Component with optical fibers and light coupling device and method for manufacturing the component

Method for manufacturing a component comprising the steps of:

• providing a fabric layer with one or more optical fibers woven into it, wherein the ends of the optical fibers protrude from the fabric layer;
• inserting the fabric layer into a first injection mold and overmolding the ends of the optical fibers with a translucent first plastic component to form a material bond between the ends of the optical fibers and the first plastic component;
• and
• forming the first plastic component into a light coupling device, via which light can be coupled into the optical fibers.

A component for a decorative part comprising:

• a fabric layer having edges;
• optical fibers woven into said fabric layer, said optical fibers having ends extending beyond the edges of said fabric layer;
• and
• a translucent injection-molded plastic formed adjacent the edges of said fabric layer and around the ends of said optical fibers, wherein the ends of the optical fibers are embedded in said translucent injection-molded plastic,
• whereby a material bond is formed between the ends of said optical fibers and said translucent injection-molded plastic resulting in light coupling between said optical fibers and said translucent injection-molded plastic.