GB2568343B

GB2568343B - Tilting vehicle and method of control thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2568343B
Application number: GB1811227.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Krnja Filip; Southey Bruce; Lundgren Emma; John Murray Andy
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2017-11-08
Filing date: 2017-11-08
Publication date: 2019-11-13
Anticipated expiration: 2037-11-08
Also published as: GB2568343A; GB201811227D0

Description

Tilting Vehicle and Method of Control Thereof

This disclosure relates to a tilting vehicle and a method of tilting the vehicle, and in particular, but not exclusively, to a method of tilting a vehicle in response to one or more triggers.

Introduction A modern vehicle may be equipped with one or more systems to control the handling and stability of the vehicle. For example, a vehicle may be equipped with an active suspension system configured to optimise the handling and stability of the vehicle, e.g. whilst the vehicle performs a dynamic manoeuvre.

In some cases the active suspension system may be configured to control the amount by which the vehicle tilts when the vehicle is stationary. In this manner, access into and out of the vehicle may be improved by adjusting the amount by which the vehicle leans toward or away from an individual.

However, it can be expensive to equip a vehicle with an active suspension system. As such, it is desirable to use the active suspension system for one or more other purposes in order to justify the cost of installing the active suspension system to the vehicle.

Statements of Invention

According to an aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of tilting a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle having a tilt control system configured to control the tilt of the motor vehicle, the method comprising: determining if at least one of the course of the motor vehicle and the course of another article will result in a collision between the motor vehicle and the another article; and tilting the motor vehicle to avoid the collision between the motor vehicle and the another article.

The tilt control system may be configured to control the amount by which the motor vehicle tilts. The method may comprise tilting the motor vehicle when a proximity sensor of the motor vehicle determines that another article is less than a predetermined distance away from the motor vehicle. The method may comprise initiating a tilting sequence upon the control system of the motor vehicle receiving a signal from at least one of a central server, a mobile device and a vehicle key. The method may comprise establishing an operative connection between the control system and an active suspension system of the motor vehicle. The method may comprise establishing an operative connection between the control system and the proximity sensor of the motor vehicle.

In the context of the present disclosure, the term "tilt" is understood to mean at least one of roll and pitch. For example, if an article were to roll, it may be seen to tilt side to side, and if an article were to pitch, it may be seen to tilt forward and backward. The present disclosure provides a control system for a tilting motor vehicle, the control system being configured to control the amount by which the tilting motor vehicle rolls and/or pitches. The action of pitching and rolling are not mutually exclusive. For example, the control system may be configured to allow the motor vehicle to simultaneously pitch and roll.

The method may comprise tilting the motor vehicle whilst the motor vehicle is in motion. The method may comprise tilting the motor vehicle whilst the motor vehicle is static.

The amount by which the motor vehicle tilts may be a function of, e.g. proportional to, the distance between the motor vehicle and the other article. The amount by which the motor vehicle tilts may be proportional to the distance between the motor vehicle and the other tilting vehicle.

The tilting sequence may comprise a first movement to tilt the motor vehicle in a first direction. The tilting sequence may comprise a second movement to tilt the motor vehicle in a second direction. The first direction may be different to the second direction. For example, the first direction may be opposite to the second direction.

The method may comprise tilting the motor vehicle when the vehicle is connected to a vehicle charging point. For example, the method may comprise tilting the motor vehicle only when the motor vehicle is connected to a vehicle charging point.

The method may comprise tilting the motor vehicle whilst the vehicle is stationary, for example temporarily stationary during a vehicle journey, such as when the motor vehicle is stopped at a traffic signal.

The method may comprise tilting the motor vehicle when the vehicle is switched off. For example, when a motor of the motor vehicle is switched of and/or when an ignition switch of the motor vehicle is switched off.

The method may comprise tilting the motor vehicle when the motor vehicle is at or near to a predetermined location. For example, the method may comprise determining the location of the motor vehicle, e.g. using a global positioning satellite (GPS) system, and tilting the motor vehicle when, e.g. only when, the motor vehicle is at or near to a predetermined GPS location. The method may comprise determining the location of at least one of an individual’s mobile device, such as a smart phone, and a key of the vehicle, such as remote key fob and/or a Phone as a Key (PaaK). The method may comprise tilting the motor vehicle when the determined location of the individual’s mobile device and/or the PaaK is within a predetermined distance of the tilting motor vehicle.

The control system may be configured to poll for at least one of an individual’s mobile device and a key of the vehicle. In the context of the present disclosure, the term “poll” (or “polling”) is understood to mean the checking, e.g. the continuous or repeated checking, of other programs or devices by one program or device to ascertain what state they are in, for example to ascertain whether they are connected to another device and/or if another device is attempting to communicate.

The method may comprise manually tilting the motor vehicle by virtue of a control switch. The control switch may comprise a physical switch, such as a lever or dial. The control switch may be provided on the motor vehicle. The control switch may be provided on a key of the motor vehicle. The control switch may be provided as a part of an application on a mobile device. The control switch may be operatively connected to the steering wheel of the motor vehicle. The control switch may be actuated by tilting the steering wheel, for example by virtue of inclining a radial plane of the steering wheel relative to the rotational axis of a steering column of the motor vehicle. The method may comprise tilting the steering wheel to cause the motor vehicle to tilt. For example, the method may comprise inclining a radial plane of the steering wheel relative to the rotational axis of a steering column of the motor vehicle to cause the motor vehicle to tilt.

The method may comprise moving, e.g. tilting, a seat of the motor vehicle depending on the amount by which the motor vehicle tilts. For example, where the motor vehicle tilts in order to increase the ease of access into or out of the motor vehicle, a seat of the motor vehicle may be configured to tilt, for example in a direction opposite to that in which the motor vehicle tilts.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a tilting motor vehicle having a tilt control system configured to control the tilt of the motor vehicle if at least one of the course of the motor vehicle and the course of another article will result in a collision between the motor vehicle and the another article, wherein the control system controls the tilt of the motor vehicle to avoid the collision between the motor vehicle and the another article.

The tilt control system may be configured to tilt the motor vehicle when a proximity sensor of the motor vehicle determines that another article is within a predetermined distance of the motor vehicle. The tilt control system may be configured to initiate a tilting sequence upon the control system of the motor vehicle receiving a signal from at least one of a central server, a mobile device and a vehicle key. The control system may be operatively connected to an active suspension system of the motor vehicle. The control system may be operatively connected to the proximity sensor of the motor vehicle.

The disclosure also provides software, such as a computer program or a computer program product for carrying out any of the methods described herein, and a computer readable medium having stored thereon a program for carrying out any of the methods described herein. A computer program embodying the disclosure may be stored on a computer-readable medium, or it could, for example, be in the form of a signal such as a downloadable data signal provided from an Internet website, or it could be in any other form.

To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or arrangements of the disclosure. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or arrangement of the disclosure may also be used with any other aspect or arrangement of the disclosure, provided such combinations fall within the scope of the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the present disclosure, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1a to 1c depict a method of tilting a vehicle;

Figure 2 depicts a method of tilting a vehicle;

Figures 3a to 3c depict a method of tilting a vehicle; and

Figures 4 to 6 show flow charts in relation to the respective methods depicted in figures 1 a to 3c.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure provides a tilting motor vehicle and a method of tilting the motor vehicle. For example, the present disclosure may provide a method of controlling the amount by which a horizontal plane of the vehicle is inclined to the surface on which the vehicle is situated, in response to one or more triggers. The motor vehicle may be any type of motor vehicle, such as a car, a van, a truck or a three-wheeled vehicle. In particular, the motor vehicle may be designed to be used primarily in urban areas and conurbations, for example an urban vehicle, a city car or a subcompact. The motor vehicle may be an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle or a vehicle having an internal combustion engine.

In one arrangement, the motor vehicle may be a vehicle having a narrow track and/or a centreline driving position, which allows the vehicle to take advantage of a very tight parking space, for example a parking space being only just wider that the width of the vehicle. Such parking spaces are becoming increasingly common in urban areas as a result of an increase in the popularity of urban vehicles. In particular, the vehicle may be a single-seater vehicle designed such that the driver can enter/exit the vehicle from either side of the vehicle. However, the vehicle may be a multi-seater vehicle, for example a multi-seater vehicle having an in-line or a staggered seating arrangement.

Irrespective of the type of motor vehicle, the vehicle may be equipped with one or more systems configured to control the amount by which the vehicle tilts in at least one of a lateral direction and a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In some cases, the vehicle may be fitted with an active suspension system configured to control the amount by which the body of the vehicle rolls and/or pitches whilst performing a dynamic manoeuvre, such as cornering and/or accelerating. Additionally or alternatively, the active suspension system may be configured to tilt the vehicle whilst the vehicle is stationary, for example to aid a passenger getting into or out of the vehicle, and/or to aid the loading of cargo into or out of the vehicle.

In one arrangement, the disclosed method may use an existing active suspension system of the vehicle to control the amount by which the vehicle tilts in response to one or more triggers, such as the proximity of another article to the tilting vehicle and/or the operational condition of another vehicle. The present disclosure is advantageous, therefore, as it allows for existing vehicle hardware to be repurposed, which increases the functionality of the vehicle through the implementation of additional control strategy. In one arrangement, an existing controller of the vehicle, e.g. an active suspension controller, may be reconfigured, e.g. reprogrammed and/or by the addition of another control module, to allow for the vehicle to be tilted in accordance with the present disclosure. However, the vehicle may be equipped with one or more systems configured to control the amount by which the vehicle tilts independently from and/or in in addition to the control of an active suspension system.

Figures 1a to 1c depict a method 100 of tilting, e.g. leaning, a tilting motor vehicle 101 away from another article 103. In figures 1a to 1c, the tilting vehicle 101 is a single-seater vehicle and the other article 103 is a motorcycle 105. The vehicle 101 comprises a control system operatively connected to an active suspension system of the vehicle 101, the control system being configured to control the amount by which the vehicle 101 tilts. For example, the control system may comprise a control module of an electronic control unit and/or an active suspension controller. Figure 4 shows a flowchart that depicts the method 100 of tilting the vehicle 101, the method 100 having steps 110 and 120, which correspond to the scenario illustrated in figures 1a to 1c. Although not shown, steps 110 and 120 of figure 4 may be used in conjunction with any of steps 130 and 140 shown in figure 5, and any of steps 150 and 160 shown in figure 6, where technically possible.

In figure 1a, the vehicle 101 is situated on a road next to a traffic signal. However, the method is not limited to the scenario shown in figures 1a to 1c, and it is understood that the disclosed tilting car 101 and method 100 of control thereof may be used in any appropriate situation, for example in a situation where the vehicle 101 is near to or adjacent a structure in a parking lot/parking garage. Indeed, the other article 103 may be any appropriate type of article, such as another parked vehicle, an article of road furniture, or a structure, such as a wall/pillar.

In figure 1a, the motorcycle 105 is situated far away from the vehicle 101, for example in a position where the motorcycle 105 is approaching the vehicle 101 from behind the vehicle 101. As such, the driver of the vehicle 101 may not be aware that the motor cycle 105 is approaching the vehicle 101, or may simply have chosen to pay little attention to the motor cycle 105 due to its remote location from the vehicle 101.

Figure 1b shows the motorcycle 105 closer to the vehicle 101, in a position where at least one proximity sensor of the vehicle 101 is able to detect the motor cycle 105. The proximity sensor may be any appropriate type of sensor, for example an ultrasonic sensor or an electromagnetic sensor. Since it is common for a modern vehicle to be fitted with a parking sensor, the control system of the vehicle 101 may be operatively connected to at least one existing parking sensor of the vehicle 101, so that an input from the parking sensor to the control system may be used to control the amount by which the vehicle 101 tilts.

In figure 1c, the motorcycle 105 has moved to a position next to, e.g. immediately to the side of, the vehicle 101 to cause the vehicle 101 to lean away from the motorcycle 105. For example, the control system of the vehicle 101 causes the vehicle 101 to lean away from another article 103, e.g. the motorcycle 105, when it determines that the other article 103 is less than a predetermined distance from the vehicle 101. The predetermined distance may be any appropriate distance, e.g. 50 cm, 20 cm, or 10 cm. In one arrangement, the predetermined distance may be the distance by which a body portion of the vehicle, e.g. a wing mirror, projects from the vehicle body. In this manner, the method 100 of tilting the vehicle 101 may comprise a step of measuring the proximity of another article 103 that is close to the vehicle 101, a step 110 of determining that the other article 103 is less than a predetermined distance away from the vehicle 101, and a step 120 of tilting the vehicle 101 in response to the determined proximity of the other article 103, which is exemplified in the scenario shown in figures 1 a to 1 c.

The control system may be configured to cause the vehicle 101 to lean if it is determined that at least one of the course of the vehicle 101 and the course of the other article 103 will result in a collision between the vehicle 101 and the other article 103. For example, in the arrangement shown in figure 1c, it is understood that if the vehicle 101 were to not lean away from the motorcycle 105, the vehicle 101 and the motorcycle 105 would be in contact with one another. The course of the vehicle 101 and/or the other article 103 may be determined by virtue of the proximity sensor of the vehicle 101. For example, the proximity sensor maybe used to determine the speed and/or the direction of the other article 103, so as to compute a likely course of the other article 103. Additionally or alternatively, the control system of the vehicle 101 may be operatively coupled to at least one of a global positioning satellite (GPS) system, a parking spot measurement system, a blind spot information system (BLIS) and/or a cross-traffic alert (CTA) system, in order to determine the course of the other article 103 in relation to the vehicle 101.

In one arrangement, the vehicle 101 and the motorcycle 105 may each be connected vehicles that are able to communicate with a central server and/or each other, for example by virtue of a modem embedded on each of the vehicles 101, 105. In one arrangement, each of the vehicles 101, 105 may be respective vehicles of a fleet of vehicles configured to communicate with one another other directly and/or via a central server. Where the vehicles 101, 105 are able to communicate with one another, the control system of the tilting vehicle 101 may be configured to control the amount by which the vehicle 101 tilts based upon an operational condition of another vehicle, e.g. the motorcycle 105. For example, a GPS system of one of the tilting vehicle 101 and another vehicle, e.g. the motorcycle 105, may be used to determine that the course of one of the vehicles 101, 105 will bring the vehicles 101, 105 into close proximity and/or contact with each other. In this manner, the control system of the tilting vehicle 101 may be configured to cause the vehicle 101 to tilt based upon data received from another vehicle that the tilting vehicle 101 is in communication with, either directly and/or via a central server.

Figures 1a to 1c depict a scenario where the other article 103 is a motorcycle 105 that is moving towards the tilting vehicle 101. However, in another arrangement (not shown), the vehicle 101 may be moving and the other article 103 may be a static article, such as a parked vehicle or a structure, such as a wall, a column or a barrier. In a circumstance where the tilting vehicle 101 is moving towards the other article 103, the method 100 may comprise a step of tilting the vehicle 101 whilst the vehicle 101 is moving. For example, a driver of the vehicle 101 may be manoeuvring into a parking space that is next to the other article 103, e.g. a post or another parked vehicle. In such a circumstance, it is common for the driver to use one or more parking aids of the vehicle 101, e.g. a proximity sensor, a parking spot measurement system, and/or a BLIS, to help avoid the vehicle 101 colliding with the other article 103, whilst the driver is manoeuvring the vehicle 101. However, in some situations, the driver may have disabled one or more of the parking aids, or simply may not pay attention to the parking aids, which may result in a collision between the vehicle 101 and the other article 103. As such, the control system of the vehicle 101 may be configured to tilt the vehicle 101 away from the other article 103 as the vehicle 101 approaches the other article 103. For example, the control system may be configured to tilt the vehicle 101 away from an overhead obstruction, such as a barrier or a sign, so as to avoid contact between the vehicle and the overhead obstruction as the vehicle 101 performs a manoeuvre.

Thus, the present disclosure is advantageous as it provides a method 100 and system for moving, e.g. automatically moving, the vehicle 101 away from another article 103. In this manner, a collision between the vehicle 101 and the other article 103 may be avoided by moving, e.g. tilting, the vehicle 101 out of the way of the intended course of the vehicle 101 and/or the other article 103.

In one arrangement, the driver of the vehicle 101 may wish to manually tilt the vehicle 101, for example to avoid colliding with another article 103, to tilt the vehicle 101 to increase the visibility of the driver, and/or to aid the entry/exit into and out of the vehicle 101. In order to do so, the control system of the vehicle 101 may comprise at least one control switch, e.g. a lever, button or dial, configured to control the amount by which the vehicle 101 tilts. Further, the control system may be configured to determine an operational state of the vehicle. For example the control system may be configured to determine: if the vehicle 101 is stationary; if the vehicle 101, e.g. a drive motor of the vehicle, is switched off; if a parking brake of the vehicle 101 is at least partially engaged; and/or if the driver of the vehicle 101 has a foot on a brake pedal. Upon determination of the operational condition of the vehicle, the control system may be configured to selectively activate/deactivate the operation of the control switch. In this manner, if it is determined that the vehicle 101 is stationary, the vehicle 101 is switched off, a parking brake of the vehicle 101 is at least partially engaged, and/or the driver of the vehicle 101 has a foot on a brake pedal, the control system may activate the control switch to allow the driver to tilt the vehicle 101 manually.

In one arrangement, the steering wheel of the vehicle 101 may be used to control the tilting of the vehicle 101, i.e. the steering wheel itself may function as the control switch or may be operatively connected to the control switch. For example, the steering wheel, e.g. a radial plane of the steering wheel, may be configured to tilt relative to the rotational axis of the steering wheel and/or steering column to cause the vehicle to tilt. In some cases, manual control of the tilting function of the vehicle 101 may be useful in enabling the driver to see around/past stationary traffic parked in front of the vehicle 101 in order to ascertain what is happening further up the road. Where the control system is configured to determine the operational state of the vehicle 101 as described above, the present disclosure allows for automatic switching between the driver of the vehicle 101 using the steering wheel to control: the direction of the vehicle 101; and the amount by which the vehicle 101 tilts, for example by virtue of the selective activation/deactivation of the operation of the control switch.

Figure 2 illustrates another manner in which the vehicle 101 may be tilted. Figure 2 shows the tilting vehicle 101 parked in between two other articles 103, e.g. two other vehicles 107. In one arrangement, the vehicles 101, 107 may be similar vehicles, for example where the vehicles 101, 107 are part of a fleet of vehicles, such as vehicles of a fleet of rental vehicles. However, the articles 103 on either side of, in front or behind of, or close to, the tilting vehicle 101 may be any appropriate type of article 103. Figure 5 shows a flow chart comprising steps 130 and 140, which may be used by the control system to control the amount by which the vehicle 101 tilts. Figure 5 shows a flowchart that depicts the method 100 of tilting the vehicle 101, the method 100 having steps 130 and 140, which correspond to the arrangement illustrated in figure 2. Although not shown, steps 130 and 140 of figure 5 may be used in conjunction with any of steps 110 and 120 of figure 5, and any of steps 150 and 160 of figure 6, where technically possible.

Where the vehicle is parked in between two other similar vehicles 107, as shown in figure 2, the driver of the vehicle 101 may not be able to recognise which of the vehicles 101, 107 is the vehicle that they intend to drive. In other circumstances, the driver may have simply forgotten where they have parked their own vehicle in a row of vehicles in a parking lot. In either case, the driver of the vehicle 101 may not be able to establish the location of their vehicle 101. The present disclosure is advantageous is it provides a method 100 of advertising the location of the vehicle 101 by virtue of the tilting functionality of the vehicle 101.

Figure 2 shows a driver of the vehicle 101 approaching a row of vehicles 101, 107. In order for the driver to determine which of the vehicles 101, 107 is the vehicle that they intend to drive, the control system of the vehicle 101 is configured to initiate a tilting sequence (step 140) upon the control system of the vehicle 101 receiving a signal (step 130) from at least one of a central server, a mobile device and a vehicle key.

In the arrangement shown in figure 2, the driver actively causes the signal to be sent using an application installed on the driver’s mobile device, for example by virtue of the driver pressing a button displayed on the screen of the mobile device. The mobile device may be configured to communicate directly with the control system of the vehicle 101, and/or via a central server and/or one or more other mobile devices. Additionally or alternatively, the mobile device may be configured to function as a Phone as a Key (PaaK) configured to communicate with the vehicle 101, e.g. via a modem installed on the vehicle 101, to inform the control system of the vehicle that the driver is approaching. In this manner, as the driver approaches the vehicle, for example as the driver comes within a predetermined distance of the vehicle, and the control system receives a signal (step 130) from the driver’s mobile device, the control system of the vehicle 101 causes the initiation of the tilting sequence (step 140), so that the driver’s attention is drawn towards the vehicle 101.

Additionally or alternatively, a vehicle key, such as a remote central locking fob, may be configured to communicate with the vehicle 101 in order to initiate the tilting sequence, for example by virtue of the driver depressing a button on the key fob and/or by virtue of the key fob communicating automatically with the control system of the vehicle 101, e.g. when the key fob comes within a certain distance of the vehicle 101.

The tilting sequence may comprise a plurality of discrete tilting motions. For example, the tilting sequence may comprise a first movement to tilt the vehicle in a first direction, and a second movement to tilt the vehicle in a second direction that is different, e.g. opposite, to the first direction. The first movement may cause the vehicle 101 to tilt towards one side of the vehicle 101, and the second movement may cause the vehicle 101 to tilt towards the another side of the vehicle 101. The tilting sequence may comprise any appropriate number of tilting motions, for example to cause the vehicle 101 to rock from side to side, and/or front to back, in order to attract attention.

In one arrangement, the tilting sequence may comprise a first movement to tilt the vehicle 101 in a first direction, e.g. towards one side of the vehicle 101, and a second movement to further tilt the vehicle 101 in the first direction. Indeed, the tilting sequence may comprise tilting the vehicle 101 in at least one of a forwards, backwards and sideways direction. In one arrangement, the tilting sequence may comprise various stages, or levels, of tilting, each stage comprising a different amount of tilting and/or a different tilting sequence. For example, when the control system receives the signal (step 130), the control system may be configured to initiate (step 140) a first tilting sequence, and subsequently a second tilting sequence, which is different to the first tilting sequence. For example, the first tilting sequence may be a sequence in which the vehicle 101 tilts by a small amount and/or for a short period, and the second tilting sequence may be a sequence in which the vehicle 101 tilts by a larger amount and/or for a longer period. In this manner, the intensity of the tilting motion may increase depending on the period taken for the driver to find/access the vehicle 101. In one arrangement, the tilting sequence may occur in conjunction with the flashing of one or more of the vehicle’s lights and/or with the sounding of the vehicle’s horn.

The above described initiation of the tilting sequence (step 140) may be particularly useful when the vehicle 101 is a rental vehicle (hire vehicle), with which the renter may be unfamiliar. For example, when a renter of the vehicle 101 approaches a long line of vehicles, which may be similar to the tilting vehicle 101, the control system of the vehicle 101 may be configured to communicate with a rental application on the renter’s mobile device to inform the vehicle 101 via a signal sent from the mobile device (step 130) that an authorized renter is approaching. In this manner, the tilting sequence (step 140) can be initiated so the renter can identify which of the vehicles is the rented vehicle.

In another arrangement, the tilting sequence may be used to attract the attention of an individual, e.g. a potential renter, as the individual passes near to the vehicle 101. For example, where the individual is carrying a mobile device having a rental application installed on the mobile device, the application and the control system of the vehicle 101 may be configured to communicate with each other (step 130) to initiate the tilting sequence (step 140) to advertise the availability of the vehicle 101 to the passing individual. In such an arrangement, the tilting of the vehicle 101 may be initiated when the potential renter approaches a rental location. For example, the mobile device of the individual may be configured to communicate with the control system of the vehicle 101 when the individual’s mobile device determines that the individual is at, or within a predetermined distance of, a predetermined GPS location.

Figures 3a to 3c illustrate another manner in which the vehicle 101 may be tilted. Figures 3a to 3c show a tilting vehicle 101 parked next to another tilting vehicle 101. Such a situation may arise where the tilting vehicles 101 are part of a fleet of vehicle, such as a share/hire fleet, or where owners of similar tilting vehicles 101 take advantage of small parking spaces, for example. However, one problem associated with parking the tilting vehicles 101 so close to each other is that access into and/or out of the vehicles 101 may be impeded. Figure 5 shows a flowchart that depicts the method 100 of tilting the vehicle 101, the method 100 having steps 150 and 160, which correspond to the arrangement illustrated in figures 3a to 3c. Although not shown, any of steps 150 and 160 of figure 6 may be used in conjunction with any of steps 110, 120, 130 and 140, where technically possible.

In figure 3a, an individual who wishes to access a first tilting vehicle 101a is prevented from doing so as a result of the first tilting vehicle 101a being parked close to a second tilting vehicle 101b. In order to allow the individual to gain access to the first vehicle 101a, the control system of the first vehicle 101a is configured to cause the first vehicle 101a to lean away from the second vehicle 101b. In a similar manner to that described above, the first vehicle 101a may be caused to tilt by virtue of the automatic recognition of a vehicle key, such as a key fob, and/or a PaaK, which communicate with the vehicle 101a to inform the control system that the individual is approaching. Additionally or alternatively, the individual may manually control the tilting of the vehicle 101a using at least one of a vehicle key and an application installed on a mobile device, or any other appropriate remote control. Where the individual is able to manually control the amount by which the vehicle tilts, the individual is able to evaluate an appropriate amount of tilt according to the particular parking condition of the vehicle 101a. In one arrangement, a parking sensor of the vehicle 101a may be used to prevent the vehicle 101a from tilting so much that it contacts another article.

In figure 3b, the first vehicle 101a has been tilted away from the second vehicle 101b to increase the spacing between the vehicles 101a, 101b. However, in some situations, the increase in spacing between the vehicles 101a, 101b caused by the tilting of the first vehicle 101a may be insufficient for the needs of the individual, for example if the individual wishes to load bulky cargo into and/or out of the vehicle 101a.

In order to further increase the spacing between the vehicles 101a, 101b, the method comprises a step 150 of sending a signal from the control system of the first vehicle 101a to the second tilting vehicle 101b. The signal may be sent directly to the second vehicle 101b, and/or via a central server. For example, when the first vehicle 101a tilts in response to the individual’s proximity to a door of the vehicle, the control system of the vehicle 101a is configured to send out a signal, e.g. a tilting signal, to inform the second vehicle 101b that vehicle 101a is tilting (or is about to tilt). The control system of the second vehicle 101b is configured to poll, e.g. continuously check, for any signal from adjacent vehicles, e.g. in a similar manner to a vehicle configured poll for approaching keyless entry systems. When an appropriate tilting signal is detected by the second vehicle 101b, the method comprises a step 160 of tilting the second vehicle 101b, for example in a direction away from the first vehicle 101b.

In one arrangement, the first and second vehicles 101a, 101b may be configured to tilt simultaneously. For example, the control system of the first vehicle 101a may be configured to delay the tilting of the first vehicle 101a until a signal has been sent and received to cause the second vehicle 101b to tilt. In this manner, the vehicles 101a, 101b are configured to tilt in unison.

The first and second vehicles 101a, 101b may be configured to tilt by the same amount. For example, each of the first and second vehicles 101a, 101b may configured to tilt such that a vertical plane bisects the angle in between the first and second vehicles 101a, 101b. In another arrangement, the first and second vehicles 101a, 101b may be configured to tilt by different amounts. For example, the first vehicle 101a may be inclined towards a horizontal plane by a first amount, and the first vehicle 101a may be inclined towards a horizontal plane by a second amount.

In one arrangement, upon the second vehicle 101b receiving a signal from the first vehicle 101a, an operative connection may be established between the control system of the first vehicle 101a and the control system of the second vehicle 101b to allow the individual to control manually the amount by which the second vehicle 101b tilts. For example, when an operative connection has been established between respective control systems of the first and second vehicles 101a, 101b, the individual may be able to control the amount by which the second vehicle 101b tilts using an application installed on the individual’s mobile device, and/or using a key fob of the first vehicle 101a.

Where the vehicles 101, e.g. the first and second vehicles 101a, 101b are electric/hybrid vehicles, the tilting function of the first vehicle 101a and/or the second vehicle 101b may be enabled, e.g. only enabled, when each of the respective vehicles 101a, 101b is plugged into a charging point. For example, the ability for the individual to control the tilting of the first and/or second vehicles 101a, 101b may be disabled when at least one of the first and second vehicles 101a, 101b is not connected to a charging point.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the disclosure has been described by way of example with reference to one or more arrangements, it is not limited to the disclosed arrangements and that alternative arrangements could be constructed without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Statement 6. A method according to any of the preceding statements, the method comprising tilting the vehicle whilst the vehicle is in motion.

Statement 7. A method according to any of the preceding statements, the method comprising tilting the vehicle whilst the vehicle is stationary.

Statement 8. A method according to any of the preceding statements, wherein the amount by which the vehicle tilts is proportional to the distance between the vehicle and the other article.

Statement 9. A method according to any of the preceding statements, wherein the tilting sequence comprises a first movement to tilt the vehicle in a first direction, and a second movement to tilt the vehicle in a second direction that is different to the first direction.

Statement 10. A method according to any of the preceding statements, the method comprising tilting the vehicle in a first direction and tilting the other tilting vehicle in a second direction that is different to the first direction.

Statement 11. A method according to any of the preceding statements, the method comprising tilting the vehicle when the vehicle is connected to a vehicle charging point.

Statement 12. A method according to any of the preceding statements, the method comprising tilting the vehicle when the vehicle is switched off.

Statement 13. A method according to any of the preceding statements, the method comprising determining the location of the vehicle and initiating the tilting sequence when the vehicle is at or near to a predetermined location.

Statement 14. A method according to any of the preceding statements, the method comprising determining the location of at least one of the mobile device and the vehicle key and initiating a tilting sequence when at least one of the mobile device and a vehicle key is at or near to a predetermined location.

Statement 15. A method according to any of the preceding statements, the method comprising tilting the steering wheel to cause the vehicle to tilt.

Statement 16. A method according to any of the preceding statements, the method comprising tilting a seat of the vehicle depending in the amount by which the vehicle tilts.

Statement 17. A tilting vehicle having a tilt control system configured to control the tilt of the vehicle or another tilting vehicle in response to at least one external trigger.

Statement 18. A tilting vehicle according to statement 17, wherein the tilt control system is configured to tilt the vehicle when a proximity sensor of vehicle determines that another article is within a predetermined distance of the vehicle.

Statement 19. A tilting vehicle according to statement 17 or 18, wherein the tilt control system is configured to initiate a tilting sequence upon the control system of the vehicle receiving a signal from at least one of a central server, a mobile device and a vehicle key.

Statement 20. A tilting vehicle according to any of statements 17 to 19, wherein the tilt control system is configured to send a signal to at least one of a central server and another tilting vehicle to cause the other tilting vehicle to tilt.

Statement 21. A tilting vehicle according to any of statements 17 to 20, wherein the tilt control system is configured to carry out the method according to any of statements 1 to 16.

Claims

1. A method of tilting a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle having a tilt control system configured to control the tilt of the motor vehicle, the method comprising: determining if at least one of the course of the motor vehicle and the course of another article will result in a collision between the motor vehicle and the another article; and tilting the motor vehicle to avoid the collision between the motor vehicle and the another article.

2. A method according to claim 1, the method comprising: tilting the motor vehicle when a proximity sensor of the motor vehicle determines that the another article is less than a predetermined distance away from the motor vehicle.

3. A method according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising: initiating a tilting sequence upon the control system of the motor vehicle receiving a signal from at least one of a central server, a mobile device and a vehicle key.

4. A method according to claim 3, the method comprising determining the location of at least one of the mobile device and the vehicle key and initiating a tilting sequence when at least one of the mobile device and a vehicle key is at or near to a predetermined location..

5. A method according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising tilting the motor vehicle whilst the vehicle is in motion.

6. A method according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising tilting the motor vehicle whilst the vehicle is stationary.

7. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the amount by which the motor vehicle tilts is proportional to the distance between the motor vehicle and the other article.

8. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tilting sequence comprises a first movement to tilt the motor vehicle in a first direction, and a second movement to tilt the motor vehicle in a second direction that is different to the first direction.

9. A method according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising tilting the motor vehicle when the motor vehicle is connected to a vehicle charging point.

10. A method according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising tilting the motor vehicle when the motor vehicle is switched off.

11. A method according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising determining the location of the motor vehicle and initiating the tilting sequence when the motor vehicle is at or near to a predetermined location.

12. A method according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising tilting the steering wheel to cause the motor vehicle to tilt.

13. A method according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising tilting a seat of the motor vehicle depending on the amount by which the motor vehicle tilts.

14. A tilting motor vehicle having a tilt control system configured to control the tilt of the motor vehicle if at least one of the course of the motor vehicle and the course of another article will result in a collision between the motor vehicle and the another article, wherein the control system controls the tilt of the motor vehicle to avoid the collision between the motor vehicle and the another article.

15. A tilting motor vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the tilt control system is configured to tilt the motor vehicle when a proximity sensor of the motor vehicle determines that the another article is within a predetermined distance of the motor vehicle.

16. A tilting motor vehicle according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the tilt control system is configured to initiate a tilting sequence upon the control system of the motor vehicle receiving a signal from at least one of a central server, a mobile device and a vehicle key.

17. A tilting motor vehicle according to any of claims 14 to 18, wherein the tilt control system is configured to carry out the method according to any of claims 1 to 13.