DE102012001011A1 - Method for controlling rear outer bulb of motor car, involves automatically reducing photometric size of rear outer bulb of motor car by driving condition of motor car during lighting function operating mode - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves automatically reducing a photometric size of a rear outer bulb (1) of a motor car by a driving condition of the motor car during a lighting function operating mode (BL,SL). Environment lightness and a view condition of the rear outer bulb are changed. The position relative to the motor car is determined by using an image unit, a removal measuring instrument, a navigation unit and a communication unit. An independent claim is included for the motor car.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a rear exterior illuminant of a motor vehicle and a rear exterior illuminant and motor vehicle with a control means which is adapted to carry out such a method.

Illuminants, which are arranged on a rear outside of motor vehicles and are subsequently referred to as rear exterior illuminants, convey different vehicle lighting functions, for example a tail lamp or a brake light function. For this purpose, usually different outdoor lighting are provided. From the DE 100 27 478 A1 It is known to change the brightness of LEDs of a lighting device for a motor vehicle to operate as a combined darker tail and brighter brake light.

Rear exterior lights such as tail and / or brake lights should, on the one hand, shine as brightly as possible in order to be well perceived by rear traffic even in poorer visibility conditions and from a further distance. On the other hand, a suitably high-intensity tail and / or brake light can impair rear traffic. For example, the occupants of a rear motor vehicle can be dazzled by brake lights of a motor vehicle that stops directly in front of them at a traffic light and whose driver operates the brake pedal. Especially at night, it can subsequently come to so-called afterimages.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved motor vehicle.

This object is achieved by a method for controlling a rear exterior light bulb of a motor vehicle having the features of claim 1, a motor vehicle having the features of claim 11 with a rear exterior lighting means and a control means or a rear exterior lighting means with the features of claim 15, for carrying out of such a method is set up. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

One aspect of the present invention relates to the control of a rear exterior lighting means of a motor vehicle, wherein in the present case a controlling is also understood to mean a regulation. A rear exterior lighting means may comprise one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in a preferred embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, a rear exterior lighting means a plurality of spaced apart arranged on the motor vehicle arrangements of one or more light sources, in particular light-emitting diodes, for example, a left, right and / or central taillight arrangement, each with one or more light sources. The motor vehicle may in particular be a passenger, utility, off-highway and / or truck.

In a preferred embodiment, the rear exterior lighting means comprises one or more vehicle lighting function modes of operation. In particular, a vehicle lighting function operating mode may be a tail lamp operating mode in which the rear exterior lighting means functions as a preferably tinged, in particular red, taillight (s) for indicating the vehicle to the rear during normal driving, in particular at night. Alternatively or in a further vehicle lighting function operating mode, the rear exterior lighting means may function as a preferably colored, in particular red, stop lamp (s) for indicating to the rear traffic an actuation of a brake of the motor vehicle. Alternatively, or in a further vehicle lighting function operating mode, the rear exterior lighting means may function as a preferably rear fog light (s), in particular red, to indicate rearward traffic to the motor vehicle in poor visibility conditions. Alternatively, or in another vehicle lighting function mode of operation, the rear exterior lighting means may function as a, preferably white, reverse light to illuminate a rear area behind the motor vehicle when reversing or engaging reverse gear. Alternatively, or in a further vehicle lighting function operating mode, the rear exterior lighting means may act as a, preferably colored, in particular red or red stand, in particular parking rear light (s) to display the parked motor vehicle. Alternatively or in another vehicle lighting function operating mode, the rear exterior lighting means may function as a daytime or city driving tail light to alert the vehicle to the motor vehicle during normal driving, including daytime traffic.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a photometric amount of the rear exterior illuminant in at least one vehicle lighting function operation mode automatically becomes in particular in a predetermined manner, changed by a control means. If the rearward exterior lighting means has a plurality of vehicle lighting function operation modes, for example, a tail lamp mode and a stop lamp operating mode, a lighting amount of the outdoor illuminant may be changed in a vehicle lighting function operation mode. In one or more other vehicle lighting function modes of operation, the same and / or another photometric quantity may be changed. In this case, the same photometric quantity can be changed in the same way in different vehicle lighting function operating modes, for example by the same percentage or absolute amount. Likewise, the same photometric quantity may also be altered differently in different vehicle lighting function modes of operation, for example, reduced by different percentages or absolute amounts. In particular, it may also be provided that a photometric variable is changed only in one of a plurality of vehicle lighting function operating modes.

Additionally or alternatively, a photometric quantity of the rear exterior lighting means in one or more driving states of the motor vehicle can be changed automatically, in particular in a predetermined manner, by a control means. A driving state in the sense of the present invention can be defined in particular by a direction and / or an amount of a vehicle speed. For example, a stoppage of the vehicle, a (slow or fast) straight ahead, a cornering and the like, a driving condition in the sense of the present invention. In different driving conditions, the same and / or another photometric variable can be changed. In this case, the same photometric variable in different driving conditions can be changed in the same way, for example, reduced by the same percentage or absolute amount. Likewise, the same photometric quantity may also be changed differently in different driving conditions, for example reduced by different percentages or absolute values. In particular, it can also be provided that a photometric variable is changed only in a driving state. This driving state can be characterized in particular in that a speed of the vehicle is below a predetermined limit, in particular the vehicle - at least substantially - is.

By modifying, in particular reducing, a photometric quantity of a rear exterior illuminant in at least one vehicle lighting function operating mode, for example as a brake light (s), and / or driving condition, in particular when the vehicle is at a standstill, the effect of the outside illuminant can be adjusted. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, with prolonged stop at a traffic light, a brightness of a brake light can be reduced and thus an impairment of an occupant of a rear motor vehicle can be reduced.

A photometric quantity may in particular be a radiation quantity which preferably describes an energy radiated or received by the illuminant, in particular a radiation flux Φ _e [W], irradiation H _e [J / m ² ], irradiance E _e [W / m ² ], beam (power) intensity I _e [W / sr], specific emittance M _e [W / m ² ] or beam density L _e [W / (sr m ² )]. Likewise, a photometric quantity may be a photometric quantity which preferably describes a perception of brightness emitted by the illuminant of visible light, in particular a luminous intensity I [cd], luminance L [cd / m ² ], specific luminous emittance M [lm / m ² ], amount of light Q [lm s], illuminance E [lx], exposure H [lx s] or luminous flux Φ [lm].

A photometric quantity can be reduced or increased, in particular by a predetermined percentage or absolute value. For example, in the case of a taillight arrangement with one or more light sources, in particular LEDs, one or more light sources can be dimmed, switched off, off or on or switched on.

In a preferred embodiment, a photometric variable can be changed, in particular reduced, by a change in a power supply of the external illuminant. In a preferred embodiment, a voltage, in particular a constant voltage, with which the external illuminant is supplied, changed, in particular reduced. Additionally or alternatively, a voltage may be pulse-width-controlled or varied, in particular reduced, by a variation of the ratio between the voltage supply and the voltage drop. If an external illuminant has a number of light sources, in particular LEDs, a power supply of individual light sources can be changed differently in a preferred embodiment. In addition or as an alternative, the energy supply of groups of light sources, in particular of all the light sources of the external illuminant, can be changed in common. Advantageously, a change, in particular reduction, of a power supply can also save energy.

In addition or as an alternative to a change in a power supply, one or more optical properties of the outdoor illuminant can be changed. In particular, diaphragms, Reflectors, lenses or the like individually, in groups or jointly adjusted and so, for example, a beam path of the light source can be changed.

Additionally or alternatively, a position, i. H. Position and / or orientation of the exterior lighting means are changed relative to the motor vehicle, for example, one or more light sources are pivoted.

A photometric quantity can, based on a radiating surface of the external illuminant and / or a, in particular standardized, receiving surface, for example a vertical wall behind and / or laterally adjacent to the motor vehicle, - at least substantially - uniformly. For example, by reducing a constant voltage supplied to the outside illuminant, a radiant flux is substantially homogeneously reduced. Similarly, in a preferred embodiment, the photometric quantity can also be changed differently in certain areas. In particular, in a preferred embodiment, different light sources of the external illuminant can be controlled differently, in particular dimmed or switched off.

In a preferred embodiment, a photometric variable is changed depending on a downtime of the motor vehicle. In particular, in a preferred embodiment, a photometric quantity can be reduced as soon as a predetermined time has elapsed since a predetermined event, in particular since the motor vehicle is in a certain driving state, in particular, at least substantially, at standstill, or since a vehicle lighting function operating mode has been activated, for example, a brake lamp operating mode. In this way, for example, a photometric size of a brake light can be reduced as soon as the motor vehicle with the brake actuated or activated brake light is a predetermined time.

Additionally or alternatively, a photometric variable can be changed depending on an environmental condition. An ambient condition may be or include, in particular, an ambient brightness and / or a visual condition. In a preferred embodiment, a photometric size can be changed when an ambient brightness daylight, twilight or dim light, unlit night, low-light environment, for example, street lighting illuminated street, strongly illuminated environment, for example, rear-illuminated motor vehicle, or the like. For example, a photometric size of a brake light can be reduced as soon as the motor vehicle with the brake actuated or activated brake light stands for a predetermined time in an illuminated parking lot or in a similar ambient brightness. Different visibility conditions, which - also possibly cumulatively with other conditions - can cause a change in photometric size, for example, clear vision, (weak or heavy) rain, fog, snow or the like.

Additionally or alternatively, a photometric variable can be changed depending on a position relative to another motor vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment, for example by distance measuring means, in particular distance, preferably radar, infrared and / or ultrasonic sensors, imaging means, in particular ambient, preferably rear-view cameras, direct or indirect communication between vehicles, their navigation systems, mobile communication means of their occupants such as mobile phones or the like, a position of the motor vehicle relative to another, in particular rearward motor vehicle are determined.

Depending on a position relative to another motor vehicle, a photometric quantity of the external illuminant can then be changed. Thus, for example, a brightness of a rear and / or brake light can be reduced if it is detected that another vehicle is at the rear - at least substantially - the same distance. Additionally or alternatively, for example, a brightness of a rear and / or brake light - at least temporarily increased first, if it is detected that approaches another vehicle rearward.

Additionally or alternatively, a photometric variable can be changed depending on a geographical size.

In a preferred embodiment, for example by distance measuring means, in particular distance, preferably radar, infrared and / or ultrasonic sensors, imaging means, in particular ambient, preferably reversing cameras, a navigation system or the like, a position of the motor vehicle relative to a geographical environment. In a preferred embodiment, a photometric variable can be changed depending on whether the motor vehicle is on a highway or highway and / or outside or within a closed town, ie in city traffic, or the like. Then, for example, a brightness of a tail light or brake light can be reduced if it is detected that the motor vehicle is located within a closed locality, in particular stops at a traffic light.

In a preferred embodiment, the change in photometric size, in particular by a vehicle occupant, can be adjusted. In a preferred embodiment, a percentage or an absolute amount of a change can be selected. In this way, for example, a driver can decide whether he wants a reduction in brightness of a brake light after a predetermined holding time at a traffic light or not.

A means in the sense of the present invention, in particular a control, detection and / or changing means, may be designed in particular hardware and / or software technology and / or have a storage and / or processing unit and / or a program or program module.

Further advantageous developments of the present invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments. This shows, partially schematized:

1 a rear exterior lighting means and a control means of a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

2 a method for controlling the rear exterior lighting means of 1 ,

1 shows a rear exterior lighting in the form of a combined tail and brake light 1 with five light sources in the form of LEDs 1.1 to 1.5 individually by a control means in the form of a vehicle electronics 2 are controllable. The exterior lighting means may include further taillights, for example one 1 mirror-symmetrical Rückleuchtenanardnung with other light sources or the like, (not shown).

2 shows in the form of a state machine the sequence of a method for controlling the rear exterior lighting means 1 that by the control means 2 is performed.

In 2 In the upper left corner, a taillight operating mode SL is shown: when the vehicle lighting is switched on, the external illuminant should be 1 as a tail light in normal driving the rearward traffic indicate the motor vehicle. For this purpose the control means activates 2 in the 2 top left dark filled three LEDs 1.1 . 1.2 and 1.5 (see. 1 ).

Represents the control means 2 by means of an external brightness sensor or navigation system (not shown), determines that the ambient brightness corresponds to a nighttime ambient brightness ( 2 : "N") and the vehicle is in town, a geographical size is "within a city" ( 2 : "I") changes the control means 2 in the taillight operating mode SL automatically a photometric size of the external illuminant 1 by powering the top two LEDs 1.1 . 1.2 interrupts. This reduces, inter alia, the radiation flux Φ _e , an irradiation H _{e of} a vertical wall behind the motor vehicle (not shown) and the luminous flux Φ.

Conversely, if a daytime ambient brightness ( 2 : "T") and / or a geographical "outside of a city" ( 2 : "A"), activates the control means 2 the top two LEDs 1.1 . 1.2 again.

In this way, at night, when taillights are more effective due to the diminished ambient brightness, and in urban areas where additional street lighting illuminates the motor vehicle, the brightness of the rear exterior lighting can be reduced, thus reducing rear traffic degradation, while the brighter tail light is available off-site and during the daytime stands.

If the driver presses a brake pedal ( 2 : "B"), goes the combined tail and brake light 1 in a brake light operating mode BL via: in this are initially always all five LEDs 1.1 to 1.5 activated, as in 2 Bottom left indicated by filled circles.

Represents the control means 2 For example, by means of a rear distance sensor, a rear camera or a communication between vehicles or mobile devices of their occupants (not shown), it is determined that there is another vehicle immediately behind the stationary vehicle ( 2 : "R"), and has been a certain amount of time since standstill, the standstill time H has passed, the control means changes 2 In the brake light operating mode SL automatically a photometric size of the outdoor lighting 1 by supplying the power to the top three LEDs 1.1 . 1.2 and 1.5 interrupts. This reduces, inter alia, the radiation flux Φ _e , the irradiation H _e and the luminous flux Φ.

In this way, an impairment of occupants of a rear vehicle, which, for example, at a traffic light, a long time immediately behind the motor vehicle with the rear exterior lighting 1 stops, through the harsh brake light (see. 2 lower left).

Load the driver the brake pedal ( 2 : "F"), switch back to the tail lamp operating mode BL where, as described above, one or three LEDs are activated depending on the geographical size and ambient brightness.

In the foregoing description, exemplary embodiments have been explained, it should be noted that a variety of modifications is possible.

Thus, for example, instead of the vehicle lighting function operating mode, even in the same driving state of the motor vehicle, a photometric variable is automatically changed, in particular reduced, for example, at standstill.

By selectively switching individual LEDs on and off 1.1 to 1.5 In particular, the photometric variables mentioned are changed differently in different areas. In addition or as an alternative to switching on and off, in a preferred embodiment it is also possible to dimming individual or all LEDs 1.1 to 1.5 be provided, which in particular can offer the advantage of a continuous change possibility.

In the exemplary embodiment, in particular the mentioned photometric quantities of the external illuminant are differently changed in different vehicle lighting function operating modes SL, BL, but they can also be changed in the same way, for example by a supply voltage of the taillight arrangement 1.1 to 1.5 from 100% ( 2 bottom left) to 50% ( 2 top left) by an absolute 25% to 75% ( 2 bottom right) or 25% ( 2 right above) or by half, ie to 50% ( 2 bottom right) or 25% ( 2 top right) is reduced, for example, dimmed

In the control means 2 is a time detection means for detecting a downtime H of the motor vehicle, an environmental condition detecting means for detecting an environmental condition n, t, a position detecting means for detecting a position R relative to another motor vehicle and a geographic size i, a and a changing means for changing a power supply implemented.

It should also be noted that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples that are not intended to limit the scope, applications and construction in any way. Rather, the expert is given by the preceding description, a guide for the implementation of at least one exemplary embodiment, with various changes, in particular with regard to the function and arrangement of the components described, can be made without departing from the scope, as it turns out according to the claims and these equivalent combinations of features. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 1 Rear exterior lighting 1.1 - 1.5 LEDs (taillight arrangement) 2 control means SL Tail lamps operating mode BL Brake lights operating mode i / a Within / highway t / n Day Night B / F Brake pedal actuated / not actuated H Downtime R Rearward immediately further vehicle

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 10027478 A1 [0002]

Claims (15)

Method for controlling a rear exterior illuminant ( 1 ) of a motor vehicle, wherein in a vehicle lighting function operating mode (SL, BL) and / or driving state of the motor vehicle, a photometric quantity of the external illuminant ( 1 ) is changed automatically, in particular reduced. The method of claim 1, wherein the photometric variable depending on a downtime (H) of the motor vehicle and / or depending on an ambient condition, in particular an ambient brightness (n, t) and / or a viewing condition is changed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the photometric quantity is changed as a function of a position (R) relative to a further motor vehicle and / or a geographic variable (i, a). A method according to claim 3, wherein the position relative to another motor vehicle (R) by means of an image means, a distance measuring means, a navigation means and / or a communication means is determined. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the photometric quantity is changed differently in regions. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the change in the photometric quantity is adjustable. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the photometric quantity is changed by a change of a power supply, optical property and / or position of the external illuminant relative to the motor vehicle. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the photometric size of the external illuminant is changed differently in different vehicle lighting function operating modes (SL, BL). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a vehicle lighting function operating mode is a tail lamp (SL), in particular rear fog lamps, brake lights (BL), reversing lights, parking, in particular parking rear light and / or daytime or city driving light operating mode. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the photometric quantity is a radiation quantity and / or photometric quantity Motor vehicle with a rear exterior illuminant ( 1 ) and a control means ( 2 ) arranged to carry out a method according to any one of the preceding claims. Motor vehicle according to the preceding claim, wherein the external illuminant ( 1 ) at least one light emitting diode ( 1.1 - 1.5 ) having. Motor vehicle according to claim 11 or 12, with a means of change ( 2 ) for automatically changing a photometric size of the outdoor illuminant ( 1 ) in a vehicle lighting function operating mode (SL, BL) and / or driving state of the motor vehicle. Motor vehicle according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the control means ( 2 ) a time detection means for detecting a down time (H) of the motor vehicle, an environmental condition detecting means for detecting an environmental condition (n, t), a position detecting means for detecting a position relative to another motor vehicle (R) and / or a geographical size (i, a) , and / or a changing means for changing a power supply, optical property and / or position of the outdoor illuminant ( 1 ) relative to the motor vehicle. Rear exterior lighting ( 1 ) for a motor vehicle, which is set up to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 10.

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