DE102011115669A1 - Method for operating stop/start system of combustion engine of passenger car, involves outputting information using optical display device when automatic shutdown of combustion engine is made available for all predetermined parameters - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves determining state quantities (40), where the state quantities are assigned to predesignated parameters for automatic shutdown of a combustion engine. Determination is made to find whether automatic shutdown of the combustion engine is made available (50) based on the determined state quantities. Information are output (60) using an optical display device i.e. touch screen, when the automatic shutdown of the combustion engine is made available for all predetermined parameters, where the display device is arranged in a region of a combination instrument. The state quantities are selected from a group comprising momentarily inserted gears of a gear box, a position of clutch pedals, a state of charge of an energy storage device, an operating mode of an air conditioning apparatus, momentary external temperature, intake air temperature, coolant temperature, an operating mode of stop/start system, a low pressure value of a brake booster, an aperture state of a vehicle door, an aperture state of a bonnet and an aperture state of one of the seat harness release of a motor car. The predetermined parameters are selected from a group comprising an idle position of a gear shift lever, loosening of the clutch pedals, a state of charge of the energy storage device over a predetermined threshold, temperature condition and an activated state of stop/start system. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a stop/start system (2) a motor car (3) a computer program product comprising a set of instructions for operating a stop/start system of a combustion engine of a motor car (4) a machine-readable medium having a set of instructions operating a stop/start system of a combustion engine of a motor car.

Description

The application relates to a method for operating a stop / start system of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, a stop / start system of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, a motor vehicle with a stop / start system, a computer program product and a computer readable medium.

From the DE 102 11 464 A1 a device for displaying a stop / start function of a starter generator is known, wherein by means of the starter generator, the internal combustion engine can be stopped and restarted, wherein display elements are provided which are part of a combination display unit. It is provided that the stop / start function is provided as an additional display function of a display element.

The object of the application is to specify a method for operating a stop / start system of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, a stop / start system of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, a motor vehicle with a stop / start system, a computer program product and a computer-readable medium, which allow a further improved provision of information for users of the motor vehicle.

This object is achieved with the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous developments emerge from the dependent claims.

A method for operating a stop / start system of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, wherein the stop / start system is designed for automatically switching off the internal combustion engine, according to one aspect of the application comprises the following steps. There is a determination of state variables, in particular of the motor vehicle, wherein the state variables are assigned to predetermined parameters for an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine. In addition, a determination is made as to whether automatic shading of the internal combustion engine is possible, based on the determined state variables. Furthermore, information is output as to whether an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine is possible for all predetermined parameters.

The method according to the mentioned embodiment enables a further improved provision of information for users of the motor vehicle with regard to the operation of the stop / start system. This is done by determining whether an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine is possible, based on the determined state variables and outputting information for all predetermined parameters, whether such an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine is possible. By outputting the information for all predetermined parameters, a user of the motor vehicle, in particular the driver of the motor vehicle, can advantageously be given an overview of all conditions relevant to an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine. In particular, information can thus be provided to the driver in an intuitive manner, thereby assisting the driver in understanding the operation of the stop / start system. In addition, successive and time-consuming outputting of individual information with regard to possible unfulfilled conditions for an automatic engine stop can be avoided.

The state variables are preferably selected from the group consisting of a currently engaged gear of a transmission, a position of a clutch pedal, a charge state of an energy storage device, an operating state of an air conditioner, a current outside temperature, an intake air temperature, a coolant temperature, an operating state of the stop / start Systems, a negative pressure value of a brake booster, an opening state of at least one vehicle door, an opening state of an engine hood and an opening state of at least one buckle of the motor vehicle. The state variables mentioned are of particular importance for determining whether an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine is possible.

The predetermined parameters are preferably selected from the group consisting of an idle position of a gearshift lever, a release of the clutch pedal, a state of charge of the energy storage device over a predetermined threshold, at least one temperature condition and an activated state of the stop / start system. The parameters mentioned enable a user of the motor vehicle to be represented in a simple and understandable manner the conditions for an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine.

Information is output in one embodiment of the method upon actuation of an activation device of the stop / start system. This is based on the consideration that the user tends in case of incomprehensible for him behavior of the stop / start system to actuate such an activation or deactivation device of the stop / start system. In this case, the information is automatically provided to the user, even in the event that he is unaware that such information is available.

In a further embodiment, the output of information takes place in the case of a user request. Thus, a user of the stop / start system at any time, if desired, the such information as to whether an automatic shutdown of the engine is possible, are provided.

The outputting of information can take place for a predetermined duration. Furthermore, the outputting of information can be ended at an operator input by a user.

The output of information preferably takes place by means of an optical display device. As a result, the information can be provided or output at the same time as clearly as possible.

The application also relates to a stop / start system of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, wherein the stop / start system has a shutdown device, designed for automatically switching off the internal combustion engine. In addition, the stop / start system has a first determination device, which is designed to determine state variables, in particular state variables of the motor vehicle, wherein the state variables are assigned to predetermined parameters for an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine. In addition, the stop / start system has a second determination device, designed to determine whether an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine is possible, based on the determined state variables. Furthermore, the stop / start system has an output device configured to output information as to whether an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine is possible for all predetermined parameters.

The stop / start system according to the application has the advantages already mentioned in connection with the method according to the application, which are not listed again at this point in order to avoid repetition.

The stop / start system preferably further comprises an activation device, wherein the output of information takes place upon actuation of the activation device.

Furthermore, the stop / start system is preferably designed such that the outputting of information takes place when a user request, wherein the outputting of information
preferably for a predetermined duration.

Moreover, the outputting of information may preferably be ended at an operator input by a user.

Preferably, the output device has an optical display device. The optical display device can be arranged in the region of a combination instrument and / or an information and entertainment system of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the optical display device may have a touch screen. As a result, user input can be done in a simple manner.

Furthermore, the application relates to a motor vehicle having a stop / start system according to one of the aforementioned embodiments. The motor vehicle is, for example, a passenger car and, as a drive motor, preferably has only one internal combustion engine.

Moreover, the application relates to a computer program product which, when executed on an arithmetic unit of a stop / start system of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, wherein the stop / start system is adapted to automatically shut down the internal combustion engine, the computing unit instructs to perform the following steps , The arithmetic unit is instructed to determine state variables, in particular of state variables of the motor vehicle, wherein the state variables are assigned to predetermined parameters for an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine. In addition, the arithmetic unit is instructed to determine whether an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine is possible, based on the determined state variables. In addition, the arithmetic unit is instructed to output information as to whether an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine is possible for all predetermined parameters.

Moreover, the application relates to a computer readable medium having stored thereon a computer program product according to the aforementioned embodiment.

The motor vehicle, the computer program product and the computer-readable medium according to the application have the advantages already mentioned in connection with the method according to the application, which are not listed again at this point in order to avoid repetition.

Embodiments of the application will now be explained with reference to the accompanying figures.

1 shows a flowchart of a method for operating a stop / start system of Internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment of the application;

2 shows a flowchart of a method for operating a stop / start system of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment of the application;

3 shows a flowchart of a method for operating a stop / start system of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle according to a third embodiment of the application;

4A shows a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the application;

4B shows a stop / start system of the in 4A shown motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the application;

4C shows a display device of the in 4B shown stop / start system.

1 shows a flowchart of a method for operating a stop / start system of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment of the application. The stop / start system is designed for automatically switching off the internal combustion engine and the motor vehicle, for example, a passenger car.

In one step 40 there is a determination of state variables of the motor vehicle, wherein the state variables are assigned to predetermined parameters for an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine. The state quantities of the motor vehicle are, for example, selected from the group consisting of a currently engaged gear of a transmission, a position of a clutch pedal, a state of charge of an energy storage device, an operating state of an air conditioning system, an intake air temperature, a coolant temperature, an operating state of the stop / start system, a negative pressure value of a brake booster, an opening state of at least one vehicle door, an opening state of an engine hood and an opening state of at least one buckle of the motor vehicle. In addition, an instantaneous outside temperature can be provided as a further state variable.

In one step 50 is done based on the one in the step 40 determining state variables determine whether an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine is possible. In this case, the determination is made for all determined state variables and thus for all predetermined parameters.

The predetermined parameters are, for example, selected from the group consisting of an idle position of a gearshift lever, a release of the clutch pedal, a state of charge of the energy storage device over a predetermined threshold, at least one temperature condition and an activated state of the stop / start system.

For example, an automatic shutdown of the engine take place, if the gearshift lever is in the idle position, whereas an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine is omitted, if the gearshift lever is not in the idle position. Furthermore, for an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine, for example, a release of the clutch pedal and a minimum state of charge of the energy storage device are required. In addition, an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine under special temperature conditions, in particular for an instantaneous outside temperature, an intake air temperature and a coolant temperature, possible. Furthermore, an automatic state of the stop / start system is required for an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine.

In one step 60 information is output as to whether an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine is possible for all predetermined parameters. Thus, a user of the system, for example, a driver of the motor vehicle, all information in relation to an automatic shutdown of the engine or a failure of the automatic shutdown are available at the same time.

The outputting of the information can take place for a predetermined duration or be terminated by a user in an operator input. The output of information preferably takes place by means of an optical display device.

Will in the step 50 determines that all conditions for an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine are met, a corresponding automatic shutdown is performed. Subsequently, the state variables of the motor vehicle are again determined and a determination made as to whether the internal combustion engine can continue to be switched off. If this is no longer the case, the internal combustion engine is restarted by the stop / start system.

2 shows a flowchart of a method for operating a stop / start system of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment of the application. The stop / start system is in turn for automatically switching off the internal combustion engine trained and the motor vehicle, for example, a passenger car.

In one step 40 there is a determination of state variables of the motor vehicle, wherein the state variables are assigned to predetermined parameters for an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine, according to the step 40 the in 1 shown first embodiment.

In one step 50 it is determined whether an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine is possible, based on the determined state variables and for all predetermined parameters, according to the step 50 the in 1 shown first embodiment.

In one step 55 In the second embodiment, it is determined whether an activation device of the stop / start system is actuated by a user, for example the driver of the motor vehicle. The activation device is designed both for activating and for deactivating the stop / start system.

If no activation of the activation device, the steps 40 . 50 and 55 repeatedly executed.

If, on the other hand, an actuation of the activation device by a user takes place in one step 60 outputting information as to whether an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine is possible, for all predetermined parameters, according to the step 60 the in 1 shown first embodiment.

3 shows a flowchart of a method for operating a stop / start system of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle according to a third embodiment of the application. The stop / start system is designed for automatically switching off the internal combustion engine and the motor vehicle, for example, a passenger car.

In one step 40 there is a determination of state variables of the motor vehicle, wherein the state variables are assigned to predetermined parameters for an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine, according to the step 40 the in 1 shown first embodiment.

In one step 50 it is determined whether an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine is possible, based on the determined state variables, also according to the step 50 the in 1 shown first embodiment.

Furthermore, in the third embodiment, in one step 55 ' determines whether a user query of the information takes place, that is, whether a user request for outputting information on whether an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine is possible exists.

If there is no user request, the steps become 40 . 50 and 55 ' repeatedly executed.

If, on the other hand, a user request is made in one step 60 Information on whether an automatic shutdown of the engine is possible, issued for all predetermined parameters. The output of the information is carried out according to the step 60 the in 1 shown first embodiment.

By means of the embodiments shown, all relevant parameters for an automatic engine stop are thus combined together on, for example, one side of a menu-based display. For example, each parameter is assigned a check mark or a check box indicating whether or not the parameter is within a range that allows automatic engine stop. Such a control mark is preferably displayed instead of any physical values in order to keep the information simple and understandable. For example, for climatic conditions, it is typically too complex to display all temperature, humidity, and other values and their interdependencies. Instead, typically only the information is provided that an automatic engine stop can not occur due to climatic conditions.

The information regarding the relevant parameters is provided to the display module by, for example, the electronic control modules that operate the stop / start system, typically via an electronic communications network, such as a CAN bus.

The information page summarizes all parameters at a glance, regardless of whether the user is able to influence them or not. This has the advantage that the user can recognize on the one hand that the automatic engine stop can not be activated because he does not operate the vehicle accordingly, for example because of an unreleased clutch pedal. On the other hand, the user can recognize at the same time that even when driving correctly, the engine is not automatically stopped because other parameters, such as climate conditions, prevent this.

Such a page may, for example, by the menu structure of the display at any time be achieved if the user so wishes. In addition, the display can be shown each time the control activates or deactivates the stop / start system. This has the following advantage: If the user can not understand the behavior of the stop / start system, it is likely that he operates the control, for example in the form of a button, to change the activation status. In this case, the ad with the relevant information is automatically provided to him even in the event that the user is not aware that such information is available in the menu.

Leaving this information page takes place in an embodiment after a user confirmation, for example by pressing a button. In addition, it may be provided to leave this page automatically after a predetermined period of time, for example 10 seconds, in particular in cases in which the display of the page was automatically activated.

In the embodiments shown, it is considered that the stop / start system is preferably operated to perform as many automatic engine stops as possible. However, since there are a variety of influence parameters that prevent an engine stop, it may cause incomprehension to the user if the engine is sometimes automatically shut down and not in other cases. By means of the embodiments shown, an easy-to-understand and intuitively operable driver information system can be provided, which enables increased user satisfaction.

4A shows a motor vehicle 3 according to an embodiment of the application. The car 3 is formed in the embodiment shown as a passenger car, the only drive motor as an internal combustion engine 2 having. Further details will be explained in connection with the following figures.

In addition shows 4B a stop / start system 1 of in 4A shown motor vehicle 3 according to an embodiment of the application.

The stop / start system 1 has a first detection device 11 on, for determining state variables of the motor vehicle 3 is formed, wherein the state variables to predetermined parameters for an automatic shutdown of in 4B are assigned not shown internal combustion engine.

The first investigative device 11 is in the embodiment shown via a signal line 20 with a sensor 17 connected, the sensor 17 for determining a degree of depression of a clutch pedal 4 of the motor vehicle 3 is trained.

Furthermore, the first detection device 11 via a signal line 21 with a sensor 18 connected to determine a state of charge of an energy storage device 5 of the motor vehicle 3 is trained.

Furthermore, the first detection device 11 via a signal line 22 with air conditioning 6 as well as via a signal line 23 with a sensor 19 connected, for determining a position of a gearshift lever 7 of the motor vehicle 3 is trained.

The stop / start system 1 also has a second detection device 12 on, which is designed to determine whether an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine is possible, based on the determined state variables. The second investigative device 12 is via a signal line 24 with the first detection device 11 connected.

In addition, the stop / start system points 1 an output device 13 configured to output information as to whether an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine is possible for all predetermined parameters. The output device 13 is via a signal line 27 with the second detection device 12 connected.

The outputting of information takes place in the embodiment shown when an activation device is actuated 8th of the stop / start system 1 , For example in the form of a control element, in particular a control knob. This is the activation device 8th via a signal line 25 with the second detection device 12 connected. Furthermore, the outputting of the information may take place upon a user request.

The output device 13 has an optical display device in the embodiment shown 9 on. The optical display device 9 can be used, for example, in the area of an instrument cluster and / or an information and entertainment system of the motor vehicle 3 be arranged.

Further, the stop / start system has 1 a shutdown device 10 on, which is designed for automatically switching off the internal combustion engine. The shutdown device 10 is via a signal line 26 with the second detection device 12 connected.

The stop / start system 1 also has a computing unit in the embodiment shown 15 and a computer readable medium 16 on, being on the computer-readable medium 16 a computer program product is stored that when it is on the arithmetic unit 15 is executed, the arithmetic unit 15 derives the steps mentioned in connection with the embodiments of the method according to the application, in particular the steps of the in the 1 to 3 shown embodiments, to carry out by means of the elements mentioned here. This is the arithmetic unit 15 connected in a manner not shown directly or indirectly with the corresponding elements.

4C shows a detailed view of the display device 9 of in 4B shown stop / start system.

The display device 9 indicates the conditions for an automatic stop of the internal combustion engine. For this purpose, in the embodiment shown, a plurality of predetermined parameters are displayed and information about whether the conditions associated with the parameters for an automatic shutdown are met or not. In the illustrated embodiment, the predetermined parameters are formed by an activated state of the stop / start system, an idle position of the gearshift lever, a release of the clutch pedal, a state of charge of the vehicle battery above a predetermined threshold, an outside climate condition, and an engine temperature.

By means of different symbols 28 and 29 is displayed whether the corresponding condition for automatic shutdown is met or not, with the symbol 28 in the form of a check mark means that the corresponding condition is met, and the symbol 29 in the form of a cross means that the corresponding condition is not met. In addition, different colors may be provided for fulfilled or unfulfilled conditions, wherein in the situation shown, the condition for a released clutch pedal and the outside climate condition are not met and thus an automatic stop of the internal combustion engine is omitted.

In addition, the display device 9 a control panel 30 on, whereby the outputting of the information can be stopped at an operator input by a user. This is at least the control panel 30 the display device 9 as a touch screen 14 educated.

Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been shown in the foregoing description, various changes and modifications may be made. The above embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing description provides those skilled in the art with a scheme for practicing at least one example embodiment, which may make numerous changes in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the appended claims and their legal equivalents ,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Stop / Start system

2

internal combustion engine

3

motor vehicle

4

clutch pedal

5

Energy storage device

6

air conditioning

7

gear lever

8th

activation device

9

display device

10

breaking device

11

detecting device

12

detecting device

13

output device

14

touchscreen

15

computer unit

16

medium

17

sensor

18

sensor

19

sensor

20

signal line

21

signal line

22

signal line

23

signal line

24

signal line

25

signal line

26

signal line

27

signal line

28

symbol

29

symbol

30

Control panel

40

step

50

step

55

step

55 '

step

60

step

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 10211464 A1 [0002]

Claims (15)

Method for operating a stop / start system ( 1 ) of an internal combustion engine ( 2 ) of a motor vehicle ( 3 ), whereby the stop / start system ( 1 ) for automatically switching off the internal combustion engine ( 2 ) and wherein the method comprises the following steps: - determining state variables, wherein the state variables to predetermined parameters for an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine ( 2 ), determining whether an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine ( 2 ) is possible, based on the determined state variables, - output of information, whether an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine ( 2 ) is possible for all predetermined parameters. The method of claim 1, wherein the state quantities are selected from the group consisting of a currently engaged gear of a transmission, a position of a clutch pedal ( 4 ), a state of charge of an energy storage device ( 5 ), an operating condition of an air conditioner ( 6 ), a current outside temperature, an intake air temperature, a coolant temperature, an operating state of the stop / start system ( 1 ), a negative pressure value of a brake booster, an opening state of at least one vehicle door, an opening state of an engine hood and an opening state of at least one buckle of the motor vehicle ( 3 ). The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the predetermined parameters are selected from the group consisting of an idle position of a gearshift lever ( 7 ), a release of the clutch pedal ( 4 ), a state of charge of the energy storage device ( 5 ) above a predetermined threshold, at least one temperature condition and an activated state of the stop / start system ( 1 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outputting of information upon actuation of an activation device ( 8th ) of the stop / start system ( 1 ) he follows. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the output of information is carried out at a user request. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outputting of information takes place for a predetermined duration. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the output of information in an operator input by a user is terminated. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outputting of information by means of an optical display device ( 9 ) he follows. Stop / start system of an internal combustion engine ( 2 ) of a motor vehicle ( 3 ), comprising - a shutdown device ( 10 ) designed for automatically switching off the internal combustion engine ( 2 ), - a first detection device ( 11 ) configured to determine state variables, wherein the state variables to predetermined parameters for an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine ( 2 ), - a second detection device ( 12 ) for determining whether an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine ( 2 ) is possible, based on the determined state variables, - an output device ( 13 ) configured to output information as to whether an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine ( 2 ) is possible for all predetermined parameters. Stop / start system according to claim 9, wherein the output device ( 13 ) an optical display device ( 9 ) having. Stop / start system according to claim 10, wherein the optical display device ( 9 ) in the area of an instrument cluster and / or an information and entertainment system of the motor vehicle ( 3 ) is arranged. Stop / start system according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the optical display device ( 9 ) a touchscreen ( 14 ) having. Motor vehicle having a stop / start system ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 9 to 12. Computer program product that, when stored on a computer unit ( 15 ) of a stop / start system ( 1 ) of an internal combustion engine ( 2 ) of a motor vehicle ( 3 ) is executed, wherein the stop / start system ( 1 ) for automatically switching off the internal combustion engine ( 2 ), the arithmetic unit ( 15 ), the following steps are carried out: determining state variables, wherein the state variables relate to predetermined parameters for an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine ( 2 ), determining whether an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine ( 2 ) is possible, based on the determined state variables, - output of information, whether an automatic shutdown of the internal combustion engine ( 2 ) is possible for all predetermined parameters. A computer readable medium having stored thereon a computer program product according to claim 14.

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