WO2007033862A1

WO2007033862A1 - Optical display for producing optical signals

Info

Publication number: WO2007033862A1
Application number: PCT/EP2006/065144
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernhard Hiltl; Uwe Schade
Original assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2005-09-22
Filing date: 2006-08-08
Publication date: 2007-03-29
Also published as: DE202005014979U1

Abstract

The invention relates to an optical display and to an insert for an optical display for producing an optical signal. The display comprises at least one light source. The optical display is provided in order to ensure uniform illumination of the chamber, wherein restrictive, spatial intensity fluctuations are obtained by illuminating the individual shadows of the components of the optical display. At least one light film is provided for the uniform illumination in essentially all spatial directions, which is provided for the simultaneous generation of light and light diffusion of the light emitted by the light source.

Description

description

Optical display for generating an optical signal

The invention relates to a visual display for generating an optical signal, the optical display Minim ^¬ least comprises a light source. The invention relates to white ^¬ terhin an insert for an optical display with those listed in the preamble of claim 8 features.

Such visual display occurs in approximately ^¬ automation technology, plant engineering and in general on machines and plants. In general, operating conditions such as optimum operation, malfunction, congestion, etc., on machines or technical systems are made visible by optical displays, in particular signal towers. The optical displays must be visible over a long distance, whereby it is important that the light signal is not only sent out to one side or into a specific room angle, but the visual display must be from any horizontal spatial direction of persons, the respective technical plant or machine care, can be seen. For reasons of safety at work and production safety, an illumination of the entire solid angle with a homogeneous light intensity is desired.

So far, so-called signal towers have been equipped with one incandescent lamp or several LEDs (light-emitting diodes). For the incandescent lamp, the illumination was position dependent due to the light wire. With one or more LEDs, an illumination of the intrinsic shade of the LED is achieved via reflectors. The LED typically illuminates a diffuser or diffuser, breaking the light and reflecting it in many directions. The distribution of the light intensity in the solid angle is inhomogeneous. It is apparent from the prior art that optical displays are currently available which can either illuminate the solid angle with inhomogeneous light intensity distribution or have a so-called inherent shadow. Intrinsic shadowing is defined as a shadow caused by components of the optical display itself, such as the light source.

From the document WO 2000-29785 Al a visual display is known, which contains one or more moldings and a light ^¬ source. The moldings are made of a transparent or semi-transparent plastic. The plastic contains one or more fluorescent substances. One or meh ^¬ eral light sources are arranged so that their light is radiated at certain regions of the surface of the molded article in these and transmitted in the shaped body. The mold ^¬ body includes means for selectively coupling out of light, so that at certain regions of the surface of the shaped body, the light is selectively extracted from the molding.

The invention has for its object to illuminate substantially the entire solid angle with homogeneous light intensity distribution.

This object is achieved in an optical display of the type mentioned above in that the light source has at least one luminescent film for uniform and large-area illumination substantially all spatial directions. Furthermore, the object is achieved by an insert for a visual display according to the characterizing part of claim 8.

The invention is based on the finding that due to the structural design of previous optical displays, such as signal towers, the problem arises that the illumination does not take place spatially uniformly or homogeneously. It occurs always lighter and darker places that are perceived differently well in white ^¬ direct distances. This fact has in the past to misunderstandings guided by the operating personnel and thus also to unnecessary failures or waiting times. As a result of this problem, attempts have been made in the past to ensure better illumination by a variety of light sources, such as LEDs. Even with an optimized arrangement or distribution of the light sources in the optical display, this did not lead to the desired success. In addition, this solution requires a great deal of technical effort and costs because of the additional light sources.

The invention is further based on the fact that previously used moldings depending on the arrangement of the light sources shadow or discontinuous light regions are generated. As a result, the optical display can not be optimally recognized from some directions. In addition, the high number of LEDs used in turn causes high costs.

According to the invention, the optical display for generating ei ^¬ nes optical signal on at least one luminous film for simultaneous generation and diffusion of the light, so that it is possible to settle in any solid angle segment in the horizontal plane, a homogeneous, optical signal. The so-called inherent shadow which occurs in conventional optical displays is eliminated by designing the shape of the luminous sheet such that the area which would be obscured by that of components of the optical display is nevertheless illuminated. The luminous film has ^¬ example, a cylindrical or cone-like shape or a similar shape which guarantees a homogeneous illumination in each spatial direction. Depending on the requirements, this shape can be a rotationally symmetrical shape, or a shell-like shape or an elliptical shape. Furthermore, shapes with polygonal or round base are possible, as well as a polyhedral, three-dimensional shape. This plane, flexible or diffused light source already combines functions of at least one

Light control element with the function of generating light and thus contributes to the homogenization of the illumination but also to the reduction of the components. The illumination or the light intensity of the optical display can be further optimized with ^other light control elements. Furthermore, reflectors and / or diffusers, such as diffusers or scattering elements, for homogenizing the spatial Lichtinten- sity be used.

An advantageous embodiment of an optical display provides an optical display formed by at least one light source and a light ^¬ control ^element , such as a reflector, for emitting the optical signal with ho ^¬ mogener intensity at the same time in substantially all spatial directions. By using several reflectors, it is possible to use the light energy of the light source more optimally and to illuminate the solid angle homogeneously.

Advantageously, an embodiment of a Leuchtfo ^¬ lie, which provides a light source having the diffusion function is ^¬. Thus, both the number of components are at their redu ^¬, as well as reduced costs. Furthermore, a simpler geometry makes retooling or insertion of such luminous sheets into calotte-based optical displays easy. There are no further holding devices needed to place the light source. Furthermore, an additional LED is advantageous if more light output is required, since the intrinsic shadow of the LED is small and the effort to illuminate this property is lower than with a light bulb.

Advantageously, an embodiment includes at least one light control element, such as a diffuser, for illuminating the intrinsic shade and / or for controlling the

Light intensity distribution of the light source. By means of the dif- fusor it is possible to operate a plurality of light sources in the optical display, wherein a stronger illumination at ho ^¬ mogener illumination of the solid angle is made possible.

Advantageously, the optical display a Lichtkon ^¬ troll element, in particular a reflector, the egg shape of a cone, a cylinder, a paraboloid, or the shape cone segment, a cylinder segment, a paraboloid segment, or a similar shape. Through a reasonable ^¬ full choice of the shape of the reflector optimal From ^¬ is lighting the self-shadow of the light source assured. The reflector is especially gestellbar to the dimensions of the light source ^¬. The shape of the reflector can continue through optimal choice an inhomogeneous light distribution created ^¬ to that projected by the structure of the intensity distribution information in the solid angle. Indirect signal transmission of different signals via different calottes or calotte inserts is possible.

In an advantageous embodiment of an insert for an optical display for generating an optical signal, the insert has at least one luminous film, wherein the insert for uniform illumination in substantially all spatial directions has at least one light control ^element , which for simultaneous light reflection and light transmission of the light source emitted light is provided. The advantage of the insert is the fact that existing optical displays, in particular signal ^¬ column, for example, operate in Kalottenbasis, can be retrofitted with such an operation, the e- ventuell comprises at least a reflector or a diffuser. In this way, conventional optical displays or signal towers can be converted into visual displays that have no natural shadow and illuminate the entire solid angle homogeneously. Furthermore, the advantages of the listed embodiments for the optical display apply correspondingly to the embodiments of the insert. The retrofit bility in existing products is ensured without additional effort ge ^¬, the position freedom a simple Monta ^¬ ge guaranteed.

Advantageously, in the embodiments of the opti ^¬ cal display and the embodiments of the insert in addition to the homogeneous illumination further optional, signaling possibilities available. When using a light pipe As a diffuser no additional devices such as brackets or the like are necessary. The light pipe also does not have a certain distance to the light source ^¬ positio ned. The color signal input in this case is particularly simple, because the representation of numbers or letters can be selected by use of the signal tower according to purpose. Are numbers and numbers applied to the tube, they can be projected into the space, so a show ler to ^¬ additional information on the occurred in the system fault. The disturbance source or source of error is here ^¬ to identify with more than one error message faster, eg "1" = failure of the machine, "2" = failure to ^¬ management, etc.

Further advantageous embodiments and preferred Wide Erbil ^¬ developments of the invention are given in the figure description and / or the dependent claims.

In the following the invention will be described and explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the figures.

Show it:

1 shows a sectional view of a visual display according to the prior art,

2 shows a sectional view of a first embodiment of an optical display,

3 shows a view of a luminous film,

4 shows a view of a second embodiment of an optical display, and

5 shows a three-dimensional view of the second Ausfüh ^¬ tion example. 1 shows a sectional view of an optical An ^¬ show according to the prior art. The optical display is designed as a dome-based signal tower. The dome 15 includes the interior containing the light source 3. This visual display has an inherent ^shade , because the shadows which are formed by the light source are not compensated by any optical component.

Figure 2 shows a sectional view of a first exporting ^¬ approximately example of an optical display 1. In this embodiment, the cap 15 is also used to house the conical luminous film. 5 The cone-shaped luminous foil 5 can also be installed in combination with further light control elements in signal towers which are already in use, or the current signal towers can be retrofitted. Due to the cone shape of the luminous film, the intrinsic shade of the optical display 1 is effectively compensated. The solid angle is illuminated. Furthermore, this embodiment, for example, with the optical Anzeige ^¬ ge of the prior art in Figure 1 can be combined. This can be done out of the necessity of the light source redundancy, or because both light sources (3,5) possibly have different colors, intensities or homogeneities with different meanings. In a combination of the light source 3 to the light emitting film 5 schematically in a op ^¬ display 1, the light-emitting film 5 has an additional diffusing for the light of the light source. 3

FIG. 3 shows a view of a luminous foil 5, as shown in FIG

Following is used in Figure 4. The luminous film 5 generally has at least two connection cables 13, which are provided for the power supply of the luminous film 5. Luminous foils can be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes. So it is possible to use luminescent films of different lengths for different sized domes. FIG. 4 shows a view of a second exemplary embodiment of an optical display 1. This optical display 1 is provided for a luminous film 5. The luminescent film 5 is here rolled inserted or placed in the dome 15. The bead 15 has no further light sources in this exemplary embodiment. The light-emitting film 5 simultaneously assumes the function of the light source 3 and the function of a diffu- sors 7. the pins 11 and by connecting the connections at ^¬ 13, the power supply of the light emitting film 5 is ensured. Since the luminescent film 5 now assumes a cylindrical shape as a result of a bend, no further holding ^{devices are} required, as the inside walls of the dome 15 are necessary. As in the previous embodiment, a complete illumination is ensured by the penetration of the luminous film into the cap 15. It is only a light source, which is designed as Leuchtfo ^¬ lie 5, needed to fully illuminate the dome 15 in the amount and in the circumference of 360 °. Various light sources such as LEDs 3 accounts therefore fully ^¬ ever, but can be alternatively used in addition. The advantage-providing feature in this Ausführungsbei ^¬ game is the fact that the light-emitting foil 5 can be connected directly to the power supply, and at the same time acts as a light source and light distributor. In addition, the luminescent film 5 can be used in different colors. In addition, the purchase or use of different-colored calottes is unnecessary. Universal translucent calottes are thus usable or replaceable as needed in conjunction with use with phosphors. In addition to the color variance and the size variance is to be considered. The light films 5 are available in different sizes and can be adapted to the needs of the illumination. The film requires in addition to the connection no special installation position, such as a central installation, since the illumination is uniform. Another advantage con- sists in the reduction of the necessary electrical components, as only a single sheet is sufficient under certain circumstances, to realize the ge ^¬ wished illumination. Due to the universal use of transparent domes falls a variety already used dome, such as the ribbed dome or colored dome. As a side effect also the storage costs decrease as consequence of the variant reduction.

Figure 5 shows a three dimensional view of the second guide from ^¬ example of an optical display 1 is designed as a signal column ^¬. The cap 15 accommodates the Leuchtfo ^¬ lie 5, wherein the leadership of the connecting cable 13 of the Leuchtfo- lie 5, which are connected to the pins 11, leads around the luminescent film. The intrinsic shade of the connection cable 13 is hereby illuminated by the geometry of the luminous film.

In summary, the invention relates to an optical display, as well as an insert for an optical display, for generating an optical signal, wherein the display has at least one light source. The optical display is able to ensure a uniform illumination of the room, wherein hindering, spatial intensity fluctuations are achieved by an illumination of the inherent shadows of the components of the optical display. For uniform illumination in substantially all spatial directions, at least one luminous film is provided which is provided for simultaneous generation of light and light diffusion of the light emitted by the light source.

Claims

claims

1. Optical display (1) for generating an optical Sig ^¬ nals, wherein the optical display (1) at least one light source (3), characterized in that the light ^¬ source (3) at least one luminous film (5) for uniform and having extensive illumination in substantially all spatial directions.

2. Optical display (1) according to claim 1, wherein the optical display (1) has at least one light control element, in particular a diffuser (7) or a reflector.

3. Optical display (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the luminous film (5) is flat, flexible and / or formable.

4. An optical display (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a light control element for illumination of a self-shadow is the optical display hen (1) vorgese ^¬.

5. Optical display (1) according to one of the preceding Ansprü ^¬ che, wherein at least one light control element for controlling the spatial light intensity distribution of the light source (3) is provided.

6. An optical display (1) che according to any preceding Ansprü ^¬, wherein at least a light control element and or at least one light source (3) has the shape of a cone, the shape of a paraboloid, or the shape of a cone segment or the shape of a Paraboloidsegmentes or having similar shape.

7. Optical display (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical display (1) as a "signal column" is pre ^¬ see.

8. insert for an optical display (1) for generating an optical signal, wherein the insert at least one light source ^¬ (3), characterized in that the light source (3) at least one luminous film (5) for uniform and large-area illumination has substantially all spatial directions.

9. Use according to claim 8, wherein the insert at least one light control element, in particular a diffuser (7) or a reflector having.

10. Use according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the luminous film (5) is flat, flexible and / or formable.

11. Use according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein Minim ^¬ least is provided a light control element for illuminating a self ^¬ shadow of the optical display (1).

12. Insert according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein Minim ^¬ least is provided a light control element to control the spatial light intensity distribution of the light source (3).

13. Insert according to one of claims 8 to 12, wherein Minim ^¬ least a light control element and or at least one light ^¬ source (3) has the shape of a cone, the shape of a paraboloid, or the shape of a cone segment or the shape of a para- boloidsegmentes or having similar shape.

14. Use according to one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the op ^¬ table display (1) is provided as a "signal tower".