DE102014212118A1 - Information arrangement for a vehicle and vehicle with the information arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

In vehicles, the driver is presented a variety of information about the vehicle. So it is customary operating information, such. Example, a current speed or speed of the engine, an activation of a turn signal etc. represent. It is an object of the invention to further improve the information offered to vehicle occupants in a vehicle. For this purpose, an information arrangement 2 for a vehicle 1 with an interface device 7 for taking over a state information of the vehicle 1, with a processing module 11 for determining a current operating state from the state information, and with a display device 12 for displaying the current operating state, proposed current operating state is formed as the operating state of a thermal management module 3 for controlling the flow of coolant in the vehicle 1.

Description

The invention relates to an information arrangement for a vehicle having an interface device for taking over a state information of the vehicle, having a processing module for determining a current operating state from the state information and having a display device for displaying the current operating state. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with the information arrangement.

In vehicles, the driver is presented a variety of information about the vehicle. So it is customary operating information, such. Example, a current speed or speed of the engine, an activation of a turn signal etc. represent. In addition, there are a variety of possible warning information that are presented to the driver, such. As oil pressure drop, general malfunction indications, activation of ABS, etc. The representation of the information for the driver is used so that the driver can adapt his driving behavior to the current state of the vehicle.

For example, the document relates DE 10 2005 058 976 A1 , which is probably the closest prior art, a general display device for a vehicle on the parameters such as current speed, tank contents, etc. can be displayed.

It is an object of the invention to further improve the information offered to vehicle occupants in a vehicle. This object is achieved by an information arrangement having the features of claim 1 and by a vehicle having the information arrangement having the features of claim 10. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the following description and the accompanying drawings.

In the context of the invention, an information arrangement is proposed, which is designed for a vehicle. The vehicle is, for example, a passenger car, but may alternatively be a truck, a bus or the like.

The information arrangement comprises an interface device, which is designed to take over a state information of the vehicle. In the most general form, the interface device has an input for taking over the state information and an output for passing on the state information or information that may be further processed based on the state information. Particularly preferably, the interface device is designed as an electronic device. Alternatively, the interface device as a software module z. B. be realized in the vehicle control. The vehicle control may be a partial control or a main control.

The information arrangement has a processing module, which is designed to determine a current operating state from the state information. In particular, the processing module interprets the state information to obtain the current operating state. In this case, the processing module z. B. on a database or list to derive from the state information the current operating state. It is possible that the processing module relies solely on the state information to determine the current operating state. Alternatively, it is also possible for the processing module to receive further information or further status information from the vehicle and to determine the current operating state from the entirety of the information. Preferably, the processing module is designed as a software module. Depending on the embodiment of the invention, the software module can be embodied in the interface device, in the vehicle controller or, as will be shown later, in a vehicle-integrated display device or in a mobile terminal.

Furthermore, the information arrangement comprises a display device, which is designed to display the current operating state. The display device is positioned or positionable so that the vehicle occupant can read the display device. It can be provided that the display device is arranged so that only or significantly the driver can look at the display device. Alternatively, the display device is also or significantly accessible to the vehicle occupants. The display device is designed in particular as a screen.

In the context of the invention it is proposed that the current operating state is designed as the operating state of a thermal management module. The thermal management module includes an actuator for controlling the flow of coolant in the vehicle. In particular, the thermal management module comprises at least one valve, preferably a plurality of valves, wherein the thermal management module can change the line course of the coolant flow in the vehicle by switching the valves. Such a thermal management module, for example, in the publications DE 10 335 831 A1 or DE 10 2009 020 187 B4 described. Thus, it is proposed that via the display device, the current operating state of the thermal management module and thus at least partially the current line course of the coolant flow is shown in the vehicle.

The advantage of the invention is that the driver or the vehicle occupants the current operating state of the thermal management module and thus a current operating state of the vehicle u. a. with regard to the operating temperature distribution. As a result, for example, in certain operating states of the thermal management module, which indicate that the engine is still cold, the driver can respond to the display of the current operating state by a cautious driving style. Furthermore, the driver or the vehicle occupants get a feedback by the displayed operating state, when to expect a higher heating power for the interior of the vehicle. After building experience with the driver, he will be aware of the current operating conditions of the thermal management module to be able to guide the vehicle so that the cold load of the vehicle, the heat supply to the interior, etc. are optimally matched. In addition to being able to actively adapt the driving behavior and the operating behavior of coolant-supported heating devices to the current operating state of the thermal management module, the knowledge of the current operating state gives the driver a certainty of knowing the state of the vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the current operating state is selected from at least two possible operating states. In this case, z. B. a first operating state, a cold operating state, wherein the coolant flow is deactivated by cooling channels of the engine or reduced to a zero volume flow or to a minimum in order to achieve a faster heating of the engine. Another possible operating state relates to an operating temperature state, wherein the volume flow through the cooling passages of the engine is increased to a normal volume flow. Further possible operating states relate to the activation and deactivation or reduction or increase of the volume flow of the coolant for a heat exchanger for the interior or the activation, deactivation, reduction or increase of the volume flow of the coolant for a transmission cooling, etc.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a visualization of the thermal management module with the current operating state is shown on the display device. For example, the thermal management module can be represented as a 3D model, wherein the current coolant flows are virtually drawn. Alternatively, a flow chart or flow chart of the thermal management module with icons for the valve or valves and the coolant flows can be shown on the display device. Such virtual representations can be quickly recognized by the vehicle occupants and thereby the information contained therein about the current operating state can be processed quickly.

In a preferred adaptation of the invention, the state information is designed as a rotational angle information, wherein the processing module is designed to create the current operating state from the rotational angle information.

This embodiment is adapted to a specific embodiment of the thermal management module, wherein the one or more valves of the thermal management module are actuated with a single actuator, wherein the rotation angle of the actuator or the associated transmission represents a complete state information for the operating state of the thermal management module. In this adaptation, the data size of the state information is particularly small and can also be particularly easily tapped.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the display device is formed vehicle-integrated. For example, the display device is integrated in the dashboard area of the driver. In this case, the display device can be assigned exclusively or exclusively to the information arrangement; alternatively, the display device can be designed as a multifunction display and display other contents. For example, the display device can be designed as an entertainment system in the vehicle, wherein the entertainment system can be switched to the display of the current operating state.

In a preferred alternative embodiment of the invention, the display device is embodied in a mobile terminal. Particularly preferably, the display device is implemented in a mobile phone or smartphone as the display of the mobile phone or smartphone. Optionally, the mobile terminal forms part of the information arrangement. This makes it possible to display the operating status of the thermal management module on the mobile device via an app. The mobile terminal is not localized in the vehicle and can thus be passed around by the vehicle occupants, so z. B. also vehicle occupants can look at the rear seats the display device. In addition to the pure information function, the type of presentation also arouses an increased interest in the vehicle occupants, so that the information perception of the current operating condition by the vehicle occupants is to be assessed as particularly safe and reliable.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transmission path of the state information and / or the operating state is formed wirelessly at least in sections. It can be provided that the transmission path is formed wirelessly from the interface device to the display device. However, it is also possible that the transmission path from a transmitter, which is arranged in the vehicle spaced from the interface device and communicates with this wired, is implemented wirelessly to the display device.

In a preferred and close-to-product embodiment of the invention, the interface device is designed for the wireless transmission of the state information and / or the operating state to the mobile terminal. It can be provided on the one hand that the processing module is arranged in the interface device, so that the current operating state is transmitted, or that the processing module in the mobile terminal is designed in particular as the app, so that the state information is transmitted. This embodiment has the advantage that only the interface device has to be installed in the vehicle and the information arrangement is ready for operation in the vehicle without further installation effort. The communication between the interface device may, for. B. via a Bluetooth connection, NFC connection or a Wi-Fi connection.

For a signal-technical implementation, it is preferred that the interface device is designed for coupling into the signal path between an output interface of the thermal management module and an input interface of the vehicle control. The state information is transmitted from the output interface of the thermal management module to the input interface of the vehicle controller. The transmission is preferably analog, in alternative embodiments, it is also possible that the state information is transmitted digitally and / or that the transmission via a bus protocol, such. B. a CAN bus protocol takes place.

It can be provided that the state information is looped through the interface device. Alternatively, it may be provided that the state information is tapped in parallel by the interface device. If appropriate, the interface device can also have a signal amplification section if the signal of the state information is too strongly attenuated by the coupling.

Another object of the invention relates to a vehicle with a thermal management module for controlling the flow of coolant in the vehicle, wherein the information arrangement, as previously described or according to one of the preceding claims, is arranged in the vehicle.

Further features, advantages and effects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and the accompanying figure. It shows

1 1 is a schematic block diagram of an information arrangement in a vehicle as an exemplary embodiment of the invention,

2 a schematic representation of a mobile terminal as a display device in the information arrangement.

The 1 shows a highly schematic block diagram of a vehicle 1 with an information arrangement 2 as an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 1 For example, it is designed as a passenger car which has an internal combustion engine with a cooling system. The cooling system is adapted to different sections of the vehicle 1 to supply with cooling water. A first possible section form the cooling channels in the internal combustion engine, a second possible section forms a heat exchanger section for an interior heating, a third possible section forms a transmission cooling, etc.

For controlling the flow of coolant, the vehicle has 1 a thermal management module 3 which comprises at least one valve or, in other embodiments, a plurality of valves, not shown, for controlling the flow of coolant. Through the valve or valves, different operating states of the thermal management module 3 be set so that z. B. in a cold start operation, the cooling of the engine is greatly reduced by the coolant, whereas in a normal operating condition, the coolant flow to the engine is increased again. In the same way, the other sections can be activated, deactivated or partially activated.

The vehicle 1 has a vehicle control 4 on which with the thermal management module for the transmission of control commands data technically z. B. via lines, especially bus lines coupled. The thermal management module 3 again has at least one output interface 5 on, the data technically with an input interface 6 the vehicle control 4 coupled, via the output interface 5 a state information about the current operating state of the thermal management module 3 to the vehicle control 4 is transmitted. The transmission of the state information takes place analogously in this example.

In the particular embodiment, the state information is a rotation angle of an actuator or a transmission of an actuator in the thermal management module 3 formed, depending on the angle of rotation, the one or more valves are controlled in the thermal management module, so that the rotation angle sufficient state information about the current operating state of the thermal management module 3 forms. Alternatively or additionally, however, further or other data may be used as status information from the thermal management module 3 to the vehicle control 4 be transmitted.

The information arrangement 2 includes an interface device 7 , which data-technically between the output interface 5 and the input interface 6 is switched. For example, the interface device 7 be serially coupled into the signal path, so that the state information through the interface device 7 is looped through. Alternatively, the interface device 7 be arranged parallel to the signal path, so that the state information is tapped. For example, the interface device 7 an adapter, for. B. in the form of a plug, which in the signal path between the output interface 5 and input interface 6 is plugged in and allows the coupling. The interface device 7 has a transmitter 8th for wireless transmission of the state information, so that the state information in the transmission range of the transmitter 8th is available wirelessly.

The information arrangement 2 includes a mobile terminal 9 which is designed in this example as a smartphone, alternatively, as a tablet, PDA, notebook, netbook, etc. may be implemented. The mobile device 9 has a receiver 10 which can receive the state information wirelessly. Furthermore, the mobile terminal has 9 a processing module 11 on, which is designed in particular as a software module, in particular as an app, and which is designed programmatically, based on the state information, the current operating state of the thermal management module 3 to determine. In this case, the processing module 11 For example, access an assignment list or a database, the state information is assigned to each operating conditions. Alternatively, the current operating state can be calculated from the state information.

The mobile device 9 has a display device 12 on, which as the already existing display of the mobile terminal 9 is trained. On the display 12 becomes the thermal management module 3 shown with the current operating state.

In the 2 the mobile terminal is exemplified, wherein on the display device 12 a 3D model 13 is displayed as a visualization of the thermal management module. In the 3D model are arrows 14 for visualizing the current operating state and in particular for visualizing the current coolant flows. Alternatively, on the display device 13 also a flow chart be presented to show the current operating state in a more technical-scientific representation.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the processing module 11 also for example in the interface device 7 or in a further control device (not shown), wherein, depending on the positioning of the processing module 11 along the transmission path of the information arrangement 2 the state information or already the specific, current operating state is transmitted. For example, is the processing module 11 in the interface device 7 integrated, is via the transmitter 8th the current operating state and optionally additionally transmit the state information.

With the illustrated information arrangement 2 the vehicle occupants, in particular the driver, have the option of being aware of the current operating state of the thermal management module 3 to inform. The driver can his current driving behavior or the setting of further parameters in the vehicle, such as. As the internal temperature, etc., on the current operating state of the thermal management module 3 tune and thereby improve ride comfort.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

vehicle

2

information arrangement

3

Thermal management module

4

vehicle control

5

Output interface of the thermal management module

6

Input interface of the vehicle control

7

Section setting device

8th

transmitter

9

mobile terminal

10

receiver

11

processing module

12

display

13

3D model of the thermal management module

14

Arrows for visualization of the coolant flow and / or the operating state

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 102005058976 A1 [0003]
• DE 10335831 A1 [0009]
• DE 102009020187 B4 [0009]

Claims (10)

Information arrangement ( 2 ) for a vehicle ( 1 ) with an interface device ( 7 ) for assuming status information of the vehicle ( 1 ), with a processing module ( 11 ) for determining a current operating state from the state information, with a display device ( 12 ) for displaying the current operating state, characterized in that the current operating state as the operating state of a thermal management module ( 3 ) for controlling the flow of coolant in the vehicle ( 1 ) is trained. Information arrangement ( 2 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the current operating state is selected from at least two possible operating states. Information arrangement ( 2 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that on the display device ( 12 ) a visualization ( 13 ) of the thermal management module ( 3 ) with the current operating state ( 14 ) is shown. Information arrangement ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the state information is formed as a rotational angle information, wherein the processing module ( 11 ) is configured to determine the current operating state of the rotation angle information. Information arrangement ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display device ( 11 ) is formed vehicle integrated. Information arrangement ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display device ( 11 ) is formed in a mobile terminal. Information arrangement ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission path of the state information and / or the operating state is at least partially wirelessly formed. Information arrangement ( 2 ) according to claim 5 or 7, characterized in that the interface device ( 7 ) a transmitter ( 8th ) for the wireless transmission of the state information and / or the operating state to the mobile terminal ( 9 ) or is connected to this data technology. Information arrangement ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface device ( 7 ) for coupling into the signal path between an output interface ( 5 ) of the thermal management module ( 3 ) and an input interface ( 6 ) of the vehicle control ( 4 ) is trained. Vehicle ( 1 ) with a thermal management module ( 3 ) for controlling the flow of coolant in the vehicle ( 1 ), characterized by the information arrangement ( 2 ) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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