Tail light, method for operating same and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a tail light (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising a plurality of lamps (3) arranged next to one another in a pattern (6). The tail light (1) according to the invention is characterized in that at least one partner lamp (3P) is associated with each lamp as a function of a mirror symmetry or point symmetry in the pattern (6), wherein a respective centre point of a mirror axis (4) or a mirror point (5) lies at the geometric centre point of the pattern (6), and wherein a respective partner lamp (3P) is set up to be switched off if the lamp (3) with which the partner lamp (3P) is associated fails.

Description

[0001] Rear light and method for its operation and vehicle

[0002] The invention relates to a rear light for a vehicle according to the type defined in more detail in the preamble of claim 1, a method for operating such a rear light and a vehicle with such a rear light.

[0003] Modern LEDs allow for the provision of particularly small yet bright light sources. The resulting design freedom is used by vehicle manufacturers to specifically customize the visual appearance of vehicles. LEDs make it possible to provide not only point-like light sources on a vehicle, but also area-like, strip-like, or matrix-like lighting.

[0004] For this purpose, several LEDs are arranged next to each other in specific patterns. Therefore, a large number of individual light sources are required to create such a light. LEDs are characterized by a long service life. However, individual LEDs can fail prematurely. In such a case, the visual appearance of the lights is adversely affected by the presence of dark areas. This can also impair the visibility of the vehicle in the dark.

[0005] This requires replacing the vehicle's light, which comes with several disadvantages. The vehicle owner has to visit a repair shop, which is time-consuming. Furthermore, the new light must be paid for, which incurs costs. The defective light must be disposed of, which pollutes the environment. Especially since a corresponding light still has functioning LEDs, solutions are being sought that allow the entire vehicle light to be replaced without the need to replace it if individual LEDs fail.

[0006] DE 202010 004 874 U1 discloses an LED module with a passive LED. This document describes an LED module consisting of several LEDs arranged on a circuit board. Each LED is coupled to a light coupling element of a light guide body in order to radiate the light emitted by the LEDs outwards. In addition to the LEDs, at least one passive LED is provided on the circuit board. This passive LED is deactivated in a normal operating mode of the LED module and is activated to act as a backup if at least one of the LEDs fails. By integrating additional LEDs, the LED module can be operated reliably even if individual LEDs fail. A disadvantage, however, is the requirement to integrate additional LEDs into the LED module.

[0007] Furthermore, EP 1 000 806 B1 discloses a diagnostic system for an LED light in a motor vehicle. The LEDs of the LED light can be arranged in a matrix. The matrix can comprise several LED strings connected in parallel, with several LEDs connected in series within one LED string. If a single LED fails, the entire LED string containing the defective LED also fails.

[0008] Furthermore, DE 102022 115 153 A1 discloses a method and system for detecting LED failures in a vehicle lighting system. The vehicle lighting system comprises a first and a second lamp. If an LED in one of the two lamps fails, both lamps are deactivated.

[0009] Furthermore, DE 102018201102 A1 discloses a method and a device for functionally testing a matrix light source arrangement and a headlight therewith. To test the functionality of the light source arrangement, an energy value of one of two light sources in the light source arrangement is recorded and compared with a reference value.

[0010] Furthermore, DE 102012 003200 B4 discloses a translucent body part for the outer skin of a motor vehicle. The vehicle's functional lighting is designed in two parts, with a first part utilizing a light source integrated into a headlight housing, and a second part utilizing the backlit, translucent body part. The translucent body part can extend across the entire width of the motor vehicle.

[0011] Furthermore, a lighting system for a vehicle is known from DE 102009 019 752 A1. The lighting system comprises a vehicle light with at least two LEDs. A control unit is capable of detecting a failure of one of the LEDs and, based on this, issuing a warning to a vehicle user.

[0012] The present invention is based on the object of providing an improved rear light for a vehicle and a method for operating the same, with the aid of which it is possible to continue operating the rear light even if individual lighting elements fail.

[0013] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a rear light for a vehicle having the features of claim 1 and a method for operating the rear light having the features of claim 5. Advantageous embodiments and further developments as well as a vehicle having such a rear light emerge from the dependent claims.

[0014] A generic rear light for a vehicle, comprising a plurality of illuminants arranged next to one another according to a pattern, is further developed according to the invention in that at least one partner illuminant is assigned to each illuminant depending on a mirror symmetry or point symmetry in the pattern, wherein a respective center point of a mirror axis or a mirror point lies in the geometric center of the pattern, and wherein a respective partner illuminant is designed to be switched off when the illuminant to which the partner illuminant is assigned fails, so that the symmetry of the pattern is maintained.

[0015] If individual bulbs in a rear light fail, this is noticed relatively quickly by an observer. The corresponding light characteristic emitted by the rear light exhibits individual dark areas. The rear light according to the invention is based on the idea of ​​deactivating individual bulbs of the rear light from emitting light, so that the symmetry of the pattern in which the bulbs are arranged is maintained. Thus, it is not immediately apparent that individual bulbs in the rear light have failed. Accordingly, the rear light according to the invention can continue to be used and does not need to be replaced with a new one.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the individual light sources are arranged in a two-dimensional array. Such an array can also be referred to as an array or matrix.

[0017] Assigning lamps to partner lamps is easy. The pattern in which the lamps are arranged, i.e., the geometric distribution of the lamps, is known. Accordingly, partner lamps can be located depending on the respective symmetry. The respective assignment can then be stored in the form of digital data in a computer-readable storage medium of a processing unit. If at least one lamp fails, a corresponding control unit accesses this data storage to monitor and / or control the lamps and can thus easily determine which partner lamp must be switched off.

[0018] In this context, "switching off" means that if the respective lamp fails, the partner lamp is no longer controlled to emit light. The partner lamp therefore remains deactivated at all times. The rear light can project static or dynamic light characteristics into the surrounding area using the pattern.

[0019] An advantageous development of the rear light according to the invention provides that at least one light source is an LED. As already mentioned, LEDs can be manufactured with particularly small dimensions and high luminosity, which allows the creation of particularly complex patterns and thus visually appealing rear lights. LEDs are also comparatively inexpensive and characterized by a long service life. In general, however, the light sources could also be incandescent bulbs, xenon lamps, gas discharge lamps, lasers, and the like.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the rear light according to the invention, it has an integrated control unit for monitoring and / or controlling the lighting means. To ensure the operation of the rear light according to the invention, the individual lighting means must be monitored and specifically controlled. Both the monitoring and the control functions can be integrated into a common control unit. The control unit can be part of the vehicle or, preferably, integrated into the rear light itself. This makes it possible to provide an assembly that is easy to install and commission. However, the monitoring and control functionality can also be split across multiple computer systems or modules. For example, the monitoring functionality can be integrated into a computer system of the rear light and a control functionality into a control unit of the vehicle, or vice versa.However, both functionalities are particularly preferably provided by a control unit integrated into a respective rear light.

[0021] In particular, a respective control unit has a computer-readable storage medium in which the assignment of the illuminants to respective partner illuminants is stored.

[0022] A further advantageous embodiment of the rear light according to the invention further provides that the pattern is designed such that for at least one location in the pattern and a corresponding partner location, light of at least two different colors can be emitted by the lamps. This allows particularly complex light characteristics to be projected from the rear light into the surroundings. If the lamps are arranged in a field, "the location" can also be understood as an individual pixel of the field or matrix. In such a pixel, several differently colored lamps can then be installed, or different colors can be emitted into the surroundings using one and the same lamp. The partner location is determined for the location analogously to the partner lamps for the respective lamps.For example, the following three colors can be emitted into the environment at one and the same location: red, orange, and white, or red, green, and blue. Red is typically used by vehicles as a tail light or brake light. A direction indicator typically emits orange or yellow light. White light can be used to form a reversing light. For example, a red, green, and blue LED can be provided at a respective location in the pattern, or in each pixel. By specifically controlling the brightness of the respective colored LED, a wide variety of colors can then be created by color addition, in particular red, orange, and white. A method according to the invention for operating a rear light as described above comprises the following method steps:

[0023] - Monitoring the correct functionality of the lamps; and upon detection of a failure of at least one lamp:

[0024] - Deactivating the partner lamp assigned to the failed lamp for light output.

[0025] Proper functionality can be monitored using a monitoring unit internal or external to the respective taillight. The monitoring unit can be part of the control unit or integrated into it, for example. The respective partner lamp can then be deactivated for both static and dynamic lighting.

[0026] An advantageous development of the method provides that, in order to detect the failure of a lamp, a monitoring module monitors an electrical voltage, an electrical current and / or a resistance of at least part of an electrical circuit of the rear light. If an individual lamp of the rear light fails, this influences the way in which electrical current flows through the circuits of the rear light. Higher or lower voltages or currents can then flow between individual components. In particular, the resistance of individual components also changes. The monitoring module is able to monitor the respective components of the electrical circuit of the rear light and thereby detect the failure of lamps. Depending on which parts of the electrical circuit change their behavior, the monitoring module is able to determine which lamp has failed.For example, each light bulb is integrated into the electrical circuit via an individual circuit. By analyzing which circuit changes its electrical behavior, the failed light bulb can be identified.

[0027] The monitoring module can be the monitoring unit mentioned above. The monitoring module can thus be integrated into the control unit or be implemented externally. The monitoring module can also be part of the rear light or part of the vehicle. A vehicle according to the invention has a rear light as described above. The rear light included in the vehicle is preferably operated using a method according to the invention. The vehicle can be any vehicle, such as a car, truck, van, bus, motorcycle, or the like.

[0028] An advantageous development of the vehicle provides that the rear light is configured to emit the light characteristics of a tail light, a reversing light, a brake light, and / or a direction indicator. According to the invention, the rear light is thus configured to function as a corresponding tail light, reversing light, brake light, and / or direction indicator. When operated as a tail light, a moderately bright red light is statically projected into the surroundings. When functioning as a brake light, the red light projected into the surroundings is projected into the surroundings with greater brightness when a brake pedal is depressed. When functioning as a reversing light, white light is projected into the surroundings after reverse gear is engaged. When functioning as a direction indicator, a corresponding orange or yellow flashing light is provided when a turn signal lever in the vehicle is operated.

[0029] A separate taillight can be provided on the vehicle for each function, for example, a taillight according to the invention for providing a reversing light and a taillight according to the invention as a brake light. The respective taillights can be provided in duplicate, once for a left half of the vehicle and once for a right half of the vehicle. However, it is particularly preferred to have one taillight in which all functions are integrated.

[0030] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention, said vehicle has a continuous rear light extending horizontally across the rear of the vehicle, wherein the rear light is configured to emit a first light characteristic over at least a first part of the pattern and a light characteristic corresponding to the first light characteristic over a second part of the pattern. The first light characteristic can be, for example, the light characteristic of a brake light or a reversing light. The first part of the pattern can then, for example, be located in the area of ​​the rear of the vehicle in which the left brake lights or reversing lights are otherwise arranged. The second part of the pattern can accordingly be located in the area of ​​the rear of the vehicle in which the right brake lights or reversing lights are otherwise arranged.The vehicle according to the invention thus preferably has a rear light according to the invention, via which several light characteristics with different lighting functions can be provided. For example, not only the left rear and right rear brake lights can be provided, but also, for example, a third, additional brake light, which, viewed in the direction of the vehicle's transverse axis, is projected into the surroundings between the first part of the pattern and the second part of the pattern, in particular centrally between the first part of the pattern and the second part of the pattern.

[0031] A further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention further provides that a monitoring module for detecting the failure of a lighting means is configured to output an advisory message to a user via vehicle-internal output means after detection of the failure of at least one lighting means. In particular, the lighting means are divided into a first number of lighting means and a second number of lighting means depending on an arrangement in the pattern, and the monitoring module outputs a different advisory message when one lighting means of the first number fails than when one lighting means of the second number fails. A person driving a vehicle or the vehicle owner typically checks the correct functioning of their rear lights only irregularly or not at all.Accordingly, it may happen that the person in question drives with a defective tail light for a comparatively long time. According to the invention, however, the monitoring module can trigger the output of warning messages if at least one light source fails, so that the respective user can be made aware of the defect. Visual, acoustic and / or haptic warning messages can be output via corresponding output means. For example, explanatory text messages and / or pictograms can be displayed on a display device in the vehicle, such as the instrument cluster, the head unit, a head-up display or the like. Acoustic warning tones can be output via loudspeakers, such as the sound of a bell or a siren and / or corresponding text messages can be read out by a computer voice.In addition, vehicle structures frequently touched by a passenger, such as the steering wheel, controls, the vehicle seat, pedals, etc., can be caused to vibrate. Corresponding alerts can also be forwarded to a mobile device linked to the vehicle, such as the user's smartphone.

[0032] In the simplest case, the user is simply informed of the general failure of at least one light bulb. However, the warning message can be worded differently for different light bulbs. This is particularly the case with a single rear light that extends across the entire width of the rear of the vehicle. In order for a vehicle to be registered, certain lights must be present at specific positions on the vehicle. For example, the brake lights or reversing lights, direction indicators and the like must be in specific positions and enable very specific light characteristics to be projected into the surrounding area. If a light bulb that specifically serves the function of the brake light, reversing light, direction indicator or the like fails, the roadworthiness of the vehicle is adversely affected.In such a case, the notification message can contain a request to visit a workshop to repair the damage as quickly as possible. This makes it possible to maintain the drivability of the vehicle or to restore it as quickly as possible. If, on the other hand, a light source which is not intended to provide the corresponding light characteristics fails, it is not necessarily necessary to visit a workshop particularly quickly. Accordingly, the notification message can simply contain the information that a light source has failed. In addition, information can also be shown here as to which light source exactly has failed. For example, an image of a rear light according to the invention can be shown on a display device in the vehicle, with the failed light source being highlighted.

[0033] Further advantageous embodiments of the rear light according to the invention, the method according to the invention for its operation and the vehicle according to the invention also emerge from the exemplary embodiments which are described in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0034] Showing:

[0035] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a rear light according to the invention; and Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the rear of a vehicle according to the invention.

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a rear light 1 according to the invention for a vehicle 2 shown in Fig. 2. The rear light 1 comprises a plurality of illuminants 3 arranged according to a pattern 6. For clarity, only some elements are provided with a reference numeral. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the illuminants 3, for example LEDs, are arranged in a square array or matrix. A respective position at which a respective illuminant 3 is arranged can then also be referred to as a pixel.

[0037] During operation of the rear light 1, individual lamps 3 may fail. In Fig. 1, failed lamps 3 are indicated by hatching. Those lamps 3 that have failed are outlined with a thick, continuous line.

[0038] The failure of individual lamps 3 can have a detrimental effect on the visual appearance of the rear light 1. Accordingly, a rear light 1 known from the prior art must be replaced. To prevent this, according to the invention, each lamp 3 is assigned to corresponding partner lamps 3P. The pattern 6 in which the lamps 3 are arranged has at least one symmetrical property. In Fig. 1, this is a square pattern, whereby four mirror axes 4 and one mirror point 5 are present. The respective partner lamps 3P of the lamps 3 are indicated by appropriate hatching and a dashed border. Fig. 1 shows the case in which exactly one partner lamp 3P is switched off for each lamp 3. Due to the symmetry of the pattern shown in Fig.1, however, several partner illuminants 3P can be found for each illuminant 3, for example a partner illuminant 3P for the horizontal mirror axis 4 and the vertical mirror axis 4. Thus, it would be possible to switch off not just one single partner illuminant 3P for each illuminant 3, but several (not shown).

[0039] By switching off the respective partner illuminants 3P, the symmetry of the pattern 6 can be maintained when emitting light, so that the rear light 1 is not considered defective when viewed. Thus, there is also no need to replace the rear light 1. This reduces costs for the vehicle owner and protects the environment by reducing the amount of waste generated. Fig. 2 shows the view of the rear end 7 of a vehicle 2 according to the invention. The rear light 1 is designed to be horizontally continuous across the rear end 7 of the vehicle. The pattern 6 can preferably be divided into at least a first part 6.1, a second part 6.2 and a third part 6.3. The light characteristic emitted by the illuminants 3 is preferably designed to be identical in the first part 6.1 and the second part 6.2 of the pattern 6. The design of the light characteristic in the third part 6.3 is initially irrelevant.Thus, it is possible to provide several different functional lighting functions, such as a direction indicator, a brake light, a reversing light, and the like, in the respective parts 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 via a rear light 1. For example, the lamps 3 can illuminate red uniformly across the entire pattern 6. If the vehicle 2 brakes, the brightness of the red light in the first part 6.1 and the second part 6.2 can be increased, so that a brake light can be emitted via this. Optionally, an additional brake light could be displayed in the third part 6.3 of the pattern 6.

[0040] Furthermore, warning messages can be issued to the person driving the vehicle 2 should at least one light source 3 fail. The light sources 3 of the rear light 1 can be divided into a first number 8.1 and a second number 8.2. The division is made in particular depending on legal framework conditions. For example, certain functional lights must be provided in certain regions of the vehicle rear 7 and corresponding light characteristics must be able to be generated. This is easily possible using the rear light 1 according to the invention. Thus, the light sources 3 of the first number 8.1 serve in particular to form a brake light, reversing light and / or direction indicator. Using the light sources 3 of the second number 8.2, any desired light characteristic can then be projected into the surroundings, provided that this complies with applicable law. If a light source 3 of the second number 8.2 fails, no further action is initially required by the vehicle owner. However, if a lamp 3 of the first number 8.1 fails, the rear light 1 may need to be repaired or replaced to maintain the roadworthiness of the vehicle 2. Accordingly, if a lamp 3 of the first number 8.1 fails, warning messages can be issued to a user of the vehicle 2, including a request to visit a workshop.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Rear light (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising a plurality of lighting means (3) arranged next to one another according to a pattern (6), characterized in that at least one partner lighting means (3P) is assigned to each lighting means (3) depending on a mirror symmetry or point symmetry in the pattern (6), wherein a respective center point of a mirror axis (4) or a mirror point (5) lies in the geometric center of the pattern (6), and wherein a respective partner lighting means (3P) is designed to be switched off when the lighting means (3) to which the partner lighting means (3P) is assigned fails, so that the symmetry of the pattern (6) is maintained.

2. Rear light (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one light source (3) is formed by an LED.

3. Rear light (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by an integrated control unit for monitoring and / or controlling the lighting means (3).

4. Rear light (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pattern (6) is designed such that for at least one location in the pattern (6) and a corresponding partner location, light with at least two different colors can be emitted by the lamps (3).

5. Method for operating a rear light (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the following method steps: Monitoring the correct functionality of the lamps (3); and after detecting a failure of at least one lamp (3): Deactivating the partner lamp (3P) assigned to the failed lamp (3) for light output.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, in order to detect the failure of a lighting means (3), a monitoring module monitors an electrical voltage, an electrical current and / or a resistance of at least part of an electrical circuit of the rear light (1).

7. Vehicle (2), characterized by at least one rear light (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4.

8. Vehicle (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that the rear light (1) is designed to emit the light characteristics of a rear light, a reversing light, a brake light and / or a direction indicator.

9. Vehicle (2) according to claim 8, characterized by a continuous rear light (1) extending horizontally over the rear of the vehicle (7), wherein the rear light (1) is designed to emit a first light characteristic at least over a first part (6.1) of the pattern (6) and a light characteristic corresponding to the first light characteristic over a second part (6.2) of the pattern (6).

10. Vehicle (2) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that a monitoring module for detecting the failure of a lighting means (3) is configured to output an information message to a user via vehicle-internal output means after detection of the failure of at least one lighting means (3), wherein in particular the lighting means (3) are divided into a first number (8.1) of lighting means (3) and a second number (8.2) of lighting means (3) depending on an arrangement in the pattern (6), and the monitoring module outputs a different information message in the event of the failure of one lighting means (3) of the first number (8.1) than in the event of the failure of one lighting means (3) of the second number (8.2).

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