Reflective panel

Abstract

The invention relates to a reflective panel (1) comprising a carrier element (10) and a reflection element (20). The carrier element (10) and the reflection element (20) are connected to one another by means of an adhesive layer (30). The reflection element (20) has a reflection layer (21) facing the adhesive layer (30), and a transparent cover layer (22) facing away from the adhesive layer (30).

Description

[0001] Häfele SE & Co KG P0547-PCT

[0002] 1

[0003] P0547-PCT / 605-fs

[0004] October 13, 2025

[0005] Reflective panel

[0006] The invention relates to a reflective panel and a manufacturing method for a reflective panel. The invention further relates to a piece of furniture incorporating such a reflective panel.

[0007] This patent application claims priority from the German patent application with official file number DE 10 2024 003 333.5 dated October 11, 2024. The content of the German patent application DE 10 2024 003 333.5 is hereby incorporated in its entirety into the application text by reference.

[0008] Mirrors are known in the prior art in which a reflective layer is applied to a glass plate. Such mirrors are quite heavy. A reduction in the weight of the mirror is particularly desirable for applications where the weight is critical, such as mirrored doors for furniture, or for applications in caravans and motorhomes, railway vehicles, trains, yachts, ships in general, and aircraft. Furthermore, the glass plate is sensitive to impact, so improved impact resistance would also be desirable, especially for mobile applications in caravans and motorhomes, railway vehicles, trains, yachts, ships in general, and aircraft.

[0009] The invention is based on the objective of providing a reflective panel that is lighter and / or less sensitive to impact compared to a conventional mirror. The invention further aims to provide a manufacturing method for such a reflective panel. A further objective of the invention is to provide a piece of furniture incorporating such a reflective panel. These objectives are achieved by the reflective panel, the furniture, and the method for manufacturing a reflective panel as defined in the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a reflective panel comprising a support element and a reflective element. The support element and the reflective element are connected by means of Häfele SE & Co KG P0547-PCT

[0011] The two components are bonded together by an adhesive layer. The reflective element has a reflective layer facing the adhesive layer and a transparent cover layer facing away from the adhesive layer. The transparent cover layer can be designed such that light in the visible wavelength range (approximately 400 nanometers to approximately 800 nanometers) is not absorbed by the transparent cover layer or is absorbed only to a small extent (for example, less than 10 percent, less than 5 percent, or less than 2 percent).

[0012] The supporting element can serve to provide stability for the reflective element. In particular, the supporting element can be lighter than the glass layer typically used in conventional mirrors. This allows the reflective panel to be significantly lighter than a conventional mirror. Furthermore, the supporting element can be elastic to a certain extent. This can reduce the impact sensitivity of the reflective panel compared to the glass layer used in conventional mirrors.

[0013] In one embodiment of the reflective panel, the cover layer comprises a transparent plastic. The cover layer can, in particular, consist of a transparent plastic. The transparent plastic can be, in particular, polycarbonate, acrylic glass, or acrylic glass with a scratch-resistant coating. Polycarbonate and acrylic glass are suitable plastic materials for the transparent cover layer.

[0014] In one embodiment of the reflective panel, the top layer consists of acrylic glass and has a scratch-resistant coating on the side of the top layer facing away from the reflective layer. This scratch-resistant coating particularly improves the use of the reflective panel in caravans, motorhomes, and yachts, as contact with the reflective panel is not always avoidable in these confined spaces.

[0015] In one embodiment of the reflective panel, the transparent cover layer has a hardened surface on the side facing away from the reflective layer. The hardness of the hardened surface can be determined, for example, by means of a hardness pencil test and must be at least 3H, in particular 4H, preferably 5H, for example using a contact weight of 750 grams. Häfele SE & Co KG P0547-PCT

[0016] 3

[0017] In one embodiment of the reflective panel, the layer thickness of the reflective element is in the range of 0.8 to 2.0 millimeters, particularly in the range of 1.0 to 1.8 millimeters, more specifically in the range of 1.0 to 1.5 millimeters, and preferably in the range of 1.1 to 1.5 millimeters. The layer thickness of the reflective element can, in particular, be 1.2 or 1.5 millimeters. The layer thickness can, in particular, be defined as the thickness perpendicular to a principal plane of extension of the reflective element. These layer thicknesses have proven to be particularly advantageous for the stability of the reflective panel and for its reflection properties.

[0018] In one embodiment of the reflective panel, the adhesive layer comprises a permanently elastic adhesive. The permanently elastic adhesive can, in particular, be a silicone adhesive.

[0019] In one embodiment of the reflective panel, the adhesive layer has a thickness between 15 and 50 micrometers, particularly between 20 and 40 micrometers, and preferably between 25 and 35 micrometers. These adhesive layer thicknesses are well suited to achieving a firm, yet also to some extent flexible, attachment of the reflective element to the support element.

[0020] In one embodiment of the reflective panel, the support element comprises polystyrene. In particular, the support element can be made of polystyrene. Polystyrene is a lightweight material compared to the conventional glass used in mirrors. The thickness of the support element can then be, for example, in the range of 1.5 to 3.5 millimeters, particularly in the range of 1.8 to 3.0 millimeters, and preferably in the range of 2.0 to 2.5 millimeters. These thicknesses result in a stable support element if it comprises or consists of polystyrene. The support element can, for example, have a core made of polystyrene. The core can have a thickness between 1.5 and 3.5 millimeters, particularly between 1.8 and 3.0 millimeters, and preferably between 2.0 and 2.5 millimeters. Furthermore, it can be provided that an aluminum layer is applied to one or both sides of the core.The aluminium layer or layers can have a thickness between 0.1 and 0.2 millimeters, in particular between 0.12 and 0.18 millimeters and preferably between 0.14 and 0.16 millimeters, and be bonded to the core.

[0021] In one embodiment of the reflective panel, the support element has a core that can be made of or comprise polyethylene. Polyethylene is a lightweight and flexible material compared to the conventional glass of a mirror, so that a Häfele SE & Co KG P0547-PCT

[0022] 4. A lightweight and shock-sensitive reflective panel can be achieved by designing the core from polyethylene. The core can have a layer thickness between 1.5 and 2.3 mm, in particular between 1.7 and 2.1 mm, and preferably between 1.8 and 2.0 mm.

[0023] In one embodiment of the reflective panel, the support element has an aluminum layer. The aluminum layer can be arranged, in particular, facing the reflective element on one side or facing away from it on the other. Furthermore, an aluminum layer can also be provided on both sides of the support element, one facing the reflective element and the other facing away from it. The aluminum layer or layers can have a thickness between 0.1 and 0.2 millimeters, in particular between 0.12 and 0.18 millimeters, and preferably between 0.14 and 0.16 millimeters.

[0024] In one embodiment of the reflective panel, the aluminum layer is bonded to the core. If multiple aluminum layers are provided, several aluminum layers can be bonded to the core. The thickness of the adhesive between the core and the aluminum layer can be between 15 and 50 micrometers, particularly between 20 and 40 micrometers, and preferably between 25 and 35 micrometers.

[0025] In one embodiment of the reflective panel, the reflective layer comprises a metal. The metal can, for example, be vapor-deposited onto the transparent top layer. The metal can, for example, exhibit good reflectivity in the visible range, in particular more than 75 percent, preferably more than 85 percent, and also more than 95 percent or more than 99 percent.

[0026] In one embodiment of the reflective panel, the support element has an additional adhesive layer on the side facing away from the reflective element. This additional adhesive layer allows the reflective panel to be attached to a surface, for example, to a movable element of a piece of furniture.

[0027] According to a second aspect, the invention comprises a piece of furniture, in particular furniture for a caravan, a motorhome or a yacht. The furniture has a fixed furniture element and a Häfele SE & Co KG P0547-PCT

[0028] 5 movable furniture element. A reflective panel according to the invention is arranged on the movable furniture element.

[0029] According to a third aspect, the invention comprises a method for producing a reflective panel according to the invention, in which the following steps are carried out. A carrier element is provided. An adhesive layer is applied to the carrier element. A reflective element is applied to the adhesive layer. The reflective element has a reflective layer facing the adhesive layer and a transparent cover layer facing away from the adhesive layer.

[0030] In one embodiment of the method, the transparent top layer of the reflective element is further hardened. This hardening can be carried out, for example, using UV light. The hardening process can achieve a surface hardness of at least 3H, in particular 4H, preferably 5H, as determined by a hardness pencil test, for example, using a 750-gram weight.

[0031] In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing a reflective panel, a scratch-resistant coating is applied to the top layer.

[0032] In one embodiment of the method for producing a reflective panel, a further layer of adhesive is applied to the side of the support element facing away from the reflective element.

[0033] In one embodiment of the method for producing a reflective panel, the reflective layer is vapor-deposited onto the transparent top layer.

[0034] In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing a reflective panel, the support element is produced by bonding a core, in particular one consisting of polyethylene, with at least one aluminum layer. Häfele SE & Co KG P0547-PCT

[0035] 6

[0036] The aforementioned and further listed features can be used individually or in any combination. The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as an exhaustive list, but rather serve as examples for the description of the invention. Further advantages and properties of the invention will become apparent from the claims and the description of the figures. Each figure is shown schematically.

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a layer structure of an exemplary embodiment of a reflective panel;

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a layer structure of another embodiment of a reflective panel;

[0039] Fig. 3 a piece of furniture; and

[0040] Fig. 4 shows a flowchart of a process for manufacturing a reflective panel.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a cross-section of a reflective panel 1. This panel has a support element 10 and a reflective element 20. The support element 10 and the reflective element 20 are bonded together by means of an adhesive layer 30. The reflective element 20 has a reflective layer 21 facing the adhesive layer 30 and a transparent cover layer 22 facing away from the adhesive layer 30. The transparent cover layer 22 can be designed such that light in the visible wavelength range (approximately 400 nanometers to approximately 800 nanometers) is not absorbed by the transparent cover layer 22 or is absorbed only to a small extent (for example, less than 10 percent, less than 5 percent, or less than 2 percent).

[0042] The support element 10 can serve to provide stability for the reflective element 20. In particular, the support element 10 can be lighter than the glass layer typically used in conventional mirrors. This allows the reflective panel 1 to be significantly lighter than a conventional mirror. Furthermore, the support element 10 can be elastic to a specified extent. This can reduce the impact sensitivity of the reflective panel 1 compared to the glass layer typically used in conventional mirrors. Häfele SE & Co KG P0547-PCT

[0043] 7

[0044] In one embodiment of the reflective panel 1, the cover layer 22 comprises a transparent plastic 23. The cover layer 22 can, in particular, consist of a transparent plastic 23. The transparent plastic 23 can, in particular, be polycarbonate, acrylic glass, or acrylic glass with a scratch-resistant coating. Polycarbonate and acrylic glass are suitable plastic materials for the transparent cover layer 22.

[0045] Fig. 2 shows another embodiment of a reflective panel 1. This embodiment shows further optional features, each of which can also be provided individually in the embodiment of the reflective panel 1 of Fig. 1. In this embodiment, the cover layer 22 consists of acrylic glass 24 and has a scratch-resistant coating 25 on the side of the cover layer 22 facing away from the reflective layer 21. The scratch-resistant coating 25 particularly improves the use of the reflective panel 1 in caravans, motorhomes, and yachts, since contact with the reflective panel 1 is not always avoidable in these confined spaces.

[0046] In one embodiment of the reflective panel 1, the transparent cover layer 22 has a hardened surface on the side facing away from the reflective layer 21. The hardness of the hardened surface can be determined, for example, by means of a hardness pencil test and must be at least 3H, in particular 4H, preferably 5H, for example using a contact weight of 750 grams. The hardened surface can be part of the scratch-resistant coating 25 or part of the transparent cover layer 22.

[0047] In one embodiment of the reflective panel 1, the layer thickness of the reflective element 21 is in the range of 0.8 to 2.0 millimeters, particularly in the range of 1.0 to 1.5 millimeters, and preferably in the range of 1.1 to 1.3 millimeters. The layer thickness of the reflective element 21 can particularly be 1.2 millimeters. The layer thickness can be defined, in particular, as the thickness perpendicular to a principal plane of extension of the reflective element 1. In Figures 1 and 2, this corresponds to the direction perpendicular upwards, which is indicated by an arrow 2 in Figures 1 and 2. These layer thicknesses have proven to be particularly advantageous for the stability of the reflective panel 1 and for its reflection properties. Häfele SE & Co KG P0547-PCT

[0048] 8

[0049] In one embodiment of the reflective panel 1, the adhesive layer 30 comprises a permanently elastic adhesive 31. The permanently elastic adhesive 31 can, in particular, be a silicone adhesive 32.

[0050] In one embodiment of the reflective panel 1, the adhesive layer 30 has a thickness between 15 and 50 micrometers, particularly between 20 and 40 micrometers, and preferably between 25 and 35 micrometers. These adhesive layer thicknesses are well suited to provide a firm, yet also to some extent flexible, attachment of the reflective element 20 to the support element.

[0051] to reach 10.

[0052] In one embodiment of the reflective panel 1, the support element 10 comprises polystyrene. In particular, the support element 10 can be made of polystyrene. Polystyrene is a lightweight material compared to the conventional glass of a mirror. The support element 10 can, for example, have a polystyrene core 11. The core 11 can have a thickness between 1.5 and 2.3 mm, in particular between 1.7 and 2.1 mm, and preferably between 1.8 and 2.0 mm. Furthermore, an aluminum layer 13 can be applied to one or both sides of the core 11. The aluminum layer 13 or layers 13 can have a thickness between 0.1 and 0.2 mm, in particular between 0.12 and 0.18 mm, and preferably between 0.14 and 0.16 mm, and be bonded to the core 11.

[0053] In one embodiment of the reflective panel 1, the support element 10 has a core

[0054] 11, which may in particular comprise or consist of polyethylene 12. Polyethylene 12 is a lightweight and flexible material compared to the conventional glass of a mirror, so that a lightweight and impact-resistant reflective panel 1 can be achieved by designing the Kem 11 from polyethylene 12. The Kem 11 can have a layer thickness between 1.5 and 2.3 mm, in particular between 1.7 and 2.1 mm, and preferably between 1.8 and 2.0 mm.

[0055] In one embodiment of the reflective panel 1, the support element 10 has an aluminum layer 13. The aluminum layer 13 can be arranged, in particular, facing the reflective element 20 on one side or facing away from the reflective element 20 on one side. Furthermore, an aluminum layer 13 can also be provided on both sides of the support element 10. Häfele SE & Co KG P0547-PCT

[0056] 9 of which one is arranged facing the reflective element 20 and one facing away from the reflective element 20. This is shown in Fig. 2. For the other embodiments, one of the two aluminum layers 13 can be omitted. The aluminum layer 13 or the aluminum layers 13 can have a thickness between 0.1 and 0.2 millimeters, in particular between 0.12 and 0.18 millimeters, and preferably between 0.14 and 0.16 millimeters.

[0057] In one embodiment of the reflective panel 1, the aluminum layer 13 is bonded to the core 11. If several aluminum layers 13 are provided, several aluminum layers 13 can be bonded to the core 1. The thickness of the adhesive between the core 11 and the aluminum layer 13 can be between 15 and 50 micrometers, in particular between 20 and 40 micrometers, and preferably between 25 and 35 micrometers.

[0058] With the specified layer thicknesses of the reflective element 20, the core 11, the aluminum layers 13, and the adhesive layer or adhesive, it is possible to provide a reflective panel 1 that is between 3 and 4 millimeters thick. This small thickness, compared to conventional mirrors, also contributes to the fact that the reflective panel 1 is lightweight compared to a conventional mirror.

[0059] The support element 10, in particular consisting of the core 11 made of polyethylene 12 and one or two aluminum layers 13, ensures that mechanical stresses, which typically occur in caravans and motorhomes, railway vehicles, trains, yachts, ships in general, and aircraft, and which can already lead to damage to the glass layer of conventional mirrors, are flexibly distributed within the reflective panel 1, thus preventing damage. Therefore, the reflective panel 1 is particularly well-suited for mobile applications, both because of its weight and its reduced susceptibility to damage.

[0060] In one embodiment of the reflective panel 1, the reflective layer 21 comprises a metal. The metal can, for example, be vapor-deposited onto the transparent top layer 22. Häfele SE & Co KG P0547-PCT

[0061] 10

[0062] In one embodiment of the reflective panel 1, the support element 10 has an additional adhesive layer 40 on the side facing away from the reflective element 20. This additional adhesive layer 40 allows the reflective panel 1 to be attached to a surface, for example, to a movable element of a piece of furniture.

[0063] Fig. 3 shows a piece of furniture 50. The furniture comprises a fixed furniture element 51, for example a furniture carcass, and a movable furniture element 52, here exemplified as a sliding furniture door. A reflective panel 1 according to the invention is arranged on the movable furniture element 52. The furniture 50 particularly comprises two movable furniture elements 52, each with a reflective panel 1. Instead of the furniture 50 shown in Fig. 3, other furniture 50, in particular furniture 50 for a caravan, a motorhome, or a yacht, can also be provided.

[0064] Fig. 4 shows a flowchart 60 of a process for manufacturing a reflective panel 1 according to the invention, in which the following steps are carried out. In a provisioning step 61, a carrier element 10 is provided. In a subsequent first application step 62, an adhesive layer 30 is applied to the carrier element 10. In a second application step 63, a reflective element 20 is applied to the adhesive layer 30. The reflective element 20 has a reflective layer 21 facing the adhesive layer 30 and a transparent cover layer 22 facing away from the adhesive layer 30. The reflective panel 1 of Fig. 1 can be manufactured using this process. Further optional process steps are explained below.

[0065] In one embodiment of the method for producing a reflective panel 1, the transparent top layer 22 of the reflective element 20 is further cured. This can be carried out, in particular, from the second application step 63 onwards. This curing can be carried out, for example, using UV light. By curing, a hardness of the cured surface can be achieved that is at least 3H, in particular 4H, preferably 5H, as determined by a hardness pencil test, for example using a 750-gram contact weight.

[0066] In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing a reflective panel 1, a scratch-resistant coating 25 is applied to the top layer 22 in a third application step 64 after the second application step 63. Häfele SE & Co KG P0547-PCT

[0067] 11

[0068] In one embodiment of the method for manufacturing a reflective panel 1, a further adhesive layer 40 is applied in a fourth application step 65 to the side of the carrier element 10 facing away from the reflective element 20. The fourth application step 65 can be carried out at any time after the provisioning step 61.

[0069] In one embodiment of the method for producing a reflective panel 1, the reflective layer 21 is vapor-deposited onto the transparent top layer 22 in a vapor deposition step 66. This vapor deposition step 66 takes place before the second application step 63. In another embodiment of the method for producing a reflective panel 1, the carrier element 10 is produced by bonding a core 11, in particular consisting of polyethylene 12, with at least one aluminum layer 13 in a bonding step 67. This bonding step 67 is performed before the preparation step 61.

[0070] Häfele SE & Co KG P0547-PCT

[0071] 1 reflective panel

[0072] 2 Arrow

[0073] 10 support element

[0074] 11 Kem

[0075] 12 Polyethylen

[0076] 13 aluminum layers

[0077] 20 reflective elements

[0078] 21 Reflective layer

[0079] 22 transparent top layer

[0080] 23 transparent plastic

[0081] 24 acrylic glass

[0082] 25 scratch-resistant coating

[0083] 30 adhesive layers

[0084] 31 permanently elastic adhesive

[0085] 32 Silicone adhesive

[0086] 40 additional adhesive layers

[0087] 50 pieces of furniture

[0088] 51 fixed furniture element

[0089] 52 movable furniture element

[0090] 60 Flowchart

[0091] 61 Deployment step

[0092] 62 First application step

[0093] 63 second application step

[0094] 64 third application step

[0095] 65 fourth application step

[0096] 66 Evaporation step

[0097] 67th step of the application process

Claims

Häfele SE & Co KG P0547-PCT 13 Claims 1. Reflective panel (1) comprising a carrier element (10) and a reflective element (20), wherein the carrier element (10) and the reflective element (20) are connected to each other by means of an adhesive layer (30), wherein the reflective element (20) has a reflective layer (21) facing the adhesive layer (30) and a transparent cover layer (22) facing away from the adhesive layer (30).

2. Reflective panel (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cover layer (22) comprises a transparent plastic (23), in particular consisting of a transparent plastic (23).

3. Reflective panel (1) according to claim 2, wherein the cover layer (22) consists of acrylic glass (24) and has a scratch-resistant coating (25) on the side of the cover layer (22) facing away from the reflective layer (21).

4. Reflective panel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transparent cover layer (22) has a hardened surface on the side facing away from the reflective layer (21).

5. Reflective panel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the layer thickness of the reflective element (20) is in the range of 0.8 to 2.0 millimeters, in particular in the range of 1.0 to 1.5 millimeters and preferably in the range of 1.1 to 1.3 millimeters.

6. Reflective panel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the adhesive layer (30) comprises a permanently elastic adhesive (31), in particular a silicone adhesive (32).

7. Reflective panel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the adhesive layer (30) has a thickness between 15 and 50 micrometers, in particular between 20 and 40 micrometers and preferably between 25 and 35 micrometers.

8. Reflective panel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the support element (10) comprises polystyrene. Häfele SE & Co KG P0547-PCT 14 9. Reflective panel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the support element (10) has a core made of polyethylene (12).

10. Reflective panel (1) according to claim 9, wherein the support element (10) has an aluminum layer (13).

11. Reflective panel (1) according to claim 10, wherein the aluminium layer (13) is bonded to the core (11).

12. Reflective panel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the reflective layer (21) comprises a metal.

13. Reflective panel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the support element (10) has a further adhesive layer (40) on the side facing away from the reflective element (20).

14. Furniture (50), in particular furniture (50) for a caravan, a motorhome or a yacht, comprising a fixed furniture element (51) and a movable furniture element (52), wherein a reflective panel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13 is arranged on the movable furniture element (52).

15. Method for manufacturing a reflective panel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the following steps: - Providing a support element (10); - Applying an adhesive layer (30) to the carrier element (10); - Applying a reflective element (20) to the adhesive layer (30), wherein the reflective element (20) has a reflective layer (21) facing the adhesive layer (30) and a transparent cover layer (22) facing away from the adhesive layer (30).

16. Method according to claim 14, further comprising the step: hardening the transparent cover layer (22) of the reflective element (20).

Images