Light-transmitting leather and decorative structure

Abstract

The application relates to the field of materials and decoration, and in particular to a light-transmitting leather and a decoration structure. The application relates to a light-transmitting leather, which comprises a leather layer containing a light-transmitting material, and the surface of the leather layer is sequentially provided with an electroconductive ink layer, a luminous ink layer, a light-reflecting ink layer, an electroconductive layer and an insulating waterproof ink layer; the leather layer has a decoration area and a non-decoration area; the non-decoration area is used for mounting an electrode; the electroconductive ink layer and the electroconductive layer extend to the non-decoration area and are used for being in conduction with the electrode; and the application further relates to a decoration structure containing the light-transmitting leather and a framework, and the framework provides support for the light-transmitting leather. The application has the technical effects that the light-transmitting leather has good light-transmitting, luminous and protective properties, the decoration structure can provide effective support for the leather, and is suitable for the field of materials and decoration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the fields of materials and decoration, and in particular to a decorative structure using translucent leather. Background Technology

[0002] In today's automotive industry, to enhance the driving experience, car interior design increasingly focuses on creating a unique atmosphere. Ambient lighting, as a key element in enhancing the aesthetics and comfort of the in-car environment, has gained widespread popularity among consumers. With the continuous development of the automotive market, consumers' demands for car interiors are also rising, focusing not only on aesthetics but also on functionality and environmental friendliness. To meet these demands, automakers are constantly exploring and innovating in the design and manufacturing technologies of automotive interiors.

[0003] Currently, most common automotive interior lighting technologies utilize a transparent PC frame, with its surface coated and laser-engraved. This is then covered with translucent leather, and LED light sources are placed beneath the PC frame to achieve the lighting effect. In practical applications, the processing of the transparent PC frame requires multiple steps to ensure it meets design requirements; the surface coating and laser engraving require specialized equipment and technicians to guarantee the quality and aesthetics of the patterns; the covering with translucent leather also requires meticulous operation to ensure a tight and consistent finish; and the installation of the LED light sources necessitates consideration of circuit connections and heat dissipation.

[0004] This traditional illuminated interior technology has many drawbacks. Its structure is relatively complex, involving multiple stages such as PC frame processing, pattern treatment, leather covering, and LED light source installation. This not only increases the difficulty of manufacturing but also raises the product failure rate; if any stage malfunctions, the repair costs are relatively high. The technology requires a large volume of space; the combination of the transparent PC frame and LED light source occupies a significant amount of interior space, limiting the flexibility of interior design for vehicles with limited interior space. The spraying process pollutes the environment, generating large amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These substances are harmful not only to the health of operators but also to the atmosphere. If soft materials are used for covering, the light is easily scattered during propagation due to the material's inherent properties, resulting in uneven illumination and failing to provide an ideal visual experience, thus reducing the quality of the interior atmosphere. Utility Model Content

[0005] To reduce volume and cost, this application provides a translucent leather and decorative structure.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a translucent leather, employing the following technical solution: A translucent leather, comprising a leather layer, The leather layer includes a light-transmitting material, and the surface of the leather layer is sequentially provided with a conductive ink layer, a luminescent ink layer, a reflective ink layer, a conductive layer, and an insulating and waterproof ink layer. The leather layer includes decorative and non-decorative areas, the non-decorative areas being used for electrode mounting. Both the conductive ink layer and the conductive layer extend into the non-decorative area, and both the conductive ink layer and the conductive layer are used to conduct electricity with the electrode.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solutions, the traditional transparent PC frame and LED light source are eliminated, simplifying the structure, reducing the number of parts, lowering the complexity of manufacturing and potential failure risks, and improving product reliability; reducing raw material costs and enhancing product market competitiveness; saving interior space and providing more flexibility for automotive interior design; avoiding pollution from the spraying process and meeting environmental protection requirements; achieving surface illumination with uniform, soft light and no scattering, creating a warm, comfortable, and high-end atmosphere; enabling diverse visual effects when illuminated and the pattern to be hidden when not illuminated through the design and printing of patterns, allowing the leather to blend perfectly with the car interior environment; and through the setting of each ink layer, it possesses good wear resistance, weather resistance, insulation, and water resistance, extending the product's service life and ensuring the long-term stability of the luminous effect.

[0008] Preferably, the thickness of the luminescent ink layer is 3-10 μm.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solutions, it is beneficial to ensure the consistency and stability of the luminous effect, thereby making the light more uniform and softer, creating a warm, comfortable and high-end atmosphere in the car, and also ensuring the performance and quality of the luminous leather, extending the product's service life and ensuring the long-term stability of the luminous effect.

[0010] Preferably, the thickness of the conductive ink layer is 3-10 μm.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the conductive ink layer is made uniform and continuous, providing a stable electric field environment for the luminescent ink layer, which can realize surface luminescence with uniform and soft light without scattering.

[0012] Preferably, the conductive layer comprises aluminum paste or silver paste.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the conductive layer can be made to have high conductivity, providing a stable electric field environment for the luminescence of the luminescent ink layer.

[0014] Preferably, the light transmittance of the leather layer is ≥25%, and the haze of the leather layer is ≥85%.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solutions, translucent leather has good light transmittance and haze, which provides a basis for achieving surface luminescence and pattern hiding effects, making the light spread more evenly and helping to create a uniform and soft luminous atmosphere. At the same time, it allows the leather to maintain its original color when it is not luminous, thus hiding the pattern and better blending with the interior environment of the car.

[0016] Preferably, the light-transmitting material includes PU, TPU, PVC, silicone leather, or suede.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solutions, PU has good wear resistance, hydrolysis resistance and easy processing and molding characteristics, TPU has high elasticity, high strength and low temperature resistance, PVC has low cost and is durable, silicone leather is soft and has good weather resistance, and suede can provide a unique texture. Appropriate materials can be selected according to different needs and design preferences, and some can also be recycled, which enhances the environmental protection attributes of the products.

[0018] Preferably, the electrode comprises a metal foil.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the metal foil has good conductivity and flexibility, which can ensure a stable connection between the translucent leather and the power supply, and provide a reliable circuit basis for the translucent leather to emit light.

[0020] Secondly, this application provides a decorative structure, which adopts the following technical solution: A decorative structure, comprising the aforementioned translucent leather, and also comprising a skeleton. The skeleton is used to provide support for the translucent leather.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, a conductive ink layer, a luminescent ink layer, a reflective ink layer, a conductive layer, and an insulating and waterproof ink layer are sequentially set on the leather layer. The conductive ink layer and the conductive layer extend to the non-decorative area where electrodes are installed and are conductive to the electrodes. This achieves planar luminescence with uniform and soft light, avoiding scattering and achieving pattern concealment. Combined with a leather layer with a light transmittance ≥25% and a haze ≥85%, a unique atmosphere can be created when luminescent, while maintaining the original appearance of the leather when not luminescent. Limiting the thickness of the luminescent and conductive ink layers to 3-10µm ensures the consistency and stability of the luminescence effect and provides a stable electric field environment for luminescence. The conductive layer uses aluminum paste or silver paste, and the electrodes use metal foil to ensure conductivity. The light-transmitting material can be PU, TPU, PVC, silicone leather, or suede to meet different performance requirements. Simultaneously, a skeleton is set to provide support for the light-transmitting leather, improving its stability and durability and extending its service life.

[0022] Preferably, the skeleton comprises an opaque material.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, support can be provided for translucent leather at a lower cost.

[0024] Preferably, the opaque material includes PP, PVC or PCABS.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solutions, these materials have certain strength and toughness, and are low in cost, which can reduce raw material costs and enhance the market competitiveness of products.

[0026] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. By abandoning the traditional transparent PC skeleton and LED light source, conductive ink layer and luminescent ink layer are printed on the leather layer, which simplifies the structure, reduces the number of parts, reduces production difficulty, and improves product reliability; 2. Eliminating the need for a transparent PC frame and LED light sources saves interior space and provides more flexibility for interior design; 3. Avoid spraying processes to prevent the generation of volatile organic compounds. Use water-based inks for printing, which are pollution-free and meet environmental protection requirements. 4. The luminescent ink layer is printed on the leather layer to achieve surface luminescence, with uniform and soft light and no scattering, providing an ideal visual experience; 5. Printed insulating and waterproof ink protects the internal ink layer and electrode circuitry, improving the durability and stability of the luminescent leather. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the decorative structure.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the leather layers.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Skeleton; 21. Leather layer; 211. Decorative area; 212. Non-decorative area; 22. Conductive ink layer; 23. Luminescent ink layer; 24. Reflective ink layer; 25. Conductive layer; 26. Insulating and waterproof ink layer. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Reference Figure 1 This application discloses a decorative structure, including a skeleton 1 and translucent leather.

[0032] The skeleton 1 includes an opaque material, which can be PP (polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PCABS (PC / ABS alloy: combining the heat resistance of PC (polycarbonate) and the processability of ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer), while improving flame retardancy and impact resistance) or PA (polyamide).

[0033] The frame 1 is used to support the translucent leather, giving it a specific shape. The thickness of the frame 1 is adjusted according to the actual application scenario to ensure that it can effectively support the translucent leather without being too heavy and affecting the overall effect.

[0034] The finished decorative structures are cut and installed according to the specific parts of the car's interior. For example, seat backs can be precisely cut to fit the shape of the seat and then fixed to it by sewing or gluing; door trim can be installed using clips or adhesive. During installation, care must be taken to avoid damaging the translucent leather to ensure its luminous effect is not affected. At the same time, the stability of the electrical connections must be ensured to prevent loosening due to vibrations during vehicle operation.

[0035] In one embodiment: the mold is provided with a molding groove to form a cavity for injection molding. A fastener fixes the translucent leather on the mold to cover the molding groove. The translucent leather is softened by heating equipment. The gas in the molding groove is sucked out by vacuum equipment to make the translucent leather adhere to the groove wall. After the mold is closed, molten injection molding material is injected into the cavity by an injection molding machine, so that the translucent leather and the injection molding material are tightly bonded together, which greatly enhances the structural stability of the product (decorative structure).

[0036] This application also discloses a translucent leather, including a leather layer 21.

[0037] The leather layer 21 includes a light-transmitting material, specifically: the light transmittance of the leather layer 21 is ≥25%, and the haze is ≥85%. The light-transmitting material can be PU (polyurethane), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer rubber), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), silicone leather, or suede. PU leather has good abrasion resistance, hydrolysis resistance, and easy processing and molding; TPU leather has high elasticity, high strength, and low-temperature resistance; PVC leather is low-cost and durable; silicone leather is soft and has good weather resistance; and suede provides a unique texture. Appropriate artificial leather is selected based on the needs and design preferences of different parts of the automotive interior.

[0038] First, clean and pre-treat the surface of leather layer 21. Use a special leather cleaner to remove grease, dust and other impurities from the surface of leather layer 21. Then, use chemical treatment or physical polishing to increase the roughness of the surface of leather layer 21 and improve the adhesion of ink to leather layer 21.

[0039] PEDOT (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)) ink exhibits excellent conductivity and stability. PEDOT ink is printed onto a pre-treated leather layer 21 using methods such as screen printing, gravure printing, or inkjet printing to form a conductive ink layer 22. The thickness of the PEDOT ink is strictly controlled during the printing process, generally maintained between 3µm and 10µm, to ensure a uniform and continuous conductive structure, providing a stable electric field environment for the subsequent luminescence of the electroluminescent ink.

[0040] After the PEDOT ink layer has dried and cured, electroluminescent ink is printed onto it using the same or compatible printing method as the PEDOT ink to form the aforementioned luminescent ink layer 23. The printing is precise according to the designed pattern, ensuring uniform thickness of the electroluminescent ink, generally controlled between 3µm and 10µm, to guarantee the consistency and stability of the luminescent effect. After printing, a drying process is performed to allow the solvent in the electroluminescent ink to fully evaporate.

[0041] After the electroluminescent ink dries, insulating reflective ink is printed to form a reflective ink layer 24. The insulating reflective ink serves two purposes: firstly, it provides insulation to prevent short circuits between the electroluminescent ink and subsequent printed layers; secondly, it produces a reflective effect under light, concealing the visual effect of the pattern when it is not emitting light and the reflection effect when it is emitting light, thus increasing light intensity. By controlling the printing thickness and process parameters, the insulating reflective ink can effectively perform its function without affecting the luminescent performance of the electroluminescent ink.

[0042] Select electroluminescent inks with high luminous efficiency, long lifespan, good flexibility, and good adhesion to leather. The selected electroluminescent inks should be able to achieve stable luminescence at low voltages or at high AC frequencies to match the automotive's power system. Furthermore, the luminescent color of the electroluminescent ink can be customized to meet different interior ambiance requirements, such as white, blue, and yellow.

[0043] Based on the overall style and design concept of the car's interior, illuminated patterns are designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software. The patterns can be simple lines and geometric shapes, or they can be brand logos or creative artistic designs. For example, dynamic line patterns can be designed for sports cars, while sophisticated floral patterns can be designed for luxury cars. During the design process, the illuminated effect and the inconspicuousness when not illuminated must be considered to ensure that the patterns harmonize with the leather and the interior environment in different states.

[0044] Aluminum or silver paste, with its high conductivity, is used to form the electrode circuitry that connects to the power source. Using methods such as screen printing, the designed electrode circuitry is printed to form a conductive layer 25, ensuring good conductivity and clear lines for the electrode circuitry. The printing thickness is adjusted according to actual needs. After printing, a drying and curing process is performed to ensure the electrode circuitry adheres firmly to the leather surface.

[0045] Finally, an insulating and waterproof ink layer 26 is formed by printing or spraying to cover the surface. This insulating and waterproof ink effectively protects the internal ink layer and electrode circuitry, preventing damage or short circuits caused by moisture, humidity, or other factors, thus improving the durability and stability of the luminescent leather. Careful control of the ink dosage and thickness is crucial to ensure uniform coverage and to prevent negative impacts on the overall luminescent effect and the leather's flexibility.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The leather layer 21 includes a decorative area 211 and a non-decorative area 212. The decorative area 211 and / or the non-decorative area 212 can be regular or irregular in shape, depending on the pattern. Corresponding to a leather layer 21, there can be one or more decorative areas 211.

[0047] The luminescent ink layer 23 and the reflective ink layer 24 may only cover the decorative area 211, or they may cover the decorative area 211 and extend to the non-decorative area 212.

[0048] The conductive ink layer 22 and the conductive layer 25 cover the decorative area 211 and extend to the non-decorative area 212.

[0049] The insulating and waterproof ink layer 26 covers the conductive ink layer 22, the luminescent ink layer 23, the reflective ink layer 24, and the conductive layer 25.

[0050] The translucent leather also includes electrodes installed in the non-decorative area 212. The non-decorative area 212 may be located at the edge of the leather layer 21 or in an inconspicuous position. There may be two electrodes, which are respectively connected to the conductive ink layer 22 and the conductive layer 25.

[0051] The electrodes can be made of metal foil with good conductivity and flexibility, such as copper or aluminum foil. The electrodes are connected to the vehicle's internal power system via wires, and corresponding control switches and dimming devices are installed. The control switches can turn the circuit on and off, while the dimming devices can adjust the brightness / color of the light source according to the needs of the driver and passengers, creating different in-car atmospheres. Simultaneously, to ensure the safety and stability of the circuit, the wires and electrodes are insulated to prevent short circuits and leakage.

[0052] The implementation principle of the translucent leather in this application embodiment is as follows: by rationally selecting materials and setting the structure of each layer, the traditional complex structure is abandoned, the structure of the car interior light-emitting material is simplified, and the cost and failure rate are reduced. At the same time, the materials of each layer cooperate with each other to achieve the effect of uniform light emission and pattern hiding, saving interior space and avoiding environmental pollution caused by the spraying process, which is in line with the concept of environmental protection and improves the quality of the car interior and the driving experience.

[0053] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A translucent leather, characterized in that, Includes leather layer (21). The leather layer (21) includes a light-transmitting material, and the surface of the leather layer (21) is sequentially provided with a conductive ink layer (22), a light-emitting ink layer (23), a reflective ink layer (24), a conductive layer (25), and an insulating and waterproof ink layer (26). The leather layer (21) includes a decorative area (211) and a non-decorative area (212), the non-decorative area (212) being used for electrode mounting. The conductive ink layer (22) and the conductive layer (25) both extend to the non-decorative area (212), and the conductive ink layer (22) and the conductive layer (25) are both used to conduct electricity with the electrode.

2. The translucent leather according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the luminescent ink layer (23) is 3-10 μm.

3. The translucent leather according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the conductive ink layer (22) is 3-10 μm.

4. The translucent leather according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive layer (25) comprises aluminum paste or silver paste.

5. The translucent leather according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light transmittance of the leather layer (21) is ≥25%, and the haze of the leather layer (21) is ≥85%.

6. The translucent leather according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-transmitting material includes PU, TPU, PVC, silicone leather, or suede.

7. The translucent leather according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode comprises a metal foil.

8. A decorative structure comprising the translucent leather as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, It also includes the skeleton (1). The skeleton (1) is used to provide support for the translucent leather.

9. A decorative structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The skeleton (1) comprises an opaque material.

10. A decorative structure according to claim 9, characterized in that, The opaque material includes PP, PVC, or PCABS.

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