Motor vehicle and system

Abstract

A motor vehicle having at least one direction indicator light unit (12, 14, 32, 34), a control unit (20, 40) configured to drive the direction indicator light unit (12, 14, 32, 34) with a scintillator signal upon actuation of an actuation device such that the direction indicator light unit (12, 14, 32, 34) flickers at a flicker frequency dependent on the scintillator signal, in which a synchronization time unit (22, 42) is provided, a synchronization time unit is connected to the control unit and configured to receive synchronization time information from an external central processing unit (50), where the control unit (22, 42) is configured to adjust the scintillator signal based on the synchronization time information within a synchronization time period (dS), the invention is characterized in that the direction indicator light units (12, 14, 32, 34) of the different motor vehicles (10, 30) are driven at a consistent flicker frequency (fS) and flicker in phase with each other by means of a flicker signal based on the synchronized time information when the actuating device is actuated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle having at least one turn signal unit and a control unit configured to drive the turn signal unit using a blinker signal when the actuation device is actuated, such that the turn signal unit blinks at a blinking frequency depending on the blinker signal. Background Technology

[0002] The regulations specify the operational requirements for the turn indicator units of motor vehicles. Among other things, the turn indicator units must operate at a flashing frequency of 1.5Hz ± 0.5Hz after being turned on, that is, switching between on and off once or twice per second. Furthermore, turn indicator units located on the same side of the vehicle must flash in the same phase.

[0003] Because of the permissible frequency tolerance of ±0.5Hz and the fact that turn signal activation may occur at different times in different vehicles, different vehicles may flash with time offsets relative to each other. This could lead to overstimulation of the driver and other people involved in traffic. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem solved by the present invention is to provide a motor vehicle that provides improved functionality of a turn indicator unit in a simple and economical manner.

[0005] According to the present invention, a synchronization time unit is provided, which is connected to a control unit and configured to receive synchronization time information from an external central processing unit, wherein the control unit is configured to adjust a flasher signal based on the synchronization time information during a synchronization time period, such that the turn indicator units of different motor vehicles are driven to flash at a consistent flashing frequency and in phase with each other using the flasher signal based on the synchronization time information.

[0006] This allows multiple motor vehicles, particularly those belonging to a predefined group (e.g., vehicles from a single manufacturer), to flash synchronously with each other when their turn signal units are activated; that is, to flash at a consistent and / or common flashing frequency and in phase with each other. For example, the result is that multiple motor vehicles in a single group stopped at a traffic light will flash synchronously with each other. This prevents excessive stimulation of the driver and other participants in traffic, thereby reducing the risk of road accidents. Furthermore, the synchronous flashing of the turn signal units of different motor vehicles leads to an increase in the commonality (Zusammengehörigkeit) of the motor vehicles under discussion and the shared awareness of the person controlling the vehicle.

[0007] The synchronization time information received from the synchronization time units of different motor vehicles is the same for all motor vehicles. A clock signal is determined or adjusted based on the synchronization time information, and a blinker signal is determined or adjusted based on this clock signal. The determined blinker signal causes the turn signal units of the motor vehicle (also known as blinkers) to blink at a standardized blinking frequency and a standardized phase. The turn signal units of the motor vehicle are driven by an associated control unit via the determined blinker signal.

[0008] Preferably, the synchronization time information is time information from a GPS signal. For example, GPS signals are already used to provide a synchronized clock in motor vehicles. GPS signals always contain time information, and different motor vehicles use GPS signals for other functions and applications, particularly for navigation systems. Therefore, it can be ensured that all motor vehicles receive consistent synchronization time information, which is absolutely necessary for the synchronization of the turn signal unit. Synchronization time information can be easily and reliably determined using GPS signals. Preferably, the synchronization time unit is capable of wirelessly connecting to an external server, from which synchronization time information can be received.

[0009] Preferably, the control unit is configured such that the turn indicator unit can be driven using a matching signal during a matching time period, which precedes the synchronization time period, by which the blinking of the turn indicator unit occurs at a matching frequency deviating from the consistent blinking frequency and / or is phase-shifted relative to the synchronized blinking. Using the matching time period, when a person actuates the blinker lever (Blinkerhebel, turn signal lever, blinker control lever, turn signal control lever), the blinking of the turn indicator unit can be immediately caused. In this case, while utilizing or maintaining within permissible tolerances (particularly ±0.5Hz), the turn indicator unit is driven using the matching signal, thereby causing the turn indicator unit to blink at a matching frequency deviating from the blinking frequency and / or in a phase-shifted manner during the matching time period. When the blinker lever is actuated, the turn indicator unit blinks immediately, wherein the turn indicator unit initially blinks briefly at the matching frequency and / or in a phase-shifted manner, and then blinks at the consistent blinking frequency and in phase. Alternatively, blinking at a consistent blinking frequency and in phase can be achieved by always initiating the blinking of the turn indicator unit at a blinking time point defined by the synchronization time information, wherein there may be a delay between the actuation of the blinker lever and the actual blinking of the turn indicator unit.

[0010] In a preferred configuration, the control unit includes an activation module connected to the user operating unit via a signal. The synchronization function can be selectively activated and deactivated via the activation module through actuation of the user operating unit. For example, the driver or user of the motor vehicle can activate and deactivate the synchronization function, i.e., the synchronized flashing of the turn indicator lights of different motor vehicles, via the touchscreen display of the infotainment system.

[0011] Furthermore, the problem is addressed by a system having at least two motor vehicles as described above and an external central processing unit, wherein the motor vehicles are configured such that when the turn indicator units are driven by the control unit, the turn indicator units of the motor vehicles are in phase with each other and flash at a consistent flashing frequency. Specifically, the motor vehicles belong to a predetermined group of vehicles, for example, all motor vehicles belong to a single vehicle manufacturer. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 Two motor vehicles with activated turn signal units are schematically shown in a side view; and Figure 2 The illustration depicts Figure 1 Two graphs showing the flashing time curves of the direction indicator unit of a motor vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Figure 1 Two motor vehicles 10 and 30 are shown in driving operation and stopped at traffic light 4, one behind the other. The first motor vehicle 10 includes multiple turn signal units 12 and 14, specifically arranged in the rear and front areas. The second motor vehicle 30 also includes multiple turn signal units 32 and 34, which are also arranged in the rear and front areas.

[0014] To drive the turn indicator units 12, 14, 32, and 34, each motor vehicle 10, 30 includes a control unit 20, 40. This control unit is signal-connected to the corresponding turn indicator unit 12, 14, 32, and 34, as well as a sensor that detects movement of an actuator (not shown), specifically a flasher lever (also not shown). When the actuator is actuated by a person, this is detected by the sensor and transmitted to the control unit 20, 40. Based on this actuation signal, the control unit 20, 40 uses a flasher signal to drive the corresponding turn indicator unit 12, 14, 32, and 34, thereby causing the corresponding turn indicator units 12, 14, 32, and 34 to flash.

[0015] Directional indicator units 12, 14, 32, and 34 are specifically designed to indicate an impending change of direction to other road users. Figure 1For example, when the turn indicator units 12, 14, 32, and 34 are activated, it indicates that both vehicles 10 and 30 will turn left when further travel is possible. The turn indicator units 12, 14, 32, and 34 must typically operate at a flashing frequency of 1.5 Hz ± 0.5 Hz, that is, switching between on and off once or twice per second after being activated (i.e., after the actuation flasher lever). When the flashing frequency of the turn indicator units 12 and 14 of the first vehicle 10 differs from the flashing frequency of the turn indicator units 32 and 34 of the second vehicle 30 and / or when the flashing of the turn indicator units 12 and 14 of the first vehicle 10 and the turn indicator units 32 and 34 of the second vehicle 30 is phase-shifted relative to each other, the turn indicator units 12, 14, 32, and 34 of vehicles 10 and 30 flash asynchronously relative to each other. In short, this means that for the two vehicles 10 and 30, the flashing timing and flashing duration are different from each other.

[0016] Motor vehicles 10 and 30 each also include synchronization time units 22 and 42, which are signal-connected to control units 20 and 40 within motor vehicles 10 and 30, and wirelessly connected to an external central processing unit 50. Synchronization time units 22 and 42 each receive identical synchronization time information from the external central processing unit 50, wherein the synchronization time information is specifically GPS time information. Control units 22 and 42 of motor vehicles 10 and 30 are configured to determine a consistent clock signal based on the received synchronization time information, wherein the determined clock signal serves as the basis for driving the direction indicator units 12, 14, 32, and 34, in order to achieve synchronized flashing of the direction indicator units 12, 14, 32, and 34 of different motor vehicles 10 and 30. Control units 22 and 42 of motor vehicles 10 and 30 are configured to determine and / or adjust the flashing signals for driving the direction indicator units 12, 14, 32, and 34 based respectively on the synchronization time information and / or the clock signal. When all control units 22 and 42 of different motor vehicles 10 and 30 drive the turn indicator units 12, 14, 32 and 34 using a clock-based flasher signal, the turn indicator units 12, 14, 32 and 34 will flash synchronously, that is, flash at the same flashing frequency and in phase with each other.

[0017] Figure 2 A graph showing the phase and frequency of the flashing of turn indicator units 12, 14, 32, and 34 of motor vehicles 10 and 30 is presented. The x-axis of the graph represents time, and the y-axis represents the switching state of turn indicator units 12, 14, 32, and 34, where switching state 0 means that the turn indicator is not flashing, and switching state 1 means that turn indicator units 12, 14, 32, and 34 are flashing.

[0018] according to Figure 2 The turn signal units 12 and 14 of the first motor vehicle 10 are flashing at a consistent frequency f. S (That is, during the synchronization time period d) S The direction indicator units 32 and 34 of the second motor vehicle 30 flash at a slightly later time point than the direction indicator units 12 and 14 of the first motor vehicle 10, and are activated between the two flashing time points of the direction indicator units 12 and 14 of the first motor vehicle 10. To synchronize the flashing of the direction indicator units 32 and 34 of the second motor vehicle 30 with the direction indicator units 12 and 14 of the first motor vehicle 10, a matching time period d is used. A Positioned within the synchronization time period d S Previously, during the matching period, control unit 40 used a matching signal to control the turn indicator units 32 and 34. During the synchronization period, all turn indicator units 12, 14, 32, and 34 of motor vehicles 10 and 30 flashed synchronously with each other. This matching signal caused the turn indicator units 32 and 34 of the second vehicle 30 to flash at a frequency f that deviated from the uniform flashing frequency. S Matching frequency f A and relative to the synchronization time period f S The initial flicker in the phase shift of the flicker exists, where the matching signal is determined by the control unit, such that the matching frequency f A Match the consistent flashing frequency f as quickly as possible. S Choose a matching signal such that the matching frequency f A The allowable tolerance is no more than ±0.5Hz.

[0019] In this way, after a short-term matching, if necessary, the synchronous flashing of the direction indicator units 12, 14, 32, and 34 of the two motor vehicles 10 and 30 can be detected.

[0020] Motor vehicles 10 and 30 each also include activation modules 24 and 44, which are respectively connected to user operation units 26 and 46 via signals. By actuating user operation units 26 and 46, the synchronization function can be activated and deactivated by the driver or user via activation modules 24 and 44.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle having at least one turn indicator unit (12, 14, 32, 34) and a control unit (20, 40), the control unit being configured to drive the turn indicator unit (12, 14, 32, 34) using a flasher signal when an actuator is actuated, such that the turn indicator unit (12, 14, 32, 34) flashes at a flashing frequency dependent on the flasher signal. Its features A synchronization time unit (22, 42) is provided, which is connected to the control unit and configured to receive synchronization time information from an external central processing unit (50), wherein the control unit (22, 42) is configured to receive synchronization time information during the synchronization time period (d). S The flasher signal is adjusted based on the synchronization time information so that the direction indicator units (12, 14, 32, 34) of different motor vehicles (10, 30) are driven to flash at a consistent frequency (f) when the actuation device is activated, using the flasher signal based on the synchronization time information. S And they flash in unison.

2. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, Its features The synchronization time information is time information from GPS signals.

3. The motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, Its features The synchronization time units (22, 42) can be wirelessly connected to an external server, and can receive the synchronization time information from the external server.

4. The motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features The control unit (20, 40) is configured such that the direction indicator units (12, 14, 32, 34) can operate within a matching time period (d). A The process utilizes a matching signal to drive the synchronization time period, which is located temporally within the synchronization time period (d). S Prior to this, via the matching signal, the flashing of the direction indicator units (12, 14, 32, 34) deviates from the consistent flashing frequency (f). S The matching frequency (f) A The occurrence and / or relative to the direction indicator units (12, 14, 32, 34) during the synchronization time period (d) S The phase shift is caused by the flickering in the image.

5. The motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features An activation module (24, 44) is provided, which is connected to the user operation unit (26, 46) via a signal, wherein the synchronization function can be optionally activated and deactivated via the activation module (24, 44) by actuation of the user operation unit (26, 46).

6. A system comprising: At least two motor vehicles (10, 30) according to any one of claims 1 to 5; and An external central processing unit (50) wherein the motor vehicles (10, 30) are configured such that when the control unit (20, 40) drives the turn indicator units (12, 14, 32, 34), the turn indicator units (12, 14, 32, 34) of the two motor vehicles (10, 30) are in phase with each other and flash at a consistent frequency (f). S (Flickering)

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