FR3102231A1 - Light panel for the realization of a covering of a wall of a room - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a light for producing a covering for a wall in a room, the panel (1) comprising lighting means (2), characterized in that it comprises successively and integral with each other, at least : - a reflective layer (3), - a guide layer (4) of the light, illuminated tangentially by the lighting means (2), - an outer layer (6) having a transmittance such that the outer layer (6) is opaque to room lighting and is transparent to light emitted by the lighting means (2). Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Luminous panel for the realization of a coating of a wall of a room

The invention relates to the technical sector of panels suitable for constituting a wall covering.

More specifically, the invention relates to a panel capable of displaying a luminous pattern, when the latter is switched on.

The present invention finds a particular, but not limiting, application in a hospital environment; to improve patient well-being.

Prior art

Panels for making a wall covering are known from the prior art. These panels, for example made of plasterboard, wood, or any other material, can be fixed to a wall of a room, possibly with rails, to form the wall covering.

The general aesthetics and originality of this type of panel can be improved.

For example, it is known to use transparent panels, possibly printed with a decoration, fixed to the wall and lit with lighting means located between the wall and the panel to make the whole original and aesthetic.

However, this solution of backlit wall covering panels has the disadvantage of being unattractive when the lighting means are off.

One of the aims of the invention is therefore to remedy the aforementioned problems by providing a panel for producing a covering for a wall of a room, which is equipped with lighting means, while being discreet, original and aesthetic, both when the lighting means are off and on.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a panel for producing a covering for a wall having impact resistance properties. In particular to be able to be used in an environment where heavy loads such as hospital beds circulate.

For this purpose, a panel has been developed for the production of a covering of a wall of a room, the panel comprising lighting means.

According to the invention, the panel comprises successively and integral with each other, at least:

- a reflective layer,

- a light guiding layer, illuminated tangentially by the lighting means,

- an outer layer having a transmittance such that the outer layer is opaque to room lighting and is transparent to light emitted by the lighting means.

In this way, the guide layer is invisible when the lighting means are not switched on, only the outer layer is visible. The aesthetics are optimal, when the lighting means are off, the panel according to the invention appears as a conventional panel.

The optical properties of the outer layer, whose opacity to external light can optionally be controlled by adding opacifying fillers, allow the light emitted by the lighting means to be transmitted, provided that the lighting means have sufficient light intensity, which the person skilled in the art will know how to adapt according to need.

Preferably, a decorative layer comprising at least one transparent zone and at least one opaque zone is placed between the guide layer and the external layer, so as to see, from the part and by transparency through the external layer, the zone transparent illuminated when the lighting means are on, and in masking the transparent area and making the outer layer opaque when the lighting means are off.

This decorative layer can be structured in different ways, choosing between a layer with at least one opaque and transparent part, or a totally transparent layer on which ink or opaque adhesives are applied.

The opaque zone of the decorative layer can be made from PVC.

The opaque zone of the decorative layer can be produced by ink printing.

The opaque area of the decorative layer can be produced using an adhesive.

Preferably, the panel comprises a support frame intended to be fixed to a wall, the guide layer being embedded in the support frame. This support frame preferably comes in two parts.

The outer layer also advantageously has a surface color corresponding to the RAL of the room to merge with the other walls of the room and become homogeneous with the whole. RAL corresponds to a color coding system well known to those skilled in the art.

The reflective layer may consist of an aluminum film, a lead film or a tin film deposited on a surface, for example glass, Dibond® or else a white polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film, polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), or any other layer with reflective properties.

The light-guiding layer and the transparent zone(s) of the decorative layer are respectively preferably made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and PVC, but each of them can also be made from polymer, preferably PVC. , PMMA, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or any other suitable material allowing light to pass through.

The different layers are held together for example by gluing, by attached holding elements or any other holding means without departing from the scope of the invention.

According to a particular embodiment, the outer layer is made of glycolized polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), having a thickness of between 1 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 1.5 mm. Alternatively, the outer layer can be made of PVC, PP or PMMA.

This embodiment has the advantage of using a material known for its controllable transparency depending on the thickness. Another possibility of controlling the transmittance is to add, during the manufacture of the outer layer, opacifying fillers.

According to yet another particular embodiment, the lighting means are in the form of light-emitting diodes LED opposite at least one of the slices of the light-guiding layer.

The choice of LEDs as lighting means is justified by their low power consumption and thermal emission, which is particularly sought after for recessed and confined devices such as this wall panel.

In addition, the intensity and luminous power of the controllable LEDs are suitable for this application, given the need to transmit the light emitted by the lighting means through the outer layer.

However, other means of lighting can be considered, such as fluorescent tubes or low consumption lamps.

Preferably, the light-guiding layer comprises fittings capable of receiving the lighting means.

This characteristic of the guide layer enables it, when the lighting means are arranged in said fittings, to capture almost all of the light emitted by the lighting means, thus optimizing the light used so that it is guided in this layer.

Moreover, this optimization also makes it possible to adjust the power of the lighting means, which can in particular lead to lower electrical consumption than that usually used when the lighting means are only located facing the guide layer.

According to a particular embodiment, the fittings are in the form of at least one groove hollowed out in at least one slice of the light-guiding layer.

According to yet another embodiment, the light-guiding layer comprises a surface structuring on one of its faces, or else a structuring in its thickness produced for example with a L.A.S.E.R..

This surface structuring has the advantage of diffusing the light reflected by the reflective layer and transmitted by the thickness of the guide layer, so that it makes it possible to illuminate the largest possible surface of the decorative layer, or else to generate optical effects, such as luminous fringes for example.

Preferably, the surface structuring is in the form of grooves, for example extending parallel, covering at least partially the face facing the decorative layer. This embodiment thus ensures the diffusion of all the light received at the guide layer/decor layer interface.

Different structures in the form of grooves can be envisaged. Thus, and according to a preferred embodiment, the grooves define a grid or concentric circles.

According to an optional variant, the lighting means emit light of variable color and intensity.

Indeed, the optical properties of the outer layer impose both opacity on the lighting of the room (natural light or ceiling lighting) and transmission of the light emitted by the lighting means. Thus, the lighting means must have a sufficiently high intensity so that their light can pass through the outer layer. Of course, those skilled in the art will know how to adapt the power of the lighting means according to the materials and thicknesses chosen for the different layers.

The color change can also be considered to contrast with the color of the outer layer or to bring a diversity of color to the light pattern displayed

Preferably, LEDs of different colors can be arranged on one or more grooves machined in the edge of the light guide layer, for a variation of the colors of the light pattern displayed or to generate original optical effects, in combination with the color of the outer layer.

The activation of the lighting means can be carried out with a switch, a trigger element, a motion detector or any other activation means without departing from the scope of the invention.

Description of figures

Figure 1 is a schematic representation illustrating in cross section a light panel according to the invention, in top view.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation illustrating the positioning on a wall of a support frame, for example made of wood, as well as the arrangements for receiving the reflective layer and the guide layer.

Figure 3 is a schematic representation similar to that of Figure 2, the reflective layer and the guide layer being embedded in the support.

Figure 4 is a schematic representation similar to that of Figure 3, after positioning the decor layer.

Figure 5 is a schematic representation illustrating in cross section a light panel according to another embodiment, in top view.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation illustrating the support according to the embodiment of FIG. 5, in which the support is capable of receiving, in embedding, a guide layer cut according to a predetermined shape.

Figure 7 is a schematic representation similar to that of Figure 6, in which the guide layer is embedded in the support.

Figure 8 is a schematic representation similar to that of Figure 4 or Figure 7, after positioning the outer layer.

Referring to Figure 1, the invention relates to a luminous panel (1) intended to be fixed to a wall (11) to form a wall covering. The luminous panel (1) comprises a support frame (12) in two parts (121a, 122a), preferably made of MDF, intended to receive the reflective layer (3) and the guide layer (4) of the light.

More specifically, and with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the two parts of the support (12) are arranged on the surface of the wall (11), by means of rails (13). To prevent the reflective layer (3) and the light guide layer (4) from deforming when pressed on it, cleats (14) are positioned between the rails and bear against the reflective layer (3) and the light guiding layer (4).

According to another embodiment, the luminous panel (1) is mounted on rails and/or on cleats fixed to the floor and to the ceiling, without contact with the wall (11) to form a partition panel.

Figure 1 shows that the wall light panel (1) advantageously comprises a support frame (12), and a first reflective layer (3) for example in the form of a white PVC film glued on the back of a guide layer ( 4) light and bearing against a shoulder (123) formed at the inner periphery of the support frame (12). The reflective layer can also be used to diffuse the heat generated by the LEDs, by affixing aluminum strips to the reflective layer (3), or any other material allowing the heat to be diffused.

The support (12) can be constituted in a single part or in two parts (121,122), as shown in Figures 1 to 4. This support (12) is preferably made of wood, or MDF, plasterboard, plate cement in the form, for example, of fiber cement, of gypsum boards reinforced with cellulose fibres, or any other appropriate material depending on the mechanical and fire-retardant characteristics sought.

According to Figures 1 and 4, the guide layer (4) of the light, consisting for example of a PMMA layer 3 to 8 mm thick, has at least one groove (42) provided on at least one of its edges (41), so as to accommodate lighting means (2). This groove (42) is machined in such a way as to be able to receive LEDs in particular, for example in the form of an LED strip, so that the LEDs illuminate the guide layer (4) tangentially.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lighting means (2) are white or RGB LEDs driven by well-known control means. The lighting of the LEDs is managed by a dimmer, which also manages the power of the lighting.

The groove (42) has for example a square, rectangular, semi-circular or semi-elliptical cross section, but can also be in the form of a circular or elliptical section with possibly a constriction at the level of the opening to maintain the lighting means (2) within it.

Optionally, reflectors can be positioned at the level of the LEDs.

Referring to Figure 4, a decorative layer (5) is then positioned on the guide layer (4), but also possibly on the support frame (12) to cover the whole. The decorative layer (5) comprises at least one transparent area (51) and at least one opaque area (52). The opaque zone (52) can be made by sticking an opaque film on a transparent decorative layer (5), so as to form a transparent pattern. Alternatively, the decorative layer (5) can result from the assembly of two distinct and complementary layers, one transparent, one opaque. The transparent zone (51) can be made of transparent plastic material or left empty. However, it is advantageous to keep a zone of transparent plastic material so that the panel has good impact resistance.

The decorative layer (5) can be made of PVC and have a thickness of between 1 mm and 1.5 mm. The opaque zone (52) totally blocks the light emitted by the lighting means (2), while the transparent zone (51) allows a maximum rate of transmission of this light.

According to a particular embodiment, the opaque zone (52) can be made from a 1 mm thick PVC panel comprising 85% PVC, between 1 and 4% pigments and between 11 and 14% aid components processing, known to those skilled in the art by the English expression "processing AID", while the transparent zone (51) can be made from a 1 mm thick PVC panel comprising 85% PVC and 15% processing aid components and optical brighteners; the transparent layer containing no pigments.

The decorative layer (5) may optionally include a printing layer of ink intended to form the opaque zone (52), preferably of black ink. This layer can in particular be produced by depositing one or more layers of ink with a thickness of approximately 5 to 10 μm. Zone (51) is then left free. For example, such a layer can be made from UV ink deposited using an inkjet printer. Other printing techniques such as rotogravure, flexography, lithography or screen printing can of course be used. The alternative using inkjet printing or any other digital process, however, makes it possible to obtain a more complex pattern, even on demand, or to produce shades of contrast according to the thickness of ink deposited. .

Thus, in this embodiment, the decorative layer (5) can thus have several zones with different opacity, depending on the number of layers of ink deposited.

In this alternative where the opaque area (52) includes a layer of ink, the transparent area (51) can be left free without limiting the impact resistance of the panel. Furthermore, the ink layer can be printed directly on the guide layer or else be printed on a transparent support (not shown), in PET or PVC or even on the face of the outer layer (6) facing the guiding layer. The transparent zone, left free of ink, in no way compromises the resistance of the panel, which is ensured either by the guide layer or by the transparent support.

According to another embodiment, the decorative layer (5) may comprise a layer of opaque adhesive with a thickness of less than 1 mm constituting the opaque zone (52). The adhesive does not cover the transparent area (51). The opaque zone (52) blocks the light emitted by the lighting means (2), while the transparent zone (51) allows a maximum transmission rate of this light. This layer of adhesive can either be affixed directly to the light guide layer, or to a transparent support (not shown) or to the face of the outer layer (6) facing the guide layer. Similar to the previous embodiment, the strength of the panel is not compromised in any way.

Referring to Figure 8, an outer layer (6) in PETG or other material, for example PVC is positioned on the decorative layer (5). This layer can be in the form of a single united part, or of two parts (61, 62) positioned side by side as illustrated. The outer layer (6) is preferably made of a material which passes incident light coming from the face directly in contact with the decorative layer (5) or the guide layer (4) and diffusely reflecting the rays of light. incident on the side of the outer layer (6) facing the part.

The outer layer (6) has a transmittance such that the outer layer (6) is opaque to room lighting, in particular natural lighting or ceiling lighting for example, and is transparent to light emitted by the lighting means (2) .

In this way, the external layer (6) makes it possible to see, from the part and by transparency through the external layer (6), the transparent zone (51) illuminated when the lighting means are on, and makes it possible to masking the transparent area (51) and making the outer layer (6) opaque when the lighting means are off.

Consequently, the external layer (6) logically allows an almost total reflectance of the external light.

On the face (43) of the light guide layer (4), constituting the guide layer (4)/decor layer (5) interface, there is advantageously a surface structure in the form of grooves (44) , extending longitudinally over the entire face (43) in contact with the decorative layer (5) to improve the diffusion of light or to generate light patterns.

A ventilation system can also be arranged at at least one corner of the support frame (12) in order to prevent and evacuate any thermal emission from the lighting means (2).

The color of the outer layer (6) is chosen according to the RAL of the part, always for the purpose of aesthetics and concealment of the panel according to the invention.

The outer layer (6) in PETG, and possibly the decorative layer (5) in PVC, provide impact resistance to allow the production of a wall covering as such.

According to a first non-limiting example of embodiment of the light panel, and with reference to Figures 1 to 4 and 8:

- The guide layer (4) includes a PMMA diffusing layer with a thickness of 3 mm. The rear face of the PMMA diffusing layer is covered by a reflective layer (3) of the type marketed under the "Dibond" brand, white with a thickness of 3 mm. Two opposite edges of the guide layer (4) include a groove in order to receive white LEDs distributed evenly on the edge every 1.5 cm. The guide layer (4) measures 30 cm by 30 cm on a side.

- The decorative layer (5) comprises an opaque zone (52) made using a 1 mm thick rigid panel whose composition includes 85% PVC, 11% processing aid components; 4% ivory pigments and no plasticizer. The transparent area (51) of the decorative layer is made using a rigid panel 1 mm thick, the composition of which includes 85% PVC, 15% processing aid components and brightener optics, and no pigment.

- The outer layer (6) consists of a 1 mm thick rigid panel whose composition includes 85% PVC, no plasticizers, 11% processing aid, and 4% white pigments in the transparent area (51) and the opaque zone (52) are not visible with natural ambient lighting measured at 85 Lux. If the LEDs are active, the pattern is visible and it is measured less than 100 Lux.

In order to characterize the luminous illumination transmitted by the guiding layer (4) in this first example, a measurement was carried out using a CEM DT-1308 brand luxmeter on the surface of the guiding layer without the layer external (6). An illuminance of between 750 Lux and 1500 Lux was measured, depending on the measuring point on the surface.

According to a second non-limiting example of embodiment of the light panel, still with reference to Figures 1 to 4 and 8:

- The guide layer (4) comprises a PMMA diffusing layer with a thickness of 8 mm. The rear face of the PMMA diffusing layer is covered by a reflective layer (3) for example of the type marketed under the "Dibond" brand, white with a thickness of 3 mm. Two opposite edges of the guiding layer (4) include a groove in order to receive RGB LEDs distributed evenly on the edge, approximately every 1.5 cm. The guide layer (4) measures 30 cm by 30 cm on a side.

- Decor layer (5) and outer layer (6) are similar to the first example.

A measurement was also made on the surface of the guide layer (4) without the outer layer (6) in this second example. An average illuminance of 9000 Lux was measured, a value which may fluctuate depending on the measurement point on the surface.

According to yet another third non-limiting example of embodiment and with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, the guide layer (4) and the outer layer (6) are identical to those of the two examples cited above, without a decorative layer.

Indeed, in this third example, the guide layer (4) is machined in such a way as to have a predetermined shape. Advantageously, this example provides for partial machining of the support (12) of a shape similar to the shape of the guide layer (4), for embedding purposes. Finally, holes (125) are also provided in this example for the passage of electrical cables.

Experiments have been carried out on the panels of the embodiments presented above. It appeared that the transparent area (51) and the opaque area (52) are not visible with external lighting measured at 85 Lux once the outer layer (6) has been placed.

According to other experiments carried out with several types of LED, the activation of the lighting means (2) effectively makes it possible to display a light pattern.

This third example is shown synthetically in Figure 5: the support frame (12) thus comprises a flat uniform plate (121b) on which is affixed a pre-cut plate (122b), the arrangement of the two making the support (12) adapted to receive the reflective layer (3) and the guide layer (4), these last two layers (3, 4) having a predetermined shape.

More specifically, still with reference to Figure 5, the two parts of the support (12) are arranged on the surface of the wall (11), by means of rails (13). To prevent the reflective layer (3) and the light guide layer (4) from deforming, the reflective layer (3) and the light guide layer (4) rest on the bottom (126) of the support frame (12)

The other arrangements relating to the guide layer (4) are identical to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1.

Advantageously, this embodiment can provide for the arrangement of strips (31) joined to the back of the reflective layer (3), said strips (31) having physical properties allowing them to dissipate the heat generated by the means of lighting (2). Preferably, the strips (31) are made, partially or totally, of aluminum.

Still in this same embodiment, the uniform plate (121) advantageously has ventilation orifices (124), to optimize the removal of any heat generated by the lighting means (2).

According to a particular embodiment, the wall-mounted luminous panel (1) has dimensions adapted to a room, for example 2 m high by 4 m wide, these dimensions obviously not being limiting. For example, it is possible to produce a guide layer 2 m high by 3 m wide.

Claims (11)

Luminous panel (1) for producing a covering for a wall in a room, the panel (1) comprising lighting means (2), characterized in that it comprises successively and integral with one another, at the less :
- a reflective layer (3),
- a guide layer (4) of the light, illuminated tangentially by the lighting means (2),
- an outer layer (6) having a transmittance such that the outer layer (6) is opaque to room lighting and is transparent to light emitted by the lighting means (2). Panel (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that a decorative layer (5) comprising at least one transparent zone (51) and at least one opaque zone (52) is placed between the guide layer (4) and the external layer (6), so as to see, from the part and by transparency through the external layer (6), the transparent zone (51) illuminated when the lighting means are on, and to mask the transparent zone (51) and making the outer layer (6) opaque when the lighting means are off. Panel (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the outer layer (6) is made of PETG, having a thickness of between 1 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 1.5 mm. Panel (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the lighting means (2) are in the form of light-emitting diodes LED facing at least one of the edges (41) of the guide layer (4) light. Panel (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the light guide layer (4) comprises arrangements capable of receiving the lighting means (2). Panel (1) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the fittings are in the form of at least one groove (42) hollowed out in at least one edge (41) of the light guide layer (4). Panel (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the light-guiding layer (4) comprises a surface structuring on a face (43) facing the decorative layer (5). Panel (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the lighting means (2) emit light of variable color and intensity. Panel (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the opaque zone (52) of the decorative layer (5) is made from PVC Panel (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the opaque zone (52) of the decorative layer (5) is produced by ink printing. Panel (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the opaque zone (52) of the decorative layer (5) is produced using an adhesive.