Decorative film for a vehicle interior

Abstract

The invention relates to a decorative film (1) for a vehicle interior, in particular an aircraft interior, which comprises at least one transparent, chemically resistant, scratch-resistant and fire-resistant cover layer (2) made of plastic, and a fire-resistant embossing resin layer (3). Directly successive layers of the decorative film (1) are interconnected in a planar manner. The embossing resin layer (3) consists of a thermoplastic polymer and at least one added additive (A). The additive (A) consists of a solid having a density of ≤ 0.9 g / cm3 and constitutes between 1 wt.% and 50 wt.% of the embossing resin layer (3).

Description

[0001] DECOR FILM FOR A VEHICLE INTERIOR

[0002] The invention relates to a decorative film for a vehicle interior, in particular an aircraft interior, comprising at least the following layers:

[0003] • a transparent, chemically resistant, scratch-resistant and fire-resistant top layer made of plastic and

[0004] • a fire-resistant embossed resin layer, whereby directly successive layers of the decorative film are bonded to one another.

[0005] Vehicles for passenger transport, which are used in public and private traffic, often have flat, 2- or 3-dimensionally shaped trim parts in their interior, which are equipped with a decorative coating.

[0006] This coating usually consists of a decorative film in the form of a multi-layer plastic film composite, whereby the decorative film is glued to a surface of the underlying component or panel using a suitable adhesive.

[0007] This decorative film can be applied both at room temperature to simply shaped components and at elevated temperature (usually in a temperature-vacuum applicator or manually) to complex shaped component geometries.

[0008] The decorative film has a cover layer that protects an underlying embossed resin layer from harmful influences, such as mechanical impact and environmental influences.

[0009] Commercial aircraft, in particular, feature numerous panels covered with decorative foils to prevent the honeycomb structure of the lightweight panel from showing through. Since the overall weight of the aircraft or its individual components has a decisive influence on its fuel consumption in aviation, every possible weight reduction contributes to reducing the operating costs of an aircraft.

[0010] Due to the required properties of the final product and the limited availability of top and back layers for use in aircraft, conventional decorative films used in aircraft construction have a total area weight of approximately 240 g / m 2 (without adhesive) or 330 g / m 2 (with adhesive layer) for the lightest film composite currently in use.

[0011] The invention is based on the object of providing a decorative film that does not have the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a multi-layer, decorative film for an aircraft interior is to be provided that is significantly lighter than conventional decorative films used for interior areas in aircraft construction, yet does not deviate from existing, established products in its basic structural properties.

[0012] This object is achieved according to the invention with a decorative film which has the features of claim 1.

[0013] Preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0014] According to the invention, the embossing resin layer consists of a thermoplastic polymer and at least one added additive, wherein the additive consists of solid with a density of < 0.9 g / cm 3and makes up between 1% and 50% by weight of the embossing resin layer. In order to achieve the greatest possible weight saving without this having a negative impact on the overall composite properties, the overall density of the modifiable layers of the decorative film designed as a multi-layer composite, or at least the density of the embossing resin layer, is reduced by adding at least one suitable additive.

[0015] The decorative film according to the invention is intended in particular for use in the interior of an aircraft and in particular has all the properties necessary for this purpose.

[0016] The addition of additives to layers of a plastic-film composite is known, but the goal is always to change the optical, haptic, or mechanical properties of the film, not to reduce the overall weight of the film. The addition of low-density additives to modifiable layers—i.e., layers whose physical properties, in particular, can be modified without making the use of these layers in aircraft construction impossible (e.g., due to strict safety regulations)—is not yet known.

[0017] Since this modification makes it possible to achieve a weight reduction of the decorative film of at least 20% to 40% compared to conventional decorative films for use in the interior of aircraft, it is possible to save a total weight of several kilograms by using the decorative film according to the invention over a large area in a commercial aircraft, depending on the size and type of the commercial aircraft.

[0018] Independently of the addition of the density-reducing additive, other additives can also be added to the embossing resin layer, for example, to change its mechanical or optical properties. For example, color pigments can be added to decoratively color the embossing resin layer. It is particularly preferred if the additive has a density of < 0.7 g / cm 3 , preferably < 0.5 g / cm 3 , especially < 0.3 g / cm 3It is also preferred if the additive makes up between 5% and 35% by weight, preferably between 10% and 20% by weight, of the embossing resin layer. With such a light additive and such an added amount (or concentration), a particularly high weight reduction can be achieved without the structural properties of the decorative film being impaired to such an extent that its use in the interior of aircraft is no longer possible.

[0019] In particular, it is provided that the additive consists of solid particles and / or solid microstructures, i.e. that the additive in solid form is embedded in the thermoplastic polymer of the embossing resin layer in the form of a solid mixture (dispersed solid). These solid particles and / or solid microstructures preferably have an average maximum diameter of < 50 pm, so that they can be distributed particularly evenly and across the entire surface of the embossing resin layer. It is also preferred if the solid particles and / or solid microstructures have a compressive strength of > 50 bar, so that they are not undesirably deformed, e.g. divided or compressed, during production and during the intended use of the decorative film.

[0020] Within the scope of the invention, the additive can be composed of microspheres or microbeads. Such solid microstructures exhibit particularly favorable mechanical properties at a particularly low density. Coated or uncoated, hollow glass or plastic spheres are particularly suitable. For example, gas-filled plastic microspheres can be used, which are not only resistant to plastic deformation but also expand upon exposure to heat.

[0021] In particular, within the scope of the invention, it is preferred if the cover layer has a high optical quality. In particular, the cover layer has a transparency (transmission) of at least 60%.

[0022] It is also preferred if the top layer has high resistance to environmental influences, in particular high UV resistance. The top layer is preferably resistant to alcohols, water, diluted alkalis and / or aliphatic hydrocarbons, as well as to heat and / or cold exposure.

[0023] The cover layer and the embossing resin layer are fire-resistant, i.e. they are made of a flame-retardant material that preferably produces very little smoke when exposed to heat.

[0024] In the context of the invention, high fire resistance is defined as a heat release in case of fire of < 65kW / m 2 (Peak Heat Release) and < 65kW / m 2*min (Total Heat Release) according to FAR 25.853 (d) App. F Pt. IV Arndt.83 (or AITM 2.0006) , as well as a smoke gas emission in the event of fire of < 200 according to FAR 25.853 (d) App. F Pt. V Arndt.83 (or AITM 2.0007) , tested on phenolic resin laminate (or components that meet the fire requirements in aircraft cabins).

[0025] Within the scope of the invention, a decorative printing layer can be arranged between the cover layer and the embossing resin layer. If the embossing resin layer is decoratively colored, a decorative printing layer can be omitted. However, the provision of a decorative printing layer enables the representation of complex patterns or color schemes, as well as labeling elements. The decorative printing layer can be produced, for example, using screen printing, digital printing, or gravure printing.

[0026] An adhesive layer consisting of an adhesion-promoting adhesive can be applied directly to the cover layer and / or the embossed resin layer. However, the cover layer or the embossed resin layer itself can also act as an adhesive to bond it to the layer immediately following it. An adhesive layer can also be provided between subsequent layers of the decorative film.

[0027] The adhesion-promoting adhesive used in existing adhesive layers can be an acrylate or a thermoplastic polymer bonded at high temperatures.

[0028] It is preferred if the embossing resin layer is followed by at least one, in particular more than one, further layer. This further layer(s) can be a further embossing resin layer, a (preferably colored) backing layer, a further adhesive layer, and / or a fabric layer.

[0029] It is also possible for an intermediate layer, such as a fiber fabric layer, to be arranged as a further layer between the two consecutive layers, or possibly between at least two consecutive layers of the decorative film. The fiber fabric layer can be a glass fiber fabric or a carbon fiber fabric.

[0030] For example, the embossing resin layer can be followed directly or indirectly (e.g., after an intervening fiber fabric layer) by another embossing resin layer. It is also possible for an adhesive layer to follow directly on the embossing resin layer, and for a backing layer, preferably colored, to follow directly on this adhesive layer.

[0031] Within the scope of the invention, the cover layer preferably consists of polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, a copolymer, or a polymer mixture. The cover layer can also consist of a mixture of two or more of the aforementioned materials.

[0032] Within the scope of the invention, the embossing resin layer preferably consists of polyvinyl chloride, a copolymer of PVC and polyvinyl acetate, a copolymer of vinyl chloride and an acrylic acid ester, a thermoplastic polyester, or a thermoplastic polyurethane. The embossing resin layer can also consist of a mixture of two or more of the aforementioned materials.

[0033] Within the scope of the invention it can be provided that the decorative film has an adhesive layer as a further layer or at least one of the further layers, via which the decorative film can be adhered to a surface. With the help of this adhesive layer the decorative film can be adhered, for example, to a panel or other interior component of an aircraft. The adhesive layer can be covered with a removable release film. The adhesive layer comprises an adhesive which can be a fire-resistant acrylate or a hotmelt adhesive, in particular a polyurethane block copolymer or a polyvinyl chloride copolymer.

[0034] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the decorative film has at least one further layer in addition to the cover layer and the embossing resin layer, and that the further layer or, if appropriate, at least one of the further layers has a further additive, in particular the same additive as the embossing resin layer. For example, the decorative film can have a further embossing resin layer, as described above, to which the density-reducing additive is also added. If an adhesive layer is present, the density-reducing additive can also be added to this layer. The additive can be added to the further layer(s) in a similar or a different "concentration" (in wt. %) as to the embossing resin layer.

[0035] Further layers of the decorative film can also contain one of the materials listed above (for the cover layer or the embossed resin layer) or at least partially consist of this (since an additive can be added to the material of these layers).

[0036] The total area weight of the density-reduced (modified) embossed resin layer contained in the decorative film can be < 140 g / m2, in particular < 70 g / m2.

[0037] The decorative film according to the invention is also suitable for use in an interior other than a vehicle interior, for example for use in a building interior.

[0038] The following are examples of possible decorative films according to the invention with information on the basis weight of the individual layers and the complete decorative film, as well as the possible weight savings:

[0039] Example 1

[0040]

[0041] Example 2

[0042] Example 3

[0043] Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the attached drawing, in which preferred

[0044] Embodiments are shown. It shows:

[0045] Fig. 1 is a very simplified representation of a decorative film according to the invention according to a first embodiment in a sectional view,

[0046] Fig. 2 is a very simplified representation of the decorative film according to the invention according to a further embodiment in a sectional view, and

[0047] Fig. 3 is a very simplified representation of the decorative film according to the invention according to a further embodiment in a sectional view.

[0048] Figures 1, 2 and 3 show different embodiments of the decorative film according to the invention, each in a section (cross section) through the layer structure of the decorative film 1.

[0049] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the decorative film 1 has a transparent cover layer 2 on top. Directly following this is an embossing resin layer 3, the purpose of which is to create a clearly visible and noticeable embossing. In particular, the embossing resin layer 3 consists of a mixture of a fire-resistant polymer and at least one additive A, which has a reduced density compared to the polymer. As shown, the additive A can consist of solid structures (here: microspheres) and is distributed as evenly as possible in the remaining material of the embossing resin layer 3.

[0050] Directly on top of the embossing resin layer 3 there follows an adhesive layer 4 which consists of an adhesion-promoting adhesive.

[0051] A backing layer 5 is bonded to the embossing resin layer 3 over the adhesive layer 4. This backing layer 5 can be colored, e.g., white.

[0052] In the embodiment shown, the low-density additive A is also added to the material of the back layer 5.

[0053] The back layer 5 can consist of the same material as the cover layer 2 or of a different material and the additive A can be contained in the back layer 5 in the same or different form and concentration.

[0054] Fig. 2 shows a further possible embodiment of the decorative film 1 according to the invention.

[0055] In this embodiment of the decorative film 1, a further adhesive layer 4 made of adhesion-promoting adhesive follows directly on the cover layer 2.

[0056] The further adhesive layer 4 bonds the cover layer 2 with a directly following the further adhesive layer 4

[0057] Decorative printing layer 6 . Directly following the decorative printing layer 6 is the embossing resin layer 3 , which is glued to the (colored) back layer 5 via an adhesive layer 4 directly following it.

[0058] An adhesive layer 7 is arranged on the back layer 5, via which the decorative film 1 can be glued to a component, e.g. a panel.

[0059] In the embodiment of the decorative film 1 according to the invention shown in Fig. 2, the additive A is added not only to the embossing resin layer 3, but also to the back layer 5 and the adhesive layer 7.

[0060] In the embodiment of the decorative film 1 shown in Fig. 3, the embossed resin layer 3 follows directly on the cover layer 2.

[0061] The embossing resin layer 3 is followed by a fiber fabric layer 8, in particular a glass fabric layer, and directly on top of this a further embossing resin layer 3.

[0062] Directly following the further embossing resin layer 3 is the adhesive layer 7 which, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, is covered with a removable release film 9 in order to prevent premature, undesired sticking.

[0063] In the embodiment of the decorative film 1 according to the invention shown in Fig. 3, the embossing resin layer 3, the fiber fabric layer 8, the further embossing resin layer 3, and the adhesive layer 7 comprise the additive A. The two embossing resin layers 3 preferably comprise the same additive A in the same concentration.

[0064] It goes without saying that the above-mentioned examples of embodiments of the decorative film 1 according to the invention merely represent a non-exhaustive selection. The decorative film 1 according to the invention can also comprise a combination of the layers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 of the above-mentioned examples and, if appropriate, further layers not shown. For example, the decorative film 1 according to the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 and 3 can likewise comprise an adhesive layer 4 directly following the cover layer 2 and a decorative print layer 6 directly following this adhesive layer 4.

[0065] The thickness of the individual layers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 is not shown to scale, nor is the size, the admixture quantity and the distribution of additive A.

[0066] List of reference symbols:

[0067] 1 decorative film

[0068] 2 Top layer

[0069] 3 embossing resin layer

[0070] 4 adhesive layer

[0071] 5 Back layer

[0072] 6 decorative printing layer

[0073] 7 Adhesive layer

[0074] 8 fiber fabric layer

[0075] 9 Separating film

[0076] A Additive

Claims

Claims:

1. Decorative film (1) for a vehicle interior, in particular an aircraft interior, comprising at least the following layers: • a transparent, chemically resistant, scratch-resistant and fire-resistant cover layer (2) made of a plastic, and • a fire-resistant embossed resin layer (3), wherein directly successive layers of the decorative film (1) are bonded to one another in a planar manner, characterized in that the embossed resin layer (3) consists of a thermoplastic polymer and at least one added additive (A), wherein the additive (A) consists of solid with a density of < 0.9 g / cm 3 and constitutes between 1 wt.% and 50 wt.% of the embossing resin layer (3).

2. Decorative film according to claim 1, characterized in that the additive (A) has a density of < 0.7 g / cm 3 , preferably < 0.5 g / cm 3 , especially < 0.3 g / cm 3 , has.

3. Decorative film according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the additive (A) makes up between 5 wt.% and 35 wt.%, preferably between 10 wt.% and 20 wt.%, of the embossing resin layer (3).

4. Decorative film according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the additive (A) consists of solid particles and / or solid microstructures which preferably have an average maximum diameter of < 50 pm and / or a compressive strength of > 50 bar.

5. Decorative film according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the additive (A) consists of microspheres or Microbeads consist, in particular, of coated or uncoated, hollow glass or plastic spheres.

6. Decorative film according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cover layer (2) has a high optical quality and / or a low release of heat, smoke and fumes in the event of fire and / or a high resistance to environmental influences, in particular a high UV resistance.

7. Decorative film according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a decorative printing layer (6) is arranged between the cover layer (2) and the embossed resin layer (3).

8. Decorative film according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that an adhesive layer (4) consisting of an adhesion-promoting adhesive is arranged directly following the cover layer (2) and / or directly following the embossing resin layer (3).

9. Decorative film according to claim 8, characterized in that the adhesion-promoting adhesive is an acrylate or a thermoplastic polymer bonded by high temperatures.

10. Decorative film according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the embossed resin layer (3) is followed by at least one, in particular more than one further layer, in particular a further embossed resin layer (3), a preferably colored backing layer (5), a further adhesive layer (4) and / or a fiber fabric layer (8).

11. Decorative film according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that an intermediate layer, for example a fiber fabric layer (8), is arranged as a further layer between the two successive layers or optionally between at least two successive layers of the decorative film (1).

12. Decorative film according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the cover layer (2) consists of polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, a copolymer or a polymer mixture.

13. Decorative film according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the embossed resin layer (3) consists of polyvinyl chloride, a copolymer of PVC and polyvinyl acetate, a copolymer of vinyl chloride and an acrylic acid ester, a thermoplastic polyester, a thermoplastic polyurethane or a mixture thereof.

14. Decorative film according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the cover film (1) has as a further layer an adhesive layer (7), which is covered in particular with a release film (9) and via which the decorative film (1) can be adhered to a surface, wherein the adhesive layer (7) comprises an adhesive which is a fire-resistant acrylate or a hot melt adhesive, in particular a polyurethane block copolymer or a polyvinyl chloride copolymer.

15. Decorative film according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the further layer or optionally at least one of the further layers comprises a further Additive, in particular the same additive (A) as the embossing resin layer (3).

Images