EP2168406B1 - Pocket tool with a light pointer - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a compact light module (1), that is eye-safe as far as possible, comprising an electrical power source (2), a voltage converter (3) and a radiation source for electromagnetic radiation (4), wherein a power limiter (5) is provided for controlling the emitted electromagnetic radiation. The invention also relates to a pocket tool, in particular a pocket knife (26) or board-like tool card (31) with a light module (32) for emitting electromagnetic radiation which is arranged in the housing (27) and can be operated by means of an activating element (30), whereby the light module (32) is designed to emit monochromatic electromagnetic radiation with limited radiation output.

Description

The invention relates to a compact, largely eye-safe light module comprising an electrical energy source, a voltage converter and a radiation source for electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, the invention relates to a pocket tool, in particular pocket knife or plate-shaped tool card, having a housing with at least one receiving area and at least one, from a storage position within the receiving area, in a position of use outside the receiving area movable functional part, and with a light emitting module for emitting electromagnetic radiation, which is arranged in the housing and can be put into operation by means of an actuating element.

In tools of everyday use, especially in pocket tools, there is often the desire that is arranged on or in this tool a light module. Such a light module may be formed, for example, to illuminate the working area of the hand tool or to act as a light pointer. Due to the often very small amount of space for hand tools, the light-emitting element is usually formed only by a power supply and a light source, a drive circuit or a safety circuit is omitted for lack of space. The power supply is usually formed by a chemical element, in particular by a commercially available battery. However, chemical elements have the disadvantage that the provided output voltage changes in the course of operation, in particular it is continuously lower; this voltage drop is described by the so-called discharge curve. Another disadvantage is that the discharge curve depends on the type of chemical element. In particular, one knows chemical elements which have a continuously falling output voltage, but there are also elements in which the output voltage remains largely constant for a long time and abruptly decreases towards the end of the life. However, a lighting module should deliver as constant as possible an optical light output over the entire operating time, which is not feasible with such a power supply.

Further, since the output voltage of the chemical elements is technologically limited, but some lamps require a supply voltage higher than the output voltage of a single chemical element, for example, multiple chemical elements used in series. It is also possible to convert the low output voltage of the chemical element by means of a voltage converter to the required increased supply voltage of the lamp. Such a voltage converter is usually characterized in that it increases the input-side supply voltage by a certain fixed factor and makes it available on the output side.

However, the known solutions have the disadvantage that in the case of improper or wanton use of an improper energy source, in particular one with a higher output voltage, the lighting means applied to a large supply voltage, whereby the bulb can be damaged or destroyed. Due to the increased supply voltage of the light source, it can also happen that the electromagnetic radiation emitted by this exceeds a power limit and thus, in an illumination of the human eye by the emitted light beam, due to the excessive radiation power to damage the retina.

The US 5,627,414 A discloses a folding pocket knife with a laser pointer. The laser pointer is formed by a laser diode and a plurality of battery cells being arranged in a housing part which can be swung out of the pocket knife. The laser diode is put into operation by the circuit between the battery cells and the laser diode is closed by an actuator. When the circuit is closed, the supply voltage of the laser diode is equal to the output voltage of the series-connected battery cells.

The US 6,027,224 A also discloses a pocket tool which, however, includes two bulbs. A light source is designed as a laser pointer, the second light source is designed as a light cone emitting light source. The document discloses that with each closed circuit, the first and second lighting means is connected directly to the battery cells.

Similar educations are also in the US2004 / 0182929 A1 , of the US 2001/0034910 A1 and the DE 298 20 727 U1 disclosed.

The object of the invention is now to form a compact light pointer in such a way that the intended use and an unwanted influence of the illuminant emitted by the electromagnetic radiation emitted to the human eye, damage to the retina is reliably prevented. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide this protection of the eye as far as possible even in the case of improper or non-intended use of the light pointer. The invention further relates to a pocket tool which comprises a compact light pointer, damage to the eye being largely prevented by the light beam emitted by the light pointer.

The object of the invention is achieved in that a power limiter for controlling the emitted electromagnetic radiation is present. The power of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiation source usually depends on the supply voltage applied to the radiation source. From the manufacturer of the voltage source is usually specified a maximum supply voltage with which the emitted electromagnetic radiation does not exceed a certain power limit. Based on the physiological properties of the human eye, the optical radiant power was classified based on the wavelength of the radiation. In the case of bulbs which may be used in public without additional protection or which are used in public, the radiation power must be so low that the natural protective mechanism of the eye (eyelid reflex) is sufficient, even with direct illumination of the eye no damage to the retina occurs.

The power limiter according to the invention can now take into account a plurality of operational specifications and thus in any case keep the power of the emitted radiation below a dangerous power limit value. The user of a lighting module according to the invention can thus be sure that in each operating state, a largely harmless to the eye electromagnetic radiation is emitted.

To control the emitted electromagnetic radiation, it is advantageous if the power limiter comprises a first detection element for electromagnetic radiation. This first detection element may, for example, be designed to measure the power of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiation source. Of significant advantage is that the power limiter at any time the currently emitted radiation power knows. Due to the technological structure of the radiation source, the emitted radiation power is subject to an aging process, ie even with a constant supply voltage, the emitted radiation power will change over the course of the operating time. Furthermore, the emitted radiation power is usually also dependent on the temperature of the radiation source. The knowledge of the currently emitted radiation power is therefore essential in order to be able to form an eye-safe light-emitting module.

A power limiter comprising a control circuit has the decisive advantage that this power limiter can evaluate continuously recorded operating data and can influence the emitted radiated power in a targeted manner via the control loop. In contrast to a parameter-based control, a control loop has the advantage that a continuous adaptation of the radiant power in the sense of a desired-actual comparison is possible.

In an advantageous development of this control circuit may include a protection circuit, which ensures a reliable shutdown of the radiation source when exceeding a power limit.

An advantageously efficient detection of the emitted radiation power is achieved if the first detection element is designed as a photodiode. Photodiodes have the particular advantage that their spectral efficiency is very precisely adjustable. This makes it possible, for example, to largely suppress the surrounding electromagnetic radiation and to measure only the power of the electrical radiation emitted by the radiation source. Variations in the ambient brightness thus advantageously have no influence on the determination of the emitted radiation power.

In an advantageous development, however, the first detection element can also be designed as a photoresistor or phototransistor. In particular, all detection elements are possible, which emit an electrical output signal or change the electrical parameters due to an incoming electromagnetic radiation.

A significant advantage is obtained if the first detection element and the radiation source are integrated in one module. This advantageous embodiment allows the power of the emitted electromagnetic radiation directly at the radiation source to capture, which in particular disturbing, the measurement falsifying environmental influences are largely suppressed. The training has the further advantage that can be realized by today's technologically possible high integration density, a very compact design of the claimed module. With regard to a wide use with high quantities, the training according to the claim has the further advantage that the module can be produced particularly inexpensively.

In an advantageous development, the radiation source and the first detection element can be matched to each other, whereby the emitted radiation power can be maintained very accurately.

According to a development, the first detection element and the radiation source can be formed by semiconductor components. If the two elements are integrated in one module, both elements have the same temperature, which is of particular importance with regard to the common-mode parameters of semiconductors.

Since the power of the radiation emitted by the radiation source electromagnetic radiation usually depends on the supply voltage of the radiation source, one obtains a significant advantageous development when the power limiter is designed to influence the output voltage of the voltage converter. This advantageous embodiment of the power limiter is able to influence on the regulation of the output voltage of the voltage transformer, the power of the emitted electromagnetic radiation. Another advantage of a claimed embodiment is that the output voltage of the voltage transformer is largely independent of the output voltage of the power source.

A very special advantage is obtained if the voltage converter is designed as a step-up and / or as a step-down converter. This design makes it possible to implement a large output voltage range of the power source to the required, stable supply voltage of the radiation source. In particular, it is achieved by an embodiment according to the claims that a reliable and stable supply of the radiation source is achieved even with a reduced output voltage of the energy source. The voltage converter operates in this operating state as a step-up converter.

A significant advantage for the formation of an eye-safe light-emitting module is obtained if the voltage converter is also designed as a step-down converter. Improper use of the light module, for example by using an energy source with too high an output voltage, the radiation source would emit electromagnetic radiation with too high power, which can result in unintentional illumination of the eye to damage the retina, because the allowable power limit exceeded becomes. By designed as a step-down converter voltage converter is now reliably ensured that even when using an improper energy source with a higher output voltage, the radiation source is always reliably supplied with a maximum supply voltage, which in any case the power of the emitted electromagnetic radiation below a maximum allowable Limit remains. In particular, a voltage converter designed in accordance with the invention is capable of reducing an input voltage which is up to 400% above the nominal value to a supply voltage of the radiation source which complies with the limit value.

Another advantage of the claim trained trained voltage converter is that the voltage conversion is carried out very low loss. Especially with regard to mobile devices, it is of crucial importance if the limited available energy of the energy source is optimally converted into electromagnetic radiation. Particularly in the case of voltage adaptation from a higher to a lower voltage level, a step-down converter designed according to the claims has the decisive advantage that the voltage adaptation does not require a power-consuming, resistive voltage divider.

Another advantage is that the adaptation to a too high or too low input voltage level is carried out automatically by the voltage converter without operator action. Thus, even with a deliberate manipulation of the energy source is always ensured that the emitted electromagnetic radiation does not exceed a harmful performance limit.

The emitted radiation power of a radiation source usually also depends on the temperature of the radiation source. Due to the demanding training in the Power limiter has a temperature detection module, one obtains the advantage that changes in the emitted radiation power due to different operating or ambient temperatures of the light module can be compensated. As a result of the operation of the radiation source, this will usually be heated, as a result of which the so-called operating point can shift and thus the emitted radiation power can exceed a power limit value. In addition, the radiation source can continue to heat due to the increased emitted radiation power, which can lead to a rocking process, which can lead to damage or destruction of the radiation source.

In an advantageous development, the temperature detection element can be designed to reliably switch off the radiation source at an excess temperature thereof and thus to prevent damage to the radiation source.

A radiation source can usually emit electromagnetic radiation in a larger power range. In previously known devices, the maximum power of the emitted electromagnetic radiation is determined by the fact that the energy source emits a maximum voltage, in particular, this is the no-load voltage of the mostly used and possibly connected in series chemical elements. An application according to the invention in which the power limiter has a power configuration module now has the decisive advantage that the configuration of the emitted radiation power no longer depends on inaccurate and changed voltage values. The power configuration module advantageously further ensures that unauthorized operation or manipulation of the radiation source is prevented.

A particularly advantageous development is obtained according to the claim by the fact that operating parameters for the radiation source are stored in the power configuration module. By means of these operating parameters, an unambiguous and unchangeable configuration of the radiation source is possible; in particular, the safety-relevant power limit value of the emitted radiation can thus be defined defined. These operating parameters can be saved in the power configuration module in such a way that manipulation by unauthorized third parties is prevented, which represents a decisive advantage with regard to the desired eye protection.

An embodiment of the radiation source as a laser diode has the advantage that the emitted monochromatic electromagnetic radiation has a high intensity. Due to their technical design, laser diodes have the advantage that the emitted light beam is particularly advantageous for the formation of a light pointer, since in most cases only a few complicated collimator lenses are required.

Due to the high luminance of the emitted light beam whose diameter is usually of the order of the opening width of the pupil of an eye, a limitation of the power of the light beam is of crucial importance to prevent damage in an accidental impact on the retina.

In accordance with the danger to humans, lasers were classified into classes, whereby classes 1 and 2 according to EN 60825-1 were classified as largely harmless to the human eye. However, due to improper handling, for example by interposing magnifying glasses or binoculars, the harmless class 1 or 2 laser radiation can also lead to damage to the retina.

A laser diode which emits an electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of 600 nm to 750 nm, preferably 655 nm, has the special advantage that the emitted radiation is in the visible optical range, furthermore laser diodes which radiate in this area are widely used and thus available at low cost. Due to the physiology of the eye, a red light beam has the further advantage that it is already clearly perceived even at low radiation power. It is also advantageous that a laser diode designed according to the claims is used in many mass-produced articles and thus also the possibly additionally required peripheral components are available at low cost.

A significant advantageous development is obtained when a cylinder attachment is arranged on a flange-like portion of the laser diode. Laser diodes are known to emit a highly divergent and non-circularly symmetric beam. To achieve the widest possible beam with a small beam expansion of the laser diode is usually followed by a beam shaping optics. To prevent unwanted lateral radiation and mechanical fixation of the beam shaping optics was Laser diode so far mostly arranged in a cylindrical attachment. The disadvantage of such an arrangement is that the inner diameter of the cylinder cap must be large enough to accommodate the laser diode and fix it. Due to the required mechanical stability of the cylinder cap, this has an outer diameter which is significantly larger than the largest outer diameter of the laser diode, which is disadvantageous for the most compact possible construction.

In the claimed embodiment, the cylinder cap is arranged on a flange-like portion of the laser diode, thereby achieving a significant reduction of Aussendruchmessers the cylinder head, in particular, the outer diameter of the thus formed luminous element is equal to the maximum diameter of the laser diode.

Another advantage of the claimed embodiment is that due to the larger contact area between the housing of the laser diode and the cylinder cap better heat dissipation from the laser diode is possible.

In order to achieve a far-reaching, possibly circularly symmetrical light beam with low beam widening, it is advantageous if a beam-shaping optical system, in particular collimator optics, is arranged in the cylinder attachment. The object of a collimator optics is to align non-directional or divergent beams of a light source in parallel and thus to form a light beam, which widens only very slightly over longer distances and thus ideally can be used as a light pointer.

When the power of the emitted electromagnetic radiation reaches a maximum of 0.8 mW, it is ensured that there is no damage to the retina when the light beam strikes the human eye, since the natural eyelid reflex of the eye is usually sufficient to quench the incoming light beam quickly enough.

An appropriately designed laser diode has the advantage that it is classified under the laser hazard class 1 or 2 and is therefore approved for general use in the public.

With regard to the most energy-efficient operation of the light module, it is advantageous if a second detection element for measuring the electromagnetic radiation of the environment is present. A lighting module according to the invention is intended to be used both in daylight and in darkness. In the case of high ambient brightness, a higher luminance of the same is required for reliably recognizing the light beam than is necessary in the dark, for example at night. Due to the claimed training is achieved in an advantageous manner that the light beam emitted by the radiation source has sufficient intensity to stand out visibly against the environment. In the case of low-intensity ambient lighting, this has the advantage that the radiation power of the signal source is reduced below the standard predetermined level, as a result of which the energy requirement of the radiation source is advantageously reduced. Through this continuous adjustment of the emitted radiation power, the duration of use of the energy source can be significantly increased, which is of decisive advantage for compact, mobile application areas of the lighting module.

An embodiment in which the energy source emits a voltage of typically 1.55 V has the advantage that this energy source is formed by widely used and therefore inexpensive usable chemical elements, in particular by button cells.

The object of the invention also lies in a pocket tool which comprises a light-emitting module for emitting a monochromatic electromagnetic radiation which is limited in the radiant power.

A pocket tool, in particular a pocket knife, has at least one functional part which can be swiveled out of a storage position and with which a work action can be carried out on a work piece. Training details and advantages of a pocket tool, in particular a pocket knife, are not detailed here, as they are known to the skilled person. Also known from the prior art pocket knife, which have a light module, which are designed for short-range illumination.

However, a lighting module designed according to the claims has the significant advantage that over a greater distance, in particular several meters, a pointing function by means of a light point is possible.

If the lighting module is formed by a compact, largely eye-safe lighting module according to the invention, a danger to the eyes of persons who are unintentionally illuminated by the light beam is largely prevented by the emitted light beam.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

Fig. 1

das erfindungsgemäße Leuchtmodul als Blockschaltbild;

Fig. 2a,2b

eine Gegenüberstellung von einer bekannten Anordnung des Leuchtmittels und einer erfindungsgemäßen Verbesserung;

Fig. 3

ein Taschenwerkzeug mit integriertem Leuchtmodul;

Fig. 4

eine Werkzeugkarte mit integriertem Leuchtmodul.

Each shows in a schematically simplified representation:

Fig. 1

the luminous module according to the invention as a block diagram;

Fig. 2a, 2b

a comparison of a known arrangement of the lamp and an improvement according to the invention;

Fig. 3

a pocket tool with integrated light module;

Fig. 4

a tool card with integrated light module.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component names, wherein the disclosures contained in the entire description can be mutatis mutandis to the same parts with the same reference numerals or component names. Also, the location information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc. related to the immediately described and illustrated figure and these are mutatis mutandis to transfer to a new position on a change in position. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the illustrated and described, different embodiments may represent for themselves, inventive or inventive solutions.

All information on ranges of values in representational description should be understood to include any and all sub-ranges thereof, eg the indication 1 to 10 is to be understood as encompassing all partial regions, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, ie all partial regions starting with a lower limit of 1 or greater and ending at an upper limit of 10 or less, eg 1 to 1 , 7, or 3.2 to 8.1 or 5.5 to 10.

Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of the lighting module according to the invention 1. An energy source 2 provides at its output electrical energy ready, which is converted by the voltage converter 3 to the respective required supply voltage of the radiation source 4. A power limiter 5 receives operating data 7 from a power configuration module 6 and controls the voltage converter 3 in a targeted manner, whereby the lighting means 4 emits a light beam 8 with the desired maximum radiant power. Furthermore, a first detection means for electromagnetic radiation 9 is arranged, which measures the radiation power actually emitted by the light source 4, wherein the measured value from the power limiter 5 is used as a parameter for controlling the voltage converter 3. Since the lamp 4, preferably a laser diode, usually a divergent and non-circularly symmetrical light beam is emitted, the lamp 4 is a Strahlrichtoptik 10 downstream.

According to a classification according to EN 60825-1 1, the emitted light beam 8 is classified as a class 2 laser beam, according to which an endangerment of the eye during short-term irradiation time is harmless and a longer irradiation is prevented by the natural eyelid reflex. In particular, the maximum radiation power of the light beam 8 is limited to 0.8 mW. With regard to the most compact possible construction and the best possible integration of the lighting module 1 in existing devices, especially in pocket tools, the power source 2 is formed by a widely used, commercially available 1.55V button cell. However, other embodiments of the energy source are also conceivable, since the lighting means 4 is always supplied with the defined predetermined supply voltage by the regulated voltage converter 3, in particular an overvoltage and, associated therewith, an excessive radiation power of the light beam 8 is prevented.

The voltage converter 3 is designed as a step-up and / or step-down converter and thus allows a large usable range of voltage of the power source 2. In the preferred embodiment of the power source 2 as a 1.55V button cell, the output voltage the battery to the supply voltage of the bulb 4, increased. When the output voltage of the energy source is too great, for example, in the case of wanton manipulation, the input voltage is reduced or limited to the desired or maximum supply voltage of the light source 4. In particular, the voltage converter 3 is able to reduce a lying up to 400% above the nominal supply voltage input voltage to a safe level. The advantage of a step-up or step-down converter is further that it has a very high efficiency and thus the voltage adjustment is carried out very efficiently, which is for the service life of mobile, battery-powered devices of crucial importance.

The power limiter 5 now fulfills several tasks. In one power configuration module 6, one or more operating data 7 may be stored with which, for example, the maximum radiation power of the light beam 8 is determined. The operating data 7 of the power configuration module 6 and the radiation power of the light source 4 emitted by the first electromagnetic radiation detection element 9 are fed to a control circuit 11 of the power limiter 5 and thus flow into the regulation of the output voltage of the voltage converter 3. In a further embodiment, for example, a second detection element for electromagnetic radiation 12 may be present, with which the intensity of the ambient illumination is measured. By means of this advantageous development, it is, for example, possible to adapt the power of the emitted light beam 8 specifically to the brightness of the environment. In a dark environment, the light beam or the incident on an object point of light is already seen at low power, whereas in a bright environment, a significantly higher power of the light beam 8 is required. The parameters or threshold values for the targeted activation of the luminous means can, for example, also be stored in the operating data 7; the control circuit 11 of the power limiter 5 then adjusts the supply voltage of the light source to the respectively detected background brightness, whereby an energy-saving control of the beam intensity is achieved.

In a development, the light-emitting means 4 may, for example, also have a temperature detection module 13 whose measured value also flows into the regulation of the output voltage of the voltage converter 3. The light source 4, in particular a laser diode, heats up during normal operation. Is it due to, for example, external influences to one excessive heating, the bulb can be damaged. By detecting the temperature of the lamp and feedback in the regulation of the output voltage of the voltage converter, an early reduction of the emitted radiation power is possible in an advantageous manner. As soon as the luminous means has again reached an admissible operating temperature, the emitted radiation power can be adapted again at any time to the required default value.

Fig. 2a and 2b show a comparison of a known arrangement of a lamp and an inventively improved arrangement.

Widely used and therefore inexpensive available laser diodes 14 are usually arranged in a substantially cylindrical housing 15. The housing has an outer diameter 16 and an inner diameter 17.

For beam shaping of the divergent beam emitted by the laser diode, a beam-directing optics, in particular a collimator lens 18, is arranged in the beam path, a distance 19 between the beam exit opening 20 and the collimator lens 18 having to be maintained for focusing. In the known arrangement, the collimator lens 18 is arranged in a cylinder attachment 21, preferably glued, and spaced by the focal distance 19, the laser diode is arranged in the cylinder attachment. The inner diameter of the cylinder attachment 21 must now be at least equal to the outer diameter 16 of the laser diode. Due to the required wall thicknesses to achieve a sufficient mechanical stability of the cylinder attachment 21, this results in an outer diameter 22 which is significantly larger than the outer diameter 16 of the laser diode. The preferred laser diode used has an outer diameter 16 of 3.3 mm, which according to the previously known arrangement according to Fig. 2a a smallest possible outer diameter 22 of 4 mm results, which is disadvantageous in view of a space-saving and compact arrangement of the lighting module as possible.

Fig. 2b shows an inventive improvement of the arrangement. In this case, the cylinder attachment 21 is arranged on the flange-like portion 23 of the laser diode. The outer diameter 22 of the cylinder cap 21 is thus smaller than or equal to the outer diameter 16 of the laser diode, which is a significant space savings in terms of compact as possible Structure or with regard to the integrability of the lighting module represents. The focal distance 19 is maintained by the Aufsetziefe the laser diode. The collimator lens 18 is mechanically fixed in the cylinder attachment 21, preferably by crimping. Due to the improved contact between cylinder attachment 21 and laser diode, a better heat dissipation is additionally advantageously achieved.

Further advantages of the improvement according to the invention are that due to the lower required material requirement, the light source has a low weight which, in turn, is advantageous with regard to mobile use in a device, for example a pocket tool 26.

In an advantageous development, the lighting module according to the invention is designed so integrated that in the light source, in particular on the substrate support 24 of the laser diode 14 and / or in the cylinder attachment 21, all elements for controlled control of the laser diode are arranged, in particular those are the power limiter 5 with voltage converter and control circuit , the power configuration module 6, and at least the first electromagnetic radiation detection means 9. The energy source and the integrated light source are arranged in a side cheek 25 of the pocket tool 26, wherein the electrical connection of the integrated light source with the energy source is effected by a coupling means connectable. In the event of damage to the integrated light source, such an integrated structure has the particular advantage that the light source can be replaced quickly and easily.

Fig. 3 shows a pocket tool 26, in particular a pocket knife, with a housing 27 and at least one functional part 28. In the housing 27, a lighting module 1 according to the invention is arranged, in addition, an opening 29 is provided in the housing, at which the light beam emitted by the light emitting module 8 8 exits. In the housing, an actuator 30 is further arranged that is designed to activate the light module. By actuating the element 30, in particular by pressing, the voltage converter of the lighting module 1 is put into operation and emitted by the light source a directed beam 8, in particular a laser beam.

As in Fig. 4 illustrated, the lighting module according to the invention according to another Training, be arranged integrated in a tool card 31, the inventive compact design brings particular advantage. The lighting module 1 is in turn integrated into the housing 27 and is taken by an actuator 30 in operation. At an end edge edge of the housing, an outlet opening 29 is arranged from which emerges the emitted light beam of the activated lighting module.

The embodiments show possible embodiments of the light module, it being noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but also various combinations of the individual embodiments are possible with each other and this variation possibility due to the teaching of technical action by representational Invention in the skill of those skilled in this technical field. So are all conceivable embodiments, which are possible by combinations of individual details of the illustrated and described embodiment variant, includes the scope of protection.

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that, for a better understanding of the construction of the lighting module, these or their components have been shown partially unevenly and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

The problem underlying the independent inventive solutions can be taken from the description.

Above all, the individual in the Fig. 1 to 4 shown embodiments form the subject of independent solutions according to the invention. The relevant objects and solutions according to the invention can be found in the detailed descriptions of these figures.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

light module

2

energy

3

Power Converters

4

Source of electromagnetic radiation

5

power limiter

6

Power configuration module

7

Operating data / operating parameters

8th

beam of light

9

first detection means for electromagnetic radiation

10

Beam directing optics

11

loop

12

second detection means for electromagnetic radiation

13

Temperature sensing module

14

laser diode

15

casing

16

outer diameter

17

inner diameter

18

Beam shaping optics / collimator lens

19

focus distance

20

Protective glass / jet outlet

21

cylinder attachment

22

outer diameter

23

flange-like section

24

substrate carrier

25

side cheek

26

Pocket tool / pocket knife

27

casing

28

functional part

29

Blast opening

30

actuator

31

tool card

32

light module

Claims (17)

1. Compact, light module (1) that is eye-safe as far as possible comprising an electrical power source (2), a voltage converter (3) and a radiation source for electromagnetic radiation (4), further comprising a power limiter (5) for regulating the emitted electromagnetic radiation, characterised in that the power limiter (5) and the radiation source (4) are disposed in an integrated arrangement and the voltage converter (3) is provided in the form of a step-down and step-up converter.
2. Light module according to claim 1, characterised in that the power limiter (5) comprises a first detecting element for electromagnetic radiation (9).
3. Light module according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the power limiter (5) comprises a control loop (11).
4. Light module according to claim 2, characterised in that the first detecting element (9) is designed as a photodiode.
5. Light module according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the first detecting element (9) and the radiation source (4) are disposed in an integrated arrangement in one module.
6. Light module according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the power limiter (5) is designed to influence the output voltage of the voltage converter (3).
7. Light module according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the power limiter (5) comprises a temperature detecting module (13).
8. Light module according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the power limiter (5) comprises a power configuration module (6).
9. Light module according to claim 8, characterised in that operating parameters (7) for the radiation source (4) are stored in the power configuration module (6),
10. Light module according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the radiation source (4) is provided in the form of a laser diode (14).
11. Light module according to claim 10, characterised in that the laser diode (14) emits electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength of 600 nm to 750 nm, preferably 655 nm.
12. Light module according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that a cylinder attachment (21) is arranged on a flange-like section (23) of the laser diode (14).
13. Light module according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that a beam shaping optical system (18) is disposed in the cylinder attachment (21), in particular a collimating lens.
14. Light module according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the output of the emitted electromagnetic radiation is a maximum of 0.8 mW.
15. Light module according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that a second detecting element (12) is provided for measuring the electromagnetic radiation of the environment.
16. Light module according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that the power source (2) emits a voltage of typically 1.55 V.
17. Pocket tool, in particular a pocket knife (26) or board-like tool card (31), with a housing (27) comprising at least one mounting area and at least one functional part (30) which can move out of a storage position inside the mounting area into a position of use outside the mounting area, and with a light module (32) for emitting electromagnetic radiation which is arranged in the housing (27) and can be operated by means of an activating element (30), characterised in that the light module (32) is as claimed in one of claims 1 to 16 and is also designed to emit monochromatic electromagnetic radiation with limited radiation output.

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