DE102014001371A1 - lamp - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a luminaire (1), in particular safety or escape sign luminaire, having at least one backlit visible surface (2) which has at least one pictogram (3) and a variable display region (4) arranged in the pictogram or assigned to this pictogram. Furthermore, the variable display area (4) is designed as an electrically or electronically switchable, optical shutter area, which transmits or substantially blocks light depending on the switching state.

Description

The application relates to a light, in particular safety or escape sign light. Such a luminaire has at least one backlit visible surface which has at least one pictogram and a variable display region arranged in the pictogram or associated with the pictogram.

Corresponding lights are used, for example, to display an escape route and in the icon is a running person and an arrow to indicate the corresponding direction of escape included. The escape direction points to a safe exit from a corresponding building. In such lights, there is a possibility that the direction of escape changes, for example, if there are smoke or fire in certain areas of the building, which require a change of the originally indicated escape route.

In order to be able to indicate a corresponding escape route change, for example, up to now luminaires with a pictogram have been supplemented with further luminaires or at least luminous means to which correspondingly selectively switchable characters have been assigned. Such characters are, for example, arrows or the like for indicating the direction. That is, in addition to the current person additional facilities are provided which provide a directional display by an arrow, each directional display corresponds to a corresponding display area in which, for example, an arrow symbol is arranged and activated by operating the corresponding light emitting different arrow symbols with different display directions effectively become.

In general, a corresponding switching of the escape direction due to a fire alarm system or a smoke detector signal received and, for example, a central control device for all existing in a building lights, as well as security or escape sign lights.

In addition to the use of arrow symbols with different directions in additional facilities in addition to a lamp with a person running as a pictogram, solutions are also known from practice, in which both the corresponding icon and the display areas are arranged with the arrow symbols in a housing. In both cases, however, it is necessary that via separate facilities a corresponding illumination of both the current person and the corresponding arrow symbols, depending on the escape route direction occurs. That is, the monitoring of such a lamp is very expensive and, where appropriate, reduces the permanent monitoring capabilities of an emergency lighting system in which the corresponding lights are integrated in the form of security or escape sign lights. Such monitoring of the lights results, for example, from the Standards IEC / EN 62034 ,

It is also a solution known from practice, in addition to a pictogram with a running person additional arrow symbols are realized by an LED arrow matrix. By activating corresponding LEDs, different areas of the arrow matrix are activated in order to display different direction displays.

For this purpose, all LEDs must always be switched on or off in order to fully display an arrow, as a result of which different actuations and possibly also power supplies and a corresponding switching on, off or switching are required. Furthermore, there is a risk that when using a certain direction of the arrow, the other also present, but not illuminated arrow directions, are still partially visible. As a result, a fleeing person can lose orientation along their escape route or, if necessary, lose time for precise orientation.

From practice, another solution is known in which a gray-colored, semitransparent film is arranged on the corresponding arrow symbols. However, such a film has negative influences on the usually green and white characters or backgrounds of a corresponding security or escape sign light and partly does not fulfill all requirements according to the relevant standards ISO 3864 . DIN 4844 or ISO 7010.

The invention is therefore based on the object to improve a luminaire of the type mentioned in that with little effort corresponding display areas of the visible surface are variable and at the same time the lamp meets all requirements of the above-mentioned DIN standard or standards mentioned above.

This object is solved by the features of the independent claim.

According to the invention, the luminaire is characterized in particular in that the variable display area is designed as an electrically or electronically switchable, optical shutter area, which allows light to pass through or essentially blocks depending on the switching state.

Such an optical shutter area is sometimes called a shutter area. The passage or blocking of the corresponding light can also relate only to specific spectral regions of, in particular, visible light. That is, for example, that only a spectral range of visible light in the green area is transmitted through the shutter area, so that, for example, with white arrow symbols on a green background, the white arrow symbols in the display area are displayed green by the shutter area. This means that the white arrow symbols are no longer visible against the green background. Of course, there is also the possibility that the corresponding display area is completely blocked, that is, that no light in the visible range is transmitted through the optical shutter area in the corresponding blocking switching state.

There is also the possibility that in a display area an arrow symbol is present with pointing in two different directions arrowheads, each of the arrowhead is visible by driving the optical shutter area corresponding to the direction of the escape route. The other arrowhead is invisible.

It is also conceivable that in the pictogram two corresponding optical shutter areas are arranged or assigned to the icon, for example, to turn left or right of the current person corresponding arrow directions to the left or right effective or ineffective.

Other arrangements of the display areas or the optical shutter area or the optical shutter areas are possible, and are only partially described below.

D. h., According to the invention, it may be considered advantageous if the optical shutter area is assigned to different direction indicators of the icon, d. h., different arrow symbols or direction indicators. The corresponding direction indicators may be part of or associated with the icon at appropriate positions. In addition, the optical shutter area relative to a light source of the corresponding direction indicator may be upstream or downstream. In other words, the closure region can be arranged between the light source and the direction indicator or between the direction indicator and a viewer on an outer side of the visible surface of the luminaire.

In order to be able to display the corresponding display areas or direction displays in a clearly visible manner even under poor ambient conditions due to smoke, fog or the like, the optical shutter area in Durchlassschaltstellung can have a transparency of greater than 70 percent, preferably greater than 80 percent and particularly preferably greater than 90 percent. That is, in the pass-through state, the optical shutter area allows more than 70 percent of the incident light to pass, and this may also be greater than 80 or more than 90 percent.

As already stated, the corresponding permeability of the closure region may be limited to certain spectral regions of visible light and may also include IR and / or UV spectral regions. In other words, the corresponding closure region only allows a given light color in the blocking switching state, such as, for example, green, yellow, red or blue light, in the case of substantially white irradiated light. There is also the possibility that the blockage affects all white light, i. h., That the closure area is opaque.

In known luminaires, in particular security or escape sign luminaires, different light sources are in use. Recently, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are often used as the lighting means. For example, from the DE 20 2008 014 775 known luminaire corresponding LEDs are arranged in particular along a light entry edge of a Lichtverteilplatte, which is also part of the corresponding lamp. The light of the LEDs is radiated into the light distribution plate from the light entry edge and emitted by the latter via at least one side surface in the direction of the pictogram relative to the background illumination thereof. Of course, it is also possible according to the invention for pictograms and corresponding display regions or optical shutter regions to be arranged on both sides of such a light distribution plate.

In an embodiment according to the invention, the closure region may be formed as an LCD shutter region. The corresponding technique of such a shutter area is known, for example, from corresponding LCD shutter glasses, such glasses having glasses consisting of two liquid crystal surfaces. One of these surfaces is intended for the left eye, the other for the right eye. The corresponding liquid crystal surfaces can be electronically switched between permeable and impermeable. This serves to darken either the left or right eye. In this way, the viewing of 3D images or films is possible. In essence, a corresponding LCD shutter area (shutter area) can be considered a large LCD pixel considered to be either transparent or opaque. Depending on the corresponding circuit, see also the above statements, the display area is changed, see, for example, the activation of different arrow symbols.

The switching can be done very quickly, for example in the millisecond range. In addition, only a small voltage is required to cause switching or maintaining a corresponding switching state.

According to the invention, there is also the possibility that the corresponding closure region is designed as a dimmable, electrochromic glass plate or as a dimmable, electrochromic glass panel. In such an electrochromic glass, a conductive polymer film is applied to the corresponding glass plate on one side. This changes its transparency depending on the voltage applied. In other words, when the supply voltage changes polarity, this closure region is switched over between the on-state and the off-state.

As stated above, there is still the possibility that only certain portions of the visible spectral range are blocked, and thus, for example, a light color is transmitted.

In a preferred embodiment, the corresponding visible surface can be handled separately and in particular be designed as an exchange module. This makes it possible in a simple manner, an exchange of the icon with variable display area or variable display areas. There is only a corresponding connection of the closure areas to their control, for example, to an existing lighting electronics or the like.

In this context, it should further be noted that such a luminaire electronics is generally present at least for driving the luminous means within the luminaire, wherein according to the invention, the luminaire control can also be used to control the closure region or the closure regions. Since only a small supply voltage for a corresponding switching of the closure areas is required, the already supplied to the lamp or within the lamp supply voltage is usually sufficient and no additional measures to further power supply must be taken. However, it may be advantageous if an additional voltage control for controlling the different closure areas is provided, wherein this voltage control can be part of the lighting electronics or can be realized by the lighting electronics software. By the voltage control, a corresponding supply of the closure areas and the switching takes place.

Depending on the requirement, different basic state switching positions of the closure regions are possible, wherein, for example, the closure region can be in the on-state switching state without activation.

According to the invention, there is the possibility that the closure region is assigned to a region of the visible surface which may be larger than a corresponding arrow symbol or the like. Furthermore, there is the possibility that the corresponding closure region is formed congruent to a part of the pictogram or to the display region. In other words, only a certain part of the pictogram or display area is switched to be permeable or blocked, and this part can correspond, for example, to the corresponding arrowhead. At the same time, an arrowhead pointing in a different direction is inserted in the opposite direction, ie. h., For example, switched visible when the other arrowhead is switched invisible. There is also the possibility that an entire arrow is congruent with the closure area or other parts of an arrow. Accordingly, an arrow with a different direction indicator is respectively activated or deactivated.

The corresponding closure regions can be realized in different ways on or in the visible surface. It is conceivable, for example, that the closure region is designed as a closure field or panel. Such a closure panel or a corresponding panel can be arranged from the outside on the visible surface or even within this. The corresponding display areas may also be part of the visible area or applied inside or outside.

There is also the possibility that the corresponding closure area is integrated in the visible area, i. H. is made in one piece with the visible surface. The corresponding display areas or the corresponding display area and also the pictogram can then be arranged subsequently.

It should also be noted at this point that the corresponding closure areas can not only be associated with corresponding arrow symbols, but also, for example, parts of the icon or other symbols of the icon or those associated with the icon.

In the following advantageous embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures in the drawing.

Show it:

1 an oblique front view of a lamp, in particular safety or escape sign lamp;

2a to 2c in each case a front view of a lamp according to the invention in different switching states, and

3a to 3c various embodiments of pictograms with display areas.

1 shows a known from practice lamp 1 in a perspective front view. The lamp 1 has a viewing surface assigned to a viewer 2 on. On this is a pictogram 3 applied in the form of a running person and an arrow-like direction indicator 7 and another rectangular symbol 19 , arrow 7 and icon 19 are part of a display area 4 standing next to the running person as part of the pictogram 3 or is arranged separately to this. Also this display area 4 is accordingly on the visible surface 2 arranged or formed by these. The arrangement can be made both on an outer side of the visible surface and on an inner side.

The lamp 1 has a flat design and is an LED light with a plurality of LEDs as the light source 9 along a lower light entry edge 11 a light distribution plate 10 , Single-sided or double-sided to the light distribution plate 10 are corresponding visible surfaces 2 arranged with pictogram and display area. The corresponding electronics are also inside the luminaire 1 arranged. For example, this electronics includes a lighting electronics 15 and optionally an additional voltage control 16 , The lamp 1 Can be wired or wirelessly with a central unit 18 keep in touch. This central unit 18 is usually associated with a variety of lights to perform, for example, a corresponding escape route control. In addition, the corresponding central unit 18 to control an emergency lighting system in which the light 1 , in particular as a safety or escape sign light, is included.

By means of the central unit 18 There is also a monitoring of the lamp 1 according to the norms or standards applicable in the emergency light area. Such control from the central unit 18 Her example, via one of the lamp 1 assigned address. By means of this address, the light is accessible and controllable as well as monitorable or communicable with it.

In the illustrated embodiment of the lamp 1 to 1 is the corresponding display area 4 unchangeable. This means that, for example, the arrow symbol 7 in 1 pointing to the right in the direction of the rectangular symbol 19 , This represents an emergency exit, for example, in the case of fire or the like along the arrow symbol of the arrow symbol 7 displayed escape route is reached.

According to the invention, the corresponding display area 4 changeable, this being in the embodiments according to 2a to 2c especially the arrow symbol shown together with the current person. However, this selection of the variable symbol is only an example and other symbols can also be changed in another way, see for example in this context 3a to 3c ,

To 2a to 2c are corresponding display areas 4 arranged on both sides of the current person. Each of these display areas 4 includes an optical shutter area 5 respectively 6 , These can be switched over electrically or electronically in order to allow or block light, depending on the switching state. For example, in 2a the optical shutter area 5 in the blocking switching state and therefore substantially opaque. The other optical shutter area 6 is in the pass-through state and therefore the corresponding arrow symbol is the direction indicator 7 recognizable.

In 2 B Both are optical shutter areas 5 respectively 6 in the forward switching state, so that both arrow symbols or direction indicators 7 and 8th are visible. This also corresponds to a possible switching state of the closure regions, in which, for example, at least from the point at which the corresponding lamp 1 is located within a building, escape routes lead in both directions.

In 2c is analogous to 2a the other optical shutter area 6 in the blocking switching state, while the optical shutter area 5 in the on-state is. That is, the other direction indicator 8th with corresponding arrow symbol is activated and marks the escape direction.

For example, in the illustrated embodiments, the corresponding optical shutter area may be an LCD shutter area 12 or as a dimmable, electrochromic glass plate 13 be educated.

In an LCD shutter region, by applying a corresponding voltage, switching of a liquid crystal surface between optically transmissive and optically opaque, ie, between the on-state and the off-state. A corresponding switching is known, for example, in the case of LCD shutter glasses, with the aid of which 3D images or films can be viewed. The corresponding LCD shutter area in this context corresponds essentially to an LCD pixel, which is either transparent or opaque, ie opaque, connected.

In the case of an electrochromic glass plate or a corresponding glass sheet, an influence of the light transmittance takes place by applying an electrical voltage. That is, in one switching state the glass remains transparent and in the other switching state it becomes opaque, i. H. opaque. The properties of electrochromic materials are used, which change the light transmission depending on the applied DC voltage. Such a material, also referred to as LC glass, comprises a polymer-liquid-crystal film which is, for example, embedded between two thin glass panes and connected to a power source. The liquid crystals are arbitrarily oriented in the solid polymer and are aligned only when a voltage is applied in a preferred direction. This alignment makes the glass transparent. When the voltage is removed, the opposite effect results and the LC glass becomes opaque again and thus opaque.

According to the invention, the corresponding voltages through the already within the lamp 1 existing tensions. There are no additional measures required for the power supply. It can only prove to be advantageous if the already existing lighting electronics 15 additionally a voltage control 16 by, for example, the corresponding switching states of the various optical shutter areas 5 respectively 6 are feasible.

It has been found that the corresponding optical shutter areas 5 respectively 6 have a transparency of more than 70 percent in the pass-through state, and preferably also more than 80 percent. Materials are also known in which a transparency of more than 90 percent is possible.

In the illustrated embodiments according to 2a to 2c are the corresponding optical shutter areas 5 respectively 6 only the direction indicators and this fully associated, so that each left or right of the running person arranged display areas 4 are completely switchable. It is also possible according to the invention that, for example, the optical shutter area is formed congruent to only the corresponding symbols or symbol parts to be covered. In other words, for example, the closure region can also have a shape that is predetermined analogously to the arrow symbol. It is also conceivable that the optical shutter area is assigned not only to the corresponding display areas, but also to the pictogram and in particular the current person. As a result, for example, the illustrated racing direction of the current person could be converted analogously to the change in the direction of the arrow.

It is also possible that no complete blocking of the light by the optical shutter areas takes place in the blocking switching state. Instead, a particular spectral range of visible light may be transmitted, for example to make the arrow symbol invisible compared to the surrounding area. This could be done, for example, by also displaying the arrow symbol with the same color as the surrounding area.

The corresponding optical closure region can be arranged on an outer or inner side of the visible surface. In an arrangement on the inside and thus within the lamp 1 results in the advantage that the corresponding closure area can not possibly be contaminated or damaged by contact from outside the light.

The corresponding visible surface 2 is usually part of an exterior wall of the luminaire 1 or is formed directly by these. The pictogram can be realized inside or outside of this outer wall as a separate part or as a coating on the outer wall.

This also applies analogously to the optical shutter areas. Depending on the requirement, different visible surfaces 2 for the lamp 1 be used. This is particularly possible if the visible surface as an exchange module 14 is trained.

In both embodiments of the closure regions described above, these can be used as closure panels or panels 17 be educated. It is also possible that a corresponding closure area is integrated in the visible surface and thus is part of the visible surface.

In the 3a to 3c are further embodiments of visible surfaces 2 with particular pictogram 3 or display areas 4 or direction indicators 7 . 8th shown. The representation of corresponding visible surfaces is not exhaustive, but only by way of example, wherein other pictograms, display areas and arrangements of closure areas are possible.

In the presentation after 3a Corresponding direction indicators are arranged on one side or on both sides to a word "exit". Also in view of these direction indicators, switching is made by the above-described optical shutter portions 5 respectively 6 possible. D. h., It can, for example, in the in 3a Above visible surface, the right-facing triangle are ineffective, for example, to identify a door located directly below this visible surface as an escape door. However, should this door not be usable, there is an escape route guidance by visual switching of the corresponding triangle. This applies analogously to the in 3a Pictured below, in addition, a selection between the two pointing to the left or right triangles can be made.

At the visible surfaces or pictograms after 3b in each case the illustrated and pointing to the right arrow in the figure can be disabled and replaced, for example, by an ineffective switched, pointing to the left arrow. This is analogous to the embodiment according to 2a to 2c ,

In the 3c are obliquely upwards or downwards arranged arrows as sighting displays 7 respectively 8th shown. It is also possible to switch over between these, so that, for example, both illustrated arrows are present on a visible surface, but the alternative switching states for such arrows in FIG 3c are shown.

According to the invention thus results in a lamp with variable display areas, which are formed in a simple manner by corresponding switchable optical shutter areas. These require essentially no conversion of the lamp, but can be powered by the existing lighting electronics and controlled. Also, no additional bulbs or power supplies are required, since the existing bulbs and the already existing power supply for the corresponding closure areas are sufficient. The control of the lamp is thereby also simplified because, for example, no additional addresses for addressing additional facilities within the lamp are required, but the entire control over the existing means and addresses can optionally be done by a central unit forth. It is also no switching or dimming of bulbs required that serve, for example, the backlighting of the icon or the display areas. Instead, the bulbs can be operated in the usual way.

The corresponding closure areas ensure that even in unfavorable environmental conditions such as smoke or the like, a switching of the variable display areas is possible and the displays realized are clearly visible.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 202008014775 [0019]

Cited non-patent literature

• Standards IEC / EN 62034 [0005]
• ISO 3864 [0008]
• DIN 4844 [0008]
• ISO 7010. [0008]

Claims (14)

Lamp ( 1 ), in particular safety or escape route luminaire, with at least one backlit visible surface ( 2 ) containing at least one pictogram ( 3 ) and an arranged in the pictogram or this pictogram associated, variable display area ( 4 ), characterized in that the variable display area ( 4 ) is designed as an electrically or electronically switchable, optical shutter area, which transmits light depending on the switching state or substantially blocked. Luminaire according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical shutter area ( 5 . 6 ) in particular different direction indicators ( 7 . 8th ) assigned. Luminaire according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the optical shutter area ( 5 . 6 ) in the transmission state has a transparency of greater than 70%, preferably greater than 80% and particularly preferably greater than 90%. Luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the luminaire ( 1 ) as a light source ( 9 ) a plurality of LEDs and a light distribution plate ( 10 ), wherein the LEDs ( 9 ) in particular along a light entry edge ( 11 ) of the light distribution plate ( 10 ) are arranged. Luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical shutter area ( 5 . 6 ) as LCD shutter area ( 12 ) is trained. Luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical shutter area ( 5 . 6 ) is designed as a dimmable, electrochromic glass plate. Luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the visible surface ( 2 ) as an exchange module ( 14 ) is trained. Luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the luminaire ( 1 ) a lighting electronics ( 15 ) for controlling the illuminant ( 9 ), which luminaire electronics continue to control the closure area ( 5 . 6 ) can be used. Luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the luminaire electronics for controlling in particular different optical shutter areas ( 5 . 6 ) a voltage control ( 16 ) having. Luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure region ( 5 . 6 ) is without activation in the forward switching state. Luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical shutter area ( 5 . 6 ) is congruent with part of the pictogram ( 3 ) and / or the display area ( 4 ) is trained. Luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical shutter area ( 5 . 6 ) as a lock field or panel ( 17 ) is trained. Luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical shutter area ( 5 . 6 ) in the visible surface ( 2 ) is integrated. Luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the luminaire ( 1 ) from a central processing unit ( 18 ) is controllable and / or monitorable.

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