CZ306453B6 - An illuminating element with a body made of baked ceramics - Google Patents

Abstract

The illuminating element with the body (1) made of baked ceramics, in which there is arranged at least one light source (2) with the electric wiring (3) and, by the light source (2), in the body (1) of the baked ceramics, there is arranged the waveguide (4), which is, on one side, oriented towards the surface of the body (1) made of baked ceramics and, on the opposite side, the waveguide (4) is equipped with the structure (5) for leading the light out of the waveguide (4), while the structure (5) for leading the light out of the waveguide is arranged at the bottom of the recess (11) in the body (1) made of baked ceramics and the area around the structure (5) for leading the light out the waveguide (4) is, in the recess, (11) in the body (1), at least partially filled with cast plastic.

Description

Lighting element with fired ceramic body

Field of technology

The invention relates to a lighting element with a fired ceramic body, in which at least one light source with an electric line is arranged and in the light source a waveguide is arranged in the fired ceramic body, which is oriented on one side towards the surface of the fired ceramic body and on the opposite side. the waveguide is provided with a structure for conducting light from the waveguide.

Prior art

There are a number of lighting elements that have a ceramic body in which an electric light source is housed. Because conventional light sources (incandescent, fluorescent, discharge lamp, etc.) have a significantly shorter lifespan than a ceramic body, the known lighting elements are designed so that the light source can be removed and replaced from the lighting element.

With the advent of modern light sources, such as the well-known LED (Light-Emitting Diode), but also the newly developed organic OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode), or electroluminescent foils, active matrix displays - AMOLED, flexible displays, etc. service life of these light sources.

If the body of the lighting element is made of fired ceramic, the light source, supply wires and other electronic components must be installed in the ceramic body only after firing the ceramic, because firing the ceramic (without surface glaze) is carried out at high temperatures that would damage such components. or completely destroyed. These components therefore do not become an integral part of ceramics during its production, but are connected to it (mechanically, with glue, thread, etc.) only after firing the ceramics.

In the case of so-called direct exposure, the light source is positioned in the lighting element in such a way that it illuminates the surroundings either directly or in combination with suspended reflective or transmission optics. This is how the vast majority of lighting elements work.

The second option is exposure through a waveguide. In this case, the light source is usually not directly in the axis of the observer's eye. The light from the source is transposed by a waveguide, which is provided on its surface or in volume with a structure for emitting light from the waveguide, most often formed by scattering centers, which become omnidirectional or oriented sources for observers. The observer thus sees the light scattering at the scattering centers of the light-emitting structure of the waveguide, not the light coming directly from the light source.

Also in the case of using a waveguide, the waveguide is not an integral part of the ceramic, but is implemented later, after firing the ceramic, as a separate part, which is attached mechanically, glued, etc. The waveguide is functional, the surface of the ceramic lamp is not a functional part of the light waveguide. An example is the implementation of LED lighting in a ceramic tile by inserting an LED light into a pre-prepared hole in the tile. In some cases, photoluminescent pigments mixed into or on the surface of a ceramic product are also used. The disadvantage of inserting a finished waveguide into a pre-fired ceramic is the dimensional inconsistency. During firing, there is a significant dimensional change of the ceramic product, which can be partially predicted, but thanks to which it is almost impossible to achieve a recess in the fired ceramic identical in size to the shape of the waveguide. Another problem is the need to partially open the recess so that the finished waveguide with all the electronics and light source can be mechanically inserted there.

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The scattering centers of the structure for emitting light from the waveguide can form either inhomogeneous particles distributed inside the light waveguide or a relief structure on its surface. The relief, which is usually formed mainly by sandblasting, laser ablation, etching, mechanical scratches, etc., has a randomly created structure in these cases. The light scattered on such a center is usually distributed evenly in all directions. Therefore, in order to increase the intensity of the scattered light in the viewing direction, an additional reflective (mostly white) layer is used on the side opposite to the direction of the desired light emission from the light waveguide.

The scattering centers of the structure for emitting light from the waveguide (most often on the surface of the waveguide) are often inhomogeneously distributed so that the overall perception is homogeneous when looking at the main surface of the waveguide. In other words, the non-uniform distribution of light scattering centers compensates for the gradual loss of light in the waveguide caused by scattering and radiation at these centers as it passes through the waveguide. Closer to the light source, the density of scattering centers is lower, with the distance from this source increasing.

Waveguides are often provided with a reflective (mostly white) layer (eg plastic film, paper, paint, etc.) on sides from which no light is introduced. The same may be true, for example, of the opposite side of the observer and thus of the application of the scattering centers. This increases the intensity of the light finally falling into the observer's eye. Another arrangement can be used especially if the scattering centers are in the volume of the waveguide.

The object of the invention is to provide a lighting element made of fired ceramics which makes it possible to easily and efficiently incorporate a light waveguide into the body.

The essence of the invention

This object is achieved by a lighting element with a fired ceramic body, in which at least one light source with an electric line is arranged and in the light source a waveguide is arranged in the fired ceramic body, which is oriented on one side towards the surface of the fired ceramic body and on the opposite side. On the one hand, the waveguide is provided with a light-emitting structure from the waveguide according to the invention, the essence of which consists in that the light-emitting structure is arranged at the bottom of the recess in the fired ceramic body and the space around the light-emitting structure is in the recess in body at least partially filled with cast plastic.

In contrast to the prior art, in which a finished waveguide is inserted into the recess, in the solution according to the invention, a structure is arranged at the bottom of the recess in the fired ceramic body for emitting light from the waveguide, which is subsequently encapsulated in plastic. Such a solution enables the implementation of a waveguide with high efficiency so that undesired significant joints do not arise between the waveguide and the ceramic. It is also not necessary to leave a partial opening of the recess in the body of the fired ceramic for the mechanical insertion of the waveguide. Both advantages make it possible to achieve significantly better design parameters of the final product with an implemented waveguide.

According to a preferred embodiment, the structure for emitting light from the waveguide may be formed by partially glazing the surface of the bottom of the recess in the fired ceramic body.

According to another preferred embodiment, the structure for emitting light from the waveguide may be formed in a layer of geopolymer polymer, or in a layer of geopolymer composite with a surface layer, or in a layer of cast plastic, or in a layer of cast plastic with surface layer arranged at the bottom of a recess in a fired body. ceramics.

According to another preferred embodiment, the structure for emitting light from the waveguide may be formed by a prefabricated relief arranged at the bottom of the recess in the fired ceramic body (1).

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According to another preferred embodiment, the waveguide comprises a transparent and / or diffuse plastic arranged in a recess in the fired ceramic body above the structure for emitting light from the waveguide.

According to another preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the waveguide is provided with a cover layer.

According to other preferred embodiments, the cover layer is diffuse or transparent.

According to another preferred embodiment, the structure for emitting light from the waveguide is arranged for a homogeneous or controlled distribution of light.

According to another preferred embodiment, the structure for emitting light from the waveguide is formed by a diffractive relief or a diffractive layer.

According to another preferred embodiment, the light source comprises an LED and / or an OLED and / or an AMOLED.

Explanation of drawings

The lighting element according to the invention will be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, schematically shown in the drawings, in which Fig. 1 represents a lighting element for homogeneous light distribution. Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the same lighting element. Fig. 3 shows a lighting element in which a coating in the form of a reflective layer is applied to the structure for emitting light from the waveguide. Fig. 4 shows a lighting element in which a leveling layer of transparent plastic is applied to the structure for emitting light from the waveguide. Fig. 5 is a lighting element having a layer of transparent plastic between the cover layer and the body of the waveguide.

Examples of embodiments of the invention

The lighting element according to Figs. 1 and 2 is a facing tile having a fired ceramic body 1. Fired ceramics is a commonly known material and therefore its composition will not be described in more detail here.

The cladding body 1 has a recess 11 on the face side for the light source 2 and the waveguide 4. The waveguide 4 comprises a structure 5 for emitting light from the waveguide 4 formed by scattering centers which are formed according to one embodiment by partially glazing the bottom of the recess 11 in the body. 1 of fired ceramics.

After firing, a light source 2 with an electrical line 3 is inserted into the recess 11 in the fired ceramic body 1, which leads to electrical contacts (not shown) on the body 1. In the embodiment according to Figs. 1 and 2, the light source 2 is a plurality of known LEDs. It is clear to those skilled in the art that other known light sources 2 can be used, such as OLED, AMOLED, electroluminescent foils, etc. The waveguide 4 is completed by filling the recess 11 in the body 1 with a transparent and / or diffusion plastic.

The plastic surface of the waveguide 4 can also be provided with a diffusion or transparent cover layer 6 of plastic, glass, etc. An air gap 7 can be left between the cover layer 6 and the waveguide 4.

The embodiment according to FIG. 3 differs from the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2 in that a coating 8 in the form of a reflective layer, a high-index layer is applied to the structure 5 for emitting light from the waveguide 4 at the bottom of the recess 11 in the body 1. etc. for adjusting the reflectivity or optical interface.

The embodiment according to FIG. 4 differs from the embodiment according to FIG. 3 in that a thin leveling layer 9 of transparent plastic is applied to the structure 5 for emitting light from the waveguide 4 at the bottom of the recess 11 in the body 11 instead of the coating 8, which has a different attenuation or enhancement of reflection. refractive index than the plastic from which the body of the waveguide is made 4.

The embodiment according to Fig. 5 differs from the embodiment according to Fig. 4 in that the air gap 7 between the cover layer 6 and the body of the waveguide 4 is replaced by a layer of transparent material 10, for example plastic.

According to an exemplary embodiment not shown, the structure 5 for emitting light from the waveguide 4 can be formed in a layer cast at the bottom of the recess 11 in the fired ceramic body 1. This cast layer can be a geopolymal composite or a geopolymal composite with a surface layer (e.g., metallization, etc.) or a plastic or plastic with a surface layer (e.g., metallization, etc.). The structure 5 thus produced for emitting light from the waveguide 4 can be significantly finer and with a purposefully organized structure and thus allows significantly better results in lighting either in the homogeneity of light or in shaping the light into the desired images of directions and effects.

According to another exemplary embodiment not shown, the structure 5 for emitting light from the waveguide 4 can be formed by a prefabricated relief (plastic foil with relief, plastic foil with surface layer, metal plate with relief) inserted at the bottom of the recess 11 in the fired ceramic body 1 and subsequently encapsulated transparent and / or diffuse plastic.

The structure 5 for emitting light from the waveguide 4 may have scattering centers arranged for a homogeneous or controlled distribution of light. In order to achieve a homogeneous light distribution, the density of the scattering centers of the light emitting structure 5 from the waveguide 4 near the light source 2 is lower and their density increases with the distance from the light source 2 (see Fig. 1). Such an uneven distribution of scattering centers compensates for the gradual loss of light in the waveguide 4 caused by scattering and radiation at these centers as it passes through the waveguide 4. For controlled light distribution, the predetermined arrangement of scattering centers of the light emitting structure 5 achieves intentional inhomogeneities which may form graphic pattern, alphanumeric character, bitmap, etc. This allows the light or part of the light to be directed in one or more predetermined directions or the generation of planar image perceptions or the generation of three-dimensional three-dimensional perceptions.

The waveguide 4 according to the illustrated embodiments has the shape of a flat plate provided on one side with a structure 5 for emitting light from the waveguide and on the other side is either clear or has a diffuse surface. However, it is clear to those skilled in the art that other shapes of the waveguide 4 can be realized, e.g. cylindrical waveguide, waveguide with square, rectangular, semicircular profile, linear waveguides, with different thicknesses along the waveguide axis, with graphic motif, etc. The outer surface of the waveguide 4 need not be in but may protrude geometrically or graphically, forming depressions, uneven surfaces, etc. In this case, an additional mold must be used when casting the waveguide from transparent plastic, copying the desired profile of the part of the waveguide not bounded by the ceramic material.

The light waveguide 4 or waveguides can also be designed to result on the surface of the body 1 in a layout that corresponds to either the functional, graphic or aesthetic requirements of the lighting element.

The color of the body 1 in the region of the structure 5 for emitting light from the waveguide 4 is preferably chosen so as to function as a good reflective layer, in particular white.

The light from the light source 2 is transposed by the waveguide 4, the scattering centers of the structure 5 for emitting light from the waveguide 4 becoming omnidirectional or oriented sources for the observer as the light passes or reflects. The observer thus sees the light scattering at the scattering centers of the light emitting structure 5 of the waveguide 4, not the light coming directly from the light source 2.

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The light guide points used to divert light from the waveguide may also have a controlled structure that allows more than simple diffusion of light, such as diffraction, directing light or part of light in one or more predetermined directions, generating three-dimensional perception, etc. The topology of scattering points can in itself form graphics, in the case of using diffraction also color graphics.

Industrial applicability

The lighting element according to the invention can be used as a domestic, industrial, interior, exterior lighting fixture, as a structural part of buildings (eg public transport waiting rooms), lighting or information cladding interior and exterior element (tiles), part of kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms. , work rooms, corridors, production halls, offices, etc.

The lighting element according to the invention can furthermore be used as a part of sanitary technology (washbasins, holders, toilet bowls, bidets, bathtubs, showers, saunas, etc.), part of machines and equipment, vehicles, information, warning systems, part of furniture.

Claims (12)

PATENT CLAIMS Lighting element with a fired ceramic body (1), in which at least one light source (2) with an electric line (3) is arranged and in the light source (2) a waveguide (4) is arranged in the fired ceramic body (1) which is oriented on one side towards the surface of the fired ceramic body (1) and on the opposite side the waveguide (4) is provided with a structure (5) for emitting light from the waveguide (4), characterized in that the structure (5) for emitting the light from the waveguide (4) is arranged at the bottom of the recess (11) in the fired ceramic body (1) and the space around the structure (5) for emitting light from the waveguide (4) is at least partially in the recess (11) in the body (1) filled with cast plastic. Lighting element according to Claim 1, characterized in that the structure (5) for emitting light from the waveguide (4) is formed by partially glazing the surface of the fired ceramic body (1). Lighting element according to claim 1, characterized in that the structure (5) for emitting light from the waveguide (4) is formed in a layer of geopolymal composite, or in a layer of geopolymal composite with a surface layer, or in a layer of cast plastic, or in a layer cast plastic with a surface layer, arranged at the bottom of the recess (11) in the fired ceramic body (1). Lighting element according to claim 1, characterized in that the structure (5) for emitting light from the waveguide (4) is formed by a prefabricated relief arranged at the bottom of the recess (11) in the fired ceramic body (1). Lighting element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the waveguide (4) comprises a transparent and / or diffuse plastic arranged in a recess (11) in the fired ceramic body (1) above the structure (5) for emitting light from waveguide (4). Lighting element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer surface of the waveguide (4) is provided with a cover layer (6). -5CZ 306453 B6 Lighting element according to Claim 6, characterized in that the cover layer (6) is diffuse. Lighting element according to Claim 6, characterized in that the cover layer (6) is transparent. Lighting element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the structure (5) for emitting light from the waveguide (4) is adapted for homogeneous light distribution. Lighting element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the structure (5) for emitting light from the waveguide (4) is adapted for controlled light distribution. Lighting element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the structure (5) for emitting light from the waveguide (4) is formed by a diffractive relief or a diffractive layer. Lighting element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light source (2) comprises an LED and / or an OLED and / or an AMOLED.