EP1035754A2 - Signalling device with a light emitting diode - Google Patents

Signalling device with a light emitting diode Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1035754A2
EP1035754A2 EP00104197A EP00104197A EP1035754A2 EP 1035754 A2 EP1035754 A2 EP 1035754A2 EP 00104197 A EP00104197 A EP 00104197A EP 00104197 A EP00104197 A EP 00104197A EP 1035754 A2 EP1035754 A2 EP 1035754A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
light
emitting diode
current
operating
led
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP00104197A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1035754B1 (en
EP1035754A3 (en
Inventor
Jürgen Dipl.-Ing.(FH) Adams
Werner Ing. Grad. Baldenhofer
Michael Dipl.-Ing.(FH) Krieg
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Continental Automotive GmbH
Original Assignee
Mannesmann VDO AG
Siemens AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mannesmann VDO AG, Siemens AG filed Critical Mannesmann VDO AG
Publication of EP1035754A2 publication Critical patent/EP1035754A2/en
Publication of EP1035754A3 publication Critical patent/EP1035754A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1035754B1 publication Critical patent/EP1035754B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H05ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05BELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B45/00Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • H05B45/10Controlling the intensity of the light
    • H05B45/14Controlling the intensity of the light using electrical feedback from LEDs or from LED modules
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H05ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05BELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B45/00Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • H05B45/30Driver circuits
    • H05B45/37Converter circuits

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for displaying a message with a LED and a controlling the operating current of the LED Control unit according to the preamble of the first claim.
  • the invention relates to a combination of several in one vehicle arranged control lights, each control light with a light emitting diode and the indicator light gives the driver a specific message mediated.
  • Such indicator lights can be, for example, in one in one Dashboard of the vehicle arranged instrument cluster be, the instrument cluster in its assembly several indicating Devices united.
  • the solution takes advantage of the knowledge that the human eye Perceives changes in intensity of a visual display more than one static display.
  • the perception of a certain message is therefore not depends only on the light intensity with which a light source shines, but also how much the display of the message differs from its surroundings differs.
  • Especially when there are several indicator lights in a group operated in an instrument cluster in the dashboard of a vehicle can be a driver's attention to a particular message be significantly increased by the fact that this message flashes from the other messages stand out.
  • Increasing the visibility of a message The more important, the more indicator lights are provided, of which each one to achieve its signal effect in a specific way must take off. In today's commercial vehicles can be thirty and more Indicator lights are present, so it is important to find a solution a single message in the flood of all flowing in on the driver Highlight messages.
  • This effect is achieved according to the invention in that the control unit, which controls the operating current of the light emitting diode to raise the Signal effect of the message briefly the operating current of the LED repeatedly rises above the other level of the operating current.
  • This Operating mode of a light emitting diode can be realized both with light emitting diodes which are continuously energized and thus shine permanently as even with light-emitting diodes, whose operating current in a certain cycle periodically turned on to turn the LED into a flashing Relocate operation. In the latter case, it is understood that the brief periodic increase in the operating current of the LED the other level of operating current is of an appropriately shorter duration than the active phase of the blinking of the light emitting diode.
  • FIG. 1 shows the mode of operation according to the invention in three time diagrams Led.
  • Figures 2 and 3 show circuit arrangements for Realization of the operation of a light emitting diode according to the invention.
  • the operating current I LED for a light-emitting diode is plotted over the time axis t.
  • two short current pulses I P are shown as examples. They should also be impressed on the other level, ie the normal case for the operating current I N of the light-emitting diode.
  • the normal case for the operating current I N of the light-emitting diode thus relates to the level for the operating current I N with which the light-emitting diode is normally energized in order to make it light up, be it for a permanent lighting up or a flashing operating mode.
  • the current pulse I P is triggered periodically by a control unit to increase its signal effect.
  • the repetition time t w for the current pulse I P can be freely programmable. However, it is usually adapted to the usual flashing frequency for generic indicator lights. It has proven to be advantageous to measure the duration t P of the current pulses I P at approximately 170 to 200 milliseconds.
  • the intensity of the current pulses I P depends on the performance data of the light-emitting diode used, because the averaged power loss occurring at the light-emitting diode should remain within the load limits applicable to the light-emitting diode, even in the case of high operating temperatures, in order not to unnecessarily increase the operating time of the light-emitting diode due to an excessive current load Reduce.
  • the periodic current pulse I P is superimposed on an operating current I N permanently connected to the light-emitting diode.
  • the light-emitting diode is operated flashing, the operating current I N of the light-emitting diode being switched on again in a certain flashing cycle t T after its decay.
  • a current pulse I P is additionally impressed on the operating current I N in each active flashing period t B.
  • the exact position of the current pulse I P within the active flashing period t B is not critical. However, the current pulse I P should preferably always occur at the same point in all active flashing periods. In the case shown, the current pulse I P takes place with the rising edge of the operating current I N at the beginning of each active flashing period t B.
  • FIG. 2 now show an example of circuit arrangements with which the inventive mode of operation of a light emitting diode can be carried out.
  • both circuit arrangements have four light-emitting diodes 1, 2, 3 and 4, which are each operated with a series resistor 5, 6, 7 and 8 connected in series with them.
  • the anode of the light-emitting diodes 1, 2, 3 and 4 is connected to the operating voltage UB.
  • the cathode of the light-emitting diodes 1, 2, 3 and 4 is connected to the outputs of a shift register 11 via series resistors 5, 6, 7 and 8.
  • the current path therefore leads from the line for the operating voltage UB through the light-emitting diodes 1, 2, 3 and 4 and the series resistors 5, 6, 7 and 8 to the outputs of the shift register 11.
  • the light-emitting diodes 3 and 4 are intended to amplify whose signal effect, the operating current I LED according to the invention are briefly raised above the other level of the operating current I N.
  • the cathode of the light-emitting diode 3 is additionally connected via a resistor 9 and the cathode of the light-emitting diode 4 additionally via a resistor 10 to the outputs of a further shift register 12.
  • Both shift registers 11 and 12 receive their data from a control unit which is preferably designed as a microprocessor, but which is not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
  • the data coming from the control unit are read in serially over a data line D from the shift registers 11 and 12 in a time cycle.
  • This clock is given to the shift registers 11 and 12 via a clock line T.
  • the outputs of the shift register 11 are switched active or passive by means of a line F1. With shift register 12, the outputs are activated or passivated via a line F2.
  • a flashing mode of operation of the light-emitting diodes 1, 2, 3 or 4 is achieved, for example, by periodically changing the data content transmitted via the data line D.
  • a current flow through the resistors 9 or 10 is additionally permitted by means of the enable signal transmitted via line F2 to the shift register 12 .
  • the enable signal transmitted via line F2 causes the outputs of the shift register 12 to assume an electrical potential which is sufficiently lower than the operating voltage UB.
  • the current components through the resistors 7 and 9 or 8 and 10 add up.
  • the release signal transmitted via line F2 can be used to control how long and in what time period t w an additionally the operating current I N additional current flow I P is permitted by the LED 3 or 4. If the LEDs 1, 2, 3 or 4 are operated flashing by the shift register 11, this enable signal transmitted via line F2 is to be synchronized with the enable signal on line F1.
  • the signal effect of the light emitting diodes 3 or 4 is amplified differently from the circuit arrangement according to FIG. 2 in that, in the light emitting diodes 3 and 4 provided for the enhanced signal effect, the voltage level UL is briefly raised for their operation.
  • the voltage level UL at the anode of the light-emitting diodes 3 and 4 is accordingly reduced in normal operation by measures in a functional element 13 compared to the operating voltage UB supplying the circuit arrangement.
  • the current flowing through the light-emitting diodes 3 and 4 is limited by an element limiting current connected in series with them, which in this case occurs in the specific case through the resistors 7 and 8.
  • resistors 7 and 8 are dimensioned such that in normal operation the current through the LEDs 3 and 4 corresponds to the current through the LEDs 1 and 2, which are not provided for amplifying their signal effect.
  • the voltage level UL at the anode of the light-emitting diodes 3 and 4 is raised to the level of the operating voltage UB by the functional element 13 changing the current path between the line for the circuit arrangement supplying operating voltage UB and the anode of the light emitting diodes 3 and 4 is switched through practically without restriction.
  • the functional element 13 can include, for example, a Zener diode Z for lowering the operating voltage UB to the voltage level UL and a transistor T connected in parallel with the Zener diode Z.
  • the transistor T is switched on or off by a control signal FS coming from a control unit.
  • the transistor T switches on at the instigation of the control signal FS, as a result of which the zener diode Z is short-circuited and the voltage drop which otherwise exists across it is canceled.
  • the circuit arrangement according to FIG. 3 saves a second shift register 12 and the additional resistors 9 and 10 compared to the circuit arrangement according to FIG. Otherwise, the circuit arrangement according to FIG. 3 can be controlled in the same way via the data line D and by means of the enable signal transmitted via line F1 as the circuit arrangement according to FIG. 2.

Abstract

The device has a light emitting diode and a control unit that controls its operating current. The control unit repeatedly and temporarily raises the light emitting diode's operating current (IN) above the usual level of the operating current in order to increase the signaling effect of the warning.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum Anzeigen einer Meldung mit einer Leuchtdiode und einer den Betriebsstrom der Leuchtdiode steuernden Steuereinheit gemäß dem Oberbegriff des ersten Anspruchs. Insbesondere bezieht sich die Erfindung auf einen Verbund von mehreren in einem Fahrzeug angeordneten Kontrolleuchten, wobei jede Kontrolleuchte mit einer Leuchtdiode ausgestattet ist und die Kontrolleuchte dem Fahrer eine spezifische Meldung vermittelt. Derartige Kontrolleuchten können zum Beispiel in einem in einem Armaturenbrett des Fahrzeugs angeordneten Kombiinstrument angeordnet sein, wobei das Kombiinstrument in seiner Baugruppe mehrere anzeigende Vorrichtungen vereinigt.The invention relates to a device for displaying a message with a LED and a controlling the operating current of the LED Control unit according to the preamble of the first claim. In particular The invention relates to a combination of several in one vehicle arranged control lights, each control light with a light emitting diode and the indicator light gives the driver a specific message mediated. Such indicator lights can be, for example, in one in one Dashboard of the vehicle arranged instrument cluster be, the instrument cluster in its assembly several indicating Devices united.

Zum Anzeigen von Meldungen werden heute in gattungsgemäßen Vorrichtungen aus Kostengründen zunehmend aus einem Halbleitermaterial bestehende Leuchtdioden eingesetzt, die jedoch nach ihrem gegenwärtigen Stand der Technik als einzelne Lichtquelle nicht dieselbe Lichtstärke zu erzeugen vermögen wie herkömmliche Glühlampen, die mit einer elektrischen Leistung von einigen Watt belastbar sind. Leuchtdioden stoßen dahingegen schnell an die Grenzen ihrer physikalischen Belastbarkeit. Das Problem kann aus Kostengründen nicht dadurch gelöst werden, daß bei einer Vorrichtung zum Anzeigen einer Meldung in jeder ihrer Leuchtkammern mehrere Leuchtdioden vorgesehen werden.To display messages are used today in generic Devices for cost reasons increasingly made of a semiconductor material existing LEDs are used, but according to their current State of the art as a single light source does not have the same light intensity produce like conventional incandescent lamps with an electric Power of a few watts are resilient. Light-emitting diodes collide with it quickly reached the limits of their physical resilience. The problem can for cost reasons can not be solved in that in a device for Display a message in each of their light boxes multiple LEDs be provided.

Es ist daher die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, bei einer Vorrichtung zum Anzeigen einer Meldung mit einer Leuchtdiode zumindest die gleiche Sichtbarkeit und Signalwirkung zu erzeugen wie die bei herkömmlichen Glühlampen, die bisher in Armaturenbrettern eingesetzt wurden.It is therefore the object of the present invention in a device for Displaying a message with an LED at least the same To create visibility and signal effect like that of conventional ones Incandescent lamps that were previously used in dashboards.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch die Merkmale des ersten Anspruchs gelöst. Die abhängigen Ansprüche zeigen vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen und Weiterbildungen der gefundenen Lösung.This object is achieved by the features of the first claim. The dependent claims show advantageous configurations and Developments of the found solution.

Die Lösung macht sich die Erkenntnis zunutze, daß das menschliche Auge Intensitätsänderungen einer optischen Anzeige stärker wahrnimmt als eine statische Anzeige. Die Wahrnehmung einer bestimmten Meldung ist somit nicht allein von der Lichtstärke abhängig, mit der eine Lichtquelle leuchtet, sondern auch davon, wie sehr sich die Anzeige der Meldung von ihrer Umgebung unterscheidet. Insbesondere wenn mehrere Kontrolleuchten in einem Verbund in einem Kombiinstrument im Armaturenbrett eines Fahrzeugs betrieben werden, kann die Aufmerksamkeit eines Fahrers für eine bestimmte Meldung dadurch erheblich erhöht werden, daß sich diese Meldung blinkend von den übrigen Meldungen abhebt. Die Erhöhung der Wahrnehmbarkeit einer Meldung wird um so wichtiger, desto mehr Kontrolleuchten vorgesehen sind, von denen sich jede einzelne zur Erzielung ihrer Signalwirkung in spezifischer Weise abheben muß. In heutigen Nutzfahrzeugen können durchaus dreißig und mehr Kontrolleuchten vorhanden sein, so daß es wichtig ist, eine Lösung zu finden, um eine einzelne Meldung in der Flut aller auf den Fahrer einströmenden Meldungen hervorzuheben.The solution takes advantage of the knowledge that the human eye Perceives changes in intensity of a visual display more than one static display. The perception of a certain message is therefore not depends only on the light intensity with which a light source shines, but also how much the display of the message differs from its surroundings differs. Especially when there are several indicator lights in a group operated in an instrument cluster in the dashboard of a vehicle can be a driver's attention to a particular message be significantly increased by the fact that this message flashes from the other messages stand out. Increasing the visibility of a message The more important, the more indicator lights are provided, of which each one to achieve its signal effect in a specific way must take off. In today's commercial vehicles can be thirty and more Indicator lights are present, so it is important to find a solution a single message in the flood of all flowing in on the driver Highlight messages.

Diese Wirkung wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch erzielt, daß die Steuereinheit, die den Betriebsstrom der Leuchtdiode steuert, zur Anhebung der Signalwirkung der Meldung den Betriebsstrom der Leuchtdiode kurzzeitig wiederholt über das sonstige Niveau des Betriebsstroms anhebt. Diese Betriebsweise einer Leuchtdiode kann sowohl bei Leuchtdioden realisiert werden, die kontinuierlich bestromt werden und damit dauerhaft leuchten, als auch bei Leuchtdioden, deren Betriebsstrom in einem bestimmten Takt periodisch aufgeschaltet wird, um die Leuchtdiode in eine blinkende Betriebsweise zu versetzen. In diesem letzteren Fall versteht es sich, daß die kurzzeitige periodische Anhebung des Betriebsstroms der Leuchtdiode über das sonstige Niveau des Betriebsstroms von angemessen kürzerer Dauer ist als die aktive Phase des Aufblinkens der Leuchtdiode.This effect is achieved according to the invention in that the control unit, which controls the operating current of the light emitting diode to raise the Signal effect of the message briefly the operating current of the LED repeatedly rises above the other level of the operating current. This Operating mode of a light emitting diode can be realized both with light emitting diodes which are continuously energized and thus shine permanently as even with light-emitting diodes, whose operating current in a certain cycle periodically turned on to turn the LED into a flashing Relocate operation. In the latter case, it is understood that the brief periodic increase in the operating current of the LED the other level of operating current is of an appropriately shorter duration than the active phase of the blinking of the light emitting diode.

Anhand von drei Figuren soll die Erfindung nun noch näher erläutert werden. Figur 1 zeigt in drei Zeitdiagrammen die erfindungsgemäße Betriebsweise einer Leuchtdiode. Die Figuren 2 und 3 zeigen Schaltungsanordnungen zur Realisierung der erfindungsgemäßen Betriebsweise einer Leuchtdiode.The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to three figures. FIG. 1 shows the mode of operation according to the invention in three time diagrams Led. Figures 2 and 3 show circuit arrangements for Realization of the operation of a light emitting diode according to the invention.

In der Figur 1 ist jeweils über der Zeitachse t der Betriebsstrom ILED für eine Leuchtdiode aufgetragen. Im Teil a) dieser Figur sieht man beispielhaft zwei kurze Stromimpulse IP für sich alleine dargestellt. Sie sollen dem sonstigen Niveau, d.h. dem Normalfall für den Betriebsstrom IN der Leuchtdiode zusätzlich aufgeprägt werden. Der Normalfall für den Betriebsstrom IN der Leuchtdiode betrifft also dasjenige Niveau für den Betriebsstrom IN, mit dem die Leuchtdiode sonst üblicherweise bestromt wird, um sie zum Leuchten zu veranlassen, sei es für ein dauerhaftes Aufleuchten oder eine blinkende Betriebsweise. Der Stromimpuls IP wird zur Steigerung seiner Signalwirkung von einer Steuereinheit periodisch ausgelöst. Die Wiederholzeit tw für den Stromimpuls IP kann frei programmierbar sein. Sie wird jedoch in der Regel der üblichen Blinkfrequenz für gattungsgemäße Kontrolleuchten angepaßt. Es hat sich als vorteilhaft erwiesen, die Dauer tP der Stromimpulse IP mit etwa 170 bis 200 Millisekunden zu bemessen. Die Intensität der Stromimpulse IP richtet sich nach den Leistungsdaten der verwendeten Leuchtdiode, denn die gemittelte an der Leuchtdiode auftretende Verlustleistung sollte auch bei hohen Betriebstemperaturen innerhalb der für die Leuchtdiode geltenden Belastbarkeitsgrenzen bleiben, um die Betriebsdauer der Leuchtdiode nicht unnötig durch eine zu hohe Strombelastung zu vermindern. Im Teil b) der Figur 1 ist der periodische Stromimpuls IP einem dauerhaft der Leuchtdiode aufgeschalteten Betriebsstrom IN überlagert. Gemäß dem Teil c) dieser Figur wird die Leuchtdiode blinkend betrieben, wobei der Betriebsstrom IN der Leuchtdiode nach seinem Abklingen in einem bestimmten Blinktakt tT erneut aufgeschaltet wird. Synchron mit dem Blinktakt tT wird in jeder aktiven Blinkperiode tB dem Betriebsstrom IN zusätzlich ein Stromimpuls IP aufgeprägt. Dabei ist die genaue Lage des Stromimpulses IP innerhalb der aktiven Blinkperiode tB unkritisch. Vorzugsweise sollte der Stromimpuls IP aber in allen aktiven Blinkperioden stets an derselben Stelle erfolgen. In dem dargestellten Fall erfolgt der Stromimpuls IP mit der aufsteigenden Flanke des Betriebsstroms IN zu Beginn einer jeden aktiven Blinkperiode tB.In FIG. 1 , the operating current I LED for a light-emitting diode is plotted over the time axis t. In part a) of this figure, two short current pulses I P are shown as examples. They should also be impressed on the other level, ie the normal case for the operating current I N of the light-emitting diode. The normal case for the operating current I N of the light-emitting diode thus relates to the level for the operating current I N with which the light-emitting diode is normally energized in order to make it light up, be it for a permanent lighting up or a flashing operating mode. The current pulse I P is triggered periodically by a control unit to increase its signal effect. The repetition time t w for the current pulse I P can be freely programmable. However, it is usually adapted to the usual flashing frequency for generic indicator lights. It has proven to be advantageous to measure the duration t P of the current pulses I P at approximately 170 to 200 milliseconds. The intensity of the current pulses I P depends on the performance data of the light-emitting diode used, because the averaged power loss occurring at the light-emitting diode should remain within the load limits applicable to the light-emitting diode, even in the case of high operating temperatures, in order not to unnecessarily increase the operating time of the light-emitting diode due to an excessive current load Reduce. In part b) of FIG. 1, the periodic current pulse I P is superimposed on an operating current I N permanently connected to the light-emitting diode. According to part c) of this figure, the light-emitting diode is operated flashing, the operating current I N of the light-emitting diode being switched on again in a certain flashing cycle t T after its decay. In synchronism with the flashing cycle t T , a current pulse I P is additionally impressed on the operating current I N in each active flashing period t B. The exact position of the current pulse I P within the active flashing period t B is not critical. However, the current pulse I P should preferably always occur at the same point in all active flashing periods. In the case shown, the current pulse I P takes place with the rising edge of the operating current I N at the beginning of each active flashing period t B.

Die Figuren 2 und 3 zeigen nun beispielhaft Schaltungsanordnungen, mit denen die erfindungsgemäße Betriebsweise einer Leuchtdiode ausgeführt werden kann. Beide Schaltungsanordnungen weisen als Beispiel vier Leuchtdioden 1, 2, 3 und 4 auf, die jeweils mit einem mit ihnen in Serie geschalteten Vorwiderstand 5, 6, 7 und 8 betrieben werden. Bei der Schaltungsanordnung gemäß der Figur 2 ist jeweils die Anode der Leuchtdioden 1, 2, 3 und 4 mit der Betriebsspannung UB verbunden. Die Kathode der Leuchtdioden 1, 2, 3 und 4 ist über Vorwiderstände 5, 6, 7 und 8 mit den Ausgängen eines Schieberegisters 11 verbunden. Der Strompfad führt daher jeweils von der Leitung für die Betriebsspannung UB durch die Leuchtdioden 1, 2, 3 und 4 und die Vorwiderstände 5, 6, 7 und 8 weiter zu den Ausgängen des Schieberegisters 11. Bei den Leuchtdioden 3 und 4 soll zur Verstärkung von deren Signalwirkung deren Betriebsstrom ILED erfindungsgemäß kurzzeitig über das sonstige Niveau des Betriebsstroms IN angehoben werden. Dazu wird die Kathode der Leuchtdiode 3 zusätzlich über einen Widerstand 9 und die Kathode der Leuchtdiode 4 zusätzlich über einen Widerstand 10 mit den Ausgängen eines weiteren Schieberegisters 12 verbunden. Beide Schieberegister 11 und 12 erhalten ihre Daten von einer vorzugsweise als Mikroprozessor ausgebildeten Steuereinheit, die in den Figuren 2 und 3 aber nicht dargestellt ist. Die von der Steuereinheit kommenden Daten werden seriell über eine Datenleitung D von den Schieberegistern 11 und 12 in einem zeitlichen Takt eingelesen. Dieser Takt wird den Schieberegistern 11 und 12 über eine Taktleitung T vorgegeben. Mittels einer Leitung F1 werden die Ausgänge des Schieberegisters 11 aktiv oder passiv geschaltet. Beim Schieberegister 12 erfolgt die Aktivierung bzw. Passivierung der Ausgänge über eine Leitung F2. Ist aufgrund der über die Datenleitung D dem Schieberegister 11 übermittelten Daten vorgesehen, eine oder mehrere der Leuchtdioden 1, 2, 3 und 4 aufleuchten zu lassen, so erfolgt ein Stromfluß durch die entsprechende oder entsprechenden Leuchtdiode(n) 1, 2, 3 oder 4, sobald das Freigabesignal von der Leitung F1 die Ausgänge des Schieberegisters 11 aktiviert, wobei die Aktivierung darin besteht, das die Ausgänge des Schieberegisters 11 ein elektrisches Potential einnehmen, das gegenüber der Betriebsspannung UB ausreichend niedriger ist. Eine blinkende Betriebsweise der Leuchtdioden 1, 2, 3 oder 4 wird beispielsweise durch ein periodisches Verändern der über die Datenleitung D übertragenen Dateninhalte erreicht. Um bei den Leuchtdioden 3 oder 4 zur Verstärkung von deren Signalwirkung deren Betriebsstrom ILED erfindungsgemäß kurzzeitig über das sonstige Niveau des Betriebsstroms IN anzuheben, wird mittels des über die Leitung F2 zum Schieberegister 12 übertragenen Freigabesignals zusätzlich ein Stromfluß über die Widerstände 9 oder 10 zugelassen. Dazu veranlaßt das über die Leitung F2 übertragene Freigabesignal die Ausgänge des Schieberegisters 12, ein elektrisches Potential einzunehmen, das gegenüber der Betriebsspannung UB ausreichend niedriger ist. Für den Gesamtstromfluß durch die entsprechende Leuchtdiode 3 oder 4 addieren sich dann die Stromanteile durch die Widerstände 7 und 9 respektive 8 und 10. Mit dem über die Leitung F2 übertragenen Freigabesignal kann gesteuert werden, wie lange und in welcher zeitlichen Periode tw ein zusätzlich zu dem Betriebsstrom IN hinzukommender Stromfluß IP durch die Leuchtdiode 3 oder 4 zugelassen wird. Falls die Leuchtdioden 1, 2, 3 oder 4 durch das Schieberegister 11 blinkend betrieben werden, ist dieses über die Leitung F2 übertragene Freigabesignal mit dem Freigabesignal auf der Leitung F1 zu synchronisieren.Figures 2 and 3 now show an example of circuit arrangements with which the inventive mode of operation of a light emitting diode can be carried out. As an example, both circuit arrangements have four light-emitting diodes 1, 2, 3 and 4, which are each operated with a series resistor 5, 6, 7 and 8 connected in series with them. In the circuit arrangement according to FIG. 2 , the anode of the light-emitting diodes 1, 2, 3 and 4 is connected to the operating voltage UB. The cathode of the light-emitting diodes 1, 2, 3 and 4 is connected to the outputs of a shift register 11 via series resistors 5, 6, 7 and 8. The current path therefore leads from the line for the operating voltage UB through the light-emitting diodes 1, 2, 3 and 4 and the series resistors 5, 6, 7 and 8 to the outputs of the shift register 11. The light-emitting diodes 3 and 4 are intended to amplify whose signal effect, the operating current I LED according to the invention are briefly raised above the other level of the operating current I N. For this purpose, the cathode of the light-emitting diode 3 is additionally connected via a resistor 9 and the cathode of the light-emitting diode 4 additionally via a resistor 10 to the outputs of a further shift register 12. Both shift registers 11 and 12 receive their data from a control unit which is preferably designed as a microprocessor, but which is not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The data coming from the control unit are read in serially over a data line D from the shift registers 11 and 12 in a time cycle. This clock is given to the shift registers 11 and 12 via a clock line T. The outputs of the shift register 11 are switched active or passive by means of a line F1. With shift register 12, the outputs are activated or passivated via a line F2. If, based on the data transmitted to the shift register 11 via the data line D, one or more of the light-emitting diodes 1, 2, 3 and 4 is provided, a current flows through the corresponding or corresponding light-emitting diode (s) 1, 2, 3 or 4 , as soon as the enable signal from line F1 activates the outputs of shift register 11, the activation being that the outputs of shift register 11 assume an electrical potential that is sufficiently lower than the operating voltage UB. A flashing mode of operation of the light-emitting diodes 1, 2, 3 or 4 is achieved, for example, by periodically changing the data content transmitted via the data line D. In order to raise the operating current I LED of the light-emitting diodes 3 or 4 briefly above the other level of the operating current I N in order to amplify their signal effect, a current flow through the resistors 9 or 10 is additionally permitted by means of the enable signal transmitted via line F2 to the shift register 12 . For this purpose, the enable signal transmitted via line F2 causes the outputs of the shift register 12 to assume an electrical potential which is sufficiently lower than the operating voltage UB. For the total current flow through the corresponding light-emitting diode 3 or 4, the current components through the resistors 7 and 9 or 8 and 10 add up. The release signal transmitted via line F2 can be used to control how long and in what time period t w an additionally the operating current I N additional current flow I P is permitted by the LED 3 or 4. If the LEDs 1, 2, 3 or 4 are operated flashing by the shift register 11, this enable signal transmitted via line F2 is to be synchronized with the enable signal on line F1.

In der Schaltungsanordnung gemäß der Figur 3 erfolgt die Verstärkung der Signalwirkung der Leuchtdioden 3 oder 4 abweichend von der Schaltungsanordnung gemäß der Figur 2 dadurch, daß bei den für die verstärkte Signalwirkung vorgesehenen Leuchtdioden 3 und 4 das Spannungsniveau UL für deren Betrieb impulsartig kurzzeitig angehoben wird. Das Spannungsniveau UL an der Anode der Leuchtdioden 3 und 4 ist demnach im Normalbetrieb durch Maßnahmen in einem Funktionselelement 13 gegenüber der die Schaltungsanordnung versorgenden Betriebsspannung UB abgesenkt. Der durch die Leuchtdioden 3 bzw. 4 fließende Strom wird durch ein mit ihnen in Reihe geschalteten Strom begrenzenden Element begrenzt, was hier im konkreten Fall durch die Widerstände 7 und 8 erfolgt. Diese Widerstände 7 und 8 sind so dimensioniert, daß im Normalbetrieb der Strom durch die Leuchtdioden 3 bzw. 4 dem Strom durch die Leuchtdioden 1 bzw. 2, die nicht für eine Verstärkung ihrer Signalwirkung vorgesehen sind, entspricht. In dem Betriebszustand, in dem die Signalwirkung der Leuchtdioden 3 und 4 erhöht werden soll, wird das Spannungsniveau UL an der Anode der Leuchtdioden 3 und 4 auf das Niveau der Betriebsspannung UB angehoben, indem das Funktionselement 13 den Strompfad zwischen der Leitung für die die Schaltungsanordnung versorgenden Betriebsspannung UB und der Anode der Leuchtdioden 3 bzw. 4 praktisch uneingeschränkt durchschaltet. Dann fließt durch die Leuchtdioden 3 bzw. 4 ein zum Normalzustand erhöhter Strom, was wiederum zu einer größeren Lichtstärke bei den Leuchtdioden 3 bzw. 4 führt. Das Funktionselement 13 kann beispielsweise eine Zenerdiode Z zur Absenkung der Betriebsspannung UB auf das Spannungsniveau UL beinhalten sowie einen zur Zenerdiode Z parallel geschalteten Transistor T. Der Transistor T wird durch ein von einer Steuereinheit kommendes Steuersignal FS leitend geschaltet oder gesperrt. Dann, wenn eine Verstärkung der Signalwirkung an den Leuchtdioden 3 und 4 gewünscht wird, schaltet der Transistor T auf Veranlassung des Steuersignals FS durch, wodurch die Zenerdiode Z kurzgeschlossen und der sonst an ihr bestehende Spannungsabfall aufgehoben wird. Die Schaltungsanordnung gemäß der Figur 3 spart gegenüber der Schaltungsanordnung gemäß der Figur 2 ein zweites Schieberegister 12 sowie die zusätzlichen Widerstände 9 und 10 ein. Im übrigen ist die Schaltungsanordnung gemäß der Figur 3 in gleicher Weise über die Datenleitung D sowie mittels des über die Leitung F1 übertragenen Freigabesignals steuerbar wie die Schaltungsanordnung gemäß der Figur 2.In the circuit arrangement according to FIG. 3 , the signal effect of the light emitting diodes 3 or 4 is amplified differently from the circuit arrangement according to FIG. 2 in that, in the light emitting diodes 3 and 4 provided for the enhanced signal effect, the voltage level UL is briefly raised for their operation. The voltage level UL at the anode of the light-emitting diodes 3 and 4 is accordingly reduced in normal operation by measures in a functional element 13 compared to the operating voltage UB supplying the circuit arrangement. The current flowing through the light-emitting diodes 3 and 4 is limited by an element limiting current connected in series with them, which in this case occurs in the specific case through the resistors 7 and 8. These resistors 7 and 8 are dimensioned such that in normal operation the current through the LEDs 3 and 4 corresponds to the current through the LEDs 1 and 2, which are not provided for amplifying their signal effect. In the operating state in which the signal effect of the light-emitting diodes 3 and 4 is to be increased, the voltage level UL at the anode of the light-emitting diodes 3 and 4 is raised to the level of the operating voltage UB by the functional element 13 changing the current path between the line for the circuit arrangement supplying operating voltage UB and the anode of the light emitting diodes 3 and 4 is switched through practically without restriction. Then a current increased to the normal state flows through the light emitting diodes 3 and 4, which in turn leads to a greater light intensity in the light emitting diodes 3 and 4. The functional element 13 can include, for example, a Zener diode Z for lowering the operating voltage UB to the voltage level UL and a transistor T connected in parallel with the Zener diode Z. The transistor T is switched on or off by a control signal FS coming from a control unit. Then, when an amplification of the signal effect on the light-emitting diodes 3 and 4 is desired, the transistor T switches on at the instigation of the control signal FS, as a result of which the zener diode Z is short-circuited and the voltage drop which otherwise exists across it is canceled. The circuit arrangement according to FIG. 3 saves a second shift register 12 and the additional resistors 9 and 10 compared to the circuit arrangement according to FIG. Otherwise, the circuit arrangement according to FIG. 3 can be controlled in the same way via the data line D and by means of the enable signal transmitted via line F1 as the circuit arrangement according to FIG. 2.

Claims (7)

Vorrichtung zum Anzeigen einer Meldung mit einer Leuchtdiode und einer den Betriebsstrom der Leuchtdiode steuernden Steuereinheit,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß die Steuereinheit zur Anhebung der Signalwirkung der Meldung den Betriebsstrom (ILED) der Leuchtdiode (1, 2, 3 oder 4) kurzzeitig wiederholt über das sonstige Niveau des Betriebsstroms (IN) anhebt.
Device for displaying a message with a light-emitting diode and a control unit controlling the operating current of the light-emitting diode,
characterized,
that the control unit briefly repeatedly raises the operating current (I LED ) of the light-emitting diode (1, 2, 3 or 4) above the other level of the operating current (I N ) to increase the signal effect of the message.
Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß die Anhebung des Betriebsstroms (ILED) der Leuchtdiode (1, 2, 3 oder 4) dadurch erfolgt, daß parallel zu einem in Reihe mit der Leuchtdiode (1, 2, 3 oder 4) geschalteten Vorwiderstand (7 oder 8) ein weiterer durch einen Widerstand (9 oder 10) strombegrenzter Strompfad gegen ein gegenüber der an der Anode der Leuchtdiode (1, 2, 3 oder 4) anliegenden Betriebsspannung (UB) ausreichend abgesenktes elektrisches Potential durch Signale (D, F1, F2) der Steuereinheit freigeschaltet wird.
Device according to claim 1,
characterized,
that the increase in the operating current (I LED ) of the light-emitting diode (1, 2, 3 or 4) takes place in that in parallel with a series resistor (7 or 8) connected in series with the light-emitting diode (1, 2, 3 or 4) a resistor (9 or 10) current-limited current path against an adequately lowered electrical potential compared to the operating voltage (UB) at the anode of the light-emitting diode (1) is released by signals (D, F1, F2) from the control unit .
Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß die Anhebung des Betriebsstroms (ILED) der für die kurzzeitige Signalverstärkung vorgesehenen Leuchtdiode (3 oder 4) dadurch erfolgt, a) daß ein einen Spannungsabfall erzeugendes Element (Z) vorgesehen ist, welches das an der Anode der Leuchtdiode (3 oder 4) anliegende Spannungsniveau (UL) gegenüber der Betriebsspannung (UB) für eine andere Leuchtdiode (1 oder 2), bei der eine Signalverstärkung nicht vorgesehen ist, absenkt, b) daß ein Strom begrenzendes Element (7 oder 8) vorgesehen ist, welches den Strom, der durch die für die Signalverstärkung vorgesehenen Leuchtdiode (3 oder 4) fließt, so einstellt, daß dieser Strom im Normalfall dem Strom entspricht, der durch die andere Leuchtdiode (1 oder 2) fließt, bei der eine Signalverstärkung nicht vorgesehen ist, c) daß ein schaltendes Element (T) vorgesehen ist, welches für den Fall, daß für die Leuchtdiode (3 oder 4) eine Signalverstärkung gewünscht wird, das einen Spannungsabfall erzeugende Element (Z) auf Veranlassung eines von der Steuereinheit kommenden Steuersignals (FS) überbrückt, wodurch der Betriebsstrom (ILED) durch die für die Signalverstärkung vorgesehene Leuchtdiode (3 oder 4) angehoben wird.
Device according to claim 1,
characterized,
that the operating current (I LED ) of the light-emitting diode (3 or 4) provided for brief signal amplification is increased, a) that a voltage drop generating element (Z) is provided which the voltage level (UL) applied to the anode of the light-emitting diode (3 or 4) compared to the operating voltage (UB) for another light-emitting diode (1 or 2), in which one Signal amplification is not provided, lowers, b) that a current-limiting element (7 or 8) is provided which adjusts the current which flows through the light-emitting diode (3 or 4) provided for signal amplification in such a way that this current normally corresponds to the current through the other LED (1 or 2) flows, in which no signal amplification is provided, c) that a switching element (T) is provided, which, in the event that signal amplification is desired for the light-emitting diode (3 or 4), the element (Z) generating a voltage drop upon initiation of a control signal (FS) coming from the control unit bridged, whereby the operating current (I LED ) is raised by the light-emitting diode (3 or 4) provided for signal amplification.
Vorrichtung nach einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß die Steuereinheit periodisch einen Stromimpuls (IP) ausgelöst, der dem sonstigen Niveau des Betriebsstroms (IN) für die Leuchtdiode (1, 2, 3, oder 4) überlagert wird, wobei die Wiederholzeit (tw) für den Stromimpuls (IP) zwar frei programmierbar, aber dem üblichen Blinktakt (tT) für gattungsgemäße Kontrolleuchten angepaßt ist.
Device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the control unit periodically triggers a current pulse (I P ) which is superimposed on the other level of the operating current (I N ) for the light-emitting diode (1, 2, 3, or 4), the repetition time (t w ) for the current pulse (I P ) is freely programmable, but is adapted to the usual flashing cycle (t T ) for generic indicator lights.
Vorrichtung nach einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß die Dauer (tP) der Stromimpulse (IP) etwa 170 bis 200 Millisekunden beträgt.
Device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the duration (t P ) of the current pulses (I P ) is approximately 170 to 200 milliseconds.
Vorrichtung nach einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß bei blinkender Betriebsweise der Leuchtdiode (1, 2, 3, oder 4) die Dauer (tP) der Stromimpulse (IP) erkennbar kürzer ist als eine aktive Blinkperiode (tB), in der der Betriebsstrom (IN) für die Leuchtdiode (1, 2, 3, oder 4) eingeschaltet ist.
Device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that when the LED (1, 2, 3 or 4) is flashing, the duration (t P ) of the current pulses (I P ) is noticeably shorter than an active flashing period (t B ), in which the operating current (I N ) for the LED (1, 2, 3, or 4) is switched on.
Vorrichtung nach einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß die Steuereinheit die Intensität des Stromimpulses (IP) den Leistungsdaten der verwendeten Leuchtdiode (1, 2, 3, oder 4) anpaßt, so daß die gemittelte an der Leuchtdiode (1, 2, 3, oder 4) auftretende Verlustleistung auch bei hohen Betriebstemperaturen innerhalb der für die Leuchtdiode (1, 2, 3, oder 4) geltenden Belastbarkeitsgrenzen bleibt.
Device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the control unit adjusts the intensity of the current pulse (I P ) to the performance data of the light-emitting diode (1, 2, 3, or 4) used, so that the average power loss occurring at the light-emitting diode (1, 2, 3, or 4) occurs even at high levels Operating temperatures remain within the load limits for the light emitting diode (1, 2, 3, or 4).
EP00104197A 1999-03-06 2000-03-01 Signalling device with a light emitting diode Expired - Lifetime EP1035754B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19909950 1999-03-06
DE19909950A DE19909950A1 (en) 1999-03-06 1999-03-06 Device for displaying a message with a light emitting diode

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1035754A2 true EP1035754A2 (en) 2000-09-13
EP1035754A3 EP1035754A3 (en) 2001-12-05
EP1035754B1 EP1035754B1 (en) 2008-08-13

Family

ID=7899976

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00104197A Expired - Lifetime EP1035754B1 (en) 1999-03-06 2000-03-01 Signalling device with a light emitting diode

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1035754B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE405135T1 (en)
DE (2) DE19909950A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2889643A1 (en) * 2005-08-08 2007-02-09 Valeo Systemes Thermiques Control board`s light intensity adjusting device for motor vehicle, has light sources supplied with supply currents from control interfaces, and control correctors modulating current in light sources according to required luminance
CN100393177C (en) * 2000-12-27 2008-06-04 皇家菲利浦电子有限公司 LED luminaire with electrically adjusted color balance

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102004060483B4 (en) * 2004-12-16 2018-06-07 HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA Method for operating a light flash warning device with at least one light emitting diode
FR2998035A1 (en) * 2013-05-07 2014-05-16 Continental Automotive France Lighting device for low definition display of car, has control circuit, where secondary impulse is received during interval of time having duration during which heat produced by on-impulse and by secondary impulse are evacuated by device
DE102015116492A1 (en) 2015-09-29 2017-03-30 Eaton Electrical Ip Gmbh & Co. Kg Control circuit for driving a plurality of light-emitting diodes and command and / or signaling device with the control circuit

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2711884A1 (en) * 1993-10-29 1995-05-05 Solartec Sarl Signalling device, in particular for road, aeronautical or maritime signalling
FR2714564A1 (en) * 1993-12-28 1995-06-30 Etat Francais Labo Cl Ponts Ch Control process for light emitting beacon for maritime use providing coded light flash sequence
US5783909A (en) * 1997-01-10 1998-07-21 Relume Corporation Maintaining LED luminous intensity
US5850126A (en) * 1997-04-11 1998-12-15 Kanbar; Maurice S. Screw-in led lamp
EP0890894A1 (en) * 1997-07-08 1999-01-13 Korry Electronics Co. Incandescent bulb luminance matching led circuit

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2711884A1 (en) * 1993-10-29 1995-05-05 Solartec Sarl Signalling device, in particular for road, aeronautical or maritime signalling
FR2714564A1 (en) * 1993-12-28 1995-06-30 Etat Francais Labo Cl Ponts Ch Control process for light emitting beacon for maritime use providing coded light flash sequence
US5783909A (en) * 1997-01-10 1998-07-21 Relume Corporation Maintaining LED luminous intensity
US5850126A (en) * 1997-04-11 1998-12-15 Kanbar; Maurice S. Screw-in led lamp
EP0890894A1 (en) * 1997-07-08 1999-01-13 Korry Electronics Co. Incandescent bulb luminance matching led circuit

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN100393177C (en) * 2000-12-27 2008-06-04 皇家菲利浦电子有限公司 LED luminaire with electrically adjusted color balance
FR2889643A1 (en) * 2005-08-08 2007-02-09 Valeo Systemes Thermiques Control board`s light intensity adjusting device for motor vehicle, has light sources supplied with supply currents from control interfaces, and control correctors modulating current in light sources according to required luminance

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE405135T1 (en) 2008-08-15
DE19909950A1 (en) 2000-09-07
DE50015302D1 (en) 2008-09-25
EP1035754B1 (en) 2008-08-13
EP1035754A3 (en) 2001-12-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1360088B1 (en) Lighting system for motor vehicles
EP1151639B1 (en) Control circuit for led and corresponding operating method
EP1118251B1 (en) Control circuit for led and corresponding operating method
DE112009002597B4 (en) LED lighting device and headlight LED lighting device
EP1988517B1 (en) Danger warning system with LED
DE102006037342B4 (en) Circuit for a motor vehicle, in particular for controlling a lighting device
EP1246511A1 (en) Driver circuit for a LED-array
DE19707986B4 (en) Circuit arrangement for operating a discharge lamp
DE10227487B4 (en) lighting device
DE19848925A1 (en) Light-emitting diode control method e.g. for display device, provides initial brightness reduction by reduction of current with further reduction of brightness by current pulsing
DE102019218269A1 (en) LAMP MALFUNCTION DETECTION DEVICE, METHOD FOR SETTING A LAMP MALFUNCTION DETECTION DEVICE, LIGHT SOURCE MALFUNCTION DETECTION DEVICE, METHOD FOR SETTING LIGHT SOURCE MALFUNCTION DETECTOR LAMP DETECTOR
DE102004003698A1 (en) Circuit arrangement for controlling bulbs
DE10215472B4 (en) Method for operating a lighting device for vehicles with a lamp arrangement having at least one light-emitting diode and illumination device for vehicles
DE10102352A1 (en) Circuit arrangement for adapting LED arrangement characteristic drives switch element depending on operating voltage so sum of load and LED current is on defined characteristic
DE4137611A1 (en) Direction and hazard light indication system for motor vehicle - has additional input to timing controller and logic integrated circuit to safeguard rate of hazard flashing.
EP1035754A2 (en) Signalling device with a light emitting diode
EP1235465B1 (en) LED driving circuit in a vehicle
DE4206215A1 (en) ARRANGEMENT FOR PHASE CONTROL
DE3118240A1 (en) INDICATOR
EP3597485A1 (en) Lamp simulation circuit and method
DE19933733A1 (en) PWM control method
DE19710480C2 (en) Interrupt display device for a plurality of semiconductor switching elements, which have an overcurrent / overtemperature protection function and which enables identification of the interrupted semiconductor switching element
DE3815604C2 (en)
DE2558717A1 (en) FLASHER DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES
DE102004036137B4 (en) Control device for a lighting device of a vehicle and method for controlling such a lighting device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT DE FR GB IT NL SE

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20020218

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20020712

AKX Designation fees paid

Free format text: AT DE FR GB IT NL SE

APBN Date of receipt of notice of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA2E

APBR Date of receipt of statement of grounds of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA3E

APAA Appeal reference recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS REFN

APAF Appeal reference modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCREFNE

APBT Appeal procedure closed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA9E

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT DE FR GB IT NL SE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 50015302

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20080925

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: TRGR

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080813

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20090514

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090301

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 17

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 18

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 19

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20180321

Year of fee payment: 19

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20180323

Year of fee payment: 19

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20180321

Year of fee payment: 19

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20180331

Year of fee payment: 19

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20180327

Year of fee payment: 19

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 50015302

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: EUG

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190302

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20190301

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191001

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190301

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190301

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190331