Light fitting unit for illuminated signs

• US 5,506,760 A
• Filed: 05/27/1994
• Issued: 04/09/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 07/01/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Temic Telefunken Microelectronic GmbH (Continental AG)
• Original Assignee: Temic Telefunken Microelectronic GmbH (Continental AG)
• Inventors: Herok, Georg, Giebler, Siegfried
• Primary Examiner(s): Lazarus, Ira S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cariaso, Alan B.
• Application Number:
  US08/249,352
• Time in Patent Office: 683 Days
• Field of Search: 362/226, 362/227, 362/237, 362/240, 362/241, 362/247, 362/249, 362/252, 362/269, 362/800, 362/235
• US Class Current: 362/249.06
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/23 Retrofit light sources for lighting devices with a single fitting for each light source, e.g. for substitution of incandescent lamps with bayonet or threaded fittings
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2103/37 U-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/00 Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising G09F9/00, G09F11/00 take precedence; control of displays in general using static means to present variable information G09G
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/04 Signs, boards or panels, illuminated from behind the insignia
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/22 electroluminescent electroluminescent light sources per se H05B33/00
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 2013/05 indicating exit way or orientation
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 2013/222 with LEDs
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 33/04 Sealing arrangements , e.g. against humidity
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode

Abstract

A light fitting unit having a low current input for illuminated signs. The light fitting unit comprises a housing (1) for mounting a plurality of LEDs (4). The housing has four lateral surfaces (1.1-1.4) and two opposite main surfaces (1.5, 1.6). Furthermore, a mounting cap (2) is provided on a first lateral surface (1.1) of the housing. The further lateral surfaces (1.2, 1.3, 1.4) of the housing are enclosed by a groove (3), in the bottom (3.1) of which a plurality of apertures (5) are provided in which a plurality of LEDs (4) are disposed. The light fitting unit can be used as a light source in any illuminated signs instead of conventional bulbs. It is characterized by a low current input and long service life. Fitting in already existing illuminated signs simply by insertion into existing holders is achieved by screw caps or bayonet caps.

Claims

1. A light fitting unit, in particular for illuminated signs, having a housing for mounting a plurality of light emitting diodes, wherein said housing has four exterior lateral surfaces and two opposite main surface, wherein a mounting cap is provided on a first of said four lateral surface of said housing, wherein a circumferential groove extending over said further lateral surfaces of said housing is provided,

wherein a plurality of apertures are provided in said further lateral surfaces in a bottom of said groove, and, wherein a plurality of light emitting diodes are disposed in said apertures.

2. A light fitting unit according to claim 1, wherein said light emitting diodes are disposed regularly spaced to one another.

3. A light fitting unit according to claim 1, wherein said groove has lateral flanks that are inclined.

4. A light fitting unit according to claim 1, wherein said groove is formed of diffusely reflecting material.

5. A light fitting unit according to claim 4, wherein said groove is sufficiently deep that the light emitting diodes do not project out of said groove, and thereby a major part of the light generated by said LEDs is radiated from said light fitting unit laterally in the plane of said main surfaces.

6. A light fitting unit according to claim 1, wherein said mounting cap is rotatable independently of said housing using a knurled sleeve.

7. A light fitting unit according to claim 6, wherein said mounting cap is a screw cap whose thread forms a first electrical contact and in whose center a second electrical contact is provided.

8. A light fitting unit according to claim 1, wherein said lateral flanks of said groove have small further apertures to achieve an additional light radiation in a direction perpendicular to the main surfaces.

9. A light fitting unit according to claim 1, wherein:

said housing comprises two parts forming an interior, a printed circuit board is disposed in aid interior, said light emitting diodes are mounted on said printed circuit board and electrically connected on it, and a circuit array for adjusting the supply voltage of the plurality of said light emitting diodes to a mains voltage is additionally mounted on and electronically connected to said printed circuit board.