EP2379940A1 - Covering module with light diffusing system - Google Patents

Covering module with light diffusing system

Info

Publication number
EP2379940A1
EP2379940A1 EP09796388A EP09796388A EP2379940A1 EP 2379940 A1 EP2379940 A1 EP 2379940A1 EP 09796388 A EP09796388 A EP 09796388A EP 09796388 A EP09796388 A EP 09796388A EP 2379940 A1 EP2379940 A1 EP 2379940A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
light
module
light diffusing
diffusing means
covering panel
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP09796388A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Giancarlo Miani
Fausto Barbisan
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Simplex Srl
Margaritelli SpA
Original Assignee
Simplex Srl
Margaritelli SpA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Simplex Srl, Margaritelli SpA filed Critical Simplex Srl
Publication of EP2379940A1 publication Critical patent/EP2379940A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V33/00—Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
    • F21V33/006—General building constructions or finishing work for buildings, e.g. roofs, gutters, stairs or floors; Garden equipment; Sunshades or parasols
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F15/00—Flooring
    • E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F15/00—Flooring
    • E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
    • E04F15/02172—Floor elements with an anti-skid main surface, other than with grooves
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0081—Mechanical or electrical aspects of the light guide and light source in the lighting device peculiar to the adaptation to planar light guides, e.g. concerning packaging
    • G02B6/0095—Light guides as housings, housing portions, shelves, doors, tiles, windows, or the like
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/01—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship
    • E04F2201/0107—Joining sheets, plates or panels with edges in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels substantially in their own plane, perpendicular to the abutting edges
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2290/00—Specially adapted covering, lining or flooring elements not otherwise provided for
    • E04F2290/02—Specially adapted covering, lining or flooring elements not otherwise provided for for accommodating service installations or utility lines, e.g. heating conduits, electrical lines, lighting devices or service outlets
    • E04F2290/026—Specially adapted covering, lining or flooring elements not otherwise provided for for accommodating service installations or utility lines, e.g. heating conduits, electrical lines, lighting devices or service outlets for lighting
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0033—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
    • G02B6/0035—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it
    • G02B6/0036—2-D arrangement of prisms, protrusions, indentations or roughened surfaces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0033—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
    • G02B6/005—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide provided by one optical element, or plurality thereof, placed on the light output side of the light guide
    • G02B6/0055—Reflecting element, sheet or layer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0033—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
    • G02B6/0058—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide varying in density, size, shape or depth along the light guide
    • G02B6/006—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide varying in density, size, shape or depth along the light guide to produce indicia, symbols, texts or the like

Definitions

  • the present patent application for industrial invention refers to the building and interior decoration sectors and relates to a covering module in general, and in particular to a floor covering module with low thickness provided with light diffusing system, being especially suitable for backlit floors and coverings.
  • Backlit modules are known, generally comprising a box that contains the light sources and a cover panel made of glass or other transparent material.
  • the covering panel is supported on the borders of the box and is arranged at a certain distance from the bottom of the box, in such a way to leave sufficient space to house a plurality of light sources.
  • the light sources are arranged in such a way that the direction of the luminous emission is orthogonal to the glass. In this way the light crosses the glass and is diffused outside.
  • this type of known module does not generate special luminous effects; moreover, it requires high-wattage light sources, thus causing high energy consumption and overheating problems that require the provision of expensive heat dissipators.
  • the thickness of the transparent covering panel must be very high to avoid possible breakage caused by the application of weights. In actual fact, it must be considered that the covering panel rests only on the perimeter of the box.
  • the purpose of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks of the prior art, by devising a covering module with light diffusing system that is able to provide luminous effects with good aesthetical quality.
  • Another purpose of the present invention is to devise such a floor module with light diffusing system characterised by versatility, low thickness, easy manufacturing and easy assembly.
  • Another purpose of the present invention is to devise such a floor module with light diffusing system that is inexpensive and implies low energy consumption and low overheating.
  • the covering module according to the present invention comprises: - a base support with upper light reflecting surface,
  • At least one light source placed between the base support and covering panel in such a way to emit light towards the entrance border of the light diffusing means that transmits light towards at least some transparent sections of the covering panel.
  • Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a covering module according to the present invention, provided with glass light diffusion means;
  • Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the module of Fig. 1 assembled
  • Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the module of Fig. 2, provided with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) light diffusing means
  • Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the module of the present invention, wherein the covering panel is provided with numerous microholes to let light pass.
  • Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a variant of the module of Fig. 4, provided with PMMA light diffusing means;
  • Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the module of the invention, provided with covering panel made of translucent material;
  • Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a variant of the module of Fig. 6, provided with PMMA light diffusing means;
  • Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the module of the invention, provided with light diffusion means made of microlensed glass;
  • Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a variant of the module of Fig. 8, provided with microlensed PMMA light diffusing means;
  • Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the module of the invention, provided with light mixing chamber;
  • Fig. 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of a variant of the module of Fig. 10, provided with microlensed PMMA light diffusing means; and Fig. 12 is a partially interrupted cross-sectional view of a variant of the module of Fig. 10, provided with lenses between light diffusion means and mixing chamber.
  • a first embodiment of the covering module with light diffusing system of the invention is disclosed, which is generally indicated with numeral (1 ).
  • the module (1 ) comprises:
  • a light source (5) placed between base support (2) and covering panel (4) in such a way to emit light towards at least one entrance border of the light diffusing means (3).
  • the module (1 ) is optionally provided with an intermediate support (6) placed on the base support (2) when the length of the light diffusing means (3) is lower than the length of the base support (2).
  • the base support (2) is preferably provided with upper light reflecting surface. To that end, the base support (2) can consist in an aluminium tray.
  • the base support (2) is provided with a plurality of longitudinal ribs (20) protruding upwards.
  • the upper surface of the longitudinal ribs (20) is flat to receive the light diffusing means (3).
  • a corresponding lower longitudinal groove (21 ) is obtained in each longitudinal rib (20).
  • the borders of the base support (2) are provided with two longitudinal grooves (21 ') with larger width to receive electrical wires.
  • the longitudinal seats (22) are used to dissipate the heat emitted by the light source and at the same time allow for passing the electrical wires.
  • the lateral longitudinal projection (26) is provided with a basically C- shaped slot (27).
  • the slot (27) has two functions. In fact, the slot (27) makes the projection (26) elastic for coupling purposes and moreover allows for passing electrical wires inside it.
  • the light diffusion means (3) consists in a sheet of a material able to transmit light, for example glass, or plastic material, such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and similar materials.
  • the light diffusion means (3) has thickness ranging from 6 to 10 mm, preferably 8 mm.
  • FIGs. 1 and 2 illustrates a light diffusion means consisting in an extraclear glass plate.
  • the upper surface of the glass plate (3) is mirrored, for example with a coating layer (30) with light reflecting material, such as aluminium or silver.
  • the covering panel (4) is made of opaque material, such as wood, Cohan, granite, quartz agglomerate, metals or other opaque materials.
  • the covering panel (4) is provided with a plurality of slots (40) according to the type of decorative luminous effect to be obtained.
  • the same decoration finish is obtained on the mirrored surface (30) by removing the same only in the slots (40) of the covering panel (4), thus making the slots (40) coincide and overlap with the unmirrored sections.
  • the covering panel (4) is glued to the light diffusion means (3) by means of glue with double function: - light extractor and
  • the covering panel (4) is glued on the mirroring layer (30) and glue/sealing material (42) is provided between the borders of the covering panel (4) and the edges (23, 24).
  • the covering panel (4) can be fixed to the edges (24, 25) of the support base (2) by means of other fixing means, such as screws, joints, etc.
  • the covering panel (4) can have a very low thickness, for example comprised between 2 and 5 mm, preferably 3 mm. In fact, the covering panel (4) is uniformly supported on the light diffusion means (3) and is able to support heavy weights.
  • the low thickness of the covering panel (4) implies considerable saving on material and volume.
  • the light source (5) preferably comprises at least one LED mounted on a printed circuit board.
  • the board (5) is contained in a niche (60) obtained in the intermediate panel (6), if available.
  • the intermediate panel (6) is made of inert material, such as medium-density wood fibreboard (MDF).
  • MDF medium-density wood fibreboard
  • multiple light sources (5) can be provided in various positions.
  • the intermediate panel (6) can be eliminated and the light source (5) can be supported by the base support (2) and/or light diffusing means (3).
  • Fig. 3 shows a module (100) according to a second embodiment of the invention, wherein the light diffusion means consists in a sheet of transparent plastic material, such as plexiglas (103), which is mirrored with a mirroring layer (30).
  • the milling of the slots (40) in the covering panel (4) is continued also on the upper surface of the plexiglas sheet (103) in such a way to generate V-shaped notches (131 ).
  • the light transmitted into the plexiglas sheet (103) is refracted by the notches (131 ) and comes out of the slots (40).
  • the slots (40) can be filled with semitransparent resin (141 ), such white pigmented resin.
  • the V-shaped notches (131 ) are not filled with resin.
  • Fig. 4 shows a module (200) according to a third embodiment of the invention, wherein striped mirroring (30) is obtained on the glass plate, with stripes of mirroring material (30) alternated to stripes (31 ) without mirroring material.
  • the covering panel (4) made of opaque material provides for a plurality of slots or microholes filled with resin or provided with optical fibres
  • the unmirrored surfaces (31 ) of the glass plate (3) are preferably sandblasted. In this way, the light transmitted into the glass plate (3) is refracted by the rough unmirrored surfaces (31 ) and passes through the optical fibres (242) to be transported outside.
  • Fig. 5 is a variant of the embodiment of Fig. 4, wherein the light diffusion means consists in a PMMA sheet (103) provided with mirroring layer (30) with a plurality of V-shaped notches (131 ) in the optical fibres (242).
  • Fig. 6 shows a module (300) according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, wherein the covering panel (304) is made of translucent material, such as translucent recomposed quartz, white diffusing glass (acid-treated, sandblasted, stratified with polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and similar), stratified glass with internal translucent material (fabric, glass fibres and similar), anti- slip glass, translucent Cohan, granite glass.
  • translucent material such as translucent recomposed quartz, white diffusing glass (acid-treated, sandblasted, stratified with polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and similar), stratified glass with internal translucent material (fabric, glass fibres and similar), anti- slip glass, translucent Cohan, granite glass.
  • the sections (31 ) of the glass light diffusing means (3) without mirroring (30) become light- conductive because of intrinsic roughness combined with the light extractor property of the glue thanks to the different glass/glue refraction index.
  • Fig. 7 is a variant of the embodiment of Fig. 6, wherein the light diffusion means consists in a PMMA sheet (103) provided with mirroring layer (30) with a plurality of V-shaped notches (131 ) in the sections without the mirroring layer (30) to allow for light conduction.
  • Figs. 8 and 9 show a module (400) according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, which is deprived of the mirroring layer (30) on the upper surface of the light diffusion means (3; 103).
  • the light diffusion means (3; 103) can be made of extraclear glass or transparent PMMA, provided with microlenses (33; 133) preferably on the side resting on the base support (2).
  • PMMA suitable to transport / diffuse the light autonomously can be used as light diffusion means (103), such as the PMMA known on the market as "endlighten plexiglas".
  • Figs. 10 and 1 1 show a module (500) according to a sixth embodiment, wherein a light mixing chamber (508) is created between the light diffusion means (3; 103) and the upper panel (304).
  • the light mixing chamber (508) is composed of a sheet of glass or transparent plastic material, such as PMMA, with approximately 3 mm thickness.
  • the mixing plate (508) is stratified to the covering panel (304) by means of a layer (580) of white or transparent PVB.
  • the upper surface of the light diffusion means (3; 103) is provided with a plurality of areas with mirroring layer (30) and a plurality of areas without mirroring (31 ), for instance in chessboard configuration.
  • the microlenses (33; 133) are arranged in register with the areas without mirroring layer. In this way the light refracted by the microlenses mainly in the direction of the arrow (B) crosses the areas without mirroring and is diffused in the mixing chamber (508) in diverging mode, mainly in the direction of the arrows (C).
  • the surfaces without mirroring are excavated to obtain a lens (134) in register with the corresponding lens (133) on the lower surface of the diffusion means, in such a way the light diffusing means (103) generates a plurality of lenses.
  • the upper lenses (134) are filled with opaline resin (41 ).
  • Fig. 12 shows a further variant of the sixth embodiment, wherein a plurality of lenses (541 ) is obtained between light diffusing means (3; 103) and mixing chamber (508), being made of semitransparent resin, alternated with areas with mirroring layer (30).
  • the lenses (541 ) are in register with the microlenses (33) obtained in the lower surface of the light diffusion means.
  • Each lens (541 ) is obtained by means of a first convex milling operation (35) on the upper surface of the light diffusion means (3) and a second convex milling operation (482) on the plate of the mixing chamber (508).

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Optical Elements Other Than Lenses (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

A covering module is disclosed, in particular a backlit floor module with low thickness, comprising a base support (2) with light reflecting upper surface, a solid light diffusing means (3; 103) placed on the base support (2), a covering panel (4; 304), at least partially transparent to light, placed on the light diffusion means (3; 103) and at least a light source (5) placed between the base support (2) and the covering panel (4; 304), in such a way to emit light towards an entrance border of the light diffusing means (3; 103) that transmits the light towards at least some transparent section of the covering panel (4; 304).

Description

Description
Covering module with light diffusing system.
The present patent application for industrial invention refers to the building and interior decoration sectors and relates to a covering module in general, and in particular to a floor covering module with low thickness provided with light diffusing system, being especially suitable for backlit floors and coverings.
Backlit modules are known, generally comprising a box that contains the light sources and a cover panel made of glass or other transparent material. The covering panel is supported on the borders of the box and is arranged at a certain distance from the bottom of the box, in such a way to leave sufficient space to house a plurality of light sources. The light sources are arranged in such a way that the direction of the luminous emission is orthogonal to the glass. In this way the light crosses the glass and is diffused outside.
Not being provided with internal light diffusing system, this type of known module does not generate special luminous effects; moreover, it requires high-wattage light sources, thus causing high energy consumption and overheating problems that require the provision of expensive heat dissipators.
In addition, when such a module is used as floor module, the thickness of the transparent covering panel must be very high to avoid possible breakage caused by the application of weights. In actual fact, it must be considered that the covering panel rests only on the perimeter of the box.
It appears evident that covering panels with high thickness involve high material costs and volumes. The purpose of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks of the prior art, by devising a covering module with light diffusing system that is able to provide luminous effects with good aesthetical quality.
Another purpose of the present invention is to devise such a floor module with light diffusing system characterised by versatility, low thickness, easy manufacturing and easy assembly.
Another purpose of the present invention is to devise such a floor module with light diffusing system that is inexpensive and implies low energy consumption and low overheating.
These objects are achieved according to the present invention, with the features claimed in the independent claim 1.
Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.
The covering module according to the present invention comprises: - a base support with upper light reflecting surface,
- a solid light diffusing means placed on the base support,
- a covering panel, at least partially transparent to light, placed on the light diffusing means, and
- at least one light source placed between the base support and covering panel in such a way to emit light towards the entrance border of the light diffusing means that transmits light towards at least some transparent sections of the covering panel.
The advantages of the module according to the present invention are evident, being compact in size and able to generate various luminous effects. Additional characteristics of the invention will appear more evident from the following detailed description, which refers to merely illustrative, not limiting embodiments, illustrated in the enclosed drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a covering module according to the present invention, provided with glass light diffusion means;
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the module of Fig. 1 assembled; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the module of Fig. 2, provided with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) light diffusing means; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the module of the present invention, wherein the covering panel is provided with numerous microholes to let light pass. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a variant of the module of Fig. 4, provided with PMMA light diffusing means;
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the module of the invention, provided with covering panel made of translucent material; Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a variant of the module of Fig. 6, provided with PMMA light diffusing means;
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the module of the invention, provided with light diffusion means made of microlensed glass;
Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a variant of the module of Fig. 8, provided with microlensed PMMA light diffusing means;
Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the module of the invention, provided with light mixing chamber;
Fig. 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of a variant of the module of Fig. 10, provided with microlensed PMMA light diffusing means; and Fig. 12 is a partially interrupted cross-sectional view of a variant of the module of Fig. 10, provided with lenses between light diffusion means and mixing chamber.
Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of the covering module with light diffusing system of the invention is disclosed, which is generally indicated with numeral (1 ).
The module (1 ) comprises:
- a base support (2),
- a solid light diffusing means (3) placed on the base support (2),
- a covering panel (4), at least partially transparent to light, placed on the light diffusing means (3), and
- a light source (5) placed between base support (2) and covering panel (4) in such a way to emit light towards at least one entrance border of the light diffusing means (3).
Referring to Fig. 1 , the module (1 ) is optionally provided with an intermediate support (6) placed on the base support (2) when the length of the light diffusing means (3) is lower than the length of the base support (2). The base support (2) is preferably provided with upper light reflecting surface. To that end, the base support (2) can consist in an aluminium tray.
As better shown in Fig. 2, the base support (2) is provided with a plurality of longitudinal ribs (20) protruding upwards. The upper surface of the longitudinal ribs (20) is flat to receive the light diffusing means (3). In the lower surface of the base support (2) a corresponding lower longitudinal groove (21 ) is obtained in each longitudinal rib (20). The borders of the base support (2) are provided with two longitudinal grooves (21 ') with larger width to receive electrical wires.
Between the longitudinal ribs (20) a plurality of longitudinal seats (22) with double function is obtained. In fact, the longitudinal seats (22) are used to dissipate the heat emitted by the light source and at the same time allow for passing the electrical wires.
In the longitudinal borders of the base support (2) two edges (23, 24) that protrude upwards are obtained. A lateral longitudinal groove (25) that is open towards the outside is obtained in one edge (23) and a longitudinal projection (26) that projects towards the outside is obtained in the other edge (24). The projection (26) of a module is fitted into the lateral groove (25) of an adjacent module, in such a way to allow for modular assembly of the modules
(1 )- The lateral longitudinal projection (26) is provided with a basically C- shaped slot (27). The slot (27) has two functions. In fact, the slot (27) makes the projection (26) elastic for coupling purposes and moreover allows for passing electrical wires inside it.
The light diffusion means (3) consists in a sheet of a material able to transmit light, for example glass, or plastic material, such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and similar materials. Advantageously, the light diffusion means (3) has thickness ranging from 6 to 10 mm, preferably 8 mm.
The embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2 illustrates a light diffusion means consisting in an extraclear glass plate.
As shown in Fig. 2, the upper surface of the glass plate (3) is mirrored, for example with a coating layer (30) with light reflecting material, such as aluminium or silver.
The covering panel (4) is made of opaque material, such as wood, Cohan, granite, quartz agglomerate, metals or other opaque materials.
The covering panel (4) is provided with a plurality of slots (40) according to the type of decorative luminous effect to be obtained.
The same decoration finish is obtained on the mirrored surface (30) by removing the same only in the slots (40) of the covering panel (4), thus making the slots (40) coincide and overlap with the unmirrored sections.
In this way the light transmitted into the diffusion means (3) and contained in it because of the known total reflection phenomenon will find an escape only through the unmirrored sections thanks to the roughness of the glass surface in the unmirrored sections and to the different refraction index of glass /glue. In fact, the covering panel (4) is glued to the light diffusion means (3) by means of glue with double function: - light extractor and
- material suitable for cohesion between light diffusion means (3) and covering panel (4).
Preferably, the covering panel (4) is glued on the mirroring layer (30) and glue/sealing material (42) is provided between the borders of the covering panel (4) and the edges (23, 24). Clearly, the covering panel (4) can be fixed to the edges (24, 25) of the support base (2) by means of other fixing means, such as screws, joints, etc.
It must be noted that the covering panel (4) can have a very low thickness, for example comprised between 2 and 5 mm, preferably 3 mm. In fact, the covering panel (4) is uniformly supported on the light diffusion means (3) and is able to support heavy weights.
The low thickness of the covering panel (4) implies considerable saving on material and volume.
Referring to Fig. 1 , the light source (5) preferably comprises at least one LED mounted on a printed circuit board. The board (5) is contained in a niche (60) obtained in the intermediate panel (6), if available. Preferably, the intermediate panel (6) is made of inert material, such as medium-density wood fibreboard (MDF).
Clearly, although not shown in the figures, multiple light sources (5) can be provided in various positions. Moreover, the intermediate panel (6) can be eliminated and the light source (5) can be supported by the base support (2) and/or light diffusing means (3).
In the following description elements identical or corresponding to the ones described above are indicated with the same numerals, omitting a detailed description.
Fig. 3 shows a module (100) according to a second embodiment of the invention, wherein the light diffusion means consists in a sheet of transparent plastic material, such as plexiglas (103), which is mirrored with a mirroring layer (30). In this case, the milling of the slots (40) in the covering panel (4) is continued also on the upper surface of the plexiglas sheet (103) in such a way to generate V-shaped notches (131 ). In this way the light transmitted into the plexiglas sheet (103) is refracted by the notches (131 ) and comes out of the slots (40). In this case, the slots (40) can be filled with semitransparent resin (141 ), such white pigmented resin. The V-shaped notches (131 ) are not filled with resin.
Fig. 4 shows a module (200) according to a third embodiment of the invention, wherein striped mirroring (30) is obtained on the glass plate, with stripes of mirroring material (30) alternated to stripes (31 ) without mirroring material. The covering panel (4) made of opaque material provides for a plurality of slots or microholes filled with resin or provided with optical fibres
(242) in the unmirrored stripes (31 ). In this case, the unmirrored surfaces (31 ) of the glass plate (3) are preferably sandblasted. In this way, the light transmitted into the glass plate (3) is refracted by the rough unmirrored surfaces (31 ) and passes through the optical fibres (242) to be transported outside.
Fig. 5 is a variant of the embodiment of Fig. 4, wherein the light diffusion means consists in a PMMA sheet (103) provided with mirroring layer (30) with a plurality of V-shaped notches (131 ) in the optical fibres (242).
Fig. 6 shows a module (300) according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, wherein the covering panel (304) is made of translucent material, such as translucent recomposed quartz, white diffusing glass (acid-treated, sandblasted, stratified with polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and similar), stratified glass with internal translucent material (fabric, glass fibres and similar), anti- slip glass, translucent Cohan, granite glass. In this case the sections (31 ) of the glass light diffusing means (3) without mirroring (30) become light- conductive because of intrinsic roughness combined with the light extractor property of the glue thanks to the different glass/glue refraction index.
Fig. 7 is a variant of the embodiment of Fig. 6, wherein the light diffusion means consists in a PMMA sheet (103) provided with mirroring layer (30) with a plurality of V-shaped notches (131 ) in the sections without the mirroring layer (30) to allow for light conduction.
Figs. 8 and 9 show a module (400) according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, which is deprived of the mirroring layer (30) on the upper surface of the light diffusion means (3; 103). In this case, the light diffusion means (3; 103) can be made of extraclear glass or transparent PMMA, provided with microlenses (33; 133) preferably on the side resting on the base support (2).
Instead of the microlenses (133), PMMA suitable to transport / diffuse the light autonomously can be used as light diffusion means (103), such as the PMMA known on the market as "endlighten plexiglas".
It must be noted that in Figs. 8 and 9 the longitudinal edges (23, 24) of the base support (2) have a tapered surface (23', 24'). Accordingly, also the longitudinal borders of the covering panel (304) have a tapered surface to rest against the tapered surface of the edges (23, 24).
Figs. 10 and 1 1 show a module (500) according to a sixth embodiment, wherein a light mixing chamber (508) is created between the light diffusion means (3; 103) and the upper panel (304). The light mixing chamber (508) is composed of a sheet of glass or transparent plastic material, such as PMMA, with approximately 3 mm thickness. The mixing plate (508) is stratified to the covering panel (304) by means of a layer (580) of white or transparent PVB. In this case, the upper surface of the light diffusion means (3; 103) is provided with a plurality of areas with mirroring layer (30) and a plurality of areas without mirroring (31 ), for instance in chessboard configuration. On the lower surface of the light diffusing means (3; 103) the microlenses (33; 133) are arranged in register with the areas without mirroring layer. In this way the light refracted by the microlenses mainly in the direction of the arrow (B) crosses the areas without mirroring and is diffused in the mixing chamber (508) in diverging mode, mainly in the direction of the arrows (C).
In case of glass diffusion means (3) (Fig. 10), the surfaces (31 ) without mirroring are treated with opaline resin.
Instead, in case of PMMA diffusion means (103) (Fig. 1 1 ), the surfaces without mirroring are excavated to obtain a lens (134) in register with the corresponding lens (133) on the lower surface of the diffusion means, in such a way the light diffusing means (103) generates a plurality of lenses. The upper lenses (134) are filled with opaline resin (41 ).
Fig. 12 shows a further variant of the sixth embodiment, wherein a plurality of lenses (541 ) is obtained between light diffusing means (3; 103) and mixing chamber (508), being made of semitransparent resin, alternated with areas with mirroring layer (30). The lenses (541 ) are in register with the microlenses (33) obtained in the lower surface of the light diffusion means. Each lens (541 ) is obtained by means of a first convex milling operation (35) on the upper surface of the light diffusion means (3) and a second convex milling operation (482) on the plate of the mixing chamber (508).
Numerous variations and modifications can be made to the present embodiments of the invention by an expert of the field, while still falling within the scope of the invention as claimed in the enclosed claims.

Claims

Claims
1 ) Covering module comprising:
- a base support (2) with upper light reflecting surface,
- a solid light diffusing means (3; 103) placed on the base support (2),
- a covering panel (4; 304) at least partially transparent to light, placed on the light diffusing means (3; 103), and
- at least one light source (5) placed between the base support (2) and covering panel (4; 304) in such a way to emit light towards at least one entrance border of the light diffusing means (3; 103) that transmits the light towards at least some transparent portions of the covering panel (4; 304). 2) Module as claimed in claim 1 , characterised in that it comprises areas with mirroring layers (30) on the upper surface of the light diffusing means (3; 103) in such a way to diffuse the light through the areas (31 ; 131 ) without mirroring layer.
3) Module (1 , 100; 200) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the covering panel (4) is made of matt material and has a plurality of slots (40) through which the light diffused by the light diffusing means (3) is transmitted.
4) Module (1 ; 100) as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the slots (40) of the covering panel are filled with resin (41 ; 141 ). 5) Module (200) as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that said slots of the covering panel are filled with optical fibres (242).
6) Module (300; 400) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the covering panel (304) is made of translucent material.
7) Module (400; 500) as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the light diffusing means (3; 103) has a plurality of microlenses (33; 133) obtained on the lower surface.
8) Module (500) as claimed in claim 7 when it depends on claim 2, characterised in that it comprises a light mixing chamber (508) composed of a sheet of transparent material placed between the light diffusing means (3; 103) and the covering panel (304), in which the microlenses (33; 133) of the lower surface of the light diffusing means (3; 103) are in register with the upper surface of the light diffusing means (3; 103) without mirroring layer.
9) Module (500) as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that a plurality of lenses (541 ) is situated between the light diffusing means (3; 103) and the light mixing chamber (508), being made of matt resin and arranged in register with the microlenses (33; 133) of the lower surface of the light diffusing means (3; 103).
10) Module as claimed in any of the above claims, characterised in that the light diffusing means (3) consists of a clear glass sheet.
11 ) Module as claimed in claim 10, characterised in that the areas (31 ) of the upper surface where light is to be directed are sandblasted.
12) Module as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the light diffusing means (103) consists of a transparent plastic sheet. 13) Module as claimed in claim 12, characterised in that the light diffusing means (103) consists of a PMMA sheet of "plexiglas endlighten" type designed to transport/diffuse light autonomously.
14) Module as claimed in claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the areas of the upper surface of the light diffusing means (103) where light is to be directed are provided with a V-shaped notch (131 ).
15) Module as claimed in any of the above claims, characterised in that the base support (2) consists of an aluminium tray provided with a plurality of ribs (20) that support the light diffusing means (3; 103).
16) Module as claimed in any of the above claims, characterised in that the light diffusing means (3; 103) has thickness ranging from 6 to 10 mm, and the covering panel (4; 304) has thickness ranging from 2 to 5 mm.
EP09796388A 2008-12-23 2009-12-22 Covering module with light diffusing system Withdrawn EP2379940A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITMC2008A000232A IT1392464B1 (en) 2008-12-23 2008-12-23 COATING MODULE WITH LIGHT DIFFUSION SYSTEM.
PCT/EP2009/067816 WO2010072794A1 (en) 2008-12-23 2009-12-22 Covering module with light diffusing system

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EP2379940A1 true EP2379940A1 (en) 2011-10-26

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IT (1) IT1392464B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2010072794A1 (en)

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ITTV20100123A1 (en) * 2010-09-08 2012-03-09 Sole Spa THIN-THICK RETRO-LIGHTING DEVICE FOR INTERIOR CAR LUMINOUS COMPONENTS, WITH A LED LIGHT SOURCE AND WITH IMPROVED LIGHT DISTRIBUTION OF THROUGH A LIGHT VARIABLE SECTION AND ELLIPTICAL MICRO-OPTICAL SECTION SUPER
ITMI20130499A1 (en) * 2013-04-02 2014-10-03 Apuomarg S R L BACKLIT LAMINATED PANEL INCLUDING A SUPPORT AND BACKLIGHT ASSEMBLY
FR3004235B1 (en) * 2013-04-08 2017-12-29 Atelier Alain Ellouz LIGHT DEVICE
DE202013004668U1 (en) * 2013-05-15 2013-09-24 Holger Kasper Asymmetrically blasted light core for ultra-flat LED light panels
DE102015203597A1 (en) * 2015-02-27 2016-09-01 Alfred Seehafer Ges.m.b.H. Holz- und Kunststoff-Verarbeitung Illuminated composite panel
BE1023459B1 (en) * 2016-08-08 2017-03-28 Depro Profiles Sa COATING BLADE
IT201800000662A1 (en) * 2018-01-10 2019-07-10 Giancarlo Miani "THIN, MODULAR LIGHT PANEL WITH LUMINANCE AND COLOR COMPENSATOR ELEMENT, FOR CONTINUOUS LUMINOUS WALLS"
IT201900002091A1 (en) * 2019-02-13 2020-08-13 Bertele Lorenzo Lighting element

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DE20211199U1 (en) * 2002-07-24 2003-12-04 Halemeier Gmbh & Co. Kg Flush mounted floor lighting panel has LED devices on circuit board installed in rectangular frame set into floor recess
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WO2010072794A1 (en) 2010-07-01
IT1392464B1 (en) 2012-03-09

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