Direction indicators, especially those with sweeping effect and hazard warning function

Abstract

Direction indicator (4), in particular with sweeping effect and hazard warning function, with at least one right-hand flashing light (6a, 6c) and one left-hand flashing light (6b, 6d) and a circuit arrangement (8), wherein the circuit arrangement (8) is configured to detect a first operating signal (B1) indicatively for operation of the right-hand flashing light (6a, 6c) and a second operating signal (B2) indicatively for operation of the left-hand flashing light (6b, 6d) and to provide a first control signal (SS1) logic high for controlling the right-hand flashing light (6a, 6c) when an XOR operation of the first operating signal (B1) and the second operating signal (B2) results in a logic high, and to provide a second control signal (SS2) logic high for controlling the left-hand flashing light (6b, 6d) when an XOR operation of the first operating signal (B1) and the second operating signal (B2) results in a logic high,wherein the circuit arrangement (8) comprises a first XOR gate (20a) for providing the first control signal (SS1) and a second XOR gate (20b) for providing the second control signal (SS2), characterized in that the first control signal (SS1) controls a first wiper signal generator (10a) assigned to the right-hand flashing light (6a, 6c), and the second control signal (SS2) controls a second wiper signal generator (10b) assigned to the left-hand flashing light (6b, 6d), wherein activation of the assigned wiper signal generators (10a, 10b) is omitted if identical input signals are present at the respective two inputs of the respective XOR gates (20a, 20b), so that the respective rear flashing light (6c, 6d) does not exhibit a wiper effect.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a direction indicator, in particular with a wiping effect and hazard warning function, and to a motor vehicle with such a direction indicator.

[0002] Direction indicators are lighting devices on motor vehicles that serve to inform other road users of a change in direction or an announcement. These are usually implemented as flashing lights. Direction indicators are also colloquially referred to as blinkers.

[0003] For single- and multi-track vehicles, one indicator light is required at the front and one at the rear on each side; for trailers, only at the rear. However, many modern multi-track vehicles have more than these four indicators, for example, high-mounted hazard lights at the rear or in the exterior mirrors.

[0004] In addition to the normal direction change indication, direction indicators are also used as a warning device, known as hazard warning lights. In this case, all indicator lights flash simultaneously, regardless of the failure of one or more indicator lights and regardless of whether the vehicle's ignition is switched on or off.

[0005] Modern motor vehicles feature an emergency braking warning system with hazard warning lights. In the event of an emergency braking maneuver, following traffic is warned by automatically activating the hazard warning lights.

[0006] In the event of an emergency braking or an accident, a control unit automatically switches on the hazard warning lights and, in addition, a high-mounted hazard warning light, such as a third brake light, flashes at an increased frequency.

[0007] Furthermore, modern motor vehicles feature turn signals consisting of one or more controllable LEDs. When the individual LEDs are controlled during turn signals, an optical wipe effect is created, a kind of light band along the X-axis of the vehicle's direction from the inside out. If the turn signal wipe function needs to be deactivated when both front and / or rear turn signals are activated, the right and left of the vehicle's X-axis, respectively, must communicate with each other.

[0008] This can be achieved by a complex control using a bus system, such as a CAN bus.

[0009] From KR 10 2001 0 070 812 A, a direction indicator with a wiping effect and hazard warning function with at least one right-hand indicator light and one left-hand indicator light and a circuit arrangement is known, wherein the circuit arrangement is designed to detect a first operating signal indicative of operation of the right-hand indicator light and a second operating signal indicative of operation of the left-hand indicator light and to provide a first control signal with a logic high for controlling the right-hand indicator light when an XOR operation of the first operating signal and the second operating signal results in a logic high, and to provide a second control signal with a logic high for controlling the left-hand indicator light when an XOR operation of the first operating signal and the second operating signal results in a logic high,wherein the circuit arrangement comprises a first XOR gate (for providing the first control signal) and a second XOR gate for providing the second control signal.,

[0010] Another direction indicator with a wiping effect and hazard warning function is known from US 4 556 862 A.

[0011] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a less complex alternative.

[0012] The object of the invention is achieved by a direction indicator, in particular with a wiping effect and hazard warning function, with at least one right-hand side indicator light and one left-hand side indicator light, as well as a circuit arrangement, wherein the circuit arrangement is designed to detect a first operating signal indicative of operation of the right-hand side indicator light and a second operating signal indicative of operation of the left-hand side indicator light and to provide a first control signal with a logic high for controlling the right-hand side indicator light when an XOR operation of the first operating signal and the second operating signal results in a logic high, and to provide a second control signal with a logic high for controlling the left-hand side indicator light when an XOR operation of the first operating signal and the second operating signal results in a logic high,wherein the circuit arrangement comprises a first XOR gate for providing the first control signal and a second XOR gate for providing the second control signal, wherein the first control signal controls a first wiper signal generator associated with the right-hand turn signal, and the second control signal controls a second wiper signal generator associated with the left-hand turn signal, wherein activation of the associated wiper signal generators is omitted if identical input signals are present at the respective two inputs of the respective XOR gates, so that the respective rear turn signal does not exhibit a wiper effect.

[0013] In other words, the first and second operating signals are linked together in such a way that a logic high control signal is provided only when one operating signal is present at a logic high. Otherwise—i.e., when both operating signals are either logic high or logic low—a logic low control signal is provided. This provides a surprisingly simple way, without the use of a CAN bus, to ensure that when the hazard warning lights are activated, one of the respective indicator lights is not simultaneously subjected to a control signal intended to produce a wiping effect.

[0014] Furthermore, a particularly simple signal evaluation can be provided in a very simple manner, whereby an XOR gate is assigned to each of a right-hand indicator light and a left-hand indicator light, and this can be arranged in the vicinity of the respective indicator light in a space-saving manner.

[0015] Furthermore, the respective other operating signal can be provided to the respective XOR gate in a particularly simple manner.

[0016] According to the invention, the first control signal controls a first wiper signal generator associated with the right-hand turn signal, and the second control signal controls a second wiper signal generator associated with the left-hand turn signal. This allows for a particularly simple circuit arrangement.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the first control signal is provided by a first turn signal switch, and the second control signal is provided by a second turn signal switch. For example, the first turn signal switch can provide a control signal for the right-hand turn signal, and the second turn signal switch can provide a control signal for the left-hand turn signal. Hazard warning flashing can be triggered by closing both turn signal switches simultaneously, ie, by providing both control signals. This allows for a particularly simple circuit arrangement.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, a first wipe signal generator and the first XOR gate form a first controller and switch assembly, and a second wipe signal generator and the second XOR gate form a second controller and switch assembly. Thus, the respective wipe signal generator and the respective XOR gate can be arranged in proximity to the respective indicator light in a space-saving manner.

[0019] The invention further includes a motor vehicle with such a direction indicator and a circuit arrangement for such a direction indicator.

[0020] The invention will now be explained with reference to a drawing. It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic right-hand side and a left-hand side view of a motor vehicle. Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a direction indicator of a motor vehicle with a circuit arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3 further details of the Fig. 2 shown circuit arrangement.

[0021] First, the Fig. 1 referred to.

[0022] Shown is a motor vehicle 2, in the present embodiment a car.

[0023] The motor vehicle 2 has a direction indicator 4 with a right front turn signal 6a, a left front turn signal 6b, a right rear turn signal 6c, and a left rear turn signal 6d. Deviating from the present embodiment, the direction indicator 4 can have additional turn signals.

[0024] The direction indicator 4 is designed to indicate a desired direction of travel by periodically illuminating either the right front indicator light 6a and the right rear indicator light 6c or the left front indicator light 6b and the left rear indicator light 6d at the same time, e.g. in phase with a frequency of 1.5 Hz ± 0.5 Hz (90 light phenomena per minute ± 30).

[0025] In the present embodiment, the right front turn signal 6a, the left front turn signal 6b, the right rear turn signal 6c, and the left rear turn signal 6d are each formed from one or more controllable LEDs. The direction indicator 4 is designed as a "wiping indicator," meaning that when the indicator is flashing, the individual LEDs are controlled in such a way that a visual wiping effect is created by a type of light band from the inside out.

[0026] Furthermore, the direction indicator 4 can also be used as a warning device or hazard warning light. When the direction indicator 4 is used as a warning device or hazard warning light, all indicator lights flash simultaneously—that is, in the present embodiment, the right front indicator light 6a, the left front indicator light 6b, the right rear indicator light 6c, and the left rear indicator light 6d.

[0027] In other words, when the direction indicator is flashing, the respective indicator lights 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d on one side of the vehicle flash synchronously, while when the hazard warning lights are flashing, all indicator lights 6a, 6b, 6c, 6c of the motor vehicle 2 light up.

[0028] Furthermore, the motor vehicle 2 in the present embodiment has a hazard warning flashing function. To implement this function, the direction indicator 4 is connected to driver assistance systems of the motor vehicle 2 or a control unit for data transmission. The driver assistance systems or the control unit are designed to detect an emergency braking of the motor vehicle, triggered by a driver or an emergency braking assistant. Upon detection of an emergency braking, the direction indicator 4 is operated as a warning device or hazard warning flasher. Thus, following traffic is warned by automatically activating the hazard warning flashers.

[0029] For this purpose, the right rear turn signal 6c and the left rear turn signal 6d are then conveniently illuminated. However, while the direction indicator 4 operates as an "intermittent turn signal" when signaling the direction, it is not operated as an "intermittent turn signal" when signaling the hazard warning lights, i.e., all LEDs of the right rear turn signal 6c and the left rear turn signal 6d must be switched on simultaneously. This can also apply to the right front turn signal 6a and the left front turn signal 6b.

[0030] To ensure this operation, the direction indicator 4 has a circuit arrangement 8, which will now be described with additional reference to the Fig. 2 is explained.

[0031] The Fig. The circuit arrangement 8 of the direction indicator 4 shown in Fig. 2 comprises, in the present exemplary embodiment, a right wiper signal generator 10a, a left wiper signal generator 10b, a first XOR gate 20a, a second XOR gate 20b and a direction switch 16.

[0032] The direction switch 16 has a right-side turn signal switch 22a and a left-side turn signal switch 22b.

[0033] The right-side turn signal switch 22a is electrically connected to a first input of the first XOR gate 20a. The output of the first XOR gate 20a is electrically connected to the right wiper signal transmitter 10a. The output of the right wiper signal transmitter 10a is electrically connected to the right rear turn signal lamp 6c. Furthermore, the right-side turn signal switch 22a is directly electrically connected to the right rear turn signal lamp 6c.

[0034] Similarly, the left-side turn signal switch 22b is electrically connected to a first input of the second XOR gate 20b. The output of the second XOR gate 20b is electrically connected to the left wiper signal transmitter 10b. The output of the left wiper signal transmitter 10b is electrically connected to the left rear turn signal lamp 6d. Furthermore, the left-side turn signal switch 22b is directly electrically connected to the left rear turn signal lamp 6d.

[0035] Furthermore, a connecting element 12 electrically connects the respective second inputs of the two XOR gates 20a, 20b. For this purpose, the connecting element 12 in the present embodiment has a first connecting line 12a and a second connecting line 12b. The first connecting line 12a electrically connects the second input of the first XOR gate 20a to the first input of the second XOR gate 20b or to the left-side turn signal switch 22b. The second connecting line 12b electrically connects the second input of the second XOR gate 20b to the first input of the first XOR gate 20a or to the right-side turn signal switch 22a.

[0036] In other words, the right wiper signal generator 10a is assigned to the right indicator light 6c and the left wiper signal generator 10b is assigned to the left indicator light 6d to generate the respective wiping effect.

[0037] The respective right wiper signal transmitter 10a and the left wiper signal transmitter 10b are controlled by means of the direction switch 16 as part of the direction indicator.

[0038] When the direction indicator is activated, depending on the switch position of the direction switch 16, the right wiper signal transmitter 10a or the left wiper signal transmitter 10b is activated, which in turn causes the wiping effect of the respective right rear indicator light 6c or left rear indicator light 6d.

[0039] Thus, the respective turn signal switch 22a, 22b provides a respective operating signal B1, B2 with a logic high, which is fed to the respective input of the respective XOR gate 20a, 20b via the connecting lines 12a, 12b. Since the respective other operating signal B1, B2 is logic low, the respective XOR gate 20a, 20b provides a control signal SS1, SS2 with a logic high, which activates the associated wiper signal generator 10a, 10b, which in turn causes the wiping effect of the respective rear turn signal 6c, 6d.

[0040] When the hazard warning lights are activated, i.e., when the right turn signal switch 22a and left turn signal switch 22b are closed, e.g., due to manual operation by a motor vehicle driver or due to a detected emergency braking or due to an automatically triggered emergency braking, both operating signals B1, B2 are either logically high or logically low at the same time. Since identical input signals are then present at the two inputs of the respective XOR gates 20a, 20b, both XOR gates 20a, 20b provide a respective control signal S1, S2 with a logical low. Thus, the associated wiper signal transmitters 10a, 10b are not activated, so that the respective rear indicator lights 6c, 6d do not exhibit a wiping effect. Thus, when the hazard warning lights are activated, the right wiper signal transmitter 10a and / or the left wiper signal transmitter 10b are not activated, regardless of the switch position of the direction switch 16.

[0041] In this way, it is possible to ensure in a surprisingly simple manner without using a CAN bus that when the hazard warning lights are activated, the right rear indicator light 6c and the left rear indicator light 6d are not simultaneously subjected to a control signal providing a wiping effect.

[0042] It will now also Fig. 3 referred to.

[0043] Shown are a right-side assembly 24a and a left-side assembly 24b.

[0044] The right-side assembly 24a includes a first LED current controller 18a, a first controller and switch assembly 14a, and a plurality of LEDs 26a. In the present embodiment, the first controller and switch assembly 14a includes the first wipe signal generator 10a and the first XOR gate 20a to provide a compact right-side assembly 24a that requires little installation space.

[0045] Similarly, the left-side assembly 24b includes a second LED current controller 18b, a second controller and switch assembly 14b, and a plurality of LEDs 26b. In the present embodiment, the second controller and switch assembly 14b includes the second wipe signal generator 10b and the second XOR gate 20b.

[0046] The turn signal switches 22a and 22b are power sources for the LED current controllers 18, 18b. The control of the electrical current provided by the LED current controllers 18, 18b is merely controlled by the first and second controller and switch assemblies 14a / 14b in the present embodiment (wiping turn signal or "normal" turn signal).

[0047] In this way, a circuit arrangement 8 can be provided which requires particularly little installation space. List of reference symbols 2 motor vehicles 4 direction indicators 6a right front indicator light 6b left front indicator light 6c right rear indicator light 6d left rear indicator light 8 Circuit arrangement 10a Wiper signal sensor right 10b Wiper signal sensor left 12 connecting element 12a connecting line 12b connecting line 14a first controller and switch assembly 14b second controller and switch assembly 16 direction switch 18a LED current controller 18b LED current controller 20a XOR gate 20b XOR gate 22a Turn signal switch 22b Turn signal switch 24a assembly 24b assembly 26a LEDs 26b LEDs B1 first operating signal B2 second operating signal SS1 first control signal SS2 second control signal

Claims

[1] Direction indicator (4), in particular with a wiping effect and hazard warning function, with at least one right-hand side indicator light (6a, 6c) and one left-hand side indicator light (6b, 6d) and a circuit arrangement (8), wherein the circuit arrangement (8) is designed to detect a first operating signal (B1) indicative of operation of the right-hand side indicator light (6a, 6c) and a second operating signal (B2) indicative of operation of the left-hand side indicator light (6b, 6d) and to provide a first control signal (SS1) logic high for controlling the right-hand side indicator light (6a, 6c) when an XOR operation of the first operating signal (B1) and the second operating signal (B2) results in a logic high, and to provide a second control signal (SS2) logic high for controlling the left-hand side indicator light (6b, 6d) when an XOR operation of the first operating signal (B1) and the second operating signal (B2) is logically high,wherein the circuit arrangement (8) comprises a first XOR gate (20a) for providing the first control signal (SS1) and a second XOR gate (20b) for providing the second control signal (SS2), , characterized by in that the first control signal (SS1) controls a first wiper signal generator (10a) which is assigned to the right-hand indicator light (6a, 6c), and the second control signal (SS2) controls a second wiper signal generator (10b) which is assigned to the left-hand indicator light (6b, 6d), wherein activation of the assigned wiper signal generators (10a, 10b) is omitted if identical input signals are present at the respective two inputs of the respective XOR gates (20a, 20b), so that the respective rear indicator light (6c, 6d) does not exhibit a wiping effect. [2] Direction indicator (4) according to claim 1, wherein a first input of the first XOR gate (20a) can be supplied with the first operating signal (B1), a first input of the second XOR gate (20b) can be supplied with the second operating signal (B2), and a connecting element (12) connects a second input of the first XOR gate (20a) to a first input of the second XOR gate (20b) and electrically connects the second input of the second XOR gate (20b) to the first input of the first XOR gate (20a). [3] Direction indicator (4) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first control signal (SS1) is provided by a first turn signal switch (22a) and the second control signal (SS2) is provided by a second turn signal switch (22b). [4] Direction indicator (4) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a first wipe signal generator (10a) and the first XOR gate (20a) form a first controller and switch assembly (14a), and a second wipe signal generator (10b) and the second XOR gate (20b) form a second controller and switch assembly (14b). [5] Circuit arrangement (8) for a direction indicator (4) according to one of claims 1 to 4. [6] Motor vehicle (2) with a direction indicator (4) according to one of claims 1 to 4.

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