DECORATIVE FILM, METHOD FOR DECORATING A PLASTIC MOLDED PART AND PLASTIC MOLDED PART

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a decorative film, a method for decorating a plastic molded part and a plastic molded part.

[0002] Decorative films are often used to decorate surfaces and are applied to a plastic molded part, for example, using an in-mold process. The surfaces of plastic molded parts decorated in this way are subject to high demands. On the one hand, these surfaces must be resistant to the mechanical, physical, and chemical environmental influences that occur in daily use, for example from fingerprints or substances on the skin, such as sunscreen. To this end, the decorative films often have a protective lacquer layer on their surface, which is intended to protect the underlying layers from environmental influences. On the other hand, these surfaces must be visually appealing and also contain decorative elements, such as symbols or lettering. Such decorative elements are usually created on the decorative film using printing technology. However, this results in several disadvantages.Both the positioning and resolution of the decorative elements are limited by the printing process used. If plastic molded parts decorated with customized decorative films, or correspondingly decorated plastic molded parts, are to be produced in small quantities, this involves considerable time and logistical effort, and thus also high costs, as the printing tools, such as printing plates, must be prepared and set up accordingly for each individual decorative film.Alternatively, decorative elements, such as symbols or lettering, can also be created by means of laser engraving in the decorative film, although this engraving also destroys a protective lacquer layer arranged on the surface of the decorative film, so that at least locally either the resistance to environmental influences is reduced or the surface of the decorated plastic molded part has to be provided with an additional protective lacquer layer, which in particular entails additional costs.

[0003] EP 0 537 668 A2 discloses a method for decorating or labelling a surface by means of laser radiation and the use of an embossing foil in this method.

[0004] DE 42 12 423 A1 discloses a method for producing control elements with backlit symbols. WO 2015 / 091383 A1 relates to a plastic molded part and a method for its production.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of providing an improved decorative film and an improved method for decorating a plastic molded part.

[0006] This object is achieved by a decorative film according to claim 1. This object is further achieved by a method for decorating a plastic molded part according to claim 12. Furthermore, this object is also achieved by a plastic molded part according to claim 15.

[0007] It has been shown that the decorative film according to the invention, the method for decorating the plastic molding and the plastic molding increase the durability of the decorative film or the durability of a plastic molding decorated with the decorative film, while at the same time ensuring that the decorative film can be customized. The fact that the decorative film has a transparent laser protection lacquer layer between the colored lacquer layers makes it possible for the colored lacquer layer underneath to be protected from mechanical, physical and chemical environmental influences even after removal of a colored lacquer layer and the protective lacquer layer arranged on top of it, without the customized plastic molding having to be provided with a new protective lacquer layer, for example. Furthermore, the transparent laser protection lacquer layer also ensures that, on the one hand, the colored lacquer layer to be removed is completely, i.e.in particular without leaving any residue and without damaging the colored lacquer layer underneath. The transparent laser protective lacquer layer therefore fulfils a dual function: on the one hand, it protects the colored lacquer layer underneath the transparent laser protective lacquer layer from environmental influences and, on the other hand, it serves as a spacer or buffer layer for the ablating laser. This makes it possible to individually provide plastic molded parts with decorative elements, such as symbols or lettering, for example on a customer-specific basis at a later stage of the manufacturing process, thereby ensuring that the decorative film meets the required specifications in terms of durability without the need for complex and lengthy follow-up processes, such as the application of a new protective lacquer layer.This also allows for greater tolerances in laser focusing, further simplifying production.

[0008] The designations "below" and / or "above" refer in particular to the arrangement of layers relative to another layer when viewed by an observer from a viewing direction. It is therefore expedient if the designations "below" and / or "above" represent a reference system. For example, it is possible for the at least one second colored lacquer layer to be arranged below the transparent laser protective lacquer layer in the viewing direction.

[0009] According to the invention, the at least one first colored lacquer layer is arranged on the side of the transparent laser protective lacquer layer facing the observer, and the at least one second colored lacquer layer is arranged on the side of the transparent laser protective lacquer layer facing away from the observer. The at least one first colored lacquer layer forms the side facing the observer. The at least one second colored lacquer layer is arranged below the transparent laser protective lacquer layer and below the at least first colored lacquer layer in the viewing direction.

[0010] A transparent laser protective lacquer layer is preferably understood to mean a transparent protective lacquer layer, in particular a transparent intermediate protective lacquer layer, which protects the at least one second colored lacquer layer, in particular the layers located below this transparent intermediate protective lacquer layer as seen from an observer's perspective, from mechanical, physical, and / or chemical environmental influences and / or which is designed such that it further serves as a spacer or buffer layer for the ablating laser. Thus, it is possible for the transparent laser protective lacquer layer to be a transparent protective lacquer layer, in particular a transparent intermediate protective lacquer layer.

[0011] In this context, a region is understood to mean, in particular, a defined area of ​​a layer or ply which, when viewed perpendicular to a plane spanned by the decorative film, in particular by the at least one first colored lacquer layer, the transparent laser protective lacquer layer, and / or the at least one second colored lacquer layer. For example, the at least one first colored lacquer layer has one or more first regions, each of which occupies a defined area when viewed perpendicular to a plane spanned by the at least one first colored lacquer layer.

[0012] Removing a layer here means the partial and / or complete removal of a layer, in particular by means of laser cutting and / or laser ablation. For example, if a layer is removed in one area, the corresponding layer in this area has been partially and / or completely removed. Removal is preferably carried out by laser cutting and / or laser ablation. Removal also means the partial and / or complete removal of a layer, in particular by means of mechanical or precision engineering methods, for example, by milling and / or grinding and / or drilling.

[0013] Partially removed is preferably understood to mean that the partially removed layer is altered or destroyed in such a way that it no longer fulfills its predetermined properties. For example, a partially removed protective lacquer layer no longer fulfills its predetermined property of protecting underlying layers from chemical, physical, and / or mechanical environmental influences.

[0014] Completely removed is preferably understood here to mean that the completely removed layers in the corresponding regions are removed and / or ablated and / or incinerated and / or vaporized without leaving any residue. For example, if the at least one first colored lacquer layer is completely removed in the one or more first regions, in particular by laser cutting and / or laser ablation, the at least one first colored lacquer layer in the one or more first regions is removed without leaving any residue.

[0015] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the subclaims.

[0016] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the transparent laser protective lacquer layer has a layer thickness between 0.5 µm and 50 µm, preferably between 2.0 µm and 2.5 µm.

[0017] According to the invention, in one or more first regions, the at least one first colored lacquer layer facing a viewer is removed in such a way that the transparent laser protective lacquer layer is exposed. Preferably, in the one or more first regions, the at least one first colored lacquer layer facing a viewer is completely removed. This makes it possible for the transparent laser protective lacquer layer, and in particular layers arranged below the transparent laser protective lacquer layer in the viewing direction, to become visible to a viewer, particularly when the decorative film is backlit by means of a backlighting means.

[0018] Advantageously, the one or more first areas form decorative elements, such as symbols or lettering.

[0019] Furthermore, it is expedient if the one or more first areas represent a logo and / or a symbol and / or a pattern and / or an alphanumeric character.

[0020] Furthermore, it is also preferred if the one or more first regions have a line thickness of at least 50 µm, preferably of at least 100 µm, when viewed perpendicular to the decorative film and / or if the one or more first regions have a line thickness of at most 2 mm, preferably of at most 1 mm, more preferably of at most 0.5 mm, when viewed perpendicular to the decorative film.

[0021] Furthermore, it is also possible for the transparent laser protective lacquer layer to be designed in such a way that the layer thickness of the transparent laser protective lacquer layer in the one or more first regions in which the at least one first colored lacquer layer is removed by means of a laser is reduced by less than 25%, preferably by less than 15%, more preferably by less than 5%, compared to those regions in which the at least one first colored lacquer layer is not removed by means of the laser.

[0022] It is also expedient if the layer thickness of the transparent laser protective lacquer layer in one or more first regions in which the at least one first colored lacquer layer is removed by means of a laser essentially corresponds to the layer thickness of the transparent laser protective lacquer layer in those regions in which the at least one first colored lacquer layer is not removed by means of the laser.

[0023] In particular, any slight superficial damage to the transparent laser protective lacquer layer during customisation is acceptable, preferably as long as the total thickness of the transparent laser protective lacquer layer is not reduced by more than 50%, preferably by no more than 30%.

[0024] This ensures, particularly in the final product, that the transparent laser protective lacquer layer fulfils its protective function against environmental influences for the underlying layers and, on the other hand, that the transparent laser protective lacquer layer also fulfils or has fulfilled its function as a spacer or buffer layer.

[0025] The transparent laser protective lacquer layer preferably has a transmission, particularly in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, of at least 25%, preferably of at least 75%, more preferably of at least 85%. This enables, among other things, the layers arranged below the transparent laser protective lacquer layer in the viewing direction to be visible to an observer.

[0026] It is further advantageous if the transparent laser protective lacquer layer has a transmission in the infrared range, preferably the near infrared range, more preferably in the wavelength range between 780 nm and 1400 nm, even more preferably for light with a wavelength of 1064 nm, of at least 25%, preferably of at least 75%, more preferably of at least 85%. This makes it possible for light from an infrared laser to remove the layers arranged above the transparent laser protective lacquer layer, in particular the at least one first colored lacquer layer, not to be absorbed in the transparent laser protective lacquer layer and not to damage or remove it.

[0027] Furthermore, it is useful if the transparent laser protective lacquer layer is heat-resistant, in particular up to a temperature of 250 °C, preferably up to 650 °C, more preferably up to 1000 °C.

[0028] It is advantageous if the transparent laser protective lacquer layer diffusely scatters transmitted light, in particular light in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, and / or if the transparent laser protective lacquer layer has a haze value of at most 50 haze units, in particular of at most 20 haze units.

[0029] The haze value is preferably determined in haze units in transmission according to the ASTM D 1003 standard. For example, the haze value is measured using the "BYK haze-gard i" measuring device from Byk-Gardener, Geretsried, Germany. The layer or film to be measured is preferably held in the open sample chamber of the measuring device and, particularly for the haze value, is placed against the so-called "haze port" of the device. The measurement is advantageously carried out using a D65 standard illuminant. The measurement result is then preferably displayed on the measuring device's screen. The haze value is advantageously given in percent (%). Therefore, the unit of the haze value in this case can be percent (%). The value range of the haze value is therefore preferably 0-100%. Thus, it is possible for the haze units to be percentage values ​​or for the haze units to represent percentage values. The maximum value is preferably 100%.Any values ​​higher than 100% that may occur may, for example, be caused by additional scattered light effects and / or reflection effects during the measurement, particularly depending on the measuring principle used.

[0030] Haze is preferably understood here as diffuse scattering, in particular large-angle scattering, which leads in particular to a reduction in image quality. Particles or inhomogeneities in the material preferably act as scattering centers, at which the light is scattered in all spatial directions, with only a low scattering intensity advantageously occurring at each solid angle. This results in particular in a reduction in contrast and / or a milky, cloudy appearance, with this effect preferably being referred to as haze or turbidity. The haze value thus preferably represents a measure of the turbidity of transparent samples, for example, plastic layers or films.

[0031] Furthermore, it is expedient that the ratio of the light deflected in transmission by the transparent laser protective lacquer layer from the angular range of less than 2.5° from the direction of the incident light relative to the total light transmitted by the transparent laser protective lacquer layer is less than 0.5, preferably less than 0.2. In other words, it is possible for the transparent laser protective lacquer layer to deflect less than 50%, preferably less than 20%, of the transmitted light, in particular from the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, by more than 2.5° from the direction of the incident light beam.

[0032] Furthermore, however, it is also possible for the transparent laser protective lacquer layer to have a milky, cloudy appearance and / or for the transparent laser protective lacquer layer to deflect more than 30%, preferably more than 45%, more preferably more than 65%, of the transmitted light, in particular from the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, by more than 2.5° from the direction of the incident light beam. In other words, it is possible for the transparent laser protective lacquer layer to deflect less than 30%, preferably less than 45%, more preferably less than 65%, of the transmitted light, in particular from the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, by less than 2.5° from the direction of the incident light beam.

[0033] Furthermore, it is possible that the ratio of the light deflected by the transparent laser protective lacquer layer from the angular range of less than 2.5° from the direction of the incident light in transmission relative to the total light transmitted by the transparent laser protective lacquer layer is greater than 0.3, preferably greater than 0.45, more preferably greater than 0.65.

[0034] This makes it possible for light transmitted through the transparent laser protective lacquer layer to be scattered diffusely, preferably in a large solid angle range, more preferably in all spatial directions, so that light, in particular from a point light source, is scattered homogeneously, so that the transparent laser protective lacquer layer appears homogeneously illuminated to an observer, in particular despite illumination with a point light source.

[0035] It is also possible for the transparent laser protective lacquer layer to be colored, in particular for the transparent laser protective lacquer layer to be colored using dyes and / or color pigments. The degree of pigmentation of the transparent laser protective lacquer layer is preferably less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, more preferably less than 5%. This makes it possible, in particular, for the transparent laser protective lacquer layer, in conjunction with layers arranged beneath the transparent laser protective lacquer layer, in particular in conjunction with the at least one second colored lacquer layer, to create a special optical impression, such as a color mixing effect.

[0036] However, it is also possible that the transparent laser protective lacquer layer is colorless and / or clearly transparent and / or that the pigmentation level of the transparent laser protective lacquer layer is 0%.

[0037] It is advantageous if the transparent laser protective lacquer layer is a layer of monomers, oligomers, polymers and / or copolymers, preferably comprising polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyester, polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA), polyurethanes (PU) and / or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), more preferably comprising PU and / or PVC, and / or that the transparent laser protective lacquer layer comprises polyacrylate as a binder.

[0038] Furthermore, it is also possible that the transparent laser protective lacquer layer comprises polyetherimides (PEI) and / or polysulfones, such as poly(arylethersulfone)s (PAES).

[0039] Furthermore, it is also possible for the transparent laser protective lacquer layer to cure or be cured thermally and / or by high-energy radiation. Curing preferably occurs before and / or after processing the decorative film and / or applying the decorative film to a substrate.

[0040] Such compositions of the transparent laser protective lacquer layer make it possible for layers arranged beneath the transparent laser protective lacquer layer to be particularly well protected against mechanical, physical and / or chemical environmental influences.

[0041] Advantageously, the transparent laser protective lacquer layer protects the at least one second colored lacquer layer, in particular the layers located below the transparent laser protective lacquer layer as seen from an observer, from mechanical, physical and / or chemical environmental influences.

[0042] Preferably, the at least one first colored lacquer layer is opaque and / or the at least one first colored lacquer layer has a transmission, in particular in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, of a maximum of 50%, preferably a maximum of 20%, more preferably a maximum of 5%. This ensures that the decorative film, in particular when viewed from the side of the at least one first colored lacquer layer, creates a dark optical impression, in particular which provides a dark-appearing background with regard to possible backlighting. This makes it possible in particular to achieve a particularly high contrast between the backlighting and this background, and the backlighting can be sufficiently well perceived even at low backlighting light intensities.

[0043] Preferably, the at least one first colored lacquer layer has a layer thickness between 0.1 µm and 50 µm, preferably between 0.5 µm and 5.0 µm. This ensures, on the one hand, the required opacity of the at least one first colored lacquer layer and, on the other hand, the production of a thin and optionally flexible plastic molded part using the decorative film.

[0044] Furthermore, it is possible for the at least one first color lacquer layer to be multi-layered, in particular for the at least one first color lacquer layer to be formed from two or more first partial layers, wherein the two or more first partial layers preferably each have a layer thickness between 0.1 µm and 50 µm, more preferably between 0.5 µm and 5.0 µm.

[0045] Furthermore, it is useful if the two or more first sub-layers have different colors, especially from the RGB color space or the CMYK color space.

[0046] Color is understood here in particular as a color point that can be represented within the color space in a color model such as the RGB color model (R = red; G = green; B = blue) or the CMYK color model (C = cyan; M = magenta; Y = yellow; K = black).

[0047] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the at least one first color lacquer layer is formed in regions, in particular that the at least one first color lacquer layer is present in at least one second region and is not present in at least one third region.

[0048] It is also advantageous if the at least one first colored lacquer layer is colored, in particular if the at least one first colored lacquer layer is colored using dyes and / or color pigments. The degree of pigmentation of the at least one first colored lacquer layer is preferably between 5% and 35%, preferably between 20% and 25%.

[0049] It is thus possible that the at least one first colored lacquer layer is colored dark, in particular black, and / or that the at least one first colored lacquer layer comprises light-absorbing particles, in particular soot.

[0050] Advantageously, the at least one first color lacquer layer is formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), PMMA, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), PA and / or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) and / or the at least one first color lacquer layer comprises acrylate as a binder.

[0051] It is also possible for the at least one first color lacquer layer to be a first metal layer, in particular an optically dense metal layer, which preferably has a lower transmission compared to the at least one second color lacquer layer, in particular compared to the second metal layer.

[0052] Furthermore, it is possible that the at least one second color lacquer layer is also a second metal layer, in particular an optically thin metal layer, which preferably has a greater transmission compared to the at least one first color lacquer layer, in particular compared to the first metal layer.

[0053] Advantageously, the first metal layer has a transmission, in particular in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, of a maximum of 30%, preferably a maximum of 10%, more preferably a maximum of 5%.

[0054] The second metal layer preferably has a transmission, in particular in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, of more than 10%, preferably of more than 25%, more preferably of more than 50%, even more preferably of more than 75%, furthermore even more preferably of more than 90%.

[0055] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the layer thickness of the first metal layer is between 10 nm and 1 µm, preferably between 20 nm and 300 nm.

[0056] The layer thickness of the second metal layer is preferably between 1 nm and 500 nm, preferably between 10 nm and 80 nm.

[0057] This ensures that the first metal layer is perceived by the observer as opaque due to its lower transmission, while the second metal layer is transparent.

[0058] The functional relationship between transmission (T) and optical thickness (OD) is formulated as follows: OD = log (100 / T[%]).

[0059] As explained above, the transmission values ​​are determined in particular in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, i.e. in the wavelength range visible to the human eye.

[0060] The optical density of a metal layer depends, in particular, on the layer thickness used and, among other things, on the metal used.

[0061] Thus, it is possible for the first metal layer and / or the second metal layer to be formed from aluminum, cobalt, copper, gold, iron, chromium, nickel, silver, platinum, palladium, and / or titanium, or alloys thereof. Aluminum is preferably used for the optically denser first metal layer due to its low penetration depth for light in the wavelength range visible to the human eye, and gold, copper, chromium, silver, and / or iron are used for the optically thinner second metal layer due to their high penetration depth for light in the wavelength range visible to the human eye.

[0062] According to the invention, the at least one second colored lacquer layer has a transmittance, in particular in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, of at least 10%. It is further advantageous for the at least one second colored lacquer layer to be transparent and / or for the at least one second colored lacquer layer to have a transmittance, in particular in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, of at least 25%, preferably of at least 75%, more preferably of at least 90%.

[0063] It is thus advantageous if the at least one second color lacquer layer is translucent, in particular translucent by means of a backlighting means, and / or if the at least one second color lacquer layer is designed such that more than 10%, preferably more than 25%, more preferably more than 75%, even more preferably more than 90% of the light emitted by a backlighting means arranged behind the at least one second color lacquer layer in the viewing direction is transmitted.

[0064] This makes it possible for light to pass through the at least one second color lacquer layer and thus be perceived by a viewer who views the decorative film from the side of the at least one first color lacquer layer.

[0065] Advantageously, the at least one second color lacquer layer has a layer thickness between 0.1 µm and 50 µm, preferably between 1.0 µm and 5.0 µm.

[0066] Here too, it is possible for the at least one second color lacquer layer to be multi-layered, in particular for the at least one second color lacquer layer to be formed from two or more second partial layers, wherein the two or more second partial layers preferably each have a layer thickness between 0.1 µm and 50 µm, more preferably between 1.0 µm and 5.0 µm.

[0067] Preferably, the at least one second color lacquer layer is formed over the entire surface, in particular the at least one second color lacquer layer occupies the entire surface when viewed perpendicular to the decorative film.

[0068] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the at least one second color lacquer layer diffusely scatters light, in particular light in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, and / or that the at least one second color lacquer layer has a haze value of at least 50 haze units, preferably of at least 75 haze units.

[0069] According to the invention, the at least one second colored lacquer layer deflects more than 50% of the transmitted light, in particular from the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, by more than 2.5° from the direction of the incident light beam. In other words, the at least one second colored lacquer layer deflects less than 50% of the transmitted light, in particular from the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, by less than 2.5° from the direction of the incident light beam. It is also advantageous if the at least one second colored lacquer layer deflects more than 75%, preferably more than 85%, of the transmitted light, in particular from the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, by more than 2.5° from the direction of the incident light beam.In other words, it is possible for the at least one second color lacquer layer to deflect less than 75%, preferably less than 85%, of the transmitted light, in particular from the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, by less than 2.5° from the direction of the incident light beam.

[0070] This makes it possible for light transmitted through the at least one second color lacquer layer to be scattered diffusely, preferably in a large solid angle range, more preferably in all spatial directions, so that light, in particular from a point light source, is scattered homogeneously, so that the at least one second color lacquer layer appears homogeneously illuminated to a viewer, in particular despite illumination with a point light source.

[0071] Thus, it is possible that the at least one second color lacquer layer forms a diffuser film and / or that the at least one second color lacquer layer is a diffuser film.

[0072] Diffuser film is understood here to be a particularly self-supporting, dry layer that can be applied, for example, by gluing, lamination, or similar methods. Such a diffuser film preferably represents an alternative to a second color coating layer printed or cast using a wet process.

[0073] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the at least one second colored lacquer layer is colored, in particular that the at least one second colored lacquer layer is colored using dyes and / or color pigments. The degree of pigmentation of the at least one second colored lacquer layer is preferably between 5% and 80%, preferably between 40% and 45%.

[0074] Advantageously, the at least one second color lacquer layer is formed from PET, PMMA, PEN, PA and / or ABS and / or the at least one second color lacquer layer comprises acrylate as a binder.

[0075] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the second colored lacquer layer or a layer adjacent to the second colored lacquer layer is designed as a light guide layer. This light guide layer preferably has at least one light coupling surface on one of its end faces, in particular into which light from a light source is radiated into the light guide layer. It is possible for this light source to be arranged such that, in the viewing direction, it is not arranged below the decorative film, but rather, for example, offset laterally therefrom. Furthermore, it is expedient if the light guide layer has, at least in certain area regions, on its surface facing the transparent laser protective lacquer layer, at least one light coupling surface which, for example, has a surface structure.In this case, it is possible for the at least one light output surface to be designed in such a way that diffusely scattering light is output, preferably distributed uniformly over the at least one light output surface.

[0076] Furthermore, it is expedient if, as an alternative or in addition to a surface structuring, a fluorescent dye, preferably in the form of dye particles, is embedded in the material of the second colored lacquer layer, which in the embodiment as a light guide layer consists of polycarbonate or PVC, for example. It is thus possible for the second colored lacquer layer to comprise a fluorescent dye, preferably in the form of dye particles, particularly in the region of the at least one light outcoupling surface. In particular, when light is irradiated into the light guide layer, the dye particles are excited to fluoresce and emit or emit fluorescent light isotropically, i.e. also in the direction of the light guide layer. It is thus possible to determine the color of the emitted light when the light source is switched on, depending on the fluorescent dye in the plastic material.

[0077] In this case, it is possible for the second colored lacquer layer, in the embodiment as a light guide layer, to be designed, in particular, as a self-supporting, dry layer, which is applied, for example, by means of gluing, lamination, or similar processes. Furthermore, it is also possible for the second colored lacquer layer, in the embodiment as a light guide layer, to be printed or cast using a wet process.

[0078] According to the invention, the decorative film comprises a protective lacquer layer, wherein the protective lacquer layer is arranged on the side of the decorative film facing a viewer.

[0079] This means that the protective lacquer layer forms the layer facing a viewer and / or that the protective lacquer layer lies or is arranged above the at least one first colored lacquer layer, the at least one second colored lacquer layer and the transparent laser protective lacquer layer in the viewing direction. In other words, the protective lacquer layer is arranged on the side of the at least one first colored lacquer layer facing away from the transparent laser protective lacquer layer. Preferably, when viewed in the viewing direction perpendicular to a plane spanned by the at least one first colored lacquer layer, the at least one second colored lacquer layer and / or the transparent laser protective lacquer layer, the protective lacquer layer covers the at least one first colored lacquer layer in regions or completely.

[0080] Advantageously, the protective lacquer layer protects the layers arranged below the protective lacquer layer in the viewing direction from mechanical, physical and / or chemical environmental influences, in particular at least in those areas in which the protective lacquer layer has not been removed.

[0081] Advantageously, the protective lacquer layer is transparent and / or the protective lacquer layer has a transmission, in particular in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, of at least 25%, preferably of at least 35%, more preferably of at least 85%.

[0082] It is possible for the protective lacquer layer to have a layer thickness between 0.5 µm and 50 µm, preferably between 4.0 µm and 4.5 µm.

[0083] Furthermore, it is expedient if the protective lacquer layer is formed from monomers, oligomers, polymers and / or copolymers, preferably comprising polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyester, polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA), polyurethanes (PU) and / or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), more preferably comprising PU and / or PVC, and / or if the protective lacquer layer has polyacrylate as a binder.

[0084] Furthermore, it is also possible that the protective lacquer layer comprises polyetherimides (PEI) and / or polysulfones, such as poly(arylethersulfone)s (PAES).

[0085] It is also possible for the protective coating layer to cure or be cured thermally and / or by high-energy radiation. Curing preferably occurs before and / or after processing the decorative film and / or applying the decorative film to a substrate.

[0086] Furthermore, it is also possible for the protective lacquer layer to be colored, in particular for the protective lacquer layer to be colored using dyes and / or color pigments. The degree of pigmentation of the protective lacquer layer is preferably less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, more preferably less than 5%.

[0087] However, it is also possible that the protective lacquer layer is colorless and / or clearly transparent and / or that the pigmentation level of the protective lacquer layer is 0%.

[0088] It is therefore possible that the protective coating layer is or forms a clear coating layer, particularly an unpigmented one.

[0089] Preferably, the protective lacquer layer is clear, in particular the protective lacquer layer deflects transmitted light, in particular light in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, by less than 8%, preferably by less than 4%, through scattering.

[0090] Furthermore, in the one or more first regions, the protective lacquer layer arranged above the at least one first colored lacquer layer in the viewing direction is completely removed. It is possible that layers arranged below the protective lacquer layer in the one or more first regions, in particular the transparent laser protective lacquer layer and / or the at least one first colored lacquer layer, are no longer protected from chemical, physical, and / or mechanical environmental influences.

[0091] Furthermore, it is expedient if the decorative film further comprises an adhesive layer, in particular wherein the adhesive layer forms the side of the decorative film facing a viewer or the side facing away from a viewer.

[0092] However, it is also conceivable that the decorative film comprises at least one adhesive layer, in particular that the decorative film comprises two or more adhesive layers, which preferably form opposite surfaces of the decorative film.

[0093] It is thus possible for the adhesive layer to form the layer or surface of the decorative film facing towards and / or away from a viewer and / or to be located or arranged above the at least one first colored lacquer layer, the at least one second colored lacquer layer and / or the transparent laser protective lacquer layer in the viewing direction and / or for the adhesive layer to be located or arranged below the at least one first colored lacquer layer, the at least one second colored lacquer layer and / or the transparent laser protective lacquer layer in the viewing direction.

[0094] Preferably, the adhesive layer covers the at least one first color lacquer layer and / or the at least one second color lacquer layer in regions or completely when viewed perpendicular to a plane spanned by the at least one first color lacquer layer, the at least one second color lacquer layer and / or the transparent laser protection lacquer layer.

[0095] This makes it possible for the decorative film to be applied, in particular firmly applied, to a plastic molded part, in particular to be applied in such a way that the decorative film is firmly connected to the plastic molded part.

[0096] The term "firmly connected" preferably refers to a permanent connection between two elements, such that they can no longer be mechanically separated without damaging at least one of the elements. For example, a decorative film and a molded plastic part are firmly connected if there is a permanent connection between these two elements and the decorative film and / or the molded plastic part cannot be separated without damaging one of the two elements.

[0097] The adhesive layer expediently has a layer thickness between 0.1 µm and 50 µm, preferably between 0.5 µm and 7 µm, more preferably between 2.5 µm and 3.0 µm.

[0098] Preferably, the adhesive layer is transparent and / or the adhesive layer has a transmission, in particular in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, of at least 45%, preferably of at least 65%, more preferably of at least 95%.

[0099] Preferably, the adhesive layer consists of a material which is clearly transparent after application to the plastic molded part, in particular the adhesive layer consists of a material which, after application to the plastic molded part, deflects light in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm by less than 8%, preferably by less than 4%, through scattering.

[0100] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the adhesive layer is a layer of polymers and / or copolymers, in particular comprising PMMA, polyester, PU or PVC, and / or if the adhesive layer comprises acrylate as a binder.

[0101] It is also conceivable for the adhesive layer to be colored, in particular for the adhesive layer to be colored using dyes and / or color pigments. The degree of pigmentation of the adhesive layer is preferably between 5% and 50%, preferably between 30% and 35%.

[0102] However, it is also conceivable that the adhesive layer is colorless and / or clearly transparent and / or that the degree of pigmentation of the adhesive layer is 0%.

[0103] According to the invention, the decorative film has one or more electrical functional layers with at least one electrical functional structure, wherein the at least one electrical functional structure forms a touch sensor field which provides a touch field functionality.

[0104] A touch sensor field is understood in particular to be a touch-sensitive sensor that enables the control of an electrical functional element, for example, a PDA or a control element marked with a symbol or lettering, for example, a motor vehicle. A touch sensor field is also understood in particular to be a multi-touch sensor field that can process multiple simultaneous touches.

[0105] It is possible that at least one electrical functional structure forms a capacitive sensor field.

[0106] However, it is also possible that the at least one electrical functional structure forms a resistive or inductive sensor field.

[0107] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one electrical functional structure additionally has further functional elements, such as electrical supply lines, electrical and / or electronic components, such as integrated circuits.

[0108] It is also conceivable for the at least one electrical functional structure to be single-layered or multi-layered. Furthermore, it is possible for the at least one electrical functional structure to have a reinforcement layer, at least in some areas, which is applied, for example, by electroplating and / or by printing with metal pigment layers and / or other conductive layers, such as carbon.

[0109] It is possible that the decorative film forms a touch sensor and / or that the decorative film is a touch sensor.

[0110] Furthermore, it is also advantageous if all layers arranged below the transparent laser protective lacquer layer in the viewing direction are transparent, in particular if all layers arranged below the transparent laser protective lacquer layer have a transmission of at least 25%, preferably of at least 45%.

[0111] In the following, further preferred embodiments of the method for decorating a plastic molded part are described in particular: According to the invention, in step b) the decorative film is applied to the plastic molded part in such a way that the at least one first colored lacquer layer forms the side facing the viewer and the at least one second colored lacquer layer forms the side facing away from the viewer.

[0112] Furthermore, it is possible that in step b) the decorative film is applied by means of transfer processes, in particular hot and / or cold transfer processes, such as hot stamping, in-mould decoration, insert moulding, print mould design, in-mould labelling, lamination and / or gluing.

[0113] Furthermore, it is advantageous that in step c) the at least one first color lacquer layer is removed according to the invention in the one or more first regions by means of the laser in such a way that the transparent laser protective lacquer layer is exposed.

[0114] It is further preferred if, in step c), the at least one first colored lacquer layer is removed in the one or more first regions by means of a laser in such a way that the layer thickness of the transparent laser protective lacquer layer in the one or more first regions in which the at least one first colored lacquer layer was removed by means of the laser substantially corresponds to the layer thickness of the transparent laser protective lacquer layer in those regions in which the at least one first colored lacquer layer was not removed by means of the laser. In particular, any slight superficial damage to the transparent laser protective lacquer layer is acceptable, preferably as long as the total thickness of the transparent laser protective lacquer layer is not reduced by more than 50%, preferably by no more than 30%.This ensures, particularly in the final product, that the transparent laser protective lacquer layer fulfils its protective function against environmental influences for the underlying layers and, on the other hand, that the transparent laser protective lacquer layer also fulfils or has fulfilled its function as a spacer or buffer layer.

[0115] Advantageously, in step c) the at least one first color lacquer layer is completely removed in the one or more first regions.

[0116] According to the invention, in step c) the protective lacquer layer of the decorative film arranged above the transparent laser protective lacquer layer and above the at least one first colored lacquer layer in the viewing direction is completely removed.

[0117] Furthermore, it is conceivable that in step c) a protective lacquer layer arranged above the at least one first colored lacquer layer in the viewing direction is removed by means of the laser in the one or more first regions in such a way that layers arranged below the protective lacquer layer in the one or more first regions, in particular the transparent laser protective lacquer layer and / or the at least one first colored lacquer layer, are no longer protected from chemical, physical and / or mechanical environmental influences.

[0118] It is thus also possible that in step c) a protective lacquer layer arranged above the at least one first colored lacquer layer in the viewing direction is removed by means of the laser in the one or more first regions in such a way that it essentially no longer fulfils its function of protecting the layers lying beneath the protective lacquer layer from mechanical, physical and chemical influences.

[0119] Furthermore, it is also possible if, in step c), in the one or more first regions, all layers arranged above the transparent laser protective lacquer layer in the viewing direction are removed, in particular completely removed.

[0120] According to the invention, the method further comprises the following step, in particular which is carried out between steps a) and b): d) arranging one or more electrical functional layers with at least one electrical functional structure on the side of the at least one second colored lacquer layer facing away from the viewer, wherein the at least one electrical functional structure forms a touch sensor field which provides a touch field functionality.

[0121] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one electrical functional structure additionally has further functional elements, such as electrical supply lines, electrical and / or electronic components, such as integrated circuits.

[0122] It is also conceivable for the at least one electrical functional structure to be single-layered or multi-layered. Furthermore, it is possible for the at least one electrical functional structure to have a reinforcement layer, at least in some areas, which is applied, for example, by electroplating and / or by printing with metal pigment layers and / or other conductive layers, such as carbon.

[0123] Preferably, the one or more electrical functional layers with at least one electrical functional structure are arranged between the decorative film and the plastic molded part. Thus, it is possible for the one or more electrical functional layers to be arranged on the side of the at least one second colored lacquer layer facing away from the transparent laser protective lacquer layer.

[0124] It is thus possible that the plastic molded part, in particular the plastic molded part decorated with the decorative film, forms and / or is a touch sensor.

[0125] It is further advantageous if the one or more electrical functional layers arranged in step d) are firmly connected to the decorative film and the plastic molded part with at least one electrical functional structure in step b).

[0126] The method preferably further comprises the following step: e) arranging a backlighting device, in particular comprising organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), inorganic light-emitting diodes (LEDs), microLEDs (mLEDs) and / or quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs), wherein the backlighting device is preferably arranged on the side of the plastic molded part facing away from the decorative film.

[0127] However, it is also possible for the backlighting device to comprise incandescent lamps, halogen lamps, gas discharge lamps and / or fluorescent lamps, in particular induction lamps.

[0128] Less preferably, the backlighting device comprises lasers and / or chemical-physical illuminants, such as fluorescent paints or glow sticks.

[0129] In step e), the backlighting device is expediently firmly attached, in particular glued or laminated or also mechanically fastened, for example screwed or riveted.

[0130] It is also possible that in step c) a laser with a beam diameter at the focal point of at least 50 µm, preferably at least 100 µm, is used.

[0131] It is also possible to focus the laser beam by means of one or more lenses, in particular with a focal length between 100 mm and 500 mm, preferably between 200 mm and 300 mm, more preferably 254 mm.

[0132] It is further preferred if a laser, in particular a fiber laser, is used in step c), wherein the laser emits coherent light from the infrared range, preferably the near infrared range, more preferably light from the wavelength range between 780 nm and 1400 nm, even more preferably light of the wavelength 1064 nm.

[0133] Preferably, in step c), the laser power is between 0.05 W and 100 W, preferably between 1 W and 20 W, more preferably between 5 W and 10 W.

[0134] It is expedient if, in step c), the laser beam is directed along the one or more first regions by means of deflectable mirrors, in particular by means of a laser scanning module.

[0135] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the laser is operated at a writing speed of maximum 3000 mm / s, preferably at a writing speed between 500 mm / s and 2500 mm / s, and / or the laser is operated at a pulse frequency between 1 Hz and 1000 kHz, preferably between 1 kHz and 200 kHz.

[0136] However, it is also possible for the laser to operate continuously.

[0137] Furthermore, in step b), the decorative film can be applied to the plastic molded part by back-injection molding. In this case, it is advisable for the process to include the following additional steps: Inserting the decorative film into an injection mold. Back-injecting the decorative film with a plastic compound such that the decorative film bonds firmly to the plastic compound and, in particular, that the decorative film forms a first surface of the plastic molded part. Preferably, the cured plastic compound forms the plastic molded part.

[0138] Furthermore, it is possible that, particularly after steps a), b), c), d), and / or e), further steps are carried out, particularly for further processing of the plastic molded part. For example, it is possible for the plastic molded part, in particular the plastic molded part decorated with the decorative film, to be further processed with one of the following additional steps: painting with additional layers, PU flooding, overmolding or coating with another plastic component, milling, punching, deep drawing, polishing, and / or embossing.

[0139] In the following, among other things, particularly further preferred embodiments of the plastic molded part are described: According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the one or more first regions have a line thickness of at least 50 µm, preferably of at least 100 µm, when viewed perpendicular to the decorative film and / or the one or more first regions have a line thickness of at most 2 mm, preferably of at most 1 mm, more preferably of at most 0.5 mm, when viewed perpendicular to the decorative film.

[0140] It is also possible for the plastic molded part to have a layer thickness between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 0.8 mm and 5 mm.

[0141] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the plastic molded part has at least one layer of a thermoplastic material, which is arranged in particular on the side of the at least one second color lacquer layer facing away from the viewer.

[0142] It is thus possible for the at least one layer of a thermoplastic material to be arranged on the at least one second color lacquer layer facing away from the viewer.

[0143] It is also possible for the plastic molded part to have the following layer structure, in particular with the first-mentioned layer forming the side facing away from the viewer: at least one layer of a thermoplastic material optionally an adhesive layer the at least one second color lacquer layer the transparent laser protective lacquer layer the at least one first color lacquer layer the protective lacquer layer

[0144] Preferably, the at least one layer made of a thermoplastic material is transparent; in particular, the at least one layer made of a thermoplastic material has a transparency of between 5% and 98%, particularly in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, and / or the at least one layer made of a thermoplastic material is formed from one of the following materials: ABS, PC, ABS / PC, PC / ABS, PMMA, polypropylene (PP), PA, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). This makes it possible to ensure good backlighting of the plastic molded part.

[0145] In particular, by combining or varying the transparency values ​​and / or the light-scattering properties of the at least one first colored lacquer layer, the at least one second colored lacquer layer and / or the transparent laser protective lacquer layer, preferably in combination with the design of the one or more first regions, very different optical properties can be achieved.

[0146] For example, it is possible for the at least one first colored lacquer layer to be opaque and for the one or more first regions to have a line thickness of a maximum of 2 mm, preferably a maximum of 1 mm, more preferably a maximum of 0.5 mm when viewed perpendicular to the decorative film. If, for example, in addition to the transparent laser protection lacquer layer, the at least one second colored lacquer layer is also transparent and both layers preferably have a transmission of, for example, more than 45%, more preferably more than 65%, and at least one of these layers is also designed to be diffusely scattering, then a viewer, in particular when viewing the plastic molded part from the side facing away from the at least one layer made of a thermoplastic material and / or from the side of the at least one first colored lacquer layer, will have the optical impression that the plastic molded part is opaque when the backlighting is deactivated.If, for example, such a plastic molded part is backlit, the one or more first regions are visible to the viewer and also appear homogeneously backlit due to the diffusely scattering properties of the transparent laser protective lacquer layer and / or the at least one second colored lacquer layer. In particular, such an optical effect is also referred to as a "dead-front effect," since the decorative elements formed by the one or more first regions, such as symbols, patterns, or lettering, only become visible when backlit.

[0147] Therefore, it is possible, for example, to adjust or control the visibility of the one or more first regions for a viewer by means of the contrast between the removed one or more first regions and the non-removed regions of the at least one first color lacquer layer.

[0148] Preferably, the at least one first color lacquer layer has a difference in transmission of at least 5%, more preferably of at least 10% to 95%, even more preferably of at least 15% to 85%, between the one or more first regions in which the at least one first color lacquer layer is removed and those regions in which the at least one first color lacquer layer is not removed.

[0149] Furthermore, it is therefore also possible to adjust or control the visibility of the one or more first regions for a viewer by means of the transparency values ​​of the at least one second colored lacquer layer and / or the transparent laser protection lacquer layer and / or the at least one layer made of a thermoplastic material. For example, a reduction in the transparency values ​​of these layers leads to the visibility of the one or more first regions being reduced and, at the same time, the impression of a high opacity of the first colored lacquer layer in the non-backlit state being created. In particular, the one or more first regions are then only recognizable to a viewer in the backlit state.

[0150] It is further conceivable that the at least one layer made of a thermoplastic material is colored, in particular that the at least one layer made of a thermoplastic material is colored using dyes and / or color pigments. The degree of pigmentation of the at least one layer made of a thermoplastic material is preferably less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, more preferably less than 5%.

[0151] According to the invention, it is further provided that the plastic molded part has one or more electrical functional layers with at least one electrical functional structure on the at least one second color lacquer layer facing away from the viewer, wherein the at least one electrical functional structure forms a touch sensor field which provides a touch field functionality.

[0152] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one electrical functional structure additionally has further functional elements, such as electrical supply lines, electrical and / or electronic components, such as integrated circuits.

[0153] It is also conceivable for the at least one electrical functional structure to be single-layered or multi-layered. Furthermore, it is possible for the at least one electrical functional structure to have a reinforcement layer, at least in some areas, which is applied, for example, by electroplating and / or by printing with metal pigment layers and / or other conductive layers, such as carbon.

[0154] Preferably, the one or more electrical functional layers with at least one electrical functional structure are arranged between the decorative film and the at least one layer of thermoplastic material. Thus, it is possible for the one or more electrical functional layers to be arranged on the side of the at least one second colored lacquer layer facing away from the transparent laser protective lacquer layer.

[0155] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the plastic molded part has a backlighting device, in particular comprising organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), inorganic light-emitting diodes (LEDs), microLEDs (mLEDs) and / or quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs), wherein the backlighting device is preferably arranged on the side of the at least one layer of thermoplastic material facing away from the decorative film.

[0156] In the following, embodiments of the invention are explained by way of example with the aid of the enclosed figures, which are not to scale. Fig. 1a to Fig. 1g show schematic sectional views of decorative films. Fig. 2 shows schematically a diffusely scattering layer. Fig. 3 shows schematically a sectional view of a transfer film. Fig. 4a to Fig. 4d show schematically process steps for producing a transfer film. Fig. 5a to Fig. 5c show schematically process steps for decorating a plastic molded part. Fig. 6a to Fig. 6c show schematically process steps for decorating a plastic molded part. Fig. 7 shows schematically a process step. Fig. 8a to Fig. 8e show schematic sectional views of a plastic molded part. Fig. 9 shows schematically a plan view of a decorative film and / or a plastic molded part.

[0157] Fig. 1a bis Fig. 1g show schematic sectional views of decorative films 1.

[0158] The Fig. 1a The decorative film 1 shown, in particular for decorating a plastic molded part, comprises a colored lacquer layer 4, a colored lacquer layer 6 and a transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5, wherein the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 is arranged between the colored lacquer layer 4 and the colored lacquer layer 6.

[0159] Here and below, in particular, the colored lacquer layer 4 is the first colored lacquer layer, and the colored lacquer layer 6 is the second colored lacquer layer in the above sense. Thus, in particular, the colored lacquer layer 4 represents the first colored lacquer layer, and the colored lacquer layer 6 represents the second colored lacquer layer according to the above explanations.

[0160] According to the invention, it is therefore provided that the colored lacquer layer 4 is arranged on the side of the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 facing the observer, and the colored lacquer layer 6 is arranged on the side of the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 facing away from the observer. Thus, it is provided that the colored lacquer layer 4 forms the side facing the observer. It is also provided that the colored lacquer layer 6 is arranged below the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 and below the colored lacquer layer 4 in the viewing direction.

[0161] A transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 is preferably understood to mean a transparent protective lacquer layer, in particular a transparent intermediate protective lacquer layer, which protects the colored lacquer layer 6, in particular the layers lying below the transparent intermediate protective lacquer layer as seen from an observer, from mechanical, physical and / or chemical environmental influences and / or which is designed in such a way that it further serves as a spacer or buffer layer for the ablating laser. For example, the layer shown in Fig. 1 shown transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 is a transparent protective lacquer layer, in particular a transparent intermediate protective lacquer layer.

[0162] The transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 preferably has a layer thickness between 0.5 µm and 50 µm, preferably between 2.0 µm and 2.5 µm. Fig. 1a The transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 shown has, for example, a layer thickness between 2.0 µm and 2.5 µm.

[0163] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 has a transmission, in particular in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, of at least 25%, preferably of at least 75%, more preferably of at least 85%. Fig. 1a The transparent laser protective lacquer layer shown has, for example, a transmission of at least 75%, preferably of at least 85%.

[0164] Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 has a transmission in the infrared range, preferably the near infrared range, more preferably in the wavelength range between 780 nm and 1400 nm, even more preferably for light of the wavelength of 1064 nm, of at least 25%, preferably of at least 75%, more preferably of at least 85%.

[0165] Furthermore, it is useful if the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 is heat-resistant, in particular up to a temperature of 250 °C, preferably up to 650 °C, more preferably up to 1000 °C.

[0166] Preferably, the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 diffusely scatters transmitted light, in particular light in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, and / or the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 has a haze value of at most 50 haze units, preferably of at most 20 haze units.

[0167] The haze value is preferably determined in haze units in transmission according to the ASTM D 1003 standard. For example, the haze value is measured using the "BYK haze-gard i" measuring device from Byk-Gardener, Geretsried, Germany. The layer or film to be measured is preferably held in the open sample chamber of the measuring device and, particularly for the haze value, is placed against the so-called "haze port" of the device. The measurement is advantageously carried out using a D65 standard illuminant. The measurement result is then preferably displayed on the measuring device's screen. The haze value is advantageously given in percent (%). Therefore, the unit of the haze value in this case can be percent (%). The value range of the haze value is therefore preferably 0-100%. Thus, it is possible for the haze units to be percentage values ​​or for the haze units to represent percentage values. The maximum value is preferably 100%.Any values ​​higher than 100% that may occur may, for example, be caused by additional scattered light effects and / or reflection effects during the measurement, particularly depending on the measuring principle used.

[0168] Haze is preferably understood here as diffuse scattering, in particular large-angle scattering, which leads in particular to a reduction in image quality. Particles or inhomogeneities in the material preferably act as scattering centers, at which the light is scattered in all spatial directions, with only a low scattering intensity advantageously occurring at each solid angle. This results in particular in a reduction in contrast and / or a milky, cloudy appearance, with this effect preferably being referred to as haze or turbidity. The haze value thus preferably represents a measure of the turbidity of transparent samples, for example, plastic layers or films.

[0169] Furthermore, it is expedient that the ratio of the light deflected in transmission by the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 from the angular range of less than 2.5° from the direction of the incident light relative to the total light transmitted by the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 is less than 0.5, preferably less than 0.2. In other words, it is possible for the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 to deflect less than 50%, preferably less than 20%, of the transmitted light, in particular from the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, by more than 2.5° from the direction of the incident light beam.

[0170] Preferably, the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 has a milky, cloudy appearance and / or the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 deflects more than 30%, preferably more than 45%, more preferably more than 65%, of the transmitted light, in particular from the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, by more than 2.5° from the direction of the incident light beam. In other words, it is possible for the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 to deflect less than 30%, preferably less than 45%, more preferably less than 65%, of the transmitted light, in particular from the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, by less than 2.5° from the direction of the incident light beam.

[0171] Furthermore, it is possible that the ratio of the light deflected by the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 from the angular range of less than 2.5° from the direction of the incident light in transmission in relation to the total light transmitted by the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 is greater than 0.3, preferably greater than 0.45, more preferably greater than 0.65.

[0172] It is also possible for the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 to be colored, in particular for the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 to be colored using dyes and / or color pigments. The degree of pigmentation of the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 is preferably less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, more preferably less than 5%.

[0173] However, it is also possible that the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 is colorless and / or clearly transparent and / or that the degree of pigmentation of the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 is 0%. Thus, the degree of pigmentation of the Fig. 1a shown transparent laser protection lacquer layer 5, for example, 0%, so that in the Fig. 1a The transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 shown is in particular an unpigmented clear lacquer layer.

[0174] The transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 is preferably a layer of monomers, oligomers, polymers and / or copolymers, which preferably comprises polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyester, polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA), polyurethane (PU) and / or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), more preferably PU and / or PVC. Furthermore, it is possible for the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 to comprise polyacrylate as a binder. For example, the Fig. 1a The transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 shown contains polyacrylate as a binder.

[0175] Furthermore, it is also possible that the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 comprises polyetherimides (PEI) and / or polysulfones, such as poly(arylethersulfone)s (PAES).

[0176] Furthermore, it is also possible for the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 to cure or be cured thermally and / or by high-energy radiation. Curing preferably occurs before and / or after processing the decorative film or transfer film and / or application of the decorative film or transfer film to a substrate.

[0177] Advantageously, the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 protects the colored lacquer layer 6, in particular the layers lying below the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 as seen from an observer, from mechanical, physical and / or chemical environmental influences.

[0178] The color coating layer 4 is preferably a layer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), PMMA, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), PA and / or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS). Furthermore, it is possible for the color coating layer 4 to contain acrylate as a binder. For example, the Fig. 1a The color lacquer layer shown has 4 acrylate as a binder.

[0179] Preferably, the color lacquer layer 4 has a layer thickness between 0.1 µm and 50 µm, preferably between 0.5 µm and 5.0 µm. Fig. 1a For example, the color lacquer layer shown has a layer thickness between 5.0 µm and 5.5 µm.

[0180] Furthermore, the color lacquer layer 4 is preferably opaque and / or advantageously has a transmission, in particular in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, of a maximum of 50%, preferably of a maximum of 20%, more preferably of a maximum of 5%. Fig. 1a For example, the color lacquer layer 4 shown has a maximum transmission of 5%.

[0181] It is also advantageous if the colored lacquer layer 4 is colored, in particular if the at least one colored lacquer layer 4 is colored by means of dyes and / or color pigments. The degree of pigmentation of the colored lacquer layer 4 is preferably between 5% and 35%, preferably between 20% and 25%. Fig. 1a The color lacquer layer 4 shown is colored, for example, by means of color pigments and further has, for example, a degree of pigmentation between 5% and 35%, preferably between 20% and 25%.

[0182] Furthermore, it is also possible that the colored lacquer layer 4 is colored dark, in particular black, and / or that the colored lacquer layer 4 comprises light-absorbing particles, in particular soot.

[0183] The color coating layer 6 is preferably made of PET, PMMA, PEN, PA and / or ABS and / or has acrylate as a binder. Fig. 1a The color lacquer layer 6 shown contains, for example, acrylate as a binder.

[0184] Furthermore, the color lacquer layer 6 preferably has a layer thickness between 0.1 µm and 50 µm, preferably between 1.0 µm and 5.0 µm. Thus, the Fig. 1a For example, the color lacquer layer 6 shown has a layer thickness of between 6.0 µm and 7.0 µm.

[0185] According to the invention, the color lacquer layer 6 has a transmission, in particular in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, of at least 10%. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the color lacquer layer 6 is transparent and / or that the color lacquer layer 6 has a transmission, in particular in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, of at least 25%, preferably of at least 75%, more preferably of at least 90%. Fig. 1a The color lacquer layer shown has, for example, a transmission of at least 25%, preferably of at least 45%.

[0186] It is thus advantageous if the colored lacquer layer 6 is translucent, in particular translucent by means of a backlighting means, and / or if the colored lacquer layer 6 is designed such that more than 10%, preferably more than 25%, more preferably more than 75%, even more preferably more than 90% of the light emitted by a backlighting means arranged behind the colored lacquer layer 6 in the viewing direction is transmitted.

[0187] Preferably, the color lacquer layer 6 is as in Fig. 1a shown, formed over the entire surface, in particular the colored lacquer layer 6 takes up the entire surface when viewed perpendicular to the decorative film 1.

[0188] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the color coating layer 6 diffusely scatters light, in particular light in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, and / or that the color coating layer 6 has a haze value of at least 50 haze units, preferably of at least 75 haze units.

[0189] According to the invention, the colored lacquer layer 6 deflects more than 50% of the transmitted light, in particular from the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, by more than 2.5° from the direction of the incident light beam. In other words, the colored lacquer layer 6 deflects less than 50% of the transmitted light, in particular from the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, by less than 2.5° from the direction of the incident light beam. It is also advantageous if the colored lacquer layer 6 deflects more than 75%, preferably more than 85%, of the transmitted light, in particular from the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, by more than 2.5° from the direction of the incident light beam. In other words, it is possible for the color lacquer layer 6 to deflect less than 75%, preferably less than 85%, of the transmitted light, in particular from the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, by less than 2.5° from the direction of the incident light beam.

[0190] This also makes it possible for light transmitted through the color lacquer layer 6 to be scattered diffusely, preferably in a large solid angle range, preferably in all spatial directions, so that light, in particular from a point light source, is scattered homogeneously, so that the color lacquer layer 6 appears homogeneously illuminated to a viewer, in particular despite illumination with a point light source.

[0191] Thus, it is possible that the colored lacquer layer 6 forms a diffuser film and / or that the colored lacquer layer 6 is a diffuser film.

[0192] Diffuser film is understood here to be a particularly self-supporting, dry layer that can be applied, for example, by lamination or similar processes. Such a diffuser film preferably represents an alternative to a second color coating layer printed or cast using a wet process.

[0193] Furthermore, the colored lacquer layer 6 is preferably also colored, in particular colored by means of dyes and / or colored pigments. It is preferably possible for the degree of pigmentation of the colored lacquer layer 6 to be between 5% and 80%, preferably between 40% and 45%. Fig. 1a The colored lacquer layer 6 shown is, for example, a layer colored by means of color pigments, the degree of pigmentation being, for example, between 40% and 45%.

[0194] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the colored lacquer layer 6 or a layer adjacent to the second colored lacquer layer 6 is designed as a light guide layer. This light guide layer preferably has a light coupling surface on one of its end faces, in particular into which light from a light source is radiated into the light guide layer. It is possible for this light source to be arranged such that, in the viewing direction, it is not arranged below the decorative film 1, but rather, for example, offset laterally therefrom. Furthermore, it is expedient for the light guide layer to have light output surfaces, for example, having a surface structure, at least in certain area on its surface facing the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5. It is possible for the light output surfaces to be designed such that diffusely scattering light is output, preferably evenly distributed over the light output surfaces.

[0195] Furthermore, it is expedient if, as an alternative or in addition to a surface structuring, a fluorescent dye, preferably in the form of dye particles, is embedded in the material of the colored lacquer layer 6, which in the embodiment as a light guide layer consists of polycarbonate or PVC, for example. Thus, it is possible for the colored lacquer layer 6 to comprise a fluorescent dye, preferably in the form of dye particles, particularly in the region of the light guide surfaces. In particular, when light is irradiated into the light guide layer, the dye particles are excited to fluoresce and emit fluorescent light isotropically, i.e. also in the direction of the light guide layer. Thus, it is possible to determine the color of the output light when the light source is switched on, depending on the fluorescent dye in the plastic material.

[0196] In this case, it is possible for the colored lacquer layer 6, in the embodiment as a light guide layer, to be designed, in particular, as a self-supporting, dry layer, which is applied, for example, by means of gluing, lamination, or similar processes. Furthermore, it is also possible for the colored lacquer layer 6, in the embodiment as a light guide layer, to be printed or cast using a wet process.

[0197] The Fig. 1b The decorative film 1 shown, in particular for decorating a plastic molded part, comprises a colored lacquer layer 4, a colored lacquer layer 6, a protective lacquer layer 8 and a transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5, wherein the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 is arranged between the colored lacquer layer 4 and the colored lacquer layer 6.

[0198] As in Fig. 1b As shown, the protective lacquer layer 8 is arranged above the colored lacquer layer 4. According to the invention, the colored lacquer layer 4 forms the side of the decorative film 1 facing a viewer. Thus, the protective lacquer layer 8 is arranged on the side of the decorative film 1 facing the viewer.

[0199] The designations "below" and / or "above" refer in particular to the arrangement of layers in relation to another layer when viewed by an observer from a viewing direction. It is therefore useful if the designations "below" and / or "above" represent a reference system. For example, as in Fig. 1b shown, the color lacquer layer 6 is arranged below the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 in the viewing direction.

[0200] It is intended that the protective lacquer layer 8 forms the layer facing the viewer. The protective lacquer layer 8 is, as shown in Fig. 1b shown, arranged in the viewing direction above the color lacquer layer 4, the color lacquer layer 6 and the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5. Thus, the protective lacquer layer 8, as in Fig. 1b shown, arranged on the side of the colored lacquer layer 4 facing away from the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5.

[0201] As in Fig. 1b As shown, the protective lacquer layer 8 preferably completely covers the colored lacquer layer 4 when viewed perpendicular to a plane spanned by the colored lacquer layer 4, the colored lacquer layer 6, and / or the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5. However, it is also possible for the protective lacquer layer 8 to cover the colored lacquer layer 4 only in certain regions.

[0202] Advantageously, the protective lacquer layer 8 protects the layers arranged below the protective lacquer layer 8 in the viewing direction from mechanical, physical and / or chemical environmental influences, in particular at least in those areas in which the protective lacquer layer 8 is not subsequently removed or applied again.

[0203] The protective lacquer layer 8 is expediently transparent and / or the protective lacquer layer 8 has a transmission, in particular in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, of at least 25%, preferably of at least 35%, more preferably of at least 85%. Fig. 1b shown protective lacquer layer 8 is a transparent protective lacquer layer 8 which, for example, has a transmission of at least 85%.

[0204] The layer thickness of the protective lacquer layer 8 is preferably between 0.5 µm and 50 µm, more preferably between 4.0 µm and 4.5 µm. Fig. 1b The protective lacquer layer 8 shown, for example, has a layer thickness between 4.0 µm and 4.5 µm.

[0205] Furthermore, the protective lacquer layer 8 is preferably a layer of monomers, oligomers, polymers, and / or copolymers, preferably comprising polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyester, polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA), polyurethanes (PU), and / or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), more preferably comprising PU and / or PVC. Furthermore, it is possible for the protective lacquer layer 8 to comprise polyacrylate as a binder.

[0206] Furthermore, it is also possible that the protective lacquer layer 8 comprises polyetherimides (PEI) and / or polysulfones, such as poly(arylethersulfone)s (PAES).

[0207] Furthermore, it is also possible for the protective lacquer layer 8 to cure or be cured thermally and / or by high-energy radiation. Curing preferably occurs before and / or after processing the decorative film or transfer film and / or application of the decorative film or transfer film to a substrate.

[0208] For example, the Fig. 1b The protective lacquer layer shown contains, for example, acrylate, in particular reactive curing acrylates, as a binder, with curing preferably taking place thermally and / or by means of UV radiation.

[0209] Furthermore, it is also possible for the protective lacquer layer 8 to be colored, in particular for the protective lacquer layer to be colored using dyes and / or color pigments. The degree of pigmentation of the protective lacquer layer 8 is preferably less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, more preferably less than 5%.

[0210] However, it is also possible that the protective lacquer layer 8 is colorless and / or clearly transparent and / or that the degree of pigmentation of the protective lacquer layer is 0%.

[0211] Preferably, the protective lacquer layer 8 is clear, in particular the protective lacquer layer 8 deflects transmitted light, in particular light in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, by less than 8%, preferably by less than 4%, through scattering.

[0212] This is the case with Fig. 1b The protective lacquer layer 8 shown is, for example, an unpigmented clear lacquer layer.

[0213] Regarding the design of further Fig. 1b shown layers, in particular the colored lacquer layer 4, the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 and the colored lacquer layer 6, reference is made here to the above explanations.

[0214] The Fig. 1c Decorative film 1 shown corresponds to the one in Fig. 1b shown decorative film with the difference that the colored lacquer layer 4 is formed as a metal layer 4a and the colored lacquer layer 6 is formed as a metal layer 6a.

[0215] Advantageously, the metal layer 4a is an optically dense metal layer, which preferably has a lower transmission compared to the metal layer 6a. Likewise, it is advantageous if the metal layer 6a is an optically thin metal layer, which preferably has a higher transmission compared to the metal layer 4a.

[0216] Advantageously, the metal layer 4a has a transmission, in particular in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, of a maximum of 30%, preferably of a maximum of 10%, more preferably of a maximum of 5%.

[0217] The metal layer 6a preferably has a transmission, in particular in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, of more than 10%, preferably of more than 25%, more preferably of more than 50%, even more preferably of more than 75%, furthermore even more preferably of more than 90%.

[0218] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the layer thickness of the first metal layer 4a is between 10 nm and 1 µm, preferably between 20 nm and 300 nm.

[0219] The layer thickness of the second metal layer 6a is preferably between 1 nm and 500 nm, preferably between 10 nm and 80 nm.

[0220] This ensures in particular that the metal layer 4a is perceived by the observer as opaque due to its lower transmission, while the metal layer 6a is transparent.

[0221] The functional relationship between transmission (T) and optical thickness (OD) is formulated as follows: OD = log (100 / T[%]).

[0222] As explained above, the transmission values ​​are determined in particular in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, i.e. in the wavelength range visible to the human eye.

[0223] The optical density of a metal layer depends, in particular, on the layer thickness used and, among other things, on the metal used.

[0224] Thus, it is possible for the metal layer 4a and / or the metal layer 6a to be formed from aluminum, cobalt, copper, gold, iron, chromium, nickel, silver, platinum, palladium, and / or titanium, or alloys thereof. Aluminum is preferably used for the optically denser metal layer 4a due to its low penetration depth for light in the wavelength range visible to the human eye, and gold, copper, chromium, silver, and / or iron are used for the optically thinner metal layer 6a due to their high penetration depth for light in the wavelength range visible to the human eye.

[0225] The Fig. 1d Decorative film 1 shown corresponds to the one in Fig. 1b shown decorative film 1 with the difference that the colored lacquer layer 4b and the colored lacquer layer 6b are multi-layered.

[0226] As in Fig. 1d The colored lacquer layer 4b is shown formed from two partial layers, wherein the two partial layers each have a layer thickness between 0.1 µm and 50 µm, preferably between 0.5 µm and 5.0 µm.

[0227] Likewise, as in Fig. 1d shown, the color lacquer layer 6b is also formed from two partial layers, wherein the two partial layers preferably each have a layer thickness between 0.1 µm and 50 µm, more preferably between 1.0 µm and 5.0 µm.

[0228] Furthermore, it is possible that the two sub-layers each have different colors, in particular from the RGB color space or the CMYK color space.

[0229] Color is understood here in particular to mean a color point that can be represented within the color space in a color model such as the RGB color model (R = red; G = green; B = blue) or the CMYK color model (C = cyan; M = magenta; Y = yellow; K = black).

[0230] The Fig. 1e Decorative film 1 shown corresponds to the one in Fig. 1a shown decorative film 1 with the difference that the colored lacquer layer 4 is formed in regions.

[0231] As in Fig. 1e As shown, the color lacquer layer 4 is present in the areas 16b and not present in the areas 16c.

[0232] Such a partially formed color lacquer layer 4 can be produced, for example, by means of printing processes such as letterpress printing, in particular flexographic printing, planographic printing, in particular offset printing, gravure printing, inkjet printing, and / or screen printing. Furthermore, it is also possible, particularly if the color lacquer layer 4 is formed as a metal layer 4a, for it to be produced by means of metallization processes such as, for example, CVD processes ( engl. chemical vapor deposition) and / or PVD processes ( engl. physical vapor deposition) is preferably produced using a mask, in particular a photolithographic mask.

[0233] In this context, a region is understood to mean, in particular, a defined area of ​​a layer or ply which, when viewed perpendicular to a plane spanned by the decorative film 1, in particular by the colored lacquer layer 4, the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5, and / or the colored lacquer layer 6. For example, the colored lacquer layer 4 has regions 16b in which the colored lacquer layer 4 is present, and regions 16c in which the colored lacquer layer 4 is not present, wherein each of the regions 16b, 16c occupies a defined area when viewed perpendicular to a plane spanned by the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5.

[0234] The Fig. 1f The decorative film shown corresponds to the one in Fig. 1b shown decorative film 1 with the difference that the decorative film 1 further comprises an adhesive layer 9.

[0235] As in Fig. 1f The adhesive layer 9 is shown arranged on the side of the colored lacquer layer 6 facing away from the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5.

[0236] However, it is also possible that the adhesive layer 9 is arranged on the side of the colored lacquer layer 4 and / or the protective lacquer layer 8 facing away from the transparent laser protective lacquer layer.

[0237] It is thus possible for the adhesive layer 9 to form the layer or surface of the decorative film 1 facing towards and / or away from a viewer and / or to be located or arranged above the colored lacquer layer 4, the colored lacquer layer 6 and / or the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 in the viewing direction and / or for the adhesive layer 9 to be located or arranged below the colored lacquer layer 4, the colored lacquer layer 6 and / or the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 in the viewing direction.

[0238] Preferably, the adhesive layer 9 covers the color lacquer layer 4 or the color lacquer layer 6 in regions or completely when viewed perpendicular to a plane spanned by the color lacquer layer 4, the color lacquer layer 6 and / or the transparent laser protection lacquer layer 5.

[0239] This makes it possible for the decorative film 1 to be applied, in particular firmly applied, to a plastic molded part, in particular to be applied in such a way that the decorative film 1 is firmly connected to the plastic molded part.

[0240] The term "firmly connected" preferably refers to a permanent connection between two elements such that they can no longer be mechanically separated without damaging at least one of the elements. For example, the decorative film 1 and a plastic molded part are firmly connected if there is a permanent connection between these two elements and the decorative film 1 and / or the plastic molded part cannot be separated without damaging one of the two elements.

[0241] The adhesive layer 9 expediently has a layer thickness between 0.1 µm and 50 µm, preferably between 0.5 µm and 7 µm, more preferably between 2.5 µm and 3.0 µm. Fig. 1f The adhesive layer 9 shown, for example, has a layer thickness between 2.5 µm and 3.0 µm.

[0242] Preferably, the adhesive layer 9 is transparent and / or has a transmission, in particular in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, of at least 45%, preferably of at least 65%, more preferably of at least 95%. Fig. 1f For example, the adhesive layer 9 shown has a transmission of at least 45%.

[0243] Preferably, the adhesive layer 9 consists of a material which is clearly transparent after application to the plastic molded part, in particular the adhesive layer 9 consists of a material which, after application to the plastic molded part, deflects light in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm by less than 8%, preferably by less than 4%, through scattering.

[0244] The adhesive layer 9 is preferably a layer of polymers and / or copolymers, in particular comprising PMMA, polyester, PU or PVC. Furthermore, it is possible for the adhesive layer 9 to contain acrylate as a binder. For example, the Fig. 1f The adhesive layer shown 9 contains acrylate as a binding agent.

[0245] It is also conceivable that the adhesive layer 9 is colored, in particular that the adhesive layer 9 is colored by means of dyes and / or color pigments. Advantageously, the degree of pigmentation of the adhesive layer 9 is between 5% and 50%, preferably between 30% and 35%. For example, the Fig. 1f The adhesive layer 9 shown has a degree of pigmentation between 30% and 35%.

[0246] However, it is also conceivable that the adhesive layer 9 is colorless and / or clearly transparent and / or that the degree of pigmentation of the adhesive layer 9 is 0%.

[0247] The Fig. 1g The decorative film 1 shown, in particular for decorating a plastic molded part, comprises a colored lacquer layer 4, a colored lacquer layer 6, a protective lacquer layer 8, an electrical functional layer 10 with an electrical functional structure and a transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5, wherein the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 is arranged between the colored lacquer layer 4 and the colored lacquer layer 6. Fig. 1g The decorative film 1 shown corresponds to the one in Fig. 1b shown decorative film 1 with the difference that the decorative film 1 further has an electrical functional layer 10 with at least one electrical functional structure.

[0248] A touch sensor field forms the electrical functional structure, which provides touch field functionality.

[0249] A touch sensor field is understood in particular to be a touch-sensitive sensor that enables the control of an electrical functional element, for example, a PDA or a control element marked with a symbol or lettering, for example, a motor vehicle. A touch sensor field is also understood in particular to be a multi-touch sensor field that can process multiple simultaneous touches.

[0250] It is possible that at least one electrical functional structure forms a capacitive sensor field.

[0251] However, it is also possible that the at least one electrical functional structure forms a resistive or inductive sensor field.

[0252] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one electrical functional structure additionally has further functional elements, such as electrical supply lines, electrical and / or electronic components, such as integrated circuits.

[0253] It is also conceivable for the at least one electrical functional structure to be single-layered or multi-layered. Furthermore, it is possible for the at least one electrical functional structure to have a reinforcement layer, at least in some areas, which is applied, for example, by electroplating and / or by printing with metal pigment layers and / or other conductive layers, such as carbon.

[0254] Thus, it is possible that the decorative film 1 forms a touch sensor and / or that the decorative film 1 is a touch sensor.

[0255] Furthermore, it is also advantageous if all layers arranged below the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 in the viewing direction are transparent, in particular if all layers arranged below the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 have a transmission of at least 25%, preferably of at least 45%.

[0256] Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a diffusely scattering layer. Fig. 2 The functionality of a diffusely scattering layer is explained. The diffusely scattering layer can be, for example, the colored lacquer layer 6, which in particular diffusely scatters transmitted light, preferably over a large solid angle range, more preferably in all spatial directions, so that light, in particular from a point light source, is scattered homogeneously, so that the colored lacquer layer 6 appears homogeneously illuminated to a viewer 7, in particular despite illumination with a point light source. Thus, it is possible for the colored lacquer layer 6 to form a diffuser film and / or for the colored lacquer layer 6 to be a diffuser film.

[0257] As in Fig. 2 As shown, incident light 17a is transmitted and scattered, in particular, by the color coating layer 6. Preferably, the color coating layer 6 diffusely scatters light, in particular light in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, and / or the color coating layer 6 preferably has a haze value of at least 50 haze units, preferably of at least 75 haze units.

[0258] It is also advantageous if the colored lacquer layer 6 scatters the transmitted light over a large angular range, in particular a solid angle range. Thus, it is possible for the light 17b scattered by the colored lacquer layer 6 to be scattered over an angular range, in particular over a solid angle range, of at least 120°, preferably of at least 150°, even more preferably of at least 180°. In other words, it is possible for the colored lacquer layer 6 to scatter the transmitted light, in particular uniformly, spherically, preferably hemispherically, wherein preferably identical surface areas of the sphere, preferably the hemisphere, receive essentially the same light component of the scattered light.

[0259] According to the invention, the colored lacquer layer 6 deflects more than 50% of the transmitted light, in particular from the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, by more than 2.5° from the direction of the incident light beam. As already explained above, it is also possible for the colored lacquer layer 6 to deflect more than 75%, preferably more than 85%, of the transmitted light, in particular from the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm, by more than 2.5° from the direction of the incident light beam.

[0260] In particular, due to the distribution of the scattered light 17b over a large angular range, in particular a solid angle range, the one diffusely scattering layer, such as the colored lacquer layer 6 here, appears to the observer 7 to be homogeneously illuminated, even though it is backlit, for example, by a point light source. Thus, a diffusely scattering layer, such as the colored lacquer layer 6 here, preferably creates a uniformly illuminated surface for an observer, even if, for example, several point light sources, such as LEDs, are arranged behind the diffusely scattering layer, such as the colored lacquer layer 6 here.

[0261] Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of a transfer film 2. The transfer film 2, in particular hot stamping film and / or in-mold film, comprises a carrier film 11 and a decorative film 1 that can be detached from the carrier film 11. With regard to the design of the decorative film 1, reference is made to the above explanations.

[0262] As in Fig. 3 As shown, the transfer film 2 comprises a carrier film 11 and in particular a transfer layer that can be detached from the carrier film 11, wherein the decorative film 1 preferably forms the transfer layer of the transfer film 2 and wherein the transfer layer is arranged on the carrier film 11 and can be detached from the carrier film.

[0263] Furthermore, the transfer film 2 includes Fig. 3 can be seen, advantageously further a release layer 12, which is arranged in particular between the carrier film 11 and the removable decorative film 1.

[0264] The release layer 12 preferably has a layer thickness between 0.01 µm and 10 µm, more preferably between 0.1 µm and 5 µm. Furthermore, the release layer 12 consists in particular of waxes, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), cellulose derivatives, and / or poly(organo)siloxanes.

[0265] The carrier film 11 is expediently a transparent carrier film, in particular made of PET, PMMA, PC, ABS or PU, and / or the carrier film 11 has a layer thickness between 2 µm and 250 µm, preferably between 20 µm and 125 µm.

[0266] Such a transfer film 2 is also used in particular as a hot stamping film and / or in-mold film, in particular as an in-mold decoration film, insert-molding film, in-mold labeling film and / or print-mold design film.

[0267] Thus, it is possible for the transfer film 2 to be used as a hot stamping film, wherein, in particular, the decorative film 1 is transferred to a target substrate, such as a plastic molded part, by means of a heated stamping die that exerts pressure on the transfer film 2 for a specific period of time. Subsequently, the carrier film 11 is preferably removed.

[0268] Furthermore, it is also possible for the transfer film 2 to be used as an in-mold film, in particular as an in-mold decoration film, insert-molding film, in-mold labeling film, and / or print-mold design film. In particular, the transfer film 2 is inserted into an injection mold and then, preferably after the injection mold has been closed, the transfer film 2 is back-injected with a plastic compound such that the decorative film bonds firmly to the plastic compound. Here, too, the carrier film 11 is subsequently preferably removed.

[0269] Fig. 4a bis Fig. 4d show schematic process steps for producing a transfer film 2.

[0270] As in Fig. 4a As shown, carrier film 11 is first provided. Then, optionally, a release layer 12 is applied to the carrier film 11. Regarding the design of the release layer 12, reference is made to the above explanations. The application of the release layer 12 is preferably carried out by means of a printing process or by means of a vapor deposition process. In a further step, as shown in Fig. 4b shown, the colored lacquer layer 4 is applied. Regarding the design of the colored lacquer layer 4, reference is made to the above explanations. The application of the colored lacquer layer 4 is preferably carried out by means of printing processes and / or metallization processes. Regarding possible printing processes and / or metallization processes, reference is also made to the above explanations. In a further step, as in Fig. 4c shown, the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 is applied, in particular by means of a printing process. Here again, reference is made to the above explanations regarding the design of the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 and possible printing processes. The transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 is applied in a further step, as shown in Fig. 4d shown, the colored lacquer layer 6 is applied. The application of the colored lacquer layer 6 is carried out in particular by means of printing processes, metallization processes and / or hot or cold transfer processes. Regarding the printing, metallization processes and transfer processes, reference is again made to the above explanations. Subsequently, an adhesive layer 9 is optionally applied in a further step, for example by means of a printing process. Regarding the design of the adhesive layer 9, reference is made to the above explanations. Fig. 4d The protective lacquer layer 8 shown can be additionally applied before the application of the first colored lacquer layer 4, preferably by means of a printing process or a casting process. Here, too, reference is made to the above explanations regarding the design of the protective lacquer layer 8 and possible application methods. Furthermore, it is expedient if the applied layers are pre-cured and / or cured thermally and / or by means of UV radiation.

[0271] Preferably, the process steps described above are carried out in the order mentioned above.

[0272] In the method for producing a transfer film 2, the layers, in particular the colored lacquer layer 4, the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 and / or the colored lacquer layer 6, are preferably applied to one another directly, i.e. preferably without further layers being arranged between the layers, in particular between the colored lacquer layer 4, the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 and / or the colored lacquer layer 6, according to the steps outlined above. Thus, it is possible for the decorative film 1, which can be detached from the carrier film 11, to comprise the colored lacquer layer 4, the colored lacquer layer 6 and the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5, wherein the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 is arranged between the colored lacquer layer 4 and the colored lacquer layer 6.

[0273] Fig. 5a bis Fig. 5c show schematic process steps for decorating a plastic molded part 3.

[0274] First, as in Fig. 5a shown, a decorative film 1 is provided, wherein the decorative film 1 comprises a colored lacquer layer 4, a colored lacquer layer 6 and a transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5, and wherein the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 is arranged between the colored lacquer layer 4 and the colored lacquer layer 6. Regarding further possible embodiments of the decorative film 1, reference is made to the above statements. In a further step, the decorative film 1, as in Fig. 5b shown, applied to a plastic molded part 3. The decorative film is preferably applied by means of hot or cold transfer processes, more preferably by means of hot stamping and / or in-mold processes. Regarding the possible application processes, reference is made to the above explanations. In a further step, which is Fig. 5c As shown, the colored lacquer layer 4, which is particularly facing a viewer, is removed in the areas 16a by means of a laser.

[0275] Removing a layer here means the partial and / or complete removal of a layer, in particular by means of laser cutting and / or laser ablation. For example, if a layer is removed in one area, the corresponding layer in this area has been partially and / or completely removed. Removal is preferably carried out by laser cutting and / or laser ablation. Removal also means the partial and / or complete removal of a layer, in particular by means of mechanical or precision engineering methods, for example, by milling and / or grinding and / or drilling.

[0276] As in Fig. 5c As shown, in step b) the decorative film 1 is applied to the plastic molded part 3 in such a way that the colored lacquer layer 4 forms the side facing the viewer 7 and the colored lacquer layer 6 forms the side facing away from the viewer.

[0277] Advantageously, the above process steps are carried out in the order listed above.

[0278] Advantageously, the regions 16a form decorative elements, such as symbols or lettering. It is also possible for regions 16a to represent a logo and / or a symbol and / or a pattern and / or an alphanumeric character.

[0279] Furthermore, it is also preferred if the regions 16a, when viewed perpendicularly to the decorative film 1 and / or the plastic molded part 3, have a line thickness of at least 50 µm, preferably of at least 100 µm, and / or if the regions 16a, when viewed perpendicularly to the decorative film 1 and / or the plastic molded part 3, have a line thickness of at most 2 mm, preferably of at most 1 mm, more preferably of at most 0.5 mm.

[0280] How to continue in Fig. 5c As shown, it is advantageous that in step c), the colored lacquer layer 4 in the regions 16a is removed according to the invention by means of the laser in such a way that the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 is exposed. Thus, it is possible for the colored lacquer layer 4 to be completely removed in the regions 16a in step c).

[0281] Furthermore, it is preferred if, in step c), the colored lacquer layer 4 is removed in the regions 16a by means of a laser in such a way that the layer thickness of the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 in the regions 16a in which the colored lacquer layer 4 was removed by means of the laser essentially corresponds to the layer thickness of the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 in those regions in which the colored lacquer layer 4 was not removed by means of the laser.

[0282] In particular, any slight superficial damage to the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 is acceptable, preferably as long as the total thickness of the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 is not reduced by more than 50%, preferably by no more than 30%.

[0283] Furthermore, it is also possible that the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 is designed such that the layer thickness of the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 in the regions 16a in which the colored lacquer layer 4 is removed by means of a laser is reduced by less than 25%, preferably by less than 15%, more preferably by less than 5%, compared to those regions in which the colored lacquer layer 4 is not removed by means of the laser.

[0284] This ensures, particularly in the final product, that the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5, on the one hand, fulfills its protective function against environmental influences for the underlying layers and, on the other hand, that the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 also fulfills or has fulfilled its function as a spacer or buffer layer.

[0285] Furthermore, it is possible that in step b) the decorative film 1 is applied by means of transfer processes, in particular hot and / or cold transfer processes, such as hot stamping, in-mold decoration, insert molding, print mold design, in-mold labeling, lamination and / or gluing.

[0286] Furthermore, it is also possible that in step b) the decorative film 1 is applied to the plastic molded part 3 by back-injection molding. In this case, it is useful if the process further includes the following steps: Inserting the decorative film 1 into an injection mold. Back-injecting the decorative film 1 with a plastic compound such that the decorative film 1 bonds firmly to the plastic compound and, in particular, that the decorative film 1 forms a first surface of the plastic molded part 3. Preferably, the cured plastic compound forms the plastic molded part 3.

[0287] Fig. 6a bis Fig. 6c show schematic process steps for decorating a plastic molded part 3.

[0288] First, as in Fig. 6a shown, a transfer film 2 comprising a decorative film 1 is provided, wherein the decorative film 1 comprises a protective lacquer layer 8, a colored lacquer layer 4, a transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5, a colored lacquer layer 6 and an adhesive layer 9, and wherein the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 is arranged between the colored lacquer layer 4 and the colored lacquer layer 6. Regarding the further design of the transfer film 2 and the decorative film 1, reference is made to the above statements. In a further Fig. 6b In the step shown, the decorative film 1 is applied to the plastic molded part 3. Transfer processes, in particular hot and / or cold transfer processes, such as hot stamping, in-mold decoration, insert molding, print mold design, in-mold labeling, lamination and / or gluing, are preferably used to apply the decorative film 1. In a Fig. 6c In the step shown, at least the color lacquer layer 4 in the areas 16a is then removed by means of a laser. As shown in Fig. 6c As shown, the colored lacquer layer 4 is arranged on the side of the plastic molded part 3 facing the viewer.

[0289] Furthermore, as in Fig. 6c shown, in the areas 16a, the protective lacquer layer 8 arranged above the at least one first color lacquer layer 4 in the viewing direction is completely removed.

[0290] Partially removed is preferably understood to mean that the partially removed layer is altered or destroyed in such a way that it no longer fulfills its predetermined properties. For example, a partially removed protective lacquer layer 8 no longer fulfills its predetermined property of protecting the underlying layer from chemical, physical, and / or mechanical environmental influences.

[0291] Completely removed is preferably understood here to mean that the completely removed layers in the corresponding regions are removed and / or ablated and / or burned and / or vaporized without leaving any residue. For example, if the colored lacquer layer 4 is completely removed in regions 16a, in particular by laser cutting and / or laser ablation, the colored lacquer layer 4 is removed without leaving any residue in regions 16a.

[0292] Thus, it is possible that in the regions 16a, the protective lacquer layer 8 arranged above the at least one first colored lacquer layer 4 in the viewing direction is removed in such a way that layers arranged below the protective lacquer layer 8 in the regions 16a, in particular the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 and / or the colored lacquer layer 6, are no longer protected from chemical, physical, and / or mechanical environmental influences. In other words, in this case, the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 and / or the colored lacquer layer 6 are exposed to chemical, mechanical, and / or physical environmental influences, so that the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 now fulfills the function of protecting the layer arranged below it.

[0293] Furthermore, it is also possible if, in step c), all layers arranged above the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 in the viewing direction are completely removed in the regions 16a.

[0294] Furthermore, an electrical functional layer with an electrical functional structure is arranged on the side of the colored lacquer layer 6 facing away from the viewer, wherein the electrical functional structure forms a touch sensor field which provides a touch field functionality.

[0295] Preferably, the electrical functional layer with the electrical functional structure is arranged between the decorative film 1 and the plastic molded part 3. The electrical functional layer is arranged on the side of the colored lacquer layer 6 facing away from the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5.

[0296] It is advantageous if the electrical functional layer with the electrical functional structure is firmly connected to the decorative film 1 and the plastic molded part 3.

[0297] Furthermore, it is also possible for a backlighting device, in particular comprising organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), inorganic light-emitting diodes (LEDs), microLEDs (mLEDs), and / or quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs), to be arranged, preferably on the side of the plastic molded part 3 facing away from the decorative film 1. The backlighting device is expediently permanently attached, in particular glued or laminated.

[0298] The backlighting device may alternatively or additionally also comprise incandescent lamps, halogen lamps, gas discharge lamps and / or fluorescent lamps, in particular induction lamps.

[0299] Less preferably, the backlighting device comprises lasers and / or chemical-physical illuminants, such as fluorescent paints or glow sticks.

[0300] Furthermore, it is possible that, in particular after the above-described steps for decorating a plastic molded part 3, further steps are carried out, in particular for further processing the plastic molded part 3. For example, it is possible for the plastic molded part 3, in particular the plastic molded part 3 decorated with the decorative film 1, to be further processed with one of the following additional steps: painting with additional layers, PU flooding, overmolding or coating with another plastic component, milling, punching, deep drawing, polishing, and / or embossing.

[0301] Fig. 7 shows schematically a process step which is carried out during the process for decorating a plastic molded part 3. In the Fig. 7 The method step shown is a detailed view of the above-mentioned step of removing at least the colored lacquer layer 4 in the areas 16a by means of a laser 15a.

[0302] As in Fig. 7 As shown, at least the colored lacquer layer 4 is removed by means of a laser 15a. Furthermore, the protective lacquer layer 8 arranged on the colored lacquer layer 4 and forming the surface of the plastic molded part 3 is also completely removed, as explained above.

[0303] Preferably, a laser 15a with a beam diameter at the focal point of at least 50 µm, preferably at least 100 µm, is used.

[0304] It is also possible to focus the laser beam 15b by means of one or more lenses, in particular with a focal length between 100 mm and 500 mm, preferably between 200 mm and 300 mm, more preferably 254 mm.

[0305] Furthermore, it is preferred if a laser 15a, in particular a fiber laser, is used, wherein the laser 15a emits coherent light from the infrared range, preferably the near infrared range, more preferably light from the wavelength range between 780 nm and 1400 nm, even more preferably light of the wavelength 1064 nm.

[0306] The laser power is preferably between 0.05 W and 100 W, preferably between 1 W and 20 W, more preferably between 5 W and 10 W.

[0307] It is expedient if the laser beam 15b is directed along the regions 16a by means of deflectable mirrors, in particular by means of a laser scanning module.

[0308] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the laser 15a is operated at a writing speed of maximum 3000 mm / s, preferably at a writing speed between 500 mm / s and 2500 mm / s, and / or the laser 15a is operated at a pulse frequency between 1 Hz and 1000 kHz, preferably between 1 kHz and 200 kHz.

[0309] Furthermore, it is also possible for the laser 15a to be operated continuously. However, a pulsed laser is preferably used, since this reduces the thermal stress on the plastic molded part 3 compared to a continuously operated laser.

[0310] The parameters of the laser 15a are selected in particular depending on both the layers 4, 8 to be removed and the layers 5, 6, 9, 3 that are not to be removed. In particular, the parameters are selected depending on the layer thicknesses and the material of the layers 4, 8 to be removed and / or the layers 5, 6, 9, 3 that are not to be removed. The parameters of the laser 15a are also influenced by the material of the plastic molded part 3, since this is particularly exposed to the heat generated by the laser 15a or laser beam 15b. In order to prevent deformation of the plastic molded part 3, the material of the plastic molded part 3 must therefore also be taken into account when selecting the laser parameters. Furthermore, the penetration depth of the laser 15a or laser beam 15b is influenced in particular by the parameters writing speed, pulse frequency, and laser power.Furthermore, the laser parameters are advantageously also selected depending on the design of the areas 16a to be removed. In particular, the layout, layout size, line thickness, and fill effects are important factors. These include, for example, the number and laser direction of fills, repetitions of outlines and fills, and the order of the individual components of the layout.

[0311] The following are exemplary laser parameters for a plastic molded part 3 made of transparent ABS, decorated with a decorative film 1, which is processed according to the above method: Laser power: 8 W Laser frequency: 50 kHz Writing speed: 2000 mm / s Wavelength: 1064 nm

[0312] Fig. 8a bis Fig. 8e show schematic sectional views of a plastic molded part 3.

[0313] The Fig. 8a The plastic molded part 3 shown comprises a decorative film 1. The decorative film 1 comprises the colored lacquer layer 4, the colored lacquer layer 6, and the transparent laser-protective lacquer layer 5, with the transparent laser-protective lacquer layer 5 being arranged between the colored lacquer layer 4 and the colored lacquer layer 6. Furthermore, the colored lacquer layer 4 facing a viewer is removed in the regions 16a by means of a laser. Regarding the design of the layers 4, 5, and 6, reference is made to the above explanations.

[0314] It is also advantageous if the plastic molded part, as in Fig. 8a shown, has a layer of a thermoplastic material 14, which is arranged on the side of the color lacquer layer 6 facing away from the viewer. Thus, it is possible for the at least one layer of a thermoplastic material 14 to be arranged on the color lacquer layer 6 facing away from the viewer.

[0315] The regions 16a preferably have a line thickness of at least 50 µm, preferably at least 100 µm, when viewed perpendicular to the decorative film 1. However, it is also possible for the regions 16a to have a line thickness of at most 2 mm, preferably at most 1 mm, more preferably at most 0.5 mm, when viewed perpendicular to the decorative film 1.

[0316] Regarding the further design of areas 16a, reference is made to the above comments.

[0317] Furthermore, it is possible for the plastic molded part 3 to have a layer thickness between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 0.8 mm and 5 mm.

[0318] Preferably, the layer of a thermoplastic material 14 is transparent, in particular the layer of a thermoplastic material 14 has a transparency between 5% and 98%, in particular in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 780 nm.

[0319] The layer of a thermoplastic material 14 is preferably formed from one of the following materials: ABS, PC, ABS / PC, PC / ABS, PMMA, polypropylene (PP), PA, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0320] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the layer of a thermoplastic material 14 is colored, in particular that the layer of a thermoplastic material 14 is colored using dyes and / or color pigments. The degree of pigmentation of the layer of a thermoplastic material 14 is preferably less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, more preferably less than 5%.

[0321] The Fig. 8b The plastic molded part 3 shown corresponds to the one in Fig. 8a shown plastic molded part 3, with the difference that the plastic molded part 3, in particular the decorative film 1 encompassed by the plastic molded part 3, further comprises the protective lacquer layer 8 and the adhesive layer 9, wherein the protective lacquer layer 8 is completely removed in the regions 16a, as explained above. Regarding the design of the protective lacquer layer 8 and the adhesive layer 9, reference is made to the above explanations.

[0322] The Fig. 8c The plastic molded part 3 shown corresponds to the one in Fig. 8b shown plastic molded part 3 with the difference that the plastic molded part 3, in particular the decorative film 1 encompassed by the plastic molded part 3, further comprises the electrical functional layer 10 with an electrical functional structure on the colored lacquer layer 6 facing away from a viewer, wherein the functional structure forms a touch sensor field which provides a touch field functionality.

[0323] As in Fig. 8c As shown, the functional layer 10 with the electrical functional structure is arranged between the decorative film 1 and the layer of thermoplastic material 14. Thus, the functional layer 10 is preferably arranged on the side of the colored lacquer layer 6 facing away from the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5.

[0324] With regard to further possible embodiments of the electrical functional layer 10 with the electrical functional structure, reference is made to the above explanations.

[0325] This is how Fig. 8c shown plastic molded part 3, in particular the plastic molded part 3 decorated with the decorative film 1, for example a touch sensor.

[0326] The Fig. 8d The plastic molded part 3 shown also corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 8b shown plastic molded part with the difference that the plastic molded part 3 further comprises a backlighting device 13, in particular comprising organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), inorganic light-emitting diodes (LEDs), microLEDs (mLEDs) and / or quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs), wherein the backlighting device 13 is preferably arranged on the side of the layer of thermoplastic material 14 facing away from the decorative film 1.

[0327] With regard to further possible embodiments of the backlighting device 13, reference is made to the above explanations.

[0328] The Fig. 8e The plastic molded part 3 shown corresponds to the one in Fig. 8c shown plastic molding with the difference that the plastic molding 3 continues, as in Fig. 8d shown plastic molded part 3, has a backlighting device 13, wherein the backlighting device 13 is preferably arranged on the side of the layer of thermoplastic material 14 facing away from the decorative film 1.

[0329] Here too, reference is made to the above statements with regard to possible embodiments of the backlighting device 13 and / or the electrical functional layer 10 with the electrical functional structure.

[0330] Fig. 9 shows schematically a plan view of a decorative film 1 and / or a plastic molded part 3, which comprises a decorative film 1. As in Fig. 9 As shown, the decorative film 1 and / or the plastic molded part 3 comprising the decorative film 1 has regions 16a in which at least the colored lacquer layer 4, 4a, 4b has been removed by means of a laser. The regions 16a form, as shown in Fig. 9 shown, decorative elements such as symbols or lettering. For example, the areas 16a form, as shown in Fig. 9 shown, symbols. However, it is also possible that the areas represent patterns and / or logos and / or alphanumeric characters.

[0331] The Fig. 9 represents, on the one hand, the plan view of a decorative film 1, in which the colored lacquer layer 4, 4a, 4b facing a viewer is removed, in particular completely removed, in the areas 16a, so that the transparent laser protective lacquer layer 5 is exposed, in particular in the areas 16a. Furthermore, the Fig. 9 also the top view of a plastic molded part 3, which comprises a decorative film 1, which is also applied to the plastic molded part as explained above and is designed according to the above statements. It can therefore be Fig. 9both the top view of a decorative film 1 and the top view of a plastic molded part 3 decorated with a decorative film 1.

[0332] With regard to the further design of the regions 16a and / or the decorative film 1 and / or the plastic molded part 3, in particular with regard to possible layer structures of the decorative film 1 and / or the plastic molded part 3, reference is made here to the above statements. List of reference symbols

[0333] 1Decorative film 2Transfer film 3Plastic molding 4, 4a, 4First color coating layer(s) 5Transparent laser protective coating layer 6, 6a, 6bSecond color coating layer(s) 7Viewer 8Protective coating layer 9Adhesive layer 10Electrical functional layer 11Carrier film 12Release layer 13Backlighting agent 14Layer of thermoplastic material 15a, 15bLaser, laser beam 16a, 16b, 16cAreas 17a, 17bIncident light, scattered light

Claims

1. Decorative film (1), in particular for decorating a plastic moulded article (3), comprising at least one first coloured lacquer layer (4, 4a, 4b), at least one second coloured lacquer layer (6, 6a, 6b) and a transparent laser protection lacquer layer (5), wherein the transparent laser protection lacquer layer (5) is arranged between the at least one first coloured lacquer layer (4, 4a, 4b) and the at least one second coloured lacquer layer (6, 6a, 6b), wherein the at least one second coloured lacquer layer (6, 6a, 6b) has a transmission of at least 10%, and wherein in one or more first regions (16a), the at least one first coloured lacquer layer (4, 4a, 4b) facing an observer (7) is removed in such a way that the transparent laser protection lacquer layer (5) is exposed, characterised in that the at least one second coloured lacquer layer (6, 6a, 6b) deflects more than 50% of the transmitted light by more than 2.5° from the direction of the incidental beam of light, the decorative film (1) has one or more electrical functional layers (10) having at least one electrical functional structure on the side of the at least one second coloured lacquer layer facing away from the observer (7), wherein the at least one electrical functional structure forms a touch sensor pad, which provides a touchpad function, the decorative film (1) further comprises a protective lacquer layer (8), wherein the protective lacquer layer (8) is arranged on the side of the decorative film (1) facing an observer (7), and furthermore the protective lacquer layer (8) is completely removed in the one or more first regions (16a).

2. Decorative film (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that, in the one or more first regions (16a), the at least one first coloured lacquer layer (4, 4a, 4b) facing an observer (7) is completely removed.

3. Decorative film (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the transparent laser protection lacquer layer (5) diffusely scatters transmitted light, in particular light in the wavelength range between 380nm and 780nm, and / or the transparent laser protection lacquer layer (5) has a haze value of a maximum of 50 haze units, preferably a maximum of 20 haze units, and / or the transparent laser protection lacquer layer (5) has a milky-murky appearance and / or the transparent laser protection lacquer layer (5) deflects more than 30%, preferably more than 45%, further preferably more than 65%, of the transmitted light, in particular from the wavelength range between 380nm and 780nm, by more than 2.5° from the direction of the incidental beam of light.

4. Decorative film (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the transparent laser protection lacquer layer (5) is a layer of monomers, oligomers, polymers and / or copolymers, preferably comprising polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyester, polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA), polyurethane (PU) and / or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), further preferably comprising PU and / or PVC, and / or the transparent laser protection lacquer layer (5) has polyacrylate as a binder, and / or the transparent laser protection lacquer layer (5) has polyetherimides (PEI) and / or polysulfones, in particular poly(aryl ether sulfone)s (PAES).

5. Decorative film (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the transparent laser protection lacquer layer (5) protects the at least one second coloured lacquer layer (6, 6a, 6b), in particular the layers lying below the transparent laser protection lacquer layer (5) as seen by an observer (7), from mechanical, physical and / or chemical environmental influences.

6. Decorative film (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one first coloured lacquer layer (4, 4a, 4b) is formed to be opaque, and / or that the at least one first coloured lacquer layer (4, 4a, 4b) has a transmission, in particular in the wavelength range between 380nm and 780nm, of a maximum of 50%, preferably a maximum of 20%, further preferably a maximum of 5%, and / or the at least one first coloured lacquer layer (4, 4a, 4b) is multi-layered, in particular the at least one first coloured lacquer layer (4, 4a, 4b) is formed of two or more first partial layers (4b), wherein the two or more first partial layers (4b) preferably each have a layer thickness between 0.1µm and 50µm, further preferably between 0.5µm and 5.0µm.

7. Decorative film (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one second coloured lacquer layer (6, 6a, 6b) is formed to be transparent and / or the at least one second coloured lacquer layer (6, 6a, 6b) has a transmission, in particular in the wavelength range between 380nm and 780nm, of at least 25%, preferably of at least 75%, further preferably of at least 90%, and / or the at least one second coloured lacquer layer (6, 6a, 6b) is multi-layered, in particular the at least one second coloured lacquer layer (6, 6a, 6b) is formed of two or more second partial layers (6b), wherein the two or more second partial layers (6b) preferably each have a layer thickness between 0.1µm and 50µm, further preferably between 1.0µm and 5.0µm.

8. Decorative film (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one second coloured lacquer layer (6, 6a, 6b) diffusely scatters light, in particular in the wavelength range between 380nm and 780nm, and / or the at least one second coloured lacquer layer (6, 6a, 6b) has a haze value of at least 50 haze units, preferably of at least 75 haze units, and / or the at least one second coloured lacquer layer (6, 6a, 6b) deflects more than 75%, preferably more than 85%, of the transmitted light, in particular from the wavelength range between 380nm and 780nm, by more than 2.5° from the direction of the incidental beam of light.

9. Decorative film (1) according to claim 8, characterised in that protective lacquer layer (8) is clear, in particular the protective lacquer layer (8) deflects transmitted light, in particular light in the wavelength range between 380nm and 780nm, by less than 8%, preferably by less than 4%, by scattering.

10. Decorative film (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one electrical functional structure forms a capacitive sensor array.

11. Decorative film (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that all layers arranged underneath the transparent laser protection lacquer layer (5) in the observation direction are transparent, in particular all layers arranged underneath the transparent laser protection lacquer layer (5) have a transmission of at least 25%, preferably of at least 45%.

12. Method for decorating a plastic moulded article (3) comprising the following steps, which are in particular carried out in the following order: a) providing a decorative film (1), wherein the decorative film (1) comprises at least one first coloured lacquer layer (4, 4a, 4b), at least one second coloured lacquer layer (6, 6a, 6b) and a transparent laser protection lacquer layer (5), wherein the transparent laser protection lacquer layer (5) is arranged between the at least one first coloured lacquer layer (4, 4a, 4b) and the at least one second coloured lacquer layer (6, 6a, 6b), b) applying the decorative film (1) to the plastic moulded article (3), preferably by means of heat or cold transfer methods, further preferably by means of hot stamping and / or in-mould methods; c) removing at least the first coloured lacquer layer facing an observer (7) in one or more first regions by means of a laser, wherein the at least one second coloured lacquer layer (6, 6a, 6b) has a transmission of at least 10%, the at least one second coloured lacquer layer (6, 6a, 6b) deflects more than 50% of the transmitted light by more than 2.5° from the direction of the incidental beam of light, wherein the method further comprises the following steps: d) arranging one or more electrical functional layers (10) having at least one electrical functional layer on the side of the at least one second coloured lacquer layer (6, 6a, 6b) facing away from the observer (7), wherein the at least one electrical functional structure forms a touch sensor pad, which provides a touchpad function, wherein in step c), the at least one first coloured lacquer layer (4, 4a, 4b) in the one or more first regions (16a) is removed by means of the laser (15a) in such a way that the transparent laser protection lacquer layer (5) is exposed, wherein the decorative film (1) further comprises a protective lacquer layer (8), which is arranged on the side of the decorative film (1) facing an observer (7), and wherein the protective lacquer layer (8) is further completely removed in the one or more first regions (16a).

13. Method according to claim 12, characterised in that in step c), all layers arranged above the transparent laser protection lacquer layer (5) in the observation direction in the one or more first regions (16a) are removed, in particular completely removed.

14. Method according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterised in that step d) is carried out between step a) and b), and / or the method further comprises the following step: e) arranging a backlighting device (13), in particular comprising organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), inorganic light-emitting diodes (LEDs), microLEDs (mLEDs) and / or quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs), wherein the backlighting device is preferably arranged on the side of the plastic moulded article (3) facing away from the decorative film (1).

15. Plastic moulded article (3) comprising a decorative film (1), wherein the decorative film (1) comprises at least one first coloured lacquer layer (4, 4a, 4b), at least one second coloured lacquer layer (6, 6a, 6b) and a transparent laser protection lacquer layer (5), wherein the transparent laser protection lacquer layer (5) is arranged between the at least one first coloured lacquer layer (4, 4a, 4b) and the at least one second coloured lacquer layer (6, 6a, 6b), wherein the at least one second coloured lacquer layer (6, 6a, 6b) has a transmission of at least 10%, wherein the at least one second coloured lacquer layer (6, 6a, 6b) deflects more than 50% of the transmitted light by more than 2.5° from the direction of the incidental beam of light, wherein the plastic moulded article (3) has one or more electrical functional layers (10) having at least one electrical functional structure on the at least one second coloured lacquer layer (6, 6a, 6b) facing away from the observer (7), wherein the at least one electrical functional structure (10) forms a touch sensor pad, which provides a touchpad function, wherein the at least one first coloured lacquer layer (4, 4a, 4b) facing an observer (7) in one or more first regions (16a) is removed by means of a laser (15a), wherein the decorative film (1) further comprises a protective lacquer layer (8), wherein the protective lacquer layer (8) is arranged on the side of the decorative film (1) facing an observer (7), and wherein the protective lacquer layer (8) is further completely removed in the one or more first regions (16a).