Multi-functional flat panel luminaire display for a passenger cabin of a passenger aircraft

Abstract

The invention relates to a flat panel luminaire (2) for a passenger cabin (4) of a passenger aircraft (6), the luminaire comprising a base carrier (8) which extends over the surface in a layered manner, one flat side (10a) of which forms a light-emitting side (12), and a plurality of LEDs (14) which are distributed over the base carrier (8) and arranged thereon on its light-emitting side (12), wherein a plurality of the LEDs (14) are accent LEDs (LA) which, during operation (B), generate coloured light of selectable colour and are distributed over the surface of the base carrier (8), wherein at least two of the accent LEDs (LA) can be individually adjusted in terms of both the colour and the brightness of the light generated by them during operation (B), wherein a plurality of the LEDs (14) are base LEDs (LG) which, during operation, generate white light and are distributed over the surface of the base carrier (8), wherein at least two of the base LEDs (LG) can only be jointly adjusted in terms of the brightness of the light generated by them during operation (B), and wherein a plurality of the LEDs (14) are emergency LEDs (LN) which, during operation (B), generate white light and are distributed over the surface of the base carrier (8), wherein all emergency LEDs (LN) can be supplied with power independently of the accent LEDs (LA) and base LEDs (LG).

Description

[0001] Multifunctional surface-mounted light display for a passenger cabin of a passenger aircraft.

[0002] The invention relates to the lighting of a passenger cabin of a passenger aircraft.

[0003] From DE 10 2018 006 000 A1, a display unit for a passenger cabin is known for visualizing image data, wherein the display unit has at least one tile, wherein the at least one tile forms a screen, wherein a single tile contains at least one printed circuit board and a plurality of light-emitting diodes, wherein the light-emitting diodes are arranged on the printed circuit board, wherein at least one of the printed circuit boards is curved, and wherein the common screen is bent and / or curved by the at least one curved printed circuit board.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to propose improvements with regard to the lighting in a passenger cabin of a passenger aircraft.

[0005] The problem is solved by a surface lamp according to claim 1. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention and of other invention categories will become apparent from the further claims, the following description and the accompanying figures.

[0006] A panel light is a type of luminaire used in the passenger cabin of a passenger aircraft. The panel light contains a base structure. This structure extends across a flat, layered surface, similar to a thin plate. The base structure thus has two flat sides. One of these flat sides is the light-emitting side. The light-emitting side is the side from which the panel light emits light, which it generates during operation using its LEDs.

[0007] The surface-mounted light contains a large number of LEDs (light-emitting diodes). The LEDs are distributed across the surface of the base and are positioned on the light-emitting side of the base. In particular, the LEDs are arranged homogeneously, meaning with a consistent density (the same number of LEDs in the same area). Specifically, they are arranged in a grid-like, net-like, checkerboard, etc. pattern.

[0008] A large number of the LEDs (a subset thereof) are accent LEDs. The accent LEDs, considered individually, are also distributed across the surface of the base. Regarding their distribution, the statements above concerning general / all LEDs also apply analogously to the subset of accent LEDs. Each accent LED is configured to produce colored light of a selectable color during operation. At least two, and in particular several or all, of the accent LEDs can be individually adjusted with respect to the color and brightness of the light they produce. In other words, each individual accent LED can be adjusted independently of the other accent LEDs with respect to color and brightness. This results in a surface-mounted luminaire that is particularly freely configurable with regard to the color and brightness of the emitted light. To achieve this, the accent LEDs are, in particular, so-called bus-compatible LEDs, i.e.,Each of the accent LEDs has a bus interface and is connected to a central control unit via a communication bus, and can be individually controlled by the control unit with regard to the color and brightness of its emitted light.

[0009] A large number of the LEDs (a further subset of these) are primary LEDs. These differ from accent LEDs in that they produce white light when in operation. Like accent LEDs, primary LEDs are distributed across the substrate, and the above statements apply accordingly. At least two, and especially several or all, of the primary LEDs can only be adjusted together with regard to the brightness of the light they produce. Unlike accent LEDs, which can be individually controlled, primary LEDs can only be controlled or adjusted together, i.e., uniformly, with regard to brightness. Therefore, conventional LEDs can also be used as primary LEDs; they do not need to be bus-compatible, meaning they do not need to be individually controllable; a single, unified control signal is sufficient. The primary LEDs can emit white light of a fixed color temperature when in operation.However, the basic LEDs can also be controlled / adjusted with regard to their white color temperature. Here too, it is important to note that all basic LEDs can only be controlled together with regard to their white color temperature, not individually.

[0010] A large number of the LEDs (a further subset of these) are also emergency LEDs. These are designed to produce white light even when the system is in operation. Like the main and accent LEDs, the emergency LEDs are distributed across the surface of the base as described above; the statements above apply accordingly. All emergency LEDs can be powered independently of the other LEDs (especially the accent and main LEDs). This ensures that the emergency LEDs remain powered even if the power supply to the other LEDs, particularly the accent and main LEDs, fails.

[0011] In particular, the sum of the accent, main and emergency LEDs equals the number of LEDs mentioned above in general terms.

[0012] The surface-mounted luminaire therefore combines a total of three lighting functions: a fully color-capable and individually controllable accent lighting, a white basic lighting that can be adjusted in white tone if necessary for the actual illumination or lighting of the cabin with cabin light, and an emergency lighting that can be supplied with energy independently.

[0013] Due to the even distribution of the accent LEDs and their full-color capability, the surface-mounted light can also function as a display, with one accent LED corresponding to a color pixel of the display, especially when the accent LEDs are arranged in a fully populated matrix in rows and columns. Specifically, the number of LEDs of the three types is the same. The LEDs are evenly distributed across the surface-mounted light as groups / triples of one accent LED, one base LED, and one emergency LED, meaning that in a matrix arrangement, one LED is present at each matrix point.

[0014] During operation, particularly at a specific time period, either only the accent LEDs, only the main LEDs, or only the emergency LEDs are in operation; possibly only the main LEDs and the emergency LEDs together.

[0015] In particular, the LEDs are distributed across the entire substrate in a specific way. Specifically, this is the homogeneous distribution mentioned above, which can also be implemented in a grid-like, net-like, checkerboard, etc. pattern. This specific distribution can apply to each of the aforementioned subgroups (i.e., the accent LEDs, the main LEDs, and / or the emergency LEDs). "Homogeneously distributed" means that there is a uniform density of LEDs across the entire substrate. The spacing (e.g., grid lines, net lines, etc.) between the individual LEDs is therefore the same across the entire substrate. The homogeneous distribution also extends to the edge of the substrate.

[0016] Specifically, there are an equal number of LEDs of each of the three types, which are then homogeneously distributed across the base in groups of three. Within each group of three, a primary LED, an accent LED, and an emergency LED are arranged directly next to each other. These groups of three are then homogeneously distributed across the entire base, right up to its edge.

[0017] The homogeneity results in a particularly homogeneous emission of the respective light (colored accent light, white ambient light, white emergency light) from the substrate.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, as explained above, at least one, and in particular several or all, of the basic LEDs are also adjustable with respect to the color temperature of the light they produce during operation. This allows the basic lighting to be individually adapted to specific lighting requirements.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the surface-mounted light fixture includes a printed circuit board (PCB). This PCB extends upwards in a layered fashion, similar to the support structure and the entire surface-mounted light fixture, and is parallel to the support structure. The PCB is attached to the support structure. The LEDs are mounted on or attached to the PCB and are thus also, or alternatively, exclusively, attached to the support structure by means of the PCB. The PCB is not flexible, but rigid, i.e., not bendable, mechanically stable, and in a rigid form. In other words, it is an actual plate and not a film. The respective terms are to be understood in a technical sense, meaning that, for example, flexibility and bendability in a microscopic sense are not considered here. The LEDs can be arranged particularly easily within the surface-mounted light fixture by means of the PCB, and in particular, they can also be electrically powered and controlled.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the surface-mounted luminaire includes a cover layer. This cover layer also extends upwards, similarly in a layered, planar fashion parallel to the base carrier and, if applicable, to the circuit board or the entire surface-mounted luminaire. The cover layer is designed such that it covers the base carrier at least in the area of ​​the LEDs, and in particular completely, on the luminaire side. The cover layer contains at least one area of ​​extensive transparency. In other words, at least a portion of the cover layer is transparent. This transparent area is diffusely transparent to the light generated by the LEDs. The light generated by the LEDs is thus diffusely scattered in the transparent areas and diffusely penetrates the cover layer. The light is therefore homogenized for an observer of the surface-mounted luminaire; the observer can no longer discern individual LEDs inside the luminaire, or can only do so vaguely.From outside the surface-mounted light, only diffuse, ideally homogeneously distributed light is perceptible when looking at it, without individual LEDs being visible. This applies particularly to the operation of the primary and emergency LEDs.

[0021] If the total transparent area constitutes only a portion of the cover layer, the remainder of the cover layer is less transparent or opaque, particularly to light. Thus, even with uniform backlighting, the transparent and non-transparent areas appear visually distinct to the viewer.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of this design, the cover layer has at least one planar cover area that is less transparent to the light generated by the LEDs than the transparent area, or is opaque (i.e., not transparent). As already indicated above, the cover layer then has, in addition to transparent areas, other areas, namely the cover areas, which differ in transparency from the transparent areas.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the cover areas and / or at least one of the transparent areas has a structure. The structure can be in the form of a pattern, a basic geometric shape, a logo, lettering, or a pictorial representation of an object. Basic geometric shapes include, for example, circles, rectangles, rhombuses, stars, triangles, trapezoids, ellipses, etc. Logos include, for example, those of an airline or company, or symbols such as those commonly found on aircraft displays, e.g., a restroom symbol, an occupied / fasten seatbelt / no smoking sign, etc. Lettering includes, for example, single or multiple letters or numbers, text, instructions, keywords such as "Wi-Fi ON," the name of an airline or company, etc. Pictorial representations of objects include, for example, depictions of a tree, an animal, a person, a house, etc.In particular, the illustrations are stylized, i.e., executed in the manner of a line drawing. The covered areas then represent the lines of the line drawing, and the transparent areas represent the areas of the illustration that are enclosed or not covered by these lines.

[0024] This allows for visually appealing and informative designs of the surface light, the effect of which appears as a backlit display when the LEDs are activated.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the cover layer comprises a continuous, i.e., full-surface, transparent layer that is transparent to the light from the LEDs. This layer is particularly diffuse. Cover areas can then be formed separately from this layer. The cover layer can then be used, in particular, to close off the surface-mounted light on the side facing the interior of the passenger cabin, to completely cover it, and, for example, to encapsulate it (together with the rest of the housing). In particular, the transparent layer forms the transparent areas of the cover layer. In a preferred embodiment, the transparent layer has a continuous, i.e., extending over the entire transparent layer, transparent glass layer which contains a diffusely transparent diffuser layer on both sides, i.e., on each of its two flat surfaces.The diffuser layers are applied to the glass layer by means of an adhesive layer and are diffusely transparent throughout.

[0026] This allows for a particularly simple and stable transparent layer. Using glass for the transparent layer is an advantageous way to pass the fire protection tests commonly required in aviation. Compared to, for example, transparent plastic, glass is well-suited in terms of fire protection.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the above configurations, the cover layer comprises at least one layer extending horizontally parallel to the base carrier, which contains or forms at least one, and in particular several or all, of the cover areas. This allows the cover areas to be implemented particularly easily by means of the cover layer. The remaining transparent areas are implemented, in particular, by the transparent layer and recesses, clear sections, or diffuse sections in the cover layer. In particular, the cover layer in the surface-mounted luminaire is replaceable in order to achieve different optical appearances with one and the same base surface-mounted luminaire (without a cover layer).

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the entire surface-mounted luminaire, together with or like its base, is designed to be flat. Thus, any cover layer, circuit board, transparent layer, structural layer, etc., is also flat. Such a surface-mounted luminaire is particularly easy to design and manufacture.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the surface-mounted light is not flexible but rigid. The above statements regarding the circuit board therefore apply analogously to the entire surface-mounted light, so that it is mechanically stable, i.e., designed as a non-bendable rigid element. Such a surface-mounted light is also particularly easy to manufacture.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the surface-mounted light contains no further layers. The only layers formed in the surface-mounted light are therefore the substrate and, optionally, the circuit board, the layered arrangement of the LEDs, and optionally the cover layer, which in turn may consist exclusively of a transparent layer and / or a cover layer, and the transparent layer may optionally consist exclusively of the glass layer, adhesive layers, and diffuser layers. This results in a particularly simple surface-mounted light.

[0031] The invention is based on the following findings, observations, and considerations and further comprises the following preferred embodiments. These embodiments are sometimes referred to simply as "the invention." The embodiments may also include parts or combinations of the embodiments mentioned above, correspond to them, and / or may include previously unmentioned embodiments.

[0032] According to the invention, a dynamic color-changing display is created. By using individually controllable LEDs, dynamic, spatially resolved color-changing displays can be implemented in the passenger cabin. This results in color-changing surface-mounted lights for passenger cabins of aircraft. New possibilities arise for lighting designers in the design of passenger cabins in aircraft (e.g., branding). Several lighting functions are combined in a single lighting device: accent lighting, main lighting, and safety lighting. An aviation-compliant design for approval in the large cabins of passenger aircraft is possible.

[0033] In practice, a so-called "white box"—a white-lined reflector box—is known for implementing area lighting applications. Area lighting is achieved using (typically) existing and certified lighting units for a specific aircraft type. The lighting units are positioned laterally within the physical white box, which is covered with a (translucent) lens cover (a translucent cover made of diffuse material). The white box reflects the light to the surface. These are therefore laterally mounted light sources (direct backlighting requires a large distance between the light source and the cover). This solution is characterized by:

[0034] • This is a simple setup.

[0035] • High brightness levels on the emission surface require a deeper installation space to achieve acceptable brightness homogeneity on the light emission surface (due to the high brightness of the light sources).

[0036] • Brightness homogeneity on the light-emitting surface limits the size of the "translucent cover" (greater distances between light sources lead to reduced brightness in the center of the translucent cover).

[0037] • The light sources can be full-color capable (use of LED lights with R, G, B and W LEDs).

[0038] • A high color rendering index (CRI) can be achieved by using R, G, B and W LEDs.

[0039] • By controlling the light sources differently in terms of brightness and color, simple color gradients can be achieved on the translucent cover.

[0040] In practice, a light guide is also known for implementing area lighting applications. This involves flat surface illumination achieved by coupling LED light laterally into a flat and thin (glass) light guide. An inhomogeneous dot pattern applied to the back of the glass plate ensures that the light is coupled out evenly across the entire surface. In other words, it is a glass pane with coupling points printed on the back, a diffuser film adhered to the front, and LED light sources mounted laterally. This solution is characterized by: • Compliance with aviation regulations (especially fire requirements > 1 ft) 2 To ensure this, a very complex layer structure is required (backing board, adhesive / fire protection layer, reflective film, adhesive, glass, adhesive, diffuser layer, possibly printing with customer-specific patterns).

[0041] • High brightness levels on the exit surface are not achievable due to the poor optical efficiency of the optical setup.

[0042] • Brightness homogeneity on the light-emitting surface is limited by the complexity of the optical setup (greater distances between the light sources lead to reduced brightness in the center of the translucent cover).

[0043] • The light sources can be full-color capable (use of LED lights with R, G, B and W LEDs).

[0044] • A high color rendering index (CRI) can be achieved by using R, G, B and W LEDs.

[0045] • By controlling the light sources differently in terms of brightness and color, simple color gradients can be achieved on the translucent cover.

[0046] In practice, a technique known as "backlighting" is used for implementing area lighting applications. Area lighting is achieved using (typically) existing and certified light units or area LED arrays. The light units are positioned across the surface at a defined distance from a (translucent) lens cover. A translucent (diffuse) lens cover ensures a homogeneous light pattern in terms of brightness and color. In other words, individual light sources are arranged across the surface (with a suitable choice of spacing between the light sources and the lens cover, acceptable brightness homogeneity can be achieved) combined with a translucent cover made of diffuse material (optionally overprinted with a freely selectable pattern).

[0047] This solution is characterized by:

[0048] • This is a simple setup.

[0049] • High brightness levels on the exit surface, with simultaneous brightness homogeneity, are possible.

[0050] • The light sources can be full-color capable (using LED lights with R, G, B, and W LEDs). • A high color rendering index (CRI) can be achieved by using R, G, B, and W LEDs.

[0051] • Due to the use of plastic for the translucent lens cover, only luminous areas smaller than 1 square foot (approx. 0.93 m²) are permitted for aviation applications according to CS25. 2 ) will be realized.

[0052] The technological basis of the present invention is:

[0053] • Bus-controlled, individually controllable LEDs in brightness and color allow dynamic lighting scenarios.

[0054] • Commercially available LEDs include, for example, bus-controlled RGB LEDs (not RGBW LEDs).

[0055] The following are possible lighting technology applications of the invention:

[0056] • Accent lighting - Dynamic color scenarios (individually controlled RGB LEDs) through the accent LEDs.

[0057] • General lighting - High-quality lighting (separately controlled white LEDs) through the main LEDs.

[0058] • Safety lighting - Integrated emergency lighting (separately controlled white LEDs) through the emergency LEDs.

[0059] • Mixed operation between all lighting modes is possible.

[0060] The base support is a mechanical support for the surface-mounted light and serves for mechanical stabilization and as a mechanical interface (in this case, to the passenger cabin). The support is, for example, a honeycomb structure.

[0061] An electronic PCB (printed circuit board, LED PCB) is primarily responsible for the light sources and their function:

[0062] Regarding accent lighting (accent LEDs), the light source (panel light) is equipped with individually controllable RGB LEDs. This allows for dynamic color scenarios. However, these may not be suitable for general lighting applications due to potentially poor light quality (CRI 10, Color Rendering Index). Therefore, these are individually controllable RGB LEDs for dynamic surface lighting effects.

[0063] In addition to general lighting (basic LEDs), the panel light is also equipped with white LEDs. These allow for use in lighting applications requiring high light quality (CRI > 80). The white color can either be fixed (e.g., 4000K) or, when using two or more white colors, the color temperature can be freely adjusted (tunable white). Therefore, these are white or "tunable white" LEDs for main cabin lighting.

[0064] Regarding safety lighting (emergency LEDs), the surface-mounted luminaire is additionally equipped with white LEDs (controlled by a separate circuit). This allows a safety / emergency lighting function to be integrated into the luminaire. These are therefore white LEDs for safety lighting.

[0065] A lens cover is formed by the covering layer. A requirement for the lens cover is high diffuse light scattering (this ensures that the actual light source (LEDs) is not visible to the observer; depending on the diffuser, the distance between the light source and the diffuser decreases). A further requirement is that it complies with regulatory aviation requirements.

[0066] • Heat Release (e.g. heat release rates to show compliance with the requirements of FAR 25.853),

[0067] • Large Glass Items (The glass item should meet the requirements outlined in CS 25.561(b)(3), (c) and (d)).

[0068] The light cover consists in particular of the following layering of individual layers: diffuser film - adhesive layer - glass - adhesive layer - diffuser film.

[0069] Optionally, the luminaire cover includes a cover plate (top layer) with patterns (structure, e.g., a tree). This plate features opaque areas (top layer, e.g., made of prepreg material) and translucent areas (transparent area, cutout, air).

[0070] The invention is characterized by:

[0071] • Use of individually controllable LEDs to create a dynamic color impression on cabin surfaces (accent LEDs).

[0072] • Combination with cabin main lighting (basic LEDs)

[0073] • Combination with safety / emergency lighting (emergency LEDs)

[0074] • Use of an aviation-grade light cover (cover layer).

[0075] • Use of an (optional) semi-transparent cover plate (top layer) to create stylized images (structure, pictorial representation of an object). For example, a backlit representation of a tree, known from practical applications and achieved using a segmented ceiling light concealed by a perforated cover plate, can be realized with the dynamic color-changing display according to the invention. This is a similar concept, but with a dynamic color display in the form of a diffuse cover (transparent layer) with a prepreg mask (top layer with structure). However, thanks to the invention, the following representations are now also possible, e.g., moving clouds, color-changing leaves, falling leaves, falling snow, a night with starlight. This opens up virtually endless possibilities for designs and designers.

[0076] The surface-mounted light can be used in the passenger cabin, for example for / on signs (occupied / vacant indicator for the toilet), a luggage compartment, a ceiling panel, accent lighting / seat numbering, a passenger service unit (PSU), a sidewall, or a bulkhead / class divider.

[0077] Further features, effects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and the accompanying figures. These figures are shown in a schematic diagram:

[0078] Figure 1 shows a surface lamp according to the invention in a top view of its luminous side,

[0079] Figure 2 shows an alternative surface lamp according to Figure 1 with an additional circuit board and cover layer in a perspective oblique view and exploded view.

[0080] Figure 3 shows a cross-section through an alternative surface lamp according to Figure 2, in which the cover layer is divided into a transparent layer and a cover layer.

[0081] Figure 4 shows a top view of the light-emitting side of the surface lamp according to Figure 3.

[0082] Figure 5 shows a passenger cabin with possible application locations for surface luminaires according to the invention.

[0083] Figure 1 shows a surface-mounted light 2 for use in a passenger cabin 4 of a passenger aircraft 6, which is shown in more detail in Figure 5. The surface-mounted light 2 includes a base support 8, which extends in layers and is planar in this example, and is flat and extends in the plane of the paper. The base support 8 has two flat sides, of which the flat side 10a is visible facing the viewer in Figure 1. The flat side 10b faces away from the viewer. The flat side 10a of the base support 8 is its illuminating side 12.

[0084] The surface-mounted luminaire 2 contains a multitude of LEDs 14, which are arranged across the surface of the base carrier 8. The LEDs 14 are located on the luminous side 12 of the base carrier 8. Among other things, the LEDs 14 serve to create a colorful light display on or with the surface-mounted luminaire 2. This is symbolically indicated in Figure 1 by areas of different colors, such as blue in area 70a, green in area 70b, yellow in area 70c, and red in area 70d. The colors blend seamlessly into one another via mixed colors between areas 70a-d and are symbolically indicated in Figure 1 by hatching.

[0085] The LEDs 14 are homogeneously distributed over the entire base carrier 8, in a grid-like or matrix-like arrangement. The horizontal and vertical distances between any two LEDs 14 shown in the figure are therefore equal. Thus, the density of LEDs 14 per unit area is constant.

[0086] A large number, specifically one-third of the LEDs 14, are accent LEDs LA. Each of these accent LEDs LA is a tri-color LED, specifically an RGB LED, which, in its operating mode B, produces colored light of a selectable color. The accent LEDs LA are also distributed across the surface of the base carrier 8. Each accent LED LA is individually adjustable with regard to the color and brightness of the light it produces in operating mode B.

[0087] A large number, here another third of the LEDs 14, are LG base LEDs. These are white LEDs, which produce white light in mode B. The LG base LEDs are also distributed across the base carrier 8. The brightness and color temperature of all LG base LEDs can only be adjusted together. In other words, all LG base LEDs always operate in mode B, producing white light of the same brightness and color temperature.

[0088] A further number, namely the last third of the LEDs 14, are emergency LEDs LN for generating white light. All emergency LEDs LN are also distributed across the surface of the base carrier 8. All emergency LEDs can be powered independently of the accent LEDs LA and the base LEDs LG. Thus, in operation B, they can generate white light as emergency lighting for passenger cabin 4 even if the power supply to the accent LEDs LA and the base LEDs LG fails.

[0089] Figure 2 shows, in essence, the surface-mounted light 2 from Figure 1 in an exploded perspective view. Here, it can be seen in detail that the LEDs 14 are not directly attached to the base 8. Rather, the surface-mounted light 2 contains a printed circuit board 16 extending in layers parallel to the base 8. The LEDs 14 are attached to the printed circuit board 16, in this case soldered to it, and indirectly, i.e., only via the printed circuit board 16, to the base 8.

[0090] The surface-mounted light 2 from Figure 2 is also extended compared to the one from Figure 1. It additionally includes a cover layer 18 on the luminous side 12. The circuit board 16 with the LEDs 14 is arranged between the cover layer 18 and the base carrier 8. The cover layer 18 covers the base carrier 8 at least in the area of ​​the LEDs 14, here completely, on the luminous side 12 and extends in a layered, planar fashion parallel to the base carrier 8 and the circuit board 16. The cover layer 18 is only symbolically indicated here.

[0091] Figure 3 shows a section through the surface-mounted luminaire 2 from Figure 3. The cover layer 18 is shown here in detail. The cover layer 18 has area-like transparent regions 20. The respective transparent region 20 is diffusely transparent to the light generated by the LEDs 14 during operation B.

[0092] In addition to transparent areas 20, the cover layer 18 also has cover areas 22 which are not transparent to the light generated by the LEDs 14, i.e., opaque.

[0093] Figure 3 further illustrates that the homogeneous, planar, and uniform distribution of each of the three LED groups—accent LEDs LA, background LEDs LG, and emergency LEDs LN—across the entire base carrier 8 is achieved as follows: In both spatial directions of the planar extent of the base carrier 8, the three types of LEDs 14 are always arranged alternately, with each group individually distributed as a regular square and rectangular grid structure across the base carrier 8 or the circuit board 16, as can be clearly seen in Figure 1. Figure 3 shows the arrangement specifically in one spatial direction (e.g., the "x-direction"). However, the distribution of the LEDs in the perpendicular spatial direction (e.g., the "y-direction") is identical, so that Figure 3 depicts the situation in two mutually perpendicular spatial directions.

[0094] In other words, each LED group consists of one accent LED (LA), one base LED (LG), and one emergency LED (LN). These groups of three are also homogeneously distributed across the entire base carrier 8, right up to its edge.

[0095] The cover layer 18 is structured in detail as follows: It first contains a transparent layer 24 that extends completely across the entire surface of the cover layer 18 and is diffusely transparent to the light from the LEDs 14. The transparent layer 24 is completely transparent to the light generated by the LEDs 14.

[0096] The transparent layer 24 contains a clear transparent glass layer 26, which is covered on both of its flat sides by a diffusely transparent diffuser layer 28; the diffuser layer 28 is connected to the glass layer 26 via an adhesive layer 30.

[0097] The cover layer 18 also contains a cover layer 32. The cover layer 32 contains, forms, or creates the cover areas 22, in that the relevant areas of the cover layer are physically formed in the form of a prepreg. The transparent areas 20 are also formed by the cover layer 32. This is achieved, however, by the fact that recesses are formed in the cover layer 32 in the relevant areas, meaning that no material is present there. In other words, the cover layer 32 forms a kind of mask that allows the light generated by the LEDs 14 to pass through at the transparent areas 20, but not at the cover areas 22.

[0098] The entire surface-mounted luminaire 2, together with its base support 8, is formed as a flat surface. The entire surface-mounted luminaire 2 is rigid and not flexible. Besides the layers already described, the surface-mounted luminaire 2 contains no further layers.

[0099] Figure 4 shows a top view of the illuminated side 12 of the surface-mounted luminaire 2 from Figure 3. It can be seen that both the cover areas 22 and the transparent areas 20 each have structures in the form of a pictorial representation of an object. The object is a stylized tree with a crown 40 that glows green and a trunk 42 that glows brown in operating mode B. The tree is depicted against a blue sky 44 and a green meadow 46. The corresponding colors are generated by controlling the accent LEDs LA in the relevant areas. The basic LEDs LG and the emergency LEDs LN are switched off in this operating mode. Thus, in operating mode B, the surface-mounted luminaire 2 serves as a matrix display or screen for the pictorial representation of the object in the form of the tree against the background of meadow and sky. The cover area 20 forms an outline of the crown 40 and is not illuminated due to its opacity.

[0100] Figure 5 shows an interior in the form of the passenger cabin 4 of the passenger aircraft 6. Hatched areas in Figure 5 correspond to surface areas of the passenger cabin 4 on which respective surface luminaires 2 of a suitable geometric shape can be attached or are attached. These are a bulkhead / class divider 50, a sidewall 52, a passenger service unit 54, various partial surfaces of a luggage compartment 56, a ceiling panel, a sign 60 (here a free or occupied indicator for an onboard lavatory), or a strip area 62 (accent light / seat row numbering).

[0101] Reference symbol list

[0102] 2 surface-mounted lights

[0103] 4 passenger cabin

[0104] 6 passenger aircraft

[0105] 8 basic supports

[0106] 10a, b Flat side

[0107] 12 Light side

[0108] 14 LED

[0109] 16 circuit board

[0110] 18 Cover layer

[0111] 20 T transparent area

[0112] 22 Deck area

[0113] 24 T transparent layer

[0114] 26 glass layers

[0115] 28 Diffuser layer

[0116] 30 adhesive layers

[0117] 32 Top layer

[0118] 40 crowns

[0119] 42 tribe

[0120] 44 Heaven

[0121] 46 meadow

[0122] 50 room dividers

[0123] 52 side wall

[0124] 54 PSU

[0125] 56 storage compartments

[0126] 58 ceiling panels

[0127] 60 ads

[0128] 62 strip area

[0129] 70a-d area

[0130] LA Accent LED

[0131] LG Basic LED

[0132] LN Emergency LED

[0133] B Operation

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 26 March 2026 (26.03.2026) [Claim 1] Surface-mounted light (2) for a passenger cabin (4) of a passenger aircraft (6), - with a layered, planar base support (8), one flat side (10a) of which is a luminous side (12), - with a large number of LEDs (14) which are distributed over the surface of the base carrier (8) and arranged on its luminous side (12), - wherein a plurality of the LEDs (14) in operation (B) are accent LEDs (LA) producing colored light of selectable color, which are distributed over the surface of the base carrier (8), wherein at least two of the accent LEDs (LA) are individually adjustable with respect to a color and brightness of the light produced by them in operation (B), - wherein a plurality of the LEDs (14) are basic LEDs (LG) that generate white light during operation and are distributed over the surface of the base carrier (8), wherein at least two of the basic LEDs (LG) can only be adjusted together with respect to the brightness of the light they generate during operation (B), - wherein a large number of the LEDs (14) in operation (B) are white light-generating emergency LEDs (LN) which are distributed over the surface of the base carrier (8), wherein all emergency LEDs (LN) can be supplied with energy independently of the accent LEDs (LA) and base LEDs (LG), - whereby, due to the surface distribution of the accent LEDs (LA) and their full-color capability, the surface light (2) also serves as a display, with one accent LED (LA) then corresponding to a color pixel of the display. [Claim 2] Surface light (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the basic LEDs (LG) is also adjustable with respect to a color temperature of the light produced by it in operation (B). [Claim 3] Surface light (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface light (2) includes a printed circuit board (16) extending in a layer-like plane parallel to the base carrier (8), wherein the printed circuit board (16) is attached to the base carrier (8) and the LEDs (14) are attached to the printed circuit board (16) and are at least also attached to the base carrier (8) by means of the latter. [Claim 4] Surface-mounted luminaire (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) The surface luminaire (2) includes a cover layer (18) which covers the base carrier (8) at least in the area of ​​the LEDs (14) on the luminous side (12) and extends in a layer-like planar fashion parallel to the base carrier (8), wherein the cover layer (18) has at least a planar transparent area (20) which is diffusely transparent to the light generated by the LEDs (14) during operation (B). [Claim 5] Eclipse lamp (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that the cover layer (18) has at least one planar cover area (22) which is less transparent or not transparent to the light produced by the LEDs (14) than the transparent area (20). [Claim 6] Light fixture (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one of the cover areas (22) and / or at least one of the transparent areas (20) has a structure in the form of a pattern or a basic geometric shape or a logo or a font or a pictorial representation of an object. [Claim 7] Elchen luminaire (2) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the cover layer (18) contains a continuous transparent layer (24) extending in a layer-like plane parallel to the base carrier (8). [Claim 8] Eclipse lamp (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that the transparent layer (24) is a continuous, clear, transparent glass layer (26) which contains on both sides a continuous diffusely transparent diffuser layer (28) applied by an adhesive layer (30). [Claim 9] Elchen luminaire (2) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the cover layer (18) contains a cover layer (32) extending in a layer-like planar fashion parallel to the base carrier (8), which contains at least one of the cover areas (22). [Claim 10] Surface light (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the entire surface light (2) together with its base support (8) is designed to be flat. [Claim 11] Surface lamp (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) the surface lamp (2) is not flexible, but fixed in design. [Claim 12] Surface lamp (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface lamp (2) does not contain any further layers. AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

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