Stamping process for manufacturing a multi-layered interior component for a vehicle interior

The stamping process for multi-layered vehicle components addresses deformation and angle limitations by using a cutting die and punch with displaceable heads to create oblique openings, ensuring precise and controlled light emission for improved interior lighting.

DE102025106154B3Active Publication Date: 2026-03-26VOLKSWAGEN AG
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-02-19
Publication Date
2026-03-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional stamping processes and tools are unsuitable for thick, multi-layered components, such as vehicle interior components, leading to deformations and inability to stamp at non-right angles, failing to meet automotive industry quality requirements.

Method used

A stamping process that uses a cutting die and punch with displaceable cutting heads to create oblique openings in multi-layered components, allowing precise and geometrically complex stamping without deformations, by aligning the component and cutting axis at an angle other than 0°.

Benefits of technology

Enables precise and deformation-free stamping of multi-layered components with oblique openings, reducing reflections and glare, and allowing controlled light emission for enhanced interior lighting designs.

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Abstract

Stamping method (100) for producing a multi-layer interior component (10) with a plurality of oblique openings (13, 13.1, 13.2, 13.3) through which light from a light source can be emitted into a vehicle interior and directed in a predetermined direction, the interior component (10) comprising at least one decorative layer (11) with a visible surface (12) facing the vehicle interior when installed as intended.
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to a stamping process for manufacturing a multi-layered interior component for a vehicle interior.

[0002] Punching methods and tools for separating, in particular punching, materials are already known from the prior art and are widely used in industrial and commercial applications. One such punching tool is known, for example, from CN 217192051 U.

[0003] The stamping processes and stamping tools known from the prior art are primarily geared towards thin, especially single-layer, workpieces or components, which are typically made of a metallic material, such as flat sheet metal components.

[0004] The stamping processes and stamping tools known from the prior art are unsuitable for thick, especially multi-layered, components, such as interior components for vehicle interiors, which typically comprise several layers of a combination of soft and hard materials.

[0005] With such multi-layered components, conventional stamping processes or stamping tools can result in undesirable deformations such as warping along the material, particularly in a stamping area with numerous adjacent stampings. Prior art proposes correcting such deformations by straightening the stamped component in a subsequent processing step using a downstream machining device.

[0006] Furthermore, the stamping processes and tools known from the prior art only allow for stamping at a right angle to the surface of a component. Stamping components, especially multi-layered interior components for vehicle interiors, at a non-right angle is currently not possible with the stamping processes and tools known from the prior art.

[0007] In other words, the processing result of the stamping processes or stamping tools known from the state of the art does not meet the current quality requirements of the automotive industry.

[0008] Starting from this problem, the object of the invention is to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art and to develop the latter in an advantageous way. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved and cost-effective stamping process that enables precise and geometrically complex stamping of thick, multi-layered components, especially interior components for vehicle interiors, without the formation of deformations in the stamping area, so that the current quality requirements of the automotive industry can be met.

[0009] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a stamping process according to claim 1.

[0010] According to the invention, a stamping method for producing a multi-layered interior component with a plurality of oblique openings is proposed, wherein light from a light source can be emitted through the oblique openings into a vehicle interior and guided in a predetermined direction. The interior component has at least one decorative layer with a visible surface facing the vehicle interior when installed as intended.

[0011] The stamping process according to the invention comprises the following process steps: - Providing a cutting die and a cutting punch, wherein the cutting die has a first cutting edge and at least one cutting recess, wherein the cutting punch has at least one cutting head with a second cutting edge, wherein each cutting head is displaceable along a respective punching axis to perform a punching operation, - Arranging a multi-layered interior component on the cutting die such that a normal of the multi-layered interior component and the respective punching axis of the respective cutting head each form an angle of inclination which is not equal to 0°, - Fixing the multi-layered interior component against the cutting die, and - Relative displacement of at least one cutting head of the cutting punch along the respective punching axis into the respective cutting recess to form at least one oblique opening in the multi-layered interior component.

[0012] The stamping process according to the invention is distinguished from the prior art by its targeted and very advantageous process arrangement.

[0013] According to the stamping method according to the invention, it is explicitly provided that a cutting die with a first cutting edge and a cutting punch with at least one cutting head are used, wherein the cutting head has a second cutting edge. Each cutting head is displaceable along a respective stamping axis to execute a separate stamping operation.

[0014] According to the stamping method according to the invention, it is explicitly provided that the multi-layered interior component is arranged on the cutting die in such a way that a normal of the multi-layered interior component and the respective stamping axis of the respective cutting head each form an angle of inclination which is not equal to 0°.

[0015] The normal is to be understood as a line, specifically as a vector, that is perpendicular to the surface of the multilayered interior component. In other words, the vector is orthogonal, i.e., at a 90° angle, to the tangent plane at a point on the surface of the multilayered interior component, such that the vector points either away from or into the surface.

[0016] The targeted and advantageous method arrangement according to the invention significantly improves the quality of the cut surfaces. In particular, the punching process according to the invention substantially improves the parameters of edge indentation, smooth cut surface, smooth cut surface area, roughness of the smooth cut surface, fracture surface angle, roughness of the fracture surface, width and height of the fracture surface, burr, shell-shaped tear-off, indentation, controllable edge zone, and material hardness before / after cutting, so that even geometrically complex punches at non-right angles to the surface of a component, especially a multi-layered interior component, are feasible.

[0017] In other words, the stamping method according to the invention now makes it possible to perform oblique stamping to form oblique openings in a multi-layered interior component while simultaneously meeting the current quality requirements of the automotive industry.

[0018] Punching to create oblique openings in multi-layered interior components is particularly advantageous for the use of ambient lighting in the vehicle interior of motor vehicles, where a large number of closely adjacent oblique openings are of particular importance.

[0019] Modern vehicle concepts not only focus on functional lighting aspects, such as increasing the visibility of displays and controls, but also increasingly emphasize a holistic, atmospheric lighting design that conveys a high-quality, customizable sense of space to the occupants. Decorative elements, such as trim strips, door panels, roof components, seat components, and the instrument panel, are increasingly coming into focus to visually enhance the interior. The use of multi-layered structures, translucent materials, integrated LED modules, and perforations created using die-cutting techniques allows for the creation of homogeneous, diffused lighting accents.

[0020] These new design possibilities, however, also present technical challenges. On the one hand, the components must be mechanically robust, thermally stable, and durable to withstand the demanding conditions inside the vehicle. On the other hand, avoiding undesirable optical effects, such as pronounced light hotspots, is essential. In particular, if the emitted light unintentionally strikes adjacent surfaces and causes reflections, it can lead to disturbing reflections or parallax effects that detract from the overall design and reduce passenger comfort.

[0021] In other words, the stamping method according to the invention enables the production of multilayer interior components with a plurality of oblique openings in order to at least reduce, and in particular completely prevent, reflections and / or glare in the vehicle interior. The plurality of oblique openings are stamped such that each opening is inclined at an angle other than 0° to a normal of the surface, in particular a visible surface, of the multilayer interior component, so that the emittable light can be directed in a predetermined direction and thus unwanted reflections on adjacent vehicle components can at least be reduced, and in particular completely prevented. In particular, the oblique openings allow the light emission from a light source to be directed in a controlled manner into the vehicle interior onto defined areas within the interior.This can reduce unwanted scattering effects.

[0022] A multi-layered interior component for a vehicle interior is designed in such a way that a decorative layer, which represents a decorative surface material with visually appealing properties, has a visible surface oriented towards the vehicle interior when installed as intended.

[0023] In this context, the term "decorative layer" refers specifically to an outer, preferably thin, layer of materials such as wood veneer, leather, leather substitutes, or plastic films that fulfills both aesthetic and tactile requirements. The decorative layer can also consist of vinyl (PVC), polyurethane, a textile fabric, or another flexible material.

[0024] The term "flexible" means that the decorative layer is flexible at room temperature in the sense that it can bend and return to its original shape when used as a decorative layer in an automotive trim application. More precisely, the surface of such a flexible decorative layer can have a texture that allows it to bend under typical contact pressure.

[0025] Behind this decorative layer is at least one light source that generates light with a defined brightness, color temperature, and spatial radiation pattern. The light source can, for example, consist of semiconductor diodes (LEDs), which are characterized by low energy consumption, a long lifespan, and precisely controllable light emission.

[0026] Between this light source and the vehicle interior, a large number of oblique openings, i.e., oblique openings or oblique perforations, in the decorative layer can be of great advantage if the generated light can be emitted into the vehicle interior in a predetermined direction through these oblique openings.

[0027] In the multi-layered interior component, a single oblique opening represents a defined structure that is mechanically introduced into the decorative layer by the stamping process according to the invention in order to enable targeted light extraction.

[0028] Using the stamping methods or stamping tools known from the prior art, only openings can be made orthogonal to the surface of a component, so that the light can only exit perpendicular to the surface.

[0029] The punching method according to the invention therefore also makes it possible to punch openings that are not perpendicular, in particular at an angle inclined to the normal, which means that the openings run obliquely through the decorative layer.

[0030] In summary, it can be stated that by carefully selecting the angle of inclination, the emerging light can be deflected in a predetermined direction without the need for additional optical elements such as reflectors or lenses. The production of such inclined openings is achieved in particular by precisely positioning the multilayer interior component on the cutting die, specifically by adjusting the inclination of the multilayer interior component relative to the respective cutting axis of the cutting head of the die.

[0031] Preferably, the respective inclination angle lies between 1° and 60°, more preferably between 10° and 50°, and particularly preferably between 20° and 45°. The term "inclination angle" defines the geometric angle between the normal of a surface of the multilayer interior component, i.e., a line direction or vector conceptually perpendicular to the surface, and the respective orientation of the punching axis of the respective cutting head, whereby the light extraction in a specific, predetermined direction can be controlled in a punched result.In other words, the precise and targeted alignment of the cutting head's axis relative to the normal of the multi-layered interior component in a die-cutting result influences the light source's emission profile. This is achieved by directing the light emission from the multi-layered interior component not simply perpendicular to the surface, but at an angle. This reduces unwanted scattering effects and focuses the light rays onto defined areas within the interior. The emission profile describes the spatial distribution of light intensity, i.e., how strongly and at what angle the light is emitted. By adjusting this angle of inclination for specific areas, precise control of the beam direction can be achieved in a die-cutting result, with a smaller angle resulting in a gradual deflection and a larger angle in a more pronounced deflection.Within this spectrum, specific configurations can be selected for different installation situations or surface materials to achieve more uniform and controlled light distribution. This approach allows for improved harmonization with surrounding components, as reflections and visual distortions are further reduced, and it is suitable for manufacturing processes that ensure consistently high accuracy in creating the openings.

[0032] Preferably, each cutting head of the cutting die has a unique geometric die-cut shape. These shapes can include, for example, circles, triangles, squares, and / or rectangles. The die-cut shapes can each have individual sizes, such as lengths, widths, and depths, so that a variety of lighting patterns, particularly lighting designs, can be created by combining different shapes. The die-cut shapes can also include other geometrically complex shapes, such as stars or crescents, to create, for example, a "starry sky" effect in a ceiling element.

[0033] The geometric shape of the respective cutting head should preferably be small enough to allow a dense illumination pattern without significantly affecting the decorative layer. Preferably, the geometric shape of the respective cutting head is cylindrical and has a cutting diameter of between 0.05 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm and 1 mm. However, other sizes are perfectly acceptable as long as the backlighting remains visible.

[0034] Preferably, the respective cutting recess of the die is larger than the respective cutting diameter of the punch. The cutting recess is a cavity or hollow space in the die into which the punched-out material falls and / or through which the material is plastically deformed before the cutting process. The cutting recess is designed such that the remaining punched material, i.e., the multi-layered interior component, is not affected or damaged during or after the punching process, and in particular, is not warped in the punched area. The cutting recess also serves as a collection container to gather the resulting punched material. A large cutting recess is therefore particularly advantageous for mass production.

[0035] Preferably, each cutting head of the cutting punch has a specific cutting angle. The cutting angle plays a crucial role in the efficiency and precision of the punching and cutting process. The cutting angle can be defined as the angle between the second cutting edge of the respective cutting head and a horizontal surface, or as the angle between the second cutting edge of the respective cutting head and the surface of the multi-layered interior component to be cut. The cutting angle influences the cut surface quality. In particular, the cutting angle affects the parameters of edge indentation, smooth cut surface, smooth cut surface area, roughness of the smooth cut surface, fracture surface angle, roughness of the fracture surface, width and height of the fracture surface, burr, cup-shaped tear-off, indentation, controllable edge zone, and material hardness before / after cutting. The cutting angle can be adjusted depending on the hardness or...The material's softness varies to allow for an optimal and precise cut. A larger cutting angle can reduce the force required for punching, as the material is cut gradually. In other words, very tough or thick materials may require a larger cutting angle to reduce the cutting force. For punching soft materials, for example, a cutting angle between 0° and 5° may be advantageous. For punching harder materials, for example, a cutting angle between 5° and 15° may be advantageous.

[0036] When the respective punching axes of the cutting heads are aligned parallel, the respective cutting angle of the respective cutting head preferably corresponds to the respective inclination angle, i.e., the geometric angle between the normal of a surface of the multilayer interior component and the respective alignment of the punching axis of the respective cutting head.

[0037] Preferably, the individual cutting heads of the cutting die are movable independently of each other along their respective punching axes. This allows for the precise punching of a wide variety of lighting patterns, especially special lighting designs, depending on requirements and application, and enables the processing of a large number of interior components in a very short time. This is particularly advantageous for automated and robot-controlled punching systems. Such punching systems can have a large number of punching tools that can carry out the punching process fully or largely automatically, either simultaneously or sequentially. These types of punching systems are used especially in industrial production lines to carry out the punching and cutting processes efficiently and economically, thus ensuring high production volumes, minimized downtime, and consistently high product quality.

[0038] Preferably, the respective cutting heads of the cutting punch can be rotated individually and independently of each other, so that their respective punching axes are aligned differently.

[0039] This allows for the precise cutting of a wide variety of lighting patterns, particularly special lighting designs, depending on requirements and application. Additionally, the beam direction—that is, the direction of the emerging and deflected light rays—can be individually adjusted for selected openings, especially for rows or groups of openings. In other words, by independently rotating each of the cutting heads of the die, a flexible and adaptable design is possible. This allows the multi-layered interior component, with its differently oriented and light-directing openings, to be integrated into various components, resulting in homogeneous and precise lighting that can be tailored to different installation positions.In other words, this allows for a consistent and vehicle-zone-adapted visual appearance by emitting light at defined angles and intensities without requiring additional modifications or corrections, which significantly improves overall usability characteristics in terms of the representation of shapes, colors and contours, the readability of displays, and the perception of depth and spatial awareness.

[0040] 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 drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination.

[0041] Each schematically illustrates: Fig. 1 a method arrangement for punching oblique openings in a multi-layered interior component according to a first possible embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 a method arrangement for punching oblique openings in a multilayer interior component according to a second possible embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 3 a sectional view of a multi-layered interior component with a plurality of oblique openings which have been punched out according to the first or second possible embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 4 a method arrangement for punching oblique openings in a multi-layered interior component according to a third possible embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 5 a sectional view of a multi-layered interior component with a plurality of oblique openings which have been punched out according to the third possible embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 6 a method arrangement for punching oblique openings in a multilayer interior component according to a fourth possible embodiment of the present invention and Fig. 7 a sectional view of a multi-layered interior component with a plurality of oblique openings which have been punched out according to the fourth possible embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig. Figure 1 shows a method arrangement for punching oblique openings 13 in a multi-layered interior component 10 according to a first possible embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] According to the stamping method 100 according to the invention, it is explicitly provided to first provide a special cutting die 20 and a special cutting punch 30.

[0044] The cutting die 20 has a first cutting edge 21 and at least one cutting recess 25.

[0045] The cutting recess 25 describes a cavity in the cutting die 20 into which the punched-out material falls and / or through which the material is plastically deformed before the cutting process. The cutting recess 25 is designed such that the remaining punched-out residue, i.e., the multilayer interior component 10, is not affected or damaged during or after the punching process, and in particular, is not warped in the punched area. The cutting recess 25 also serves as a collection container to collect the resulting punched-out waste.

[0046] The cutting punch 30 has at least one cutting head 35 with a second cutting edge 31. The cutting head 35 is displaceable along a punching axis S and can be inserted into the cutting recess 25 to perform a punching operation, in particular to form an oblique opening 13 in the multi-layered interior component 10.

[0047] The geometric die-cut shape of the cutting head 35 is cylindrical and has a cutting diameter d of between 0.05 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.

[0048] The cutting head 35 of the cutting punch 30 has a cutting angle β. The cutting angle β can be understood as an angle between the second cutting edge 31 of the cutting head 35 and a horizontal, or as an angle between the second cutting edge 31 of the cutting head 35 and the surface of the multilayer interior component 10 to be cut.

[0049] The core idea of ​​the stamping method according to the invention is to arrange the multilayer interior component 10 on the cutting die 20 such that a normal N of the multilayer interior component 10 and the stamping axis S of the cutting head 35 form an angle of inclination α that is not equal to 0°. The normal N is to be understood as a vector that is perpendicular to the surface of the multilayer interior component 10. In other words, the normal N is orthogonal, i.e., at a 90° angle, to the tangent plane at a point on the surface of the multilayer interior component 10, such that the vector points away from or into the surface.

[0050] The cutting angle β influences the cut surface quality of the punching process and can vary depending on the hardness or softness of the material to enable an optimal and precise cut. Fig. In 1, the cutting angle β of the cutting head 35 corresponds to the inclination angle α. It is conceivable that in another possible embodiment, the cutting angle β of the cutting head 35 and the inclination angle α are different.

[0051] The multi-layered interior component 10 is fixed in position against the cutting die 20 by a first hold-down element 41 and a second hold-down element 42. It is conceivable that the first hold-down element 41 and the second hold-down element 42 are two separate components. It is conceivable that the first hold-down element 41 and the second hold-down element 42 are formed by one and the same component. It is conceivable that the multi-layered interior component 10 is held, fixed, clamped, or screwed in position against the cutting die 20 by a component known from another source.

[0052] According to the first possible embodiment of the present invention, the multilayer interior component 10 is fixed in an inclined orientation position against the cutting die 20, wherein the cutting head 35 is vertically displaceable along the punching axis S and can be inserted into the cutting recess 25 to perform a punching, in particular to form an oblique opening 13 in the multilayer interior component 10.

[0053] Fig. Figure 2 shows a method arrangement for punching oblique openings 13 in a multi-layered interior component 10 according to a second possible embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] According to the second possible embodiment of the present invention, the multilayer interior component 10 is not fixed in an inclined orientation position, but in a horizontal orientation position against the cutting die 20, wherein the cutting head 35 is inclined to be displaceable along the punching axis S and inserted into the cutting recess 25 in order to carry out a punching, in particular to form an oblique opening 13 in the multilayer interior component 10.

[0055] In both embodiments, the multi-layered interior component 10 is arranged on the cutting die 20 such that a normal N of the multi-layered interior component 10 and the punching axis S of the cutting head 35 form an angle of inclination α which is not equal to 0°.

[0056] The inclination angle α thus defines the geometric angle between the normal N of a surface of the multilayer interior component 10 and the orientation of the punching axis S of the cutting head 35, so that in a punching result light extraction in a specific, predetermined direction can be controlled.

[0057] In other words, the specific and targeted alignment of the punching axis S of the cutting head 35 relative to the normal N of the multi-layered interior component 10 in a punching result influences the emission profile of a light source by ensuring that the light exit from the multi-layered interior component 10 is not simply perpendicular to the surface, but obliquely, thereby reducing unwanted scattering effects and directing the light rays onto defined areas in the interior.

[0058] Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of a multi-layered interior component 10 with a plurality of oblique openings 13, which have been punched out according to the first or second possible embodiment of the present invention. In the Fig. In section 3, the structure of the decorative layer 11 and its openings 13 are particularly evident. The decorative layer 11 has a defined thickness D, which forms the vertical distance between the visible surface 12, which faces a vehicle interior when installed, and the rear surface where a light source is located. In this cross-section, the openings 13 can be seen as inclined openings within the material that direct the light emitted by the light source through the decorative layer 11 into a vehicle interior.

[0059] The aim of the stamping process according to the invention is therefore to stamp a large number of oblique openings 13 in the multilayer interior component 10, so that in the stamping result a defined deflection of the rays is possible, which do not exit perpendicular to the surface, but in an inclined direction, so that possible reflections on adjacent vehicle components can be reduced or avoided.

[0060] The opening diameter x of the openings 13 determines how much light passes through each individual opening 13. The openings 13 are not orthogonal, but are oriented at a specific angle of inclination α to the normal N of the visible surface 12. This angle of inclination α influences the direction in which the light leaves the decorative layer 11.

[0061] Since the geometric shape of the cutting head 35 is cylindrical and has a circular cutting diameter d, the opening diameter x of the oblique opening 13 appears larger in a top view than that of a straight opening, even if both openings were cut by the same cutting head. This is due to the geometry of the openings and the perspective.

[0062] A straight cutout is created when a punching operation is performed orthogonally to the surface of the multilayer interior component 10, such that the punching axis S of the cutting head 35 and the normal N are parallel or aligned on the same axis. In such a case, the opening diameter of a straight cutout would correspond to the actual cutting diameter d of the cutting head 35, and the opening diameter of the straight cutout would appear circular in a top view.

[0063] In the case of an oblique opening 13, the opening diameter x of the oblique opening 13 forms an elliptical shape in a top view, since the cutting head 35 penetrates an inclined plane. The width of the opening diameter x of the oblique opening 13 is larger in the direction of the angle of inclination α than the actual cutting diameter d of the cutting head 35. The width of the opening diameter x of the oblique opening 13 depends mathematically on the actual cutting diameter d of the cutting head 35 and the angle of inclination α as follows: x=dcos∝

[0064] The larger the angle of inclination α, the larger the opening diameter x of the oblique opening 13 appears in a top view.

[0065] Fig. Figure 4 shows a method arrangement for punching oblique openings 13.1, 13.2, 13.3 in a multilayer interior component 10 according to a third possible embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] According to the third possible embodiment of the present invention, the multilayer interior component 10 is fixed in a positionally fixed in an inclined orientation against the cutting die 20, as in the first possible embodiment, wherein several cutting heads 35.1, 35.2, 35.3 are vertically displaceable along several punching axes S1, S2, S3 and can be inserted into several cutting recesses 25.1, 25.2, 25.3 for carrying out several punching operations, in particular for forming a plurality of oblique openings 13.1, 13.2, 13.3 in the multilayer interior component 10.

[0067] According to the third possible embodiment of the present invention, the cutting die 30 has several cutting heads 35.1, 35.2, 35.3, wherein each cutting head 35.1, 35.2, 35.3 of the cutting die 30 can have an individual geometric die-cut shape. The die-cut shapes can, for example, include circles, triangles, squares, and rectangles. The die-cut shapes can each have individual sizes or lengths, widths, and depths, so that a combination of different die-cut shapes can provide a wide variety of lighting patterns, in particular light designs.

[0068] In the Fig. 4 The respective cutting head 35.1, 35.2, 35.3 of the cutting punch 30 is cylindrical and has a circular cutting diameter d1, d2, d3. The respective cutting head 35.1, 35.2, 35.3 of the cutting punch 30 each has a respective cutting angle β1, β2, β3.

[0069] Due to the parallel alignment of the respective punching axes S1, S2, S3 of the cutting heads 35.1, 35.2, 35.3, the respective cutting angle β1, β2, β3 of the respective cutting head 35.1, 35.2, 35.3 corresponds to the same inclination angle α.

[0070] The respective cutting heads 35.1, 35.2, 35.3 of the cutting die 30 can be moved individually and independently of one another along their respective punching axes S1, S2, S3. This allows, on the one hand, a wide variety of lighting patterns, especially special lighting designs, to be precisely punched out according to requirements and application, and on the other hand, a large number of interior components 10 to be processed within a very short time.

[0071] Fig. Figure 5 again shows a sectional view of a multi-layered interior component 10 with a plurality of oblique openings 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, which have been punched out according to the third possible embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Fig. Figure 6 shows a method arrangement for punching oblique openings 13.1, 13.2, 13.3 in a multilayer interior component 10 according to a fourth possible embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] According to the fourth possible embodiment of the present invention, the multilayer interior component 10 is fixed in a positionally fixed in an inclined orientation against the cutting die 20, as before, wherein several cutting heads 35.1, 35.2, 35.3 for carrying out several punchings, in particular for forming a plurality of inclined openings 13.1, 13.2, 13.3 in the multilayer interior component 10, are individually and independently displaceable along their respective punching axes S1, S2, S3 and can be inserted into their respective cutting recesses 25.1, 25.2, 25.3.

[0074] According to the fourth possible embodiment of the present invention, the cutting punch 30 again has several cutting heads 35.1, 35.2, 35.3, wherein the respective cutting heads 35.1, 35.2, 35.3 of the cutting punch 30 can be rotated individually and independently of one another, so that their respective punching axes S1, S2, S3 are not parallel as in the third possible embodiment, but are each aligned differently.

[0075] Fig. Figure 7 shows again a sectional view of a multi-layered interior component 10 with a plurality of oblique openings 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, which have been punched out according to the fourth possible embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Due to the different orientation of the respective punching axes S1, S2, S3 of the cutting heads 35.1, 35.2, 35.3, different inclination angles α1, α2, α3 result.

[0077] This allows for the precise cutting of various lighting patterns, particularly special lighting designs, depending on requirements and application. Additionally, the direction of light emission, i.e., the direction of the emerging and deflected light rays, can be individually adjusted for selected openings 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, especially for rows or groups of openings 13.1, 13.2, 13.3. In other words, a flexible and adaptable design can be achieved by individually and independently rotating the respective cutting heads 35.1, 35.2, 35.3 of the cutting die 30. This allows the multi-layered interior component 10, with its differently oriented and light-directing openings 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, to be integrated into different components, thus achieving homogeneous and precise illumination whose alignment is tailored to variable installation positions.In other words, this allows for a consistent and vehicle-zone-adapted visual appearance by emitting light at defined angles of inclination α1, α2, α3 and intensities without requiring additional modifications or corrections, which significantly improves the overall usability characteristics with regard to the representation of shapes, colors and contours, the readability of displays, and the perception of depth and spatial awareness. Reference symbol list 10 multi-layered interior components 11 Decorative layer 12 Visible surface 13, 13.1, 13.2, 13.3 oblique breakthrough 20 cutting die 21 first cutting edge 25, 25.1, 25.2, 25.3 Cutting recess 30 cutting dies 31, 31.1, 31.2, 31.3 second cutting edge 35, 35.1, 35.2, 35.3 Cutting head 41 first hold-down part 42 second hold-down part D Thickness of the decorative layer d, d1, d2, d3 Cutting diameters of the cutting heads x, x1, x2, x3 Opening diameters of the angled openings N Normal S, S1, S2, S3 Punching axes of the cutting heads α, α1, α2, α3 inclination angle β, β1, β2, β3 cutting angle of the cutting heads 100 stamping processes

Citation Information

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