ARRANGEMENT CONTAINING A LIGHT SOURCE AND A DECORATIVE PANEL WITH IMPROVED OPTICAL DEEPNESS OF A THREE-DIMENSIONAL SURFACE CONTOUR

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement comprising a light source and a decorative panel. Decorative panels are used, for example, as interior trim in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. In addition to sufficient abrasion resistance and durability despite strong temperature fluctuations and direct exposure to sunlight, an optically and tactilely appealing surface of the panel is desirable. A panel is considered optically appealing if a visually recognizable three-dimensional surface contour is clearly discernible from the viewer's perspective, even if the transparent or at least translucent substrate into which the surface contour is embedded is comparatively thick for reasons of stability and / or durability.The problem arises that, when viewed from the side, the desired depth effect created by the three-dimensional surface is lost, which is disadvantageous from an aesthetic point of view and especially with regard to the goal of creating the visual impression of a lifelike imitation. The strategy of maintaining this visual impression by making the surface contour more pronounced in depth, for example, by embedding it deeper into the substrate compared to its natural depth profile, can compromise the durability of the decorative trim and thus poses a risk of injury. Furthermore, there is the general imperative to save weight in automotive manufacturing, meaning that the decorative trim should be produced with the minimum possible thickness.

[0002] An arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from EP 2 006 119 A2. Arrangements of this type are also known from US 2011 / 281074 A1, JP 2008 284713 A and WO 2020 / 095554 A1.

[0003] Against this background, there was a need for a solution comprising an arrangement of a light source and an optically improved and more durable decorative diffuser with a three-dimensional surface. This problem is solved by an arrangement according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the claims can be combined with one another in any technologically meaningful way and demonstrate further embodiments of the invention. The description, particularly in conjunction with the figures, further characterizes and specifies the invention.

[0004] A method for manufacturing a decorative panel is disclosed, comprising the following steps.

[0005] In one manufacturing step, a transparent or translucent substrate is produced which, when properly installed, defines a visible surface facing the viewer and a reverse surface facing away from the viewer. Neither the visible surface nor the reverse surface necessarily has to be the outermost surface on the back of the finished decorative panel; the substrate can also have additional coatings besides the mandatory layers, such as a coating that mechanically protects the surface and / or improves its optical properties, forming the visible surface of the substrate. The substrate can be a single piece or multi-part; for example, it can be made up of several components bonded together.

[0006] By means of a forming process step and / or an ablative machining step, one of the surfaces, consisting of the visible and back surfaces, is provided with a three-dimensional surface contour, wherein the surface contour can be described by a height coordinate with respect to a reference plane. The reference plane extends, for example, parallel to a plane spanned by the two orthogonal principal directions of extension of the support, or corresponds to the plane spanned by the two orthogonal principal directions of extension. In another embodiment, the reference plane is oriented such that the viewer's line of sight from their intended position in the vehicle, for example, sitting in the driver's seat, is essentially orthogonal to the reference plane with respect to the geometric center of the visible surface.

[0007] In at least one printing step of the inventive method, either the back surface or the visible surface of the substrate is printed to form an effect layer. This layer is designed such that, for a multitude of locations within the effect layer, the following applies: the local transmittance and / or local color value at the respective location correlates with the height coordinate of the point whose perpendicular projection onto the reference plane coincides with the perpendicular projection of that point onto the reference plane. The term "height coordinate" should not be understood restrictively and can also be referred to as "depth coordinate" without altering its meaning. The printing, specifically adapted to the surface contour of the structured surface, thus achieves an improved optical depth effect.With the same optical depth effect, the average surface roughness can be reduced compared to an unprinted version. This further allows for the option of saving material thickness on the substrate, and thus weight, while maintaining the same residual thickness at the point of greatest depth. Because the average surface roughness of the three-dimensional surface can be reduced while maintaining nearly the same optical depth effect—due to the enhancement provided by the effect layer—the risk of substrate breakage, and therefore the risk of injury, is reduced.

[0008] A three-dimensional surface contour is understood, for example, as a planar arrangement of a diamond-like structure characterized by flat surfaces that are angled relative to each other and form common straight edges at the transitions between adjacent surfaces. In other configurations, the surface contour replicates the contour of natural or artificial features, such as wood grain, particularly its pore distribution; a stone surface, particularly its cracking; a carbon fiber composite structure; the surface of a woven fabric; and the like. For example, several printing steps are used to enhance the surface contour with one or more effect layers that together create a decorative effect, such as a multi-colored design, for instance, the effect of wood grain, a stone surface, a carbon fiber composite structure, or a fabric surface.

[0009] For example, the ablative processing step includes laser ablation of a forming tool to produce the carrier as a molded part. For instance, the carrier, made of a thermoplastic, is thermally formed and embossed in the forming tool, which has previously undergone surface treatment by laser ablation. In another embodiment, the molded part is subsequently surface-treated by laser ablation.

[0010] For example, the height coordinate is obtained from the data set used for positioning the laser ablation device, i.e., during the laser ablation process. Preferably, the height coordinate is obtained by a surface scan performed before printing, for example, a laser surface scan, of the surface contoured on the back or front surface.

[0011] For example, a coating step is further provided in which an opaque reflective layer, preferably of a substantially homogeneous composition, is applied to the back, i.e., onto the substrate, adjacent to the substrate or to the outer of the effect layers, if only one effect layer is present, adjacent to the effect layer. For example, the reflective layer is substantially white. Preferably, reflection-enhancing substances are embedded in the reflective layer to reflect light back into the substrate. Backward application is understood to mean application to the side of the substrate or the effect layer that faces away from the viewer when the aperture is arranged as intended.

[0012] For example, the carrier is produced by back-injection molding a film made of a first transparent thermoplastic with a second transparent thermoplastic in the molding process step, thereby achieving a material-bonded connection between the film and the second thermoplastic. For example, the film forms the surface intended for printing with the effect layer. Preferably, the film is a polycarbonate film. For example, the film is printed before back-injection molding to form the effect layer.

[0013] In one embodiment, the transmittance and / or color value of all points on the three-dimensional surface contour is determined by the respective height coordinate of the corresponding position resulting from the common projection. In another embodiment, selected points of the effect layer exhibit a specific transmittance and / or color value. For example, those points that coincide with an edge of the surface contour in a perpendicular projection have a specific color value independent of the height coordinate in order to emphasize the edge. An edge is understood as an essentially linear transition between two surfaces at an angle to each other, whereby the edge can form a valley or a summit ridge in the "landscape" of the surface contour.

[0014] According to one variant of the method, at least the areas of the effect layer that coincide with the points of local maximum height coordinates when projected vertically onto the reference plane, and the areas of the effect layer that coincide with the points of local minimum height coordinates when projected vertically onto the reference plane, differ in transmittance and / or chromaticity, for example, by a predefined maximum difference. This creates a pronounced optical depth effect. For example, the valley depressions visible to the viewer in the surface contour of the viewing area or in the back surface visible through the substrate appear darker compared to the remaining landscape of the surface contour, and the mountain ridges appear correspondingly lighter, or vice versa, due to locally assigned specific transmittance and / or chromaticity.

[0015] For example, the effect layer is formed by raster printing.

[0016] For example, it is envisaged that several adjacent locations are provided whose change in transmittance correlates positively or negatively with the associated change in elevation coordinates. For example, their change in transmittance is proportional to the change in elevation coordinates.

[0017] The invention relates to an arrangement comprising a light source and a decorative panel. The latter has a transparent or translucent carrier which, when properly installed, defines a viewing surface facing the viewer and a rear surface facing away from the viewer. The rear surface forms a three-dimensional surface contour that can be described by a height coordinate with respect to a reference plane. The reference plane extends, for example, parallel to a plane spanned by the two orthogonal principal directions of extension of the carrier or corresponds to the plane spanned by the two orthogonal principal directions of extension. In another embodiment, the reference plane is oriented such that the viewer's line of sight from their intended position in the vehicle, for example, sitting in the driver's seat, is substantially orthogonal to the reference plane with respect to the geometric center of the viewing surface.The carrier has two opposing main surfaces which are connected at the narrow sides of the carrier via end faces, one of the end faces being directed towards the light source in order to couple light into the carrier as a light guide and the surface contour being visible through the carrier due to light refraction effects.

[0018] The decorative panel according to the invention further comprises at least one effect layer, which is applied either to the back surface or the visible surface of the substrate. The effect layer is designed such that the following applies to a multitude of locations on the effect layer: the local transmittance at the respective location correlates with the height coordinate of the point whose perpendicular projection onto the reference plane coincides with the perpendicular projection of that point onto the reference plane. The effect layer, specifically adapted to the surface contour of the structured surface, thus achieves an improved optical depth effect. With the same optical depth effect, the average roughness of the surface contour can be reduced compared to an unprinted version, which further allows for the option of saving material thickness on the substrate and thus reducing the substrate's weight while maintaining the same fracture resistance.By reducing the average roughness depth of the three-dimensional surface contour while maintaining the same optical depth effect, the risk of breakage of the substrate and thus the risk of injury is reduced.

[0019] Preferably, an opaque reflective layer, preferably of a substantially homogeneous composition, is applied to the back of the substrate. For example, the reflective layer is essentially white. Preferably, reflection-enhancing substances are embedded in the reflective layer. "Backward application" refers to an application on the side of the substrate or the effect layer that faces away from the viewer when the aperture is properly positioned, in order to reflect light back into the substrate.

[0020] In one embodiment, the transmittance and / or color value of all points on the three-dimensional surface contour of the visible and reverse surfaces is determined by the respective height coordinate of the corresponding position resulting from the common projection. In another embodiment, selected points of the effect layer exhibit a specific transmittance and / or color value. For example, those points that coincide with an edge of the surface contour in perpendicular projection have a specific color value independent of the height coordinate in order to emphasize the edge. An edge is understood as an essentially linear transition between two planar surfaces that are at an angle to each other, whereby the edge can form a valley or a ridge in the "landscape" of the surface contour.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the decorative panel, at least the areas of the effect layer that coincide with the points of local maximum height coordinate of the surface contour when projected perpendicularly onto the reference plane, and the areas of the effect layer that coincide with the points of local minimum height coordinate of the surface contour when projected perpendicularly onto the reference plane, differ in transmittance, preferably by a maximum predetermined difference. This creates a pronounced optical depth effect.For example, the valley depressions present from the viewer's point of view appear darker in the surface contour of the visible surface or in the back surface visible through the substrate material due to locally assigned specific transmission coefficient and / or color value compared to the remaining landscape of the surface contour, and the summit ridges appear correspondingly lighter or vice versa.

[0022] Preferably, several adjacent locations are provided whose change in transmittance correlates positively or negatively with the associated change in height coordinates. Preferably, their change in transmittance is proportional to the change in height coordinates.

[0023] Preferably, the carrier comprises a transparent film and a transparent plastic layer bonded to the film in a material-bonded manner.

[0024] Preferably, the effect layer is formed by raster printing.

[0025] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. These figures are to be understood as examples only and represent preferred embodiments. They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an arrangement not according to the invention; Fig. 2 a perspective view of a first arrangement according to the invention comprising a light source 10 and a first embodiment of the decorative panel 1; Fig. 3 a view to illustrate the manufacturing step of the tool as it is used in the method for manufacturing the decorative panel; Fig. 4 a sectional view of a second arrangement according to the invention comprising the light source 10 and a second embodiment of the decorative panel 1 produced by the method; Fig. 5 a sectional view of a third arrangement according to the invention comprising the light source 10 and a third embodiment of the decorative panel 1 produced by the method.

[0026] Figure 1Figure 1 is a perspective view of an arrangement not according to the invention, showing a light source 10 and a decorative panel. The decorative panel 1 comprises a carrier 2 made of a transparent thermoplastic. The carrier 2 has a planar design with essentially two opposing main surfaces, which are connected at the narrow sides of the carrier 2 via end faces. One of the end faces 7 is oriented towards a light source 10 (shown only symbolically) in order to couple the light L into the transparent carrier 2 as a light guide. When the decorative panel 1 is attached as intended, the carrier 2 has a visible surface 5 facing an observer (not shown) and a rear surface 6 facing away from the observer.In general, one of the surfaces consisting of visible surface 5 and back surface 6 forms a three-dimensional surface contour K, which can be described by a height coordinate with respect to a reference plane and is visible either directly to the viewer or through the material of the substrate, for example due to light-refracting effects.

[0027] In the Figure 1 In the decorative panel 1 shown, the visible surface 5 has the surface contour K, which here is characterized by plane surfaces adjacent to one another in an angled arrangement, forming straight edges. The reference plane is, for example, a plane spanned by the two orthogonal principal extension directions X, Y of the support 2, while the height coordinate of a point on the visible surface 5 provided with the surface contour is, for example, the distance of the point to this plane determined in the z-direction.

[0028] The decorative panel 1 further comprises at least one effect layer 3, which, depending on the location of the surface contour, is applied either to the back surface 6 or the visible surface 5 of the carrier 2. The effect layer 3 is designed such that, for a multitude of locations within the effect layer 3, the following applies: the local transmittance and / or the local chromaticity at the respective location of the effect layer 3 correlates with the height coordinate of that point on the surface contour K whose perpendicular projection onto the reference plane coincides with the perpendicular projection of that respective location of the effect layer 3 onto the reference plane. Thus, an improved optical depth effect is achieved through the specific effect layer 3, which is adapted to the surface contour K of the visible surface 5.With the same optical depth effect, the maximum roughness depth of the surface contour K can be reduced compared to an unprinted version. This further allows for the option of saving material thickness on the substrate 2, and thus weight of the substrate 2, at least at the point(s) of greatest depth, while maintaining the same residual thickness. Because the average roughness depth of the three-dimensional surface contour K can be reduced while maintaining the same optical depth effect, the risk of breakage of the substrate 2, and therefore the risk of injury, is reduced.

[0029] Furthermore, a substantially homogeneous, opaque reflective layer 4 is provided, arranged on the rear surface 6 of the support 2. For example, the reflective layer 4 is substantially white. It is provided that at least the regions of the effect layer 3 that coincide with the points of local maximum height coordinate h of the surface contour K when projected perpendicularly onto the reference plane, and the regions of the effect layer that coincide with the points of local minimum height coordinate h of the surface contour K when projected perpendicularly onto the reference plane, differ in transmittance.Thus, a high transmittance is assigned to the points in effect layer 3 that correspond to the lowest local position of the surface contour K due to the projection, and a low transmittance is assigned to the points in effect layer 3 that correspond to the highest local position of the surface contour K due to the projection. The varying transmittance is achieved, for example, by different print densities in the raster printing that forms effect layer 3. This creates a pronounced optical depth effect, as the valley bottoms appear optically brighter and the mountain ridges correspondingly darker compared to the surrounding landscape of the surface contour.

[0030] Figure 2Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, showing a light source 10 and a decorative panel in a first embodiment. The decorative panel 1 comprises a carrier 2 made of a transparent thermoplastic. The carrier 2 has a planar design with essentially two opposing main surfaces, which are connected at the narrow sides of the carrier 2 via end faces. One of the end faces 7 is oriented towards a light source 10 (shown only symbolically) in order to couple the light L into the transparent carrier 2 as a light guide. When the decorative panel 1 is attached as intended, the carrier 2 has a visible surface 5 facing an observer (not shown) and a rear surface 6 facing away from the observer. According to the invention, the rear surface 6 forms a three-dimensional surface contour K, which can be described by a height coordinate with respect to a reference plane. In the Figure 2In the first embodiment of the decorative panel 1 shown, the rear surface 6 of the carrier 2 has the surface contour K, which is characterized here by angled, planar surfaces adjoining each other with straight edges. In this first embodiment

[0031] In this embodiment, the surface contour K is visible through the material of the support 2. The reference plane is, for example, a plane spanned by the two orthogonal principal extension directions X, Y of the support 2, while the height coordinate of a point on the back surface 6 provided with the surface contour K is, for example, the orthogonal distance in the z-direction of the point of the surface contour K to this plane.

[0032] The effect layer 3 provided in the first embodiment is applied to the back surface 6 of the carrier 2. The effect layer 3 is designed such that the following applies to a multitude of locations on the effect layer 3: the local transmittance at the respective location of the effect layer 3 correlates with the height coordinate of that point on the surface contour K whose perpendicular projection onto the reference plane coincides with the perpendicular projection of that respective location of the effect layer 3 onto the reference plane. Thus, an improved optical depth effect is achieved through the specific effect layer 3, which is adapted to the surface contour K of the back surface 5.With the same optical depth effect, the average roughness of the surface contour K can be reduced compared to an unprinted version. This further allows for the option of saving material thickness on the substrate 2, and thus weight of the substrate 2, while maintaining the same residual thickness at the point(s) of greatest depth. Because the average roughness of the three-dimensional surface contour K can be reduced while maintaining the same optical depth effect, the risk of breakage of the substrate 2, and therefore the risk of injury, is reduced.

[0033] Furthermore, a substantially homogeneous, opaque reflective layer 4 is provided, arranged on the back and applied to the effect layer 3. For example, the reflective layer 4 is essentially white.

[0034] It is intended that at least the points of effect layer 3 that coincide with the points of local maximum height coordinate of the surface contour K when projected perpendicularly onto the reference plane, and the points of effect layer that coincide with the points of local minimum height coordinate of the surface contour K when projected perpendicularly onto the reference plane, differ in transmittance. Thus, a high transmittance is assigned to the points of effect layer 3 that correspond to the locally lowest position of the surface contour K due to the projection, and a low transmittance is assigned to the points of effect layer 3 that correspond to the locally highest position of the surface contour K due to the projection. The different transmittances are achieved, for example, by varying the print density of the halftone printing forming effect layer 3.This creates a pronounced optical depth effect, which makes the valley depressions visible to the viewer through the support 2 appear optically brighter due to the degree of transmission compared to the remaining landscape of the surface contour, and the peaks or summit ridges visible through the support 2 appear correspondingly optically darker.

[0035] Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a decorative panel 1, as described in the following, is disclosed. Figures 4 and 5 This is shown, with the following steps.

[0036] In one manufacturing step, the carrier 2 is produced from a translucent or transparent thermoplastic, which, when properly attached, defines a visible surface 5 facing the viewer and a rear surface 6 facing away from the viewer, whereby the rear surface does not necessarily have to be the outermost rear surface of the decorative panel. The carrier 2 can be one-piece or multi-piece; for example, it is formed from several materially bonded components. This is achieved by means of a shaping process step using a shaping material, in Figure 3 tool 21 shown in the Figures 4 and 5 The carrier 2 shown is created, having previously been formed by means of an ablative, in Figure 3 In the processing step shown, the surface of the tool 21 that is ablatedly processed by means of a laser device 21 during the forming process by the tool 21 is

[0037] The back surface with a three-dimensional surface contour K is imprinted into the carrier 2 as a molded part when the thermoplastic forming the carrier 2 is introduced into the cavity formed by the tool 21. The surface contour K can be described with respect to a reference plane E by a height coordinate h. The reference plane E extends, for example, parallel to a plane spanned by the two orthogonal principal extension directions of the carrier 2, which is obtained as a molded part.

[0038] In at least one printing step of the process, as described below, the following occurs: Figure 4Figure 1 shows printing on the back surface 6 of the substrate 2 obtained as a molded part to form the effect layer 3, which is designed such that the following applies to a multitude of locations on the effect layer 3: the local transmittance at the respective location of the effect layer correlates with the height coordinate h of the point on the surface contour K whose perpendicular projection onto the reference plane E coincides with the perpendicular projection of this respective location onto the reference plane E. The printing, specifically adapted to the surface contour K of the structured surface, thus achieves an improved optical depth effect. With the same optical depth effect, the average roughness depth of the surface contour can be reduced compared to an unprinted version. This further allows for the option of saving material thickness on the substrate 2, and thus weight of the substrate 2, at least at the point of greatest depth, while maintaining the same residual thickness.By reducing the mean roughness depth K of the three-dimensional surface contour while maintaining the same optical depth effect, the risk of breakage of the carrier 2, and thus the risk of injury, is reduced. The height coordinate h can be obtained, for example, from the data set used to control the laser ablation device or by an additional surface scan of the carrier 2.

[0039] Furthermore, a coating step is provided in which an opaque reflective layer 4, preferably of a substantially homogeneous composition, is applied to the reverse side of the substrate 2, more precisely to the outer effect layer 3, in order to obtain the second embodiment of the decorative panel 1. The reflective layer 4 is substantially white. It is also provided that at least the regions of the effect layer 3 that coincide with the points of local maximum height coordinate h of the surface contour K when projected perpendicularly onto the reference plane E, and the regions of the effect layer 3 that coincide with the points of local minimum height coordinate h of the surface contour K when projected perpendicularly onto the reference plane E, differ in transmittance.Thus, a high transmittance is assigned to the points in the effect layer 3 corresponding to the position of the surface contour K with the locally minimum height coordinate h due to the projection, and a low transmittance is assigned to the points in the effect layer 3 corresponding to the position of the surface contour K with the locally maximum height coordinate h due to the projection. The varying transmittance is achieved, for example, by different print densities in the raster printing forming the effect layer 3. This creates a pronounced optical depth effect, because when looking through the substrate 2 through the viewing surface 5 to the underlying back surface, the raised areas 8 appear optically darker and the depressions correspondingly optically lighter due to the different transmittance compared to the remaining landscape of the surface contour K.In the second arrangement according to the invention, a light source 10 is again provided, the light L of which is coupled into the carrier 2 via the front surface 7.

[0040] Figure 5 The cross-section shows a third arrangement according to the invention, consisting of a light source 10 and a tool 21. Figure 3 manufactured decorative panel 1 in a third embodiment.

[0041] Here too, in a single production step, the transparent or translucent carrier 2 is manufactured, which, when properly attached, defines a viewing surface 5 facing the viewer and a rear surface 6 facing away from the viewer, whereby the rear surface 6 is not the outermost rear surface of the decorative panel 1. This is achieved by means of a shaping process step using a shaping process, in Figure 3The tool 21 shown produces the support 2 as a molded part in a cavity of the tool 21. The surface contour K with respect to a reference plane E can be described by a height coordinate h. The reference plane E extends, for example, parallel to a plane spanned by the two orthogonal principal extension directions of the support 2.

[0042] In at least one printing step of the process, as described below, the following occurs: Figure 4Figure 1 shows printing on the visible surface 5 of the substrate 2 to form the effect layer 3, which is designed such that the following applies to a multitude of locations on the effect layer 3: the local transmittance at the respective location correlates with the height coordinate h of the point on the surface contour K whose perpendicular projection onto the reference plane E coincides with the perpendicular projection of that respective location on the effect layer 3 onto the reference plane E. The printing, specifically adapted to the surface contour K of the structured surface, thus achieves an improved optical depth effect. With the same optical depth effect, the average roughness depth of the surface contour can be reduced compared to an unprinted version. This further allows for the option of saving material thickness on the substrate 2, and thus weight of the substrate 2, at least at the point(s) of greatest depth, while maintaining the same residual thickness.By reducing the mean roughness depth K of the three-dimensional surface contour while maintaining the same optical depth effect, the risk of breakage of the carrier 2, and thus the risk of injury, is reduced. The height coordinate h can be obtained, for example, from the data set used to control the laser ablation device or by an additional surface scan of the carrier 2.

[0043] Furthermore, a coating step is provided in which an opaque reflective layer 4, preferably of a substantially homogeneous composition, is applied to the reverse side of the back surface 6 of the carrier 2 to obtain the third embodiment of the decorative panel 1. The reflective layer 4 is substantially white. It is also provided that at least the regions of the effect layer 3 that coincide with the points of local maximum height coordinate h of the surface contour K when projected perpendicularly onto the reference plane E, and the regions of the effect layer 3 that coincide with the points of local minimum height coordinate h of the surface contour K when projected perpendicularly onto the reference plane E, differ in transmittance.Thus, a high transmittance is assigned to the points in effect layer 3 corresponding to the position of the surface contour K with the locally minimum height coordinate h due to the projection, and a low transmittance is assigned to the points in effect layer 3 corresponding to the position of the surface contour K with the locally maximum height coordinate h due to the projection. The varying transmittance is achieved, for example, by different print densities in the raster printing forming effect layer 3. This creates a pronounced optical depth effect, because when looking through the substrate 2 through the viewing surface 5 to the underlying back surface, the raised areas 8 appear optically darker and the depressions correspondingly optically lighter due to the different transmittance compared to the remaining landscape of the surface contour K.In the third arrangement according to the invention, a light source 10 is again provided, the light L of which is coupled into the carrier 2 via the front surface 7.

Claims

1. Arrangement comprising a light source (11) and a decorative panel (1), having: a transparent or translucent carrier (2), which has two orthogonal main directions of extent (X, Y) with two opposite main surfaces, which are connected on narrow sides of the carrier (2) via end surfaces (7), and, in the case of attachment as intended, defines a visible surface (5) facing a viewer and a rear surface (6) facing away from the viewer, wherein the rear surface (6) forms a three-dimensional surface contour (K) which is describable by a height coordinate (h) with respect to a reference plane (E) defined by the two main directions of extent (X, Y); and at least one effect layer (3) applied in each case either to the rear surface (6) or to the visible surface (5) of the carrier (2), characterized in that the effect layer (3) is designed such that the following applies to a multiplicity of locations of the effect layer (3): the local transmittance at the respective location correlates with the height coordinate (h) of that point of the surface contour (K), the perpendicular projection of which onto the reference plane (E) coincides with the perpendicular projection of this respective location of the effect layer (3) onto the reference plane (E), in that one of the end surfaces (7) faces the light source (10) in order to couple light (L) into the carrier (2) as a light guide, and in that the surface contour (K) is visible through the carrier (2) on account of refractive effects.

2. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, furthermore having an opaque reflection layer (4) applied to the rear of the carrier (2).

3. Arrangement according to either of the preceding claims, wherein at least those locations of the effect layer (3), which coincide with the points of local maximum height coordinate (h) of the surface contour (K) in the case of a common perpendicular projection onto the reference plane (E), and those locations of the effect layer (3), which coincide with the points of local minimum height coordinate (h) of the surface contour (K) in the case of a common perpendicular projection onto the reference plane (E), differ in terms of transmittance.

4. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier (2) has a transparent film composed of a first thermoplastic and a transparent layer composed of a second thermoplastic which is cohesively bonded to the film.

5. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the effect layer (3) is formed by raster printing of the carrier (2).

6. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of the locations are arranged adjacently, and a transmittance change correlates positively or negatively with the associated height coordinate change.