Optical indicator element

US7022961B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Preh-Werke GmbH & Co. KG · DE

Inventors

• Haiko Glienicke · Freiensteinau, DE
• Michael Haub · Bad Kissingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 5, 2003
• Grant date: Apr 4, 2006
• Expiry date: Oct 29, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60K2360/349
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An optical indicator element includes a locator and function symbol that is equipped with a shared optical indicator element, with the intensity of the shared light input being adapted and regulated in brightness to the current ambient brightness. Regulation is accomplished through a PWM (pulse-width modulated) signal from a control device. The indicator element itself comprises a shared and preferably colored plastic that illuminates the locator and function symbol, with the area of the joint symbol being cleared of colored paint on the plastic. The light is preferably guided from at least one light source to the plastic by a light conductor into which the light is coupled, but this can also be accomplished by at least one light source located directly beneath the plastic.