CZ201478A3 - Wood and optical fiber-based composite material and use thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composite material based on wood and optical fibers, characterized in that it consists of a support matrix (1) which is composed primarily of wood elements (2) and comprises optical fibers (3), the support matrix ( 1) optionally comprises a binder (4) and other additives and is / is not coated (5). The invention also relates to the use of a wood-based and fiber-based composite material for producing an ornamental and / or safety and / or structural and / or energy-saving element.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a composite material based on wood and optical fibers. In particular, wood elements have a mechanical or aesthetic function, optical fibers allow light to be passed through the material without the need for additional lighting on the surface of the material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wood-based materials are often used for the production of furniture, joinery products, as packaging materials or construction materials in the construction industry. The number of individual types of wood-based materials is currently increasing with increasing technical and technological development. Their properties are often optimized during their production for the intended use.

In connection with the development of individual types of materials, in addition to the basic mechanical and construction functions, requirements are placed on fulfilling other functions, especially decorative and special functions. The principle of light distribution by optical fibers is applicable in wood and in all wood-based materials. In particular, these are solid wood materials, plywood materials, agglomerated materials, special building materials, mineral bonded materials or wood-based sandwich materials.

At present, a composite of wood-based material and fiber optics to guide light through the material is neither used nor patented. Optical fibers are mainly used for data networks. It is also known to use optical fibers as a so-called optical fiber luminaire, where the optical fibers serve as self-supporting elements in a space without outer packaging, in which an artificial light source (bulbs, LED, laser) is installed at one end. Fibers illuminated in this way serve as aesthetic decoration of interiors of residential buildings and

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · In some cases, LED lighting technology based on artificial excitation and applied to the surface of the material can be used to illuminate the edges of agglomerated materials. However, this technology is characterized by higher power consumption and an uncompromising insertion of lighting fixtures into the material, which is undesirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforementioned disadvantages are overcome by the wood-fiber-based composite material according to the invention, which consists in that it consists of a carrier matrix which is composed primarily of wood elements and comprises optical fibers, the carrier matrix optionally comprising additives and is / it is not coated.

The composite material according to the invention is characterized in that the wood elements are made of solid wood, which consists of planks, moldings, battens, slats, and / or wood veneer and / or wood chips and / or wood fibers and / or lignofellulose fibers. or compounds based on cellulose polymers, hemicelluloses and lignin compounds to ensure cell wall cell lining, eg raw materials from Inu, hemp, etc.

The composite material according to the invention is further characterized in that the optical fibers are made of glass or plastic, they are in different directions in the carrier matrix and are in a protective cover or raw or possibly in a bundle.

The composite material according to the invention is also characterized in that the additives are in particular based on an adhesive mixture, a dye, flame retardants and plastic.

The composite material of the invention is further characterized in that the optical fibers are concentrated on at least one location on the back side of the carrier matrix, and on the face side of the carrier matrix they exit at multiple locations or form a certain pattern.

The composite material of the invention is also characterized in that the surface of the carrier matrix is a transparent layer, colored pigments, veneer, laminate, foil or paper.

The composite material according to the invention is further characterized in that the carrier matrix is formed by layers.

The use of wood-based and fiber optic composite material for the production of a decorative and / or security and / or construction and / or energy-saving element is also an object of the invention.

The wood-fiber-based composite material according to the invention is made of a carrier matrix which may consist of various wood-based materials and optionally various additives. Optical fibers are molded into the central layer or layers of this matrix. Optical fibers may also be molded or adhered to the surface layers of the matrix. Optical fibers become part of the composite during the manufacturing process - they are usually molded during the pressing process, or optical fibers are added to the wood-based material and become part of it later.

The wood-fiber-based composite material according to the invention has the advantage, in particular, of effectively distributing light radiation through the material. Thanks to the possibility of distributing an artificially excited beam from a single light source (eg even ultraviolet light or laser; UV light is invisible to the human eye, but such a composite can be used for a safety system, for example) or passive light source (sunlight) energy consumption than when installing additional lighting.

In addition to wood-based materials, there are a number of other materials that could be used to distribute light within the internal fiber structure. However, wood is the only renewable raw material, widely used in furniture and construction, and the energy consumed in the production of wood-based and fiber-based composite materials is several times lower than other materials such as plastics or metal alloys, etc.

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The main advantages of the wood-fiber-based composite material according to the invention are, on the one hand, the fact that the light distribution (using optical fibers or optical fiber bundles, respectively) is solved within the internal structure of the material and therefore no additional lighting systems need to be installed. Thus, for example, it is possible to illuminate several different sides of a material by means of a single light source. Another advantage of the material lies in the fact that when solving the light distribution inside the material, the illuminated surface is not disturbed by the additional light system, the surface of the material is smooth and this solution can be used even in cases where otherwise function or safety and hygiene.

The wood-fiber composite material according to the invention is made of a carrier matrix made of wood-based materials. In the case of placing the fibers in the solid wood material, the process for applying the fibers is such that a groove of glass fiber diameter is milled into the solid wood substrate parallel to the surface of the material to which an adhesive is then applied. Into it is inserted the fiber with the cover, applied a second layer of glue and covered with the same part of solid wood with milled groove with the diameter of the fiber with the cover. In the case of molding the fiber into agglomerated materials, the backing of which is chipboard, fibreboard or mineral binder-based materials, the fiber application process is such that after application of the first agglomerate-forming layer (disintegrated wood chips or fibers usually mixed with synthetic adhesives, or mineral bonding cement and gypsum), insert the optical fibers parallel to the surface of the material and then apply a second layer. The blank thus prepared is then pressed to the desired material thickness. Technological parameters of agglomerated material production, ie pressing pressures, temperatures and times are defined according to already established production processes of individual types of materials. The fibers can also be incorporated into the material additionally by means of drilled holes. The fibers are inserted into the matrix with or without a protective sheath. The produced material is then formatted in the longitudinal and transverse directions. Longitudinal formatting typically occurs at locations where fibers are not applied within the material. Transverse formatting can occur at any point in the material across the optical fibers.

When applying the fiber-based wood-based composite material according to the invention, care must then be taken when mechanically joining and fastening the material by means of screws, staples and nails, which must not cause mechanical damage to the optical fibers to be pressed.

The proposed optical fiber solution applied to the agglomerated materials can be applied to a drawer, storage and storage program to illuminate storage areas within furniture, where the fiber optic leads the light beam through the body to the storage area, thereby facilitating orientation in space. Optical fibers can also be used to pass the light beam through partitions or peripheral walls of wooden buildings.

Another solution is the safety highlighting of the upper edge of the scale, where light is passed through the scale from the backlight of the scale through optical fibers.

Furthermore, the optical fibers allow to illuminate the edges of the wings of doors, gates, stairwells and dining tables, where by applying an artificial light source to one end of the fibers it is possible to distribute the beam through optical fibers through the board material along the perimeter of the product. This will prevent collisions and collisions in unlit areas. Different colors can be used for marking.

Another solution is the use of optical fibers applied to wood-based materials for security systems enabling the hidden transmission of data transmission or, for example, systems using UV radiation.

All the mentioned applications of composite materials and optical fibers will find wide and practical application in everyday life of inhabitants and will lead to increase of comfort, standard and safety of everyday life.

In addition, for example, a subtle indication of forgotten lit light in the pantry through the door, etc. can be used. Unlike glass doors, • · · · • ·

I • Optical fibers of small diameter (eg up to 1 mm). The fibers can be arranged in any pattern and are almost indistinguishable from the door structure when the light behind the door is off. When the light is on, the pattern will glow.

The use of the composite material according to the invention is highly variable, since it may be partially or completely surrounded by another material, the optical fiber path may be parallel to the main material surface or the optical fiber path is perpendicular (optionally at an angle other than 0 ° or 90 °) °) on the main surface of the material or the optical fibers are not parallel to the surfaces of the material. Furthermore, the optical fibers can be concentrated on one side (s) on the back of the material, and on the front side of the material they open at multiple locations or create a certain pattern or pattern, further optical fibers distribute light from one location (s) on one surface (s) on several different surfaces of the material, eventually on edges and corners of the material. The wood elements of the composite material according to the invention have also been used in admixture with other materials (eg wood-plastic mixture of so-called WPC, or wood chip mixture with mineral fiber additive or wood chip and cement mixture where WPC parts are not surface treated) the material has been untreated or has been partially or totally treated with a transparent coating or a coating containing color pigments, or the surface of the material has been partially or totally veneered or laminated. Also, the surface of the material has been partially or totally treated with foil or paper, and it has also been a combination of individual types of surface treatments, such as two opposed laminate surfaces and side surfaces provided with a transparent surface treatment.

The composite material according to the invention was successfully tested by the inventor in the workshops of the applicant, which is the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, CZ.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS •

In the accompanying drawings, FIG. 1 schematically shows a cross-section of a sheet composite material according to the invention in an embodiment wherein the course of the optical fibers pressed in the central layer is parallel to the surface of the material (parallel to the main board surface; Fig. 2 shows a composite material according to the invention in an embodiment where the direction of the optical fibers is perpendicular to the surface of the material. The following figures show various embodiments of a wood-based and fiber optic composite. FIG. 3 shows the different course of optical fibers in this material. Figures 4, 5 and 6 show schematically products in which the composite material according to the invention is used, such as two different embodiments of stairs and doors. Giant. 7 shows a kitchen unit with drawers. Fig. 7a shows the course of the optical fibers through the worktop and the front faces of the drawers; Fig. 7b shows the illumination of the interior of the drawer by optical fibers when it is opened.

The following examples illustrate the composite material according to the invention without limiting it. The use of wood-based and fiber optic composites is possible with many different types of products, and the examples given illustrate only some of the applications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Example 1

The wood-fiber-based composite material according to the invention consists of a carrier matrix 1 which consists primarily of wood elements 2 and a binder 4 (adhesive mixture and chemical additives), comprises optical fibers 3, and is coated 5.

The small wood chips 2 in the form of chips, for the production of a board of 300 mm x 400 mm and a thickness of 18 mm, accommodated optical fibers 3 in a protective cover so that the course of the fibers is parallel to the main surface of the board.

After pressing the optical fibers 3 into the wooden elements 2, the board was provided with a coating 5 in the form of a lacquer.

The resulting composite material was used to evaluate light conduction through optical fibers after the application of the surface treatment.

Example 2

In the panel produced by lateral gluing of the wood elements 2 in the form of laths and boards by means of a binder 4 having a total size of 1,400 mm x 320 mm and a thickness of 28 mm, the optical fibers 3 were placed in a protective cover so that

After the optical fibers 3 were glued into the wooden element 2, the board was provided with a surface coating 5 in the form of a transparent lacquer.

The resulting composite material was used for the production of the wooden stairs scale.

Example 3

In the carrier matrix 1, which consisted mainly of wood fiber elements 2 and a binder 4 (adhesive mixture and chemical additives) of 400 mm x 400 mm and a thickness of 18 mm, the optical fibers 3 were placed in a protective cover so that one end of all The optical fiber terminates at one location (at the location of the projected light source) and the other ends of the optical fibers exit at different surfaces of the material.

After pressing the optical fibers 3 into the wooden elements 2, the resulting board was provided with a coating 5 in the form of a lacquer.

The resulting composite material was used as part of a shelf suspended on a wall.

Example 4

The material with added optical fibers 3 was used for the production of wooden stairs. The optical fibers 3 were inserted on the scale 9 perpendicular to the main surface with a minimum distance from the leading edge of the scale. The scale 9 was then connected! T: · T: · T · T · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · By means of a binder 4 with a riser 10 on which a strip of LEDs 11 was glued. The stairs were provided with a coating 5 in the form of a lacquer.

The optical fibers 3 accentuate the edge of the step by directing the light from the backlight 10 of the LED strip 11 to the edge of the scale 9. The highlighting of the step edge serves to increase the safety of the stairs. The use of optical fibers 3 is envisaged in particular for the first and last steps.

Example 5

The material with added optical fibers 3 was used for the production of wooden stairs. The optical fibers 3 were fan-fed into the scale 9 with a minimum distance from the leading edge of the scale. The scale 9 was then connected by means of a binder 4 to the riser 10 on which the LED light 12 was installed.

The optical fibers 3 enhance the edge of the step by guiding light from the backlight 10 of the LED light 12 to the edge of the scale 9. Increasing the deflection of the optical fibers 3 causes the illumination intensity at the edge of the scale 9 to decrease from the center of the LED light 12 towards the edges. Highlighting the edge of the step is used to increase the safety of the stairs.

Example 6

Optical fibers 3 with a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the wooden door 13 were used to form a circular pattern. The wooden doors 13 were then coated 5.

The formed optical fiber pattern 3 glows in the light behind the door and can serve, for example, for safety marking or for indicating the light on. The intensity of radiation is influenced not only by the light source, but also by the amount of optical fibers 3 used and their diameter. Any pattern can be formed from the optical fibers.

Example 7 «9 ·« «» »4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ··· · · ···

The optical fibers 3 were pressed into the wooden worktop 8 of the kitchen unit in such a way as to follow the optical fibers 3 pressed into the fronts of the drawers 6. The drawers 6 were provided with clips 7 for easier ejection, all components were coated 5. the light from the light source passes through the worktop 8 and through the front face of the drawers 6. At the point of interruption of the optical fibers 3 at the side faces of the fronts of the drawers 6, the light transmitted by the optical fiber 3 decreases. on the bottom surface of the top panel.

Industrial applicability

The composite material based on wood and optical fibers consists of a carrier matrix which is composed primarily of wood elements and comprises optical fibers, the carrier matrix optionally containing additives and / or not having a surface treatment. This composite material can be used primarily in furniture design and joinery products, both indoors and outdoors. The aim of the developed material is to meet the requirements for its design, functionality, safety and hygiene, as it is easy to wash. At the same time, the transmission and distribution of the light beam from one artificial source or solar radiation will further save energy, since optical fibers allow light to be transmitted through the material.

Claims (8)

PATENT CLAIMS Wood-fiber-based composite material, characterized in that it consists of a carrier matrix (1), which consists primarily of wood elements (2) and comprises optical fibers (3), the carrier matrix (1) optionally it comprises a binder (4) and other additives and is / is not coated (5). Composite material according to claim 1, characterized in that the wood elements (2) are made of solid wood, consisting of planks, moldings, strips, slats, and / or wood veneer and / or wood chips and / or wood fibers. and / or igno-cellulosic fibers or cellulose-polymer-based compounds, hemicelluloses, and lignin compounds to ensure cell wall cellification. Composite material according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical fibers (3) are made of glass or plastic, they are in different directions in the carrier matrix (1) and are in a protective cover or raw or in a bundle. Composite material according to claim 1, characterized in that the binder (4) and the additives are in particular based on an adhesive mixture, a dye, flame retardants and a plastic. Composite material according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical fibers are concentrated on at least one location on the back side of the carrier matrix (1) and open at multiple locations on the face side of the carrier matrix (1) or form a certain pattern. Composite material according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface (5) of the carrier matrix (1) consists of a transparent layer, colored pigments, veneer, laminate, foil or paper. 9 ♦ Composite material according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier matrix (1) is formed by layers. Use of a wood-based and fiber-optic composite material for the manufacture of a decorative and / or security and / or construction and / or energy saving element.