Trim elements, such as wall paneling, are used in a variety of applications and for various purposes. For instance, trim elements may be used to cover various surfaces in an interior of a vehicle, such as an aircraft, watercraft and/or land-bound vehicle. Such trim elements are generally used mainly for decorative purposes to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the interior of the vehicle. Many vehicles, such as aircrafts, typically travel across relatively long distances such that the occupants spend a relatively large amount of time in the vehicles. Hence, providing a comfortable and appealing environment to the occupants of the vehicle may be considered an important aspect in the configuration of the vehicle. Moreover, many owners of vehicles have a desire to personalize the interior of their vehicle(s), which may be achieved by providing customized trim elements.

Besides providing aesthetic appeal, the interior of vehicles are also often equipped with one or more visual information indicators, such as displays, symbols, lettering, arrows, and/or other graphics, which visually provide information to one or more occupants of the vehicle, e.g., information relating to the operation of the vehicle and/or one or more control functions of the vehicle and/or one or more general instructions, such as an indication of a walking direction in the interior of the vehicle.

In recent years, trim elements which have integrated elements configured to visually display information to the occupants of the vehicle have been developed. For instance, trim elements have been developed in which an image can be at least partially transilluminated through a section of the respective trim element.

However, according to the know prior art solutions, such trim elements generally may only be used with specific materials which naturally have relatively high light transmittance properties in order to transilluminate the image therethrough. Moreover, some prior art solutions rely on one or more treatment methods, such as by removing lignin from a wooden veneer, to provide such transilluminative properties to the respective trim element which may, however, adversely affect the appearance, aesthetic appeal, and/or quality of the trim element and/or of the illuminated image of the trim element, in particular in the case of a trim element made of natural wood.

Thus, based on the prior art, there remains a need to improve such trim elements, e.g., to overcome at least one of the above-identified drawbacks of the known trim elements.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved trim element. This object is achieved by a decorative trim element as defined by the features of claim 1. Variations and further developments are defined by the features of the features of the respective dependent claims.

The decorative trim element described herein is configured for use in an interior of a vehicle and includes at least one veneer layer which is at least partially translucent. Preferably, the veneer layer is at least partially translucent to light in a spectrum which is generally visible to humans. The veneer layer may also be at least partially translucent to light in a spectrum which is generally not visible to humans. The vehicle may be an aircraft, a land-bound vehicle or a watercraft. The interior of the vehicle may be an area within the vehicle configured to accommodate one or more occupants, e.g., a passenger compartment and/or a pilot's or driver's cabin. Being partially translucent may mean that the veneer layer has at least a minimum degree of translucency in at least a section of the veneer layer. The veneer layer may have at least a minimum degree of translucency in one or more sections of the veneer layer, whereas other sections of the veneer layer may be non-translucent or may at least have a lower degree of translucency. The entire veneer layer may have at least a minimum degree of translucency.

The veneer layer is configured to be mounted to a surface of the interior of the vehicle such that the veneer layer provides a paneling to the surface. The surface of the interior of the vehicle to which the veneer layer is mountable may be a structure which at least partially delimits the interior of the vehicle, such as at least a section of a wall and/or a ceiling of the interior of the vehicle. The veneer layer may be mounted directly or indirectly to the surface of the interior of the vehicle. The veneer layer may be substantially flush with adjacent sections of the surface of the interior of the vehicle, when the veneer layer is in a mounted state. The veneer layer itself may form a structure which at least partially delimits the interior of the vehicle, such as at least a section of a wall and/or ceiling, when the veneer layer is in a mounted state. The veneer layer may be mountable to various kinds of surfaces in the interior of the vehicle, such as to a surface of a seat, a wall or any other object which is at least partially arranged in the interior and/or at least partially delimits the interior of the vehicle. The veneer layer may be configured to be mounted to the surface such that the veneer layer at least partially covers the surface, e.g., in a layered manner, and/or such that the veneer layer is at least partially arranged adjacent to the surface. The veneer layer may be configured to at least partially fill or cover a void formed in and/or at least partially by the surface, such as a recess formed in a wall and/or a ceiling.

Alternatively, or additionally, the veneer layer may be configured to abut or adjoin, preferably virtually seamlessly, one or more adjacent surfaces, such as one or more adjacent surfaces of at least one veneer element and/or at least one veneer layer, such as a further veneer layer according to one of the embodiments described herein, and/or further elements which have at least one surface which faces the passenger(s)/occupant(s), when the one or more adjacent surfaces are in a mounted state in the interior of the vehicle. For this purpose, preferably, one or more outer edges of the veneer layer may be adapted to match or at least partially correspond to one or more outer edges of the one or more adjacent surfaces. Configuring the veneer layer to abut or adjoin, preferably virtually seamlessly, one or more adjacent surfaces may allow the veneer layer to be integrated into the interior of the vehicle virtually gap-free, i.e., with gaps which are non-visible or barely visible, which may enhance the aesthetical appeal of the interior of the vehicle. In particular, one or more treatments performed to the veneer layer, which is described further below, may provide the veneer layer with an appearance, such as a color, preferably on a viewing surface of the veneer layer which faces the passenger(s)/occupant(s), when the veneer layer is in a mounted state, which substantially matches or at least partially corresponds to an appearance of a surface of an adjacent structure, such as an untreated material, e.g., an untreated or natural veneer.

The veneer layer may be mounted to the surface of the interior of the vehicle by various means, e.g., mechanically and/or adhesively.

The veneer layer may be made of a natural material, such as wood. The wooden material may be massive wood and/or reconstituted wood, such as the reconstituted wooden veneers manufactured by the Italian manufacturer Alpi S.p.A. Alternatively, or additionally, the veneer layer may be made of a natural material such as banana trunk and/or natural fibers, such as rattan, e.g., the material "Karuun" which is distributed under the trademark name Karuun® by the manufacturer Karuun GmbH.

The decorative trim element further includes at least one light device which is configured to generate and transilluminate light through at least the veneer layer to transilluminate at least one pattern, which is at least partially man-made, through at least the veneer layer. Preferably, the decorative trim element is configured such that at least the veneer layer is located between the light device and one or more occupants in the interior of the vehicle, when the decorative trim element is in a mounted state on the respective surface in the interior of the vehicle. By providing such a configuration, the pattern may be transilluminatable through at least the veneer layer such that the transilluminated pattern is visible to the occupant(s) in the interior of the vehicle. Further components, e.g., layers, of the decorative trim element may be located between the light device and one or more occupants in the interior of the vehicle, when the decorative trim element is in a mounted state on the respective surface in the interior of the vehicle, to also transilluminate the pattern through said components.

The term "light" within the context of the above-identified feature of the decorative trim element described herein refers to light in a spectrum which is generally visible to humans such that the pattern is visibly illuminated to the human eye by the light generated by the light device. The light device may include one or more light sources, such as individual light-emitting diodes (LED), which emit visible light. The light device may include a plurality of light sources which are interconnected, e.g., via a common housing, such that the light device including the plurality of light sources is configured as a single coherent unit. The decorative trim element may include a plurality of light devices. The light devices may be interconnected or may be separated from each other.

The light device may be mounted at least partially in an opening and/or a recess formed in and/or at least partially by the surface of the interior of the vehicle, e.g., in a wall and/or a ceiling which at least partially delimits the interior of the vehicle. The veneer layer is preferably mounted to at least partially cover the light device, i.e., such that the veneer layer is arranged between one or more occupants in the interior of the vehicle and the light device, when the decorative trim element is in a mounted state, to at least partially close the opening and/or the recess to substantially entrap the light device at least partially within the opening and/or the recess.

The light device may include a diffusor and/or homogenizer and/or one or more optics to adjust the characteristics of the light emitted from the light device according to the respective application and/or to enhance the visual appearance of the transilluminated pattern and/or to enhance the viewing experience by the occupants in the interior of the vehicle.

The above-recited term "at least partially man-made" with respect to the pattern, which is transilluminatable through at least the veneer layer by the light generated by the light device, means that the pattern is at least partially synthetically fabricated and does not solely include patterns, such as intrinsic patterns in natural materials, which occur naturally in a material. For instance, one or more contours of the pattern may be generated synthetically, e.g., by fabricating a masking layer which provides said one or more contours. The pattern may include one or more symbols, such as a no-smoking symbol or a lavatory symbol, one or more letters, one or more depictions of one or more objects, one or more geometric shapes and/or lines, one or more colors, and/or one or more of any other pattern which is visibly detectable by humans.

The degree of transillumination of the pattern through the veneer layer may be substantially homogenous across the pattern. Alternatively, the degree of transillumination of the pattern through the veneer layer may vary, preferably having a maximum relative variance of 30%, more preferably 25%, more preferably 20%, more preferably 15%, more preferably 10%, most preferably 5%, across the pattern, for instance due to inconsistencies in the material of the veneer layer, e.g., veins in wood and/or other inconsistencies. The variance of the degree of transillumination of the pattern through the veneer layer across the pattern described above may relate to a variance which is effected only by the structural properties of the veneer layer, e.g., differences in light intensity of the light generated by the light device, which are effected by the light device itself, are not taken into account in said varying degree of transillumination of the pattern through the veneer layer. However, the light device may also generate light having varying light properties, such as varying light intensities, across the pattern and/or one or more further elements, e.g., one or more masking layers, may provide the light generated by the light device with varying light properties, e.g., light intensities, across the pattern. The variance of the degree of transillumination of the pattern through the veneer layer across the pattern may be intentional, e.g., to impart one or more design effects to the pattern, e.g., with different intensities and/or shades of color(s), or unintentional, e.g., due to intrinsic properties of the material of the veneer layer, e.g., veins in wood and/or other inconsistencies in the material of the veneer layer. The degree of transillumination of the pattern through the veneer layer may be determined on a viewing side of the veneer layer from which the pattern is visible to the passenger(s)/occupant(s), i.e., on a side facing the passenger(s)/occupant(s) in the interior of the vehicle, when the veneer layer is in a mounted state in the interior of the vehicle, by arranging on the viewing side at least one light measuring device, such as a photometer or lux meter, configured to measure, in one or more measurements, the illuminance of the light of the pattern which is transmitted through the veneer layer. To determine the variance of the degree of transillumination of the pattern through the veneer layer across the pattern, a plurality of measurements may be conducted at several points across the pattern.

The veneer layer has a layer thickness ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 mm and is made from a base material which has an intrinsic light transmittance ranging from 0.01% to 45%. The "base material" of the veneer layer is to be understood as being the main component of the veneer layer, e.g., which makes up the largest proportion of the mass and/or volume of the veneer layer, e.g., at least 55% of the total mass and/or volume of the veneer layer, preferably at least 60% of the total mass and/or volume of the veneer layer, more preferably at least 65% of the total mass and/or volume of the veneer layer, more preferably at least 70% of the total mass and/or volume of the veneer layer, more preferably at least 75% of the total mass and/or volume of the veneer layer, most preferably at least 80% of the total mass and/or volume of the veneer layer. The base material does not include supplementary additives which are added to the veneer layer, such as adhesives, impregnation substances, connection means, etc.

The term "intrinsic light transmittance" refers to a natural degree of light transmittance which the base material of the veneer layer naturally has without any substantial treatment and/or added substances, in particular treatments and/or substances to enhance the light transmittance properties thereof, such as impregnation, etc. Various types of possible treatments to enhance the ability of the veneer layer to transmit light beyond the intrinsic light transmittance of the base material are described in greater detail below. By providing a base material having an intrinsic light transmittance ranging from 0.01% to 45% to be used for the veneer layer, the decorative trim element described herein may be less reliant on materials which have a relatively high intrinsic light transmittance than solutions known from the prior art. For instance, when using wooden materials as the base material, the decorative trim element described herein may not be reliant on wood which is naturally light colored, which is used in most cases in the prior art in order to provide a material with a naturally higher intrinsic light transmittance. In the case of the decorative trim element described herein, darker wood, which have lower intrinsic light transmittance properties than lighter wood, may also be suitable as a base material for the veneer layer. Thus, the decorative trim element described herein may provide greater flexibility with respect to the materials which may be used for the veneer layer. This may enhance the ability to customize the decorative trim element individually according to a user's desires and/or needs. Moreover, this may allow to take further aspects into consideration, or at least to a greater degree than in the prior art solutions, when selecting the material for the veneer layer, such as heat resistance and/or burn resistance and/or heat conductive properties of the material, in particular since the decorative trim element described herein is not dependent on material with relatively high intrinsic light transmittance properties.

Moreover, configuring the veneer layer to have a layer thickness ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 mm may provide a balance between mechanical stability, producibility and light transmittance properties of the veneer layer, in particular in view of the intrinsic light transmittance range of 0.01% to 45%, as described above.

The light transmittance of the light generated by the light device through at least the veneer layer, i.e. the degree to which the pattern may be transilluminated through at least the veneer layer, may be determined as known in the art, i.e., by using at least one light source, preferably the light device included in the decorative trim element described herein, which is used to transilluminate the pattern through at least the veneer layer, and at least one light measuring device, such as a photometer or lux meter, configured to measure, in one or more measurements, the illuminance of the light source (in lux) with the veneer layer being arranged between the light measuring device and the light source, and, in at least one further measurement, the lux of the light source without the veneer layer being arranged between the light measuring device and the light source. The distance between the light source and the light measuring device is constant between the above-identified measurements. A ratio of the measurements with and without the veneer layer being arranged between the light measuring device and the light source, respectively, may then be calculated to determine the light transmittance of at least the veneer layer. The same, or at least substantially the same, method may be applied accordingly to further components of the decorative trim element through which light generated by the light device may be transmitted, e.g., to transilluminate the pattern therethrough. The light device is configured to provide a luminance of at least 3000 cd/m ² at a proximal surface of the decorative trim element. The luminance of the light device may be defined as candela (cd) per square meter (m ² ) of the proximal surface of the decorative trim element, the proximal surface being illuminated by the light device. The proximal surface of the decorative trim element may be a surface which is closest to and/or faces the light device. For instance, the proximal surface of the decorative trim element may be a surface of the veneer layer and/or of a backing layer and/or masking layer which is attached, directly or indirectly, to the veneer layer.

Configuring the light device to have a luminance of at least 3000 cd/m ² at a proximal surface of the decorative trim element may enable the light device to provide sufficient luminance intensity to the decorative trim element in order to sufficiently transilluminate the pattern at least through the veneer layer. Preferably, the light device is configured to provide a luminance of more than 5000 cd/m ² . Preferably, the luminance of the light device is limited to a maximum value, e.g., to limit the amount of heat which is generated by the light device and which may heat one of more further components of the decorative trim element, such as the veneer layer, which may adversely affect one or more properties of said components. Preferably, the luminance of the light device is selected to strike a balance between the amount of heat which is generated by the light device, without adversely affecting the components of the decorative trim element, and providing sufficient luminance intensity to the decorative trim element in order to sufficiently transilluminate the pattern at least through the veneer layer. Based on such a balance, the light device may be selected and/or configured for the respective application accordingly. Preferably, the light device is configured to provide a luminance of at least 6000 cd/m ² and/or no more than 10000 cd/m ² at a proximal surface of the decorative trim element.

The decorative trim element may have a generally layered construction including, in addition to the veneer layer, at least one further layer, e.g., at least one backing layer and/or at least one pattern layer which may be configured to least partially contribute to the shape and/or dimension(s) and/or color and/or contour of the pattern. Alternatively, or additionally, the decorative trim element may include a sensor layer, which may be configured to detect the presence of an object, e.g., a body part, e.g., a finger, of an occupant in the interior of the vehicle, to activate and/or control one of more functions which are related to a component of the decorative trim element itself, e.g., to activate and/or control the light device, and/or to activate and/or control one of more functions which are unrelated to a component of the decorative trim element, e.g., one or more functions related to a further component of the vehicle, such as a fan, lighting, speaker, headphone, etc.

Alternatively, or additionally, the decorative trim element may include at least one actuator device, preferably at least one actuator layer, e.g. a piezoelectric element, an electroactive polymer and/or a bimorph. Preferably, the sensor layer described above is integrated in, or at least attached to, the actuator device. The actuator device may be configured to be actuated by a user. The actuator device is communicatively connectable to at least one electric and/or electronic device to control one or more functions of the electric device via actuation by the user. The actuator device may be configured to generate at least one feedback to the user, e.g., at least one motion, at least one vibration and/or at least one sound. This may provide a feedback, e.g., a haptic and/or acoustic and/or visual feedback, to the user/passenger/occupant, e.g., if the sensor layer detects the presence of an object, e.g., a body part, e.g., a finger, of an occupant in the interior of the vehicle, e.g., to indicate to the user that the actuator device has been actuated.

At least the veneer layer, preferably at least a section of the entire decorative trim element, may be curved and/or bendable. This may enhance the aesthetic appeal and/or conformability of the decorative trim element, e.g., to facilitate mounting the decorative trim element and/or to increase the flexibility of the decorative trim element with respective to different mounting applications, e.g., by flexibly deforming the decorative trim element to adapt the decorative trim element to the respective mounting conditions.

Preferably, the base material of the veneer layer is a natural material, preferably extracted from a trunk of at least one plant, preferably wood, and/or plant fibers. For instance, banana trunk veneer or rattan-veneer (e.g. by the manufacturer Karuun GmbH) may be used. Natural materials, such as those described above, may provide an aesthetically appealing decorative trim element. Moreover, natural materials are regarded as being particularly eco-friendly due their renewability and sustainability. In addition, using natural materials may reduce the amount of chemicals and/or unpleasant odors which may be released to the air in the interior of the vehicle compared with, e.g., plastics. The base material of the veneer layer may include a relatively low amount of binder, e.g., less than 20% by volume, preferably less than 15% by volume, of the veneer layer.

Preferably, the veneer layer includes at least one means to increase the light transmittance of the veneer layer with respect to the intrinsic light transmittance of the base material of the veneer layer. As described above, the solutions in the prior art for enabling transillumination of images through trim elements generally rely on a selection of materials for the trim elements which naturally have relatively high light transmittance properties, such as naturally light-colored wood. Materials which naturally have lower light transmittance properties, such as naturally darker wood, are generally unsuitable for such solutions. Thus, by including at least one means to increase the light transmittance of the veneer layer with respect to the intrinsic light transmittance of the base material of the veneer layer as described above, the light transmittance properties of the veneer layer may be enhanced according to the desires and/or requirements of the respective application. Some prior art solutions rely on one or more treatment methods, such as by completely or partially removing lignin from a wooden veneer, to provide transilluminative properties to the respective decorative trim element which may, however, adversely affect the appearance, aesthetic appeal, and/or quality of the decorative trim element and/or of the illuminated image of the decorative trim element, in particular in the case of a decorative trim element made of natural wood. In contrast to such treatment methods known from the prior art, the means for increasing the light transmittance of the veneer layer with respect to the intrinsic light transmittance of the base material of the veneer layer described herein preferably increase the light transmittance of the veneer layer without adversely affecting the appearance, aesthetic appeal, and/or quality of the decorative trim element and/or of the transilluminated pattern. For instance, in case a veneer layer made of real wood is employed, the wood may maintain its appearance, in particular its natural appearance, after the means for increasing the light transmittance of the veneer layer has been employed.

The means for increasing the light transmittance of the veneer layer with respect to the intrinsic light transmittance of the base material of the veneer layer may include one or more substances which may be applied to the veneer layer and/or may results from one or more method steps, such as compressing and/or otherwise mechanically altering the veneer layer.

Preferably, the base material of the veneer layer has an intrinsic density, i.e., a density which occurs naturally in the base material, i.e., without any substantial treatment and/or added substances, and the veneer layer includes a treatment to increase the density of the veneer layer with respect to the intrinsic density of the base material of the veneer layer. By increasing the intrinsic density of the base material of the veneer layer, the degree of light diffraction within the veneer layer, e.g., due to air and/or other media which may be present within the veneer layer, may be reduced. A decreased degree of light diffraction within the veneer layer may result in sharper outlines of the pattern which is transilluminated at least through the veneer layer. Moreover, increasing the density of the veneer layer may increase the sturdiness and/or robustness of the veneer layer. The treatment may result from one or more method steps, e.g., by mechanically altering the veneer layer, and/or one or more substances, e.g., one or more impregnation substances, configured to increase the density of the veneer layer with respect to the intrinsic density of the base material of the veneer layer.

Preferably, the base material of the veneer layer intrinsically has a plurality of pores and the veneer layer includes a pore filling means which at least partially fills at least some of the pores of the base material to increase the light transmittance of the veneer layer with respect to the intrinsic light transmittance of the base material of the veneer layer. The light transmissivity of the veneer layer may thereby be increased by reducing or eliminating air and/or other gases from the pores and reduce or eliminate the diffractive effects of the air and/or other gases on the light passing therethrough. The pore filling means is preferably at least partially transparent and/or is a one component or two component resin. Preferably, the pore filling means includes an oil, preferably a silicone oil, more preferably a drying oil or an oil that is polymerizable or that can be otherwise crosslinked into a solid form, most preferably tung oil or linseed oil, and/or a silicone compound. Tung oil and linseed oil may penetrate the veneer layer relatively well as a liquid and then harden and are thus immobilized in the veneer layer. Preferably, the pores may at least partially be filled with at least one of the following substances: acrylate, cyanoacrylate adhesive, methyl methacrylate (MMA), epoxy, silicone, silicone rubber, polyester, polyurethane, poly carbamic acid derivative, hybrid resins, such as epoxy and acrylate. The above-identified substances are suitable for at least partially filling at least some of the pores of the base material to prevent air and/or other gases from filling the pores or at least to reduce the amount of air and/or other gases in the pores. Since the above-identified substances may cause a lower degree of diffraction to the light which is transilluminatable at least through the veneer layer, the light transmittance of the veneer layer may thereby be increased with respect to the intrinsic light transmittance of the base material of the veneer layer.

Preferably, the veneer layer includes at least one impregnation means, preferably a flame retardant, to increase the light transmittance of the veneer layer with respect to the intrinsic light transmittance of the base material of the veneer layer. By using a flame retardant as said impregnation means, the safety of the veneer layer may also be enhanced with respect to potential outbreaks of fire as an advantageous side effect of increasing the light transmittance of the veneer layer by means of the flame retardant.

Preferably, the veneer layer and the light device are connected to each other to form a coherent unit. The veneer layer and the light device may be connected directly, e.g., touching each other, or indirectly, e.g., with one or more further layers arranged therebetween, preferably by means of a translucent and/or transparent adhesive, alternatively or additionally by mechanical means. By configuring the veneer layer and the light device as a coherent unit, handling and mounting the decorative trim element may be facilitated, e.g., since at least the veneer layer and the light device may be displaced as a single unit. Preferably, the decorative trim element as a whole is configured as a coherent unit. This may further facilitate the handling and mounting the decorative trim element.

Preferably, the base material of the veneer layer intrinsically has a plurality of pores and at least some of the pores are at least partially collapsed by compressing the base material of the veneer layer to increase the light transmittance of the veneer layer with respect to the intrinsic light transmittance of the base material of the veneer layer, wherein preferably the base material of the veneer layer is compressed by a pressure of at least 3500000 Pa, and preferably more than 7000000 Pa. By at least partially collapsing at least some of the pores within the veneer layer, air and/or other media, particularly gases, which may be present within the veneer layer may be pushed out of the pores which may decrease the degree of light diffraction within the veneer layer, which in turn may result in sharper outlines of the pattern. Moreover, an at least partial collapse of at least some of the pores within the veneer layer may decrease the layer thickness of the veneer layer. Such a reduced layer thickness may additionally increase the light transmissivity and/or light diffraction of the veneer layer due to the reduced length of the path through the veneer layer through which the light must be transmitted. Moreover, this may allow the veneer layer to initially be manufactured, e.g., cut, to a greater layer thickness, since the target layer thickness of the veneer layer may then be achieved by an additional compression as described above. Such an initial greater layer thickness may increase the producibility of the veneer layer for relatively low target layer thicknesses, i.e., after compression. Moreover, such a compression of the veneer layer may increase the sturdiness and/or robustness of the veneer layer.

Preferably, the veneer layer includes an imaging portion in which the pattern is transilluminatable through the veneer layer. Preferably, the imaging portion is free of openings and/or recesses and/or extraction of components of the base material of the veneer layer. As detailed at the beginning, some prior art solutions rely on one or more treatment methods which may structurally alter the veneer layer, such as by removing lignin from a wooden veneer, to enhance the transilluminative qualities of the respective decorative trim element which may, however, adversely affect the appearance, aesthetic appeal, and/or quality of the decorative trim element and/or of the illuminated image of the decorative trim element, in particular in the case of a decorative trim element made of natural wood. Thus, by omitting openings and/or recesses and/or extraction of components of the base material of the veneer layer, the natural structure of the base material may be substantially maintained, which may enhance the appearance, aesthetic appeal, and/or quality of the decorative trim element and/or of the illuminated image of the decorative trim element.

Preferably, in case the veneer layer is at least partially made of wood, the lignin of the wood has not been extracted from the wood. This may maintain the natural look of the wood which may enhance the appearance, aesthetic appeal, and/or quality of the decorative trim element and/or of the illuminated image of the decorative trim element.

Preferably, the imaging portion extends along the veneer layer by an area of at least 2.5 cm ² , preferably at least 5 cm ² , more preferably at least 7.5 cm ² , more preferably at least 10 cm ² , more preferably at least 12.5 cm ² , most preferably at least 15 cm ² . The imaging portion may be the total accumulated area across which the visible pattern extends, when the light device is in operation. Preferably, the imaging portion may only include the areas in which the pattern is visible on a viewing surface of the veneer layer which faces one or more occupants in the interior of the vehicle, when the decorative trim element is in a mounted state.

Preferably, the decorative trim element further includes at least one light varying device configured to provide sections of varying light intensities of the light which is generated by the light device and which transilluminates through at least the veneer layer. The light varying device may be the light device itself or may be integrated in the light device. Preferably, the light varying device is configured to provide varying light intensities simultaneously and/or sequentially in the respective sections. This may enhance the flexibility and design possibilities of the pattern to be transilluminated through at least the veneer layer. Thus, for instance, certain sections of the transilluminated pattern may be configured to be brighter than other sections of the transilluminated pattern. The varying light intensities of the light which is generated by the light device and transilluminates through at least the veneer layer may also allow the pattern to be generated in an animation-like manner, e.g., such that the pattern may be perceived as moving to one or more occupants in the interior of the vehicle, e.g., by temporally varying light intensities of the light which is generated by the light device and transilluminates through at least the veneer layer.

Preferably, the light varying device includes at least one of the following: an E ink display module and an electrochromic display module. An E ink is sometimes also referred to as an electronic paper device (EPD). Employing the above-identified light varying devices may further enhance the flexibility and design possibilities of the pattern to be transilluminated through at least the veneer layer. Moreover, an E ink display module and an electrochromic display module may provide a light varying device as a single coherent unit which may simplify the construction of the decorative trim element. This may also facilitate servicing and/or replacing the light varying device.

Preferably, the decorative trim element further includes at least one masking layer which is arranged at least partially between the light device and the veneer layer and which has at least a first section and a second section. The first section preferably has a higher light transmittance than the second section, preferably by least 20%, more preferably by at least 30%, more preferably by at least 40%, more preferably by at least 50%, most preferably by at least 60%. The masking layer may be integrated in the decorative trim element, e.g., directly or indirectly attached to the veneer layer, the light device, a backing layer or any other component of the decorative trim element. The masking layer may be configured to at least partially provide one or more contours of the pattern. For instance, the masking layer may include at least one cutout through which the light is transmitted to generate the pattern. The one or more contours may also be provided by one of more layers of material, which are preferably arranged on the veneer layer.

Preferably, the first section has a higher light transmittance than the second section in all or in only a portion of the wavelengths of light emitted by the light device.

Preferably, the masking layer is provided by a paint, a lacquer, a metallic coating or a printing, which is preferably arranged on at least one surface of the veneer layer. The metallic coating may be a mirror coating. In some embodiments the masking laying may be configured to partially penetrate the veneer layer. For instance, the masking layer may be generated by a coating that forms a layer but also penetrates some pores, voids, or capillaries of the veneer layer. Similarly, the masking layer may be formed by precipitation of metal ions via chemical reduction to elementary metal. The precipitated metal may also fill pores or surface layers of the veneer layer. These means for providing the masking layer may alter the light generated by the light device as it passes through the respective means, e.g., by reducing the amount of the light which is transmitted through the decorative trim element. Surprisingly, the described penetration of the masking layer into the veneer layer increases the sharpness of the contours of patterns transilluminated through the veneer by the light element.

Preferably, the masking layer includes at least one color filter which extends across the entire masking layer or across only a portion of the masking layer. Such a color filter may provide a further means for altering the light generated by the light device, which may increase the flexibility and the amount of possibilities for generating the pattern, e.g., for customizing the pattern according to the user's desires and/or needs.

Preferably the masking layer essentially does not contain any macroscopic voids. The absence of voids prevents deterioration of the surface of the trim element during changing environmental conditions. For instance, the presence of macroscopic voids may fosters shrinkage of the surface of the trim element during temperature changes. Voids that are present in order to alter the light generated by the light device as it passes through the decorative trim element are preferentially filled by an essentially light transparent or colored compound, for instance a resin or polymer.

Preferably, the light device includes at least one of the following: an active display, preferably an Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED) or a microarray display, a Passive Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (PMOLED) display, a Low Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide (LTPO) display, a micro-LED display, and a micro-OLED display. Advantageously, in case at least one of the above-identified devices is used, a masking layer may be omitted since the above-identified devices may be configured to provide one or more masking functions, e.g., to define a contour of the pattern.

Preferably, the light device is configured to emit less than 20%, preferably less than 15%, more preferably less than 10%, most preferably less than 5% of a total amount of light energy, which is emitted in a wavelength spectrum from 360 nm to 780 nm, in a wavelength spectrum from 360 nm to 500 nm. The percentage of the light energy of the light emitted by the light device which is in a wavelength spectrum from 360 nm to 500 nm may be determined by calculating an integral of the luminous intensity l _w hoie, as a function of the wavelength Z of the emitted light, over the entire spectrum, i.e., from 360 nm to 780 nm, as defined by equation 1 below, and an integral of the luminous intensity Ispecific, as a function of the wavelength Z of the emitted light, over the specific spectrum from 360 nm to 500 nm, as defined by equation 2 below. The percentage Pspecific of the luminous intensity of the light emitted by the light device which is in a wavelength spectrum from 360 nm to 500 nm is then calculated by determining the ratio of (specific to Iwhoie and multiplying the ratio by 100, as defined by equation 3 below.

780

Iwhoie = f ₃₆₀ ( ) * d (equation 1)

(specific (equation 2)

Pspecific = ^Is ^ ^{lf lc} * 100 (equation 3) Iwhoie

Surprisingly, in light of the present invention, it has been found to be particularly efficient when a relatively low percentage of total emitted light is in a wavelength spectrum from 360 nm to 500 nm, which mainly encompasses blue light. Such a relatively low percentage of emitted light which is in a wavelength spectrum from 360 nm to 500 nm may be achieved at least partially by the light device itself, e.g., in that the light device intrinsically generates such a low percentage of light which is in a wavelength spectrum from 360 nm to 500 nm, and/or by providing additional means, such as a color filter which reduces the percentage of light which is in a wavelength spectrum from 360 nm to 500 nm. In particular, by providing a light device which emits a relatively small amount of light in a wavelength spectrum from 360 nm to 500 according to the above-identified percentages, the decorative trim element, in particular the veneer layer, in particular when the veneer layer is at least partially made of wood, may reduce the amount of light which is absorbed by the decorative trim element or the veneer layer, respectively. This may increase the amount of the emitted light which is transmitted through the decorative trim element and/or may reduce a heat buildup within the decorative trim element due to the reduced amount of light which is absorbed by the decorative trim element. Moreover, by providing a light device which emits a relatively small amount of light in a wavelength spectrum from 360 nm to 500 according to the aboveidentified percentages, the heat generated by the light device may be reduced, which may reduce the temperature of the light device itself and of further components of the decorative trim element.

Examples of available light devices, including the respective color temperature of the light emitted by the respective light device provided in brackets, and the respective percentages of a total amount of light energy, which is emitted in a wavelength spectrum from 360 nm to 700 nm, in a wavelength spectrum from 360 nm to 500 nm, are provided below.

OLED (2860K) = 13,16%

OLED (Amber) = 3,16% LED ( 10489 K) = 44,19% LED (4216K) = 22,77%

LED (2621K) = 10,73%

Fluorescent tube (3832K) = 26,49%

Preferably, the decorative trim element has a viewing side from which the pattern, which is transilluminatable through at least the veneer layer, is visible by an occupant in the interior of the vehicle during operation of the light device and when the decorative trim element is in a mounted state. Preferably, the decorative trim element includes at least one surface coating applied to the viewing side of the decorative trim element. The surface coating may provide a means foraltering the physical appearance of the viewing side of the decorative trim element. This may further increase the flexibility and the amount of possibilities for configuring the appearance of the decorative trim element, e.g., for customizing the decorative trim element according to the user's desires and/or needs. For instance, the surface coating may darken the viewing side of the decorative trim element in comparison with the natural color of the material of the viewing side of the decorative trim element. This may allow the appearance of the viewing side of the decorative trim element to be altered, e.g., darkened, without negatively affecting, or only minimally negatively affecting, the light transmitting properties of the decorative trim element. The viewing side may be a distal surface of the decorative trim element, i.e., a surface of the decorative trim element which is arranged further from the light device than the proximal surface of the decorative trim element and/or a surface of the decorative trim element which is arranged furthest from the light device.

Preferably, the surface coating includes an at least partially translucent coloring component, wherein the coloring component is a dye or a pigment.

Preferably, the surface coating includes an oil or a varnish, and optionally also a flame retardant. Preferably, the oil is a silicone oil, more preferably a drying oil or an oil that is polymerizable or that can be otherwise crosslinked into a solid form, most preferably tung oil or linseed oil, and/or a silicone compound. Tung oil and linseed oil may penetrate the veneer layer relatively well as a liquid and then harden and are thus immobilized in the veneer layer. The varnish may be a matt varnish or a gloss varnish. Alternatively, or additionally, the varnish may be at least partially translucent and/or transparent.

The flame retardant may be included in the varnish, in which case the varnish may include at least one phosphorus compound, preferably at least one phosphorus compound and one nitrogen compound, preferably at least one nitrogen phosphorus compound.

The phosphorus compound may include one or more of the following phosphates: phosphate, organic phosphate, e.g., alkyl phosphate oligomer (e.g. CAS No. 184538-58-7), triethyl ester of phosphoric acid, aromatic phosphate ester, phosphorus polyol, OH-terminated phosphorus polyol, diphenyl phenyl phosphate (DPK), cresyl diphenyl phosphate (CDP), TCPP tris(l-chloro- 2-propyl)phosphate (TCPP), triethyl phosphate (TEP), Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), Diphenyl tolyl phosphate, and Diphenylcresylphosphate (DPK)

Alternatively, or additionally, the phosphorus compounds may include one or more of the following phosphonates: inorganic phosphonate, organic phosphonic acid ester, and organic phosphonate.

Preferably, the one or more phosphonates are halogen free, e.g., dimethyl propylphosphonate (DMPP), methylphosphonic acid, diethyl ethylphosphonate (DEEP), and dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP).

Alternatively, or additionally, the varnish may include at least one amine compound, such as at least one of ammonia and its salts, a primary amine, a secondary amine, a tertiary amine and its salts, derivates of urea and melamine and its salts, melamine cyanurate, and amidinourea and its salts.

The nitrogen phosphorus compound may include one or more of the following: amino phosphate, amino phosphonate, ammonium polyphosphate, ammonium phosphate, organic amino phosphate, even more preferably organic amino phosphonate (e.g. Diethyl-bis(2- hydroxyethyl), aminomethylphosphonate, salt of amines, urea-derivates with phosphorcontaining acids, and salt of urea derivates with organic phosphonic ester.

In case the veneer layer is impregnated by at least one impregnation substance, the flame retardant may be included in the impregnation substance. In this case, the flame retardant may include one or more of the following: at least one organic phosphonic acid and amine compound, a biological non-phosphor und non-nitrogen compound, e.g., ascorbic acid, citric acid, and one or more reaction products from carboxylic acid, pyrophosphate and calcium carbonate (NZ580599A).

Alternatively, or additionally, the backing layer of the decorative trim element may be impregnated by at least one impregnation substance. The flame retardant may be included in the impregnation substance. In this case, the flame retardant may include one or more of the following: at least one organic phosphonic acid and amine compound, a biological nonphosphor und non-nitrogen compound, e.g., ascorbic acid, citric acid, and one or more reaction products from carboxylic acid, pyrophosphate and calcium carbonate (NZ580599A).

Alternatively, or additionally, an adhesive, such as an adhesive which connects one or more components of the decorative trim element, e.g., the veneer layer and the backing layer, may include a flame retardant, which may include one or more of the following: zinc borate, borate, ammonium monophosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, aluminum hydroxide, ammonium polyphosphate, calcium carbonate, gypsum, calcium sulfate hemihydrate, organic phosphonic acid ester (e.g. CAS No. 3001-98-7) and any of the flame retardants as listed above for the impregnation substance of the veneer layer.

Preferably, the viewing side of the decorative trim element has at least one of the following structures: a high gloss structure, an open grain structure, a matte structure and an embossed structure. As detailed above, providing such structures to the viewing side of the decorative trim element may further increase the flexibility and the amount of possibilities for configuring the appearance of the decorative trim element, e.g., for customizing the decorative trim element according to the user's desires and/or needs. Providing such structures to the viewing side of the decorative trim element may also allow the appearance of the viewing side of the decorative trim element to be altered without negatively affecting, or only minimally negatively affecting, the light transmitting properties of the decorative trim element.

Preferably, the decorative trim element further includes at least one backing layer connected to the veneer layer, wherein the backing layer has an aerial weight ranging from 10 g/m ² to 100 g/m ² , preferably from 10 g/m ² to 40g/m ² , more preferably from 10 g/m ² to 30g/m ² . The backing layer may increase the sturdiness and/or robustness of the decorative trim element. Moreover, the backing layer may provide one or more further functions to the decorative trim element, such as by providing a mounting means to mount the decorative trim element to the surface in the interior of the vehicle. The veneer layer and the backing layer may be connected directly, e.g., touching each other, or indirectly, e.g., with one or more further layers arranged therebetween, preferably by a translucent and/or transparent adhesive, alternatively, or additionally, by mechanical means.

Preferably, the veneer layer has a layer thickness of less than 0.2 mm. Preferably, the veneer layer is connected to the backing layer prior to manufacturing the veneer layer to such a layer thickness since the backing layer may provide an increased sturdiness and/or stability to the veneer layer when connected thereto, which may facilitate handling of the veneer layer during manufacturing thereof.

Preferably, the veneer layer is attached to a component of the decorative trim element which is adjacent to the veneer layer by means of an adhesive, preferably by an at least partially translucent adhesive. Preferably, the veneer layer, the light device, a masking layer and a backing layer are connected to each other by the adhesive. The attachment may alternatively or additionally be of a mechanical nature, e.g., including screws, bolts, clips, rivets, etc.

Preferably, the decorative trim element is configured to control a brightness of the light device at least partially by a pulse-width modulation. Preferably, the brightness of the light device is controlled by means of an optimal energy efficiency current rather than controlling the brightness by merely increasing or decreasing the current. Preferably, the decorative trim element is configured such that a temperature of the decorative trim element remains below 45° Celsius, preferably below 40° Celsius, during operation of the light device. The above-identified temperature of the decorative trim element may be maintained during indefinite operation of the light device and/or at all sections of the decorative trim element, when the decorative trim element is in a mounted state.

Preferably, the decorative trim element includes at least one bent surface and/or at least one curved surface, preferably wherein the entire decorative trim element is bent and/or curved in at least a section thereof. Preferably, the light device is also bent and/or curved, e.g., as a bendable layer. Preferably, the decorative trim element is at least partially flexible, e.g., such that the decorative trim element may at least partially be elastically bent by applying a force thereto. Preferably, the light device for such a bent trim element is a flexible OLED light device.

Preferably, the decorative trim element has a total thickness of less than 3 mm. Limiting the total thickness of the decorative trim element to less than 3 mm may reduce the dimensions of the decorative trim element. Thus, the amount of space required to mount the decorative trim element may thereby be reduced. This may reduce the overall intrusiveness of the decorative trim element and the mounting space required for the decorative trim element. Moreover, the weight of the decorative trim element may thereby also be reduced. In this case, the light device preferably contains an OLED, an AMOLED display, a PMOLED display, a micro-LED display or a micro-OLED display. Between AMOLED displays and PMOLED displays, an AMOLED display may be employed preferably as a light device, since in contrast to PMOLED displays, all pixels in AMOLED displays are generally lit all the time during operation of the AMOLED. Thus, at the same total brightness, AMOLED displays may be operated at lower voltage and at higher energy efficiency, which may enable the AMOLED display to generate less heat. Moreover, AMOLED displays, in particular configured as a Low Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide (LTPO) display, may provide relatively high energy savings, e.g., up to 15% compared with other displays.

Preferably, the light device is configured as a light emitting layer having a thickness of less than 1.5 mm. This may also reduce the weight of the decorative trim element and the mounting space required for the decorative trim element

Preferably, the veneer layer is configured to be substantially opaque when the light device is not in operation. Thus, the veneer layer may be configured such that the pattern is only substantially visible when the light device is in operation and the pattern is substantially non- visible when the light device is not in operation, e.g., when information which is provided by the pattern to one or more occupants in the interior of the vehicle is not desired and/or not required. This may enable the pattern to be unnoticeable when the light device is not in operation, which may enhance the aesthetic appeal of the decorative trim element and/or reduce inconveniences caused by the pattern.

Preferably, the light device includes at least one flexible organic light emitting diode (OLED).

Preferably, the light device includes at least two organic light emitting diodes (OLED) which are arranged in series in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the veneer layer and/or a viewing side of the decorative trim element from which the pattern, which is transilluminatable through at least the veneer layer, is visible by an occupant in the interior of the vehicle during operation of the light device. Preferably, at least a proximal OLED, with respect to the veneer layer, of the at least two OLEDs has a substantially transparent and/or translucent backing substrate. Preferably, the light device includes a stack of OLEDs including at least two layers of OLEDs, wherein preferably the proximal layer has a transparent/translucent backing. The light of the OLEDs of the whole stack may thus be directed to the decorative trim element surface and each OLED in the stack may be operated at an optimal energy-efficiency current.

Preferably, a coefficient of variation of the luminance of the light device is less than 20%. This may enhance the quality of the transilluminated pattern, which may increase the aesthetic appeal of the decorative trim element.

Preferably, the light device includes one or more light emitting diodes (LED), preferably with a diffusor element, preferably a diffusor layer. The diffusor element may homogenize the light on the illuminated area such that the pattern may be illuminated more evenly, which may enhance the quality of the transilluminated pattern and/or the aesthetic appeal of the decorative trim element.

Preferably, the light device is configured to provide a luminance of 15.000 cd/m ² or less preferably 10.000 cd/m ² or less.

Preferably, the light device is configured to provide a luminous efficacy of at least 40 Im/W, preferably at least 50 Im/W, most preferably at least 60 Im/W. Providing such minimum levels of luminous efficacy may enhance the quality of the transilluminated pattern and/or the aesthetic appeal of the decorative trim element. Moreover, this may also reduce heat-buildup within the decorative trim element and/or may reduce the energy consumption for powering the light device.

Preferably, all layers of the decorative trim element combined are configured to have a thermal transmittance U of more than 5 W/(m ² *K), more preferably more than 6 W/(m ² *K), more preferably more than 6.5 W/(m ² *K), most preferably more than 6.8 W/(m ² *K). , Generally speaking, lower thermal transmittance values U provide greater heat insulating properties. However, it may not be desirable for the decorative trim element to insulate heat at a particularly high level, e.g., since doing so may negatively affect one or more of the components of the decorative trim element, e.g., by causing damage to said one or more of the components of the decorative trim element, e.g., to the light device, e.g., by entrapping heat within the decorative trim element. Thus, it may be desirable to dissipate at least some of the heat generated by the light device via the decorative trim element, e.g., via the veneer layer and/or the masking layer according to the above-identified thermal transmittance values.

The thermal conductivity A. of the layers of the decorative trim element may be determined by a thermal conductivity test tool as is known in the art. For instance, a guarded hot plate apparatus, such as the X-meter EP500e which is produced by the company Lambda- Messtechnik GmbH Dresden, may be employed for measuring the thermal conductivity X of the layers of the decorative trim element. The measurements may be conducted with an average plate temperature, also referred to as the test temperature, of 10° C und a temperature difference between the measuring plates of 10 K. Such temperature values are typically also used to determine the thermal conductivity of insulating media for insulation purposes of buildings.

The thermal resistance R _m through the material of the layers of the decorative trim element may then be determined by dividing the total thickness d of the layered structure of the decorative trim element by the determined thermal conductivity X, as defined by equation 4 below. d

R _m = - (equation 4)

A

The thermal resistance R _e between the environment of the decorative trim element and an outer surface of the decorative trim element may be determined based on known methods, e.g., by applying one of the known Nusselt number correlations, e.g., according to the respective application of the decorative trim element.

The total thermal resistance RT may then be determined by adding the thermal resistance R _m through the material of the layers of the decorative trim element and the thermal resistance R _e between the environment of the decorative trim element and an outer surface of the decorative trim element, as defined by equation 5 below.

RT = R _m + Re (equation 5) The thermal transmittance U of the decorative trim element may then be determined by forming the reciprocal value of the total thermal resistance RT, as defined by equation 6 below. (equation 6)

Surprisingly, in light of the present invention, it has been identified that a decorative trim element which includes a light device with a luminous efficacy of at least 40 Im/W and a luminance of less than 15.000 cd/m ² and a compound including a wooden veneer layer, a surface coating, such as the surface coating described herein, and a masking layer, the compound having a thermal transmittance U of more than 5 W/(m ² *K), achieves a configuration in which the temperature of the decorative trim element remains below 45°C at an ambient temperature of 21°C, during operation of the light device. The above-identified temperature of the decorative trim element may be maintained during indefinite operation of the light device and/or at all sections of the decorative trim element, when the decorative trim element is in a mounted state.

Preferably, the decorative trim element further includes at least one sensor device, preferably a sensor layer, configured to detect the presence of an object, preferably a body part of a user, e.g. a finger of an occupant in the interior of the vehicle, when the decorative trim element is in a mounted state. The sensor device is preferably arranged at least partially between the veneer layer and the light device. This may enable a sensor device to be integrated in the decorative trim element. Thus, for instance, based on information provided to the user by the pattern illuminated by the decorative trim element, the user may be prompted, explicitly and/or implicitly and/or intuitively, by the pattern to operate the sensor device via a body part of a user to the sensor device. This may further enhance the appeal, user-friendliness and functionality of the decorative trim element described herein.

Preferably, the sensor device includes at least one of the following: a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, an inductive sensor, a time-flight sensor and an ultrasonic sensor.

Preferably, the sensor device is connected to the veneer layer and/or the light device to form a coherent unit therewith. The sensor device may be connected to the veneer layer and/or the light device directly, e.g., touching each other, or indirectly, e.g., with one or more further components and/or layers arranged therebetween, preferably by a translucent and/or transparent adhesive, alternatively or additionally by mechanical means.

Preferably, the veneer layer includes a plurality of perforations, wherein the perforations preferably extend completely through at least a section of the veneer layer, preferably through at least a surface of the veneer layer which faces the light device. Preferably, the perforations extend at an angle from 40° to 90° to a surface of the veneer layer, preferably a surface which faces the light device. At least some of the perforations, preferably all of the perforations, may be uniform. Alternatively, or additionally, at least some of the perforations may be configured differently, i.e., having different shapes and/or dimensions and/or extending at different angles through the veneer layer. By providing such perforations, the properties of the pattern may be deliberately altered according to the user's desires and/or needs, e.g., by altering the light transmissivity through the veneer layer.

Preferably, the perforations are filled, preferably completely filled, with an at least partially translucent medium, preferably a resin or an adhesive glue. The perforations may extend uniformly at the same angle or at different angles. The medium is preferably colored to substantially match a color of the veneer in both illuminated and not illuminated state. By providing such perforations and filling the perforations with an at least partially translucent medium, the properties of the transilluminated pattern may further be deliberately altered according to the user's desires and/or needs, e.g., by altering the light transmissivity through the veneer layer, e.g., by reducing the diffractive effects of the material of the veneer layer via removal and replacement of the material of the veneer layer by means of the filled perforations and/or of air and/or other gases which may be arranged within the veneer layer via pushing the air and/or gas(es) at least partially out of the veneer layer via the at least partially translucent medium.

Preferably, the veneer layer includes at least one recess, preferably a plurality of recesses, on a surface of the veneer layer which faces the light device. The recess preferably extends through 10% to 60%, preferably 15% to 65%, more preferably 20% to 60%, more preferably 25% to 60%, most preferably 25% to 55%, of a layer thickness of the veneer layer. Thus, the structural integrity of a surface which faces one or more occupants in the interior of the vehicle, when the decorative trim element is in a mounted state, is thereby substantially not affected. This may allow the recess(es) to provide the desired effects, e.g., by deliberately altering the properties of the transilluminated pattern according to the user's desires and/or needs, e.g., by selectively reducing the thickness of the veneer layer by means of the recess(es), without visibly affecting the outer appearance of the decorative trim element to the occupant(s). Thus, by providing the recess(es) described above, surprisingly, the light transmissivity through the veneer layer may be altered, without substantially altering the appearance of the veneer layer to the occupant(s) in the interior of the vehicle, as the occupants generally cannot see the recess(es), when the decorative trim element is in a mounted state, in particular when the light device is not in operation.

Preferably, the recess(es) extend(s) from an outer surface of the veneer layer which faces away from the occupant(s) in the interior of the vehicle, when the decorative trim element is in a mounted state in the interior of the vehicle, and end(s) within the veneer layer, e.g., as a blind hole. Thus, the recess(es) is/are preferably open to a side of the veneer layer which faces away from the occupant(s) in the interior of the vehicle, when the decorative trim element is in a mounted state in the interior of the vehicle, preferably a side of the veneer layer which at least partially faces the light device.

Preferably, a certain thickness of the veneer layer, which extends from a viewing surface of the veneer layer, which is visible by the occupants in the interior of the vehicle, when the decorative trim element is in a mounted state in the interior of the vehicle, into the veneer layer, preferably towards the light device, is free of said recesses. Preferably, the recess-free thickness extends into the veneer layer, preferably towards the light device, by at least 20 pm, more preferably at least 30 pm, more preferably at least 40 pm, more preferably at least 50 pm, more preferably at least 60 pm, more preferably at least 70 pm, more preferably at least 80 pm, more preferably at least 90 pm, most preferably at least 100 pm.

The recess(es) may be achieved by means of one or more engraving and/or etching processes. One or more of the following stripping agents may be used to remove material of the veneer layer to provide said recess(es): at least one laser light, at least one mechanical stylus, at least one bombarding particle used for particle bombardment of the veneer layer, and at least one chemical stripping agent. The penetration depth of the recess(es) into the veneer layer may be adjusted/varied by varying an intensity of the stripping of material of the veneer layer, e.g. by varying exposure time and/or exposure energy of the respective stripping agent, such as by varying a laser light intensity, a vibration intensity of the stylus, a speed of the bombarding particles and/or a concentration of chemical stripping agents, e.g., acids and/or oxidizing agents.

Preferably, the recess(es) is/are filled, preferably completely filled, with an at least partially translucent medium, preferably a resin or an adhesive glue.

Preferably, the base material has an intrinsic light transmittance of 15% or more, more preferably 20% or more, most preferably 35% or more. The veneer layer preferably includes means to darken at least one surface of the veneer layer, preferably a surface which is visible, when the decorative trim element is mounted on the surface in the interior of the vehicle. This may allow the appearance of a viewing side of the decorative trim element to be darkened without negatively affecting, or only minimally negatively affecting, the light transmitting properties of the decorative trim element. The surface which is visible may be a distal surface of the decorative trim element, i.e., a surface of the decorative trim element which is arranged further from the light device than the proximal surface of the decorative trim element and/or a surface of the decorative trim element which is arranged furthest from the light device.

Preferably, the surface has been treated by at least one of the following means to darken the surface: etching, dyeing, staining, pickling and charring. The etching, dying, staining, pickling or charring treatment may be applied to a visible side of the veneer layer only and may be configured such that the darkening does not occur through the whole veneer thickness. The treatments may be pigment and/or dye. Due to their better light transmittance properties, dye treatments are preferred.

Preferably, a surface of the veneer layer, which is not visible to an occupant in the interior of the vehicle when the veneer layer is mounted on the surface in the interior of the vehicle, has been treated by a treatment configured to bleach and/or extract coloring components of the veneer layer, wherein the base material of the veneer layer preferably has an intrinsic light transmittance of less than 35%, more preferably less than 20%, most preferably less than 15%. A visible side of the veneer layer is thereby not substantially visibly altered. This may allow the light transmittance properties of the veneer layer to be increased via the treatment without substantially affecting the appearance of the section of the veneer layer which is visible to the occupant(s).

The principles of the bleaching and/or extraction process may be based on, but not limited to, one or more of the following references, which are herewith incorporated by reference in the present disclosure:

- Y. Li, Q. Fu, S. Yu, M. Yan, L. Berglund, Biomacromolecules 2016, 17, 1358.

- Y. Li, X. Yang, Q. Fu, R. Rojas, M. Yan, L. Berglund, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2018, 6, 1094-1101

- Y. Li, Q. Fu, R. Rojas, M. Yan, M.Lawoko, L. Berglund, ChemSusChem 10.1002/cssc.201701089

- Y. Li, E. Vasileva, I. Sychugov, S. Popov, L. Berglund, Adv. Optical Mater. 2019, 6, 1800059

- Li Y, Fu Q, Yang X, Berglund L. 2018 Transparent wood for functional and structural applications. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A 376: 20170182.

- W. Gan, L. Gao, S. Xiao, W. Zhang, X. Zhan, J. Li, J. Mater. Sci. 2017,52, 3321 bzw.

- W. Gan, S. Xiao, L. Gao, R. Gao, J. Li, X. Zhan, ACS SustainableChem. Eng. 2017, 5, 3855

- H. S. Yaddanapudi, N. Hickerson, S. Saini, A. Tiwari, Vacuum 2017,146, 649

- M. Zhu, Y. Wang, S. Zhu, L. Xu, C. Jia, J. Dai, J. Song, Y. Yao, Y. Wang, Y. Li, D.

Henderson, W. Luo, H. Li, M. L. Minus, T. Li, L. Hu, Adv. Mater. 2017, 29, 1606284

Zhu M et al. 2016 Highly anisotropic, highly transparent wood composites. Adv.

Mater.28, 5181-5187

- Z. Yu, Y. Yao, J. Yao, L. Zhang, Z. Chen, Y. Gao, H. Luo, J. Mater.Chem. A 2017, 5, 6019

- Fink S. 1992 Transparent wood— a new approach in the functional study of wood structure. Holzforschung 46, 403-408

- Xia et al., Sci. Adv. 2021: Solar-assisted fabrication of large-scale, patternable transparent wood

Alternatively, or additionally, bleaching can be achieved by one or more lasers, one or more laser lights or light or one or more other sources of radiation. Preferably the light used is UV- light. Bleaching can be achieved by using light alone or in combination with chemical treatments, e.g., any of the treatment(s) mentioned above and/or treatments including hydrogen peroxide or ozone.

Alternatively, or additionally, the treatment process for treating the respective surface of the veneer layer, e.g., the bleaching and/or extraction process, may be configured such that one or more surfaces of the veneer layer which are visible to the occupant(s) in the interior of the vehicle, when the veneer layer is in a mounted state in the interior of the vehicle, preferably all of the surfaces of the veneer layer which are visible to the occupant(s) in the interior of the vehicle, when the veneer layer is in a mounted state in the interior of the vehicle, are not substantially visibly altered thereby. This may be achieved by, e.g., regulating a penetration depth of the extraction agents into the side of the veneer layer that faces the light device, as the treatment process is being performed. The penetration depth may be determined and/or limited, e.g., by varying and/or restricting a degree of diffusion of the extraction agents and/or bleaching agents into the veneer layer. This may be achieved, e.g., by limiting the time of exposure of the extraction agents and/or bleaching agents to the veneer layer. Moreover, the penetration depth may also be adjusted/varied by altering a concentration of the extraction agents and/or the bleaching agents and/or by adding viscous agents, such as thickening agents, e.g. glycerol, sorbitol and/or polyethylene glycol, to the extraction agents and/or bleaching agents, e.g., to slow the diffusion of the respective agents into the veneer layer. If one or more lights and/or one or more lasers is used as a bleaching agent to achieve this, an exposure time, a wavelength spectrum, and/or an intensity may be configured appropriately and/or one or more focal optics may be used to focus the light to limit a depth of penetration.

Also, a degree of diffusion of the agents into the surface layer of the veneer layer which is visible to the passenger(s)/occupant(s) may be varied and/or determined and/or limited by protecting the surface layer of the veneer layer with a diffusion-inhibiting means. This may be a transparent lacquer or coating applied before the bleaching/extraction step. The coating may stay on the veneer or may be removed after the bleaching/extraction step. The coating may include a polymer and/or an oil, such as silicone oil).

Moreover, a degree of diffusion of the agents into the surface layer of the veneer layer which is visible to the passenger(s)/occupant(s) may be varied and/or determined and/or limited by cooling the surface layer of the veneer layer, as the treatment process for treating the respective surface of the veneer layer, e.g., the bleaching and/or extraction process, is being performed.

Preferably, the decorative trim element is configured for use in the interior of a business jet or private jet aircraft. Preferably, the decorative trim element is configured to pass the vertical burn test. Preferably, the veneer layer is impregnated with at least one flame retardant. If varnish is present, the flame retardant may be contained in the varnish. An adhesive may also already contain a flame retardant. The vertical burn test may be performed as defined by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), more specifically in CFR Title 14, Subchapter C, Appendix F to Part 25, Part I (a)(l)(i) in connection with CFR Title 14, Subchapter C, Appendix F to Part 25, Part I (b)(4), also known as the 60 second vertical burn test. Additionally, or alternatively, the vertical burn test may be performed pursuant to CFR Title 14, Subchapter C, Appendix F to Part 25, Part I (a)(l)(ii) in connection with CFR Title 14, Subchapter C, Appendix F to Part 25, Part I (b)(4), also known as the 12 second vertical burn test. The version of the above-identified Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) which is in force as of December 1, 2021 is to be applied.

Preferably, the light device is configured as a layer which is connected to the veneer layer to form a layered composite structure including at least the light device configured as a layer and the veneer layer. The light device and veneer layer may be directly or indirectly connected to each other. The connection between the light device and veneer layer may include an adhesive bond, preferably using an at least partially translucent adhesive. The light device and the veneer layer may be configured as an integral component. The light device may include several light sources which are interconnected, e.g., by a housing. The light device is preferably configured as a layer, or layer-like structure, of the decorative trim element.

The present invention further relates to a vehicle having an interior and a decorative trim element according to any of the configurations described herein, the decorative trim element being arranged in the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle is preferably an aircraft or a watercraft. However, the vehicle may also be a land-bound vehicle, such as a car.

The features, configurations and/or advantages described above in relation to the decorative trim element also apply to the vehicle accordingly.

The object set out at the beginning is also solved by a method for manufacturing a decorative trim element as defined by the features of independent claim 56. The features and advantages as described above with respect to the decorative trim element apply to the method accordingly.

The method includes the following steps: providing at least one veneer layer which is at least partially translucent, wherein the veneer layer is configured to be mounted to a surface of the interior of the vehicle such that the veneer layer provides a paneling to the surface, and wherein the veneer layer has a layer thickness ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 mm and is made from a base material which has an intrinsic light transmittance ranging from 0.01% to 45%; and providing at least one light device which is configured to generate and transilluminate light through at least the veneer layer to transilluminate at least one at least partially man-made pattern through at least the veneer layer, wherein the light device is configured to provide a luminance of at least 3000 cd/m ² .

Preferably, the method further includes the step of treating the veneer layer to increase the light transmittance of the veneer layer with respect to the intrinsic light transmittance.

Preferably, the base material of the veneer layer has an intrinsic density and the veneer layer is treated by increasing the density of the veneer layer with respect to the intrinsic density of the base material of the veneer layer, preferably by at least 15%.

Preferably, the veneer layer is treated by at least one of the following: filling, at least partially, pores which are formed in the base material by a pore filling means, preferably by an oil, preferably a silicone oil, more preferably a drying oil or an oil that is polymerizable or that can be otherwise crosslinked into a solid form, most preferably tung oil or linseed oil, and/or a silicone compound, or a flame retardant; compressing the base material of the veneer layer, preferably by a pressure of at least 3500000 Pa and preferably no more than 7000000 Pa, to cause at least some of the pores to at least partially collapse; and applying at least one surface coating to a viewing side of the decorative trim element, the viewing side being the side of the decorative trim element from which the pattern, which is transilluminated through at least the veneer layer, is visible by an occupant in the interior of the vehicle during operation of the light device.

Preferably, the surface coating includes an oil or a varnish, and optionally also a flame retardant. Preferably, the oil is a silicone oil, more preferably a drying oil or an oil that is polymerizable or that can be otherwise crosslinked into a solid form, most preferably tung oil or linseed oil, and/or a silicone compound. Tung oil and linseed oil may penetrate the veneer layer relatively well as a liquid and then harden and are thus immobilized in the veneer layer.

Preferably, the method further includes the step of arranging at least one masking layer at least partially between the light device and the veneer layer. Preferably, the masking layer has at least a first section and a second section, the first section having a higher light transmittance than the second section, preferably by least 20%, more preferably by at least 30%, more preferably by at least 40%, more preferably by at least 50%, most preferably by at least 60%.

Preferably, the method further includes the step of connecting at least one backing layer to the veneer layer. Preferably, the backing layer has an aerial weight ranging from 10 g/m ² to 100 g/m ² , preferably from 10 g/m ² to 40g/m ² , more preferably from 10 g/m ² to 30g/m ² .

The following list of aspects provides alternative and/or further features of the invention: A decorative trim element, preferably for use in an interior of an object, preferably a vehicle, including: at least one veneer layer which is at least partially translucent, wherein the veneer layer is configured to be mounted to a structure, preferably a surface, of the interior of the object, preferably the vehicle, such that the veneer layer provides a paneling to the structure, preferably the surface; and at least one light device which is configured to generate and transilluminate light through at least the veneer layer to transilluminate at least one pattern, which is preferably at least partially man-made, through at least the veneer layer; wherein the veneer layer has a layer thickness ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 mm and is made from a base material which has an intrinsic light transmittance ranging from 0.01% to 45%; and wherein the light device is configured to provide a luminance of at least 1000 cd/m ² , preferably at least 2000 cd/m ² , more preferably at least 3000 cd/m ² at a surface, preferably a proximal surface, of the decorative trim element. The decorative trim element according to aspect 1, wherein the base material of the veneer layer is a natural material, preferably extracted from a trunk of at least one plant, preferably wood, and/or plant fibers. The decorative trim element according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the veneer layer includes at least one means to increase the light transmittance of the veneer layer with respect to the intrinsic light transmittance of the base material of the veneer layer. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the base material of the veneer layer has an intrinsic density and the veneer layer includes a treatment to increase the density of the veneer layer with respect to the intrinsic density of the base material of the veneer layer. The decorative trim element according to aspect 4, wherein the base material of the veneer layer intrinsically has a plurality of pores and the veneer layer includes a pore filling means which at least partially fills at least some of the pores of the base material to increase the light transmittance of the veneer layer with respect to the intrinsic light transmittance of the base material of the veneer layer. The decorative trim element according to aspect 5, wherein the pore filling means includes an oil, preferably a silicone oil, more preferably a drying oil or an oil that is polymerizable or that can be otherwise crosslinked into a solid form, most preferably tung oil or linseed oil, and/or a silicone compound. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the veneer layer includes at least one impregnation means, preferably a flame retardant, to increase the light transmittance of the veneer layer with respect to the intrinsic light transmittance ranging of the base material of the veneer layer. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the veneer layer and the light device are connected to each other to form a coherent unit. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the base material of the veneer layer intrinsically has a plurality of pores and at least some of the pores are at least partially collapsed by compressing the base material of the veneer layer to increase the light transmittance of the veneer layer with respect to the intrinsic light transmittance of the base material of the veneer layer, wherein preferably the base material of the veneer layer is compressed by a pressure of at least 3500000 Pa, and preferably more than 7000000 Pa. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the veneer layer includes an imaging portion in which the pattern is transilluminatable through the veneer layer, wherein the imaging portion is free of openings and/or recesses and/or extraction of components of the base material of the veneer layer. The decorative trim element according to aspect 10, wherein the imaging portion extends along the veneer layer by an area of at least 2.5 cm ² , preferably at least 5 cm ² , more preferably at least 7.5 cm ² , more preferably at least 10 cm ² , more preferably at least 12.5 cm ² , most preferably at least 15 cm ² . The decorative trim element according to aspect 10 or 11, wherein the veneer layer has a substantially constant layer thickness along at least the imaging portion. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, further including at least one light varying device configured to provide sections of varying light intensities of the light which is generated by the light device and transilluminates through at least the veneer layer. The decorative trim element according to aspect 13, wherein the light varying device includes at least one of the following: an E ink display module and an electrochromic display module. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, further including at least one masking layer which is arranged at least partially between the light device and the veneer layer and which has at least a first section and a second section, wherein the first section has a higher light transmittance than the second section, preferably by least 20%, more preferably by at least 30%, more preferably by at least 40%, more preferably by at least 50%, most preferably by at least 60%. The decorative trim element according to aspect 15, wherein the first section has a higher light transmittance than the second section in all or in only a portion of the wavelengths of light emitted by the light device. The decorative trim element according to aspect 15 or 16, wherein the masking layer is provided by a paint, a lacquer, a metallic coating or a printing, which is preferably arranged on at least one surface of the veneer layer. The decorative trim element according to any of aspects 15 to 17, wherein the masking layer includes at least one color filter which extends across the entire masking layer or across only a portion of the masking layer. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the light device includes at least one of the following: an active display, preferably an Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED) or a microarray display, a Passive Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (PMOLED), a Low Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide (LTPO) display, a micro-LED display, and a micro-OLED display. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the light device is configured to emit less than 20%, preferably less than 15%, more preferably less than 10%, most preferably less than 5% of a total amount of light energy, which is emitted in a wavelength spectrum from 360 nm to 780 nm, in a wavelength spectrum from 360 nm to 500 nm. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the decorative trim element has a viewing side from which the pattern, which is transilluminatable through at least the veneer layer, is visible by an occupant in the interior of the vehicle during operation of the light device, and the decorative trim element includes at least one surface coating applied to the viewing side of the decorative trim element. The decorative trim element of aspect 21, wherein the surface coating includes an at least partially translucent coloring component, wherein the coloring component is a dye or a pigment. The decorative trim element according to aspect 21 or 22, wherein the surface coating includes an oil or a varnish, and optionally also a flame retardant. The decorative trim element according to any of aspects 21 to 23, wherein the viewing side of the decorative trim element has at least one of the following structures: a high gloss structure, an open grain structure, a matte structure and an embossed structure. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, further including at least one backing layer connected to the veneer layer, wherein the backing layer has an aerial weight ranging from 10 g/m ² to 100 g/m ² , preferably from 10 g/m ² to 40g/m ² , more preferably from 10 g/m ² to 30g/m ² . The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the veneer layer has a layer thickness of less than 0.2 mm. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the veneer layer is attached to a component of the decorative trim element which is adjacent to the veneer layer by means of an adhesive, preferably by an at least partially translucent adhesive. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the decorative trim element is configured to control a brightness of the light device at least partially by a pulse-width modulation. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the decorative trim element is configured such that a temperature of the decorative trim element remains below 45° Celsius, preferably below 40° Celsius, during operation of the light device. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the decorative trim element includes at least one bent surface and/or at least one curved surface, preferably wherein the entire decorative trim element is bent and/or curved in at least a section thereof. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the decorative trim element has a total thickness of less than 3 mm. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the light device is configured as a light emitting layer having a thickness of less than 1.5 mm. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the veneer layer is configured to be substantially opaque when the light device is not in operation. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the light device includes at least two organic light emitting diodes (OLED) which are arranged in series in a direction which is substantially perpendicularto the veneer layer and/or a viewing side of the decorative trim element from which the pattern, which is transilluminatable through at least the veneer layer, is visible by an occupant in the interior of the vehicle during operation of the light device, wherein at least a proximal OLED, with respect to the veneer layer, of the at least two OLEDs has a substantially transparent and/or translucent backing substrate. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the light device includes at least one organic light emitting diode (OLED). The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the light device includes at least one flexible organic light emitting diode (OLED). The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein a coefficient of variation of the luminance of the light device is less than 20%. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the light device includes one or more light emitting diodes (LED), preferably with a diffusor element, preferably a diffusor layer. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the light device is configured to provide a luminance of 15.000 cd/m ² or less preferably 10.000 cd/m ² or less. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the light device is configured to provide a luminous efficacy of at least 40 Im/W, preferably at least 50 Im/W, most preferably at least 60 Im/W. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein all layers of the decorative trim element combined are configured to have a thermal transmittance U of more than 5 W/(m ² *K), preferably more than 6 W/(m ² *K), more preferably more than 6.5 W/(m ² *K), most preferably more than 6.8 W/(m ² *K). The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, further including at least one sensor device, preferably a sensor layer, configured to detect the present of an object, preferably a body part of a user, wherein the sensor device is preferably arranged at least partially between the veneer layer and the light device. The decorative trim element according to aspect 42, wherein the sensor device includes at least one of the following: a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, an inductive sensor, a time-flight sensor and an ultrasonic sensor. The decorative trim element according to aspect 42 or 43, wherein the sensor device is connected to the veneer layer and/or the light device to form a coherent unit therewith. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, further including at least one actuator device configured to be actuated by a user, wherein the actuator device is communicatively connectable to at least one electric or electronic device to control one or more functions of the electric or electronic device via actuation of the actuator device by the user. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the veneer layer includes a plurality of perforations, wherein the perforations preferably extend completely through at least a section of the veneer layer, preferably through at least a surface which faces the light device, and wherein preferably the perforations extend at an angle from 40° to 90° to a surface of the veneer layer, preferably a surface which faces the light device. The decorative trim element according to aspect 46, wherein the perforations are filled, preferably completely filled, with an at least partially translucent medium, preferably a resin or an adhesive glue. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the veneer layer includes at least one recess, preferably a plurality of recesses, on a surface of the veneer layer which faces the light device, wherein the recess extends through 10% to 60%, preferably 15% to 65%, more preferably 20% to 60%, more preferably 25% to 60%, most preferably 25% to 55%, of a layer thickness of the veneer layer. The decorative trim element according to aspect 48, wherein the recess(es) is/are filled, preferably completely filled, with an at least partially translucent medium, preferably a resin or an adhesive glue. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the base material has an intrinsic light transmittance of 15% or more, preferably 20% or more, more preferably 35% or more, wherein the veneer layer includes means to darken at least one surface of the veneer layer, preferably a surface which is visible when the decorative trim element is mounted on the surface in the interior of the object, preferably the vehicle. The decorative trim element according to aspect 50, wherein the surface has been treated by at least one of the following means to darken the surface: etching, dyeing, staining, pickling and charring. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein a surface of the veneer layer, which is not visible to an occupant in the interior of the object, preferably the vehicle, when the veneer layer is mounted on the structure in the interior of the object, preferably the vehicle, has been treated by a treatment configured to bleach and/or extract coloring components of the veneer layer, wherein the base material of the veneer layer preferably has an intrinsic light transmittance of less than 35%, more preferably less than 20%, most preferably less than 15%. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the decorative trim element is configured for use in the interior of a business jet or private jet aircraft, wherein the decorative trim element is configured to pass the vertical burn test, wherein the veneer layer is impregnated with at least one flame retardant. The decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the light device is configured as a layer which is connected to the veneer layer to form a layered composite structure including at least the light device configured as a layer and the veneer layer. A vehicle, preferably an aircraft or a watercraft, having an interior and a decorative trim element according to any of the preceding aspects which is arranged in the interior. A method for manufacturing a decorative trim element, preferably for use in an interior of an object, preferably a vehicle, including the following steps: providing at least one veneer layer which is at least partially translucent, wherein the veneer layer is configured to be mounted to a structure, preferably a surface, of the interior of the object, preferably the vehicle, such that the veneer layer provides a paneling to the structure, preferably the surface, and wherein the veneer layer has a layer thickness ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 mm and is made from a base material which has an intrinsic light transmittance ranging from 0.01% to 45%; providing at least one light device which is configured to generate and transilluminate light through at least the veneer layer to transilluminate at least one pattern, preferably at least one at least partially man-made pattern, through at least the veneer layer, wherein the light device is configured to provide a luminance of at least 1000 cd/m ² , preferably at least 2000 cd/m ² , more preferably at least 3000 cd/m ² at a surface, preferably a proximal surface, of the decorative trim element. The method according to aspect 56, further including the step of: treating the veneer layer to increase the light transmittance of the veneer layer with respect to the intrinsic light transmittance of the base material of the veneer layer. The method according to aspect 57, wherein the base material of the veneer layer has an intrinsic density and the veneer layer is treated by increasing the density of the veneer layer with respect to the intrinsic density of the base material of the veneer layer, preferably by at least 15%. The method according to aspect 57 or 58, wherein the veneer layer is treated by at least one of the following: filling, at least partially, pores which are formed in the base material by a pore filling means, preferably by an oil, preferably a silicone oil, more preferably a drying oil or an oil that is polymerizable or that can be otherwise crosslinked into a solid form, most preferably tung oil or linseed oil, and/or a silicone compound, and/or a flame retardant; compressing the base material of the veneer layer, preferably by a pressure of at least 3500000 Pa and preferably no more than 7000000 Pa, to cause at least some of the pores to at least partially collapse; and applying at least one surface coating to a viewing side of the decorative trim element, the viewing side being the side of the decorative trim element from which the pattern, which is transilluminated through at least the veneer layer, is visible by an occupant in the interior of the vehicle during operation of the light device. The method according to aspect 59, wherein the surface coating includes an oil or a varnish, and optionally also a flame retardant. The method according to any of aspects 56 to 60, further including the step of: arranging at least one masking layer at least partially between the light device and the veneer layer, wherein the masking layer has at least a first section and a second section, the first section having a higher light transmittance than the second section, preferably by least 20%, more preferably by at least 30%, more preferably by at least 40%, more preferably by at least 50%, most preferably by at least 60%. 62. The method according to any of aspects 56 to 61, further including the step of: connecting at least one backing layer to the veneer layer, wherein the backing layer has an aerial weight ranging from 10 g/m ² to 100 g/m ² , preferably from 10 g/m ² to 40g/m ² , more preferably from 10 g/m ² to 30g/m ² .

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are further elucidated below with reference to the figures. The described embodiments do not limit the present invention.

Fig. 1 shows a decorative trim element according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows a decorative trim element according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 shows a decorative trim element according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 shows a decorative trim element according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 shows a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 shows a decorative trim element according to an embodiment of the present invention which is mounted to a surface of an interior of the vehicle of Fig. 5.

Fig. 1 shows a decorative trim element 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The decorative trim element 10 includes a veneer layer 12 which is at least partially translucent. The veneer layer 12 is configured to be mounted to a surface of the interior of the vehicle such that the veneer layer provides a paneling to the surface, as shown in Fig. 5. The veneer layer 12 is made of a base material. The base material may be any material which is at least partially translucent. However, preferably, the base material is a natural material, preferably extracted from a trunk of at least one plant, preferably wood, and/or plant fibers.

The decorative trim element 10 further includes a light device 14 which is configured to generate and transilluminate light through at least the veneer layer 12 to transilluminate at least one pattern, which is at least partially man-made, through at least the veneer layer 12. The pattern may include one or more symbols, such as a no-smoking or a lavatory symbol, one or more letters, one or more depictions of one or more objects, one or more geometric shapes and/or lines, one or more colors, and/or one or more of any other pattern which is visibly detectable by humans. The pattern may provide information and/or instructions, such as an allowance or prohibition of a particular action and/or directional guidance, to one or more occupants in the interior of the vehicle. The transilluminated patterns are shown in Fig. 5.

The decorative trim element 10 has a viewing side 17 from which the pattern, which is transilluminatable through at least the veneer layer 12, is visible to an occupant in the interior of the vehicle during operation of the light device 14 and when the decorative trim element 10 is in a mounted state.

The light device 14 includes a plurality of light sources 16. Preferably, the light sources 16 are configured as light-emitting diodes (LED). Alternatively, the light device 14 may be configured as an active display, preferably an Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED) or a microarray display, a Passive Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (PMOLED), a Low Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide (LTPO) display, a micro-LED display, or a micro-OLED display.

The veneer layer 12 may have a layer thickness suitable for the respective application. Preferably, the layer thickness of the veneer layer 12 ranges from 0.2 to 0.6 mm and is made from a base material which has an intrinsic light transmittance ranging from 0.01% to 45%.

In orderto increase the light transmittance of the veneer layer 12 beyond the above-identified intrinsic light transmittance of the base material, the base material of the veneer layer 12 may include at least one means to increase the light transmittance of the veneer layer 12 with respect to the intrinsic light transmittance of the base material of the veneer layer 12. The means may include a treatment to increase the density of the veneer layer 12 with respect to the intrinsic density of the base material of the veneer layer 12.

Additionally, or alternatively, the base material of the veneer layer 12 may have a plurality of pores which are at least partially filled with a pore filling means, such as an oil, preferably a silicone oil, more preferably a drying oil or an oil that is polymerizable or that can be otherwise crosslinked into a solid form, most preferably tung oil or linseed oil, and/or a silicone compound. Tung oil and linseed oil may penetrate the veneer layer relatively well as a liquid and then harden and are thus immobilized in the veneer layer. Additionally, or alternatively, the veneer layer 12 may be at least partially impregnated with at least one impregnation means, preferably a flame retardant. Additionally, or alternatively, the pores of the base material may be at least partially collapsed by compressing the base material of the veneer layer 12 in a compressing step.

The decorative trim element 10 may further include a masking layer 18 which is arranged at least partially between the light device 14 and the veneer layer 12. The masking layer 18 has sections of differing light transmittance to define characteristics of the pattern, e.g., the shape, counter and/or dimensions of the pattern. As shown in the embodiment of Fig. 1, the masking layer 18 includes a cutout 20 which at least partially defines a contour of a pattern which is transilluminated through the veneer layer 12 via the light generated by the light device 14.

Alternatively, or additionally, the masking layer 18 may be provided by a paint, a lacquer, a metallic coating or a printing, which is preferably arranged on at least one surface of the veneer layer 12. Optionally, the masking layer 18 may include at least one color filter which may extend across the entire masking layer 18 or across only a portion of the masking layer 18. Alternatively, the masking layer 18 may be replaced by an electronic display, such as an E ink display module or an electrochromic display module.

The light device 14 is configured to provide a sufficient luminance to transilluminate the pattern at least through the veneer layer 12. Preferably, the light device 14 is configured to provide a luminance of at least 3000 cd/m ² at a proximal surface 19 of the decorative trim element 10. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the proximal surface 19 of the decorative trim element 10 is a surface which is closest to and faces the light device 14. Thus, in the case of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the proximal surface 19 is a surface of the masking layer 18. However, alternatively, the proximal surface 19 may be a surface of the veneer layer 12 (see the proximal surface 119 in Fig. 2) or of a different component of the decorative trim element 10, such as a sensor device (see the proximal surface 219 in Fig. 3).

Fig. 2 shows a further decorative trim element 110 according to a further embodiment which also includes a veneer layer 112. The decorative trim element 110 shown in Fig. 2 differs essentially from the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in that the light device 14 and the masking layer 18 shown in Fig. 1 have been replaced by a display 114 in the embodiment of Fig. 2. The display 114 may be configured as an active display, preferably an Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED) or a microarray display, a Passive Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (PMOLED), a Low Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide (LTPO) display, a microLED display, or a micro-OLED display. Advantageously, the display 114 may generate light to transilluminate at least the veneer layer 112 and may also provide one or more masking functions, e.g., to define a contour of the pattern. Hence, light device 14 and the masking layer 18 may be fully replaced by the display 114.

The transilluminated pattern is visible on a viewing side 117 of the decorative trim element 110 by an occupant in the interior of the vehicle during operation of the display 114 and when the decorative trim element 110 is in a mounted state.

In addition, the decorative trim element 110 includes a backing layer 116 attached to the veneer layer 112. The backing layer 116 may provide one or more further functions to the decorative trim element 110, such as providing structural stability to the decorative trim element 110, in particular to the veneer layer 112, and/or providing a mounting means to mount the display 114. The backing layer 116 may also provide a processing aid when the base material of the veneer layer 112 may be treated with at least one means to increase the light transmittance of the veneer layer 112 with respect to the intrinsic light transmittance of the base material of the veneer layer 112.

Fig. 3 shows a further decorative trim element 210 according to a further embodiment which also includes a veneer layer 212. The decorative trim element 210 further includes a display 214 which may be configured similar or identical to the display 114 shown in Fig. 2. The decorative trim element 210 includes a surface coating 222 on a viewing side 217 of the decorative trim element 210from which the transilluminated pattern is visible by an occupant in the interior of the vehicle during operation of the display 214.

The surface coating 222 may include an at least partially translucent coloring component. Preferably, the coloring component is a dye or a pigment. The surface coating 222 may include an oil or a varnish, and optionally also a flame retardant. The surface coating 222 may also be configured to darken the viewing side 217 of the decorative trim element 210.

The decorative trim element 210 further includes an essentially transparent sensor layer 220 which is arranged between the veneer layer 212 and the display 214 and is configured to detect the present of an object, preferably a body part of a user. The sensor layer 220 may be configured to activate and/or control one of more functions which are related to a component of the decorative trim element itself 210, e.g., to activate and/or control the display 214, and/or to activate and/or control one of more functions which are unrelated to a component of the decorative trim element 210, e.g., one or more functions related to a further component of the vehicle, such as a ventilation element, a lighting element, a speaker, headphones, etc.

Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of a decorative trim element 210, as a modification of the decorative trim element 210 shown in Fig. 3.

In contrast to the decorative trim element 210 shown in Fig. 3, the sensor layer 220 of the decorative trim element 210 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 is not arranged between the veneer layer 212 and the display 214. Instead, the display 214 is arranged between the veneer layer 212 and the sensor layer 220. Hence, the sensor layer 220 is arranged behind the display 214, when viewing the decorative trim element 210 from the viewing side 217.

Furthermore, the decorative trim element 210 shown in Fig. 4 includes an actuator device 221 arranged adjacent to and behind the sensor layer 220, when viewing the decorative trim element 210 from the viewing side 217. The actuator device 221 is configured as an actuator layer of the decorative trim element 210. Alternatively, the sensor layer 220 and the actuator device 221 may be arranged between the display 214 and the veneer layer 214. The actuator device 221 may be configured to be actuated by a user and may be communicatively connectable to at least one electric and/or electronic device to control one or more functions of the electric device via actuation of the actuator device 221 by the user. For this purpose, the actuator device 221 may be communicatively connected to the sensor layer 220, e.g., such that the sensor layer 220 may sense a user's intent to actuate the actuator device 221, e.g., by detecting a presence of a part of the user's body, such as the user's finger, on or near the decorative trim element 210. The actuator device 221 may then be provided with at least one control input to control one or more functions of the electric device.

The actuator device 221 may be configured to generate at least one feedback to the user, e.g., at least one motion, at least one vibration and/or at least one sound upon or after actuation. This may provide a feedback, e.g., a haptic and/or acoustic and/or visual feedback, to the user, e.g., if the sensor layer 220 detects the presence of an object, e.g., a body part, e.g., a finger, of the user, e.g., to indicate to the user that the actuator device 221 has been actuated.

Alternatively, the sensor layer 220 and the actuator device 221 may be integrated in a single component or layer.

Fig. 5 shows a vehicle 400 which has an interior 402 and a decorative trim element having the features of any of the configurations described herein, e.g., the decorative trim elements 10, 110 or 210 described above with respect to Figs. 1 to 4. The decorative trim element is mounted in the interior 402 of the vehicle 400. More specifically, the respective veneer layer of the respective decorative trim element, e.g., the veneer layers 12, 112, or 212, is configured to be mounted to a surface of the interior 402 of the vehicle 400 such that the veneer layer provides a paneling to the surface.

The surface of the interior 402 of the vehicle 400 to which the veneer layer is mountable may be a structure which at least partially delimits the interior 402 of the vehicle 400, such as at least a section of a wall and/or ceiling of the interior 402 of the vehicle 400. The veneer layer 12, 112, 212 may be mounted directly or indirectly to the surface of the interior 402 of the vehicle 400. The veneer layer 12, 112, 212 may be substantially flush with adjacent sections of the surface of the interior 402 of the vehicle 400, when the veneer layer 12, 112, 212 is mounted. The veneer layer 12, 112, or 212 itself may form a structure which at least partially delimits the interior 402 of the vehicle 400, such as at least a section of a wall and/or ceiling. The veneer layer 12, 112, 212 may be mountable to various kinds of surfaces in the interior 402 of the vehicle 400, such as to a surface of a seat, a wall or any other object which is at least partially arranged in the interior 402 and/or at least partially delimits the interior 402 of the vehicle 400. Fig. 6 shows a decorative trim element, such as the decorative trim elements 10, 110, 210 shown in Figs. 1 to 4, which is mounted to a surface 404 of an interior 402 of the vehicle 400 of Fig. 5. The vehicle 400 shown in Fig. 5 is configured as an aircraft. Alternatively, the vehicle 400 may be a watercraft or a land-bound vehicle. Patterns 406 and 408 are transilluminated through at least the veneer layer 12, 112, 212 of the respective decorative trim element 10, 110, 210. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the patterns 406, 408 are configured as a nosmoking sign, which indicates that smoking is prohibited, and a seatbelt-fasten sign, which indicates that the occupants' seatbelts should be fastened, respectively. However, the pattern(s) may be any pattern, e.g., one or more symbols, letters, one or more depictions of one or more objects, one or more geometric shapes and/or lines, one or more colors, and/or one or more of any other pattern which is visibly detectable by humans, which may provide information and/or instructions to the occupants in the vehicle 400. The patterns 406, 408 are visible along an imaging portion 410 of the veneer layer 12, 112, 212 from the viewing side 17, 117, 217 of the respective decorative trim element 10, 110, 210 by an occupant in the interior 402 of the vehicle 400 during operation of the light device 14, 114, 214 and when the respective decorative trim element 10, 110, 210 is in a mounted state. The viewing side 17, 117, 217 may be a distal surface of the decorative trim element 10, 110, 210, i.e., a surface of the decorative trim element 10, 110, 210 which is arranged further from the light device 14, 114, 214 than the proximal surface 19, 119, 219 of the decorative trim element 10, 110, 210 and/or a surface of the decorative trim element 10, 110, 210 which is arranged furthest from the light device 14, 114, 214.

Preferably, the decorative trim element 10, 110, 210 may be configured such that the patterns 406, 408 are only substantially visible when the respective light device 14, 114, 214 of the decorative trim element 10, 110, 210 is in operation. Preferably, the patterns 406, 408 are substantially not visible when the light device 14, 114, 214 is not in operation, e.g., when information which is provided by the patterns 406, 408 to one or more occupants in the interior 402 of the vehicle 400 is not desired and/or not required. To achieve such a nonvisibility of the patterns 406, 408 when the light device 14, 114, 214 is not in operation may be achieved, e.g., by configuring the respective veneer layer 12, 112, 212 to be opaque when the light device 14, 114, 214 is not in operation.