Illuminable decorative multilayer composite, add-on part for a vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a decorative multilayer composite (1) comprising an outer layer (2) with a visible side (3) and a rear side (4). It is essential for the invention that a light-guide layer (5) designed for guiding light is arranged on the rear side (4) of the outer layer (2), into which light can be coupled from a lateral edge (6) of the decorative multilayer composite (1) and which has at least one light out-coupling element (7) for out-coupling light. A base layer (9) is arranged on a rear side (8) of the light-guide layer (5), which has at least one illuminable design element (10) representing information, patterns or symbols. In addition, a coating layer (12) is arranged on a rear side (11) of the base layer (9) facing away from the light-guide layer (5). In particular, the invention relates to an add-on part for a vehicle, which has a decorative multilayer composite (1) of this type. In particular, the invention further relates to a vehicle with an add-on part of this type or with a decorative material composite (1) of this type illuminated by means of an illumination device.

Description

[0001] Illuminatable decorative multi-layer composite, add-on part for a vehicle and vehicle

[0002] The invention relates to an illuminable decorative multilayer composite according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention particularly relates to an add-on part for a vehicle comprising such a decorative multilayer composite. The invention further relates in particular to a vehicle with such an add-on part that can be illuminated by a lighting device or with such a decorative material composite that can be illuminated by a lighting device.

[0003] An illuminable decorative multilayer composite of the type mentioned above is described in DE 10 2020 104 078 A1. It has a layered structure with translucent areas and is designed to be backlit by a lighting device. A disadvantage of this decorative multilayer composite is that the light energy provided by the lighting device is partially "swallowed" by the layered structure and lost unused, which is undesirable, particularly with regard to energy efficiency.

[0004] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved or at least a different embodiment of a decorative multilayer composite. In particular, an add-on part for a vehicle is to be specified that has such a decorative multilayer composite. Furthermore, in particular, a vehicle is to be proposed that is equipped with such an add-on part or with such a decorative material composite.

[0005] In the present invention, this object is achieved in particular by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims and the description.

[0006] The invention has recognized that the energy efficiency of such a decorative multilayer composite can be improved by coupling light into the decorative multilayer composite via a lateral edge of the decorative multilayer composite instead of via a rear side of the decorative multilayer composite (backlighting), as has been the case up to now.

[0007] Against this background, the invention proposes an illuminable decorative multi-layer composite having an outer layer facing, for example, an environment, which has a visible side visible from the outside and a rear side opposite the latter. It is essential that a translucent light-guide layer configured to conduct light is arranged on the rear side of the outer layer, into which light can be coupled from a lateral edge of the decorative multi-layer composite and which has at least one light-coupling element for coupling out light. Furthermore, it is provided that a translucent support layer is arranged on a rear side of the light-guide layer facing away from the outer layer, said support layer having at least one design element representing information, patterns, or symbols. Furthermore, it is provided that a lacquer layer is arranged on a rear side of the support layer facing away from the light-guide layer.The at least one design element is assigned to the at least one light coupling element in such a way that the at least one design element and / or at least sections of the lacquer layer can be illuminated.

[0008] In the proposed decorative multilayer composite, the light-conducting optical fiber layer is not located behind the decorative multilayer composite or the design elements, as has been the case with conventional backlighting. Instead, it is integrated into the decorative multilayer composite between the outer layer and the base layer and thus positioned in front of at least one design element. The design elements are thus illuminated from above, so to speak. This enables more energy-efficient lighting of the decorative multilayer composite than has previously been possible. Furthermore, the optical fiber layer is relatively thin, for example as a light-guide foil, and is designed so that light can be coupled in from an edge of the decorative multilayer composite, for example via corresponding light coupling points, so that the proposed decorative multilayer composite is also relatively compact.

[0009] The at least one design element incorporated into the decorative multi-layer composite is visible from the outside, i.e. from the outer layer, when the decorative multi-layer composite is unlit and in particular creates a three-dimensional effect. When the decorative multi-layer composite is illuminated, i.e. when light is coupled into the decorative multi-layer composite via the lateral edge of the decorative multi-layer composite, in particular the at least one design element and expediently also the lacquer layer are illuminated. This has the effect that the at least one design element and / or the lacquer layer create an optical lighting effect and are visually more prominent than when the decorative multi-layer composite is unlit. In particular, the lacquer layer is largely perceptible in its original color.

[0010] The invention understands a layer, in particular the outer layer and / or the light-conducting layer and / or the support layer and / or the paint layer, to be expediently a sheet-like structure. Furthermore, according to the understanding of the invention, the visible side of the outer layer is expediently a component outer surface of the decorative multilayer composite that is visually perceptible to a user of the decorative multilayer composite. The component outer surface of the decorative multilayer composite can, for example, form a vehicle outer skin. The term "translucent" according to the understanding of the invention expediently means complete light transmission (transparency) or partial light transmission (translucency). The paint layer can have any color, for example, the color of a vehicle outer skin. The invention understands information, patterns, or symbols to mean, in particular, a three-dimensional design.The color of the paint layer can determine the color of an add-on part described below.

[0011] It can also be expediently provided that the at least one design element is formed by a recess that extends from the back of the base layer into the base layer. The design element is thus in the form of a recess. When the decorative multi-layer composite is illuminated, the recess can create an optical effect.

[0012] It is further expediently provided that said recess in the base layer defines a volume which is delimited by a boundary surface of the base layer, to which a coating is applied in sections or in full. It can expediently be provided that the lacquer layer is arranged on the coating in such a way that the coating is embedded between the base layer and the lacquer layer. In particular, it can be provided that the coating is formed by a PVD coating or a further lacquer layer. In interaction with the recess or the boundary surface of the base layer, the coating brings about an optically prominent light effect when the decorative multi-layer composite is illuminated, ie when light is coupled into the decorative multi-layer composite via the lateral edge.The coating could, for example, be additionally or alternatively applied to a surface section of the back of the base layer that is not the boundary surface. This can provide an additional or alternative optically prominent light effect when the decorative multi-layer composite is illuminated. A PVD coating within the meaning of the invention is a material layer produced by physical vapor deposition. The additional paint layer can, in principle, have any desired color. However, it is preferred if it has a color that contrasts with the color of the paint layer (e.g., the color of a vehicle's outer skin).

[0013] It is expediently provided that the at least one design element is formed by a flat film element arranged in the support layer. The film element can in particular be arranged on the back of the light guide layer and connected to it, and can extend from the back of the light guide layer into the support layer. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the film element is arranged on the back of the support layer and connected to it, and can extend from the back of the support layer into the support layer. The film element can be integrally connected to the light guide layer, in particular by lamination.

[0014] It is further advantageously provided that said film element has at least one or more of the following features:

[0015] - a printed chrome foil,

[0016] - a plastic film, in particular a polycarbonate film, with an indium coating and / or a colored print,

[0017] - a color-printed chrome foil and a polycarbonate foil with an indium coating,

[0018] - a chrome foil with screen printing.

[0019] The film element is expediently formed from a printed chrome film. Furthermore, it can be provided that the film element is formed from a plastic film, in particular a polycarbonate film, with an indium coating and a colored print. Alternatively, it can be provided that the film element is formed from a colored printed chrome film and a polycarbonate film with an indium coating. Furthermore, the film element can be formed from a screen-printed chrome film. This provides advantageous embodiments for the proposed film element.

[0020] In particular, it can be provided that the decorative multilayer composite comprises at least two or more design elements. It is expedient if a first design element of these two design elements is formed by a recess of the type described above and / or a second design element of these two design elements is formed by a film element of the type described above. As a result, the decorative multilayer composite comprises various design elements, which can be used to create a particularly striking optical effect or lighting effect.

[0021] Furthermore, it can be provided that the light-permeable light guide layer is made of a plastic material, in particular polycarbonate (PC for short).

[0022] The translucent light guide layer can, in particular, have material properties that promote or allow the light guide layer to be formed during the production of the decorative multilayer composite, for example, by thermoforming. If the film element described above is arranged on the light guide layer and connected to it, it can be expediently provided that the film element has material properties that promote or allow the film element to be formed together with the light guide layer during the production of the decorative multilayer composite, for example, by thermoforming.

[0023] It can be expediently provided that the translucent support layer is made of a plastic material, in particular polycarbonate (PC for short) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA for short). Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the plastic material forming the translucent support layer is injection-molded onto the back of the light guide layer in a moldable state. This allows the translucent support layer to be provided cost-effectively and, in particular, to be bonded to the light guide layer in a material-to-material manner.

[0024] Furthermore, it can expediently be provided that the outer layer is formed from or comprises a hardcoat layer or a polyurethane layer (PU layer for short). This provides advantageous outer layers. It can expediently be provided that the at least one light output element is opposite the associated at least one design element. In particular, the at least one light output element and the associated at least one design element can be opposite one another in a straight line. Further, in particular, the at least one light output element and the associated at least one design element can be arranged lying on a straight line, wherein the straight line is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the flat visible side of the outer layer.

[0025] To improve the adhesion between the outer layer and the optical fiber layer, it can further be advantageous to provide an adhesive layer, in particular a primer layer, between the outer layer and the optical fiber layer. This layer bonds the outer layer and the optical fiber layer together.

[0026] The aforementioned lateral edge of the decorative multilayer composite is expediently formed by the narrow-surface end faces of the layers of the decorative multilayer composite. The narrow-surface end faces of the layers, i.e., the lateral edge, are expediently perpendicular to the comparatively large-surface visible side of the outer layer and / or perpendicular to a comparatively large-surface reverse side of the lacquered layer.

[0027] According to a further basic idea of ​​the invention, an add-on part for a vehicle is provided which is designed for mounting on a vehicle and has at least one decorative multi-layer composite according to the above description.

[0028] According to a further basic idea of ​​the invention, a vehicle is provided with at least one add-on part illuminated by means of a lighting device according to the preceding paragraph or at least one decorative material composite illuminated by means of a lighting device according to the above description.

[0029] In summary, the invention expediently relates to a decorative multi-layer composite having an outer layer with a visible side and a rear side. It is essential to the invention that a light-guiding layer configured to conduct light is arranged on the rear side of the outer layer, into which light can be coupled from a lateral edge of the decorative multi-layer composite and which has at least one light-coupling element for coupling out light. A support layer having at least one illuminable design element representing information, patterns, or symbols is arranged on a rear side of the support layer facing away from the light-guiding layer. Furthermore, a lacquer layer is arranged on a rear side of the support layer facing away from the light-guiding layer. The invention particularly relates to an add-on part for a vehicle having such a decorative multi-layer composite.The invention further relates in particular to a vehicle with such an add-on part or with such a decorative material composite illuminated by means of a lighting device.

[0030] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0031] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0032] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components.

[0033] Showing schematically:

[0034] Fig. 1 is a highly simplified sectional view of a decorative multilayer composite according to the invention according to a first embodiment, Fig. 2 is a highly simplified sectional view of a decorative multilayer composite according to the invention according to a second embodiment and finally

[0035] Fig. 3 is a highly simplified sectional view of a decorative multilayer composite according to the invention according to a third embodiment.

[0036] 1 to 3 show an illuminable decorative multi-layer composite, designated as a whole by 1, which can be placed in an unlit and illuminated state. In the unlit state, provided light is not coupled into the decorative multi-layer composite 1, wherein the decorative multi-layer composite 1 realizes, by means of at least one design element 10, three-dimensional effects that are visible from the outside, i.e. from an environment 21. In the illuminated state of the decorative multi-layer composite 1, provided light is coupled into the same via an edge 6 of the decorative multi-layer composite 1, as a result of which the at least one design element 10 is illuminated. This creates an optical lighting effect through which the three-dimensional effects are optically more pronounced than in the unlit state. In addition, this type of lighting allows a lacquer layer 12 of the decorative multi-layer composite 1 to be perceived largely in its original color.Such a decorative multi-layer composite 1 can, for example, be incorporated into or form an add-on part intended for installation on a vehicle.

[0037] Fig. 1 illustrates a decorative multi-layer composite 1 according to the invention according to a first embodiment. The decorative multi-layer composite 1, shown in a sectional view, has an outer layer 2, which has a visible side 3 facing the environment 21 and a rear side 4 opposite the latter. The outer layer 2 can, for example, be formed from or comprise a hardcoat layer or a plastic material such as polyurethane (PU). Arranged on the rear side 4 of the outer layer 2 is a translucent, relatively thin light-guide layer 5, for example a light-guide film, designed to guide light. To improve the adhesion between the outer layer 2 and the light-guide layer 5, an adhesive layer 17 is used in the present case, which is arranged in a sandwich-like manner between the outer layer 2 and the light-guide layer 5. This adhesive layer can be formed by a primer layer.The light guide layer 5 has, for example, a light coupling element 7, symbolized by simple triangles, which is configured to couple out light. The light guide layer 5 ends at the front in the aforementioned lateral edge 6 of the decorative multilayer composite 1, so that light provided there can be coupled into the light guide layer 5. The light required to illuminate the decorative multilayer composite 1 can, for example, be provided by a lighting device (not illustrated), provided at the lateral edge 6 of the decorative multilayer composite 1, and coupled into the light guide layer 5. It is also conceivable for the decorative multilayer composite 1 to have light coupling elements 20a or illuminants 20b of the lighting device integrated into the light guide layer 5 in the region of the lateral edge 6 or arranged on the light guide layer 5.

[0038] Furthermore, it is provided that the light guide layer 5 is formed during the production of the decorative multi-layer composite 1, for example by thermoforming, and then, as can be seen in Fig. 1, a translucent support layer 9 is attached, in particular injection-molded, to a rear side 8 of the light guide layer 5 facing away from the outer layer 2. For the support layer 9, plastic materials such as polycarbonate (PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) are used, for example. The support layer 9 has a single design element 10, which represents information, patterns, or symbols. Such information, patterns, or symbols can be realized, for example, through a three-dimensional design.The design element 10 is assigned to the light-coupling element 7, for example, opposite it, such that it is illuminated when the decorative multilayer composite 1 is illuminated and unlit when the decorative multilayer composite 1 is unlit. The decorative multilayer composite 1 further comprises a lacquer layer 12 arranged on a rear side 11 of the support layer 9 facing away from the light guide layer 5. The lacquer layer 12 can, in principle, have any desired color; however, a color that corresponds to the color of a vehicle's outer skin is preferred.

[0039] In the present embodiment, the design element 10 is formed by a recess 13. This rests against the back side 11 of the support layer 9 and protrudes from the back side 11 of the support layer 9 into the support layer 9. The recess 13 forms or defines a volume in the support layer 9 which is delimited at least in sections by a boundary surface 14 of the support layer 9. Fig. 1 shows that a coating 15 is applied to this boundary surface 14 of the support layer 9. The coating 15 is arranged in a sandwich-like manner between the support layer 9 on the one hand and the paint layer 12 on the other. Furthermore, Fig. 1 shows that the paint layer 12 spans the coating 15 or is arranged directly on the coating 15.During the production of the decorative multi-layer composite 1, the coating 15 can initially be applied over a large area to the back side 11 of the base layer 9, for example, as a PVD coating using physical vapor deposition (PVD). Subsequently, the areas where the coating 15 is not required (e.g., where the component is not to be illuminated and is to be displayed in the vehicle color) can be removed using a laser. Alternatively, the areas to be illuminated can also be partially painted (in contrasting colors).

[0040] Fig. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of a decorative multilayer composite 1 according to the invention. This differs from the first embodiment in particular in that several design elements 10 of different designs are provided, not just a single design element 10. Specifically, the decorative multilayer composite 1 shown in Fig. 2 has two design elements 10 realized by recesses 13, which correspond to the recess 13 in Fig. 1, so that reference can be made to the description there. The decorative multilayer composite 1 also has a further, third design element 10, which is formed by a flat film element 16 arranged in the support layer 9. The film element 16, which can be provided in advance in a separate work step during the production of the decorative multilayer composite 1 or can be obtained as a supplied part, is aligned parallel in particular with respect to the outer layer 2 and / or the light guide layer 5.Furthermore, according to Fig. 2, the film element 16 is arranged directly on the rear side 8 of the light guide layer 5 and is connected to it, for example, by lamination, and is formed and back-injected together with it. The film element 16 protrudes, for example, from the rear side 8 of the light guide layer 5 into the support layer 9 and comprises, for example, a printed chrome film and / or a plastic film, in particular a polycarbonate film, with an indium coating and a colored print and / or a colored chrome film and a polycarbonate film with an indium coating and / or a chrome film with screen printing. This results in an overall visual impression in which the third design element 10 appears like a "floating element."

[0041] Fig. 3 illustrates a third embodiment of a decorative multilayer composite 1 according to the invention. This differs from the second embodiment only in that the film element 16 is no longer arranged on the back side 8 of the optical fiber layer 5, but rather on the back side 11 of the support layer 9 and is connected to the latter. This can be achieved, for example, by back-injection molding. The film element 16 is designed such that it extends from the back side 11 of the support layer 9 into the support layer 9.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Illuminatable decorative multilayer composite (1), - with an outer layer (2) which has a visible side (3) and a rear side (4) opposite the same, characterized in that - on the back side (4) of the outer layer (2) there is arranged a light-permeable light guide layer (5) designed to guide light, into which light can be coupled from a lateral edge (6) of the decorative multi-layer composite (1) and which has at least one light decoupling element (7) for coupling out light, - a light-permeable support layer (9) is arranged on a rear side (8) of the light guide layer (5) facing away from the outer layer (2), said support layer having at least one design element (10) representing information, patterns or symbols, which is assigned to the at least one light output element (7) in such a way that the at least one design element (10) can be illuminated, - a lacquer layer (12) is arranged on a rear side (11) of the support layer (9) facing away from the light guide layer (5).

2. Decorative multi-layer composite (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that - the at least one design element (10) is formed by a recess (13) which projects into the support layer (9) starting from the rear side (11) of the support layer (9).

3. Decorative multi-layer composite (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that - the recess (13) in the base layer (9) defines a volume which is delimited by a boundary surface (14) of the base layer (9), to which a coating (15) is applied in sections or completely, - optionally, the lacquer layer (12) is arranged on the coating (15) in such a way that the coating (15) is embedded between the base layer (9) and the lacquer layer (12), - further optionally the coating (15) is formed by a PVD coating, the lacquer layer (12) or a further lacquer layer.

4. Decorative multi-layer composite (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the at least one design element (10) is formed by a flat film element (16) arranged in the support layer (9).

5. Decorative multi-layer composite (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that - the film element (16) is arranged on the back (8) of the light guide layer (5) and is connected to the same and projects from the back (8) of the light guide layer (5) into the support layer (9), or - the film element (16) is arranged on the back (11) of the support layer (9) and is connected to the same and projects into the support layer (9) starting from the back (11) of the support layer (9).

6. Decorative multi-layer composite (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that - the film element (16) has at least one or more of the following features: - a printed chrome foil, - a plastic film, in particular a polycarbonate film, with an indium coating and / or a colored print, - a color-printed chrome foil and a polycarbonate foil with an indium coating, - a chrome foil with screen printing.

7. Decorative multi-layer composite (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the decorative multi-layer composite (1) has at least two design elements (10), - wherein a first design element (10) of these two design elements (10) is formed by a recess (13) according to one of claims 2 or 3, - wherein a second design element (10) of these two design elements (10) is formed by a film element (16) according to one of claims 4 to 6.

8. Decorative multi-layer composite (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the light-transmitting light guide layer (5) is made of a plastic material, in particular polycarbonate.

9. Decorative multi-layer composite (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the translucent support layer (9) is made of a plastic material, in particular polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate, and / or - the plastic material forming the translucent support layer (9) is injection-molded onto the back (8) of the light guide layer (5) in an injection-moldable state.

10. Decorative multi-layer composite (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the outer layer (2) is formed by or comprises a hardcoat layer or a polyurethane layer.

11. Decorative multi-layer composite (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the at least one light coupling element (7) is opposite the associated at least one design element (10).

12. Decorative multi-layer composite (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - an adhesive layer (17) is arranged between the outer layer (2) and the light guide layer (5), by means of which adhesive layer the outer layer (2) and the light guide layer (5) are connected to one another.

13. An add-on part for a vehicle adapted for mounting on a vehicle, said add-on part comprising a decorative multi-layer composite (1) according to claims 1 to 12.

14. Vehicle with an add-on part that can be illuminated by means of a lighting device according to claim 13 or with a decorative material composite (1) that can be illuminated by means of a lighting device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 12.

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