Motor vehicle and arrangement

Abstract

Motor vehicle with at least one direction indicator unit (12, 14, 32, 34), a control unit (20, 40) configured to control the direction indicator unit (12, 14, 32, 34) with a flashing signal when an actuating means is activated, such that the direction indicator unit (12, 14, 32, 34) flashes at a flashing frequency dependent on the flashing signal, wherein 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 unit (50), wherein the control unit (22, 42) is configured to adjust the flashing signal in a synchronization time interval (dS) based on the synchronization time information such that the direction indicator units (12, 14, 32, 34) of different motor vehicles (10, 30),which, when the actuating device is activated by a flasher signal based on the synchronization time information, flash with a uniform flashing frequency (fS) and in phase.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle with at least one direction indicator unit, a control unit which is designed to control the direction indicator unit with a flashing signal when an actuating means is actuated, such that the direction indicator unit flashes with a flashing frequency dependent on the flashing signal.

[0002] The requirements for the operation of turn signal units in motor vehicles are prescribed. Among other things, the turn signal units must operate with a flashing frequency of 1.5 Hz ± 0.5 Hz after being switched on, i.e., alternating between bright and dark one to two times per second. Furthermore, turn signal units located on the same side of the vehicle must flash in phase.

[0003] Due to permissible frequency tolerances of ± 0.5 Hz and the fact that the turn signals in different vehicles can be activated at different times, different vehicles may flash their lights at different times. This can lead to sensory overload for drivers and other road users.

[0004] From DE 10 2004 022 555 A1, a motor vehicle is known which comprises at least one direction indicator unit and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control the direction indicator unit with a flashing signal when an actuating device is activated, such that the direction indicator unit flashes at a flashing frequency dependent on the flashing signal. A synchronization timer unit is also provided, which is connected to the control unit. A similar embodiment of a motor vehicle is also disclosed in JP H 11 - 115 627 A.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a motor vehicle which provides an improved function of the direction indicator unit in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0006] According to the invention, a synchronization time unit is provided which is connected to the control unit and is designed to receive synchronization time information from an external central unit, wherein the control unit is designed to adjust the turn signal in a synchronization time period based on the synchronization time information in such a way that the direction indicator units of different motor vehicles, which are controlled with a turn signal based on the synchronization time information, flash with a uniform flashing frequency and in phase.

[0007] This ensures that multiple vehicles, particularly those belonging to a predefined vehicle group, such as vehicles from a single manufacturer, flash their turn signals synchronously when their indicators are activated. This means they flash at the same frequency and in phase. For example, this results in several vehicles from the same group flashing synchronously when stopped at a traffic light. This prevents sensory overload for drivers and other road users, thereby reducing the risk of accidents. Furthermore, the synchronized flashing of the turn signals of different vehicles creates a sense of unity among the vehicles and fosters a greater sense of togetherness among the drivers.

[0008] The synchronization time information received by the synchronization time units of different vehicles is identical for all vehicles. Based on this synchronization time information, a clock signal is determined and / or adjusted, and subsequently, a turn signal is generated and adjusted. The resulting turn signal, which is used by the corresponding control units to activate the vehicle's turn signal indicators, is such that the turn signal indicators flash at a standardized frequency and with a standardized phase.

[0009] Preferably, the synchronization time information is time information from a GPS signal. The GPS signal is already used, for example, to provide a synchronized clock in the vehicle. A GPS signal always contains time information, and different vehicles already use a GPS signal for other functions and applications, particularly for the navigation system. This ensures that all vehicles receive uniform synchronization time information, which is essential for synchronizing the turn signal units. By using the GPS signal, the synchronization time information can be determined easily and reliably. Preferably, the synchronization time unit can be wirelessly connected to an external server, and the synchronization time information can be received from the external server.

[0010] Preferably, the control unit is configured such that the direction indicator unit can be controlled by an synchronization signal in a synchronization period preceding the synchronization period. This signal causes the direction indicator unit to flash at a synchronization frequency that differs from the standard flashing frequency and / or is phase-shifted relative to the synchronous flashing. The synchronization period is intended to ensure that the direction indicator unit flashes immediately when a person activates a turn signal lever. The direction indicator unit is controlled by the synchronization signal within permissible tolerances, in particular ±0.5 Hz, resulting in the direction indicator unit flashing at a synchronization frequency that differs from the standard flashing frequency and / or is phase-shifted during the synchronization period.When the turn signal lever is activated, the turn signal unit flashes immediately, initially flashing briefly at the synchronization frequency and / or with a phase shift, and then flashing at the uniform flashing frequency and in phase. Alternatively, the uniform flashing frequency and phase could be achieved by always initiating the flashing of the turn signal unit at a specific flashing time defined by the synchronization time information, although this could result in a delay between the activation of the turn signal lever and the actual flashing of the turn signal unit.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit includes an activation module which is connected to a user control unit via a signal, wherein the synchronization function can be selectively activated and deactivated via the activation module by actuating the user control unit. For example, a driver or user of the motor vehicle could activate and deactivate the synchronization function, i.e., synchronous flashing of the turn signal units of different motor vehicles, via a touchscreen of an infotainment system.

[0012] Furthermore, the problem is solved by an arrangement comprising at least two motor vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and an external central unit, wherein the motor vehicles are configured such that, when the direction indicator units are activated by the control unit, the direction indicator units of the motor vehicles flash in phase and with a uniform flashing frequency. In particular, the motor vehicles belong to a predetermined vehicle group; for example, all motor vehicles belong to a single vehicle manufacturer. Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows two motor vehicles with activated turn signal units in side view, and Fig. Figure 2 shows two diagrams illustrating the temporal progression of the flashing of the direction indicator units of the motor vehicle. Fig. 1. Show.

[0013] Fig. Figure 1 shows two motor vehicles 10 and 30, which are in motion and stopped one behind the other at a traffic light 4. The first motor vehicle 10 includes several direction indicator units 12 and 14, with the direction indicator units 12 and 14 being arranged in the rear and front areas, respectively. The second motor vehicle 30 also includes several direction indicator units 32 and 34, which are likewise arranged in the rear and front areas.

[0014] Each motor vehicle 10, 30 has a control unit 20, 40 to control the direction indicator units 12, 14, 32, 34. This control unit is connected to the corresponding direction indicator units 12, 14, 32, 34 via a signal, as well as to a sensor (not shown) that detects the movement of an actuating device, in particular a turn signal lever. When a person acts on the actuating device, this is detected by the sensor and transmitted to the control unit 20, 40. Based on this, the control unit 20, 40 activates the corresponding direction indicator unit 12, 14, 32, 34 with a turn signal, thereby triggering the flashing of the corresponding direction indicator unit 12, 14, 32, 34.

[0015] The direction indicator units 12, 14, 32, and 34 serve primarily to indicate the upcoming change of direction to other road users. In the Fig. For example, the activated turn signal units 12, 14, 32, 34 indicate that both vehicles 10, 30 will turn left when proceeding is possible. The turn signal units 12, 14, 32, 34 must, in principle, operate with a flashing frequency of 1.5 Hz ± 0.5 Hz after being switched on, i.e., when the turn signal lever is activated, meaning they must alternate between bright and dark once or twice per second. If the flashing frequency of the direction indicator units 12, 14 of the first motor vehicle 10 differs from the flashing frequency of the direction indicator units 32, 34 of the second motor vehicle 30 and / or the flashing of the direction indicator units 12, 14 of the first motor vehicle 10 and the direction indicator units 32, 34 of the second motor vehicle 30 is phase-shifted relative to each other, the direction indicator units 12, 14, 32, 34 of the motor vehicles 10, 30 flash asynchronously to each other.In simpler terms, this means that the flashing time and duration are different for the two vehicles 10 and 30.

[0016] The vehicles 10, 30 each comprise a synchronization time unit 22, 42, which is signal-connected to the control unit 20, 40 within the vehicle 10, 30 and wirelessly connected to an external central unit 50. The synchronization time units 22, 42 each receive identical synchronization time information from the external central unit 50, the synchronization time information being, in particular, GPS time information. The control units 22, 42 of the vehicles 10, 30 are configured to derive a uniform clock signal from the received synchronization time information, the derived clock signal serving as the basis for controlling the turn signal units 12, 14, 32, 34 in order to achieve synchronous flashing of the turn signal units 12, 14, 32, 34 of different vehicles 10, 30.The control units 22, 42 of the motor vehicles 10, 30 are designed such that the turn signal signals for controlling the direction indicator units 12, 14, 32, 34 are determined or adjusted based on the synchronization time information or on the clock signal. When all control units 22, 42 of different motor vehicles 10, 30 control the direction indicator units 12, 14, 32, 34 with the turn signal based on the clock signal, the direction indicator units 12, 14, 32, 34 flash synchronously, i.e., with a uniform flashing frequency and in phase.

[0017] Fig. Figure 2 shows a diagram illustrating the phase and frequency of the flashing of the direction indicator units 12, 14, 32, 34 of the motor vehicles 10, 30. The abscissa of the diagram represents time and the ordinate represents the switching state of the direction indicator unit 12, 14, 32, 34, where switching state 0 means that the direction indicator is not flashing and switching state 1 means that the direction indicator unit 12, 14, 32, 34 is flashing.

[0018] According to Fig.2. The turn signal units 12, 14 of the first vehicle 10 are already flashing at the uniform flashing frequency fs, i.e., within a synchronization time interval ds. The activation of the turn signal units 32, 34 of the second vehicle 30 occurs at a later time compared to the turn signal units 12, 14 of the first vehicle 10 and between two flashing times of the turn signal units 12, 14 of the first vehicle 10. In order to cause the turn signal units 32, 34 of the second vehicle 30 to flash synchronously with the turn signal units 12, 14 of the first vehicle 10, an adjustment time interval d is added to the synchronization time interval ds, in which all turn signal units 12, 14, 32, 34 of the vehicles 10, 30 flash synchronously. AThe control unit 40 is connected upstream, in which the direction indicator units 32, 34 are controlled by an adjustment signal. The adjustment signal causes the direction indicator units 32, 34 of the second vehicle 30 to initially flash at an adjustment frequency f that differs from the uniform flashing frequency fs. A and a phase shift to the blinking present in the synchronization time period fs, wherein the synchronization signal is determined by the control unit such that the synchronization frequency f A It adjusts to the uniform flashing frequency fs as quickly as possible. The adjustment signal is chosen such that the adjustment frequency f A does not exceed the permissible tolerances of ± 0.5 Hz.

[0019] In this way, after a brief adjustment if necessary, a synchronous flashing of the direction indicator units 12, 14, 32, 34 of both motor vehicles 10, 30 can be perceived.

[0020] The motor vehicles 10 and 30 each have an activation module 24 and 44, which is connected to a user control unit 26 and 46 via a signal. By operating the user control unit 26 and 46, the activation module 24 and 44 allows the driver or a user to activate and deactivate the synchronization function.

Claims

[1] motor vehicle with at least one direction indicator unit (12, 14, 32, 34), a control unit (20, 40) which is configured to control the direction indicator unit (12, 14, 32, 34) when an actuating means is activated with a flashing signal, such that the direction indicator unit (12, 14, 32, 34) flashes at a flashing frequency dependent on the flashing signal, characterized by , that A synchronization time unit (22, 42) is provided, which is connected to the control unit and is configured to receive synchronization time information from an external central unit (50), wherein the control unit (22, 42) is configured to adjust the flasher signal based on the synchronization time information in a synchronization time interval (ds) such that the direction indicator units (12, 14, 32, 34) of different motor vehicles (10, 30), which are controlled by a flasher signal based on the synchronization time information when the actuating means is actuated, flash with a uniform flashing frequency (fs) and in phase. [2] Motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized by that the synchronization time information is time information from a GPS signal. [3] Motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the synchronization time unit (22, 42) can be wirelessly connected to an external server, whereby the synchronization time information can be received from the external server. [4] Motor vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the control unit (20, 40) is designed such that the direction indicator unit (12, 14, 32, 34) is in an adjustment period (d) preceding the synchronization period (ds). A ) can be controlled with an adjustment signal, by which the direction indicator unit (12, 14, 32, 34) flashes at an adjustment frequency (f) that differs from the uniform flashing frequency (fs). A ) occurs and / or is phase-shifted to the flashing of the direction indicator unit (12, 14, 32, 34) in the synchronization time period (ds). [5] Motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that an activation module (24, 44) is provided which is connected to a user control unit (26, 46) via a signal, wherein the synchronization function can be activated and deactivated via the activation module (24, 44) optionally by actuating the user control element (26, 46). [6] Arrangement comprising at least two motor vehicles (10, 30) according to one of claims 1 to 5, and an external central unit (50), wherein the motor vehicles (10, 30) are configured such that when the direction indicator units (12, 14, 32, 34) are controlled by the control unit (20, 40), the direction indicator units (12, 14, 32, 34) of both motor vehicles (10, 30) flash in phase and with a uniform flashing frequency (fs).

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