DE102015212104A1 - Method and device for operating a direction indicator of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for operating a direction indicator of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a direction indicator, an operating element for activating the direction indicator and an output device for outputting a control signal, wherein the control element has a first position for activating the direction indicator in a mode of operation of a comfort flashing and a second position for activating the direction indicator in a mode of continuous flashing, wherein the direction indicator is activated in the operating mode of the comfort flashing for a predetermined number of flashing phases, wherein the direction indicator in the operating mode of the continuous flashing until detection of a deactivating the direction indicator causing operator action is activated is, wherein the output device is arranged to output the control signal at each flashing phase. It is proposed to improve the operability of the device in that the control signal comprises information about the activated operating mode.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for operating a direction indicator of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a corresponding method.

Direction indicators on vehicles are also known by the term turn signals. They serve to indicate to other road users an intended direction change, e.g. a turn or a lane change. For this purpose, for example, motor vehicles usually four directional lights or indicators, of which two are arranged in front and rear and left and right on the motor vehicle. Direction indicators are required by law for some types of vehicles in some countries. To activate the direction indicator, motor vehicles have a generally arranged on the steering column turn signal lever. If this is moved up, the two right turn signals are activated. If the turn signal lever is moved down, the two left turn signals are activated. If the turn signals are activated, the directional lights illuminate at a predetermined rate and for a specified duration and go out again. The activated turn signal can be deactivated by moving the turn signal lever back to its neutral position or by the steering wheel exceeding a predetermined steering angle, triggering a mechanical reset mechanism. Since the direction indicator remains permanently active until its deactivation, this mode of operation can also be referred to as continuous flashing.

It is also known that the turn signal lever in each case has a pressure point in both directions, in which the turn signal is already activated. However, if the turn signal lever is released without exceeding the pressure point, it returns by itself to its neutral position. In this way, the driver can flash with little effort for a short period of time, which may be useful, for example, when changing lanes.

So well-known turn signal lever usually have a central neutral position and both up and down each have a pressure point and an end position exceeded. Blinker levers, which engage in the respective end position and remain there until the deactivation of the continuous flashing described above, are known as multistable flasher levers. On the other hand, turn signal levers, which automatically return from neutral to neutral, are known as monostable turn signal levers.

From modern motor vehicles is known that actuation of the turn signal lever triggers a predetermined minimum number of flashing phases. In other words, even when the turn signal lever has been moved briefly to the pressure point, the turn signal blinks several times, for example, three times. This function, which is also known as comfort flashing or tapping flashing, relieves the driver because, for example, when changing lanes, he only needs to briefly tamp the turn signal lever once.

With currently known display concepts, the driver receives a direct optical feedback about the selected flashing direction both in daytime and in night mode via a display with directional arrows. However, the driver of a vehicle with a monostable turn signal lever receives no feedback either day or night whether it has activated comfort flashing or continuous flashing. Even with a multi-stable turn signal lever can be closed by the mostly hidden position behind the steering wheel during the day only limited to the activated operating mode (comfort flashing or continuous flashing), at night not at all. Furthermore, it may happen that the driver is not aware of how many flashing phases will occur during comfort flashing altogether. This is especially the case when the driver is unfamiliar with the vehicle, for example in rental vehicles. This can lead to the erroneous assumption that a longer number of flashing phases have been activated, and thus have actually triggered unnecessary correction operations.

The present invention has for its object to provide an apparatus and a method for operating a direction indicator of a vehicle, each having an improved operability.

The object is achieved in a device and a method having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are subject matter of the dependent claims.

The invention is based on a set for comfort flashing device for operating a direction indicator of a vehicle. The generic device comprises for this purpose a direction indicator, a control element for activating the direction indicator and an output device for outputting a control signal. The device may further comprise a controller connected to the control, the turn signal and the output device. The direction indicator comprises external indicators mounted on the vehicle. The control element has a first position for activating the direction indicator in one Operation mode of a comfort flashing and a second position for activating the direction indicator in a mode of operation of a continuous flashing on. The control element may in particular be a turn signal lever which has a neutral position and can be moved starting from the neutral position in two opposite directions, wherein in each direction a pressure point, upon reaching the activation of the comfort flashing takes place, and an end position, upon reaching the activation of the continuous blinking, is provided. However, the control element could also be designed differently, for example as a push button or as a virtual control. A virtual control element can be provided, for example, on a touch-sensitive surface (eg touchpad), which could be arranged, for example, on a steering wheel of the vehicle.

In the operation mode of comfort flashing, the turn signal is activated for a predetermined number of flashing phases. A flashing phase includes lighting up and then extinguishing the direction indicator. Thus, when the comfort flashing is activated by means of the control element, the flashing lights of the direction indicator (for example, by the control unit) are controlled such that they are activated for the predetermined number of flashing phases.

For example, the flashing lights then flash three times. The predetermined number of blinking phases may be stored in the control unit.

In the operating mode of the continuous flashing the turn signal is activated until detection of a deactivating the turn signal causing operator action. Such an operator action may be to return the turn signal lever to its neutral position or to operate the steering wheel beyond a predetermined steering angle.

Moreover, the output device is arranged to output the control signal at each blinking phase. For this purpose, the control unit can be set up to control the output device in such a way that the control signal is output at each flashing phase. The driver is thus informed about each illumination of the direction indicator. The output of the control signal may be partially or completely asynchronous to the illumination of the direction indicator.

The invention is characterized in that the control signal comprises information about the activated operating mode. The device according to the invention thus not only conveys to the driver the information that his vehicle is just flashing, but also whether the operating mode of the comfort flashing or the operating mode of the continuous flashing is activated. For this purpose, it can be provided that a symbol indicating the respectively activated operating mode is displayed on a display device of the vehicle. It may alternatively or additionally be provided that the control signal comprises a symbol, in particular a directional arrow, wherein this symbol is displayed in one operating mode as a flat icon and in the other operating mode as a bordered symbol. For example, in the operating mode of the continuous flashing, a full-area directional arrow could be displayed, whereas in the operating mode of the continuous flashing, the directional arrow is displayed only in an edged manner.

An advantage of the invention is that a driver's subsequent driver operation (possibly a re-actuation of the turn signal lever in the opposite direction to deactivate a supposedly set continuous flash) possibly based on ignorance of the activated operating mode and actually unnecessary can thus be avoided.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the control signal includes information on the past or remaining number of flashing phases when activated comfort flashing. Thus, the driver is not only sent the information that and in which operating mode his vehicle is just flashing, but also how often it has already flashed or how often it will still flash. The development of the invention thus offers the advantage that the driver is informed about the sequence of the comfort flashing and, in particular, can decide whether the remaining number of flashing phases will suffice for the driving maneuver that he has performed (for example a lane change).

When determining the past or remaining number of flashing phases, the current flashing phase can be counted or not. The invention is expressly intended to cover both cases.

If the control signal includes information about the remaining number of flashing phases, it is also possible to speak of a turn signal countdown.

The information about the past or remaining number of flashing phases can also represent the information about the activated operating mode. Namely, if the information about the past or remaining number of flashing phases output, it is clear that the comfort flashing is activated. If, on the other hand, no information about the past or remaining number of flashing phases is output, the driver can conclude that the continuous flashing is activated.

An embodiment of the invention provides that the predetermined number of flashing phases is adjustable by a user of the vehicle. For example, the user, in particular the driver, can set the predetermined number in a configuration menu of the vehicle. It can be provided that the user can only select a number from a predefined list of numbers. For example, it can be provided that the user can select whether the predetermined number amounts to three, five or more flashing phases.

With further advantage, it can be provided that the user can set whether the control signal includes information about the past or the remaining number of flashing phases. This setting could again be done via a configuration menu of the vehicle. Since both pieces of information are complementary, it can be up to the user which preference he personally favors.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the output device comprises a display device, in particular an instrument cluster and / or a head-up display, wherein the control signal comprises an optical control signal represented by the display device, in particular an arrow symbol. The embodiment is characterized in that the information about the past or remaining number of flashing phases is displayed within or in the vicinity of the optical control signal. Motor vehicles according to the prior art often have a symbol display in the instrument cluster, which lights up synchronously with the turn signals. In older motor vehicles, this is often a symbol in the form of an opposing double arrow. In more modern motor vehicles, the symbol often consists of an arrow icon pointing left or right depending on the flashing direction. Because of their extensive awareness, the user is very familiar with these symbols. By displaying the information about the past or remaining number of blinking phases within or in the vicinity of the visual control signal, that is to say in particular the arrow symbol or the arrow symbols, it is communicated to the driver in a particularly accessible manner. Modern motor vehicles often have so-called freely programmable instrument cluster, so that the presentation of information are set only small limits.

It is particularly advantageous if the information about the past or remaining number of blinking phases is displayed as a number. Thus, for example, the number can be represented as a number within the arrow symbol described above. Likewise, the number can be arranged next to the arrow symbol. If two separate arrows (pointing to the left and right) are provided in the instrument cluster for the left and right flashing direction, it is particularly advantageous to arrange the number centrally between the two arrows.

In a further embodiment, it is possible for the information about the past or remaining number of blinking phases to be represented as a number of symbols, in particular punctiform, line-shaped or arrow-shaped symbols. Thus, instead of or in addition to a number, a number of displayed symbols may correspond to the number of blink phases. For example, the aforementioned turn signal countdown can be represented by an LED row arranged centrally between the mentioned arrow symbols, which first all light up and then go out one after the other.

It is particularly advantageous if the information about the past or remaining number of blinking phases is displayed as a number of arrow-shaped symbols. Namely, in this case, the representation of the conventional arrow symbols can be integrated. In other words, the comfort flashing successively, for example, only three, then two and finally an arrow pointing in the flashing direction are shown. These arrow symbols can be arranged side by side or one above the other. They may also overlap in part for a more attractive appearance.

In a further extremely advantageous embodiment of the invention, the output device comprises an acoustic output device, in particular a loudspeaker, wherein the control signal comprises an acoustic control signal output by means of the acoustic output device, in particular a clicking sound. Conventional turn signals have a relay that causes a distinctive noise when flashing. This clicking sound is colloquially referred to as "clacking" or "clacking". The noise usually has a first pitch when the turn signals are activated and a second pitch when the turn signals are deactivated. So it can also be spoken by a noise couple. Even if the direction indicators of modern motor vehicles, as a rule, no relays are used, but electronic control units, so the characteristic noise was retained. It is generated for example by means arranged in the dashboard speakers. The embodiment is characterized in that the information about the activated operating mode and / or the information about the past or remaining number of flashing phases is represented by means of a pitch of the acoustic control signal. For this purpose, it can be provided, for example, that a mean basic frequency of the noise pair in the operating mode of the comfort flashing a first Frequency and in the operating mode of the continuous flashing is a second frequency. Alternatively or additionally, the average fundamental frequency may increase with each flashing phase (the tone becomes higher) or decrease (the tone becomes deeper). Both a rising and a falling pitch are suitable both for displaying the information about the past and the remaining number of flashing phases.

The invention is also a vehicle with a device according to the invention described above.

• – Erfassen einer eine Aktivierung eines Betriebsmodus eines Komfortblinkens oder eines Betriebsmodus eines Dauerblinkens des Fahrtrichtungsanzeigers beabsichtigende Bedienhandlung,
• – Aktivieren des Fahrtrichtungsanzeiger in dem Betriebsmodus des Komfortblinkens oder in dem Betriebsmodus des Dauerblinkens im Ansprechen auf ein erfolgreiches Erfassen der Bedienhandlung,
• – Ausgeben eines eine Information über den aktivierten Betriebsmodus umfassenden Kontrollsignals.

The invention is also formed by a method for operating a direction indicator of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps:

• Detecting an operating action intended to activate an operating mode of a comfort flashing or an operating mode of a continuous flashing of the turn signal,
• Activating the direction indicator in the operation mode of comfort flashing or in the mode of continuous flashing in response to a successful detection of the operation,
• - Outputting a comprehensive information about the activated operating mode control signal.

Advantageous embodiments of the method will become apparent from the foregoing description and from the following description of the figures.

Further embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to exemplary representations. Show it

1 3 shows a view of a combination instrument of a motor vehicle with a first embodiment of the device according to the invention at three different points in time;

2 4 a view of a combination instrument of a motor vehicle with a second embodiment of the device according to the invention at five different points in time,

3 a view of a combination instrument of a motor vehicle with a third embodiment of the device according to the invention,

4 a view of a combination instrument of a motor vehicle with a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention.

Like reference characters indicate like features in the figures of the illustrated embodiments of the invention. It should be noted that the illustrated figures and the associated description are merely exemplary embodiments of the invention. In particular, representations of combinations of features in the figures and / or the description of the figures are not to be interpreted as meaning that the invention necessarily requires the realization of all mentioned features. Other embodiments of the invention may include fewer, more, and / or different features. The scope and disclosure of the invention will be apparent from the appended claims and the complete description. It should also be noted that the illustrations are schematic representations of embodiments of the invention. The arrangement of the individual elements shown to each other is chosen only by way of example and can be chosen differently in other embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the representation is not necessarily to scale. Individual features shown may be enlarged or reduced for purposes of illustration.

1 shows a view of a combination instrument 1 of a motor vehicle with a first embodiment of the device according to the invention. The three subfigures (a), (b) and (c) each show the same view of the instrument cluster 1 but at three consecutive times.

You can see it in 1 (a) , (b) and (c) in each case a section of the instrument cluster 1 which comprises parts of a tachometer. To the right of the speedometer is a directional arrow 2 arranged. The directional arrow 2 is directed to the left. The directional arrow 2 lights up when the left turn signals of the motor vehicle light up. A second directional arrow pointing to the right (in 1 not shown) is also present in the vehicle and forms the corresponding optical control signal for a right-side flashing operation.

The driver of the motor vehicle operates a turn signal lever (not shown) to activate the left side comfort flashing. For this purpose, the turn signal lever is pressed once down to a first pressure point and then released again. In the example shown, the predetermined number of flash phases is three. In other words, the left-side flashing lights of the vehicle and the directional arrow flash 2 in response to said operation of the indicator lever three times. The flashing of the flashing lights and the directional arrow 2 can be synchronous or asynchronous. In other words, the turn signals and the directional arrow 2 light up at the same time or with a time delay.

In 1 (a) the view of the instrument cluster is shown at the time of the first of the three blinking phases. Next to the directional arrow 2 becomes a number 3 represented (in 1 (a) is the number 3 a "3", in words "three"). The number 3 make up together with the directional arrow 2 the control signal according to the invention issued at each blinking phase. The control signal may additionally comprise further components, for example an acoustic control signal (eg a "clack").

Between the first and second flashing phases, the left flashing lights go out for a predetermined time. During this time also the direction arrow goes out 2 , It can be provided that with the extinction of the directional arrow 2 also the number 3 goes out. However, this can also be displayed continuously as long as the comfort flashing is activated.

In 1 (b) the view of the instrument cluster is shown at the time of the second of the three blinking phases. The number 3 next to the directional arrow 2 is now "2", in words "two". Finally, in 1 (c) the view of the instrument cluster at the time of the third and last of the three blinking phases shown. The number 3 next to the directional arrow 2 is now "1", in words "one".

The sequence of figures (a), (b) and (c) of 1 shows how the driver of the vehicle by the invention information can be provided, which can be referred to as a turn signal countdown. The driver can thus quickly grasp how many flashing phases have already passed or are still pending in comfort flashing.

The number 3 in the 1 Example shown was chosen so that the number 3 represents information about the remaining number of flashing phases, the respective current flashing phase is counted, that is considered as remaining flashing phase. It should be expressly understood that the invention also includes different ways of counting. For example, the current flashing phase could not be counted. The number 3 would then take the values 2-1-0 in succession. Likewise, the number could 3 represent information about the past number of blinking phases. The number 3 could then successively take the values 1-2-3 or 0-1-2. It could be provided in any of the embodiments described above, the number "0" (in words "zero") not in the instrument cluster 1 display.

2 shows a view of a combination instrument 1 of a motor vehicle with a second embodiment of the device according to the invention at five different times. As shown in 1 also show the part figures 2 (a) to 2 (e) each the same view on the instrument cluster 1 but at five consecutive times. In the in 2 example shown is the number 3 not next to the directional arrow 2 but within the directional arrow 2 arranged. The display is thus particularly space-saving.

In contrast to 1 is in the example according to 2 the predetermined number of blinking phases five. Another difference is that in the in 2 shown example is flashing right. The illustrated section of the instrument cluster 1 therefore shows a tachometer and a right directional arrow 2 , This one is to the right of the in 1 shown left direction arrow (reference numeral 2 in 1 ), which in turn 2 not shown.

After the driver has activated a right-side comfort flashing by means of the turn signal lever (not shown), five flashing phases are consecutively run through. During each flashing phase, the right flashing lights of the vehicle light up. At this time in each case is in the instrument cluster 1 the control signal indicates that as in the 2 (a) to 2 (e) the arrow symbol 2 and the number 3 includes.

3 shows a view of a combination instrument 1 a motor vehicle with a third embodiment of the device according to the invention. Only one point in time is shown. This time is the time of the first of a total of three flash phases. Thus corresponds 3 the in 1 (a) illustrated situation. In contrast to 1 and 2 Now, the information about the remaining number of blinking phases as the number of punctiform symbols 4 shown. A dashed line around the dots 4 clarifies their togetherness and is not part of the display on the instrument cluster 1 , In 3 are three points 4 shown. Each additional blinking phase becomes a point 4 less displayed, until finally during the last blinking phase only one point 4 is shown.

4 shows a view of a combination instrument 1 of a motor vehicle with a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention. Only one point in time is shown. This time is the time of the first of a total of three flash phases. Thus corresponds 4 the in 1 (a) and the in 3 illustrated situation. As in 3 will also be in 4 the information about the remaining number of flashing phases is represented as a number of symbols. However, in 4 with arrow-shaped symbols 5 used. These are arranged side by side. It could also be provided, the arrow symbols 5 to overlap slightly. A dashed line around the arrow icons 5 clarifies their togetherness and is not part of the display on the instrument cluster 1 , The peculiarity of this embodiment is that the directional arrow 2 even part of the arrow symbols 5 is. In other words, are next to the directional arrow 2 not three, but only two additional symbols provided, namely the two other arrow symbols shown 5 , During the first blink phase all three arrow symbols light up 5 what the directional arrow 2 includes. During the second blink phase the two left arrow symbols light up 5 what the directional arrow 2 includes. During the third and last flashing phase, only the leftmost arrow symbol lights up 5 , which is also the directional arrow 2 is.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

instrument cluster

2

arrow

3

number

4

Pointed symbol

5

Arrow-shaped symbol

Claims (10)

Device for operating a direction indicator of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a direction indicator, an operating element for activating the direction indicator and an output device ( 1 ) for outputting a control signal ( 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 ), wherein the control element has a first position for activating the direction indicator in a mode of operation of a comfort flasher and a second position for activating the direction indicator in a mode of continuous flashing, wherein the direction indicator is activated in the operating mode of the comfort flashing for a predetermined number of flashing phases, the direction indicator is activated in the operating mode of the continuous flashing until detection of a deactivating the direction indicator causing operator action, wherein the output device is arranged at each flashing the control signal ( 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 ), characterized in that the control signal ( 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 ) an information ( 3 . 4 . 5 ) over the activated operating mode. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control signal ( 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 ) with activated comfort flashing information ( 3 . 4 . 5 ) over the past or remaining number of flashing phases. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the predetermined number of flashing phases is adjustable by a user of the vehicle. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it is adjustable whether the control signal ( 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 ) an information ( 3 . 4 . 5 ) over the past or the remaining number of flashing phases. Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the output device comprises a display device ( 1 ), in particular an instrument cluster ( 1 ), the control signal ( 2 ) by means of the display device ( 1 ) shown optical control signal ( 2 ), in particular an arrow symbol ( 2 ), characterized in that the information about the past or remaining number of blinking phases within or in the vicinity of the optical control signal ( 2 ) is pictured. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the information about the past or remaining number of blink phases as a number ( 3 ) is pictured. Apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the information about the past or remaining number of blink phases as a number of symbols ( 4 . 5 ), in particular punctiform ( 4 ), line-shaped or arrow-shaped ( 5 ) Symbols, is displayed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the output device comprises an acoustic output device, in particular a loudspeaker, wherein the control signal ( 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 ) comprises an acoustic control signal output by means of the acoustic output device, in particular a clicking sound, characterized in that the information about the activated operating mode and / or the information on the past or remaining number of flashing phases is represented by means of a pitch of the acoustic control signal. Vehicle with a device according to one of claims 1 to 8. Method for operating a direction indicator of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of detecting an operation intended to activate a mode of operation of a comfort flashlight or an operating mode of a steady flashing of the direction indicator, activating the direction indicator in the mode of operation of the comfort flasher or in the mode of continuous flashing in Response to a successful acquisition of the operator action and - Issuing an information ( 3 . 4 . 5 ) over the activated operating mode comprehensive control signal ( 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 ).

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