WO2008121083A1

WO2008121083A1 - Light panel with leds

Info

Publication number: WO2008121083A1
Application number: PCT/SK2008/050004
Authority: WO
Inventors: Imrich Horvath
Original assignee: S Power Export - Import, S.R.O.
Priority date: 2007-03-29
Filing date: 2008-03-25
Publication date: 2008-10-09
Also published as: SK287744B6; SK50282007A3

Abstract

The design is based on the fact that in the light panel with a circumferential frame structure, the LEDs (1) are arranged on the internal side of the circumferential frame structure (2) with light emanating in at least one illumination plane (Γ) parallel with plane (H) of the transparent cover (3). Essential features of the invention also include the arrangement of LEDs (1), which are installed in rows or separate LED modules either along the entire circumference on the internal side of the circumferential frame structure (2) or only on a part of the internal side of the circumferential frame structure (2). Depending on the requirements placed on the light panel, LEDs (1) may emit white light or monochromatic light. To increase the efficiency of emphasising the colours of the transilluminated motive, e.g., an advertising poster, LEDs may be substituted with separate RGB-type LED modules. At the same time, this enables creating static or dynamic light effects using a control module (not illustrated).Separate RGB LED modules may also be provided with diffusers.

Description

LIGHT PANEL WITH A CIRCUMFERENTIAL FRAME STRUCTURE WITH LEDS Technical Field

The invention generally concerns the design of light panels with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs and front transparent cover in all fields of use. The invention in general falls within the art of light technology.

Background Art

Light panels in general find use in the most varied fields of technology. In advertising, the known designs include, in particular, box designs of light panels with a front transparent cover of the advertising area and a rear non-transparent structural base. They are illuminated from within the box mostly by neon tubes that are installed in a spaced arrangement on the base of the box design for one-sided advertising. The neon tubes are arranged so that part of the luminous flux emanates therefrom perpendicularly to the illuminated area. To prevent the visibility of higher intensity of illumination close to the neon tubes and lower intensity of illumination in half the distance between two adjacent neon tubes, the luminous area is made of opaque Plexiglas such as opal Plexiglas. This design is characteristic with a great depth of the box structure. Moreover, opal Plexiglas has poor transparency and therefore great luminous output is required, which is lost in Plexiglas as light rays are absorbed therein.

For double-sided advertising, the light panel design does not include the base but rather has the other side provided with a transparent cover of the second advertising area as well. In such case, the neon tubes are installed in a spaced arrangement in the middle of the light panel box.

Prior art includes solutions of light panels that are not illuminated by neon tubes but rather by LEDs with diffusers or RGB LED modules with great light emission angle. These LEDs or RGB LED modules are deployed for one-sided advertising in the base of the box so that maximum of the radiated light is incident on the advertising area. For double-sided advertising, these LEDs or RGB LED modules are deployed on both sides of a board placed in the middle of the light panel frame structure. This method of illumination requires great number of luminous points and thus LEDs themselves. Moreover, the number of LEDs increases for thinner advertising panels. Again, to prevent the visibility of the luminous points of LEDs, the use of opaque Plexiglas, e.g., opal Plexiglas, is required. For the above- described methods of illumination, the homogeneity of illumination requires greater thicknesses of light panels, which requires relatively large input power necessary for illumination. Moreover, for certain implementations, higher starting voltage is required, which may be dangerous in humid environment for, e.g., service technicians.

A disadvantage of the above-described light panel illumination systems is the limited service life of neon tubes, the high energy consumption, the necessity to install higher luminous output, the massive structures to avoid formation of areas with lower intensity of illumination, the necessity of using opaque, e.g. opal, Plexiglas, which substantially increases the price of the light panel, and, eventually, the high number of expensive LEDs.

The above-mentioned deficiencies stimulated the effort to design a different light panel illumination system to substantially reduce material costs, particularly those of opaque, e.g. opal, Plexiglas; to extend the service life of luminous elements; to reduce the installed power; to emphasise the colours of the transluminated motive and make them more real; and to be able to design thinner light panels. This effort resulted in the newly created light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs implemented using technical means described hereinbelow in this invention.

Disclosure of Invention

The above-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art are eliminated by a light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs in accordance with the present invention consisting in the LEDs in the light panel with a circumferential frame structure being arranged on the internal wall of the circumferential frame structure with light emanating in at least one illuminated plane r parallel with plane H of the transparent cover. For the purposes of this invention it should be understood that the light panel is of frame design with rectangular or curved illuminated area with one-sided transillumination or double-sided transillumination. However, the light panel may also be of a box design with rectangular or curved illuminated area with one-sided transillumination. Therefore the light panel with a circumferential frame structure according to the invention is modified so that the circumferential frame structure with arranged LEDs is provided with a base. Essential features of the invention also include the arrangement of LEDs, which are installed in rows or separate LED modules either along the entire circumference on the internal side of the circumferential frame structure or only on a part of the internal side of the circumferential frame structure.

Depending on the requirements placed on the light panel, LEDs may emit white light or monochromatic light. To increase the efficiency of emphasising the colours of the transilluminated motive, e.g., an advertising poster, LEDs may be substituted with separate RGB-type LED modules. At the same time, this enables creating static or dynamic light effects using a control module (not illustrated). Separate RGB LED modules may also be provided with diffusers.

Advantages of the light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs according to this invention consist in achieving an even illumination without areas of lower brightness. A great benefit is the truer representation of colours. Since the even illumination is achieved only by an appropriate arrangement of LEDs, it is not necessary to include an opaque, e.g. opal, Plexiglas, providing material cost savings. The method of illumination according to the invention enables constructing the light panel structure with an extremely small panel depth.

Brief Description of Drawings

The light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs according to this invention will be described in detail with reference to figures, in which Fig. 1 shows a section of the light panel with rectangular circumferential frame structure provided with a base in front view and in plan view. Fig. 2 shows a section of the light panel with a circumferential frame structure with double-sided transillumination. Fig. 3 shows the light panel with a circular frame structure provided with a base. Fig. 4 shows the light panel with an arrow-shaped frame structure. It is understood that the individual embodiments of the invention shown in individual figures are presented only for illustration rather than as a limitation of the specific embodiments of the invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

Example 1

This example of a specific embodiment describes the design of the light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs according to this invention, which represents an advertising panel with one-sided advertising area and which is shown on Fig. 1. As the rectangular frame structure 2 is provided with a base 4, a box is formed thereby, which is provided with a transparent glass cover 3 on the front side.

There is a poster arranged on the internal side of the transparent cover 3. LEDs 1_ are arranged on the internal side of the circumferential frame structure 2 with light emanating in a single illumination plane r parallel with plane H of the transparent cover 3. LEDs 1_ are arranged in two opposite rows in the middle of the internal depth of the frame structure 2. In an alternative design of the advertising light panel,

LEDs 1_ are arranged along the entire circumference on the internal side of the circumferential frame structure 2. LEDs 1. emit white light. Alternative designs may employ LEDs 1_ emitting monochromatic light, for example, red light.

To achieve various light effects, LEDs may be arranged into separate LED modules, for example, RGB-type modules with diffusers. In such case the LED modules are preferably provided with a control module or at least a timer.

Example 2

This example of a specific embodiment describes the design of the light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs according to this invention, which represents an advertising panel with double-sided advertising area and which is shown on Fig. 2. The rectangular frame structure 2 is provided with a transparent glass cover 3 on both the front and rear sides. There is a poster arranged on the internal side of each transparent cover 3. LEDs 1. are arranged on the internal side of the circumferential frame structure 2 with light emanating in a single illumination plane F parallel with plane H of the transparent cover 3. LEDs 1. are arranged in the middle of the internal depth of the frame structure 2 along the entire circumference on the internal side of the circumferential frame structure 1_. LEDs 1_ emit white light. All alternative solutions described in Example 1 are acceptable as well.

Example 3

This example of a specific embodiment describes the design of the light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs according to this invention, which represents an indoor or outdoor utility wall or ceiling decorative lighting fixture and which is shown on Fig. 3. The circular frame structure 2 is provided with a transparent glass cover 3 on the front side. As the rectangular frame structure 2 is provided with a base 4, a box is formed thereby. LEDs 1_ are arranged on the internal side of the circumferential frame structure 2 with light emanating in three illumination planes F-i, F₂, F₃, which are parallel with plane H of the transparent cover 3. LEDs 1_ are arranged in the middle of the internal depth of the frame structure 2 along the entire circumference on its internal side. LEDs 1. from the first illumination plane F₁ emit blue light. LEDs 1. from the second illumination plane F₂ emit red light. LEDs 1. from the third illumination plane F₃ emit green light. The luminosity of the LEDs from individual illumination planes F₁, F₂, F₃ can be controlled programmatically. This light panel may be used to illuminate furniture sets, in which it is built in.

Example 4

This example of a specific embodiment describes the design of the light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs according to this invention, which represents an indoor or outdoor utility wall or ceiling lighting fixture to illuminate the premises. The circular frame structure 2 is provided with a transparent glass cover 3 on the front side. As the rectangular frame structure 2 is provided with a base 4, a box is formed thereby. LEDs 1. are arranged on the internal side of the circumferential frame structure 2 with light emanating in a single illumination plane F, which is parallel with plane H of the transparent cover 3. LEDs 1_ are arranged in the middle of the internal depth of the frame structure 2 along the entire circumference on its internal side. LEDs 1. emit white light. Similar design may be used for a floor lighting fixture provided that it is of water resistant and sturdy design.

Example 5

This example of a specific embodiment describes the design of the light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs according to this invention, which represents a traffic directing sign, which is shown on Fig. 4. The circumferential frame structure 2 is of an arrow shape with double-sided luminous area. The frame structure 2 is provided with a transparent glass cover 3 on both the front and rear sides. LEDs 1. are arranged on the internal side of the circumferential frame structure 2 with light emanating in a single illumination plane F parallel with plane H of the transparent cover 3. LEDs 1_ are arranged in the middle of the internal depth of the frame structure 2 along the entire circumference on its internal side. LEDs 1. emit red light, for example.

This design is appropriate also for frame designs of light panels such as tables of emergency, safety, exit, or warning signage, for example in hospitals, offices, schools, stadiums, factories, and public premises.

Example 6

This example of a specific embodiment describes the design of the light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs according to this invention, which represents an advertising item, for example, with the silhouette of a trophy cup. The frame structure 2 is provided with a transparent glass cover 3 on the front side. As the rectangular frame structure 2 is provided with a base 4, a box is formed thereby. LEDs 1_ are arranged on the internal side of the circumferential frame structure 2 with light emanating in three illumination planes F₁, F₂, F₃. which are parallel with plane H of the transparent cover 3. LEDs 1. are arranged in the middle of the internal depth of the frame structure 2 along the entire circumference on its internal side. LEDs 1. from the first illumination plane Fj emit blue light. LEDs 1_ from the second illumination plane F₂ emit red light. LEDs 1_ from the third illumination plane F₃ emit green light. The luminosity of the LEDs from individual illumination planes F-i, F₂, F₃ can be controlled programmatically and dynamic colour effects can thus be created.

Example 7

This example of a specific embodiment describes the design of the light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs according to this invention, which represents an exhibition panel. An appropriate frame structure 2 from the previous examples may be used.

Example 8

This example of a specific embodiment describes the design of the light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs according to this invention, which represents traffic navigation signs in road transport or is part of navigating systems on airport areas. The circumferential frame structure 2 has the shape of the relevant signs. Other appropriate design features from the previous examples may be used.

Example 9

This example of a specific embodiment describes the design of the light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs according to this invention, which represents an x-ray image reader, which is shown on Fig. 4. As the rectangular frame structure 2 is provided with a base 4, a box is formed thereby, which is provided with a transparent glass cover 3 on the front side. LEDs 1. are arranged on the internal side of the circumferential frame structure 2 with light emanating in a single illumination plane F parallel with plane H of the transparent cover 3. LEDs 1. are arranged in a row in the middle of the internal depth of the frame structure 2 along its entire circumference. LEDs 1_ emit white light. It is understood that the light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs in accordance with the present invention is made using methods and materials known to persons skilled in the art.

Persons skilled in the art will find or be able to find, using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to specific embodiments of the invention, which were described specifically. Such equivalents will be included in the scope of the claims below.

Industrial Applicability

The light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs in accordance with the present invention represents a technology of use in advertising, in informational, directing, and navigation systems, in healthcare, education, and technology process control.

Claims

1. Light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs and complete or partially transparent front and/or rear cover characterised in that the LEDs (1 ) are arranged on the internal side of the circumferential frame structure (2) with light emanating in at least one illumination plane (F) parallel with plane (H) of the transparent cover (3).

2. Light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs according to claim 1 characterised in that the circumferential frame structure (2) with arranged LEDs (1 ) is provided with a base (4).

3. Light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs according to claim 1 or 2 characterised in that the LEDs (1 ) are arranged in rows or in separate LED modules.

4. Light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs according to at least one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the LEDs (1 ) are arranged along the entire circumference on the internal side of the circumferential frame structure (2).

5. Light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs according to at least one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the LEDs (1 ) are arranged along a part of the circumference on the internal side of the circumferential frame structure (2).

6. Light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs according to at least one of claims 1 to 5 characterised in that the LEDs (1 ) emit white light.

7. Light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs according to at least one of claims 1 to 5 characterised in that the LEDs (1 ) emit monochromatic light.

8. Light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs according to at least one of claims 3 to 5 characterised in that the separate LED modules are of the RGB type.

9. Light panel with a circumferential frame structure with LEDs according to claim 8 characterised in that the separate RGB-type LED modules comprise a diffuser.