DE102015000819A1 - Luminous element with several OLEDs, its use and vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

In a luminous element (2), with a front, at least partially transparent OLED element (6), at least one rear OLED element (8) is arranged behind the front OLED element (6). The luminous element (2) is used as an interior light (36) for an interior (34) of a vehicle (26), wherein the foremost component of the luminous element (2) delimits the interior light (36) towards the interior (34). A vehicle (26) with an interior space (34) contains a luminous element (2) which, in a luminous operating state (B1), shines towards the interior (34) and whose foremost component directly adjoins the interior space (34).

Description

The invention relates to a luminous element, its use and a vehicle.

The commercial availability of OLED light sources (organic light emitting diode) is increasing. Rigid, flexible and semi-transparent OLEDs have already been presented or demonstrated in the professional world and are already partially available.

For example, from the DE 10 2010 034 774 A1 It is known to use an OLED as a light source in a luminaire for workplace lighting. The known lamp has a lighting arrangement. A first light-emitting means in the form of a light-emitting diode is arranged in front of a second light-emitting means in the form of a transparent planar OLED with respect to a main emission direction of the light.

The object of the present invention is to specify an improved luminous element, as well as to specify improved possible uses for corresponding luminous elements.

The object is achieved by a luminous element according to claim 1. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the following description and the accompanying drawings.

A viewing direction is defined for the luminous element. With regard to the viewing direction, the luminous element has a front OLED element, which-in particular transversely to the viewing direction-extends in particular in a planar manner and is at least partially transparent. The front flat side of the OLED element is a visible side of the luminous element. The lighting element also contains another, namely a rear OLED element, which in particular likewise extends in a planar manner and is arranged in the viewing direction behind the front OLED element.

The viewing direction is the direction along which a viewer usually looks at the luminous element during its operation or in an operating position. The operating position is, for example, an installed state or mounting state on an object, in a room, etc. That the front OLED element is at least partially transparent means that it is either partially transparent or completely transparent. The OLED element contains an actual OLED and optionally further components, for example a carrier on which the OLED is mechanically held or applied, a holding frame for the OLED or the like. A placement "behind" the front OLED element is to be understood along the line of sight and means that the rear OLED element is placed on the side of the front OLED element which faces away from the visible side. The visible side of the luminous element is thus that side which, in the assembled state or during operation of the luminous element, faces a room or a viewer to be illuminated, which looks in the direction of the luminous element.

The invention is based on the finding that available OLED light sources are particularly suitable for lighting or for decorative purposes in the form of light-emitting elements. For example, this applies to lighting elements in vehicles or their interior, for example aircraft cabins. A possible design of OLEDs makes it possible to produce transparent or partially transparent, surface-shining elements. At present, OLEDs are predominantly available in only one light color to be determined before production of the OLED, that is to say they can not be color-tuned during operation. So far, hardly any marketable OLED solutions were available.

The invention is based on the idea of using the (partially) transparent properties of an OLED in such a way that a rear OLED element placed "behind" this can also be visible due to the at least existing partial transparency. To the viewer or the room to be illuminated, the at least partially transparent front OLED forms the surface or visible surface. As seen by the viewer behind this front OLED another illuminant, namely another OLED is arranged.

By variable switching of the OLED elements used in different combinations so different lighting effects in the room to be illuminated or for the viewer can be achieved. Different variants of the arrangement differ in the selection of different front and rear OLED elements and their geometric arrangement. Depending on the switch-on states, different effects with regard to lighting and perception as a decorative element are achieved with the lighting element.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one, in particular flatly extending, at least partially transparent central OLED element is arranged between the front OLED element and the rear OLED element. This results in the viewing direction seen an arrangement of at least three OLED elements in a row, wherein at least the front and the middle OLED elements is partially transparent, so that the view of the rear OLED element remains possible. By various combination of switching on or driving the total at least Three OLED elements result in further variants for lighting effects and other creative possibilities.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the OLED elements, in particular the rear OLED element, has an optical effect in at least one operating state on its flat side facing the visible side. The optical effect is in particular a mirror effect or a matt effect. The mentioned operating state is here in particular a switched-off, that is not luminous, state of the relevant OLED element. The optical effect can also be present only in a partial area or a partial area of the OLED element. In particular, therefore, several different optical effects can be realized side by side on the same OLED element. Because of the at least existing partial transparency of the optical effect is then visible in the respective operating state in the direction by possibly opposite to the line of sight OLED elements visible, for example, by a viewer.

By the lighting element in addition to its luminous properties has the optical effect, there is another design advantage. For example, especially when the OLED elements are turned off, the observer perceives the visual effect, i. E. H. the luminous element serves as a mirror or as a matt surface without luminous effect.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least two of the OLED elements in a luminous operating state have different light colors. That is, the OLED elements emit light of different colors. Addressed is the entire group of all available in the light element OLED elements, that is, the front, the rear and possibly middle OLED elements. In particular, the differently colored OLED elements have pairs of different light colors, that is, no two of the differently colored OLED elements have the same light color. By controlling different combinations of OLEDs, it is possible to produce multi-color solutions or mixed colors on the basis of the given (partial) transparencies of the corresponding OLEDs, even if individual OLEDs only emit a fixed light color, possibly dimmable.

In this embodiment, therefore, OLEDs of different colors are arranged one behind the other as seen by the viewer. By switching on the lamps used in different combinations different light colors can be mixed.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least two of the OLED elements are arranged parallel to one another. "Parallel" is to be understood here within the range of customary tolerances. The parallelism can be a plane parallelism, but also a parallel course of curved, wavy or other basic shapes of the OLED elements. A parallel arrangement results in particularly space-saving lighting elements.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one further light source is arranged in the viewing direction behind the front OLED element, in particular behind the rear OLED element. The other light source is not an OLED element. The further light source is in particular a point or line-shaped light source, in particular a lamp, in particular an LED. According to this embodiment, z. B. an LED backlit (partially) transparent OLED arrangement. This is how z. B. a lighting solution of OLED LED combinations, in the (partially) transparent OLEDs mounted behind the front OLED, especially white or colored LEDs or other light sources is added. Depending on whether OLEDs, light sources or both are turned on, there are different lighting effects and visibility of the different light sources from the outside, ie for a viewer from the visible side. This results in a combination of the advantages of OLEDs, in particular a homogeneous homogeneous illumination and LEDs, for which Vielfarblösungen are available or mixed colors are possible. The other light sources, instead of the exclusive use of OLEDs different variants of a backlight - depending on the light source used - can be achieved. For backlighting of the front OLED thus serves at least one further OLED or the other light sources, such as an LED. Here too, in particular, it is possible to use OLEDs with a reflective or matt surface or transparent OLEDs. The lighting element thus results in different lighting solutions, in particular, accent lighting in aircraft cabins can be realized.

The arrangement of LEDs behind OLEDs results in the following situation: If the transparent OLEDs are switched off, the result is a view of the LED-based illumination unit. Thus, all possibilities of established LED lighting are available, for. B. color mixing, use of planar light guides, etc. Are the transparent OLEDs on, the LEDs off, results on the visible side a surface lighting in the color of the one or more OLEDs. Combining switched LEDs and OLEDs results in a lighting on the visible side with a possibility for color mixing with LEDs, eg. B. to adjust the color locus of the OLED, if the LED lighting with a diffuser takes place. Alternatively, there is the possibility of generating color patterns on the visible side, z. For decorative purposes, when the LED lighting is in the form of point sources.

According to a preferred embodiment, the luminous element contains at least one optical element for influencing at least the light generated by the luminous element. In particular, and if the further light source is present, the optical element also serves to influence the light generated by the further light source. Optical elements are in particular lenses and / or optical fibers and / or prisms and / or mirrors and / or diffusers, etc. By including additional optical elements, a more flexible geometric arrangement of the light sources, in particular the other light sources such as LEDs, can be achieved if required. Also, additional lighting effects such as bundling, scattering, etc. can be achieved.

In a preferred embodiment, in the viewing direction in front of the front OLED element, that is opposite to the viewing direction, a protective device protecting the visible side is arranged. Such a protective device is, for example, a coating of the front OLED, a protective disk upstream of it, a cover, roller blind, etc. Optionally, the protective device is transparent or partially transparent or non-transparent, optionally removable, for example, can be pushed away or folded away. The protective device then forms the foremost component of the luminous element, which optionally faces a viewer.

The object of the invention is also achieved by the use of the luminous element according to the invention as an interior light for an interior of a vehicle. The interior is in particular a passenger cabin, the vehicle in particular an aircraft. The foremost in the direction of the interior light component of the light element limits the interior light to the interior or to a viewer located there.

The invention is based on the idea that for the successful use of OLEDs in a vehicle, especially in the aircraft sector, technical lighting solutions are necessary, which include OLEDs in a lighting concept of the vehicle. This can be done by the luminous element according to the invention. OLEDs or planar lights have not been integrated into the environment of the interior of a vehicle, in particular an aircraft cabin. The interior lighting according to the invention involves the use of transparent OLEDs in a lighting concept. In other words, the visible side of the front OLED element or the protection device at the relevant location directly forms the interior light.

The interior light has already been explained analogously in connection with the luminous element according to the invention, also with regard to their advantages.

In a preferred embodiment, the luminous element forms at least part of a lining for the interior of the vehicle, wherein the frontmost component of the luminous element in the viewing direction limits the cladding to the interior. The foremost component of the light element in the direction of the panel is either the front OLED element or the upstream protection device. The cladding is in particular a cabin wall, a ceiling or a floor. In other words, the visible side of the front OLED element or the protective device at the relevant point directly forms the lining, ie the cabin wall, etc.

The object is also achieved by a vehicle, in particular an aircraft, with an interior, in particular a passenger cabin. The vehicle includes a lighting element according to the invention, in particular in the form of said interior light or panel. In a luminous operating state, the luminous element illuminates at least toward the interior. In particular, an observer located in the interior therefore perceives an optical effect on the luminous element or a luminous element of the luminous element. The interior is illuminated in particular by the light element. The foremost component of the luminous element, which is opposite to the viewing direction, adjoins the interior directly. The immediate abutment is effected by the fact that, as explained above, the foremost component of the luminous element, etc., also forms the corresponding front surface of the luminous element, etc. The interior may alternatively be another area used by vehicle personnel and / or vehicle passengers in the vehicle, in particular a toilet.

The vehicle was analogously already explained in connection with the luminous element according to the invention, also with respect to its advantages.

Further features, effects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and the accompanying figures. Showing:

1 a luminous element according to the invention,

2 a vehicle with a lighting element as an interior light.

1 shows a lighting element 2 , Along a line of sight 4 (symbolized as an arrow) this first shows a front OLED element 6 on. In the direction of view 4 seen behind the front OLED element 6 it also has a rear OLED element 8th on. In alternative embodiments, between the front OLED element 6 and the rear OLED element 8th one or two middle OLED elements 12a and or 12b arranged. The in sight 4 front flat side of the front OLED element 6 forms a visible side 10 for the front OLED element 6 or the entire luminous element 2 , In other words, an unrepresented viewer, which looks in the direction 4 , ie along the symbolic arrow, on the luminous element 2 looks, essentially only the visible side 10 , All OLED elements 6 . 8th . 12a and 12b extend parallel flat and even and in the example perpendicular to the plane and thus also across the line of sight 4 , Their thickness in the direction of view 4 is in 1 shown exaggeratedly big.

The rear OLED element 8th is designed in an alternative embodiment such that its flat side 14 , which is the visible side 10 or the front OLED element 6 facing, an optical effect 16 which is in 1 symbolically represented by a dotted surface or layer. In the example, the optical effect 16 a mirror effect, alternatively a matt effect. The OLED elements 6 . 12a and 12b are transparent or alternatively partially transparent. When the OLED elements 6 . 12a and 12b in a (partially) transparent state, a viewer sees, which in the direction of view 4 on the light element 2 looks, the optical effect 16 that is a mirror effect or a matt effect on the flat side 14 , In particular, the OLED elements 6 . 12a and 12b in a switched-off operating state B0 "off", so if they do not light, (partially) transparent. Also the optical effect 16 is only visible or present when the OLED element 8th is in the switched-off operating state B0. However, in alternative embodiments, what has been said can also be used for light-emitting operating states B1 "one" of the OLED elements 6 . 8th . 12a and 12b be valid.

In the mentioned embodiment, the luminous element forms 2 a combination of transparent OLED elements 6 . 12a and 12b and a reflective OLED element 8th , wherein the transparent OLED elements 6 . 12a and 12b are arranged on the viewer side. So are all OLED elements in the operating state B0, so are out, ie emit no light, the light element acts 2 as a mirror. Is at least one of the OLEDs 6 . 8th . 12a or 12b in an operating state B1, ie on or lit, causes the lighting element 2 a flat lighting, which is contrary to the viewing direction 4 is emitted.

In alternative embodiments, the OLEDs each produce light of different light colors red R, green G, blue B or white W. Thus, depending on the combination of the switched on and off OLEDs (respective operating states B0 or B1), a corresponding color mixture of opposite to the viewing direction 4 emitted light.

The light element 2 comprises in an alternative embodiment, further light sources 18a -C, which are not OLEDs. The light source 18a is a linear fluorescent tube, which in the example extends perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, the light sources 18b and 18c are LEDs. In this embodiment, the rear OLED element is also 8th at least partially transparent, so that light, which from the other light sources 18a -C is sent out, contrary to the line of sight 4 from the light element 2 is emitted. Depending on which combination of which other light sources 18a -C and which of the OLED elements 6 . 8th . 12a and 12b turned on or off, there are a variety of light, lighting or other optical effects.

The light element 2 contains in an alternative embodiment optical elements 20a , b, wherein the optical element 20a a light guide for guiding the light of the further light source 18c is and the optical element 20b a diffuser, which LED almost the point-like light of the other light source 18b scattered or distributed over a wide area.

The light element 2 In an alternative embodiment, it has a protective device 22 in the present case, a transparent Plexiglas pane, which protects the OLED elements from dirt, contact and damage.

2 shows a section of a vehicle 26 , in the example of an airplane, which has a ground 30 as well as a fairing 32 has in the form of a wall. ground 30 and disguise 32 define an interior 34 of the vehicle 26 , A lighting element 2 is used as interior light 36 for the interior 34 used to this in the active, ie luminous operating state B1 opposite to the viewing direction 4 to illuminate with radiated light or on the panel 32 to form a backlit wall section. In this embodiment, the luminous element 2 only a front OLED element 6 and a rear OLED element 8th on. The latter shows as an optical effect 16 a matte surface on the flat side 14 on. The front OLED element 6 forms with its visible side 10 directly the surface of the luminous element 2 and so that the interior light 36 and thus also the disguise 32 , The OLED element 6 or its visible side 10 forms opposite to the line of sight 4 seen the foremost component of the luminous element 2 and immediately adjacent to the interior 34 at.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

light element

4

line of sight

6

front OLED element

8th

rear OLED element

10

Main page

12a, b

middle OLED element

14

flat side

16

optical effect

18a-c

light source

20a, b

optical element

22

guard

26

vehicle

30

ground

32

paneling

34

inner space

36

Interior light

B0

Operating state "off"

B1

Operating state "on"

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 102010034774 A1 [0003]

Claims (11)

Light element ( 2 ), with respect to a line of sight ( 4 ) front, in particular flat extending OLED element ( 6 ), which is at least partially transparent and the front flat side of a visible side ( 10 ) of the luminous element ( 2 ), characterized in that at least one in particular flat extending rear OLED element ( 8th ) in the viewing direction ( 4 ) behind the front OLED element ( 6 ) is arranged. Light element ( 2 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that between the front OLED element ( 6 ) and rear OLED element ( 8th ) at least one in particular flat extending at least partially transparent middle OLED element ( 12a , b) is arranged. Light element ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the OLED elements ( 6 . 8th . 12a , b), in particular the rear OLED element ( 8th ), in at least one operating state (B0, 1) at its visible side ( 10 ) facing flat side ( 14 ) an optical effect ( 16 ), in particular a mirror effect or a matt effect. Light element ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two of the OLED elements ( 6 . 8th . 12a , b) in a luminous operating state (B1) different light colors (R, G, B, W) have. Light element ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two of the OLED elements ( 6 . 8th . 12a , b) are arranged parallel to each other. Light element ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the viewing direction ( 4 ) behind the front OLED element ( 6 ), in particular behind the rear OLED element ( 8th ), at least one further light source ( 18a C) which is not an OLED element. Light element ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that this at least one optical element ( 20a , b) for influencing at least that of the luminous element ( 2 ), especially if present from the further light source ( 18a -C), generated light. Light element ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the viewing direction ( 4 ) in front of the front OLED element ( 6 ) one the visible side ( 10 ) protective protection device ( 22 ) is arranged. Use of a light element ( 2 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8 as an interior light ( 36 ) for an interior ( 34 ), in particular a passenger cabin, of a vehicle ( 26 ), in particular of an aircraft, wherein the viewing direction ( 4 ) foremost component of the luminous element ( 2 ) the interior light ( 36 ) to the interior ( 34 ) limited. Use according to claim 9, characterized in that the luminous element ( 2 ) at least part of a fairing ( 32 ) for the interior ( 34 ) of the vehicle ( 26 ), with the viewing direction ( 4 ) foremost component of the luminous element ( 2 ) the costume ( 32 ) to the interior ( 36 ) limited. Vehicle ( 26 ), in particular aircraft, with an interior ( 34 ), in particular a passenger cabin, characterized in that it is a lighting element ( 2 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, which in a luminous operating state (B1) to the interior ( 34 ), and whose direction ( 4 ) foremost component directly to the interior ( 34 ) adjoins.

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