EP0463318B1 - Guiding line without switches for the location of a keyhole - Google Patents

Guiding line without switches for the location of a keyhole Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0463318B1
EP0463318B1 EP19910106761 EP91106761A EP0463318B1 EP 0463318 B1 EP0463318 B1 EP 0463318B1 EP 19910106761 EP19910106761 EP 19910106761 EP 91106761 A EP91106761 A EP 91106761A EP 0463318 B1 EP0463318 B1 EP 0463318B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
key
current
switchless
lcled
guide
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.)
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EP19910106761
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0463318A1 (en
Inventor
Rudolf Dipl.-Ing. Andres
Heinz Dipl.-Ing. Knoll
Volker Dipl.-Ing. Petri
Reinhold Dipl.-Ing. Mickeler
Harald Dipl.-Ing. Pfistner
Arno Dipl.-Ing. Jambor
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Daimler Benz AG
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Daimler Benz AG
Mercedes Benz AG
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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B17/00—Accessories in connection with locks
    • E05B17/10—Illuminating devices on or for locks or keys; Transparent or translucent lock parts; Indicator lights

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a switchless orientation aid with the features of the preamble of claim 1.
  • a generic orientation aid is known (DE 30 35 892 A1), which has fluorescent surface elements arranged around a keyhole and thereby locating it in a dark environment, at least for those limited time afterglow of the surface elements allowed.
  • LC-LEDs low-current light-emitting diodes
  • LC-LEDs So-called low-current light-emitting diodes
  • these lamps are ideally suited for use in applications in which high luminous efficacy with minimal energy consumption is required. It can be seen from the characteristic curve fields attached to the specified specification that the lighting effect of the LC LED drops very sharply when the forward current is below the smallest specified working current.
  • the object of the invention is to improve the lighting duration of a generic switchless orientation aid.
  • LC-LED types e.g. HP Subminiature HLMP-Q150
  • their current consumption by a current limiter to a value below their specified working current to a voltage source, in particular to a Motor vehicle battery is connected, on the one hand, the load with the simplest means (elimination of switching devices and timing elements, etc.) is kept within permissible limits and, on the other hand, the task-based objective of extending the light duration is achieved.
  • the LC-LEDs have the advantage, of course, that they produce a light effect for almost any length of time when the battery is fully charged.
  • a further important protective measure against the discharge of a voltage source is implemented by selecting the number of LC LEDs connected in series in such a way that the total saturation voltage of the series circuit is relatively high. With a vehicle nominal voltage of 12 V z. B. said total saturation voltage is about 11 V. This dimensioning of the total voltage drop at the orientation aid will result in the on-board voltage falling below the selected value - which, for. B. can occur with a very long shutdown time and the lowest ambient temperatures - the saturation voltage of the series-connected LC-LED - which is around 1.5 V - below. These then become high-impedance and switch themselves off, so that the z. B. compared to the self-discharge of a conventional lead accumulator or the load of a clock negligible power consumption the orientation aid is completely zero without any switching or timing element.
  • a design of the orientation aid that is particularly inconspicuous in daylight can be achieved by arranging the LC LEDs on a ring-shaped matrix or a support and, after the electrical connections have been made, potting them with a transparent synthetic resin ring. As a result, a light ring is formed, which can include a key cylinder on the keyhole side.
  • Such an embodiment of an orientation aid is known from the already mentioned DE 31 36 889 C2, according to which an optical fiber ring is used, in which light is introduced at one point and over the circumference of which several steps acting as reflector surfaces are distributed, one of which enable uniform illumination of the entire ring.
  • Figure 1 is a motor vehicle door handle 1 with a broken drawn handle part 2 and a fixed Part 3, in which a lock cylinder 4 with a keyhole 5 is inserted.
  • the keyhole side of the locking cylinder 4 is encompassed in a manner known per se by a light ring 6, the part of which is visible from the outside consists of a transparent plastic ring 7.
  • Electrodes 9 spaced apart from one another, an ohmic resistor 10 and a connecting electrode 11 are applied to an annular, non-conductive carrier 8.
  • Each of the electrodes 9 carries a low-current light-emitting diode chip 12 with a double heterostructure, which in turn is connected electrically conductively to the respective electrode 9 on the anode side and is connected to the adjacent electrode via a thin (gold) wire 12 on the cathode side.
  • the LED chips 12 are therefore electrically connected in series with one another.
  • a line L + connects the resistor 10 on one side and directly, ie without an intermediate switch, with the positive pole of a voltage source U, for. B.
  • the resistor 10 is also connected to the adjacent electrode 9 via a thin wire 13, so that the LED chips 12 are also connected in series therewith with respect to the voltage source U.
  • the last LED chip 12 of the series circuit is connected on the cathode side to the connecting electrode 11, which in turn is connected directly to the negative pole of the voltage source U via a line L-.
  • the LED chips 12 and the resistor 10 are preferably made in a subminiature design. After the electrical connections have been made, the arrangement is cast with a transparent plastic in the form of a ring.
  • orientation aid can also be provided, e.g. B. two or more triangular surfaces to be pointed at the keyhole or ring sectors surrounding the keyhole as surface elements.
  • these designs are not the subject of the invention and are therefore not further shown.
  • the orientation aid is to be designed as an assembly part of the respective door lock with permanently connected lines and plugs, with a coding advantageously being provided on the plug in order to ensure the correct polarity of the diodes in the DC electrical system.
  • FIG. 2b illustrates the simple electrical connection of the components shown in FIG. 2a. In comparison to known electrically powered orientation aids, switches and timers are obviously missing here.
  • the resistor 10 serves as a current limiter and is dimensioned in accordance with the number of LED chips and any voltage peaks to be expected in the vehicle electrical system.
  • the number of light-emitting diode chips 12 and the resistance value of resistor 10 is chosen so that the saturation voltage of the series circuit or voltage divider formed by it is slightly below an on-board voltage that arises during normal operation of a motor vehicle, including longer parking times. With a normal lead accumulator as a voltage source, this value will be around 11 volts.
  • the known LC-LEDs with double heterostructure have a forward voltage of approximately 1.5 volts. With a 12-volt vehicle electrical system, it is therefore possible to operate up to 7 of these light-emitting diodes in series via a common series resistor with a total current of approximately 100 ⁇ A. Given this size, it will be possible to have several such light rings on a motor vehicle, e.g. B.
  • the total number of LC LEDs can be limited to seven - or six - so that two LC LEDs, e.g. B. one each in the triangular surface elements already mentioned are available, or a light ring with seven LC LEDs can be provided for each of these locking points.
  • the light-emitting diode chips 12 become high-resistance without further measures, i. H. they no longer consume electricity.

Landscapes

  • Arrangements Of Lighting Devices For Vehicle Interiors, Mounting And Supporting Thereof, Circuits Therefore (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)
  • Control Of Electric Motors In General (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine schalterlose Orientierungshilfe mit den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffs des Patentanspruchs 1. Eine gattungsgemäße Orientierungshilfe ist bekannt (DE 30 35 892 A1), die um ein Schlüsselloch herum angeordnete, fluoreszierende Flächenelemente aufweist und dadurch dessen Ortung in dunkler Umgebung jedenfalls für die begrenzte Zeit des Nachleuchtens der Flächenelemente erlaubt.The invention relates to a switchless orientation aid with the features of the preamble of claim 1. A generic orientation aid is known (DE 30 35 892 A1), which has fluorescent surface elements arranged around a keyhole and thereby locating it in a dark environment, at least for those limited time afterglow of the surface elements allowed.

Andere bekannte Orientierungshilfen bzw. Schließzylinderbeleuchtungen mit konventionellen elektrischen Lichtquellen (DE 30 17 096 C2, DE 31 36 889 C2, US 3,916,250) haben gemeinsam, daß zur Schonung der begrenzten Speicherressourcen des elektrischen Kraftfahrzeug-Bordnetzes ein Schalter vorgesehen ist, der zur Einschaltung der jeweiligen Lichtquelle dient. In der Regel ist dann auch ein Zeitglied zur Begrenzung von deren Einschaltdauer vorgesehen. Da die erwähnten Schalter unter allen Einsatzbedingungen zuverlässig funktionieren sollen und in der Regel unmittelbar in einer Kraftfahrzeugtür oder -klappe angeordnet sein müssen, ist es notwendig, sie gegen Störungen aufgrund mechanischer Einwirkungen (Türschließen) und Witterungseinflüssen (Wasser, Hitze, Kälte) resistent und damit teuer auszuführen.Other known orientation aids or lock cylinder lights with conventional electrical light sources (DE 30 17 096 C2, DE 31 36 889 C2, US 3,916,250) have in common that a switch is provided to protect the limited memory resources of the electrical vehicle electrical system, which is used to switch on the respective Light source is used. As a rule, a timer is then also provided to limit its on-time. Since the switches mentioned should function reliably under all operating conditions and generally have to be arranged directly in a motor vehicle door or flap, it is necessary to make them resistant to faults due to mechanical influences (door closings) and weather influences (water, heat, cold) and thus expensive to carry out.

Es sind sogenannte Low-Current-Leuchtdioden (LC-LED) bekannt (Spezifikation der Fa. Hewlett Packard "Double heterojunction AlGaAs low current red LED lamps", technische Daten Stand Mai 1987), deren kleinster spezifizierter Arbeitsstrom bei 1 mA liegt. Nach Aussage der genannten Spezifikation sind diese Lampen ideal geeignet für den Gebrauch in Anwendungen, in denen hohe Lichtausbeute bei minimalem Energieeinsatz verlangt ist. Aus den der genannten Spezifikation beigefügten Kennlinienfeldern geht hervor, daß der Beleuchtungseffekt der LC-LED bei unter dem kleinsten spezifizierten Arbeitsstrom liegendem Vorwärtsstrom sehr stark abfällt.So-called low-current light-emitting diodes (LC-LEDs) are known (specification by Hewlett Packard "Double heterojunction AlGaAs low current red LED lamps", technical data as of May 1987), whose smallest specified working current is 1 mA. According to the specification mentioned, these lamps are ideally suited for use in applications in which high luminous efficacy with minimal energy consumption is required. It can be seen from the characteristic curve fields attached to the specified specification that the lighting effect of the LC LED drops very sharply when the forward current is below the smallest specified working current.

Die Erfindung hat die Aufgabe, die Leuchtdauer einer gattungsgemäßen schalterlosen Orientierungshilfe zu verbessern.The object of the invention is to improve the lighting duration of a generic switchless orientation aid.

Diese Aufgabe wird mit den kennzeichnenden Merkmalen des Patentanspruchs 1 erfindungsgemäß gelöst.This object is achieved according to the invention with the characterizing features of patent claim 1.

In Versuchen wurde festgestellt, daß die in der bereits genannten Spezifikation beschriebenen LC-LED mit Doppel-Hetero-Struktur auch bei beträchtlich unterhalb deren kleinsten spezifizierten Arbeitsstroms liegendem Vorwärtsstrom einen in dunkler Umgebung noch wahrnehmbaren Leuchteffekt erzeugen, der aufgrund der speziellen Struktur und des höheren Wirkungsgrades nicht wie bei normalen LED nur noch punktförmig bzw. auf die Abmessungen des Halbleiterchips begrenzt ist, sondern flächig.Experiments have shown that the LC-LEDs with double heterostructure described in the above-mentioned specification produce a lighting effect that is still noticeable in a dark environment, even when the forward current is considerably below their smallest specified working current, due to the special structure and the higher efficiency is not only punctiform or limited to the dimensions of the semiconductor chip, as with normal LEDs, but flat.

Indem für die Orientierungshilfe erfindungsgemäß eine Anzahl von LC-LED gängigen Typs (z. B. HP Subminiature HLMP-Q150) als Lichtquelle verwendet wird, wobei deren Stromaufnahme durch einen Strombegrenzer auf einen unter ihrem spezifizierten Arbeitsstrom liegenden Wert an eine Spannungsquelle, insbesondere an einen Kraftfahrzeug-Akkumulator, angeschlossen wird, wird zum einen deren Belastung mit einfachsten Mitteln (Wegfall von Schaltmitteln und Zeitgliedern etc.) in zulässigen Grenzen gehalten und zum anderen das aufgabengemäße Ziel der Verlängerung der Leuchtdauer erreicht. Gegenüber der gattungsbildenden Anordnung haben die LC-LED natürlich den Vorteil, daß sie bei voll geladener Batterie nahezu beliebig lange einen wenn auch geringen Leuchteffekt produzieren.By using a number of common LC-LED types (e.g. HP Subminiature HLMP-Q150) as a light source for the orientation aid according to the invention, their current consumption by a current limiter to a value below their specified working current to a voltage source, in particular to a Motor vehicle battery, is connected, on the one hand, the load with the simplest means (elimination of switching devices and timing elements, etc.) is kept within permissible limits and, on the other hand, the task-based objective of extending the light duration is achieved. Compared to the generic arrangement, the LC-LEDs have the advantage, of course, that they produce a light effect for almost any length of time when the battery is fully charged.

Es ist zwar allgemein bekannt, daß die Helligkeit und damit auch der Stromverbrauch von Lichtquellen, insbesondere Glühlampen, durch Dimmer - die in einfacher Ausführung einen einstellbaren Widerstand (Potentiometer) enthalten - vermindert bzw. begrenzt werden kann. Dabei werden auch die Glühlampen mit einer unterhalb ihrer Nennspannung liegenden Effektivspannung - aufgrund der Spannungsteilung am Dimmer - beaufschlagt. Jedoch hat sich für den Fachmann aufgrund der Produktspezifikation der LC-LED deren "Dimmung" nicht angeboten.It is generally known that the brightness and thus also the power consumption of light sources, in particular incandescent lamps, can be reduced or limited by dimmers - which in simple design contain an adjustable resistor (potentiometer). The light bulbs are also supplied with an effective voltage below their nominal voltage - due to the voltage division on the dimmer. However, due to the product specification of the LC-LED, "dimming" was not an option for the person skilled in the art.

Die kennzeichnenden Merkmale der Unteransprüche offenbaren vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der erfindungsgemäßen Orientierungshilfe.The characteristic features of the subclaims reveal advantageous developments of the orientation aid according to the invention.

Eine wesentliche weitere Schutzmaßnahme gegen die Entladung einer Spannungsquelle wird realisiert, indem die Anzahl der in Reihe geschalteten LC-LED so gewählt wird, daß die Gesamt-Sättigungsspannung der Reihenschaltung relativ hoch liegt. Bei einer Fahrzeug-Bordnennspannung von 12 V kann z. B. die genannte Gesamt-Sättigungsspannung etwa 11 V betragen. Durch diese Dimensionierung des Gesamtspannungsabfalls an der Orientierungshilfe wird bei unter den gewählten Wert abfallender Bordspannung - was z. B. bei sehr langer Abstelldauer und niedrigsten Umgebungstemperaturen vorkommen kann - die Sättigungsspannung der in Reihe geschalteten LC-LED - die bei etwa 1,5 V liegt - unterschritten. Diese werden daraufhin hochohmig und schalten sich selbst ab, so daß dann die ohnehin z. B. gegenüber der Selbstentladung eines üblichen Bleiakkumulators oder der Belastung durch eine Borduhr vernachlässigbare Leistungsaufnahme der Orientierungshilfe ohne jedes Schalt- oder Zeitglied vollends zu Null wird.A further important protective measure against the discharge of a voltage source is implemented by selecting the number of LC LEDs connected in series in such a way that the total saturation voltage of the series circuit is relatively high. With a vehicle nominal voltage of 12 V z. B. said total saturation voltage is about 11 V. This dimensioning of the total voltage drop at the orientation aid will result in the on-board voltage falling below the selected value - which, for. B. can occur with a very long shutdown time and the lowest ambient temperatures - the saturation voltage of the series-connected LC-LED - which is around 1.5 V - below. These then become high-impedance and switch themselves off, so that the z. B. compared to the self-discharge of a conventional lead accumulator or the load of a clock negligible power consumption the orientation aid is completely zero without any switching or timing element.

Eine bei Tageslicht besonders unauffällige Gestaltung der Orientierungshilfe ist erreichbar, indem die LC-LED auf einer ringförmigen Matrix bzw. einem Träger angeordnet und nach Herstellung der elektrischen Verbindungen mit einem transparenten Kunstharzring vergossen werden. Dadurch wird ein Leuchtring gebildet, der einen Schließzylinder schlüssellochseitig umfassen kann.
Der äußeren Gestalt nach ist eine solche Ausführung einer Orientierungshilfe aus der bereits erwähnten DE 31 36 889 C2 bekannt, gemäß der ein Lichtleiterring verwendet wird, in welchen an einer Stelle Licht eingeleitet wird und über dessen Umfang mehrere als Reflektorflächen wirkende Stufen verteilt sind, die eine gleichmäßige Ausleuchtung des gesamten Ringes ermöglichen.A design of the orientation aid that is particularly inconspicuous in daylight can be achieved by arranging the LC LEDs on a ring-shaped matrix or a support and, after the electrical connections have been made, potting them with a transparent synthetic resin ring. As a result, a light ring is formed, which can include a key cylinder on the keyhole side.
Such an embodiment of an orientation aid is known from the already mentioned DE 31 36 889 C2, according to which an optical fiber ring is used, in which light is introduced at one point and over the circumference of which several steps acting as reflector surfaces are distributed, one of which enable uniform illumination of the entire ring.

Weitere Einzelheiten und Vorteile gehen aus der Zeichnung von Ausführungsbeispielen und deren sich hier anschließender eingehender Beschreibung hervor. Es zeigen

Figur 1
eine Anordnung einer Orientierunghilfe in Gestalt eines einen Schließzylinder schlüssellochseitig umfassenden Leuchtrings,
Figur 2a
eine Darstellung einer Reihenschaltung von LC-LED-Chips und eines Vorwiderstands auf einem ringförmigen Träger und
Figur 2b
ein elektrisches Schaltschema der Anordnung nach Figur 2a.
Further details and advantages emerge from the drawing of exemplary embodiments and their detailed description that follows here. Show it
Figure 1
an arrangement of an orientation aid in the form of a light ring comprising a key cylinder on the key hole side,
Figure 2a
a representation of a series circuit of LC LED chips and a series resistor on an annular carrier and
Figure 2b
an electrical circuit diagram of the arrangement of Figure 2a.

In Figur 1 ist ein Kraftfahrzeug-Türgriff 1 mit einem abgebrochen gezeichneten beweglichen Ziehgriff-Teil 2 und einem festen Teil 3, in den ein Schließzylinder 4 mit einem Schlüsselloch 5 eingesetzt ist, dargestellt. Die Schlüssellochseite des Schließzylinders 4 ist in an sich bekannter Weise von einem Leuchtring 6 umfaßt, dessen nach außen sichtbarer Teil aus einem transparenten Kunststoffring 7 besteht.In Figure 1 is a motor vehicle door handle 1 with a broken drawn handle part 2 and a fixed Part 3, in which a lock cylinder 4 with a keyhole 5 is inserted. The keyhole side of the locking cylinder 4 is encompassed in a manner known per se by a light ring 6, the part of which is visible from the outside consists of a transparent plastic ring 7.

In Figur 2a sind die elektrischen Bauteile des feuchtrings 6 schematisch dargestellt. Auf einen ringförmigen, nichtleitenden Träger 8 sind voneinander beabstandete Elektroden 9, ein ohmscher Widerstand 10 und eine Anschlußelektrode 11 aufgebracht. Jede der Elektroden 9 trägt einen Low-Current-Leuchtdiodenchip 12 mit Doppel-Hetero-Struktur, der seinerseits anodenseitig unmittelbar mit der jeweiligen Elektrode 9 elektrisch leitend verbunden und kathodenseitig über einen dünnen (Gold-)Draht 12 an die benachbarte Elektrode angeschlossen ist. Die Leuchtdiodenchips 12 sind also untereinander elektrisch in Reihe geschaltet.
Eine Leitung L+ verbindet den Widerstand 10 einseitig und unmittelbar, d. h. ohne zwischengeschalteten Schalter, mit dem Pluspol einer Spannungsquelle U, z. B. eines konventionellen Kraftfahrzeug-Bleiakkumulators. Anderseitig ist der Widerstand 10 mit der benachbarten Elektrode 9 ebenfalls über einen dünnen Draht 13 verbunden, so daß die Leuchtdiodenchips 12 auch mit diesem bezüglich der Spannungsquelle U in Reihe geschaltet sind. Der letzte Leuchtdiodenchip 12 der Reihenschaltung ist kathodenseitig an die Anschlußelektrode 11 angeschlossen, die ihrerseits über eine Leitung L- unmittelbar mit dem Minuspol der Spannungsquelle U verbunden ist.
Die Leuchtdiodenchips 12 und der Widerstand 10 sind vorzugsweise in Subminiatur-Bauweise gefertigt. Nach der Herstellung der elektrischen Verbindungen wird die Anordnung mit einem transparenten Kunststoff in Ringform vergossen.The electrical components of the wet ring 6 are shown schematically in FIG. 2a . Electrodes 9 spaced apart from one another, an ohmic resistor 10 and a connecting electrode 11 are applied to an annular, non-conductive carrier 8. Each of the electrodes 9 carries a low-current light-emitting diode chip 12 with a double heterostructure, which in turn is connected electrically conductively to the respective electrode 9 on the anode side and is connected to the adjacent electrode via a thin (gold) wire 12 on the cathode side. The LED chips 12 are therefore electrically connected in series with one another.
A line L + connects the resistor 10 on one side and directly, ie without an intermediate switch, with the positive pole of a voltage source U, for. B. a conventional automotive lead acid battery. On the other hand, the resistor 10 is also connected to the adjacent electrode 9 via a thin wire 13, so that the LED chips 12 are also connected in series therewith with respect to the voltage source U. The last LED chip 12 of the series circuit is connected on the cathode side to the connecting electrode 11, which in turn is connected directly to the negative pole of the voltage source U via a line L-.
The LED chips 12 and the resistor 10 are preferably made in a subminiature design. After the electrical connections have been made, the arrangement is cast with a transparent plastic in the form of a ring.

Es versteht sich, daß auch andere äußere Formen der Orientierungshilfe vorgesehen werden können, z. B. zwei oder mehr auf das Schlüsselloch zu weisende Dreiecksflächen oder das Schlüsselloch umgebende Ringsektoren als Flächenelemente. Diese Gestaltungen sind aber nicht Gegenstand der Erfindung und werden daher nicht weiter dargestellt. Konstruktiv soll die Orientierunghilfe als Montageteil des jeweiligen Türschlosses mit fest angeschlossenen Leitungen und Stecker ausgeführt werden, wobei sinnvollerweise am Stecker eine Codierung vorgesehen wird, um die richtige Anschlußpolung der Dioden im Gleichstrom-Bordnetz sicherzustellen.It goes without saying that other external forms of orientation aid can also be provided, e.g. B. two or more triangular surfaces to be pointed at the keyhole or ring sectors surrounding the keyhole as surface elements. However, these designs are not the subject of the invention and are therefore not further shown. In terms of design, the orientation aid is to be designed as an assembly part of the respective door lock with permanently connected lines and plugs, with a coding advantageously being provided on the plug in order to ensure the correct polarity of the diodes in the DC electrical system.

Mit Figur 2b wird die einfache elektrische Verschaltung der in Figur 2a gezeigten Bauteile verdeutlicht. Im Vergleich zu bekannten elektrisch gespeisten Orientierunghilfen fehlen hier offensichtlich Schalter und Zeitglied.
Der Widerstand 10 dient als Strombegrenzer und ist entsprechend der Anzahl der Leuchtdiodenchips und eventuell zu erwartender Spannungsspitzen im Bordnetz dimensioniert. FIG. 2b illustrates the simple electrical connection of the components shown in FIG. 2a. In comparison to known electrically powered orientation aids, switches and timers are obviously missing here.
The resistor 10 serves as a current limiter and is dimensioned in accordance with the number of LED chips and any voltage peaks to be expected in the vehicle electrical system.

Die Anzahl der Leuchtdiodenchips 12 und der Widerstandswert des Widerstands 10 wird so gewählt, daß die Sättigungsspannung der durch sie gebildeten Reihenschaltung bzw. des Spannungsteilers geringfügig unterhalb einer sich bei normalem Betrieb eines Kraftfahrzeugs, eingerechnet längere Abstellzeiten, ergebenden Bordspannung liegt.
Mit einem normalen Bleiakkumulator als Spannungsquelle wird dieser Wert bei etwa 11 Volt liegen. Die bekannten LC-LED mit Doppel-Hetero-Struktur haben, wie bereits erwähnt, eine Vorwärtsspannung von etwa 1,5 Volt. Bei einem 12-Volt-Kraftfahrzeugbordnetz ist es also möglich, bis zu 7 dieser Leuchtdioden in Reihe geschaltet über einen gemeinsamen Vorwiderstand mit einem Gesamtstrom von etwa 100 µA zu betreiben. Angesichts dieser Größenordnung wird es möglich sein, mehrere solcher Leuchtringe an einem Kraftfahrzeug, z. B. außer an der Fahrertür auch an den Schließzylindern der Beifahrertür und des Gepäckraumdekkels, vorzusehen, ohne dadurch eine beschleunigte Entladung des Akkumulators herbeizuführen. Dabei kann je nach Leistungsfähigkeit des Akkumulators die Gesamtzahl der LC-LED auf sieben - oder sechs - beschränkt bleiben, so daß an jeder der genannten Schließstellen zwei LC-LED, z. B. je eine in den bereits erwähnten dreieckigen Flächenelementen, zur Verfügung stehen, oder es kann für jede dieser Schließstellen ein Leuchtring mit sieben LC-LED vorgesehen werden.The number of light-emitting diode chips 12 and the resistance value of resistor 10 is chosen so that the saturation voltage of the series circuit or voltage divider formed by it is slightly below an on-board voltage that arises during normal operation of a motor vehicle, including longer parking times.
With a normal lead accumulator as a voltage source, this value will be around 11 volts. As already mentioned, the known LC-LEDs with double heterostructure have a forward voltage of approximately 1.5 volts. With a 12-volt vehicle electrical system, it is therefore possible to operate up to 7 of these light-emitting diodes in series via a common series resistor with a total current of approximately 100 μA. Given this size, it will be possible to have several such light rings on a motor vehicle, e.g. B. in addition to the driver's door on the lock cylinders of the front passenger door and the luggage compartment cover, without causing an accelerated discharge of the battery. Depending on the performance of the battery, the total number of LC LEDs can be limited to seven - or six - so that two LC LEDs, e.g. B. one each in the triangular surface elements already mentioned are available, or a light ring with seven LC LEDs can be provided for each of these locking points.

Bei Abfall der Spannung der Spannungsquelle U unter die erwähnte Sättigungsspannung werden die Leuchtdiodenchips 12 ohne weitere Maßnahmen hochohmig, d. h. sie verbrauchen gar keinen Strom mehr.If the voltage of the voltage source U falls below the mentioned saturation voltage, the light-emitting diode chips 12 become high-resistance without further measures, i. H. they no longer consume electricity.

Claims (6)

  1. Switchless key-guide for finding a key-hole, on motor vehicles in particular, containing
    - at least one light-radiating surface element (6) which is disposed in the area immediately surrounding the key-hole such that it gives an optimum indication of the position of the key-hole in darkness,
    wherein
    - the at least one surface element (6) is fitted with a specific number of low-current light-emitting diodes (LCLED's) (12),
    - permanent connection of the LCLED's which are electrically arranged in series to a low-tension source (U), to a vehicle battery in particular, whereby the current consumption of the LED's (12) is limited by a current-limiting device (resistor 10) to a value which is significantly below the lowest determined operating current.
  2. Switchless key-guide in accordance with claim 1,
    wherein
    the magnitude of the total voltage drop is determined by the current-limiting device (resistor 10) and the LCLED's (12) such that the saturation voltage of the said LCLED's is fallen below when the specific critical value of the supply voltage is fallen below.
  3. Switchless key-guide in accordance with claim 1 or 2,
    wherein
    - the LCLED's (12) which are electrically connected in series are implemented as a sub-miniature construction and the current-limiting device, implemented as a resistor (10), which is likewise connected in series, are disposed on a support (8) and
    - these components (8, 10, 12) and their electrical connections (9, 13) are covered by means of a transparent ring made of synthetic material which is fixed to the support (8).
  4. Switchless key-guide in accordance with claim 3,
    wherein
    - there is a fixed connection of the LED's (12) or the resistor (10) to connection conductors (L+, L-) and to
    - a ring (7) made of synthetic material which is attached by fusing.
  5. Switchless key-guide in accordance with claim 4,
    wherein
    there is a fixed attachment of the connection conductors (L+, L-) to a plug and coding of the plug to ensure correct connection of the poles of the LCLED's (12).
  6. Switchless key-guide in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
    wherein
    the consumption of current by the LED's (12) is limited to approximately a tenth of their lowest determined operating current.
EP19910106761 1990-06-29 1991-04-26 Guiding line without switches for the location of a keyhole Expired - Lifetime EP0463318B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19904020865 DE4020865C1 (en) 1990-06-29 1990-06-29
DE4020865 1990-06-29

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0463318A1 EP0463318A1 (en) 1992-01-02
EP0463318B1 true EP0463318B1 (en) 1994-08-17

Family

ID=6409417

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19910106761 Expired - Lifetime EP0463318B1 (en) 1990-06-29 1991-04-26 Guiding line without switches for the location of a keyhole

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0463318B1 (en)
DE (1) DE4020865C1 (en)
ES (1) ES2062603T3 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10232894A1 (en) * 2002-07-19 2004-01-29 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Light has LED as light source encapsulated in plastic which forms housing and cover for it

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3955075A (en) * 1974-10-15 1976-05-04 Joseph Susedik Doorknob illuminating device
US3916250A (en) * 1974-11-21 1975-10-28 Gen Motors Corp Door lock lighting system
DE3017096C2 (en) * 1980-05-03 1983-12-15 Daimler-Benz Ag, 7000 Stuttgart Door lock lighting, in particular for motor vehicles
DE3035892A1 (en) * 1980-09-24 1982-04-29 geb. Böttger Brigitte 5830 Schwelm Kertesz Keyhole recognition device in darkness - is thin shaped plastics or similar fluorescent plate attached to lock
DE3136889C2 (en) * 1981-09-17 1985-09-26 Daimler-Benz Ag, 7000 Stuttgart Lighting device for operating elements such as switches or locks, in particular for motor vehicle locks
DE3508652A1 (en) * 1985-02-26 1986-08-28 Raymond François 8201 Schonstett Douw Lighting device for locks of all kinds
US4745527A (en) * 1987-01-09 1988-05-17 Allison Corporation Illuminated door lock scratch guard
US4777570A (en) * 1987-02-05 1988-10-11 Glen Littles Illuminated doorknob lock

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0463318A1 (en) 1992-01-02
DE4020865C1 (en) 1991-07-04
ES2062603T3 (en) 1994-12-16

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