Decorative element for an interior of a vehicle, and production method

Abstract

The invention relates to a decorative element (100) for an interior of a vehicle. The decorative element (100) has a decorative layer (110) which has at least one opening (120) which extends in the thickness direction of the decorative layer (110), is at least partially filled with an at least translucent filling material (130) and the mouth portion of which terminates with a surface of the decorative layer (110) on a visible side of the decorative layer (110). In addition, the decorative element (100) has at least one of a surface coating (140) and a cover element (140) which is applied at least in sections adjacently to and / or on the at least one opening (120) on the visible side of the decorative layer (110). The invention also relates to a method for producing a decorative element.

Description

[0001] DECORATIVE ELEMENT FOR A VEHICLE INTERIOR, AND MANUFACTURING METHOD

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a decorative element for the interior of a vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a decorative element.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Decorative elements for a vehicle interior, such as those found on an instrument panel, center console, door trim, headliner, or similar surfaces, can be designed to perform additional functions. Examples of such functions include visually perceptible elements like symbols, emblems, or similar features, and / or electrical or electronic functions such as lighting, operation, and / or control.

[0006] For example, a decorative element is known from DE 10 2022 124397 A1, which can be used, for example, as decoration or part of a decoration in the interior of a vehicle. The decorative element has a decorative layer and an underlying functional layer, both of which are penetrated by an opening. The opening is filled with a filler material. The decorative element can be backlit from a side that faces away from a visible side of the decorative element.

[0007] It would be desirable to further enhance the visible side of a decorative element, for example by providing at least one additional function there. Description of the invention

[0008] One object of the invention is therefore to provide a decorative element with a backlit light opening, using the simplest possible means of construction, which is as high-quality and / or functional as possible on its visible side.

[0009] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the description, and the accompanying figures.

[0010] According to a first aspect, a decorative element for a vehicle interior is proposed. The decorative element has a decorative layer. The decorative layer has at least one opening. The at least one opening extends in the thickness direction of the decorative layer. Furthermore, the at least one opening is at least partially filled with a filler material that is at least translucent. Additionally, a section of the opening's opening is at least substantially flush with a surface of the decorative layer on a visible side. The decorative element also has at least one surface coating and / or a cover element. The surface coating and / or the cover element is applied at least partially adjacent to the at least one opening on the visible side of the decorative layer.Alternatively or additionally, the surface coating and / or the covering element is applied at least section by section to at least one opening on the visible side of the decorative layer.

[0011] The proposed decorative element provides at least one functional surface coating and / or at least one functional cover element on the visible side of the decorative element and / or the decorative layer. This or these elements can fulfill various functions. For example, the surface coating and / or the cover element can serve as at least one of the following functions of a decorative panel (e.g., also in the form of a perforated panel): a cover, a frame, a light barrier, a finger guide, surface protection, or a finishing element for a light and / or switch section, to name just a few examples. In other words, the at least one opening can be configured as a light opening and / or a push button or switch section, with the surface coating and / or the cover element on the visible side of the decorative element and / or the decorative layer fulfilling at least one function related to the light opening and / or the push button or switch section.The surface coating, which has a thinner, or even significantly thinner, appearance compared to the decorative layer, can create and / or support a virtually seamless look. This allows the visible side of the decorative element and / or decorative layer to have a particularly high-quality appearance. The surface coating and / or the cover element can be laminated. Applying the surface coating and / or the cover element can be implemented technically easily and / or cost-effectively.

[0012] As used here, the decorative layer can be, for example, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional textile, such as knitted, crocheted, spacer fabric, woven fabric (e.g., polyester), etc. These can also be translucent or transparent. The decorative layer can also be leather, imitation leather, a microfiber fabric (e.g., Alcantara, Dinamica), etc., or the like. Optionally, the decorative layer can also have a backing textile, i.e., a textile located on the side facing away from the visible side. The backing textile can be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional textile, such as knitted, crocheted, spacer fabric (e.g., also a softskin, i.e., a directly coated spacer fabric), etc. These can be transparent or translucent, opaque or non-transparent. Furthermore, the decorative layer can also be a film that may have a backing textile.The backing fabric can be or have a two-dimensional or three-dimensional textile, such as knitted fabric, knitted fabric, warp-knitted fabric, spacer fabric, e.g. also a softskin, i.e. a directly coated spacer fabric, etc.

[0013] The at least one opening can penetrate the decorative layer at least partially, or even completely, in its thickness direction. The at least one opening can, for example, serve as a light aperture, light-emitting aperture, light guide, light guide structure, switch and / or button section, as part of a display element, as part of a control element, etc. For example, the at least one opening can also serve as an acoustic aperture. The at least one opening can have light-guiding properties, e.g., in the z and / or x / y direction. The at least one opening can have various cross-sectional shapes, depths, etc. For example, the at least one opening can be designed as a bore, slot-shaped opening, slit-shaped opening, or the like. Furthermore, the at least one opening can, for example, also be conical.

[0014] The filler material with which the at least one opening is at least partially filled can be at least translucent, i.e., partially transparent, or transparent. For example, the filler material can be a polymer, hot melt, adhesive, dispersion, plasticizable adhesive, adhesive film (e.g., polyurethane (PU)-based), or the like. The at least one opening can be filled with the filler material to a greater or lesser extent than the thickness and / or thickness direction of the interior trim component and / or decorative layer.

[0015] The surface coating can be conceptually and / or structurally distinguished from the decorative layer because the surface coating is thinner than the decorative layer. Generally, a coating, including the surface coating, can be understood as an adhesive or firmly bonded layer applied to or around the surface of the opening. The surface coating can be applied from a shapeless material. Alternatively or additionally, at least one cover and / or cover element can be provided. The cover element can be applied, for example, by gluing, riveting, inserting, sewing, welding, hot stamping, etc. The surface coating and / or the cover element can also be designed as a perforated panel or at least as a type of perforated panel.The pinhole aperture can, for example, be used to restrict the light emission from at least one opening.

[0016] The proposed decorative element is suitable, for example, for use in the automotive sector, such as a decorative element or part of a decorative element in the interior of a motor vehicle, e.g., as an instrument panel, center console, door trim, headliner, or the like, particularly in a passenger car and / or truck, or other vehicles such as a train or aircraft. Possible applications of such a decorative element include, for example, illuminated / illuminable or backlit / backlit symbols, such as warning symbols, status indicators, switch symbols, button symbols, or the like; lettering; emblems, such as coats of arms, manufacturer symbols, logos, vehicle model and / or series designations, or the like; functional decorative elements, such as interior and / or ambient lighting, button and / or switch surfaces, etc.; seams, seam imitations, such as decorative seams, functional seams, cross seams, or the like.The proposed decorative element can be laminated with a hard or soft laminate, i.e., with a spacer fabric, and / or backlit as a user interface onto, for example, a dimensionally stable transparent substrate, such as an injection-molded substrate, made of polycarbonate (PC-SG). As mentioned above, multifunctional textiles, e.g., capable of being backlit or illuminated and simultaneously acoustically capable, e.g., by allowing sound wave transmission, such as spacer fabrics, can be laminated over large areas "slot-free" and "seamless" onto interior surfaces. These spacer fabrics have a very low material density, making the technique described here particularly suitable. Thus, the functions of light and sound wave transmission can be integrated into the same decorative element on an interior component, if necessary.also with an additional, also segmented and / or partial, light control area, which can be enhanced by the functional layer described herein.

[0017] According to a further development, the surface coating and / or the cover element can frame at least one opening or its opening section, at least partially. In other words, the surface coating and / or the cover element can form a frame for the at least one opening. For example, it is possible to make the surface coating and / or the cover element translucent or transparent, so that the frame is correspondingly translucent and / or transparent. It is also possible to make the surface coating and / or the cover element partially transparent, partially translucent, or partially opaque. However, it is also possible to make the surface coating and / or the cover element opaque and / or non-transparent, so that the frame is correspondingly opaque and / or blocking light. The latter can, for example, serve as light blocking.

[0018] In a further development, the surface coating and / or the cover element can extend, at least partially, over a transition between the opening and / or its mouth section and the surrounding surface of the decorative layer. In other words, the surface coating and / or the cover element can be applied, at least partially, to the opening and / or its mouth section itself and simultaneously to the surface of the decorative layer surrounding the at least one opening and / or its mouth section. The surface coating and / or the cover element can thus extend over a separation surface, joint, and / or seam between the at least one opening and the surface of the decorative layer. This allows for a particularly seamless, i.e., "seamless," decorative finish, such as a light-reflecting finish.Furthermore, the surface coating and / or the cover element can thus serve, for example, as a decorative panel, cover, light barrier, surface protection, etc.

[0019] According to a further development, the surface coating and / or the cover element can cover at least one opening, at least partially. In other words, the surface coating and / or the cover element can also be applied to at least one section of the opening itself. Thus, the surface coating and / or the cover element can serve, for example, as a decorative trim, cover, light barrier, surface protection, etc.

[0020] In a further development process, the surface coating and / or the covering can be designed to be flexible and / or elastic, at least in certain sections. This allows the decorative element, the surface coating, and / or the covering element to be particularly suitable for lamination. Furthermore, this allows the decorative element to be designed to be flexible and / or elastic, at least in certain sections.

[0021] According to further training, the surface coating can be applied with an increasing, e.g., continuously increasing, and / or decreasing, e.g., continuously decreasing, thickness. For example, the surface coating could drop to a minimum thickness or to zero at the edge of the at least one opening and / or at its mouth section, so that no edge, seam, or the like remains at the edge of the at least one opening, or at least is minimized.

[0022] According to further training, the surface coating can be multi-layered, at least in sections. For example, it can include one or more layers such as filler, primer, topcoat, lacquer, adhesion promoter, leveling layer, etc. For instance, at least one leveling layer can be provided to compensate for imperfections such as grained leather or gaps in the decorative layer, which may have at least one opening, etc. It is also possible to include at least one transparent and at least one opaque layer. These layers can also alternate. This allows the surface coating to serve, for example, as a decorative cover, perforated cover, or for light blocking or surface protection. Alternatively or additionally, the surface coating can also function as a conductive track, for example, as preparation for electronic functions, such as for generating an electromagnetic field.They can be used as buttons, for process coating with nanoparticles, laser sintering, protective coating, etc.

[0023] In a further training course, the surface coating and / or the covering element can be at least partially translucent or transparent. Translucency is the partial light transmission of a body, whereby light is allowed through, but no object behind it is visible. Transparency is the image or view transmission of a body. Thus, the surface coating can serve, for example, as a decorative panel, surface protection, design element, frame, etc.

[0024] According to further training, the surface coating and / or the covering element can be opaque, at least in sections. This allows the surface coating to also serve, for example, as a light barrier.

[0025] In advanced training, the surface coating can be applied using at least one of the following methods: additively applied material, e.g., curable acrylate or another suitable material; varnish, ink, paint; and film. For example, a material, e.g., UV-curable acrylate or the like, can be applied using inkjet or jetting, which can also be cured after each layer and rolled to a desired thickness for smoothing. Optionally, the material can be further cured by applying heat. For example, the material can be a plastic, e.g., a rigid or flexible plastic. The film can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. The film can also be a hot stamping foil.According to further training, the surface coating and / or the cover element can be designed for at least one of the following functions: decorative panel, cover, frame structure, light blocking, finger guide, and design element. Depending on the application, the surface coating and / or the cover element can be designed for one or more of the aforementioned functions with regard to, for example, its structure, layer composition, light transmission, and / or transparency.

[0026] In a further development, the decorative element can also have at least one insert. This insert can be arranged section by section, e.g., with a first section, in the at least one opening. Furthermore, the insert can protrude section by section beyond the surface of the decorative layer on the visible side. For example, the insert can overlap the surface coating in the thickness direction of the decorative layer. The insert can serve, for example, as a spacer, surface protector, switch, push button, etc.

[0027] According to a further aspect, a method for manufacturing a decorative element for a vehicle interior is proposed. This method can, for example, be used to manufacture the decorative element according to the first aspect.

[0028] The method comprises providing a decorative layer having at least one opening extending in the thickness direction of the decorative layer, being at least partially filled with a filler material that is at least translucent, and whose opening section is at least substantially flush with a surface of the decorative layer on a visible side. The method also comprises applying a surface coating and / or a covering at least in sections to the visible side of the decorative layer adjacent to and / or onto the at least one opening.

[0029] For example, the decorative layer with at least one opening can be positioned and / or fixed in a printing device. Optionally, a radiation source, such as a heat source, UV source, or laser source, can be provided to process the surface of the decorative layer on the visible side, e.g., to cut, remove material, or heat-treat it. Furthermore, the radiation source can optionally be used to pretreat the area where the surface coating and / or the cover element is to be applied, e.g., with heat to activate the adhesion of the surface of the decorative layer and / or the filler material of the at least one opening.

[0030] Regarding the possible further training and advantages of the procedure, reference is also made to the explanations concerning the decorative element of the first aspect.

[0031] According to further training, the surface coating can be applied using a printing process. This printing process can be set up for printing varnish, ink, and / or paint. It can also be a digital printing process, such as inkjet printing. Alternatively, the surface coating can be printed on a two-dimensional or three-dimensional film. This film can also be a hot stamping foil.

[0032] In a training course, the application of the surface coating can be carried out using an additive manufacturing process. For example, the surface coating can be applied using 3D printing.

[0033] According to further training, a section of the surface of the cover layer, the mouth section, and / or the filler material, where the surface coating and / or the cover is to be applied, can be pretreated, for example, to activate adhesion, before the surface coating and / or the cover element is applied. In other words, the application of the surface coating and / or the cover element can be supported by surface pretreatment.

[0034] In a training course, the applied surface coating can be irradiated using a radiation source. The radiation source can be, for example, a heat source, UV source, laser source, etc. Irradiation can, for example, promote and / or accelerate the drying and / or curing of the surface coating. The radiation source, e.g., a laser source, can also be used to remove at least sections of the surface coating.

[0035] According to further training, the decorative element with its surface coating can be subsequently laminated, e.g., laminated onto another element such as a substrate, contoured substrate, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the decorative element can be laminated onto a flexible textile, spacer fabric, or similar material. The design of the surface coating makes the decorative element suitable for lamination.

[0036] The aspects, designs, variations, and examples described above can, of course, be combined without this being explicitly stated. Each of the described training courses and each example is therefore optional in relation to any of the aspects, designs, variations, and examples, or even combinations thereof. This disclosure is thus not limited to the individual designs and design variations in the described order or to any specific combination of aspects and design variations.

[0037] Brief character description

[0038] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying figures. These show:

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a section view of a decorative element according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] Fig. 2 shows a section view of a decorative element according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Fig. 3 shows a section view of a decorative element according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0042] Fig. 4 shows a section view of a decorative element according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0043] Fig. 5 shows a section view of a decorative element according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0044] Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of a decorative element according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 7 shows a sectional view of a decorative element according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0045] Fig. 8 shows a section view of a decorative element according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0046] Fig. 9 shows a section view of a decorative element according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0047] Fig. 10 shows a section view of a decorative element according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0048] Fig. 11 shows a section view of a decorative element according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0049] Fig. 12 shows a section view of a decorative element according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0050] The figures are merely schematic representations and serve only to illustrate the invention. Identical or equivalent elements are consistently identified by the same reference numerals.

[0051] Detailed description of an exemplary implementation

[0052] Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a decorative element 100, which can also be referred to as a decorative composite. The decorative element 100 is suitable, for example, for use in the automotive sector, for instance as a decorative element or part of a decorative element in the interior of a motor vehicle, e.g., as an instrument panel, center console, door trim, headliner, or the like, particularly in a passenger car and / or a truck, whereby use in other vehicles, such as a train, etc., is also conceivable. The decorative element 100 has a decorative layer 110. The decorative layer 110 is arranged on or forms a visible side of the decorative element 100. That is, in Fig. 1, the top surface of the decorative layer 110 forms the visible side of the decorative element 100 by way of example. In addition, the decorative layer 110 has at least one opening 120 that extends in the thickness direction of the decorative layer 110.The at least one opening 120 is at least partially filled with a filling material 130 that is at least translucent. A section of the opening 120 at the visible side of the decorative layer 110 terminates with a surface of the decorative layer 110, whereby this termination or transition between the opening 120 and the surface of the decorative layer can be substantially flush.

[0053] The decorative layer 110 can be, for example, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional textile, such as knitted fabric, knitted fabric, spacer fabric, etc. These can also be translucent or transparent. The decorative layer 110 can also be leather, imitation leather, a microfiber fabric (e.g., Alcantara, Dinamica, etc.), or the like, which may have a textile backing, i.e., a side facing away from the visible side. The backing textile can be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional textile, such as knitted fabric, knitted fabric, spacer fabric, e.g., also a softskin (i.e., a directly coated spacer fabric), etc. These can be transparent or translucent, or non-transparent (e.g., opaque). Furthermore, the decorative layer 110 can also be a film that may have a textile backing.The backing fabric can be or have a two-dimensional or three-dimensional textile, such as knitted fabric, knitted fabric, warp-knitted fabric, spacer fabric, e.g. also a softskin, i.e. a directly coated spacer fabric, etc.

[0054] The at least one opening 120 can penetrate the decorative layer 110 in its thickness direction, even completely. The at least one opening 120 can, for example, serve as a light aperture, light-emitting aperture, light guide, light guide structure, switch and / or push button section, as part of a display element, as part of a control element, etc. The filler material 130 with which the at least one opening 120 is at least partially filled can be at least translucent, i.e., partially transparent, or transparent. For example, the filler material can be a polymer, hot melt, or the like. Furthermore, the decorative element 100 has at least one surface coating and one cover element, which are generally designated by the reference numeral "140".In other words, the decorative element 100 has at least one surface coating 140, at least one cover element 140, or a combination of at least one surface coating 140 and at least one cover element 140 on its visible side. The surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 is applied, at least section by section, adjacent to and / or onto the at least one opening 120 on the visible side of the decorative layer 110.

[0055] In addition, the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 can also be applied to a side opposite the visible side of the decorative layer 110, i.e., for example, on the underside in Fig. 1 (see, for example, Fig. 6 or Fig. 7).

[0056] For example, the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 can be configured for at least one of the following functions: decorative panel, cover, frame structure, light blocking, finger guide, and design element. Depending on the application, the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 can be designed for one or more of the aforementioned functions with regard to, for example, its structure, layer composition, light transmission, and / or transparency. Furthermore, the surface coating and / or the cover element can be at least partially translucent or transparent. Translucency is the partial light transmission of a body, whereby light is allowed through, but no object behind it is visible. Transparency is the image or view transmission of a body.Alternatively or additionally, the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 can be opaque, at least in sections. This allows the surface coating to also serve, for example, as a light barrier.

[0057] The surface coating 140 can be formed, for example, by at least one of the following means: additively applied material, lacquer, ink, paint, and film. For example, the material can be a plastic material, e.g., rigid plastic or flexible plastic. The film can be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional film. The film can also be a hot stamping film. Alternatively or additionally, the surface coating can be multi-layered, at least in sections. For example, one or more layers such as a filler layer, primer layer, topcoat, lacquer layer, adhesion promoter layer, leveling layer, etc., can be provided. For example, at least one leveling layer can be provided to compensate for, e.g., grained leather or gaps in the decorative layer, which may have at least one opening, etc. It is also possible to provide at least one transparent and at least one opaque layer.These can also alternate.

[0058] The at least one cover element 140 can be applied, for example, by gluing, riveting, pushing through, sewing, welding, hot stamping, etc. It can be made of a plastic material, e.g., hard plastic or soft plastic.

[0059] In at least some embodiments, the surface coating 140 and / or the cover 140 can be designed to be flexible and / or elastic, at least in sections. This can be achieved, for example, by selecting a suitable material,

[0060] In at least some embodiments, the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 can frame the at least one opening 120 or at least partially its opening section. In other words, the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 can form a frame for the at least one opening 120. For example, it is possible to make the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 translucent or transparent, so that the frame is correspondingly translucent and / or transparent. However, it is also possible to make the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 opaque and / or non-translucent, so that the frame is correspondingly non-translucent and / or opaque. The latter can, for example, serve as light blocking.

[0061] As illustrated by example in Fig. 1, the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 can, in at least some embodiments, extend at least partially over a transition between the at least one opening 120 and / or its opening section and the surrounding surface of the decorative layer 110. In other words, the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 can be applied, at least partially, to the at least one opening 120 and / or its opening section itself and simultaneously to the surface of the decorative layer 110 surrounding the at least one opening 120 and / or its opening section. The surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 can therefore extend over a parting line, joint, seam, or the like between the at least one opening 120 and the surface of the decorative layer 110, as illustrated by example in Fig. 1. This can result in a particularly seamless, i.e.

[0062] "Seamless" decor, e.g., lighting decor, can be used.

[0063] Alternatively or additionally, the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 can cover at least one opening 120, at least partially. In other words, the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 can also be applied to at least one section of the opening 120 itself. Thus, the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 can serve, for example, as a decorative panel, perforated panel, cover, light barrier, surface protection, etc.

[0064] Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of the decorative element 100.

[0065] Accordingly, the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 can be applied to the visible side of the decorative layer 110 in various cross-sectional shapes, patterns, etc. For example, the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 can have a cross-sectional shape that is at least semicircular, rectangular, etc., with Fig. 1 showing an exemplary rounded cross-sectional shape and Fig. 2 showing an exemplary rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0066] As described above, the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 can be at least partially opaque, i.e., at least translucent, and / or transparent or opaque. This can be adapted depending on the desired function.

[0067] In at least some embodiments, the filling material 130 can have at least one further opening 122, which can serve, for example, as an acoustic opening, e.g., for loudspeaker applications, etc. The at least one further opening 122 can, for example, contain air.

[0068] Furthermore, it should be noted that the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 may have a decreasing thickness towards its edge, which may at least essentially taper to a minimum and / or zero. This can at least minimize any visually perceptible edge.

[0069] Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of the decorative element 100.

[0070] Accordingly, the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 can cover at least one opening 120, at least partially. It should be noted that the cross-sectional shape, pattern, etc., of the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 can be varied in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0071] As described above, the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 can be at least partially opaque, i.e. at least translucent, and / or transparent or opaque.

[0072] Fig. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of the decorative element 100.

[0073] Accordingly, at least in sections, different surface coatings 140 and / or cover elements 140 can be combined with one another. Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a combination of a first

[0074] A surface coating 140A and / or a first cover element 140A and a second surface coating 140B and / or a second cover element 140B, which are applied to one another at least section by section. For example, the first surface coating 140A and / or the first cover element 140A can be arranged on the surface of the decorative layer 110 and the at least one opening 120, while the second surface coating 140B and / or the second cover element 140B is arranged on the first surface coating 140A and / or the first cover element 140B. The first surface coating 140A and / or the first cover element 140A can, for example, have a larger surface area than the second surface coating 140B and / or the second cover element 140B. Alternatively or additionally, the surface coatings 140 and / or cover elements 140 can also have different cross-sectional shapes, patterns, etc.It is also possible to first apply the surface coating 140B and / or the first cover element 140B and then the surface coating 140A and / or the first cover element 140A.

[0075] As described above, the respective surface coating 140 and / or the respective cover element 140 can be at least partially opaque, i.e. at least translucent, and / or transparent or opaque.

[0076] Fig. 5 shows a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of the decorative element 100.

[0077] Accordingly, the decorative element 100 can further comprise at least one inlay 150. The at least one inlay 150 can be arranged section by section, e.g., with a first section, in the at least one opening 120. Furthermore, the at least one inlay 150 can project section by section beyond the surface of the decorative layer 110 on the visible side. For example, the at least one inlay 150 can overlap the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 in the thickness direction of the decorative layer 110, as indicated in Fig. 5. The at least one inlay 150 can, for example, be designed and / or serve as a spacer, surface protector, switch, push button, inlay, e.g., a 3D inlay, made of, e.g., metal, glass, imitation glass, natural fiber, with or without functional openings for air, acoustics, loudspeakers, ventilation openings for an interior, etc.

[0078] It should be noted that the surface coating 140 and / or the respective cover element 140 can also be applied to the decorative layer 110, the filler material 140, and / or the at least one insert part 150 according to one or more of the other embodiments. Furthermore, the surface coating 140 and / or the respective cover element 140 can additionally be applied to a side opposite the visible side of the decorative layer 110. Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of the decorative element 100 in a schematic sectional view.

[0079] Accordingly, the at least one inlay part 150 can also be a disc or at least some type of disc. This can be at least substantially flush or planar with the visible side or surface of the decorative layer 110. For example, the at least one inlay part 150 can be and / or serve as surface protection, a switch, a button, an inlay, e.g., a 2D inlay, made of, for example, metal, glass, imitation glass, natural fiber, etc. It should be noted that the inlay part 150, e.g., disc-shaped, can also have a thickness that differs from, e.g., greater or less than, the thickness of the decorative layer 110.

[0080] Furthermore, at least one insert part 150 can also have the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140, as is indicated by way of example in Fig. 6. In other words, the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 can be applied to the insert part 150, at least partially. Fig. 6 shows by way of example that the surface coating 140 and / or the respective cover element 140 can additionally be applied to a side opposite the visible side of the decorative layer 110.

[0081] Furthermore, at least one insert part 150 can have at least partially the further opening 122, which can serve, for example, as an acoustic opening, ventilation opening for an interior space, etc.

[0082] Fig. 7 shows a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of the decorative element 100.

[0083] Accordingly, the surface coating 140 and / or the respective cover element 140 can additionally be applied to a side opposite the visible side of the decorative layer 110.

[0084] Fig. 8 shows a schematic sectional view of a further embodiment of the decorative element 100. Accordingly, the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 can also surround the at least one opening 120 in such a way that a gap is provided between it and the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140.

[0085] Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 each show further embodiments of the decorative element 100 in a schematic sectional view.

[0086] Accordingly, at least in sections, different surface coatings 140 and / or cover elements 140 can be combined with one another. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate, by way of example, a combination of a third surface coating 140C and / or a third cover element 140C and a fourth surface coating 140D and / or a fourth cover element 140D. In this case, the edges of the at least one opening 120 are barely or not at all visible.

[0087] The various surface coatings 140 and / or cover elements 140 can have different properties, materials, etc., and / or be designed for different functions. For example, some of the surface coatings 140 and / or cover elements 140 could be opaque, while others are translucent or transparent. Thus, it would be conceivable that, for instance, the third surface coating 140C and / or the third cover element 140C is opaque, while the fourth surface coating 140D and / or the fourth cover element 140D is translucent or transparent.

[0088] Figs. 11 and 12 each show further embodiments of the decorative element 100 in a schematic sectional view.

[0089] Accordingly, the decorative element 100 can also have several openings 120 with filling material 130.

[0090] As illustrated by example in Fig. 11, the surface coating 140 and / or the cover element 140 can extend, at least partially, between the multiple openings 120. For example, different surface coatings 140 and / or cover elements 140 can also be combined with one another. Fig. 9 illustrates, by way of example, a combination of a fifth surface coating 140E and / or a fifth cover element 140E and a sixth surface coating 140F and / or a sixth cover element 140F.

[0091] The various surface coatings 140 and / or cover elements 140 can have different properties, materials, etc., and / or be designed for different functions. For example, some of the surface coatings 140 and / or cover elements 140 could be opaque, while others are translucent or transparent. Thus, it would be conceivable that, for instance, the fifth surface coating 140E and / or the fifth cover element 140E is opaque, while the sixth surface coating 140F and / or the fourth cover element 140F is translucent or transparent.

[0092] As illustrated by example in Fig. 12, different surface coatings 140 and / or cover elements 140 can be provided for the various openings 120. For example, different surface coatings 140 and / or cover elements 140 can also be combined with one another. Fig. 10 illustrates by way of example a combination of a seventh surface coating 140G and / or a seventh cover element 140G, an eighth surface coating 140H and / or an eighth cover element 140H, a ninth surface coating 1401 and / or a ninth cover element 1401, and a tenth surface coating 140J and / or a tenth cover element 140J. The different surface coatings 140 and / or cover elements 140 can have different properties, materials, shapes, cross-sectional shapes, patterns, etc., and / or be designed for different functions.

[0093] A method for manufacturing a decorative element for the interior of a vehicle, e.g., decorative element 100, can proceed as described below. The method comprises providing a decorative layer, e.g., decorative layer 110, which has at least one opening, e.g., at least one opening 120, extending in the thickness direction of the decorative layer, being at least partially filled with at least a translucent filler material, and whose opening section terminates at least substantially flush with a surface of the decorative layer on a visible side. Furthermore, the method comprises applying at least a portion of a surface coating and / or a cover, e.g., surface coating 140 and / or cover 140, to the visible side of the decorative layer adjacent to and / or onto the at least one opening.

[0094] For example, the decorative layer with at least one opening can be positioned and / or fixed in a printing device. Optionally, a radiation source, such as a heat source, UV source, or laser source, can be provided to process the surface of the decorative layer on the visible side, e.g., to cut, remove material, or heat-treat it. Furthermore, the radiation source can optionally be used to pretreat the area where the surface coating and / or the cover element is to be applied, e.g., with heat to activate the adhesion of the surface of the decorative layer and / or the filler material of the at least one opening.

[0095] In at least some embodiments, the surface coating can be applied using a printing process. This printing process can be configured, for example, for printing varnish, ink, and / or paint. It can also be a digital printing process. Alternatively, the surface coating can be printed on as a two-dimensional or three-dimensional film. This film can also be a hot stamping foil.

[0096] Alternatively or additionally, the surface coating can be applied using an additive manufacturing process. For example, the surface coating can be applied using 3D printing.

[0097] In at least some embodiments, a section of the surface of the cover layer, the mouth section, and / or the filler material, where the surface coating and / or the cover is to be applied, can be pretreated, for example, to activate adhesion, before the surface coating and / or the cover is applied. In other words, the application of the surface coating and / or the cover can be facilitated by surface pretreatment.

[0098] In at least some embodiments, the applied surface coating can be irradiated using a radiation source. The radiation source can be, for example, a heat source, UV source, laser source, etc. Irradiation can, for example, promote and / or accelerate the drying and / or curing of the surface coating. The radiation source, e.g., a laser source, can also be used to remove at least sections of the surface coating.

[0099] In at least some embodiments, the decorative element can be subsequently laminated with the surface coating, e.g., laminated onto another element, such as a substrate, etc. The design of the surface coating makes the decorative element suitable for lamination.

[0100] The aspects, designs, variations, and examples described above can, of course, be combined without this being explicitly stated. Each of the described training courses and each example is therefore optional in relation to any of the aspects, designs, variations, and examples, or even combinations thereof. This disclosure is thus not limited to the individual designs and design variations in the described order or to any specific combination of aspects and design variations.

[0101] REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0102] 100 decorative elements

[0103] 110 Decorative layer 120 Opening

[0104] 122 more openings

[0105] 130 Filling material

[0106] 140 Coating and / or cover element

[0107] 140A-J coating and / or cover element 150 insert part

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Decorative element (100) for the interior of a vehicle, comprising: a decorative layer (110) having at least one opening (120) extending in the thickness direction of the decorative layer (110), being at least partially filled with at least a translucent filler material (130) and whose opening section terminates on a visible side of the decorative layer (110) with a surface of the decorative layer (110), and at least one surface coating (140) and a cover element (140) that is applied at least sectionally adjacent to the at least one opening and / or onto the at least one opening (120) on the visible side of the decorative layer (110).

2. Decorative element (100) according to claim 1, wherein the surface coating (140) and / or the cover element (140) frames at least one opening (120) and / or its mouth section at least section by section.

3. Decorative element (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface coating (140) and / or the cover element (140) extends at least sectionally over a transition between the at least one opening (120) and / or its mouth section and the surface of the decorative layer (110) surrounding it.

4. Decorative element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface coating (140) and / or the cover element (140) covers the at least one opening (1 10) at least partially.

5. Decorative element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface coating (140) and / or the cover element (140) is designed to be flexible or elastic at least in sections.

6. Decorative element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface coating (140) and / or the cover element (140) is at least partially translucent or transparent.

7. Decorative element (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the surface coating (140) and / or the cover element (140) is at least partially opaque.

8. Decorative element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface coating (140) is made by at least one of the following: additively applied material, varnish, ink, paint, and foil.

9. Decorative element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one insert part (150) which is arranged section by section in the at least one opening (120) and protrudes section by section on the visible side above the surface of the decorative layer (110).

10. Method for manufacturing a decorative element (100) for the interior of a vehicle, the method comprising: Providing a decorative layer (110) having at least one opening (120) extending in the thickness direction of the decorative layer (110), being at least partially filled with at least a translucent filler material (130) and whose opening section terminates on a visible side of the decorative layer (110) with a surface of the decorative layer (110), and at least sectionally applying a surface coating (140) and / or a covering element to the visible side of the decorative layer (110) adjacent to the at least one opening (120) and / or onto the at least one opening (120).

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein the application of the surface coating (140) is carried out by means of a printing process.

12. Method according to claim 10, wherein the application of the surface coating (140) is carried out by means of an additive manufacturing process.

13. Method according to one of claims 11 to 12, wherein, prior to the application of the surface coating (140) and / or the cover element (140), a section is formed in to which the surface coating (140) and / or the cover element (140) is to be applied, is pretreated for adhesion activation.

14. Method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the applied surface coating (140) is irradiated by means of a radiation source.

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