Edge lipping

Abstract

The invention relates to edge lipping (30) for a furniture panel (11), the edge lipping comprising a coupling layer (32) which has a bonding face in order to be able to be bonded to an edge of the furniture panel (11) by means of an integral bonding layer (31). In order to expand the functionality of such edge lipping (30), according to the invention the coupling layer (32) directly or indirectly carries, facing away from the bonding face, an electroluminescence unit having an electroluminescence layer (35).

Description

[0001] Edge banding

[0002] The invention relates to an edge banding for a furniture panel, comprising a coupling layer that forms a connecting side. The connecting side is designed to be connected to an edge of the furniture panel by means of a material-bonded connecting layer. The invention further relates to a piece of furniture with an edge banding attached thereto.

[0003] The invention further relates to a furniture element with an edge banding and a kit for forming such a furniture element.

[0004] Furniture boards for furniture construction are available in various designs. Often, particleboard is used, which has a decorative top and bottom surface. The edges of the furniture board adjacent to the surfaces are generally uncoated. In the visible area, these edges are subsequently coated with edge banding to enhance the appearance, giving the furniture board an attractive appearance.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide an edge banding of the type mentioned above that offers improved functionality. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to create a furniture element with such an edge banding and a kit for forming such a furniture element.

[0006] This object is achieved in that the coupling layer of the edge banding carries an electroluminescent unit with an electroluminescent layer directly or indirectly on its side facing away from the connecting side.

[0007] According to the invention, a lighting function is integrated into the edge banding, which enables the surface illumination of at least some of the visible side of the edge banding. The electroluminescent unit can be integrated into the structure of the edge banding with a thin layer (e.g., in the range of 8-15 μm). This does not restrict its flexibility, or only slightly so. The edge banding therefore remains flexible enough to be securely applied even to curved edges of the furniture panel. The electroluminescent unit can be easily electrified, for example, using a safe power supply with a low voltage of less than 50 V. The light emitted by the electroluminescent layer can be emitted on the visible side of the edge banding opposite the joining side.There, the light provides a luminous effect as a design element or it serves for lighting purposes, for example for orientation in the dark.

[0008] According to a preferred variant of the invention, the coupling layer can be designed in the form of an electrically insulating layer. The coupling layer thus electrically shields the electroluminescent layer to prevent malfunction. The coupling layer can be designed as a plastic layer, for example, as a film (e.g., a TPU film) or as a printed layer. Particularly preferably, the insulating layer can be produced using a screen printing process. The layer thickness of the insulating layer is preferably in the range between 0.01 and 2 mm when designed as a film.

[0009] Furthermore, the insulation layer shields the electroluminescent layer from moisture to prevent degradation of this layer. One possible variant of the invention is such that the coupling layer carries a conductive layer in the form of a back electrode on its side facing away from the connection side, and that the back electrode is electrically contacted with a connection element, wherein the connection element preferably comprises or forms a plug element of an electrical plug connection. With the connection element, the back electrode can be connected to a power supply and the electroluminescent layer can be supplied with power over its entire surface via the back electrode. The back electrode is preferably formed as a printed layer and can be applied in particular using a screen printing process.

[0010] For a compact structure with a small component thickness, it can be provided that the electroluminescent unit has a dielectric layer and an electroluminescent layer connected thereto, and wherein preferably at least one of these layers is designed as a printing layer, in particular as a screen printing layer.

[0011] Contacting the electroluminescent layer on the side facing away from the connection side is easily possible if it is provided that the electroluminescent unit, preferably the electroluminescent layer facing away from the connection side, is covered with a transparent or translucent front electrode, and that the front electrode is electrically contacted with a connection element, wherein the connection element preferably has or forms a plug-in element of an electrical plug-in connection. The front electrode can preferably be designed as a printed layer and can in particular be applied using a screen printing process. The generated light can be coupled out at the front via the transparent or translucent front electrode. In particular, in order to achieve a compact overall height, it can be provided that the front electrode is formed from an ITO layer, which is preferably produced by printing technology, in particular by screen printing.An edge banding according to the invention can be designed such that the front electrode is directly or indirectly covered with an electrically insulating layer on the front side facing away from the connecting side, wherein the insulating layer is transparent or translucent and wherein the insulating layer preferably forms, at least in part, the end of the edge banding facing away from the connecting side. The front electrode is protected from access by a user by means of the insulating layer. Furthermore, the insulating layer protects the electroluminescent layer from moisture to prevent degradation thereof. Since the insulating layer is transparent or translucent, the light generated in the electroluminescent layer can be emitted toward the visible side of the edge banding.

[0012] The front insulation layer can be formed as a plastic layer, for example, as a film (e.g., a TPU film), or as a printed layer. The insulation layer can particularly preferably be produced using a screen printing process. The thickness of the insulation layer is preferably in the range of 0.01–2 mm when formed as a film. Furthermore, the insulation layer shields the electroluminescent layer on the front side from moisture to prevent degradation of this layer.

[0013] A conceivable embodiment of the invention can be such that the insulation layer is coated with a decorative layer on its side facing the connection side and / or facing away from the connection side, and that the decorative layer preferably comprises color-filtering and / or color-converting substances. The luminous images on the display side can be designed via the decorative layer. If color-filtering substances are used in the decorative layer, then, depending on the filter, certain wavelengths can be filtered out from the spectrum emitted by the electroluminescent layer. The emission spectrum can be influenced using converting substances. The color-filtering and / or color-converting substances can thus be used to design the color of the emitted light according to the user's wishes.Additionally or alternatively, it is also conceivable that the phosphors in the electroluminescent layer used to generate light are encapsulated by means of color-converting substances (microencapsulation) in order to achieve a shift in the emitted light.

[0014] An edge banding according to the invention can be designed such that the electroluminescent unit is directly or indirectly covered by an electrically insulating layer on the front side facing away from the connecting side. The insulating layer is transparent or translucent, and the insulating layer preferably forms, at least in part, the edge banding's end facing away from the connecting side. The insulating layer facing away from the connecting side thus forms a front-side (flat) end surface of the edge banding.

[0015] For an attractive appearance, the front end surface of the edge banding can be illuminated by the electroluminescence unit when installed.

[0016] A preferred variant of the invention can be such that an electrically conductive layer, preferably the electroluminescent unit, in particular the front electrode, the back electrode, the electroluminescent layer, and / or the dielectric layer, is arranged set back from the boundary edges running in the longitudinal direction of the edge band. The edge band is strip-shaped. When attached to a piece of furniture, the boundary edges running in the longitudinal direction of the edge band protrude beyond the top and bottom of the furniture panel. The edge band can then be mechanically reworked at its boundary edges so that they preferably line up with the top and bottom of the furniture panel. The electrically conductive layer is then not damaged because it is arranged set back from the boundary edges.

[0017] It is particularly advantageous if the electroluminescent unit or at least the electroluminescent layer extends into a transition area of ​​the edge banding, which extends parallel to a side surface laterally bordering the edge banding between the front (flat) end surface and the side surface. The transition area can be defined by a convex rounding, for example, a transition radius, or a lateral bevel.For example, it can be provided that the / an insulation layer which forms the flat front end surface of the edge band facing away from the connecting side has, on at least one of its side edges running in the longitudinal direction of the edge band, a side surface which, at least in some regions, has a lateral rounding, in particular a convex rounding, and / or a lateral bevel which encloses an angle of greater than 90° and less than 180°, preferably greater than 110° and less than 160°, with the end surface. The edge radius of the convex rounding can preferably be selected in the range between 0.3 mm and 3.0 mm. The rounding and / or the bevel of the edge band can be formed completely or partially by the front insulation layer.

[0018] According to one variant of the invention, the edge banding is selected such that the width of the electrically conductive components is less than the panel thickness, with at least one of the electrically conductive components, for example, the electroluminescent layer, advantageously extending into the transition area. Thus, the electrically conductive layer is also recessed from the furniture edge.

[0019] Preferably, it can be provided that sacrificial sections, preferably made of insulating material, are formed in the region between the longitudinal boundary edges and the boundaries of the at least one electrically conductive layer running in the longitudinal direction of the edge band. The sacrificial sections can be at least partially severed in a post-processing step, e.g., by milling or cutting. If the edge band is designed such that the sacrificial sections are not completely severed, they form protection for the at least one electrically conductive layer in the region of the longitudinal edges, in particular insulation protection and / or a moisture barrier. In addition, the risk of short circuits, which arises when the front and back electrodes come into contact with one another due to deformations during the processing, is avoided.

[0020] A simple structural design results here if it is provided that the sacrificial section(s) is / are formed by the insulation layers arranged on both sides of the electroluminescent unit, wherein the insulation layers are integrally connected to one another, in particular fused.

[0021] If the electroluminescent layer is designed to extend vertically onto the front end surface, extending into the area behind the lateral rounding or the area behind the lateral bevel, then close-to-edge illumination of the furniture edge can be achieved. This effect is achieved even if the electroluminescent layer does not extend all the way to the long edge of the edge banding, as the rounding or bevel emits the light on the visible side close to the edge. For example, the rounding acts similarly to an optical lens.

[0022] To achieve the most uniform optical light impression possible on the visible side, it can be provided that a scattered light structure is arranged in the area between the electroluminescent layer and the visible side opposite the connecting side.

[0023] Preferably, the thickness of the edge banding is in the range between 0.6 and 3 mm, preferably in the range between 0.7 and 2.8 mm. Such edge bandings are sufficiently elastic and flexible so that they can also be molded onto curved, convex or concave edges of the furniture panel.

[0024] If the edge banding is provided with a flexural rigidity that allows it to be rolled longitudinally into a roll comprising a plurality of windings, with the edge banding preferably having a length of at least 20 m, preferably at least 50 m, then it can be easily handled for installation purposes. Furthermore, the edge banding can then also be easily formed onto convex or concave furniture edges.

[0025] The object of the invention is also achieved with a furniture element comprising a furniture panel that bears an edge banding according to one of claims 1 to 18 on at least one of its edges, wherein the edge banding is connected to an edge of the furniture panel by means of the cohesive connecting layer. The cohesive connecting layer may already be applied to the edge banding. Alternatively, the connecting layer may be applied during the assembly process and is preferably formed from a duromer.

[0026] A further variant of the invention can be such that the furniture panel has a core which carries a decorative layer on its upper side and / or on its underside, wherein the at least one decorative layer protrudes laterally beyond the core of the furniture panel, and that the edge banding is covered at least partially by the decorative layer in the region of at least one of its longitudinal boundary edges, wherein it is preferably provided that the decorative layer laterally covers at least one or all of the electrically conductive layers and / or the electroluminescent layer. In this case, the edge banding is protected laterally by the decorative layer(s). If the decorative layer laterally covers the electroluminescent layer, the latter can be extended in a protected manner up to the inside of the decorative layer.The decorative layer can also serve as access protection to prevent lateral access to at least one, preferably all of the electrically conductive layers of the edge banding.

[0027] The object of the invention is also achieved with a kit for forming a furniture element according to claim 19 or 20, comprising at least one furniture panel and a plurality of edge bandings according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the edge bandings have a different width between their longitudinal boundary edges. The installer can then select the appropriate edge banding for the specific furniture panel to be processed in order to achieve the advantageous effects of the invention. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawings. They show:

[0028] Figure 1 shows a kitchen interior in perspective,

[0029] Figure 2 shows a furniture panel according to the invention in perspective detail,

[0030] Figure 3 shows the furniture panel according to Figure 2 in a schematic representation and in

[0031] View from above,

[0032] Figure 4 is a schematic exploded view of an edge banding according to the invention, and

[0033] Figures 5 and 6 are schematic cross-sectional views of furniture elements according to the invention.

[0034] Figure 1 shows an example of a kitchen unit in which several pieces of furniture 10 are installed. The furniture 10 can be at least partially composed of furniture panels 11. In the visible side area, some of the furniture panels 11 are coated on the edges, at least in some areas, with edge banding 30.

[0035] Figure 2 shows the structure of a possible furniture panel 11 according to the invention. As this illustration shows, the furniture panel 11 has a core 12 coated with a decorative coating, in particular an upper cover layer 13 and a lower cover layer 15. The core 12 can be, for example, a particle board.

[0036] Edge covers 14 are attached to the surrounding edges of the furniture panel 10, which adjoins the upper and lower cover layers 13, 15. The edge banding 30 according to the invention is attached to the visible side.

[0037] The edge banding 30 has a coupling layer 32 at the transition to the edge-side core 12 of the furniture panel 11. The edge banding 30 can be bonded to the furniture panel 10 by means of a material-to-material bonding layer 31 arranged between the core 12 and the coupling layer 32. The material-to-material bonding layer 31 may already be applied to the coupling layer 32. It is also conceivable that the bonding layer 31 is applied during the manufacturing process when the edge banding 30 is applied to the furniture panel 10, wherein the bonding layer 31 is preferably formed from a duromer.

[0038] As Figure 3 shows, the edge banding 30 can be so flexible that it can be wound up as a roll. Thus, the edge banding 30 can be applied not only to straight edges of the furniture panel. Rather, it is also possible to form the edge banding 30 onto curved areas 16, for example, convex curved areas 16, as shown in Figure 3. It is also conceivable to form the edge banding 30 onto concave curved areas 16.

[0039] To clarify the structure of an edge banding 30, reference is made below to Figure 4. Figure 4 shows the section along the cutting line marked IV-IV in Figure 3.

[0040] Accordingly, Figure 4 again shows the edge region of the furniture panel 10 with the upper and lower cover layers 13, 15. The edge banding 30 can be applied to the exposed edge of the core 12 adjoining the upper and lower cover layers 13, 15 by means of the material-fit connecting layer 31, as already explained above.

[0041] The edge banding 30 has a coupling layer 32 on its side facing the furniture panel 10. With the coupling layer 32, the edge banding 30 can be applied to the furniture panel 10 via the connecting layer 31. The coupling layer 32 carries an electroluminescent unit.

[0042] The electroluminescent unit comprises a back electrode 33, a dielectric layer 34, an electroluminescent layer 35 and a front electrode 36. The back electrode 33 can be directly connected to the coupling layer 32.

[0043] The dielectric layer 34 lies flat and in electrically conductive contact on the back electrode 33.

[0044] Facing away from the back electrode 33, the dielectric layer carries the electroluminescent layer 35.

[0045] The front electrode 36 lies flat on the electroluminescent layer 35 in an electrically conductive manner. The front electrode 36 is transparent and / or translucent.

[0046] The front electrode 36 can be directly or indirectly covered by an insulating layer 39. The insulating layer 39 can also be transparent and / or translucent.

[0047] As Figure 4 shows, a decorative layer 37 can be used, which is arranged in the area between the front electrode 36 and the insulation layer 39. Here, the decorative layer 37 is protected from mechanical influences. The decorative layer 37 can, for example, be printed onto the insulation layer 39 in the form of an overprint.

[0048] It is also conceivable for a moisture barrier to be arranged in the area between the insulating layer 39 and the front electrode 36. The moisture barrier 38 prevents moisture from penetrating the area of ​​the electroluminescent layer 35. Additionally or alternatively, the insulating layer can also have a moisture-blocking effect. If a moisture barrier 38 is used, it can be transparent and / or translucent.

[0049] The insulation layer 39 has an electrically insulating effect, so that contact with the front electrode 36 from the front side of the edge banding 30 is not possible.

[0050] For the production of the edge banding 30, the insulation layer 39 can be used, for example, in the form of a foil. The individual layers of the edge banding 30 can be coated successively onto this foil. It is possible for at least some of the layers to be printed. It is also conceivable for one or more of the layers to be foil.

[0051] In the assembled state, the insulation layer 39 faces a viewer B. Thus, the insulation layer 39 closes off the edge banding 30 on the front side.

[0052] Figure 4 shows that at least one of the electrically conductive layers, namely the back electrode 33, the dielectric layer 34, the electroluminescent layer 35 and / or the front electrode 36 is / are arranged set back from the longitudinal edges of the edge banding 30, preferably on both sides of the edge banding 30.

[0053] In particular, the width of the at least one electrically conductive layer extending between the upper and lower cover layers 13 and 15 may be smaller than the width of the furniture panel 11 formed between the upper cover layer 13 and lower cover layer 15, in particular smaller than the width of the core 12 of the furniture panel 11.

[0054] The total width of the edge banding 30 can be greater than the width of the furniture panel 11, so that edge-side overhangs in the form of sacrificial sections 21 are formed.

[0055] After the edge banding 30 has been coated onto the furniture panel 11, the edge banding 30 protrudes beyond the associated cover layer 13, 15 with a sacrificial section 21 on at least one side of the furniture panel 11. The sacrificial section(s) 21 protruding beyond the cover layer 13, 15 can then be separated, for example, milled or cut off. The edge banding 30 then ends flush with the upper cover layer 13 and / or the lower cover layer 15 or merges into the at least one cover layer 13, 15. Figure 4 shows a combination with a furniture element that has a furniture panel 11 to which an edge banding 30 according to the invention is firmly attached. The edge banding 30 is applied to the edge 22 of the core 12 and firmly connected to it via the firmly bonded connecting layer 31.Figure 5 further illustrates that the electrically conductive layers, namely the back electrode 33, the electroluminescent layer 35 and / or the front electrode 36 and / or the dielectric layer 34, can be arranged set back from the longitudinal boundary edges of the edge banding 30. The space in which these layers are set back from the boundary edges can preferably be filled, with the insulation layer 39 and / or the decorative layer 37 particularly preferably being integrally bonded to the coupling layer 32 in order to fill the space and achieve encapsulation of these layers.

[0056] Figure 5 further illustrates that the insulation layer 39 has a side edge 39.2 at its longitudinal boundary edge, which is provided with a rounded portion 39.5. Instead of the rounded portion 39.5, a chamfer 39.4 can also be provided, wherein the surface creating the chamfer 39.4 forms an angle α with the front end surface 39.1 of the insulation layer 39.

[0057] Figure 5 illustrates that roundings 39.5 and / or bevels 39.4 can be provided on both side edges 39.2 of the edge banding 30.

[0058] Figure 6 illustrates a furniture element with a core 12 to which decorative layers 13, 15 are applied on both sides. The decorative layers 13, 15 protrude laterally beyond the furniture edge 22, forming an overhang A. This creates a space in the area of ​​the furniture edge 22 and between the two decorative layers 13, 15, into which the edge banding 30 is inserted. For example, the edge banding 30 can be inserted flush or protrude laterally beyond the edges of the decorative layer 13, 15.

[0059] Since the at least one electrically conductive layer is / are arranged set back relative to the longitudinal boundary edge(s) of the edge banding 30, the at least one electrically conductive layer is not damaged during this processing step, in particular if the at least one electrically conductive layer is set back relative to the core.

[0060] Preferably, the electroluminescent unit remains enclosed at the edge between the coupling layer 32 and the insulation layer 39 and / or the moisture barrier 38 even after the processing step. For this purpose, these layers can be bonded together to form an edge-side encapsulation.

Claims

Claims 1 . Edge banding (30) for a furniture panel (1 1 ) with a coupling layer (32) which has a connecting side in order to be able to be connected to an edge of the furniture panel (1 1 ) by means of a materially bonded connecting layer (31), characterized in that the coupling layer (32) facing away from the connecting side carries an electroluminescent unit with an electroluminescent layer (35) directly or indirectly.

2. Edge banding (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling layer (32) is designed in the form of an electrically insulating layer.

3. Edge banding (30) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling layer (32) carries a conductive layer in the form of a back electrode (33) on its side facing away from the connection side, and that the back electrode (33) is electrically contacted with a connection element, wherein the connection element preferably has or forms a plug element of an electrical plug connection.

4. Edge banding (30) according to claim 3, characterized in that the back electrode (33) is designed as a printing layer, in particular as a screen printing layer.

5. Edge banding (30) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the electroluminescent unit has a dielectric layer (34) and an electroluminescent layer (35) connected thereto, and that preferably at least one of these layers is designed as a printing layer, in particular as a screen printing layer.

6. Edge banding (30) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the electroluminescent unit, preferably the electroluminescent layer (35), facing away from the connecting side, is provided with a transparent or translucent front electrode (36) and that the front electrode (36) is electrically contacted with a connection element, wherein the connection element preferably has or forms a plug element of an electrical plug connection.

7. Edge banding (30) according to claim 6, characterized in that the front electrode (36) is formed by an ITO layer, which is preferably produced by printing technology, in particular by screen printing.

8. Edge banding (30) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the front electrode (36) is covered directly or indirectly with an electrically insulating insulation layer (39) on the side facing away from the connection side, wherein the insulation layer (39) is transparent or translucent, and wherein the insulation layer (39) preferably forms the end of the edge banding (30) facing away from the connection side, at least in regions.

9. Edge banding (30) according to claim 8, characterized in that the insulating layer (39) is coated on its side facing the connecting side and / or facing away from the connecting side by means of a decorative layer (37), and that preferably the decorative layer (37) comprises color-filtering and / or color-converting substances.

10. Edge banding (30) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the / an insulation layer (39) which forms the flat front end surface (39.1) of the edge banding (30) facing away from the connecting side has, on at least one of its side edges (39.2) running in the longitudinal direction of the edge banding, a side surface (39.3) which has, at least in some regions, a lateral rounding (39.5), in particular a convex rounding, and / or a lateral bevel (39.4) which encloses an angle (α) greater than 90° and less than 180°, preferably greater than 110° and less than 160°, with the end surface (39.1). 1 1. Edge banding (30) according to claim 10, characterized in that the edge radius of the convex rounding (39.5) is selected in the range between 0.3 mm and 3.0 mm.

12. Edge banding (30) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that an electrically conductive layer, in particular the front electrode (36), the back electrode (33), the electroluminescent layer (35) and / or the dielectric layer (34), is arranged set back from the boundary edges (20) running in the longitudinal direction of the edge banding.

13. Edge banding (30) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that sacrificial sections (21) made of preferably insulating material are formed in the region between the longitudinal boundary edges (20) and the boundaries of the at least one electrically conductive layer running in the longitudinal direction of the edge banding (30).

14. Edge banding (30) according to claim 13, characterized in that the sacrificial section(s) (21) is / are formed by the insulating layers (32 and 37, 39) arranged on both sides of the electroluminescent unit, wherein the insulating layers (32, 37, 39) are integrally connected to one another, in particular fused.

15. Edge banding according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, in a view from the front perpendicular to the front end surface (39.1), the electroluminescent layer (35) is guided into the area behind the lateral rounding (39.5) or into the area behind the lateral bevel (39.4).

16. Edge banding (30) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that a scattered light structure is arranged in the region between the electroluminescent layer (35) and the visible side opposite the connecting side.

17. Edge banding according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the thickness of the edge banding is in the range between 0.6 mm and 3 mm, preferably in the range between 0.7 and 2.8 mm.

18. Edge banding according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the edge banding (30) has a flexural rigidity which enables it to be rolled up in the longitudinal direction into a roll having a plurality of windings, wherein the edge banding (30) preferably has a length of at least 20 m, preferably at least 50 m.

19. Furniture element with a furniture panel (11) which carries an edge banding (30) according to one of claims 1 to 18 on at least one of its edges, wherein the edge banding (30) is connected to an edge (22) of the furniture panel (11) by means of a material-bonded connecting layer (31).

20. Furniture element according to claim 19, characterized in that the furniture panel (11) has a core (12) which carries a decorative layer (13, 15) on its upper side and / or on its underside, wherein the at least one decorative layer (13, 15) projects laterally beyond the core (12) of the furniture panel (11) with an overhang (A), and in that the edge banding (30) is covered at least in regions by the decorative layer (13, 15) in the region of at least one of its longitudinal boundary edges, wherein it is preferably provided that the decorative layer (13, 15) laterally covers at least one or all of the electrically conductive layers and / or the electroluminescent layer (35).

21. Kit for forming a furniture element according to claim 19 or 20 with at least one furniture panel (11) and a plurality of edge bandings (30) according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the edge bandings (30) have a different width between their longitudinal boundary edges.

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