WO2017000002A1

WO2017000002A1 - Method for producing a decorative element

Info

Publication number: WO2017000002A1
Application number: PCT/AT2016/000074
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas KISLING
Original assignee: Kisling Andreas
Priority date: 2015-06-30
Filing date: 2016-06-30
Publication date: 2017-01-05
Also published as: EP3337678A1; DE102015117490A1; AT15059U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a decorative element, wherein a pattern is applied to a backing, in particular a nonwoven, the backing is then laid on a support element and the support element and the backing, together with the pattern, are subsequently provided with a sealing coat, such that the backing is situated between the support element and the sealing coat. In said method, the backing consists of a material that dissolves or becomes transparent when it comes into contact with the material of the sealing coat.

Description

Method for producing a decorative element

The invention relates to a method for producing a decorative element and a decorative element, in particular produced by the inventive method.

Various methods for finishing surfaces using decorative elements have become known from the prior art, which are used, for example, in vehicles such as motor vehicles or ships. These include, in particular, the use of colors, special surface structures or shapes. It is particularly popular, body parts of motor vehicles with a coating of fabric mats, which are made of carbon fibers, for example, or to replace the body parts by replicas of the fabric mats. Due to their tissue structure have carbon mats on a three-dimen ^¬ dimensional structure resulting aesthetically pleasing depth effects with appropriate light. The depth effect is further enhanced by the fact that the carbon fibers that make up the carbon mats strongly reflect the light, resulting in a shiny effect.

Furthermore, decorative elements with three-dimensional patterns are known which, for example, represent a lettering or a company logo and, in the context of surface finishing, produce particularly beautiful depth effects (3D effects) on the decorative elements when exposed to light.

However, in the production of such decorative elements with a pattern, the problem arises that the pattern to be applied is difficult to handle and position during manufacture and the position is difficult to fix. When positioning and fixing the pattern, changes in the pattern that should be avoided. The mentioned difficulties exist in particular with pattern elements which consist of textile material, such as textile fibers, twines or yarns, from which, for example, embroideries are produced.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method for producing a novel decorative element, which enables reliable production of the decorative element.

To achieve this object, the invention provides a method for producing a decorative element, wherein a pattern on a carrier layer, in particular a nonwoven, is applied, the carrier layer is then placed on a carrier element, whereupon the carrier element and the carrier layer including pattern provided with a sealing layer so that the carrier layer is placed between the carrier element and the sealing layer, and the carrier layer is made of a material which dissolves and / or becomes transparent in contact with the material of the sealing layer. The desired pattern is therefore not directly connected to the carrier element and processed, but first applied to a carrier layer. This solves the problem of the pattern being slipped or distorted during processing because the backing prevents the unwanted movement of the pattern. The fixation of the carrier layer including pattern as well as a protection against the environment are inventively achieved in that the carrier layer is covered with a sealing layer. As the support sheet dissolves or becomes transparent in contact with the sealant layer, the support layer does not adversely affect the visual appearance of the decoration member. It is preferably provided that the carrier layer is a textile. The dissolution or transparency of the carrier layer can be achieved, in particular, by virtue of the carrier layer being water-, resin-, lacquer- or heat-soluble. As a result, an at least partial dissolution of the carrier layer in contact with the material of the sealing layer can be achieved, wherein the optionally unresolved part of the carrier layer becomes transparent during this method step or in a subsequent method step. In the case of using a heat-soluble carrier layer is preferably provided that this dissolves at temperatures of> 40 ° C, preferably> 90 ° C.

It is preferably provided that the pattern is embroidered on the carrier layer. The pattern is thus formed by an embroidery, wherein the advantages of the invention come to bear to a particular extent. The direct application of the embroidery on the support member may be difficult or even impossible depending on the nature of the support member namely. If the carrier element is, for example, a flexible sheet, this would be distorted due to the thread tension occurring during the embroidering process. The fact that the embroidery is now applied to a separate carrier layer, a carrier layer can be used which has sufficient rigidity or stability. Due to the fact that the carrier layer becomes invisible or dissolves in the course of the further production process, a particularly appealing visual effect is achieved in that the embroidery is, as it were, suspended on the carrier element. This allows a three-dimensional structure to be achieved. Embroidery patterns are also preferred because they are well suited as the basis for particularly varied rich decorations. Embroidering is preferably carried out using egg ^¬ nes yarn made of heat resistant material, such as Polyesterfa- fibers, cotton or aramid fibers so that it is not damaged by the application of the sealant layer or subsequent heat treatment of the layer. It is preferably provided that the carrier layer, in particular the nonwoven, comprises cellulose, viscose, synthetic fibers, thermoplastics, such as polyesters, polyvinyl alcohol, polyolefins or polyamides, or consists of one of these materials or mixtures thereof. These materials or mixtures are particularly suitable for the process according to the invention, since they promote or bring about the dissolution or transparency of the carrier layer.

It is preferably provided that the carrier layer is fixed or pressed with the carrier element by means of a vacuum-based introduction method. In this case, it is particularly preferably provided that the vacuum-based introduction method comprises the application of a membrane and a boundary film arranged above it on a side of the carrier element carrying the carrier layer and the subsequent generation of a vacuum between the delimiting foil and the carrier element or the nonwoven. In particular, the use of a vacuum-based resin injection process is preferred in such processes. Here, an air-permeable, but not material-permeable membrane is placed on the carrier element or the carrier layer in a distance corresponding to the finished product. An air-impermeable bounding foil is placed on this membrane. Subsequently, a vacuum is created within the space formed by the boundary film the cavity, so that the aufzu--making material, in particular the material of coating is layer ^¬ is sucked between the carrier element or the carrier layer and the membrane due to the vacuum and distributed uniformly. The air is sucked through the membrane and then transported away between the membrane and the boundary film. Unlike other methods, in this type of manufacture, air pockets and other irregularities in the distribution of the material of the sealing layer can be avoided, so that a uniform, homogeneous sealing layer can be produced.

As an alternative to the vacuum-based resin injection process, the production can also take place with the aid of prepregs (preimpregnated fibers). These are pre-impregnated with reaction resins textile fiber-matrix semi-finished products, such as a carbon fiber fabric or -gelege, which is impregnated with a reaction resin. The prepregs may gen as part of it ^¬ inventive method as a support element for use gelan-.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the sealing layer is formed by a liquid plastic, preferably a resin, epoxy resin or a lacquer. Both one-component and multi-component liquid plastics are suitable in principle. While component products eg. In air contact cure a chemical reaction between the components takes place at multi-component production ^¬ th, leading to hardening. Resin, in particular epoxy resin is suitable because of its resistance to mechanical influences ^¬ A and its high temperature resistance for Dekora ^¬ tion elements of the inventive type. Furthermore, for example. Epoxy resin are plastic coatings, very good ge ^¬ is.

A particularly preferred embodiment provides that the sealing layer is cured by means of a temperature treatment. In particular, resins such as epoxy resins may be hardened to achieve the optimal properties of these materials. Such a temperature treatment may, for example, be a quiescent phase at or above room temperature or also a heating in an oven. In the context of this embodiment, it is further preferably provided that the carrier layer dissolves or becomes transparent during this temperature treatment. As a result, two production steps, namely the hardening of the sealing layer and the dissolution or transparency of the carrier layer, can be combined with one another.

Further preferably, it is provided that the carrier element is formed by a mat, for example consisting of or comprising carbon or glass fibers, in particular of a carbon fiber or glass fiber fabric. Such mats can be used because of their stable properties in many areas, eg. In vehicle ^¬ construction. Furthermore, the optical properties ^¬ properties such mats allow for incidence of light patterns along with the production of various decorative elements. Alternatively, the carrier element can also be an already finished component, for example of metal or plastic, which is additionally decorated by means of the method according to the invention.

In order to additionally protect the carrier layer, in particular for large-area decorative elements, it is preferably provided that a water- or resin-soluble protective film is arranged between the carrier layer and the sealing layer. Since the carrier layer is preferably very thin in order to ensure a good solubility or to be transparent in a simple manner, it is relatively susceptible to cracks when it is arranged on large areas. Therefore, it may be necessary to assign an additional protective film on the support layer or the pattern of ^¬ to counteract this susceptibility to cracking. So that the protective film, the visual appearance of the decorative elements, it is provided that it is soluble in water or resin and dissolves or becomes transparent during further preparation. In a preferred embodiment it is provided that the carrier layer at least partially dissolves during the provision of the carrier element with the sealing layer. As a result, at least part of the carrier layer can already be dissolved during the production of the sealing layer. A further treatment, for example by means of heat, in order to dissolve the carrier layer or allow it to become transparent, can therefore be completely eliminated or at least made easier.

After the decorative element has been produced according to the method according to the invention, it is usually cut to the required shape and further processed. Alternatively, the carrier element, an already finished component can be applied so that no further processing is necessary. According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a decorative element, in particular produced by a method according to the invention, comprising a carrier element, a sealing layer and a pattern and optionally a carrier layer connected to the pattern, in particular a nonwoven, wherein the pattern is arranged between the carrier element and the sealing layer , Such a decorative element thus has a pattern which is arranged between two layers. The pattern, in conjunction with at least one layer, provides for the provision of a special optical effect, in particular a three-dimensional depth effect. In this case, the pattern can essentially take on any shape, for example representing a company logo or an ornament It is preferably provided that the pattern is an embroidery design. Embroidery patterns are particularly suitable as a pattern for decorative elements of this type, because they interact particularly well with the support layer and the sealing layer due to their properties and thus provide an optically beautiful decorative element.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the sealing layer is formed by a resin, preferably an epoxy resin. Resin, in particular epoxy resin, is ideally suited for decorative elements of the type according to the invention because of its resistance to mechanical influences and its high temperature resistance. In a preferred embodiment it is provided that the carrier element is a mat, for example consisting of or comprising carbon or glass fibers, in particular of a carbon fiber or glass fiber fabric. Due to their stable properties, such mats can be used in many areas, for example in vehicle construction. Furthermore, the optical properties of such mats, which particularly come to light when exposed to light, together with patterns allow the production of various decorative elements. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that a water- or resin-soluble protective film is arranged between the pattern or the carrier layer and the sealing layer.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle comprising at least one decorative element according to the invention. Decorative elements according to the invention are suitable for vehicles of all kinds, for example for motor vehicles, motorcycles, construction machines, boats or yachts or aircraft. The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing. 1 shows a schematically illustrated decorative element according to the invention in cross-section, FIG. 2 shows a decorative element according to the invention during production, and FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the decorative element shown in FIG.

In Fig. 1, a decorative element is shown schematically, wherein 1 denotes a carrier element, for example. A mat made of carbon fibers or glass fibers. On this layer is a carrier layer 2, which is provided with a pattern 3, for example. An embroidery pattern. The carrier layer 2 is, for example, a nonwoven made of cellulose. The carrier layer 2 does not have to extend over the entire surface of the carrier element 1, but can cover only a portion of the carrier element 1, as shown in Fig. 1, cover. In the finished state of the decoration element, the carrier layer 2 may already be completely dissolved or, as shown here, be transparent. On the carrier element 1 or the carrier layer 2, a sealing layer 4 is arranged, which covers in particular the pattern 3. The sealing layer 4 may, for example, be formed from a resin, in particular an epoxy resin. The decorative element has already been cut into a finished element and therefore has defined edges.

FIG. 2 shows a decorative element according to the invention during the production process according to the invention. The carrier element 1 rests on a table 5. The carrier layer 2 with the pattern 3 is already arranged on the carrier element 1. On the support layer 2 and the pattern 3, a water- or ^resin-¬ soluble protective film 6 is arranged to stabilize the base sheet 2 and to prevent tearing. Above the Protective film 6 is a membrane 7 is arranged, which is permeable to air, but not permeable to the material of the sealing layer 4. The distance of the membrane 7 from the carrier element 1 or the protective film 6 defines the layer thickness of the sealing layer 4 to be produced. Above the membrane 7 an air-impermeable limiting film 8 is arranged.

The sealing layer 4 is produced as follows. In the intermediate space 9 between the boundary film 8 and the membrane 7, air is sucked off via an air line 10, so that a vacuum is created in the intermediate space 9 or in the sealing space 11 between the protective film 6 and the membrane 7. At the same time a material is supplied to the sealing space 11 via a material line 12, which will form the sealing layer 4. Due to the vacuum, the material is evenly distributed throughout the sealing space 11. Such a method is also known as a vacuum-based (resin) injection method. As soon as the sealing space 11 is filled with the material, the sealing layer 4 now produced in the sealing space 11 is optionally cured or dried in order to obtain a solid sealing layer 4. During the introduction of the material in the sealing space 11, the protective film 6 and the carrier layer 4 partially dissolve or become transparent. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the protective film 6 and the carrier layer 4 only become soluble or transparent during a subsequent step, for example during a heat treatment.

The decorative element is then optionally cut to size and further processed, for example, from the product, for example a vehicle, applied. In Fig. 3, the arrangement shown in Fig. 2 is shown in a plan view, wherein the boundary foil 8 and the membrane 7 are not shown for clarity. The air line 10 and the material line 12 are arranged on opposite sides of the table 5. But you can also be arranged other, for example, next to each other.

Claims

Claims :

1. A method for producing a decorative element, wherein a pattern (3) on a carrier layer (2), in particular a non-woven, is applied, the carrier layer (2) is then placed on a carrier element (1), whereupon the carrier element (1) and the carrier layer (2) together with the pattern (3) are provided with a sealing layer (4), so that the carrier layer (2) is arranged between the carrier element (1) and the sealing layer (4), and the carrier layer (2) consists of a Material is that dissolves in contact with the material of the sealing layer (4) and / or becomes transparent.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier layer (2) is water-, resin-, lacquer- or heat-soluble.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pattern (3) on the carrier layer (2) is embroidered.

4. The method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the carrier layer (2), in particular the nonwoven, cellulose, viscose, synthetic fibers, thermoplastics such as polyester, polyvinyl alcohol, polyolefins or polyamides comprises or from one of these materials or Mixtures of it exists.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the carrier layer (2) with the carrier element (1) is pressed by means of a vacuum-based introduction method.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the vacuum-based introduction method laying a Membrane (7) and an overlying boundary film (8) on a carrier layer (2) carrying side of the support member (1) and the subsequent generation of a vacuum between the boundary film (8) and the carrier element (1) or the Träger- (2).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sealing layer (4) is formed by a liquid plastic, preferably a resin, epoxy resin or a lacquer.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sealing layer (4) is cured by means of a temperature treatment, wherein it is preferably provided that the carrier layer (2) dissolves or becomes transparent during this temperature treatment.

9. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the carrier element (1) of a mat, for example. Consisting of or comprising carbon or glass fibers, insbeson ^¬ particular is formed from a carbon-fiber or glass fiber fabric.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, character- ized in that between the carrier layer (2) and the sealing layer (4) a water- or resin-soluble protective film (6) is arranged.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, character- ized in that the carrier layer (2) during the provision of the carrier element (1) with the sealing layer (4) at least partially dissolves.

12. decorative element, in particular produced by a method according to one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a carrier element (1), a sealing layer (4) and a pattern (3) and optionally a carrier (2) connected to the support (2 ), in particular a nonwoven, said pattern (3) is arranged Zvi ^¬ rule (the support member 1) and the sealing layer (4).

13. decorative element according to claim 12, marked thereby, that the pattern (3) is an embroidery pattern.

14. decorative element according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the sealing layer (4) by a resin, preferably an epoxy resin, is formed.

15. Decorative element according to claim 12, 13 or 14, characterized in that the carrier element (1) is a mat, for example. Consisting of or comprising carbon or glass fibers, in particular of a carbon fiber or glass fiber fabric.

16. Decorative element according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that between the pattern (3) or the carrier layer (2) and the sealing layer (4) a water- or resin-soluble protective film (6) is arranged.

17. vehicle comprising at least one decorative element according to one of claims 12 to 16.