CA2397577A1 - Light emitting tile - Google Patents
Light emitting tile Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2397577A1 CA2397577A1 CA002397577A CA2397577A CA2397577A1 CA 2397577 A1 CA2397577 A1 CA 2397577A1 CA 002397577 A CA002397577 A CA 002397577A CA 2397577 A CA2397577 A CA 2397577A CA 2397577 A1 CA2397577 A1 CA 2397577A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- light emitting
- tile
- light
- transparent plate
- planar
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V33/00—Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
- F21V33/006—General building constructions or finishing work for buildings, e.g. roofs, gutters, stairs or floors; Garden equipment; Sunshades or parasols
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
- E01C17/00—Pavement lights, i.e. translucent constructions forming part of the surface
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
- E01F9/00—Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
- E01F9/50—Road surface markings; Kerbs or road edgings, specially adapted for alerting road users
- E01F9/535—Kerbs or road edgings specially adapted for alerting road users
- E01F9/547—Kerbs or road edgings specially adapted for alerting road users illuminated
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
- E01F9/00—Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
- E01F9/50—Road surface markings; Kerbs or road edgings, specially adapted for alerting road users
- E01F9/553—Low discrete bodies, e.g. marking blocks, studs or flexible vehicle-striking members
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S9/00—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply
- F21S9/02—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator
- F21S9/03—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator rechargeable by exposure to light
- F21S9/037—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator rechargeable by exposure to light the solar unit and the lighting unit being located within or on the same housing
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
- F21V23/04—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches
- F21V23/0442—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B20/00—Energy efficient lighting technologies, e.g. halogen lamps or gas discharge lamps
- Y02B20/72—Energy efficient lighting technologies, e.g. halogen lamps or gas discharge lamps in street lighting
Abstract
A luminescent tile for use to cover the road or wall comprises a partly transparent tile plate; a plurality of solar cells arranged to receive the sun light through the transparent areas of the tile plate and generate electric power; an electric double-layer capacitor for storing electric power generated by the solar cells; a luminescent panel with its front surface facing the back of the tile plate; and a luminescence control circuit which automatically supplies the luminescent panel with power stored in the electric double-layer capacitor when ambient illuminance is below a predetermined level.
Description
LIGHT EMITTING TILE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(1) Field of the Invention This invention relates to light emitting tiles laid on the ground such as gardens and road surfaces, or on the walls of buildings and houses. In particular, the invention relates a technique for achieving improvements in varied aspects of light emitting tiles, such as laying and maintenance opera-to tions thereof, tile design, and response to emergency situa-tions, all at once.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(1) Field of the Invention This invention relates to light emitting tiles laid on the ground such as gardens and road surfaces, or on the walls of buildings and houses. In particular, the invention relates a technique for achieving improvements in varied aspects of light emitting tiles, such as laying and maintenance opera-to tions thereof, tile design, and response to emergency situa-tions, all at once.
(2) Description of the Related Art Light emitting tiles are known as one type of tiles laid on the ground such as gardens and road surfaces, or on the walls of buildings and houses. Conventional light emitting tiles have small fluorescent lights disposed at the back of transparent plate-like tile surfaces. In time of construction, the fluorescent lights are wired to an external power source.
At nighttime, the fluorescent lights are lit by electric power 2o supplied from the external power source through the wiring.
Since the illuminated tiles stand out shining in the dark, these tiles produce an effect of enhancing night scenes or serve as signs for guiding activities in the dark.
However, conventional light emitting tiles are inade-quate with respect to laying and maintenance operability, design, and response to emergency situations.
That is, an operation must be carried out to provide wiring between the fluorescent lights and external power source in time of construction. After the wiring operation, maintenance work is required such as checking of the wiring.
Light emitting tiles are laid more often plurally than singly, and therefore require arduous laying and maintenance operations.
Fluorescent lights which are linear light emitters are to very bright and dazzling. The shape of such fluorescent lights seen through the tiles cannot be said pleasing to the eye.
Moreover, when a power failure occurs due to lightning, earthquake, or the like, the light emitting tiles may com-pletely lose the light emitting function, thereby no longer serving as signs for guiding emergency operations at night-time. Thus, the conventional light emitting tiles cannot be said adequately responsive to emergency situations.
2o SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention has been made having regard to the state of the art noted above, and its object is to provide light emitting tiles excellent in laying and maintenance operability, design, and response to emergency situations.
The above object is fulfilled, according to this invention, by light emitting tiles for use on road and wall surfaces and the like, each tile comprising:
a plate-like tile surface portion at least partly defining a translucent region a plurality of solar batteries arranged such that each battery receives sunlight penetrating the translucent region to generate an electromotive force an electric double layer capacitor for storing electric power generated by the solar batteries l0 a planar light emitting device disposed with a light emitting surface thereof opposed to a reverse surface of the tile surface portion and an emission control device operable, when ambient illu-minance is below a predetermined illuminance level, for automatically supplying the electric power stored in the electric double layer capacitor to the planar light emitting device to illuminate the light emitting surface of the planar light emitting device.
The light emitting tiles according to this invention are laid on road and wall surfaces and the like with the tile sur-face portion exposed. After the laying operation, sunlight passes the translucent region of the tile surface portion of each light emitting tile, and enters the plurality of solar bat-teries. The solar batteries having received sunlight generate electric power which is stored in the electric double
At nighttime, the fluorescent lights are lit by electric power 2o supplied from the external power source through the wiring.
Since the illuminated tiles stand out shining in the dark, these tiles produce an effect of enhancing night scenes or serve as signs for guiding activities in the dark.
However, conventional light emitting tiles are inade-quate with respect to laying and maintenance operability, design, and response to emergency situations.
That is, an operation must be carried out to provide wiring between the fluorescent lights and external power source in time of construction. After the wiring operation, maintenance work is required such as checking of the wiring.
Light emitting tiles are laid more often plurally than singly, and therefore require arduous laying and maintenance operations.
Fluorescent lights which are linear light emitters are to very bright and dazzling. The shape of such fluorescent lights seen through the tiles cannot be said pleasing to the eye.
Moreover, when a power failure occurs due to lightning, earthquake, or the like, the light emitting tiles may com-pletely lose the light emitting function, thereby no longer serving as signs for guiding emergency operations at night-time. Thus, the conventional light emitting tiles cannot be said adequately responsive to emergency situations.
2o SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention has been made having regard to the state of the art noted above, and its object is to provide light emitting tiles excellent in laying and maintenance operability, design, and response to emergency situations.
The above object is fulfilled, according to this invention, by light emitting tiles for use on road and wall surfaces and the like, each tile comprising:
a plate-like tile surface portion at least partly defining a translucent region a plurality of solar batteries arranged such that each battery receives sunlight penetrating the translucent region to generate an electromotive force an electric double layer capacitor for storing electric power generated by the solar batteries l0 a planar light emitting device disposed with a light emitting surface thereof opposed to a reverse surface of the tile surface portion and an emission control device operable, when ambient illu-minance is below a predetermined illuminance level, for automatically supplying the electric power stored in the electric double layer capacitor to the planar light emitting device to illuminate the light emitting surface of the planar light emitting device.
The light emitting tiles according to this invention are laid on road and wall surfaces and the like with the tile sur-face portion exposed. After the laying operation, sunlight passes the translucent region of the tile surface portion of each light emitting tile, and enters the plurality of solar bat-teries. The solar batteries having received sunlight generate electric power which is stored in the electric double
-3-layer capacitor at the same time.
When ambient illuminance falls below a predetermined illuminance level toward the evening, the emission control device automatically supplies the power stored in the double layer capacitor to the planar light emitting device, whereby the light emitting surface of the planar light emitting device begins to shine. The light emitted from the light emitting surface passes through the translucent region of the tile sur-face portion to radiate from the tile to the ambient. In this way, the tile performs a light emitting function.
That is, each light emitting tile according to this inven-tion has an in-system power generating function provided by the solar batteries and electric double layer capacitor.
Thus, the tile may only be laid in place, and there is no need for a wiring operation or a subsequent checking operation as required in the prior art. Moreover, even in time of blackout due to an accident or disaster, the light emitting tile reliably maintains its light emitting function without failing to emit light. Further, the light emitting device of the light emitting tile according to this invention is not dotted or linear but planar, and is therefore not too dazzling or offensive to view, which provides an improvement in design over the prior art device.
In the light emitting tile according to this invention, the plurality of solar batteries, preferably, include a parallel
When ambient illuminance falls below a predetermined illuminance level toward the evening, the emission control device automatically supplies the power stored in the double layer capacitor to the planar light emitting device, whereby the light emitting surface of the planar light emitting device begins to shine. The light emitted from the light emitting surface passes through the translucent region of the tile sur-face portion to radiate from the tile to the ambient. In this way, the tile performs a light emitting function.
That is, each light emitting tile according to this inven-tion has an in-system power generating function provided by the solar batteries and electric double layer capacitor.
Thus, the tile may only be laid in place, and there is no need for a wiring operation or a subsequent checking operation as required in the prior art. Moreover, even in time of blackout due to an accident or disaster, the light emitting tile reliably maintains its light emitting function without failing to emit light. Further, the light emitting device of the light emitting tile according to this invention is not dotted or linear but planar, and is therefore not too dazzling or offensive to view, which provides an improvement in design over the prior art device.
In the light emitting tile according to this invention, the plurality of solar batteries, preferably, include a parallel
-4-construction.
With the parallel construction of the plurality of solar batteries, sufficient power may be stored even when part of the solar batteries are covered with dirt or the like. Thus, the tile will serve the purpose well even when the tile surface portion is partly contaminated.
In the light emitting tile according to this invention, the planar light emitting device, preferably, has a transparent plate disposed parallel to the tile surface portion, a light projecting device for injecting light from end surfaces of the transparent plate into the transparent plate along a direction of a plane thereof, a light scattering device with a surface of the transparent plate close to the tile surface portion acting as a light scattering surface, and a light reflecting device with a surface of the transparent plate remote from the tile surface portion acting as a light reflecting surface.
According to this invention, the light injected by the light projecting device into the transparent plate along the 2o direction of the plane thereof is reflected and deflected by the light reflecting surface on the reverse side. Then, the light, while being scattered by the light scattering surface on the front side, radiates to the ambient from the translucent region of the tile surface portion. Since a large part of inci-dent light is released after the reflection from the light
With the parallel construction of the plurality of solar batteries, sufficient power may be stored even when part of the solar batteries are covered with dirt or the like. Thus, the tile will serve the purpose well even when the tile surface portion is partly contaminated.
In the light emitting tile according to this invention, the planar light emitting device, preferably, has a transparent plate disposed parallel to the tile surface portion, a light projecting device for injecting light from end surfaces of the transparent plate into the transparent plate along a direction of a plane thereof, a light scattering device with a surface of the transparent plate close to the tile surface portion acting as a light scattering surface, and a light reflecting device with a surface of the transparent plate remote from the tile surface portion acting as a light reflecting surface.
According to this invention, the light injected by the light projecting device into the transparent plate along the 2o direction of the plane thereof is reflected and deflected by the light reflecting surface on the reverse side. Then, the light, while being scattered by the light scattering surface on the front side, radiates to the ambient from the translucent region of the tile surface portion. Since a large part of inci-dent light is released after the reflection from the light
-5-reflecting surface, the light emitting surface is bright. The light emitting surface gives a very mellow impression as a result of the light scattering action (light diffusion) of the light scattering surface, thereby achieving a further improvement in design.
In the light emitting tile according to this invention, the light projecting device, preferably, has a plurality of light sources allocated to opposed end surfaces, the light sources being arranged in positions for injecting light in alternate directions into the transparent plate.
The plurality of light sources of the light projecting device inject light in alternate directions, so that the light of the light sources enters evenly into the transparent plate.
Consequently, the light emitting surface of the planar light emitting device emits light uniformly without intensity variations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings several forms which are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and instrumentalities shown.
Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a light emitting tile according to this invention
In the light emitting tile according to this invention, the light projecting device, preferably, has a plurality of light sources allocated to opposed end surfaces, the light sources being arranged in positions for injecting light in alternate directions into the transparent plate.
The plurality of light sources of the light projecting device inject light in alternate directions, so that the light of the light sources enters evenly into the transparent plate.
Consequently, the light emitting surface of the planar light emitting device emits light uniformly without intensity variations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings several forms which are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and instrumentalities shown.
Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a light emitting tile according to this invention
-6-Fig. 2 is a view in vertical section showing an interior structure of the light emitting tile Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the light emitting tile Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing light emitting tiles according to this invention as laid in place Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an electric circuit of the light emitting tile Fig. 6 is a plan view showing a construction of a planar light emitting member of the light emitting tile to Fig. 7 is a side view showing the construction of the planar light emitting member of the light emitting tile Fig. 8 is a schematic view showing light reflections in the planar light emitting member of the light emitting tile Fig. 9 is a flow chart of an operating sequence of the light emitting tile Fig. 10 is a plan view showing an arrangement of bat-teries with respect to a light emitting surface of a modified light emitting tile and Fig. 11 is a plan view showing a display sheet 2o employed in another modified light emitting tile.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A preferred embodiment of this invention will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings.
_7_ Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a light emitting tile according to this invention. Fig. 2 is a view in vertical section showing an interior structure of the light emitting tile. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the light emitting tile.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing light emitting tiles according to this invention as laid in place. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an electric circuit of the light emitting tile.
As shown in Figs.l through 3, each light emitting tile embodying this invention includes a main body 1 formed of transparent glass and having an overall shape similar to a shallow box turned over to a facedown posture. The main body 1 has an upper wall surface defining a tile surface por-tion 1A. The main body 1 has side walls acting as legs 1B
for supporting the tile surface portion 1A. In this embodiment, therefore, the tile surface portion 1A as a whole defines a translucent region.
As shown in Fig. 4, the light emitting tiles in this em-bodiment are embedded in the ground with the tile surface portions 1A exposed. The tile surface portions 1A
constitute a tile surface. Numerous light emitting tiles may be arranged in a matrix form as shown, or only a single light emitting tile may be used on its own.
In the light emitting tile in the embodiment, the plate-like tile surface portion 1A and the legs 1B define a space S under the tile surface portion 1A. This space S is .g.
used to accommodate components necessary to perform a light emitting function. Specifically, as shown in Figs. 1 through 3, the space S formed under the tile surface portion 1A accommodates solar batteries 2 for generating power for light emission, an electric double layer capacitor 3 for storing the power generated by the solar batteries 2, a planar light emitting member 4 for radiating light from the tile surface portion 1A to the ambient, and a printed board 5 having an emission control circuit for switching the planar light emitting member 4 on and off. During the daytime when sunlight pours down, the power generated by the solar batteries 2 accumulates in the electric double layer capacitor 3. When it grows darker toward the evening with the sun setting, the power stored in the double layer capacitor 3 is supplied to the planar light emitting member 4. Then, a light emitting surface 4A automatically emits light, causing the tile to shine.
The light emitting tile in this embodiment has, disposed directly under the tile surface portion 1A, the solar batteries 2 which must receive sunlight from the ambient, and the planar light emitting member 4 which must release light to the ambient. The electric double layer capacitor 3 and printed board 5 having no immediate relationship with the ambient are arranged below the solar batteries 2 and planar light emitting member 4. The components of the light emitting tile will be described in detail hereinafter.
In this embodiment, the space S formed under the tile surface portion 1A of main body 1 is made fully waterproof with a resin sealing. This is achieved by filling a waterproof resin PS through a bottom opening after the components necessary for the light emitting function are mounted in place. Thus, when the light emitting tiles are embedded in the ground as shown in Fig. 4, the components in the space S under the tile surface portion 1A are protected from moisture and water.
As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, each light emitting tile in this embodiment has eight solar batteries 2 divided to extend around the light emitting surface 4A of planar light emitting member 4. The solar batteries 2 are in a parallel arrangement for receiving sunlight penetrating the tile surface portion 1A to generate electromotive forces simultaneously. In this embodiment, each solar battery 2 includes six unit cells 2a connected in series. Of course, the number of unit cells in each solar battery 2 is not limited to a particular number. A suitable number, one or more, is selected according to a voltage needed for each solar battery 2.
In the light emitting tile in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, the solar batteries 2 are connected to the electric double layer capacitor 3 in parallel to each other, and the power generated by each solar battery 2 is stored in the double layer capacitor 3. By connecting the solar batteries 2 in parallel, sufficient power may be stored even when part of the solar batteries 2 are covered with dirt or the like.
Thus, the tile will serve the purpose well even when contaminated.
Instead of connecting all solar batteries 2 in parallel, a series connection may be combined to form a series/parallel connection according to a voltage required. Though only to one electric double layer capacitor 3 is shown in Fig. 5, a plurality of such capacitors may be connected in series or parallel according to an electrostatic capacity needed.
A total quantity of power generated by the solar batter-ies 2 is determined to cope with a small quantity of solar radiation in cloudy or rainy weather during the daytime.
Thus, even in such conditions, the double layer capacitor 3 is charged with electric power to be consumed by a load for the day. The double layer capacitor 3 has a capacity for storing at least the quantity of electric power consumed by the load 2o in a day. Thus, the capacity of double layer capacitor 3 pro-vides a margin 1/5 to 1/30 of a conventional storage battery.
The double layer capacitor 3 is much smaller and lighter than the conventional storage battery.
In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, an overvoltage protection circuit 6, a reverse flow preventive diode 7 and a voltage stabilizer circuit 8 are connected between the solar batteries 2 and double layer capacitor 3.
The overvoltage protection circuit 6 is provided to pre vent the charging voltage of solar batteries 2 from reaching an overcharging voltage in excess of a permissible voltage.
During the nighttime when no electromotive force is gener-ated by the solar batteries 2, power could inadvertently flow from the electric double layer capacitor 3 having a high volt-age back to the solar batteries 2. The reverse flow preven-to tive diode 7 prevents such reverse flow of the power stored in the double layer capacitor 3. The voltage stabilizer circuit 8 prevents variations in the charging voltage and maintains it constant.
On the other hand, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the planar light emitting member 4 has a transparent plate 4B
disposed parallel (i.e. opposed surfaces being parallel) to the tile surface portion 1A, and four light emitting diodes (LEDs) 4E-4H for injecting light from a pair of opposite end surfaces 4C and 4D of the transparent plate 4B into the transparent plate 4B along a direction of a plane thereof.
The transparent plate 4B has a surface 4I opposed to the tile surface portion 1A and acting as a light scattering surface.
The transparent plate 4B has a surface (reverse surface) 4J
remote from the tile surface portion 1A, which acts as a light reflecting surface.
The light emitting diodes 4E and 4F are arranged on the end surface 4C, and the light emitting diodes 4G and 4H
on the end surface 4D, such that light enters the transparent plate 4B in alternate directions as shown in dot-and-dash lines in Fig. 6. These light emitting diodes 4E-4H are inserted and fixed in bores formed in elongate, white opaque resin pieces 4a and 4b placed in close contact with the end surfaces 4C and 4D of transparent plate 4B.
In this embodiment, the transparent plate 4B is in the form of a colorless, transparent acrylic plate. As shown in Fig. 7, the light scattering surface (light scattering device) is formed by sandblasting the surface 4I, while the light reflecting surface is formed by laminating a white coating 4K (light reflecting device) and a white sheet 4L (light reflecting device) on the reverse surface 4J.
The light scattering surface may be formed by laminat-ing a light scattering sheet (light scattering device) on the surface 4I. The light reflecting surface may also be formed by applying a metal film to the reverse surface 4J, or lami-nating a mirror sheet thereon for mirror reflection of incident light.
Further, the end surfaces 4C and 4D of transparent plate 4B act as reflecting surfaces which are provided by white surfaces of opaque resin pieces 4a and 4b. The two remaining end surfaces of transparent plate 4B also are made reflecting surfaces such as by forming white coatings (not shown) thereon. Of course, each end surface of transparent plate 4B may define a reflecting surface having a metallic mirror layer or the like.
When the light emitting diodes 4E-4H are lit, as shown in Fig. 8, the light entering the transparent plate 4B from the light emitting diodes 4E-4H is reflected by the light reflecting surface defined by the reverse surface 4J to travel toward the tile surface portion 1A. The light radiates from the tile surface portion 1A to the ambient while being scattered by the light scattering surface defined by the surface 4I. Since the planar light emitting member 4 is a planar light emitter, the light emitting surface 4A is mellow and pleasing to the eye. Since a large part of incident light is released after the reflection from the light reflecting surface, the light emitting surface 4A is bright. The light emitting surface 4A gives a very mellow impression as a result of the light scattering function (light diffusion) of the light scattering surface. In addition, the light emitting 2o surface 4A radiates light uniformly with little variations, with the light emitting diodes 4E-4H inputting light in alternate directions for substantially uni_forming the incident light to the transparent plate 4B.
The light emitting diodes 4E-4H of planar light emitting member 4 are operable under the following lighting control by the emission control circuit 9.
When ambient illuminance L is found equal to or below a predetermined illuminance Lon, the emission control circuit 9 supplies the power stored in the electric double layer capacitor 3 to the light emitting diodes 4E-4H of planar light emitting member 4. Conversely, when ambient illuminance L is found equal to or above a predetermined illuminance Loff, the emission control circuit 9 stops the power supply to the light emitting diodes 4E-4H.
In this embodiment, the electromotive force of solar batteries 2 is used as a detection signal indicative of ambient illuminance L. The solar batteries 2 act also as optical sensors, and the electromotive force thereof is in a proportional relationship to ambient illuminance L. It is therefore possible to utilize the electromotive force of solar batteries 2 in determining whether the ambient illuminance L is the illuminance (darkness) level for causing the light emitting tiles to emit light or not.
The emission control circuit 9 in this embodiment has the predetermined illuminance Lon for starting the power supply, which is slightly lower than the predetermined illu-minance Loff for stopping the power supply. If the same illuminance were set for starting and stopping the power supply, a chattering phenomenon would occur to repeat starting and stopping of the power supply frequently in response to slight illuminance variations. To avoid such chattering phenomenon, what is known as hysteresis property is provided, whereby the power supply is not stopped after it is started at the predetermined illuminance Lon, unless the ambient illuminance L increases to the slightly higher illuminance Loff.
As shown in Fig. 5, the accumulated power is supplied from the electric double layer capacitor 3 to anodes of light emitting diodes 4E-4H via a booster circuit 10, and cathodes to of light emitting diodes 4E-4H are connected to a common line (grounding line) through switching elements SW1 and SW2. When the accumulated power is supplied, the emission control circuit 9 turns on the switching elements SW1 and SW2 whereby currents flow to the light emitting diodes 4E-4H to light the latter.
In this embodiment, the switching elements SW1 and SW2 are alternately turned on in a short time for power sav-ing purposes. That is, the light emitting diodes 4E-4H
blink at high speed. This presents no problem since a light emission appears to occur continuously in the human eye due to afterglow.
The switching elements SW1 and SW2 may be in the form of transistors, for example. Where the light emitting diodes have a low rated voltage, the booster circuit 10 may be omitted so that the double layer capacitor 3 supplies the accumulated power directly to the light emitting diodes.
The light emitting tile in this embodiment has the overvoltage protection circuit 6, reverse flow preventive diode 7, voltage stabilizer circuit 8, emission control circuit 9, switching elements SW1 and SW2 and booster circuit 10, as well as the electric double layer capacitor 3, which are mounted en bloc on the printed board 5.
Operation of the light emitting tile in the embodiment having the above construction will be described with l0 reference to the flow chart shown in Fig. 9.
Step S1:
During the daytime when the sun is up, each solar bat-tery 2 receiving sunlight generates electric power and trans-wits it to the electric double layer capacitor 3. As a result, power accumulates in the double layer capacitor 3.
Ambient illuminance is high during the daytime, and the emission control circuit 9 maintains the switching elements SW1 and SW2 turned off. Thus, the light emitting diodes 4E-4H are maintained in off state with no current flowing 2o thereto. The light emitting surface 4A does not shine at all.
Step S2:
Ambient illuminance L gradually lowers toward the evening. When ambient illuminance L falls to and below the predetermined illuminance Lon, the emission control circuit 9 alternately turns on the switching elements SW1 and SW2. Thus, currents flow to the light emitting diodes 4E-4H to light the latter. The light emitting surface 4A
begins to shine to set the light emitting tile to a state of light emission.
Step S3:
During the nighttime when the sun is sunk low, ambient illuminance L remains below the illuminance Lon and the light emitting tile continues to maintain the emission state.
Step S4:
Toward daybreak, ambient illuminance L increases gradually. When ambient illuminance L returns to the pre-determined illuminance Loff slightly higher than the prede-termined illuminance Lon, the emission control circuit 9 turns off the switching elements SW1 and SW2 again. The currents stop flowing to the light emitting diodes 4E-4H to turn off the latter. Thus, the light emitting surface 4A
stops shining, and the light emitting tile switches to a non-emission state. Subsequently, the operation returns to step S 1 again.
As described above, the light emitting tile in this em-bodiment has an appropriate in-system power generating function provided by the solar batteries 2 and electric double layer capacitor 3. There is no need for a wiring operation or a subsequent checking operation, to realize improved operability and maintainability. Moreover, the light emitting tile continues to emit light even in time of blackout, which provides improved response to emergency situations.
The planar light emitting member 4, as it is planar, is not too dazzling or offensive to view, which provides an improvement in design.
This invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but may be modified as follows:
(1) In the light emitting tile in the above embodiment, l0 the planar light emitting member 4 has the surface 4I of transparent plate 4B acting as a light scattering surface, and the reverse surface 4J acting as a light reflecting surface. In a modification thereof, the planar light emitting member may have the reverse surface 4J of the transparent plate formed to act as an irregular reflection surface (diffused reflection surface). In the modified light emitting tile, the light emitting surface 4A provides a very soft and mellow feeling, and may allow omission of the light scattering function from the surface 4I of transparent plate 4B.
The irregular reflection surface in this modification may be formed by sandblasting the reverse surface 4J of the transparent plate and laminating a mirror metallic plate on the reverse surface 4J, or by laminating a mirror metallic plate with a sandblast surface on the reverse surface 4J.
(2) In the light emitting tile in the foregoing embodi-ment, the solar batteries 2 are allocated to and arranged along the peripheries of the light emitting surface 4A of pla-nar light emitting member 4. In a modified example, as shown in Fig. 10, the solar batteries 2 are arranged close to one another inwardly of the light emitting surface 4A of pla-nar light emitting member 4. In this modification, the light emitting surface 4A may have enlarged outside dimensions.
Where such light emitting tiles are fitted on a building wall, for example, the tile surface portion 1A extends vertically, thereby to be free from deposits of foreign bodies such as falling leaves and waste paper. Thus, the close-packed arrangement of solar batteries 2 presents no problem.
(3) The light emitting tile in the foregoing embodiment may be modified to include a display plate 11 (display member) as shown in Fig. 11, which is laminated on the light emitting surface 4A.
The display plate 11 defines an arrow mark formed by combining an arrow-shaped transparent region 1A (light 2o transmitting region) with a black regions 11B (light shielding region. The arrow mark may be recognized at night owing to the light emitting function of the light emitting tile.
The display plate 11 has the reverse side of light shielding region 11B formed as a mirror surface. All light radiates from the transparent region 1A without being absorbed by the black region 11B. This results in an outstanding difference in light quantity between the transparent region 1A and black region 11B to render the arrow mark clearly visible. This modified light emitting tile has, besides the light emitting function, a displaying function based on the arrow mark serving as a display.
The type of display is of course not limited to the arrow mark. Instead of laminating the display plate 11, a display 1o may be painted on the light emitting surface 4A.
(4) The light emitting tile in the foregoing embodiment uses the planar light emitting member 4 of the light emitting diode type. Instead, the planar light emitting member 4 may be formed of an EL
(electro-luminescence) element.
(5) In the light emitting tile in the foregoing embodi-ment, where the charging voltage of electric double layer capacitor 3 is insufficient, the solar batteries 2 may be con-netted in series to increase the charging voltage. Or where the double layer capacitor 3 has an insufficient voltage endurance, a plurality of electric double layer capacitors 3 may be connected in series to increase the voltage endurance.
(6) In the light emitting tile in the foregoing embodi-ment, the entire tile surface portion 1A provides a translucent region. The entire tile surface portion 1A need not provide a translucent region, but only a necessary part thereof may provide a translucent region.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A preferred embodiment of this invention will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings.
_7_ Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a light emitting tile according to this invention. Fig. 2 is a view in vertical section showing an interior structure of the light emitting tile. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the light emitting tile.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing light emitting tiles according to this invention as laid in place. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an electric circuit of the light emitting tile.
As shown in Figs.l through 3, each light emitting tile embodying this invention includes a main body 1 formed of transparent glass and having an overall shape similar to a shallow box turned over to a facedown posture. The main body 1 has an upper wall surface defining a tile surface por-tion 1A. The main body 1 has side walls acting as legs 1B
for supporting the tile surface portion 1A. In this embodiment, therefore, the tile surface portion 1A as a whole defines a translucent region.
As shown in Fig. 4, the light emitting tiles in this em-bodiment are embedded in the ground with the tile surface portions 1A exposed. The tile surface portions 1A
constitute a tile surface. Numerous light emitting tiles may be arranged in a matrix form as shown, or only a single light emitting tile may be used on its own.
In the light emitting tile in the embodiment, the plate-like tile surface portion 1A and the legs 1B define a space S under the tile surface portion 1A. This space S is .g.
used to accommodate components necessary to perform a light emitting function. Specifically, as shown in Figs. 1 through 3, the space S formed under the tile surface portion 1A accommodates solar batteries 2 for generating power for light emission, an electric double layer capacitor 3 for storing the power generated by the solar batteries 2, a planar light emitting member 4 for radiating light from the tile surface portion 1A to the ambient, and a printed board 5 having an emission control circuit for switching the planar light emitting member 4 on and off. During the daytime when sunlight pours down, the power generated by the solar batteries 2 accumulates in the electric double layer capacitor 3. When it grows darker toward the evening with the sun setting, the power stored in the double layer capacitor 3 is supplied to the planar light emitting member 4. Then, a light emitting surface 4A automatically emits light, causing the tile to shine.
The light emitting tile in this embodiment has, disposed directly under the tile surface portion 1A, the solar batteries 2 which must receive sunlight from the ambient, and the planar light emitting member 4 which must release light to the ambient. The electric double layer capacitor 3 and printed board 5 having no immediate relationship with the ambient are arranged below the solar batteries 2 and planar light emitting member 4. The components of the light emitting tile will be described in detail hereinafter.
In this embodiment, the space S formed under the tile surface portion 1A of main body 1 is made fully waterproof with a resin sealing. This is achieved by filling a waterproof resin PS through a bottom opening after the components necessary for the light emitting function are mounted in place. Thus, when the light emitting tiles are embedded in the ground as shown in Fig. 4, the components in the space S under the tile surface portion 1A are protected from moisture and water.
As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, each light emitting tile in this embodiment has eight solar batteries 2 divided to extend around the light emitting surface 4A of planar light emitting member 4. The solar batteries 2 are in a parallel arrangement for receiving sunlight penetrating the tile surface portion 1A to generate electromotive forces simultaneously. In this embodiment, each solar battery 2 includes six unit cells 2a connected in series. Of course, the number of unit cells in each solar battery 2 is not limited to a particular number. A suitable number, one or more, is selected according to a voltage needed for each solar battery 2.
In the light emitting tile in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, the solar batteries 2 are connected to the electric double layer capacitor 3 in parallel to each other, and the power generated by each solar battery 2 is stored in the double layer capacitor 3. By connecting the solar batteries 2 in parallel, sufficient power may be stored even when part of the solar batteries 2 are covered with dirt or the like.
Thus, the tile will serve the purpose well even when contaminated.
Instead of connecting all solar batteries 2 in parallel, a series connection may be combined to form a series/parallel connection according to a voltage required. Though only to one electric double layer capacitor 3 is shown in Fig. 5, a plurality of such capacitors may be connected in series or parallel according to an electrostatic capacity needed.
A total quantity of power generated by the solar batter-ies 2 is determined to cope with a small quantity of solar radiation in cloudy or rainy weather during the daytime.
Thus, even in such conditions, the double layer capacitor 3 is charged with electric power to be consumed by a load for the day. The double layer capacitor 3 has a capacity for storing at least the quantity of electric power consumed by the load 2o in a day. Thus, the capacity of double layer capacitor 3 pro-vides a margin 1/5 to 1/30 of a conventional storage battery.
The double layer capacitor 3 is much smaller and lighter than the conventional storage battery.
In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, an overvoltage protection circuit 6, a reverse flow preventive diode 7 and a voltage stabilizer circuit 8 are connected between the solar batteries 2 and double layer capacitor 3.
The overvoltage protection circuit 6 is provided to pre vent the charging voltage of solar batteries 2 from reaching an overcharging voltage in excess of a permissible voltage.
During the nighttime when no electromotive force is gener-ated by the solar batteries 2, power could inadvertently flow from the electric double layer capacitor 3 having a high volt-age back to the solar batteries 2. The reverse flow preven-to tive diode 7 prevents such reverse flow of the power stored in the double layer capacitor 3. The voltage stabilizer circuit 8 prevents variations in the charging voltage and maintains it constant.
On the other hand, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the planar light emitting member 4 has a transparent plate 4B
disposed parallel (i.e. opposed surfaces being parallel) to the tile surface portion 1A, and four light emitting diodes (LEDs) 4E-4H for injecting light from a pair of opposite end surfaces 4C and 4D of the transparent plate 4B into the transparent plate 4B along a direction of a plane thereof.
The transparent plate 4B has a surface 4I opposed to the tile surface portion 1A and acting as a light scattering surface.
The transparent plate 4B has a surface (reverse surface) 4J
remote from the tile surface portion 1A, which acts as a light reflecting surface.
The light emitting diodes 4E and 4F are arranged on the end surface 4C, and the light emitting diodes 4G and 4H
on the end surface 4D, such that light enters the transparent plate 4B in alternate directions as shown in dot-and-dash lines in Fig. 6. These light emitting diodes 4E-4H are inserted and fixed in bores formed in elongate, white opaque resin pieces 4a and 4b placed in close contact with the end surfaces 4C and 4D of transparent plate 4B.
In this embodiment, the transparent plate 4B is in the form of a colorless, transparent acrylic plate. As shown in Fig. 7, the light scattering surface (light scattering device) is formed by sandblasting the surface 4I, while the light reflecting surface is formed by laminating a white coating 4K (light reflecting device) and a white sheet 4L (light reflecting device) on the reverse surface 4J.
The light scattering surface may be formed by laminat-ing a light scattering sheet (light scattering device) on the surface 4I. The light reflecting surface may also be formed by applying a metal film to the reverse surface 4J, or lami-nating a mirror sheet thereon for mirror reflection of incident light.
Further, the end surfaces 4C and 4D of transparent plate 4B act as reflecting surfaces which are provided by white surfaces of opaque resin pieces 4a and 4b. The two remaining end surfaces of transparent plate 4B also are made reflecting surfaces such as by forming white coatings (not shown) thereon. Of course, each end surface of transparent plate 4B may define a reflecting surface having a metallic mirror layer or the like.
When the light emitting diodes 4E-4H are lit, as shown in Fig. 8, the light entering the transparent plate 4B from the light emitting diodes 4E-4H is reflected by the light reflecting surface defined by the reverse surface 4J to travel toward the tile surface portion 1A. The light radiates from the tile surface portion 1A to the ambient while being scattered by the light scattering surface defined by the surface 4I. Since the planar light emitting member 4 is a planar light emitter, the light emitting surface 4A is mellow and pleasing to the eye. Since a large part of incident light is released after the reflection from the light reflecting surface, the light emitting surface 4A is bright. The light emitting surface 4A gives a very mellow impression as a result of the light scattering function (light diffusion) of the light scattering surface. In addition, the light emitting 2o surface 4A radiates light uniformly with little variations, with the light emitting diodes 4E-4H inputting light in alternate directions for substantially uni_forming the incident light to the transparent plate 4B.
The light emitting diodes 4E-4H of planar light emitting member 4 are operable under the following lighting control by the emission control circuit 9.
When ambient illuminance L is found equal to or below a predetermined illuminance Lon, the emission control circuit 9 supplies the power stored in the electric double layer capacitor 3 to the light emitting diodes 4E-4H of planar light emitting member 4. Conversely, when ambient illuminance L is found equal to or above a predetermined illuminance Loff, the emission control circuit 9 stops the power supply to the light emitting diodes 4E-4H.
In this embodiment, the electromotive force of solar batteries 2 is used as a detection signal indicative of ambient illuminance L. The solar batteries 2 act also as optical sensors, and the electromotive force thereof is in a proportional relationship to ambient illuminance L. It is therefore possible to utilize the electromotive force of solar batteries 2 in determining whether the ambient illuminance L is the illuminance (darkness) level for causing the light emitting tiles to emit light or not.
The emission control circuit 9 in this embodiment has the predetermined illuminance Lon for starting the power supply, which is slightly lower than the predetermined illu-minance Loff for stopping the power supply. If the same illuminance were set for starting and stopping the power supply, a chattering phenomenon would occur to repeat starting and stopping of the power supply frequently in response to slight illuminance variations. To avoid such chattering phenomenon, what is known as hysteresis property is provided, whereby the power supply is not stopped after it is started at the predetermined illuminance Lon, unless the ambient illuminance L increases to the slightly higher illuminance Loff.
As shown in Fig. 5, the accumulated power is supplied from the electric double layer capacitor 3 to anodes of light emitting diodes 4E-4H via a booster circuit 10, and cathodes to of light emitting diodes 4E-4H are connected to a common line (grounding line) through switching elements SW1 and SW2. When the accumulated power is supplied, the emission control circuit 9 turns on the switching elements SW1 and SW2 whereby currents flow to the light emitting diodes 4E-4H to light the latter.
In this embodiment, the switching elements SW1 and SW2 are alternately turned on in a short time for power sav-ing purposes. That is, the light emitting diodes 4E-4H
blink at high speed. This presents no problem since a light emission appears to occur continuously in the human eye due to afterglow.
The switching elements SW1 and SW2 may be in the form of transistors, for example. Where the light emitting diodes have a low rated voltage, the booster circuit 10 may be omitted so that the double layer capacitor 3 supplies the accumulated power directly to the light emitting diodes.
The light emitting tile in this embodiment has the overvoltage protection circuit 6, reverse flow preventive diode 7, voltage stabilizer circuit 8, emission control circuit 9, switching elements SW1 and SW2 and booster circuit 10, as well as the electric double layer capacitor 3, which are mounted en bloc on the printed board 5.
Operation of the light emitting tile in the embodiment having the above construction will be described with l0 reference to the flow chart shown in Fig. 9.
Step S1:
During the daytime when the sun is up, each solar bat-tery 2 receiving sunlight generates electric power and trans-wits it to the electric double layer capacitor 3. As a result, power accumulates in the double layer capacitor 3.
Ambient illuminance is high during the daytime, and the emission control circuit 9 maintains the switching elements SW1 and SW2 turned off. Thus, the light emitting diodes 4E-4H are maintained in off state with no current flowing 2o thereto. The light emitting surface 4A does not shine at all.
Step S2:
Ambient illuminance L gradually lowers toward the evening. When ambient illuminance L falls to and below the predetermined illuminance Lon, the emission control circuit 9 alternately turns on the switching elements SW1 and SW2. Thus, currents flow to the light emitting diodes 4E-4H to light the latter. The light emitting surface 4A
begins to shine to set the light emitting tile to a state of light emission.
Step S3:
During the nighttime when the sun is sunk low, ambient illuminance L remains below the illuminance Lon and the light emitting tile continues to maintain the emission state.
Step S4:
Toward daybreak, ambient illuminance L increases gradually. When ambient illuminance L returns to the pre-determined illuminance Loff slightly higher than the prede-termined illuminance Lon, the emission control circuit 9 turns off the switching elements SW1 and SW2 again. The currents stop flowing to the light emitting diodes 4E-4H to turn off the latter. Thus, the light emitting surface 4A
stops shining, and the light emitting tile switches to a non-emission state. Subsequently, the operation returns to step S 1 again.
As described above, the light emitting tile in this em-bodiment has an appropriate in-system power generating function provided by the solar batteries 2 and electric double layer capacitor 3. There is no need for a wiring operation or a subsequent checking operation, to realize improved operability and maintainability. Moreover, the light emitting tile continues to emit light even in time of blackout, which provides improved response to emergency situations.
The planar light emitting member 4, as it is planar, is not too dazzling or offensive to view, which provides an improvement in design.
This invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but may be modified as follows:
(1) In the light emitting tile in the above embodiment, l0 the planar light emitting member 4 has the surface 4I of transparent plate 4B acting as a light scattering surface, and the reverse surface 4J acting as a light reflecting surface. In a modification thereof, the planar light emitting member may have the reverse surface 4J of the transparent plate formed to act as an irregular reflection surface (diffused reflection surface). In the modified light emitting tile, the light emitting surface 4A provides a very soft and mellow feeling, and may allow omission of the light scattering function from the surface 4I of transparent plate 4B.
The irregular reflection surface in this modification may be formed by sandblasting the reverse surface 4J of the transparent plate and laminating a mirror metallic plate on the reverse surface 4J, or by laminating a mirror metallic plate with a sandblast surface on the reverse surface 4J.
(2) In the light emitting tile in the foregoing embodi-ment, the solar batteries 2 are allocated to and arranged along the peripheries of the light emitting surface 4A of pla-nar light emitting member 4. In a modified example, as shown in Fig. 10, the solar batteries 2 are arranged close to one another inwardly of the light emitting surface 4A of pla-nar light emitting member 4. In this modification, the light emitting surface 4A may have enlarged outside dimensions.
Where such light emitting tiles are fitted on a building wall, for example, the tile surface portion 1A extends vertically, thereby to be free from deposits of foreign bodies such as falling leaves and waste paper. Thus, the close-packed arrangement of solar batteries 2 presents no problem.
(3) The light emitting tile in the foregoing embodiment may be modified to include a display plate 11 (display member) as shown in Fig. 11, which is laminated on the light emitting surface 4A.
The display plate 11 defines an arrow mark formed by combining an arrow-shaped transparent region 1A (light 2o transmitting region) with a black regions 11B (light shielding region. The arrow mark may be recognized at night owing to the light emitting function of the light emitting tile.
The display plate 11 has the reverse side of light shielding region 11B formed as a mirror surface. All light radiates from the transparent region 1A without being absorbed by the black region 11B. This results in an outstanding difference in light quantity between the transparent region 1A and black region 11B to render the arrow mark clearly visible. This modified light emitting tile has, besides the light emitting function, a displaying function based on the arrow mark serving as a display.
The type of display is of course not limited to the arrow mark. Instead of laminating the display plate 11, a display 1o may be painted on the light emitting surface 4A.
(4) The light emitting tile in the foregoing embodiment uses the planar light emitting member 4 of the light emitting diode type. Instead, the planar light emitting member 4 may be formed of an EL
(electro-luminescence) element.
(5) In the light emitting tile in the foregoing embodi-ment, where the charging voltage of electric double layer capacitor 3 is insufficient, the solar batteries 2 may be con-netted in series to increase the charging voltage. Or where the double layer capacitor 3 has an insufficient voltage endurance, a plurality of electric double layer capacitors 3 may be connected in series to increase the voltage endurance.
(6) In the light emitting tile in the foregoing embodi-ment, the entire tile surface portion 1A provides a translucent region. The entire tile surface portion 1A need not provide a translucent region, but only a necessary part thereof may provide a translucent region.
(7) The light emitting tile in the foregoing embodiment includes legs 1B formed peripherally of the tile surface portion 1A. The tile surface portion 1A may be formed completely plate-shaped, with the components necessary for the light emitting function mounted in a separate container and attached to the reverse surface of tile l0 surface portion 1A.
(8) The light emitting tile of this invention is not lim-ited in application to embedment in road and wall surfaces.
The tile may be used as a lid of a fire hydrant, for example.
This allows the fire hydrant to be located readily at night.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.
The tile may be used as a lid of a fire hydrant, for example.
This allows the fire hydrant to be located readily at night.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.
Claims (20)
1. A light emitting tile for use on road and wall surfaces and the like, comprising:
a plate-like tile surface portion at least partly defining a translucent region;
a plurality of solar batteries including a parallel construction and arranged such that each battery receives sunlight penetrating the translucent region of the tile surface to generate an electromotive force;
an electric double layer capacitor for storing electric power generated by the solar batteries;
planar light emitting means disposed with a light emit-ting surface thereof opposed to a reverse surface of the tile surface portion; and emission control means operable, when ambient illumi-nance is blow a predetermined illuminance level, for auto-matically supplying the electric power stored in the electric double layer capacitor to the planar light emitting means to illuminate the light emitting surface of the planar light emitting means.
a plate-like tile surface portion at least partly defining a translucent region;
a plurality of solar batteries including a parallel construction and arranged such that each battery receives sunlight penetrating the translucent region of the tile surface to generate an electromotive force;
an electric double layer capacitor for storing electric power generated by the solar batteries;
planar light emitting means disposed with a light emit-ting surface thereof opposed to a reverse surface of the tile surface portion; and emission control means operable, when ambient illumi-nance is blow a predetermined illuminance level, for auto-matically supplying the electric power stored in the electric double layer capacitor to the planar light emitting means to illuminate the light emitting surface of the planar light emitting means.
2. (canceled)
3. A light emitting tile as defined in claim 1, wherein the planar light emitting means has a transparent plate disposed parallel to the tile surface portion, light projecting means for injecting light from end surfaces of the transparent plate into the transparent plate along a direction of a plane thereof, light scattering means with a surface of the transparent plate close to the tile surface portion acting as a light scattering surface, and light reflecting means with a surface of the transparent plate remote from the tile surface portion acting as a light reflecting surface.
4. (canceled)
5. A light emitting tile as defined in claim 1, wherein the planar light emitting means has a transparent plate disposed parallel to the tile surface portion, light projecting means for injecting light from end surfaces of the transparent plate into the transparent plate along a direction of a plane thereof, and irregular light reflecting means with a surface of the transparent plate remote from the tile surface portion acting as an irregular reflection surface.
6. (canceled)
7. A light emitting tile as defined in claim 3, wherein said light projecting means has a plurality of light sources allo-cated to opposed end surfaces, the light sources being arranged in positions for injecting light in alternate directions into the transparent plate.
8. A light emitting tile as defined in claim 5, wherein said light projecting means has a plurality of light sources allo-cated to opposed end surfaces, the light sources being arranged in positions for injecting light in alternate directions into the transparent plate.
9. A light emitting tile as defined in claim 1, wherein the solar batteries are arranged around the light emitting surface of the planar light emitting means.
10. (canceled)
11. A light emitting tile as defined in claim 3, wherein the solar batteries are arranged around the light emitting surface of the planar light emitting means.
12. A light emitting tile as defined in claim 5, wherein the solar batteries are arranged around the light emitting surface of the planar light emitting means.
13. A light emitting tile as defined in Maim 7, wherein the solar batteries are arranged around the light emitting surface of the planar light emitting means.
14. A light emitting tile as defined in claim 1, further com-prising a display member disposed on the light emitting sur-face of the planar light emitting means.
15. (canceled)
16. A light emitting tile as defined in claim 3, further com-prising a display member disposed on the light emitting sur-face of the planar light emitting means.
17. A light emitting tile as defined in claim 6, further com-prising a display member disposed on the light emitting sur-face of the planar light emitting means.
18. A light emitting tile ac defined in claim 7, further com-prising a display member disposed on the light emitting sur-face of the planar light emitting means.
19. A light emitting tile as defined in claim 10, further com-prising a display member disposed on the light emitting sur-face of the planar light emitting means.
20. A light emitting tile as defined in claim 14, wherein the display member is formed by a combination of a light trans-mitting region and a shielding region, with a light reflecting surface formed on a reverse aide of the shielding region.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP11/104058 | 1999-04-12 | ||
| JP10405899A JP3628208B2 (en) | 1999-04-12 | 1999-04-12 | Luminous tile |
| PCT/JP2000/002251 WO2000061873A1 (en) | 1999-04-12 | 2000-04-06 | Luminescent tile |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2397577A1 true CA2397577A1 (en) | 2000-10-19 |
Family
ID=14370599
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002397577A Abandoned CA2397577A1 (en) | 1999-04-12 | 2000-04-06 | Light emitting tile |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3628208B2 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR100677726B1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU5646100A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2397577A1 (en) |
| MY (1) | MY127757A (en) |
| TW (1) | TW566447U (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2000061873A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007115736A1 (en) * | 2006-04-04 | 2007-10-18 | Thomas Emde | Illuminable panel arrangement |
| WO2012147041A1 (en) * | 2011-04-28 | 2012-11-01 | Seves S.P.A. | Brick with photovoltaic cell |
| EP2781268A1 (en) * | 2013-03-22 | 2014-09-24 | Hoeks Beheer B.V. | Assembly, in particular a play fountain |
| WO2014167194A1 (en) * | 2013-04-10 | 2014-10-16 | Sunpartner Technologies | Device for lighting or backlighting an image placed in front of or behind a solar panel |
| CN105386582A (en) * | 2015-12-17 | 2016-03-09 | 苏州奥莱鑫建材有限公司 | Solar energy absorption color change ceramic tile |
| US9802214B2 (en) | 2010-07-04 | 2017-10-31 | Ice-World Holding B.V. | Play fountain |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR100965239B1 (en) | 2003-08-20 | 2010-06-22 | 삼성에스디아이 주식회사 | A lighting block using solar cell |
| ES2262404B2 (en) * | 2004-09-16 | 2007-11-16 | PROGRESO Y DESARROLLO MEDIOAMBIENTAL & ESIM, S.A. | TILE FOR ELEVATED STEP. |
| CN100449060C (en) * | 2005-12-16 | 2009-01-07 | 交通部公路科学研究院 | Central power supply type solar dynamic sight line inducing installation and setting method thereof |
| JP5297216B2 (en) * | 2009-02-03 | 2013-09-25 | パナソニック株式会社 | Building material with lighting function |
| WO2010137758A1 (en) * | 2009-05-28 | 2010-12-02 | 아크로솔 주식회사 | Light emitting tile |
| JP2013112940A (en) * | 2011-11-25 | 2013-06-10 | Mitsubishi Chemicals Corp | Luminous building material panel for outdoor use and method for manufacturing the same |
| PL400957A1 (en) * | 2012-09-27 | 2014-03-31 | Marek Furmanek | Construction element |
| CN105002806A (en) * | 2015-07-30 | 2015-10-28 | 常州南夏墅建设有限公司 | Light-emitting type floor tile structure |
| CN108302425B (en) * | 2018-02-11 | 2019-11-29 | 深圳慧通光电有限公司 | Road surface diffusing reflection formula landscape brightening and indicating module and system based on solar energy and LED array |
| US11353182B1 (en) * | 2021-07-22 | 2022-06-07 | E. Mishan & Sons, Inc. | Solar disk light with selectable color |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2698183B2 (en) * | 1989-08-10 | 1998-01-19 | 三洋電機株式会社 | Light-emitting panel and display using the same |
| JP3256092B2 (en) * | 1994-09-08 | 2002-02-12 | 積水樹脂株式会社 | Light-emitting road tack |
| KR0130642Y1 (en) * | 1995-08-04 | 1998-12-15 | 전종현 | Organic plastic tile with built-in diode |
| JPH10140747A (en) * | 1996-11-06 | 1998-05-26 | Sekisui Chem Co Ltd | Manufacture of solar-cell tile |
| JPH10219638A (en) * | 1997-02-04 | 1998-08-18 | Koichi Ogawa | Luminescent block |
| JPH11175014A (en) * | 1997-12-12 | 1999-07-02 | Misawa Homes Co Ltd | Solar cell tile |
-
1999
- 1999-04-12 JP JP10405899A patent/JP3628208B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-07-07 KR KR1019990027223A patent/KR100677726B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2000
- 2000-04-06 WO PCT/JP2000/002251 patent/WO2000061873A1/en active Application Filing
- 2000-04-06 AU AU56461/00A patent/AU5646100A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-04-06 CA CA002397577A patent/CA2397577A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-04-07 TW TW091220879U patent/TW566447U/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2000-04-11 MY MYPI20001519A patent/MY127757A/en unknown
Cited By (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007115736A1 (en) * | 2006-04-04 | 2007-10-18 | Thomas Emde | Illuminable panel arrangement |
| US9802214B2 (en) | 2010-07-04 | 2017-10-31 | Ice-World Holding B.V. | Play fountain |
| WO2012147041A1 (en) * | 2011-04-28 | 2012-11-01 | Seves S.P.A. | Brick with photovoltaic cell |
| EP2781268A1 (en) * | 2013-03-22 | 2014-09-24 | Hoeks Beheer B.V. | Assembly, in particular a play fountain |
| WO2014147218A1 (en) * | 2013-03-22 | 2014-09-25 | Hoeks Beheer B.V. | Assembly, in particular a play fountain |
| CN105307781A (en) * | 2013-03-22 | 2016-02-03 | 霍克斯比希尔公司 | Assembly, in particular a play fountain |
| RU2662527C2 (en) * | 2013-03-22 | 2018-07-26 | Хукс Бехер Б.В. | Assembly, in particular play fountain |
| US10166568B2 (en) | 2013-03-22 | 2019-01-01 | Hoeks Beheer B.V. | Assembly, in particular a play fountain |
| WO2014167194A1 (en) * | 2013-04-10 | 2014-10-16 | Sunpartner Technologies | Device for lighting or backlighting an image placed in front of or behind a solar panel |
| FR3004584A1 (en) * | 2013-04-11 | 2014-10-17 | Wysips | DEVICE FOR LIGHTING OR BACKLIGHTING AN IMAGE PLACED IN FRONT OR BEHIND A SOLAR PANEL |
| CN105386582A (en) * | 2015-12-17 | 2016-03-09 | 苏州奥莱鑫建材有限公司 | Solar energy absorption color change ceramic tile |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP3628208B2 (en) | 2005-03-09 |
| TW566447U (en) | 2003-12-11 |
| KR20000067750A (en) | 2000-11-25 |
| WO2000061873A1 (en) | 2000-10-19 |
| AU5646100A (en) | 2000-11-14 |
| KR100677726B1 (en) | 2007-02-02 |
| JP2000290945A (en) | 2000-10-17 |
| MY127757A (en) | 2006-12-29 |
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