# US 2019/0168661 A1 · Regulation of sequentially operating light source and device for carrying out the method

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- Number: US 2019/0168661 A1
- Document ID: US20190168661A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 16/323,614
- Filed: 2017-08-07
- Published: 2019-06-06
- Earliest claimed: 2016-08-08
- Assignees: Hella Saturnus Slovenija Proizvodnja Svetlobne Opreme Za Motorna In Druga Vozila, D.O.O.
- Applicants: Hella Saturnus Slovenija Proizvodnja Svetlobne Opreme Za Motorna In Druga Vozila, D.O.O.
- Inventors: Peter KRZIC; Martin PERKON; Jure RAZPOTNIK
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20190168661A1

## CPC

- H05B 45/50: responsive to malfunctions or undesirable behaviour of LEDs; responsive to LED life; Protective circuits
- B60Q 1/381: {with several light sources activated in sequence, e.g. to create a sweep effect}
- B60Q 11/007: {the lighting devices indicating change of drive direction}
- F21S 43/14: Light emitting diodes [LED]
- F21S 43/15: Strips of light sources
- H05B: ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- B60Q: ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- F21S: NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS

## Abstract

The present invention refers to a method and a device for sequentially operating light source, in particular a lighting system for signalizing a change of driving direction of a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) connected in series, said diodes can be activated in a pre-determined sequence within a required time frame t0. The method comprises activating within a required time frame (t0) a sequential operation of a plurality of LEDs, wherein the operation of the first LED in the plurality of LEDs and operation of the last LED in the plurality of LEDs is carried out within an actual time frame (t1) of operation. The method further comprises activating after lapse of a safety time frame (t2) of all LEDs (11, 12 . . . 1n) simultaneously.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method for sequentially operating light source on a vehicle, in particular a lighting system for signalizing a change of driving direction of a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) (11, 12. . . 1n) connected in series, said diodes can be activated in a pre-determined sequence within a required time frame (t0), characterized in that, the method comprises the following steps:
a) activating within a required time frame (t0) a sequential operation of a plurality of LEDs (11, 12 . . . 1n), wherein the operation of the first LED (11) in the plurality of LEDs and operation of the last LED (1n) in the plurality of LEDs is carried out within an actual time frame (t1) of operation;
b) activating by means of a reserve security element and after lapse of a safety time frame (t2) of all LEDs (11, 12 . . . 1n) simultaneously.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method according to claim 1, wherein the required time frame (t0), the actual time frame (t1) and the safety time frame (t2) are equal.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method according to claim 1, wherein said actual time frame (t1) is at most equal to or smaller than the required time frame (t0).

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The method according to claim 1, wherein said safety time frame (t2) is equal to or smaller than the required time frame (t0), but larger than the actual time frame (t1) of the activation of all LEDs (11, 12 . . . 1n).

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

A device for carrying out a method according to claim 1, characterized in that, the device comprises:
a) a plurality of light emitting diodes (11, 12 . . . 1n) connected in series;
b) a feeding device which that controls at least one LED from the plurality of LEDs (11, 12. . . 1n);
c) a thermal protection element the resistance thereof depends on temperature;
d) an excess voltage protection element;
e) a security element, which in case that at least one LED (11, 12. . . 1n) from the plurality of LEDs fails provides for that a driver is alerted about the failer;
f) a timer and shift element, which provides for a sequential activation of LEDs (11, 12 . . . 1n);
g) a control element, which connects all aforementioned elements and provide for carrying out of respective functions thereof; and
h) a reserve security element, which is associated with the control element and takes care of the operation when the failure occurs and, respectively, when any of the components fails.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The device according to claim 5, wherein the number n of LEDs is selected as an even number.