Lighting display system

The invention relates to a lighting display system (1), comprising: a mounting structure (3), which comprises a mounting plate (7) having a front side (13); at least one first plug contact (15) arranged on the front side (13) of the mounting plate (7); and an electrical power supply connection (17), which is electrically connected to the at least one first plug contact (15); at least one luminous body (5), which comprises a front side (19) and a back side (21); a second plug contact (23), which is arranged on the back side (21) of the at least one luminous body (5) and which can be plugged together with and electrically connected to the first plug contact (15); and a plurality of light sources (27), which are electrically connected to the second plug contact (23); wherein the at least one luminous body (5) can be secured to the mounting structure (7) by means of least one securing assembly (29), wherein a first element (31) of the at least one securing assembly (29) is firmly connected to the back side (21) of the at least one luminous body (5), a second element (33) of the at least one securing assembly (29) is firmly connected to the front side (13) of the mounting plate (7), and a third element (35) of the at least one securing assembly (29) is configured to connect the first and the second element of the at least one securing assembly (29) to each other in a positive-locking manner.

FIELD

The invention relates to a lighted display panel system, and in particular a lighting lighted display panel system which comprises one or a plurality of luminous bodies which can be arranged on a mounting structure.

BACKGROUND

Conventional lighted display panel system typically comprise a plurality of luminous bodies which can be arranged on a mounting structure. The luminous bodies can be connected to the mounting structure by means of simple plug connections, whereby the luminous bodies can easily be installed on the mounting structure and held thereby.

This frequently gives rise to the problem that the luminous bodies can easily be removed from the mounting structure, e.g. by wind or by being pulled off the mounting structure. As a result, the range of application of such lighted display panel systems is greatly restricted.

SUMMARY

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to propose a lighted display panel system which permits a relatively large range of application, in particular inside and outside rooms and buildings, and in areas where people are present.

One embodiment of the lighted display panel system in accordance with the invention comprises a mounting structure and at least one luminous body. The mounting structure comprises a mounting plate having a front side, at least one first plug contact, which is arranged arranged on the front side of the mounting plate, and a power supply connection which is electrically connected to the at least one first plug contact and which can be connected to a power supply.

The at least one luminous body comprises a front side and a rear side, which is defined by a peripheral edge, a second plug contact which is arranged on the rear side of the at least one luminous body and can be plugged together with and electrically connected to the first plug contact, and a plurality of light sources which are electrically connected to the second plug contact.

The at least one luminous body can be secured on the mounting structure by means of at least one securing assembly, wherein a first element of the at least one securing group is fixedly connected to the rear side of the at least one luminous body, a second element of the at least one securing assembly is fixedly connected to the rear side of the at least one luminous body and a third element of the at least one securing assembly is configured to connect the first element and the second element of the at least one securing assembly to one another in a positive-locking manner.

The mounting plate can be fastenable e.g. to a wall or a front plate. However, the wall or the front plate can itself also be considered to be a mounting plate in terms of the invention. Therefore, the wall functions as a mounting plate.

The at least one first plug contact which is arranged on the front side of the mounting plate, and the second plug contact which is arranged on the rear side of the at least one luminous body can be plugged together, whereby both a mechanical and electrical connection can be established between the at least one first and the second plug contact. Such a first and second plug contact can be formed e.g. by a pair of plugs or conventional plugs, in particular banana plugs or coaxial plugs or the like, and mating plugs thereof.

The at least one luminous body comprises a plurality of light sources which are arranged e.g. in the interior of the at least one luminous body and can be connected to a power supply by means of the at least one first and second plug contact.

One embodiment has at least one securing assembly by means of which the at least one luminous body can be secured to the mounting structure, in particular to the mounting plate. As a result, it is possible to protect the at least one luminous body from being stolen or to protect it from being otherwise (undesirably) removed from the mounting structure.

According to a further embodiment, the positive-locking connection can be established between the first element and the second element of the at least one securing assembly in that firstly the third element of the at least one securing assembly is arranged on the second element of the at least one securing assembly in a position configured for securing purposes, and then the first element is positioned relative to the second element of the at least one securing assembly such that the third element connects the first element to the second element in a positive-locking manner.

When the lighted display panel system is being installed e.g. on a wall or a front plate, it is possible in this manner firstly to prepare the part of the securing assembly which is arranged on the mounting plate. In particular, the third element can be arranged on the second element such that said elements are ready to secure the first element. Subsequently, in order to secure the at least one luminous body to the mounting structure only the first element still has to be positioned relative to the second element such that a positive-locking connection between the first element and the second element is established by means of the third element.

According to a further embodiment, the positive-locking connection which is provided by the at least one securing assembly prevents displaceability of the first element and the second element of the at least one securing assembly relative to one another in one, two or three translational directions and/or in one, two or three rotational directions. As a result, as soon as the positive-locking connection exists between the first element and the second element, the at least one luminous body is restricted in terms of in its degrees of freedom of movement relative to the mounting structure such that removal of the at least one luminous body from the mounting structure is prevented.

According to a further embodiment, the positive-locking connection provided by the at least one securing assembly can be released in a damage-free manner exclusively by removal of the third element of the at least one securing assembly from the position configured for securing purposes. This ensures that the positive-locking connection can be released in a damage-free manner by a single action, namely the removal of the third element from the position configured for securing purposes. In a preferred embodiment, provision is made that the third element can be removed from the position configured for securing purposes exclusively in a direction in parallel with the mounting plate.

In order to make it more difficult to remove the third element from the position configured for securing purposes, the lighted display panel systems is designed in a particular manner: The at least one luminous body, the at least one securing assembly and the mounting plate are arranged and dimensioned such that the positive-locking connection cannot be released without the use of special tools. In particular, the positive-locking connection cannot be released exclusively by hand.

For this purpose, according to a further embodiment a distance between the rear side of the at least one luminous body and the front side of the mounting plate is less than 5 cm, less than 3 cm, less than 1 cm or less than 0.5 cm. Restricting the distance between the rear side of the at least one luminous body and the front side of the mounting plate ensures that it is not possible as a matter of course to effect engagement between the at least one luminous body and the mounting plate, in particular to effect engagement in order to release the positive-locking connection and remove the third element. In particular, this distance can be maintained such that a special tool is required for removing the third element from the position configured for securing purposes.

According to a further embodiment, a minimum distance between the peripheral edge, which defines the rear side of the at least one luminous body, and the first element, which is fixedly connected to the rear side of the at least one luminous body, of the at least one securing assembly is greater than 1 cm, greater than 2 cm, greater than 3 cm, greater than 5 cm or greater than 10 cm. As a result, the first element of the at least one securing assembly is removed from the peripheral edge of the rear side of the at least one luminous body at least to such an extent that the positive-locking connection cannot be released as a matter of course, in particular the third element cannot be removed as a matter of course.

According to a further embodiment, the ratio of a distance between the rear side of the at least one luminous body and the front side of the mounting plate to a minimum distance between the peripheral edge, which defines the rear side of the at least one luminous body, and the first element, which is fixedly connected to the rear side of the at least one luminous body, of the at least one securing assembly is less than 1, less than ¾, less than ½, less than ¼, less than ⅕ or less than ⅙. Restricting this ratio ensures that the first element is removed from the peripheral edge of the rear side of the at least one luminous body to such an extent that the third element cannot be reached and removed as a matter of course, wherein this extent is set based on the distance between the rear side of the at least one luminous body and the front side of the mounting plate.

According to a further embodiment, the first element of the at least one securing assembly and the second element of the at least one securing assembly have individually or in each case apertures and the third element of the at least one securing assembly is configured to engage into the apertures of the first element and/or the second element. In this embodiment, the first element and the second element are formed by apertures such that the third element can establish the positive-locking connection in that the third element engages into the apertures.

According to a further embodiment, one of the first element and the second element of the at least one securing assembly comprises a pin which has an proximal portion and a distal portion in a longitudinal direction of the pin, wherein a width of the distal portion of the pin is greater than a width of the proximal portion of the pin, wherein the width of the portions of the pin is an expansion of the pin as measured in a direction oriented perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment the other one of the first element and the second element of the at least one securing assembly comprises a pin receiver which is configured to receive the distal portion and at least a part of the proximal portion of the pin. Furthermore, the third element of the securing assembly can be connected to the second element of the securing assembly such that, if the pin is introduced with at least a part of the proximal portion into the pin receiver, the third element engages behind the distal portion of the pin in the proximal portion of the pin. In this embodiment, the positive-locking connection can be established in that the third element in the position configured for securing purposes is arranged on the second element such that, if the pin which is arranged on the first element or the second element of the at least one securing assembly is introduced into the pin receiver which is arranged on the other one of the two elements, the third element engages behind the pin and thus prevents removal of the pin from the pin recess. As a result, firstly the third element can be moved to the position configured for securing purposes before the pin is introduced into the pin recess. In order to close the positive-locking connection, the luminous body must then merely be plugged onto the mounting structure, i.e. the pin must be introduced into the pin recess.

According to a further embodiment, the third element of the at least one securing assembly is a U-shaped splint which can be removed from the second element and can be arranged thereon, preferably in a direction in parallel with the mounting plate.

According to a further embodiment, the at least one first plug contact and the second plug contact comprise a female plug and a male plug and/or a pair of plugs. As a result, the at least one first plug contact and the second plug contact can be provided as a pair of plugs, consisting of a female plug and a male plug. In particular, a female plug and a male plug can be formed by means of a banana plug or the like and a corresponding mating plug. Furthermore, the at least one first plug contact and the second plug contact can be formed in pairs in each case so that the first plug contact comprises e.g. two banana plugs and the second plug contact comprises two mating plugs for banana plugs.

According to a further embodiment, the at least one securing assembly transfers a portion or all of the weight of the at least one luminous body to the mounting structure. As a result, it is possible for the securing assembly to decrease the mechanical loading of the at least one first plug contact and the second plug contact or to transfer the weight of the at least one luminous body completely to the mounting structure.

According to a further embodiment, the first element has, in a depth direction oriented perpendicularly with respect to the rear side of the at least one luminous body, a portion which protrudes into the at least one luminous body. The protruding portion can be located in a region of the luminous body which is used for forming a specific directional characteristic, whereby the radiation behavior could be influenced. In order to avoid or minimise the influence, provision can be made that the expansion of the protruding portion in the depth direction is less than half, in particular one quarter and in particular one eighth, of the expansion of the at least one luminous body in the depth direction.

According to a further embodiment, the first element has a portion which protrudes into the at least one luminous body and which is arranged with the light sources in one plane. In particular, this plane can be arranged in parallel with the rear side of the at least one luminous body.

According to a further embodiment, the first element of the at least one securing assembly has a reflective surface which in particular has substantially isotropic or diffuse light scattering. This is e.g. advantageous when the first element is located in a region of the luminous body which is used for forming a specific directional characteristic, whereby the radiation behavior could be influenced. The reflective surface can minimise the influence upon the directional characteristic.

According to a further embodiment, the first element of the at least one securing assembly and the at least one luminous body are integrally connected to one another and/or the second element of the at least one securing assembly and the mounting structure are integrally connected to one another. In this case, e.g. the first element of the at least one securing assembly and the at least one luminous body and/or the second element of the at least one securing assembly and the mounting structure can each be formed from one part, e.g. by means of an injection-moulding method or other shape-forming methods.

According to a further embodiment, the first element of the at least one securing assembly and the at least one luminous body and/or the second element of the at least one securing assembly and the mounting structure are connected to one another in a positive-locking manner and/or by means of a screw connection, rivet connection, key connection, snap-action connection or adhesive connection of a combination thereof. Furthermore, the connection can be established by means of a crimped connection or fused connection.

According to a further embodiment, the first element of the at least one securing assembly is directly connected to a light-transmissive and light-diffusing part of the at least one luminous body, through which light irradiated by the light sources passes. The light-transmissive and light-diffusing part can be used directly and mainly for forming the directional characteristic, in particular for producing a homogeneous directional characteristic. The direct connection of the parts renders it possible to form the luminous body without any further housing which is not used for forming the directional characteristic. In particular, the direct connection can be formed by melting, adhesion and/or press-fitting. Furthermore, the first element can be embedded into the light-transmissive and light-diffusing part.

According to a further embodiment, the first element and the second element of the at least one securing assembly comprise one of the first and/or the second plug contacts. In this case, the securing assemblies can be configured to assume the functions of the first and second plug contact, i.e. to provide in particular electrically conductive connections which can be plugged together for supplying energy to the luminous bodies. In this case, provision can be made in particular that each luminous body comprises at least two securing assemblies which are connected or can be connected to one power circuit.

According to a further embodiment, the light sources comprise incandescent light sources and/or light-emitting diodes. The light sources can be arranged in particular in the interior of the at least one luminous body and the light produced by the light sources can exit through the front side, rear side or other sides of the at least one luminous body. In particular, the light sources can be arranged such that one or a plurality of these sides appear to be as homogeneously luminescent as possible.

According to a further embodiment, the at least one luminous body consists substantially of a material which can comprise synthetic materials, in particular acrylic glass but also metals.

According to a further embodiment, the at least one luminous body is a luminous character, in particular a luminous letter and/or a luminous numeral, wherein the luminous character has a front side which, in plan view, is in the form of a letter or a numeral of an alphabet. In particular, the at least one luminous body can be in the form of the letters A-Z, a-z and the numerals 0-9. In this manner, writing can be provided from any number of luminous bodies. Such arrangements of one or a plurality of luminous bodies can be used e.g. for advertising purposes, information purposes or for artistic design.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In the exemplary embodiments described below, components that are alike in function and structure are designated as far as possible by alike reference numerals. Therefore, to understand the features of the individual components of a specific embodiment, the descriptions of other embodiments and of the summary of the disclosure should be referred to.

Embodiments of the invention will be explained hereinafter in conjunction with the figures. In this case, components which correspond in terms of their structure and function are designated by like reference signs which have identical numerals. Therefore, in order to describe the components, reference is also made to the entirety of the preceding and following description in each case.

FIG. 1shows a perspective, schematic view of a lighted display panel system1. The lighted display panel system1comprises a mounting structure3and two luminous bodies5which in this embodiment are luminous letters which, in plan view, are in the form of the letters M and R. However, the luminous bodies5can also be in the form of other letters and in particular numerals, e.g. A-Z, a-z and 0-9 and include the letters and numerals of other alphabets. A lighted display panel system can comprise a multiplicity of luminous bodies which are arranged on one or a plurality of mounting structures so that writing, character strings, words and sentences, but also logos and other characters can be displayed.

FIG. 2shows a view from the side of the lighted display panel system1illustrated inFIG. 1. The mounting structure3comprises a mounting plate7which is attached to a wall11by means of a support9, wherein the wall11is illustrated by lines of shading. The mounting plate7has a front side13which faces towards the luminous bodies5. By means of the support9, the mounting plate7and therefore the mounting structure3can be arranged at a distance from the wall11. However, it is not necessary for the mounting plate to be arranged at a distance from the wall and alternatively the wall11can be e.g. a front plate or the like. However, as an alternative a front plate or the wall11can also be prepared such that they are used as the mounting structure. In such a case, the front plate or the wall11itself corresponds to the mounting plate and the at least one first plug contact is arranged on the front side of the front plate or the wall11.

Furthermore, the mounting structure3comprises a first plug contact15which is arranged on the front side13of the mounting plate7and is used for providing a mechanical and electrical connection option for the luminous bodies5. Furthermore, the mounting structure3comprises a power supply connection17which is electrically connected to the first plug contact15and which, in turn, can itself be connected to a power supply.

The luminous body5comprises a front side19and a rear side21. Furthermore, the luminous body5comprises a second plug contact23which is arranged on the rear side21and which can be plugged together with and electrically connected to the first plug contact15. In this embodiment, the second plug contact23consists of a pair of banana plugs25. However, the first plug contact and the second plug contact can also be produced by means of another conventional plug. Furthermore, the luminous body5comprises a plurality of light sources27which are electrically connected to the second plug contact23. Therefore, the light sources27can be electrically connected to the power supply connection17if, as shown inFIG. 2, the first plug contact15is connected to the second plug contact23.

Furthermore, the lighted display panel system1comprises two securing assemblies29which secure the luminous bodies5on the mounting structure3. The securing assemblies29comprise a first element31, a second element33and a third element35. The first element31is fixedly connected to the rear side21of the luminous body5and the second element33is fixedly connected to the front side13of the mounting plate7. The third element35is configured, as explained in detail hereinafter, to connect the first element31and the second element33to one another in a positive-locking manner.

The securing assembly29is configured such that the positive-locking connection is produced if the luminous body5is joined together with the mounting structure3. The positive-locking connection can be released exclusively by removing the third part35of the securing assembly29. Preferably, the third element35of the securing assembly29can be released in a direction in parallel with the mounting plate7. In order to prevent the securing assembly29from being easily released, a distance A between the rear side21of the luminous body5and the front side13of the mounting plate7is less than a predetermined value which preferably is less than 5 cm, less than 3 cm, less than 1 cm or less than 0.5 cm. Other values are possible according to the circumstances of the intended use.

FIG. 3shows a perspective, schematic view of a luminous body5with a view onto the rear side21of the luminous body5. Arranged on the rear side21of the luminous body5are the second plug contact23, which is formed as a pair of banana plugs25, and the first element31of a securing assembly. In order to make it more difficult to release the positive-locking connection, the first element31is arranged on the rear side21of the luminous body5at a distance from an edge which defines the rear side21. Preferably, a minimum distance B between the peripheral edge37, which defines the rear side21of the luminous body5, and the first element31is greater than a determined value which preferably is greater than 1 cm, greater than 2 cm, greater than 3 cm, greater than cm or greater than 10 cm. Other values are possible according to the circumstances of the intended use.

In order to make it even more difficult to release the positive-locking connection, the ratio of the distance A illustrated inFIG. 2to the distance B illustrated inFIG. 3can be less than 1, less than ¾, less than ½, less than ¼, less than ⅕ or less than ⅙. Other values are possible according to the circumstances of the intended use.

FIG. 4ashows a perspective, schematic view of one embodiment of a securing assembly29in a first state in which the securing assembly is released, i.e. a first element31is arranged at a distance from the second element33.FIG. 4bshows a schematic, cross-sectional view from the side of the securing assembly29illustrated inFIG. 4a, wherein the securing assembly is illustrated in the first state with the first element31. Moreover,FIG. 4bshows a second state of the securing assembly29in which the securing assembly is closed, i.e. the first element31′ and the second element33are not arranged at a distance from one another and a positive-locking connection exists between the first element31and the second element33. The second state is illustrated by the first element31′.FIG. 4cshows a schematic view of the securing assembly29in the second state which is shown inFIG. 4cby the first element31′ illustrated by the broken line, in plan view of the second element33of the securing assembly29, wherein for improved clarity the rear side of the luminous body has been omitted.

The securing assembly29comprises the first element31, the second element33and a third element35. The first element31is connected to rear side21of a luminous body and the second element33is fixedly connected to the front side13of a mounting plate, wherein the front side and the rear side are indicated merely as sections. The first element31of the securing assembly29comprises a pin39which has an proximal portion41and an distal portion43which are oriented in a longitudinal direction45of the pin39. The longitudinal direction45of the pin39is illustrated by a broken line. The distal portion43has a larger width in comparison with the proximal portion41, wherein the width is an expansion of the pin39measured in a direction oriented perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal direction45.

The second element33of the securing assembly29has a portion which is formed as a hexagon. The second element33comprises a pin receiver47which is formed as a recess in the portion formed as a hexagon. The recess47is of such a size that the first element31can be accommodated completely with the distal portion43and at least partially with the proximal portion41in the pin receiver47, as illustrated inFIG. 4bby the first element31′. Furthermore, the second element33has apertures49and the third element35of the securing assembly29is configured to engage into the apertures49. In this embodiment, the third element35is a substantially U-shaped splint which can be arranged in a direction in parallel with the mounting plate or its front side13in the apertures49and thus on the second element33and can be removed from the second element33in the same manner. A part of the third element35which passes through the apertures49protrudes into the pin receiver47, thus enabling a positive-locking connection to be established.

In the first state of the securing assembly which is shown inFIG. 4a, the first element31of the securing assembly29is arranged at a distance from the second element33of the securing assembly29, the third element35is arranged on the second element33in a position configured for securing purposes and a positive-locking connection is not provided between the first element31and the second element33.

The position—configured for securing purposes—of the third element35is characterized by the fact that the third element35is arranged on the second element33such that a positive-locking connection is produced between the first element31and the second element33if the pin39is introduced at least with a part of the proximal portion41into the pin receiver47and the third element35engages behind the distal portion43of the pin39at the level of the proximal portion41of the pin39. In this embodiment, the third element is arranged in the position configured for securing purposes if the third element35engages into the apertures49and protrudes into the pin recess and the first element31is arranged at a distance from the second element33.

The positive-locking connection between the first element31and the second element33can be established in that the securing assembly is transferred from the first state to the second state. For this purpose, the first element31is positioned relative to the second element33such that the third element35connects the first element31to the second element33in a positive-locking manner.

This renders it possible to prepare the second element33and the third element35in the position shown inFIG. 4aand only thereafter to establish the positive-locking connection in that the first element31is positioned relative to the second element33such that the positive-locking connection is produced.

According to the embodiment ofFIGS. 4aand 4b, the second state is achieved in that the pin39is introduced into the pin recess47and the third element35engages behind the distal portion43of the pin39at the level of the proximal portion41of the pin39. This state is shown inFIG. 4bby the first element31′ illustrated by the broken line. In particular, the third element35of the securing assembly29engages behind the distal portion43′ of the pin39′ at the level of the proximal portion41′, whereby the positive-locking connection is produced.

The third element35is configured such that the positive-locking connection can be established even though the third element35is already arranged on the second element33in the position configured for securing purposes. For example, the third element35is flexible so that it is displaced by the first element31, the securing assembly is transferred to the second state.

FIG. 4cillustrates the configuration of the positive-locking connection and the securing assembly in the second state, wherein the securing assembly is shown in a plan view of the second element33. After the parts of the third element35, which protrude into the pin recess47, have been displaced into the apertures when the pin39is being introduced into the pin receiver47, the third element35engages, after the displacement ends, behind the distal portion43of the pin39in the proximal portion41of the pin39, thus producing the positive-locking connection.

Therefore, such a securing assembly renders it possible firstly to prepare the mounting structure in that the third element35of the mounting assembly29is arranged in the position configured for securing purposes, and subsequently to install the luminous body on the mounting structure with a securing action in that the securing assemblies are transferred to the second state.

The first element, the second element and the third element are formed or prepared in such a way that the closed, positive-locking connection provided by the securing assembly can be released in a damage-free manner exclusively by removing the third element from the position configured for securing purposes. In particular, the positive-locking connection can be released in a damage-free manner by virtue of the fact that the U-shaped splint is drawn out of the apertures49. However, the release of the positive-locking connection is made more difficult, as already explained above, by suitably selecting the distance A shown inFIG. 2and the distance B shown inFIG. 3. In particular, this is made more difficult such that the positive-locking connection cannot be released exclusively by hand and it can only be released using special tools.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 4ato 4c, the securing assembly is formed in such a way that the positive-locking connection prevents displaceability of the first element31and of the second element33relative to one another in three translational directions. However, by suitably forming the first element and the second element, e.g. by forming the pin and the pin recess in the form of angular shapes, it is also possible to prevent degrees of rotational freedom. Moreover, the first element31and the second element33can be designed such that not all translational and rotational directions are prevented but instead a smaller number of these degrees of freedom are prevented.

In order to be able to establish the positive-locking connection in a simpler manner, the third element35can be bendable and/or the first element31can have flattened sides51at the end of the distal portion43in order to be able to displace the third element35more easily upon introduction into the pin recess. The surfaces53of the first element31opposite the sides51are designed in such a way that, if the positive-locking connection is established, they oppose removal of the first element31from the second element33if the third element35is arranged in the position configured for securing purposes.

Simple modifications of the embodiments previously set forth are possible. For example, the first element of the securing assembly can be arranged on the front side of the mounting plate and the second element of the securing assembly can be arranged on the rear side of the luminous body.

FIG. 5shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a luminous body5. In the luminous body5, a plurality of light sources27, e.g. light-emitting diodes, are arranged on the rear side21of the luminous body5and are connected to the second plug contact23by means of lines. The light sources emit in the direction of the front side19of the luminous body, which is indicated by light beams24. In the example shown, the lines run outside the luminous body5. Alternatively, the lines can also be arranged in the interior of the luminous body5.

The luminous body5consists of a light-transmissive material which substantially comprises acrylic glass. The material has the property of transporting the light emanating from the light sources in a particular manner onto the front side21. Therefore, the material can influence the distribution of the light which can be seen on the front side21. Therefore, a desired directional characteristic emanating from the front side21can be produced.

The first element31of a securing assembly has a portion55which protrudes into the luminous body5. Under certain circumstances, this can negatively influence the directional characteristic of the luminous body5. In order to minimise the influence of the portion55upon the directional characteristic, the expansion of the portion55in a depth direction57, which is oriented perpendicularly with respect to the rear side21, is restricted. In particular, the expansion of the portion55in the depth direction57is less than half, in particular less than one quarter and in particular less than one eighth of the expansion of the luminous body5in the depth direction. Moreover, the portion55and the light sources27are arranged in one plane59which in particular can be plane-parallel with respect to the rear side21.

To further minimise the influence of the first element31upon the directional characteristic, the first element31has a reflective surface at least in the region55. For example, the first element31can consist of metal or can have a metallic surface.

FIG. 6shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a luminous body. The luminous body5comprises a plate61and a body63, wherein the plate61is connected to the body63and provides the front side19of the luminous body. The plate61and the body63consist of a material which substantially comprises a synthetic material, in particular acrylic glass. In the interior of the luminous body, an proximal space65is defined by the plate61and the body63. The proximal space65consists of a material which can comprise air but also synthetic material.

A plurality of light sources27are arranged in the body63and emit light in the direction of the rear side21of the luminous body5, which is indicated by the light beams24. The rear side21of the luminous body5is provided by the body63and is formed to reflect light, which is radiated by the light sources27, in the direction of the front side19of the luminous body.

As in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5, the first element31of a securing assembly has a portion55which protrudes into the luminous body5. Under certain circumstances, this can negatively influence the directional characteristic of the luminous body5. In order to minimise the influence of the portion55upon the directional characteristic, the expansion of the portion55in a depth direction57, which is oriented perpendicularly with respect to the rear side21, is restricted according to the description ofFIG. 5.

While the disclosure has been described with respect to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure set forth herein are intended to be illustrative and not limiting in any way. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the following claims.