Illuminable decorative multilayer composite for a vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to an illuminable decorative multilayer composite (1), in particular for a vehicle, which has an outer layer (2) with a visible side (3) and a rear side (4) facing away from the visible side (4). A more energy-efficient and simplified production is achieved in that on the rear side (4) of the outer layer (2) a light-conducting layer (5) configured for conducting light is arranged, into which light from a lateral edge (6) of the decorative multilayer composite (1) can be coupled, and which has at least one light out-coupling element (7) for coupling out light, wherein a carrier layer (9) having at least one illuminable design element (10) is arranged on a rear side (8) of the light-conducting layer (5) and a paint layer (12) is arranged on a rear side (11) of the carrier layer (9) facing away from the light-conducting layer (5). The design element (10) is designed as an elevation (13) of the carrier layer (9) and the paint layer (12) has a depression (16) pointing away from the carrier layer (9), in which depression (16) a ply (14) is arranged, said ply (14) being applied to the paint layer (12) and / or to the elevation (13) by means of hot stamping. The invention further relates to a vehicle having such a decorative multilayer composite (1).

Description

[0001] Illuminatable decorative multilayer composite for a vehicle and vehicle

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

[0003] An illuminable decorative multilayer composite is known from DE 102020 104 078 A1. The decorative multilayer composite has a layered structure with translucent areas and is designed to be backlit by means of a lighting device.

[0004] The present invention is concerned with the object of providing improved or at least alternative embodiments for a decorative multi-layer composite of the type mentioned at the outset and for a vehicle with such a decorative multi-layer composite.

[0005] The object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the dependent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0006] The present invention is therefore based on the fundamental idea of ​​providing a decorative multi-layer composite having an outer surface with a visible side and a rear side facing away from the visible side, and of arranging a translucent light-guide layer configured to conduct light 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. In addition, 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. In addition, the decorative multi-layer composite has a lacquer layer 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 output element such that the at least one design element and / or at least part of the lacquer layer can be illuminated. At least one of the at least one design elements, preferably the respective design element, is designed as an elevation of the lacquer layer projecting in front of the base layer in the direction of the lacquer view. At least one design element is therefore a projection of the base layer protruding in the direction of the lacquer layer. The lacquer layer has a depression directed away from the base layer for at least one of the at least one elevations. Arranged in the depression is a layer which is applied to the lacquer layer and / or to the elevation by means of hot embossing, such that the layer is embedded like a sandwich between the lacquer layer and the elevation.

[0007] In the decorative multilayer composite, the light-conducting optical fiber layer is not located behind the decorative multilayer composite or the design elements as was previously the case with classic 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 was previously possible. Furthermore, the optical fiber layer is relatively thin, for example as a light guide film, and is designed so that light can be coupled in from one edge of the decorative multilayer composite, for example via corresponding light coupling points, so that the proposed decorative multilayer composite is also relatively compact.

[0008] When the decorative multi-layer composite is not illuminated, the at least one design element is visible from the outside, i.e. from the outer layer, 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 advantageously 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 more visually prominent than when the decorative multi-layer composite is not illuminated. In particular, the lacquer layer is largely perceptible in its original color. The sandwich-like arrangement of the layer between the base layer and the lacquer layer means that the base layer or the raised area has a boundary surface on which the layer lies.In conjunction with the raised portion and / or the boundary surface, the layer creates an optically prominent light effect when the decorative multilayer composite is illuminated, i.e., when light is coupled into the decorative multilayer composite via the lateral edge. This allows an additional or alternative optically prominent light effect to be provided when the decorative multilayer composite is illuminated.

[0009] Applying the layer by hot stamping, for example, compared to application by physical vapor deposition, also known by the abbreviation "PVD," significantly simplifies the production of the decorative multilayer composite, allowing the decorative multilayer composite to be manufactured at a higher rate and / or more cost-effectively. This is primarily due to the fact that, compared to, for example, application by PVD, post-processing of the layer applied by PVD can be eliminated. Since application by PVD is carried out over a large area, such post-processing includes, for example, removing the layer in places where it is not needed, for example, where it is not to be illuminated and / or where it is to be displayed in the color of the vehicle. Another such post-processing is partial painting of the areas to be illuminated, for example, in a contrasting color.Such post-processing is therefore eliminated by hot stamping the layer.

[0010] The recess conveniently defines a volume between the lacquer layer and the raised area in which the layer is arranged. The layer can fill the volume.

[0011] The elevation and the depression are preferably arranged opposite one another.

[0012] The elevation can penetrate into the depression.

[0013] Preferred embodiments are those in which the layer is formed by lacquer, i.e., a single lacquer layer. This means that the lacquer layer is applied to the lacquer layer and / or to the raised area by hot stamping. Advantageously, the lacquer layer has a different color than the lacquer layer. Preferably, the layer has a color that contrasts with the lacquer layer, in particular with the color of an associated vehicle exterior.

[0014] The invention defines a layer as, in particular, the outer layer and / or the light-conducting layer and / or the support layer and / or the lacquer layer, and a ply as, advantageously, a sheet-like structure. Furthermore, according to the invention, the visible side of the outer layer is advantageously 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. According to the invention, the term "translucent" advantageously means complete light transmission (transparency) or partial light transmission (translucency). The lacquer layer can have any color, for example, the color of a vehicle outer skin. The invention defines information, patterns, or symbols as, in particular, a three-dimensional design.The color of the paint layer can determine the color of an add-on part described below.

[0015] Advantageously, the at least one design element is formed by a flat foil element arranged in the supporting layer. The foil element can, in particular, be arranged on the back side of the optical fiber layer and connected to it, and can extend from the back side of the optical fiber layer into the supporting layer.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the foil element can be 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 foil element can be firmly bonded to the optical fiber layer, particularly by lamination.

[0017] It is preferably provided that said film element has at least one or more of the following features:

[0018] - a printed chrome foil,

[0019] - a plastic film, in particular a polycarbonate film, with an indium coating and a coloured print,

[0020] - a color-printed chrome foil and a polycarbonate foil with an indium coating,

[0021] - a screen-printed chrome foil. In preferred embodiments, the foil element is formed from a printed chrome foil. Furthermore, it can be provided that the foil element is formed from a plastic foil, in particular a polycarbonate foil, with an indium coating and a colored print. Alternatively, it can be provided that the foil element is formed from a colored-printed chrome foil and a polycarbonate foil with an indium coating. Furthermore, the foil element can be formed from a screen-printed chrome foil. This provides advantageous embodiments for the proposed foil element.

[0022] In particular, it can be provided that the decorative multilayer composite comprises at least two or more design elements. In this case, at least one design element is formed by a raised portion of the type described above. It is also conceivable that at least one design element is formed by a foil element of the type described above. Thus, the decorative multilayer composite comprises various design elements, which can be used to create a particularly striking optical effect or lighting effect.

[0023] Furthermore, it can be provided that the light-permeable light guide layer is made of a plastic material, in particular of polycarbonate (PC for short).

[0024] The translucent light guide layer can, in particular, have material properties that promote or allow the light guide layer to be deformed 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 advantageously be provided that the film element has material properties that promote or allow the film element to be deformed together with the light guide layer during the production of the decorative multilayer composite, for example, by thermoforming.

[0025] Advantageously, the translucent support layer can be made of a plastic material, in particular polycarbonate (PC for short) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA for short). Alternatively or additionally, the plastic material forming the translucent support layer can be injection-molded onto the back of the light guide layer in an injection-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. Furthermore, it can be advantageously provided that the outer layer is formed by or comprises a hardcoat layer or a polyurethane layer (PU layer for short). This provides advantageous outer layers.

[0026] Advantageously, it can be provided that the at least one light-coupling element is opposite the associated, at least one design element. In particular, the at least one light-coupling element and the associated, at least one design element can be opposite one another in a straight line. Furthermore, in particular, the at least one light-coupling element and the associated, at least one design element can be arranged in a straight line, wherein the straight line is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the flat, visible side of the outer layer.

[0027] To improve the adhesion between the outer layer and the optical fiber layer, it can further advantageously be provided that an adhesive layer, in particular a primer layer, is arranged between the outer layer and the optical fiber layer. This layer bonds the outer layer and the optical fiber layer to one another.

[0028] The aforementioned lateral edge of the decorative multilayer composite is advantageously 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 advantageously 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the drawings, and the associated description of the figures with reference to the drawings. It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0032] A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the single drawing and is explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components.

[0033] It shows:

[0034] Fig. 1 is a highly simplified sectional view of a decorative multilayer composite according to a first embodiment,

[0035] An illuminable decorative multilayer composite 1, as shown by way of example in Figure 1, can be placed in an unlit and an illuminated state. In the unlit state, provided light is not coupled into the decorative multilayer composite 1, wherein the decorative multilayer 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 multilayer composite 1, provided light is coupled into the decorative multilayer composite 1 via an edge 6 of the decorative multilayer composite 1, as a result of which the at least one design element 10 is illuminated. This creates an optical lighting effect that makes the three-dimensional effects optically more pronounced than in the unlit state. In addition, this type of lighting allows a lacquer layer 12 of the decorative multilayer composite 1 to be perceived largely in its original color.Such a decorative multi-layer composite 1 can, for example, be installed in an add-on part intended for installation on a vehicle (not shown further in each case) or form the add-on part.

[0036] According to Figure 1, the decorative multi-layer composite 1 has an outer layer 2, which has a visible side 3 facing the environment 21 and a rear side 4 facing away from the visible side 3. The outer layer 2 can, for example, be formed from or comprise a hardcoat layer or a plastic material such as polyurethane (PU). A translucent, relatively thin, light-guiding layer 5, for example a light-guiding film, is arranged on the rear side 4 of the outer layer 2 and is designed to guide light. To improve the adhesion between the outer layer 2 and the light-guiding layer 5, an adhesive layer 17 can be used, which is arranged in a sandwich between the outer layer 2 and the light-guiding layer 5. The adhesive layer 17 can be a primer layer. The light-guiding layer 5 has, for example, a light-coupling element 7, symbolized by simple triangles, which is designed to couple out light.The light guide layer 5 terminates at each end face in such a 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 shown), in particular one having an LED, and coupled into the light guide layer 5. It is conceivable for the decorative multilayer composite 1 to have light coupling elements 18a or illuminants 18b, in particular LEDs, of the lighting device integrated into the light guide layer 5 or arranged on the light guide layer 5 in the region of the lateral edge 6.

[0037] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the light guide layer 5 is formed during the production of the decorative multi-layer composite 1, for example by means of thermoforming, and then a light-permeable 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. Plastic materials such as polycarbonate (PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) are used for the support layer 9. In the present case, the support layer 9 has, purely by way of example, 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 shape. The design element 10 is assigned to the light output element 7, for example opposite it, in such a way that it is illuminated when the decorative multi-layer composite 1 is illuminated and unilluminated when the decorative multi-layer composite 1 is not illuminated.The decorative multilayer composite 1 also has 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 color, but a color that corresponds to the color of the vehicle's outer skin is preferred.

[0038] As can be seen from Figure 1, the design element 10 is formed by a protrusion 13 of the support layer 9 projecting towards the lacquer layer 12. The lacquer layer 12 has a recess 16 directed away from the support layer 9 for the protrusion 13, which recess is arranged opposite the protrusion 13 and, in the illustrated embodiment, is shaped complementarily to the protrusion 13. A layer 14 is arranged in the recess 16, which is applied by hot embossing to the lacquer layer 12 and / or to the protrusion 13, such that the layer 14 is sandwiched between the lacquer layer 12 and the protrusion 13. In comparison to applying the layer 14 by means of physical vapor deposition, also known by the abbreviation "PVD", post-processing of the layer 14, for example, removing the layer 14 at the locations where the layer 14 is not required (e.g.where the component is not to be illuminated and is to be displayed in the vehicle colour), and / or partial painting of the areas to be illuminated (in contrasting colours) is omitted.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, layer 14 is a lacquer layer 15, which in particular has a different color than lacquer layer 12, preferably a color contrasting with lacquer layer 12. As can also be seen from Figure 1, in the illustrated embodiment, elevation 13 penetrates into depression 16.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Illuminable decorative multilayer composite (1), in particular for a vehicle, - with an outer layer (2) which has a visible side (3) and a rear side (4) facing away from the visible side, - characterized by - 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, - that on a rear side (8) of the light guide layer (5) facing away from the outer layer (2), a light-permeable support layer (9) is arranged, which has 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, - that a lacquer layer (12) is arranged on a rear side (11) of the support layer (9) facing away from the light guide layer (5), - that at least one of the at least one design element (10), in particular the respective design element (10), is designed as an elevation (13) of the support layer (9) projecting towards the lacquer layer (12), - that the lacquer layer (12) for at least one of the elevations (13), preferably for the respective elevation (13), has a depression (16) directed away from the support layer (9), in which depression (16) a layer (14) applied by means of hot embossing to the lacquer layer (12) and / or to the elevation (13) is arranged, so that the layer (14) is embedded in a sandwich-like manner between the lacquer layer (12) and the elevation (13).

2. Decorative multi-layer composite according to claim 1, characterized in that that the layer (14) is a lacquer layer (15) which in particular has a different colour than the lacquer layer (12).

3. Decorative multi-layer composite according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support layer (9) penetrates into the elevation (13).

4. Vehicle with a decorative material composite (1) according to one of the preceding claims that can be illuminated by means of a lighting device.

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