DE102019200118A1 - Method for operating a motor vehicle to protect an operating unit of a charging cable - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for operating a motor vehicle (1) comprising at least one energy store (2) to be charged via a charging cable (4) to be connected to an external power source (3) and an operating unit (7), as well as several cameras (13) capturing the vehicle surroundings, one of which Processing device (15) assigned to cameras (13) evaluates the camera data in order to determine whether the operating unit (7) is in the possible travel path of the motor vehicle (1), the driving operation of the motor vehicle (1) being controlled as a function of the determination result and / or warning information is output to the driver.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle comprising at least one energy store to be charged via a charging cable to be connected to an external power source and an operating unit, and one or more cameras capturing the vehicle surroundings.

Modern motor vehicles are increasingly being designed as partially electric or fully electric vehicles and comprise one or more appropriately dimensioned energy stores which are to be charged from time to time. A charging cable is used for this purpose, which is usually carried in the vehicle and which is to be connected on the one hand to a charging socket on the vehicle and on the other hand to a charging socket on an external power source or charging station. The charging cable includes an operating unit that enables the user to control the charging process. This control unit is arranged or integrated in the form of a housing on the cable. This housing is designed to be very solid and stable, since it often lies on the floor during charging and it must be ensured that the housing is not damaged even if the motor vehicle rolls over unintentionally. Such a rollover is conceivable, for example, when driving into or out of a garage and, due to an earlier charging process via a charging station provided in the garage, the charging cable with the control unit is still on the ground and has not been cleaned up so that it can be rolled over .

Out DE 10 2016 111 094 A1 is known a charging station with a charging cable firmly connected to it, which is to be connected to the motor vehicle for charging a motor vehicle. In order to ensure that the user properly clears the charging cable after the charging process and attaches it to a charging cable holder provided at the charging station with at least one loop, the charging station is provided with a monitoring device which serves to monitor the position of the charging cable at the charging station, and which in particular monitors whether the charging cable is placed in at least one loop around the charging cable holder. If this is not the case, the user receives appropriate information.

The invention is based on the problem of specifying a method which can prevent the charging cable or the control unit from being inadvertently driven over, so that the control unit can be carried out more simply and, in particular, less stably.

To solve this problem, in a method of the type mentioned at the outset, it is provided according to the invention that a processing device assigned to the camera or cameras evaluates the camera data in order to determine whether the control unit is in the possible travel path of the motor vehicle, the driving operation of the motor vehicle depending on the Determination result is controlled and / or warning information is output to the driver.

Modern motor vehicles generally have a plurality of cameras capturing the vehicle surroundings, usually at least four cameras, so that a 360 ° environment detection is possible. The invention now makes use of the fact that a corresponding environment detection is possible with these cameras and provides for the processing device to be designed in such a way that it is able to determine within the recorded camera images whether the operating unit is in the camera images and if so yes, whether this is in a possible route of the motor vehicle. If no control unit is determined, there is no danger of being run over. However, if an operating unit is identified in the camera images and is in a precarious position in which it is fundamentally possible to drive over it, the system reacts by actively controlling future driving operations should the vehicle start moving or already be in motion to prevent the actual crossing. In addition or as an alternative, there is the possibility of giving the driver warning information which informs him of the potential overrun so that the driver can react immediately. In the first-mentioned case, there is therefore an automatic driving operation intervention to avoid overriding the operating unit, in the second case, driver information and corresponding driver-side information is provided.

Due to the fact that the camera monitoring can ensure whether a potential overrun is possible and this potential overrun can be excluded by the procedure according to the invention, on the one hand the control unit is protected, on the other hand it can also be simpler and in particular less stable with respect to the housing or the Construction.

As described, according to an alternative of the invention, an active control intervention in the future or current driving operation is possible to avoid a crossing. In the case of a motor vehicle which is not yet moving, the start of driving operation can in principle be blocked. Such a situation is conceivable if the plug on the vehicle was pulled out after a charging process in the garage, but the charging cable was not tidied up but was lying on the ground and could be rolled over. The control unit is located In other words, in the potential route, that is to say in an area that can basically be approached by the vehicle, the vehicle that is not yet moving cannot start driving in accordance with this embodiment of the invention, so that the vehicle cannot be driven over. The driver can be informed of this fact, for example, with warning information output on a display, so that he can react accordingly and, for example, can move the control unit to a different position or the like if he wants to. Basically, however, start-up mode is excluded due to the blocking according to the invention, so that there is no danger to the operating unit.

In the case of a motor vehicle that is already moving, e.g. drives into or out of a garage, the motor vehicle can be automatically braked and stopped according to the invention or an automatic steering intervention can take place. In this case, the motor vehicle is in motion for whatever reason, although possibly extremely slowly. If the processing device now detects an operating unit located in the possible route, according to this embodiment the vehicle is automatically braked and stopped before it is run over, which is easily possible after the processing device also uses the camera data to exactly determine the relative position of the operating unit Motor vehicle can determine. As an alternative or in addition, an automatic steering intervention is also conceivable in order to drive around the operating unit, that is to say to guide the vehicle in an automated manner. So there is an active vehicle intervention to prevent the crossing.

For image analysis, the processing device has a corresponding analysis algorithm which is capable of detecting the operating unit, which for example has a corresponding specific geometry. When the control unit is detected and the fact that an intervention or a warning signal is required, the processing device communicates with a corresponding control device of the respectively assigned system in order to either carry out the driving intervention or to issue the warning.

In order to make the detection of the control unit as simple as possible, a charging cable with an control unit having one or more optically detectable markings is preferably used, the processing device being designed to detect the one or more markings. To facilitate detection, the operating unit therefore has specific markings which it identifies as such, these markings also being able to be applied in such a way that they also indicate the spatial position and operating unit size when they are analyzed in the camera image. The processing device is now configured accordingly to detect these markings, which means that the corresponding analysis algorithm is designed accordingly.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, a charging cable is used with an operating unit that has one or more luminous markings. These luminous markings also enable the control unit to be reliably determined in the dark, since they can be detected via the processing device or the analysis algorithm.

The markings can be of any geometry, for example as lines, as circles, as semicircles or as arcs, as triangles or as polygons, a free form is also conceivable. The analysis algorithm is calibrated accordingly so that the markings can also be clearly identified, so that the operating unit can be reliably detected.

If warning information is output, it is used to provide the driver or any other person with immediate information. Acoustic information can be output as warning information, for example via the infotainment system of the motor vehicle, which is controlled accordingly and outputs either a tone or a specific warning announcement. Additionally or alternatively, an optical information output is also conceivable, for example via a corresponding display in the motor vehicle, on which a warning pictogram or a warning text is displayed. This display can be provided either in the area of the center console or in the area of the instrument cluster. The output of haptic information is conceivable as a third alternative or additional information option. This can take place, for example, in the form of a steering wheel vibration or a seat vibration or the like. Of course, preferably several different types of information can be used simultaneously.

In addition to the method itself, the invention further relates to a motor vehicle, comprising at least one energy storage device to be charged via a charging cable to be connected to an external power source and an operating unit, and one or more cameras capturing the vehicle surroundings. The motor vehicle is characterized in that a processing device assigned to the camera or cameras is provided, which is designed to evaluate the camera data in order to determine whether the operating unit is in the possible travel path of the motor vehicle, the driving operation of the motor vehicle depending on the The result of the determination can be controlled and / or warning information can be output to the driver.

The potential route can be determined by the processing device or by another control device. This is based, for example, on position information, information about the steering angle, information relating to the direction of travel or the selected gear level, etc. Using this information, it is possible to define a potential movement field in which the vehicle can move or a specific, predicted one To determine the travel path in view of the given wheel position if, for example, the vehicle has already rolled slightly.

The driving operation can be controlled via the processing device or a separate control device in such a way that the start of the driving operation is blocked in a motor vehicle that is not yet driving. As an alternative, the motor vehicle can be automatically braked and stopped in the case of a motor vehicle that is already running, alternatively an automatic steering intervention can also take place.

One or preferably a plurality of optically detectable markings are provided on the operating unit, the processing device being designed to detect the one or more markings. Luminous markings are preferably used here, which are very well visible even in the dark. The or each marking can have the shape of a line, an arc, an oval, a circle, a triangle or polygon or a free form.

Acoustic, optical or haptic information can be output as warning information, for which purpose appropriate output means that are usually already installed on the vehicle side are used.

In addition to the motor vehicle, the invention further relates to a charging cable for a motor vehicle of the type described, with an operating unit with a housing on which one or more markings in the form of a line, in the form of an arc, an oval, a circle in the dark or permanently illuminated, a triangle or polygon or a free form are provided.

• 1 Eine Prinzipdarstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeug in einer Seitenansicht,
• 2 eine Draufsicht auf die Anordnung aus 1 und
• 3 eine vergrößerte Prinzipdarstellung eines Teils eines Ladekabels mit der Bedieneinheit.

Further advantages and details of the present invention result from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the drawings. Show:

• 1 A schematic representation of a motor vehicle according to the invention in a side view,
• 2nd a plan view of the arrangement 1 and
• 3rd an enlarged schematic diagram of part of a charging cable with the control unit.

1 shows a motor vehicle according to the invention 1 , with one or more energy stores 2nd using an external power source, e.g. located in a garage 3rd with the help of a detachably connectable charging cable 4th can be loaded. The car 1 can drive partially or fully electrically.

The charging cable 4th is via a first connector 5 at the power source 3rd , i.e. the charging station, can be connected with a second connector 6 (please refer 2nd ) the connection to the motor vehicle is possible, this connector 6 is not stuck here. The charging cable 4th has an operating unit 7 , which is used to control or operate the charging process. The control unit 7 which in an enlarged view in 3rd is shown has a housing 8th , on the top of a corresponding display device 9 and possibly as a touchscreen 10th executed controls are provided. The control unit also points 7 in the example shown, two arch-shaped or hoof-shaped markings 11 , 12th on, which in the example shown are illuminated markings, which therefore light up themselves and can therefore also be recognized at night.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the charging cable is 4th only with the plug 5 at the power source 3rd , but not with the plug 6 plugged into the vehicle, the control unit 7 lies on the ground and in a position (see Fig. 2) that when the motor vehicle according to the arrow shown in dashed lines P1 eg driving backwards into the garage from the motor vehicle 1 would be overrun.

The car 1 has several cameras in the example shown 13 , in the present case a total of four cameras which are provided on the front of the vehicle, the rear of the vehicle and the two sides of the vehicle and which are used to record the surroundings of the vehicle, so that these cameras can be used to record a 360 ° view, for example on a display 14 can be represented.

A processing device provided according to the invention 15 that processes the camera images is designed to determine whether there is an operating unit in the camera images 7 and if so where it is positioned. It is important to find out whether the control unit 7 is in a position in which it is from the motor vehicle 1 can be overrun if this approaches when entering. This is in the processing facility 15 a corresponding analysis algorithm is stored, which is able to display the operating unit in the camera images 7 to investigate. In particular, the algorithm is designed in such a way that it is able to carry out the specific markings 11 , 12th to capture that specific to the control unit 7 are so that they are clearly identified and that can also be determined at night.

In addition, the processing facility 15 able to define where specifically the control device 7 lies on the ground. It is therefore able to use the analyzed camera images to determine where the control unit is 7 relative to the vehicle and thus also to a potential route that the motor vehicle 1 could travel lies. In the example shown, the control unit is located as described 7 in the potential driveway, as indicated by the arrow P1 is shown. This is on the part of the processing facility 15 determined exactly.

The potential route is also, for example, via the processing device 15 or determined via another control device, for example on the basis of the steering angle of the steerable front wheels 20 , a possibly inserted gear level and the like. In this way, either a specific potential route is ascertained, or a driving space within which the motor vehicle is located 1 can move easily, determined to then decide whether a potential hazard to the control unit 7 is given or not.

In the event that it is determined that the control unit 7 is potentially endangered and is located in a potential driveway or the driving area, various other scenarios are conceivable.

In the event that the motor vehicle 1 stands, as in most cases, can be via a control device 16 , which is used to control the driving operation, for example basically the driving operation is blocked, so that in this case the motor vehicle 1 can't even start as long as the control unit 7 is not cleaned up. This case is conceivable if after a previous charging the connector 6 the charging cable 4th but was not cleaned up and consequently the control unit 7 located in the driveway.

In the event that the vehicle 1 is in motion, as in the assumed case of entering a garage, can possibly be via a further control device 17th that like the control device 16 with the processing device 15 communicated, an active braking operation take place, for example by actuating the rear brakes or all brakes so that the vehicle comes to a standstill, or the like. Alternatively, there would be an active steering intervention by steering the front wheels 20 conceivable to the control unit 7 to dodge.

In any case, there is an active intervention in the driving mode, which is either completely blocked and not possible at all, or which is intervened in such a way that the moving motor vehicle 1 in any case it is definitely braked to a standstill, thus preventing the vehicle from being run over, hence the control unit 7 is protected, which can therefore be interpreted less stable from the housing.

Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable to output warning information. This can be done, for example, in optical form on the display 14 take place where a corresponding warning text is reproduced or the like. Alternatively, you can also use a speaker system 18th an acoustic message in the form of a warning tone or a warning announcement, as well as via vibration sensors 19th a haptic signal can be output on the steering wheel or driver's seat. This various warning information is used to warn the driver or another person about the potential danger, so that the driver can intervene actively and either be informed via the control unit located in the guideway in order to clear it to the side if necessary, or the vehicle that is about to approach immediately to brake or the like.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included 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.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102016111094 A1 [0003]

Claims (14)

A method of operating a motor vehicle (1) comprising at least one to be connected via an external to a power source (3) charging cable (4) with a control unit (7) to be loaded energy store (2) and one or more the vehicle's environment detected cameras (13), characterized characterized in that a processing device (15) assigned to the camera (s) (13) evaluates the camera data in order to determine whether the operating unit (7) is in the possible travel path of the motor vehicle (1), the driving operation of the motor vehicle (1) depending the determination result is controlled and / or warning information is output to the driver. Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the start of driving operation is blocked in a motor vehicle (1) which is not yet in motion. Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the motor vehicle (1) is automatically braked and stopped or an automatic steering intervention takes place in a motor vehicle (1) already in motion. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a charging cable (4) with an operating unit (7) having one or more optically detectable markings (11, 12) is used, the processing device (15) for detecting the one or more markings (11, 12) is formed. Procedure according to Claim 4 , characterized in that a charging cable (4) with an operating unit (7) with one or more luminous markings (11, 12) is used. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that acoustic, optical and / or haptic information is output as warning information. Motor vehicle, comprising at least one energy store (2) to be charged via a charging cable (4) to be connected to an external power source (3) and an operating unit (7), and one or more cameras (13) recording the vehicle surroundings, characterized in that one of the or Processing device (15) assigned to the cameras (13) is provided, which is designed to evaluate the camera data in order to determine whether the control unit (7) is in the possible travel path of the motor vehicle (1), the driving operation of the motor vehicle (1) is controllable depending on the result of the determination and / or warning information can be output to the driver. Motor vehicle after Claim 7 , characterized in that the driving operation can be controlled via the processing device (15) or a separate control device (16, 17) in such a way that the start of driving operation is blocked for a motor vehicle (1) which is not yet driving. Motor vehicle after Claim 7 , characterized in that the driving operation can be controlled via the processing device (15) or a separate control device (16, 17) in such a way that the motor vehicle (1) is automatically braked and stopped or an automatic steering intervention takes place when a motor vehicle (1) is already driving . Motor vehicle according to one of the Claims 7 to 9 , characterized in that one or more optically detectable markings (11, 12) are provided on the operating unit (7), the processing device (15) being designed to detect the one or more markings (11, 12). Motor vehicle after Claim 10 , characterized in that one or more luminous markings (11, 12) are provided on the operating unit (7). Motor vehicle after Claim 10 or 11 , characterized in that the or each marking (11, 12) has the shape of a line, an arc, an oval, a circle, a triangle or polygon or a free form. Motor vehicle according to one of the Claims 7 to 12th , characterized in that acoustic, optical and / or haptic information can be output as warning information. Charging cable for a motor vehicle according to one of the Claims 7 to 13 , with an operating unit (7) with a housing (8) on which one or more markings (11, 12) in the form of a line, an arc, an oval, a circle, a triangle or polygon or which are permanently illuminated in the dark or a free form are provided.

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