DE102020201319B4 - Method for generating a signal or warning tone by a motor vehicle and motor vehicle for carrying out the method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for generating a signal or warning tone by a motor vehicle (K). When an actuating device (1) is actuated or when another, specific event occurs, a separate signal or warning sound emitting device (3) of the motor vehicle (K) is activated in such a way that the signal or warning sound emitting device (3) emits a signal or warning sound (S1 ) with a frequency lying in a certain frequency range and with a sound pressure lying in a certain sound pressure range. The invention proposes that when actuating the actuating device (1) or when another, specific event occurs, the separate signal or warning sound emitting device is activated at the same time (4) at least one further sound generating device (4) is controlled. This is done in such a way that the at least one further sound generating device (4) emits a sound signal (S2) in a frequency which is in a different frequency range than the frequency of the signal or warning sound emitted by the separate signal or warning sound emitting device (3) (S1) and has a sound pressure in a different sound pressure range than the signal or warning sound (S1) emitted by the separate signal or warning sound emitting device (3).

Description

The invention relates to a method for generating a signal or warning tone by a motor vehicle with the features from the preamble of claim 1. The invention relates to a motor vehicle for performing the method with the features from the preamble of claim 4.

Such a method is, for example, from DE 10 2012 212 335 A1 known.

This document describes a vehicle presence notification device of a vehicle, with which warning tones with different sound qualities can be output at the same time. Specifically, a first warning tone can be output via an ultrasonic loudspeaker and a second warning tone via a vehicle horn unit. The two warning tones are issued in different frequency ranges and with different sound pressures. An upstream control circuit supplies warning tones with high frequencies to the ultrasonic loudspeaker via a high pass and 2 warning tones with lower frequencies to the vehicle horn unit via a low pass.

From the DE 10 2012 219 677 A1 There is also known a vehicle presence notification device that notifies persons of a presence of a vehicle. The vehicle presence notification device has an alarm device (vehicle horn) composed of an alarm sound generator and an acoustic vortex pipe. There is also a dynamic loudspeaker, which is also arranged on the alarm device and attached to the acoustic vortex tube. The loudspeaker then generates an instruction sound when a predetermined condition for informing about the presence of the vehicle is met (for example speed <= 20 km / h). The acoustic vortex tube increases the sound pressure of the instructional sound. When a driver of the vehicle operates a horn switch, an alarm sound with high sound pressure is generated by the alarm device. It is also proposed that the instruction sound is generated simultaneously from both the speaker and the alarm sound generator. It is also mentioned that when a keyless entry device (central locking device) is operated, a feedback sound can be generated simultaneously through the loudspeaker and the vehicle horn. Finally, it is also proposed that when the alarm sound generator (horn) is activated, the dynamic loudspeaker can also be operated in order to control the timbre of the warning sound.

In the US 2012/0 092 185 A1 describes an electromagnetic alarm device in which a first alarm sound having a fundamental tone and a first frequency is generated when a driver operates a switch. A presence notification device includes an ultrasonic speaker that produces an ultrasonic sound when a pedestrian is detected or depending on a driving condition. The ultrasonic sound is generated by ultrasonic modulation of a second alarm sound with a fundamental tone and a second frequency that is different from the first frequency.

Of the US 2012/0 223 832 A1 a presence notification device of a vehicle can be seen, which generates an artificial engine noise by a horn and several ultrasonic loudspeakers when the vehicle is in a temporary standstill.

the US 2007/0 257 783 A1 discloses a warning device of a hybrid vehicle, with a first signal horn for generating a first warning tone that satisfies legal requirements and with a second, smaller signal horn which can produce a warning tone that differs from that of the first signal horn.

From the DE 10 2018 006 558 A1 a sound signal system for special vehicles for generating a low-frequency special signal tone is known. In order to be able to generate the special signal tone with a high sound pressure, the audio signal system has two separate audio frequency generators for generating one tone each, the tones being generated and superimposed at the same time.

the WO 94/026 555 A1 describes a horn system of a vehicle that can produce a variety of sounds, each corresponding to a specific event. The signal horn assembly comprises a signal horn which can be operated by the driver via a switch in order to generate a standard signal tone. A second horn is used to generate a second signal tone different from the standard signal tone. The second signal horn can be activated via an alarm system, whereby both signal horns can only be activated together when the vehicle has exceeded a certain speed.

Furthermore describes the DE 10 2013 221 182 A1 a method for operating an acoustic signaling system for a motor vehicle, in which an electronic signaling device in the form of a horn is used to make the type of sound signals or the type of output of sound signals dependent on a recognized event and also to output further acoustic signals Signaling in the Vehicle environment to use. In particular, sound signals or sound data from a driver assistance system and / or an entertainment system are output to the acoustic signaling device via a control unit.

Of the DE 10 2009 039 632 A1 For example, an audio signal device for a motor vehicle can be found in which a single signal tone generator can generate at least two audio signals which can be differentiated with regard to a signal characteristic. To generate the different audio signals, there are two control elements, a first control element being part of a steering wheel and a second control element being designed as a pushbutton switch on the instrument panel.

In the WO 2018/167188 A1 Finally, an acoustic vehicle warning system for a motor vehicle is described, by means of which the environment is to be made aware of the motor vehicle. For this purpose, the vehicle warning system emits a continuous sound signal through a loudspeaker in the area of the front apron of the motor vehicle. The vehicle warning system should also serve to output a lift signal. When a lift signal is output, the vehicle warning system is activated in such a way that the continuous sound signal is interrupted for the period in which the lift signal is output.

The present invention is based on the object of providing a cost-effective method for generating a signal or warning tone by a motor vehicle, which can be generated in a pleasant sound pattern, with a user also receiving a clearly audible signal tone when a central locking system is actuated.

The present problem is solved by a method with the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous designs or further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

Furthermore, the invention is also intended to provide a suitable motor vehicle for carrying out the method. This object is achieved by an electrically drivable motor vehicle having the features of claim 4.

The invention is initially based on a method for generating a signal or warning tone by a motor vehicle. In the method, when an actuating device is actuated or when another, specific event occurs, a separate signal or warning sound emitting device of the motor vehicle is activated in such a way that a signal or warning sound is emitted by the signal or warning sound emitting device. The signal or warning tone is emitted with at least one frequency lying in a specific frequency range and with a sound pressure lying in a specific sound pressure range.

It is further proposed that when the actuating device is actuated or also when another, specific event occurs, at least one further sound generating device is actuated at the same time as actuating the separate signal or warning sound emitting device.

The at least one further sound generating device is not a component of the aforementioned separate signal or warning sound output device.

The at least one further sound generating device is now controlled in such a way that a sound signal is also emitted by the at least one further sound generating device. The sound signal is emitted in at least one frequency which is in a different frequency range than the frequency of the signal or warning tone emitted by the separate signal or warning tone emitting device. Furthermore, the sound signal has a sound pressure in a different sound pressure range than the signal or warning sound emitted by the separate signal or warning sound emitting device.

Such a method creates the prerequisite that a signal or warning tone can be generated by a motor vehicle using simple means, which on the one hand can meet legal requirements and on the other hand, market-related aspects.

According to a first development of the method, it is proposed that the signal or warning tone of the separate signal or warning tone emitting device be in a lower frequency range and be emitted in a higher sound pressure range than the sound signal emitted by the at least one further sound generating device.

It has been shown that when choosing such a division of the frequency or sound pressure range, a good balance between costs and benefits can be achieved.

In particular, it is considered expedient if the signal or warning tone of the separate signal or warning tone output device is in a frequency range from about 315 Hz to about 450 Hz, preferably at a frequency of about 370 Hertz and in a sound pressure range from about 100 dB to about 118 dB, preferably with a sound pressure of about 110 decibels. The sound pressure is measured with a suitable Microphone measured in a horizontal distance range (the microphone from the plane of sound output by the separate signal and warning sound device) of about 1.95 m to about 2.05 m, preferably at a distance of about 2 m.

In one implementation of the inventive concept, it is proposed that when the actuating device is actuated, a sound generating device for generating an artificial engine noise is activated at the same time as activating the separate signal or warning sound emitting device as a further sound generating device.

These process features create the prerequisite for the generation of the sound signal by a component that is already necessary and available (at least in the case of electrically or partially electrically powered vehicles, e.g. BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle or PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle or fuel cell vehicle) can be generated flexibly.

In particular, it is proposed that when the actuating device of the motor vehicle is actuated, a sound generating device for generating an artificial engine noise is actuated at the same time as actuating the separate signal or warning sound emitting device designed as a signal horn.

By designing the method in this way, a necessary sound pressure can be provided solely by the signal horn of the motor vehicle (which can be provided at low cost) and a desired sound can be provided by the sound generating device (for electrically driven motor vehicles; BEV, PHEV) for generating an artificial engine noise, which is necessary anyway.

According to one implementation of the inventive concept, when an actuating device for a locking device is actuated, a sound generating device for generating an artificial engine noise is actuated at the same time as actuating the separate signal or warning sound emitting device designed as a horn. In this way, an operator of the actuating device can easily be given feedback about the locking of the motor vehicle, for example.

It is also conceivable that when the separate signal or warning sound emitting device designed as a signal horn is automatically activated, a sound generating device for generating an artificial engine noise is activated at the same time as the activation of the separate signal or warning sound emitting device due to an event.

These features create the prerequisite that a signal or warning tone can also be emitted in the event of certain events, which on the one hand can meet legal requirements in terms of its volume and on the other hand can meet customer requirements in terms of its sound.

For example, a window / sunroof of the motor vehicle that is open for a certain period of time can be imagined as an event. It is also conceivable that an unauthorized opening of the motor vehicle can occur as an event, thereby activating an anti-theft alarm device which has to output a corresponding warning signal.

It is also conceivable that a specific, reached state of charge of the motor vehicle during a charging process, a start and / or an end of a charging process is considered as an event.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the figures and is explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the figures. This also makes further advantages of the invention clear. The same reference symbols, even in different figures, relate to the same, comparable or functionally identical components. Corresponding or comparable properties and advantages are achieved, even if a repeated description or reference is not made. The figures are not, or at least not always, to scale. In some figures, proportions or distances can be exaggerated in order to be able to emphasize features of an exemplary embodiment more clearly.

• 1 eine Darstellung eines Kraftfahrzeugs, welches zur Durchführung des Verfahrens hergerichtet ist und
• 2 eine Darstellung einer möglichen Ausprägung des Verfahrens in einem Ablaufdiagramm und
• 3 ein Diagramm zur Darstellung der unterschiedlichen Frequenz- und Schalldruckbereiche der ausgegebenen Signale.

It show, each schematically

• 1 a representation of a motor vehicle which is prepared to carry out the method and
• 2 a representation of a possible form of the method in a flowchart and
• 3 a diagram showing the different frequency and sound pressure ranges of the output signals.

First of all, the 1 Referenced. It contains an electrically powered motor vehicle K can be seen which is designed as a battery-powered motor vehicle (BEV or PHEV). From the motor vehicle K only the components essential for understanding the invention are shown.

So shows the motor vehicle K an actuator 1 on, with a separate, in the front area of the motor vehicle K arranged signal or warning sound emitting device 3 and a sound generating device 4th are operable.

The actuator 1 is designed in particular as a lift switch (push button switch) and on a steering wheel, not shown, of the motor vehicle K arranged.

The signal or warning sound device 3 is designed in the embodiment as a simple and inexpensive horn. The sound generating device 4th however, it is more complex and consists of a control device 4a in the form of a box with corresponding, electronic components and one in turn controllable by these, also in the front area of the motor vehicle K arranged speakers 4b . Optionally, the control device 4a in addition, another one in the rear area of the motor vehicle K arranged loudspeaker 4c which has the same function as the loudspeaker 4b . The speaker 4b and 4c can be controlled separately from one another, so that the loudspeakers can also be controlled separately if required 4b , 4c can be done.

The actuator 1 is via a data bus C. with a control and switching device 2 and with the control device 4a tied together. Furthermore, with the data bus C. a central locking device 5b , Wheel sensors 6th , an anti-theft alarm system 7th and sensors 8th for detecting positions of windows and a sliding roof (not shown) of the motor vehicle K connected in terms of signaling.

The central locking device 5b is via an actuator 5a , which can be designed as a radio key, for example, can be actuated.

The sound generating device 4th is used in particular to generate an artificial, continuous engine noise up to a driving speed up to a threshold required by law, which can be around 30 km / h, for example. Thereafter, the rolling noise of the wheels of the motor vehicle K so loud that the generation of an artificial engine noise is no longer necessary and can be switched off.

The control device 4a has an amplifier device for this purpose 20th , a sound output device 21 and a storage device 22nd on.

• Es wird ein Signal an die Steuer- und Schalteinrichtung 2 übersendet, welche ihrerseits eine Stromzufuhr zur Signal- und Warntonabgabeeinrichtung 3 freischaltet. Dadurch wird ein Signal- oder Warnton S1 mit einer bestimmten Frequenz f1 und mit einem bestimmten Schalldruck dB1 erzeugt (vgl. auch 3, in der ein Schalldruck dB über einer Frequenz f dargestellt ist). Gleichzeitig wird die Steuereinrichtung 4a angesteuert. Dies hat zur Folge, dass von der Klangausgabeeinrichtung 21 aus der Speichereinrichtung 22 eine bestimmte, dort hinterlegte Klangdatei abgerufen wird. Die durch die Klangdatei hervorgerufenen Signale werden durch die Verstärkereinrichtung 20 verstärkt und dem Lautsprecher 4b (sowie ggf. auch oder ausschließlich dem Lautsprecher 4c) zugeführt. So erzeugt der Lautsprecher 4b (und/oder ggf. der Lautsprecher 4c) ein Schallsignal S2. Das Schallsignal S2 wird mit einer bestimmten Frequenz f2 und mit einem bestimmten Schalldruck dB2 ausgegeben (vgl. auch 3).

A driver of the motor vehicle now operates K the actuator 1 To generate a stroke signal, the following happens:

• A signal is sent to the control and switching device 2 sent, which in turn has a power supply to the signal and warning sound output device 3 unlocks. This emits a beep or warning sound S1 with a certain frequency f1 and with a certain sound pressure dB1 generated (cf. also 3 , in which a sound pressure dB over a frequency f is shown). At the same time the control device 4a controlled. This has the consequence that of the sound output device 21 from the storage device 22nd a specific sound file stored there is called up. The signals caused by the sound file are transmitted by the amplifier device 20th amplified and the speaker 4b (and possibly also or exclusively the loudspeaker 4c ) supplied. This is how the loudspeaker creates 4b (and / or the loudspeaker, if applicable 4c ) a sound signal S2 . The sound signal S2 will be at a certain frequency f2 and with a certain sound pressure dB2 issued (see also 3 ).

The signal or warning tone S1 is from the signal and warning sound device 3 thus in a first frequency range fB1 and in a first sound pressure range dBB1 submitted. That by the sound generating device 4th emitted sound signal S2 is in a second frequency range fB2 and in a second sound pressure range dBB2 issued.

The frequency ranges differ fB1 and fB2 , so do not overlap. In particular, the frequency range is fB1 below the frequency range fB2 . The sound pressure range dBB1 however, lies above the sound pressure range dBB2 .

The frequency range preferably includes fB1 , in which the signal or warning tone S1 from the separate signal and warning sound device designed as a horn 3 is given, frequencies f from about 315 Hertz to about 450 Hertz. The sound pressure range dBB1 with which the signal or warning tone S1 from the separate signal and warning sound device designed as a horn 3 is emitted, preferably includes sound pressures dB in a range from about 100 decibels to about 118 decibels. Thereby the sound pressure dB with a suitable microphone in a horizontal distance range (of the microphone from the plane of the sound output by the signal and warning sound device 3 ) measured from about 1.95 m to about 2.05 m, preferably at a distance of about 2 m.

The signal or warning tone is particularly preferred S1 a frequency as the base frequency f1 of about 370 Hertz and the sound signal S2 one outside, preferably above the frequency range fB1 lying frequency f2 on, but with one below the sound pressure range dBB1 lying sound pressure dB2 . It is also conceivable that the signal or warning tone S1 and / or the sound signal S2 several in the respective frequency range fB1 respectively. fB2 lying frequencies f having.

The signal or warning tone S1 and the sound signal S2 are thus generated at the same time and are superimposed to form an overall sound signal S3 (compare 1 ).

Finally, with the help of the 2 The method for generating a signal or warning tone will be briefly outlined again. The procedure is initially in a query A. queried whether the actuation switch 1 has been actuated or whether a certain event has occurred.

An event that can occur, for example, is that a driver of the motor vehicle K via the actuation device 5a the central locking device 5b has operated. It is also conceivable that when the actuating device is actuated 5a it is detected whether the actuating device 5a closer to the front area or closer to the rear area of the motor vehicle and, depending on this, an activation of either the loudspeaker 4b or the loudspeaker 4a he follows. It is also possible to control both loudspeakers at the same time 4a and 4b conceivable. It is also conceivable that the anti-theft alarm system 7th a signal to the control and switching device 2 and to the control device 4a outputs because unauthorized access to the motor vehicle K was recorded. It is also conceivable as an event that the sensors 8th it was detected that the window and / or a sunroof of the motor vehicle K are open.

Now results in the query A. that the actuator 1 has been actuated or, for example, one of the aforementioned events has occurred, then in a method step V1 a signal to the control and switching device 2 and to the control device 4a issued.

This in turn has the consequence that procedural steps V2a and V2b run at the same time. In the process step V2a the separate signal and warning sound emitting device is activated 3 in the manner described above, in the process step V2b the loudspeaker is activated 4b in the manner already described.

Returns the query A. however, that neither the actuator 1 if one of the events described has occurred, the control and switching device is not activated 2 and the control device 4a . So there is no overall sound signal S3 generated.

List of reference symbols

1

Actuating device (horn switch)

2

Control and switching device

3rd

Signal and warning sound device

4th

Sound generating device

4a

Control device

4b

speaker

4c

speaker

5a

Actuating device (radio key)

5b

Central locking device

6th

Wheel sensors

7th

Anti-theft alarm system

8th

Sensors (windows, sunroof)

20th

Amplifier device

21

Sound output device

22nd

Storage facility

A.

query

C.

Data bus

dB

Sound pressure

dB1, dB2

Sound pressure

dBB1

first sound pressure range

dBB2

second sound pressure range

f

frequency

f1, f2

frequency

fB1

first frequency range

fB2

second frequency range

K

Motor vehicle

S1

Beep or warning tone

S2

Sound signal

S3

Total sound signal

V1, V2a, V2b

Procedural steps

Claims (4)

Method for generating a signal or warning tone by a motor vehicle (K), with a separate signal or warning tone output device (3) of the motor vehicle (K) being activated in this way when an actuating device (1, 5a) is actuated or when another specific event occurs that the signal or warning sound emitting device (3) emits a signal or warning sound (S1) with at least one frequency (f1) lying in a certain frequency range (fB1) and with a sound pressure (dB1) lying in a certain sound pressure range (dBB1) is, with at least one further sound generating device (4) being activated when the actuating device (1, 5a) or when the other, specific event occurs, at the same time as activating the separate signal or warning sound emitting device (3), in such a way that the at least one further Sound generating device (4) emits a sound signal (S2) in at least one frequency (f2), which is in a different frequency range (fB2) than the frequency (f1) of the signal or warning tone (S1) emitted by the separate signal or warning tone output device (3) and has a sound pressure (dB2) in a different sound pressure range (dBB2) than the signal or warning tone (S1) emitted by the separate signal or warning tone emitting device (3), characterized in that when an actuating device (5a) for a central locking device (5b) of the motor vehicle (K) is actuated at the same time as the activation of the horn, Separate signal or warning sound emitting device (3) a sound generating device (4) for generating an artificial engine noise is controlled, the sound generating device (4) having a loudspeaker (4b) arranged in the front area of the motor vehicle (K) and a further loudspeaker (4b) in the rear area of the motor vehicle ( K) arranged loudspeaker (4c), wherein it is detected whether the Actuate ngseinrichtung (5a) is closer to the front area or closer to the rear area of the motor vehicle (K) and, depending on this, a control of either the loudspeaker (4b) arranged in the front area of the motor vehicle (K) or the loudspeaker arranged in the rear area of the motor vehicle (K) (4c) takes place. Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the signal or warning tone (S1) of the separate signal or warning tone emitting device (3) is in a lower frequency range (fB1) and is emitted in a higher sound pressure range (dBB1) than that emitted by the further sound generating device (4) Sound signal (S2). Procedure according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the signal or warning tone (S1) of the separate signal or warning tone output device (3) in a frequency range (fB1) from 315 Hz to 450 Hz, preferably with a frequency (f1) in the amount of 370 Hz and in one Sound pressure range (dBB1) from about 100 dB to about 118 dB, preferably with a sound pressure (dB1) of about 110 dB. Electrically drivable motor vehicle (K) for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, with an actuating device (1) for a signal or warning sound emitting device (3) designed as a signal horn and with a further sound generating device (4) for generating an artificial engine noise, whereby through Actuation of the actuating device (1) or, if another, specific event occurs, the signaling or warning sound emitting device (3) designed as a signal horn can be activated in such a way that it emits a signal or warning sound (S1) with at least one in a specific frequency range (fB1) lying frequency (f1) and with a sound pressure (dB1) lying in a certain sound pressure range (dBB1), whereby at the same time the at least one further sound generating device (4) can be controlled in such a way that it generates a sound signal (S2) in at least one frequency ( f2) which in another Frequency range (fB2) lies than the frequency (f1) of the signal or warning tone (S1) emitted by the separate signal or warning tone emitting device (3) and has a sound pressure (dB2) in a different sound pressure range (dBB2) than that by the separate Signal or warning sound emitting device (3) emitted signal or warning sound (S1), characterized in that the sound generating device (4) has a loudspeaker (4b) arranged in the front region of the motor vehicle (K) and a further loudspeaker (4b) arranged in the rear region of the motor vehicle (K) arranged loudspeaker (4c), wherein when an actuation device (5a) for a central locking device (5b) is actuated it can be detected whether the actuation device (5a) is closer to the front area or closer to the rear area of the motor vehicle (K) and a control thereof either the loudspeaker (4b) arranged in the front area of the motor vehicle (K) or the loudspeaker in the rear area of the motor vehicle (K) arranged loudspeaker (4c) is feasible depending on.

Images