DE102015016719A1 - Decorative element, in particular for lighting effects in the interior of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a decorative element, in particular for luminous effects in the interior of a vehicle, comprising a surface-formed light guide (3) on which at least one decorative layer (11) is arranged, and at least one coupling-out structures (9) for the transmitted light from the light guide (3) , In a decorative element separate Auskoppelstrukturen (9) are arranged between the decorative layer (11) and the surface-formed light guide (3), each consisting of a transparent, fillers (17) comprising lacquer, wherein the coupling-out structures (9) between a first lacquer layer ( 7) and the light guide (3) are arranged.

Description

The invention relates to a decorative element, in particular for luminous effects in the interior of a vehicle, comprising a surface-formed light guide, on which at least one decorative layer is arranged, and at least one coupling-out structure for the forwarded light from the light guide.

From the DE 10 2009 030 684 A1 a decorative element is known, which has a partially transparent decorative layer, which is applied to a flat carrier element. In this case, a layer formed of a transparent plastic layer is arranged between the carrier element and the decorative layer. Between the carrier element and this first layer, a second layer of a further plastic is provided, which is not transparent. The transparent plastic layer serves as a light guide and has a thickened expression, which is arranged as a coupling-out element of the light in the region of the decorative structure of the decorative layer.

In interiors of vehicles ornamental parts are often used with high depth effect, which consist for example of glass or plastic plates on which a decor is created behind it. This decor can z. B. only be a black surface, which experiences a high depth effect by the applied layer. If such decorative elements to be illuminated, there is in addition to a lighting from the outside nor the possibility of backlighting, which is disadvantageous in terms of effect and space.

The object of the invention is to provide a decorative element which eliminates the disadvantages of the prior art.

The invention results from the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments and refinements are the subject of the dependent claims. Other features, applications and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, as well as the explanation of embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated in the figures. The object is achieved with a decorative element in that separate coupling-out structures are arranged between the decorative layer and the flat-shaped optical waveguide, each consisting of a transparent, paint-containing lacquer, wherein the coupling-out structures are arranged between a first lacquer layer and the light guide. The fine particles mixed into the paint of the coupling-out structures are invisible when viewed without light. The viewer will recognize the decoration on the rear side of the component in the unlit condition of the decorative element without seeing the areas of the coupling-out structures directly.

Advantageously, the fillers are made of a transparent material, preferably glass or transparent polymers. When illuminated, these fillers have light-scattering effects which lead to a uniform illumination of the decorative element when light is coupled into the light guide.

In one embodiment, the lacquer forming the coupling-out structures has a higher refractive index than the lacquer of the first lacquer layer, and the lacquer of the first lacquer layer has a higher refractive index than a material of the light guide. As a result, the light in the light guide is reliably relayed by total reflection at the boundary layer of the first lacquer layer receiving the coupling-out structures.

In a variant, the coupling-out structures in the first lacquer layer are arranged on a boundary layer between surface-formed light guides and the first lacquer layer. This ensures that the light propagating in the optical fiber actually hits the decoupling structures and is emitted there in the illuminated state.

In one embodiment, the surface-formed light guide made of glass or polycarbonate or polyamide or polymethyl methacrylate. Polyamide and polycarbonate are preferred because of their good toughness, which have a stable property in a crash, especially when used in vehicles.

In one embodiment, the surface-formed optical waveguide is positioned on a carrier layer, which is formed between the planar-shaped optical waveguide and the outcoupling structures. The use of such a carrier layer, for example a carrier film, enables the economical production of the decorative element by application of the various described layers on the carrier layer. The carrier layer contributes to the mechanical stability of the layer sequence of the decorative element. In a further embodiment, an intermediate layer of the varnish with the higher refractive index is arranged between the first varnish layer with the lower refractive index and the decorative layer. This ensures that in the unlit state, the coupling-out structures, if they are still easily visible, reliably covered and thus are no longer visible to a viewer.

In a further variant, a low-refractive transparent layer is applied to an observer-facing side of the light guide. This low-refractive layer protects the optical fiber against the environment. This is therefore insensitive to scratches and dirt.

A development of the invention relates to a vehicle, comprising a decorative element for the interior lighting of the vehicle. In a vehicle, the decorative element is formed according to at least one feature described in this patent application.

Further advantages, features and details will become apparent from the following description in which - where appropriate, with reference to the drawings - at least one embodiment is described in detail. Described and / or illustrated features may form the subject of the invention itself or in any meaningful combination, optionally also independent of the claims, and in particular may also be the subject of one or more separate application / s. The same, similar and / or functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

It shows:

1 an embodiment of the decorative element according to the invention,

2 an embodiment of a coupling-out structure.

In 1 is a decorative element according to the invention 1 shown, which is a light guide 3 includes, which is designed flat and z. B. consists of polycarbonate, glass, polyamide or polymethyl methacrylate. On the light guide 3 is a carrier foil 5 arranged. The carrier foil 5 contributes to the mechanical stability during the printing process of the layers. To the carrier foil 5 closes a first coat of paint 7 in, in the multiple, separate coupling-out structures 9 are arranged separately from each other. For a desired high outcoupling, these coupling-out structures can 9 alternatively coincide to an entire area.

The coupling-out structures 9 consist of a transparent lacquer ( 2 ). This paint includes fillers 17 , z. As glass beads, glass bubbles or transparent polymers. So this paint is despite fillers 17 transparent, but retains certain light-scattering effects. These light-scattering effects become normal viewing of the decorative element 1 in the reflected light mostly not noticed. Thus, the viewer B in the unlit condition of the decorative element 1 the decor on the back of the decor element 1 recognize well, without the decoupling structure 9 , which consists of the first paint, to see. The paint, the decoupling structures 9 forms, it has a higher refractive index than the paint of the first coat of paint 7 into which the coupling-out structures 9 are involved.

On the first coat of paint 7 is an optional interlayer 13 applied, which is also formed from the paint, from which the coupling-out 9 consist. On this intermediate layer 13 is ultimately the decorative layer 11 applied. The intermediate layer 13 is flat behind the first layer of paint 7 printed with the low refractive index, so that the coupling-out 9 completely invisible.

On the observer B side facing the light guide 3 If necessary, can still another low-refractive layer 15 be applied, which the light guide 3 protects against environmental influences. In addition, several decorative layers 11 or layers in the decorative element 1 to be available.

In a lateral Lichteinkopplung, which from a light source not shown in the light guide 3 takes place, the light represented by the arrows P by total reflection at the boundary layer between the support element 5 and the first coat of paint 7 forwarded with the lower refractive index. Is located at the point where the boundary layer is a total reflection, a coupling-out structure 9 , so the light is at the coupling-out structure 9 scattered and decoupled. Thus, the viewer B will see the outcoupled light.

Due to the present solution, it is possible flat radiant components with RGB lighting (red / green / blue LEDs) from z. As polycarbonate or amorphous polyamide or glass produce, which in the off state, the view of the rear decorative layer 11 allow, without the decoupling structure 9 is visible. When the light is switched on, a specific location-dependent illumination is made possible.

Although the invention has been further illustrated and explained in detail by way of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exists. It is also to be understood that exemplified embodiments are really only examples that are not to be construed in any way as limiting the scope, uses, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the previous description and the With the aid of the disclosed inventive idea, the person skilled in the art can make various changes, for example with respect to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of the protection provided by the Claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description, is defined.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

decorative element

3

optical fiber

5

support film

7

first varnish layer

9

outcoupling

11

decorative layer

13

interlayer

15

low refractive layer

17

filler

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

Cited patent literature

• DE 102009030684 A1 [0002]

Claims (9)

Decorative element, in particular for luminous effects in the interior of a vehicle, comprising a surface-formed light guide ( 3 ), on which at least one decorative layer ( 11 ), and at least one coupling-out structure ( 9 ) for the light guide ( 3 ) passed on light, characterized in that between the decorative layer ( 11 ) and the surface-formed light guide ( 3 ) separate coupling-out structures ( 9 ), each consisting of a transparent, fillers ( 17 ) comprising paint, wherein the coupling-out structures ( 9 ) between a first lacquer layer ( 7 ) and the light guide ( 3 ) are arranged. Decorative element according to claim 1, characterized in that the fillers ( 17 ) of the paint of the coupling-out structures ( 9 ) consist of a transparent material, preferably glass or transparent polymers. Decorative element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling-out structures ( 9 ) forming paint has a higher refractive index than the paint of the first paint layer ( 7 ) and the lacquer of the first lacquer layer ( 7 ) has a higher refractive index than a material of the optical fiber ( 3 ) owns. Decorative element according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the coupling-out structures ( 9 ) in the first lacquer layer ( 7 ) to a boundary layer between surface-formed light guide ( 3 ) and the first lacquer layer ( 7 ) are arranged. Decorative element according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface-formed light guide ( 3 ) consists of polycarbonate or glass or polyamide or polymethylmethacryl. Decorative element according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface-formed light guide ( 3 ) on a carrier layer ( 5 ), which between the light guide ( 3 ) and the coupling-out structures ( 9 ) is positioned. Decorative element according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the first lacquer layer ( 7 ) with the low refractive index and the decorative layer ( 11 ) an intermediate layer ( 13 ) is arranged from the paint having the larger refractive index. Decorative element according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on an observer (B) facing side of the planar light guide ( 3 ) a low-refractive transparent layer ( 15 ) is applied. Vehicle comprising a decorative element ( 1 ) for an interior lighting, characterized in that the decorative element ( 1 ) is formed according to at least one of the preceding claims.

Images