Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Panel Body
The invention relates to a panel body for a floor covering, a wall covering or
a ceiling covering,
for a piece of furniture or for a facade, with a carrier panel and a cover
layer above the carrier
panel.
In known panel bodies, for example for floor covering or wall covering, the
design possibilities
are as a rule limited to achieving a certain optical impression and to
everyday serviceability.
Functional elements of all kinds must be installed depending on the situation.
This requires not
only careful planning, but usually also a commitment to desired functions
prior to the installation
of panel bodies of the above named kind.
Usually a construction process for a building requires several trades to
completely equip a wall
or a floor of the structure. Functional elements such as lighting, connections
and the associated
supply lines must be installed. Then the surface is covered as desired in
particular with panel
bodies such as panel elements. Usually, such an elaborate installation is only
economically
feasible in new construction, while a subsequent installation is connected
with high costs if at all
possible.
From DE 10 2012 214 379 A1, a subfloor covering is known in which sensors are
integrated into
the floor covering with a sensor layer for measuring a physical value or an
ambient parameter.
With this, a room can be provided inconspicuously with such sensors. However,
this principle,
as well as the use of separate external sensors, has the disadvantage that to
use or evaluate
the sensor signals, for example to automatically control technical building
functions, a great deal
of effort is necessary to contact the integrated sensors. This applies in
particular to integrating
the sensors of the sensor layer in a smart home system.
Smart home applications are becoming increasingly common. These include for
example the
automation of building functions and the coupling of electronic components
with residential
spaces, in particular by using a bus system. However, the problem in this
connection is that
systems for smart home applications are based on different standards. As a
rule, it is necessary
beforehand to determine the spatial arrangement of functional elements in the
building process
as well as to decide the standard to be used.
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Against this background, it is the object of the present invention to increase
the flexibility when
using functional elements in connection with panel bodies of the kind
mentioned above, and to
broaden the application range of panel bodies accordingly.
According to the invention, the above object is achieved in a generic panel
body with the
characteristics of the generic part of Claim 1 in that between the carrier
panel and the cover
layer at least one functional layer comprising a printed circuit with at least
one actuator in the
form of a luminous layer and/or at least one mechanical actuator and/or at
least one conductor
path for transferring electrical power to a first external consumer is
provided. Advantageous
embodiments are the subject of the sub-claims.
The functional layer integrated in the layer assembly of such a panel body
allows a flexible use
of functional elements in connection with the panel body. Ultimately the
functionality depends on
the nature or design of the functional layer. An actuator has the purpose of
converting an
electrical signal into a desired effect.
The integration of a functionality in the form of a printed intelligence into
the panel body leads to
a high degree of modularity. This results in advantages in particular with
regard to the
arrangement of functional elements behind a wall covering or a floor covering.
When the panel
bodies are installed, i.e. especially in the case of a ceiling, wall or floor
covering, the panel
bodies can be combined with different functionalities and with each other.
When the application
situation changes, functional elements formed by actuators integrated in the
panel body can be
easily adapted. In the simplest case this can be done by just exchanging the
panel body for a
new panel body with a differently designed functional layer. In case of a
floor, wall and/or ceiling
covering the adaptation of functional elements is thus facilitated since the
functional elements
are provided as actuators in the functional layer of the floor, wall or
ceiling covering that is
accessible from the outside. Thus, an exchange of these elements requires
clearly less effort
than an exchange of elements behind such a covering.
With the integration of functional units in the panel body, the desired
functionality is provided,
and at the same time, a discreet and appealing optical appearance is achieved
in a surface
covered with the inventive panel bodies. This applies in particular to the
inactive state of the
functional units. It is possible, for example, to use a luminous layer in the
panel body for lighting
purposes without a light fixture being visible when artificial lighting can be
avoided or is to be
avoided.
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If the functional layer has at least one conductor path, electrical current
can be transmitted in an
unobtrusive manner, such as in another panel body with a functional element.
In that case the
conductor path has the purpose of transmitting energy to an external consumer.
Externally, this
means that the consumer is not part of the panel body in question but can only
be electrically
coupled with it. For energy transmission, the circuit panel therefore has a
greater conductor
cross section than the conducting connections of a circuit that is formed,
such as a printed
circuit board designed as a chip.
Preferably, the cross section of the conductor path for transmitting energy is
at least 0.005 mm2,
preferably at least 0.01 mm2, more preferably at least 0.05 mm2, and most
preferably at least
0.1 mm2. This limits the heating of the conductor path during energy
transmission to a
reasonable degree even when higher currents are transmitted to supply a more
powerful
consumer or multiple consumers with energy.
Contrary to power lines laid behind a panel body, the inventive solution
facilitates in a simple
manner to utilize the electric energy provided via the conductor path inside
the panel body. This
can be accomplished by at least one connection element arranged in front of
and/or behind
and/or on the face of the panel body for contacting the conductor path.
The inventive panel body is characterized by a particularly simple and thus
more cost-effectively
manufactured design when the functional layer is directly applied to the
carrier panel.
Alternatively or additionally, the printed circuit can also be applied to a
layer carrier and
designed as a separate layer to connect with the carrier panel. This produces
a high degree of
integration. The thickness of a panel body equipped with a functional layer is
only slightly
increased by a directly printed circuit on the carrier panel. Direct printing
on the carrier panel
has the advantage that no other layers must be integrated as carriers of the
printed circuit in the
layer bond of the panel body.
When the printed circuit is alternatively or additionally formed as a separate
layer, in particular
by applying the circuit on a layer carrier, it is possible with little effort
to select a suitable layer
from multiple prepared functional layers as required, and to integrate it in
the layer bond of the
panel body before its final production.
The design of the cover layer in terms of its light transmission is adapted to
the functional layer.
If the functional layer is designed in the form of a luminous layer, the cover
layer is at least in
some parts transparent or translucent or semi-transparent. Such a design can
but must not be
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provided when the functional layer is equipped with at least one mechanical
actuator and/or
designed only for energy transmission. In that case, the cover layer can also
be opaque or
impervious to light.
In manufacturing the panel body, the layer assembly is preferably pressed, and
thus the layers
are firmly connected with each other. For example, in the case of panels for
floor, wall or ceiling
covering, short-cycle pressing is a common manufacturing process. Layers may
also be cold-
laminated. Other joining methods are possible, such as lamination,
calendering, bonding or
extruding. It is also possible to work with only a lacquer surface and/or to
apply wax/oil. Powder
coating, foil coating and other methods of surface protection are possible as
well.
The manufacture of the panel body is also simplified or accelerated when a
standard printing
technique can be used for applying the printed circuits to the functional
layer. For that purpose,
the printed circuit practically comprises a conductive material applicable via
digital printing
and/or silk-screening and/or web-fed offset printing. In particular, an ink
can be used
advantageously in digital printing while an appropriate printing ink is used
with other printing
techniques. Preferably, the ink or printing ink is provided with the
conductivity necessary for the
printed circuit by comprising conductive particles, especially silver
pigments.
When the functional layer is designed as a luminous layer or if a luminous
layer is provided in
the functional layer, the luminous layer is designed in a preferred embodiment
as an
electroluminescent layer, in particular in the form of a foil. An
electroluminescent foil is
characterized by a largely homogeneous light emission across its entire
surface. Also, it can be
produced in almost any form, for example by cutting it into shape. Thanks to
its mechanical
flexibility, the risk of damaging the luminescent layer due to external
influence is considerably
reduced.
An anti-radiation layer in the layer bond of the panel body can serve to
reflect the light and/or
heat radiation emitted by the functional layer. By applying such an anti-
radiation layer below the
functional layer, radiation loss is reduced, and anti-radiation in the
direction of the panel body
surface is ensured.
Alternatively or additionally, an anti-radiation layer can also be provided
above the functional
layer. In this way, undesirable electromagnetic emission ("electrosmog") can
be prevented or at
least reduced. For this purpose, the anti-radiation layer can have a solid
surface or a lattice
structure.
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Waste heat from electronic or electrical components can be dissipated, for
example, by means
of a cooling layer. Such a cooling layer can also serve to temper the panel
body, for example to
achieve a certain temperature sensation when touching the panel body. The
cooling layer can
also influence the temperature in a room with inventive panel bodies. So-
called phase shift
materials have proven particularly advantageous for such cooling layers which
are also applied
with latent heat accumulators. These can absorb a large amount of heat without
their
temperature rising significantly, since their latent heat of fusion, heat of
solution and/or heat of
absorption is clearly greater than the heat they can absorb due to their
specific heat capacity.
In a preferred embodiment of the panel body, the functional layer comprises of
at least one
sensor which can detect a physical quantity. In particular, the sensor serves
to detect
temperature, light intensity, moisture acting upon the panel body and/or
pressure applied upon
the panel body. The signal of the sensor can be used to control actuators of a
control circuit
such that a target value is reached for the measured quantity. For example,
this applies to
temperature or light intensity. The actuators of a control circuit which are
activated or controlled
due to a sensor signal can be provided outside the panel body or in the form
of actuators of the
functional layer of the panel body.
Contact with the panel body can be detected with a pressure sensor. In that
way, it can be
detected for example, for monitoring purposes, whether someone is entering a
room if its floor
covering comprises an inventive panel body. For example, a floor covering with
panel bodies
comprising pressure sensors can also register when a person falls and requires
help, thus
facilitating appropriate assistance measures to be taken.
The sensor can be placed in the functional layer and/or in a separate
additional sensor layer.
This creates various advantages depending on the nature of the sensor. By
arranging the
sensor in the functional layer, the degree of integration increases such that
an overall space-
saving construction of the functional layer or of the panel body is possible.
In other cases, it may
be necessary to uncouple the sensor from the functional layer, for example to
arrange it closer
to the panel body surface within the layer assembly.
With at least one operating arrangement for controlling the functional layer,
users can influence
the behaviour of an actuator in the functional layer. Furthermore, the
operating arrangement can
also be used to direct control signals to a functional element arranged
outside the layer
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assembly of the panel body. Preferably the operating arrangement is provided
in the functional
layer.
The functional layer, the sensor and/or the operating arrangement are coupled
with a control
device. The functional layer or functional elements such as actuators of the
functional layer can
be controlled and/or regulated with the control device whereby the control or
regulation can also
affect only certain sections. It is possible with such a control device to
plan for complex control
possibilities above and beyond simple switching functions for the actuators in
the functional
layer. For example, these can include control programs for the control device
which can be
initiated and activated with the operating arrangement.
In addition, programmed control functions can be initiated when the control
device registers a
certain sensor signal. In particular, this can be connected with a physical
quantity exceeding or
falling below a certain target value. To allow a compact size and a high
degree of integration,
the control device is preferably provided in the functional layer.
The control device and/or the operating arrangement can also be remotely
controlled. For this
purpose, a remote control with relatively simple radio and/or infrared signals
or with more
complex methods such as bluetooth technology is possible. The control device
and/or the
operating arrangement can also be designed for data communication. In that
connection, a
bluetooth interface allows the transmission of digital control data to control
functional elements
or to transmit any other user data.
A data memory assigned to the control device allows the storage of transmitted
data for the
purpose of delayed and/or repeated data retrieval. Preferably, the data memory
is provided in
the functional layer. It is readily apparent that multiple data memories can
be provided as well.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the operating arrangement has at
least one
operating element for data input and/or output. Thus, the operating element
serves as a user
interface. For example, the operating arrangement can be used for re-
programming the control
device by entering control data and/or target values. By means of data
emission, user feedback
is possible, for example to confirm entered data or when a data transmission
has been
successfully completed.
In addition, it is possible to signal the user when a sensor indicates that a
measured value is
outside a target range. The emission of data by the operating element of the
operating
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arrangement is not limited to an optical output but can alternatively or
additionally also include
mechanical and/or acoustic signalling such as in the form of vibration with a
haptic and/or
audible frequency.
Preferably, the operating arrangement has at least one push button and/or one
capacitive
element. A push button can control simple switching operations and in
particular serve as a
haptic element. A capacitive element provides additional possibilities. In
such an element,
various sections of an input surface can be defined for carrying out various
functions. A
capacitive element also supports forms of operation beyond the function of a
mere push button.
For example, swipe gestures allow the setting of values based on the
functioning of a slide
control instead of a concrete value. This can be used, for example, for
controlling a dimmer for a
lighting system or a similar function.
A pressure sensor and/or a push button can be used, especially independently
of an energy
supply, by a circuit that has at least one piezoelectric element assigned to
the functional layer.
In addition, the circuit can be designed such that charges are stored which
are separated by the
piezoelectric element due to pressure and are thus available as a source of
electrical energy.
Alternatively or additionally, the piezoelectric element can also be operated
as an actuator. In
that case, an electrical signal causes a mechanical deformation of the
piezocrystal. The
frequency of an applied voltage that changes periodically can be made to be
felt or heard.
A sound-emitting element represents a special form of a mechanical actuator
where a
mechanical vibration with an appropriate frequency and a sufficient amplitude
is acoustically
discernable. By means of at least one sound-emitting element assigned to the
functional layer
for active noise compensation, it is possible to reduce footstep noise or
general room noise. A
sound detected by an acoustic sensor is reproduced via the sound-emitting
element with the
same frequency, but with a phase shift and a half wave such that the received
and the emitted
sound wave cancel each other out - based on the principle of destructive
interference. This can
produce an acoustically quiet environment as it is often desired in
residential areas or as it may
even be essential in certain environments such as sound studios or in acoustic
measuring
laboratories.
In a preferred embodiment, the functional layer has a means for wireless
energy and/or data
transmission. Preferably, such means comprises an induction coil. Such a means
can be used
to transmit electrical energy and/or data from one panel body to another, in
particular to an
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adjacent panel body. This eliminates the need for the elaborate contacting
between the panel
bodies to produce an electrically conducting connection. The means for
wireless energy and/or
data transmission can also provide access to the functional layer or to
functional elements, i.e.
for example to actuators, sensors and/or to a control device from the outside.
In particular, this
allows the wireless transmission of data to the control device.
Furthermore, electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet computers or the
like can be
charged by induction without contact. For this purpose, an inventive panel
body, for example for
a piece of furniture, comprises an appropriate induction surface or an
induction area. Devices
are charged by simply laying them on the induction surface. The wireless
charging process can
be according to the Qi standard or the Powermat standard.
Furthermore, the functional layer can comprise an acceleration sensor
especially for measuring
seismic tremors. Similar to a pressure sensor, the acceleration sensor can
detect contacts
and/or movements of the panel body. This facilitates, for example, the
monitoring of whether a
person may or may not safely enter a room. Such an acceleration sensor also
allows the
unobtrusive integration of measurements in elements of a room where seismic
activities must
be documented, for example in museums. In that case, there is no need for
measuring
instruments that are visible or subject to possible manipulation.
A magnetic field can be produced with an appropriate design of a printed
circuit. In particular,
this magnetic field is stationary, which means it does not change over time,
at least not
significantly. At least preferably, the magnetic field lines of such a
magnetic field run at least
partly outside the panel body. In that case, objects or devices can interact
with the magnetic
field. For example, routes for self-propelled objects such as toys, robotic
vacuum cleaners or
such can be established in that manner.
Alternatively or additionally, a material interacting with the magnetic field
can also be provided
inside the panel body, especially in the functional layer and/or in the cover
layer. A
ferromagnetic granulate or a ferro fluid can be influenced by the magnetic
field. When a
magnetic field is present, such a material aligns itself according to the
magnetic field lines,
which allows influencing the spatial structure of the material.
For example, a ferro liquid under a transparent cover layer can be made to
form certain
decorative patterns. A granulate of ferromagnetic material can be arranged
under or in an
elastic cover layer such that a tangible relief is formed on the top surface
of the panel body. For
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example, such a relief can be used to provide slip resistance on the surface
or to imitate a
natural surface structure.
When the magnetic field is switched off, a magnetically responsive material
leaves the form into
which it was forced by the magnetic field. In that case, a pattern or a graph
formed by a ferro
fluid will disappear again. A relief structure formed by the appropriate
arrangement of a
magnetically responsive granulate on the surface of the panel body will
flatten out, which for
example will facilitate the cleaning of the panel body.
With at least one photovoltaic element, i.e. in particular a photovoltaic
cell, the functional layer
can be operated with self-sufficient energy. There is no necessity for an
external energy supply
via access lines for the functional elements. Especially when an inventive
panel body is used as
a facade element exposed to daylight, it is also possible to use it as an
energy source for other
consumers outside the panel body.
To compensate for changes in the provision of especially electric energy, it
is practical for the
functional layer to comprise at least one energy reservoir. In particular, the
energy reservoir can
be a thin film battery or a so-called micro energy cell (MEC). In particular
such a micro battery
can be in printed form.
The energy reservoir can be charged from the outside via electric supply lines
or by a
piezoelectric and/or photovoltaic element. Thus, the required electricity is
provided by the panel
body or the functional layer itself, and thanks to storage in the energy
reservoir it is continually
available, in particular independently of its generation.
Energy required for operating external consumers can be made available by the
functional layer
of an inventive panel body. For this purpose, the functional layer preferably
comprises a
connection means for the electrical contact of an electrical consumer. The
connection means
can be in the form of a plug-in in the form of a female collector or as a
contact surface.
According to the invention it is also possible that the functional layer
comprises two live layers of
different polarity above each other. With a corresponding system of panel body
and consumer,
these layers can be contacted by an electrical consumer in that the cover
layer or the functional
layer is penetrated by consumer electrodes of different lengths such that the
electrode tips
come in contact with the live layer of corresponding polarity.
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Depending on the use or application, the functional layer can have a full
surface or a partial
surface on the panel body. Thus, the design of the functional layer can be
limited to those areas
of the panel body in which functional elements are provided.
It has also been found in connection with the invention that as the
electronics is printed onto the
panel body or a substrate, a slight increase in thickness occurs where the
electronics is printed,
for example in the form of the sensor, the actuators or the conductor path. It
has also been
found that this contour is still visible on the finished product, even after
being covered with a
decor paper or another surface layer. However, that is undesirable. To ensure
that such
contours of the functional layer are invisible, the invention provides for a
negative mask layer to
compensate for the protruding contours. Preferably, the negative mask layer is
arranged directly
above and/or below the functional layer.
In principle it is possible that the negative mask layer extends across the
entire upper and lower
surface of the panel body. If the negative mask layer is applied over the full
surface, it is thinner
in the area of the functional layer than in areas where no functional layer is
provided. In this
connection it is of particular importance that the top surface of the negative
mask layer is plane
across its entire extension, i.e. that it forms an absolutely plane surface on
which other layers
such as in particular the cover layer can be applied.
In a particular embodiment of the invention, the negative mask layer is formed
as a lacquer
layer, whereby the lacquer of the lacquer layer fills at least all areas that
were not printed
beforehand. The lacquer layer can also extend across the functional layer.
When the functional
layer is a luminous layer, the lacquer layer must be transparent or
translucent. Otherwise, the
light transmission of the lacquer layer is of no concern.
Alternatively it is possible for the negative mask layer to comprise at least
one section in which
the protruding contours of the functional layer are arranged. In that case,
the thickness of the
negative mask layer is such that the top surface of the negative mask layer
and the top surface
of the functional layer aligned to be flush with each other.
Furthermore, the functional layer is not limited to a single functional
element. This means that
the functional layer can also comprise multiple functional elements or general
functional groups
which themselves can comprise one or more functional elements, preferably in
the form of
printed circuits. Preferably each common functional layer has at least two
different functional
groups, advantageously printed circuits.
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In the case of multiple functional groups, they can be arranged within the
functional layer on a
common level bordering each other. Preferably the functional groups do not
overlay or overlap
each other. That means that each surface portion of the surface covered by the
functional
groups is assigned to a functional group. Depending on the application
situation, it can also be
necessary that parts of the functional groups overlay or overlap each other.
In that case, for
example, the printed circuit of one functional group can merge with the
printed circuit of another
functional group in a transitional area. Preferably, common electronic
components are provided
in such transitional areas, i.e. components used by both functional groups.
Preferably, the level
extends parallel to at least one flat surface of the panel body. That way it
is possible to provide
multiple functional elements within a functional layer.
This means that a corresponding number of functions can be implemented within
a panel body.
Preferably, one such panel body forms a functional unit in which for example
sensors and
actuators are integrated together with a regulating electronics in the panel
body such that the
result is a complete system for regulating at least one physical quantity.
To protect the functional layer against mechanical damage, especially due to
bending or a
torsion of the panel body, and also for the further stabilization of the panel
body as such, at least
one stabilization layer can be applied especially between the functional layer
and the carrier
panel. For this, a fibreglass material or a polymer material such as polyester
has particularly
suitable mechanical properties.
A protective layer above the functional layer protects the printed circuit
against mechanical
damage and contamination. In addition, such a protective layer can serve to
protect the
functional layer against the penetration of moisture. In particular, this
prevents the occurrence of
interruptions of the conductor paths and/or short circuits. Preferably, the
protective layer has a
special insulating protective lacquer.
In a preferred embodiment of the panel body, a decor layer is provided below
the cover layer.
This can influence the optical appearance of the panel body. In particular, it
can be given the
appearance of a natural material such as the optical appearance of wood and/or
stone. It is
obvious that in principle, the panel body can be given any kind of appearance
with the decor
layer. It is also possible to do without some or all of the decor layer to
deliberately show parts of
the functional layer externally. In that case, the cover layer can also assume
the function of the
negative mask layer.
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Particularly well-suited as the carrier of the decor layer is a decor paper or
a decor foil. The
decor paper and the foil are preferably translucent or transparent. That makes
it possible to
illuminate the cover layer from underneath with the functional layer to
achieve an optical effect
such as for signalling or for decorating a room. The translucent or
transparent area of the deco
paper or foil can also be only in certain sections. It is also possible that a
deco paper or foil has
translucent or transparent sections. The final design of the decor layer and
the carrier of the
decor layer depends on the application situation.
Preferably, the functional layer is placed between the carrier panel and the
decor layer, i.e.
perhaps also between the carrier panel and the decor paper or foil. That is
how the functional
layer is protected from below against mechanical damage while it is covered
from above by the
decor layer - if the latter is provided. Thus, the functional layer is
securely and unobtrusively
integrated in the panel body.
Alternatively or additionally to a decor paper and/or foil as carrier of the
decor layer, the decor
layer can also be directly printed onto the functional layer. This simplifies
the layer assembly of
the inventive panel body, and it means that the thickness of the panel body is
reduced.
At least one counteracting layer below the carrier layer can counteract the
mechanical
deformation of the panel body. For example, with two such counteracting
layers, the
deformation of a laminated floor due to bending forces caused by a heavy load
can be
prevented or at least reduced. When two counteracting layers are used, these
do not have to be
of identical design but can be of different thickness and/or of different
materials.
In particular when panel bodies are used as floor, wall or ceiling covering,
the installation of the
inventive panel bodies is simplified by using corresponding tongue and groove
connection
geometries at the opposite edges of two panel bodies. In that respect, the
principle of the so-
called click connection has become very common. With such a click connection
geometry, the
inventive panel bodies can be installed with less labour and fewer technical
resources.
A preferred design of the inventive panel bodies and the corresponding
connection geometries
at the opposite edges aims at an improved contact between the functional layer
and the
adjacent panel bodies. Preferably, the corresponding connection geometries are
designed such
that when two adjacent panel bodies are joined, the result is an overlapping
contact of the
adjoining edges of the functional panels in the connection area. It is
preferable when the
functional layer is bevelled, whereby the bevels run in opposite directions to
those of the
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opposite panels. In that way, the contact surface opposite that of the
adjacent panel is clearly
enlarged which allows for a low-loss transfer of electrical power and/or a low-
interference data
transmission.
A system with multiple panel bodies such as a floor, wall or ceiling covering,
but also a facade
cladding or a piece of furniture made of panel bodies, is provided with at
least one inventive
panel body with a functional layer with corresponding functional elements.
With this, a high
degree of integration can be achieved when connecting electronic functionality
with elements of
room decoration. This is of special importance in view of the increasing
popularity of smart
home applications using a bus system.
It is readily apparent that such a system, i.e. a covering or a piece of
furniture, can also have a
large number of inventive panel bodies with functional elements or may even
consist completely
of such panel bodies. However, this is not absolutely necessary since the
inventive panel body
can be designed such that its optical and/or haptic appearance corresponds to
the appearance
of ordinary panel bodies without a functional layer and can therefore be
easily integrated in a
system of ordinary panel bodies.
Due to a space-saving design of the functional layer and of other layers of
the layer assembly,
the thickness of the inventive panel body is at most only slightly greater
than that of ordinary
panel bodies without a functional layer. In particular when a majority of
panel bodies is installed
flatly in the form of a system of the above named kind, a slight increase in
thickness can be
observed where the inventive panel bodies are joined by ordinary panel bodies.
To prevent this,
in a system where the majority of panel bodies have at least one functional
layer, it happens
that the cover layers of adjacent panels have different layer thicknesses such
that the top
surfaces of adjacent panel bodies in the installed state are aligned with each
other. This is how
a continuous surface results without any visible height levels.
In an alternative embodiment of the inventive panel body, which can be
implemented especially
with one or more of the above named embodiments, the functional layer has at
least one display
means or an actuator in the form of a display means.
Preferably, the display means is designed as an electronic paper of the kind
that is known from
common eBook readers, or it has such an electronic paper. An electronic paper
which in
particular can be background-illuminated to display a desired graphics, has
the advantage that
no floating voltage is necessary as in the case of self-luminous display
systems. Only a voltage
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pulse is required to change the display, which means that with the use of an
electronic paper,
an energy-saving display is possible.
In addition, a display means which extends across the entire surface of the
panel body and has
an electronic paper, can be used to display any graphics, in particular a
pattern which defines
the optical appearance of the panel body.
This is how features such as the grain of natural wood or the surface of stone
can be imitated.
Preferably, the graphics displayed in this case by the display means replaces
a separate decor
layer.
In principle, electronic paper is limited to the display of the grey tones
between black and white.
With an additional colour foil in the layer assembly of the panel body above
the display means
or a corresponding tinged cover layer, the image of the display means can give
the impression
of additional colour, which further approximates the panel body's appearance
as a natural
material.
Further characteristics, advantages and embodiments of the present invention
are apparent
from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings
or from the
drawings themselves. All the described and/or drawn characteristics as well as
any
combinations thereof are forming the object of the present invention,
regardless of their
summary in the claims or reference thereto,
where
Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of the inventive
panel body,
Fig. 2 shows a view as in Fig. 1 of another preferred embodiment of the
inventive panel
body,
Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of the layer assembly of the inventive panel
body,
Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of a possible application for a preferred
embodiment of the
inventive panel body,
Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a possible application for a system with
multiple panel
bodies in the form of a floor covering and a wall covering,
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Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of another application for a system with
multiple panel
bodies in the form of a piece of furniture,
Fig. 7 shows a schematic section of the connecting area of two adjacent
inventive panel
bodies in a preferred embodiment.
The panel body 1 shown in Fig. 1 has a basic, relatively simple layer
assembly. A carrier panel
2 provides panel body 1 with the necessary strength for mechanical stress.
That is why panel
body 1 is particularly suitable for a floor covering that is subject to a
number of stresses, or for
the construction of furniture and such. Carrier panel 2 is preferably
constructed as an MDF or
HDF panel.
On the top, panel body 1 has a transparent cover layer 3 which provides panel
body 1 with
additional abrasion resistance when in use. Furthermore, cover layer 3 can
also have a surface
structuring (not shown) that achieves certain haptic or optical effect. If
panel body 1 is a
laminate, cover layer 3 is preferably a melamine overlay that may have
corundum components.
A functional layer 4 is provided between carrier panel 2 and cover layer 3. In
this example,
functional layer 4 comprises an actuator 5 and a conductor path 6 for
conducting electrical
current, and a sensor 7.
Actor 5 is supplied with electrical current via line 6 and can, as shown, be
provided in a sector of
functional layer 4. Alternatively, actuator 5 can also extend across the
entire surface of panel
body 1 or through the entire functional layer 4. This can be practical, for
example, when actuator
is designed as a luminous layer such as an electroluminescent foil.
Actor 5 can also be designed as a mechanical actuator. For example, a
piezoelectric element
transforms electrical current signals reaching actuator 5 via conductor path 6
into a mechanical
deformation. By means of a periodic modulation of the electrical signal, an
oscillation of the
piezoelectric element of actuator 5 can be produced which can be perceived
haptically and/or,
with the right frequency, also acoustically.
Functional layer 4 connects directly with carrier panel 2 and can in
particular be printed directly
onto carrier panel 2. For example, a printed circuit can be directly applied
by digital printing, silk-
screening and/or web-fed offset printing. A printer ink containing silver
pigment has enough
conductivity for the circuit to work.
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Furthermore, functional layer 4, as mentioned, comprises a sensor 4 which can
measure a
physical quantity, especially the temperature, the light intensity, moisture
acting upon panel
body 1 and/or pressure applied to panel body 1. Sensor 7 transmits an
electrical signal
preferably in proportion with the measured value via conductor path 6 to
another functional
element which preferably is also placed in functional layer 4, but which may
also be outside
panel body 1. Thanks to interaction of actuators 5 and sensors 7 with a
corresponding control
device, a complete control circuit can be established to coordinate a physical
environment
variable with a predetermined target value.
In addition to the layer assembly of panel body 2 that is shown in Fig. 1,
other layers can be
provided as well, as shown in Fig 2 and 3. In the preferred embodiment of the
inventive panel
body shown in Fig. 2, the construction shown in Fig. 1 - a carrier panel 2
with a functional layer
4 above it and an adjoining cover layer 3 - has been extended to include a
decor layer 8
between cover layer 3 and functional layer 4.
Decor layer 8 can be printed directly onto functional layer 4. However, a
decor paper or a decor
foil can also be printed. That provides greater flexibility in the design of
panel body 1. In various
ways, an appropriately prepared decor paper or a foil with decor layer 8 can
be added by laying
it into the layer assembly just prior to the final processing step, i.e. as a
rule before the pressing
step, for example in a short-cycle press.
In the panel body 1 shown in Fig. 2, which is particularly suitable as a floor
covering element,
two counteracting layers 9, 10 are provided, namely a first counteracting
layer 8 and a second
counteracting layer 10. The counteracting layers 9, 10 increase the resistance
of panel body 1
against mechanical deformation.
The first counteracting layer 9 and the second counteracting layer 10 are not
necessarily of the
same material or of the same thickness. For example, it can be provided that
the first
counteracting layer 9 is made of a relatively dense and/or tough material or
that it contains such
material and thus counteracts mechanical deformation. The second counteracting
layer 10 on
the other hand my consist of a less dense material or contain such a material,
and in particular
may have sound-insulating and/or heat insulating properties.
The exploded view in Fig. 3 shows the layer assembly of panel body 1 in
greater detail. The
base of panel body 1 is formed by carrier panel 2 that is in particular made
of an HDF material,
and by a counteracting layer 9 arranged below carrier panel 2. Counteracting
layer 9 consists of
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cork in the case shown here, but it can also consist of another material or
contain another
material. In particular, it can be made of a polymer compound, or
counteracting layer 9 can be
made of particle board.
Immediately above carrier panel 2 is at least one functional layer 4 with a
printed circuit; this
layer actually provides panel body 1 with its functionality. Supplementary to
the arrangement of
panel body 1 as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, the assembly shown in Fig. 3 provides a
protective layer
11 above functional layer 4. In this case, protective layer 11 comprises an
insulating protective
lacquer. This prevents interference with the printed circuit of functional
layer 4 caused by a short
circuit of conductor paths 6 due to the influx of moisture or contamination.
Protective layer 11
also provides additional protection against mechanical damage to functional
layer 4 from above.
In addition, protective layer 11 can have the function of an anti-radiation
layer to protect against
electromagnetic and/or thermal radiation. It is readily apparent that an anti-
radiation layer with
the above named function can also be provided as a separate layer.
In the embodiment shown, a decor layer 8 in the form of a decor paper or a
decor foil is
provided above functional layer 4 and protective layer 11. Alternatively or
additionally, cover
layer 8 can also be applied, preferably printed directly on one of the other
layers, in particular on
functional layer 4.
Decor layer 8 provides panel body 1 with a certain optical appearance. Decor
layer 8 can be
invested with almost any motifs which means that there is a high degree of
design versatility.
In the view shown in Fig. 3, panel body 1 has an abrasion-resistant textured
lacquer as cover
layer 3. Covering layer 3 serves a protection against wear, for example by
abrasion due to the
use of panel body 1. On the other hand, the material of cover layer 3 can have
a structured
surface which allows panel body 1 to be endowed with its optical and haptic
appearance. The
structured surface of cover layer 3 in conjunction with an appropriate motif
of decor layer 8
allows the realistic imitation of a natural material.
To ensure that decor layer 8 is recognizable, cover layer 3 is preferably
transparent.
As mentioned above, functional layer 4 can comprise an actuator 4 in the form
of a luminous
layer. With such a luminous layer, decor layer 8 can be illuminated from
underneath, at least
partly. It is readily apparent that for that purpose cover layer 2 as well as
protective layer 11
must preferably be transparent or at least translucent. In particular for that
purpose, decor layer
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8 is printed onto a translucent decor paper or a translucent and/or
transparent foil. Alternatively
or additionally, decor layer 8 can be applied directly onto functional layer 4
with the luminous
layer and/or with protective layer 11.
To produce panel body 1, the shown layer assembly, in which the individual
layers are above
each other, is joined together in a customary pressing process. In particular
this consists of
pressing with a short-cycle press which is the most common method for
manufacturing panel
bodies 1 for floor, wall and/or ceiling covering. It is also possible to use
cold-lamination to bond
one or more layers of panel body 1. In particular, this can be done after
pressing.
To join two panel bodies 1, the shown panel body 1 or carrier body 2 are
provided with
corresponding connection geometries 12 at their opposite edges. The connection
geometries 12
are designed to form a tongue and groove connection. For that purpose, panel
body 1 has a
tongue 13 at one edge. On the opposite edge is a corresponding groove 14 in
another panel
body for engaging in tongue 13. In the shown case, the connection geometries
12 are formed
according to the widely-used click connection principle. This can be used, for
example, to install
many panel bodies 1 with less labour and fewer technical resources.
Fig. 4 shows an example of an application situation for a system 15 with
multiple panel bodies
1. Here, system 15 is designed as a floor covering, and in this form it can be
used in residential
areas, for example in a bedroom. In one sector, system 15 has an inventive
panel body 1 with a
functional layer 4. This functional layer 4 has a number of functional
elements in the form of
printed circuits. This combines in panel body 1 the functionality of different
household objects
that are present in different areas, in the sense of a smart home application.
In the present example, panel body 1 first of all has a timer function. For
this, an appropriate
circuit with a timer is provided in functional layer 4. The timer can also be
designed as a radio-
controlled clock, and for this purpose, functional layer 4 can be provided
with a receiver circuit
for the signal of a time signal transmitter such as DCF77.
The purpose of display element 16 is to make the time visible. Display element
16 is formed by
an actuator 5 in the form of a luminous layer. The luminous layer illuminates
a decor layer 8
from behind or through the layer such that the display element 16 is visible
only when it is
active. The luminous layer 16 can be activated in sections to display
different symbols. As an
alternative, display element 16 can also consist of multiple sub-elements, in
particular of pixels
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that can be individually activated, and which by means of selective activation
can jointly provide
an image, i.e. a recognizable sign.
An electroluminescent foil (EL foil) is a suitable light source for the
luminous layer. Alternatively
or additionally, a desired type of light can also come from the use of one or
more LEDs,
especially from organic LEDs (OLEDs). Furthermore, display element 16 can also
be designed
as an electronic paper of the kind that is used in common eBook readers.
In addition to a timer function, the shown embodiment of panel body 1 can also
have an
integrated wake-up function. For this, functional layer 4 can have an actuator
5 in the form of an
acoustic signal transmitter.
Furthermore, the shown panel body 1 has the functionality of a weight scale.
The body weight of
a user stepping on panel body 1 is measured by a sensor 7 preferably designed
as a pressure
sensor which can be in functional layer 4 or in a separate sensor layer. The
weight data
measured by sensor 7 are also visualized via an associated display element 16.
In addition, a
graphic representation of the body weight measured over a certain time period
can be
displayed.
For this purpose, the measured values are stored in a memory together with the
time of
measurement and processed by a data processing device. The memory and/or the
data
processor can be provided in functional layer 4 in the form of a printed
circuit. In addition, the
memory and/or the data processor can also be outside panel body 4.
For example, the data processor can evaluate the measured data. This includes
especially
comparing a measured value with a target value, whereby too much of a
deviation from the
target value can be signalled, for example in the form of different colours
displayed by display
element 16.
Preferably, panel body 1 or functional layer 4 comprises a circuit with the
characteristics of a
communication device. This allows the transmission of preferably measured
data, especially via
radio, preferably via a bluetooth interface, for example to a data processor
located outside panel
body 1. Data transmission to the functional elements of panel body 1 is also
possible. This
especially allows the transmission of configuration data which may serve to
adjust a wake-up
time and/or to influence the presentation of display elements 15.
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In the embodiment shown, functional groups assigned to the different
functionalities are
arranged side by side in functional layer 4 of panel body 1, i.e. in different
surface sectors of
panel body 1. When the display elements 16 are designed such that a display
occurs when
decor layer 8 is illuminated from behind, display elements 16 are invisible
when the area is not
in use. In this inactive state, panel body 1 has the optical appearance of an
ordinary panel body.
Thus, the above named functionality is unobtrusively integrated in the floor
covering of the
residential space.
Fig. 5 shows another application of system 15 with multiple panel bodies 1
that is suitable in
particular for public areas. Here, a large number of panel bodies 1 is
arranged to form a floor or
wall covering. System 15 comprises multiple inventive panel bodies 1 each
comprising a
functional layer 4. These panel bodies 1 have various display elements 16
which in this
application can be used for marking directions with arrows or alternatively
with a neutral design
in the form of lighting elements. As in the present example, the purpose of
markings by display
elements 16 can be to indicate an emergency exit or a general escape route.
A control device preferably also provided in functional layer 4 of panel body
1 can control the
display elements 16 or the actuators 5 of functional layer 4 designed as a
luminous layer. In
particular, the control device can be coupled with an external home alarm
system. In case of an
alarm, i.e. for instance when an area must be evacuated, additional display
elements 16 can be
activated. When illumination in general or the display elements 15 are used
for general interior
design, the additional display elements 16 will exercise their directional
effect only in case of an
alarm.
In addition, an appropriate control of the luminous layer can cause a change
in the brightness
and/or in the lighting mode of display elements 16. For example a change is
possible from static
lighting to a viewing mode, in which case the signal effect is increased. For
this purpose, an
additional supporting acoustic signal by an appropriate actuator 5 can be
provided in the form of
an acoustic signal transmitter.
Another possible application is in the manufacturing of furniture with
functional elements. The
piece of furniture shown in Fig. 6 also represents an inventive system 15 with
multiple panel
bodies 1. In the piece of furniture shown, the top covering panel is designed
as an inventive
panel body 1 with a functional layer 4. As shown, the induction section 17 may
be provided only
in part of panel body 1, but it can also extend across the entire surface of
panel body 1.
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Electronic devices such as smartphones can be charged by simply laying them on
the piece of
furniture in induction section 17. Thus, energy for charging is transmitted
without contact,
whereby the induction section 17 functions as the charger.
The charging or the charge status of a device can be made visible by a display
element 16
which in particular is variable.
An operating arrangement with an operating element 18 such as a push button
allows users to
operate the functional elements, i.e. the charger. For example, a charging
current can be set or
a charge status can be checked with operating element 18.
The energy supply of panel body 1 for operating induction section 17 can for
example be
accomplished with a connection to the electrical power supply. Preferably,
this is done with a
connection element (not shown) to contact the circuit or the conductor path 6
in functional layer
7 of panel body 1.
The possibility of charging electronic devices is unobtrusively integrated in
the piece of furniture
in the sense of smart home application. Thus there is no need for a special
charging cable or a
docking station. In particular when the charging function id not in use, the
induction section 17 is
not recognizable as a functional element of panel body 1, such that the piece
of furniture has an
ordinary appearance without anyone easily concluding that it has an integrated
functionality.
The transitional area between two panel bodies, shown in Fig. 7, indicates how
the connection
geometries 12 function at the edges to accomplish a joint. Tongue 13 of one
panel body 1
engages in the corresponding groove 14 of the other panel body, thus creating
a friction-locked
positive connection.
Each of the connected panel bodies 1 shown in Fig. 7 has a functional layer 4.
Functional layer
4 has functional elements such as an actuator 4 and a conductor path 6.
Contact between
functional layer 4 of one panel body 1 and functional layer 4 of the other
panel body 1 is via
touching contact surfaces 19 provided in the region of the edges of functional
layer 4.
Functional layers 4 are bevelled such that their edges facing each other have
corresponding
shapes. This significantly enlarges the maximum expansion of contact surfaces
19. This
improves the transmission properties of the electrical contact between
functional layers 4 of the
connected panel bodies 1 such that the energy and data transmission can be
without any or at
least without much interference. Furthermore, the connection of functional
layers 4 as
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described above is less vulnerable to an interruption of the electrical
contact due to mechanical
stress, especially coming from the top of the panel bodies 1.
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Reference numbers:
1 Panel body
2 Carrier panel
3 Covering layer
4 Functional layer
Actor
6 Conductor path
7 Sensor
8 Decor layer
9 first counteracting layer
second counteracting layer
11 Protective layer
12 Connection geometry
13 Tongue
14 Groove
System
16 Display element
17 Induction section
18 Operating element
19 Contact surface
Connection means
