Control device for the signal lights of a motor vehicle

• US 6,177,766 B1
• Filed: 09/10/1999
• Issued: 01/23/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 09/10/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Siemens AG
• Original Assignee: Siemens AG
• Inventors: Hiebl, Johann
• Primary Examiner(s): Vu, David
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lee, Wilson
• Application Number:
  US09/394,194
• Time in Patent Office: 501 Days
• Field of Search: 315/82, 315/77, 315/217, 315/72, 315/360, 315/362, 315/83, 315/78, 315/115, 315/460, 315/461, 315/464, 315/465, 315/474, 315/475, 340/468, 340/469, 340/456, 340/457.2, 307/10.6, 307/10.8, 307/10.1
• US Class Current: 315/82
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/38 using immovably-mounted light sources, e.g. fixed flashing lamps
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/46 for giving flashing caution signals during drive, other than signalling change of direction, e.g. flashing the headlights or hazard lights

Abstract

A control device for signal lights has a fully electronic flasher unit for intermittently activating the signal lights of the motor vehicle. A relay that is present in the vehicle in any case for other purposes and is likewise activated intermittently by the flasher unit is used to acoustically indicate to the driver when the signal lights are switched on. The fully electronic flasher unit is highly reliable. The relay provides the familiar acoustic feedback.

Claims

1. A control configuration for signal lights of a motor vehicle, comprising:

a relay in a motor vehicle connected to control a device other than signal lights of the motor vehicle; and

a fully electronic flasher unit for intermittently supplying signal lights of a motor vehicle with flasher current upon an actuation of an associated switch, said flasher unit electrically connected to said relay for intermittently activating said relay to acoustically indicate operation of the signal lights.

2. The control configuration according to claim 1, wherein said flasher unit comprises an electronic control circuit with at least one clock generator and a transistor output stage producing the flasher current.

3. The control configuration according to claim 1, wherein the device controlled by said relay is a device selected from the group consisting of a rear window heater and a seat heating system.

4. The control configuration according to claim 1, wherein said flasher unit comprises an electronic control circuit with a transistor output stage producing the flasher current.