FR2727841A1 - Illuminated decorative panel for furniture - Google Patents

Abstract

The panel (1) has a decorative element (4) with differentcontours which diffuses light. Hollows (3) in the uppersurface of the panel are at the edge of the element. Grooves(6,A,6B,6C) in the panel hold fibre optic cables (5,SA,5B,5C) which are supplied by a light source. One end of thegrooves (51,51A,51B,51C) open into the hollows.The edges of the decorative element are bevelled or chippedand the ends of the grooves are cut to fit this. The panel has a lower part which forms a support and its upper part is decorative.

Description

* Furniture or decoration panel, in particular table top, display shelf or the like
The present invention relates to a furniture or decoration panel constituting a furniture surface, for example the table top, a display shelf or the like or a covering element such as a wall panel or a slab of ground.

 An optical guide lighting device is already known (FR-A-92 09 251) formed from a transparent panel whose rear face comprises a transparent layer because its index is different from that of the light reflecting panel; this layer has discontinuities through which the light injected into the edge of the panel passes to diffuse it and illuminate the image deposited on this rear face.

 In other words, this illuminated device is a kind of illuminated panel lit over its entire surface and thus showing an image, that is to say an inscription, a drawing or the like.

 There is also known a display device comprising a display panel lit by the edge and powered by a solar cell and a battery (GB2 227 87).

 There is also known (FR-A-91 09 019) a display panel in which optical fibers are stripped locally at the places where they must emit light to thus punctually compose information, for example alphanumeric characters.

 In summary, the prior art generally relates to display panels, lit by the edge and the entire illuminated surface of which displays display elements (characters, drawings, logo).

 The present invention proposes to create a panel allowing, within the framework of the same principle structure, a very wide variety of effects or patterns capable of evolving over time, with linear lighting emphasizing the contours.

To this end, the invention relates to a furniture or decoration panel, characterized in that it comprises - a panel body forming a decorative surface, - reserves made in the body and opening into
the decorative surface, - elements with contours diffusing light, housed in
the reserves and appearing on the decorative surface, - light guides, in particular optical fibers, lo
gés in the body of the panel to lead by an ex
extremity, in a determined orientation, in the
reserves, against the diffusing elements, - a light source feeding the other end of the fi
optical berries.

 According to a particularly advantageous characteristic, the elements with light-diffusing contours are chosen from the group formed by - bevelled contours, - chipped contours and the ends of the light guides are cut at an angle adapted to the inclination of the contours. .

According to another characteristic, the body of the panel is formed of a lower part constituting a support and of an upper part constituting a decoration tray, the tray and / or the support comprising grooves and passages receiving optical fibers.

 The expressions e upper part * and e lower part are chosen by convention and correspond to the case of a horizontal plate. In the case of a vertical panel, it should read for example: front panel, rear panel.

 According to another characteristic, the light source is a controlled source with continuous or pulse light, with mono or polychrome light associated with each fiber or group of optical fibers.

The panel according to the invention can serve as a table panel, a piece of furniture such as a chest of drawers, a shelf or a display, a bathroom shelf, or the like.
This panel can also be used for wall decoration or for decorating the floor, for example for a bathroom floor, an entrance hall, a hall, a ceiling, or the like.

According to other advantageous features of the invention - the lower and / or upper parts of the panel com
have grooves housing the optical fibers.

- the elements with diffusing contours are chosen in the
group formed by
- glass or transparent plastic sheets
rent or translucent.

- plates with regular contour,
- plates with irregular contours,
- plastics cast and hardened in the re
serve, - the decorative surface of the upper part is a
surface chosen from the group formed by
- a flat surface,
- a cylindrical surface,
- a curved, spherical, ellipsoidal, hyperbo
Loidale and the light guides are optical fibers, optical cables, sheathed fibers containing a liquid.

 In the case of a panel whose element with a diffusing contour comprises one or more light reflection cavities, the reflected beam (s) can be intentionally directed towards a precise location which is important in the case of a tablet presentation of objects. This makes it possible to combine diffuse lighting provided by the contour of the element and more or less punctual lighting highlighting such or such detail of the object by a reflection cavity.

 In addition to this effect used for the presentation of objects, the light reflection cavities can also provide a simple decorative effect to combine very bright areas in a certain direction (those of the radius emitted by the reflection cavity) and the underlined outline. by diffuse light, the whole being integrated into a decorative surface which is itself unlit.

 The present invention will be described below in more detail with the aid of an example embodiment of a furniture or decoration panel according to the invention.

So
FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a panel in the form of a plate,
FIG. 2 is a cross section of the panel of FIG. 1 along the section line. II,
FIG. 3 is a detail section on an enlarged scale of the light injection zone (detail A in FIG. 1) in the element with a diffusing contour, according to a first embodiment,
FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of an element with a diffusing contour and of detail A in FIG. 1,
- Figure 5 shows a variant of Figure 4.

 According to Figures 1 and 2, the invention will be explained using a furniture or decoration panel constituting for example a high or low table top, a wall or ceiling decoration panel or even a floor slab , a display shelf or the like.

 Although in general the panel is above all a decorative surface of planar or curved shape, of geometric outline or not, it will be described below in the particular case of a flat panel having a decorative surface and capable of receiving a load, for example a table.

 According to Figures 1 and 2 the body of the panel consists of an upper part 1 which is a decoration plate and a lower part 2 which is a support plate. Plates 1 and 2 are connected to each other.

The upper plate 1 has a reserve 3 opening into its decorative surface 10. This reserve 3 receives an element with a diffusing contour 4, for example a piece of glass plate whose edge 7 is beveled or, as shown, chipped. The shape of this edge 7 can be irregular (FIG. 1) or regular, following a geometric curve or an assembly of geometric curves (straight line segments, polygon, arcs of a circle or the like). Light injected into the element with diffusing contour 4
The light arrives on the beveled or chipped outline which reflects the light and emits it through the front face of the element, the inclination of the bevel or the chipped shape being appropriately chosen. the light returned will give a more or less wide line and a more or less intense light modulated by the shape of the bevel; in the case of a chipped outline, the light emitted will give the outline a glitter effect, due to the rapid and more or less random alternation of lighted and dark areas or points.

 The production of the element with a diffusing outline may consist in first cutting the general outline and then giving it a bevel shape by cutting with a grinding wheel or a chipped shape with pliers, operations possibly followed by polishing.

 As the outline of the reserve is generally straight, that is to say perpendicular to the surface of the panel, it may be advantageous to fill the gap which remains between the outline of the reserve and that of the element with a resin mass.

 In certain cases, to accentuate the light reflection of the contour, it is advantageous to provide it with a reflective coating.

 Between the upper part 1 and the lower part 2, there are light guides such as optical fibers or optical cables 5, 5A, 5B, 5C, integrated in a hidden manner, that is to say not visible at surface 10.

These optical cables 5, 5A, 5B, 5C are preferably housed in grooves 6, 6A, 6B, 6C, separate or common, made in the dividing face of the upper part 1 with the lower part 2. These grooves 6, 6A , 6B, 6C could also be made in the lower part or straddling in the two parts although this realization is more difficult especially in case of sinuous layout of the grooves or sheaths integrated in the mass of the upper part or whole panel.

 The optical cables 5, 5A, 5B, 5C are kept free in the grooves 6, 6A, 6B, 6C because they are generally very sensitive to mechanical stresses which greatly reduce their light output.

 One (51, S1A, 51B, 51C) of the ends of the optical cables 5, 5A, 5B, 5C, opens into the reserve 3 in a chosen orientation, that is to say determined, to come against the edge or edge 7 of the element with a diffusing contour 4. This area between the fiber and the element 4 is called the injection point *.

 In the example shown, the three optical cables 5A, 5B, 5C lead to the same element with a diffusing contour 4. The reverse could also be done, that is to say that a fiber could be associated with a single element 4 and, in this case, we would multiply the elements with diffusing contours embedded in the panel.

 The number, shape and dimensions of the elements depend on the decorative effect to be obtained and the possibilities are endless.

 The optical cables 5, 5A, 5B, SC exit from the panel through the orifice 8 to join a light source, not shown. This light source can be located at a distance from the panel; in the case of a panel constituting a table top, the light source can be hidden in the base.

 The light source can be a white or colored, monochrome or full color light source; light can be emitted continuously or pulsed; it is also possible to feed each fiber or group of fibers separately to achieve lighting effects that vary over time.

 In the case of a panel used as a partition or ceiling panel, the light source supplying the light guides can be natural lighting, possibly amplified by a collecting device such as a dome.

 FIG. 3 shows an example of a point for injecting light into the edge of an element with a diffusing contour 100, according to detail A in FIG. 1. The groove is made at least partially in the form of a hole 102 in the upper part 101 of the body of the panel to open into the edge 103 of the reserve 105 by means of a bore. 104 or bore of diameter corresponding substantially to that of the optical cable 106 so as to hold the end of the optical cable in a determined orientation, chosen with respect to the edge of the reserve 105, that is to say with respect to the contour 107 of the element with diffusing contour 100.

 The lower plate here bears the reference 108.

 The diffusing contour 107 is here constituted by a chipped contour and the end 110 of the optical cable 106 is cut at an angle.

 The above description has been made in the case of light guides formed by optical cables. Other forms of light guides can be envisaged such as, for example, optical cables with sheaths containing a liquid constituting the medium conducting the light.

 The grooves or sheaths freely receive the optical fibers or cables so as to allow their replacement when they are damaged. The end of the fibers or cables which opens into the reserve is preferably held by a fixing piece such as a plug through which the light guide passes. This plug can itself receive an optical filter.

In a panel made up of two parts, it is interesting to make grooves to receive the light guides
In a panel made of a single piece of molded material, it is advantageous to integrate, during manufacture, empty sheaths which will subsequently receive the light guides. The sheaths can be placed in the panel without necessarily knowing at this time the location of the reserves receiving the elements with a light-scattering outline.

 It suffices to provide a sufficient distribution of sheaths; by making the reserves for the elements diffusing the light, the sheaths will be cut at the edge of the reserves.

 Although the above description envisages making reservations for the element or elements with diffusing contours only in the upper part, depending on the nature of the material of the element with diffusing contour, it may be advantageous, even necessary, to extend this reservation in the lower part. This is particularly necessary if the upper part is limited to a film or coating or decorative layer or if it is a material that is difficult to machine, especially if it is in a thin layer or if it is necessary to avoid weakening it by a groove. This may be the case for certain glasses, marble slabs, onyx or the like.

 Although in general the elements with diffusing contours are solid, it is also possible to produce them in the reserves, by pouring a hardening material therein, such as a resin, directly matching the shape of the reserve.

 In this case, the outline of the reserve has a beveled or chipped shape to give by molding, the shape appropriate to the outline of the element.

 In the element with a diffusing contour, decorative elements can be integrated therein, for example in the form of inlay.

 It can also be a logo if the decorative panel is used in a lobby of a company or a public place.

 In addition, if the upper part consists of a relatively thin plate, it may be advantageous to produce the lower, thick part, especially both to serve as a support and to allow the optical cables to be routed and directed against the edge of the diffusing element without having to cut or weaken even locally the upper part.

 FIG. 4 shows a variant of an element with a diffusing contour to emit in a more or less directed manner, a light beam in addition to the light contour.

 The variant, shown schematically, relates to the shape of the element 300, integrated in the decorative panel formed, for example, of an upper part 301 and a lower part 302. The optical cable 303 is mounted as in the example of FIG. 3. The reserve 304 is delimited by a straight edge 305; the edge 312 of the element 300 is chipped and the end 313 of the optical cable 306 is cut at an angle.

 In the X-X axis of the optical cable 306, the element 300 comprises a cavity 307 delimited by two surfaces 308, 309 forming a dihedral serving as a light emission surface. This surface emits a light beam completing the light contour of the element 300.

 The light beam, emitted by the end 306 of the optical fiber, travels along the axis XX in the transparent material of the element 300 upstream of the surface 308. At the latter, there is refraction in passing of the diopter and the beam 310 falls on the other surface 309 which reflects it in the direction 311.

 In fact, the beam is conical and is not limited to a geometric axis.

 This type of lighting is particularly suitable for the presentation of objects in the case of a panel forming a display.

 The lighting can be done in a punctual or linear manner, by the juxtaposition of several optical films in a plane perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 4.

 There is thus an optical prism effect. The groove produced can be filled with a material having a refractive index different from that of the diffusing element to create an optical effect.

 The cavity 307 is not necessarily a dihedral or diamond point cavity. Other forms of cavities with facets or with continuous or discontinuous curved surfaces can be envisaged depending on the desired reflection effect.

 FIG. 5 shows another variant of cavity produced in the lower face of an element with a diffusing contour 500.

 As in Figure 4, the panel consists of an upper part 301, a lower part 302 and an optical fiber 303 whose end 306 opens into the right edge 305 of the reserve.

 The element with a diffusing contour 500 comprises a cavity 501, for example in the form of a dihedral or a pyramid delimited by two faces 502, 503. The slope of the face 502 makes, with respect to the axis XX of the light beam 504, an angle such that the beam 505 is completely reflected by the face 502 and gives the emerging beam 506. This form of cavity 501 is protected and leaves the upper surface of the element smooth.

 The interval between the chipped contour of the element 500 and the edge 305 of the reserve is filled here with a filling mass 507 ensuring the blocking of the element 500.

 The number of reflection cavities, their shape and their dimensions depend on the aesthetic or lighting effects to be achieved.

 In general, the cavities which constitute relatively intense light sources in comparison with the light scattered by the contour of an element and this contrast is particularly important and interesting if the reflection cavities are associated with optical fibers distinct from those associated with the elements. by diffraction lighting.

 The reflection cavities can also be produced in the underside of the element. It will suffice to polish the surface of the cavity and if necessary to metallize it, for example by silver plating. This cavity shape has the advantage of leaving the upper surface of the element with a diffusing contour perfectly smooth.

 As already indicated in the examples above, the element with a diffusing contour consists of a glass plate with a straight or chipped edge. The outline of this plate may be irregular as shown. It can also be regular. The glass used can be transparent or even translucent glass; it may contain inclusions including air bubbles, glitter or the like.

 Glass can also be replaced by any other transparent or translucent material such as plastic.

 When the panel according to the invention constitutes a used surface, such as for example when the panel constitutes a table top, it may be advantageous to protect its decorative surface with a glass plate. This plate will not only avoid the possible penetration of dust or liquid in the interval which may remain between the edge of the reserves and the elements with diffusing contours.

 This glass plate or more generally of transparent material also creates an optical effect of approximation of the element with a diffusing contour relative to the apparent surface.

 The protective plate can also have a satin-finished underside, thus creating a halo effect of the outline of the elements.

 The decoration panel described above is preferably a flat panel if it is to form the top of a high or low table. But it can also be a three-dimensional surface, for example a cylindrical surface or more generally a curved, spherical, ellipsoidal, or other surface.

Claims (10)

 10) Furniture or decoration panel characterized in that it comprises - a panel body (1, 2, 101, 108; 301, 302) forming  a decorative surface (10), - reserves (3, 105, 304) produced in the body (1, 2,  101, 108, 301, 302) and opening into the decorated surface  tive (10), - elements with contours diffusing light (4, 100,  300, 500), housed in reserves and appearing at the  decorative surface (10), - light guides (6, 6A, 6B, 6C), housed in the  body of the panel to open at one end (51,  51A, 51B, 51C), following a determined orientation, in  the reservations (3, 105, 304), against the elements to be con  diffusing towers (4, 100, 300, 500), - a light source feeding the other end of the  optical cables.  20) Panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the elements with light-diffusing contours (4, 100, 300, 500) are chosen from the group formed by - bevelled contours, - chipped contours and the ends of the guides. of light are cut obliquely to suit the inclination of the contours.  30) Panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the body of the panel is formed of a lower part (2) constituting a support and an upper part (1) constituting a decoration tray, the tray and / or the support comprising grooves (6, 6A, 6B, 6C) and passages receiving the light guides (5, 5A, 5B, 5C).  40) Panel according to claim 3, characterized in that the decoration plate has reserves receiving the elements with diffusing contours and the light guides open into the edge (103, 305) of the reserves.  50) Panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the light source is a controlled source with continuous or pulsed light, with mono or polychrome light associated with each fiber or group of optical fibers.  6) Panel according to claim 1, characterized in that its lower and / or upper parts (1, 2) have grooves (6, 6A, 6B, 6C) housing the light guides.  70) Panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the elements with diffusing contours are chosen from the group formed by - plates of glass or transparent plastic  or translucent. - plates with regular contours, - plates with irregular contours, - plastics cast and hardened in the re  serve, and the light guides are optical fibers, optical cables, sheathed fibers containing a liquid.  80) Panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the decorative surface of the upper part is a surface chosen from the group formed by - a flat surface, - a cylindrical surface, - a curved, spherical, ellipsoidal, hyperbolic surface.  dale.  90) Panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the element with a diffusing contour (300) comprises a reflection cavity (307).  100) Panel according to claim 1, characterized in that sheaths are integrated in the body of the panel to receive the light guides.