LIGHT TRANSMISSION COMPONENT

Description

LIGHT TRANSMISSION COMPONENT DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL SECTOR The present invention relates to a component for light transmission. The present invention finds a preferred, though not exclusive, application in plastic objects for light transmission, particularly for vehicles. This application will be referred to below by way of example. STATE OF THE ART NOTE In the vehicular field, there is a known need to provide elements that allow the passage of light radiation, capable of providing light only in specific predefined portions. This need is felt both for safety reasons, for example in the transmission of light radiation to indicate braking or the activation of a particular operating system, and for stylistic reasons. However, known light transmission systems are particularly bulky and expensive. In fact, in the prior art, it is common to provide masks axially interposed between a light source and defining more or less translucent portions that allow the light transmission portions to be defined. There is therefore a need to provide a component, particularly but not limited to vehicular use, for The aim of the present invention is to satisfy the above mentioned needs in an optimized and economical way. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above object is achieved by a light transmission component and a light transmission system as claimed in the attached claims which form an integral part of this description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention, a preferred embodiment is described below, by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the attached drawings in which: • Figure 1, represents a schematic stratigraphic view of a light transmitting component according to the invention; and • Figure 2 is a schematic front view of an embodiment of the light transmitting component according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the attached figures, a light transmitting component according to the invention is indicated with 1. - 2 The light transmitting component 1 is part of a light transmitting system 2 also comprising a light radiation source 3 such as visible, infrared, ultraviolet or microwave light. In particular, microwave transparency may be useful for use in combination with sensor systems such as lidar or radar. Component 1 can be used in various devices, such as vehicular devices, for example as an element of a headlight, or in any device that needs to project light for any purpose, such as a household appliance, an advertising projector, a sign, etc. In detail, component 1 comprises an external layer 4 made of transparent material placed frontally along a first axis A for transmitting light radiation to source 3. The outer layer 4 extends transversely along a second inclined axis B, and in particular transverse, to the first axis A and a third axis C, transverse to the first and second axes A, B. Advantageously, the outer layer 4 is made of a material transparent to any type of radiation emitted by the aforementioned source 3, in particular in polymeric material such as methacrylate, polycarbonate or polyimide or a combination thereof as a polymer-based composite material, for example a polymeric multilayer. In detail, the outer layer can have a variable thickness in the order of tens of millimeters, specifically between 0.05 mm and 10 mm. The component 1 further comprises a plurality of printed layers 5, 6, 7 interposed between the external layer 4 and the source 3 and, each, provided with different optical properties compared to the others. In detail, the printed layers 5, 6, 7 are made of a material capable of chemically interacting with the support layer in order to anchor itself to it. In particular, component 1 comprises a first printed layer 5 that is transparent to light radiation and configured to define a preset color, such as black. Advantageously, the first printed layer 5 is made over the entire extension of the outer layer 4. Furthermore, the component 1 comprises a second printed layer 6 made adjacent to the first printed layer 5. In detail, the second printed layer 6 is made of matte varnish, i.e., configured to not allow the passage of light radiation through it. Advantageously, the second printed layer 6 is made only on a portion compared to the first layer - 4 printed 5. Preferably, the second printed layer 6 comprises a first substrate 6' and a second substrate 6'' distinct from each other and adjacent along the direction of the first axis A. Advantageously, the first and second substrates 6', 6' ' can be made of the same paint or of other types, as long as they are chemically compatible. Furthermore, component 1 comprises a third printed layer 7 made adjacent to the second printed layer 6. In detail, the third printed layer 7 is made of transparent varnish, i.e., configured to allow the passage of light radiation through it. Advantageously, the third printed layer 7 is made over the entire extension of the second printed layer 6, in particular it covers a portion 8, previously not occupied by the third printed layer 7, on said first printed layer 5. This portion 8 can be shaped according to the desired form in order to define a graphic sign possibly endowed with a meaning, if not purely ornamental. Preferably, the third printed layer 7 comprises an inner substrate 7', an outer substrate 7''' and an intermediate substrate 7'' axially interposed between the - 5 inner and outer substrates 7', j''' distinct from each other and adjacent along the direction of the first axis A. In detail, the external substrate 7''' facilitates the printing of the other layers described below, while the intermediate substrate 7'' facilitates obtaining the desired thickness and evens out any imperfections of the internal substrate 7' which occupies the portion 8. Advantageously, the above-mentioned 7', 7'', 7''' substrates can be made in the same paint or in other types, as long as they are chemically compatible. Advantageously, the printed layers 5, 6, 7 are printed by screen printing, that is, they are screen printing layers one on top of the other. The component 1 further comprises an internal layer 9 made of transparent material facing along the axis A of transmission of light radiation with respect to the source 3, therefore on the opposite side of the external layer 4. The inner layer 9 is advantageously made of plastic / polymer material, for example polycarbonate or polymethyl acrylate. In detail, this plastic / polymer material is made by injection molding, advantageously co-molded on the previous external layer 6. Preferably, it can be molded around the printed layers 5, 6, 7 as well as incorporating at least part of the external layer 4. Advantageously, such internal layer 9 defines (not illustrated) fixing portions to allow the fixing of the component 1 to a respective frame or inside a respective housing. Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of the component 1 stratigraphically described above in which component 1 has a substantially rectangular shape and the first printed layer 5 is black. The diffusive portion 8 leaves a first portion free to the passage of light, containing a writing, and a second portion defining, in the case shown, a warning light. The operation of the embodiment of the light transmitting component and a light transmitting system according to the invention described above is as follows. In use, component 1, in particular on the side of the internal layer 9, is placed facing the light radiation source 3 which emits light radiation L towards component 1. As illustrated in Figure 2, for example, light radiation L is transmitted through the writing and the indicator light of portion 8 while the rest of the component remains opaque, as in the illustrated case, black. The present invention also relates to a manufacturing method of a component as described above, such manufacturing method comprising the following steps: i) Prepare an external layer 4 of transparent material; ii) Printing a first printed layer 5 in material of a predefined color and transparent to light radiation on said external layer 4; iii) Printing a second printed layer 6 of material opaque to light radiation on part of said first printed layer 5; iv) Printing a third printed layer 7 of material transparent to light radiation on said second printed layer 6 and on the portion 8 left free from it; v) Injection molding an internal layer 9 of transparent material around said layers from points i) to iv). Advantageously, the printing at points ii)-iv) is of the silkscreen type. Advantageously, printing at points iii-iv) may comprise further sub-steps for printing distinct substrates for each of these layers. From the foregoing, the advantages of a light transmission component and a light transmission system according to the invention are evident. In particular, it is possible to supply a component for which graphic signs are reproduced only when it is backlit by a light radiation source. Additionally, the component is completely opaque and / or a single color, such as black, when not backlit, so that the logo it reproduces is only visible when the light source 3 is activated. This effect is guaranteed only in the desired portions thanks to the complete opacity of the remaining portions of the component outside the emissive portions. In detail, the presence of two distinct substrates in the second printed layer prevents light radiation from passing beyond this layer, obtaining clear illumination only of the portion transparent to it. As a result, it is possible to supply a highly performing component from an optical and stylistic point of view. In addition, thanks to the component and the proposed screen printing and injection molding system, it is possible to obtain a one-piece product that is particularly economical and of reduced thickness. In fact, compared to prior art systems, it is not necessary to axially interpose masks or different elements with different optical properties with consequent need for assembly and maintenance. Furthermore, the proposed component and lighting system is particularly versatile and suitable for use on various vehicle components or in various technological applications. Finally, it is clear that modifications and variations may be made to the light transmission component and to the light transmission system according to the present invention which, however, do not go beyond the scope of protection defined by the claims. As mentioned, colors, shapes and sizes may vary from those illustrated and schematic. Clearly the printed layers can be reproduced in different numbers, as well as the substrates, which are optional in themselves.

Claims

1 .- Light transmitting component (1) for a light transmitting system (2), said component (1) comprising adjacent along a first axis (A): - an outer layer (4), - a plurality of printed layers (5, 6, 7), and - an inner layer (9), wherein said outer layer (4) and said inner layer (9) are made of material transparent to light radiation provided by a light radiation source (3) and extend along a second axis (B) and a third axis (C), wherein said plurality of printed layers (5, 6, 7) is axially included between said outer layer (4) and said inner layer (9) and comprises: - a first printed layer (5) adjacent to said outer layer (4), transparent to said light radiation and defining a colour;- a second printed layer (6) adjacent to said first printed layer (5) and opaque to said light radiation, said second printed layer (6) being made on part of said first printed layer (5) along said second and third axes (B, C); - a third printed layer (7) axially adjacent between said second printed layer (6) and said internal layer (9), said third printed layer (7) being made of material transparent to said light radiation and occupying a portion (8) left free by said second printed layer (6) on said first printed layer (5).; 2 .- Component according to claim 1, wherein said external layer (4) and said internal layer (9) are made of polymeric material. 3.- Component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said external layer (4) has a thickness between tens of microns and tens of millimetres. 4 .- Component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said internal layer (9) is injection moulded. 5 .- Component according to one of the previous claims, wherein said first, second and third layers (5, 6, 7) are silkscreen prints. 6.- Component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said second printed layer (6) comprises at least a first substrate (6') and a second substrate (6'') distinct and axially adjacent to each other. 7 .- Component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said third printed layer (7) comprises at least a pair of substrates (7', 7'', j''' = distinct and axially adjacent to each other. 8 .- Component according to claim 7, wherein said third substrate (7) comprises an outer substrate (7'''), an inner substrate (7') and an intermediate substrate (7''). 9 .- Component according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein said substrates (6', 6''; 7', 7'', 7''') are made with paints having the same composition. 10.- Component according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein said substrates (6', 6''; 7', 7'', 7''') are made with paints with different compositions.

11. Light transmission system (2) comprising a light radiation source (3) and a light transmission component (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

12. Method of manufacturing a component according to one of the preceding claims, said manufacturing method comprises the following steps: i) Preparing an external layer 4 made of transparent material; ii) Printing a first printed layer 5 made of material of a predefined color and transparent to light radiation on said external layer 4; iii) Printing a second printed layer 6 made of material opaque to light radiation on part of said first printed layer 5; iv) Printing a third printed layer 7 made of material transparent to light radiation on said second printed layer 6 and on the portion 8 left free therefrom; v) Printing, by injection, an internal layer 9 made of transparent material around said layers from point i) to point iv).