EP2375396B1 - Lighting unit, use of same and method for producing the lighting unit - Google Patents

Description

1. (a) eine transparente Trägerplatte mit einer ersten Oberfläche, die mindestens teilweise mit mindestens einer lichtundurchlässigen Schicht beschichtet ist;
2. (b) ein auf der ersten Oberfläche der Trägerplatte angeordnetes Gehäuse, dessen innere Oberfläche mindestens teilweise Lichtstrahlen reflektieren kann; und
3. (c) mindestens ein in einem Raum zwischen dem Gehäuse und der ersten Oberfläche der transparenten Trägerplatte angeordnetes Leuchtmittel, wobei vom Leuchtmittel erzeugte Lichtstrahlen mindestens teilweise in die transparente Trägerplatte gelangen können.

The invention relates to a lighting unit comprising

1. (a) a transparent support plate having a first surface at least partially coated with at least one opaque layer;
2. (b) a housing disposed on the first surface of the carrier plate, the inner surface of which can at least partially reflect light rays; and
3. (C) at least one arranged in a space between the housing and the first surface of the transparent support plate lamp, wherein light rays generated by the light source can at least partially reach the transparent support plate.

The invention also relates to the use of this lighting unit as a display and as interior lighting of furniture and to a method for producing this lighting unit.

Lighting units of the type mentioned are known.

That's how it describes EP 0 354 468 A1 a planar radiator with a transparent mounting plate having a Leitbahnstruktur on which a plurality of luminescent semiconductor body in communication with the interconnect structure is fixed in a planar distribution and each semiconductor body is surrounded by a reflector, which emitted from the semiconductor body, the reflector occurring Light component reflected by the mounting plate. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting plate with semiconductor bodies fastened thereon is immersed in a plastic potting compound in such a way that each semiconductor body is located at the focal point of the preferably parabolic plastic body. On the cured potting compound, a highly reflective material is then applied. In accordance with the function of a planar radiator, the entire reflected radiation is bundled in parallel due to the parabolic shape of the reflector, so that the greatest possible light intensity is obtained. The spotlight can be used, for example, as a vehicle light, signal light, marker lamp or in traffic lights.

A rear automotive brake light, in which LEDs are embedded in a plastic mass, which in turn is surrounded by a reflector, is in the US 5,241,457 A described.

The US 6,076,948 A or the WO 00/25064 describes an electromagnetic radiation emitting or receiving arrangement, in particular for use in the automotive sector, there in particular in mirrors. FIG. 6 shows an arrangement in which a luminous means, for example a diode, is located between a reflective housing and a substrate, for example made of glass. The light reflected from an inner highly polished surface of the housing may pass through openings in an opaque layer partially covering the substrate and through the substrate.

In the DE 10 2007 017 335 A1 as well as in the DE 20 2007 010 458 U1 a lighting unit is described with a transparent support plate which is provided on one side with electrical conductors and a plurality of components and at least one light emitting diode through which light can be emitted parallel to the support plate. On the lighting unit sits a cover part with a reflector element, which is deflected by the light emitting diode parallel to the support plate radiated light in the transparent support plate. The light-emitting diode is a side LED, which is embedded in a plastic layer.

The DE 198 54 899 C1 describes a lighting unit consisting of a transparent support plate provided on one side with electrically conductive structures, and surface mountable light emitting diodes having terminals on either side of a light emitting side facing with their terminals in contact with the conductive structures and with the light emitting side of the support plate these are mounted.

Common to these hitherto known radiators or lighting units is that light originating from a semiconductive light source (LED), i. Light rays, by means of a laterally or around the bulb-oriented reflector more or less directly planar in a transparent plate, for example made of glass or transparent plastic, is passed.

The disadvantage of this is that a consuming calculated reflector technology is necessary and the light source is visible. Basically, there is always an indirect lighting. This is particularly disadvantageous if a spotlight or a lighting unit to be used as a display for displaying labels, symbols or drawings.

The US 2009/211130 A1 describes a thin internally illuminated sign comprising a housing having an interior surface at least partially provided with a highly reflective layer, a display surface, and a point light source positioned to radiate light approximately parallel to the display surface , The punctiform light source is in particular a SIDE LED. At the in Fig. 5 In the embodiment shown, the internally illuminated character has a second transparent substrate, wherein the light sources (LEDs), which emit light approximately parallel, are arranged on a transparent substrate.

The object of the invention was therefore to provide a lighting unit in which these disadvantages are eliminated. In particular, such a lighting unit should be suitable as a display with which a wide variety of labels, symbols and / or drawings can be displayed in a way that is advantageous or pleasant for a user.

The solution of this object is achieved according to this invention by a lighting unit, a method for producing this lighting unit and the use of this lighting unit as a display or as interior lighting of furniture with the features of the corresponding independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the lighting unit according to the invention are listed in corresponding dependent claims. Preferred embodiments of the illumination unit according to the invention correspond to preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention and vice versa, as well as the use according to the invention, although this is not explicitly stated herein.

1. (a) eine transparente Trägerplatte aus Glas mit einer ersten Oberfläche, die mindestens teilweise mit mindestens einer lichtundurchlässigen Schicht beschichtet ist;
2. (b) ein auf der ersten Oberfläche der Trägerplatte angeordnetes Gehäuse, dessen innere Oberfläche mindestens teilweise Lichtstrahlen reflektieren kann; und
3. (c) mindestens ein in einem Raum zwischen dem Gehäuse und der ersten Oberfläche der transparenten Trägerplatte angeordnetes Leuchtmittel, wobei vom Leuchtmittel erzeugte Lichtstrahlen mindestens teilweise in die transparente Trägerplatte gelangen können;

wobei mindestens ein Teil der inneren Oberfläche eine diffus reflektierende Oberfläche umfasst, das Leuchtmittel als Top-LED vorliegt und auf der Trägerplatte, gegebenenfalls vermittelt durch eine auf der Trägerplatte aufgebrachte Beschichtung, angebracht ist.The invention thus relates to a lighting unit comprising

1. (a) a transparent glass support plate having a first surface at least partially coated with at least one opaque layer;
2. (b) a housing disposed on the first surface of the carrier plate, the inner surface of which can at least partially reflect light rays; and
3. (C) at least one arranged in a space between the housing and the first surface of the transparent support plate light source, wherein light rays generated by the light source can at least partially reach the transparent support plate;

wherein at least a part of the inner surface comprises a diffusely reflecting surface, the illuminant is present as a top LED and is mounted on the carrier plate, optionally mediated by a coating applied to the carrier plate.

The term "carrier plate" used herein is to be interpreted broadly. The transparent carrier plate (hereinafter also abbreviated as "carrier plate") can be rigid or flexible and have different thicknesses. A suitable rigid support plate is generally made of glass or a plastic such as polycarbonate or polymethylmethacrylate. In the other extreme case of a flexible carrier plate, for example, a flexible polyethylene terephthalate plate or foil can be used.

Likewise, the term "transparent" as used herein is to be interpreted as "translucent" in the broadest sense.

The lighting unit according to the invention may contain, in addition to the transparent support plate made of glass, a second plate, which may also be designed as a support plate. As a material for the second plate, the already known for the support plate materials are suitable.

According to the invention, it is not excluded that a third plate and further plates are used. Preferably, however, at most one second plate is still used.

If a second plate is used, it is generally located on the opposite side of the first surface of the transparent support plate.

There may be further layers and / or foils between the carrier plate and the second plate. For example, one or more foils may be sandwiched between the carrier plate and the second plate, or fixedly connected to the carrier plate and / or the second plate.

The carrier plate and the second plate are preferably both made of glass, in particular of float glass.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the illumination unit according to the invention in addition to the support plate to a second plate and spacers, wherein the spacers a desired distance between the support plate and the second plate is adjustable. In this embodiment, it is advantageous if a film, which may have labels, etc., is inserted between the carrier plate and the second plate. Preference is given to bulbs with a large radiation angle.

Both inorganic light-emitting diodes and organic light-emitting diodes can be used. The LEDs are the top LEDs. Because of the larger beam angle, top LEDs are used.

The known inorganic light-emitting diode materials can be used.

In addition, organic light-emitting diodes can be used. Organic light emitting diodes generally use small organic molecules (SM-OLEDs) or organic polymers (PLEDs).

SM-OLEDs include, for example, organometallic chelates and conjugated dendrimers.

PLEDs include electrically conductive polymers, e.g. Polythiophenes, polypyrroles, polyfluorenes and poly (p-phenylenevinylenes) which may optionally be suitably substituted. Preferred substituents are alkyl and alkoxy groups.

The advantage of PLEDs is the ability to apply them as flexible films, for example by electropolymerization of the corresponding monomers, spincoats or printing (screen printing) of the polymers on a support plate, wherein the support plate may be rigid or flexible. In addition, the power requirement for the PLEDs is relatively low.

In general, these bulbs are used in conjunction with other equipment required to operate the bulbs (e.g., switch, ballast, ignitor, dimmer, starter, current limiting device). These are known to the person skilled in the art, so that they will not be discussed further here.

The light source is mounted on the carrier plate, possibly mediated by a coating applied to the carrier plate, Kennaberzusätzlich also be attached to the housing. In both cases, spacers (struts) can also be installed if necessary.

The at least one light-impermeable layer generally comprises electrical conductor tracks and components which are used in particular for controlling and supplying power to the luminous means.

The diffusely reflecting surface preferably has a proportion of at least 30%, more preferably at least 50%, and most preferably a proportion of more than 90%, based on the inner surface of the housing.

The diffusely reflecting surface of the inner surface of the housing can be achieved by using a special material for the housing and / or a special treatment of the inner surface of the housing. Alternatively, a partial or complete coating of the inner surface of the housing with a diffusely reflecting material is possible. The surface may, for example, be highly reflective white, made of silver, chrome or titanium, or matt diffusely reflective.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the diffusely reflecting surface comprises or consists of a fluorine-containing polymer or an inorganic material. The inorganic material preferably comprises barium sulfate and / or gold. The fluorine-containing polymer is, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). However, other polymers such as in particular polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS), acrylic-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS) or polypropylene can be advantageously used.

Diffuse reflective surfaces are generally relatively rough relative to the wavelength of the light employed, but may be polished.

As used herein, when referring to diffuse reflection, it is meant generally a diffuse reflection of light in a wavelength range of 200 to 900 nm. Prefers the visible region of the spectrum is used. It may be useful to tune a diffuse reflecting surface used to a desired wavelength range.

In a preferred embodiment of the illumination unit according to the invention, the first surface of the support plate is at least partially provided with a reflective layer, which light incident on it, i. Light rays of the illuminant diffuse or direct, preferably diffuse, can reflect provided. This reflective layer, which is referred to herein as a "second reflective layer" to distinguish it from the diffusely reflecting portion of the inner surface of the housing, which may also be configured as a diffuse reflective coating, may be formed as a separate layer on or opaque to the opaque layer at least partially replace.

In the illumination unit according to the invention, light generated by the luminous means can enter the transparent carrier plate at least partially, but preferably as much as possible. For this purpose, the coating of the first surface of the carrier plate with an opaque layer on at least one recess or a transparent part.

In this recess or this transparent part opaque symbols, numbers or letters can be attached, which can be highlighted due to the diffusely reflected light passing through the support plate, and thus shown to a viewer. The opaque symbols, numerals or letters can also be arranged on one of the first surface of the support plate opposite the second surface of the support plate or integrated into it.

In addition, the symbols, numbers or letters themselves may consist of a luminous material, for example an organic LED (OLED) or a capacitor luminescent film. In this case, the diffusely reflected light from the housing would be a backlight.

In this way, numerous different lighting effects can be achieved.

In the lighting unit according to the invention, light beams emitted by the illuminant parallel to the carrier plate are reflected by the inner surface of the housing into the interior of the housing and are not deflected into the carrier plate.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the lighting unit additionally comprises a sensor system. The sensor system may comprise one or more sensors which may be based on different sensor principles, e.g. Thermal sensors, light sensors and touch-sensitive sensors. Particularly preferred are touch-sensitive sensors, in particular capacitive sensors or piezoelectric sensors.

This makes it possible that the lighting unit is then turned on when, for example, the proximity of a human is displayed by the sensor system. For example, when using a light sensor by a low incidence of light in a room just opened the lighting unit could be turned on. Or if there is a movement in this room.

This is particularly advantageous if the lighting unit is to be used to display information.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, therefore, at least a part of an opaque layer is configured in the form of symbols, numbers and / or letters that are highlighted when irradiated with light by recesses or transparent parts in the opaque layer.

The housing used in the lighting unit is not particularly limited in size, shape and material. The housing may also be closed or opened.

Preferably, the housing comprises materials that do not absorb the light used but reflect it, e.g. Housing made of a highly reflective plastic or highly reflective metal, or consists of this. Suitable plastics for this purpose are, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS), acrylic-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS) or polypropylene.

The interior of the housing may be filled with a gas, such as air, or with a plastic mass. In general, an LED is already partially in a plastic compound, so that, for example, between a located in a plastic mass LED and the housing, a gas atmosphere.

The shape of the housing can be very diverse. For example, rectangular shapes such as cuboids or pyramids or round shapes such as e.g. Hemisphere or housing with an elliptical or parabolic cross-section.

Since the shape of the housing has an influence on the diffuse reflection, the shape of the housing will be selected taking into account the diffusely reflecting inner surface, in particular its size and arrangement, and vice versa.

In the space between the housing and the first surface of the transparent support plate one or more light sources can be arranged.

The lighting unit according to the invention can be used in many fields, e.g. for the lighting of rooms.

The lighting unit according to the invention is particularly suitable for applications in displays. The invention is therefore also the use of the illumination unit described above as a display.

In addition, the lighting unit according to the invention is particularly suitable for use on or in furniture. The term "furniture" is to be interpreted broadly and includes cabinets, shelves, tables in particular living room, work or bedroom and household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, dryers and refrigerators or freezers. Particularly advantageous lighting units of the invention can also be used for the interior lighting of furniture or household appliances.

The invention therefore also relates to the use of the lighting unit according to the invention as interior lighting for furniture.

In this case, one or more lighting units, each with a plurality of lighting means, in particular light-emitting diodes, are generally used.

Preferably, an illumination unit is used in which a plurality of diodes are arranged in a region of the transparent glass or plastic plate coated with an opaque layer, directly or by means of a thin layer, for example in a strip. The diodes are then positioned so that the one generated by them Reflected light on the inner surface of the housing and can pass through the transparent support plate in a region in which it is not coated with an opaque layer. In this way, the interior of furniture can be illuminated particularly efficiently.

Here, the use of one or more rows of light emitting diodes is recommended as a light source. The direct attachment of the LEDs on the support plate, preferably made of aluminosilicate glass, allows a particularly good dissipation of the heat released during operation of the LEDs.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the lighting unit according to the invention is used for lighting in a refrigerator (eg refrigerator, freezer, freezer). Due to its special properties, in particular its good heat conduction properties, aluminosilicate glass is preferably used as the material for the transparent support plate. Here, aluminosilicate glass is particularly suitable, which has a content of 10 to 25 wt .-% Al ₂ 0 ₃ and in particular a content of 15 to 20 wt.% Al ₂ 0 ₃ .

A suitable aluminosilicate is, for example, the aluminosilicate glass SCHOTT® LAS80.

1. (a) eine transparente Trägerplatte aus Glas mit einer ersten Oberfläche, die mindestens teilweise mit mindestens einer lichtundurchlässigen Schicht beschichtet ist;
2. (b) ein auf der ersten Oberfläche der Trägerplatte angeordnetes Gehäuse, dessen innere Oberfläche mindestens teilweise Licht reflektieren kann; und
3. (c) mindestens ein in einem Raum zwischen dem Gehäuse und der ersten Oberfläche der transparenten Trägerplatte angeordnetes Leuchtmittel, wobei vom Leuchtmittel erzeugte Lichtstrahlen mindestens teilweise in die transparente Trägerplatte gelangen können,

wobei mindestens ein Teil der inneren Oberfläche eine diffus reflektierende Oberfläche umfasst, das Leuchtmittel als Top-LED vorliegt und auf der Trägerplatte, aufgebrachte Beschichtung, angebracht ist, gegebenfalls vermittelt durch eine auf der Trägerplatte und wobei

1. (i) eine transparente Trägerplatte mit einer ersten Oberfläche mindestens teilweise mit mindestens einer lichtundurchlässigen Schicht beschichtet wird;
2. (ii) auf der ersten Oberfläche der transparenten Trägerplatte ein Gehäuse angebracht wird, dessen innere Oberfläche mindestens teilweise Lichtstrahlen reflektieren kann und mindestens ein Teil der inneren Oberfläche eine diffus reflektierende Oberfläche umfasst;
3. (iii) in einem Raum zwischen dem Gehäuse und der ersten Oberfläche der transparenten Trägerplatte ein Leuchtmittel angebracht wird, und
4. (iv) mindestens ein Teil der ersten Oberfläche nicht beschichtet oder mit einem transparenten Material beschichtet wird, so dass vom Leuchtmittel erzeugte Lichtstrahlen mindestens teilweise in die transparente Trägerplatte gelangen können.

The invention also provides a method for producing a lighting unit, comprising

1. (a) a transparent glass support plate having a first surface at least partially coated with at least one opaque layer;
2. (b) a housing disposed on the first surface of the support plate, the inner surface of which can at least partially reflect light; and
3. (c) at least one illuminant arranged in a space between the housing and the first surface of the transparent support plate, wherein light rays generated by the illuminant can at least partially enter the transparent support plate,

wherein at least a portion of the inner surface comprises a diffusely reflecting surface, the illuminant is in the form of a top LED and is mounted on the support plate, deposited coating, optionally mediated by one on the support plate and

1. (i) a transparent support plate having a first surface at least partially coated with at least one opaque layer;
2. (ii) a housing is mounted on the first surface of the transparent support plate, the inner surface of which at least partially reflects light rays and at least a portion of the inner surface comprises a diffusely reflecting surface;
3. (iii) a lamp is mounted in a space between the housing and the first surface of the transparent support plate, and
4. (iv) at least a part of the first surface is not coated or coated with a transparent material, so that light rays generated by the light source can at least partially pass into the transparent support plate.

The various opaque or transparent layers, including conductive tracks and reflective layers, can be advantageously applied by screen printing.

The invention has numerous advantages. The lighting unit according to the invention allows a low construction height, low installation costs, in addition, no special lighting is required. In addition, it is environmentally friendly and advantageously allows a modern product design. In embodiments of the invention, the illuminant is in the non-visible region. A shadow effect by other components such. Resistors or capacitors can be avoided. Moreover, the realization of disappearance effects in "Black in Black" or "White in White" is also possible. There are no restrictions on the possible colors. Finally, function-dependent colors and device states can be displayed in the illumination unit according to the invention via RGB.

• Figur 1 zeigt eine Schnittansicht durch eine erste Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Beleuchtungseinheit.
• Figur 2 zeigt eine Schnittansicht durch eine zweite Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Beleuchtungseinheit.
• Figur 3 zeigt eine Schnittansicht durch eine dritte Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Beleuchtungseinheit.
• Figur 4 zeigt ein erfindungsgemäßes Display, welches eine erfindungsgemäße Beleuchtungseinheit enthält.
• Figur 5 zeigt eine Schnittansicht durch eine vierte Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Beleuchtungseinheit.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to non-limiting embodiments, wherein the FIGS. 1 to 5 Reference is made.

• FIG. 1 shows a sectional view through a first embodiment of a lighting unit according to the invention.
• FIG. 2 shows a sectional view through a second embodiment of a lighting unit according to the invention.
• FIG. 3 shows a sectional view through a third embodiment of a lighting unit according to the invention.
• FIG. 4 shows a display according to the invention, which contains a lighting unit according to the invention.
• FIG. 5 shows a sectional view through a fourth embodiment of a lighting unit according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a sectional view through a first embodiment of a lighting unit according to the invention 1. The lighting unit 1 comprises a transparent support plate 2, here glass, with a first surface 3, which is partially coated with at least one opaque layer 4. On the first surface 3 of the transparent support plate 2, in particular on an opaque layer 4 applied thereto, a housing 5 is arranged, wherein at least part of its inner surface 6 has a diffusely reflecting surface 8.

At the in FIG. 1 In the first embodiment shown, a luminous means 7 is arranged in a space 16 between the housing 5 and the first surface 3 of the transparent support plate 2 such that it is located on the first surface 3 of the transparent plate 2. In addition, the housing 5 forms a closed structure, so that housing 5 and transparent support plate 2 form a closed space.

Light generated by the light source 7 can pass at least partially into the transparent support plate 2 through recesses or a transparent coating on the transparent support plate 2. The space between the lamp 7 and the housing 3 is filled with air.

The housing 5 has a hemispherical shape, wherein at least part of the inner surface 6 of the housing 5 as a first reflective surface comprises a diffusely reflecting surface 8, which has a proportion of at least 90% relative to the inner surface 6 of the housing 5. The diffusely reflecting surface 8 here consists of a highly diffusely reflecting polytetrafluoroethylene.

The at least one light-impermeable layer 4 comprises electrical conductor tracks 9 and components 10.

Moreover, at the in FIG. 1 shown first embodiment of the illumination unit according to the invention, the first surface 3 of the support plate 2 at least partially with a second reflective layer 11, which can reflect light incident thereon of the light source 7 diffused or direct, provided.

Light emitted by the light source parallel to the carrier plate 2 is reflected in the embodiment shown here between parts of the inner surface 6 of the housing 5 and is not conducted immediately into the carrier plate 2.

The illumination unit 1 additionally comprises a sensor system 12. The illumination means 7 here comprises inorganic LEDs.

The lighting unit of the FIG. 1 is suitable for a display, because at least part 13 of the opaque layer 4 is configured in the form of symbols, numbers and / or letters 13.

The layers 4 and 11 as well as the symbols, numbers and / or letters 13 are applied here in the form of a paste by means of screen printing.

FIG. 2 shows a sectional view through a second embodiment of a lighting unit 1 according to the invention. The second embodiment shown here differs from that in FIG FIG. 1 shown first embodiment in that the housing 5 has the shape of a hemisphere. Otherwise, the same reference numerals have the same meaning here as for FIG. 1 ,

FIG. 3 shows a sectional view through a third embodiment of a lighting unit according to the invention. The third embodiment shown here differs from that in FIG FIG. 2 shown second embodiment in that the lighting means 7 is not fixed here on the support plate but not shown here supports on the housing 5. Otherwise, the same reference numerals have the same meaning here as for FIG. 1 ,

Fig. 4 shows a display according to the invention, which contains a lighting unit according to the invention. In the form of opaque symbols, numbers and / or letters 13 here the indication "ON" is shown, which is located in a recess or a transparent coating on the transparent support plate 2. 4 means an opaque layer. 12 here means a sensor system which allows the display to be switched on with the illumination unit according to the invention in the presence of a user - automatically or after a measure by the user becomes. For this still necessary components and conductors are in Fig. 4 Not shown.

Fig. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of a lighting unit according to the invention, in which in addition to the transparent support plate, a second plate is present. Transparent carrier plate and second plate consist of glass here.

At the in Fig. 5 shown fourth gap is located between the transparent support plate 2 and the second plate 17 realized by a spacer 18 gap 22 in the gap 22 is a film 19, for example, has labels for explaining symbols in a display. A thickness of the film and a width of the gap 22 are chosen so that a secure attachment of the film 19 is ensured in the gap. On the transparent support plate 2 side facing the second plate 17, a second opaque layer 20 is applied. The second opaque layer 20 was made by applying a black paste by screen printing and then baking the paste. The second opaque layer 20 has second transparent recesses 21. The arrangement of the transparent recesses 21 is matched to the film, in particular a lettering of the film, so that the film or a label located on it in the region of these recesses for a viewer located on the left of the lighting unit 1 - not shown here.

The transparent support plate 2 is at least partially coated on a first surface 3 with an opaque layer 4 which is interrupted by recesses or transparent coatings 14. In the fourth embodiment shown here, 14 symbols, numbers and / or letters 13 are arranged in the region of the recesses or transparent coatings of an opaque material, the one - not shown here - viewer with the aid of diffused light which is radiated through the support plate 2 to be visualized. 12 means a capacitive sensor.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

lighting unit

2

Transparent carrier plate

3

First surface

4

Opaque layer

5

casing

6

Inner surface

7

Lamp

8th

Diffuse reflective surface

9

Electrical tracks

10

Electrical components

11

Second reflective layer

12

sensor system

13

Symbols, numbers and / or letters

14

Recess or transparent coating

15

display

16

Space between housing and first surface

17

Second plate

18

spacer

19

(Labeled) foil

20

Second opaque layer

21

Second transparent recesses in the opaque layer

22

gap

23

Light rays (light)

Claims (13)

1. Lighting unit (1), comprising

   (a) a transparent supporting plate (2) made of glass with a first surface (3) that is at least partially coated with at least one opaque layer (4);

   (b) a housing (5) placed on a first surface (3) of the transparent supporting plate (2), whose inner surface (6) can reflect at least partially light rays (23); and

   (c) at least one illuminant (7) which is located in a space (16) between the housing (5) and the first surface (3) of the transparent supporting plate (2), whereby light rays (23) produced by the illuminant (7) may arrive at least partially in the transparent supporting plate (2);

   characterized in that at least one part of the inner surface (6) comprises a diffuse reflecting surface (8), the illuminant (7) is provided as a Top-LED and is mounted on the supporting plate (2), optionally mediated by a coating applied on the supporting plate (2).
2. Lighting unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one opaque layer (4) comprises electrical conducting paths (9) and structural elements (10).
3. Lighting unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the diffuse reflecting surface (8), based upon the inner surface (6) of the housing (5), has a share of at least 30 %.
4. Lighting unit (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the diffuse reflecting surface (8) comprises a fluorine containing polymer or an inorganic material or is composed thereof.
5. Lighting unit (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the inorganic material comprises barium sulfate and/or gold.
6. Lighting unit (1) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first surface (3) of the supporting plate (2) is provided at least partially with a second reflecting layer (11), which may reflect diffuse or directly light rays (23) impinging on it from the illuminant (7).
7. Lighting unit (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that light rays (23) that are emitted from the illuminant (7) in parallel to the supporting plate (2) are reflected between parts of the inner surface (6) of the housing (5) and are not led immediately into the transparent supporting plate (2).
8. Lighting unit (1) according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises in addition a sensor system (12).
9. Lighting unit (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the illuminant (7) comprises inorganic or organic LEDs.
10. Lighting unit (1) according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least a part (13) of an opaque layer (4) is made up in the form of symbols, numerals and/or letters (13).
11. Lighting unit (1) according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the housing (5) comprises a highly reflecting plastic material or a highly reflecting metal or is made of it.
12. Use of the lighting unit according to any of claims 1 to 11 as display (15).
13. Process for the manufacture of a lighting unit (1), comprising

    (a) a transparent supporting plate (2) made of glass with a first surface (3) that is coated at least partially with at least one opaque layer (4);

    (b) a housing (5) whose inner surface (6) can reflect at least partially light which is placed on the first surface (3) of the transparent supporting plate (2); and

    (c) at least one illuminant (7) arranged in a space (16) between the housing (5) and the first surface (3) of the transparent supporting plate (2), whereby light rays (23) produced from the illuminant (7) can arrive at least partially in the transparent supporting plate (2);

    whereby at least a part of the inner surface (6) comprises a diffuse reflecting surface (8), the illuminant (7) is provided as Top-LED and is mounted on the supporting plate (2), optionally mediated by a coating applied on the supporting plate (2),
    characterized in that

    (i) a transparent supporting plate (2) with a first surface (3) is coated at least partially with at least one opaque layer (4);

    (ii) on the first surface (3) of the transparent supporting plate (2) a housing (5) is placed whose inner surface (6) can reflect at least partially light rays (23);

    (iii) in a space (16) between the housing (5) and the first surface (3) of the transparent supporting plate (2) an illuminant (7) is placed; and

    (iv) at least a part of the first surface (3) is not coated or is coated with a transparent material such that the light rays (23) produced from the illuminant (7) may at least partially arrive in the transparent supporting plate (2).

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