EP1018719A1 - Spot illuminated display - Google Patents

Spot illuminated display Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1018719A1
EP1018719A1 EP99403292A EP99403292A EP1018719A1 EP 1018719 A1 EP1018719 A1 EP 1018719A1 EP 99403292 A EP99403292 A EP 99403292A EP 99403292 A EP99403292 A EP 99403292A EP 1018719 A1 EP1018719 A1 EP 1018719A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
face
panel according
light emitting
light
housing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP99403292A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Philippe Migny
Pierre Passet
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Securite et Signalisation SAS
Original Assignee
Securite et Signalisation SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Securite et Signalisation SAS filed Critical Securite et Signalisation SAS
Publication of EP1018719A1 publication Critical patent/EP1018719A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G09EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09FDISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F9/00Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements
    • G09F9/30Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements
    • G09F9/33Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements being semiconductor devices, e.g. diodes

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a message display panel of the type comprising a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in a matrix on a display surface.
  • It relates more particularly to a display panel of variable messages, used for road signs or highway.
  • the light emitting elements must therefore emit a strong light beam in one direction opposite the traffic axis.
  • the distances between two consecutive emitting elements must be relatively small, for the user has the impression of seeing a continuous image, although it is produced in the form of light points.
  • light emitters have lamps or light emitting diodes that emit a light beam having an apex angle significantly greater than the angle of the brush strictly necessary for signage.
  • parabolic reflectors that reflect the beam light emitted by the light emitter in a narrower brush, the light emitter being placed at the focus of the reflector. But the presence of these reflectors significantly increases the distance between two light emitters, which affects the readability of the message.
  • the object of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks.
  • each element light emitter is constituted by a first end face an oblong body made of a transparent material and which comprises on its second end face at least one cylindrical housing in which is placed a light emitting source, said housing having a bottom having a convex internal surface so as to concentrating the light flux emitted by said source and illuminating said melts into a narrower beam directed towards the first face end, said bodies being arranged in rows and columns and separated from each other.
  • the light emitting source is a diode electroluminescent.
  • the body preferably has a quadrangular section according to a transverse plane.
  • the body has, on its second face end, three separate cylindrical housings each receiving a light emitting source. Two housings are provided laterally near an edge of the second end face and the third housing is provided in the middle area of the opposite edge.
  • the body has a annular bulge delimited on each lateral face of the body by two plane surfaces which intersect in a transverse plane located between the bottom and the first end face, said surfaces being intended to reflect at least part of the light rays lighting the cylindrical wall of a housing towards the first face end.
  • the body In order to allow the fixing of the body in an orifice of a support, the body has, near its first end face, nipples.
  • Figures 1 and 2 show a display panel 1 which comprises a box 2 of parallelepiped shape, delimited by a front wall 3, side walls 4, and a rear wall 5 generally pivotally mounted around a lateral axis in order to constitute an access door inside the housing 2.
  • the walls lateral 3 extend towards the front of the housing 2 and support a screen 5.
  • the front wall 3 In the front wall 3 are provided a plurality of openings 6, of square or rectangular shape, in which the illuminating ends of light emitting elements 7.
  • the openings 6 are arranged in rows 8a and in columns 8b regularly spaced from each other so as to constitute a matrix.
  • the screen 5 comprises, opposite the openings 6, orifices 8 of rectangular shape, delimited on the internal face 9 of the screen 5 by lower walls 10 and side walls 11 which extend towards the front wall 3.
  • the orifices 8 have dimensions larger than those of the openings 6, and their axes are decentered downwards by relative to the axes of the openings 6. These dimensions are calculated from in such a way that the luminous flux emitted by each emitting element light 7 passes through the corresponding orifice 8.
  • the purpose of screen 5 and of its walls 10 and 11 is to prevent the lighting of the elements 7 light emitters by solar rays.
  • each emitting element of light 7 is formed by the first end face 12, generally plane, of an oblong body 13, of axis X, made of a material transparent, from PMMA for example, which has a square section along transverse planes perpendicular to the X axis.
  • Three cylindrical housings 14a, 14b and 14c lead to the second end face 15 of the oblong body 13. Two of these housings 14a and 14b open laterally near the lower edge 16 of the second end face 15, while the third housing 14c opens into the middle area of the upper edge 17 of this second end face.
  • Each accommodation has a bottom 18 which has a convex inner surface of revolution around a axis parallel to the X axis.
  • the bottoms 18 are located in a transverse plane P1, and thus as clearly shown in the figures, the body 13 has an annular bulge 19 delimited on each lateral face of the body 13 by two flat surfaces 21 and 22 which intersect in a plane transverse P2 located between the plane P1 and the first end face 12 body 13.
  • the oblong body 13 further comprises on its lower faces 23 and upper 24 near the first end face 12, nipples 25 and 26 which abut on the internal face of a sleeve 27 defining an opening 6 of the front wall 3 of the housing 2, and serving supporting said body 13.
  • the first end face 12 is flat and arranged in a plane making an angle of approximately 5 ° with the plane perpendicular to the X axis.
  • the bodies 13 are arranged on the front wall 3 of the housing such that the end faces 12 of a row of oblong bodies 13 are arranged in the same plane at an angle of 5 ° with the vertical plane, so that the light rays striking the first face end 12 are refracted to the ground.
  • Each of the three housings 14a, 14b and 14c houses a diode light emitting 30 mounted on an associated electronic circuit 31 to each oblong body 13.
  • the electronic circuits 31 are connected between them by bundles of wires 32 in connection with a member of command of the message to be displayed.
  • the part of the emitted light, which crosses the cylindrical wall of the corresponding housing, is reflected by the surface 21 and possibly the surface 22 before emerging through the first face end 12.
  • the body 13 therefore acts as a light guide which also concentrates the light emitted by a diode light emitting into a narrower brush.
  • Body shape oblong 13 and the angles of the surfaces 21 and 22 with respect to the direction X are calculated in such a way that the light output of the device is significantly improved.
  • the wall 21 intersects the axis X according to a angle of about 21.8 ° and the wall 22 makes an angle of 8.53 ° with the axis X.
  • the body 13 operates on the principle of multiple reflections optics and its geometry is studied so that the same light effect (or made bright) is obtained from different positions at the entrance. This allows the simultaneous use of several light emitting sources. In the case of sources appreciably monochromatic, body 13 can be used as a mixer color.
  • the gain in terms of intensity indicator between a bare LED and an LED arranged in the body 13 as described above is greater than 2.
  • the light-emitting diodes 30 housed in the three housings 14a, 14b and 14c of a body 13 emit in different colors.
  • the first end faces 12 of the bodies 13 of the same row 8a are arranged substantially in the same parallel plane to the planes of the first end faces 12 of the bodies 13 of the others rows.

Abstract

the housings have convex surfaces to concentrate light on the required output surface. The message display panel comprises a number of light emitting elements arranged in a matrix on a display surface. Each emitting element includes a first end surface (12) and an oblong body. Within the second end of the cylindrical body there is at least one and pref. three cylindrical seating(s) (14a,b,c) carrying a light emitting source (30). The seating includes a base which is internally convex in order to concentrate the light flux on to the first end surface (12). Each light source may be a light emitting diode.

Description

L'invention concerne un panneau d'affichage de messages du type comportant une pluralité d'éléments émetteurs de lumière arrangés en matrice sur une surface d'affichage.The invention relates to a message display panel of the type comprising a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in a matrix on a display surface.

Elle concerne plus particulièrement un panneau d'affichage de messages variables, utilisé pour la signalisation routière ou autoroutière.It relates more particularly to a display panel of variable messages, used for road signs or highway.

Ces messages doivent pouvoir être lus à grande distance par les usagers des routes. Les éléments émetteurs de lumière doivent donc émettre un faisceau lumineux de forte intensité dans une direction opposée à l'axe de la circulation. En outre, les distances entre deux éléments émetteurs consécutifs doivent être relativement faibles, pour que l'usager ait l'impression de voir une image continue, bien qu'elle soit réalisée sous la forme de points lumineux.These messages must be capable of being read from a long distance by road users. The light emitting elements must therefore emit a strong light beam in one direction opposite the traffic axis. In addition, the distances between two consecutive emitting elements must be relatively small, for the user has the impression of seeing a continuous image, although it is produced in the form of light points.

En général, les émetteurs de lumière comportent des lampes ou des diodes électroluminescentes qui émettent un faisceau lumineux ayant un angle au sommet nettement supérieur à l'angle du pinceau strictement nécessaire pour la signalisation.In general, light emitters have lamps or light emitting diodes that emit a light beam having an apex angle significantly greater than the angle of the brush strictly necessary for signage.

Pour obtenir l'intensité lumineuse souhaitée, ces émetteurs de lumière consomment une énergie nettement supérieure à l'énergie lumineuse utile, ce qui entraíne des problèmes de refroidissement du panneau de support des émetteurs de lumière.To obtain the desired light intensity, these emitters of light consume much higher energy than energy useful light, which causes cooling problems support panel for light emitters.

Pour augmenter le rendement des émetteurs de lumière, on peut utiliser des réflecteurs paraboliques qui réfléchissent le faisceau lumineux émis par l'émetteur de lumière en un pinceau plus étroit, l'émetteur de lumière étant placé au foyer du réflecteur. Mais la présence de ces réflecteurs augmente notablement la distance entre deux émetteurs de lumière, ce qui nuit à la lisibilité du message.To increase the efficiency of light emitters, one can use parabolic reflectors that reflect the beam light emitted by the light emitter in a narrower brush, the light emitter being placed at the focus of the reflector. But the presence of these reflectors significantly increases the distance between two light emitters, which affects the readability of the message.

Le but de l'invention est de pallier ces inconvénients.The object of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks.

L'invention atteint son but par le fait que chaque élément émetteur de lumière est constitué par une première face d'extrémité d'un corps oblong réalisé en un matériau transparent et qui comporte sur sa deuxième face d'extrémité au moins un logement cylindrique dans lequel est placée une source émettrice de lumière, ledit logement présentant un fond ayant une surface interne convexe de manière à concentrer le flux lumineux émis par ladite source et éclairant ledit fond en un faisceau plus étroit dirigé vers la première face d'extrémité, lesdits corps étant disposés en rangs et colonnes et séparés les uns des autres.The invention achieves its object by the fact that each element light emitter is constituted by a first end face an oblong body made of a transparent material and which comprises on its second end face at least one cylindrical housing in which is placed a light emitting source, said housing having a bottom having a convex internal surface so as to concentrating the light flux emitted by said source and illuminating said melts into a narrower beam directed towards the first face end, said bodies being arranged in rows and columns and separated from each other.

Avantageusement, la source émettrice de lumière est une diode électroluminescente.Advantageously, the light emitting source is a diode electroluminescent.

Le corps a de préférence une section quadrangulaire selon un plan transversal.The body preferably has a quadrangular section according to a transverse plane.

Pour permettre le mélange des lumières émises par plusieurs sources lumineuses émettant dans les mêmes gammes de couleurs ou des gammes différentes, le corps comporte, sur sa deuxième face d'extrémité, trois logements cylindriques séparés recevant chacun une source émettrice de lumière. Deux logements sont prévus latéralement près d'un bord de la deuxième face d'extrémité et le troisième logement est prévu dans la zone médiane du bord opposé.To allow mixing of the lights emitted by several light sources emitting in the same color ranges or different ranges, the body has, on its second face end, three separate cylindrical housings each receiving a light emitting source. Two housings are provided laterally near an edge of the second end face and the third housing is provided in the middle area of the opposite edge.

Pour améliorer le rendement lumineux, le corps présente un renflement annulaire délimité sur chaque face latérale du corps par deux surfaces planes qui se coupent dans un plan transversal situé entre le fond et la première face d'extrémité, lesdites surfaces étant destinées à réfléchir au moins une partie des rayons lumineux éclairant la paroi cylindrique d'un logement vers la première face d'extrémité.To improve the light output, the body has a annular bulge delimited on each lateral face of the body by two plane surfaces which intersect in a transverse plane located between the bottom and the first end face, said surfaces being intended to reflect at least part of the light rays lighting the cylindrical wall of a housing towards the first face end.

Afin de permettre la fixation du corps dans un orifice d'un support, le corps présente, près de sa première face d'extrémité, des tétons.In order to allow the fixing of the body in an orifice of a support, the body has, near its first end face, nipples.

D'autres avantages et caractéristiques de l'invention ressortiront à la lecture de la description suivante faite à titre d'exemple et en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue frontale d'une partie d'un panneau d'affichage pour la signalisation routière selon la présente invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une coupe verticale selon la ligne II-II de la figure 1, du même panneau ;
  • la figure 3 est une coupe à plus grande échelle du panneau de la figure 1 selon un plan vertical ;
  • la figure 4 est une coupe selon un plan horizontal du panneau de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 5 est une coupe selon un plan vertical représenté par la ligne V-V de la figure 6 d'un ensemble émetteur de lumière et des sources émettrices associées ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue de face de l'ensemble émetteur de lumière de la figure 5 ;
  • la figure 7 est une coupe selon un plan vertical du corps guide de lumière, cette coupe étant prise selon la ligne VII-VII de la figure 8;
  • la figure 8 est une vue frontale, selon la flèche F de la figure 7, du corps guide lumière, et
  • la figure 9 est une coupe du corps guide de lumière selon la ligne IX-IX de la figure 8.
  • Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will emerge on reading the following description given by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 is a front view of part of a display panel for road signs according to the present invention;
  • Figure 2 is a vertical section along line II-II of Figure 1, of the same panel;
  • Figure 3 is a section on a larger scale of the panel of Figure 1 along a vertical plane;
  • Figure 4 is a section along a horizontal plane of the panel of Figure 1;
  • Figure 5 is a section along a vertical plane represented by the line VV of Figure 6 of a light emitting assembly and associated emitting sources;
  • Figure 6 is a front view of the light emitting assembly of Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 is a section along a vertical plane of the light guide body, this section being taken along line VII-VII of Figure 8;
  • FIG. 8 is a front view, along the arrow F of FIG. 7, of the light guide body, and
  • FIG. 9 is a section of the light guide body along the line IX-IX of FIG. 8.
  • Les figures 1 et 2 montrent un panneau d'affichage 1 qui comporte un coffret 2 de forme parallélépipédique, délimité par une paroi avant 3, des parois latérales 4, et une paroi arrière 5 généralement montée pivotante autour d'un axe latéral afin de constituer une porte d'accès à l'intérieur du boítier 2. Les parois latérales 3 se prolongent vers l'avant du boítier 2 et supportent un écran 5.Figures 1 and 2 show a display panel 1 which comprises a box 2 of parallelepiped shape, delimited by a front wall 3, side walls 4, and a rear wall 5 generally pivotally mounted around a lateral axis in order to constitute an access door inside the housing 2. The walls lateral 3 extend towards the front of the housing 2 and support a screen 5.

    Dans la paroi avant 3 sont ménagées une pluralité d'ouvertures 6, de forme carrée ou rectangulaire, dans lesquelles sont disposées les extrémités éclairantes d'éléments émetteurs de lumière 7. Les ouvertures 6 sont disposées en rangs 8a et en colonnes 8b régulièrement espacés les uns des autres de manière à constituer une matrice.In the front wall 3 are provided a plurality of openings 6, of square or rectangular shape, in which the illuminating ends of light emitting elements 7. The openings 6 are arranged in rows 8a and in columns 8b regularly spaced from each other so as to constitute a matrix.

    L'écran 5 comporte en regard des ouvertures 6, des orifices 8 de forme rectangulaire, délimités sur la face interne 9 de l'écran 5 par des parois inférieures 10 et des parois latérales 11 qui s'étendent vers la paroi avant 3. Les orifices 8 ont des dimensions plus grandes que celles des ouvertures 6, et leurs axes sont décentrés vers le bas par rapport aux axes des ouvertures 6. Ces dimensions sont calculées de telle manière que le flux lumineux émis par chaque élément émetteur de lumière 7 passe par l'orifice 8 correspondant. Le but de l'écran 5 et de ses parois 10 et 11 est d'empêcher l'éclairement des éléments émetteurs de lumière 7 par les rayons solaires. The screen 5 comprises, opposite the openings 6, orifices 8 of rectangular shape, delimited on the internal face 9 of the screen 5 by lower walls 10 and side walls 11 which extend towards the front wall 3. The orifices 8 have dimensions larger than those of the openings 6, and their axes are decentered downwards by relative to the axes of the openings 6. These dimensions are calculated from in such a way that the luminous flux emitted by each emitting element light 7 passes through the corresponding orifice 8. The purpose of screen 5 and of its walls 10 and 11 is to prevent the lighting of the elements 7 light emitters by solar rays.

    Selon la présente invention, chaque élément émetteur de lumière 7 est formé par la première face d'extrémité 12, globalement plane, d'un corps oblong 13, d'axe X, réalisé en un matériau transparent, du PMMA par exemple, qui présente une section carrée selon des plans transversaux perpendiculaires à l'axe X.According to the present invention, each emitting element of light 7 is formed by the first end face 12, generally plane, of an oblong body 13, of axis X, made of a material transparent, from PMMA for example, which has a square section along transverse planes perpendicular to the X axis.

    Trois logements cylindriques 14a, 14b et 14c débouchent sur la deuxième face d'extrémité 15 du corps oblong 13. Deux de ces logements 14a et 14b débouchent latéralement près du bord inférieur 16 de la deuxième face d'extrémité 15, tandis que le troisième logement 14c débouche dans la zone médiane du bord supérieur 17 de cette deuxième face d'extrémité. Chaque logement comporte un fond 18 qui présente une surface interne convexe de révolution autour d'un axe parallèle à l'axe X.Three cylindrical housings 14a, 14b and 14c lead to the second end face 15 of the oblong body 13. Two of these housings 14a and 14b open laterally near the lower edge 16 of the second end face 15, while the third housing 14c opens into the middle area of the upper edge 17 of this second end face. Each accommodation has a bottom 18 which has a convex inner surface of revolution around a axis parallel to the X axis.

    Les fonds 18 sont situés dans un plan transversal P1, et ainsi que cela est clairement montré sur les figures, le corps 13 comporte un renflement annulaire 19 délimité sur chaque face latérale du corps 13 par deux surfaces planes 21 et 22 qui se coupent dans un plan transversal P2 situé entre le plan P1 et la première face d'extrémité 12 du corps 13.The bottoms 18 are located in a transverse plane P1, and thus as clearly shown in the figures, the body 13 has an annular bulge 19 delimited on each lateral face of the body 13 by two flat surfaces 21 and 22 which intersect in a plane transverse P2 located between the plane P1 and the first end face 12 body 13.

    Le corps oblong 13 comporte, en outre, sur ses faces inférieure 23 et supérieure 24 près de la première face d'extrémité 12, des tétons 25 et 26 qui viennent en butée sur la face interne d'un manchon 27 délimitant une ouverture 6 de la paroi avant 3 du boítier 2, et servant de support audit corps 13.The oblong body 13 further comprises on its lower faces 23 and upper 24 near the first end face 12, nipples 25 and 26 which abut on the internal face of a sleeve 27 defining an opening 6 of the front wall 3 of the housing 2, and serving supporting said body 13.

    La première face d'extrémité 12 est plane et disposée dans un plan faisant un angle de 5° environ avec le plan perpendiculaire à l'axe X. Les corps 13 sont disposés sur la paroi avant 3 du boítier de telle manière que les faces d'extrémité 12 d'un rang de corps oblongs 13 soient disposées dans un même plan faisant un angle de 5° avec le plan vertical, afin que les rayons lumineux frappant la première face d'extrémité 12 soient réfractés vers le sol.The first end face 12 is flat and arranged in a plane making an angle of approximately 5 ° with the plane perpendicular to the X axis. The bodies 13 are arranged on the front wall 3 of the housing such that the end faces 12 of a row of oblong bodies 13 are arranged in the same plane at an angle of 5 ° with the vertical plane, so that the light rays striking the first face end 12 are refracted to the ground.

    Chacun des trois logements 14a, 14b et 14c loge une diode électroluminescente 30 montée sur un circuit électronique 31 associé à chaque corps oblong 13. Les circuits électroniques 31 sont reliés entre eux par des faisceaux de fils 32 en liaison avec un organe de commande du message à afficher. Each of the three housings 14a, 14b and 14c houses a diode light emitting 30 mounted on an associated electronic circuit 31 to each oblong body 13. The electronic circuits 31 are connected between them by bundles of wires 32 in connection with a member of command of the message to be displayed.

    La plus grande partie de la lumière émise par une diode 30 éclaire le fond 18 du logement correspondant qui, grâce à sa surface convexe, concentre la lumière reçue en un pinceau étroit dirigé vers la première face d'extrémité 12 qui dévie ce pinceau vers le bas.Most of the light emitted by a diode 30 illuminates the bottom 18 of the corresponding housing which, thanks to its surface convex, concentrates the light received in a narrow brush directed towards the first end face 12 which deflects this brush downwards.

    La partie de la lumière émise, qui traverse la paroi cylindrique du logement correspondant, est réfléchie par la surface 21 et éventuellement la surface 22 avant de ressortir par la première face d'extrémité 12.The part of the emitted light, which crosses the cylindrical wall of the corresponding housing, is reflected by the surface 21 and possibly the surface 22 before emerging through the first face end 12.

    Le corps 13 agit donc comme un guide de lumière qui concentre, en outre, la lumière émise par une diode électroluminescente en un pinceau plus étroit. La forme du corps oblong 13 et les angles des surfaces 21 et 22 par rapport à la direction X sont calculés de telle manière que le rendement lumineux du dispositif soit nettement amélioré. La paroi 21 coupe l'axe X selon un angle de 21,8° environ et la paroi 22 fait un angle de 8,53° avec l'axe X.The body 13 therefore acts as a light guide which also concentrates the light emitted by a diode light emitting into a narrower brush. Body shape oblong 13 and the angles of the surfaces 21 and 22 with respect to the direction X are calculated in such a way that the light output of the device is significantly improved. The wall 21 intersects the axis X according to a angle of about 21.8 ° and the wall 22 makes an angle of 8.53 ° with the axis X.

    Le corps 13 opère suivant le principe de multiples réflexions optiques et sa géométrie est étudiée pour qu'un même effet lumineux (ou rendu lumineux) soit obtenu à partir de positions différentes à l'entrée. Ceci permet l'emploi, de façon simultanée, de plusieurs sources émettrices de lumière. Dans le cas de sources sensiblement monochromatiques, le corps 13 peut servir comme un mélangeur de couleur.The body 13 operates on the principle of multiple reflections optics and its geometry is studied so that the same light effect (or made bright) is obtained from different positions at the entrance. This allows the simultaneous use of several light emitting sources. In the case of sources appreciably monochromatic, body 13 can be used as a mixer color.

    Des simulations ont permis de constater que, dans le cas d'un corps 13 comportant trois LED placées dans les logements 14a, 14b, 14c tels que décrits ci-dessus, l'intensité émise par chaque diode est pratiquement identique. L'intensité émise par la diode positionnée dans le logement supérieur 14c est au maximum de 2,53 Cd, tandis que l'intensité émise pour chacune des diodes positionnées dans les logements inférieurs 14a, 14b est de 2,59 Cd au maximum. L'écart d'intensité émise entre une LED supérieure et une LED inférieure est de 2,4%.Simulations have shown that, in the case of a body 13 comprising three LEDs placed in the housings 14a, 14b, 14c as described above, the intensity emitted by each diode is practically identical. The intensity emitted by the diode positioned in the upper housing 14c is a maximum of 2.53 Cd, while that the intensity emitted for each of the diodes positioned in the lower housings 14a, 14b is 2.59 Cd maximum. The gap intensity between an upper LED and a lower LED is 2.4%.

    En revanche, si on modélise l'intensité émise par la même diode, sans la présence du corps 13, au moyen du logiciel SPEOS, on obtient une valeur de 1,14 Cd. On the other hand, if we model the intensity emitted by the same diode, without the presence of the body 13, using the SPEOS software, obtains a value of 1.14 Cd.

    Le gain en terme d'indicatrice d'intensité entre une LED nue et une LED disposée dans le corps 13 tel que décrit ci-dessus est supérieur à 2.The gain in terms of intensity indicator between a bare LED and an LED arranged in the body 13 as described above is greater than 2.

    De préférence, les diodes électroluminescentes 30 logeant dans les trois logements 14a, 14b et 14c d'un corps 13 émettent dans des couleurs différentes.Preferably, the light-emitting diodes 30 housed in the three housings 14a, 14b and 14c of a body 13 emit in different colors.

    Les premières faces d'extrémité 12 des corps 13 d'une même rangée 8a sont disposées sensiblement dans un même plan parallèle aux plans des premières faces d'extrémité 12 des corps 13 des autres rangées.The first end faces 12 of the bodies 13 of the same row 8a are arranged substantially in the same parallel plane to the planes of the first end faces 12 of the bodies 13 of the others rows.

    Claims (10)

    Panneau d'affichage de messages du type comportant une pluralité d'éléments émetteurs de lumière (7) arrangés en matrice sur une surface d'affichage (3), caractérisé par le fait que chaque élément émetteur est constitué par une première face d'extrémité (12) d'un corps oblong (13) réalisé en un matériau transparent qui comporte sur sa deuxième face d'extrémité (15) au moins un logement cylindrique (14a, 14b, 14c) dans lequel est placée une source émettrice de lumière (30), ledit logement présentant un fond (18) ayant une surface interne convexe de manière à concentrer le flux lumineux émis par ladite source (30) et éclairant ledit fond (18) en un faisceau plus étroit dirigé vers la première face d'extrémité (12), lesdits corps (13) étant disposés en rangs (8a) et colonnes (8b) et séparés les uns des autres.Message display panel of the type comprising a plurality of light emitting elements (7) arranged in a matrix on a display surface (3), characterized in that each element transmitter consists of a first end face (12) of a oblong body (13) made of a transparent material which comprises on its second end face (15) at least one cylindrical housing (14a, 14b, 14c) in which a light emitting source is placed (30), said housing having a bottom (18) having an internal surface convex so as to concentrate the luminous flux emitted by said source (30) and illuminating said bottom (18) in a narrower directed beam towards the first end face (12), said bodies (13) being arranged in rows (8a) and columns (8b) and separated from each other. Panneau selon la revendication , caractérisé par le fait que la source émettrice (30) de lumière est une diode électroluminescente.Panel according to claim, characterized in that the light emitting source (30) is a light emitting diode. Panneau selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2, caractérisé par le fait que le corps (13) a une section quadrangulaire selon un plan transversal.Panel according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the body (13) has a quadrangular section along a plane transverse. Panneau selon la revendication 3, caractérisé par le fait que le corps (13) comporte sur sa deuxième face d'extrémité (15) trois logements (14a, 14b, 14c) cylindriques séparés recevant chacun une source émettrice de lumière (30).Panel according to claim 3, characterized in that the body (13) has on its second end face (15) three separate cylindrical housings (14a, 14b, 14c) each receiving a light emitting source (30). Panneau selon la revendication 4, caractérisé par le fait que deux logements (14a, 14b) sont prévus latéralement près d'un bord (16) de la deuxième face d'extrémité (15) et le troisième logement (14c) est prévu près de la zone médiane du bord opposé (17).Panel according to claim 4, characterized in that two housings (14a, 14b) are provided laterally near an edge (16) of the second end face (15) and the third housing (14c) is provided near the middle area of the opposite edge (17). Panneau selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 ou 5, caractérisé par le fait que les trois sources émettrices de lumière émettent dans des couleurs différentes.Panel according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized by the fact that the three light emitting sources emit in different colors. Panneau selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 6, caractérisé par le fait que le corps (13) présente un renflement annulaire (19) délimité sur chaque face latérale du corps (13) par deux surfaces planes (21, 22) qui se coupent dans un plan transversal (P2) situé entre le fond (18) et la première face d'extrémité (12), lesdites surfaces étant destinées à réfléchir au moins une partie des rayons lumineux éclairant la paroi cylindrique d'un logement (14a, 14b, 14c) vers la première face d'extrémité (12).Panel according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the body (13) has a bulge annular (19) delimited on each lateral face of the body (13) by two planar surfaces (21, 22) which intersect in a transverse plane (P2) located between the bottom (18) and the first end face (12), said surfaces being intended to reflect at least part of the rays light illuminating the cylindrical wall of a housing (14a, 14b, 14c) towards the first end face (12). Panneau selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé par le fait que le corps (13) présente près de sa première face d'extrémité (12) des tétons (25, 26) pour sa fixation dans un orifice (8) d'un support (3).Panel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that the body (13) presents near its first end face (12) of the studs (25, 26) for fixing it in a orifice (8) of a support (3). Panneau selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé par le fait que la première face d'extrémité (12) du corps (13) est plane et fait un angle aigu avec le plan perpendiculaire à l'axe X dudit corps (13).Panel according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first end face (12) of the body (13) is planar and makes an acute angle with the plane perpendicular to the axis X of said body (13). Panneau selon la revendication 9, caractérisé par le fait que les premières faces d'extrémités (12) des corps (13) d'une même rangée (8a) sont disposées sensiblement dans un même plan parallèle aux plans des premières faces d'extrémité (12) des corps (13) des autres rangées.Panel according to claim 9, characterized in that the first end faces (12) of the bodies (13) of the same row (8a) are arranged substantially in the same parallel plane to the planes of the first end faces (12) of the bodies (13) of the other rows.
    EP99403292A 1999-01-04 1999-12-28 Spot illuminated display Withdrawn EP1018719A1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (2)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    FR9900009A FR2788158B1 (en) 1999-01-04 1999-01-04 LIGHT DOT MESSAGE DISPLAY PANEL
    FR9900009 1999-01-04

    Publications (1)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP1018719A1 true EP1018719A1 (en) 2000-07-12

    Family

    ID=9540614

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP99403292A Withdrawn EP1018719A1 (en) 1999-01-04 1999-12-28 Spot illuminated display

    Country Status (5)

    Country Link
    US (1) US6437763B1 (en)
    EP (1) EP1018719A1 (en)
    AU (1) AU6554599A (en)
    CA (1) CA2294556A1 (en)
    FR (1) FR2788158B1 (en)

    Citations (5)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    DE9015346U1 (en) * 1990-11-08 1991-01-17 Mentor Gmbh & Co, 4006 Erkrath, De
    JPH08234673A (en) * 1995-02-28 1996-09-13 Nippondenso Co Ltd Display device
    US5632551A (en) * 1994-07-18 1997-05-27 Grote Industries, Inc. LED vehicle lamp assembly
    JPH09230805A (en) * 1996-02-22 1997-09-05 Toshiba Corp Display device of electric apparatus
    EP0867852A1 (en) * 1997-03-28 1998-09-30 Sécurité et Signalisation Display panel having diodes mounted on printed circuits

    Family Cites Families (4)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    US4603496A (en) * 1985-02-04 1986-08-05 Adaptive Micro Systems, Inc. Electronic display with lens matrix
    US4935665A (en) * 1987-12-24 1990-06-19 Mitsubishi Cable Industries Ltd. Light emitting diode lamp
    US5760754A (en) * 1995-12-04 1998-06-02 Motorola, Inc. Light pipe assembly and electrical device using same
    JP3185977B2 (en) * 1998-08-12 2001-07-11 スタンレー電気株式会社 LED lamp

    Patent Citations (5)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    DE9015346U1 (en) * 1990-11-08 1991-01-17 Mentor Gmbh & Co, 4006 Erkrath, De
    US5632551A (en) * 1994-07-18 1997-05-27 Grote Industries, Inc. LED vehicle lamp assembly
    JPH08234673A (en) * 1995-02-28 1996-09-13 Nippondenso Co Ltd Display device
    JPH09230805A (en) * 1996-02-22 1997-09-05 Toshiba Corp Display device of electric apparatus
    EP0867852A1 (en) * 1997-03-28 1998-09-30 Sécurité et Signalisation Display panel having diodes mounted on printed circuits

    Non-Patent Citations (2)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Title
    PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 097, no. 001 31 January 1997 (1997-01-31) *
    PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 098, no. 001 30 January 1998 (1998-01-30) *

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    CA2294556A1 (en) 2000-07-04
    FR2788158B1 (en) 2002-01-25
    US6437763B1 (en) 2002-08-20
    AU6554599A (en) 2000-07-06
    FR2788158A1 (en) 2000-07-07

    Similar Documents

    Publication Publication Date Title
    FR2828727A1 (en) VEHICLE LAMP HAVING PHOTOEMISSIVE DIODES
    FR2707223A1 (en) Advanced signaling light with light-emitting diodes.
    FR2868508A1 (en) LIGHT EMITTING DIODE HEADLIGHT FOR VEHICLE
    KR0184258B1 (en) Muliple cavity light fixture
    FR3036162A1 (en) LIGHTING MODULE BIFUNCTION CODE - ROAD FOR MOTOR VEHICLE
    FR2651358A1 (en) MATRIX DISPLAY ASSEMBLY OF GRAPHIC CHARACTERS AND DISPLAY UNIT FOR SUCH AN ASSEMBLY.
    FR2742393A1 (en) SIGNALING LIGHT WITH REDUCED AXIAL SIZE, IN PARTICULAR FIRE STOP SURELEVE
    FR2838179A1 (en) BACKLIGHT APPARATUS
    FR2829225A1 (en) Automobile lighting and signaling optical unit principal reflector has holes in it for projection of light from light emitting diodes
    FR2784739A1 (en) Lighting unit for deploying at height, comprises a diode assembly and a transparent barrel assembly to transmit the light
    EP1541920B1 (en) Light for signalling comprising electroluminescent diodes
    JP2003532272A (en) Reflector with cut surface
    EP0843296B1 (en) Traffic light device made of lighting devices situated on the ground
    EP1018719A1 (en) Spot illuminated display
    FR2954458A1 (en) Port-hole type lamp for use at e.g. ceiling of corridor, has base provided with basin, where basin crossed by light emitted by light source is opalescent in part of non surface occupied by transparent surface constituting translucent zone
    EP1496304B1 (en) Signal lamp for vehicle
    FR2534795A1 (en) Lighting device, in particular for shop display windows or exhibition rooms, as well as for living accommodation.
    FR3030016B1 (en) LIGHT SIGNALING SYSTEM
    FR3061537A1 (en) LUMINOUS EMISSION MODULE WITH IMPROVED GUIDE RAIL
    FR2542063A1 (en) Anti-dazzle lighting device
    WO2004079259A1 (en) Illumination device
    EP0867852A1 (en) Display panel having diodes mounted on printed circuits
    FR3052535A1 (en) OPTICAL MODULE FOR A LIGHTING DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE
    FR2916832A1 (en) Optical coupling device for signaling and/or lighting device in motor vehicle, has light collector to collect light from light source, and distribution unit formed by elliptical arcs to reflect light rays on inlet surface of light guide
    FR2777731A1 (en) Light emitting diode with lateral light beam transmission

    Legal Events

    Date Code Title Description
    PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

    AK Designated contracting states

    Kind code of ref document: A1

    Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

    AX Request for extension of the european patent

    Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

    17P Request for examination filed

    Effective date: 20000926

    AKX Designation fees paid

    Free format text: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

    STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

    Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN

    18W Application withdrawn

    Effective date: 20051206