Light transmission component

Abstract

A light transmission component (1) for a light transmission system (2), 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 the outer layer (4) and the 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 the plurality of printed layers (5, 6, 7) is axially comprised between the outer layer (4) and the inner layer (9) and defines alternating opaque and transparent portions.

Description

[0001] "LIGHT TRANSMISSION COMPONENT"

[0002] Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This Patent Appl ication claims priority from Italian Patent Application No . 102024000020341 filed on September 12 , 2024 , the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference .

[0004] Technical Sector

[0005] This invention relates to a light transmission component .

[0006] The preferred application of this invention, though not the only one , is in plastic obj ects for light transmission, especially in vehicles . This application will be referred to below by way of example .

[0007] Prior Art

[0008] In the vehicular sector, there is a known need to provide elements that allow the passage of light radiation to provide light only in particular predefined portions .

[0009] This need is felt both for safety reasons , for example in the transmission of light radiation to indicate braking or switching on a particular operating system, and for aesthetic reasons .

[0010] However, known light transmission systems are particularly bulky and expensive . In fact , in the prior art , it is a common solution to provide masks axially interposed with a light source and defining more or less translucent portions to define the above-mentioned light transmission portions .

[0011] Examples of known light transmission systems are shown in EP2684182 Bl or US2020262744 Al .

[0012] There is therefore a need to provide a component , particularly but not limited to vehicular use , for light transmission that is ef ficient , yet compact and economical .

[0013] The purpose of this invention is to meet the needs outlined above in an optimal and inexpensive way .

[0014] Summary of the Invention

[0015] The above-mentioned purpose is achieved with a light transmission component and a light transmission system as claimed in the attached claims , which are an integral part of this description .

[0016] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] For a better understanding of this invention, a preferred embodiment is described below by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings , wherein :

[0018] • Figure 1 , represents a layered, schematic view of a light transmission component according to the invention; and

[0019] • Figure 2 is a schematic front view of an embodiment of the light transmission component according to the invention . Detailed Description of the Invention

[0020] In the attached figures , a light transmission component according to the invention is denoted with reference number 1 .

[0021] The light transmission component 1 is part of a light transmission system 2 also comprising a light radiation source 3 for light radiation such as visible , infrared, ultraviolet or microwave light .

[0022] In particular, microwave transparency can be useful for a combined use with sensor systems such as lidar or radar .

[0023] The component 1 can be used in a variety of devices , such as a vehicle , for example as an element of a headlamp, or on any device that needs to proj ect light for any purpose , such as a household appliance , an advertising proj ector or a signboard, etc .

[0024] Speci fically, the component 1 comprises an outer layer 4 made of transparent material placed in front of the source 3 along a first , light radiation transmission axis A.

[0025] The outer layer 4 extends transversally 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 .

[0026] Advantageously, the outer layer 4 is made of a material that is transparent to any type of radiation emitted by the above-mentioned source 3 , in particular a polymeric material such as methacrylate, polycarbonate or polyimide or a combination thereof as a polymer-based composite material, for example a multilayer polymer compound.

[0027] Specifically, the outer layer 4 can vary in thickness in the order of tens of pm to ten millimetres, specifically between 0.05 mm and 10 mm.

[0028] The component 1 also comprises multiple printed layers 5, 6, 7 interposed between the outer layer 4 and the source 3, each having different optical properties to the others.

[0029] Specifically, the printed layers 5, 6, 7 are made of material that can chemically interact with the backing layer so as to anchor itself to it.

[0030] In particular, the component 1 comprises a first printed layer 5 transparent to light radiation and configured to define a pre-set colour, for example black. Advantageously, the first printed layer 5 is made over the whole extension of the outer layer 4.

[0031] Additionally, the component 1 comprises a second printed layer 6 produced adjacent to the first printed layer 5. Specifically, the second printed layer 6 is made of opaque paint, that is, configured not to allow light radiation to pass through it.

[0032] Advantageously, the second printed layer 6 is only made on a portion with respect to the first printed layer 5.

[0033] The second printed layer 6 preferably comprises a first substrate 6' and a second substrate 6 that are separate from each other and adjacent along the direction of the first axis A.

[0034] Advantageously, the first and second substrates 6', 6' ' can be made of the same paint or other types, provided they are chemically compatible.

[0035] Additionally, the component 1 comprises a third printed layer 7 produced adjacent to the second printed layer 6. Specifically, the third printed layer 7 is made of transparent paint, that is, configured to allow light radiation to pass through it.

[0036] Advantageously, the third printed layer 7 is made across the whole 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.

[0037] This portion 8 may be shaped as desired in order to define a graphic sign that may have a meaning, if not purely ornamental .

[0038] The third printed layer 7 preferably comprises an internal substrate 7 ' , an external substrate 7 ' ' and an intermediate substrate 7' ' axially interposed between the internal and external substrates 7 ' , 7 ' ' that are separate from each other and adjacent along the direction of the first axis A.

[0039] Specifically, 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 ' occupying the portion 8 .

[0040] Advantageously, the above-mentioned substrates 7 ' , 7 ' ' , 7 '1' can be made of the same paint or other types , provided they are chemically compatible .

[0041] Advantageously, the printed layers 5 , 6 , 7 are printed using screen printing, that is , they are silkscreen prints layered on top of each other .

[0042] The component 1 also comprises an inner layer 9 made of transparent material facing along the axis A of light radiation transmission with respect to the source 3 , thus on the opposite side of the outer layer 4 .

[0043] The inner layer 9 is advantageously made of plastic / polymer material , for example polycarbonate or poly (methyl acrylate ) .

[0044] Speci fically, this plastic / polymer material is made by means of inj ection moulding, advantageously co-moulded over the previous outer layer 6 . It can preferably be moulded "around" the printed layers 5 , 6 , 7 as well as encompassing at least part of the outer layer 4 .

[0045] Advantageously, this inner layer 9 defines (not illustrated) fastening portions to enable the attachment of the component 1 to a respective frame or within a respective housing .

[0046] Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of the component 1 described above with reference to its layers in which the component 1 is essentially rectangular in shape and the first printed layer 5 is black . The di f fusive portion 8 leaves a first portion, containing writing, and a second portion defining, in the example shown, an indicator light free for light to pass through .

[0047] The operation of the embodiment of the light transmission component and a light transmission system according to the invention described above is the following .

[0048] In use , the component 1 , particularly on the side of the inner layer 9 , is placed facing the light radiation source 3 , which emits light radiation L towards the component 1 . As illustrated in Figure 2 , for example , the light radiation L is transmitted through the writing and the warning light of the portion 8 whi le the rest of the component remains opaque , as in the example illustrated, black .

[0049] This invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a component as described above , said manufacturing method comprising the following steps : i ) Preparing an outer layer 4 made of transparent material ; ii ) Printing a first printed layer 5 made of a material of a predefined colour and transparent to light radiation on said outer 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 from it ; v) Printing an inner layer 9 made of transparent material around said layers from point i ) to point iv) .

[0050] Advantageously, the printing in steps ii ) -iv) is screen printing, while the printing in step v) is , preferably, inj ection moulding .

[0051] Advantageously, the printing in steps iii-iv) can comprise further sub-steps of printing separate sub-layers for each of these layers .

[0052] The advantages of a light transmission component and a light transmission system according to the invention are clear from the foregoing .

[0053] In particular, it is possible to provide a component for which graphic signs are only reproduced when backlit by a light radiation source .

[0054] In addition, the component is completely opaque and / or of a single colour, for example black, when not backlit , so that the logo reproduced by it is only visible when the light radiation source 3 is activated . This ef fect is only guaranteed in the desired portions due to the complete opacity of the remaining portions of the component outside the emission portions .

[0055] Speci fically, the presence of two separate substrates in the second printed layer makes it possible to prevent light radiation from passing through this layer, resulting in a sharp illumination of only the portion that is transparent to it .

[0056] Consequently, it is possible to provide a high- performance component in terms of optics and aesthetics .

[0057] In addition, thanks to the proposed component and system of silkscreen printing and inj ection moulding, it is possible to obtain a single-piece product that is particularly economical and thin .

[0058] As a matter of fact , in comparison to prior art systems , it is not necessary to axially interpose masks or di f ferent elements with di f ferent optical properties with the consequent assembly and maintenance requirements .

[0059] In addition, the proposed lighting component and system is particularly versatile and suitable for use on various vehicle components or in various technological applications .

[0060] Finally, it is clear that changes may be made to the light transmission component and light transmission system, and variations produced thereto , according to this invention that, in any case, do not depart from the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0061] As mentioned, colours, shapes and sizes may vary from what is illustrated and schematically shown. Clearly, there may be different numbers of printed layers, as with the substrates, which are themselves optional .

Claims

CLAIMS1.- A light transmission component (1) for a light transmission 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 comprised 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) adjacent axially between said second printed layer (6) and said inner layer (9) , said third printed layer (7) being made of material transparent to said light radiation and occupying a portion (8) leftfree by said second printed layer (6) on said first printed layer ( 5 ) .2.- The component according to claim 1, wherein said outer layer (4) and said inner layer (9) are made of polymeric material.3.- The component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said outer layer (4) has a thickness of between tens of microns and tens of millimetres.4.- The component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said inner layer (9) is injection moulded.5.- The component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said first, second and third layers (5, 6, 7) are silkscreen prints.6.- The 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 adjacent axially to each other.7.- The component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said third printed layer (7) comprises at least a pair of substrates (7 ’ , 7' ' , 7' ' ' ) distinct and adjacent axially to each other.8.- The component according to claim 7, wherein said third substrate (7) comprises an external substrate (7 ’ ’ ’ ) , an internal substrate (7 ' ) and an intermediate substrate " ) .9.- The 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.- The component according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein said substrates ( 6' , 6' ’ ; 7 ’ , 7 ’ ’ , 7 ’ ’ ’ ) are made with paints having different compositions.

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

12. A manufacturing method of a component (1) according to one of the preceding claims, said manufacturing method comprises the following steps: i) Preparing an outer layer (4) made of transparent material ; ii) Printing a first printed layer (5) made of a material of a predefined colour and transparent to light radiation on said outer 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 from it; v) Printing an inner layer (9) made of transparent material around said layers from point i) to point iv) .

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