Method for operating externally visible lighting of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle for carrying out the method

Abstract

A method for operating externally visible lighting of a motor vehicle (K), wherein the operation is carried out such that a plurality of lighting areas (10) are sequentially changed one after the other in such a way that a light pattern (LE) is generated which changes continuously in at least one longitudinal direction (L) of the motor vehicle (K), characterized in that the sequential change of the lighting areas (10) occurs when the motor vehicle (K) starts moving such that the light pattern (LE) moves with a single change boundary area (G, G', G1, G2) in relation to the motor vehicle (K) opposite its instantaneous direction of travel (F), wherein the sequential change of the lighting areas (10) occurs with an instantaneous driving speed (v K , v K' , v K'' ) of the motor vehicle (K) is synchronized such that a speed (v) is maintained with respect to the motor vehicle (K). G, v G1 , v G2 ) of the change limit range (G, G', G1, G2) of the current driving speed (v) moving against the current direction of travel (F) K , v K' , v K'' ) corresponds and thus the change limit area (G, G', G1, G2) moves out of the motor vehicle (K) at a certain time (t3).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating an externally visible lighting of a motor vehicle having the features of the preamble of patent claim 1. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle for carrying out the method.

[0002] When purchasing today's motor vehicles, customers consider features such as sportiness, fuel economy, safety, environmental compatibility, price, and design to be important. Design also includes the appropriate lighting design of a vehicle, which is influenced, for example, by the shape and arrangement of daytime running lights.

[0003] Furthermore, it has recently become known from the general state of automotive technology to use moving light as a so-called coming-home function and / or leaving-home function for the brand-specific individualization of a motor vehicle.

[0004] For example, when a vehicle is unlocked using a remote key before starting the journey (leaving home), a moving light can be generated that moves in the longitudinal, transverse, and / or vertical directions of the vehicle. A similar moving light is conceivable when locking the vehicle using the remote key after the journey has ended and after leaving the vehicle (coming home).

[0005] DE 197 45 993 A1 discloses a method having the features of the preamble of patent claim 1. Specifically, it proposes a motor vehicle equipped with electroluminescent light strips on the outer skin of the vehicle body, extending continuously along the vehicle's bodywork from a front headlight to a rear light. The light strips are constructed from a multitude of small, individually controllable segments. By appropriate control, a running light can be generated, which is executed depending on specific driving maneuvers. In particular, it is proposed that when the motor vehicle is parking or leaving a parking space, the running light be operated in such a way that its direction of travel corresponds to the respective direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0006] EP 1 916 154 B1 describes a method for displaying information in which a selective projection of light images is performed outside a motor vehicle. The projection changes depending on a specific driving situation. For example, it is proposed that a motor vehicle indicate an intended turn by projecting an arrow symbol onto the roadway. The displayed arrow symbol thus makes it clear to other road users that the motor vehicle will turn in a specific direction.

[0007] Furthermore, DE 10 2011 014 262 A1 discloses a lighting device for the interior of a motor vehicle with an animated running light. Specifically, the lighting device comprises a plate formed from transparent and non-transparent strips. A lighting device is arranged on the underside of the plate. This device has several lighting elements that can be controlled by a control device. The control device can control the lighting elements so that they illuminate for lighting purposes or as part of an assistance function, e.g., to warn vehicle occupants. The plate can extend over a larger panel section of a motor vehicle door or as a light strip along the entire roof lining. The control device allows the intensity and color of the light of each individual lighting element to be individually controlled.The light elements are controlled in such a way that a Gaussian intensity distribution moving in one direction results, thus creating a type of running light. The running light created in this way can move in the direction of travel or against the direction of travel. An actively adapting, visual camouflage system for a military vehicle is known from DE 10 2005 044 404 A1. Specifically, the camouflage system automatically adapts the outer surface of a tracked vehicle to the image and illuminance of the respective background of the tracked vehicle so that the tracked vehicle is not visible to an outside observer. LED modules are attached to the outer surfaces of the tracked vehicle for this purpose. The LED modules are controlled by a computer. For this purpose, a roof-mounted camera continuously creates images of the tracked vehicle's surroundings.The camouflage system can be aligned to an observer as a fixed point, whereby the surrounding image of the side facing away from the fixed point is projected onto all LED modules visible from the fixed point after appropriate processing by the computer.

[0008] Based on the cited prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for operating externally visible lighting of a motor vehicle, which contributes to the brand-specific individualization of a motor vehicle. This object is achieved by the features of patent claim 1.

[0009] It is a further object of the invention to propose a suitable motor vehicle that can implement the method according to the invention. This object is achieved by the features of patent claim 8.

[0010] Advantageous further developments or embodiments of the invention can be found in the respective dependent claims.

[0011] The invention is based on a method for operating externally visible lighting of a motor vehicle. Operation occurs in such a way that a plurality of illuminated areas are sequentially changed one after the other in such a way that, with respect to the motor vehicle, a continuously changing light appearance is generated in a longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle.

[0012] The illuminated areas can, for example, be formed directly by a plurality of light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). However, it is also conceivable for the illuminated areas to be formed indirectly, for example, by optics connected downstream of the corresponding light sources. It is also conceivable for the illuminated areas to be formed by light-coupling structures in light-conducting elements, by luminous foils, or the like, although this list is not intended to be exhaustive.

[0013] The invention now proposes that the sequential change of the luminous areas when the motor vehicle starts moving takes place in such a way that the light phenomenon moves with a change limit range in relation to the motor vehicle opposite to its current direction of travel.

[0014] If the vehicle starts moving in a normal direction (forward), the change threshold area moves backward, i.e., toward the rear of the vehicle. If the vehicle reverses from a standstill, the change threshold area moves forward, i.e., toward the vehicle's headlights.

[0015] This process makes it possible to create a highly original light appearance, which can contribute excellently to the brand-specific individualization of a motor vehicle.

[0016] It should be noted that the change threshold range is the range in which a specific luminous area is changing from one state to another. This state can be characterized, for example, by the level of luminous intensity and / or the color of the emitted light.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the sequential change of the illumination areas is synchronized with the current driving speed of the motor vehicle such that, with respect to the motor vehicle, a speed of the change boundary area moving opposite to the current direction of travel corresponds to the current driving speed. In other words, the illumination areas are changed in such a way that an observer has the impression that the change boundary area is virtually stationary.

[0018] This ultimately leads to the impression for an observer looking at the motor vehicle from the side that the motor vehicle is driving out of its “light coat” as it sets off.

[0019] This can be achieved very clearly if, according to another development of the inventive concept, the sequential change of the illuminated areas is effected by switching them off. The light intensity of the light emerging from the illuminated areas or the lamps associated with them is thus abruptly reduced to zero.

[0020] However, the effect can also be achieved by causing the sequential change of the luminous areas by a noticeable increase or reduction in the light intensity of the light emerging from the luminous areas or by changing from one specific color to another specific color of the light emerging from the luminous areas.

[0021] A highly memorable and original effect can be achieved with the method if existing illuminated areas along at least one side window line are sequentially changed according to the invention. The side window line can include only the window sill, i.e., the line below the window. However, it is also conceivable for the window line to also include the line above the side windows.

[0022] The method is similarly effective if existing lighting areas along at least one lateral section of the body are sequentially changed. The lighting areas can then preferably extend along the side of the vehicle, starting from the hood, across the A-pillar, along the roof, and, in the case of notchback vehicles, finally along the C-pillar and along the trunk lid.

[0023] A good visual effect can also be achieved by sequentially changing at least the lighting areas of side attachments. These side attachments could be, for example, exterior mirrors, door handles, or even trim strips.

[0024] Finally, a highly memorable visual effect can also be achieved by sequentially changing at least the illuminated areas within the side windows. When driving off, for example, the impression can be created as if a "curtain of light" is being drawn from the front windows to the rear windows.

[0025] As already mentioned, however, the invention also aims to protect a motor vehicle for carrying out the method according to the invention. A motor vehicle suitable for carrying out the method has a plurality of illuminated areas along a longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, by means of which a light appearance that continuously changes in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle can be generated. The illuminated areas can consist of illuminants, such as LEDs or film-like illuminants, such as electroluminescent films or OLED films (OLED = organic light-emitting diodes), or simply light-emitting areas to which the light is directed by the illuminants used.

[0026] The motor vehicle is now characterized by at least one control device for sequentially controlling lighting devices to vary the illumination ranges. The control device can evaluate signals from at least one wheel sensor in such a way that, when the motor vehicle starts moving, the control device controls the lighting devices in such a way that the light pattern moves relative to the motor vehicle within a change limit range opposite to its current direction of travel.

[0027] According to the invention, the control device can evaluate the signals from the at least one wheel sensor and control the lighting devices when the motor vehicle starts moving in such a way that, with respect to the motor vehicle, a speed of the change limit region moving opposite to the current direction of travel corresponds to the current driving speed of the motor vehicle. In this way, the method according to claim 2 can be easily implemented.

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures and explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the figures. This also makes further advantages of the invention clear. The same reference numerals, even in different figures, refer to the same, comparable, or functionally identical components. Corresponding or comparable properties and advantages are achieved, even if a repeated description or reference to them is not made.

[0029] They show, schematically Fig. 1 a representation of a motor vehicle when starting from a standstill, which is operated according to the method according to the invention, Fig. 2 a diagram showing the relationship between vehicle speed and speed of the change limit range of the light phenomenon, Fig. 3 shows a representation of a motor vehicle for carrying out the method according to the invention, Fig. 4 the representation of a motor vehicle moving off with a changing light pattern along its window sill, Fig. 5 a moving motor vehicle with changing light appearance in the surfaces of the side windows and Fig. 6 a moving motor vehicle with a changing light appearance in the bodywork and in a decorative strip in the area of ​​the door sills.

[0030] First, the Fig. 1. There, a motor vehicle K is shown at four points in time t (t0 to t3). At time t = t0, the motor vehicle K is stationary, thus having a speed V Kt0 from zero.

[0031] The motor vehicle K has a longitudinal extension or longitudinal direction L. A light phenomenon LE also extends along the longitudinal direction L, with LE1 denoting a luminous part of the light phenomenon LE and LE2 denoting a non-luminous part of the light phenomenon LE.

[0032] As can be seen, when the motor vehicle K starts moving, the light phenomenon LE changes in such a way that, in addition to the luminous part LE1 of the light phenomenon LE, a non-luminous part LE2 is added. The non-luminous part LE2 increases in size with increasing time t, until finally the light phenomenon LE consists only of the non-luminous part LE2. G denotes a change threshold range that characterizes the respective transition from the luminous part LE1 to the non-luminous part LE2 of the light phenomenon LE.

[0033] This change limit area G has a speed V G which at the selected times t0 to t3 each correspond to a speed V Gt0 , V Gt1 and V Gt2 The speed V G is a direction of travel F or the driving speeds V Kt0 to V Kt3 of the motor vehicle at these times.

[0034] As already mentioned, the speed V Gt0 The change limit area G at time t = t0 is zero, since the motor vehicle K is still stationary. At time t = t3, the change limit area G no longer exists, since it has already moved out of the motor vehicle K in the opposite direction of travel F.

[0035] Based on the Fig. 2 should clarify that the speed V Gof the change limit range G at all times t0 to t3 of the driving speed V K is equal or at least approximately equal in magnitude. Thus, at a time t = t1, a driving speed V Kt1 of the motor vehicle K to a speed V Gt1 of the change limit range G. At a time t = t2 the driving speed V Kt2 also the speed V Gt2 the change limit range G and so on.

[0036] This leads to a person P looking laterally at the motor vehicle K having the impression that the change boundary area G is stationary and that the motor vehicle K is literally driving out of the illuminated part LE1 of the light phenomenon LE.

[0037] The method according to the invention is carried out analogously when the motor vehicle K travels in an opposite direction F (reverse, dashed arrow). In this case, however, a change boundary region G' results, which begins at the opposite end of the light phenomenon LE (cf. Fig. 1).

[0038] The Fig. Figure 3 shows, by way of example, a technical design of the motor vehicle K, making it suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention. Only the elements essential for understanding the invention are shown.

[0039] Illuminated areas 10 are visible, which extend along a longitudinal direction L of the motor vehicle K. In this case, the illuminated areas 10 are designed as scattering optics, which are optically connected downstream of illuminating means 11 in the form of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The illuminating means 11 are designed, in particular, as so-called RGB LEDs, so that the illuminating means 11 and thus the illuminated areas 10 can emit light in various desired colors.

[0040] A control device 12 is connected to wheel sensors 13 of wheels 14 via signal transmission. The control device 12 can evaluate signals from the wheel sensors 13 and use them to determine the direction and speed of the vehicle. Depending on these signals, the lighting devices 11 can be controlled by the control device 12.

[0041] In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the motor vehicle K starts from a standstill at a speed V Kstarts in a direction of travel F. The direction of travel F can correspond to a normal direction of travel (i.e., forward) or reverse travel. Starting from a standstill of the motor vehicle K, in which all lamps 11 are energized and thus all illuminated areas 10 are illuminated, a light phenomenon LE is formed by the illuminated areas 10.

[0042] As soon as the motor vehicle K starts moving, the lamps 11 are controlled sequentially by the control device 12. The lamps 11 are signal-connected to the control device 12 via a CAN bus. The control is carried out in such a way that in a change limit range G, a first lamp 11 is switched off, followed by the one closest to the direction of travel F, and so on, until finally the last lamp, located on the far right in the figure, is switched off. In addition, the speed of switching off is such that the change limit range G moves at a speed V G moves against the direction of travel F, which corresponds in magnitude to the driving speed V K corresponds or at least approximately corresponds.

[0043] Based on the Fig. 4, an embodiment of a motor vehicle K of the invention is now described, in which the light phenomenon LE runs linearly along a window sill.

[0044] Thus, the motor vehicle K is initially at a standstill ( Fig. 4a) and a light phenomenon LE is formed solely by a luminous part LE1. A change boundary area G is located at the front in the area of ​​an A-pillar. After the motor vehicle K has started moving at a speed V K in one direction of travel F ( Fig. 4b) the change limit area G moves along a longitudinal direction L of the motor vehicle K against the direction of travel F, so that starting from the A-pillar a non-luminous part LE2 and to the right of the change limit area G a luminous part LE1 are created. Shortly afterwards ( Fig. 4c) the change limit area G is shifted further back against the direction of travel F, so that the unlit part LE2 of the light phenomenon LE is now several times larger than the illuminated part LE1. Finally ( Fig. 4d), the change limit area G is shifted so far rearward, opposite to the direction of travel F, that the light phenomenon LE is formed only by the unlit part LE2, and thus the window sill is no longer illuminated. Instead of switching the lamps on and off to create an illuminated part LE1 and an unlit part LE2, the lamps can also be controlled in such a way that, in an analogous manner, a part LE1 with a first color and a part LE2 with a second color are created.

[0045] In the Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a motor vehicle K' in which a light phenomenon LE is generated and modified in the surfaces of the side windows. Then, in the stationary vehicle ( Fig. 5a) first illuminates the entire side windows in such a way that a light phenomenon LE is created, which consists exclusively of an illuminated part LE1. When the motor vehicle K' starts and at a speed V K , in a direction of travel F, a change limit area G located in the area of ​​an exterior mirror is moved at a speed V G against the direction of travel F in the longitudinal direction L of the motor vehicle K'. This creates a non-luminous part LE2 of the light phenomenon LE and in turn a luminous part LE1 ( Fig. 5b). A short time later ( Fig. 5c) the “light curtain” is already raised to such an extent that the change limit area G is located in the rear window and the non-luminous part LE2 of the light phenomenon LE is already significantly larger than the luminous part LE1. Fig. Figure 5d shows a state in which the change boundary region G is just before moving out of the rearmost side window.

[0046] Finally, the Fig. 6, another embodiment of a motor vehicle K'' is described, in which a light phenomenon LE extends in the longitudinal direction L along an upper body section of the motor vehicle K''. A further light phenomenon LE is present along a lower, trim-like attachment in the area of ​​the door sills.

[0047] Assuming that the motor vehicle K'' ( Fig. 6a) shows a first change limit range G1 and a second change limit range G2. As soon as the motor vehicle K'' is traveling at a speed V K'' starts in a direction of travel F ( Fig. 6b), the change boundary areas G1 and G2 move with speeds V G1 and V G2 against the direction of travel F. The speeds V G1 and V G2 equal in size and in magnitude correspond to the speed V K'' . The distance between the change boundary areas G1 and G2 in the longitudinal direction L remains approximately constant, as can be seen from the Fig.6c. Finally, the change boundary areas G1 and G2 have moved so far against the direction of travel F that the lower change boundary area G2 has already disappeared from the lower light phenomenon LE, while the upper change boundary area G1 still divides the upper light phenomenon LE into a smaller, illuminated part LE1 and a larger, unilluminated part LE2. This continues until the upper change boundary area G1 has also completely disappeared from the motor vehicle K''. List of reference symbols 10 lighting areas 11 light sources; LEDs 12 Control device 13 wheel sensors 14 wheels CAN CAN bus F Direction of travel G, G' change limit range G1, G2 change limit range K, K', K'' motor vehicle L longitudinal direction LE Light Appearance LE1 Part of the light phenomenon LE2 Part of the light phenomenon P Person t time t0-t3 time points v G , v G1 , v G2 Speed ​​of change boundaries v Gt0- V Gt2 Speed ​​of the change boundary at a given time v K , v K' , v K '' Speed ​​of the motor vehicle v Kt0- v Kt3 Speed ​​of the motor vehicle at a given time

Claims

[1] Method for operating an externally visible lighting of a motor vehicle (K), wherein the operation is carried out in such a way that a plurality of lighting areas (10) are changed sequentially one after the other in such a way that, with respect to the motor vehicle (K), a light appearance (LE) is generated which changes continuously at least in a longitudinal direction (L) of the motor vehicle (K), characterized by that the sequential change of the light areas (10) when the motor vehicle (K) starts moving is carried out in such a way that the light phenomenon (LE) moves with a single change limit range (G, G', G1, G2) in relation to the motor vehicle (K) opposite to its current direction of travel (F), wherein the sequential change of the light areas (10) is carried out at a current driving speed (v K , v K' , v K'' ) of the motor vehicle (K) is synchronized in such a way that, with respect to the motor vehicle (K), a speed (v G , vG1 , v G2 ) of the change limit range (G, G', G1, G2) of the current driving speed (v) moving in the opposite direction to the current driving direction (F) K , v K' , v K'' ) and thus the change limit area (G, G', G1, G2) moves out of the motor vehicle (K) at a certain time (t3). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the sequential change of the luminous areas (10) is effected by switching off the luminous areas (10). [3] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the sequential change of the luminous areas (10) is brought about by an increase or reduction of the light intensity of the luminous areas (10) or by a change from one specific color to another specific color of the luminous areas (10). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least along one lateral window line existing light areas (10) are changed sequentially. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least in one lateral beam path existing light areas (10) are changed sequentially. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least the lighting areas (10) of lateral attachments are changed sequentially. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least light areas (10) within the surfaces of the side windows are changed sequentially. [8] Motor vehicle (K) for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, having a plurality of luminous areas (10) along a longitudinal direction (L) of the motor vehicle (K), by means of which a light appearance (LE) which changes continuously in the longitudinal direction (L) of the motor vehicle (K) can be generated with respect to the motor vehicle (K), characterized by at least one control device (12) for the sequential control of lighting means (11) for changing the lighting areas (10), wherein the control device (12) can evaluate signals from at least one wheel sensor (13) in such a way that the control device (12) carries out the control of the lighting means (11) when the motor vehicle (K) starts moving in such a way that the light phenomenon (LE) moves with respect to the motor vehicle (K) with a single change limit range (G, G', G1, G2) opposite to its current direction of travel (F), wherein with respect to the motor vehicle (K) a speed (vG , v G1 , v G2 ) of the change limit range (G, G', G1, G2) of the current driving speed (V) moving in the opposite direction of travel (F) K ) and thus the change limit area (G, G', G1, G2) moves out of the motor vehicle (K) at a certain time (t3).

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