Interior component for a vehicle interior

Abstract

The invention relates to an interior trim part for a vehicle interior, comprising a decorative layer having a visible surface facing the vehicle interior in the prescribed installed state, at least one light source arranged behind the decorative layer, and a plurality of through-holes in the decorative layer through which light emitted by the light source can be emitted into the vehicle interior, wherein the through-holes are shaped at an angle inclined with respect to the normal to the visible surface such that the emit- table light can be directed in a predetermined direction, thereby at least reducing undesired reflections on adjacent vehicle parts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an interior component for vehicle interior space and a motor vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, ambient lighting inside motor vehicles has become increasingly important. Modern vehicle concepts not only focus on functional lighting, such as improving the visibility of displays and controls, but also increasingly rely on overall atmospheric lighting design to provide occupants with a high-quality, personalized sense of space. Decorative elements such as trim strips, interior door panels, seat components, and dashboards are receiving more attention to enhance the visual appeal of the interior. Uniform, flat light centers can be achieved through the use of multi-layered structures, translucent materials, integrated LED modules, and perforations created using laser or stamping techniques.

[0003] However, these new design ranges also present technical challenges. On the one hand, components must be mechanically robust, thermally stable, and durable to withstand the harsh conditions of a vehicle. On the other hand, avoiding undesirable optical effects, such as sharp light spots, is crucial. In particular, if emitted light inadvertently hits an adjacent surface and causes reflection there, unsettling reflections or parallax effects can occur, thereby compromising the overall design impression and reducing occupant comfort.

[0004] A head-up display for a motor vehicle is known from DE 10 201 9 131 788 A1. Furthermore, the head-up display includes an anti-glare element that covers the light source in the emission direction. Therefore, the anti-glare element is arranged in front of the light source along the emission direction such that light emitted from the light source in the emission direction must pass through the anti-glare element to reach the windshield. Therefore, the objective here is to clearly project light onto other vehicle components so that light information can be identified there. Therefore, the objective there is to achieve reflection or glare of light perceptible to the occupants. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to overcome at least partially any of the above-mentioned disadvantages. Specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide an interior trim component that at least reduces, and in particular completely prevents, reflections and / or specular reflections in the vehicle interior space.

[0006] The aforementioned objectives are achieved by interior trim components according to a first aspect of the invention and motor vehicles according to a second aspect of the invention. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. The features and details described in conjunction with the interior trim components according to the invention also apply to motor vehicles according to the invention, and vice versa, such that the disclosures relating to various aspects of the invention are always mutually referential or can be mutually referenced.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to an interior trim component for a vehicle interior space, comprising: a decorative layer having a visible surface facing the vehicle interior space in a predetermined installation state; at least one light source disposed behind the decorative layer; and a plurality of through-holes in the decorative layer through which light emitted by the light source can be emitted into the vehicle interior space; wherein the through-holes are formed at an angle inclined relative to the normal of the visible surface, such that the emitted light can be guided in a predetermined direction, thereby at least reducing undesirable reflections on adjacent vehicle components. The interior trim component for a vehicle interior space is configured such that the decorative layer, representing a decorative surface material with visually appealing characteristics, has a visible surface oriented towards the vehicle interior space when intended for installation. In this document, the term "decorative layer" specifically refers to a thin outer layer made of materials such as wood veneer, leather, leather substitutes, textiles, or plastic films, which meets aesthetic and tactile requirements.

[0008] Behind the decorative layer is at least one light source that generates light in a manner with defined brightness, color temperature, and spatial radiation characteristics. The light source can be, for example, a semiconductor diode (LED), characterized by low energy demand, long lifespan, and precisely controllable light emission. Between the light source and the interior space, the decorative layer contains numerous through-holes, i.e., openings or perforations, through which the generated light can be emitted into the interior. The breakthrough refers to the defined structure introduced into the decorative layer, for example, by mechanical or laser-based processing techniques, to achieve targeted light extraction. The term "normal" refers to an imaginary vector perpendicular to the surface of the decorative layer. If the through-holes are formed orthogonally to the viewing surface, the light exits perpendicularly to the surface. However, according to the invention, the through-holes are not perpendicular but formed at an angle inclined to the normal, meaning they pass obliquely through the decorative layer. By specifically selecting this angle, the emitted light can be redirected in a predetermined direction without integrating additional optical elements, such as reflectors or lenses. For example, such oblique through-holes can be created by adjusting the tilt of a workpiece in a machine mount or by using an oblique laser beam.

[0009] For example, this means that the light rays are not parallel to the normal, but rather deflected laterally. This reduces unwanted reflections on adjacent interior components, such as shiny trim strips or displays, because the light is less likely to fall directly on these surfaces. Simultaneously, it reduces perceptual variations similar to parallax, where different viewing angles cause noticeable changes in the position of the light pattern. The controlled alignment of the apertures results in a more uniform and directional light distribution, enabling a pleasing and structurally clear visual appearance without the need for additional accessories to guide the light.

[0010] Within the scope of this invention, it is advantageous that the tilt angle of the via relative to the normal is between about 1° and about 60°, preferably between about 10° and about 50°, and particularly preferably between 20° and 45°. The term "tilt angle" defines the geometric angle between the surface normal (i.e., the direction of the line that is psychologically perpendicular to the surface) and the actual direction of the via, whereby light is extracted in a specific, predetermined direction. This direction affects the emission profile of the light source because the light is not simply emitted perpendicular to the surface, but at an angle, thereby reducing unwanted scattering effects and guiding the light to a defined internal area. The emission profile describes the spatial distribution of light intensity, i.e., the range of intensity and angle of light emission. If this tilt angle is now set within the aforementioned range, precise control of the beam direction can be achieved, with smaller angles resulting in gradual deflection and larger angles resulting in stronger deflection. Within this spectrum, specific configurations can be selected for different mounting conditions or different surface materials to achieve more uniform and controlled light propagation. This approach improves consistency with surrounding components because reflections and visual distortions are further reduced, and is suitable for ensuring repeatable high-precision manufacturing processes when creating breakthroughs.

[0011] Within the scope of this invention, it is conceivable that through-holes can be produced via laser perforation or by a stamping process. The extended design defines the production of through-holes via laser perforation or stamping, where laser perforation represents a processing method in which a focused beam of high-energy electromagnetic radiation is used to locally evaporate or melt the material without adversely affecting the surrounding area. This process allows for precise control over the geometry, diameter, and depth of the resulting through-hole. Stamping is a forming process in which material is cut or stamped in a defined manner using a tool typically consisting of a punch and a die. By using high-strength tool steel and guideways with tight tolerances, precise, repeatable profiles can be created, the quality of which can be influenced by process optimizations in cutting speed, press pressure, and tool geometry. Both manufacturing processes achieve a high level of repeatability when producing angled through-holes, meaning that light extraction can be precisely controlled to concentrate radiation characteristics on a defined area within the vehicle's interior space. This process results in controlled light guidance because the through-hole design can be selected based on the mentioned methods, allowing the emitted light to be distributed more evenly at different angles without compromising optical quality. This precise coordination between material processing, tooling characteristics, and beam emission results in a repeatable, manufacturing-stable process that allows light output to be precisely adapted to different design specifications, thereby ensuring consistent and well-defined light guidance within the vehicle interior.

[0012] Within the scope of this invention, interior components can be defined as parts of door panels, dashboards, speakers, headliners, steering wheels, center consoles, or control elements. Extended designs include integrating interior components into components such as door panels, dashboards, speakers, headliners, steering wheels, center consoles, or control elements, each component having different functional, mechanical, and acoustic characteristics within the vehicle interior space. Door liners are typically multi-layered molded components attached to the inside of the door, consisting of support structures, buffer layers, and decorative surfaces to ensure sound insulation, heat insulation, and an attractive feel. The dashboard is a complex component located in the front area of ​​the interior space, recording driver information and featuring mechanically stable supports and dedicated surfaces for housing electronic displays, switches, or ventilation elements. The vehicle headliner forms the upper interior covering of the vehicle, consisting of dimensionally stable support panels, decorative materials, and fabric surfaces to visually enclose the interior while influencing acoustic and thermal performance. The center console, the central area between the driver and passenger seats, provides space for storage options, controls, switches, and electronic interfaces. The control element is any type of active component that can be operated by the driver or passenger to trigger vehicle functions; it can be, for example, a rotary switch, a push-button switch, or a touch panel. Due to its flexible and adaptable design, the previously described internal components and their light-guiding vias can be integrated into these different components, enabling uniform and precise illumination whose orientation can be customized for variable mounting locations. This achieves a consistent visual appearance adapted to the corresponding vehicle area by emitting light at a defined angle and intensity without additional conversion or correction measures, thereby improving the overall usability in terms of shape, color, and contour representation, significantly enhancing display readability, and greatly improving the perception of depth and space.

[0013] It is also conceivable that decorative layers could incorporate leather, plastic, and / or wood. This development has enabled the use of decorative layers, including leather, real or microfiber-based materials called Alcantara, plastics in the form of artificial leather, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or thermoplastic olefins (TPO), and wood as natural material components, to achieve visual, tactile, and functional adjustments to internal components. Artificial leather, PVC, and TPO are thermoplastic polymers with controllable mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, tear behavior, and elasticity, through precise formulation and processing, allowing laser or stamping processes to be repeated to create beveled through-holes. Wood, a naturally grown material with a typical cellular structure made of cellulose and lignin, possesses aesthetically pleasing surface properties, as light-colored or fine-grained wood types are transformed into thin, partially translucent layers through careful peeling or sawing processes, supporting light-guiding effects when carefully perforated. If these materials are integrated into a layered structure, the through-holes created by laser or stamping processes can be configured to optimally utilize their interaction with their respective material properties to prevent light emitted from the light source behind them from propagating at a defined angle through physical effects such as refraction, scattering, and absorption. This creates a harmonious lighting image tailored to the corresponding vehicle interior space, compensates for optical differences between different mounting locations, and simplifies adaptation to different surface qualities.

[0014] It is also conceivable that the via has an opening diameter of approximately 0.05 mm to approximately 5 mm, preferably between approximately 0.1 mm and approximately 1 mm, to control the emission of light through a precisely defined channel. The opening diameter refers to the distance between opposite edges at the narrowest point of the via, meaning that conclusions about the emission cross-section can be directly drawn. The emission cross-section describes the geometric region through which light travels from the interior of an internal component to the exterior. If this cross-section is adapted to a defined size, the optical properties of the emitted light can be affected differently in terms of transmission, scattering behavior, and intensity distribution. Transmission refers to the ability of a material or structure to allow light radiation to pass through, while scattering behavior refers to the redistribution of light through refraction, reflection, or diffraction at interfaces, microstructures, or material inhomogeneities.

[0015] By precisely adjusting the aperture diameter, light emission can be controlled in such a way that fine and uniform light patterns, smooth transitions, or clearly defined light areas can be created according to the desired application characteristics without the use of additional optical elements. This control over light emission can improve the design of light distribution, thereby harmoniously adjusting the overall optical appearance of the vehicle interior space according to different materials, angle configurations, and component arrangements, thus achieving attractive and consistent light quality under various conditions.

[0016] Within the scope of this invention, the through-holes can optionally have different tilt angles along the (axial) direction of the trim layer. This improvement allows the tilt angle of the through-holes in the axial route of the trim layer to be variable along its elongated extension, specifically adapting the direction of light extraction to different spatial conditions. The term "axial" refers to the orientation along the main longitudinal axis of the trim layer, which is defined according to the installation and interior space design specifications. By continuously changing the tilt angle of the through-holes, their radiation direction can be selected so that light emitted from the light source illuminates the potential reflective surfaces in certain areas at a smaller angle of incidence, thereby reducing the propagation of unwanted reflections. Therefore, defined radiation characteristics can be generated for each axially positioned area. This differentiated control of the radiation direction minimizes the effects of undesirable light-dark transitions or major reflective areas, thereby promoting a uniform and visually harmonious appearance of the interior space when viewed from different angles and under variable lighting conditions.

[0017] Furthermore, within the scope of this invention, the decorative layer can be specified to completely cover the light source. Therefore, within the vehicle interior, at least from the intended seating position, there will be no direct eye contact with the light-emitting unit, resulting in a more uniform visual appearance. For this purpose, the decorative layer is designed to completely cover the light source behind it, so that occupants of the vehicle interior cannot immediately see the light source, i.e., through the specific alignment of the through-holes. Here, "coverage" means ensuring visual shielding of the light source by interrupting the viewing angle between the observer's eye position and the emission point of the light source through the tilt and arrangement of the through-holes. Therefore, the observer cannot see the direct light-emitting through-holes from which the radiation source itself can be directly seen, because the light-guiding channels in the material are tilted, so that the line of sight from the internal eye position does not completely coincide with the emission path of the light source.

[0018] Regarding this invention, it is conceivable that the light source is designed as ambient lighting. This extended design allows the light source to be designed as ambient lighting, a form of interior lighting that is not perceived as a directional point beam of light, but rather as uniformly diffused and gently scattered light to create a pleasing, space-occupying level of brightness. Semiconductor elements, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), are preferably used as the light source, which can be adjusted to specific color temperatures and brightness levels to provide subtle background brightness to the vehicle interior. Color temperature indicates whether the emitted light has a warm or cool hue and directly affects the visual perception of vehicle occupants, while brightness serves as a measure of the brightness of the surface under consideration, ensuring a comfortable and uniform distribution. A fine balance is achieved between light emission and controlled deflection by carefully adjusting parameters such as the light intensity, beam angle, scattering degree, and absorption behavior of the decorative layer. Because ambient lighting does not penetrate the interior as a single hot spot or strong contrast, but rather creates a quiet, eye-friendly environment through a uniform brightness profile and differentiated, controllable light sources, it offers advantages in terms of directional capability, spatial depth effect, and adaptability to different usage profiles. This targeted lighting design, combined with angled through-holes and a fully covered decorative layer, supports a harmonious overall impression as light propagation is subtly coordinated with the interior surfaces and contours. This means that ambient lighting makes a core contribution to ambiance, ergonomics, and visual comfort.

[0019] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the trim layer has a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 5 mm, preferably between approximately 1 mm and approximately 3 mm, thereby allowing control over the mechanical and optical properties of the interior components. Here, thickness refers to the vertical distance between the visible surface of the trim layer and its reverse side facing away from the vehicle interior space, which directly affects robustness and light transmittance. An appropriate thickness allows for the design of the physical parameters of transmission, i.e., the proportion of light emitted by a light source that actually passes through the trim layer, thereby avoiding undesirable excessive radiation or transmission.

[0020] According to a second aspect, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle having an interior space and at least one interior trim component according to the invention arranged within the interior space. The interior space is an enclosed area within the vehicle body designed to protect the driver and passengers from external influences such as weather conditions, sound intensity, or mechanical disturbances. Within this interior space, at least one interior trim component is arranged in such a manner that it can be equipped with the aforementioned light guiding system to visually design the interior and provide a suitable visual environment for the driver and passengers. The interior trim component is an element permanently integrated into the vehicle structure, for example having a decorative layer and a light source whose emission is guided through defined through-holes to emit light in a controlled manner within the space. The alignment and design of the interior trim component can be adapted to the corresponding shape parameters of the interior space, thereby influencing light distribution, optical uniformity, and the perceptibility of contours, thus creating a harmonious and consistent light image for all vehicle occupants.

[0021] This results in the same advantages of the motor vehicle according to the invention as those already described regarding the interior components according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which several exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Features mentioned in the claims and specification may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. Schematic illustration:

[0023] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the invention, having interior trim components according to the invention, is shown.

[0024] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the decorative layer of an interior component according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0025] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features, and even for different exemplary embodiments.

[0026] Figure 1 A cross-section of the interior space 110 of a motor vehicle 100 is schematically shown. An interior trim component 10, designed as ambient lighting, is arranged within this interior space 110. This interior trim component 10 is integrated into the inner door panel of the passenger door; this representation is from the perspective of an observer looking from the driver's seat towards the passenger side. In the area shown, a trim layer 11 is visible in the area of ​​the inner door handle, its visible surface referred to as the visible surface 12. Behind this trim layer 11 is a light source 20, whose emitted light 21 does not pass directly through the trim layer 11 but is guided through multiple through-holes 13.

[0027] These through-holes 13 are manufactured such that they are arranged at a defined tilt angle α relative to the normal N of the visible surface 12. The tilt angle α causes light 21 to couple out through the decorative layer 11 at an angle rather than perpendicularly. Figure 1 In the diagram, the light rays are schematically shown as arrows to illustrate the angle of incidence relative to the normal N. Due to the targeted alignment of these through-holes 13, the emitted light 21 is guided in a direction that will not strike adjacent vehicle components 30, which could result in undesirable reflections. For example, the glossy surfaces of windows, windshields, or dashboards will not be directly illuminated by the emitted light, as the selected angle of incidence α avoids or at least significantly reduces this direct illumination of reflective surfaces.

[0028] Because of this arrangement, the lamp 21 can be guided in such a way that uniform and pleasant lighting conditions are established in the vehicle interior 110 without causing annoying mirroring, glare, or bothersome reflections. Therefore, Figure 1 The embodiment of the interior component 10 shown helps to achieve subtle yet atmospheric lighting in the cabin, while largely protecting occupants from visual disturbances caused by reflections from surrounding components. The combination of precise alignment of the through-hole 13, defined trim layer thickness, optimized material translucency, and precisely tuned light source characteristics results in reproducible and adaptive light guidance, the effects of which on the perception of space and materials can be used in a targeted manner.

[0029] Figure 2 A cross-section of the interior trim component 10 is shown, in which the structure of the trim layer 11 and its through-holes 13 are particularly visible. The trim layer 11 has a defined thickness D, which forms the vertical distance between the visible surface 12 facing the interior space 110 when installed and the rear plane where the light source is located. In this cross-section, the through-holes 13 are considered as angled through-holes within the material that guide light emitted by the light source through the trim layer 11 into the interior space 110.

[0030] The opening diameter d characterizes the cross-section of the through-hole 13 at its narrowest point and thus determines how much light passes through each of these through-holes. The through-holes 13 are not orthogonal but rather at a certain angle α to the normal N of the visible surface 12. This angle α affects the direction in which light leaves the decorative layer 11. The goal is to explicitly redirect the light so that it does not appear perpendicular to the surface but rather along an angled direction, thereby reducing or avoiding potential reflections on adjacent vehicle components. By maintaining a predetermined angle α and precisely controlling the opening diameter d, the light intensity and radiation direction can be finely adjusted. Therefore, Figure 2 The structural design of the interior component 10 is shown by illustrating the geometric features of the decorative layer 11, which supports target light guidance in the interior space 110.

[0031] List of reference numerals

[0032] 10 Interior Components

[0033] 11 decorative layers

[0034] 12 Visible surfaces

[0035] 13 through holes

[0036] 20 light sources

[0037] 21 Light

[0038] 30 vehicle parts

[0039] 100 motor vehicles

[0040] 110 interior space

[0041] D thickness

[0042] d opening diameter

[0043] N normal

[0044] α tilt angle

Claims

1. An interior trim component (10) for a vehicle interior space (110), comprising: A decorative layer (11) having a visible surface (12) facing the interior space (110) in a specified installation state; at least one light source (20) arranged behind the decorative layer (11); and a plurality of through holes (13) on the decorative layer (11) through which light (21) emitted by the light source (20) can be emitted into the interior space (110); wherein the through holes are formed at an angle (α) inclined relative to the normal (N) of the visible surface (12).

2. The interior component (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, The inclination angle (α) of the through hole relative to the normal (N) is between about 1° and about 60°, preferably between about 10° and about 50°, and particularly preferably between 20° and 45°.

3. The interior trim component (10) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, Through holes are made using laser perforation or stamping processes.

4. The interior trim component (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The interior components (10) are components of door linings, dashboards, speakers, headliners, steering wheels, center consoles, or control elements.

5. The interior trim component (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The decorative layer (11) may be made of leather, plastic and / or wood.

6. The interior trim component (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The through hole has an opening diameter (d) of about 0.05 mm to about 5 mm, preferably about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm.

7. The interior trim component (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The perforations have different tilt angles (α) in the orientation of the decorative layer (11).

8. The interior trim component (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The decorative layer (11) completely covers the light source (20).

9. The interior trim component (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The light source (20) is configured as an ambient light.

10. The interior trim component (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The thickness (D) of the decorative layer (11) is about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm, preferably about 1 mm to about 3 mm.

11. A motor vehicle (100) having an interior space (110) and at least one interior component (10) arranged in the interior space (110) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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