DE102020200809A1 - Headlining comprising a natural material layer - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a roof lining (1, 1a, 1b) comprising a natural material layer (20), the natural material of the natural material layer (20) being mechanically shredded in at most one dimension. The invention further relates to an automobile having a headliner (5) comprising such a headliner lining (1, 1a, 1b). The headlining according to the invention (1, 1a, 1b) is sustainable, resilient and at the same time visually appealing.

Description

The invention relates to a headliner comprising a layer of natural material, as well as an automobile having a headliner comprising such a headliner.

The headliner, also known as the car headliner, is part of the car interior. In addition to the design of the body, the design of the interior is an important point in vehicle development. The appearance of the individual elements is taken into account, and the feel and the interplay of material, shape and color also play an important role. In addition, the smell and recyclability of the materials and material mixtures used now play an important role in the design and development of vehicle interiors.

In addition to aesthetic requirements, the lining in the vehicle interior should also meet functional requirements, such as high resistance to scratches. Furthermore, modern headlining should be ecological without sacrificing functionality.

the DE 10 2006 045 069 A1 describes a multi-layer nonwoven composite material with a core layer and at least one cover layer connected to the core layer, the at least one cover layer being needle-punched with the core layer so that fibers of the at least one cover layer protrude into the core layer.

the EP 0 671 259 B1 relates to a multi-layer body made of plastic and natural fibers with a lower layer as a carrier for an outer layer, the lower layer containing a filler made of natural fibers and a binder made of thermoplastic material.

the EP 1 851 091 B1 describes an interior trim for automobiles comprising fibers.

the EP 1 851 092 B1 describes a multi-layer motor vehicle headliner comprising a core layer which is manufactured integrally from a mixture of sheath-core bicomponent fibers, which are composed of a high-melting core component and a low-melting sheath component, with functional, thermoplastic organic fibers or natural fibers.

The invention is based on the object of providing a resilient, ecologically sustainable, visually appealing and overall high-quality material which largely overcomes the disadvantages of known materials for headliners.

According to one aspect, the invention relates to a headliner comprising a layer of natural material, the natural material of the layer of natural material being mechanically shredded at most in one dimension, preferably not shredded at all.

This results in an ecological, visually appealing and overall high-quality roof lining.

The nature of the natural material remains recognizable in that the natural material of the natural material layer is mechanically shredded at most in one dimension, so that a vehicle occupant can essentially immediately visually recognize the shape of the material and thus the feeling that when looking at the natural material in its natural Environment is felt, is remembered.

Since the natural material of the natural material layer is mechanically shredded at most in one dimension, preferably not shredded at all, in the case of leaves as natural material, for example, their characteristic leaf shape and ribs remain essentially recognizable for the vehicle occupant. This gives the occupant the positive associations of looking at leaves in their natural environment. In the context of the invention, the term “dimension” is understood to mean a spatial dimension.

Materials such as cork or wood chips are to be distinguished from the natural materials according to the invention. In the case of materials such as cork or wood chip, the underlying natural materials are shredded in several dimensions. In the case of chipboard, for example, wood residues are processed into chips by crushing them in several dimensions and then mixed with binders and pressed into relatively rigid boards. When the wood is shredded, it loses its original shape and structure in such a way that the chips no longer create the same impression as the wood in its original, natural, non-shredded form.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the structures of the natural material have a size of at least 1 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, in one dimension. Since the natural material in this embodiment has structures with a minimum size, the natural impression that is felt when looking at the natural material in its natural environment is retained. Chip and cork materials, on the other hand, usually have significantly more shredded structures of less than 1 cm.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the structures of the natural material do not have a homogeneous, regular distribution in the direction of the surface of the roof lining. Rather, areas with a higher density and areas with a lower density of the natural material can alternate, in particular in an irregular shape. The natural material structures also preferably have a random or disordered distribution in the direction of the surface. This results in a different aesthetic than with materials that have regular and complete or seamless coverage. In contrast to the invention, cork and chipboard materials, for example, have a complete and homogeneous coverage in the material level and thus appear “industrially functional” and no longer create the natural, living impression of the original natural material.

According to one embodiment, the invention relates to a roof lining, wherein the roof lining can form a curved roof lining. While chipboard, for example, has a rigid structure, the natural material layer, due to the choice of natural material, is preferably flexible in that it can also be used in curved roof linings.

According to one embodiment, the invention relates to a headliner comprising a layer of natural material, the type of natural material of the layer of natural material being recognizable, in particular directly visually.

For example, hay is essentially immediately recognizable as such by the consumer because of its characteristic stalks and color. In the case of fiber materials, such as cotton fabrics or linen fabrics, on the other hand, the structure of the original natural materials is changed by processing into a fabric in such a way that the appearance of the fabric differs greatly from the original natural material, in the case mentioned the cotton plant or linen plant. As a rule, no direct conclusions can be drawn about their natural origin simply by looking at them visually. Rather, in these cases a more detailed examination is usually necessary, not only visually but also through touch, in order to identify the original material. The present invention differs from this.

The type of natural material remains recognizable if, in particular, essential elements that the consumer is familiar with as part of the original material are retained and thus conclusions can be drawn about the type of the original material.

The type of natural material is basically not restricted. Organic materials are preferably used, and plant materials are particularly preferred.

According to one embodiment, the natural material can have leaves as the natural material. This results in appealing visual designs that reveal the nature of the natural material - in particular by retaining the essential elements of the natural material, here the style and / or the ribs of the leaves.

In embodiments of the invention, for example, straw-like materials are also preferred. For example, the layer of natural material can have grasses, which preferably have a stalk or stalk. Thus, the natural material layer can in particular comprise straw or hay, which preferably has a stalk and / or stalk. The stalk or stalk are essentially retained in the natural material layer even after the natural material has been processed.

The type of natural material of the natural material layer thus remains recognizable and identifiable for the user. As a result, the natural material layer differs from other headliners with natural materials that have lost their original characteristic shape, for example due to mechanical treatment, and are therefore no longer visible to the user, in particular directly visually. Furthermore, the natural material layer according to the invention differs from other headliners with natural materials that have not lost their original characteristic shape due to chemical treatment and / or mechanical treatment, but are covered by further layers to the effect that the nature of the natural material is no longer suitable for the User is identifiable.

Furthermore, flowers, for example, are also preferred as natural materials. These can, for example, be part of the natural material layer in dried form. The petals can be made partially transparent by suitable methods and thus become partially permeable to light.

Furthermore, wood and bark, for example, are also preferred. These can be part of the natural material layer, for example in dried form.

The raw materials, i.e. the underlying natural materials, are preferably mixed with a binding agent and in a gentle way Pressing process pressed into the natural material layer. Depending on the raw material used, this preferably has a thickness of 0.1 to 3 mm.

The natural surfaces are initially untreated. The surfaces are advantageously emission-free and also allergy-tested, environmentally friendly and harmless to health, climate-regulating and can be produced in a CO ₂ -neutral manner.

According to a preferred embodiment, a headliner is described, wherein the natural material in the natural material layer in an amount of at least 10 wt .-%, preferably of at least 20 wt .-%, more preferably of at least 50 wt .-% and even more preferably of at least 70% by weight based on the total weight of the natural material layer is present.

According to a preferred embodiment, a headliner lining is described, this having at least one first area which has a lamination layer. According to a preferred embodiment, the lamination layer represents a cushion layer and has a certain elasticity. This realizes advantageous haptic properties. Together with the natural material layer, the headliner lining advantageously conveys an appealing visual and haptic impression that the lamination layer alone or the natural material layer alone cannot convey. The lamination layer and the natural material layer consequently complement each other effectively.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lamination layer is essentially opaque to light.

According to a further preferred embodiment, a headliner is described, this having at least one second area which does not have a lamination layer.

According to a further preferred embodiment, a headliner lining is described, the natural material layer in the second area being at least partially permeable to light.

The partial light permeability of the natural material layer can be achieved in different ways. On the one hand, it is possible to reduce the density with which the natural material is arranged in the natural material layer. In other words, the natural material layer in this embodiment is not designed to be completely covering, but rather has light-permeable passages.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, it is further provided that the natural material itself is partially translucent. This can be achieved by treatment, in particular chemical treatment, of the natural material. For example, leaves can be "skeletonized" using chemical sodium treatment. The plant material arranged between the stems and ribs of the leaves becomes partially translucent. The stems and ribs of the leaves remain opaque.

According to a preferred embodiment, a roof lining is described, which has at least one light guide.

Light guides are transparent components such as fibers, tubes or rods that transport light over short or long distances. The light guide is achieved by means of reflection at the interface of the light guide either by total reflection due to a lower refractive index of the medium surrounding the light guide or by mirroring the interface or by a suitable refraction gradient.

Inorganic light guides based on glass (SiC) or organic light guides based on PC (polycarbonate) or PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) are preferably used.

According to a preferred embodiment, a roof lining is described, wherein this has at least one light guide and wherein the light guide is in particular part of the natural material layer. Certain elements of the natural material are preferably reproduced and / or replaced by the light guide. Particularly preferably, certain fiber-like elements of the natural material are reproduced and / or replaced by the light guide.

According to a preferred embodiment, a roof lining is thus described, wherein the natural material layer has leaves as the natural material and the ribs of the leaves are at least partially simulated by means of a light guide.

According to a further preferred embodiment, a roof lining is described, the natural material layer having grasses and / or hay as natural material and the stalks being at least partially replaced by means of a light guide.

According to a preferred embodiment, a roof lining is described, a protective layer being applied to the layer of natural material.

Because a protective layer is applied to the layer of natural material, the stress in the car and the sensitivity of the natural material can be taken into account. In particular, it was found that the natural material, if it is designed according to the invention in such a way that the type of natural material of the natural material layer can be recognized, can be sensitive. This is the case, for example, when the natural material layer has leaves as the natural material. In particular, leaves that are “skeletonized”, ie partially transparent, due to chemical treatment are sometimes sensitive. It has been found that, in particular, a protective layer made of polyurethane can protect natural materials well.

According to a preferred embodiment, a roof lining is therefore described, the protective layer comprising polyurethanes and preferably being designed as a paint layer.

The protective layer is particularly preferably applied directly, that is to say immediately, to the layer of natural material, which results in a particularly preferred protective effect for the layer of natural material.

The protective layer can, for example, also be applied to the natural material layer by a spray treatment. As already described, the type of natural material of the natural material layer remains recognizable and identifiable for the user. However, this usually means that the natural material layer has an at least partially inhomogeneous surface which is predetermined by the type of natural material. A prefabricated, essentially inflexible protective layer can therefore not or only with difficulty be applied to the surface of the natural material layer. As a result of the spray treatment, an inhomogeneously designed surface of the natural material layer can also be covered completely and thus protectively with the protective layer.

According to a further embodiment, the protective layer can be applied to the natural material layer in the form of a film. The film is preferably designed to be flexible in order to take account of the possibly inhomogeneous layer of natural material. In other words, the film adapts to the surface structure of the natural material layer.

The protective layer is particularly preferably essentially transparent. This distinguishes the headliner from other headliners with natural materials, which are covered by opaque protective layers in such a way that the type of natural material can no longer be identified by the user and thus no design effect can be achieved.

According to a further embodiment, the headlining has an optional adhesive layer which connects the lamination layer and the natural material layer.

According to a further aspect, an automobile is described having a roof lining provided with a roof lining according to the invention.

According to a preferred embodiment, a headliner with a headliner is described, the headliner having at least a first area that has a lamination layer and at least one second area that does not have a lamination layer and is at least partially transparent to light, the at least one second area Area is applied to a light source. According to a preferred embodiment, the first area is impermeable to light.

According to a preferred embodiment, a headliner with a headliner is described, the headliner having at least a first area that has a lamination layer and at least one second area that does not have a lamination layer and is at least partially transparent to light, the at least one second area Area is applied to a pane of glass. According to a preferred embodiment, the first area is impermeable to light.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention emerge from the other features mentioned in the subclaims.

The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another, unless stated otherwise in the individual case.

• 1a einen Schichtaufbau einer Dachhimmelverkleidung mit Kaschierschicht;
• 1b einen Schichtaufbau einer Dachhimmelverkleidung ohne Kaschierschicht;
• 2 eine Naturmaterialschicht umfassend Blätter;
• 3a einen Dachhimmel versehen mit einer Dachhimmelverkleidung in einer ersten Ausführungsform in schematischer Seitendarstellung;
• 3b einen Dachhimmel versehen mit einer Dachhimmelverkleidung in einer zweiten Ausführungsform in schematischer Seitendarstellung; und
• 4 einen Dachhimmel versehen mit einer Dachhimmelverkleidung in Draufsicht.

The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• 1a a layer structure of a headliner with a lamination layer;
• 1b a layer structure of a headliner without a lamination layer;
• 2 a natural material layer comprising leaves;
• 3a a headliner provided with a headliner lining in a first embodiment in a schematic side view;
• 3b a headliner provided with a headliner in a second Embodiment in a schematic side view; and
• 4th a headliner provided with a headliner in plan view.

1a shows a layer structure of a headliner 1a . The headlining 1a comprises a layer of natural material 20th , whereby the natural material is mechanically shredded at most in one dimension. The type of natural material of the natural material layer 20th remains recognizable. In other words, the natural material is retained in its shape and quality to the extent that it can be recognized by the viewer. It is therefore excluded that the natural material essentially loses its original shape through further processing, for example by means of mechanical processing and / or chemical treatment. The shown headliner 1a also has a lamination layer 10 on. The lamination layer 10 In a preferred embodiment, represents a cushioning layer and gives the headliner a preferred feel. The shown headliner 1a also has a protective layer 30th on that on the natural material layer 20th is upset. This protects the sensitive natural material from external influences such as temperature and light. The layer structure shown 1a need not necessarily be constituted throughout the headliner as shown. Rather, the layer structure shown can also only be a first area 1a a more extensive headliner.

1b shows a layer structure of a headliner 1b . The headlining 1b also includes a natural material layer 20th . This is also designed in such a way that the natural material is mechanically shredded at most in one dimension and the type of natural material of the natural material layer 20th is recognizable. Unlike the headliner 1a has the headlining shown 1b but no lamination layer 10 on. When the natural material layer 20th is at least partially permeable to light, so is the headliner 1b overall permeable to light and can be used in combination with light sources to illuminate the interior of a car. The layer structure shown 1b need not necessarily be constituted throughout the headliner as shown. Rather, the layer structure shown can also only have a second area 1b describe the headlining. The shown headliner 1b also has a protective layer 30th on that on the natural material layer 20th is upset. This protects the sensitive natural material from external influences such as temperature and light.

2 shows a layer of natural material 20th in one embodiment in detail. The natural material layer 20th includes leaves 22nd as a natural material. The leaves were chemically treated and made at least partially transparent. This can be done, for example, by treatment with sodium hydroxide solution. Such a process is also known as skeletonizing. The natural material layer 20th is therefore partially permeable to light. Leaves are particularly suitable as a light-permeable layer of natural material. Because the natural material layer 20th is at least partially permeable to light, the headlining is also, unless an opaque laminating layer is used, overall permeable to light and can be used in combination with light sources to illuminate the interior of the automobile. For the purpose of illumination, the roof lining can be designed in such a way that it has at least one light guide 24a ' , 24b ' having. In the embodiment shown, the natural material layer 20th with leaves 22nd as a natural material, the ribs 24a , 24b of the leaves 22nd at least partially by means of a light guide 24a ' , 24b ' be replicated. This results in appealing illumination effects that reveal the nature of the natural material even when there is little ambient light, in particular by reproducing the essential elements of the natural material, here the handle and the ribs 24a , 24b of the leaves 22nd . The natural material is mechanically shredded at most in one dimension, for example by cutting the styles of the leaves, whereby the leaf structure is retained.

3a shows a headliner 5 provided with a headliner 1 in a first embodiment in a schematic representation. The headlining 1 has at least a first area 1a on, the one layer of lamination 10 and has at least one second region 1b on that does not have a layer of lamination 10 and is at least partially transparent to light, the at least one second region 1b on a disk 6th is upset. When the natural material layer 20th is at least partially permeable to light, the headlining in the second area is also 1b overall permeable to light coming from outside through the pane 6th got into the interior of the automobile. The shown headliner 1 also has a protective layer 30th on that on the natural material layer 20th is upset. This protects the sensitive natural material from external influences such as temperature and light. The protective layer 30th is preferably transparent, and thus permeable to light which is transmitted from the outside through the pane 6th got into the interior of the automobile.

3b shows a headliner 5 provided with a headliner 1 in a second embodiment in a schematic representation. The headlining 1 has at least a first area 1a on, the one layer of lamination 10 and has at least one second region 1b on that does not have a layer of lamination 10 and is at least partially transparent to light, the at least one second region 1b on a light source 7th is upset. When the natural material layer 20th is at least partially permeable to light, the headlining in the second area is also 1b overall permeable to light. The light source 7th then serves to illuminate the automobile. The shown headliner 1 also has a protective layer 30th on that on the natural material layer 20th is upset. This protects the sensitive natural material from external influences such as temperature and light.

4th shows a headliner 5 provided with a headliner 1 in a top view. The natural material layer has leaves as a natural material. These were made at least partially transparent to light by suitable treatment. This is why the headlining is also in the second area 1b Without a lamination layer, it is entirely transparent to light from an underlying light source 7th which serves or contributes to the illumination of the automobile.

List of reference symbols

1

Headlining

1a

Headlining with a lamination layer

1b

Headlining without a lamination layer

5

Headliner

6th

Pane of glass

7th

Light source

10

Lamination layer

20th

Natural material layer

22nd

sheet

24a

Midrib

24a '

Light guide as a central rib

24b

Side ribs

24b '

Light guides as side ribs

30th

Protective layer

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102006045069 A1 [0004]
• EP 0671259 B1 [0005]
• EP 1851091 B1 [0006]
• EP 1851092 B1 [0007]

Claims (10)

Headlining (1) comprising a natural material layer (20), characterized in that the natural material of the natural material layer (20) is mechanically shredded at most in one dimension. Headlining (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it has at least one first area (1a) which has a lamination layer (10). Headlining (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has at least one second region (1b) which has no lamination layer (10). Headlining (1) according to Claim 3 , characterized in that the natural material layer (20) is at least partially transparent to light at least in the second region (1b). Headlining (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has at least one light guide (24a ', 24b'). Headlining (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the natural material layer (20) has leaves (22) as natural material. Headlining (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ribs (24a, 24b) of the leaves (22) are at least partially simulated by means of a light guide (24a ', 24b'). Headlining (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one protective layer (30) is applied to the natural material layer (20). Automobile having a headliner (5) provided with a headlining (1) according to one of the preceding claims. Automobile according to Claim 9 , characterized in that the headliner (1) has at least a first area (1a) which has a lamination layer (10) and at least a second area (1b) which has no lamination layer (10) and is at least partially transparent to light wherein the at least one second area (1b) is applied to a light source (7) and / or wherein the at least one second area (1b) is applied to a glass pane (6).

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