Method and device for activating the turn signal upon detection of an approaching vehicle during a parking maneuver

Abstract

Method for warning an approaching, moving object of a self-propelled vehicle (1), wherein the own vehicle (1) has environmental sensors for monitoring the traffic in the vicinity of the own vehicle, the own vehicle (1) is performing a reverse movement at low speed, and the reverse movement at low speed is a parking maneuver out of a parking space, with the following steps: Detecting an approaching, moving object (4), and Activating the turn signal of the vehicle (1) on the side of the vehicle (1) facing the approaching object.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for generating a warning signal during a reversing maneuver out of a parking space or parking pocket, and to a corresponding device.

[0002] To increase road safety and, in particular, the safety of the drivers themselves, modern motor vehicles are increasingly equipped with driver assistance systems whose functionality is constantly expanding. In addition to driver assistance systems such as ABS and ESP, systems are also used that support the driver when parking or maneuvering in a parking space. The simplest form of support consists of a distance warning to an obstacle, while at the other end of the spectrum is a fully automatic parking maneuver.

[0003] From DE 10 2008 047 284 A1, a driver assistance device for supporting a driver when reversing a vehicle out of a parking space is known. This device comprises a radar-based measuring system that, during a reversing maneuver from a parking space (also referred to as a parallel parking bay) located laterally parallel to a roadway, monitors the traffic behind and / or oncoming traffic and warns the driver of vehicles approaching from behind, at least in the lane into which the reversing vehicle is reversing, and / or of vehicles approaching from the opposite lane during the reversing maneuver. No further warning is provided.

[0004] German patent application DE 102 10 101 A1 relates to an electronic distance warning system, in particular a parking aid, for use in vehicles, with front and / or rear sensors for monitoring a specific area, with a control unit, with means for wiring the sensors and the control unit, and with acoustic and / or optical warning elements, wherein the sensors are arranged in a carrier element that can be attached in the area of ​​the front and / or rear vehicle license plate. In order to create a distance warning system that is simple in design and can be retrofitted to a vehicle as quickly as possible, the carrier element has a receptacle for a housing in which the control unit is located.

[0005] German patent application DE 102 23 123 A1 relates to a detection device for recording a collision, in particular between a parked vehicle and an approaching first vehicle, in which at least one sensor serves to detect the collision with the first vehicle and in which a camera device optically records the first vehicle. This allows the collision to be documented, at least.

[0006] The German patent application DE 103 52 800 A1 relates to a device for detecting moving objects located in a blind spot of a vehicle, wherein the device has at least one object detection sensor which, when the vehicle is backing out of a parking space, detects the distance of moving objects moving perpendicular to the vehicle and transmits this information to an evaluation unit, and the evaluation unit determines the relative speed from the distance it receives and, depending on the distance, the relative speed and the vehicle's own speed, activates a warning device which informs the driver about the object moving perpendicular to the vehicle.

[0007] German patent application DE 197 30 366 A1 relates to a control device for controlling the signaling devices of a motor vehicle. To improve crash safety, the control device activates multiple signaling devices when it detects an imminent risk of an accident. In another embodiment, the control device activates multiple signaling devices when an existing button or switch is actuated in a specific mode.

[0008] German patent application DE 10 2005 032 096 A1 relates to a method for assisting the driver of a vehicle in identifying suitable parking spaces. This method uses a measuring unit to detect potential parking spaces as the vehicle drives past them and determines the length and / or depth or width of each detected space. Based on the determined length and / or depth, the system then assesses whether the vehicle can park in the detected space. The vehicle's drive and / or braking system is controlled or regulated in such a way that the vehicle is automatically braked if the assessment of the detected parking space indicates that the vehicle can be parked in it.

[0009] German patent application DE 10 2005 059 688 A1 relates to a motor vehicle with a collision warning device which, by means of an environmental sensor arranged at the rear of the vehicle, infers at least the distance to a following vehicle from the backscatter of a signal and which, in the event of a critical approach by a following vehicle, emits light signals in a situation-dependent flashing mode to warn the traffic behind it of the approaching collision by means of rear brake lights. A deceleration detection system detects a braking process and initiates a brake flashing mode if a critical approach and simultaneous braking occur.

[0010] The German patent application DE 10 2006 032 541 A1 relates to a warning device for a vehicle, comprising a sensor for monitoring the immediate vicinity of the vehicle and a warning unit for issuing a warning. A sensor directed towards the roadway, monitoring the far vicinity of the vehicle, detects an obstacle approaching the vehicle on the roadway as it enters it, and the warning unit issues a warning of the approaching obstacle.

[0011] The earlier application DE 10 2009 052 589 A1 relates to a device and a method for reducing the risk of accidents during a critical situation involving one's own vehicle. The device comprises a device for monitoring the area around the vehicle for the presence of at least one other road user, a device for monitoring an operating state of the vehicle, and a human-machine interface (HMI) which warns at least one other road user present in the area around the vehicle by suitable means if the vehicle is in a critical situation caused by at least one specific operating state of the vehicle and the presence of at least one other road user in the area.

[0012] According to Section 9 of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), a turning maneuver must be indicated clearly and in good time, using the turn signals. This generally also applies to parking maneuvers, both forwards and backwards, pulling away from the curb, changing lanes, making U-turns, and overtaking.

[0013] However, this is almost always neglected and ignored by the driver, especially when reversing out of a parking space.

[0014] The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating a method and a device with which other road users are alerted to a vehicle exiting a parking space.

[0015] This problem is solved by a method having the features of claim 1 and by a device having the features of claim 5. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0016] The inventive method for warning an approaching, moving object of a self-propelled vehicle, wherein the self-propelled vehicle has environmental sensors for observing the traffic in the vicinity of the self-propelled vehicle, the self-propelled vehicle is reversing at low speed, and the reversing at low speed is a maneuver to exit a parking space, exhibits the following steps: - Detecting an approaching, moving object, and - Activating the turn signal of the vehicle on the side facing the approaching object.

[0017] Preferably, the approaching, moving object is a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

[0018] Reversing at low speed is preferably understood to mean a speed of 15 km / h or less. This method increases road safety, particularly in situations with limited visibility, such as reversing out of a narrow driveway, a cul-de-sac, or a parking space, by warning oncoming traffic behind the vehicle. The activation of one or more of the vehicle's turn signals signals this activity to the driver of the approaching vehicle, allowing the driver of the approaching vehicle to react accordingly and potentially prevent an accident.

[0019] Reversing at low speed refers to backing out of a parking space, especially a parking pocket arranged at an angle or perpendicular to the roadway.

[0020] Reversing at low speed is still preferably controlled by engaging reverse gear. This is particularly simple, as this information is usually available on the vehicle's CAN bus and can be easily accessed.

[0021] By activating the turn signal on the side facing the approaching vehicle, the driver of the approaching vehicle can recognize that the self-driving vehicle is pulling out of its parking space and can behave accordingly, thus potentially preventing an accident.

[0022] The device according to the invention for carrying out the method for warning an approaching, moving object in front of a self-propelled vehicle comprises an environment sensor system for detecting approaching objects in the vicinity of the self-propelled vehicle, wherein the device further comprises a device for triggering flashing signals of the self-propelled vehicle, and wherein a flashing signal is triggered when an approaching object is detected.

[0023] Preferably, the device further comprises a means for detecting a reverse movement at low speed. This means for detecting a reverse movement at low speed preferably detects a reversing maneuver out of a parking space or parking bay, with the reverse gear being used in particular as an indicator of such a maneuver.

[0024] In particular, the environmental sensors are formed by a rear radar, which allows an approaching object, generally another vehicle, to be reliably detected, for example when parking.

[0025] A preferred embodiment of the invention is explained with reference to the single figure. This figure shows Fig. 1 A schematic top view of a vehicle pulling out of a parking space.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle 1, which is in the process of reversing out of a parking space along trajectory 2. The vehicle is located in the... Fig.1. To the left of vehicle 1 is an obstruction to the view 3, for example, a parked light truck without side windows. The presence of another vehicle 4, moving in the direction of the arrow or trajectory 5, poses a problem for the reversing maneuver, as the two trajectories overlap in area 6, creating a risk of collision. To warn vehicle 4 approaching from the left and to inform the driver of vehicle 1 that the vehicle is reversing out of the parking space, the turn signal of vehicle 1 facing the approaching vehicle 4 is activated as soon as an environmental sensor (not shown) located at the rear of vehicle 1 detects the other vehicle and the reversing maneuver has begun or is underway. The reversing maneuver can be reliably detected, for example, by the vehicle engaging reverse gear.The environmental sensors are preferably implemented using a rear radar. Reference symbol list 1 own vehicle 2. Parking trajectory 3 Obstruction of view 4 approaching vehicle 5 Trajectory of the approaching vehicle 6 Collision area

Claims

Method for warning an approaching moving object of a self-propelled vehicle (1), wherein the self-propelled vehicle (1) has environmental sensors for monitoring the traffic in the vicinity of the self-propelled vehicle, the self-propelled vehicle (1) is reversing at low speed, and the reversing at low speed is a parking maneuver out of a parking space, comprising the steps: detecting an approaching moving object (4), and activating the turn signal of the self-propelled vehicle (1) on the side of the self-propelled vehicle (1) facing the approaching object. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the approaching object is a vehicle (4), in particular a motor vehicle. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the low speed is less than or equal to 15 km / h. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the parking maneuver is determined by engaging reverse gear. Device for warning an approaching, moving object of a vehicle (1) during a parking maneuver out of a parking space, wherein the device is set up and designed for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, with an environment sensor for detecting approaching, moving objects in the vicinity of a vehicle (1), and a device for triggering flashing signals of the vehicle (1), wherein a flashing signal is triggered when an approaching object (4) is detected. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the device has a device for detecting a reverse drive at low speed. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the device for detecting a reversing journey at low speed detects a reversing exit maneuver, wherein in particular the reverse gear is used as an indicator of an exit maneuver. Device according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the environmental sensor system is formed by a rear radar.

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