EP2115348A2

EP2115348A2 - Lighting device in particular for signalling, decoration and lighting

Info

Publication number: EP2115348A2
Application number: EP08761816A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bernard Heritier; Frédéric LOUP; Jean-Michel Grave; Gilles Sevin
Original assignee: Eiffage Travaux Publics SAS
Current assignee: Eiffage Travaux Publics SAS
Priority date: 2007-01-30
Filing date: 2008-01-30
Publication date: 2009-11-11
Anticipated expiration: 2028-01-30
Also published as: FR2911946A1; FR2911946B1; WO2008107566A2; EP2115348B1; WO2008107566A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device that comprises a substrate of a material (17) surrounding a plurality of protection envelopes (11). Each protection envelope is adapted so as to house at least one light source (1) so that the light can be scattered from an outer surface of the substrate (21). The device can be used for making a portion of a ground coating in order to realise a road-signalling or decoration device.

Description

Luminous device in particular for signage, ornament and lighting

The invention relates, in general, to light devices. It relates more particularly to a diffusing type light panel, a method of manufacturing such a panel and a use thereof.

Many light devices are known, in particular for signaling.

For example, many signs, direction and / or indicators are now bright, especially in the road. This is a result of a desire to improve road safety by making the various panels visible, even in rainy weather, fog, both night and day.

Light devices are not limited to light panels. In urban environments, for example, there are many lighting or illuminated devices.

In general, to provide any light diffusion at the level of urban or road infrastructures requires the installation of a particular device reported on the infrastructure.

Such an installation can be delicate, unsightly, fragile, or expensive.

In the particular field of road signs, for example, luminous road signs are generally installed along the roadside. These panels are expensive and fragile. They can be degraded frequently. More generally, many fields are applicants for practical light devices, low cost, can be implemented very simply and resistant. For example, the building sector in the broad sense, including in particular the interior design, for example offices, apartments, houses, halls, parking lots and the like, or the field of outdoor landscaping including among others the development of terraces, private areas or common outdoor. We can also mention the field of roads, in the broad sense also, including the realization of outdoor parking lots, squares, squares, roads, road infrastructure and the like.

The Applicant has set itself the goal of improving the situation and making lighting devices as practical, inexpensive, resistant and effective as possible.

To do this, the Applicant proposes a diffusing type light panel comprising a plurality of light sources. This panel further comprises a plurality of protective envelopes, arranged in a chosen pattern with respect to an external light diffusing surface, a slab-substrate of selected material that can be cast around the envelopes, in sealing with them, while filling the gap between them, while these protective envelopes pass through the slab-substrate, a plurality of light diffusing plugs, each light diffusing plug being mounted on a protective envelope, flush with the light diffusing surface, and arranged with respect to one or more light sources housed in said protective envelope in a manner adapted to desired light scattering characteristics.

As will be seen further, such a device has, among other things, the desired benefits. Optional features of the device according to the invention, complementary or substitution, are set out below:

The slab-substrate consists of a coating of material applied on a support around the plurality of protective envelopes, the light being diffused from an outer surface of the coating.

The protective casings are made of a material chosen so that the casings are sealed against external agents in liquid form.

- The slab-substrate houses a plurality of electrical light sources, connected to each other at the rear of the slab-substrate by electrical junction means, each electrical light source being fixed on said support.

- The support is arranged to isolate the electrical connection means of the material coating.

- The support includes a support plate.

- The support plate is at least partially metallic.

The support has a generally flat shape and an outline generally in the form of a regular polygon.

- The slab-substrate is pierced with a plurality of orifices shaped to receive a protective envelope.

- The slab-substrate is suitable for use as false ceiling slab.

- The slab-substrate is adapted to be used as an element to be arranged substantially vertically. Each shield has an upper opening flush with the material substrate.

- The light diffusing plugs are translucent or transparent.

The light diffusing plugs are arranged in such a way as to seal the protective envelopes.

The light diffusing plugs, the protective envelopes and the light sources are each made in the form of a light module.

- The light diffusing plugs and the protective envelopes are made in one piece each time.

Each light diffusing plug is arranged so that it can be clipped or screwed onto a protective envelope.

Each light diffusing plug is made of glass or polymer.

Each protective envelope is generally cylindrical in shape.

Each light source comprises one or more electroluminescent type diodes.

- The light emitting diode is reported on a SMI type circuit.

The light sources comprise at least one element of the group consisting of optical fibers, incandescent lamps, electric discharge lamps, fluorescent lamps or the like. Said chosen material comprises a bituminous product.

- The selected material comprises at least one member of the group formed of concrete, resin, a polymer, an elastomer or the like.

The Applicant also proposes a method of manufacturing a light panel of diffusing type, comprising the following steps: i) arranging a plurality of protective envelopes intended to house one or more light sources in a chosen pattern with respect to a surface of external light diffusion, ii) placing a slab of selected material between the protective shells, filling the space between them, said material being cast around the shells, in sealing with them, while these sheaths pass through the material slab, iii) mounting on each protective envelope a light-diffusing plug, said light-diffusing plug being intended to be flush with the light-diffusing surface, and being arranged with respect to the light sources in a manner adapted to characteristics desired light scattering.

Optional features of the method according to the invention, complementary or substitution, are set out below:

- Step ii) comprises drilling a plurality of orifices in the slab of material, each of these orifices being shaped to receive a protective envelope.

Step i) comprises disposing a plurality of protective envelopes on a support, and step ii) comprises applying a material coating on the support around the plurality of protective shells.

Step iii) is carried out prior to step ii).

Step i) comprises the arrangement of a plurality of light sources on the support, the mounting on each protective envelope of a light diffusing plug, and the housing of each light source in a protective envelope.

Step ii) comprises casting a coating of material so as to be flush with a lower portion of the light-diffusing plugs.

Step i) comprises the arrangement of a plurality of one-piece assemblies each comprising a protective envelope and a light-diffusing plug.

- Step i) comprises the provision of a plurality of monoblock modules each comprising a protective envelope, a light diffuser plug and at least one light source.

Step ii) comprises casting a coating of material so as to be flush with an upper portion of the protective shells.

Step i) comprises a preliminary operation of arranging the electrical junctions on a plate of material chosen between electrical light sources.

Step ii) comprises a preliminary operation of predicting a form around all of said plurality of protective envelopes. The Applicant finally proposes a use of the panel according to the invention in the production of a portion of floor covering, constituting for example a road signaling device or an ornamental device.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 represents a first exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention, seen in section along a line I-I of FIG. 2,

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the device of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention,

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a third exemplary embodiment of a device according to

The invention,

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 4, in a particular use,

FIGS. 6 to 9 are examples of elements that can be implemented in a device according to the invention, and

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a device according to

The invention.

The attached drawings may not only serve to complete the invention, but also contribute to its definition, if any. The invention is described using the following four examples.

First example of realization

Reference is made to Figures 1 and 2.

A plurality of light-emitting diodes 1 are fixed on a metal plate 3 according to a distribution, or pattern, chosen. Here, the diodes are arranged aligned with each other in two rows. The diodes 1 of the plate 3 are interconnected by electrical junction wires 5, two additional wires 7 can be provided for the subsequent electrical connection of the plate 3.

The plate 3 is provided with holes 9 corresponding to the locations of the diodes 1 so as to allow the passage of the son 5. The son 5 are mostly on the side of the plate 3 opposite the side receiving the diodes 1.

Generally cylindrical protective casings 11 are arranged on the plate 3 so that each diode 1 is housed inside a casing 11. Optionally several diodes 1 could be housed inside the same casing 11.

The envelopes 11 are sealed against the asphalt in the fluid state and are arranged on the plate 3 so that fluid asphalt can not penetrate into an envelope 11 by passing between this envelope 11 and the plate 3.

The envelopes are here made of polyethylene, for example of black color. One or more plates 3 thus equipped may be arranged on a destination surface 13, for example a portion of a traffic lane or sidewalk, dug and covered with kraft paper (not shown). Here, only one plate 3 is disposed on the surface 13.

When several plates 3 are provided, they can be arranged so as to form a pattern. It will be preferred in this case to provide plates 3 in the form of regular polygon, so that it is easy to arrange the plates 3 side by side to cover a given surface.

It is understood that the plates could also be arranged to cover the entire area of destination. If necessary, the pattern can be drawn on the paper to facilitate the arrangement of the plates 3 relative to each other.

The plates 3 are fixed to the surface 13, for example by rivets 15. Different attachment means could be provided depending on the applications and the characteristics, in particular mechanical characteristics, of the destination surface 13.

The son 7 of the plates 3 are electrically connected to each other either wire to wire or using terminal blocks.

Hot asphalt is poured to a flush with an upper edge of the envelopes 11 around them, forming a coating 17. In other words, the coating 17 fills the spaces between the envelopes 11, so that the 11 envelopes are contained in it. Once poured, the hot asphalt can be smoothed, for example using a spatula. Once solidified, the asphalt coating 17 forms a slab-substrate resting on the plates 3. The envelopes 11 pass through this slab-substrate. Caps 19, for the diffusion of light, of shape adapted to the protective casings 11 are inserted into these envelopes 11 until they come flush with the upper edge of the protective envelope 11. The plugs 19 are made here of tempered glass .

The son 7 of the plates 3, or the terminal block (not shown) where appropriate, are connected to a DC voltage generator (not shown), preferably remote from the surface 13. The son 7 can be buried in a groove 23 arranged between the surface 13 and the generator.

When the asphalt has solidified, the device described forms a diffusing type of light panels, which can be used, for example as road signs on the ground.

Light is then diffused from the face 21 of the coating 17. This face 21 thus forms a light diffusion surface.

It is understood that the distribution of the diodes 1 on a plate 3, and / or the arrangement of the plates 3 relative to each other can be chosen according to the signaling that one wishes to make appear (arrow, turn, indication speed, for example).

The asphalt can be cast so that there is practically no difference in level between the panel and the upper edges delimiting the surface 13. Of course, it is possible to make such a difference in level exist, if this is desirable.

The Applicant has made a prototype of the device of this first example using 18 metal plates one millimeter thick, 2 meters long and 10 meters long. centimeters wide, on which the diodes have been arranged in a network and regularly spaced from each other by about 15 centimeters. This prototype was intended for a surface of 10 meters by 10 meters. The cylindrical envelopes had a height of 3 centimeters so that the asphalt was poured so as to form a coating 3 centimeters thick. The diodes were white.

Second example of realization

Reference is made to Figure 3.

Aluminum plates 27 are equipped with light emitting diodes 1, similarly to the first embodiment.

Protective shells 29 provided with transparent plugs 31 are arranged on the diodes 1. Each envelope and its plug are made of a set 33 made of material, or one-piece, for example polycarbonate.

The plates 27 are arranged on a destination surface 35 delimited by a formwork 37. The formwork 37 can be made using modular formwork elements.

The plates 27 are electrically interconnected by means of sealed terminals (not shown).

Self-compacting concrete is poured onto the plates 27 around the protective shells 29 and up to the top surface 39 of the plugs 31 so as to form a coating 41. The concrete may be smoothed, for example using a spatula. When the concrete has set, the formwork 37 can be removed.

Once solidified, the concrete coating 41 forms a slab-substrate in which the protective envelopes 29 are enclosed.

The plugs 31 are flush with an outer surface of the slab-substrate, which forms a light-diffusing surface. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the protective shells 29 pass through said slab-substrate.

This device thus forms a luminous panel.

The Applicant has made a prototype light panel intended for a circular surface of 50 square meters using 4 plates 3 millimeters thick, 2 meters long and 10 centimeters wide, equipped with envelopes of 5 centimeters of height and diodes of red color, the diodes being arranged in a network and spaced from each other by about 25 centimeters.

Third example of realization

Reference is made to Figures 4 and 5.

A formwork (not shown) is made, for example metal material.

A metal plate 43 is equipped with light-emitting diodes 1 arranged in a chosen pattern, similarly to the first and second exemplary embodiments. The diodes 1 are housed inside cylindrical protective casings 45, for example polyethylene.

Kraft paper (not shown) is disposed at the bottom of the formwork, and the plate 43 is positioned on this paper. Hot asphalt is poured on until flush with the upper edge of the envelopes 45, around them, so as to form a coating 47. Once solidified, this asphalt forms a slab-substrate which encloses the protective envelopes 45.

The hot asphalt can be smoothed, for example using a spatula.

Translucent plugs 49, which serve for the diffusion of light, are inserted in the envelopes 45 to the raz of the hot asphalt. When the asphalt has solidified and cooled, the formwork can be removed. It is noted that the envelopes 45 pass through the slab-substrate.

A panel-shaped product plate 51, equipped with diodes 1, envelopes 45 and an asphalt coating 47, is thus obtained which can be deposited on a dug-out surface 53.

The electrical connection wires 55 of the product plate 51 are connected to a DC generator (not shown) remote from the destination surface. As before, the son 55 can be buried in a kerf 57.

When several plates produced 51 are arranged side by side, a joint can be made between two neighboring edges by heating the asphalt coatings 47 of the two adjacent product plates 51, for example with the aid of a torch. FIG. 5 shows a similar join 59 made between the edges of a product plate 51 and the edges delimiting the surface 53.

The Applicant has made a prototype intended to cover an area of 5 meters in length and 1 meter in width, dug to a depth of 3 centimeters using 5 square plates of 1 meter from plates of 1 meter on the side and 30 millimeters thick on which white diodes have been distributed in a network so as to form a square pattern and distanced from each other. others about 10 centimeters. The envelopes had a height of 35 millimeters. The coating was cast to a thickness of 30 millimeters. The plates were arranged side by side.

The plate produced 51 or the plates 3 and 27 may have various shapes: FIG. 6 represents a product plate 51 of octagonal shape, FIG. 7 represents a square plate 27, FIG. 8 represents a circular plate 3 and FIG. a triangular product plate 51. When these plates are to be arranged relative to each other, for example to cover a given surface, it may be preferable plates shaped regular polygons. On these plates, the arrangement, or pattern, of the light sources can be varied. In the examples of FIGS. 6 to 9, the diodes 1 have been evenly distributed over the entire surface of the plates, but it will be understood that the distribution of the light sources itself could represent a pattern.

Fourth example of realization

Reference is made to Figure 10.

Here, the light device 53 comprises a slab 55 of false ceiling type, that is to say intended to be integrated in a ceiling, for example by means of a metal structure 57 capable of maintaining said slab suspended.

The slab can be made of any material usually used for producing this type of slab, for example plaster, chipboard or any material generally used in the manufacture of ceilings and false ceilings.

The slab 55 is pierced with a plurality of holes 59 arranged in a chosen arrangement. For example, the holes may be distributed in a regular grid-like pattern, each hole being arranged at a distance from a neighboring hole, or from each of the adjacent holes, identical over the entire slab, or organized in a particular pattern.

In each of the holes 59 is housed a lighting module 61 comprising a lamp 63, for example, light-emitting diodes, a cylindrical envelope 65 surrounding said lamp and supporting it, and a plug 67 closing one end of the envelope 65 Each lighting module is thus enclosed in the slab 55, or slab-substrate.

The envelope 65 is for example similar to the modules described in Figure 1 (reference 11). The casing 65 may optionally have, at its free end, intended to receive a stopper 67, a retaining edge 68 participating in maintaining the stopper 67 by elastic deformation of the flange 68.

The plugs 67, which serve for light diffusion, may comprise optics chosen according to a desired light effect. For example, said optics may be chosen so as to obtain the most homogeneous distribution possible of the light, it will be possible in this case to use optics of the divergent lens type, or on the contrary so as to establish a more intense illumination of a zone chosen under the false ceiling, for example by the use of optics directional focusing lens type: in both cases, it is the choice of the angle of the light beam coming out of the optics that will bring the desired result . Here, one end of the plug 67 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the diode 63 and comes substantially in contact or in the vicinity of this diode. This particular shape of the plug 67 allows optimized light scattering.

Junction wires 69 connect the lamps 63 to each other, wire to wire or with the aid of a terminal block, or by means of a printed or screen-printed circuit serving as a mechanical fixing and electrically interconnected connection of the lamps. .

Light can thus be diffused from an outside face 71.

In this embodiment, the luminous device 53 makes it possible to produce a false ceiling whose lighting is integrated as soon as the element, commonly called a "slab", of false ceiling is created. Here, the device also allows to have at the ceiling uniguement the lighting part of the lighting installation. The control part of this installation, powered by industrial voltage, can be deported and fixed away from the ceiling structure, which has considerable advantages in terms of cost and safety. In addition, only lightweight structures and wiring supplying the device at low voltage, or very low voltage safety or current, are found at the false ceiling.

The device according to the invention forms a light panel having an outer surface of light diffusion, formed by an upper surface of the coating, in particular in the embodiments 1 to 3, or from an outer surface of the slab, in the fourth exemplary embodiment. This device is simple to implement, and it easily integrates with its environment. This light panel, particularly in embodiments 1 to 3, is suitable for the construction and / or development of infrastructure and signaling, particularly road. For example, it makes it possible to carry out a signaling on the ground by removing part of the existing roadcover in order to place one or more of the luminous panels according to the invention, in which light sources, arranged in a chosen pattern, for example, are enclosed. remember a road sign or other indication, such as an arrow indicating a direction. These light devices then constitute a portion of the road surface. The pattern may, depending on the case, be constituted by a single device or by several devices arranged relative to one another in a suitable manner. These light devices can also be provided as soon as the initial road surface is completed.

The light panel according to the invention is also suitable for producing ornaments, particularly at ground level, in that it makes it easy to arrange light sources in a chosen pattern. For example, one or more panels can be implemented on the forecourt of a building, on terraces, driveways, in a parking lot, in the lobby of a building or other. An ornamental device made using panels according to the invention can of course have a practical aspect. For example, it may be provided to have diffusing type light panels according to the invention so as to border a private driveway leading to a garage entrance, thus combining the aesthetic and practical nature of the invention.

For example, an ornamental device can be made so that the pattern can represent the logo of a company and the device according to the invention implemented at the entrance of a private parking belonging to said company or in the hall of an establishment of the said company, on the ground but also on the walls, that is to say disposed substantially vertically, or the ceiling. For vertical applications, concrete or the like may be used as a coating material to form the substrate slab.

The panel according to the invention can still provide lighting and / or signage in a parking lot, especially on the ground.

This panel can still, in particular in the embodiment A ₁ serve as interior lighting for homes, offices or others. It may, as in the other embodiments, be used in an ornamental device, in a lighting device or in a guiding and / or signaling device.

In all cases, the panels according to the invention are easily integrated into their environment, and in an aesthetic way, in particular, because the material filling the spaces between the light sources can be chosen according to this environment. In particular, when the environment consists of a bituminous coating, a similar or even identical material can be used.

The embodiments described above implement for the most part light-emitting diodes as light sources. These light-emitting diodes are advantageous in that they have a small footprint and a long life (typically between 50 000 and 100 000 hours of operation). These diodes can be powered by an electrical current modulated in frequency and or amplitude, thus limiting the energy expenditure generated by the continued operation of the devices. This is particularly interesting in applications that require almost permanent operation as applications in the field of signaling, in particular road link. In some applications, it is possible to use, as mechanical support, diodes, of the printed circuit of the "SMI" type allowing heat transfer for the dissipation of the component.

In addition, these diodes are of low cost and can be delivered as electronic components that can easily be implemented.

However, it is understood that different light sources can be used, particularly according to the intended application.

The characteristics of the light diffusion obtained may require the use of certain types of light sources or exclude others. For example, the first exemplary embodiment can be intended to be used as road signs, where the function of the light sources is mainly to create luminous visual signals rather than to realize a lighting of the roadway.

When true lighting has to be obtained some light sources may be more suitable.

Therefore, other light sources such as optical fibers, halogen bulbs, filament bulbs, incandescent lamps, electric discharge lamps and the like can be used in the devices according to the invention. In some cases, autonomous light sources could also be provided.

Fluorescent lamps could also be used in the devices according to the invention, as long as their size allows it.

Light sources of different colors can be used, in particular according to the desired signaling. Sometimes, the choice of the type of light source must be made jointly with the choice of plugs, which also play an important role in the light diffusion.

In Examples 1 to 3, the electrical junction wires 5 were arranged to be isolated from the liner 17 by the plate 3 (first example). It will be noted that such isolation may be useful for other elements than electrical wires, for example optical fibers when they are used as light sources. If necessary, electrical wires could be placed in the coating (that is, the coating could be poured directly onto these wires), or that the coating could be cast at a temperature that does not degrade the wires, or that the son would be provided with a particularly resistant sheath. Thus, son 5 provided with a protective Teflon sheath could for example be embedded in the asphalt.

Similarly, the use of concrete and asphalt as coating materials has been described. These materials are advantageous in that they are commonly used in the field of the intended applications. In addition, this makes it possible to install the device on existing tracks or buildings without breaking the material, otherwise the installation could present an unsightly or dangerous downshift.

However, it will be understood that, in general, any material that can be cast can be used for embodiments 1 to 3, such as natural, artificial or synthetic resins, and more particularly any material usually used in roadways. , urban, public and private developments, civil engineering and building, such as bituminous materials or cement concretes, for example.

For the embodiment 4, it is understood that any machinable material could be used to realize the slab 55. By machinable material is meant here mainly a material in which it is possible in one way or another to realize holes.

In Examples 1 to 3, as well as in outdoor installations, the panel according to the invention must ensure a sealing of the light source against harmful external agents, in particular in liquid form, such as water, uric acid, de-icing agents, disinfectants, chlorinated or not, waxes, surfactants, fatty acid esters, etc. for the road for example. This sealing is mainly ensured by plugs and envelopes. In addition, the envelopes being clamped in the slab-substrate, any infiltration of external agent, between the envelopes and the slab-substrate, is prevented.

In some uses of the device, the caps and / or the envelopes must also be shock resistant.

The plugs may have different shapes, for example polygonal, circular or oval, with a planar, concave or convex upper surface, protruding or flush with the upper surface of the coating. The shape of the plugs may, where appropriate, be adapted to the characteristics of the desired light diffusion. Thus, this shape can be accurately calculated and designed according to the desired light characteristics. For example, the caps may be of different colors, transparent or translucent. These plugs can be made of different materials, for example glasses, preferably glasses quenched plastics, especially polycarbonates, elastomers and thermosetting materials. Various means of fixing the cap on the casing can be envisaged provided that this fixation fulfills the requirements, in particular the requirements relating to the seal. For example, the caps can be screwed or clipped onto the envelope. They can also be made in one piece with an envelope.

Protective envelopes may take different forms, for example hemispherical or parallelepipedal. They can be made of organic or mineral materials. They can be made integrally with the plugs. Modules each comprising an additional envelope, a light-emitting diode and a plug could be provided, the modules being arranged to be housed in the protective envelopes surrounded by the coating.

Although a metal plate has been described as a support, it is understood that any other type of plate, or support, could be used in accordance with the intended applications. On the other hand, the invention is not limited to the use of metal plates, other material can be selected, provided to withstand the conditions imposed by the material forming the substrate slab, especially when it it is sunk. Support plates of wood or fiber polyamide may, for example, be used to form a panel according to the invention.

It could furthermore be envisaged to avoid, under certain conditions, a support plate, or, in other words, to directly use the soil or the destination surface as a support. The panel according to the invention is flexible, polymorphic. It can be integrated into new structures as well as existing infrastructures. In addition, particularly in the embodiments of the product plates 51 and the slab-type device 53, they may be arranged in any inclinations with respect to the vertical or the horizontal.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses all the variants that may be considered by those skilled in the art within the scope of the claims below.

Claims

claims

A diffusing type light panel comprising a plurality of light sources (1; 63), characterized in that it further comprises:

a plurality of protective shells (11; 29; 45) arranged in a selected pattern with respect to an outside light diffusing surface (21; 71);

a slab-substrate (17; 41; 47) of chosen material that can be cast around the envelopes, in sealing with them, while filling the space between them, while these protective envelopes pass through the slab-substrate,

a plurality of light diffusing plugs (19; 31; 49; 67), each light diffusing plug being mounted on a protective envelope, flush with the light diffusing surface, and arranged with respect to one or more sources light housed in this protective envelope in a manner adapted to desired light diffusion characteristics.

2. Light panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the substrate slab (17; 41; 47) consists of a coating of material applied on a support around the plurality of protective shells (11; 29; 45), the light being diffused from an outer surface of the coating (21).

3. Panel according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the protective casings (11; 29; 45) are made of a material selected so that the envelopes are sealed vis-à-vis external agents in liquid form.

4. Panel according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the slab-substrate (17; 41; 47) houses a plurality of electrical light sources (1; 63), connected to each other at the rear of the substrate slab by electrical junction means (5; 69), each electrical light source being fixed on said support (3; 27; 43).

5. Panel according to claim 4, characterized in that said support (3; 27; 43) is arranged to isolate the electrical junction means (5; 69) of the material coating (17; 41; 47).

6. Panel according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that said support (3; 27; 43) comprises a support plate (3; 27; 43).

7. Panel according to claim 6, characterized in that the support plate (3; 27; 43) is at least partially metallic.

8. Panel according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that said support (3; 27; 43) has a generally flat shape and a contour generally in the form of a regular polygon.

9. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slab-substrate is pierced with a plurality of orifices (59) shaped to receive a protective envelope (65).

10. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slab-substrate (55) is adapted to be used as false ceiling slab.

11. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slab-substrate (55) is adapted for be used as an element to be disposed substantially vertically.

12. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each protective envelope

(11; 45; 65) has an upper opening flush with the material substrate (17; 41; 47; 55).

13. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light diffusing plugs

(19; 31; 49; 67) are translucent or transparent.

14. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light diffusing plugs (19; 31; 49; 67) are arranged to seal the protective shells (11; 29; 45; ).

15. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light diffusing plugs (67), the protective casings (65) and the light sources are each made in the form of a light module (61). ).

16. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light diffusing plugs

(31; 67) and the protective shells (29; 65) are each made in one piece.

17. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each light diffuser plug

(19; 31; 49; 67) is arranged so that it can be clipped or screwed onto a protective casing (11; 29; 45; 65).

18. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each light diffuser plug

(19; 31; 49; 67) is made of glass or polymer.

19. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each protective casing (11; 29; 45; 65) is of generally cylindrical shape.

20. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each light source (1) comprises one or more LEDs of the electroluminescent type.

21. Panel according to claim 20, characterized in that the electroluminescent type diode (1) is reported on a SMI type circuit.

22. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light sources (1; 63) comprise at least one element of the group consisting of optical fibers, incandescent lamps, electric discharge lamps, lamps fluorescent or the like.

23. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said selected material comprises a bituminous product.

24. Panel according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the selected material comprises at least one member of the group formed of concrete, resin, a polymer, an elastomer or the like.

25. A method of manufacturing a light panel of diffusing type, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

a) arranging a plurality of protective shells (11; 29; 45) for accommodating one or more light sources in a selected pattern with respect to an outer light scattering surface (21; 71), b) placing a slab of selected material (17; 41; 47) between the protective shells, filling the gap therebetween, said material being cast around the shells, in sealing with them, while these envelopes protection poles cross the slab of material,

c) mounting on each protective casing a plug (19; 31; 49; 67) light diffuser, said light diffusing cap being intended to come flush with the light diffusing surface, and being arranged with respect to the light sources so as to adapted to desired light scattering characteristics.

26. The method of claim 25, characterized in that step b) comprises the following operation: bl) piercing a plurality of orifices (69) in the slab of material (55), each of these orifices being shaped of to receive a protective envelope (65).

27. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that step a) comprises the following operation: a1) disposing a plurality of protective envelopes on a support (3; 27; 43), and in that the step b) comprises the following operation: bl) applying a coating of material on the support

(3; 27; 43) around the plurality of shields (11; 29; 45; 65).

28. The method of claim 25, characterized in that step c) is conducted prior to step b).

29. The method of claim 25, characterized in that step a) comprises the following operations: a1) arranging a plurality of light sources (1) on the support (3; 27; 43), a2) mounting on each protective envelope a plug (19; 31; 49; 67) light diffuser, a3) housing each light source (1) in a protective envelope (3; 27; 43).

30. The method of claim 29, characterized in that step b) comprises the following operation: bl) casting a coating of material so as to be flush with a lower portion (39) of the light diffusing plugs (31).

31. The method of claim 25, characterized in that step a) comprises the following operation: al) arrange a plurality of monobloc assemblies (33) each comprising a protective envelope (29) and a diffuser cap of light (31).

32. The method of claim 25, characterized in that step a) comprises the following operation: al) arrange a plurality of monoblock modules each comprising a protective envelope, a light diffuser plug and at least one source light.

33. Method according to one of claim 25, characterized in that step b) comprises the following operation: bl) Pour a coating of material so as to flush an upper portion of the protective casings.

34. Method according to one of claims 25 to 33, characterized in that step a) comprises the preliminary operation: aO) placing on a plate of selected material (3; 27; 43) electrical junctions between electric light sources (1).

35. Method according to one of claims 25 to 34, characterized in that step b) comprises the preliminary operation: bO) providing a formwork (37) around all of said plurality of protective casings.

36. Use of the panel according to claim 1 in the production of a portion of floor covering.

37. Use according to claim 36, characterized in that said portion of floor covering is a road signaling device.

38. Use according to claim 37, characterized in that said portion of floor covering is an ornamental device.