EP1010159A1 - Neon sign especially for a neon character - Google Patents

Neon sign especially for a neon character

Info

Publication number
EP1010159A1
EP1010159A1 EP98942599A EP98942599A EP1010159A1 EP 1010159 A1 EP1010159 A1 EP 1010159A1 EP 98942599 A EP98942599 A EP 98942599A EP 98942599 A EP98942599 A EP 98942599A EP 1010159 A1 EP1010159 A1 EP 1010159A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
front mirror
color
layer
neon
grid pattern
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP98942599A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1010159B1 (en
Inventor
Bernhard Bieri
Heinrich Herp
Niklaus Imfeld
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Westiform & Co KG GmbH
Original Assignee
Boos & Hahn Licht Form Farbe G
Boos and Hahn Lichtformfarbe & Co GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Boos & Hahn Licht Form Farbe G, Boos and Hahn Lichtformfarbe & Co GmbH filed Critical Boos & Hahn Licht Form Farbe G
Publication of EP1010159A1 publication Critical patent/EP1010159A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1010159B1 publication Critical patent/EP1010159B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/04—Signs, boards or panels, illuminated from behind the insignia
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/16—Signs formed of or incorporating reflecting elements or surfaces, e.g. warning signs having triangular or other geometrical shape

Definitions

  • Illuminated advertising especially illuminated letters
  • the invention relates to a neon sign, in particular an illuminated letter, with
  • a front mirror which closes the housing on the visible side and is made of translucent material.
  • neon signs of this type the color in which they are perceived by the viewer is essentially the same day and night; it is determined either by the coloring of the front mirror or directly by the color of the light generated by the light source. A higher attention value of the neon sign could, however, be achieved if different appearances, especially color impressions, could be created during the day and at night.
  • the object of the present invention is to design a neon sign of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that the viewer may experience a more variable impression, in particular different color impressions during the day and at night.
  • the front mirror is at least partially covered with a Layering is provided in a grid pattern, which is composed of small-structure areas that cover the front mirror opaque and intermediate small-structure areas in which the front mirror is exposed.
  • the coating comprises a first layer of that applied directly to the front mirror
  • Color in which the front mirror is to be perceived by the viewer during the day and comprises a second white or silvery reflective layer applied congruently over the first layer.
  • the total area of the front mirror is divided into small structures in areas in which the light from the light source can penetrate the front mirror, and in those areas which have the color intended for the day's appearance. So that the coloring layer does not disturb the appearance at night, as mentioned, it is covered on the inside by a congruent white or silvery reflecting layer.
  • a “grid pattern” is understood here to mean such a structure that repeats itself in a pattern-like manner on the surface in such a way that, viewed from a distance, it has an approximately constant or only slightly changing brightness.
  • the word "small structure” should also be understood in this sense: at the normal viewing distance between the neon sign and the viewer's eye, these structures should no longer be easily resolvable.
  • the user therefore consciously perceives those areas of the front mirror of the neon sign, that are covered with the coloring layer, while the structures in between are not recognized. The viewer sees the entire front mirror essentially in the color of the coloring layer.
  • the intermediate, exposed areas of the front mirror gain their meaning.
  • the light from the light source passes through here, possibly colored accordingly;
  • the areas of the front mirror, which are then essentially unlit from the outside and covered by the coating, are completely suppressed in the visual impression and are not recognized, so that the viewer is given the impression of a uniformly or almost uniformly illuminated illuminated sign, but this time with a different color, if necessary becomes.
  • Grid dimension is understood to mean the distance that lies between repeating structures of the grid pattern. So that it remains unresolved at the usual viewing distances, the grid size should be on the order of a few millimeters.
  • degree of coverage is approximately 70%.
  • degree of coverage is to be understood as the area-related portion of the front mirror which is covered by the coating in the grid pattern, that is to say the light from the light source cannot pass through it.
  • particularly variable optical impressions can be achieved by patterning the lens. For example, interesting optical effects if the diffuser is completely or partially opaque in certain strips.
  • the grid pattern can differ in the color of the coloring layer, in the geometry of the underlying geometric pattern, in the grid dimension and / or in the transparency.
  • this neon sign variable changes continuously at least in certain areas on the front mirror. It can be imagined, for example, that the grid dimension continuously increases or decreases as it progresses in one or more directions; similarly, the transparency of the grid pattern or its basic geometric shape, progressing in one or more directions, can be varied continuously.
  • Figure 1 shows a section through a light letter
  • FIG. 2 shows the plan view of the coated side of the front mirror of the illuminated letter from FIG. 1 on a greatly enlarged scale
  • FIG. 3 shows a section through the front mirror of FIGS. 1 and 2 on an enlarged scale.
  • the U-shaped housing 1 is composed of two side frames 2, 3 and a bottom part 4.
  • the frames 2, 3, which are white on the inside, are fastened to the bottom part 4 by means of screws 5, 6.
  • a diffusing screen 9 are engaged in grooves 7, 8 in the upper region of the frames 2, 3.
  • the visible side of the housing 1 is closed by a front mirror 10, which is glued in stages 11, 12 to the upper edges of the frames 2, 3 and sealed against them.
  • the front mirror 10 is curved in the exemplary embodiment shown; however, it can also be flat or any other desired shape, e.g. B. prismatic in cross section.
  • the housing 1 In the interior of the housing 1 there is a neon tube 13 with neon tube return 14 underneath the lens 9, as well as the electrical and electronic power supply components 15 required to supply the neon tube 13.
  • the front mirror 10 which is made of a translucent material, is provided on the inside with a coating 33 in a grid pattern 26, preferably by means of screen printing.
  • the grid pattern 26 of the coating 33 is now explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
  • a "grid pattern” is a relatively small structure that looks like a repeat repetitive pattern understood, which from the usual viewing distance can no longer be resolved into its individual structures by the human eye, but from this distance presents itself as an area of essentially uniform brightness. It is essential that the coating 33 covers the translucid material of the front mirror 10 in certain areas, while leaving the intermediate areas free and allowing an unimpeded passage of the light coming from the interior of the housing 1.
  • the permeable regions consist of three sets of strips: a first set 27 extends at an angle of 45 to the right upwards; a second share 28 cuts this first share 27 at a right angle and therefore extends at an angle of 45 to the right below the horizontal.
  • These two sets of strips 27, 28 form squares 29 standing on top, which are coated in the manner explained below and are therefore opaque to the light coming from the interior of the housing 1.
  • a third set 31 of equidistant strips is passed so through the upper and lower corners of adjacent squares 29 that a corresponding row of
  • a first layer 33 which is a color-imparting layer, is applied directly to the material of the front mirror 10. The color of this layer 33 corresponds to what the viewer of the illuminated letter recognizes as color during the day. Over the coloring layer 33 a second layer 34 is applied, the color of which is white or reflecting silvery.
  • the coloring layer 33 applied directly to the front mirror 10 is illuminated by daylight; from the appropriate distance, the viewer sees the illuminated letter essentially as a homogeneous surface colored in the appropriate color.
  • the color impression caused by the coloring layer 33 recedes. Instead, the light generated by the neon tube 13 now shines through the lens 9; The light components that are let through by this diffusing screen 9 then reach the outside through the strips 27, 28, 31 in the front mirror 10 that are not covered by the coating 33. Due to the relatively small grid size of the grid pattern 26, the viewer perceives the front mirror 10 as a surface that is uniformly colored in the color of the lens 9, given a corresponding minimum distance; the intermediate, darker areas 29, 32 of the coating 33, 34 remain unnoticed.
  • the grid pattern 26 is identical across the entire front mirror 10.
  • optical effects can also be generated by using 10 different grid patterns in different areas of the front mirror.
  • An embodiment is conceivable in which the surface of the front mirror 10 is divided into different areas, in which different, but uniform within the respective area, grid patterns are applied.
  • beautiful optical effects can be can also be achieved by a continuous transition from one to the other grid pattern, for example by continuously changing the grid dimension and / or the proportion of the area covered by the opaque coating 33.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Geometry (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
  • Electroluminescent Light Sources (AREA)
  • Led Device Packages (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a neon sign, especially a neon character, comprising a casing (1) known per se, wherein a light source (13), especially a neon tube, is accommodated. The casing (1) is covered with a translucent material from the viewing side up to the frontal mirror (10). The frontal mirror (10) is preferably provided with a coating (33) applied in a grid pattern ( 26) on the inner surface thereof. Said grid pattern (26) partially covers the surface of the frontal mirror (10) in small-scale structured areas (29, 32) leaving small-scale structured areas (27, 28, 31) located in-between uncovered. The light can pass through said uncovered areas to the frontal mirror (10) without obstruction. The coating (33) comprises two layers (34, 35). The layer (34) directly adjacent to the material of the frontal mirror (10) is a chromophoric layer whose color corresponds to the color which a viewer should observe during daylight. A second layer (35) which is white or silvery reflective is applied in the same manner over the first layer (34). Through the small grid pattern (26), during daylight and at a usual distance, the neon sign appears as a homogenous surface with a color to the viewer, said color being that of the first layer (34) of the coating (33). During darkness, the color of the light completely supersedes the color of the first layer in the foreground. The light is emitted from a light source (13) arranged in the casing (1) and passes through the open areas in the coating (33) applied on the frontal mirror (10).

Description

Leuchtreklame, insbesondere Leuchtbuchstabe Illuminated advertising, especially illuminated letters
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Leuchtreklame, insbesondere einen Leuchtbuchstaben, mitThe invention relates to a neon sign, in particular an illuminated letter, with
a) einem Gehäuse;a) a housing;
b) mindestens einer in dem Gehäuse angeordneten Lichtquelle, insbesondere einer Neonröhre;b) at least one light source arranged in the housing, in particular a neon tube;
c) einem das Gehäuse an der Sichtseite abschließenden Frontspiegel aus transluzidem Material.c) a front mirror which closes the housing on the visible side and is made of translucent material.
Bei bekannten Leuchtreklamen dieser Art ist die Farbe, in welcher sie vom Betrachter wahrgenommen werden, bei Tag und Nacht im wesentlichen dieselbe; sie wird entweder durch die Einfärbung des Frontspiegeis oder auch direkt durch die Farbe des durch die Lichtquelle erzeugten Lichtes bestimmt. Ein höherer Aufmerksamkeitswert der Leuchtreklame ließe sich jedoch dann erzielen, wenn bei Tag und bei Nacht unterschiedliche Anmutungen, insbesondere Farbeindrücke, hervorgerufen werden könnten.In known neon signs of this type, the color in which they are perceived by the viewer is essentially the same day and night; it is determined either by the coloring of the front mirror or directly by the color of the light generated by the light source. A higher attention value of the neon sign could, however, be achieved if different appearances, especially color impressions, could be created during the day and at night.
Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, eine Leuchtreklame der eingangs genannten Art so auszugestalten, daß sich eine variablere Anmutung für den Betrachter, insbesondere unterschiedliche Farbeindrücke bei Tag und bei Nacht ergeben können.The object of the present invention is to design a neon sign of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that the viewer may experience a more variable impression, in particular different color impressions during the day and at night.
Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daßThis object is achieved in that
d) der Frontspiegel zumindest teilweise mit einer Be- Schichtung in einem Rastermuster versehen ist, welches aus kleinstrukturig den Frontspiegel lichtundurchlässig abdeckenden Bereichen und zwischenliegenden kleinstrukturigen Bereichen, in welchen der Front- spiegel freiliegt, zusammengesetzt ist,d) the front mirror is at least partially covered with a Layering is provided in a grid pattern, which is composed of small-structure areas that cover the front mirror opaque and intermediate small-structure areas in which the front mirror is exposed.
wobeiin which
e) die Beschichtung eine erste, unmittelbar auf dem Frontspiegel aufgebrachte Schicht aus derjenigene) the coating comprises a first layer of that applied directly to the front mirror
Farbe, in welcher der Frontspiegel bei Tage vom Betrachter wahrgenommen werden soll, und eine zweite, deckungsgleich über der ersten Schicht aufgebrachte weiße oder silbrig reflektierende Schicht umfaßt.Color in which the front mirror is to be perceived by the viewer during the day, and comprises a second white or silvery reflective layer applied congruently over the first layer.
Erfindungsgemäß wird also die Gesamtfläche des Frontspiegels kleinstrukturig in Bereiche aufgeteilt, in welchen das Licht der Lichtquelle den Frontspiegel durchdringen kann, und in solche Bereiche, welche die für die Tagesanmutung bestimmte Farbe tragen. Damit die farbgebende Schicht die Anmutung bei Nacht nicht stört, ist diese, wie erwähnt, durch eine deckungsgleiche weiße oder silbrig spiegelnde Schicht nach innen hin abgedeckt.According to the invention, the total area of the front mirror is divided into small structures in areas in which the light from the light source can penetrate the front mirror, and in those areas which have the color intended for the day's appearance. So that the coloring layer does not disturb the appearance at night, as mentioned, it is covered on the inside by a congruent white or silvery reflecting layer.
Unter einem "Rastermuster" wird hier eine solche Struktur verstanden, die sich in einer rapportähnlichen Weise auf der Oberfläche so wiederholt, daß ihr aus der Ferne betrachtet eine etwa konstante oder sich nur geringfügig ändernde Helligkeit zukommt. In diesem Sinne ist auch das Wort "kleinstrukturig" zu verstehen: bei der normalen Betrachtungsentfernung zwischen der Leuchtreklame und dem Auge des Betrachters sollen diese Strukturen nicht mehr ohne weiteres auflösbar sein. Bei Tage werden vom Benutzer daher vornehmlich diejenigen Bereiche des Frontspiegels der Leuchtreklame bewußt wahrgenommen, die mit der farbgebenden Schicht abgedeckt sind, während die zwischenliegenden, frei gelassenen Strukturen nicht erkannt werden. Der Betrachter sieht also den gesamten Frontspiegel im wesentlichen in der Farbe der farbgebenden Schicht. Bei Nacht dagegen erhalten die zwischenliegenden, freiliegenden Bereiche des Frontspiegels ihre Bedeutung. Dann nämlich tritt das - gegebenenfalls entsprechend eingefärbte - Licht der Lichtquelle hier hindurch; die dann im wesentlichen von außen unbeleuchteten, durch die Beschichtung abgedeckten Bereiche des Front - spiegeis werden im visuellen Eindruck vollständig unterdrückt und nicht erkannt, so daß dem Betrachter wiederum der Eindruck einer gleichmäßig oder annähernd gleichmäßig ausgeleuchteten Lichtreklame, diesmal aber gegebenenfalls mit anderer Farbe, vermittelt wird.A “grid pattern” is understood here to mean such a structure that repeats itself in a pattern-like manner on the surface in such a way that, viewed from a distance, it has an approximately constant or only slightly changing brightness. The word "small structure" should also be understood in this sense: at the normal viewing distance between the neon sign and the viewer's eye, these structures should no longer be easily resolvable. During the day, the user therefore consciously perceives those areas of the front mirror of the neon sign, that are covered with the coloring layer, while the structures in between are not recognized. The viewer sees the entire front mirror essentially in the color of the coloring layer. At night, on the other hand, the intermediate, exposed areas of the front mirror gain their meaning. Then the light from the light source passes through here, possibly colored accordingly; The areas of the front mirror, which are then essentially unlit from the outside and covered by the coating, are completely suppressed in the visual impression and are not recognized, so that the viewer is given the impression of a uniformly or almost uniformly illuminated illuminated sign, but this time with a different color, if necessary becomes.
Unter "Rastermaß" wird diejenige Entfernung verstanden, die zwischen sich wiederholenden Strukturen des Rastermusters liegt. Damit diese bei den üblichen Betrachtungs- entfernungen unaufgelöst bleibt, sollte das Rastermaß in der Größenordnung von wenigen Millimetern liegen.“Grid dimension” is understood to mean the distance that lies between repeating structures of the grid pattern. So that it remains unresolved at the usual viewing distances, the grid size should be on the order of a few millimeters.
Als günstig hat sich darüber hinaus herausgestellt, wenn der Bedeckungsgrad des Rastermusters etwa 70% beträgt. Unter "Bedeckungsgrad" ist vorliegend derjenige flächenmäßige Anteil des Frontspiegels zu verstehen, welcher in dem Rastermuster von der Beschichtung abgedeckt ist, also nicht vom Licht der Lichtquelle durchtreten werden kann.It has also proven to be advantageous if the degree of coverage of the grid pattern is approximately 70%. In the present case, “degree of coverage” is to be understood as the area-related portion of the front mirror which is covered by the coating in the grid pattern, that is to say the light from the light source cannot pass through it.
Zwischen dem Frontspiegel und der Lichtquelle kann eine vergleichmäßigt und ggfs. auch dazu dient, eine Lichtfärbe festzulegen. Besonders variable optische Eindrücke lassen sich in einem solchen Falle dadurch erzielen, daß die Streuscheibe gemustert ist. Beispielsweise ergeben sich in- teressante optische Effekte, wenn die Streuscheibe in bestimmten Streifen ganz oder teilweise lichtundurchlässig ist .One can be evened out between the front mirror and the light source and possibly also used to determine a light color. In such a case, particularly variable optical impressions can be achieved by patterning the lens. For example, Interesting optical effects if the diffuser is completely or partially opaque in certain strips.
Weitere gestalterische Möglichkeiten erschließen sich bei derjenigen Ausgestaltung der Erfindung, bei welcher auf verschiedenen Bereichen des Frontspiegels Beschichtungen mit unterschiedlichen Rastermustern angeordnet sind. Die Rastermuster können sich dabei in der Farbe der farbgebenden Schicht, in der Geometrie des zugrundeliegenden geometrischen Musters, in dem Rastermaß und/ oder in der Transparenz unterscheiden.Further design possibilities open up in the embodiment of the invention in which coatings with different grid patterns are arranged on different areas of the front mirror. The grid pattern can differ in the color of the coloring layer, in the geometry of the underlying geometric pattern, in the grid dimension and / or in the transparency.
Weitere Möglichkeiten, die Anmutung dieser Leuchtreklame veränderlich zu gestalten, bestehen dann, wenn sich das Rastermuster zumindest in bestimmten Bereichen auf dem Frontspiegel kontinuierlich verändert. So läßt sich beispielsweise vorstellen, daß das Rastermaß bei Fortschreiten in einer oder mehreren Richtungen kontinuier- lieh größer oder kleiner wird; in ähnlicher Weise läßt sich die Transparenz des Rastermusters oder auch dessen geometrische Grundform, in einer oder mehreren Richtungen fortschreitend, kontinuierlich variieren.There are further possibilities for making the appearance of this neon sign variable if the grid pattern changes continuously at least in certain areas on the front mirror. It can be imagined, for example, that the grid dimension continuously increases or decreases as it progresses in one or more directions; similarly, the transparency of the grid pattern or its basic geometric shape, progressing in one or more directions, can be varied continuously.
Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand der Zeichnung näher erläutert; es zeigenAn embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the drawing; show it
Figur 1 einen Schnitt durch einen Leuchtbuchstaben;Figure 1 shows a section through a light letter;
Figur 2 die Draufsicht auf die beschichtete Seite des Frontspiegels des Leuchtbuchstabens von Figur 1 in stark vergrößertem Maßstab;FIG. 2 shows the plan view of the coated side of the front mirror of the illuminated letter from FIG. 1 on a greatly enlarged scale;
Figur 3 erneut in vergrößertem Maßstab einen Schnitt durch den Frontspiegel der Figuren 1 und 2. In Figur 1 ist im Schnitt ein Leuchtbuchstabe dargestellt, dessen U-förmiges Gehäuse 1 aus zwei seitlichen Zargen 2, 3 und einem Bodenteil 4 zusammengesetzt ist. Die Zargen 2, 3, die an ihrer Innenseite weiß belegt sind, sind mit Hilfe von Schrauben 5, 6 am Bodenteil 4 befestigt.3 shows a section through the front mirror of FIGS. 1 and 2 on an enlarged scale. In Figure 1, a light letter is shown in section, the U-shaped housing 1 is composed of two side frames 2, 3 and a bottom part 4. The frames 2, 3, which are white on the inside, are fastened to the bottom part 4 by means of screws 5, 6.
In Nuten 7, 8 im oberen Bereich der Zargen 2, 3 sind die gegenüberliegenden Ränder einer Streuscheibe 9 einge- rastet. Die Sichtseite des Gehäuses 1 ist durch einen Frontspiegel 10 abgeschlossen, der in Stufen 11, 12 an den Oberkanten der Zargen 2, 3 eingeklebt und gegen diese abgedichtet ist. Der Frontspiegel 10 ist im dargestell- ren Ausführungsbeispiel gewölbt; er kann jedoch auch plan sein oder jede andere gewünschte Form, z. B. im Querschnitt prismatisch, aufweisen.The opposite edges of a diffusing screen 9 are engaged in grooves 7, 8 in the upper region of the frames 2, 3. The visible side of the housing 1 is closed by a front mirror 10, which is glued in stages 11, 12 to the upper edges of the frames 2, 3 and sealed against them. The front mirror 10 is curved in the exemplary embodiment shown; however, it can also be flat or any other desired shape, e.g. B. prismatic in cross section.
Im Innenraum des Gehäuses 1 befindet sich unterhalb der Streuscheibe 9 eine Neonröhre 13 mit Neonröhrenrück- führung 14, sowie die zur Speisung der Neonröhre 13 erforderlichen elektrischen und elektronischen Stromversorgungskomponenten 15.In the interior of the housing 1 there is a neon tube 13 with neon tube return 14 underneath the lens 9, as well as the electrical and electronic power supply components 15 required to supply the neon tube 13.
Die Konstruktion des Leuchtbuchstabens , soweit bisher beschrieben, ist konventionell.The construction of the illuminated letter, so far described, is conventional.
Der Frontspiegel 10, der aus einem transluziden Material hergestellt ist, ist an der Innenseite mit einer Beschichtung 33 in einem Rastermuster 26 versehen, vorzugsweise im Wege des Siebdruckes. Das Rastermuster 26 der Beschichtung 33 wird nunmehr anhand der Figuren 2 und 3 näher erläutert .The front mirror 10, which is made of a translucent material, is provided on the inside with a coating 33 in a grid pattern 26, preferably by means of screen printing. The grid pattern 26 of the coating 33 is now explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
Unter einem "Rastermuster" wird, wie schon erwähnt, ein verhältnismäßig kleinstrukturiges , sich rapportähnlich wiederholendes Muster verstanden, welches aus der üblichen Betrachtungsentfernung nicht mehr vom menschlichen Auge in seine einzelnen Strukturen aufgelöst werden kann sondern sich aus dieser Distanz als Fläcche von im wesent- liehen gleichmäßiger Helligkeit darstellt. Wesentlich ist, daß die Beschichtung 33 in bestimmten Bereichen das transluzide Material des Frontspiegels 10 abdeckt, während sie zwischenliegende Bereiche freiläßt und hier einen ungehinderten Durchgang des aus dem Inneren des Gehäuses 1 kommenden Lichtes gestattet.As already mentioned, a "grid pattern" is a relatively small structure that looks like a repeat repetitive pattern understood, which from the usual viewing distance can no longer be resolved into its individual structures by the human eye, but from this distance presents itself as an area of essentially uniform brightness. It is essential that the coating 33 covers the translucid material of the front mirror 10 in certain areas, while leaving the intermediate areas free and allowing an unimpeded passage of the light coming from the interior of the housing 1.
Bei dem in Figur 2 dargestellten Rastermuster 26 bestehen die durchlässig gelassenen Bereiche aus drei Scharen von Streifen: eine erste Schar 27 verläuft unter einem Winkel von 45 gegenüber der Horizontalen nach rechts oben; eine zweite Schar 28 schneidet diese erste Schar 27 unter rechtem Winkel und verläuft daher unter einem Winkel von 45 gegebnüber der Horizontalen nach rechts unten. Durch diese beiden Streifenscharen 27, 28 werden auf der Spitze stehende Quadrate 29 gebildet, die in der weiter unten erläuterten Weise beschichtet und daher für das aus dem Innenraum des Gehäuses 1 kommende Licht undurchlässig sind. Eine dritte Schar 31 äquidistanter Streifen ist sO durch die oberen und unteren Ecken nebeneinanderliegender Quadrate 29 geführt, daß eine entsprechende Reihe vonIn the grid pattern 26 shown in FIG. 2, the permeable regions consist of three sets of strips: a first set 27 extends at an angle of 45 to the right upwards; a second share 28 cuts this first share 27 at a right angle and therefore extends at an angle of 45 to the right below the horizontal. These two sets of strips 27, 28 form squares 29 standing on top, which are coated in the manner explained below and are therefore opaque to the light coming from the interior of the housing 1. A third set 31 of equidistant strips is passed so through the upper and lower corners of adjacent squares 29 that a corresponding row of
Quadraten jeweils in zwei Dreiecke 32 zerteilt wird.Squares each divided into two triangles 32.
Der genaue Aufbau der Beschichtung 33, die auf den Quadraten 30 und den "halben" Quadraten, also den Dreiecken 32, aufgebracht ist, ist in Figur 3 dargestellt. Direkt auf dem Material des Frontspiegels 10 ist eine erste Schicht 33 aufgetragen, bei der es sich um eine farbge- bende Schicht handelt. Die Farbe dieser Schicht 33 entspricht dem, was der Betrachter des Leuchtbuchstabens als Farbe bei Tage erkennt. Über der farbgebenden Schicht 33 ist eine zweite Schicht 34 aufgebracht, deren Farbe weiß oder silbrig spiegelnd ist .The exact structure of the coating 33, which is applied to the squares 30 and the "half" squares, ie the triangles 32, is shown in FIG. A first layer 33, which is a color-imparting layer, is applied directly to the material of the front mirror 10. The color of this layer 33 corresponds to what the viewer of the illuminated letter recognizes as color during the day. Over the coloring layer 33 a second layer 34 is applied, the color of which is white or reflecting silvery.
Der beschriebene Leuchtbuchstabe funktioniert wie folgt:The illuminated letter described works as follows:
Am Tage wird die unmittelbar auf den Frontspiegel 10 aufgebracht farbgebende Schicht 33 vom Tageslicht beleuchtet; der Betrachter sieht den Leuchtbuchstaben aus der entsprechenden Distanz im wesentlichen als homogene, in der entsprechenden Farbe eingefärbte Fläche. Bei Nacht dagegen tritt der durch die farbgebende Schicht 33 hervorgerufene Farbeindruck zurück. Stattdessen durchstrahlt nunmehr das von der Neonröhre 13 erzeugte Licht zunächst die Streuscheibe 9; die von dieser Streuscheibe 9 durchge- lassenen Lichtanteile gelangen dann weiter durch die nicht durch die Beschichtung 33 abgedeckten Streifen 27, 28, 31 im FrontSpiegel 10 nach außen. Auf Grund des verhältnismäßig kleinen Rastermaßes des Rastermusters 26 empfindet der Betrachter bei einer entsprechenden Mindest - distanz den Frontspiegel 10 als einheitlich in der Farbe der Streuscheibe 9 leuchtende Fläche; die zwischenliegenden, dunkleren Bereiche 29, 32 der Beschichtung 33, 34 bleiben unbemerkt .During the day, the coloring layer 33 applied directly to the front mirror 10 is illuminated by daylight; from the appropriate distance, the viewer sees the illuminated letter essentially as a homogeneous surface colored in the appropriate color. At night, on the other hand, the color impression caused by the coloring layer 33 recedes. Instead, the light generated by the neon tube 13 now shines through the lens 9; The light components that are let through by this diffusing screen 9 then reach the outside through the strips 27, 28, 31 in the front mirror 10 that are not covered by the coating 33. Due to the relatively small grid size of the grid pattern 26, the viewer perceives the front mirror 10 as a surface that is uniformly colored in the color of the lens 9, given a corresponding minimum distance; the intermediate, darker areas 29, 32 of the coating 33, 34 remain unnoticed.
Bei dem oben beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiel wurde davon ausgegangen, daß das Rastermuster 26 über den gesamten Frontspiegel 10 hinweg identisch ist. Es lassen sich jedoch auch optische Effekte dadurch erzeugen, daß in verschiedenen Bereichen des Frontspiegels 10 unterschiedliche Rastermuster eingesetzt werden. Dabei ist eine Ausgestaltung denkbar, bei welcher die Fläche des Frontspiegels 10 in unterschiedliche Bereiche unterteilt ist, in denen unterschiedliche, jedoch innerhalb des jeweiligen Bereiches einheitliche Rastermuster auf- gebracht sind. Schöne optische Effekte lassen sich aber auch durch einen kontinuierlichen Übergang von einem zum anderen Rastermuster erzielen, beispielsweise dadurch, daß das Rastermaß und/oder der Flächenanteil, der durch die lichtundurchlässige Beschichtung 33 abge- deckt ist, kontinuierlich verändert werden. In the exemplary embodiment described above, it was assumed that the grid pattern 26 is identical across the entire front mirror 10. However, optical effects can also be generated by using 10 different grid patterns in different areas of the front mirror. An embodiment is conceivable in which the surface of the front mirror 10 is divided into different areas, in which different, but uniform within the respective area, grid patterns are applied. But beautiful optical effects can be can also be achieved by a continuous transition from one to the other grid pattern, for example by continuously changing the grid dimension and / or the proportion of the area covered by the opaque coating 33.

Claims

Patentansprüche claims
1. Leuchtreklame, insbesondere Leuchtbuchstabe mit1. Illuminated sign, especially illuminated letter with
a) einem Gehäuse;a) a housing;
b) mindestens einer in dem Gehäuse angeordneten Lichtquelle, insbesondere einer Neonröhre;b) at least one light source arranged in the housing, in particular a neon tube;
c) einem das Gehäuse an der Sichtseite abschließenden Frontspiegel aus transluzidem Material,c) a front mirror which closes the housing on the visible side and is made of translucent material,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daßcharacterized in that
d) der Frontspiegel (10) mindestens teilweise mit einer Beschichtung (33) in einem Rastermuster (26) versehen ist, welches aus kleinstrukturig den Frontspiegel (10) lichtundurchlässig abdeckenden Bereichen (29, 32) und zwischenliegenden kleinstrukturigen Bereichen (27, 28, 31), in welchen der Frontspiegel (10) freiliegt, zusammengesetzt ist,d) the front mirror (10) is at least partially provided with a coating (33) in a grid pattern (26), which consists of areas (29, 32) which cover the front mirror (10) in a light-tight manner and intermediate small structure areas (27, 28, 31) ), in which the front mirror (10) is exposed, is composed,
wobeiin which
e) die Beschichtung (33) eine erste, unmittelbar auf den Frontspiegel (10) aufgebrachte Schicht (34) aus derjenigen Farbe, in welcher der Frontspiegel (10) bei Tage vom Betrachter wahrgenommen werden soll, und eine zweite, deckungsgleich über der ersten Schicht (34) aufgebrachte weiße oder silbrig reflektierende Schicht (34) umfaßt. e) the coating (33) has a first layer (34) of the color in which the front mirror (10) is to be perceived by the viewer during the day, and a second, congruent over the first layer, applied directly to the front mirror (10) (34) applied white or silvery reflective layer (34).
2. Leuchtreklame nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Rastermaß des Rastermusters (26) etwa 1/6 cm beträgt.2. Neon sign according to claim 1, characterized in that the grid dimension of the grid pattern (26) is approximately 1/6 cm.
3. Leuchtreklame nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Transparenz des Rastermusters (26) etwa 70% beträgt.3. neon sign according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transparency of the grid pattern (26) is about 70%.
4. Leuchtreklame nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zwischen dem Frontspiegel4. Illuminated sign according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the front mirror
(10) und der Lichtquelle (13) eine Streuscheibe (9) angeordnet ist .(10) and the light source (13) a diffuser (9) is arranged.
5. Leuchtreklame nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Streuscheibe (9) gemustert ist.5. Illuminated sign according to claim 4, characterized in that the lens (9) is patterned.
6. Leuchtreklame nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß auf verschiedenen Bereichen des Frontspiegels (10) Beschichtungen (33) mit unterschiedlichem Rastermuster (26) aufgebracht sind.6. Illuminated sign according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that coatings (33) with different grid patterns (26) are applied to different areas of the front mirror (10).
7. Leuchtreklame nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß sich das Rastermuster7. neon sign according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grid pattern
(26) zumindest in bestimmten Bereichen auf dem Frontspie- gel (10) kontinuierlich verändert. (26) continuously changed at least in certain areas on the front mirror (10).
EP98942599A 1997-09-02 1998-07-22 Neon sign especially for a neon character Expired - Lifetime EP1010159B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19738299 1997-09-02
DE19738299A DE19738299B4 (en) 1997-09-02 1997-09-02 Neon sign, in particular illuminated letter
DE29715752U DE29715752U1 (en) 1997-09-02 1997-09-02 Illuminated advertising, especially illuminated letters
PCT/EP1998/004610 WO1999012146A1 (en) 1997-09-02 1998-07-22 Neon sign especially for a neon character

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1010159A1 true EP1010159A1 (en) 2000-06-21
EP1010159B1 EP1010159B1 (en) 2002-04-17

Family

ID=39563536

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98942599A Expired - Lifetime EP1010159B1 (en) 1997-09-02 1998-07-22 Neon sign especially for a neon character

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1010159B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE216527T1 (en)
DE (2) DE29715752U1 (en)
DK (1) DK1010159T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2178249T3 (en)
PT (1) PT1010159E (en)
WO (1) WO1999012146A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19922569A1 (en) * 1999-05-17 2000-11-23 Westiform Gmbh & Co Kg Mirror unit for advertising, comprises a main housing with a front cover and a mirror layer, a light source and a decorative layer.
DE10250675A1 (en) * 2002-10-31 2004-05-19 Hella Kg Hueck & Co. Display unit, especially for motor vehicles, has illumination element with diffusing coating that is joined to smoked glass coating over their areas
DE102015101351A1 (en) 2015-01-29 2016-08-04 Balluff Gmbh System for contactless energy and data transmission
DE102015208981A1 (en) * 2015-05-15 2016-11-17 Osram Gmbh Element for a luminaire, luminaire with such element and use of the element

Family Cites Families (7)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR830006758A (en) * 1980-06-02 1983-10-06 토시로 야마시다 Advertising equipment
DE3706392A1 (en) * 1987-02-27 1988-09-08 Tegtmeier Metallbau Light box
DE3843522A1 (en) * 1988-12-23 1990-07-05 Daimler Benz Ag Illuminating device, in particular for motor vehicles
DE3930513A1 (en) * 1989-09-13 1991-04-11 Grigull Karl August Luminescent test screen - for artificial and daylight with PMMA plate for uniform light distribution
DE8915125U1 (en) * 1989-12-23 1990-03-01 Fa. Gunter Gefeller, 4000 Duesseldorf, De
ES2137195T3 (en) * 1991-10-01 1999-12-16 Artlite Ltd SIGNAL PLATE FOR ILLUMINATED SIGNAL.
DE4341825A1 (en) * 1992-12-18 1994-06-23 Volkswagen Ag Illuminated sign or badge esp. for body of motor vehicle

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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Title
See references of WO9912146A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1999012146A1 (en) 1999-03-11
DE19738299B4 (en) 2005-08-11
DE29715752U1 (en) 1997-11-20
EP1010159B1 (en) 2002-04-17
ATE216527T1 (en) 2002-05-15
DK1010159T3 (en) 2002-08-05
PT1010159E (en) 2002-09-30
DE19738299A1 (en) 1999-03-04
ES2178249T3 (en) 2002-12-16

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