DE102014209365A1 - Method and device for setting an operating state of a drive device of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for setting an operating state of a drive device of a vehicle. The method (100) has a step (110) of evaluating status data of the vehicle and environment data representing a traffic situation in an environment of the vehicle. In this case, setting information is generated if at least one setting condition for an operating state of the drive device is fulfilled. Also, the method (100) comprises a step (120) of generating a control signal for setting an operating state of the drive device depending on the setting information.

Description

State of the art

The present invention relates to a method for setting an operating state of a drive device of a vehicle, to a corresponding device and to a corresponding computer program.

Automatic start / stop systems in vehicles may in particular have the following operating principle: If a driver stops, disengages and electronic consumers, eg. B. air conditioning, currently do not have too high energy requirements, the engine can automatically turn off or stop. When engaging or moving a steering wheel or with increasing energy consumption of electrical loads, the engine can start again. The DE 10 2013 200 683 A1 describes methods and systems for opportunistically automatically stopping an engine of a vehicle.

Disclosure of the invention

Against this background, with the approach presented here, a method for setting an operating state of a drive device of a vehicle, furthermore a device which uses this method, and finally a corresponding computer program according to the main claims are presented. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the respective subclaims and the following description.

According to embodiments of the present invention, in particular in the sense of an automatic start / stop system for a vehicle, an operating state of a drive device can advantageously be set, wherein a traffic situation in a vehicle environment can be taken into account. Thus, an extension of the automatic start / stop system based on environmental sensor data, indoor sensor data and telematic data can be made possible. For example, suppression of the automatic start / stop and / or adaptation of start / stop interventions can be achieved by an interpretation of an overall traffic situation in the vehicle environment on the basis of environmental sensor data, indoor sensor data and telematic data.

Advantageously, according to embodiments of the present invention, in particular a control of a drive device of a vehicle in the sense of an automatic start / stop can be made more reliable, more economical, safer, more appropriate to the situation (for example to avoid stop state (engine off) at intersections or level crossings) and more proactive , Furthermore, a start / stop system based on available environment data and environment interpretation for a driver can be made more plausible. In addition, too short stop cycles can be automatically prevented and thus fuel can be saved.

A method for setting an operating state of a drive device of a vehicle is presented, the method comprising the following steps:
Evaluating condition data of the vehicle and environment data representing a traffic situation in an environment of the vehicle as to whether or not at least one setting condition for an operating condition of the drive means is satisfied to generate setting information; and
Generating a control signal for setting an operating state of the drive device depending on the setting information.

The method can be implemented in conjunction with a vehicle having an automatic start / stop function and the availability of corresponding environmental sensors, interior sensors and / or telematic data. The vehicle may be a road-bound motor vehicle, such as a passenger car, a truck, a commercial vehicle, or the like. The operating state may be an active or inactive operating state of the drive device. An active operating state may represent a power-driven drive device, such as an idle engine. In other words, the operating state may include a start / stop operating state of the drive device. The setting of the operating state may include maintaining or changing the operating state. The method may also include a step of reading in the state data and the environment data from at least one interface to at least one detection device and / or at least one communication device.

According to one embodiment, in the step of evaluating environment data can be evaluated, the movement of at least one other vehicle in an environment of the vehicle, at least the presence and / or the nature of a traffic sign in an environment of the vehicle and additionally or alternatively at least one light signal in an environment of Represent vehicle. The movement of the at least one other vehicle may be a movement relative to a roadway and / or relative to the vehicle. The light signal may be light from a traffic light system, in particular a traffic light. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a variety of relevant and meaningful in terms of setting the operating condition Environment data can be used to adjust the operating state situation-oriented and anticipatory can.

Also, in the step of evaluating, status data representing a movement of the vehicle, a present operating state of the drive device, a clutch state of the vehicle, a steering wheel position and / or steering wheel movement of a steering wheel of the vehicle, and additionally or alternatively a state of a driver of the vehicle may be evaluated. The condition of the driver can indicate whether the driver is present or not. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the status data represent a reliable and easily readable and verifiable basis for setting the operating state.

In particular, in the step of evaluating an adjustment information can be generated which represents a fate in an operating state and additionally or alternatively represents a change to another operating state of the drive device when the state data and the environment data meet the at least one setting condition. In this case, it can be checked whether the condition data satisfy at least a first setting condition and whether the environment data satisfy at least a second setting condition. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the evaluation of the environmental data in combination with the state data enables a particularly reliable and situation-appropriate adjustment of the operating state.

Furthermore, in the step of the evaluation, a setting information can be generated, which represents a change from an inactive to an active operating state of the drive device, if the state data satisfy a setting condition for the inactive operating state and the environment data defined as the active operating state triggering movement of at least one other vehicle in represent an environment of the vehicle. In particular, the state data can indicate that the vehicle or own vehicle is in a stop mode or inactive operating state. Furthermore, the environment data can indicate that, for example, a foreign vehicle located in front of the vehicle in the direction of travel starts. Here, the state data may further indicate that the clutch of the own vehicle has been stepped by the driver or the steering wheel is stationary by the driver. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the drive device can also be put into the active operating state if the state data speak for an inactive operating state, but the environment data represent requirements for an active operating state. Thus, even when the driver is deflected, the correct operating state can be reliably set.

Also, in the step of evaluating an adjustment information may be generated, which represents a whereabouts of the drive device in an active operating state, when the state data meet a setting condition for the inactive operating state and the environment data representing at least one triggerable as the active operating state defined light signal in an environment of the vehicle , For example, the environment data can indicate that a traffic light switches from red to yellow. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that an unnecessary change to the inactive operating state can be suppressed if the state data satisfy a condition for the inactive operating state or the automatic stop, but the environment data represent requirements for an active operating state.

In addition, in the step of the evaluation, the setting information can be generated in dependence on a time duration of a whereabouts of the drive device in an operating state. In this case, a threshold value decision can be carried out in particular using the environment data. The time duration may in this case represent a minimum period of time for remaining in an operating state, in particular in the inactive operating state, and additionally or alternatively a threshold time duration with respect to a change to another operating state. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that an unnecessary change of operating states can be avoided and a predictive maintenance or change of operating states can be made possible. Thus, driving comfort and economic efficiency can be increased.

The approach presented here also creates a device that is designed to perform the steps of a variant of a method presented here in appropriate facilities to drive or implement. Also by this embodiment of the invention in the form of a device, the object underlying the invention can be solved quickly and efficiently.

In the present case, a device can be understood as meaning an electrical device which processes sensor signals and outputs control and / or data signals in dependence thereon. The device may have an interface, which may be formed in hardware and / or software. In the case of a hardware-based embodiment, the interfaces can be part of a so-called system ASIC, for example, which contains a wide variety of functions of the device. However, it is also possible that the interfaces have their own, integrated Circuits are or at least partially consist of discrete components. In a software training, the interfaces may be software modules that are present, for example, on a microcontroller in addition to other software modules.

The device can be used in conjunction with a vehicle with automatic start / stop and the availability of corresponding environment sensors, interior sensors and / or telematic data. The device may be part of a start / stop automatic system of a vehicle.

Also of advantage is a computer program product or computer program with program code which can be stored on a machine-readable carrier or storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk memory or an optical memory and for carrying out, implementing and / or controlling the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described above is used, especially when the program product or program is executed on a computer or a device.

The approach presented here will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1 a flowchart of a method for setting an operating state of a drive device of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 a schematic representation of a vehicle with an apparatus for adjusting an operating condition of a drive device of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

3 a traffic situation in an environment of the vehicle 2 ,

In the following description of favorable embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and similar acting, with a repeated description of these elements is omitted.

1 shows a flowchart of a method 100 for adjusting an operating state of a drive device of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The procedure 100 has a step 110 evaluating status data of the vehicle and environment data representing a traffic situation in an environment of the vehicle. In this case, setting information is generated if at least one setting condition for an operating state of the drive device is fulfilled. Also, the procedure assigns 100 one step 120 generating a control signal for setting an operating state of the drive device depending on the setting information.

In particular, in step 110 evaluated evaluating environment data representing a movement of at least one other vehicle in an environment of the vehicle, at least the presence and / or the nature of a traffic sign in an environment of the vehicle, at least one light signal in an environment of the vehicle or the like. For example, in step 110 evaluated evaluating status data representing a movement of the vehicle, a present operating state of the drive device, a clutch state of the vehicle, a steering wheel position and / or steering wheel movement of a steering wheel of the vehicle, a state of a driver of the vehicle or the like.

According to one embodiment, in step 110 the evaluation generates an adjustment information representing a fate in an operating state and / or a change to another operating state of the drive device when the state data and the environment data meet the at least one setting condition. Optionally, in step 110 the evaluation generates the setting information as a function of a time duration of a whereabouts of the drive device in an operating state.

According to one embodiment, in step 110 the evaluation generates a setting information that represents a change from an inactive to an active operating state of the drive device when the state data meet a setting condition for the inactive operating state and the environment data represent a defined as the active operating condition triggerable movement of at least one other vehicle in an environment of the vehicle , in this connection is in the step 120 the generating generates a control signal for changing from an inactive to an active operating state of the drive device depending on the setting information.

According to a further embodiment is in step 110 the evaluation generates an adjustment information representing a fate in an active operating state of the drive device, when the state data satisfy a setting condition for the inactive operating state and the environment data representing at least one as the active operating condition triggered light signal defined in an environment of the vehicle. It is in the step 120 generating generates a control signal for remaining in an active operating state of the drive device depending on the setting information.

2 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 200 with an adjustment device or device 210 for adjusting an operating state of a drive device of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device 210 is designed here to be an embodiment of the method for setting an operating state of a drive device of a vehicle 1 perform. Shown are from the vehicle 200 according to the in 2 illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the device 210 , an evaluation device 212 , a generating device 214 , a steering wheel movement sensor 220 , a clutch pedal movement sensor 230 , a vehicle camera 240 and a drive device 250 ,

The steering wheel motion sensor 220 is adapted to a movement of a steering wheel of the vehicle 200 capture. Further, the steering wheel movement sensor is 220 configured to provide information regarding the movement of the steering wheel of the device 210 to provide as state data.

The clutch pedal movement sensor 230 is configured to move and additionally or alternatively a position of a clutch pedal of the vehicle 200 capture. Also, the clutch pedal movement sensor 230 configured to provide information regarding movement and / or position of the clutch pedal of the device 210 to provide as state data.

The vehicle camera 240 is designed to be an environment of the vehicle 200 visually capture and generate image data representing the optically captured environment of the vehicle 200 represent. In addition, the vehicle camera 240 configured to image data of the device 200 as environment data.

The device 210 is with the steering wheel motion sensor 220 , with the clutch pedal movement sensor 230 , with the vehicle camera 240 and with the drive device 250 data-transferable connected. The device 210 has the evaluation device 212 and the generator 214 on. The device 210 is configured to receive sensor signals in the form of the state data from the drive device 250 , the steering wheel movement sensor 220 and additionally or alternatively, the clutch pedal movement sensor 230 as well as in the form of environmental data from the vehicle camera 240 read.

The evaluation device 212 the device 210 is designed to condition data of the vehicle 200 and environmental data that evaluate a traffic situation in an environment of the vehicle 200 In this case, an adjustment information is generated if at least one setting condition for an operating state of the drive device 250 is satisfied. Thus, the evaluation device 212 formed, the step of evaluating according to an embodiment of the method 1 perform.

The generating device 214 the device 210 is configured to generate a control signal for setting an operating state of the drive device depending on the setting information. Thus, the generating means 214 formed, the step of generating according to an embodiment of the method 1 perform. The device 210 is adapted to the control signal to the drive means 250 issue.

In response to the control signal is an operating state of the drive means 250 changeable or maintainable. The operating state here represents either a stationary engine or a stop operating state or a running engine or a start operating state.

3 shows a traffic situation in an environment of the vehicle 200 out 2 , Shown is a traffic situation 300 with a street 310 , a stop line 320 , a traffic light system or traffic light 330 , Light signals 342 . 344 and 346 the vehicle 200 as well as a foreign vehicle 350 , The street 310 indicates the stop line 320 on. The stop line 320 is in the area of traffic lights 330 arranged. The traffic light 330 is on the edge of the road 310 arranged. The traffic light 330 indicates the light signals 342 . 344 and 346 on. A first light signal 342 This represents a driving ban or red light signal, a second light signal 344 a caution signal or orange light signal and a third light signal 346 a driving license or a green light signal. The foreign vehicle 350 is between the stop line 320 and the vehicle 200 arranged. The vehicle 200 and the foreign vehicle 350 are in the same directional lane of the road 310 ,

With reference to the 1 to 3 In the following exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in other words, briefly explained in summary.

According to one embodiment, the adjustment device or device 210 be formed to generate a setting information that a change from an inactive to a active operating state of the drive device 250 represents when the condition data satisfy a setting condition for the inactive operating condition and the environment data representing a movement of at least one other vehicle in an environment of the vehicle which is defined as triggerable as the active operating condition. This may be the case, for example, if the condition data indicates that the vehicle is 200 or own vehicle is in a stop mode or inactive operating state, the clutch of the vehicle 200 has been entered by a driver and / or the steering wheel is stationary by the driver, as well as if the environmental data indicate that, for example, in the direction of travel in front of the vehicle 200 third party vehicle 350 starts up. Thus, the drive device 250 be put into the active operating state even if the state data speak for an inactive operating state, but meet the environment data requirements for an active operating state. This can be relevant, for example, if the driver of the vehicle 200 is deflected and / or in particular a transition from the first light signal 342 to the third light signal 346 can not follow.

According to a further embodiment, the device 210 be formed to generate a setting information, which remains in an active operating state of the drive device 250 represents, when the state data meet a setting condition for the inactive operating state and the environment data at least one defined as the active operating state triggerable light signal 342 . 344 . 346 in the environment of the vehicle 200 represent. This can be the case, for example, if the environmental data indicate that the traffic lights 330 from the first light signal 342 to the second light signal 344 switches, so meet conditions for an active operating state, the state data meet a condition for the inactive operating state or the automatic stop, for example, represent a depressed clutch pedal. Thus, an unnecessary change to the inactive operating state, which would have to be left after a short period of time, can be avoided.

• 1. Fahrzeug 200 steht.
• 2. Motor bzw. Antriebseinrichtung 250 läuft.
• 3. Fahrzeug 200 ist ausgekuppelt.
• 4. Elektronische Verbraucher, beispielsweise Klimaanlage, haben keinen zu hohen Energiebedarf.
• 5. Synchron zu Bedingungen 1. bis 3.: Analyse und Interpretation der Gesamtverkehrssituation auf Basis der Umfelddaten bzw. von Umfeldsensor-, Innenraumsensor- und telematischen Daten.
• 6. Gesamtverkehrssituation erlaubt einen Stopp-Zyklus von einer Zeitdauer von mehr als „Schwellenzeit Stopp“.
• 7. Bedingungen 1. bis 4. und 6. erfüllt: Stopp-Automatik aktivieren.
• 8. Bedingungen 1. bis 4 und 6. nicht erfüllt: Stopp-Automatik nicht aktivieren.

Setting conditions for an automatic stop according to embodiments of the present invention may include the following examples, but other, more or less conditions are possible:

• 1st vehicle 200 stands.
• 2. Motor or drive device 250 running.
• 3rd vehicle 200 is disengaged.
• 4. Electronic consumers, such as air conditioning, do not have too high energy requirements.
• 5. Synchronous to conditions 1 to 3 .: Analysis and interpretation of the overall traffic situation on the basis of environmental data or environment sensor, indoor sensor and telematic data.
• 6. Overall traffic situation allows a stop cycle of more than "Stop Threshold".
• 7. Conditions 1. to 4. and 6. fulfilled: Activate automatic stop.
• 8. Conditions 1 to 4 and 6 not fulfilled: Do not activate the automatic stop function.

• 9. Fahrzeug 200 steht.
• 10. Motor bzw. Antriebseinrichtung 250 läuft nicht.
• 11. Fahrzeug 200 ist ausgekuppelt.
• 12. Synchron zu Bedingungen 8. bis 9.: Analyse und Interpretation der Gesamtverkehrssituation auf Basis der Umfelddaten bzw. von Umfeldsensor-, Innenraumsensor- und telematischen Daten.
• 13. Gesamtverkehrssituation spricht für einen Start-Zyklus innerhalb einer Zeitdauer „Schwellenzeit Start“, z. B. Verkehrsampel 330 schaltet von rot 342 auf gelb 344 und Vordermann bzw. Fremdfahrzeug 350 fährt an.
• 14. Fahrer des Fahrzeugs 200 ist präsent.
• 15. Fahrer tritt Kupplung oder bewegt das Lenkrad.
• 16. Bedingung 9. nicht erfüllt, Bedingungen 10. und 11. erfüllt: Start-Automatik aktivieren.
• 17. Bedingungen 9., 10., 11. und 13. und 14. und/oder 15. erfüllt: Start-Automatik aktivieren.
• 18. Bedingungen 10. oder 11 oder 13. und 14. und/oder 15 nicht erfüllt: Start-Automatik nicht aktivieren.

Setting conditions for an automatic start according to embodiments of the present invention may include the following examples, but other, more or less conditions are possible:

• 9. Vehicle 200 stands.
• 10. Motor or drive device 250 not running.
• 11. Vehicle 200 is disengaged.
• 12. Synchronous to conditions 8th to 9th: Analysis and interpretation of the overall traffic situation on the basis of environmental data or environment sensor, interior sensor and telematic data.
• 13. Overall traffic situation speaks in favor of a start cycle within a period of time "threshold time start", z. B. traffic lights 330 turns red 342 on yellow 344 and foreman or foreign vehicle 350 starts.
• 14. Driver of the vehicle 200 is present.
• 15. Driver enters clutch or moves the steering wheel.
• 16. Condition 9. not fulfilled, conditions 10 and 11 fulfilled: Activate automatic start.
• 17. Conditions 9th, 10th, 11th and 13th and 14th and / or 15th fulfilled: Activate automatic start.
• 18. Conditions 10. or 11 or 13. and 14. and / or 15 not fulfilled: Do not activate automatic start.

The embodiments described and shown in the figures are chosen only by way of example. Different embodiments may be combined together or in relation to individual features. Also, an embodiment can be supplemented by features of another embodiment.

Furthermore, the method steps presented here can be repeated as well as executed in a sequence other than that described.

If an exemplary embodiment comprises a "and / or" link between a first feature and a second feature, then this is to be read so that the embodiment according to one embodiment, both the first feature and the second feature and according to another embodiment either only first feature or only the second feature.

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 102013200683 A1 [0002]

Claims (10)

Procedure ( 100 ) for setting an operating state of a drive device ( 250 ) of a vehicle ( 200 ), the process ( 100 ) comprises the following steps: evaluating ( 110 ) of vehicle condition data ( 200 ) and environmental data that is a traffic situation ( 300 ) in an environment of the vehicle ( 200 ), wherein setting information is generated when at least one setting condition for an operating state of the drive device (FIG. 250 ) is satisfied; and generating ( 120 ) a control signal for setting an operating state of the drive device ( 250 ) depending on the setting information. Procedure ( 100 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that in step ( 110 ) evaluating environment data that is a movement of at least one other vehicle ( 350 ) in an environment of the vehicle ( 200 ), at least the presence and / or the nature of a traffic sign in an environment of the vehicle ( 200 ) and / or at least one light signal ( 330 . 342 . 344 . 346 ) in an environment of the vehicle ( 200 ). Procedure ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in step ( 110 ) evaluating status data that is a movement of the vehicle ( 200 ), a present operating state of the drive device ( 250 ), a clutch state of the vehicle ( 200 ), a steering wheel position and / or steering wheel movement of a steering wheel of the vehicle ( 200 ) and / or a condition of a driver of the vehicle ( 200 ). Procedure ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in step ( 110 ) of the evaluation, a setting information is generated which remains in an operating state and / or a change to another operating state of the drive device ( 250 ) when the condition data and the environment data satisfy the at least one setting condition. Procedure ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in step ( 110 ) of the evaluation, a setting information is generated which indicates a change from an inactive to an active operating state of the drive device ( 250 ), when the condition data satisfies a setting condition for the inactive operating condition, and the environment data satisfies a movement of at least one other vehicle defined as the active operating condition (FIG. 350 ) in an environment of the vehicle ( 200 ). Procedure ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in step ( 110 ) of the evaluation, a setting information is generated, the whereabouts of the drive device ( 250 ) in an active operating state, when the state data satisfy a setting condition for the inactive operating state and the environment data at least one as the active operating state triggerable defined light signal ( 330 . 342 . 344 . 346 ) in an environment of the vehicle ( 200 ). Procedure ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in step ( 110 ) of the evaluation, the setting information in dependence on a duration of a whereabouts of the drive device ( 250 ) is generated in an operating state. Contraption ( 210 ), which is designed to handle all the steps of a process ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims. Computer program adapted to perform all steps of a procedure ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7. Machine-readable storage medium with a computer program stored thereon according to claim 9.

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