ES1158633U - A piece with photo-luminescent properties for pavement or coating (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

A piece (1) with photoluminescent properties for paving or coating, characterized in that elements or fragments with photoluminescent properties (2) are embedded in the mass of at least part (1a) of the piece, which faces the outside, and because at least the visible surface (3) of said part of the piece is a surface polished, milled, cut, brushed, sandblasted or shot-peened with suitable abrasives that increase the exposure of said fragments in said exposed surface (3) and which is also sensitized, the presence of these elements or fragments with photoluminescent properties (2) in the mass of this part (1a) of the piece clearly superior to that of other parts (1b, 1c) of the piece, such as those that do not give the outside or those whose surface view will not be accessible when placing the piece in the work. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

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DESCRIPTION

“A piece with luminescent photo properties for flooring or cladding”

5 Technical sector of the invention The invention relates to a piece for covering floors or walls, both inside and outside, formed in the form of a block, slab or tile, with photo-luminescent properties.

Background of the invention

10 Currently there are proposals that consist of precast concrete pieces that are obtained from a hardened or set mass comprising said mass in its composition elements or fragments of elements with photo luminescent properties. Such elements have the property that their electronic structure is capable of absorbing energy from an incident radiation to subsequently emit part of this energy,

15 when electrons return to their fundamental state, in the form of visible light. An example of elements with these properties are photo luminescent minerals. The resulting piece presents, in addition to a different aesthetic than conventional pieces, practical advantages to highlight its presence in the dark or in dim environments.

20 Such proposals suffer, however, from some practical disadvantages, such as the increase in cost per unit mass of the pieces due to the high cost of these fragments or elements with photo-luminescent properties; and the fact that during the rest of the dough for its hardened setting or by effect of the physical barriers imposed by the molds these fragments or elements with non-luminescent photo properties

25 are exposed to the outside sufficiently to take full advantage of their properties when the part is installed at its destination.

The part according to the present invention solves these and other drawbacks as described in detail below.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION The part with luminescent photo properties for flooring or cladding according to the invention is characterized in that in the mass of at least a part of the piece, which faces the exterior, fragments with photo luminescent properties are embedded and because at least

35 the surface seen of said part of the piece is a polished, milled, cut, brushed, sandblasted or shot blasting surface with suitable abrasives that increase the exposure of said fragments on said exposed surface and which is also sensitized, the presence of these fragments being with luminescent photo properties in the mass of this part of the piece manifestly superior to that of other parts of the piece, such as those that

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5 do not face the exterior or those whose exposed surface will not be accessible when the piece is placed in the work.

The invention thus moves away from those proposals that are based, for example, on applying a coat of paint, varnish or the like, with luminescent photo properties, on the piece.

10 The piece may be in the form of a block, slab or tile, as appropriate and as the application for which it is intended. The structure and composition described above make it suitable for flooring or cladding, but also for other uses such as a curb, a rudder, a stair step, a functional block such as a step,

15 bank, a terminal, in short, any constructive element.

According to the invention, the fragments with luminescent photo properties are not homogeneously distributed in the piece, but are intentionally arranged or accumulated according to the part of the piece whose outer surface will remain or is destined to be accessible when placing the piece in the play. This sorting can be done simply by sedimentation when the dough is not hardened; by pouring the fragments into the mold in a timely manner instead of first preparing the mixture, that is the mass with the fragments with luminescent photo properties, and then pouring it into the mold; or because the mass of this part of the piece that faces the exterior is a hairpiece, such as a hairpiece filling a concavity from which the piece is provided, all as will be exemplified below. Advantageously, the accumulation of these functional fragments only in the parts of interest significantly reduces manufacturing costs.

Also, it is the case that to compensate that the fragments with photo properties

30 luminescent ones are not sufficiently exposed when the piece is manufactured in a conventional way, it tends to increase its quantity which has an impact on the cost as already indicated.

Instead of increasing the presence of the fragments with photo-luminescent properties, in the piece according to the invention the exposed surface of the part of the tile incorporating these fragments is polished, milled or cut with suitable abrasives that increase the exposure of said fragments on said exposed surface, but without irreparably altering its luminescent photo properties.

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5 The polishing finishes that can conventionally be carried out in concrete pieces are not suitable for the purpose pursued in a piece such as that of the invention, since such polishing operations that are carried out for example would scratch or damage the luster of the fragments with exposed luminescent photo properties irreversibly damaging their properties.

10 In the concrete or cement sector, sandpaper, diamond or laminated sandpaper are known for dry or wet work, as well as water polishing abrasives composed of a cement binder and an abrasive material that is usually carborundum or diamond, the problem is that these sandpaper or abrasive scratches the fragments deeply

15 photoluminescent and significantly decrease the intensity of light that reflect apart from distorting it.

According to a variant of the invention, the surface seen of the part of the piece with elements or fragments embedded with luminescent photo properties, hereinafter referred to

20 as functional fragments, it has a polished finish with resin abrasives with silicon carbide or carburundum, subsequently sensitized. This particular selection allows to overcome the above mentioned inconveniences.

Preferably, said surface view is sensitized with cerium oxide. For example, with an aqueous solution based on cerium oxide.

For example, sensitivization can be performed by polishing with a solution comprising cerium oxide by rubbing the surface with a cotton padded disc.

30 Although the inventors have revealed that not all abrasives are suitable and that the use of composite abrasives with resin binder are suitable, the luminescent photo fragment can sometimes be grated to the extent that its photo luminescent properties are attenuated. To further improve the properties of the piece, it is therefore proposed to apply cerium oxide CeO2, a chemical compound formed by the calcination of cerium oxalate

35 (CeO2CCO2Ce) or also by cerium hydroxide [Ce (OH) 4]. Once polished by rubbing manually or automatically, the functional fragments exposed on the exposed surface, previously polished, display their full potential.

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According to a variant of the invention, in the piece a face devoid of these 5 functional fragments is distinguished.

The mass of the part or parts of the piece with functional fragments must not necessarily be of the same nature as the rest of the mass that forms the piece or other parts of the piece.

In a variant of the invention, the mass of the part or parts of the piece with functional fragments facing the outside comprises aggregates and said functional fragments, the presence by weight of the sum of aggregates and functional fragments being between 40% and 60% in this part of the mass.

15 The size of the functional fragments is decisive to enhance the effect they produce on the piece. Thus, the invention contemplates selecting the size of the functional fragments based on the size of the aggregates.

20 In a variant, the size of the functional fragments will be equal to or smaller than the size of the aggregates, so that they occupy or fill the interstices generated between the aggregates in contact. Thus, in one embodiment the aggregates have a size, that is to say a length in all their three dimensions, comprised between 3 and 6 mm and the functional fragments have a size between 1 and 3 mm in order to guarantee a filling of all the gaps

25 leaving functional aggregates. In another embodiment, the aggregates have a size, that is to say a length in all their three dimensions, comprised between 3 and 6 mm and the functional fragments have a size between 3 and 6 mm. In another embodiment, the aggregates have a size, that is to say a length in all its three dimensions, comprised between 3 and 6 mm and the functional fragments combine sizes between 1 and 3 mm and between 3

30 and 6 mm in an even proportion, or fragments of between 1 and 3 mm being in a smaller proportion.

In another variant, the size of the functional fragments will be larger than the size of the aggregates, so that they are the ones that occupy or fill the interstices generated between the functional fragments in contact.

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In another variant, the piece is in the form of a block, containing the percentage of functional fragments desired, to be cut into finished and sensitized tables in the manner referred to above.

Preferably, the functional fragments are selected from all those that may have luminescent photo-luminous characteristics, especially those formed by phosphorescent glass (SiO2) with a chemical composition SrAl2O4: Eu2 +, Dy3 +, K2SiO3 (for the phosphorescent compound) or by resin instead of glass. In any case, the polishing and sensitization process, for example by polishing based on cerium oxide, has proved especially interesting.

Screening (selection by size of the luminescent photo aggregates), cleaning (to remove impurities or adhered particles) and washing of these aggregates is important to ensure a perfect integration into the mass where they will be placed.

In another embodiment, the functional fragments are embedded in a resin-based dough that, as an insert, has been placed as a filling of a concavity from which the piece is provided, the piece being able to be a piece of cement, concrete , ceramics, asphalt or any product from a mixture of materials that then harden or not.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates schematically and in cross-section a part according to the invention; and Fig. 2a shows the outer surface or view of a chalk with embedded functional fragments, exposed by surface polishing, but not sensitized; Fig. 2b, is an enlarged detail of the area indicated in Fig. 2a, which clearly shows that the exposed surface of the functional fragments is deteriorated, showing in the form of discontinuities on the surface; Fig. 2a shows the outer surface or view of a chalk with embedded functional fragments, exposed by surface polishing and is sensitized; and Fig. 3a, is an enlarged detail of the area indicated in Fig. 3a, which clearly shows that the exposed surface of the functional fragments does not show the appreciable discontinuities in Fig. 2b.

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Detailed description of the invention

There are fragments of glass (SiO2) or resins that are photo-luminescent throughout their mass, so they allow a cut or polish of their surface and continue to retain their photo-luminescent properties.

When a fragment of this type, referred to herein as a functional fragment, is grated or shredded and conventionally lost within the construction materials sector, it loses a significant part of its photo-luminescent or fluorescent properties. However, it has been revealed that, if polished or cut with resin abrasives, they are also compatible with the other structural materials that usually make up the mass of a piece for flooring or cladding, and also a sensitivization is carried out, preferably with cerium oxide Rubbed with a cotton padded disc, the functional fragments respond with all their luminescent photo properties and even improve them when they are integrated into the dough.

Indeed, of all the abrasives used in the concrete sector, the compounds with resin binder are selected but even so the luminescent photo fragment can be grated with attenuation of its properties, so it is proposed to apply cerium oxide -CeO2. It has been found that the application of cerium oxide improves substantially if a resin abrasive has been previously used, in this way the cutting surface of the functional fragments is not irreversibly damaged and therefore they retain all their photo-luminescent power .

Cerium oxide is in the market in the form of paste or powder and is used in sectors outside the world of concrete, for example it is used as catalysts to reduce gas emissions from cars or even as sunscreen or for cleaning of crystals

For its particular application in a piece such as that of the invention, it is proposed to fill a cotton disc or similar that will be rubbing on the piece and therefore on the functional fragments, which will return all its splendor. The piece thus obtained differs from other known proposals in that it significantly improves its photo luminescent capabilities.

The luminescent fragments can be incorporated into a dough that is poured into a mold,

preferably before pouring the same dough into the same mold without functional fragments 7

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or a mass of a different nature to pursue a certain arrangement of the fragments in the final piece obtained.

These functional fragments can also be embedded in a matrix based on

5 resin, or of a binding material, equal to or different from the mass of the piece, used to fill a milling or drilling of a part of said piece once hardened. In this case, the selection of sizes of these fragments should also be contemplated, as explained above, since in this way we fill all the gaps in the matrix.

10 In any case, we will proceed to perform a superficial treatment to that part of the piece, false or not, with the functional fragments to expose them to the outside, in the same way as we have previously referred to with resin abrasives and finishing with cerium oxide

15 In order to obtain the part 1 that is schematically illustrated and only by way of example in Fig. 1, a first layer of a piece is added inside a mold of measures in plan as required and height according to the thickness of the piece. mass with the functional fragments, which will determine an outer part 1a, which may contain binding material or not, and then pour a second layer of dough without functional elements or fragments

20 which will determine a second inner part 1b. In the example, a third layer of dough that will determine an external third part 1c, but which will remain hidden when the piece 1 is installed, is used to increase its thickness. As mentioned before, this allows reducing the high cost associated with the incorporation of these functional fragments, since in this way their consumption is much lower and therefore a significant amount is saved

25 of functional fragments compared to other pieces obtained by traditional methods.

The elements or raw materials that make up part 1a of part 1 in the exemplary embodiment, illustrated schematically in Fig. 1, would be: -Cement in a proportion of 15% to 30%.

30 -Carmoline calcium carbonate, CaCO3, of grain size 0.08 to 1.1 mm in a proportion between 20% and 35%. -Arid 4 of any type (marble, granitic, limestone ...) in a variable proportion according to the number of functional fragments, the sum of the two will be between 40% and 60%.

35 -Colours, preferably inorganic, to give the piece the desired color, in a

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maximum proportion of 3%. - Functional fragments 2, luminescent photo, selected from those formed by phosphorescent glass (SiO2) with a chemical composition SrAl2O4: Eu2 +, Dy3 +, K2SiO3 (for the phosphorescent compound), by resin or a mixture of the above, irregularly and color as desired in a variable proportion according to the amount of photoluminescence desired. The size of these fragments will depend on the size of the marble, granite or limestone aggregates and on the luminescent photo surface to be obtained. In this way, if we want to obtain a complete photo-luminescent surface, we must fill all the gaps left by non-functional aggregates with various sizes of functional aggregate, in order to fill all the gaps. Thus, if the non-functional aggregate has a size of 3-6 mm, the functional aggregates must be of a size 1-3 mm (33%) and 3-6 mm (67%).

To ensure that the functional fragments 2 appear in an optimal proportion and in order to enhance their luminescent photo properties, the exposed surface will be polished and terminated with the sensitivization referred to above to obtain the final seen surface 3.

Figs. 2b and 3b show the differences that can be seen with the naked eye between two polished surfaces to expose the functional fragments, being in the case of Fig. 2b without being sensitized; and in the case of Fig. 3b being sensitized with cerium oxide. In the first case, without the surfaces being polished or sensitivized, the photo-luminescent properties of the functional fragments are very poor while in the second case these properties can be maximized.

Although in the embodiment described above, aggregates were combined with functional fragments, the invention also contemplates that the mass or masses be devoid of common aggregates, that is without photo-luminescent properties.

In another embodiment, in order to make the piece rough, with a non-smooth surface

or non-slip, instead of polishing or cutting, we will make a brushing with diamond or hard brushes on the piece, although a shot blasting or sandblasting could also be carried out in such a way that some of these processes wear part of the binder and non-functional stones , but leave the functional ones barely worn, this is possible due to the hardness of the functional stones (usually SiO2). With the purpose of overcoming the inconveniences associated with the scratches that the brushes make on the functional fragments, the piece is finished by sensitizing it with a luster based on cerium oxide by rubbing

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with a cotton padded disc the functional fragments.

These functional fragments can also be embedded in a matrix based on resin, or of a different binding material, or not, than the mass of the piece, used to fill a milling or drilling of a part of said piece once hardened. In this case, the selection of sizes of these fragments should also be contemplated, as explained above, since in this way we fill all the gaps in the matrix. The size of the fragments may also be conditioned to the size of this insert or filling.

In one example, the functional fragments are mixed beforehand with the binding material according to the quantity that is desired, an amount that will depend on the required fluorescence intensity and the acceptable costs, once the whole product is well mixed we will proceed to fill with the resulting mass the milling or drilling of the piece

or slab to the desired height.

As in the previous example, the fact that during the rest of the dough for its hardened setting or due to the physical barriers imposed by the milling or holes these fragments or elements with photo luminescent properties are not exposed to the outside of a sufficient way to take full advantage of its properties, since the binder, due to its irregular shape, envelops them practically in its entirety and therefore we must also proceed to the process of polishing and / or cutting and subsequent sensitization, with a Cerium oxide based treatment.

In another exemplary embodiment, this polishing can have a rough surface if we proceed the same with a brushing or with diamond or hard brushes on the desired surface, so that this brushing wears part of the binder and non-functional stones (if any arid) , but leave the functional fragments barely worn, this is possible due to the hardness of these functional fragments (usually SiO2). To remove the scratches that the brushes leave on the functional fragments, the sensitivization is performed, by means of luster with cerium oxide, rubbing the functional fragments with a padded cotton disc.

In another embodiment, a combination of the two finishes can be carried out, that is, we will obtain parts of the piece in a polished form and others with a rough shape.

To do this, the entire surface is polished, a protector is placed (in the way we want), in areas that are not selectively desired with a rough finish so that the brushes do not alter them and in this way when the protector is removed there will be areas of the piece or surface seen with a first finish and others with a second finish. In any case, we must then proceed to the application with cerium oxide rubbed with a cotton padded disk functional fragments.

Claims (10)

image 1 1.-A piece (1) with luminescent photo properties for flooring or cladding, characterized in that in the mass of at least a part (1a) of the piece, which faces the exterior, 5 elements or fragments with luminescent photo properties are embedded ( 2) and because at least the exposed surface (3) of said part of the piece is a polished, milled, cut, brushed, sandblasted or shot blasting surface with suitable abrasives that increase the exposure of said fragments on said exposed surface (3) and which is also sensitivized, being the presence of these elements or fragments with luminescent photo properties (2) 10 in the mass of this part (1a) of the piece manifestly superior to that of other parts (1b, 1c) of the piece, such as those that do not face the outside or those whose visible surface will not be accessible when the piece is placed in the play. 2. A piece (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said surface seen (3) of the piece is sensitized with cerium oxide. 3. A piece (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the exposed surface (3) has a smooth finish, polished with resin abrasives with silicon carbide or carburundum. A piece (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the surface seen (3) has a rough, non-slip finish, the result of a polishing with diamond brushes or hard enough, in which it has been removed the outermost layer of the dough in which the elements or fragments with photo properties are embedded 25 luminescent (2). 5. A piece (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mass of the part (1a) of the piece (1) with elements or fragments with luminescent photo properties (2) comprises in its composition aggregates (4 ), being the presence by weight 30 of these aggregates with that of the elements or fragments with luminescent photo properties (2) of between 40% and 60%. 6. A piece (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the average size of the aggregates (4) is equal to or greater than the average size of the elements or fragments with 35 luminescent photo properties (2). 12 image2 7. A piece (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the size of the aggregates (4) is between 3 and 6 mm., The size of the elements or fragments with luminescent photo properties (2) is comprised between 1 and 3 mm. 5. A piece (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the size of the aggregates (4) is between 3 and 6 mm., The size of the elements or fragments with luminescent photo properties (2) is comprised between 3 and 6 mm. 9. A piece (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the 10 aggregate size (4) between 3 and 6 mm., The elements or fragments with luminescent photo properties (2) combine sizes between 1 and 3 mm and between 3 and 6 mm in an even proportion, or being in a proportion smaller fragments between 1 and 3 mm. 10. A piece (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that 15 The average size of the aggregates (4) is smaller than the average size of the elements or fragments with luminescent photo properties (2). 11. A piece (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that three parts (1a, 1b, 1c) stratified with different dough composition are distinguished, 20 at least one of said parts (1b or 1c) being devoid of elements or fragments with luminescent photo properties (2) embedded inside. 12. A piece (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the part (1a) of the piece (1) in whose mass elements or fragments are embedded with 25 luminescent photo properties (2) is a false part of the piece (1), filled with a recess formed or practiced on the surface of the piece (1), the composition of this resin-based filling mass being. 13