DE20303618U1 - Illuminated body for information display or decoration has light emitting diodes fully enclosed within the unit - Google Patents

Abstract

An illuminated unit comprises a transparent body (2) with base and side surfaces angled to the base and containing at least one LED (8) whose main radiation beam makes a large angle to the surfaces. The LED is completely enclosed in a receiving space within the body. Independent claims are also included for show cabinets, handrails, information carriers and neon signs illuminated as above.

Description

Luminaires with LED ' s

The invention relates to a luminous element with a body made of a light-conducting material with a base surface and adjacent side surfaces which enclose an angle to the base surface, wherein at least one LED is arranged in the body, the main radiation direction of which encloses a larger angle to the base surface than to the side surfaces adjacent to the body base surface.

Such lighting fixtures are widely known and are used, for example, as information and/or advertising displays or as decorative objects. Such lighting fixtures usually have a separate holder for the LEDs, which is arranged on a narrow side of the body. This construction is complex, causes light losses due to the distance between the LEDs and the light entry surface of the body and requires increased effort if the lighting fixture is to be used outdoors exposed to the weather.

Other lighting fixtures are known in which the LEDs are arranged with one end section in blind holes in the body. A separate bracket is also required here to fix the position of the LEDs, so the problems mentioned above exist.

The invention is based on the object of creating a generic luminaire with LEDs that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture and also provides a

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has a long service life.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a light body in which at least one, several or all LEDs are arranged completely in a receiving area of the body. The LEDs are thus completely protected by the body and a separate holder for the LEDs is unnecessary. The particularly sensitive connection areas of the LEDs can also be arranged in the body in a simple manner. The body can also be provided with at least one groove for receiving power supplies, which represents a discharge line or connects two or more LEDs to one another, wherein the LED receiving area and/or the connecting groove can be arranged in the body base or a side surface.

The connecting groove can, regardless of its arrangement, extend around a partial or entire circumference of the body and can have curved or angled areas. The side surfaces preferably enclose an angle of 30° to 150°, in particular 60° to 120° to the base surface, without being limited to this, and preferably they are substantially perpendicular to the base surface.

The main radiation direction of the LED can form an angle of 45 to 135° to the base surface, without being limited to this, preferably 60 - 120°, particularly preferably essentially 90°, and form a smaller angle to the side surfaces adjacent to these, for example less than 60°, less than 15-30° or preferably essentially parallel to at least one or all of the side surfaces or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. Larger deviations from a perpendicular main radiation direction to the base surface and parallel to the side surfaces are possible in particular if the luminous body deviates more strongly from a substantially cuboid shape or if the groove base has an angle to the groove flanks and/or to the side surface towards which the groove is open. The angle to the base surface

Neighbouring side surfaces can be directly connected to the base surface or separated by transition areas; they essentially limit the body laterally. The base surface can be arranged essentially horizontally but also vertically or at an angle in the assembly arrangement of the body. The base surface and one or all side surfaces can be flat, curved or structured or designed in another way independently of one another. Depending on the area of application, 1, 2 to 10, up to 20 or more LEDs can be arranged in the body.

Further advantageous embodiments and applications of the luminous element according to the invention emerge from the subclaims and the further independent claims.

At least one, several or all of the LEDs can be so-called SMD LEDs or conventional LEDs with a diameter of a few millimeters, e.g. in the range of 2-6mm, e.g. 4mm, without being limited thereto.

The body, which consists of a light-conducting material, which can be transparent or colored but can also have a certain intrinsic light scattering, is preferably made of a plastic material, e.g. a polymethyl methacrylate (plexiglass), acrylic plastic, Macrolon (trademark Bayer) or the like, preferably one with the highest possible refractive index, without being limited to this.

Preferably, a groove is incorporated in a side surface of the body, which is open towards the side surface and in which the at least one or more LEDs are arranged, preferably with an LED side surface facing the groove base or enclosing an angle of less than 45° or less than 20° or 10°. The introduction of a laterally open groove in a body is easy to carry out, for example, by milling or by other material-removing methods, even when a large number of LEDs are arranged. Furthermore, the side

The surface with the open groove can be arranged adjacent to or opposite the side of the body that is most exposed to the weather, so that the LEDs are shielded from the outside by the body. Leaks from a separate holder are thus safely avoided.

The groove or the receiving area in general accommodates the at least one LED preferably without undercuts, so that the LED can be easily inserted into the body from the side.

The groove can extend in particular essentially parallel to a boundary edge or the boundary edge of the body closest to the groove, but can also take up any other suitable position. The respective groove can be adapted to accommodate just one LED, so that when a large number of LEDs are arranged on the body, a large number of grooves are provided, or several LEDs can be arranged in one groove. Regardless of the number of LEDs per groove, the main radiation direction of the LEDs can be in the direction of one of the groove flanks or towards the groove base at an angle of 35° to 145°, without being limited to this, preferably 60° to 120° or 70° to 100°, preferably essentially perpendicular to a groove flank or to the groove base. The groove length can essentially correspond to the LED length, whereby the LEDs can be arranged laterally to the groove base; if several LEDs are arranged in a groove, the groove width can essentially correspond to the LED length.

The receiving areas of the LEDs can be separated from each other by wall areas, which can essentially be designed in the form of webs and preferably extend over the entire height of the groove. The wall areas can consist of separate components or preferably of body areas that are machined out of the body, preferably by a material-removing process such as milling or another suitable

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The receiving areas can surround the LEDs on the sides so that the play on each side is less than or equal to 50%, less than or equal to 20% or less, so that the receiving areas provide at least a pre-orientation of the LEDs. The width of the groove-shaped connecting areas can be significantly smaller than the width or length of the LED receiving areas, but can also correspond to this or possibly exceed it. The longitudinal direction of the LED receiving areas, which can essentially correspond to the main LED emission direction, can enclose an angle of 30° to 150° with the longitudinal extension of the connecting grooves, without being restricted to this, of 60° to 120° or preferably essentially 90°.

The groove-shaped connection area for receiving power supplies can extend over a large number of LED receiving areas, preferably extending essentially linearly or parallel to a boundary edge of the body, for example the next adjacent one. The LED receiving areas can extend laterally from the connection groove and extend from this over at least the length of the LED, but the LEDs can also be arranged in a partial area in the connection grooves.

The connecting grooves preferably open out with an end region and/or a branch on a side surface, which is preferably adjacent to the side surface with the groove open towards it, or in a base surface. The groove can extend openly up to this surface. The connecting groove is preferably arranged in such a way that the body can be cut to length at any point or at predetermined points in order to produce body elements that are identical or that differ by one or more identity periods but are otherwise structurally identical. For this purpose, lateral branches or corresponding end regions can be provided periodically on the connecting groove, for example.

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The LEDs and, if applicable, the power supply lines can be fixed in the respective groove areas using a preferably flexible filling compound, which can also be a sealing compound, e.g. a silicone resin, acrylic resin or another sealing compound that is, if possible, weather-resistant, ensures a watertight seal and is matched to the body material, whereby the filling compound can completely seal the respective groove-shaped areas towards the open side or practically completely fill the groove-shaped areas. The filling compound can also partially or completely surround the LEDs in their light-emitting area and partially or completely fill the space between the LED and the body, for which purpose the filling compound has sufficient light permeability for the LED light or is preferably transparent.

The body can be designed as a plate, i.e. it can have two large-surface side surfaces that are essentially plane-parallel to one another and are bordered by narrow sides whose width is many times smaller than the width of the large surfaces. The groove-shaped LED receiving areas and/or groove-shaped connecting areas are preferably incorporated in one of the large-surface side surfaces, the main radiation direction of the LEDs can be, for example, in an angle range of -45° to +45°, -30° to +30° to the side surfaces, preferably essentially parallel to the large side surfaces.

The groove-shaped LED receiving and connection areas are preferably arranged on a side surface adjacent to the body base surface.

The groove depth of the LED receiving areas can be approximately equal to or greater than the LED diameter, e.g. in the range of 1.1 to 1.5 or 2 times the LED diameter or deeper. The groove depth of the connection areas can be smaller than or equal to the groove width, but is not limited to this.

In the case of a plate-like body design, the plate thickness can be less than or equal to three times, less than or equal to twice or less than or equal to 1.5 times the LED diameter, but is not limited to this.

If one of the side surfaces of the body is provided with a roughened area which is illuminated by the at least one LED, the light-emitting area of at least one or all of the LEDs can be arranged at the level of the roughened area, preferably the entire LED in each case. The area of the body which emits light to the outside can thus have a comparatively large area, and due to the light-conducting properties of the body material, the area around the LEDs is also evenly illuminated compared to other areas. This significantly simplifies the manufacturing effort. The roughened area can also extend in at least one or in all directions over the entire or almost entire side surface of the body, so that the shape of the body itself serves as an information carrier, e.g. if the body is designed in the form of a letter, number or other symbol. The body can be cut out of larger plate sections. This makes it easy to produce large-scale illuminated signs or lettering. Surprisingly, such large-area bodies can be sufficiently illuminated by a relatively small number of LEDs to be easily seen in the dark, even at greater distances. Furthermore, this makes the roughening process much easier in order to apply the relevant information to the side surface of the body, since practically the entire side surface can be roughened, and not just parts of parts that cannot be roughened have to be roughened.

All narrow sides of the body can be essentially smooth, so that the light-emitting surface of the body is essentially

chen can be one of its large-area side surfaces. The term "smooth" in the sense of the invention means that the roughness is significantly below the roughness of a roughened surface and that the light emission through the smooth surface is essentially defined by the conditions of total reflection taking into account the body geometry or is many times lower than that of a roughened surface, e.g. less than 20%, less than 5% or less than 1% of the same per unit area.

Alternatively, at least one or all of the narrow sides and, if applicable, also the large side surface opposite the viewing surface of the body can be partially or completely roughened, which significantly simplifies the manufacture of the luminous elements, since transitions between roughened and non-roughened areas are avoided or do not appear on the viewing surface of the body.

Roughening can be done by etching, sandblasting, brushing or any other suitable method; it can be done superficially or by making deep trenches.

The body can be designed in the shape of a strip and be provided with a large number of LEDs, the main radiation direction of which encloses an angle to the longitudinal direction of the strip, e.g. > 45° or > 60°, without being limited to this, preferably essentially 90°, with the side surface lying in the main radiation direction preferably enclosing an angle of > 45° or > 60°, without being limited to this, preferably essentially 90°, with the main radiation direction of the LEDs. The luminous body can thus be used in the form of a light strip.

Preferably, the body is held in a groove of a profile rail, which may optionally have several longitudinal grooves, preferably 2, 3 or 4, but optionally also

more, each of which is equipped with at least one body. The bodies preferably extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the profile rail. The at least one or all of the bodies are preferably designed in the form of plates, in particular in the form of strips. The profile rail can be flush with at least one, preferably with all of the bodies at both ends. The at least one or all of the bodies can be accommodated by the profile rail over the entire height and/or the entire length. At least one or all of the bodies can also protrude from the profile rail in height, i.e. in the main radiation direction of the LEDs, and/or the length of the profile rail. The bodies can be arranged on different sides of the profile rail, preferably in pairs opposite one another, whereby one or more further bodies can be provided on the profile rail in addition to those mentioned. The bodies can also be evenly or unevenly distributed over the circumference or part of the circumference of the profile rail, e.g. at angular intervals of 90° or 120°, without being limited to this. The profile rail is preferably a section of a profile piece that can be cut to any length, e.g. a profile produced in a continuous process such as an extrusion process; the profile rail can also have a cross-section that changes over the length. The profile rail can have a polygonal cross-section, e.g. 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-sided, without being limited to this; the cross-section can also be round, oval or of some other design. Each of the side surfaces of the profile can be equipped with at least one body; there can also be unequipped surfaces in between, preferably regularly.

Inventive luminous bodies can be used in a watertight arrangement of the LEDs, in particular in combination with the profile rails described above but also independently of these, advantageously in devices, vessels or containers with a liquid receiving space, and for this purpose in the liquid-filled or intended-to-be-filled

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The light sources, particularly the areas equipped with LEDs, can thus be used under water or in other liquids to illuminate the interior of the device, container or vessel or to illuminate objects arranged in it. Areas of application include, for example, aquariums, ponds, fountains, water features or the like, but are not limited to these.

In addition to holding the body, the profile rail can serve other functions, such as a handrail for a railing, a parapet, an elevator, an escalator or the like. In particular, a body according to the invention can also serve as a lighting unit for a display case or a showcase, not only due to its narrow dimensions but also due to the low heat emission of the LEDs. The body can be arranged in the holder of the display case or showcase panes, preferably on the inside. Alternatively, the body can be arranged laterally, preferably on the inside, on the holders of the display case or sight glass panes and can preferably rest linearly or over a large area on the respective holders.

If the body is arranged in a holder, which can also be designed as a profile rail, the holder preferably holds the body at a height such that the groove-shaped connection areas and/or the LED receiving areas are at least approximately completely or more fully accommodated by the holder.

According to a further application, an extension piece made of a light-conducting material, which is preferably designed in a plate-like manner, can be detachably or permanently connected to the body, whereby the mutual contact surfaces of the body and extension piece are preferably of the same size, so that a burr- and step-free transition between the extension piece and the body is ensured. The extension piece can also be connected to the body in one,

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encompass both or more sides. Preferably, the contact surfaces of the extension piece and the body lie against each other over the entire surface and without gaps in order to avoid reflection losses.

As described above for the body, the extension piece can have exclusively substantially smooth surfaces, surfaces with roughened areas or surfaces that are roughened over their entire height and width, so that the light emitted by the at least one LED arranged in the body is emitted from a partially or completely roughened surface or, if appropriate, taking into account a curvature of the extension piece, exits the extension piece substantially in the direction of the main emission direction of the LEDs.

It is understood that the attachment piece can be designed as a flat body or can take on practically any other shape, including shapes curved in a plane or in space as well as complex three-dimensional structures. The attachment piece can differ from the body in particular with regard to an optical property such as color or roughness, so that the luminous body can be varied in many ways by replacing the attachment piece.

The body can have at least two groups of LEDs, each with at least one or more LEDs, preferably arranged in rows, whereby the LEDs within a group have a substantially parallel main emission direction and the main emission directions of the LEDs of different groups enclose an angle to one another. If necessary, more than two groups can also be provided. The included angle can be between +/- 5° and 180°, preferably between 20° and 90°, for example approximately 45°-60°, or other suitable values. Preferably, the LEDs of a group are connected to one another by one or more connecting grooves for receiving power supplies, whereby different groups can be assigned different power supplies.

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It is understood that in all embodiments of the light body, at least one circuit board can be provided for supplying power to the LEDs, whereby the circuit board can be arranged on the body or on the power supply for the LEDs, which can be spaced apart from the body by power leads. Furthermore, a dimmer can be provided for adjusting the brightness of the LEDs.
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The body can have several LEDs that emit light of different colors, whereby LEDs of different colors can preferably be operated independently of each other.

The invention further relates to a light body with at least one body made of a light-conducting material with a base surface and adjacent side surfaces that enclose an angle to the base surface, with one or more bodies being assigned a total of at least two LEDs, the main beam direction of which encloses a larger angle to the base surface than to the side surfaces adjacent to the body base surface. The body can be designed in the manner described in detail above, but some or all of the LEDs can also be arranged partially or completely outside the body, so that the light emitted by the LEDs enters the base surface of the body and exits the body at a different surface, e.g. an opposite surface. The body can also be designed in the form of an at least partially transparent cover for the LEDs. In order to be able to vary the lighting properties of the luminous element in a variety of ways, which can be time-dependent as well as different essentially stationary operating states, which can optionally alternate with one another, it is further proposed according to the invention to provide a sequencer which controls different LED groups, each of which independently of one another has at least one

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or several LEDs, simultaneously and/or sequentially with an operating parameter of the LEDs, which causes a change in the light emission of at least one or more LED groups. The change in the light emission can, for example, relate to a change in the brightness or luminosity of the respective LED group. Preferably, LEDs of different colors are assigned to different groups, whereby several groups of LEDs of the same color or several LEDs of different colors can be combined in one group.

According to an alternative, several LED groups can be assigned to one body or to several bodies that are distributed over the luminous body, so that the multiple bodies result in a preferably uniform, but not necessarily uniform, light emission from the luminous body for the observer.

According to a further alternative, several LED groups can be assigned to two or more bodies that are perceived separately by an observer, so that the light emitted by one or both of the bodies results in different appearances for the observer with regard to the light emitting surface of the luminous body. Such an arrangement is specified, for example, when different bodies are assigned to different elements of a symbol, in particular an alphanumeric character such as a letter or a number, so that the operation of the LEDs of a first body results in a different symbol for the observer than when the LEDs assigned to another element or both or more elements are operated. For example, alphanumeric characters can be represented by seven bar-shaped luminous bodies that are arranged in the manner of the number 8. Each of these bars can thus represent an element that is generated by a body, possibly also by several bodies. By operating several of the elements

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This means that all Arabic numerals, for example, can be displayed. The same applies to the display of letters or other symbols.

Preferably, LEDs of different colors are arranged in at least one, several or all of the elements, so that the elements can appear in light of different colors. Preferably, several groups of at least one or more LEDs can be controlled differently at the same time using an operating parameter, in particular the LED through-current, so that the LEDs of different colors emit light of different intensities, so that different or all mixed colors that can be generated from the primary colors of the LEDs, e.g. blue, green, red, orange, can be displayed by operating the LEDs of different colors with different brightnesses.

Preferably, the sequencer is assigned to several groups of elements, each group of elements representing a symbol, so that several symbols can be illuminated simultaneously or one after the other, preferably in a predetermined or freely selectable sequence, using the LEDs. The symbols can be arranged in the manner of a neon sign, for example. The chronological sequence of the activation of the elements of different symbols can be carried out by a microchip or another suitable control, in particular a programmable control.

Preferably, the time resolution of the sequencer with which different elements of one or different symbols can be controlled is less than one second or less than a tenth of a second, preferably less than the order of magnitude or the threshold value of the time resolution of the human eye, which is in the range of 1/30 of a second, so that the symbol change, e.g. in the form of a neon sign, is perceived continuously or quasi-continuously by the human eye.

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Preferably, the circuit boards associated with the LEDs of at least some or all of the elements are arranged directly on the elements. The elements can be designed in the form of a previously described body which partially or preferably completely accommodates the respective LEDs; the elements can also each consist of just a cover plate which is at least partially transparent to the light imitated by the LEDs.

By coupling the LEDs of different elements with a sequencer to operate the LEDs with different brightnesses, for example, a scrolling text can be generated in different colors, for example the colors of the LEDs or in selected or any mixed colors from these. Accordingly, when the LED groups are assigned to an element, the color of the element can be changed over time, regardless of its integration into a neon sign.

The invention is described below by way of example and explained using the figures.

Figure 1 shows schematically a luminous element 1 according to the invention in perspective view, with a body 2, a base 3 and side surfaces 4, which are arranged at an angle to the base, wherein the one-piece body has an approximately cuboid-shaped base 2a and an approximately cylindrical luminous area 5, which is roughened to achieve a lateral radiation direction. In the side surface 6 of the base, a groove 7 is worked in, which is open towards this side surface, in which an LED 8 is arranged, which is completely accommodated in the groove 7 and whose main radiation direction is arranged essentially parallel to the cylinder axis 9 or can enclose an angle to it. Due to the fully

By permanently holding the LED in the groove, it is essentially protected from external influences and light losses are reduced. It goes without saying that the base is also essentially cylindrical and is only cuboid-shaped to facilitate the insertion of a groove or the arrangement in a holder.

Figure 2 shows a plate-like body 10 with opposing, essentially plane-parallel, large-area side surfaces 11, wherein several receiving areas 12 for LEDs 13 are milled into one of the side surfaces, wherein the main emission direction 13a of the LEDs is aligned perpendicular to a partial area of the body base surface, wherein the body base surface is flat here. The LEDs are arranged completely in the receiving areas, the receiving areas are connected by groove-shaped connecting areas 14 for receiving power supplies for the LEDs, wherein the longitudinal axes of the LED receiving areas are arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal directions of the connecting grooves. The connecting areas also extend parallel to the boundary edge 15 of the body. The depth of the connecting areas can correspond to the depth of the receiving areas or be such that it ends essentially at the level of the power supply leads from the LEDs, so that the LED leads can be placed directly on the groove base of the connecting areas in order to avoid damage. The LED receiving areas are designed in the form of pockets and are separated from one another by wall areas 16 that are machined out of the body. Both the connection areas and the receiving areas are free of undercuts so that the LEDs and power supplies can be easily inserted, but undercuts can also be provided if necessary.

The groove flanks 17 of the receiving areas and connecting areas are also perpendicular to the main plane of the body, which also applies to bent, curved or otherwise profiled side

surfaces, regardless of the plate-like shape of the body. Alternatively or simultaneously, the groove-shaped connecting region can have a branch 18 or an end region 19 which open into the base surface 20 or a side surface 21 adjacent to the side surface 11 provided with a groove or also a surface opposite the base surface, and are open towards the same side surface 11 with respect to the open groove flank. The branch or end region can also be separated from the connecting region or an LED receiving region by a change in the groove cross-section, ζ. B. in the form of a cross-sectional narrowing, in order to be able to handle the current guides appropriately. The end region here represents an extension of the groove-shaped receiving region, so that any units can be cut to length from the body, particularly in the case of a strip-like design, in order to provide lighting elements according to the invention, as shown by the dashed line in the figure.

The LEDs and the power supply lines are fixed within the respective grooves with a sealing compound 22 that is flexible even when set, e.g. an acrylic resin or a sealing compound that essentially does not release any solvents, decomposition products or water, such as is sold under the trade name "Bostik", in order to prevent corrosion on the LEDs or power supply lines. The sealing compound can also partially or completely fill a gap between the light-emitting area of the LEDs and the body, for which purpose the sealing compound is designed to be light-conducting or light-permeable or preferably transparent in order to reduce light losses due to total reflection when entering the body.

The side surface 23 of the body, which is to be arranged in the direction of view, has a roughened area by sandblasting, which has the shape of a symbol (letter, number, logo or the like) and is brightened considerably more by the LED light.

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than the adjacent smooth areas of the side surface.

Figure 3 shows a similar embodiment of a light body as in Figure 2, the difference being essentially that the shape of the body 30 itself is in the form of a symbol, so that the entire side surface 31 is illuminated by the LEDs 32, which are suitably arranged and accommodated in receiving areas not shown. The LEDs are arranged at the level of the roughened area, and this also avoids complex manufacturing-related demarcations between roughened and non-roughened surface areas of the body. This design is particularly suitable for large-area information carriers, the body can have the shape of a letter, number, logo or the like. The schematically shown connecting groove 34 extends in an arc around a partial circumference of the body. The narrow sides 33 of the body, in particular the side opposite the base surface 35, which is preferably arranged partially or completely perpendicular to the main radiation direction of the LEDs, can be smooth or roughened, which can also apply to the other narrow sides of the body. This allows the lighting properties of the lamp to be adapted to the respective requirements.

Figure 4 shows a handrail 40 in the form of a profile strip 41 with a longitudinal groove 42, in which a light body according to the invention with a strip-shaped body 43 with LEDs 44 is inserted, which can otherwise correspond essentially to the body according to Figure 2. The profile strip has the shape of an endless extruded profile, but it can also have any structure. The handrail is provided with fastening areas 45 extending to the side for attachment to a wall or other support. The longitudinal extension of the strip-shaped body is parallel to the longitudinal extension of the profile strip. The main radiation direction 46 of the LEDs can be essentially perpendicular when the handrail is mounted.

downwards or to the side, without being limited to this. For this purpose, a groove (provided alternatively) can be arranged diagonally downwards, a body 47 with a lateral angle or bend can also be provided. The number and power of the LEDs can be selected so that the light body serves essentially decorative purposes or to illuminate the walking area in the manner of emergency lighting or the like. It is understood that the light body can also be designed, for example, as a cladding element of a railing that extends over a large or almost the entire height of the railing, whereby the light can emerge from the body on a narrow side and/or a large side surface.

Figure 5 shows a light body 50 with a strip-like body, which is held in a base 51 or is itself designed as a base with a widened base. An extension piece 52 is arranged on the body, which rests against the body without a gap. The extension piece overlaps the body at both ends by means of projections 53; for detachable fastening, corresponding guide grooves, preferably integrally formed guide strips or retaining pins can be provided on the extension piece or the body. The extension piece can be partially or completely roughened on a large side surface 54 as a light exit surface or can have essentially smooth side surfaces, whereby the narrow side 56 opposite the body base surface or other narrow sides of the extension piece can be designed to be smooth or roughened as a light exit surface.

Figure 6 shows a holder 60 with a U-shaped holding area with an information carrier 61 in the form of a door sign, house number or the like, with an information field 62, which represents a roughened area of the otherwise superficially smooth information carrier. On the holder 60, above the information field and in front of it in the viewing direction, a

A strip-shaped body 63 is arranged with a plurality of LEDs, the main plane of the body being arranged essentially parallel to that of the information carrier, but can also be inclined towards it. The light emitted by the LEDs of the body (arrow) falls from the outside onto the roughened information field 62, which appears illuminated as a result.

Figure 7 shows a section of a display case or showcase with a retaining strip 70 which holds a glass pane 71 or a wall. The holder can also serve to hold a body or the body 72 can be attached to the glass pane 71 by means of another holder, a fastening means 73 or directly, preferably over the entire surface. Since the body is made of material that is easy to work with, the body 72 can also be glued to the holder or attached directly using screws or other holding elements. The interior of the display case or showcase can thus be easily illuminated.

Figures 8a-c show different profile rails 80, 81, 82 with strip-shaped bodies 83, 84, 85 extending parallel to their longitudinal directions. The profile rail 80 has an approximately oval cross-section, the bodies 83 are opposite one another with opposite radiation directions of the LEDs and are completely accommodated in grooves in the profile rails, which are arranged in the main plane of the oval with a longer axis. The profile rails 81 and 82 have a square or octagonal cross-section, the bodies protrude from the profile rails in the radiation direction of the LEDs. The bodies are each arranged in the middle of the surfaces. According to Figure 8c, unequipped surfaces 85 are provided between the compartments equipped with a body. It is understood that the arrangements are not limited to strip-shaped bodies and can be modified in many ways with regard to the design of the bodies and the profile rails. The profile rails are preferably used as handrails or for room lighting, shop window lighting or similar.

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Can be used in the form of light strips.

Figure 9 shows a body 90 in the form of an elongated cylinder in the manner of a fluorescent tube, which has a cylindrical, possibly polygonal cross-section. Several LEDs 91 are arranged in the body, preferably arranged in rows, whereby according to the exemplary embodiment 2 rows of LEDs are provided, but of course only one or more rows can be provided. The LEDs in each row are connected by a connecting groove 92. Contacts 94 are arranged in pairs on the end faces 93 of the body, which can be inserted into sockets for conventional fluorescent tubes and can be contacted with the contacts of the fluorescent tube holders, so that the LEDs 91 can be operated in this way. For this purpose, a modified transformer or an additional device for modifying the existing transformer for operating fluorescent tubes can be provided if necessary in order to be able to operate the LEDs as intended. The main beam direction of the LEDs 91A and 91B forms an angle of approximately 45°. The body diameter is approximately 30-40mm, but is not limited to this. The outer peripheral surface of the body is roughened.

Figure 10 shows a body 100 with an attachment piece 101 in the form of an elongated column, which is sandblasted on its outer circumference. According to the embodiments of Figures 10B, 10C, the body 100 has a base on which a plurality of LEDs are arranged with a main radiation direction essentially parallel to one another and essentially perpendicular to the body base surface 103. The attachment 101 can be solid or have a cavity that is filled with water or air, and a movable element including air bubbles rising in the water can also be arranged in the cavity if necessary. The LEDs 104, 105, 106, which are grouped together in the form of rows, concentric circles or other suitable arrangements, have

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different colors, ζ. e.g. red, yellow, blue, and are coupled to a sequencer by means of which LEDs of different groups, in particular different colors, can be controlled independently of one another and their brightness can be adjusted. The brightness is adjusted by applying different levels of direct voltage to the LEDs. The temporal change in the brightness of the LEDs of different groups, in particular different colors, can be specified in a predetermined, freely programmable manner or randomly by means of a command generator 107, which controls the sequencer 106. The command generator 107 can be implemented in the form of a microchip, computer or in some other way. The brightness changes of the LEDs can be continuous or step-by-step, whereby the continuous change in brightness can be on the order of magnitude of the temporal resolution of the human eye or below this. The sequencer can be operated in particular in such a way that the LEDs of different groups can carry out a brightness change when operating simultaneously while emitting light, so that by changing the brightness of one or more LED groups, a color change of the light imitated by the overall LED arrangement occurs and thus a color change of the body or the light imitated by it or a color change of the attached column or of another illuminated object.

It is understood that the above-described design of the sequence generator is not tied to the illustrated design of the body or the arrangement of an attachment on it. The body can be designed in many different ways, for example just in the form of a cover plate placed on LEDs, the LEDs can also be only partially integrated into the body. Furthermore, the body can represent a symbol or an element of a symbol, as is the case with illuminated signs, in particular scrolling signs with moving text. Preferably, the LEDs

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opposite outer surface of the corpus roughened.

Figures HA, HB show the arrangement of elements showing symbols 110, with the elements 111 being bar-shaped and each having one or more LEDs 112. The LEDs of different elements 111 can be controlled independently of one another, so that Arabic numerals can be displayed in the arrangement of the elements shown in the known manner. If several symbols 110 are arranged one after the other in one direction, a ticker can be generated by appropriate timing of the sequencer, in which selected elements 111 of successive symbols 110 are made to light up in chronological order by switching on the LEDs. It is understood that the operating time of the LEDs 112 is a unit, preferably a multiple of the time between the end of operation of the LEDs of a first symbol and the start of operation of the LEDs of a second symbol. As shown in Figure HOB, one, certain or all elements can have several LEDs of different colors, which are preferably arranged in an orderly manner, e.g. B. in rows 113, 114, 115, are arranged within the units 111 and are grouped together so that different groups with different brightness can be controlled by the sequencer, preferably in a selected, programmable or statistical manner. The elements thus appear in mixed colors of the LED colors. This allows a scrolling text to be generated in practically any color of the symbols, which results in a variety of applications. Here too, the outer surfaces of the bodies opposite the LEDs are preferably roughened.

The bodies can each provide cover plates for the LEDs, they can also be partially or completely integrated into the body.

It goes without saying that the luminous element according to the invention is also suitable for a variety of other applications.

Claims (36)

1. Lighting element with a body made of a light-conducting material with a base surface and adjacent side surfaces which enclose an angle to the base surface, wherein at least one LED is arranged in the body, the main radiation direction of which encloses a larger angle to the base surface than to the side surfaces adjacent to the body base surface, characterized in that the LED ( 8 , 13 , 32 ) is completely accommodated in a receiving area of the body ( 2 , 10 , 30 , 47 ). 2. Lighting element according to claim 1, characterized in that a groove open towards the side surface is incorporated in a side surface of the body ( 2 , 10 , 30 , 47 ), in which at least one or more LEDs ( 8 , 13 , 32 ) are arranged. 3. Lighting element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a groove with several receiving areas for at least one LED ( 8 , 13 , 32 ) each is incorporated in a side surface of the body ( 2 , 10 , 30 , 47 ) and that the receiving areas are connected by groove-shaped connecting areas for receiving power supplies for the LEDs ( 8 , 13 , 32 ) and are preferably open towards the same side surface. 4. Lighting element according to claim 3, characterized in that at least two or all of the receiving areas for LEDs ( 8 , 13 , 32 ) are separated from one another at least partially by wall areas ( 16 ). 5. Lighting element according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least two LEDs ( 8 , 13 , 32 ) are connected to power supply lines connecting them to one another, so that the at least two LEDs ( 8 , 13 , 32 ) can be operated by a common electrical supply device, and that the power supply lines are arranged in a groove ( 14 ) connecting the LED receiving areas, which is open towards a side surface. 6. Lighting element according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the LED receiving areas and the groove-shaped areas connecting them have the same groove depth. 7. Lighting element according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one or more LEDs ( 8 , 13 , 32 ) and optionally the power supply lines are fixed in the respective groove regions ( 14 ) by means of a filling compound. 8. Lighting element according to claim 7, characterized in that the filling compound practically completely seals the receiving area(s) of the LEDs and/or groove-shaped connecting areas ( 14 ) between them for receiving power supplies towards the open side of the groove or practically completely fills the groove. 9. Lighting element according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a branch ( 18 ) and/or an end ( 19 ) of a groove-shaped LED holder and/or of a groove-shaped connecting region ( 14 ) between them opens into a boundary surface of the body ( 2 , 10 , 30 , 47 ), which preferably borders laterally on the side surface provided with the open groove flank. 10. Lighting element according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the body ( 10 ) is designed in a plate-like manner and that at least one or more groove-shaped LED receiving areas and/or connecting areas are incorporated in a large-area side surface ( 11 ) of the body ( 10 ). 11. Lighting element according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the body ( 2 , 10 , 30 , 47 ) has a roughened region on a preferably large-area side surface (11) and that at least one or more LEDs is/are arranged in such a way that when looking at the side surface ( 11 ) the roughened region appears illuminated by the light emitted by the LEDs. 12. Lighting element according to claim 11, characterized in that the light-emitting region of at least one or more LEDs is arranged at the level of the roughened region. 13. Lighting element according to claim 12, characterized in that the roughened region extends over an entire side surface of the body ( 2 , 10 , 30 , 47 ). 14. Lighting element according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that all narrow sides of the body ( 2 , 10 , 30 , 47 ) are substantially smooth. 15. Lighting element according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the body ( 2 , 10 , 30 , 47 ) is designed in the shape of a strip and that a plurality of LEDs are provided, the main radiation direction of which encloses an angle to the longitudinal direction of the strip. 16. Lighting element according to claim 15, characterized in that the body ( 2 , 10 , 30 , 47 ) is held in a groove of a profile rail ( 41 ) and that preferably the strip-shaped body ( 2 , 10 , 30 , 47 ) ends flush with the ends of the profile rail ( 41 ) at both ends. 17. Lighting element according to claim 16, characterized in that the profile rail ( 41 ) has a plurality of longitudinal grooves, in each of which a strip-shaped body ( 2 , 10 , 30 , 47 ) is arranged, and that preferably the LEDs ( 8 , 13 , 32 ) of different bodies radiate in different directions. 18. Lighting element according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the body ( 2 , 10 , 30 , 47 ) is arranged in a holder which extends at least on the side surfaces provided with at least one receiving groove for LEDs and/or a groove-shaped connecting region between them and at least approximately completely covers the groove-shaped regions at the level of the side surface. 19. Lighting element according to one of claims 1-13 and 15-18, characterized in that a holder is provided for the preferably strip-shaped body and for an information carrier ( 61 ) with an information field ( 62 ), and that in the viewing direction the body ( 2 , 10 , 30 , 47 ) is arranged in front of the information carrier ( 61 ) and in the side of the information carrier ( 61 ) provided with the information field at a distance vertically and/or horizontally from the information field ( 62 ), that the information field is produced by roughening the body surface, and that the information field ( 62 ) is illuminated by the LEDs arranged in the body. 20. Lighting element according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that an attachment piece ( 52 ) made of a light-conducting material is provided, which is arranged on the body ( 50 ), preferably detachably, so that the light emitted by the at least one LED of the body ( 50 ) penetrates into the attachment piece and exits therefrom at a surface different from the penetration surface. 21. Lighting element according to claim 20, characterized in that the extension piece ( 52 ) is designed such that light emerges from a narrow side of the extension piece ( 52 ) which, taking into account a curvature of the extension piece, is located in the extension of the main emission direction of the at least one LED, and that the surfaces of the extension piece other than the light exit surface are essentially smooth. 22. Lighting element according to claim 20, characterized in that the extension piece ( 52 ) is designed such that the light emitted by the at least one LED emerges laterally in a surface lying at an angle to the main radiation direction of the at least one LED, taking into account a curvature of the extension piece ( 52 ), and that the surface is partially or completely roughened. 23. Lighting element according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the extension piece ( 52 ) has at least one different optical property than the body ( 50 ), preferably a different color and/or roughness at a location that is illuminated by the at least one LED. 24. Lighting element according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that at least two groups of LEDs ( 91 a, 91 b) are provided, each with at least one or more LEDs, preferably arranged in rows, each with a substantially parallel main radiation direction, and that the main radiation directions of the LEDs of different groups ( 91 a, 91 b) enclose an angle to one another. 25. Lighting element according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the body ( 90 ) is designed as an elongated body in the manner of a fluorescent tube, on the two end faces of which pin-shaped contacts ( 94 ) are arranged, which can be inserted into a conventional fluorescent tube socket when the LEDs are put into operation. 26. Lighting element with at least one body or several bodies made of a light-conducting material with a base surface and adjacent side surfaces which enclose an angle to the base surface, wherein a body or several bodies are assigned a total of at least two groups of LEDs, each with at least one or more LEDs, the main radiation directions of which point towards the respectively assigned body, so that light emitted by the LEDs penetrates into the respective body and emerges at another surface, in particular with one or more bodies in the form of a lighting element according to one of claims 1 to 25 , characterized in that a sequencer ( 106 ) is provided, by means of which different LED groups ( 104-106 ) can be controlled simultaneously or sequentially with an operating parameter of the LEDs, which causes a change in the light emission of at least one or more of the LED groups. 27. Lighting element according to one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that different groups comprise LEDs ( 104-106 ) of different colors or that different groups consist of LEDs of different colors. 28. Lighting element according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that at least one operating parameter of an LED group ( 104-106 ) can be controlled during operation of another LED group, in particular an LED group of a different color to the color of the first LED group, preferably in such a way that the operating parameters of the plurality of LED groups ( 104-106 ) can be changed simultaneously, preferably independently of one another. 29. Lighting element according to one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that the LEDs are designed as SMD LEDs which are arranged on a circuit board, and that a body covering the LEDs is provided. 30. Lighting element according to one of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that several bodies ( 111 , 112 ) are provided in the form of elements in the form of or as components of a symbol and that the LEDs of different elements ( 111 , 112 ) can be controlled independently of one another. 31. Handrail, in particular of a railing, of an elevator, of an escalator or the like, characterized in that a luminous element ( 40 ) according to one of claims 1 to 23 is arranged on the handrail ( 41 ) in such a way that a component of the main radiation direction of the at least one or more LEDs ( 44 ) in the mounting arrangement of the handrail is aligned vertically downwards and/or laterally. 32. A showcase or display case with a luminous body according to one of claims 1 to 23, which is arranged within the showcase or display case for illuminating objects arranged in the showcase or display case. 33. Large-area information carrier with or in the form of a luminous body according to one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the information carrier has a roughened region on a large-area side surface which extends over the side surface of the information carrier except for a narrow edge region or completely at least in one or in all directions. 34. Device, vessel or container with a liquid receiving space, characterized in that a luminous body according to one of claims 1 to 23 is arranged in the liquid receiving space. 35. Illuminated sign with several elements as a body according to one of claims 1 to 31, wherein one or more elements result in a character of the illuminated sign, characterized in that the LEDs assigned to the various elements ( 111 , 112 ) can be controlled separately from one another, preferably independently or in a predetermined temporal sequence by means of a suitable device. 36. Illuminated sign according to the preceding claim 35, characterized in that the illuminated sign is arranged as a scrolling sign with a plurality of symbols (110 ), each of which has separately controllable elements with LEDs, preferably independently or in a predetermined temporal sequence by means of a suitable device.