U.S. patent application number 10/450442 was filed with the patent office on 2004-03-04 for sandwich-like panel element.
Invention is credited to Emde, Thomas, Pohl, Heinrich Robert.
Application Number | 20040040228 10/450442 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26008073 |
Filed Date | 2004-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040040228 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Emde, Thomas ; et
al. |
March 4, 2004 |
Sandwich-like panel element
Abstract
The invention relates to a sandwich-like panel element (100)
comprising at least two panels (102, 103) and a lighting device
with at least one lighting means (106), said light irradiating in
the front part of at least one panel (102, 103), wherein said light
is at least partly deflected approximately perpendicular to said
direction of irradiation and is projected over the surface of at
least one of said panels, which has a transparent configuration,
due to the fact that said panel acts as a light diffuser. To this
end, said panel is printed, sand-radiated, etched, coated, engraved
or stuck at least on one side or has a malstructure inside the
panel, wherein the sandwich-like panel element (100) additionally
comprises solar cell elements (108).
Inventors: |
Emde, Thomas;
(Frankfurt/Main, DE) ; Pohl, Heinrich Robert;
(Koln, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOFFMAN WASSON & GITLER
2361 JEFFERSON DAVIS HIGHWAY
SUITE 522
ARLINGTON
VA
22202
|
Family ID: |
26008073 |
Appl. No.: |
10/450442 |
Filed: |
June 19, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
December 20, 2001 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP01/15102 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/173.3 ;
52/786.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02B 20/72 20130101;
E06B 3/66 20130101; B32B 17/10165 20130101; B32B 2457/12 20130101;
F21V 2200/20 20150115; B32B 17/10541 20130101; F21S 8/022 20130101;
F21Y 2115/10 20160801; F21V 33/0016 20130101; G02B 6/0065 20130101;
F21V 23/0442 20130101; G02B 6/0095 20130101; F21W 2131/107
20130101; G02B 6/0043 20130101; G02B 6/0083 20130101; F21S 8/033
20130101; F21S 9/032 20130101; Y02B 10/10 20130101; F21V 33/006
20130101; G09F 19/226 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/173.3 ;
052/786.11 |
International
Class: |
E04D 013/18; E04H
014/00; E04C 002/54 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 22, 2000 |
DE |
10064744.8 |
Apr 6, 2001 |
DE |
10117104.8 |
Claims
1. A sandwich-like panel element (100) comprising at least one
panel (102,103), as well as a lighting device with at least one
lighting means (106), which irradiates light in the front part into
at least one of the panels (102,103), whereby this light is
deflected at least partially approximately perpendicular to this
direction of radiation and is projected over the surface at least
of one of the panels, which has a transparent configuration,
whereby this panel has a light-diffusing effect and for this
purpose at least on one side is printed, sand-blasted, etched,
coated, engraved or stuck, or inside the panel has a fault
structure, characterised in that the sandwich-like panel element
(100) also comprises solar cell elements (108).
2. The sandwich-like panel element as claimed in claim 1,
characterised in that it comprises a second panel (103) at least
partially comprising solar cell elements, or in that solar cell
elements (108) are arranged on a single transparent panel (102) at
least on one side.
3. The sandwich-like panel element as claimed in claim 1 or 2,
characterised in that the panel (102) configured for flat light
projection and the panel (103) at least partially comprising solar
cell elements or single solar cell elements (108) form a compound
panel in particular similar to a compound glass.
4. The sandwich-like panel element as claimed in any one of claims
1 to 3, characterised in that solar cell elements (108) are
attached on at least one panel of a simple glass, artificial glass
or compound glass.
5. The sandwich-like panel element as claimed in any one of claims
1 to 4, characterised in that it is an insulating glass element
having at least two spaced-apart panels and solar cell elements
(108) in the cavity between both panels or arranged on at least one
of both panels.
6. The sandwich-like panel element as claimed in any one of claims
1 to 5, characterised in that it is a compound glass element,
whereby panels arranged bonded at least partially accommodate solar
cell elements and optionally an additional panel positioned at a
distance from the compound glass is provided, so that there is a
cavity between the latter and the compound glass, which has an
insulating effect.
7. The sandwich-like panel element as claimed in any one of claims
1 to 6, characterised in that it has a frame construction (104),
which includes the panels (102, 103) as well as optionally the
solar cell elements (108) at least partially in the edge
region.
8. The sandwich-like panel element as claimed in any one of claims
1 to 7, characterised in that a number of LED's (106), SMD's or
other light-emitting diodes or the like is provided as lighting
means arranged in the front part on the frame construction.
9. The sandwich-like panel element as claimed in any one of claims
1 or 8, characterised in that at least one transparent panel (102)
is printed at least one-sided in a dot matrix (107), band pattern
or similar screen.
10. The sandwich-like panel element as claimed in any one of claims
1 to 9, characterised in that the surface of at least one
transparent panel at least on one side has a dot matrix, band
pattern or other screen for light diffusion created by
sandblasting, etching, coating, engraving or adhesion with
particles.
11. The sandwich-like panel element as claimed in any one of claims
1 to 10, characterised in that the lighting means are attached to a
striated arrangement or on a plate.
12. The sandwich-like panel element as claimed in any one of claims
1 to 11, characterised in that the lighting means are cast in a
transparent extensively transparent synthetic block.
13. The sandwich-like panel element as claimed in any one of claims
1 to 12, characterised in that at least one transparent panel
comprises glass or artificial glass.
14. The sandwich-like panel element as claimed in any one of claims
1 to 13, characterised in that control devices are provided to
control the lighting means such that they give off either white or
coloured light.
15. The sandwich-like panel element as claimed in any one of claims
1 to 14, characterised in that control devices as well as sensors
are provided, whose effect is to control the lighting means
depending on the incident daylight, depending on an operator being
in the vicinity of the sandwich-like panel element or according to
any preset program.
16. The sandwich-like panel element as claimed in claim 15,
characterised in that at least one photocell and/or one motion
sensor is provided as sensors.
17. The sandwich-like panel element as claimed in any one of claims
1 to 16, characterised in that it is configured as a facade
component and has fastening means for attaching to a building
facade or building wall.
18. The sandwich-like panel element as claimed in any one of claims
1 to 17, characterised in that it has storage means such as storage
batteries or the like for storing the current generated in the
solar cell elements for supplying the lighting means on demand with
the stored current, or in that a mains supply of the generated
current is provided.
19. A building facade or building wall, characterised in that it
comprises at least one sandwich-like panel element as claimed in
any one of claims 1 to 18 as facade component or wall
component.
20. A transparent ceiling of a building, characterised in that it
comprises at least one sandwich-like panel element as claimed in
any one of claims 1 to 18, whereby in this sandwich-like panel
element the second panel at least partially comprising solar cell
elements also has an at least partially transparent configuration.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a sandwich-like panel
element comprising at least one panel as well as a lighting device
with at least one lighting means which radiates light in the front
part into at least one of the panels, whereby this light is
deflected at least partially approximately vertically to this
direction of irradiation and is projected over the surface at least
one of the panels which has a transparent configuration.
[0002] In the area of luminous advertising illuminatable panel
elements are known from the prior art for example, in which the
light in the front part is radiated into an acrylic panel and then
the panel, which is printed on a surface e.g. in a dot matrix, has
a light-diffusing effect, so that the light is deflected
perpendicularly to the direction of irradiation and is irradiated
over the surface of the panel. With these panel elements the light
radiated in the front part enters over the edge into the panel
itself and is deflected in the panel and then leaves the panel via
the surface. The drawback to such panels, which consist of acrylic
or comparable synthetic material, is that they are relatively
expensive on account of the material price. This leads to
considerable restrictions with respect to the use of such panels.
As a rule these known panels are thus used for advertising displays
and the like, which have overall relatively small surfaces, so that
the material price of the acrylic panel is reduced. On account of
their high material price these light-diffusing acrylic panels are
on the other hand not considered for large-surface applications,
fluorescent tubes are generally used as lighting means in these
acrylic panels, which irradiate the light in the front part in the
panel.
[0003] In the building sector large-surface linings are nor known
for facades.
[0004] When it is preferred to configure such a building facade
illuminatable, then this is quite costly using conventional means.
Since the abovementioned acrylic panels are too cost-intensive,
they are not considered e.g. for a large-surface lining of a
building facade. Besides, it is disadvantageous that conventionally
employed lighting means in this area of application are mostly
fluorescent tubes, which have a limited shelf life. For this reason
individual fluorescent tubes have to be exchanged again and again,
contributing to substantial cost in a large-surface building facade
e.g. of a high-rise. A further disadvantageous aspect to
conventional means for creating illuminated building facades is the
relatively high energy consumption of the many required lighting
means, such as e.g. fluorescent tubes.
[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a
sandwich-like panel element, which can be illuminated, projects
light over the surface, is relatively cost-effective to manufacture
and has minimal energy consumption.
[0006] The solution to this task is supplied by a sandwich-like
panel element according to the present invention of the type
mentioned at the outset having the characteristics of the main
claim. The sandwich-like panel element according to the present
invention is distinguished particularly well for the manufacture of
large-surface illuminatable building facades, since it consumes
very little or no energy.
[0007] The required lighting means can be supplied via solar cell
elements, which form part of the sandwich-like panel element.
Through the sandwich-like panel elements light can be emitted over
the surface, without the lighting means blinding the onlooker,
whereby the observer is generally totally unaware of the lighting
means.
[0008] According to a possible alternative variant of the invention
light is irradiated into at least one panel in the front part and
this light is projected over the surface of the panel as diffused
light. At the same time the panel can for example be part of a
compound panel similar to a compound glass. Alternatively, two or
more panels can also be used, which are partially spaced apart from
one another and arranged in the cavity between two of these panels
solar cell elements. At least one of the panels used in each case
comprises a transparent material and attached to this panel,
preferably bonded with this panel, are solar cell elements, or the
solar cell elements are located in a pane-shaped panel bonded with
one or more other panels. The solar cell elements attached to a
panel or arranged in a panel satisfy the additional task of
generating the current required for running the lighting means for
illuminating the transparent panel element, into which the light is
irradiated in the front part.
[0009] The first transparent panel can for example comprise glass
or optionally also artificial glass and is prepared such that it
has a light-diffusing effect. Glass is suggested for this purpose
for applications in the facade area, where large surface areas are
to be lined, because it is a relatively cost-effective basic
material. The light-diffusing effect can be created by the
transparent panel being printed at least on one side, sand-blasted,
etched, coated, engraved or stuck and then preferably in a
corresponding screen, for example in a dot matrix or band pattern
to achieve the desired light-diffusing effect. The abovementioned
screen, in particular dot matrix or band pattern, can comprise very
small dots or dashes, of which the observer is virtually unaware
and which barely prevent light from penetrating through the
transparent panel.
[0010] The light falling through the transparent panel can
irradiate onto the second panel containing the solar cell elements
practically unhindered. The screen produced by printing or by one
of the other abovementioned methods can be a screen pattern
changing over the surface of the panel, which increases for example
in density or size of dots or bars from the edge of the panel to
the middle of the panel over the surface. This results in an
improved light-diffusing effect in the desired direction.
[0011] Another consideration within the scope of the present
invention is to achieve lower energy consumption than when using
conventional lighting means such as fluorescent tubes or the like.
Within the scope of the present invention accordingly, preferably
relatively small economising lighting means with comparatively high
light output are used, such as e.g. a number of LED's, SMD's, other
light-emitting diodes or the like. For example a number of such
LED's can be used, which are applied to a striated arrangement,
situated in the front part on a panel, so that the light is
irradiated into this panel. Such a striated arrangement can be
attached to the frame construction, for example in a groove or the
like, so that the lighting means are not visible to the observer
during normal observation, that is, when he is looking in front of
the panel. This creates a particularly pleasant lighting effect,
since the observer is not only not blinded, but is also virtually
unaware of the lighting means.
[0012] The lighting means can also be attached to a plate or the
like, attached in the front part before one of the panels, so that
the light radiates into this panel. Such a plate can be used to
attach a number of relatively small-sized light-emitting diodes.
Such lighting means can also be cast in a type of transparent or
substantially transparent synthetic block or in a square synthetic
strip. One advantage of this is that the lighting means are then
housed there protected from moisture.
[0013] Furthermore, any optionally required exchange of defective
lighting means is much easier to handle, because the synthetic
strip can then be exchanged in one piece with the embedded lighting
means or the plate. In such a synthetic strip or on such a plate
the required supply lines for running and optionally controlling
the lighting means are generally also present, whereby strip
conductors can lead to the individual lighting means. These
lighting means, preferably light-emitting diodes, can be arranged
in rows and optionally in individual groups.
[0014] The abovementioned lighting means such as in particular
LED's and SMD's have the added advantage of being controlled using
comparatively little effort that they adapt e.g. in brightness to
the brightness of the surroundings. In addition, these lighting
means permit many other control options.
[0015] Preferably, within the scope of the present invention
control devices are provided which enable such control of the
lighting means that either white or any coloured light is
projected, depending on demand. Also, control devices and sensors
are preferably provided, the purpose of which is to control the
lighting means depending on the incident daylight. Moreover, a
control can be provided depending on a person being present in the
vicinity, for which a motion sensor for example is used. For
control depending on incident daylight photocells or the like can
be employed. And as an alternative to this or at the same time a
control according to any preset program can be effected.
[0016] The sandwich-like panel element according to the present
invention preferably also provide devices for fastening the panel
element to a wall, to a ceiling or to a floor. One of the preferred
variants offers the option of attaching such a sandwich-like panel
element by adhesion, screwing or otherwise to a wall or facade of a
building, so as to illuminate the wall/facade. The prime advantage
of the sandwich-like panel elements is that the observer is
practically unaware of the concrete light or the lighting means.
Rather, there is the impression that the facade is clad by quasi
self-illuminating panels. Because these lighting means such as
LED's, SMD's etc. can be controlled in the so-called RGB mode (red,
green and blue lighting means), the sandwich-like panel elements
can be put up in any colours and thus apart from the actual
lighting function can produce a lighting effect, e.g. with coloured
panel patterns also.
[0017] Changing the projected light colour advantageously requires
no exchange of the lighting means, rather it is only the control
which is effected, where said control is actuated by the user as
required, or a preset program control is stored for this
purpose.
[0018] With a control dependent on daylight, for instance, the
lighting means can be switched on with gradually increasing light
strength, so that the observer is then barely aware of the
transition from daylight to artificial light.
[0019] The sandwich-like panel elements according to the present
invention can be part of a facade or a wall of a building, that is,
they themselves either form part of the building wall or are placed
as a facade component cladding a building wall quasi in front of
the building wall and attached thereto.
[0020] The object pf the present invention is also a building
facade or building wall, which comprises at least one sandwich-like
panel element of the type according to the present invention having
the abovementioned characteristics.
[0021] The sandwich-like panel elements according to the present
invention can also be configured such that not only is at least one
of the panels configured transparent, but also at least one other
panel, at least partially comprising solar cell elements, is
likewise configured at least partially transparent. Today solar
panels are known in which the solar cell elements absorbing the
light are not black, but opaque or brightly coloured, such that the
solar cell elements at least partially absorb irradiated light, but
the light also partially penetrates the solar panel comprising
solar cell elements essentially without a change of direction. Such
partially transparent panels with solar cell elements can be
employed as second panel for a sandwich-like panel element
according to the present invention. Such usage is particularly
meaningful for lit ceilings in building or building walls as well,
in which natural daylight is encouraged to penetrate throughout the
day. In this case, by using sandwich-like panel elements for e.g. a
lit ceiling three functions can be fulfilled.
[0022] Throughout the day these are at least partially permeable to
daylight, as at least one of the panels of the sandwich-like panel
element is light-permeable and the panel exhibiting the solar cell
elements is likewise at least partially light-permeable. Thus
daylight can be utilised for brightening the building. At the same
time throughout the day as a result of solar radiation solar energy
is at least partially absorbed, converted into solar power and
stored. The energy generated by the solar cell elements can be
supplied to the mains directly as current. In the evening, in the
interests of achieving a smooth transition from daylight to
artificial light, the lighting means of the sandwich-like panel
element can be switched on gradually, whereby the solar current
stored throughout the day can be used to run lighting means, which
require little power. Lit ceilings or building walls, which have a
quasi glass effect and comprise sandwich-like panel elements of the
abovementioned type, are likewise an object of the present
invention.
[0023] As already explained, the panel elements according to the
present invention can be bonded panel elements or structured like
insulating glass panes. But it is also possible to work with simple
panels made of glass or artificial glass, into which the light is
irradiated in the front part in the abovementioned manner, which
are printed, etched etc. to generate diffused light at least on one
side on the surface and to which solar cell elements are applied on
one side.
[0024] The characteristics mentioned in the sub-claims relate to
preferred further developments of the solution according to the
present invention.
[0025] Further advantages of the invention will emerge from the
following detailed description.
[0026] The present invention will now be described hereinbelow in
greater detail by embodiments with reference to the attached
diagrams, in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a view of a facade of a building, which is clad in
sandwich-like panel elements according to the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an exemplary sandwich-like
panel element according to a first variant of the invention;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an exemplary sandwich-like
panel element according to another alternative variant of the
invention.
[0030] Reference is first made to FIG. 1. The illustration shows
the facade 101 of a high-rise building 110, which is clad on its
large surfaces in sandwich-like panel elements 100 at least in part
areas. These sandwich-like panel elements 100 according to the
present invention comprise solar cell elements and are therefore in
a position throughout the day to convert incident light into
current, whereby the lighting means are supplied overnight by this
generated current, via which the sandwich-like panel elements are
illuminated. This brings about the possibility of a facade
illuminated fully or in part, created by very little external power
or completely without such. The light is fed via suitable lighting
means in the front part into one of the panels of the sandwich-like
panel element 100 and is deflected e.g. by screen printing of the
surface of the panel element on at least one side and is then
projected over the surface of the panel element substantially at a
right angle in the direction of irradiation as diffused light.
[0031] A blinding effect is avoided by the lighting means generally
not being directly visible to the observer. If the lighting is
switched off, it can be possible to see through the sandwich-like
panel element, if suitable transparent solar cell elements have
been selected. In this case, the sandwich-like panel elements can
be used not only as cladding elements for the facade, but also as
window elements, through which light enters the building throughout
the day. In this variant the invention consequently enables three
functions, namely first the passage of natural light through the
sandwich-like panel elements (window function), secondly the option
of creating surface-lit panel elements, which are lit optionally in
colour, and thirdly the surface of the building covered by the
sandwich-like panel elements is used to capture sunlight and to
generate current over the solar cell elements.
[0032] The more precise structure and method of operation of an
exemplary sandwich-like panel element 100 according to the present
invention is based on the depiction according to FIG. 2. In this
case the sandwich-like panel element is structured like an
insulating glass window with an approximately U-shaped frame
construction 104, which includes two glass panels 102, 103 at the
edge. Both glass panels 102, 103 are spaced apart from one another
as in the case of an insulating glass window, creating a cavity 105
between both glass panels 102,103. The distance between both glass
panels 102, 103 is defined by a spacer 109.
[0033] As is further inferred from the diagram, light-emitting
diodes 106, which can be cast in a type of plate 112 from a
transparent material, are arranged in the front part in the region
of the frame construction. The light-emitting diodes (LED's) 106 in
the embodiment are in the front part in front of the transparent
panel 102 and are arranged in a row (in the direction of the depth
of the plane of projection). A relatively high number of such
light-emitting diodes can be used, depending on the illumination
requirements, for example up to several hundred lighting means 106
per running metre of transparent panel 102. The transparent panel
102 is printed in a dot matrix 107 on one side such that the light,
supplied in the front part via the LED's 106 into the glass panel
102, is deflected and is projected as diffused light outwards over
the surface of the glass panel 102.
[0034] Applied to the inside of the glass panel 103 moreover are
solar cell elements 108, so that throughout the day natural light
falling in through the glass panel 102 lands on the solar cell
elements 108 where it is converted into electric energy, by means
of which the lighting means 106 can be supplied with energy.
[0035] FIG. 3 shows another alternative variant embodiment of an
exemplary sandwich-like panel element 100 according to the present
invention in a longitudinal section. In this variant embodiment the
sandwich-like panel element 100 is a bonded element essentially
comprising two glass panels 102,103 or artificial glass panels,
which are extensively transparent.
[0036] One of the panels of the bonded element may comprise white
glass and one may comprise float glass. Embedded between both these
panels 102,103 are solar cell elements 108. The whole bonded
element is set in the front part by a frame construction 104 with
an approximately U-shaped frame profile. Located in front of the
front side of both glass panels 102, 103 is a type of plate made of
transparent material, in which LED's 106 are cast, which irradiate
their light into the front side of the glass panel 102. One of the
surfaces, for example the inner surface of the glass panel 102, is
again printed with a dot matrix 107 or the like or etched or coated
in a corresponding screen, or in its interior has a fault
structure, by which the light irradiating in the front part into
the glass panel, is substantially deflected at a right angle, so
that it is projected over the entire surface of the glass panel 102
as diffused light.
[0037] It is also possible to also irradiate light into the front
side of the second glass panel 103 via other light-emitting diodes.
As in the previously described variant embodiment natural light
falls throughout the day through the essentially transparent glass
panel 102 onto the solar cell elements 108, where current is
generated by means of which the lighting means 106 can be fed when
in the illuminated state. Since LED's or the lime are used as
lighting means, they have a much lower energy consumption, and at
the same time a longer shelf life. By an essentially transparent
material being used to cast the plate 112 the lighting means 106
are protected against the influence of weather and mechanical
influences. Such a sandwich-like bonded panel element 100 according
to the variant embodiment in FIG. 3 can also comprise more than two
glass panels, which can be arranged in the bond.
* * * * *