Vehicle liner

The invention relates to a cladding element for a vehicle, in particular a A motor vehicle with at least two layers and a method for its Production.

Such lining elements are mostly used to cover and design of Interior of vehicles, as for example in the motor vehicle sector at Dashboard is the case. On the other hand those panel members can also Parts of the outer skin of the vehicle, for. Example, be bodywork or on the outside thereof to be appropriate.

The panel members have to technically and economically feasible meet his certain requirements. This includes providing a low Weight and a high rigidity.

The panel members have but additionally appealing Artwork be to address the occupants or clients. To this end, the Panel members not only executed in color, but also for example with a textured surface, a wood, metal or carbon fiber decor provided. Thus it is known that cladding elements with metal strips to decorate. Top quality looking surfaces and linings are essential Decision and buying criteria for the occupants or clients.

WO 94/13497 A1 or from the DE 93 21 214 U1 are elements known from a thin fiber material layer and a transparent layer are made, the Fiber material layer is either embedded in the transparent layer or this is filled, so that on the viewer side facing the Fibrous material capable always of a transparent cover layer with a smooth surface is covered. These elements, however, are intended only for the decoration and therefore formed in accordance with structurally weak because it depends on surfaces Panels are applied and they do not form themselves.

On this basis it is the object of the invention, a cladding element for Vehicles, particularly motor vehicles provide that as easy as possible and is still strong and rigid. In addition, there is a particularly upscale appeal exhibit surface. In particular, it is the occupants or users not only visually appealing.

This object is reproduced in claim 1 lining element for a vehicle, especially a motor vehicle dissolved.

According to the invention the covering element for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, at least two layers:<sl><li>i) a first outer layer consisting essentially of a Fiber fabric is, the structured surface is exposed, and</li><li>ii) a second layer situated behind the first layer which Consists essentially of a plastic.</li></sl>

The inventive two-layer structure of the lining member with a fiber fabric and a plastic, novel cladding elements are provided that have a low weight and high rigidity. Of the Namely, construction makes it possible by appropriate selection of the tissue and the Plastic tailor the properties of the cladding element specifically. Thus, the desired stiffness or flexibility, weight and other necessary Features such. As fire protection or scratch resistance, depending on Usage can be set. Due to the high rigidity and low Weight can,. B. no structural compromises to address fuel savings will.

In addition, the panel members have not only a visually appealing Surface, but by the exposed surface of the structured Fiber fabric and a novel, interesting haptic surface.

Preferably, these trim elements for the interior of Vehicles, especially used passenger cars. You can all Areas of the interior, such as the dashboard or the center console, or only smaller sections, such as dress window frames. The use as Grip panels z. B. the doors, etc. is conceivable.

The structured surface of the first outer layer of fiber fabric is According to the invention the user or occupant facing and not covered. The formed by the woven fiber material textured surface of the first outer layer is thus free for contacts that is exposed. Neither of plastic the second layer is a separate layer (z. B. Clearcoat) covers the textured surface.

The plastic of the second layer wets more than the back of the Fiber web, so as to produce a firm connection between the layers.

In one embodiment of the invention is between the first layer and the second layer is a protective film arranged. The protective film prevents entry of plastic of the second layer into the fiber textile of the first layer. Thus is not the choice of the tissue or plastic by the risk of Cover the structured surface regions. Thus, for the Fiber fabric and coarse fabric and highly liquid for the second layer Plastics.

In a further embodiment of the invention, in addition to the protective film or in place between the first layer and the second layer has a be arranged backing. The backing layer also prevents the occurrence of the Plastic of the second layer into the fiber textile of the first layer. additionally allows them further the properties of the lining member tailor. Thus, by the "sandwich" effect the structural strength or Stiffness of the lining member can be increased or more properties Provided such. as improved fire or sound insulation.

Is between the first layer and the second layer both as a protective film also arranged a support layer, so preferably adjoins the carrier layer the first layer and the protective film on the second layer.

The protective film and / or carrier layer in an appropriate way to Rear side of the fiber fabric or bonded or laminated to each other up.

Preferably, the fibers of the fiber fabric of the first layer have a smooth Surface. Thus, a particularly pleasant feel of structured reaches surface. Both fine and coarse fabric be used.

The fibers of the fiber fabric can be made of many different materials, the be are also colored differently or different manufactured. So are next to metal fibers or wires and plastic fibers used. The fibers a fabric can also be mixed from various materials, eg Metal and plastic. Or there are successively applied two tissue, eg a metal fiber fabric and down a plastic fabric is above arranged. In all cases, fibers thereby improving access to the protector or the plastic layer used.

Preferably, however, the fiber fabric of the first layer is a Metal fiber fabric. In particular, the fiber fabric of the first layer is a Metal wire mesh. Herewith are particularly rigid and yet stable and easy Cladding elements possible.

The metal fibers of the fiber fabric of the first layer may be of any suitable metal, in particular iron, or alloys thereof Non-ferrous metals or combinations of the previously mentioned exist.

Preferably, steel, stainless steel, aluminum or an aluminum alloy used. These result in a particularly desirable appearance and interesting Feel of the exposed surface.

the use of wire with a smooth surface is particularly preferred. In particular wire should be used, the surface of which is not to Change z. B. prone to corrosion. Thus, the surface of the individual treated fibers specifically or be coated.

The fiber fabric of the first layer may be suitable depending on the use Thicknesses, weights per unit area or fiber diameters have. Thus, the thickness below a millimeter (eg., 0.5 to 0.9 mm) or more millimeters (eg. B. 2 to 15 mm).

The plastic of the second layer can also achieve the desired quality and to the intended use of the lining member from a Variety are selected from plastics. In particular, the type of to consider the preparation of the lining member.

Preferably, the lining element is produced by injection molding, so that the plastic of the second layer of an injection-moldable plastic consists.

In particular, the injection-moldable plastic of the second layer is made of a or more injection-moldable plastics from the group consisting of Polystyrene, polyamides, polyurethanes, cellulose ethers and esters, polyethylene, Poly (methyl) (meth) acrylic acid and esters, rubber, or silicone rubber, Polyphthalate resins, epoxy resins, aminoplastics, polyolefins, vinyl polymers, Polyesters, unsaturated polyesters, polyacetals, polycarbonates or copolymers the aforementioned selected. Particularly preferred is the use of ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene).

However, the preparation of the cladding element is not limited to the Injection molding is limited. Also, a production by hot pressing, Casting, etc. is conceivable.

The trim elements to complement or improve your optical appearance comprising a fiber fabric in the first layer, consisting of two or more types of fibers is, for. example, in addition to optical fibers is provided. Thus, interesting effects can be achieved in particular by night. Of course for the illumination light sources of different color be used.

The different fibers in patterns or area instance, in the panel elements and fibrous tissue of the first layer may be provided. So could by targeted introduction of optical fibers in an as Dashboard member used the displays are illuminated.

The second layer can be made transparent and / or colored, so that the visual impression of the cladding elements is variable on. Such Embodiment is recommended in particular in the use of coarse mesh Fiber fabrics, since then the second layer "shine through". In transparent second layer, the cladding element z. B. from the back loaded or will be screened.

For the manufacture of a trim element according to the invention may for example, proceed as follows:<sl><li>i) cutting the fiber web of a mat,</li><li>ii) pre-forming the trim member from the stamped product,</li><li>iii) if necessary modify the diecut, </li><li>iv) optionally applying a protective film on the back of the stamped product,</li><li>v) optionally applying a backing layer on the back side of the punched and</li><li>vi) forming the second layer by backfilling the stamped product with an injection-moldable material.</li></sl>

In such an approach the punched product, ie the fibrous tissue of the first Layer by vacuum or magnetic fibers by magnets fixed be held or positioned so that no orientation errors.

Further features, characteristics and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the drawing. Show it:<dl tsize="7"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>a stamping of fibrous tissue for producing an inventive Cladding element in a perspective view;</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>the stamping of Fig. 1 after editing it in perspective View;</dd><dt>Fig.3</dt><dd>the stamping of Fig. 1 after further processing in a perspective view;</dd><dt>FIG. 4a</dt><dd>a cross-section through a portion of the stamped product from FIG. 3 after Applying a protective film;</dd><dt>Fig. 4b</dt><dd>a cross-section through a portion of the stamped product from FIG. 3 after Applying a backing layer;</dd><dt>Fig. 5</dt><dd>a cross-section through a portion of the stamped product from Fig. 4a and 4b after applying the second layer.</dd></dl><dl tsize="6" compact="compact"><dt>Fig. 6</dt><dd>a perspective view of a section of another Embodiment of an inventive lining element with a transparent second layer.</dd></dl>

Figures 1 to 3 illustrate the steps of preparing a first outer Layer of fibrous tissue of a cladding element for the range of Gear lever.

FIG. 1 shows a diecut 1 approximately trapezoidal shape of close-meshed Fiber fabric whose fibers made of thin stainless steel wire with a smooth, polished Surface are made, which forms the first outer layer. He is in a first cut step from a larger mat fiber fabric and has the rough Outlines on the subsequent lining element.

The diecut 1 is rectangular in the second step with a large about Recess 2 for the gear shift lever and three smaller equal rectangular recesses 3a, 3b, 3c for display elements or the like provided. The recesses 3a, 3b, 3c are aligned along a line aligned.

The recesses may also be produced by punching or cutting will. The recesses may also be given a suitable punch in first step are stamped.

Subsequently, the flexible but knick-rigid fiber fabric diecut 1 is in the range between the recesses 3a, 3b, 3c and the larger recess 2 by about 90 ° bent upward (see. FIG. 2).

To complete the first outer layer, the cut edges are 4 of Diecut reworked so that no "ausgefranzten" sharp or pointed Edges are present and smooth edges are formed (see FIG. FIG. 3).

In preparation of the stamped product from 1 for applying the second layer Plastic, is a protective film 5 (see. FIG. 4a) or a support layer 6 (see Fig.. 4b) applied to the back of the stamped product. 1 Both the protective film 5 as the carrier layer 6 prevent entry of the flowable resin into the Stainless steel mesh in the preparation of the second layer. The connection between the protective film 5 or carrier layer 6 and the back of the stamped product is 1 produced by gluing or laminating.

Subsequently, for forming the second layer 7 behind the first layer 1 or on the back side of the punched 1 liquid, preferably dyed black, ABS applied by injection molding and cured. Depending on the desired Color effect, the ABS may have any color. The result is a structure of Cladding element as seen in FIG. 5 On the left side of the figure is the construction with protective film and on the right side of the building with Support layer shown.

A further embodiment of the structure of a panel is shown in Figure 6 shown.

It differs from the construction described above in that the Diecut 11 consists of a coarse-mesh woven metal wire cloth, and that the Plastic of the second layer 17 is transparent. Further, it was neither a Protector still used a backing layer.

Behind the transparent second layer 17 is an illumination device 18 arranged. This can eg. For example, comprise a light bulb. Launched by the Illumination device 18 emitted light passes through the transparent second layer 17 through and illuminated the coarse-mesh metal gauze of first layer of the back. In addition, the light passes through the coarse-mesh Metal wire mesh and can be used for lighting of displays, instruments, etc. or the production of effects are used.

To limit the backlit area, either the transparency of the can second layer be localized. Alternatively, by the light source z. B. Use of a jacket to be focused in such a way that their light only at certain points on the second layer applies.