RU2249255C2 - Contour illumination light-dynamic electro-optical device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: lightning engineering.

SUBSTANCE: information symbol is illuminated by means of light-emitting diodes mounted along contour of information symbol at its back side. Light-emitting diodes are enclosed into flexible transparent light guide. Optical system distributes luminous flux along contour of information symbol and can be made in form of corner reflector which embraces light-emitting assembly at the side being opposite to contour. Optical system can be made in form of II-shaped channel or in form of light-reflecting board being adjacent to back side of edge of information symbol. Light-emitting diodes on open side of reflector can be coated with diffuse-shattering self-gluing film. Light-emitting diodes can be closed with protective diffuse-shattering transparent screen. Light-emitting diodes can be installed onto stiffening rib disposed at back side of symbol at specific angle to plane of image. Light-emitting diodes bearing against different sides of back side are connected to different voltage-regulated power sources. Three-colored light-emitting diodes can be used. Light-emitting diodes working at specific radiation spectrum are connected to different voltage-regulated power sources.

EFFECT: widened range of application; reduced exploitation costs; improved design.

9 cl, 14 dwg

Description

The claimed invention relates to illuminated information depicted in the form of various symbols (numbers, signs or letters, etc.), and may find application in signboards, license plates, advertising, etc.

Known circuit illumination devices containing an image in the form of an information symbol, a light source located on the side of the symbol, in which lighting is carried out along the symbol circuit (See, for example, RF patent N2165650, IPC G 09 F 13/18 "Illuminated sign and shield for him ", published on April 14, 2000 in BI N11).

A contour illumination device is also known that contains an opaque information symbol, a two-color light source located on the back of the symbol, an optical system of diffusely scattering materials illuminating the symbol along the contour (See, for example, US Pat. No. 3333161, NKI 40-546 "Illuminated fixed indicia indicating device "(The device for highlighting an information symbol), published in Aug. 1966

Known devices have a complex structure. In addition, either fluorescent lamps or incandescent lamps were used as light sources in them. These light sources are not reliable enough. Wide and smooth regulation of the luminous flux and color change with their help is impossible.

Closer in technical essence and adopted as a prototype is a contour illumination device containing an opaque symbol, a light source made in the form of an assembly of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) located on the back of the symbol, and an optical system that distributes the light flux (See, for example , Description of the utility model of the Russian Federation N 15807, IPC G 09 F 13/00 "Index of house number and (or) street name with light indication", published on November 10, 2000 in BI N31).

The known circuit illumination device is also difficult to manufacture. In its manufacture, scarce materials are used. Installation of LEDs requires a special design, which ultimately leads to an increase in the cost of the product and a limited range of applications. In addition, devices made by a known solution have low decorative properties. Replacing light sources is complicated, which leads to higher operating costs.

The aim of the present invention is to expand the range of applications of loop backlight devices, in particular they can be used to highlight any kind of information and advertising; increase the decorative properties of the image; lower operating costs.

This goal is achieved by the fact that in a light-dynamic optoelectronic circuit illumination device containing an opaque information symbol, a light source located on the back of the symbol in the form of an assembly of LEDs, and an optical system that distributes the light flux, according to the proposal, the LED assembly consists of LEDs located along the length along the contour of the symbol on its back, and the optical system is made in the form of a reflector distributed along the length of the contour and covering the LED failure Ku of at least two sides.

In the embodiment of the technical solution, the LEDs are located in a flexible transparent tube light guide, and the optical system is made in the form of a corner reflector, covering the LEDs from the side opposite to the outline of the information symbol (the back side of the information symbol), and the corner reflector is also the assembly holder.

In a variant of the technical solution, the reflector is made in the form of a U-shaped channel.

In a technical solution, the U-shaped channel covers the LEDs from the side opposite to the image.

In a variant of the technical solution, the reflector is made in the form of a reflecting edge adjacent to the back side of the edge of the information symbol, and the other two surfaces forming a U-shaped reflector are the reverse side of the symbol, the mounting side located perpendicular to the plane of the symbol and connecting the back side of the symbol with bearing surface.

In an embodiment of the technical solution, the LED assembly consists of LEDs located on a stiffener connecting the rear side of the symbol with the mounting flange, and the light flux of the LEDs is directed at an angle to the plane of the back side of the symbol.

In an embodiment of the technical solution, the LED assembly consists of LEDs located inside the reflector enclosing them and on the open side of the reflector coated with a diffusely scattering self-adhesive film.

In an embodiment of the technical solution, a protective diffusely scattering transparent screen is installed between the edge of the back side of the information symbol and the bearing surface.

In the embodiment of the technical solution, the LEDs adjacent to different edges of the information symbol circuit are connected to various power sources with voltage regulated according to a certain law.

In the embodiment of the technical solution, three-color LEDs with red, green, and blue emission spectra and LEDs of a certain emission spectrum connected to the corresponding power source with adjustable voltage are used as light sources.

In a variant of the technical solution, the LEDs adjacent to a certain image height are connected to various power sources with voltage regulated according to a certain law.

The use of LEDs located along the outline of the information symbol simplifies the preparation and installation of the light source.

The use of an optical system in the form of a reflector, covering LEDs on at least two sides, increases the contrast of information and at the same time makes the design simple and technological, convenient when replacing individual lighting fixtures.

The location of the LEDs along the image path simplifies the installation and repair of light sources, which reduces operating costs. The simplification of the installation of lighting equipment is also facilitated by the use of a reflector, the material for which can be metal or plastic profile material in the form of a corner or a U-shaped channel.

The use of a light guide in the form of a transparent tube with LEDs distributed along the length simplifies installation and reduces the cost of manufacturing and repair of the information symbol.

The implementation of the reflector in the form of a U-shaped channel expands the designer's ability to design an information symbol. The nature of the luminous flux illuminating the contour changes.

The use of a U-shaped channel, covering the LEDs from the side opposite to the information symbol, also slightly changes the nature of the light flux and thereby allows you to vary the decorative image quality.

The use of a U-shaped reflector, which consists of the surface of the reflective side adjacent to the inner edge of the image, the surface of the reverse side of the image and the surface of the mounting side perpendicular to the image plane, simplifies the installation of lighting equipment on the curves of the information symbol and expands the capabilities of the designer.

The presence of a protective diffusely scattering transparent screen between the edge of the back side of the information symbol and the bearing surface protects light sources (LEDs) from the adverse effects of the environment.

Connecting LEDs adjacent to different edges of the circuit to various power supplies with voltage regulated by a certain law allows you to change the luminous flux of different sides of the information symbol, making it more attractive.

The use of three-color LEDs with red, green, and blue emission spectra and the connection of LEDs of a certain emission spectrum to the corresponding power supply with adjustable voltage make it possible to provide great image attractiveness and increase its decorative qualities.

If the LEDs adjacent to a certain height of the image are connected to various power sources with voltage regulated according to a certain law, then this allows you to change the illumination of the image contour in height, which increases its decorative properties.

The location of the LEDs inside the reflector, covered with a translucent self-adhesive film, makes it possible to perform the device according to simplified technology.

The location of the LEDs of the LED assembly on the stiffening rib connecting the back side of the image with the mounting flange so that the light flux of the LEDs is directed at an angle to the plane of the back side makes it possible to distribute the light flux in that part of the image contour where dark areas can form (at the inflections of the information symbol )

The light-dynamic optoelectronic circuit illumination device is illustrated by 14 figures.

Figure 1 shows the design of the information symbol illuminated along the contour, with an angular reflector.

Figure 2 shows the location of the LEDs in a flexible transparent light guide.

Figure 3 presents the reflector in the form of a U-shaped channel.

Figure 4 shows the location of the LEDs in the U-shaped channel, when the reflected light flux is directed away from the front of the image symbol.

Figure 5 has an embodiment of a reflector.

Figure 6 presents a variant of the location of the LED assembly without additional elements of the optical system.

Figure 7 shows the location of the LEDs coated with a self-adhesive film.

On Fig shows a variant of the location of the LEDs on the stiffener using a protective diffusely scattering transparent protective screen.

Figure 9 shows the location of the LEDs along the outline of the information symbol.

Figure 10 shows a circuit diagram of the connection of the LEDs.

Figure 11 is a diagram of the voltage change of the regulators of the light flux of LEDs.

On Fig there is a schematic diagram of the inclusion of LEDs with a different emission spectrum.

On Fig shows a diagram of the voltage variation of the regulators for LEDs with different emission spectra.

On Fig presents a schematic diagram of the electrical connection of the LEDs located at different heights of the information symbol.

Common elements in all figures are denoted identically.

The light-dynamic optoelectronic device for illuminating the circuit is as follows. An optical system in the form of an angular reflector 4 is installed along the edge of the contour 1 of the information symbol 2 (Fig. 1), on the back of it 3. The angular reflector covers an LED assembly 5 consisting of LEDs 6 installed in a flexible transparent tube 7. The angular reflector is equipped with reflective coating 8 and the light flux, reflecting from the surface 8, is directed along the contour 1 of the symbol 2. If the material with the corner reflector is used material with a reflective surface, such as aluminum or plastic, then vetootrazhayuschy layer 8 may not be necessary. The symbol is separated from the bearing surface 9 by means of a mounting flange 10. The LEDs 6 in the tube 7 are mounted so that their light fluxes are directed along the tube in one direction (Fig. 2).

The LED assembly with tube 7 is attached to the corner reflector 4 with glue.

In a variant of the technical solution, the reflector is a U-shaped channel 11 (Fig. 3) attached to the symbol 2 from the back so that the reflecting surface of the channel reflects the light flux from the LEDs 6 towards the edge of the circuit. The channel is also covered with a reflective layer 8. If a shiny material, such as plastic or metal, is used as the channel material, then a reflective layer may not be needed.

In an embodiment of the technical solution, the channel 11 is mounted with a back to the rear side 3 of the symbol 2 so that the light flux from it, reflected, is directed to the side opposite to the front side of the information symbol 2 (Fig. 4).

In an embodiment of the technical solution, the optical system that reflects the luminous flux consists of a reflective side 12 (Fig. 5), the surface of the back side 3 of symbol 2 and the surface of the mounting side 10 facing toward the LED assembly 5 with LEDs 6.

In the presence of bright LEDs, the optical system can serve as the back side 3 (Fig.6) of the surface of the information symbol 2 and the surface of the mounting plate 10, facing the edge 1 of the symbol 2.

In an embodiment of the technical solution, the LED assembly consists of LEDs 6, laid directly inside the optical reflector (using the U-shaped channel 11 as an example) and coated with a diffusely scattering film 13 (Fig. 7). Similarly, the LEDs 6 can be coated with a film 13 and in the presence of the optical system shown in figures 1, 4, 5, 6.

In the darkened areas illuminated by the reflected light of the information symbol 2, at the kinks, the LEDs 6 are located according to Fig. 8 on the stiffener 14. The stiffener 14 is a plane located at an angle to the surface of the symbol and connecting the back surface 3 of image 2 with the mounting flange 10 It is desirable that in this embodiment, the LEDs 5 have a wide angle of distribution of the light flux. The axis of the light flux of the LEDs 5 is directed at an angle to the back side and in the direction of the edge 1.

To protect against dust, moisture and other external influences, a diffusely scattering transparent screen 15 is used. The screen height is equal to the height of the mounting flange 10. The screen is mounted on the edge of the back side 3 of the information symbol 2 and perpendicular to the surface 9 so that it closes almost hermetically the space where there are LEDs 6. It can be attached to the back of the symbol with glue. Obviously, similar screens can be installed in all of the above designs.

The LED assembly is located, as indicated earlier, around the perimeter of the information symbol. Fig.9 gives a detailed idea of the location of the LED arrays 5. In this case, the LED arrays mounted around the perimeter of the right edge of the symbol are denoted by 5 ’, and the LED arrays from the left edge of the symbol are denoted by 5’ ’.

The LED assemblies 5 ’are connected to a variable voltage power supply 16 (FIG. 7), and the LED assemblies 5’ ’are connected to a variable voltage power supply 17. Sources 16 and 17 are network adapters, the inputs of which are supplied with standard alternating voltage, and a constant voltage is formed at the output, which is consistent with the LED assembly. Each source has an internal generator that allows you to change the DC voltage according to the desired law. For this, the sources are equipped with appropriate regulators (not shown in the figures).

An exemplary diagram of the voltage change U (luminous flux F) corresponding to the source 16, in figure 11 is indicated by the number 18, and for the source 17 - by the number 19.

In the embodiment, the LEDs 6 are composed of tri-color elements 6 ’, 6’ ’and 6’ ’, for example, with red, green and blue emission spectra. Each of these elements is combined into groups with the corresponding color and connected to AC voltage sources 20, 21, 22, respectively (Fig. 9).

A sample voltage variation diagram for these sources is indicated in FIG. 13 by 23, 24, and 25, respectively.

In an embodiment, the LEDs are divided into groups 6a, 6b, etc. (Fig. 14), differing in height of the information symbol. Each such group is connected to the corresponding AC power supply, 26 for ba, 27 for 6b, etc. The voltage variation diagram is similar to the diagrams of FIG. 11 or FIG. 13 presented above.

Svetodinamic optoelectronic device illumination circuit operates as follows.

Before installing the information symbol 2 along the edge 1 of its back surface 3, LED assemblies 5 with LEDs 6 are installed. The design of the reflector 11 is selected based on the specific operating conditions of the symbol, its location and power of the LEDs. In the shaded areas at the bends of the symbol, it may be necessary to mount the LEDs according to FIG. If the symbol is located in a room protected from rain, then the screen 15 may not be needed. Film 13 can serve as protection against dust. The information symbol is attached to the bearing surface 9 by any known method, for example, using fasteners. The mounting rail protects the LEDs from collapse. The cracks between the screen 15 and the bearing surface 9 are closed with a special putty (sealant).

The luminous flux from the LED assembly 5 is distributed along the back side 3 of the information symbol 2 and, reflected from the optical reflector 4 (11, FIGS. 1, 3, 7), illuminates the outline 1 of the symbol 2 with reflected light, spreading the luminous flux along its back side. If the optical reflector is made according to figure 4, then the luminous flux is directed mainly to the edge of the symbol and away from the back of the symbol and illuminates the contour with light reflected from the bearing surface 9. Each of the options, illuminating the symbol contour in different ways, allows the designer to vary the backlight . So, for example, the upper contour can be highlighted brighter, and the lower one less brightly, depending on the size of the symbol, the presence of external light sources, etc. If the light assembly is made on the basis of a transparent tube 7 (figure 2), then the installation of the light source can be performed in place. In this case, the tube itself is attached to the optical system with glue. If the light assembly is performed according to the type of figure 3, then the installation can be done before the symbol is installed in place.

Various installation options for LED assemblies also allow, depending on the type of information symbol, to illuminate different sections of the symbol or the entire symbol in different ways.

The use of a transparent tube 7 or a self-adhesive diffusely scattering film 13 allows, depending on the conditions, the illumination of the outline 1 of symbol 2 to be formed. The self-adhesive film performs two functions. It is a means of fixing LED assemblies and at the same time contributes to a more even distribution of light flux.

The use of a diffusely scattering transparent screen 15, mounted between the back side 3 of the information symbol 2 and the bearing surface 9, makes it possible to close the space where the LEDs 6 are available almost hermetically. This will reduce environmental requirements. The screen also contributes to a more even distribution of light flux along the contour.

If the LED assembly is connected to different power sources (Figs. 9, 10), then by changing the supply voltage of the sources 16 and 17 according to a certain law, for example 18, 19 shown in Fig. 11, you can periodically change the backlight of the left and right symbol loops, drawing attention to information.

The variant according to Fig. 12 will differ in even greater decorative effect. Changes in the voltage of power supplies 20, 21, 22 will lead to changes in the light flux of LEDs 6 with different colors. In this case, you can almost get any time-varying color highlighting of the contours of information symbols.

If necessary, it is possible to obtain a height-varying illumination of the contours of information symbols using the circuit according to Fig. 14, in which the light fluxes of the LEDs 6a, 6b, etc. regulated from power sources, respectively 26, 27, etc.

Thus, the proposed light-dynamic optoelectronic contour illumination device opens up additional opportunities for designers to advertise or draw attention to information.

The number of LEDs depends on the required light output.

Claims (8)

1. Light-dynamic optoelectronic device for illumination of the circuit, containing an opaque information symbol, a light source from LEDs located along the length of the circuit on its back side, an optical system that distributes the light flux, characterized in that the optical system is made in the form of a reflector distributed along the length of the circuit and covering the LEDs on at least two sides, so that the outline of the information symbol is illuminated by the reflected light of the LEDs. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the LEDs are installed in a flexible transparent tube, and the reflector covers the LEDs on the back side so that the light flux from the LEDs is directed in the direction opposite to the back side of the information symbol. 3. The device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the reflector is made in the form of a U-shaped channel. 4. The device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the reflector is made in the form of a reflective rim adjacent to the edge of the rear side of the information symbol, and the other two surfaces forming the U-shaped reflector are the back side of the information symbol and mounting flange located perpendicular to the plane of the information symbol and connecting its back side with the bearing surface. 5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the LEDs are located inside the reflector enveloping them and on the open side of the reflector are covered with a diffusely scattering self-adhesive film. 6. The device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the LEDs adjacent to different edges of the back side of the outline of the information symbol are connected to various power sources with adjustable voltage. 7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that tricolor LEDs with red, green and blue emission spectra are used, and the LEDs of a certain emission spectrum are connected to an appropriate voltage-regulated power source 8. The light-dynamic optoelectronic device for illuminating the circuit, containing an opaque information symbol, a light source from LEDs, an optical system that distributes the light flux, characterized in that the LEDs are located on the stiffener connecting the back side of the information symbol with the mounting flange located at right angles to the plane information symbol, the axis of the light flux of the LEDs is directed at an angle to the back side of the information symbol in the direction of its edge, and between the edge information symbol and a bearing surface mounted protective diffusely scattering transparent screen.

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