The present invention relates to an illumination device for a traffic sign, advertising signboard, information sign and the like, where there are used illuminated plates together with general lighting, as disclosed in the preamble of the claim.

In illumination of the aforementioned type it has currently been common to use light sources in the form of lightbulbs or fluorescent tubes that are arranged in the immediate vicinity of the surfaces to be illuminated.

The light sources have thus been arranged so as to reflect or radiate the light directly onto the illuminated plate. Such an arrangement means that the signs and associated lighting source will have a rather large and awkward form When these types of signs are utilized above a roadway, it will be necessary to block off the roadway when changing the light source, With the disadvantages that this entails.

The objective of the present invention is to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages, and this is accomplished by means of a device of the type introduced above, the characterizing features of which are set forth in the claim.

Through the design in accordance with the present invention there is provided a lighter and slimmer form of sign, and replacement of the light source may be accomplished without incurring any detrimental effect on the surroundings, i.e., stopping of traffic, for example. Service personnel would also be able to 'work in peace and quiet without having to give consideration to potential automobile traffic or other factors that could also be a danger to the persons.

The invention will be described in more detail in the following, with reference to the drawings, where: Figure 1 is a schematic view of an illuminated sign, according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows the construction of the illuminated sign according to the present invention.

Figure 1 illustrates the present invention used for a traffic sign 10 having text 7 arranged on the surface 1' of the sign 10. Sign 10 is illuminated via optical fiber cables 8 which are connected to a light producing source 9, where the light is focused into the end of the fiber bundle 8 via lenses and reflectors in a manner knownper se. Light producing source 9 may thus be disposed outside of the actual sign and at a place where it is convenient with respect to both power supply, maintenance, etc.

If there are several signs in one area that are to be illuminated, it will also be possible to gather all of the light producing sources into one central place, if desired.

The fact that the light source may be positioned remote from the place of illumination will make it possible to use the device for the display and lighting of locations that may be exposed to explosion as there would be no form of electrical connection at the actual site of illumination.

Figure 2 illustrates the construction of the sign for provision of a uniform illumination of the subject to be shown. The light source is formed by a plate 2 of transparent material, e.g., glass or acrylic. The light is supplied via optical cables connected to the end faces, indicated by reference numerals 5, 5', and 6, 6'. In the example shown, two lighting connections are indicated on each end face, but it would be possible, of course, to have fewer or more, and these may optionally be on the short sides or on one of the side surfaces only, with the number and the placement being dependent on the size of the plate, i.e., the required amount of light in relation to the surface that is to be illuminated.

The back of plate 2 is provided with ridges to disperse the light backwards toward a reflecting plate 3, which may be provided with a white coating or another reflecting material and may consist, e.g., of aluminium.

Above the light source plate 2 is positioned a transparent plate having a diffuse surface 1', e.g., a white coating, on which is arranged text, a picture, or similar element 7 that is to be illuminated and displayed.