NL1027587C1 - Passive light-emitting basic components involve flakes and granules heterogeneously diffused over surface for security signalling or decoration - Google Patents

Abstract

Flakes and granules (1) are heterogeneously spread over a surface (2) for passive light emission for security signalling or decoration. The basic components comprise a support material in which photo-luminescent materials are enclosed, based on oxides of aluminum, boron, calcium, europium and stronthium. As such, these materials can be simply applied to various surfaces, such as floors, walls and ceilings made of inter alia cement, transparent or opaque resins or coatings and gravel. The light-emitting basic components can be arranged as a pictogram. The surface upon which the basic components are diffused can be made of a transparent or translucent colored coating (3) on the basis of polyurethane, polyester or polyvinylchloride. Where the surface is a floor, it should preferably have a high wear resistance and can incorporate also other safety properties, such as those for fire protection, and for the creation of suppleness and smoothness, provided that the translucence is not adversely affecgted.

Description

Method for applying heterogeneously dispersed light-emitting material to various surfaces.

The invention relates to a method with which surfaces and more particularly floors, walls or ceilings can be provided with passive light-emitting material for safety or decoration purposes.

These methods are known per se. In the known methods, post-eminent plate materials, foils or coatings are applied in various forms, including dots, strips and wider strips on the bottom, on walls or around escape doors. The indication of an escape route on the bottom is known, for example, from aircraft and public buildings. In addition to marking escape routes, luminous surfaces, provided that they are of sufficient size, can emit some ambient light, which may reduce the feeling of panic.

The use of, in particular, luminescent safety signs 20 appears to be interesting, since such signaling requires no maintenance as opposed to relatively expensive emergency lighting dependent on batteries and light sources, while, moreover, the reliability of luminescent products is currently guaranteed for a minimum of ten years.

25

When realizing a uniform light-emitting layer, a sufficiently high degree of coverage is important to achieve the required after-exposure strength per luminous surface. In the case of large surfaces on floors or walls, however, a high degree of coverage appears to be less attractive in terms of price.

Luminous sheet material or stickers are often applied on top of (floor) surfaces. Light-emitting products applied in this way can peel off and cause floor tripping in floor applications, resulting in dangerous situations during evacuations.

Light-emitting sheet materials, coatings or stickers applied on top of floor surfaces in particular are also subject to wear and to some extent vandalism, whereby alerts in 40 safety applications can be lost with all the dangerous consequences thereof. This applies in particular to industrial floors exposed to wear, where floor markings in large halls with high ceilings are often the only alternative. Therefore, particularly in such situations, luminous material in the form of arrows or lines is preferably not applied on top of a floor surface, but integrated into the floor, the part to be treated having to be milled out. Partly in view of this otherwise rather laborious operation, not all (floor) surfaces are suitable for applying existing light-emitting materials.

Finally, uniformly luminous surfaces in (day) light situations are typically typically yellowish-green in color and often contrast with the background, which is perceived by architects as little esthetic. This results in great restraint when deploying effective, after-care safety products in, for example, catering establishments.

The inventive method addresses the above drawbacks. The invention is based on the fact that a heterogeneous dispersion of light-emitting pigment is applied locally to a sufficiently high degree of coverage on intended surfaces. These local pigment depositions, possibly applied in a certain pattern, are experienced as a whole by a spectator at a distance of 25 meters, comparable to pixels in a screened photograph, which together evoke a total image.

A favorable realization according to an aspect of the invention is characterized in that larger surfaces are treated with a relatively limited amount of pigment while maintaining sufficient attention value in the dark.

A favorable realization according to an aspect of the invention is characterized in that luminous pigment based on zinc sulfide, aluminum oxide, boron oxide, calcium oxide, europium oxide, strontium oxide, strontium aluminate, or other substances with photo-luminescent or phosphorescent properties, is enclosed in a preferably transparent or translucent colored carrier material and thereby shielded from influences that adversely affect the operation of the pigment. Thus, the 1027587-3 pigment, generally sensitive to frictional forces and moisture, enclosed in a larger structure, hereinafter referred to as the basic element, can be processed more easily in other materials such as cement and gravel. In opaque material such as opaque coatings and resins, the effect of surface-based light emitting elements is retained, in contrast to that of pure light-emitting pigments, which would be completely overshadowed.

A favorable realization according to an aspect of the invention is characterized in that the passive light-emitting pigments enclosed in carrier material are given a regular or irregular flat shape, comparable to a chip, chip or chip, varying in diameter from slightly less than a millimeter to a few centimeters. As a result, said flake-shaped basic elements can be used in conventional processing methods such as the coating of (wall) surfaces with (paint) chips or the scattering of flakes on screed floors based on, inter alia, epoxy and polyurethane resins. Thus, flake-shaped basic elements can also be applied to existing floors, walls or ceilings in a relatively simple manner.

In addition, flake-shaped basic elements can be applied in the production of vinyl-based floor coverings.

A favorable realization according to an aspect of the invention is characterized in that the passive light-emitting pigments enclosed in carrier material are given a regular or irregular spatial shape, comparable to a grain diameter ranging from slightly less than a millimeter to a few millimeters. As a result, said granular basic elements can be used in conventional processing methods for laying mortar, trowel or decorative gravel floors, among other things.

A favorable realization according to an aspect of the invention is characterized in that said passive light-emitting, flake and granular basic elements form an integral part of the surface to be treated. Thus surfaces are vandal-proof and floor surfaces including trowel floors in particular exhibit a high degree of wear resistance and they tolerate a high pressure point load.

1027587-4

A favorable realization according to an aspect of the invention is characterized in that said passive light-emitting flake and granular basic elements can be spread over an entire surface or partly in the form of, for example, light-emitting lines, safety signs or decorative patterns. Common techniques can be used with templates and templates.

A favorable realization according to an aspect of the invention is characterized in that said passive light-emitting flake and granular basic elements can be mixed with other non-light-emitting but similar basic elements, or applied to substrates with the same or intentionally different color tone. As a result, aesthetically justified color combinations can be made, whereby said passive-luminous basic elements can remain unnoticed in the (day) light situation, but will be conspicuously lit as the only element in the event of sudden light loss. As such, decorative surfaces with a confetti or granite appearance can also be provided with a safety function. In addition to floor and wall surfaces, tiles or floor parts can also be treated in this way, as well as countertops or (design) furniture.

The invention will now be further elucidated with reference to the following figures, in which:

FIG. 1A shows in plan view a surface on which flake-shaped, light-emitting basic elements are scattered; FIG. 1b represents this surface in section;

FIG. 2a represents in plan view a surface on which flake-shaped, luminous and non-luminous basic elements are scattered;

FIG. 2B represents this surface in section; FIG. 3A represents a surface on top of which granular, light-emitting and non-light-emitting basic elements are arranged;

FIG. 3B represents this surface in section; 1027587-5

FIG. 4 represents a space where flake and granular light-emitting basic elements are incorporated in or on floors, walls and ceiling;

FIG. 5A represents a path where flake or granular light-emitting basic elements are incorporated in tiles;

FIG. 5B represents a stage in which flake-shaped or granular light-emitting basic elements are used;

FIG. 6 represents a floor where flake-shaped basic elements are incorporated into floor parts.

10

FIG. 1A represents a surface in top view in which heterogeneously dispersed, flake-shaped, light-emitting basic elements 1 with a diameter of less than a millimeter to a few centimeters are embedded between a substrate 2 and top layer 3. The intended basic elements consist of one or more types of photo luminescent materials, such as zinc sulfide, aluminum oxide, boron oxide, calcium oxide, europium oxide, strontium oxide, and strontium aluminate, enclosed in a transparent or translucent colored support material, such as acrylate. The different types of photo-luminescent materials are characterized by different light-emitting properties, such as afterglow strength, afterglow duration and afterglow color and daylight color. Depending on practical conditions and specific wishes, one or more photo-luminescent substances can be used. By distinguishing between sub-surfaces of the total surface that are provided and which are not provided with light-emitting flake-shaped basic elements, patterns can be made recognizable from one meter viewing distance, such as safety markings including lines or arrows, or artistic representations.

FIG. 1B shows in detail a cross-section of flake-shaped basic elements 1 with a thickness around a tenth of a millimeter, applied to a substrate 2 and finished with top layer 3.

Substrate 2, often based on epoxy or polyurethane, is preferably reflective white, which enhances the luminous effect of flake-shaped base elements 1. Substrate 2 can also consist of vinyl that is rolled out as a floor covering, in contrast to epoxy layers cast on subfloors. Upper layer 1 HO-7C; ft 7-6 is a transparent or translucent colored coating, often based on polyurethane, polyester or polyvinyl chloride, preferably with a high wear resistance if it concerns a floor surface. Other safety properties such as flame-resistance and skid resistance can also be integrated into the coating used, provided that this does not influence the translucence of the coating too much, as a result of which the afterglow of the photo-luminescent substances could decrease.

10 Pig. 2A is a plan view of a surface in which heterogeneously dispersed, light-emitting, flake-shaped basic elements 1 (as described in Fig. 1A) and non-light-emitting flake-shaped basic elements 2 are embedded between a substrate 3 and top layer 4. The non-light-emitting basic elements 2 exist from paint chips commonly used in floor or wall surfaces in one or more colors, optionally also on the basis of fluorescent or retro-reflective materials to increase the attention value. If the daylight colors of basic elements 2 are comparable to those of basic elements 1, 20, basic elements 1 will go unnoticed, while in the case of light failure, they will glow strongly in contrast to the other basic elements. Such masking in light situations is sometimes desirable from an ethical point of view. By processing sub-surfaces with basic elements 1 and 2 of different color, pictograms can also be displayed on walls and floors, among other things.

FIG. 2B shows in detail a cross-section of a surface, wherein heterogeneously dispersed light-emitting, flake-shaped basic elements 1 and non-light-emitting flake-shaped basic elements 2 are embedded between a substrate 3 and top layer 4, as further described in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 3A shows a surface in top view, wherein light-emitting granular basic elements 1 with a cross-section varying from slightly less than a millimeter to a few millimeters, are heterogeneously dispersed between non-light-emitting granular basic elements 2, jointly fixed in a matrix 3, optionally sealed by top layer 4.

1027587-7

Granular basic elements 1 consist of photo-luminescent materials, such as in FIG. 1A, enclosed in a transparent or translucent colored carrier material, for example based on polycarbonate, whether or not provided with flame-extinguishing additives, provided that this does not too much influence the translucence of the carrier material, which could decrease the afterglow of photo-luminescent substances. Mineral grains with a powder coating of photo-luminescent pigments are also suitable for this purpose. Non-luminous granular basic elements 2 usually consist of gravel for, among other things, decorative gravel floors or finer textures such as coarse sand for, for example, trowel floors. Basic elements 2 can also partly consist of colored plastic granules. The maximum ratio of basic elements 1 to basic elements 2 is such that properties characteristic of floors such as wear resistance and pressure point load are retained as much as possible. The pressure point load is also determined by the grain size distribution and grain shape of both basic elements. Light-colored basic elements 2 enhance the luminous effect of basic elements 1, while, moreover, they stand out less in the light situation. As with FIG. IA described, mixtures with differently colored basic elements are possible, whereby sub-surfaces with or without luminous basic elements 1 result in recognizable patterns.

25

FIG. 3B shows in detail a cross-section of light-emitting, granular basic elements 1 that are heterogeneously dispersed between non-light-emitting, granular basic elements 2, jointly fixed in a matrix 3, optionally sealed by top layer 4. Matrix 3 consists of a transparent resin, e.g. base of epoxy, or an opaque substance such as epoxy or cement, optionally ground to a flat top layer, in which luminous base elements remain visible. In addition to typical terrazo floors, countertops can also be provided with luminous patterns in this way. Top layer 4 consists of a thin, transparent or translucent colored coating, often based on epoxy, polyester or polyurethane to prevent ingress of solid dirt or liquids between base elements 1 and 2 and to facilitate cleaning.

1027587 40

FIG. 4A represents a room with an emergency exit, for which a number of luminous safety provisions have been made. Depending on the type of floors, line markings 1 with directional elements 3 are provided consisting of heterogeneously diffused flattering or granular luminous basic elements. Depending on the color of the non-luminous part of the floor surface, the luminous basic elements can go unnoticed in the daylight situation. Sometimes, however, a combination with contrasting non-luminous basic elements 5 may be desirable in order to realize a floor icon in this way, which also provides information by means of luminous basic elements 4 in the dark situation. Also on walls and non-emergency doors there is a line 2 with directional markings. of flake-like light-emitting basic elements 15 to be arranged in a conspicuous or inconspicuous manner, or along door posts 6 of an emergency exit, and as an indication of handle 7 of the emergency door. Light-colored ceilings with flake-like basic elements 8 can emit some ambient light in the event of a light failure, thereby preventing panic formation during evacuations.

FIG. 4B shows the space shown in FIG. 4A in the dark, with the aforementioned luminous features noticeable.

FIG. 5A shows various tiles which are provided in whole or in part with heterogeneously dispersed, light-emitting, flake or granular base elements 1 opposite a non-light-emitting, often contrasting background 2. Various patterns can be arranged in the tiles, including footprints and pictograms . Tiles can be placed as tiles on the floor or as wall tiles in buildings for decoration or safety reasons. In the outdoor situation, a path consisting of tiles in which luminous basic elements are incorporated in unlit situations, such as dark alleys, can contribute to a safer feeling.

FIG. 5B shows a staircase consisting of surfaces or tiles in which luminous basic elements 1 are heterogeneously dispersed in various patterns against a non-luminous background 2. If desired, contrasting background 2. in the wall, luminous wall tiles 3 have been incorporated as extra attention value.

FIG. 6 shows a parquet or laminate floor consisting of floor parts that have been treated with heterogeneously distributed light-emitting, flake-shaped basic elements 1 in addition to untreated, non-light-emitting floor parts. Floor parts based on linoleum, polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride can also be processed in this way with granular, light-emitting basic elements based on a suitable carrier material.

1027587-

Claims (14)

Method for photo-luminescent or phosphorescent making surfaces for safety signaling or for decoration, characterized in that use is made of heterogeneously dispersed, passively-luminous basic elements in or on a non-luminous surface. 2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the passive light-emitting basic elements are given a flat, flake-like appearance, varying in diameter from slightly less than one millimeter to a few centimeters and varying in thickness between slightly less than one tenth of a millimeter to a millimeter. 15 Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the passive light-emitting basic elements are given a spatial, granular appearance, varying in diameter from slightly less than a millimeter to a few millimeters. 20 Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the passive light-emitting basic elements in a flake form are processed directly in or on floors, walls or ceilings. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the passive light-emitting basic elements in a granular form are processed directly in or on floors in particular, and trowel and gravel floors in particular. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the passive light-emitting basic elements are incorporated in or on vinyl-based floor coverings. 7. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the passive light-emitting basic elements are incorporated in or on tiles or floor parts. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the passive light-emitting basic elements are incorporated in or on furniture surfaces. tl 0275 87- 9. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the passive light-emitting basic elements can be properly incorporated into various building materials, such as cement or opaque resins, such that realized surfaces remain luminous. 10. Method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the passive-light-emitting basic elements can assume a meaningful shape as a whole depending on mutual cohesion, typically recognizable as light-emitting line, pictogram or marking otherwise. 11. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the passive light-emitting basic elements are deliberately made inconspicuous under non-emergency depending on the color and structure of the background or surface, or the combination with non-light-emitting, similar basic elements conditions with light. 12. Passive-light-emitting base elements, heterogeneously spread over surfaces, thereby acquiring photo-luminescent or phosphorescent properties, characterized in that base-elements consist of passive-light emitting substances enclosed in one or more carrier materials. 25 Passive light-emitting basic elements according to claim 12, characterized in that they contain substances based on zinc sulphide, aluminum oxide, boron oxide, calcium oxide, europium oxide, strontium oxide or strontium aluminate for obtaining photo-luminescent properties. 14. Passive light-emitting basic elements as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that carrier material is colored transparent or translucent in order to retain photo-luminescent properties as much as possible. 1027587-