantially parallel. The nozzles 310 can be arranged substantially linearly, such as Fig.10 as shown, or arranged in a package that is as compact as possible in all directions, such as Fig.12 and Fig.13 The shortest distance between two adjacent nozzles 310, in particular the shortest distance perpendicular to the main nozzle axis, may be no greater than 0 mm, 0.1 mm, 1 mm or 10 mm. As currently shown, the nozzles 310 are arranged directly adjacent to each other.
[0084] Fig.11 An exemplary arrangement of plastic elements 150 forming a veined pattern printed on surface 311 is shown in FIG. For example, by simultaneously moving and rotating along surface 311 Fig.10 The print head 350 of the device 300 is shown to enable the pattern to be realized via the device 300 .
[0085] exist Fig.14, an embodiment of a device 400 for printing a plurality of different shapes on a flat or curved surface 411 to form a speckle pattern 1 is shown in a plane along the main nozzle axis N. The device 400 comprises a nozzle 410 configured to provide and arrange plastic elements 150 on the surface 411, in particular by means of pellet extrusion or melt filament manufacturing of plastic raw materials, and a cartridge 450 having through holes 460 of different shapes arranged between the nozzle 410 and the surface 411. The intake and discharge of plastic raw materials through the device 400 are schematically indicated by straight black arrows. Exemplary cartridges 450; 450' at Fig.16 and Fig.17 450' is shown in a plane along the main nozzle axis N. The through hole 460 can be selectively aligned with the nozzle 410 along the main nozzle axis N. Because the device 400 includes a cartridge 450; 450' arranged between the nozzle 410 and the surface 411, wherein through holes 460 of different shapes can be aligned with the main nozzle axis N to print different shapes, a predetermined and more complex speckle pattern 1 can be printed in a shorter time. The through holes 460 are radially distributed around the rotation axis R of the cartridge 450; 450', wherein the cartridge 450; 450' is rotatably mounted around the rotation axis R for aligning the through holes 460 with the main nozzle axis N. The rotation of the cartridge 450; 450' around the rotation axis R is schematically indicated by a curved black arrow. The rotation axis R of the cartridge 450; 450' and the main nozzle axis N extend parallel and are spaced apart from each other. The shape of the through hole 460 is defined by a cross section of the through hole 460 that is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis R and substantially perpendicular to the main nozzle axis N. The different shapes of the through-holes 460 can be substantially circular and / or angular, respectively. Fig.17 and Fig.16 The maximum diameter of the cross section of at least one or all of the through holes 460 at the end of the through hole 460 facing the nozzle 410 may be substantially equal to and / or smaller than the maximum diameter of the nozzle cross section at the nozzle end facing the cartridge 450; 450', as shown in FIG. Fig.14 As shown. Fig.14 As shown, the cross section of at least one or all through holes 460 may taper toward the end of the through hole 460 facing away from the nozzle 410. The cartridge 450; 450' is arranged directly adjacent to the nozzle 410. The minimum distance between the cartridge 450; 450' and the nozzle 410, which is measured along the main nozzle axis N, may not exceed 0 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.5 mm. Fig.14 , Fig.16 and Fig.17 The exemplary cartridge 450; 450' shown in FIG is shaped as a substantially flat disk, wherein the axis of rotation R corresponds to the main axis of inertia extending along the surface normal of the disk base surface. Fig.16 and Fig.17, the potential nozzle area where nozzle 410 may be aligned with through-hole 460 is designated as the shaded circular portion.
[0086] Fig.15 An exemplary layout of plastic elements 150 for forming a speckle pattern printed on a surface 411 is shown in FIG. Fig.16 The cartridge 450 shown is Fig.14 The device 400 shown is implemented.
[0087] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Two exemplary vehicle trim components 10 with speckle and veining patterns 1; 2, respectively, in a vehicle interior compartment are shown. The vehicle trim component 10 has a visible side visible from the outside and comprises a plastic element 150, which is arranged in an injection-molded plastic and is connected to the latter in a material-locked manner, so that a visible speckle and / or veining pattern 1; 2 is formed on the visible side. In particular, the two exemplary vehicle trim components 10 may be vehicle trim components 10 producible or producible by the method and / or using the device 300; 300'; 400 as described above. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The exemplary vehicle trim components 10 shown in the figure are vehicle interior trim components. In particular, they are decorative components of door panels and front consoles. Alternatively, the vehicle trim components may be part of vehicle exterior trim components, center consoles or roof panels, etc. The vehicle trim components may be trim components having a substantially flat or curved visible side.
[0088] Plastic element 150 may include thermoplastics, particularly recycled thermoplastics or be composed of them. For example, plastic element 150 may include polypropylene or recycled polypropylene or be composed of them. Alternatively or additionally, plastic element 150 may include polylactic acid and / or recycled polylactic acid, as well as polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate and / or their recycled counterparts, or be composed of them. Plastic element 150 may be composed of a single material. The entirety of plastic element 150 and / or a single plastic element 150 may be monochromatic, bichromatic or polychromatic, thereby also providing pearlescent or glossy element surfaces. Injection molded plastics may include thermoplastics or recycled thermoplastics or be composed of them. Injection molded plastics may include polypropylene, poly(methyl methacrylate), polycarbonate, polystyrene and / or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or be composed of them. Injection molded plastics may be composed of a single material. Injection molded plastics may be composed of transparent or translucent materials at least in part.
[0089] The extension depth of the plastic element 150 into the vehicle trim component measured along the surface normal of the vehicle trim component can be 100%, no more than 80%, no more than 50% or no more than 30%. In addition or alternatively, the extension depth can be no less than 1%, no less than 5%, no less than 10% or no less than 20%. The average extension depth of the plastic element 150 can be 30%.
Claims
1. A method for producing a vehicle decorative part (10; 10'; 10"), wherein the vehicle decorative part is provided on the vehicle decorative part (10; 10'; 10″) having a visible speckle and / or veining pattern (1; 2) on a visible side (11) visible from the outside, the method comprising the following steps: An injection mold (100) is provided having a first mold half (110) and a second mold half (120), wherein the first mold half and the second mold half are movable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position of the injection mold (100), wherein a cavity (130) is formed between the first mold half and the second mold half (110; 120) when the injection mold (100) is in the closed position; injecting a plastic melt (140) into the cavity (130); Hardening the injected plastic melt (140) to form the vehicle decorative component (10); removing the vehicle trim component (10; 10'; 10") by opening the injection mold (100); Before the plastic melt (140) is injected into the cavity (130), A plastic element (150) is provided and arranged on the cavity surface so that during injection and / or hardening, the plastic element (150) is connected in a material-locked manner to the injected plastic melt (140) and forms a speckle and / or veining pattern (1; 2) on the visible side (11) of the vehicle trim component (10; 10'; 10").
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cavity surface on which the plastic element (150) is arranged substantially comprises a surface of the first half-mold (111) and / or a surface of the second half-mold (121) facing the vehicle trim part (10; 10'; 10") to be produced.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plastic element (150) and the injected plastic melt (140) are arranged substantially directly adjacent to the cavity surface.
4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plastic element (150) forms a macroscopic speckle and / or veining pattern (1; 2) on the visible side (11) of the vehicle trim component (10; 10'; 10"), wherein in particular the minimum visible range of the individual geometrical elements of the speckle and / or veining pattern (1; 2) is on average at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.5 mm or at least 2 mm and on average at most 5 mm, at most 10 mm or at most 15 mm.
5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein before the plastic melt (140) is injected into the cavity (130), the plastic elements (150) arranged on the cavity surface are heated and / or pressed against the cavity surface by means of a pressing device (200), wherein the plastic elements (150) are deformed so that they are obtained to the vehicle trim part (10; 10'; 10″) along the vehicle trim component (10; 10'; 10”) is measured as 100%, not more than 80%, not more than 50% or not more than 30%, and optionally, the plastic element (150) and / or the cavity surface and / or the pressing device (200) are brought to a temperature of at least 60°C, at least 100°C, at least 140°C or at least 150°C.
6. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plastic element (150) is provided and arranged on the cavity surface by means of at least one nozzle (310; 410), in particular by means of pellet extrusion or molten filament manufacturing of a plastic raw material, wherein the nozzle (310; 410) moves along the cavity surface.
7. The method according to claim 6, in particular for forming the veining pattern (2) on the visible side (11) of the vehicle trim component (10; 10'; 10"), wherein a plurality of plastic elements (150) are provided simultaneously and arranged on the cavity surface by means of a plurality of nozzles (310) arranged adjacent to one another, wherein: According to the pattern, the nozzles (310) are moved individually or collectively along the cavity surface and / or rotated around a main nozzle axis and / or are fed with the plastic raw material and / or are provided with different nozzle cross sections.
8. The method according to claim 6, in particular for forming the speckle pattern (1) on the visible side (11) of the vehicle trim component (10; 10'; 10"), wherein a cartridge (450; 450') having through holes (460) of different shapes is provided and arranged between the nozzle (460) and the cavity surface, and wherein the through holes (460) are selectively aligned with the nozzle (410) along a main nozzle axis (N) so that plastic elements (150) of different shapes are provided and arranged on the cavity surface according to the through holes (460).
9. A vehicle decorative component (10; 10'; 10”), the vehicle trim component having a visible speckle and / or veining pattern (1; 2), the vehicle interior trim component (10; 10’; 10″) has a visible side (11) visible from the outside and comprises a plastic element (150) which is arranged in an injection-molded plastic and is connected to the latter in a material-locked manner so that a visible speckle and / or veining pattern (1; 2) is formed on the visible side (11), wherein optionally, the vehicle trim part (10; 10′; 10”) has been produced by a method according to any one of the preceding claims.
10. A vehicle trim component (10; 10'; 10") according to claim 9, wherein the plastic element (150) comprises a thermoplastic polymer, in particular polypropylene and / or recycled polypropylene and / or polylactic acid and / or recycled polylactic acid, or consists thereof, and / or wherein the injection-molded plastic comprises polypropylene, poly(methyl methacrylate), polycarbonate, polystyrene and / or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or consists thereof.
11. The vehicle decorative component (10; 10'; 10”), wherein the plastic element (150) is attached to the vehicle trim component (10; 10’; 10”) is measured along the surface normal of the vehicle trim component to have an extension depth of 100%, no greater than 80%, no greater than 50%, or no greater than 30%.
12. A device (300; 300') for printing a plurality of lines simultaneously on a flat or curved surface (311) to form a veining pattern (2), the device comprising a plurality of nozzles (310) configured to provide and arrange plastic elements (150) on the surface (311), in particular by means of pellet extrusion or melt filament production of plastic raw materials, wherein The nozzles (310) are arranged adjacent to one another and are individually or jointly movable along the surface (311) and / or rotatable about a main nozzle axis and / or can be fed with plastic raw material and / or provided with different nozzle cross sections.
13. A device (300; 300') according to claim 12, wherein the nozzles (310) are arranged in a common movable print head (350) for supplying and controlling the nozzles (310), and wherein optionally, the shortest distance between two adjacent nozzles (310) is not greater than 0 mm, 0.1 mm, 1 mm or 10 mm.
14. A device (400) for printing a plurality of different shapes on a flat or curved surface (411) to form a speckle pattern (1), the device (400) comprising a nozzle (410) configured to provide and arrange a plastic element (150) on the surface (411), in particular by means of pellet extrusion or melt filament manufacturing of a plastic raw material, wherein The device (400) comprises a cartridge (450; 450') having through holes (460) of different shapes arranged between the nozzle (410) and the surface (411), and wherein the through holes (460) are selectively aligned with the nozzle (410) along a main nozzle axis (N).
15. The device (400) according to claim 14, wherein the through holes (460) are radially distributed around the rotation axis (R) of the cartridge (450; 450') and wherein the cartridge (450; 450') is rotatably mounted around the rotation axis (R) for aligning the through holes (460) with the main nozzle axis (N), the rotation axis (R) of the cartridge (450; 450') and the main nozzle axis (N) being optionally parallel to and spaced apart from each other.
