Illuminated decorative multilayer composite, mounting parts for vehicles, and vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a decorative multilayer composite having an outer layer (2) having a visible surface (3) and a back surface (4). The essential part of the present invention is that a light guide layer (5) is disposed on the back surface (4) of the outer layer (2), set up to guide light, and that light can be coupled to the light guide layer from the lateral edge (6) of the decorative multilayer composite (1), and the light guide layer has at least one light separation member (7) for separating light. A support layer (9) is disposed on the back surface (8) of the light guide layer (5), having at least one illuminable design member (10) for displaying information, patterns, or symbols. Furthermore, a paint layer (12) is disposed on the back surface (11) of the support layer (9) that faces away from the light guide layer (5). The present invention relates in particular to a mounting part for a vehicle having such a decorative multilayer composite (1). The present invention further relates in particular to a vehicle having such a mounting part or such a decorative multilayer composite (1) that is illuminated by a lighting device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an illuminable decorative multilayer composite described in the superordinate concept of claim 1. In particular, the present invention relates to a mounting part for a vehicle having such a decorative multilayer composite. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vehicle comprising such a mounting part illuminable by a lighting device or a vehicle comprising such a decorative multilayer composite illuminable by a lighting device.

Background Art

[0002] An illuminable decorative multilayer composite of the kind described at the beginning is described in Patent Document 1. This has a layer structure having a light-transmissive region and is set up to be backlit by a lighting device. A drawback of this decorative multilayer composite is that the light energy provided by the lighting device is partially "swallowed" by the layer structure and is lost without being utilized, which is undesirable from the viewpoint of energy efficiency.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved embodiment of the decorative multilayer composite or at least one alternative embodiment. In particular, it is intended to provide a mounting part for a vehicle having such a decorative multilayer composite. Furthermore, in particular, it is intended to propose a vehicle equipped with such a mounting part or such a decorative multilayer composite.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In this invention, this problem is solved, in particular, by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims and the specification. The present invention has found that the energy efficiency of such decorative multilayer composites can be improved by coupling light to them via the lateral edges of the decorative multilayer composite, rather than through the back surface of the decorative multilayer composite as in the conventional method (backlight illumination).

[0006] Against this backdrop, the present invention proposes an illuminated decorative multilayer composite having an outer layer facing the periphery, for example, having a visible surface that is visible from the outside and a back surface that faces the opposite side. The key feature is that a light-transmitting light guide layer is positioned on the back surface of the outer layer, set up to guide light, and light can be coupled to this light guide layer from the lateral edges of the decorative multilayer composite, and this light guide layer has at least one light-separating member for separating light. Furthermore, a light-transmitting support layer is intended to be positioned on the back surface of the light guide layer that faces away from the outer layer, having at least one design member for displaying information, patterns, or symbols. Furthermore, a paint layer is intended to be positioned on the back surface of the support layer that faces away from the light guide layer. At least one design member faces at least one light-separating member so that the paint layer can be illuminated for at least one design member and / or at least each area.

[0007] In the proposed decorative multilayer composite, the light guide layer is not located behind the decorative multilayer composite or design component, as in conventional backlit lighting. Instead, the light guide layer is incorporated between the outer layer and the support layer, and is therefore positioned in front of at least one design component of the decorative multilayer composite. This allows the design component to be illuminated from above, so to speak. This enables more energy-efficient illumination of the decorative multilayer composite than was previously possible. Furthermore, the light guide layer can be fabricated relatively thin, for example as a light guide film, and set up to allow light to be coupled from the edges of the decorative multilayer composite via appropriate light coupling points, thereby making the proposed decorative multilayer composite additionally relatively compact.

[0008] At least one design element introduced into the decorative multilayer composite generates an invisible, particularly three-dimensional, effect from the outside, i.e., from the outer layer, when the decorative multilayer composite is not illuminated. When the decorative multilayer composite is illuminated, i.e., when light is coupled to the decorative multilayer composite through its lateral edges, at least one design element, and conveniently the painted layer as well, is illuminated. This has the effect that at least one design element and / or the painted layer generate a visual light effect that is more visually pronounced than when the decorative multilayer composite is not illuminated. In particular, the painted layer is perceptible in almost its original color tone.

[0009] In this invention, it is convenient to understand layers, particularly the outer layer and / or the light guide layer and / or the support layer and / or the paint layer, as planar formations. Furthermore, according to this understanding, it is convenient that the visible surface of the outer layer is the component surface of the decorative multilayer composite that is perceptible to the user of the decorative multilayer composite. The component surface of the decorative multilayer composite can form, for example, the vehicle's outer skin. The concept of "light-transmitting" is convenient, according to this understanding, to mean either fully light-transmitting (transparent) or partially light-transmitting (translucent). The paint layer can have any color, for example, the color of the vehicle's outer skin. In this invention, information, patterns, or symbols are understood in particular as three-dimensional constructs. The color of the paint layer can define the color of the mounting parts, which are also described below.

[0010] Conveniently, at least one design element may further be intended to be formed by a recess projecting into the support layer, starting from the back surface of the support layer. Thus, the design element exists in the form of a recess. When the decorative multilayer complex is illuminated, the recess can produce a visual effect.

[0011] Even more conveniently, the aforementioned recesses in the support layer are intended to define volumes demarcated by the interface of the support layer to which the coating is applied regionally or entirely. Conveniently, the coating layer may be intended to be positioned on top of the coating such that the coating is embedded between the support layer and the coating layer. In particular, this coating may be intended to be formed by a PVD coating or another coating layer. The coating, in cooperation with the recesses or partition surfaces of the support layer, produces a luminous effect that is visually apparent when the decorative multilayer complex is illuminated, i.e., when light is coupled to the decorative multilayer complex via its lateral edges. The coating may, for example, be applied additionally or alternatively to surface areas on the back of the support layer that are not interface surfaces. This can provide additional or alternative luminous effects that are visually apparent when the decorative multilayer complex is illuminated. In the sense of the present invention, a PVD coating is a material layer produced by physical vapor deposition. The other coating layer can, in principle, have any color. However, it is preferable that this has a color that contrasts with the color of the paint layer (for example, the color of the vehicle's outer skin).

[0012] Conveniently, at least one design element is intended to be formed by a planar film element disposed within a support layer. The film element may be located on the back surface of the optical guide layer and bonded to it, and may project into the support layer originating from the back surface of the optical guide layer. Alternatively or additionally, the film element may be located on the back surface of the support layer and bonded to it, and may project into the support layer originating from the back surface of the support layer. The film element may be bonded to the optical guide layer in a material bonding manner, particularly by lamination.

[0013] Even more conveniently, the aforementioned film component has the following constituent requirements, namely - Printed chrome film, - Plastic films having indium coating and / or color printing, especially polycarbonate films, -Color-printed chrome film, and polycarbonate film with indium coating, - Chrome film with screen printing, It is intended to have at least one or more of the following:

[0014] The film member is preferably formed from a printed chrome film. Furthermore, the film member may be intended to be formed from a plastic film, particularly a polycarbonate film, having an indium coating and color printing. Alternatively, the film member may be intended to be formed from a polycarbonate film having a color printed chrome film and an indium coating. Furthermore, the film member may be formed from a chrome film having screen printing. This provides a preferred embodiment of the proposed film member.

[0015] In particular, a decorative multilayer composite may be intended to have at least two or more design elements. In this case, it is preferable that the first of these design elements is formed by recesses of the type described above, and / or the second of these design elements is formed by a film element of the type described above. Thus, the decorative multilayer composite has different design elements, which can be used to produce visually distinctive effects or light effects.

[0016] Furthermore, the light-transmitting optical guide layer may be intended to be made from a plastic material, particularly polycarbonate (PC).

[0017] A light-transmitting optical guide layer may have material properties that facilitate or allow the formation of the optical guide layer, particularly when a decorative multilayer composite is manufactured by, for example, thermoforming. In the case where the film member described above is placed on and bonded to the optical guide layer, it is fortunate that the film member is intended to have material properties that facilitate or allow the formation of the film member when the decorative multilayer composite is manufactured together with the optical guide member by, for example, thermoforming.

[0018] Conveniently, the light-transmitting support layer may be intended to be made from a plastic material, particularly polycarbonate (PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Alternatively or additionally, the plastic material forming the light-transmitting support layer may be intended to be sprayed onto the back surface of the light guide layer in a sprayable state. This allows for the provision of a light-transmitting support layer at low cost and, in particular, to be bonded to the light guide layer in a material bonding manner.

[0019] Even more conveniently, the outer layer may be formed by or intended to have a hard coat layer or a polyurethane layer (abbreviated as a PU layer). This provides a preferred outer layer.

[0020] Conveniently, at least one light-separating member may be intended to face at least one assigned design member. In particular, at least one light-separating member and at least one assigned design member may face each other in a straight line. More specifically, at least one light-separating member and at least one assigned design member may be positioned on a straight line which is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the flat viewing surface of the outer layer.

[0021] Even more conveniently, to improve adhesion between the outer layer and the optical guide layer, an adhesion layer, particularly a primer layer, may be placed between the outer layer and the optical guide layer. This is used to bond the outer layer and the optical guide layer to each other.

[0022] The lateral edge described above on the decorative multilayer composite is preferably formed by the end face of the narrow-width surface of each layer of the decorative multilayer composite. The end face of the narrow-width surface of each layer, that is, the lateral edge, is preferably perpendicular to the viewing surface of a relatively large area of the outer layer and / or perpendicular to the back surface of a relatively large area of the coating layer.

[0023] According to another basic concept of the present invention, a mounting part for a vehicle is contemplated that has at least one decorative multilayer composite based on the above description, which is set up for assembly to the vehicle.

[0024] According to another basic concept of the present invention, a vehicle is contemplated that has at least one mounting part based on the previous paragraph, which is illuminated by a lighting device, or that has at least one decorative multilayer composite based on the above description, which is illuminated by a lighting device.

[0025] In summary, the present invention relates to a decorative multilayer composite that advantageously has an outer layer with a viewing surface and a back surface. The main part of the present invention is that a light guide layer set up for guiding light is arranged on the back surface of the outer layer, and light can be coupled from the lateral edge of the decorative multilayer composite to the light guide layer, and this light guide layer has at least one light separation member for separating light. On the back surface of the light guide layer, a support layer having an illuminable design member for displaying information, patterns, or symbols is arranged. Further, a coating layer is arranged on the back surface of the support layer facing away from the light guide layer. The present invention particularly relates to a mounting part for a vehicle having such a decorative multilayer composite. The present invention further relates to a vehicle having such a mounting part or having such a decorative multilayer composite illuminated by a lighting device.

[0026] Even more important features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings, and the corresponding description based on the drawings.

[0027] The features described above, and the features further described below, should be understood to be usable not only in the combinations shown, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and will be described in more detail below, where the same reference numerals represent the same, similar, or functionally identical components.

[0029] Here, the following is a general description of each drawing: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1] This is a greatly simplified cross-sectional view showing a decorative multilayer composite of the present invention according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a significantly simplified cross-sectional view showing a decorative multilayer composite of the present invention according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a greatly simplified cross-sectional view showing a decorative multilayer composite of the present invention according to a third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Figures 1 to 3 show an illuminable decorative multilayer complex, collectively denoted by reference numeral 1, which can be in an unilluminated state and an illuminated state. When in the unilluminated state, the light provided is not coupled to the decorative multilayer complex 1, and the decorative multilayer complex 1 embodies a visible three-dimensional effect from the outside, i.e., from the surroundings 21, by at least one design member 10. When the decorative multilayer complex 1 is in the illuminated state, the light provided is coupled to it via the edges 6 of the decorative multilayer complex 1, thereby illuminating at least one design member 10. This generates a visual light effect, which makes the three-dimensional effect visually stronger than when it is unilluminated. Furthermore, this type of illumination makes the painted layers 12 of the decorative multilayer complex 1 perceptible in nearly their original color tones. Such a type of decorative multilayer complex 1 may be incorporated into, or constitute, a mounting part intended for, for example, assembly into a vehicle.

[0032] Figure 1 shows a decorative multilayer composite 1 of the present invention based on a first embodiment. Shown in a cross-sectional view, this decorative multilayer composite 1 has an outer layer 2 having a visible surface 3 facing the surroundings 21 and a back surface 4 facing the opposite side. The outer layer 2 may be formed, or may have, a hard coat layer or a plastic material such as polyurethane (PU). A relatively thin, light-transmitting optical guide layer 5, such as an optical guide film, is positioned on the back surface 4 of the outer layer 2 to guide light. To improve adhesion between the outer layer 2 and the optical guide layer 5, an adhesion layer 17 is used in this example, sandwiched between the outer layer 2 and the optical guide layer 5. This may be formed by a primer layer. The optical guide layer 5 includes, as an example, an optical separator 7, indicated by a simple triangular symbol, set up to separate light. The optical guide layer 5 terminates at the end face side with the aforementioned lateral edge 6 of the decorative multilayer composite 1, thereby allowing the light provided thereto to be coupled to the optical guide layer 5. The light necessary to illuminate the decorative multilayer composite 1 can be provided, for example, by an illumination device (not shown), and can be provided at the lateral edges 6 of the decorative multilayer composite 1 and coupled to the light guide layer 5. It is also conceivable that the decorative multilayer composite 1 has an optical coupling member 20a or light-emitting means 20b of the illumination device integrated into or positioned in the light guide layer 5 in the region of the lateral edges 6.

[0033] Furthermore, the light guide layer 5 is molded, for example, during the manufacture of the decorative multilayer composite 1 by thermoforming, and then, as is evident from Figure 1, a light-transmitting support layer 9 is attached to the back surface 8 of the light guide layer 5 facing away from the outer layer 2, and is particularly intended to be sprayed. For the support layer 9, plastic materials such as polycarbonate (PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) can be used. In this example, the support layer 9 has a single design member 10 that represents information, a pattern, or a symbol. Such information, a pattern, or a symbol may be embodied, for example, by a three-dimensional shape construct. The design member 10 is assigned to a light separation member 7, and faces it, for example, so that it is illuminated when the decorative multilayer composite 1 is illuminated and not illuminated when the decorative multilayer composite 1 is not illuminated. The decorative multilayer composite 1 further has a coating layer 12 located on the back surface 11 of the support layer 9 facing away from the light guide layer 5. The paint layer 12 can, in principle, have any color, but it is preferable that it be a color that corresponds to the color of the vehicle's outer skin.

[0034] In this embodiment, the design member 10 is formed by a recess 13. This recess is provided on the back surface 11 of the support layer 9 and protrudes into the support layer 9, starting from the back surface 11 of the support layer 9. The recess 13 forms or defines a volume within the support layer 9 that is divided at least by the interface 14 of the support layer 9. In Figure 1, it is clear that a coating 15 is applied to this interface 14 of the support layer 9. The coating 15 is sandwiched between the support layer 9 on one side and the paint layer 12 on the other. Furthermore, in Figure 1, it can be seen that the paint layer 12 is stretched over the coating 15 or placed directly on top of the coating 15. When the decorative multilayer composite 1 is manufactured, the coating 15 can first be applied over a large area on the back surface 11 of the support layer 9, for example, as a PVD coating by physical vapor deposition. Then, in areas where the coating 15 is not needed (for example, where the component does not need to be illuminated and only needs to be the color of the car), it can be scraped off with a laser. Alternatively, the area to be illuminated can be partially painted (with a contrasting color).

[0035] Figure 2 shows a decorative multilayer composite 1 of the present invention according to a second embodiment. This is particularly distinguished from the first embodiment by the presence of multiple design members 10, each with a different design configuration, rather than just one design member 10. Specifically, the decorative multilayer composite 1 shown in Figure 2 has two design members 10 embodied by recesses 13 corresponding to the recesses 13 in Figure 1, and therefore the description herein can be considered. Furthermore, the decorative multilayer composite 1 has another third design member 10 formed by a planar film member 16 disposed within the support layer 9. The film member 16, which may be provided in advance in a separate work step when the decorative multilayer composite 1 is manufactured, or which may be procured as a supply part, is in particular aligned parallel with respect to the outer layer 2 and / or the optical guide layer 5. Furthermore, in Figure 2, the film member 16 is intended to be placed directly on the back surface 8 of the optical guide layer 5 and bonded to it, for example by lamination, and molded and back-injected together with it. The film member 16, as an example, protrudes into the support layer 9 starting from the back surface 8 of the light guide layer 5, and is, for example, a printed chrome film and / or a plastic film having an indium coating and color printing, particularly a polycarbonate film and / or a color-printed chrome film and polycarbonate film having an indium coating and / or a chrome film having screen printing. This gives the third design member 10 a visual impression of being a "floating element" as a whole.

[0036] Figure 3 shows a decorative multilayer composite 1 of the present invention according to a third embodiment. This is distinguished from the second embodiment by the fact that the film member 16 is positioned on the back surface 11 of the support layer 9 and bonded to it, rather than on the back surface 8 of the light guide layer 5. This may be embodied, for example, by back injection molding. The film member 16 is manufactured to protrude into the support layer 9, starting from the back surface 11 of the support layer 9.

Claims

1. A luminable decorative multilayer composite (1), - In the decorative multilayer composite comprising an outer layer (2) having a visible surface (3) and a back surface (4) facing the opposite side, - A light-transmitting optical guide layer (5) is disposed on the back surface (4) of the outer layer (2) and is set up to guide light, and light can be coupled to the optical guide layer from the lateral edge (6) of the decorative multilayer composite (1), and the optical guide layer has at least one optical separation member (7) for separating light, - A light-transmitting support layer (9) is disposed on the back surface (8) of the light guide layer (5) facing away from the outer layer (2), and the support layer has at least one design member (10) that displays information, patterns, or symbols, and the design member (10) is assigned to at least one of the light separation members (7) so that at least one of the design members (10) can be illuminated. - The decorative multilayer composite (1) is characterized in that a coating layer (12) is arranged on the back surface (11) of the support layer (9) that faces away from the light guide layer (5).

2. The decorative multilayer composite (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the design members (10) is formed by a recess (13) that protrudes into the support layer (9) starting from the back surface (11) of the support layer (9).

3. - The recess (13) in the support layer (9) defines a volume demarcated by the interface (14) of the support layer (9), and the coating (15) is applied to the interface either in sections or entirely. -Optionally, the coating layer (12) may be placed on the coating (15) such that the coating (15) is embedded between the support layer (9) and the coating layer (12). - Furthermore, optionally, the decorative multilayer composite (1) according to claim 2 is characterized in that the coating (15) is formed by a PVD coating, the painted layer (12), or another painted layer.

4. - The decorative multilayer composite (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one of the design members (10) is formed by a planar film member (16) disposed within the support layer (9).

5. - The film member (16) is positioned on the back surface (8) of the optical guide layer (5) and bonded thereto, and protrudes into the support layer (9) starting from the back surface (8) of the optical guide layer (5), or - The decorative multilayer composite (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the film member (16) is arranged on the back surface (11) of the support layer (9) and bonded thereto, and protrudes into the support layer (9) starting from the back surface (11) of the support layer (9).

6. - The film member (16) has the following constituent elements, namely - Printed chrome film, - Plastic films having indium coating and / or color printing, especially polycarbonate films, - Color-printed chrome film, and polycarbonate film with indium coating, - Chrome film with screen printing, The decorative multilayer composite (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by having one or more of the above.

7. - The decorative multilayer composite (1) has at least two design members (10), - Of these two design members (10), the first design member (10) is formed by the recess (13) described in claim 2 or 3, - The decorative multilayer composite (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second design member (10) of both of these design members (10) is formed by the film member (16) according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. - The decorative multilayer composite (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the light-transmitting light guide layer (5) is made from a plastic material, particularly polycarbonate.

9. - The light-transmitting support layer (9) is made from a plastic material, particularly from polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate, and / or - The decorative multilayer composite (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the plastic material forming the light-transmitting support layer (9) is sprayed onto the back surface (8) of the light guide layer (5) in a sprayable state.

10. - The decorative multilayer composite (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the outer layer (2) is formed of or has a hard coat layer or a polyurethane layer.

11. - The decorative multilayer composite (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one of the light-separating members (7) faces at least one of the assigned design members (10).

12. - The decorative multilayer composite (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that an adhesion layer (17) is placed between the outer layer (2) and the optical guide layer (5), and the outer layer (2) and the optical guide layer (5) are bonded to each other using the adhesion layer (17).

13. Mounting component for a vehicle, wherein the mounting component is set up for assembly to a vehicle and has a decorative multilayer composite (1) according to claims 1 to 12.

14. A vehicle, wherein the vehicle has a mounting component according to claim 13 that can be illuminated by a lighting device, or a decorative multilayer composite (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 that can be illuminated by a lighting device.

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