IT202000019348A1 - METHOD FOR LOCALLY VARYING THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF A MATERIAL, A CONSTRUCTION UNIT HAVING LOCALIZED OPTICAL CONTRAST THAT CAN BE DETERMINED BY PROJECT, AND A FURNISHING ELEMENT - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

[0001]. Field of invention

[0002]. The present invention relates to the technical domains of building finishes, furnishings and lighting engineering.

[0003]. The object of the present invention is a method for locally varying the properties? optics of a material.

[0004]. The present invention also refers to a product that can be made using this method.

[0005]. form also? object of the present invention a unit? construction having properties? localized optics.

[0006]. The present invention also refers to a piece of furniture having properties optics located and including one or more? unit? constructive, that in the case are more? d? one can be equal or different from each other.

[0007]. One or more? unit? construction having properties? localized optics can also be used in the building finishing sector.

[0008]. State of the art

[0009]. Known recessed lighting systems for closed environments are very widespread, such as for example spotlights, installed in plasterboard false ceilings, but are they not? rare to find them also embedded in floors or in the body of uprights, thus creating one or more? light points contained in the volume of the architectural element that receives them.

[0010]. Partition wall solutions illuminated by a light beam generated by one or more rooms are also widespread. spotlights recessed in the ceiling or floor near of the dividing wall which therefore acts as a reflecting element of the artificial light.

[0011]. Usually, for the installation of these recessed spotlights, false ceilings are created to hide the wiring of the light point from view, while thanks to a typically circular hole made on the front panel, i.e. the panel facing the environment to be illuminated, it is possible to place the spotlight in the correct position so that? it can exercise a satisfactory illuminating function in the environment to be illuminated. Therefore, the light source faces the environment to be illuminated and is usually protected by an additional transparent screen that can be mounted, for example screwed, substantially flush with the front wall in which ? recessed spotlight.

[0012]. The recessed arrangement, while allowing the wiring to be hidden from view, still exposes the luminous bulb of the light point and the edge of the hole in which it is located. collected, as well as the transparent screen when expected.

[0013]. ? it is also known to produce lamps comprising lithographs associated with a rigid support frame, typically made of wood or metal, to cover a light source. The reduced local thickness of the lithographs makes the material locally translucent, providing an accentuated decorative effect when the lamp is placed inside. turned on. Also known are techniques for assembling transparent colored tesserae by using opaque cements to make parts of furnishing elements, characterized by a substantially mosaic or patchwork appearance in which the colored tesserae are transparent and surrounded by opaque cement joints. The decorative effect? amplified by backlighting the tiles. The solutions described above, although none may be satisfactory from some points of view, for example those which make it possible to create pleasant decorative effects, or those designed to hide the wiring from view, are by no means free from drawbacks mainly linked to the typically artisanal level of such decorative productions.

For example, in the case of tiles they must be chosen one by one from one or more? craftsmen to achieve a satisfactory effect.

[0014]. Furthermore, according to some of the teachings of the Italian patent for invention No. 102017000132494, filed in the name of the same Applicant, a process which provides, inter alia, for the numerically controlled creation of grooves in a sheet of material, their filling by means of transparent binding material , and the subsequent reduction of the thickness of the slab by removing opaque material under the grooves until the transparent binder filler material appears, allows to provide a slab with unusual properties? optics such as to make it suitable for forming a backlit screen. still if a high degree of customization is allowed in the design phase while guaranteeing the automation of the process if necessary, it is in any case necessary to provide for through cuts in the slab in correspondence with the optical channels created.

[0015]. ? therefore having felt the need to provide an alternative solution which at the same time is suitable for allowing adequate lighting of an environment and is suitable for being hidden from view when not in use, while guaranteeing satisfactory properties? of resistance and robustness.

[0016]. Solution

[0017]. An object of the present invention ? that of obviating the drawbacks complained of with reference to the prior art.

[0018]. is aesthetically pleasing, allows the passage of light when necessary

[0019]. This and other aims are achieved with a method according to claim 1 as well as with a unit? according to claim 5, as well as? with an assembly according to claim 9, as well as? with a piece of furniture according to claim 12.

[0020]. Some advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0021]. Of course, the attached claims form an integral and integral part of the present description.

[0022]. According to one aspect of the invention, a method for locally varying the properties? optics of a material comprising the following steps of: providing a starting element having a certain degree of opacity? starting in visible light, make one or more? furrows on said starting construction element by locally reducing the starting thickness, associate a quantity? of binder suitable to allow the passage of visible light, to each sulcus.

[0023]. According to one aspect of the invention, the step of making one or more? furrows plans to locally reduce the starting thickness so that? in correspondence of at least part of said one or more? furrows does the final product show a local decrease in its degree of opacity? starting point in visible light and a simultaneous increase in its local degree of translucency or transparency in visible light, forming together with at least a portion of said binder one or more? optical channels extending through the thickness of the final product.

[0024]. According to one aspect of the invention, a unit? backlightable construction comprises a first surface, a second surface and a thickness between them, at least a third surface, interposed between said first surface and said second surface. binder, suitable to allow the passage of visible light, to cover at least said third surface.

[0025]. According to one aspect of the invention, the residual thickness between said second surface and said third surface ? such that the? unit? backlit construction present a local decrease in its degree of opacity? in visible light and a simultaneous increase in its local degree of translucency or transparency in visible light, forming together with at least a portion of said binder, one or more? optical channels that extend through the thickness of the unit? backlit construction.

[0026]. Thanks to the proposed solutions, you can adjust the properties? local native optics of a material.

[0027]. Thanks to the proposed solutions, is it possible to create a unit? backlit construction comprising or associable with, at least one light source suitable for emitting light to illuminate an environment, in which the part exposed to the environment to be illuminated of the unit? construction, such as a surface, appears continuous when the light source is off, thus hiding from view both the light source and the wiring, and other indications of the presence of the light source such as for example fixing screws, gaskets, holes, glass screens.

[0028]. For example, is it possible to obtain a sturdy backlit marble (or wood) panel that can be used? be associated with one or more light sources so that at least a portion of a surface of one face of the marble (or wood) panel, suitably thinned so that allows the passage of visible light through its reduced thickness, and which is placed facing an environment to be illuminated, acts itself as a luminous and illuminating screen.

[0029]. The panel, for example if made of natural material, when it is locally reduced in thickness becoming translucent or transparent to visible light, retains its original structure and therefore the texture of which is visible remains visible. constituted both when it is backlit and when the light is off. For example natural materials suitable for the purpose are: stone, marble, wood, amber, and the like, in which the backlighting as described above makes the veins of the residual thickness of the material evident.

[0030]. Thanks to the proposed solutions, the sturdiness ? guaranteed by the provision of a transparent filler to reinforce the portions of the material in which? the residual thickness has been reduced to make them transparent or translucent.

[0031]. The contact surface between the transparent filler and the material can? understand the walls of the grooves made to make the material locally transparent or translucent, ensuring a firm anchorage that allows you to create a unit? sturdy and durable construction. The contact surface? therefore increased with respect to the free surface of the starting element, i.e. the first surface. The bond area between the clear filler binder and the unit material is construction done ? therefore greater than the area of the second surface. The entity? of the resulting binding forces pu? it too can be predetermined on a project basis, based on the choice of sizing of the grooves and their surface finish, for example in order to increase the grip between the binder and the material.

[0032]. The extension of the membership area and therefore the consequent entity? of the bond strengths between the transparent bonding filler and the fissure walls ? contained within the space occupied by the thickness of the starting material.

[0033]. Thanks to the proposed solutions, it allows you to equip a piece of furniture, as well as? a building finish, with an illuminating function that ? unexpected when the light source ? turned off due to the fact that the starting material is furrowed, avoiding the creation of through cuts, preserving its continuity? original constituent in the portions with reduced residual thickness. Thanks to the proposed solutions, it is therefore possible to combine the contribution of the starting material with an unexpected lighting function.

[0034]. Thanks to the proposed solutions, it is possible to create a partition wall that is capable of putting the spaces it divides into optical communication through its thickness.

[0035]. Thanks to the proposed solutions, it is possible to create a screen or lamp that involves a plurality of of portions of the surface of? unit? constructive what? facing the environment to be illuminated.

[0036]. Of course, although suitable for indoor applications, such a methodology and the obtainable products are also applicable in environments to be illuminated outdoors, such as but not limited to: patios, courtyards, terraces, balconies, gardens.

[0037]. Figures

[0038]. Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached figures, in which:

[0039]. ? figure 1 shows an axonometric view of a starting element, according to a possible way of operating;

[0040]. ? Figure 2 shows an intermediate element in an axonometric view, according to a possible operating method;

[0041]. ? figure 3 shows an isometric view of a unit? backlit, according to a possible way of operating;

[0042]. ? figure 4 shows an isometric view of a unit? backlit, according to a possible way of operating;

[0043]. ? Figure 5 shows an intermediate element in an axonometric view, according to a possible operating method;

[0044]. ? Figure 6 shows an intermediate element in an axonometric view, according to a possible operating method;

[0045]. ? Figure 7 shows an intermediate element in an axonometric view, according to a possible operating method;

[0046]. ? Figure 8 shows an intermediate element in an axonometric view, according to a possible operating method;

[0047]. ? figure 9 shows an isometric view of a unit? backlit and an environment to be illuminated, according to one embodiment;

[0048]. ? Figure 10 shows a schematic section of a unit? backlit and an environment to be illuminated, according to one embodiment;

[0049]. ? figure 11 shows an isometric view of a unit? backlit and an environment to be illuminated, according to an embodiment, in which the unit? backlit? arranged on a substantially vertical wall;

[0050]. ? figure 12 ? a schematic sectional view, in which the section ? obtained according to a cutting plane indicated by the arrows XII of figure 11;

[0051]. ? figure 13 ? a schematic sectional view of two portions of different materials assembled together, according to a possible method of operation;

[0052]. ? figure 14 ? a schematic sectional view of a starting element, according to a possible operating method, obtained by carrying out a cut along the cutting line indicated by the arrow XIV of figure 13;

[0053]. ? figures 15 and 15bis show a set of units? backlightable construction and light source according to one embodiment, when the light source ? deactivate and when? active, respectively;

[0054]. ? figure 16 shows an assembly of units? backlightable construction and light source according to one embodiment, when the light source ? active.

[0055]. Detailed description of some embodiments

[0056]. In accordance with a general embodiment, ? Is there a method to locally vary the properties? optics of a material.

[0057]. The method ? particularly suitable, but not uniquely intended, to determine a local variation of the properties? optics of a building material naturally opaque to visible light.

[0058]. Of course, if the starting building material is naturally translucent in the direction of its thickness, i.e. already? suitable to allow the passage of light wave through its thickness, then the method to locally vary the properties? optics of a material ? suitable for increasing the degree of translucency or transparency of the starting building material that is? already naturally translucent.

[0059]. The method comprises the step of providing at least one starting element 100 to be worked. generically, starting material 100 also means a brick 100, a brick 100, a tile 100, a block of material 100 for building cladding, a block of substantially raw starting material 100.

[0060]. According to a preferred way of operating, the step of providing at least one starting element 100 is performed by providing at least one element made of at least one of the following materials: marble, stone, terracotta, wood, and/or the like which appears opaque in the light visible at least through its thickness 10a.

[0061]. Said starting element 100 has a first surface 11, a second surface 12 opposite to said first surface 11, and a shim 10a between them. The starting thickness 10 to pu? be substantially constant or variable, and the surfaces 11 and 12 can be parallel to each other, or they can be irregular. ? is it possible that the starting material 100 is already? been the object of a previous processing, for example suitable for providing a certain shape or certain dimensions to the starting element 100. The starting element to be machined 100 can? be made in the form of a dome or cap, also perforated, or of a cylinder, or other curved shape having at least one definable substantially planar portion having a definable starting thickness 10a, wherein the starting thickness 10a ? smaller than the extension of said first and second surfaces 11, 12.

[0062]. The starting element 100 can? in turn be the result of a pre-realized manufacturing process.

[0063]. In accordance with a possible way of operating, the step of the method of providing a starting element 100 comprises the step of assembling between two or more? portions of contrasting materials 98, 99. In other words, said two or more? portions of material 98, 99 form an optical contrast with each other. Therefore, according to one embodiment, the starting building element 100 is an element composed of two or more? portions of contrasting materials 98, 99, in which said two or more? portions of contrasting materials 98, 99 can be made of the same material, for example marble, and differ in at least one property? optics, and preferably at least one property? optics chosen from the group consisting of: color, texture. For example, the starting building element 100 can? be made of light marble and dark marble. Preferably the size of the parts of said two or more? contrasting materials 98, 99 ? choice so that the two or more materials 98, 99 are distinguishable with the naked eye. For example, said two or more? portions of contrasting materials 98, 99 can be in the form of slabs or bricks.

[0064]. said two or more portions of contrasting materials 98, 99 can be made of different materials.

[0065]. As shown for example in figure 13, said two or more? portions of contrasting materials 98, 99 can be worked so that? are substantially complementary in their respective portions intended to mate together to form a visible surface of a final product 10 of the method. According to one way of operating, the step of providing a starting material 100 involves the step of carrying out a process by removing material on at least one of said two or more? portions of contrasting materials 98, 99 to facilitate their mutual coupling. Preferably, said machining by material removal produces substantially complementary shapes in respective coupling portions of said two or more? portions of contrasting materials 98, 99. Preferably, said machining by material removal produces substantially complementary shapes in respective portions of said two or more? portions of contrasting materials 98, 99 intended to be in contact with each other and exposed to view in a final product 10 of the method.

[0066]. Said two or more? portions of contrasting materials 98, 99 are preferably mutually connected solidly to each other forming the starting element 100. In this way it is possible to integrate two or more? different materials in a single starting element 100. Can the different materials be the same material or can they belong to the same nature of material and differ from each other in at least one property? optics, such as the color, direction or texture of the material grain, translucency, and others.

[0067]. In accordance with a possible way of operating, said two or more? portions of contrasting materials are glued together. The bonding can take place by means of interposition of binder 15?, preferably but not necessarily transparent or translucent binder 15?, such as for example a transparent or translucent binder 15? comprising resin.

[0068]. In accordance with a possible way of operating, said two or more? portions of contrasting materials 98, 99 are obtained by solidly connecting two or more? suitably shaped plates so that? are substantially complementary in at least one of their sections. Preferably, said two or more? suitably shaped plates so that? are substantially complementary in at least one of their sections, after being solidly connected to each other forming a block of mixed material, they are machined by material removal so as to form a starting element 100 having said first and second surfaces 11, 12, as shown for example in figure 14. Preferably, the method comprises the step of removing material until at least on said second surface 12 there is an optical contrast given by the local juxtaposition of two or more? portions of contrasting materials 98, 99 on said second surface 12 of the starting element 100 to be worked.

[0069]. In accordance with a variant, called two or more? portions of contrasting materials are obtained by compacting powders, in which for example the composition of the powders varies locally, for example according to two or more? groups of compositions of powders which thus originate said two or more? portions of contrasting materials.

[0070]. Preferably, the starting building element 100 has a regular shape. For example, the starting building element 100 has a shape of a parallelepiped in which the starting thickness 10a is ? smaller than the extension of said first and second surfaces 11, 12.

[0071]. According to one way of operating, the step of providing a starting building element 100, or starting slab 100, is performed by providing a building element made of at least one of the following materials: onyx, amber, and/or the like. In accordance with a possible way of operating, the starting raw material can? be naturally translucent, that is? can? already have a thickness such as to allow the passage of visible light, as for example in the case of amber, and thanks to the method it is possible to further increase the degree of local transparency or translucency, decreasing the degree of opacity? local, in order to form an optical contrast that can be determined on a project basis.

[0072]. The method includes the phase of creating one or more? grooves 14 on said starting construction element 100 by locally reducing the starting thickness 10a, so as to face at least one third surface 13 of the construction element, opposite to said second surface 12. The at least one third surface 13 can consequently ? be interposed between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12. In other words, the at least one third surface 13 is created in the starting thickness 10a of the starting element 100 to be machined.

[0073]. In this way, said construction element comprises one or more? portions having reduced thickness in correspondence with said one or more? grooves 14. The grooves 14 are preferably made by material removal. Preferably, the grooves 14 are made by removing material from said first surface 11. The making of the grooves 14 can forming groove sidewalls 18 between the third surface 13 and the first surface 11.

[0074]. Thanks to the provision of said at least one third surface 13, the grooves 14 avoid being through, even though they are in some embodiments it may be decided, if necessary, to deliberately make a through hole, for example a service or safety through hole, such as for example suitable for a photocell.

[0075]. It therefore allows an extreme customization of the grooves 14, both in terms of depth? fissure, both in terms of machining resolution and precise localization of fissures, and in terms of local fissure width. It is therefore possible to make furrows which draw in the three spatial dimensions of the starting material 100 a continuous or discontinuous profile having a high decorative and aesthetic value, both already by itself, and in relation to the intended use of the final product 10 of the method.

[0076]. Advantageously, the phase of creating one or more? grooves 14 on said starting construction element 100 provides for locally reducing the starting thickness 10a so that? in correspondence of said one or more? furrows 14 does the backlit construction element 10 show a local decrease in its degree of opacity? starting point in visible light 20 resulting in this way locally translucent or transparent in visible light 20.

[0077]. The provision of said grooves 14 therefore determines the formation of optical channels through the starting thickness 10a of the starting element to be worked 100 suitably reduced locally.

[0078]. When the starting raw material ? essentially opaque, the method ? able to make it locally translucent or transparent, by means of a local decrease in the degree of opacity? starting point of the starting raw material obtained thanks to the processing of said furrows 14.

[0079]. When the starting raw material ? already at least partially translucent, the method ? able to make it locally even more? translucent or transparent, by means of a local decrease in the degree of opacity starting point of the starting raw material obtained thanks to the processing of said furrows 14.

[0080]. Thanks to the creation of said one or more? grooves 14 on the starting construction element 100 an intermediate element 200 is obtained, having a first surface 11, a second surface 12 opposite to said first surface 11, a starting thickness 10a between them and at least a third surface 13 opposite to said first surface 11 and a residual thickness 10x between said first surface 11 and said at least one third surface 13, wherein the residual thickness 10x ? less than the starting thickness 10a at least locally. In other words, the intermediate element 200 ? equipped with one or more grooves 14 which determine the formation of at least a third surface 13 having a residual thickness of 10x such that the originally opaque material becomes locally transparent or translucent to visible light 20 in correspondence with the residual thickness of 10x.

[0081]. Through the 10x residual thickness of the starting construction element 100, visible light 20 is allowed to pass, forming one or more elements. optical channels. In this way, the intermediate element 200 ? suitable for being backlit in order to act in turn as a light point, if necessary hiding the light source 16 from view. Not only that, other indications of the presence of a light source 16 are also hidden from view in this way, allowing to obtain an unexpected illuminating effect when the light source is off. In the portions with a 10x reduced residual thickness, the material continues to be formed locally without interruption. with respect to its original structure, and the second surface 12 is provided with a continuity? optical and constructive, with the light source off, which makes the portions with a 10x reduced residual thickness substantially indistinguishable from other areas adjacent to them having a greater thickness, for example the starting thickness 10a.

[0082]. The choice of the 10x residual thickness locally can? take place as a function of desired parameters that can be derived from the application of the Lambert-Beer law.

[0083]. The 10x residual thickness can? be locally variable in various portions of the grooves 14, in other words in correspondence with various portions of the at least one third surface 13. By varying the residual thickness 10x locally, it is possible to locally modulate the degree of transparency or translucency of the material. Not only is it possible to form transition portions with a gradually variable residual thickness, substantially forming a slide on said third surface 13, in which a locally blurred illuminating effect is obtained.

[0084]. According to a possible way of operating, the method comprises the step of making said one or more? furrows 14 inclined. In other words, according to a possible way of operating, the grooves 14 are made according to a cutting direction which forms a predeterminable angle ?1, ?2 with the second surface 12 and/or with the first surface 11. This predeterminable angle ?1 , ?2 formed by the direction of cutting pu? be different from 90?. By acting on the value of said predeterminable angle ?1, ?2 it is possible to locally adjust the thickness of the material. By forming, for example, an oblique side wall 18, the local thickness of the building material is determined to be gradually variable and included between the residual thickness 10x and the starting thickness 10a. Does this determine a further local variation of the properties? optics of the starting raw material. The inclination of the furrows 14 pu? be determinable in the project and realized in the three dimensions of the starting thickness 10a of the starting element to be worked 100. According to a preferred way of operating, the step of realizing said one or more? grooves 14 is performed by making at least one inclined groove. The grooves 14 may extend to each other non-parallel in the thickness direction. The walls 18 of the grooves 14 may extend non-parallel to each other.

[0085]. The creation of the grooves 14 obtained by the removal of material per se? it structurally weakens the starting construction element 100 locally as the cross section is locally reduced in the direction of the thickness, with a consequent concentration of the stresses in the cross section in correspondence with the portions with a residual thickness of 10x.

[0086]. The 10x residual thickness can? be chosen according to the optimization of cutting performance.

[0087]. With a further advantage, the method includes the step of associating a quantity of filler 15 or binder 15, suitable for allowing the passage of visible light 20, to at least the third surface 13 of each groove 14 of said one or more? grooves 14, and preferably also to the side walls 18 of the grooves 14. In this way, the third surface 13 is embedded in the binder 15. For example, the binder 15? applied in liquid form and is poured into said one or more? furrows 14, where it solidifies. In this way, the optical channels extend through the thickness of the building element, and the visible light penetrates both the binder 15 and the residual thickness 10x.

[0088]. In accordance with a possible way of operating, the binder 15 ? applied to the intermediate element 200 during a vacuum manufacturing process, for example in an autoclave.

[0089]. In accordance with a possible way of operating, the binder 15 ? applied to the intermediate element 200 during a steam manufacturing process.

[0090]. Preferably, by solidifying the binder 15 or filler 15, it adheres to the walls 13, 18 of the grooves 14, exerting a reinforcing function.

[0091]. The light beam that has passed through the thickness through the optical channels can come refracted of a certain angle of refraction and / or pu? be spread due to the intrinsic composition of the building material at the 10x residual thickness.

[0092]. Thanks to the provision of said transparent or translucent binder 15, it is possible to locally reinforce said intermediate element 200 without making it opaque, and in particular, it is possible to structurally reinforce the intermediate element 200 in correspondence with said grooves 14 where said intermediate element 200 is? locally transparent or translucent to visible light. In other words, is it possible to increase the strength and robustness of the intermediate panel 200 while being able to maintain or modulate the properties? of localized transparency or translucency conferred in the previous phases. The contact surface between the binder 15 and the intermediate element 200 can correspond to the entire extension of the walls 18 of the grooves 14 and of the at least one third surface 13, for example in the case in which the binder 15 fills the grooves 14 until it is flush with the first surface 11, in order to guarantee a firm coupling. In this way, the loads are transmitted over the entire section, and in correspondence with the 10x reduced residual thickness, the flow of forces also passes through the solidified binder 15.

[0093]. Therefore, thanks to a method as described above, a backlit final product 10 is obtained. The term "backlit final product 10", or final product 10, or backlit panel 10 also means a backlit plate -lightable 10, a backlightable brick 10 or more? generically a backlit element 10.

[0094]. Is it therefore possible to obtain a local variation of the properties? optics of the starting material without changing its visible structural composition or the visible texture of which ? constituted, without reducing its properties? resistance and robustness mechanics.

[0095]. It is possible to create an optical contrast between backlit portions 21 and opaque portions. The optical contrast can be further given by the presence in the backlit portions 21 of two or more? portions of contrasting materials 98, 99 integrated in the starting element to be worked 100.

[0096]. In accordance with one way of operating, the method comprises the step of applying the binder 15 until the first surface 11 of the starting element 100 is embedded, for example by using a formwork (not shown), forming a first surface 11? of the final product 10 placed at a distance from the first surface 11 of the starting panel 100 at least locally.

[0097]. The first surface 11, 11? of the final product 10 pu? coincide locally with the first surface 11 of the starting element 100 to be machined and/or can? not coincide with the first surface 11 of the starting element 100 to be machined.

[0098]. The second surface 12 ? instead preferably kept intact during the phases of the method, determining that the second surface of the final product 10 is substantially the same as the second surface 12 of the starting element to be worked on 100 resulting indistinguishable from it at least when the light source 16 is? deactivate.

[0099]. Preferably, the method comprises the step of solidifying the binder 15 in one or more? grooves 14. Preferably, the method comprises the step of smoothing the first surface 11, 11? of the final product 10 and for example this step is performed by removing at least the solidified binder 15.

[00100]. According to a preferred way of operating, the method comprises the step of placing at least one light source 16 behind said final product 10.

[00101]. Preferably, in this way, both said first surface 11 and said third surface 13 optically face the light source 16 through the transparent or translucent binder 15. Due to the 10x reduced residual thickness, also some portions of the second surface 12 are optically facing the light source 16, i.e. in optical communication with the light source 16. In other words, the formation of optical channels located through the thickness S10 of the final product 10 allows you to create a local optical contrast.

[00102]. The light source 16 can be placed either on one side or on the other of the final product 10.

[00103].The 10x residual thickness in correspondence with the grooves 14 can? be chosen in such a way that when the final product 10 is locally transparent or translucent to visible light 20 only when the light source 16 located behind the backlightable element 10? active.

[00104].The intensity? of the light source 16, its illumination angle as well as? its final product distance 10 may preferably be chosen to achieve this effect. L? At least one light source 16 pu? understand a plurality of LED bulbs, for example it includes an LED panel.

[00105]. The final product 10 10 when the light source 16 ? active, has one or more? illuminating regions 21 in correspondence with said grooves 14. In other words,

[00106]. According to one way of operating, the method comprises the further step of activating said at least one light source 16 placed behind the final product 10 and illuminating the environment to be illuminated 17 placed in front of the final product 10. Preferably, the expressions ?behind ? is ahead? used herein generically indicate opposite positions with respect to the final product 10, but preferably opposite positions with respect to the thickness S10 of the final product 10, ie with respect to the extension of the optical channels. For example, when light source 16 ? placed optically on the side of the first surface 11 of the final product 10, then the first surface 11 of the final product 10 is intended to be placed behind, and consequently the second surface 12 is intended to be placed in front, and vice versa.

[00107].Can the grooves 14 all have the same depth? z, z1, z2. The grooves 14 can have depth? z, z1, z2 different from each other. The grooves 14 can have a mainly longitudinal extension which extends transversely to the initial thickness 10a. The grooves 14 can have two substantially comparable dimensions in the transverse direction with respect to the starting thickness 10a.

[00108]. According to one method of operation, the method comprises the step of painting the side walls 18 of said grooves 14 with at least one paint 24 that reflects visible light, as shown for example in figure 5.

[00109]. In accordance with a possible way of operating, the grooves 14 are made according to a cutting direction which forms a predeterminable angle ?1, ?2 with the second surface 12 and/or with the first surface 11 of the element to be starting machining 100. The first and second surfaces 11, 12 are preferably parallel to each other. The grooves 14 can be made with cuts directed substantially orthogonally with respect to said first surface 11 of the starting element 100. In this way, the predeterminable angle ?1, ?2? essentially equal to 90?. 14 furrows can be made with oblique cuts. As shown for example in figure 7, a wall 18 of a groove 14 forms an angle ?1 or ?2 different from 90?.

[00110]. The direction of the adhesion forces between the binder 15 and the side walls 18 of the grooves 14 can be orient favorably within the thickness of the starting material and/or of the binder 15, remaining in the starting thickness 10a, suitably choosing the direction of the side walls 18, in other words acting on the predeterminable angle ?1, ?2, which can? be controlled by cutting direction control.

[00111].By suitably choosing the direction of the side walls 18, in other words by acting on the predeterminable angle ?1, ?2, which can? be controlled by controlling the cutting direction, it is possible to locally adjust the optical contrast of the final product 10. For example, an oblique side wall 18 determines that the local thickness of the material is intermediate between the residual thickness 10x and the starting thickness 10a , and therefore can? present a blurred optical transition between the illuminating area 21 having a residual thickness of 10x and the adjacent opaque shadow area with a starting thickness 10a. The optical contrast can therefore be modulated as desired, with a pleasant aesthetic effect.

[00112]. According to a preferred way of operating, the method comprises the step of creating a customizable optical contrast with a visible project on said second surface 12, when the light source 16 is? active. Preferably, it is possible to obtain a decorative motif with a high aesthetic value visible on said second surface 12 only when the light source is on. active while the second surface 12 is optically continuous, and preferably optically reflecting essentially in its entirety, when the light source 16 is active. deactivate.

[00113]. According to a variant, the step of arranging a light source 16 can plan to use natural light. In accordance with one way of operating, the step of arranging a light source 16 comprises the step of facing said first surface 11? to a natural light source, for example sunlight, to obtain on said second surface 12 an optical contrast which can be determined according to the project.

[00114]. In accordance with a general embodiment, ? expected a unit? constructive 10 backlit 10.

[00115].The unit? constructive backlighting 10 pu? be a final product 10 obtainable by the method described above.

[00116].With the term ?unit? backlit constructive 10? it is also intended to indicate a backlightable panel 10, a backlightable plate 10, a backlightable brick 10.

[00117].?unit? backlightable construction 10 comprises a first surface 11,11?, a second surface 12 opposite said first surface 11,11?, and a thickness S10 between them.

[00118]..The first surface 11? of? unit? constructive backlighting 10 pu? coincide with a part of the first surface 11 of the starting element 100.

[00119]. Alternatively, as shown for example in figure 4, the first surface 11? of? unit? constructive backlighting 10 ? formed by the solidified binder 15 which has coated the first surface 11 of the starting element 100.

[00120].The unit? backlightable construction 10 comprises at least a third surface 13 interposed between said first surface 11? and said second surface 12 at least locally.

[00121].The unit? backlightable construction 10 also comprises binder 15, suitable for allowing the passage of visible light 20, to cover at least said third surface 13. The binder 15 can? form at least a portion of said first surface 11?.

[00122]. Advantageously, in correspondence with said at least one third surface 13 said unit? constructive backlit 10 ? locally transparent or translucent to visible light 20. In this way optical channels are formed which through the thickness S10 of the unit? backlit construction 10.

[00123]. In accordance with one embodiment, the thickness S10 of the unit constructive backlight 10 in correspondence with said at least one third surface 13 ? substantially equal to the thickness of the unit? rear-illuminable construction 10 in correspondence with said second surface 12. This is why? does the binder 15 fill the grooves 14 and solidifying form at least a portion of said first surface 11? of? unit? constructive backlighting 10. The binder 15 pu? be composed at least partially of resin, for example pu? be composed at least predominantly of resin. For example, the resin can be a resin with properties? time-varying optics such as a fluorescent-type resin.

[00124]. According to one embodiment, the paint of the walls of the grooves can include a fluorescent paint.

[00125]. According to one embodiment, the binder 15 ? flush with the first surface 11 of the starting element 100. In this way, the thickness of the unit? constructive backlighting 10 ? equal to the thickness 10a of the starting panel 100. The thickness of the unit? constructive backlighting 10 pu? be identical to the thickness 10a of the starting panel 100. The thickness of the unit? constructive backlight 10 pu? be constant.

[00126]. In accordance with one embodiment, the binder 15 is applied until the first surface 11 of the starting element 100 is embedded, for example by using a formwork (not shown), forming a first surface 11? of? unit? backlightable construction 10 placed at a distance from the first surface 11 of the starting element 100.

[00127].of the unit? backlightable construction 10 preferably has the shape of a parallelepiped.

[00128]. In accordance with one embodiment, the starting panel 100 ? a marble panel and the residual thickness 10x ? less than 5 mm and preferably ? less than or equal to 3 mm. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the starting panel 100 is a marble panel and the residual thickness 10x ? less than or equal to 2 mm. Preferably, the starting panel 100 ? a marble panel and the residual thickness 10x ? greater than 1.5 mm.

[00129].The material or materials that make up the unit? constructive backlighting 10 pu? include veins 19 and/or streaks 19 and/or textures 16 and/or the like, which are visible in the unit? backlit construction 10 essentially seamless? when the light source 16 ? activated.

[00130].A unit? constructive backlighting 10 pu? find employment in the advertising sector? and backlit signs. For example, can you achieve with said one or more? furrows 14 the design of a company logo or a reproduction of a verbal element.

[00131].By choosing the arrangement of said one or more? furrows 14 allows you to create stylized reproductions of photographic images or paintings.

[00132].By choosing the arrangement of said one or more? furrows 14, and on the design of the light effect obtainable with the activation of at least one light source 16, it is possible to create even complex decorative elements with fine spatial resolution.

[00133]. In accordance with one embodiment, the second surface 12 appears to an observer 25 as intact as it was originally, avoiding generating interruptions and discontinuities on the second surface 12. typical due to for example holes and through cuts.

[00134]. In accordance with one embodiment, the bond strength between the binder 15 and the groove walls 13, 18, and consequently the resulting mechanical strength, can be verified within the final thickness S10 of the unit? backlit construction 10.

[00135].The unit? constructive backlighting 10 pu? include an operating switch 22 for activating the light source 16. The operating switch 22 can? be expected surfacing from before 11, 11? or from the second wall 12 of the unit? backlightable construction 10. Alternatively, the operating switch 22 can? be expected separated from? unit? constructive 10.

[00136]. As shown for example in figure 9, the unit? constructive backlighting 10 pu? be included in, or associated with, a vertical or sub-vertical wall 27, for example a wall of a building, such as a partition wall. The vertical or sub-vertical wall 27 can? include one or more these units? backlit constructive 10.

[00137]. According to one embodiment, ? foreseen vertical or sub-vertical wall 27 constituted by one or more? backlit building panels 10. In this way, the provision of a vertical or sub-vertical wall 27 made up of one or more? backlit building panels 10 is robust and capable of performing an illuminating function.

[00138].The unit? constructive backlighting 10 pu? be a unit? modular for the construction of partition walls, beams, crosspieces, uprights, false ceilings, flooring, external walls, partitions, and other applications in the building sector that may be of interest to an expert in the pertinent branches, and in general one or more? of these units? constrictive elements 10 both equal to each other and different are suitable for making at least a visible part of at least one building finish and/or a piece of furniture.

[00139].The unit? constructive backlighting 10 pu? be suitable for use as a piece of furniture.

[00140]. In accordance with a general embodiment, ? expected an assembly comprising at least one unit? backlightable construction 10 according to any of the previously described embodiments and at least one light source 16.

[00141]. Preferably, said assembly further comprises at least one operating switch 22 for activating the light source 16.

[00142]. In accordance with a general embodiment, ? Is there a piece of furniture including at least one unit? backlightable construction 10 according to any one of the previously described embodiments. With the term? piece of furniture? it is intended to indicate preferably also building finishes and decorative elements or other elements of aesthetic value.

[00143].The piece of furniture? endowed with unusual properties? of localized optical contrast which can be defined on the project in a customizable way according to the operating modes of the method described above.

[00144]. In accordance with a general embodiment, ? expected an architectural element comprising at least one unit? backlightable construction 10 according to any one of the previously described embodiments.

[00145]. Preferably, the architectural element comprises at least one vertical or sub-vertical wall 27 in which ? at least one backlit building element 10 is mounted. For example, does the vertical or sub-vertical wall 27 include at least a portion of the wall 28 itself? without optical contrast made of plasterboard or other suitable material and at least one backlit building element 10. Pu? be provided a cavity 26 inside the section of said architectural element to receive one or more? light sources 16, and the walls delimiting said interspace 26 can both be provided with at least one backlit construction element 10 or, as shown for example in figure 12, only one of the two walls delimiting said interspace 26? equipped with at least one backlit building element 10.

[00146].Thanks to the characteristics described above, it is provided jointly or severally with each other in particular embodiments as well as? particular ways of operating, ? Is it possible to get a unit? constructive back-illuminabile as well as? a method of local variation of the properties? optics of a material which at the same time satisfies the above-described conflicting requirements and the above-mentioned desired advantages, and in particular:

[00147].? is a unit created? constructive backlight 10 as well as? a final product10 which at the same time acts as a piece of furniture and ? capable of illuminating an environment to be illuminated 17, both indoors and outdoors;

[00148].? a lamp is formed starting from a preferably essentially opaque starting plate, ie unsuitable for allowing the passage of visible light;

[00149].? the optical channels through which the light wave spreads in the environment can be hidden and kept undetectable by an observer;

[00150].? optical channels are formed at the grooves with transparent filler 15;

[00151].? you allow yourself to make one or more? optical channels through which there? passage of light digging furrows without these being visible to an observer, placed on the other, opposite side of the unit? constructive backlight 10 as well as? of the final product10;

[00152].? in particular, the unit? constructive backlight 10 as well as? the final product10, appears to the observer intact as originally, without solution of continuity? of the grain and texture of the raw building material;

[00153].? are not even visible indications of the presence of a light source placed behind the unit? constructive backlight 10 as well as? the final product 10, for example, are not visible n? the parts of transparent filler why? result behind the second surface 12, n? interruptions, n? the presence of threaded fasteners, n? through cuts of any sort: in other words, the residual thickness 10x ? preferably continuous on the second surface 12, while the transparent binder 15 is placed hidden by 10x residual thickness for an observer;

[00154].? the layout of the furrows can? be chosen arbitrarily and made for example by means of numerically controlled machine tools, allowing for an extreme degree of customization;

[00155].? a versatile and suitable methodology is provided to create a multitude of varieties on request backlit decorative elements;

[00156].? making furrows leaves a residual thickness locally, capable of making the material of the essentially opaque starting sheet transparent or translucent locally;

[00157].? the provision of cantilever lamps is avoided;

[00158].? it is possible to keep visible the constitutive texture of the starting opaque material also in the illuminating parts 21 of the unit? constructive backlight 10 as well as? in the final product 10;

[00159].? it offers an optical contrast of customizable texture, design and shades;

[00160].? the properties? local optics can be determined by project;

[00161].? can you? place the light source on one side or the other of the unit? constructive backlight 10 as well as? of the final product 10 and distant from it/or of a predefinable distance 10y;

[00162].- is the purpose also hidden from view? functional of? unit? constructive backlight 10 as well as? of the final product 10 to the observer who by custom would not associate the opaque nature of light with a screen function;

[00163].? particularly in the architectural field the 10x residual thickness allows freedom? of design as in the study of the design of a unit? constructive backlight 10 or piece of furniture are no longer? necessary through grooves;

[00164].? is it possible to create a partition wall comprising at least one of said units? constructive backlight 10 as well as? of the final product 10 suitable for putting the environments it separates into optical communication, for example ? suitable for diffusing visible light in an environment that can? be by itself free from sources of artificial lighting by backlighting of the partition;

[00165].? it allows to provide binding forces and consequently verifiable mechanical strength throughout the thickness of the final backlit building element;

[00166].? you realize a final product 10 as well as? unit? constructive backlight 10 equipped with unusual capacity? of resistance to fracture and toughness? obtainable by the composition comprising a grooved starting element and a transparent binder, for example a resin, in which the contact area between the building material and the binder is greater than the free surface of the starting element, such as a slab for example, precisely due to the effect of the groove; not only that, the adhesion forces due to the effect of the grooves are advantageously disposed in the thickness of the final panel in various ways, according to the orientation of the walls of the grooves, increasing the cohesion of the final panel;

[00167].? allows you to obtain a final product as well as? a unit? sufficiently robust and resistant backlit construction, considering the preferred uses such as finishes and furnishings;

[00168].- thanks to the proposed solutions it is possible to combine local lowering of the thickness of a piece, necessary to obtain optical channels, and resistance of the piece itself subject to such lowering thanks to a transparent binder, with the innovative result of promoting materials that tend to be non-transparent, notoriously discarded for this purpose, play the role of screen;

[00169].- it is possible to obtain a panel capable of performing an illuminating function, even in the thicknesses of the sheet or panel commonly used in furnishings, thicknesses within which many materials that are not typically transparent would block the light wave emitted by the rear source.

[00170]. In the embodiments described above, a person skilled in the art, in order to satisfy contingent and specific needs, will be able to make numerous modifications, adaptations and replacement of elements with other functionally equivalent ones, without however departing from the scope of the following claims.

REFERENCE LIST

10 Units? backlit construction, or backlit construction element, or backlit construction panel, or final product

11 First surface of the starting element 11? First surface of the unit? backlit construction

12 Second surface

13 Third surface

14 Furrow

15, 15? binder, or filler

16 Light source

17 Environment to be illuminated

18 Furrow wall

19 Grain, or streak, or texture of the starting panel

20 Visible light

21 Panel illuminating region

22 Switch

24 Reflective paint

25 Observer

26 Interspace

27 Vertical or sub-vertical wall

28 Portion of the wall itself? no optical contrast

98, 99 Portions of materials to be assembled to obtain a starting element 100 Essentially opaque starting element, or essentially opaque starting panel, or essentially opaque starting sheet, or starting material 200 Intermediate panel

10th Starting thickness

10 x Residual thickness

10y Distance

z, z1, z2 Depth? of furrow

?1, ?2 Angle

S10 Final thickness

Claims (12)

1. Method to locally vary the properties? optics of a material comprising the following steps of: - provide a starting element (100) having a certain degree of opacity? starting element in visible light (20), said starting element (100) having a first surface (11), a second surface (12) opposite said first surface (11), and a starting thickness (10a) between them ; - make one or more grooves (14) on said starting construction element (100) locally reducing the starting thickness (10a), so as to expose at least one third surface (13), opposite to said second surface (12); - associate a quantity? of binder (15), suitable for allowing the passage of visible light (20), at least to the third surface (13) of each groove (14) of said one or more? furrows, in which: the phase of realizing one or more? grooves (14) on said starting element (100) provides for locally reducing the starting thickness (10a) so that? in correspondence of at least part of said one or more? furrows (14) does the final product (10) show a local decrease in its degree of opacity? starting point in visible light (20) and a simultaneous increase in its local degree of translucency or transparency in visible light (20), forming together with at least a portion of said binder (15), one or more? optical channels extending through the thickness (S10) of the final product (10). The method according to claim 1, comprising the following further steps of: - activate a light source (16) placed behind the final product (10) and illuminate the environment to be illuminated (17) placed in front of the final product (10), - determining an optical contrast, which can be personalized according to the project, visible on said second surface (12). 3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of making said one or more? grooves (14) is performed by making at least one inclined groove; and/or in which - the phase of making said one or more? furrows (14) is performed by removing material from a numerically controlled machine; and/or in which - said one or more? furrows (14) do they all have the same depth? (z, z1, z2) or where - at least one groove of said one or more? furrows (14) has depth? (z, z1, z2) different from the others. 4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of providing a starting element (100) is performed by providing a starting element (100) made of at least one of the following materials: marble, stone, terracotta, onyx, amber , wood, and/or the like; and/or in which the phase of providing a starting construction element (100) is performed by assembling together two or more? portions of contrasting materials (98, 99); and/or in which -the second surface (12) ? instead preferably maintained intact during the phases of the method, determining that the second surface of the final product (10) is substantially the same as the second surface (12) of the starting element to be worked (100), for example resulting indistinguishable from it at least when the light source (16) ? disable; and/or in which the method comprises the step of painting the side walls (18) of said grooves (14) with a paint (24) reflecting visible light. 5.Unit? backlit construction (10) including: - a first surface (11?), a second surface (12) opposite said first surface (11?), and a shim (S10) between them; - at least one third surface (13), interposed between said first surface (11?) and said second surface (12) - binder (15), suitable to allow the passage of visible light (20), to cover at least said third surface (13); in which: the residual thickness (10x) between said second surface (12) and said third surface (13) ? such that the? unit? backlightable construction (10) present a local decrease in its degree of opacity? in visible light (20) and a simultaneous increase in its local degree of translucency or transparency in visible light (20), forming together with at least a portion of said binder (15), one or more? optical channels that extend through the thickness (S10) of? unit? backlit construction (10). 6.Unit? backlightable construction (10) according to claim 5, wherein the thickness (S10) of the unit? constructive backlighting at said at least one third surface (13) ? substantially equal to the thickness (S10) in correspondence with said second surface (12). 7.Unit? backlightable construction (10) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the area of adhesion between the binder (15) and the material of the building element (10) is ? greater than the area of said second surface (12); and/or in which the bond strength between the binder (15) and the groove walls (13, 18), and consequently the resulting mechanical strength, act within the final thickness (S10), and preferably act within the starting thickness (10a ) of the starting element (100). 8.Unit? backlightable construction (10) according to any one of claims from 5 to 7, wherein the second surface (12) appears to an observer (25) intact, avoiding generating interruptions and discontinuities on the second surface (12). due for example to holes, through cuts. 9. Assembly comprising at least one unit? backlightable construction (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, and at least one light source (16). The assembly according to claim 9, wherein when a light source (16) is active, said unit? backlit construction model (10) has one or more? illuminating regions (21) at said grooves (14) forming a visible optical contrast on said second surface (12); and/or in which - at said at least one third surface (13) said unit? constructive backlighting (10) ? transparent or translucent. The assembly according to claim 9 or 10, wherein when said light source (16) is? active are visible on the second surface (12) of? unit? constructive backlighting (10) veins (19) and/or streaks (19) and/or textures (19) and/or the like seamlessly? at the illuminating portions (21); and/or in which - said assembly comprises an actuation switch (22) for activating the light source (16). 12. Furnishing element comprising at least one building element (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 8 and/or at least one assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 11; in which - preferably the piece of furniture comprises a vertical or sub-vertical wall (27).