DE102015013462A1 - Luminous element on a vehicle and vehicle with such a lighting element - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a light-emitting element (2) on a vehicle (1), wherein a light intensity and / or light color and / or light frequency of the light-emitting element (2) in dependence on at least one vehicle parameter, in particular a momentary power of a drive unit (M) and / or A vehicle state is variable.

Description

The invention relates to a lighting element on a vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with such a lighting element.

From the publication DE 10 2009 048 680 A1 a luminous display device is known. The illuminated display device is electrically coupled to a drive system and a control unit, so that in a CO ₂ -emmisionsfreien driving style, the light indicator is activated.

The object of the invention is to specify a lighting element which displays a vehicle state outside the vehicle, in particular other road users. Furthermore, a vehicle with such a lighting element is to be specified.

The object is achieved by a luminous element with the features of claim 1. With regard to the vehicle, the object is achieved by the features specified in claim 7 features.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The luminous element according to the invention on a vehicle is characterized in that a light intensity and / or light color and / or light frequency and / or light pattern of the luminous element in dependence on at least one vehicle parameter, in particular a momentary power of a drive unit and / or a vehicle state, is variable.

By controlling the light-emitting element, in particular the control of light intensity / intensity, light color and / or light frequency and / or light pattern of the light element, it is possible at least one vehicle parameter, in particular one in a light element arranged inside the vehicle or a light element arranged outside on the vehicle to make instantaneous power of a drive of the vehicle visible. In particular, by means of such a lighting element a dynamic driving style and a momentary power of the drive can be made visible to the outside.

The invention is based on the idea that vehicle buyers interested in driving choose a vehicle that audibly makes its power development audible, for example, by an engine / exhaust noise. With the development and increase of electric vehicles with electric drives, such a power display can be generated by using noise generators. In densely populated metropolitan areas and quiet residential areas but increasingly noise reduction of road traffic requirements for the noise of vehicles made, making a noise generator-generated noise would run counter to this objective.

The invention solves this requirement by instead of an acoustic output a luminous element is proposed, which is controllable in color, intensity and frequency. In this case, the color design and / or shape of the light-emitting element can differ from those of other light-emitting elements on the vehicle, such as tail light or brake light. The intensity of lighting and the choice of color of the light element are controlled or varied depending on the time of day, for example, at daytime, at night, at dusk, or by position or location, for example, tunneling. For controlling the lighting element is in particular coupled to a control unit and a photosensitive sensor, for example, the lighting element automatically and controlled activated or deactivated and thus on or off.

The light-emitting element is preferably arranged in the rear region of the vehicle, in particular in the region of an exhaust of an internal combustion engine driven vehicle. Also, the lighting element may be arranged on one of the sides of the vehicle or behind the rear window.

The luminous element is formed in particular from a number of light emitting diodes (called LED for short). The light emitting diodes may be provided in one or more colors or in a multi-color form (multiple color LED segments in an LED head).

The light intensity and, if given, a light color or light color mixture of the luminous element are adjustable and controllable. For example, the light frequency of the luminous element can be controlled in such a way that, for example, a slow sweep is set until a rapid switching on or off at the luminous element, whereby, for example, power fluctuations of the drive are displayed. The preferred frequency range of a color / intensity or display shape change can be selected in a frequency range from 0.2 Hz to 20 Hz. Also, by specifying the driver, a change in the minute range can be set.

The LEDs are individually controllable and allow a pattern lights. It can be generated by a choice and control of the LEDs different light forms. The driver can also choose a pattern form choose a catalog of patterns and also change while driving.

Further, in vehicles with different electric motorization, the number, shape and / or patterns of lighting elements can be varied and different. Depending on the built-in power of the vehicle, different shapes or colors / LED patterns or mounting positions of the lighting elements can be selected.

Also, a vehicle condition or a vehicle function may be displayed. Thus, for example, a signaling in hybrid vehicles by a variation of one of the illumination parameters, such as light intensity, light frequency, light color of the light or elements, indicate whether currently the hybrid vehicle is running with an internal combustion engine and thus is a combustion drive or runs with stored energy and thus a Battery e-drive is present: For example, a deactivated light element can indicate a combustion drive or an active light element a battery run. This function can be specified, for example, by a legislator or a municipality, if only e-driving operation is allowed in principle or to determine times.

In a simple embodiment, the power development can be displayed with an increase in intensity of a primary color of the luminous element. In another embodiment, a power increase is indicated by a transition from one hue to another with increasing intensity of the luminescent element.

• – Anzeige eines Stillstands des Fahrzeugs durch ein sanftes Intensitätswabern in einer Farbe oder zwischen verschiedenen Farben;
• – Anzeige einer Beschleunigung des Fahrzeugs bis beispielsweise in den mittleren Leistungsbereich durch Frequenzerhöhung des Intensitätswaberns bis hin zu einem Dauerleuchten;
• – Anzeige einer weiteren Beschleunigung bis beispielsweise in den höheren Leistungsbereich durch Dauerleuchten mit zunehmender Licht-/Farbintensität;
• – Anzeige einer maximalen Beschleunigung durch noch intensiveres Dauerleuchten in der bisherigen Farbe oder zusätzlich Wechsel auf eine andere Farbe (die sogenannte „Max-Beschleunigungs-Farbe”);
• – Anzeige einer Geschwindigkeitsreduzierung durch Reduzierung der Licht-/Farbintensität bis hin zur Beibehaltung der Licht-/Farbintensität. Beim Übergang von maximaler Beschleunigung zum sogenannten Segeln des Fahrzeugs kann gegebenenfalls die Farbe wieder zurück gewechselt werden;
• – Anzeige einer Verzögerung durch Rekuperation durch weitere Reduzierung der Licht-/Farbintensität und gegebenenfalls beginnender Frequenzvariation, zum Beispiel in einer bestimmten Frequenz zu „stottern oder wabern” (Verzögerungswabern);
• – Anzeige einer Verzögerung durch Bremsen durch Reduzierung der Licht-/Farbintensität bis auf eine Grundstufe oder -wert, wobei gleichzeitig die Bremsleuchten aktiviert und eingeschaltet werden.

In another embodiment, the following procedure is proposed:

• - Display of a stoppage of the vehicle by a gentle intensity waving in one color or between different colors;
• - Display of an acceleration of the vehicle until, for example, in the middle power range by increasing the frequency of the intensity Wabern up to a permanent lights;
• - Display of a further acceleration up to, for example, the higher power range by continuous lighting with increasing light / color intensity;
• - Display of a maximum acceleration by even more intense continuous lighting in the previous color or in addition change to another color (the so-called "max-acceleration color");
• - Display of a speed reduction by reducing the light / color intensity up to the maintenance of the light / color intensity. At the transition from maximum acceleration to the so-called sailing of the vehicle, if necessary, the color can be changed back again;
• - Indication of a delay by recuperation by further reducing the light / color intensity and, where appropriate, incipient frequency variation, for example, at a certain frequency to "stutter or wobble" (delay waving);
• - Display of a deceleration by braking by reducing the light / color intensity down to a basic level or value, at the same time the brake lights are activated and turned on.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

Showing:

1 schematically a luminous element with a control unit which is coupled to a drive unit,

2 schematically a rear view of a vehicle with lighting elements in a state of rest or standstill of the vehicle,

3 schematically a rear view of a vehicle with lighting elements, which light up weakly in an active standstill,

4 schematically a rear view of a vehicle with lighting elements, which strongly shine during acceleration of the vehicle,

5 schematically a rear view of a vehicle with luminous elements, which shine strongly in several colors during maximum acceleration, and

6 schematically a rear view of a vehicle with different lighting elements.

Corresponding parts are provided in all figures with the same reference numerals.

1 shows one in an in 2 shown vehicle 1 arranged arrangement of a drive unit M, a control unit S and a lighting element 2 , which are coupled with each other in terms of data technology. In this case, by means of sensors, not shown, parameters and variables of the drive unit M and / or a vehicle environment are detected and fed to the control unit S, which uses the supplied values to supply the lighting element 2 activates / deactivates and controls.

In this case, a light intensity and / or light color and / or light frequency and / or light pattern of the light-emitting element 2 as a function of at least one vehicle parameter, in particular a momentary power of the drive unit M and / or a vehicle state, variable.

The light element 2 is on the vehicle 1 especially arranged at the rear. The light element 2 is designed for example as a light emitting diode. Also, you can use several lighting elements 2 at the vehicle 1 be arranged. The LEDs can be controlled individually or in groups. In the case of a plurality of light-emitting diodes, these can be designed differently, in particular emit light in different spectral ranges, for example red, green, white or blue light, and thus also produce corresponding mixed colors.

Furthermore, a light intensity and / or light color and / or light frequency and / or luminous pattern of the luminous element 2 as a function of at least one environmental parameter, in particular as a function of the current time of day, current ambient light conditions, a current position, during operation or when the vehicle is at a standstill 1 vary.

2 shows a rear view of the vehicle 1 , In the rear area in the area of an exhaust are four lighting elements 2 , in particular LED lighting elements mounted and visibly differ from brake lights B. In other embodiments, a different number of lighting elements 2 possible. The lighting elements 2 are not active at rest. The number of LED elements is selected depending on vehicle type and operation.

3 shows the vehicle 1 according to 2 with the light elements 2 that glow weakly in a color when the vehicle 1 For example, it is activated and started at standstill. It is possible that the lighting elements 2 monochrome, multicolored or in multi-color forms can light up. Intensity and color mixing are controllable.

During operation and thus during a drive of the vehicle 1 can the lighting elements 2 be controlled depending on the time of day, driving location and lighting conditions, in particular the color and intensity of the lighting elements 2 varied. The measurements of the relevant environmental conditions are made via measuring sensors on the vehicle 1 , In addition, it is possible to use the lighting elements 2 in a particular embodiment, the stoppage may be indicated by an intensity sweep in a given color, or by an intensity sweep of different colors.

In a further embodiment, it is conceivable that the settings of the lighting elements 2 can be changed while driving. By targeted activation of the lighting elements 2 , especially LEDs, a pattern lights is possible. In another embodiment for hybrid engines, it is possible that the lighting elements 2 distinguish between a drive with the engine and a ride with the electric motor visible. Here are the light elements 2 while driving with the engine inactive, while driving with the electric motor active.

4 shows the vehicle 1 according to 2 in rear view with the light elements 2 due to an acceleration of the vehicle 1 visibly different, for example, more luminous. This change can, as in 4 represented by a gain of the intensity of one color to another color, a frequency increase of the lighting or a color change at the light-emitting element 2 respectively. In one possible example, a distinction can thus be made between a power increase as a result of a low acceleration and a power increase as a result of increased acceleration. The lighting elements light up 2 at low power with a low frequency, which increases with increasing acceleration until the lighting elements 2 go into a permanent light. Once the light elements 2 have gone into a permanent, decreases with increasing power and the intensity of the lighting elements 2 to.

A maximum acceleration leads to a further visible change in the lighting elements 2 ,

In one embodiment, as in 5 shown, reaching a maximum acceleration is indicated by a color change on the lighting elements 2 from a color to a visibly distinguishable color. Another way to visualize the maximum acceleration is to maximize the intensity of the light elements 2 to use.

The end of the acceleration or a transition to the sailing of the vehicle 1 can be done by a color change of the other color back to the original color or by reducing the intensity of the continuous lighting in dependence on the engine power.

In addition, power loss due to retardation by recuperation may be due to intensity loss of the lighting elements 2 at simultaneous transition of the continuous lighting in a frequency lights are displayed.

For a deceleration by a braking operation, it is provided in one embodiment that a loss of intensity corresponding to the power loss of the engine occurs with simultaneous lighting of the brake lights B.

In 6 Further embodiments are shown. In this case, the embodiments differ in the mounting location of the lighting elements 2 , So it is conceivable, each a luminous element 2 below and above a license plate N to arrange and fasten. The below the license plate N arranged light element 2 is between two exhaust pipes 3 arranged. A further embodiment provides, in each case a luminous element 2 on both sides of the vehicle 1 to install.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

vehicle

2

light element

3

exhaust pipe

B

Stoplight

M

drive unit

N

license plate

S

control unit

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102009048680 A1 [0002]

Claims (7)

Light element ( 2 ) on a vehicle ( 1 ), characterized in that a light intensity and / or light color and / or light frequency and / or light pattern of the light element ( 2 ) is variable as a function of at least one vehicle parameter, in particular a momentary power of a drive unit (M) and / or a vehicle state. Light element ( 2 ) according to claim 1, characterized by a number of light-emitting diodes, which can be controlled individually or in groups. Light element ( 2 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that light-emitting diodes are provided with light emissions in different spectral ranges. Light element ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a light intensity and / or light color and / or light frequency and / or light pattern of the light-emitting element ( 2 ) is variable as a function of at least one environmental parameter, in particular as a function of the current time of day, current ambient light conditions, and / or a current position. Light element ( 2 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a light intensity and / or light color and / or light frequency of the luminous element ( 2 ) during operation or when the vehicle is at a standstill ( 1 ) is variable. Light element ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an arrangement in the rear region of the vehicle ( 1 ), especially in the area of an exhaust. Vehicle ( 1 ) with at least one light element ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims.

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