DE102014018348A1 - Method and device for guiding a motor vehicle with respect to a fixed connection - Google Patents

Abstract

The device allows the guidance of a motor vehicle which must connect to a fixed connection for refueling at the same. The vehicle has a socket part of a connection unit, which is arranged in the front region of the vehicle, is surrounded by a guide cone (10), which in turn is equipped with a camera (5) for positioning the vehicle on the fixed connection. The camera (5) is directed slightly down to the front of the vehicle. Preferably, the opening of the guide cone (10) is closed when driving the vehicle by a closure plate, which is displaced by a pivoting part (20) by pivoting. The latter is supported on the housing (2), in which the camera (5) is arranged to stiffen the guide cone (10) in the "parking position", wherein the closure plate releases the opening of the guide cone (10). Application for electricity refueling of electric vehicles.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, in particular the connection of these vehicles over their front area with various fixed terminals, which represent electrical, hydraulic or fuel taps. A preferred application is the electrical connection of electric vehicles with charging stations.

State of the art and problem definition

In the context of the use of electric vehicles in the vicinity, it is envisaged in a particular application to be able to connect electric vehicles with a specific, standardized type of connection to fixed charging stations which have a corresponding connection and charging device. It is necessary that this connection can be made via the front of the vehicle, so that the maneuvers for approaching the vehicle to the charging station are facilitated. Also, such a type of connection is provided for other interchanges between the vehicle and the terminal, for example for the exchange of information, for recharging of fuel, for heat exchange for preheating the vehicle in cold countries and for the recharging of water or hydrogen ,

In a known embodiment, the electrical charging station, which is a fixed device, is equipped with a pin, i. H. with a connector. Accordingly, the vehicle is provided with a connecting sleeve consisting of a guide cone which is conical or pyramidal and intended to guide the pin to the connection and hooking point on the vehicle. Such systems are well known. However, their arrangement is particularly complicated on a road vehicle, if it should be provided that the pin einschiebt the same in the front of the vehicle in the front area substantially in the middle.

Although it succeeds to position the vehicle to a few centimeters, to achieve the centering of the pin and to ensure the adjustment and the electrical connection. However, if the two subunits that form the male and female members of a connector assembly attach one to a charging station and the other to a road vehicle, then the vehicle must be pre-positioned to within a few inches, which is always considered to be a little difficult for an inexperienced driver turns out. A driver assistance system can reliably ensure this pre-positioning.

A method is known for pre-positioning a vehicle with respect to a fixed connection that was exhibited at the World Automobile Exhibition in 2010. A camera located behind the windshield of the vehicle and facing forward sees light emitting diodes located at the fixed terminal. A transmission system transmits to the control system of the vehicle the position of these diodes with respect to the point to be reached, for example the end of the pin from the fixed terminal. In the embodiment referred to, namely, the female part is provided with a cone and it is located on the vehicle. When the camera has located the diodes in the landscape, a computing unit may calculate the position of the camera and thus the vehicle relative to the fixed port. A control algorithm may then give the parts of the vehicle or its driver the necessary instructions to position themselves in place so that the vehicle can slide its socket onto the fixed plug of the docking station.

The decision to position the camera behind the windshield of the vehicle is of interest because it can be cleaned with the windshield wipers and the camera is not exposed to the weather conditions, such as rain, mud, etc. However, there are disadvantages to this decision because positional errors accumulate as the camera and reference diodes are far away from the two approximate points. Another disadvantage is that the camera, which is located in the upper part of the vehicle, can be seen and faded quite far, among other things from the sun, from reflections on rain-wet surfaces, other illuminated spots, such as headlamps or lanterns and brake lights of vehicles, the next to go.

The aim of the invention is therefore to eliminate these disadvantages by providing a different type of control system.

Objects of the invention

The first main object of the invention is therefore a method for guiding motor vehicles which have to connect to a terminal for refueling thereto, the vehicle carrying a socket part of a connection unit arranged in the front area of the vehicle, and a positioning camera which is directed to the front of the vehicle to position the vehicle relative to the fixed terminal when docking to the fixed terminal.

• – Anordnen der Kamera im Bereich des Buchsenteils der Verbindungseinheit des Fahrzeugs; und
• – Anordnen von feststehenden Anhaltspunkten nahe am Anschluss, die von der Kamera erfassbar sind.

According to the invention, the method consists of

• Arranging the camera in the region of the socket part of the connection unit of the vehicle; and
• - Arranging fixed clues close to the port that are detectable by the camera.

Preferably, the fixed indicia may consist, inter alia, of markings on the ground, for example a white stripe.

The second main object of the invention is a device for guiding a motor vehicle, which has to be connected to a charging station for refueling, the vehicle carrying a socket part of a connection unit having a pin attached to the terminal, this socket part in the front area of the vehicle, and a positioning camera directed forward to position the vehicle with respect to the fixed terminal when docked to the fixed terminal.

According to the invention, the camera of the device is arranged in the region of the socket part of the connection unit, which is arranged in the front region of the vehicle in the height of the radiator grille.

In the desired embodiment of the invention, the connection for recharging is provided with the insertion part of the connection unit, which represents the electrical connection plug, while the socket part of the connection unit represents an electrical connection socket, which has a guide cone.

It is provided that the camera is arranged in the cone of the female part of the connection unit and directed slightly downward.

• – Mittel zum vorübergehenden Verschließen der Öffnung des Führungskonus, um diese Öffnung des Führungskonus dann zu verschließen, wenn das Fahrzeug fährt, und um sie dann zu öffnen, wenn das Fahrzeug stillsteht; und
• – Mittel zum vorübergehenden Verstärken des Aufbaus des Führungskonus, die dann einsatzbereit sind, wenn das Fahrzeug stillsteht.

According to the invention, the unit contains:

• - Means for temporarily closing the opening of the guide cone to close this opening of the guide cone then when the vehicle is running, and then to open when the vehicle is stationary; and
• - Means for temporarily reinforcing the structure of the guide cone, which are ready for use when the vehicle is stationary.

This arrangement is contrary to the preconcecled opinion of those skilled in the art because it suggests that the front portion of the vehicle is made less solid at high speeds, with the opening of the connector closed, and that at very slow travel and at a standstill, the opening of the guide cone is open stands to connect to the pin of the male and make the camera is operational.

The main embodiment of the female part in this case provides that the temporary closure means and the temporary reinforcement means are formed over the guide cone and over a single pivoting part which is mounted in the vicinity of the smaller end of the cone and has at least one arm, a closure plate is disposed at the end thereof, which is slightly bent and arranged at a distal end of the at least one arm to close the opening of the guide cone in a first pivot position of the pivoting part, said closure plate being offset from the at least one arm the at least one arm and the guide cone have complementarily shaped connecting means which come into contact in a second rotational position of the pivoting part, in which the closure plate releases the opening of the guide cone, wherein the connecting means the walls of the cone at least in the region of the guide cone set and hold the larger diameter, wherein the means for the rotary drive of the pivoting part, including a motor, are mounted on the chassis.

In this case, it is provided that the connecting means are designed in the form of a plurality of fastening pins which are arranged on a first element of the outer wall of the guide cone and the at least one arm of the pivoting member, and in the form of corresponding Befestigungssinkerbungen whose shape of that of Matching pins correspond and are arranged on the second element of the outer wall of the guide cone and the at least one arm of the pivoting member.

In this case, it is of interest that one of the pins is hollow and wide to form the housing in which the camera is located.

List of figures

The invention and its various technical features will be better understood by reading the following description, which is accompanied by five figures, each of which:

1 in section, the female part of the connection unit, in which the method and the device according to the invention find application;

2A . 2 B and 2C a particular embodiment of the invention; and

3A and 3B two schemes that illustrate the process of the invention.

Further description of a preferred embodiment of the invention

Thus, the concept of the present invention is to move the camera away from its location behind the windshield and approximate it to the junction, i. H. to provide them further forward and lower, and thus may be directed, inter alia, to the ground.

So that this camera is not contaminated by rain or mud in the preferred embodiment of the invention when the vehicle is running, this camera is protected by a flap which closes the opening of a guide cone of the female part, which is arranged in the front region of the vehicle in the region of the grille ,

Referring to 1 a connector socket part contains a guide cone 10 , on the outer surface of a housing 2 is mounted, which is overlapped by a cover and in which a camera 5 is installed. The field of view of the same is directed to the front of the guide cone, slightly towards the bottom of the cone, in other words to the front of the vehicle slightly down to detect any markings on the ground can.

In this 1 a preferred element of the method and apparatus according to the invention has been added that allows the camera 5 and the leadership cone 10 to protect against rain and mud when the vehicle is traveling, via a closure plate that temporarily stops in front of the inlet of the guide cone 10 is arranged. This closure plate is the end of a pivoting part 20 that pivots with respect to the front of the vehicle. In this 1 namely, the device is in the "parking position" and there is an opening 22 opposite to the guide cone 10 , The shutter plate is not in the plane of 1 ,

In 2 is a special version of this swivel part 20 and its flap 22 shown. The female part of the connection unit is on a cross member 1 shown attached to the vehicle and is with the grid of a radiator grille 4 connected. The swivel part 20 is thus one perpendicular to the plane of 2A extending axis pivotally mounted, via two pivot arms 25 concerning the cross member 1 the chassis of the vehicle, which is located in the front area of the latter. The swivel arms 25 wear a support part 24 that is substantially perpendicular to the pivoting arm 25 is arranged and the leadership cone 10 surrounds. The supporting end areas 29 of the support part 24 are bent to split in two 14 to be slidable, just before the opening of the guide cone 10 lie. It carries the closure plate, which is not in 2 B is shown. In 2 B the unit is shown in the so-called "parking position" while in the two 2A and 2C the unit is shown in a so-called "driving position" of the vehicle, ie for closing the opening of the guide cone 10 by means of the closure plate.

In 2 B , which represents the female part of the connection unit, is the closure plate 22 recognizable, the leading cone 10 releases. The supporting end areas 29 have the slot 14 leave.

The pivoting movement of the pivoting part 10 is obtained via drive means whose output gears in turn via a motor 9 are driven.

It has this swivel part 20 Means for stiffening the guide cone 10 , As in 2C it can be seen, these are by means of fastening pins 15A and 15B performed on the outer surface of the guide cone 10 are arranged. In this position, called "driving position", these pins are 15A and 15B Approved. mounting notches 23 are on the inner surface of the pivoting part 20 arranged, in each case a fastening pin 15A respectively. 15B to encompass when the pivoting part is pivoted to lie in the so-called "parking position". Thus, the pivoting part at the same time the closure plate 22 from the opening of the guide cone 10 released and each of the mounting pins 15 enclosed, thus the leadership cone 10 to stiffen. In other words, the attachment notches form 26 Means for temporary connection with the guide cone 10 , When the swivel part 20 is mounted directly on the chassis of the vehicle, it may also with respect to the guide cone 10 be mounted pivotally. Because the engine 9 and its transmission means fastened to the vehicle must in this case have a yielding transmission element between the engine 9 and the gear means and the swivel part 20 be used. These resilient elements may consist of one or more parts, for example, one of the two gears or a drive rack. Another compliant transmission element may be a flexible drive shaft on the output side of the engine 9 consist. As well as the leadership cone 10 at the end stuck with the radiator grille 4 is connected to the vehicle, it is subject to the vibrations of the same and any deformations of the body, causing them on the grille 4 be transmitted. Thus, in this case, an operating or movement play between the swivel parts 10 and the engine 9 required, which is arranged on the chassis of the vehicle.

It is easy to understand that in the so-called "driving position" the pivoting part 10 and his swivel arms 25 from the leadership cone 10 are spaced and that the closure plate of the opening this same guide cone 10 opposite. This is thus closed and the in 1 With 5 designated camera is also protected. The leadership cone 10 in turn is not held by the connecting means, which are out of the mounting pins 15 and the attachment notches 23 consist.

On the other hand, referring to 2 B , which also shows the socket part of the connection unit in the so-called "parking position", the pivoting part 20 an opposite position, wherein the pivot arms 25 the leadership cone 10 embrace in this position, with the attachment notches 23 of the swivel part 20 the respective mounting pins 15A and 15B the leadership cone 10 to back up. Thus, the latter is mechanically retained and has a higher total resistance than when the vehicle is running. This increased mechanical resistance allows the guide cone 10 to mechanically withstand imponderables during the approach of the vehicle to the fixed connection terminal, wherein the adjustment of the male and the female part takes place randomly and depends on the driving of the vehicle. In contrast, since the guide cone is retracted in the so-called "driving position", the latter is no longer held by the means for temporary reinforcement. In this case, it has a reduced mechanical resistance to the so-called "stoppage" of the vehicle, for the purpose of at least partially absorbing any collision with a pedestrian in the area of the radiator grille of the vehicle.

Referring to 3A and 3B is the in 1 With 5 designated camera thus within the guide cone 10 arranged. It is directed to the front of the vehicle and is slightly inclined downwards at such an angle that the camera 5 the ground just a few meters in front of the vehicle 30 sees. This view goes through the opening of the guide cone, mind you 10 and makes it possible to detect the arrival of the fixed connection pin at the charging station. This the insertion part of the connection performing pen 40 is over a walkway 41 arranged.

As in 3B are also provided additional fixed clues that are close to the charging station, ie close to the pen 40 are arranged, which can be detected by the camera. In particular, a white line 42 conceivable, which represents a mark on the ground, in the axis of the pen 40 lies and is stationary, allowing the driver of the vehicle 30 his vehicle opposite the pin 40 can center.

The camera is provided with a signal processing device, which among other things, the deviation in distance and distance of the vehicle from the point to be reached, ie from the pin 40 , can determine. Also it can change the angle of the over the guide cone 10 formed connector with respect to the pen 40 determine. This information can be displayed on a display to the driver of the vehicle 30 to assist in maneuvering or to be transmitted to a control member derived from that which allows automatic parking for automatic maneuvering.

The capture of the entry of the pen 40 into the field of view of the camera thus allows the command to stop the vehicle 30 to give notice to the pen 40 all the way to the connector at the bottom of the guide cone 10 is plugged in.

On 1 coming back can be provided that the place where the camera 5 located, ie the housing 2 and his cover 3 , with the attachment piece 15A can be associated with that in 2 B larger than the attachment pieces 15B is shown. The housing 2 is thus in the lead cone 10 integrated. It is with a hole 6 provided, making it the lens of the camera 5 possible is the interior of the guide cone 10 to see. In this case 2 can be a "cube camera" of mobile phones with the camera 5 be housed, the printed circuit board on which it is soldered, as well as the components, which serve to connect to the supply and signal output cable housed.

The application described in this specification relates to the electrical connection of a vehicle to a charging station, but it may also include the connection to a fuel line to a fuel pump, the connection to a water pipe of the vehicle with a water charging station or even the transmission of electronic information signals for the navigation of Concern vehicle.

Claims (9)

A method of routing a motor vehicle that needs to connect to a fixed port for fueling the port, the vehicle carrying a jack portion of a connection unit in the front area of the vehicle and a positioning camera adapted to dock the vehicle to the port to the front of the vehicle directed towards the connection, characterized in that it consists in the camera in Area of the socket part of the vehicle ( 30 ) and to locate fixed clues close to the terminal 5 ) are detectable. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixed clues include a marking on the ground, for example a white stripe ( 42 ), which is arranged opposite the terminal. Device for guiding a motor vehicle, which must connect to a fixed connection for refueling at the connection, wherein the vehicle ( 30 ) the socket part in the front area of the vehicle ( 30 ) and a positioning camera ( 5 ) required for docking the vehicle ( 30 ) to the connection to the front of the vehicle ( 30 ), characterized in that the camera ( 5 ) in the area of the socket part in the front area of the vehicle ( 30 ) is arranged. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the connection for recharging consists of the electrical insertion part, namely a pin ( 40 ), and that the female part is an electrical connection socket and a guide cone ( 10 ) owns. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the camera ( 5 ) in the leadership cone ( 10 ) of the socket part is located on the vehicle and that the camera ( 5 ) to the front and to the interior of the guide cone ( 10 ) is directed slightly downwards. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises: - means for temporarily closing the opening of the guide cone ( 10 ) to the opening of this guide cone ( 10 ) when the vehicle ( 30 ) and to open it when the vehicle ( 30 ) is resting; and - means for temporarily reinforcing the structure of the guide cone ( 10 ), which are ready for use when the vehicle ( 30 ) stands still. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the means for temporarily closing and the means for temporarily reinforcing the guide cone ( 10 ) itself and from a single pivoting part ( 20 ) are pivotally mounted in the vicinity of a smaller end of the guide cone ( 10 ) is mounted, said pivoting part ( 10 ) contains: - at least one swivel arm ( 15 ); - a closure plate ( 22 ) which are slightly bent and at the distal end of the at least one pivoting arm ( 15 ) is arranged around the opening of the guide cone ( 10 ) in a first pivot position of the pivoting part ( 20 ), this closure plate ( 22 ) has a position with respect to the at least one pivoting arm ( 15 ) is offset; - wherein the at least one swivel arm ( 15 ) and the guiding cone ( 10 ) Has connecting means, which are designed to be complementary in shape, in a second rotational position of the pivoting part ( 20 ) come into contact, in which the closure plate ( 22 ) the opening of the guide cone ( 10 ), wherein the connecting means for temporarily connecting the walls of the guide cone ( 10 ), wherein these connecting means at least in the region with the larger diameter of the guide cone ( 10 ) are arranged; - means for the rotary drive of the pivoting part ( 20 ), of which at least one engine ( 9 ) on the chassis of the vehicle ( 30 ) is arranged. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the complementary in their form connecting means of fastening pins ( 15A . 15B ), which on a first element of outer wall of the guide cone ( 10 ) and at least one swivel arm ( 25 ) of the pivoting part ( 20 ) are arranged, as well as Befestigungsseinkerbungen ( 23 ), in their shape the mounting pin ( 15 ) and at a second element of outer wall of the guide cone ( 10 ) and the at least one swivel arm ( 25 ) of the pivoting part ( 20 ) are mounted. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that one of the pins ( 15A ) is made wide and hollow to the housing ( 2 ) and its cover ( 3 ) in which the camera ( 5 ) is housed.

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