CLADDING COMPONENT FOR CLADDING THE INTERIOR OF A PASSENGER TRANSPORT VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH A CLADDING COMPONENT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a cladding component for cladding the interior of a passenger transport vehicle and to a passenger transport vehicle with such a cladding component.

[0002] The means of passenger transport is specifically designed as a vehicle, but can also be a ship, an aircraft, a train, or the like. When the invention is explained below in relation to vehicles, the explanations apply equally to other means of passenger transport such as ships, aircraft, trains, or the like.

[0003] In all forms of passenger transport, the interior is more or less elaborately finished to create an appealing design. Interior design plays a particularly important role in vehicles and is a key factor in the purchasing decision. Interior finishing involves the use of trim components, such as those used to line the inside of the vehicle's doors. These trim components can also form, or be part of, the instrument panel, trunk lining, or side panels.

[0004] For various reasons, including aesthetic or ecological ones, it may be desirable to equip the visible surface—that is, the side that is perceived and, in particular, visible and tangible from the interior of the passenger vehicle—with a natural fiber surface featuring a natural fiber structure. However, natural fibers exhibit reduced resistance to physical, chemical, and mechanical influences such as UV radiation, scratches, or abrasion, especially compared to synthetic fibers and other surface structures used for cladding components. Furthermore, natural fibers are typically not water-repellent, so the drying process after wetting takes a long time and often leaves water stains. Additionally, wetting can lead to mold growth and alter the surface properties.

[0005] EP 2 563 570 B1 discloses a cladding component whose visible surface is equipped with a natural fiber surface featuring a structure made of natural fibers. To protect the natural fibers for the reasons mentioned above, a multi-layered protective layer is used, the protective layer being made of the same material as the binding matrix for the natural fibers. The protective layer is heated and fused with the natural fibers. However, this manufacturing process is complex and costly. The optical homogeneity of the natural fiber surface depends on several factors, including the material homogeneity of the natural fiber composite element, the homogeneity of the temperature distribution, the local material density, and the local material impregnation capacity.

[0006] Further cladding components for cladding the interior of a means of passenger transport are disclosed in DE 10 2014 004 880 A1, DE 10 2009 006 130 A1, EP 3 260 287 A1, DE 10 2013 202 095 A1, EP 3 115 162 A1, EP 0 799 679 A2, DE 10 2011 106 151 B3 and DE 101 34 673 A1.

[0007] The object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a cladding component for lining the interior of a means of passenger transport, which makes it possible, using simple and cost-effective means, to produce the natural fiber surface of the visible side of a cladding component in such a way that the natural fibers are protected from physical, chemical and mechanical influences.

[0008] This problem is solved by the features specified in claims 1 and 2. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] One embodiment relates to a trim component for cladding the interior of a means of passenger transport, in particular a vehicle, wherein the trim component comprises a pressed natural fiber composite element with at least one visible side perceptible from the interior of the vehicle, which forms a natural fiber surface with a structure made of natural fibers, and a protective coating layer applied to the natural fiber surface and surrounding the natural fibers, which is designed in such a way that the structure made of natural fibers is perceptible.

[0010] In contrast to the method disclosed in EP 2 563 570 B1 for protecting natural fibers from external influences, it is possible to use a protective lacquer layer. This lacquer layer can be applied much more evenly and with a significantly thinner layer than the multi-layered protective coating used, for example, in EP 2 563 570 B1. The volume of lacquer required to protect the natural fibers is considerably less than the volume required for the multi-layered protective coating. Furthermore, the character of the natural fibers is preserved to a much greater extent, particularly in terms of appearance and feel. The lacquer layer can be transparent, allowing the natural color of the fibers to remain visible. Alternatively, the lacquer layer can be tinted to enhance the color of the natural fibers.For the multi-layered protective coating used in EP 2 563 570 B1 to adhere sufficiently to the natural fiber composite element, the multi-layered protective coating must be made of the same material as the natural fiber composite element. Such a material restriction does not exist with the proposed coating. This significantly increases the design possibilities. Furthermore, a very homogeneous appearance of the natural fiber surface can be achieved using the proposed coating. Color variations and color matching are easier to implement with the proposed coating than with protective coatings known from the prior art.

[0011] According to a further embodiment, the protective coating is UV-resistant, abrasion-resistant, water-repellent, and / or scratch-resistant. External influences such as UV radiation, abrasion, and moisture represent the greatest stresses on the natural fibers, which can be counteracted particularly effectively in this embodiment with the appropriately designed protective coating.

[0012] In a further developed embodiment, the natural fiber composite element can have a binding matrix for the natural fibers made of a thermoplastic polymer such as polypropylene (PP) or a thermosetting polymer. Such a binding matrix is ​​widely used and enables the cladding component to be manufactured in a simple and cost-effective manner. Natural fiber composite elements made of polypropylene are also referred to as NFPP (natural fiber-reinforced polypropylene).

[0013] Examples of thermosetting plastics include epoxy, polyurethane, and acrylic resins.

[0014] In a further developed embodiment, the natural fibers can consist of sisal, hemp, jute, flax, and / or the like, and can be produced in the form of a needled or non-needled nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, or a unidirectional layer. The structure of the cladding component, including the protective coating, can be two-layered or multi-layered. The proposed cladding component can be manufactured in various configurations, allowing for a wide range of interior designs for the passenger transport vehicle, although all variations utilize the same natural fibers encapsulated by the protective coating.

[0015] One embodiment of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a cladding component according to one of the preceding embodiments, comprising the following steps: Heating and calibrating the natural fiber composite panel or mat using a calibration tool, applying a protective coating to a natural fiber composite panel or mat using an application device, inserting the calibrated natural fiber composite panel or mat into a forming tool with an upper tool and a lower tool, closing the forming tool by moving the upper tool and / or the lower tool, and forming the calibrated natural fiber composite panel or mat into a cladding component, wherein the forming step only takes place after the protective coating has been applied to the natural fiber composite panel or mat.

[0016] Alternatively, the procedure can be designed as follows: Applying a protective coating to a natural fiber composite panel or mat using an application device, heating and calibrating the natural fiber composite panel or mat using a calibration tool, inserting the calibrated natural fiber composite panel or mat into a forming tool with an upper tool and a lower tool, closing the forming tool by moving the upper tool and / or the lower tool, and forming the calibrated natural fiber composite panel or mat into a cladding component, wherein the forming step only takes place after the protective coating has been applied to the natural fiber composite panel or mat.

[0017] The technical effects and advantages achievable with the proposed method correspond to those discussed for the present cladding component. In summary, it should be noted that it is not necessary to use a multi-layered protective coating to protect the natural fibers from external influences and impacts. Rather, as proposed, it is possible to use a comparatively thin protective lacquer coating, which leaves the optical and tactile properties of the natural fibers largely unaffected. Furthermore, the protective lacquer coating can be applied very evenly, resulting in a highly homogeneous appearance of the natural fiber surface.

[0018] To bring the natural fiber composite panel or mat into the desired shape, it is first calibrated by rapidly applying a large amount of heat to the center of the material. This is achieved by heating and pressing the panel or mat. After calibration, the heated and calibrated panel or mat is coated with a protective lacquer layer and placed into a mold consisting of an upper and lower die. Closing the mold then shapes the panel or mat into the desired form. Alternatively, the protective lacquer layer can be applied to the panel or mat before calibration.

[0019] Because the protective coating comes into contact with the heated natural fiber composite mat or panel, the coating itself is also heated. This ensures that components of the coating base, such as solvents or water, evaporate at least partially before forming and consequently do not impair the forming process.

[0020] The following step is planned for further training: Applying the protective coating to the natural fiber composite panel or the natural fiber composite mat by spraying it on using a spray applicator.

[0021] From a technical standpoint, using a spray applicator as an application device is very simple and ensures an even application of the protective coating. Furthermore, spray applicators are particularly well-suited for applying very thin protective coatings.

[0022] An advanced training program prescribes the following step: Applying the protective coating to the natural fiber composite panel or to the natural fiber composite mat by layer transfer using a layer transfer device.

[0023] In this method, the protective coating is prepared before being applied to the natural fiber composite panel or mat. A specially designed film is particularly suitable for this purpose. The film also allows for a particularly homogeneous application of the protective coating with a thin layer. Unlike using a spray applicator, this method does not require a movable device to guide the spray applicator across the natural fiber composite mat or panel. Furthermore, it is not necessary to prepare the coating for spraying. However, the coating must be capable of forming a film.The layer transfer device can, for example, have a number of rollers with which the film is applied to the natural fiber composite mat or the natural fiber composite panel.

[0024] Following further training, the following step is planned: Applying the protective coating to the upper tool and / or the lower tool of the mold before the mold is closed to form the calibrated natural fiber composite panel or calibrated natural fiber composite mat into the cladding component.

[0025] In this process, the protective coating is applied to the upper and / or lower tool of the mold before it is closed for forming the calibrated and heated natural fiber composite panel or mat. The protective coating remains exclusively within the mold during production, thus preventing its transport to the mold along with the heated and calibrated natural fiber composite panel or mat. This approach avoids or minimizes any external influences on the protective coating, such as dust, resulting in a particularly homogeneous natural fiber surface.

[0026] According to further training, the following step is planned: Drying the natural fiber composite panel or the natural fiber composite mat using a drying device after the protective lacquer layer has been applied.

[0027] As mentioned, to ensure a homogeneous natural fiber surface, it is advantageous if the components of the coating base, such as the solvent or water, evaporate before the forming process. While these components do evaporate due to the heat transfer from the calibrated and heated natural fiber composite mat or panel to the coating layer, this heat is not always sufficient for complete evaporation. To guarantee that these components evaporate as completely as possible, a drying step is employed. This drying step can be performed as soon as the coating layer has been applied to the natural fiber composite mat or panel, and depending on the specific process, even before calibration.

[0028] Further training includes the following additional step: Injection molding of functional elements onto the cladding component with the mold closed.

[0029] Functional elements can include positioning pins, welding domes, and similar components that allow the cladding component to be attached to adjacent attachments. These functional elements can be manufactured within the mold, eliminating the need for an additional manufacturing step.

[0030] One embodiment of the invention relates to a means of passenger transport, in particular a vehicle, with a paneling component, particularly according to one of the previously discussed embodiments, for lining the interior of the means of passenger transport, wherein the paneling component is manufactured using a method according to one of the previously discussed embodiments. The technical effects and advantages that can be achieved with the proposed means of passenger transport correspond to those discussed for the present paneling component. In summary, it should be noted that it is not necessary to use a multi-layered protective coating to protect the natural fibers from external influences and effects. Rather, according to the proposal, it is possible to use a comparatively thin protective lacquer layer, which leaves the optical and tactile properties of the natural fibers largely unaffected.Furthermore, the protective coating can be applied very evenly, resulting in a highly homogeneous appearance of the natural fiber surface. This allows for a high-quality interior design of the passenger vehicle.

[0031] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show Figure 1A a basic sectional view through an embodiment of a cladding component, Figure 1B of the in Figure 1AThe area marked A is shown in an enlarged, non-scale representation, Figures 2A-2G show various steps of a first embodiment of a method according to the invention for manufacturing a cladding component, Figures 3A-3G show various steps of a second embodiment of the method according to the invention for manufacturing a cladding component, Figures 4A-4G show various steps of a third embodiment of the method according to the invention for manufacturing a cladding component, Figures 5A-5F show various steps of a fourth embodiment of the method according to the invention for manufacturing a cladding component, and Figure 6 shows a top view of a means of transport with such a cladding component, each based on principle representations.

[0032] Figure 1Ashows a basic sectional view through a cladding component 10 for cladding an interior 12 of a means of passenger transport 14, in particular a vehicle 15 (see Figure 6 ). Figure 1B shows the in Figure 1A The area marked A is shown in an enlarged, non-scale representation. The cladding component 10 has a pressed natural fiber composite element 16 with a visible side 18 on which a natural fiber surface 20 is arranged. The visible side 18 faces the interior 12 when installed. The natural fiber surface 20 forms a structure 21 made of natural fibers 22, which is perceptible and, in particular, visible and tangible from the interior 12 of the passenger transport vehicle 14.

[0033] The cladding component 10 has a binding matrix 24 made of a thermoplastic such as polypropylene (PP) in which the natural fibers 22 are anchored. The binding matrix 24 forms a layer of the cladding component 10, the structure of the natural fibers 22 being visible and / or palpable. The cladding component 10 may have additional layers (not shown), for example, to reinforce or decorate it, such as with a natural fiber fabric or nonwoven material.

[0034] As especially from Figure 1BAs can be seen, the proposed cladding component 10 has a protective coating 26 applied to the natural fiber surface 20, which surrounds the natural fibers 22. The natural fibers 22 are therefore completely encapsulated by the protective coating 26, so that while the structure 21 formed by the natural fibers 22 is preserved and remains perceptible to the touch, the natural fibers 22 are nevertheless protected from external influences such as UV radiation and / or mechanical stress.

[0035] The natural fibers 22 can, for example, consist of sisal, hemp, jute, flax and / or the like and be produced in the form of a needled or non-needled nonwoven, a woven fabric or a unidirectional layer and be embedded in the binding matrix 24.

[0036] In the Figures 1A and 1BIn the illustrated embodiment, the natural fiber surface 20 extends over the entire visible side 18. However, it is also possible to exclude areas of the visible side 18 from the natural fiber surface 20, for example, if a decorative element not shown here is to be arranged there.

[0037] In the Figures 2A to 2G is a first embodiment of a method according to the invention for manufacturing a cladding component 10, for example as in Figures 1A and 1B The starting material of the cladding component 10 is a natural fiber composite panel 28 or a natural fiber composite mat 30. As shown in Figure 2AAs shown, the protective coating 26 is applied to the future visible side 18 of the cladding component 10 using an application device 32, in this case a spray applicator 34. Once the future visible side 18 has been completely covered with the protective coating 26, the natural fiber composite panel 28 or the natural fiber composite mat 30 is calibrated using a calibration tool 36 (see Figure 2B During calibration, the natural fiber composite panel 28 or the natural fiber composite mat 30 is subjected to pressure P. Simultaneously, the natural fiber composite mat 30 or the natural fiber composite panel 28 is heated with heat Q. Due to the heating, at least some of the lacquer base of the protective lacquer layer 26 evaporates, in particular solvents or water.

[0038] The calibrated natural fiber composite panel 28 or the calibrated natural fiber composite mat 30, both coated with the protective coating 26, is then placed into a mold 38, which has an upper mold 40 and a lower mold 42. The upper mold 40 and the lower mold 42 can be moved towards and away from each other. As shown in the diagram... Figure 2C As can be seen, when open, the upper tool 40 and the lower tool 42 release a space 44 which is dimensioned so that the calibrated natural fiber composite panel 28 or the calibrated natural fiber composite mat 30 can be inserted into the molding tool 38.

[0039] The upper tool 40 and the lower tool 42 each have trimming edges 46. The calibrated natural fiber composite panel 28 or the calibrated natural fiber composite mat 30 is dimensioned in its initial state such that it protrudes outwards beyond the trimming edges 46 when inserted into the forming tool 38.

[0040] After the calibrated natural fiber composite panel 28 or the calibrated natural fiber composite mat 30 has been placed into the open mold 38, the mold 38 is closed, as shown in 2D FigureAs shown, the upper tool 40 and the lower tool 42 are moved towards each other. Closing the forming tool 38 causes the calibrated natural fiber composite panel 28 or the calibrated natural fiber composite mat 30 to be formed into a shaped mat or panel 53. The trimming edges 46 interact in such a way that, upon closing, they cut off edge pieces 47 from the calibrated natural fiber composite panel 28 or from the calibrated natural fiber composite mat 30.

[0041] The upper tool 40 and the lower tool 42 have recesses 48 and protrusions 50. Furthermore, the mold 38 has cores or slides 43. The calibrated natural fiber composite plate 28 or the calibrated natural fiber composite mat 30 conforms to the contours of the recesses 48 and protrusions 50, provided that the recesses 48 are designed such that they come into contact with the calibrated natural fiber composite plate 28 or the calibrated natural fiber composite mat 30 when the mold 38 is closed. Some of the recesses 48 of the lower tool 42 are designed such that they form a cavity when the mold 38 is closed. The slide 43 can be inserted into this cavity. Figure 2E In the step shown, the cavities are filled with an injection molding material, whereby functional elements 51 such as positioning and / or fastening sections or ribs are attached to the surfaces in relation to the Figures 2A to 2GThe underside of the deformed mat or plate 53 is injection-molded or back-injected. After the functional elements 51 are completed, a cladding component 10 is created.

[0042] As in Figure 2F As shown, the mold 38 is then opened and the slide 43 is retracted. The cladding component 10 can now be removed from the mold 38. The edge pieces 47 are disposed of or recycled. Figure 2G shows the cladding component 10 with the molded-on functional elements 51. Where the slide 43 was located, the corresponding functional element 51 has a hollow area 52.

[0043] One advantage of applying the protective lacquer layer 26 before compression molding is that it flattens the natural fibers 22, which tend to stand up due to moisture, thus resulting in a smooth surface. This advantage also applies to the embodiments of the inventive method presented below.

[0044] In the Figures 3A to 3G A second embodiment of the method according to the invention is shown by means of a schematic representation. The second embodiment of the method according to the invention is largely similar to the first embodiment of the method according to the invention; however, the natural fiber composite panel 28 or the natural fiber composite mat 30 is first calibrated in the manner described above before the protective coating 26 is applied, which is again done with a spray applicator 34 (see Figures 3A and 3BAs mentioned at the outset, the natural fiber composite mat 30 or the natural fiber composite panel 28 is heated during calibration so that the lacquer base at least partially evaporates. To ensure that the lacquer base evaporates completely or almost completely, the method according to the second embodiment includes the step of drying the already calibrated and heated natural fiber composite panel 28 or the heated and calibrated natural fiber composite panel 28 by means of a drying device 54, for example, by means of a hot air blower. The drying step can also be carried out before calibration, after the protective lacquer layer 26 has been applied. The remaining steps are the same as those discussed for the first embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0045] In the Figures 4A to 4GA third embodiment of the inventive method for manufacturing the cladding component 10 is again shown by means of schematic diagrams. The essential difference to the method according to the first and second embodiments lies in the fact that the protective coating layer 26 is applied to the upper tool 40 of the mold 38 using the spray applicator 34 already mentioned ( Figure 4B ). In this case, the upper tool 40 forms the future visible side 18 of the cladding component 10. The calibrated natural fiber composite mat 30 or the calibrated natural fiber composite panel 28 ( Figure 4A ) is inserted into the forming tool 38 after the upper tool 40 has been coated with the protective coating 26 (see Figure 4CThe remaining steps, shown in Figures 4D to 4G, correspond to the steps of the method according to the first and second embodiments. It should be noted that in the method according to the third embodiment, it is possible to apply the protective coating 26 in such a way that it does not extend onto the edge pieces 47 formed when the mold 38 is closed. The edge pieces 47 separated from the cladding component 10 can be disposed of more easily. Furthermore, the amount of coating required can be reduced to the necessary minimum.

[0046] In the Figures 5A to 5FA fourth embodiment of the method according to the invention is also illustrated with reference to the schematic drawings. In this case, the protective coating layer 26 is not applied to the subsequent visible side 18 of the cladding component 10 by means of a spray applicator 34, but rather by means of a layer transfer device 56, which in this case forms the application device 32. The protective coating layer 26 is in the form of a continuous film 58, which is applied to the natural fiber composite mat 30 or the natural fiber composite panel 28 by means of the layer transfer device 56. As shown in the drawings... Figure 5AAs can be seen, the layer transfer device 56 can be integrated into the calibration tool 36, so that the steps of applying the protective coating 26 and the calibration can be carried out in the same place and at almost the same time. The calibrated natural fiber composite mat 30 or the calibrated natural fiber composite sheet 28 is now inserted into the open mold 38, as shown in Figure 5B The following steps correspond to those that have been described for the other embodiments of the method according to the invention.

[0047] In Figure 6 A passenger transport vehicle 14 is shown, which is designed as a vehicle 15. The vehicle 15 has an interior 12, which is lined with a cladding component 10 according to the invention. The visible side 18 of the cladding component 10 faces the interior 12. Reference symbol list

[0048] 10 Cladding component 12 Interior 14 Passenger transport 15 Vehicle 16 Natural fiber composite element 18 Visible side 20 Natural fiber surface 21 Structure 22 Natural fiber 24 Bonding matrix 26 Protective coating 28 Natural fiber composite panel 30 Natural fiber composite mat 32 Application device 34 Spray applicators 36 Calibration tool 38 Forming tool 40 Upper tool 42 Lower tool 43 Core, slide 44 Gap 46 Trimming edges 47 Edge piece 48 Recess 50 Elevation 51 Functional element 52 Hollow area 53 Deformed mat or deformed plate 54 Drying device 56 Layer transfer device 58 Film A-section P-print Q-heat

Claims

1. Method for manufacturing a trim component (10) for lining an interior space (12) of a passenger transport means (14), in particular of a vehicle (15), wherein the trim component (10) comprises - a pressed natural fiber composite element (16) with at least one visible side (18) perceptible from the interior space (12) of the passenger transport means (14), which forms a natural fiber surface (20) with a structure (21) of natural fibers (22), and a paint protection layer (26) applied to the natural fiber surface (20) and surrounding the natural fibers (22), which is designed such that the structure (21) of natural fibers (22) is tactilely perceptible, comprising the following steps: - heating and calibrating the natural fiber composite board (28) or the natural fiber composite mat (30) by means of a calibration tool (36), - applying a paint protection layer (26) to a natural fiber composite board (28) or to a natural fiber composite mat (30) by means of an application device (32), wherein the paint is heated upon contact with the heated natural fiber composite mat (30) or the heated natural fiber composite board (28), and as a result, components of the paint base at least partially evaporate already before forming, - placing the heated and calibrated natural fiber composite board (28) or the heated and calibrated natural fiber composite mat (30) into a forming tool (38) having an upper tool (40) and a lower tool (42), - closing the forming tool (38) by moving the upper tool (40) and / or the lower tool (42) and forming the heated and calibrated natural fiber composite board (28) or the heated and calibrated natural fiber composite mat (30) into a trim component (10), wherein - the forming step is carried out only after the paint protection layer (26) has been applied to the natural fiber composite board (28) or to the natural fiber composite mat (30).

2. Method for manufacturing a trim component (10) for lining an interior space (12) of a passenger transport means (14), in particular of a vehicle (15), wherein the trim component (10) comprises a pressed natural fiber composite element (16) with at least one visible side (18) perceptible from the interior space (12) of the passenger transport means (14), which forms a natural fiber surface (20) with a structure (21) of natural fibers (22), and comprises a paint protection layer (26) applied to the natural fiber surface (20) and surrounding the natural fibers (22), which is designed such that the structure (21) of natural fibers (22) is tactilely perceptible, comprising the following steps: - applying a paint protection layer (26) to a natural fiber composite board (28) or to a natural fiber composite mat (30) by means of an application device (32), - heating and calibrating the natural fiber composite board (28) or the natural fiber composite mat (30) by means of a calibration tool (36), wherein the paint is heated upon contact with the heated natural fiber composite mat (30) or the heated natural fiber composite board (28), and as a result, components of the paint base at least partially evaporate already before forming, - placing the heated and calibrated natural fiber composite board (28) or the heated and calibrated natural fiber composite mat (30) into a forming tool (38) having an upper tool (40) and a lower tool (42), - closing the forming tool (38) by moving the upper tool (40) and / or the lower tool (42) and forming the heated and calibrated natural fiber composite board (28) or the heated and calibrated natural fiber composite mat (30) into a trim component (10), wherein - the forming step is carried out only after the paint protection layer (26) has been applied to the natural fiber composite board (28) or to the natural fiber composite mat (30).

3. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by the following step: - applying the paint protection layer (26) to the natural fiber composite board (28) or to the natural fiber composite mat (30) by spraying by means of a spray applicator (34).

4. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by the following step: - applying the paint protection layer (26) to the natural fiber composite board (28) or to the natural fiber composite mat (30) by layer transfer by means of a layer transfer device (56).

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the following step: - applying the paint protection layer (26) to the upper tool (40) and / or to the lower tool (42) of the forming tool (38) before the forming tool (38) is closed for forming the calibrated and heated natural fiber composite board (28) or the calibrated and heated natural fiber composite mat (30) into the trim component (10).

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the following step: - drying the natural fiber composite board (28) or the natural fiber composite mat (30) by means of a drying device (54) after the paint protection layer (26) has been applied.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the following step: - injection molding functional elements (34) onto the trim component (10) with the forming tool (38) closed.

8. Passenger transport means, in particular a vehicle (15), having a trim component (10) for lining an interior space (12) of the passenger transport means (14), wherein the trim component (10) is manufactured by a method according to one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Trim component manufactured by a method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the paint protection layer (26) is UV-resistant, abrasion-resistant, water-repellent, and / or scratch-resistant.

10. Trim component according to claim 9, characterized in that the natural fiber composite element (16) has a binder matrix (24) for the natural fibers (22) made of a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene (PP) or of a thermosetting plastic.

11. Trim component according to one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that the natural fibers (22) are made of sisal, hemp, jute, flax, and / or the like and are produced in the form of a needled or non-needled random fiber mat, a fabric, or a unidirectional layer.