VEHICLE TRIM PART WITH LIGHTING FUNCTION

Abstract

A vehicle trim panel (10) with a lighting function is proposed, comprising an at least partially translucent cover layer (110), a light-emitting lighting system (200) for emitting at least some light towards the cover layer (110), and a carrier (120) arranged between the lighting system (200) and the cover layer (110). The carrier (120) includes a plurality of recesses (121) and a plurality of through holes (122), each arranged on a surface of the carrier (120) facing the cover layer (110) and open towards it, the recesses (121) being closed towards the lighting system (200) and the through holes (122) being open towards the lighting system (200). The vehicle trim panel thus includes a carrier that can be backlit by the lighting system, thereby enabling the formation of a predetermined light pattern on the cover layer.Since the carrier includes both through holes open towards the top layer and the lighting system, as well as recesses open only towards the top layer, a particularly homogeneous haptic impression of the vehicle trim part is conveyed.

Description

[0001] The present property right relates to a vehicle trim part with a lighting function, in particular a vehicle interior trim part with a lighting function.

[0002] Vehicle trim parts with a luminous function can be used to improve the overall aesthetic appearance and the visibility of a vehicle's control and display elements. Typical vehicle trim parts of this type from the prior art include, for example, simple backlit panels or supports with through holes in a backlit or backlit pattern. To further convey the most aesthetically and tactilely pleasing impression possible, the vehicle trim parts usually include a decorative, at least partially translucent cover layer.

[0003] However, the solutions known from the prior art are not satisfactory, since the through holes arranged behind the cover layer can usually create an inhomogeneous impression of the vehicle trim part, at least haptically.

[0004] The present invention is based on the object of proposing an improved vehicle trim part, wherein the improvement consists in particular in that the vehicle trim part conveys a homogeneous haptic impression.

[0005] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a vehicle trim part having the features of the main claim. Possible embodiments and further developments emerge from the subclaims and the following description.

[0006] The proposed vehicle trim part with a lighting function comprises an at least partially translucent cover layer, a light-emitting lighting system for at least partially emitting light toward the cover layer, and a carrier arranged between the lighting system and the cover layer. The carrier comprises a plurality of recesses and a plurality of through-holes, each arranged on a surface of the carrier facing the cover layer and open toward it, wherein the recesses are closed toward the lighting system and the through-holes are open toward the lighting system.

[0007] The vehicle trim part thus comprises a carrier that can be backlit by the lighting system, allowing a predetermined light pattern to be formed on the cover layer. Since the carrier comprises through holes open to the cover layer and the lighting system, as well as recesses open only to the cover layer, the vehicle trim part conveys a particularly homogeneous tactile impression.

[0008] Translucent, as distinguished from opaque or opaque, essentially refers to optically transparent or translucent materials. Light, in this case, refers to visible light—that is, light of the visible electromagnetic spectrum.

[0009] The vehicle trim part can be intended in particular for motor vehicles with an interior, for example, for passenger cars. The vehicle trim part can be a vehicle interior trim part, for example as part of a door panel, a center console, a front console, a trunk panel, or a roof panel.

[0010] The cover layer can be a translucent cover layer, i.e. it can be designed to transmit light emitted by the lighting system essentially diffusely. Alternatively, the cover layer can be transparent, i.e. it can be designed to transmit light emitted by the lighting system essentially directionally. In the present case, the cover layer is a layer that is visible from the outside when the vehicle trim part is used as intended, for example a decorative layer. The intended use of the vehicle trim part is understood to mean its use as part of a vehicle trim when installed in a vehicle. Thus, the carrier and the lighting system are arranged behind the cover layer for an observer when the vehicle trim part is used as intended.

[0011] The cover layer can be a substantially elastic cover layer. The cover layer can, for example, have a modulus of elasticity of 0.01 GPa to 0.5 GPa, in particular 0.2 GPa. In comparison, the carrier can be a substantially solid carrier. The carrier can, for example, have a modulus of elasticity of 0.5 GPa to 10 GPa, in particular 1 GPa to 2 GPa. The carrier can be a substantially dimensionally stable carrier that gives the vehicle trim part its essential shape and stability. The cover layer can be arranged adjacent to the carrier, in particular directly adjacent to it. The cover layer can cover the through-holes and recesses. The cover layer can at least partially, in particular completely, cover a surface of the vehicle trim part that is visible from the outside when the vehicle trim part is used as intended.The cover layer can have depressions at least on a surface of the cover layer facing away from the carrier, which depressions are arranged in the region of the through-holes and recesses. In other words, the cover layer can structurally map a contour, in particular a contour adjacent to the cover layer, of the through-holes and recesses at least in some regions and / or partially penetrate into them on a surface of the cover layer facing away from the carrier. A depth of the depressions measured essentially in the direction of the through-holes and recesses can be at least 0.1 mm and a smallest diameter measured orthogonally thereto can be at least 0.5 mm. In the case of a cover layer comprising depressions, the cover layer can also be a substantially solid cover layer, which is provided on the carrier, for example, by deep drawing or embossed to correspond to the through-holes and recesses.The cover layer can be a layer of the vehicle trim part that is directly contactable from the outside during intended use of the vehicle trim part. The cover layer can be a substantially soft cover layer and have a compressive strength of 1 kPa to 50 kPa.

[0012] The carrier can be an at least partially reflective carrier. The carrier can at least partially have a reflective surface. The carrier can be configured to reflect light emitted by the light system on its surface. A reflectance of the carrier can be at least 40% or 60%. The reflectance generally describes the ratio between incident and reflected radiation. The carrier can at least partially comprise a reflective material. For example, surfaces facing the through-holes and / or the light system and / or wall surfaces of the through-holes can be reflective. For example, the carrier can be provided on its surface with a reflective film and / or another reflective coating. Alternatively, the carrier can be at least partially made of a reflective material.For example, the carrier may be made of a substantially white reflective material.

[0013] The carrier may be, at least in part, a substantially opaque carrier. It may be configured to transmit to the cover layer essentially only the light emitted by the light system that has passed through the through-holes.

[0014] The vehicle trim part, the cover layer, the carrier and / or the lighting system can be essentially flat - that is, with a base area whose extent in every direction is greater than the thickness of the corresponding component. The thickness of the cover layer is to be understood as its layer thickness. The cover layer, the carrier and / or the lighting system can, in terms of their flat design, extend essentially parallel to one another and / or complementarily to one another. At least the carrier and / or the cover layer can be essentially flat or at least partially curved on their externally visible surface. The cover layer, the carrier and / or the lighting system can be essentially flat or at least partially curved.

[0015] The lighting system can be configured to provide substantially homogeneous backlighting of the carrier. Alternatively, the lighting system can be configured to more intensively illuminate predetermined regions of the carrier, in particular regions in which the through-holes are open toward the lighting system and / or the cover layer. The lighting system can comprise at least one light source, for example an LED, a light panel, or other illuminating means. In addition, the lighting system can comprise at least one light-guiding means configured to guide light coupled in from a light source and to emit it at least partially toward the cover layer. In a light-guiding means, light can be guided specifically along the means, for example depending on an angle of incidence, and emitted in a scattered or unscattered manner. The light-guiding means can extend substantially parallel to the carrier and / or the cover layer.The light-guiding means can, for example, comprise one or more laterally or radially emitting optical light guides, which extend, for example, substantially in a plane parallel to the cover layer and / or the carrier. As a further example, the light-guiding means can be designed as a panel into which light from a light source can be coupled laterally or, conversely, frontally.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the vehicle trim part can further comprise a reflector which, viewed from the cover layer, is arranged behind the lighting system, in particular substantially behind a light-guiding means of the lighting system. Similar to the case of a reflective carrier, the reflector can at least partially comprise a reflective material or consist of a reflective material, in particular on a surface of the reflector facing the cover layer and / or the carrier. A reflectance of the reflector can be at least 40%, 60%, or 80%. The reflector can be configured to at least partially reflect light emitted by the lighting system toward the cover layer and / or toward the carrier.The reflector can be a flat reflector and / or extend substantially in a plane parallel to the carrier, the cover layer, and / or the lighting system, in particular to a light-guiding means of the lighting system. The reflector can be arranged directly adjacent to the lighting system, in particular to a light-guiding means of the lighting system. The reflector can be formed integrally with the carrier. The lighting system can be at least partially enclosed in a carrier formed integrally with the reflector. The reflector can have greater rigidity, in particular greater flexural strength, than the carrier.

[0017] In a region of the through-holes—particularly in a region where the through-holes are open toward the lighting system—an open space can be formed between the lighting system and the support and / or between the lighting system and the reflector, in which space the light emitted by the lighting system can propagate essentially unhindered. In other words, the support and / or the reflector can be spaced apart from the lighting system in this region.

[0018] The through-holes and / or the open space can be filled with a filler, in particular with a transparent filler. The filler can be a polymer. The filler can have a strength greater than or equal to the strength of the carrier. Alternatively or additionally, the filler, in particular the filler filling the through-holes, can have a refractive index greater than 1. The refractive index can, for example, be in a range between 1.4 and 1.6.

[0019] The through-holes extend from an end open towards the cover layer to an end open towards the lighting system. The recesses extend from an end open towards the cover layer to an end closed towards the lighting system. The corresponding ends can be formed by a step in the carrier. The through-holes and the recesses can extend directly to the cover layer. The through-holes and / or the recesses can have a minimum diameter and maximum diameter, at least at their end open towards the cover layer, as well as a minimum depth measured from their end open towards the cover layer in the direction of extension. The minimum diameter can be 0.5 mm or 5 mm, the maximum diameter 10 mm or 20 mm. The minimum depth can be 0.1 mm to 10 mm, for example 0.3 mm or 0.5 mm.These dimensions can be selected such that the recesses and / or through-holes are generally tactile and / or visually perceptible, with visual perceptibility being particularly focused on distances typical for passenger compartments, for example, 30 cm to 3 m. The elasticity, translucency, and / or thickness of the cover layer in the direction of the carrier can be selected such that the recesses and / or through-holes are tactile and / or visually perceptible. Alternatively, the translucency and / or thickness of the cover layer can be selected such that only the through-holes are visually perceptible, and only when the lighting system is switched on and emitting light.

[0020] The smallest distance between two through-holes on the surface of the carrier facing the cover layer can be smaller than the thickness of the cover layer, in particular the thickness of the cover layer in the region of the through-holes. At least some of the through-holes can extend substantially parallel or inclined to one another in the direction of extension.

[0021] The through holes can be tapered toward the cover layer. Alternatively, only some of the through holes can be tapered toward the cover layer. Depending on the desired light pattern on the cover layer, other continuous or discontinuous shape gradients in the direction of the through holes' extension are also possible.

[0022] The through-holes and recesses can be at least partially substantially uniform and / or of the same size, at least on the surface of the carrier facing the cover layer. They can, for example, have a substantially round, circular, triangular, or square shape and / or have a substantially equal diameter. The through-holes and recesses can be arranged in a substantially regular pattern and / or equidistant from an adjacent through-hole or recess.

[0023] The carrier can comprise or consist of polypropylene (PP), a blend of polycarbonate / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC ABS), polycarbonate (PC) and / or natural fiber reinforced polypropylene (NFPP). The cover layer can comprise or be a film, leather and / or a textile. The cover layer can have a layer thickness of at least 0.5 mm, 1 mm or 5 mm. The vehicle trim part can essentially have an absolute depth, measured between a side of the cover layer facing away from the carrier and a side of the carrier or reflector facing away from the cover layer, of 6 mm to 60 mm, or of 10 mm to 40 mm.

[0024] Several embodiments have been disclosed herein. Still further 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 invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. Recurring features are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the description of the figures.

[0025] It shows Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a vehicle trim part according to the invention in a sectional view, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the embodiment of Fig. 1 in a top view with the lighting system switched on and Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the embodiment of Fig. 1 in a top view with the lighting system switched off.

[0026] The Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show a possible embodiment of a vehicle trim part 10 according to the invention with a lighting function. Recurring features are described below, once for both figures.

[0027] The vehicle trim part 10 with a lighting function comprises an at least partially translucent cover layer 110, a light-emitting lighting system 200 for at least partially emitting light in the direction of the cover layer 110, and a carrier 120 arranged between the lighting system 200 and the cover layer 110. The carrier 120 comprises a plurality of recesses 121 and a plurality of through-holes 122, each arranged on a surface of the carrier 120 facing the cover layer 110 and open toward it, wherein the recesses 121 are closed toward the lighting system 200 and the through-holes 122 are open toward the lighting system 200.

[0028] The vehicle trim part 10 thus comprises a carrier 120 which can be backlit by the lighting system 200, wherein a predetermined light pattern can be formed on the cover layer 110 according to the arrangement of the through holes 122 and recesses 121. According to Fig. 2 the lighting system 200 is switched on, the carrier 120 is therefore backlit, and according to Fig. 3, the lighting system 200 is switched off, meaning the carrier 120 is not backlit. Since the carrier 120 comprises through-holes 122 open toward the cover layer 110 and the lighting system 200, as well as recesses 121 open only toward the cover layer 110, a particularly homogeneous haptic impression of the vehicle trim part 10 is conveyed. Furthermore, the recesses 121 can contribute to a harmonious or more harmonious aesthetic impression of the vehicle trim part 10. For example, depending on the design of the cover layer 110, in particular its layer thickness or translucency, and depending on the lighting conditions, in particular the light intensity of the light-emitting lighting system 200 and an ambient light independent of it, the recesses 121 can be visible on the cover layer 110 and thus complement the through-holes 122 in a harmonious manner.Furthermore, the weight of the vehicle trim part 10 can be reduced due to the recesses 121 provided in addition to the through-holes 122. The proposed arrangement comprising only three essential components is particularly simple to manufacture. For example, the carrier 120 can be formed in a single step together with the through-holes 122 and recesses 121, or these can be subsequently drilled into the carrier 120. As can be seen from FIG. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the vehicle trim part 10 is designed particularly harmoniously, with a desired luminous pattern on the cover layer 110, as for example in Fig. 2, is particularly easy to represent.

[0029] The vehicle trim part 10 can be provided in particular for motor vehicles with an interior, for example, for passenger cars. The vehicle trim part 10 can be a vehicle interior trim part, for example, as part of a door panel, a center console, a front console, a trunk panel, or a roof panel.

[0030] The cover layer 110 can be translucent, meaning it can be configured to essentially diffusely transmit light emitted by the lighting system 200. A translucent cover layer 110 is particularly suitable for contributing to a harmonious impression of the vehicle trim part 10, since the light emitted by the lighting system 200 can, for example, appear particularly soft. Alternatively, the cover layer 110 can be transparent, meaning it can be configured to essentially transmit light emitted by the lighting system 200 in a directionally directed manner. In the present case, the cover layer 110 is a layer that is visible from the outside when the vehicle trim part 10 is used as intended, for example, a decorative layer. Thus, the carrier 120 and the lighting system 200 are arranged behind the cover layer 110 for an observer when the vehicle trim part 10 is used as intended.

[0031] The cover layer 110 can be substantially elastic. This can contribute to an improved haptic impression of the vehicle trim part 10. The cover layer 110 can, for example, have a modulus of elasticity of 0.01 GPa to 0.5 GPa, in particular 0.2 GPa. In comparison, the carrier 120 can be substantially solid. Accordingly, the carrier 120 can be tactilely perceptible through the cover layer 110. The carrier 120 can, for example, have a modulus of elasticity of 0.5 GPa to 10 GPa, in particular 1 GPa to 2 GPa. The carrier 120 can be substantially dimensionally stable and impart to the vehicle trim part 10 its essential shape and stability.

[0032] The cover layer 110 is arranged directly adjacent to the carrier 120. The cover layer 110 covers the through holes 122 and recesses 121. As can be seen from Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the cover layer 110 completely covers a surface of the vehicle trim part 10 that is visible from the outside when the vehicle trim part 10 is used as intended. The cover layer 110 is a layer of the vehicle trim part 10 that is directly touchable from the outside when the vehicle trim part 10 is used as intended. By combining an elastic cover layer 110 covering the through-holes 122 and recesses 121 and a solid carrier 120 that is in particular directly adjacent thereto, a vehicle trim part 10 that has a particularly harmonious feel can be provided. In an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the cover layer 110 can have depressions at least on a surface of the cover layer 110 facing away from the carrier 120, which depressions are arranged in the region of the through-holes 122 and recesses 121.In other words, the cover layer 110 can structurally map a contour, in particular a contour adjacent to the cover layer 110, of the through-holes 122 and recesses 121 at least in some regions on a surface of the cover layer 110 facing away from the carrier 120 and / or partially penetrate into them. A depth of the recesses measured essentially in the direction of the through-holes 122 and recesses 121 can be at least 0.1 mm, and a smallest diameter measured orthogonally thereto can be at least 0.5 mm. In the case of a cover layer 110 comprising recesses, the cover layer 110 can also be a substantially solid cover layer 110, which is provided on the carrier, for example, by deep drawing or embossed to correspond to the through-holes 122 and recesses 121.Through recesses formed corresponding to the through holes 122 and recesses 121, the cover layer 110 can contribute to a particularly harmonious haptic and / or aesthetic impression of the vehicle trim part 10. The cover layer 110 can generally be substantially soft and have a compressive strength of 1 kPa to 50 kPa in order to further improve the haptic impression of the vehicle part 10.

[0033] In Fig. 1, exemplary light trajectories of light emitted by a lighting system 200 are schematically illustrated by dashed arrows. The exemplary carrier 120 shown is accordingly at least partially reflective.

[0034] As a result, the light output provided on the cover layer 110 in the region of the through-holes 122, as well as the light exit angle, can be increased. The carrier 120 can at least partially have a reflective surface. The carrier 120 is configured to reflect light emitted by the lighting system 200 on its surface. A reflectance of the carrier 120 can be at least 40% or 60%. The carrier 120 can at least partially comprise a reflective material. According to Fig. 1, at least support surfaces facing the through holes 122 and the light system 200, but also the wall surfaces of the through holes 122, are reflective. According to Fig. 1, the carrier 120 consists of a reflective, for example, essentially white, material. This variant is particularly simple to manufacture. Alternatively, the carrier 120 can be provided on its surface with a reflective film and / or another reflective coating.

[0035] The carrier 120 is opaque in the present case and is designed to transmit only the light emitted by the light system 200 that has passed through the through-holes 122 to the cover layer 110. Thus, a light pattern that can be provided on the cover layer 110 is essentially predetermined by the through-holes 122, not by the recesses 121, as shown, for example, in Fig. 2 is shown.

[0036] According to Fig. 1 to 3, the entire vehicle trim part 10 and in particular the cover layer 110, the carrier 120 and the lighting system 200 are formed flat and essentially planar, with the last three components extending essentially parallel and, in accordance with their planar design, also complementary to each other. Accordingly, the sectional view of the Fig. 1 orthogonal to the base area of ​​the vehicle trim part 10. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, in contrast, shows a plan view of the cover layer 110, with the through-holes 122 and recesses 121 arranged behind it indicated at least schematically. The carrier 120 and the cover layer 110 are flat on their externally visible surfaces. Alternatively, curved and, in particular, parallel and / or mutually complementary sections of the components are also possible.

[0037] The lighting system 200 is configured here to provide substantially homogeneous backlighting of the carrier 120. Alternatively, the lighting system 200 can be configured to more intensively illuminate predetermined regions of the carrier 120, in particular regions in which the through-holes 122 are open toward the lighting system 200 and / or toward the cover layer 110. For example, predetermined lighting effects and light patterns can be provided or specifically manipulated. The lighting system 200 comprises at least one light source 210, for example, an LED. Alternatively, the lighting system 200 can also comprise a light panel or other lighting means. In addition, the lighting system 200 comprises at least one light-guiding means 220, which is configured to guide light coupled in from a light source 210 and to emit it at least partially toward the cover layer 110.By using light-guiding means 220, a lighting system 200 can generally be adapted more flexibly and variably to the ambient conditions. The light-guiding means 220 extends substantially parallel to the carrier 120 and the cover layer 110. According to the example shown here, the light-guiding means 220 comprises at least one laterally or radially emitting optical light guide that extends in a plane parallel to the cover layer 110 and the carrier 120. Additionally (in . Fig. 1), additional light guides may extend in the same plane. As a further example, the light-guiding means 220 may be designed as a panel into which light from a light source 210 can be coupled laterally or, conversely, frontally.

[0038] According to Fig. 1, the vehicle trim part 10 further comprises a reflector 130, which, viewed from the cover layer 110, is arranged behind the lighting system 200, in particular behind a light-guiding means 220. Similar to the case of the reflective carrier 120, the reflector 130 can at least partially comprise a reflective material or consist of a reflective material, in particular on a surface of the reflector 130 facing the cover layer 110 and / or the carrier 120. A reflectance of the reflector 130 can be at least 40%, 60%, or 80%. The reflector 130 is configured to at least partially reflect light emitted by the lighting system 200 toward the cover layer 110 and toward the carrier 120. As a result, the light output provided on the cover layer 110 in the region of the through-holes 122 and, if appropriate, the light exit angle can be increased.The reflector 130 is flat and extends in a plane parallel to the carrier 120, the cover layer 110, and the lighting system 200, in particular to the light-guiding means 220. In the present case, the reflector 130 is arranged at a distance from the lighting system 200. However, it can also be arranged directly adjacent to the lighting system 200, in particular to the light-guiding means 220. The reflector 130 can be formed integrally with the carrier 110. In this case, the lighting system 200 can be at least partially enclosed in a carrier 120 that is integrally formed with the reflector. This can increase the stability of the vehicle trim part 10 and / or simplify its production. The reflector 130 can have greater rigidity, in particular a higher flexural strength, than the carrier 120.This can be particularly advantageous since the reflector 130 can thereby compensate for a reduced stability of the carrier 120 provided with numerous through holes 122 and recesses 121.

[0039] How Fig. As shown in Figure 1, in a region of the through-holes 122—in particular in a region in which the through-holes 122 are open toward the lighting system 200—an open space 140 is formed between the lighting system 200 and the carrier 120 and between the lighting system 200 and the reflector 130, in which space the light emitted by the lighting system 200 can propagate essentially unhindered. In other words, the carrier 120 and the reflector 130 are spaced apart from the lighting system 200 in this region. This can also contribute to increasing the light yield provided on the cover layer 110 in the region of the through-holes 122, in particular in combination with the reflector 130 and / or the at least partially reflective carrier 120.

[0040] The through-holes 122 and / or the open space 140 can be filled with a filler, in particular with a transparent filler. The filler can be a polymer. The filler can have a strength that is greater than or equal to the strength of the carrier 120. This can also compensate for a reduced stability of the carrier 120 provided with numerous through-holes 122 and recesses 121. Alternatively or additionally, the filler, in particular the filler filling the through-holes 122, can have a refractive index of >1. Due to the refractive index of >1, a light exit angle at the through-holes 122 in the direction of the cover layer 110 can be increased, which can contribute to a more homogeneous aesthetic impression of the vehicle trim part 10. The refractive index of the filler can range between 1.4 and 1.6. These are, in particular, typical values ​​for transparent polymers.

[0041] The through-holes 122 extend from an end open toward the cover layer 110 to an end open toward the lighting system 200. The recesses 121 extend from an end open toward the cover layer 110 to an end closed toward the lighting system 200. The corresponding ends are formed by a step in the carrier 120. The through-holes 122 and the recesses 121 extend directly to the cover layer 110. The through-holes 122 and / or the recesses 121 can have a minimum diameter and maximum diameter, at least at their end open toward the cover layer 110, as well as a minimum depth measured from their end open toward the cover layer 110 in the direction of extension. The minimum diameter can be 0.5 mm or 5 mm, and the maximum diameter can be 10 mm or 20 mm. The minimum depth can be 0.1 mm to 10 mm, for example 0.3 mm or 0.5 mm.These dimensions can be selected such that the recesses 121 and / or through-holes 122 are generally tactile and / or visually perceptible, with visual perceptibility being based in particular on distances typical in a passenger compartment, for example, 30 cm to 3 m. The selection of suitable dimensions can contribute to a harmonious or more harmonious haptic and / or aesthetic impression of the vehicle trim part 10. In this case, the elasticity, translucency, and / or thickness of the cover layer 110 in the direction of the carrier 120 can be selected such that the recesses and / or through-holes are tactile and / or visually perceptible. Alternatively, the translucency and / or thickness of the cover layer 110 can be selected such that only the through-holes 122 are visually perceptible, and only when the lighting system 200 is switched on and emitting light.

[0042] The smallest distance between two through holes 122 on the surface of the carrier 120 facing the cover layer 110 is smaller than the thickness of the cover layer 110, as can be seen from Fig. 1 to 3. This can be particularly desirable in combination with a translucent cover layer 110, since in the case of two adjacent, sufficiently backlit through-holes 122, these are no longer optically distinguishable from one another on the cover layer 110, thus creating a more homogeneous luminous pattern. At least some of the through-holes 122 can extend substantially parallel or inclined to one another in the direction of extension. This can, for example, provide optical effects dependent on a viewing direction. According to Fig. 1, the two outer through holes 122 extend parallel to each other, while the intermediate through hole 122 extends inclined thereto.

[0043] The through holes 122 can be tapered towards the cover layer 110. Alternatively, only a portion of the through holes 122 can be tapered towards the cover layer 110. In the present case, this is the case with the Fig. This is the case for the through-hole 122 located on the far right, as shown in the section shown in Figure 1. By appropriately tapering a through-hole 122, both higher light yields and a higher light exit angle at the cover layer 110 can be achieved. Depending on the desired light pattern at the cover layer 110, other continuous or discontinuous shape profiles in the direction of extension of the through-holes 122 are also possible. This allows for optional optical effects, for example, viewing angle-dependent effects, and light intensity profiles to be influenced at the cover layer 110.

[0044] For example, to ensure the most harmonious appearance of the vehicle trim part 10, the through-holes 122 and recesses 121 are uniform and of the same size, at least on the surface of the carrier 120 facing the cover layer 110. In this case, they have a circular shape with the same diameter. However, other shapes are of course also possible. The through-holes 122 and recesses 121 are also arranged in a regular pattern and equidistant from an adjacent through-hole 122 or an adjacent recess 122.

[0045] The carrier 120 can comprise or consist of polypropylene (PP), a blend of polycarbonate / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC ABS), polycarbonate (PC) and / or natural fiber reinforced polypropylene (NFPP). These materials can not only meet the requirements for the carrier 120 set forth here, but are also recyclable. The cover layer 110 can comprise or be a film, a leather and / or a textile. The cover layer 110 can have a layer thickness of at least 0.5 mm, 1 mm or 5 mm. The vehicle trim part 10 can essentially have an absolute depth, measured between a side of the cover layer 110 facing away from the carrier 120 and a side of the carrier 120 or reflector 130 facing away from the cover layer 110, of 6 mm to 60 mm, or of 10 mm to 40 mm.

Claims

[1] Vehicle trim part (10) with lighting function, the vehicle trim part (10) comprising: an at least partially light-permeable, in particular translucent, cover layer (110), a light-emitting light system (200) for at least partially emitting light towards the cover layer (110), a carrier (120) arranged between the light system (200) and the cover layer (110), wherein the carrier (120) comprises a plurality of recesses (121) and a plurality of through-holes (122), each of which is arranged on a surface of the carrier (120) facing the cover layer (110) and is open towards the latter, wherein the recesses (121) are closed towards the light system (200) and the through-holes (122) are open towards the light system (200). [2] Vehicle trim part (10) according to claim 1, wherein the cover layer (110) is a substantially elastic cover layer (110) and the carrier (120) is a substantially rigid carrier (120) in comparison thereto and / or wherein the cover layer (110) is arranged adjacent to the carrier (120), in particular directly adjacent, and covers the through-holes (122) and recesses (121) and / or wherein the cover layer (110) has depressions at least on a surface of the cover layer (110) facing away from the carrier (120), which depressions are arranged in the region of the through-holes (122) and recesses (121). [3] Vehicle trim part (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the carrier (120) is an at least partially reflective carrier (120) which at least partially comprises a reflective material or consists of a reflective material and / or wherein the carrier (120) is at least partially a substantially opaque carrier (120). [4] Vehicle trim part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a reflector (130) which, viewed from the cover layer (110), is arranged behind the lighting system (200), at least partially comprises a reflective material or consists of a reflective material and is designed to reflect light emitted by the lighting system (200) at least partially in the direction of the cover layer (110) and / or the carrier (120), wherein the reflector (130) optionally has a higher rigidity, in particular a higher flexural strength, than the carrier (120). [5] Vehicle trim part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least in the region of the through holes (122) between the lighting system (200) and the support (120) and / or between the lighting system (200) and the reflector (130) an open space (140) is formed, in which light emitted by the lighting system (200) can propagate substantially unhindered. [6] Vehicle trim part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the through-holes (122) and / or the open space are filled with a filler, in particular a transparent filler, which optionally has a strength that is greater than or equal to the strength of the carrier (120) and / or has a refractive index >1. [7] Vehicle trim part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a smallest distance between two through holes (122) on the surface of the carrier (120) facing the cover layer (110) is smaller than a thickness of the cover layer (110) in the region of the through holes (122). [8] Vehicle trim part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the through holes (122) are tapered towards the cover layer (110). [9] Vehicle trim part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the through-holes (122) and the recesses (121) are at least partially substantially uniform and / or of the same size, at least on the surface of the carrier (120) facing the cover layer (110), and / or are arranged in a substantially regular pattern and / or equidistant from an adjacent through-hole (122) or an adjacent recess (121). [10] Vehicle trim part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier (120) comprises or consists of polypropylene (PP), a blend of polycarbonate / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC ABS), polycarbonate (PC) and / or natural fiber reinforced polypropylene (NFPP).

Images