DE202014009054U1 - Device for warning a driver of a motor vehicle, computer program product - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for warning a driver of a motor vehicle (2), with an engine control (26) for acting on an engine (6) of the motor vehicle (2) with an engine torque on at least one drive wheel (8, 10), a brake control (24) for acting on a A brake of the motor vehicle (2) having a braking torque and a control (28) which is coupled to the engine control (26) and the brake control (24), wherein the controller (28) is adapted to warn the driver of the engine control (26 ) to cause or increase an engine torque on the drive wheel (8, 10) and to cause the brake control (24) to generate a brake torque.

Description

Hereinafter, a device for warning a driver of a motor vehicle and a computer program product will be described. The device serves to direct a driver's attention to a circumstance requiring intervention or interaction of the driver.

Devices of the type mentioned are known in the art. Many of the known devices which are intended to warn a driver work with optical and / or acoustic means. Such known devices can emit warning tones, flashing or other light signals, for example. However, such signals are not perceived by the drivers in all circumstances. For example, the driver of the motor vehicle has to look in the corresponding direction with an optical signal in order to be able to detect the signal. Acoustic signals may go down depending on the ambient noise.

Haptic methods are also disclosed in the prior art. That's how it describes DE 10 2005 044 455 A1 a method for warning a driver of a motor vehicle, which is equipped with a distance-related cruise control system, wherein the motor vehicle during the distance-related cruise control by means of a distance-related cruise control system induced braking torque is held at a standstill and leaving the motor vehicle or a leaving intention of the driver to leave the Motor vehicle is recognizable. According to the disclosure, in the case of a recognition of the leaving or the intention of the driver to leave, the initiated braking torque is changed or modulated in such a way that the motor vehicle experiences a movement perceptible to the driver. The movement of the motor vehicle does not necessarily have to lead to a significant change in position of the motor vehicle. Only a rocking motion of the body should be noticeable.

Thus, the object is to provide a device for warning a driver of a motor vehicle, which can generate a reliable warning to a driver of the motor vehicle.

The object is achieved by a device according to claim 1 and by a computer program product according to the independent claim 10. Further embodiments of the device and the computer program product are the subject of the dependent claims.

Hereinafter, a device for warning a driver of a motor vehicle is described, which can generate a haptic warning. The device has an engine control for acting on an engine of the motor vehicle with an engine torque on at least one drive wheel. Such an engine torque causes a rotation of the drive wheel and thus an acceleration of the motor vehicle.

Furthermore, a brake control is provided, which serves to act on a brake of the motor vehicle with a braking torque. By such a braking torque, the motor vehicle can be braked or kept in a standstill.

Furthermore, a controller is provided, which is coupled to the engine control and the brake control. Through the coupling, the controller can influence the engine control and the brake control and thus bring about a change of engine control and brake control.

The controller is configured to cause the driver to warn the driver, the engine control to generate or increase an engine torque on the at least one drive wheel and to cause the brake control to generate a braking torque. In this way, a pitching of the motor vehicle can be effected when drive torque and braking torque are synchronized accordingly. The pitch is perceivable by the driver regardless of his line of sight and regardless of the ambient volume. Such a pitching motion generated and the associated acceleration of the driver's body, due to the fact that it is perceptible with several senses and comes as a surprise, causes a very quick attention focusing, so that the driver recognizes the warning very quickly as such.

A first further embodiment provides that the controller has a timer. The controller is set up to start the timer in connection with the generation of the engine torque and to address the brake control depending on the state of the timer. For example, the timer may be started when the controller issues a command to the engine controller to generate or increase the engine torque on the at least one drive wheel.

Furthermore, it is possible to start the timer with an actual increase or generation of engine torque at the drive wheel. The state of the timer may be, for example, a timer expiration or a certain time interval. The timer can be configured both as a countdown timer and as a normal, enumerating timer. By means of such a timer engine torque and braking torque can be coordinated in time are, for example, and the braking torque generated shortly after generating the engine torque, so that the motor vehicle is first accelerated briefly and then braked again. The required driving space is minimal, the vehicle does not need this or only very slightly to move. With the help of the timer, an intense, controlled jerking can be generated.

A further possible embodiment provides that the controller is set up to cause the engine control to generate an engine torque on the at least one drive wheel as a warning, while a braking torque is applied. In particular, braking torque and drive torque may be applied to different wheels, in particular to different axes. In particular, the braking torque may be higher than the drive torque. As a result, a corresponding rocking or jerking can be generated in the state. This rocking or jerking can also be generated when the motor vehicle is already secured with the brake against rolling away. Such a roll-off protection can be generated by a corresponding system, for example, a roll-back protection or a Berganfahrautomatik.

According to a further aspect of the apparatus, a transmission controller connected to the controller may be provided, the controller configured to cause the transmission controller to engage a suitable transmission stage. Such a transmission control can be specified in particular in automated transmissions and it can be ensured in the context of this embodiment that a suitable gear for generating the engine torque is inserted.

According to another embodiment, the controller may cooperate with an adaptive cruise control system in order to generate a corresponding haptic warning by the adaptive cruise control system.

Another aspect of the device described here provides that a speed measuring device is provided, which is coupled to the controller, wherein the controller is adapted to not perform an increase in the engine torque at the at least one drive wheel in a moving motor vehicle. In a moving motor vehicle jerking can be generated by a braking torque is generated. An additional engine torque is then not required.

According to a further aspect of the device can be provided that the brake control acts on a parking brake of the motor vehicle. Parking brakes are electrically operated in many motor vehicles, so that a provision of additional actuators can be avoided in these cases. In addition, the majority of all passenger vehicles worldwide are front-driven, whereas the majority of all parking brakes act on the rear axle. In this way, both an engine torque and a braking torque can be introduced simultaneously or in a short sequence, whereby an effective oscillation of the body of the motor vehicle can be generated.

Another possible embodiment of the device may provide that control, brake control, engine control and / or transmission control are combined in a control module. Then you can do without separate controls.

According to a further aspect of the present device, at least one environmental sensor is provided, which is connected to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to perform a classification of the situation upon detection of an object with the environmental sensor and responsive to the classification engine control and brake control. The classification of the situation can also be made by a separate arithmetic unit. By coupling the device to an environmental sensor, corresponding warning signals can also be generated by possibly emerging and detected by the environmental sensor hazard object caused. In this way, a possibly necessary manual intervention by the driver in a dangerous situation can be accelerated.

Another aspect of the apparatus may provide that the controller is connected to a wheel speed sensor. Then, by means of the wheel speed sensor, the correct moment for generating a brake pressure can be determined, namely, when the wheel rotates sufficiently fast. The wheel speed sensor can also be used to detect the speed of the motor vehicle.

A first independent subject matter relates to a computer program product having a computer-readable storage medium embedded with instructions that, when executed by a controller according to the apparatus described above, cause the controller to be configured to provide motor control to alert a driver of a motor vehicle for causing or increasing an engine torque on at least one drive wheel and to cause a brake control to generate a brake torque. In this way, with the help of the computer program product an effective warning by Cooperation of driving and braking torques of the motor vehicle are generated.

A further aspect of the computer program product is that the controller is adapted to cause a transmission controller to engage an appropriate gear stage.

• a. Verfahren zur Warnung eines Fahrers eines Kraftfahrzeuges, wobei ein Motormoment an einem Antriebsrad erzeugt oder erhöht wird und ein Bremsmoment erzeugt wird.
• b. Verfahren nach Aspekt a), wobei ein Timer im Zusammenhang mit der Erzeugung des Motormoments gestartet und das Bremsmoment abhängig vom Zustand des Timers erzeugt wird.
• c. Verfahren nach Aspekt a), wobei ein Motormoment an dem Antriebsrad erzeugt oder erhöht wird, während ein Bremsmoment anliegt.
• d. Verfahren nach einem der vorangegangenen Aspekte, wobei eine Getriebesteuerung vorgesehen ist, die mit der Steuerung verbunden ist, wobei die Steuerung dazu eingerichtet ist, die Getriebesteuerung dazu zu veranlassen, eine geeignete Getriebestufe einzulegen.
• e. Verfahren nach einem der vorangegangenen Aspekte, wobei bei einem sich bewegenden Kraftfahrzeug eine Erhöhung eines Motormoments an dem Antriebsrad nicht durchgeführt wird.
• f. Verfahren nach einem der vorangegangenen Aspekte, wobei das Bremsmoment durch eine Parkbremse des Kraftfahrzeuges erzeugt wird.
• g. Verfahren nach einem der vorangegangenen Aspekte, wobei sich das Kraftfahrzeug in einem automatischen Haltemodus befindet.
• h. Verfahren nach einem der vorangegangenen Aspekte, wobei mit wenigstens einem Umgebungssensor ein Objekt erfasst wird, die hieraus sich ergebende Situation eingestuft wird und in Abhängigkeit von der Einstufung das zuvor beschriebene Verfahren durchgeführt wird.

Another further aspect described here concerns the following aspects:

• a. A method of warning a driver of a motor vehicle, wherein an engine torque is generated or increased on a drive wheel and a braking torque is generated.
• b. Method according to aspect a), wherein a timer is started in connection with the generation of the engine torque and the braking torque is generated depending on the state of the timer.
• c. Method according to aspect a), wherein an engine torque is generated or increased on the drive wheel, while a braking torque is applied.
• d. Method according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein a transmission control is provided, which is connected to the controller, wherein the controller is adapted to cause the transmission control to engage an appropriate transmission stage.
• e. Method according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein in a moving motor vehicle, an increase of an engine torque on the drive wheel is not performed.
• f. Method according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the braking torque is generated by a parking brake of the motor vehicle.
• G. Method according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the motor vehicle is in an automatic holding mode.
• H. Method according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein an object is detected with at least one environmental sensor, the resultant situation is classified and depending on the classification, the method described above is performed.

A further aspect described herein relates to a device for warning a driver of a motor vehicle having a means for generating or increasing an engine torque on a drive wheel and a means for generating or increasing a brake torque, wherein an engine torque is generated or increased on the drive wheel and generates a braking torque becomes. In this way, a rocking can be generated to alert the driver.

According to a further aspect of the device, a timer may be provided which establishes a temporal relationship between the generation of a motor torque and a braking torque in order to be able to generate an effective rocking and a haptic warning.

Incidentally, reference is made to the device described above.

Further features and details will become apparent from the following description, in which - where appropriate, with reference to the drawings - at least one embodiment is described in detail. Described and / or illustrated features form the subject matter, or independently of the claims, either alone or in any meaningful combination, and in particular may additionally be the subject of one or more separate applications. The same, similar and / or functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals. Here are shown schematically:

1 a plan view of a motor vehicle, which is equipped with a device for delivering a haptic warning;

2 a block diagram of the device;

3 a flowchart for the haptic warning of a driver of a motor vehicle and

4 Another possible flowchart for haptic warning of a driver of a motor vehicle.

1 shows a plan view of a motor vehicle 2 ,

The car 2 has a front axle 4 with two of a motor 6 driven wheels 8th . 10 on. The car 2 also has a rear axle 12 with wheels 14 . 16 on. At the rear wheels 14 . 16 are brakes 18 . 20 intended. The brake 18 . 20 are by means of a brake actuator 22 actuated. For driving the brake actuator 22 is a brake control 24 intended.

The motor 6 is by means of an engine control unit 26 controllable. With the help of the engine control unit 26 can be a drive torque of the engine 6 on the front wheels 8th . 10 be generated or increased. A gearbox over which the engine 6 with the front axle 4 is connected by a transmission control 27 driven.

Furthermore, there is a controller 28 provided a memory 30 as well as a timer 32 having. The control 28 is with brake control 24 , Engine control 26 as well as transmission control 27 connected.

Furthermore, one is the environment in front of the motor vehicle 2 detecting environmental sensor 34 provided with the controller 28 connected is. The environmental sensor may be, for example, a radar sensor, a camera or the like. The control 28 can on brake control 24 as well as engine control 26 act to generate or increase engine torque and to generate or increase braking torques. In cooperation with the timer 32 The generation of engine torque and braking torque can be coordinated accordingly in time to cause a buildup of the body for the purpose of warning.

2 shows a block diagram of the main components of the device.

The control 28 is with the environmental sensor 34 , Wheel speed sensors 36 , the engine control 26 as well as the brake control 24 connected. Furthermore, a driver information system 38 provided, also with the controller 28 connected is. Such a driver information system 38 may for example have a seat occupancy sensor. If over the environmental sensor 34 an object is detected in the path, the controller can 28 be caused to engine torque by means of the engine control 26 increase or generate. With the help of the wheel speed sensor 36 It can be determined if sufficient wheel speed is achieved to effectively rocking the motor vehicle 2 to effect.

After reaching a sufficiently high wheel speed, the brake control 24 be addressed to delay the motor vehicle.

Even though about the driver information system 38 corresponding warning requirement is reported, the controller 28 through cooperation of engine control 26 and brake control 24 deliver a haptic warning signal.

3 shows a possible flowchart of the method.

If about the environmental sensors 34 If an imminent danger is reported, the system can first decide whether the driver should take control of the vehicle or not. In the former case, the driver can be warned by audible or visual means. If he reacts and takes control of the motor vehicle, the procedure can be terminated. On the other hand, if it does not respond, it can be evaluated if there is time for another driver warning. If so, the procedure can be repeated with a more intense warning signal. If the driver still does not respond, a haptic warning signal is generated.

4 shows a further possible procedure of the method. This aspect is based on a recognition of the intention of the driver to leave the motor vehicle via the driver information system 38 is recorded. For example, in the case of an automatically activated holding function of the motor vehicle, the driver may assume that the vehicle is in the park state. If it is determined that the driver intends to leave the motor vehicle, an increase of the engine torque, for example against the action of the parking brake, can be effected in order to generate a brake pressure.

The method can be used in other situations. Thus, for example, during a rollback stop on the mountain or a startup assistant on the mountain after a certain hold time has elapsed when the accelerator pedal is not actuated, a brake pressure is generated in order to inform the driver.

Also in connection with an adaptive cruise control, the haptic warning function can be usefully used, for example, when a motor vehicle is activated for a certain time when the adaptive cruise control is activated and the cruise control cruise control is switched off.

Furthermore, a step-down warning function according to the aforementioned type can be delivered, which is activated, for example, when the driver opens the vehicle door and the vehicle is not secured.

Another possible use is conceivable when the gear stage is not engaged in order to warn the driver that the vehicle can roll away.

Although the subject matter has been further illustrated and explained in detail by way of embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exists. It is also to be understood that exemplary embodiments are only examples that are not to be construed in any way as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the foregoing description and description of the figures enable one skilled in the art to practice the exemplary embodiments, and those skilled in the art, having regard to the inventive concept disclosed, will appreciate various changes in, for example, the function or arrangement of particular embodiments an exemplary embodiment of said elements, without departing from the scope defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanation in the description.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

motor vehicle

4

Front

6

engine

8th

front

10

front

12

rear axle

14

rear wheel

16

rear wheel

18

brake

20

brake

22

brake actuator

24

brake control

26

motor control

27

transmission control

28

control

30

Storage

32

timer

34

environment sensor

36

wheel speed sensor

38

Driver information system

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 102005044455 A1 [0003]

Claims (11)

Device for warning a driver of a motor vehicle ( 2 ), with a motor control ( 26 ) for applying an engine ( 6 ) of the motor vehicle ( 2 ) with an engine torque on at least one drive wheel ( 8th . 10 ), a brake control ( 24 ) for applying a brake of the motor vehicle ( 2 ) with a braking torque and a control ( 28 ) with the engine control ( 26 ) and the brake control ( 24 ), the controller ( 28 ) is arranged to warn the driver of the engine control ( 26 ) for generating or increasing an engine torque on the drive wheel ( 8th . 10 ) and the brake control ( 24 ) to generate a braking torque. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller ( 28 ) a timer ( 32 ), wherein the controller ( 28 ) is set up, in connection with the generation of the engine torque, the timer ( 32 ) and depending on the state of the timer ( 32 ) the brake control ( 24 ). Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller ( 28 ) is set up to warn the engine control ( 26 ) for generating an engine torque on the drive wheel ( 8th . 10 ) while a braking torque is applied. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a transmission control ( 27 ) provided with the controller ( 28 ), the controller ( 28 ) is adapted to control the transmission ( 27 ) to engage a suitable gear stage. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a speed measuring device ( 36 ) provided with the controller ( 28 ), the controller ( 28 ) is adapted to be used in a moving motor vehicle ( 2 ) an increase of an engine torque on the drive wheel ( 8th . 10 ) not to perform. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the brake control ( 24 ) on a parking brake ( 18 . 20 ) of the motor vehicle ( 2 ) acts. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein control ( 28 ), Brake control ( 24 ), Engine control ( 26 ) and / or transmission control ( 27 ) are combined in a control module. Device according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one environmental sensor ( 34 ) connected to the controller ( 28 ), the controller ( 28 ) is set up when detecting an object with the environment sensor ( 34 ) to classify the situation and, depending on the engine control classification ( 26 ) and brake control ( 24 ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller ( 28 ) with at least one wheel speed sensor ( 36 ) connected is. A computer program product comprising a computer-readable storage medium having instructions embedded thereon which, when executed by a controller ( 28 ) according to the device according to any one of the preceding claims, cause the controller ( 28 ) is arranged to alert a driver of a motor vehicle ( 2 ) an engine control ( 26 ) for generating or increasing an engine torque on the drive wheel and a brake control ( 24 ) to generate a braking torque. Computer program product according to claim 10, wherein the controller ( 28 ) is adapted to a transmission control ( 27 ) to engage a suitable gear stage.

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