WO2022157050A1 - Module de commande de couplage pour un attelage de remorque - Google Patents

Module de commande de couplage pour un attelage de remorque Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022157050A1
WO2022157050A1 PCT/EP2022/050549 EP2022050549W WO2022157050A1 WO 2022157050 A1 WO2022157050 A1 WO 2022157050A1 EP 2022050549 W EP2022050549 W EP 2022050549W WO 2022157050 A1 WO2022157050 A1 WO 2022157050A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bus
configuration
motor vehicle
control module
clutch control
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2022/050549
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Jörg Beutin
Torsten Kranz
Nikolas Pascher
Georg Rauer
Original Assignee
Westfalia-Automotive Gmbh
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Westfalia-Automotive Gmbh filed Critical Westfalia-Automotive Gmbh
Priority to EP22700490.0A priority Critical patent/EP4281298A1/fr
Publication of WO2022157050A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022157050A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B60D1/01—Traction couplings or hitches characterised by their type
    • B60D1/06—Ball-and-socket hitches, e.g. constructional details, auxiliary devices, their arrangement on the vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B60D1/48—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by the mounting
    • B60D1/54—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by the mounting collapsible or retractable when not in use, e.g. hide-away hitches
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B60D1/58—Auxiliary devices
    • B60D1/62—Auxiliary devices involving supply lines, electric circuits, or the like
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/40—Bus networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/40—Bus networks
    • H04L2012/40208—Bus networks characterized by the use of a particular bus standard
    • H04L2012/40215—Controller Area Network CAN
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/40—Bus networks
    • H04L2012/40267—Bus for use in transportation systems
    • H04L2012/40273—Bus for use in transportation systems the transportation system being a vehicle

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a clutch control module for a trailer hitch for connection to an on-board electrical system of a motor vehicle, with the trailer hitch being able to be used to attach a trailer to the motor vehicle or a load carrier to be attached to the motor vehicle, the clutch control module controlling and/or monitoring at least one electrical function of the trailer hitch , wherein the clutch control module has at least one bus interface for communication with a digital bus, in particular a CAN bus, of the vehicle electrical system, wherein the clutch control module sends bus messages via the at least one bus interface to the at least one motor vehicle bus module of the motor vehicle connected to the digital bus and/ or can receive bus messages from the at least one motor vehicle bus module, the clutch control module for sending at least one configuration bus message to the at least one motor vehicle bus module via the at least one Bus interface is configured, wherein the configuration bus message contains a configuration identifier identifying the presence of the clutch control module and/or the trailer hitch for entries in configuration data of the motor vehicle bus module.
  • the trailer coupling comprises, for example, a coupling arm on whose free end area a coupling piece for coupling a trailer, for example a coupling ball, is arranged.
  • a trailer socket of the trailer hitch into which a plug of the trailer can be inserted, is only connected to the vehicle electrical system supplying electrical power.
  • clutch control modules are used which, for example, actuate the trailer socket ern.
  • the trailer's lighting system for example, can be controlled via the power supply from the trailer socket.
  • the controlling and monitoring components communicate via a digital bus, for example a CAN bus, to which the clutch control module can preferably be connected.
  • WO 2018/149662 A1 discloses a clutch control module for transmitting configuration identifiers to motor vehicle bus modules.
  • the adaptability of this clutch control module to different configurations of vehicle electrical systems is expensive in some cases.
  • a clutch control module of the type mentioned there is an external communication interface for communication with a configuration device for configuring the at least one motor vehicle bus module and a communication module for generating the configuration bus message based on a conversion of an external Communications interface received from the configuration device has external configuration message.
  • a method for integrating a clutch control module of a trailer hitch into an on-board electrical system of a motor vehicle is required to solve the problem, whereby a trailer can be attached to the motor vehicle or a load carrier can be attached to the motor vehicle using the trailer hitch, with the clutch control module controlling at least one electrical function of the trailer hitch and/or monitored, the clutch control module having at least one bus interface for communication with a digital bus, in particular a CAN bus, of the vehicle electrical system, the clutch control module sending bus messages via the at least one bus interface to the at least one motor vehicle bus module connected to the digital bus Send motor vehicle and / or receive bus messages of at least one motor vehicle bus module, wherein the clutch control module for sending at least one configuration bus message to the at least one motor vehicle bus module is configured via the at least one bus interface, the configuration bus message containing a configuration identifier identifying the presence of the clutch control module and/or the trailer hitch for entries in configuration data of the motor vehicle bus module, characterized by
  • bus messages messages between the clutch control module and the at least one motor vehicle bus module are referred to as "bus messages”.
  • Messages between the clutch control module and the configuration device have the suffix "external” and are not referred to as “bus messages”.
  • the external messages are preferably those that are not suitable for direct and/or unmodified communication with the on-board network of the motor vehicle.
  • the communication module is advantageously designed to convert an external configuration message into at least one configuration bus message in such a way that the communication module enters data from the external configuration message, modified or unmodified, into one or more configuration bus messages. It is also possible for the communication module to enter data received as part of two or more external configuration messages into a single configuration bus message or to send it via the at least one bus interface as part of a single configuration bus message.
  • the communication module is designed to convert a configuration message bus message received at the at least one bus interface in such a way that the communication module transmits data from the Configuration reporting bus message in one or more external configuration reporting messages for transmission to the external communication interface modified or unmodified enters. Also in this context, it should be mentioned that an advantageous embodiment provides that the communication module enters data received as part of two or more configuration reporting bus messages into a single external configuration report or as part of a single external configuration Report message sent via the external communication interface.
  • the at least one bus interface is preferably an electrical bus interface, although an optical bus interface or optical communication as a bus interface is also readily possible. Consequently, the at least one bus interface includes an electrical interface and/or an optical interface.
  • the external communication interface for the configuration device can also include or be formed by an optical interface and/or an electrical interface.
  • the configuration device is, for example, a smartphone, a notebook or another computer. It is preferred if the configuration device is not suitable for direct communication with the on-board network of the motor vehicle, in particular with a bus interface or diagnostic interface of the motor vehicle.
  • a computer program product for example a communication module or configuration module, has program code and/or commands which can be executed by a processor of the configuration device or the clutch control module or a clutch control module for a trailer hitch for connection to an on-board network of a motor vehicle and the method steps according to the invention or performs parts of it.
  • the clutch control module or configuration device or the computer carries out the method, so to speak, in accordance with the specifications or the program code of the computer program product.
  • the method or parts of the method can be embodied or implemented by software or a computer program, so to speak, which is carried out in that a pro- processor of the clutch control module executes the program code or the instructions of the computer program.
  • the clutch control module forms a kind of gateway for the configuration device, in particular a configuration module executed by the configuration device.
  • the clutch control module provides, so to speak, the interface to the vehicle electrical system and has the safety mechanisms and/or communication means required for this, for example suitable bus controllers, in particular at least one CAN bus controller.
  • suitable bus controllers in particular at least one CAN bus controller.
  • Such a bus controller is not required for the configuration device.
  • the configuration device can be a notebook, a smartphone, or the like, which communicates with the clutch control module, for example, via Bluetooth, WLAN, or some other wireless connection.
  • a configuration module provided for configuration which can be executed by a processor of the configuration device and is designed to generate and/or receive external configuration messages, which the configuration device communicates with the clutch control module, can be replaced or updated by a software update, for example be carried out without having to take any action on the clutch control module.
  • the clutch control module can be optimally adapted to the communication of the vehicle electrical system, so that the configuration device can optimally communicate with the vehicle electrical system using the clutch control module.
  • the configuration identifier is or includes, for example, a coding of the at least one motor vehicle bus module for trailer operation and/or for the presence of a trailer hitch.
  • a program for trailer operation is activated in a motor vehicle bus module which is provided for vehicle stabilization of the vehicle, for example a so-called ESP control module. If a trailer is attached to the motor vehicle, for example, a different driving stability control is implemented by the motor vehicle bus module than without the trailer attached to the motor vehicle. trailer.
  • the configuration identifier basically activates the stability program for towing a trailer, so to speak.
  • a subsequent reporting bus message from the clutch control module to the motor vehicle bus module for driving stabilization that a trailer is attached or not causes the motor vehicle bus module to run the stability program for towing or to run a stability program without towing.
  • the motor vehicle bus module for driving stability would not even execute the stability program for towing, even if it received the reporting bus message about the attached trailer from the clutch control module. For example, the automotive bus module would ignore or not understand this report bus message.
  • the configuration identifier is advantageously provided for the at least one motor vehicle bus module to perform at least one function based on the configuration identifier received during normal operation of the motor vehicle, depending on the presence of the trailer hitch, in particular the clutch control module and/or the clutch control module and/or bus messages received from the clutch control module can.
  • the normal operation which is also mentioned in connection with further configurations of the invention, is a typical useful operation of the motor vehicle which takes place following the configuration according to the invention of the at least one motor vehicle bus module.
  • the normal operation is, for example, a typical ferry operation of the motor vehicle.
  • normal operation also begins, for example, when the motor vehicle is put into operation after the at least one motor vehicle bus module has been configured.
  • the clutch control module can not only unidirectionally transmit external messages from the configuration device to the at least one motor vehicle bus module in the form of bus messages, but also works bidirectionally and can therefore also forward bus messages from the motor vehicle bus module to the configuration device as external messages.
  • the clutch control module is designed to receive at least one configuration report bus message from the at least one motor vehicle bus module at the at least one bus interface, and that the communication module is designed to send an external message formed on the basis of the configuration report bus message.
  • Configuration message is configured via the external communication interface to the configuration device.
  • the clutch control module and/or the communication module of the clutch control module converts the configuration report bus message into the external configuration report message.
  • the clutch control module is responsible for the so-called lower layers of the 7-layer ISO/OSI reference model, i.e. for example physical transmission, data transmission security, etc., but on the so-called application layer, i.e. the layer 7, transmits or can transmit data from the configuration device to the at least one motor vehicle bus module and/or vice versa from the motor vehicle bus module to the communication device.
  • the data of the external messages from the communication module of the clutch control module can be modified or unmodified in a data part of at least one bus message to be sent to the vehicle electrical system or in several bus messages, for example at least two bus messages.
  • This configuration is also possible in the opposite direction, i. H. that the clutch control module enters modified or unmodified data received in one or more bus messages into one or more external messages.
  • a chronological sequence of a bus communication of the clutch control module which includes the configuration bus message, can be controlled and/or synchronized by the configuration device.
  • the bus communication thus includes the configuration bus message and possible further bus messages, for example the configuration report bus message already mentioned.
  • the configuration device or its configuration module are, so to speak, the master or the controlling component in the configuration of the motor vehicle bus module.
  • the communication module of the clutch control module sends configuration bus messages to the at least one bus interface based on configuration messages received from the configuration module or the configuration device in the order in which the configuration messages are received at the external communication interface. For example, a first configuration message is provided for querying a configuration of the motor vehicle bus module and a second configuration message is provided for setting a configuration of the motor vehicle bus module.
  • the communication module of the clutch control module converts the first configuration message into a first configuration bus message and the second configuration message into a second configuration bus message and sends the first configuration bus message before the second configuration bus message. It is possible that the clutch control module receives a configuration message bus message between the first configuration, bus message and the second configuration bus message and converts this into an external configuration message, and the external configuration Forwards notification message to the configuration device or the configuration module.
  • the buffer memories explained below facilitate, for example, the aforementioned synchronized procedure when sending and/or receiving messages or bus messages.
  • the clutch control module has at least one buffer memory for storing an external configuration message received at the external communication interface or an external configuration message to be sent.
  • a bus message that is received at the at least one bus interface can be buffered before it is sent to an ex- tern configuration message is converted.
  • An external configuration message that has already been prepared can also be temporarily stored in a buffer memory until the external communication interface is ready to be sent to the configuration device.
  • the clutch control module in particular its communication module, is designed to generate at least two configuration bus messages using an external configuration message.
  • configuration data contained in a single or individual configuration bus message can be split between two or more configuration bus messages. This makes the configuration bus messages shorter.
  • the clutch control module in particular its communication module, is designed to generate at least two external configuration report messages using a configuration report bus message.
  • the communication module divides data contained in the configuration-reporting-bus message into two or more external-configuration-reporting messages.
  • the external communication interface is advantageously designed for communication with a first message protocol, for example a Bluetooth protocol, WLAN protocol or the like, and the at least one bus interface is designed for communication with a second message protocol that is different from the first message protocol, for example a CAN protocol , MOST protocol etc.
  • the external communication interface can include two communication interfaces at which two identical first message protocols or two different first message protocols are used, for example Bluetooth and WLAN.
  • the at least one bus interface can also include different bus interfaces, which are explained below.
  • the same second message protocols can be used on these different bus interfaces, or second ones that are different from one another Message protocols, for example a CAN protocol on one bus interface and a MOST protocol on the other bus interface.
  • the at least one bus interface comprises or forms a communication bus interface, in particular a convenience bus interface for connection to a convenience bus of the vehicle electrical system, via which the clutch control module in one of the configuration of the at least one motor vehicle bus module different normal operation of the motor vehicle communicates with the at least one motor vehicle bus module using bus messages that are different from the configuration bus message.
  • the hitch control module reports a usage status of the trailer hitch to the motor vehicle bus module, for example an occupancy status of a socket of the trailer hitch as part of a communication during normal operation.
  • the communication bus interface is a bus interface of the clutch control module, which the clutch control module uses for regular communication with the vehicle electrical system.
  • configuration can also be carried out using a diagnostic bus interface. It is also possible that the at least one clutch control module can only be configured via this diagnostic bus interface.
  • the at least one bus interface comprises or forms a diagnostic bus interface via which the clutch control module can be or is connected to an on-board diagnostics interface of the on-board network of the motor vehicle, in particular to an on-board diagnostics interface of the motor vehicle.
  • the diagnosis bus interface is provided and/or designed for connection to an on-board network diagnosis interface of the motor vehicle.
  • the vehicle electrical system diagnostic interface of the motor vehicle is preferably such a diagnostic interface to which a diagnostic device, for example in a motor vehicle workshop, is usually connected to diagnose the motor vehicle, can be connected in particular using the motor vehicle bus modules and/or for diagnosing the motor vehicle bus modules of the motor vehicle.
  • the vehicle electrical system diagnostic interface is, for example, a so-called onboard diagnostic interface, also known as an OBD interface.
  • the diagnostic bus interface of the clutch control module is not connected to and/or does not communicate with the on-board network of the motor vehicle during normal operation of the motor vehicle.
  • the clutch control module is preferably not connected to the on-board network of the motor vehicle via the diagnostic bus interface during normal operation, that is to say the typical ferry mode of the motor vehicle. Even if there is a physical, in particular electrical, connection between the diagnostic bus interface and the on-board network diagnostic interface of the motor vehicle, there is advantageously no communication between the clutch control module and the on-board network diagnostic interface during normal operation of the motor vehicle, or only communication for the purpose of diagnosing the motor vehicle bus module or configuration of the motor vehicle bus module between the motor vehicle bus module and the clutch control module.
  • the clutch control module advantageously has a connection cable and/or a plug connector for connecting the at least one bus interface to the vehicle electrical system. It is particularly advantageous if the clutch control module has a connecting cable and/or a plug connector for connecting the diagnostic bus interface to the or an on-board diagnostic interface of the on-board network of the motor vehicle.
  • connection cable has, for example, one or more electrical conductors and/or optical conductors.
  • a connection cable without a plug connector is possible, ie free end areas of lines of the connection cable can be plugged directly into sockets of the vehicle electrical system diagnostic interface.
  • connection cable can be permanently connected to the clutch control module.
  • connecting cable it is also possible for the connecting cable to be releasably connectable to the clutch control module.
  • connection cable preferably has at least two or exactly two lines, in particular two bus lines. It is therefore possible that even with a multi-pin vehicle electrical system diagnostic interface of the motor vehicle, the connecting cable has lines for only some of the connection contacts of the vehicle electrical system diagnostic interface, for example only for bus contacts of the vehicle electrical system diagnostic interface. It can be provided that the connection cable also has a ground line, in particular a ground line for a vehicle ground and/or a ground line for a signal ground.
  • the clutch control module already advantageously has supply connections and/or supply contacts for electrical power supply through the vehicle electrical system.
  • the following configuration can be implemented without any problems, particularly in the case of this configuration with supply connections and/or supply contacts.
  • connection cable is preferably designed in such a way that it does not have any power supply lines and/or ground lines for connection to the vehicle electrical system.
  • Plug contacts for example plug projections, are preferably arranged on the free end regions of lines or wires of the connection cable, which together form a plug connector. These plug contacts can be moved relative to one another and/or mechanically separated from one another, so that it is up to an operator to plug the connector into the correct socket on the on-board diagnostic interface of the motor vehicle, ie for example wise select sockets for bus contacts on the vehicle electrical system diagnostic interface.
  • an operator can set up a type of flying wiring between the clutch control module and the vehicle electrical system diagnostic interface.
  • the clutch control module prefferably has a connector with plug contacts that are immovable relative to one another and/or are arranged on a connector base of the connector in a geometry that matches a connector of the vehicle electrical system diagnostic interface.
  • Plug contacts of the plug connector of the control module are advantageously arranged in a geometry suitable for a so-called OBD-2 diagnostic socket, e.g. a CARB socket or Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC). It is possible that only those plug contacts are provided on the plug connector, for example, to establish a bus connection between the clutch control module and the vehicle electrical system.
  • the plug contacts can have a transverse spacing and/or a longitudinal spacing from one another that corresponds to a transverse spacing and a longitudinal spacing of plug contacts of the vehicle electrical system diagnostic interface of the motor vehicle.
  • the connector of the clutch control module can have two bus contacts that can be plugged into matching mating bus contacts of the vehicle electrical system diagnostics interface of the motor vehicle, for example into bus contacts, in particular CAN high bus contacts and CAN low bus contacts.
  • a plug-in interface of the plug connector is preferably designed in such a way that it can be connected to the on-board diagnostics interface of the motor vehicle with protection against polarity reversal.
  • the connecting cable preferably has a length such that it extends from a rear area, in particular a luggage compartment, of the motor vehicle to a passenger compartment or engine compartment of the motor vehicle.
  • the length of the connection cable is at least 2 m, preferably 3 m or 4 m Clutch control module are connected to the vehicle electrical system diagnostic interface of the vehicle when the vehicle electrical system diagnostic interface in the engine compartment or passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, for example in the front area of the passenger compartment or a center console of the passenger compartment, is arranged.
  • the connecting cable can be stowed away, for example, in a hollow space in the body of the motor vehicle, in particular behind a luggage compartment lining.
  • the clutch control module it is also readily possible for the clutch control module to be arranged in an exterior area of the motor vehicle, for example in the area of a rear bumper of the motor vehicle or the like.
  • control module it is also possible for the control module to have a housing which has a receiving space for the connecting cable.
  • the aforementioned plug connector in particular a plug, is preferably arranged on a free end area of the connecting cable.
  • the plug connector preferably has a large number of connection contacts for connection to the on-board diagnostics interface of the motor vehicle.
  • the connection contacts include bus contacts, for example.
  • the clutch control module in particular exclusively, is ready to communicate with the configuration device for a configuration of the at least one motor vehicle bus module when the diagnostic bus interface is connected to the vehicle electrical system.
  • the external communication interface can be enabled for communication with the configuration device, which is used to configure the clutch control module, when the diagnostic bus interface is connected to the vehicle electrical system.
  • the clutch control module is designed for communication via the external communication interface for the transmission of data relating to the clutch control module, for example diagnostic data from the clutch control module.
  • the diagnostic data include, for example, trailer hitch usage data or the like.
  • CAN Controller Area Network
  • MOST Media Oriented Systems Transport
  • the clutch control module has at least one CAN bus controller.
  • the communication bus interface and/or the diagnosis bus interface can include or be formed by a CAN bus controller, for example.
  • the clutch control module has at least two separate or different bus controllers for providing the bus interfaces.
  • the clutch control module has different or separate bus controllers for providing the communication bus interface and the diagnostic bus interface.
  • bus controller there is only one bus controller that serves both the communication bus interface and the diagnosis bus interface.
  • the bus controller can be permanently connected to the two aforementioned bus interfaces.
  • the bus controller it is possible for the bus controller to be switchable between the communication bus interface and the diagnostic bus interface, for example using a switching device and/or using software to control it.
  • a bus controller both the Can operate communication bus interface and the diagnostic bus interface by being connected to provide the communication bus interface and the diagnostic bus interface with different motor vehicle bus interfaces of the motor vehicle.
  • the communication module has a registration interface for the configuration device.
  • the registration interface is designed for authentication and/or identification of the configuration device. In the event of incorrect identification and/or authentication or both, the registration interface blocks a configuration of the at least one motor vehicle bus module.
  • the configuration device sends a registration message with identification data, for example a registration identifier, to the communication module of the clutch control module, which checks the identification data and only if the identification data is valid, external configuration messages from the configuration device and accepts and/or external configuration messages to the Configuration device sends.
  • the clutch control module enables a configuration of the at least one motor vehicle bus module depending on at least one operator action.
  • the clutch control module is preferably designed to enable or block a configuration of the at least one motor vehicle bus module as a function of at least one operator action.
  • the operator action can include, for example, inserting a plug into a socket of the trailer hitch and/or removing it from the socket.
  • other operator actions for example switching on an ignition of the motor vehicle or a switching sequence, for example switching on and off the ignition of the Motor vehicle in a predetermined period of time may be necessary to unlock the configuration of the motor vehicle bus module.
  • the communication module of the clutch control module and the configuration module of the configuration device communicate using a configuration communication protocol which is embedded in an external communication protocol which is used at the external communication interface of the clutch control module.
  • UDS Unified Diagnostic Services
  • the UDS protocol corresponds to ISO 14229 or is based on it.
  • the configuration communication protocol is transmitted, for example, as part of user data of the external communication protocol.
  • the configuration bus message is advantageously a bus message that is different from the other bus messages.
  • the other bus messages are, for example, signaling bus messages from the clutch control module, control bus messages from the clutch control module, or the like. It is also possible that the other bus messages that are different from the configuration bus message are messages that at least one motor vehicle bus module sends to the clutch control module or receives from the clutch control module, for example to control the clutch control module or to receive information or messages from the clutch control module, or at least one contain such a bus message.
  • the configuration bus message can also be referred to as a parameterization bus message.
  • the configuration bus message is used to set the motor vehicle bus module to trailer operation and/or to communicate with the clutch control module.
  • the at least one configuration identifier contains, for example, the information "trailer hitch present on the motor vehicle" or "clutch control module of a trailer hitch connected to the digital bus".
  • the configuration bus message is a message other than a clutch control module reporting bus message or is not a clutch control module reporting bus message.
  • a reporting bus message from the clutch control module is sent by the clutch control module on the digital bus.
  • the or a reporting bus message contains in particular information from the environment of the trailer hitch, for example its use, an angle signal of a sensor of the trailer hitch or the like, to at least one motor vehicle bus module or the motor vehicle bus modules.
  • the configuration bus message is preferably provided exclusively for configuring the at least one motor vehicle bus module.
  • the configuration bus message advantageously does not contain any reporting information and/or control information from the clutch control module, with the reporting information comprising or containing, for example, a sensor signal from the vicinity of the trailer hitch.
  • the control information is used, for example, to control the at least one motor vehicle bus module as a function of use of the trailer hitch by a trailer and/or a trailer plug.
  • the configuration bus message advantageously contains no information for output to an output means of the motor vehicle and/or for activating the at least one motor vehicle bus module.
  • the output means is an output means which is permanently arranged on the motor vehicle and not a diagnostic means which can be detachably connected to the motor vehicle, for example a diagnostic computer or another output device which is connected to a so-called onboard interface or OBD interface can be connected.
  • the output means includes, for example, a loudspeaker or a display that is fixed to the motor vehicle.
  • the information includes, for example, information relating to the use of a trailer socket and/or control information, for example in order to switch off a reversing sensor system of the motor vehicle.
  • the at least one motor vehicle bus module can be, for example, a control module for controlling individual functions, for example the rear lights, a rear area monitor or the like.
  • the configuration identifier is an identifier that, so to speak, defines the presence of the motor vehicle bus module or the trailer hitch or both in the motor vehicle bus modules.
  • the motor vehicle bus modules can then address bus messages to the clutch control module, with which this in turn then operates the functions of the trailer hitches.
  • the clutch control module can control a trailer socket as a function of such bus messages.
  • the clutch control module sends bus messages on the digital bus of the motor vehicle, which signal the occupancy of the socket.
  • a motor vehicle bus module that implements vehicle stabilization for example a so-called ESP module, can react to the changed load situation and correspondingly control the motor vehicle electronically in order to implement effective anti-skid protection.
  • a motor vehicle control module is used, for example, to monitor and/or control functions of the motor vehicle, in particular a lighting device, a distance measuring device or the like.
  • the control bus messages can be, for example, a switch-off control, with which the clutch control module, for example, switches off the function of a distance measuring device in the rear area of the motor vehicle.
  • the reporting bus message is, for example, an occupancy identifier of the trailer socket or usage information for the coupling arm. It is preferred if the clutch control module has coupling means for coupling a trailer socket, which is provided for plugging in a connector of the trailer, to the vehicle electrical system of the motor vehicle. For example, the clutch control module has corresponding power electronic or other outputs to which the trailer socket can be coupled.
  • the trailer coupling comprises, for example, a coupling arm, on the free end of which a coupling piece for coupling a trailer, for example a coupling ball, is arranged.
  • the trailer coupling advantageously comprises a carrier arrangement which is attached or attachable to the motor vehicle.
  • the carrier arrangement preferably comprises a cross member which extends transversely to a vehicle longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle in or on the rear area of the motor vehicle.
  • the coupling arm is preferably mounted by means of a bearing of the trailer hitch, for example a pivot bearing and/or a sliding bearing, between a use position provided for hitching a trailer or fastening a load carrier and a non-use position, with the coupling arm in the non-use position preferably being completely or completely behind a bumper of the motor vehicle is largely hidden.
  • the non-use position is a position in which the coupling arm is not oriented or positioned for hitching a trailer or hitching a load carrier.
  • the bearing is fastened, for example, to the carrier arrangement, in particular the cross member, the trailer hitch and/or the motor vehicle.
  • the coupling arm protrudes at an angle from the cross member and/or has a larger angle to the cross member than in the non-use position.
  • the coupling arm is preferably adjusted closer to the cross member or beam assembly than in the use position.
  • the trailer coupling it is also possible for the trailer coupling to have a plug-in receptacle attached to the carrier arrangement for plugging and/or plugging in the coupling arm having. It is therefore possible for the trailer hitch to have a holder for the coupling arm that is attached or can be attached to the motor vehicle and to which the coupling arm can be detachably attached by means of an attachment device.
  • the clutch control module has control means for activating at least one electric drive
  • the trailer coupling preferably has at least one drive that can be controlled by the coupling control module.
  • the drive can be provided, for example, for a fixing device for fixing the trailer coupling, in particular the coupling arm, in at least one operating position, in particular a use position.
  • the drive can also be provided for adjusting a coupling arm of the trailer hitch between a use position provided for attaching the trailer and a non-use position provided for non-use of the coupling arm.
  • the coupling arm in the non-use position, is hidden behind a bumper of the motor vehicle.
  • the coupling arm is expediently pivoted and/or displaceable between the use position and the non-use position on a holder which in turn is fastened to the supporting structure of the motor vehicle.
  • a carrier or cross member is provided at the rear of the motor vehicle, on which the holder for the trailer coupling or the coupling arm is arranged.
  • the clutch control module controls several drives, for example a drive for a fixing device and a drive for adjusting the clutch arm between the position of use and the position of non-use.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a motor vehicle with a trailer hitch according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 shows the trailer coupling of the motor vehicle according to FIG. 1 with a coupling control module in a schematic representation
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematically illustrated bus system of the motor vehicle according to FIG. 1 with the clutch control module and a configuration device
  • FIG. 4 shows a schematic flowchart for vehicle coding
  • FIG. 5 is a somewhat detailed diagram relating to vehicle coding
  • FIG. 6 communication between the configuration device, the clutch control module and a motor vehicle bus module in connection with a coding
  • FIG. 7 shows a registration procedure for the configuration device with the clutch control module.
  • a motor vehicle 80 having a body 81 is powered by an engine 82, such as an electric motor, an internal combustion engine, or a combination thereof.
  • the motor 82 drives wheels 83 in a manner known per se.
  • a trailer 180 can be attached to the motor vehicle 80 using a trailer hitch 10 .
  • the trailer hitch 10 comprises, for example, a carrier arrangement 11 which is fastened to the body 81 of the motor vehicle 80, for example screwed, welded or the like.
  • a holder 12 of the trailer hitch 10 is fastened to the carrier arrangement 11 , in particular a cross member thereof, which is designed, for example, to firmly hold a hitch arm 14 or can have a plug-in receptacle (not shown) for inserting a hitch arm 14 .
  • a bearing 13, in particular a pivot bearing, sliding bearing or pivoting sliding bearing is provided on the holder 12, with which the coupling arm 14 between a use position G shown in solid lines in Figure 2 and a non-use position N shown in dashed lines is adjustable.
  • the coupling arm 14 carries a coupling ball 15, which is an example of other types of coupling elements, for example polygonal coupling elements or the like.
  • the coupling ball 15 and the section of the coupling arm 14 carrying the coupling ball 15 is moved forward in front of a bumper 84 in the use position G, so that the trailer 180 can be coupled.
  • a ball coupling 181 of the trailer 180 which is arranged on a drawbar 182, can be coupled to the coupling element or the coupling ball 15.
  • the trailer 180 has a base body 183, for example a loading trough, a caravan body or the like, which can be rolled on wheels 184 on a surface.
  • the trailer 180 also has a connector 185 via which a lighting device 186 of the trailer 180 can be supplied with electricity.
  • a lighting device 186 of the trailer 180 can be supplied with electricity.
  • Lights not shown in detail, for example rear lights, brake lights, indicators or the like, of the lighting device 186 can be supplied with power and controlled via a corresponding control or energizing of the plug connector 185, which preferably has individual contacts.
  • the coupling arm 14 can be fixed at least in the position of use G by means of a fixing device 16, for example can be fixed and/or clamped in a form-fitting manner.
  • a drive 17 is expediently provided for releasing the fixing device 16 , but it can also be configured for closing or locking the fixing device 16 .
  • the fixing device 16 is expediently spring-loaded into the position which locks the coupling arm 14 in the position of use G, so that the drive 17 represents a release drive.
  • the coupling arm 14 can be driven between the use position G and the non-use position N by means of a drive 18 .
  • a trailer socket 19 is used to plug in the connector 185 of the trailer 180. This can be arranged, for example, on the coupling arm 14 or on a separate holder 14a.
  • the motor vehicle 80 has an on-board network 86 with digital buses 85K, 85A and 85D, for example CAN buses.
  • FIG. 3 shows the bus topology with the various buses 85K, 85A and 85D in simplified form by a single, schematic bus 85.
  • Motor vehicle bus modules 90A, 90B, 90C, 90D, 90E, 90F are connected to buses 85K, 85A and 85D, some of which are also generally referred to below as “motor vehicle bus modules 90”.
  • Automotive bus modules 90A, 90B, 90C, 90D, 90E, 90F communicate via bus interfaces 97 with buses 85K, 85A and 85D.
  • the bus 85A is, for example, a drive bus to which the motor vehicle bus modules 90B and 90C provided for driving the motor vehicle 80 are connected.
  • the bus 85K is, for example, a comfort bus to which bus modules provided for comfort functions of the motor vehicle 80 are connected, ie for example the clutch control module 30 and the motor vehicle bus module 90A.
  • the motor vehicle bus modules 90D, 90E and 90F are, for example, bus modules that allow the motor vehicle 80 to be diagnosed.
  • the vehicle bus modules 90D, 90E and 90F are connected to the bus 85D, which can also be referred to as a diagnostic bus.
  • the buses 85K, 85A and 85D are connected to a central bus controller 85Z, for example.
  • Other buses can also be connected to the central bus controller 85C, for example for entertainment electronics, navigation or similar other buses.
  • a diagnostic device 100 can communicate with the motor vehicle bus modules 90A-90F, 90M via the central bus controller 85Z.
  • Motor vehicle bus module 90C is, for example, an engine control unit for activating motor 82.
  • Motor vehicle bus module 90B is a control unit for a driving stability program for motor vehicle 80.
  • Motor vehicle bus module 90A controls, for example, a lighting device 87 of motor vehicle 80 and a distance measuring device 88 for a rear area or , a movement space behind the motor vehicle 80 (rear in the direction of travel).
  • the lighting device 87 includes brake lights, rear driving lighting devices, reversing lights, flashing lights or the like.
  • the distance measuring device 88 has, for example, distance sensors that work without contact, in particular ultrasonic sensors.
  • the trailer socket 19 and the drives 17 , 18 are connected to a clutch control module 30 via the line arrangement 20 .
  • the clutch control module 30 controls the functions of the trailer hitch 10 via the line arrangement 20, for example the respective connection contacts of the trailer socket 19 and/or the drive 17 and/or the drive 18.
  • the drive 17 can be used to release the fixing device 16 and the drive 18 for pivoting or adjusting the coupling arm 14 between the use position G and the non-use position N can be controlled.
  • Corresponding power electronics, in particular for the drives 17 and 18, are indicated as an interface 31, ie a control means, in FIG.
  • An interface 32 is provided for the trailer socket 19.
  • the interface 32 forms a coupling means for coupling the trailer socket 19.
  • the clutch control module 30 has a processor 33 which communicates with a memory 34 .
  • a control Program 39 for controlling the functions of the trailer hitch 10 and a communication module 40 are stored, the program code of which can be executed by the processor 33, for example for executing the methods shown schematically in connection with FIGS. 4-7.
  • the clutch control module 30 has vehicle communication means 35 for communication with the vehicle electrical system 86 of the motor vehicle 86 .
  • the clutch control module 30 may digitally send or receive data on the bus 85K via a communication bus interface 36 of the vehicle communication means 35 .
  • the hitch control module 30 communicates with the vehicle bus modules 90A-90F via the bus 85K to report the current operating status of the hitch 10 on the bus 85K.
  • the clutch control module 30 reports this on the bus 85K using a reporting bus message M to the motor vehicle bus modules 90A-90F.
  • a reporting bus message M to the motor vehicle bus modules 90A-90F.
  • the occupancy status of the trailer socket 19 can be determined by the clutch control module 30, for example by a corresponding configuration of the interface 32 or design of the interface 32, and reported on the bus 85K.
  • motor vehicle bus module 90B responsible for driving stabilization of motor vehicle 80 will select a different operating mode than when no trailer 180 is coupled to motor vehicle 80 .
  • the physical conditions when towing a trailer are different than when driving without a trailer. That in itself is known.
  • the engine control unit or motor vehicle bus module 90C reacts differently when towing a trailer, for example by using other load programs or activation programs for activation. Control of the motor 82 operates. As a result, for example, an overload of the motor 82 can be avoided when towing a trailer.
  • the control program 39 controls, for example, the functions of the trailer socket 19 in such a way that the lighting device 186 of the trailer 180 works synchronously with the lighting device 87 of the motor vehicle 80, i.e. that, for example, turn signals 87A of the motor vehicle 80 and turn signals 186A of the trailer 180 are activated on the same side. the brake lights are activated and the like.
  • the control program 39 can also be provided, for example, to control one or both of the drives 17, 18.
  • the function of the drive 17 and the function of the drive 18 can be deactivated.
  • the coupling arm 14 cannot be adjusted between the use position G and the non-use position N when the motor vehicle 80 is driving.
  • the clutch control module 30 also reacts with its control program 39 to the respective operating state of the motor vehicle 80.
  • the motor vehicle bus modules 90A-90F of the motor vehicle 80 are not set up for operation with a trailer hitch if the latter does not yet have a trailer hitch 10 when it is manufactured or delivered.
  • the driving stability program of the motor vehicle bus module 90B can normally only implement the operation of the motor vehicle 80 without a trailer 180 .
  • the program in question is not available.
  • a motor vehicle bus module 90A responsible for the rear functions of motor vehicle 80 for example, initially “knows” only the operation of motor vehicle 80 alone, i.e. without trailer 180.
  • parking space monitoring or distance measuring device 88 is always active when motor vehicle 80 is, for example, in a low Speed mode is operated and/or a reverse gear is engaged or the motor vehicle 80 is ready for reversing.
  • the lighting device 87 is also typically controlled by the motor vehicle bus module 90A as if no trailer 180 were attached.
  • a rear fog light is always switched on or off when activated accordingly in the cockpit of motor vehicle 80, regardless of whether a trailer 180 is attached or not.
  • the motor vehicle bus module 90A therefore always works in the delivery state in pure “motor vehicle operation without a trailer”.
  • the lighting device 87 and the distance measuring device 88 are connected to the motor vehicle bus module 90A via interfaces 91 , 92 .
  • motor vehicle bus modules 90A - 90F are only matched to operation with the trailer hitch 10 if they are each provided with a configuration identifier 96 .
  • the configuration identifier 96 is entered, for example, in configuration data 95 of the motor vehicle bus modules 90A-90F.
  • the configuration ID 96 can also be referred to as the "trailer operation" parameter setting. For example, a bit in the memory 94 of a respective motor vehicle bus module 90 is set to logical “0” when the motor vehicle 80 was delivered. However, if the configuration ID 96 is entered, the bit is set to logical "1".
  • a processor 93 of a respective motor vehicle bus module 90A - 90F executes one or more control programs 93A in order to implement the respective functionality of the motor vehicle bus module 90A - 90F, for example a driving stability tion, a motor control of the motor 82 or the like.
  • the processor 93 or the control program 93A executed by it reads, for example, the content of the memory 94 with regard to the configuration data 95, in particular the configuration identifier 96.
  • the configuration identifier 96 is present in the motor vehicle bus modules 90, these evaluate, for example, the reporting bus message M of the clutch control module 30, which contains usage information N19.
  • the usage information N19 signals whether the trailer socket 19 is being used by the trailer 180 or the connector 185 or not.
  • a respective motor vehicle bus module 90 can also be receptive to a control bus message SN, for example.
  • the clutch control module 30 can, for example, send control information to one or more of the motor vehicle bus modules 90 with the control bus message SN or other such control bus messages. For example, based on the control bus message SN, a control program of the motor vehicle bus module 90C responsible for the engine 82 can be activated, which is provided for trailer operation.
  • Diagnostic device 100 for example, is used for a typical configuration of motor vehicle 80 with the at least one configuration identifier 96.
  • the diagnostic device 100 is connected and a diagnostic program 101 is executed.
  • the diagnostic program 101 the program code of which can be executed by a processor 103 of the diagnostic device 100 and which is stored, for example, in a memory 104, the functions of the motor vehicle bus modules 90A - 90F can be checked, for example in a workshop, in a manner known per se and set up again if necessary .
  • a new driving stability program is loaded into motor vehicle bus module 90B when there are innovations.
  • the diagnostic device 100 or a central database to which the diagnostic device 100 can be connected also contains Configuration data of the motor vehicle 80 stored.
  • the central database is, for example, a database operated by the manufacturer of motor vehicle 80 .
  • configuration identifiers 96 may be overwritten or deleted during a respective diagnosis using diagnostic device 100.
  • the invention provides a remedy, for example.
  • the hitch control module 30 can enable the corresponding configuration of the other motor vehicle bus modules 90A-90F.
  • the clutch control module 30 it is advantageously possible here for the clutch control module 30 to communicate via the bus 85K in order to configure motor vehicle bus modules connected to the bus 85K, for example the motor vehicle bus module 90A.
  • the central bus controller 85Z it would also be possible for the central bus controller 85Z to enable communication between the clutch control module 30 and motor vehicle bus modules 90 connected to the buses 85A, 85D or 85M.
  • a configuration may be made in which this is not possible.
  • a configuration of the motor vehicle bus modules 90 connected to the buses 85A, 85D or 85M is possible via an on-board diagnostics interface 89, e.g. a so-called onboard diagnostics interface, which is connected to the central bus controller 85Z or forms part of the bus controller 85Z.
  • the diagnostic device 100 can be connected to the vehicle electrical system diagnostic interface 89 .
  • the vehicle electrical system diagnostic interface 89 can also be used by the clutch control module 30, for example to configure one or more of the motor vehicle bus modules 90A-90F.
  • the vehicle communication means 35 of the clutch control module 30 include a diagnostic bus interface 37, for example.
  • the cable 38A has several lines 38A1 and 38A2, for example bus lines, which are connected to plug-in contacts 38B1 and 38B2 of the connector 38, which can be plugged into plug-in receptacles 89B1 and 89B2 of a connector 89A of the vehicle electrical system diagnostic interface 89.
  • connector 89A is a 16-pin connector or an OBD-2 diagnostic socket.
  • the lines 38A1 and 38A2 can be mechanically connected to one another, for example arranged in a common cable jacket, or mechanically separated from one another, for example designed as individual conductors.
  • the plug contacts 38B1 and 38B2 can be mechanically connected to one another, for example arranged on a common plug base 38C or a common plug housing, or separated from one another, i.e. for example individual plug contacts, for example plug contacts separate from one another and mechanically movable relative to one another, in particular contact pins.
  • plug-in contacts 38B1 and 38B2 that are mechanically separated from one another, so-to-speak flying wiring is possible.
  • the optionally provided connector base 38C of the connector 38 fits to a connector base 89C of the connector 89A, for example by the connector bases 38C and 89C having trapezoidal contours or defining parts of a trapezoid, so that the plug contacts 38B1 and 38B2 can be connected to the plug contacts 89B1 and 89B2 with reverse polarity protection.
  • the plug contacts 89B1 and 89B2 are arranged on the plug connector 89A.
  • the onboard vehicle electrical system diagnostic interface 89 can be arranged, for example, in a passenger compartment 80F of the motor vehicle 80, while the clutch Development control module 30 is arranged in a rear area 80H, in particular its luggage compartment, of the motor vehicle 80 .
  • the cable 38A has such a length, for example at least 2 m, at least 3 m or at least 4 m, that it extends from the clutch control module 30 arranged in the rear area 80H to the plug connector 89A.
  • An embodiment of the clutch control module 30 can be, for example, corresponding WO 2018/149662 A1, i. H. that the clutch control module 30 automatically parameterizes the motor vehicle bus modules 90 with the configuration identifier 96 .
  • the clutch control module 30 cannot parameterize the motor vehicle bus modules 90 itself, but instead only the following configuration is available.
  • the configuration of the motor vehicle bus modules 90 is carried out by sending and receiving bus messages which the clutch control module 30 sends and receives.
  • a configuration device 60 is connected to the clutch control module 30 and is provided for the configuration of the motor vehicle bus module 90 .
  • the configuration device 60 is, for example, a mobile configuration device, for example a smartphone or the like.
  • the configuration device 60 has input means 61, for example a keyboard, a touchscreen or the like, and output means 62, for example a screen or the like.
  • the configuration device 60 also has a processor 63 for executing programs, in particular a configuration module 65, which is stored in a memory 64 of the configuration device 60 in addition to other optionally present programs.
  • the configuration module 65 can be stored locally in the memory 64 .
  • the configuration module 65 can also be used by be loaded from a server, for example from the configuration device 260 to be described later.
  • the configuration module 65 communicates via a communication interface 66 with the clutch control module 30, which has an external communication interface 41 for communication with the configuration device 60.
  • the external communication interface 41 and the communication interface 66 are or include, for example, wired or wireless interfaces.
  • a connection via Bluetooth is particularly advantageous, i. H. that the communication interfaces 41, 66 are, for example, Bluetooth communication interfaces.
  • a connection via WLAN for example, is also possible, i. H. that the communication interfaces 41, 66 are WLAN interfaces.
  • the configuration module 65 is used to configure the motor vehicle bus modules 90, with the clutch control module 30 communicating directly with the motor vehicle bus modules 90 and, as it were, forming a gateway for the configuration module 65 or the configuration device 60 for communication with the motor vehicle bus modules 90.
  • the communication interfaces 41, 66 can already provide a registration procedure in which, for example, a Bluetooth pairing or the like is carried out.
  • the configuration device 60 can send a communication identifier to the clutch control module 30 which uses the communication identifier to check whether the configuration device 60 may or can register with the clutch control module 30 .
  • a registration procedure is advantageously provided, in which the configuration module 65 identifies and/or authenticates itself to the communication module 40 of the clutch control module 30 .
  • the communication module 40 includes, for example, a registration interface 42.
  • the configuration module 65 sends a request message LO1 to the communication module 40.
  • the request message LO1 contains, for example, a counter Z, an indication LN about a length of the message LO1, an indication LD about a length of user data of the request message LO1, a data part DA and a checksum or checksum CTR.
  • An identifier RS for example, is entered in the data part DA of the request message LO1, where RS can mean, for example, “Request Seed”. With the identifier RS, the configuration module 65 requests, for example, secure access to the communication module 40 and thus to the vehicle electrical system 86 of the motor vehicle 80 .
  • the messages RL1, LO2 and RL2 explained below also contain a counter Z, an indication LN of a length of the message LO1, an indication LD of a length of user data of the respective message RL1, LO2 and RL2.
  • the communication module 40 responds to the request message LO1 with a message RL1, which contains information SE in its data part DA.
  • the configuration module 65 uses the information SE to generate a key KE, which the configuration device 60 sends to the communication module 40 as part of the message LO2. If the key KE matches an expected value that the communication module 40 has generated itself using the information SE, the registration of the configuration module 65 with the communication module 40 is successful, which the communication module 40 confirms with the message RL2. Confirmation information AC is contained in its data part DA.
  • the configuration module 65 optionally carries out, for example, the methods V1, V2 explained below interactively with the motor vehicle bus modules 90A-90F.
  • the clutch control module 30 serves as a communication gateway, so to speak, which transmits the data explained below from the configuration module 65 to the motor vehicle bus modules 90A-90F and vice versa from the motor vehicle bus modules 90A-90F to the configuration module 65.
  • the clutch control module 30 forms a bus interface for the configuration module 65 or the configuration device 60, so to speak.
  • the configuration device 60 can be individually adapted, for example by updating the configuration module 65 to adapt it to new requirements, for example other vehicle types, motor vehicle bus modules or the like. Modifications to the clutch control module 30 are then not required.
  • configuration module 65 may be replaceable with configuration module 65A stored on server or configuration device 260 .
  • the communication module 65 can interact with the configuration device 260 to the extent that it requests, for example, configuration data 65B of the motor vehicle 80 from the configuration device 260 in order to enable the communication and configuration explained below.
  • configuration data 65B of the motor vehicle 80
  • addresses of the motor vehicle bus modules 90, their respective configuration or the like can be stored in the configuration data 65B.
  • the configuration module 65 which can also be called or regarded as a configuration program, carries out, for example, the configuration method indicated schematically in FIG.
  • a step E1 the configuration module 65 is started, for example, by means of an operator action on the input means 61, for example pressing a keyboard of the input means 61.
  • the configuration module 65 checks, for example, whether the motor vehicle 80 as a whole, but in particular one or more of the motor vehicle bus modules 90A - 90F, is encoded for trailer operation or operation with the clutch control module 30. If it is determined in a test step P1 that a configuration for trailer operation or operation with the clutch control module 30 is already provided, the method V1 branches to a step E4, ie an end. However, if the coding is not available or is incomplete, the method V1 proceeds in a branching step S1 to a step E3, which provides for the coding of one or more of the motor vehicle bus modules 90A-90F.
  • step E2 it is therefore possible for step E2 to first check whether motor vehicle 80 is already coded for trailer operation or not. However, this verification step can be omitted. It is possible for the coding explained below to take place immediately, ie without a prior check as part of step E2.
  • Step E3 is shown in more detail as method V2, namely as a coding process that the configuration module 65 can carry out.
  • method V2 begins in a start step E10, from which it is first checked whether a respective motor vehicle bus module 90A-90F needs to be set to a diagnostic mode.
  • diagnosis mode the respective motor vehicle bus module 90A-90F is ready, for example, to send information about the parameterization with the configuration identifier 96 or to receive the configuration identifier 96 and store it in its memory 94 if necessary.
  • test step P11 If it is determined in test step P11 that a motor vehicle bus module 90A - 90F to be configured or encoded cannot be put into diagnostic mode, method V2 branches to a checking step P13, in which it is checked how often step P11 is carried out. if a specific number of repetitions has not yet been reached, the test step P13 branches into a branch S16 and back to the test step P11.
  • step E14 if it is determined in test step P13 that a specific number of attempts to put a particular motor vehicle bus module 90 into a diagnostic mode was unsuccessful, method V2 concludes in a step E14 that the particular control unit or motor vehicle bus module 90A - 90F is not available .
  • a situation can arise, for example, if different motor vehicle bus modules 90 are provided in motor vehicle 80 for the function of distance measuring device 88 and for the function of lighting device 87 .
  • a motor vehicle bus module is always provided for a lighting function, while the distance measuring device does not have to be installed in every motor vehicle 80 . This is often an optional variant or a desired configuration.
  • step E14 goes to a further test step P14, in which it is checked whether all motor vehicle bus modules 90A-90F that are theoretically to be provided with the configuration identifier 96 have been queried or configured. If this is not the case, the method V2 branches back to test step P11 in a branch S17, otherwise in a branch S19 to the final step E15.
  • the method V2 branches in test step P11 into a branch S11, which leads to a step E12. This means that the configuration data of a respective motor vehicle bus module 90A-90F are queried or read out.
  • the configuration module 65 can check in test step P12 whether the motor vehicle gnebusmodul 90A - 90F is encoded, i.e. has the configuration identifier 96 or not. If this is already the case, ie the coding for the trailer operation or the trailer hitch 10 is present, the method V2 branches in a step S13 to the test step P14, i.e. the step in which it is checked whether all the necessary coding or configurations in the Motor vehicle bus modules 90A - 90F of the motor vehicle 80 are made.
  • method V2 proceeds from test step P12 via path S14 to the actual configuration step or coding step, namely step E13, in which the configuration for trailer operation or trailer hitch 10 is undertaken for a respective motor vehicle bus module 90A-90F.
  • the configuration module 65 sends the configuration identifier 96 to the respective motor vehicle bus module 90A- 90F, which then accepts the configuration identifier 96 into its memory 94 .
  • FIG. 90 An exemplary communication, e.g., a CAN bus communication, between the clutch control module 30 and one of the vehicle bus modules 90A-90F is illustrated in FIG.
  • One of the respective vehicle bus modules 90A - 90F is designated as vehicle bus module 90 .
  • the clutch control module 30 serves as a gateway for the messages explained below, which are transmitted from the configuration module 65 to a respective motor vehicle bus module 90 or are received by the motor vehicle bus module 90 from a motor vehicle bus module 90 and sent to the configuration module 65 .
  • the clutch control module 30 thus enables communication between the configuration module 65 and the respective motor vehicle bus module 90 in accordance with a protocol which is required on the bus 85K and/or on the diagnostic bus interface 89, for example.
  • the configuration module 65 provides the basic information for bus messages to be sent via the clutch control module 30 .
  • the clutch control module 30 receives bus messages on the bus 85K and/or at the diagnostic bus interface 89 and transmits data of the bus messages relevant for the configuration module 65 to the configuration module 65 via the external communication interface 41.
  • the bus messages N1, N2 etc. can also be referred to as so-called frames or can be frames.
  • the configuration module 65 first sends a query bus message via the clutch control module 30, for example, with which it queries the respective configuration of the motor vehicle bus module 90A-90F.
  • the query bus message can be directed to a number of motor vehicle bus modules 90, ie it can be a broadcast message.
  • the configuration device 60 sends an external configuration message K1 to the clutch control module 30.
  • the external configuration message K1 contains a header HD, a length specification L1 and a control command 11, which is used to send the information specified in the fields C1 and D1 in the Under the bus message N1 instructed.
  • the fields C1 and D1 correspond, for example, to user data of the external configuration message K1.
  • the field C1 corresponds, for example, to an address C1 of a motor vehicle bus module 90 to be configured, for example the motor vehicle bus module 90A.
  • the clutch control module 30 uses the address C1, the clutch control module 30 generates, for example, the arbitration field ARB of the bus message N1.
  • the data D1 contain the useful content of the bus message N1.
  • the data field D1 specifies the data to be sent to address C1.
  • the data field with the data D1 contains data B1 - B8.
  • the query bus message N1 contains, for example, in its ARB field an address of the motor vehicle bus module 90A-90F to be configured or queried, which is specified by the address C1.
  • the query bus message N1 contains bytes B1-B8. If there is a value of 55 in one of the bytes B1-B8 and the respective byte is not part of the user data, this means that the byte is not used or its content is relevant.
  • the first byte B1 contains the length of the user data.
  • Byte B2 contains a command to be executed, for example according to the UDS protocol. For example, if the value 22 is in byte B2 in the bus message N1, this means "reading data”.
  • An address or an identifier of the data to be read is specified in bytes B3 and B4.
  • a respective motor vehicle bus module 90 responds to the query bus message N1 with the configuration information bus message N2, which contains the corresponding configuration or parameterization of the respective motor vehicle bus module 90.
  • Byte B1 contains a length specification of 06, i.e. 6 user bytes, so that byte B2 increases the value of byte B2 of bus message N1 by 40, i.e. 62, as a positive or affirmative response to byte B2 of message N1.
  • Byte B3 and byte B4 correspond to the bytes B3 and B4 of the bus message N1 and indicate the identifier or the address of the data to be read.
  • the bytes B5-B7 contain the content of the configuration data 96 of the respectively addressed motor vehicle bus module 90, which are specified with the address or the identifier according to the bytes B3 and B4.
  • the bytes B5-B7 each contain the value 0, ie the configuration identifier 96.
  • the value 0 in bytes B5 to B7 means, for example, that the motor vehicle bus module 90 does not know the presence of the trailer hitch 10 and/or the clutch control module 30.
  • the clutch control module 30 transmits the data D2 using an external configuration message K2 to the configuration device 60 or the configuration module 65.
  • the external configuration message K2 contains, for example, a header HD, a length specification L2 and an acknowledgment I2 to the control command 11.
  • the external configuration message K2 also contains the bus address or CAN address C2 of the clutch control module 30.
  • the configuration module 65 then parameterizes or configures the motor vehicle bus module 90 such that the presence of the trailer hitch 10 and/or the clutch control module 30 is known to the respective motor vehicle bus module 90 .
  • the clutch control module 30 sends a bus message N3 with the data content D3 to the motor vehicle bus module 90.
  • the clutch control module 30 generates the bus message N3 on the basis of an external configuration message K3, which the configuration module 65 or the configuration device 60 sends to the clutch control module 30.
  • the message K3 contains, for example, a header HD, a length specification L3 and an instruction I3 to send the data content D3 to the address specified under C1 (the address of the motor vehicle bus module 90 to be parameterized or configured).
  • byte B1 contains the value 06 (6 user bytes)
  • byte B2 contains the value 2E, i.e. a write command for the address specified in bytes B3 and B4 or the identifier specified by bytes B3 and B4, the corresponding the bytes B5-B7 are to be written with the value 01.
  • the value 01 corresponds to a value of the configuration identifier 96 in that the motor vehicle bus module 90 is configured for operation with the trailer hitch 10 and/or with the hitch control module 30 .
  • the motor vehicle bus module 90 confirms the writing of the configuration identifier 96 with a configuration message bus message N4.
  • the bus message N4 contains data D4, with the length of the useful data being specified as 3 in byte B1, and the confirmation of the write command 2E of the bus message N3 ( in their Byte B2) is increased by the value 40 and is therefore 6E.
  • the same value is entered in bytes B3 and B4 of bus message N4 as in the corresponding bytes B3 and B4 of bus message N3.
  • the clutch control module 30 transmits the data D4 using an external configuration message K4 to the configuration device 60 or the configuration module 65.
  • the external configuration message K4 contains, for example, a header HD containing the address of the configuration device 60, a length specification L4 and an acknowledgment I4 for the command I3 of the external configuration message K3.
  • C2 corresponds to the address of the clutch control module 30.
  • the external configuration message K4 also contains the data D4.
  • Security functions can also be easily implemented by the configuration module 65 .
  • authentication and/or identification of the configuration module 65 can be provided for a respective motor vehicle bus module 90 .
  • the configuration module 65 first sends, ie before the query bus message N1, an external configuration message KA with acceptance information AI to the clutch control module 30, which is used to authenticate and/or identify the configuration module 65 and/or the configuration device 60 at the to be configured motor vehicle bus module 90 is provided.
  • the acceptance information AI contains, for example, authentication data and/or identification data for the configuration module 65 and/or for the clutch control module 30, for example an identifier, an access code or the like.
  • the clutch control module 30 uses the external configuration message KA to form an acceptance message NA with acceptance information AI, which the motor vehicle bus module 90 checks. Reading out of configuration identifier 96 and/or writing of configuration identifier 96 is only possible, for example, if acceptance information AI is accepted by motor vehicle bus module 90 . This ensures that no unauthorized or unsuitable configuration module or clutch control module Access to the configuration data 95 of the respective motor vehicle bus module 90 is obtained.
  • the configuration module 65 may also be necessary for the configuration module 65 to switch a respective motor vehicle bus module 90 to a parameterization mode or standby mode via the clutch control module 30 so that it is receptive or enabled to receive the configuration bus message N3.
  • the switching information PI enables the receiving motor vehicle bus module 90 to receive the configuration bus message N3 and/or is ready to receive it.
  • the configuration device 60 in turn forms a gateway, for example for a configuration device 260.
  • the configuration device 260 has, for example, input means 261, for example a keyboard, output means 262, for example a screen, loudspeaker or the like, a processor 263, a memory 264 and a configuration module 265 stored in the memory 264.
  • the configuration module 265 can, for example, perform the functions of the configuration module 65 described above.
  • the configuration module 265 communicates a communication link VPN with the configuration device 60, for which the configuration devices 260, 60 have communication interfaces 266 and 67, for example.
  • the communication connection VPN is a secure connection, in particular a communication tunnel, which is also possible via a public network, for example the Internet.
  • the communication interfaces 266 and 67 are, for example, LAN interfaces or Ethernet interfaces.
  • the already explained messages K1, K2, K3 etc. can be generated or received by the configuration module 265 and transmitted via the communication link VPN.
  • the configuration device 60 communicates these messages K1, K2, K3 etc. via the communication interface 65 with the clutch control module 30.
  • the sequence of the aforementioned methods, for example methods V1 and V2, is determined by the configuration module 65 or 265.
  • the respective configuration module 65, 265 thus determines the above-explained sequence of configuration bus messages to be sent, possibly as a function of configuration reporting bus messages received at the bus interfaces 36, 37.
  • the external communication interface 41 and/or the communication module 40 have, for example, a buffer memory 410 for external messages to be sent at the external communication interface 41 and a buffer memory 411 for external messages received at the external communication interface 41 .
  • a buffer memory 370 for bus messages to be sent at the bus interface 37 or 36 and a buffer memory 37I for bus messages received at the bus interface 37 or 36 at the bus interfaces 36 or 37 or the communication module 40 are also advantageously present.
  • external messages received by the configuration device 60 or 260 can be temporarily stored in the buffer memory 411 before they are converted by the communication module 40 and made available in the buffer memory 370 for dispatch.
  • Intermediate buffering is also possible vice versa, namely of bus messages received at the bus interface 36, 37 in the buffer memory 37I, which are converted by the communication module 40 and made available in the buffer memory 410 for sending to the external communication interface 41.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Small-Scale Networks (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention se rapporte à un module de commande de couplage pour un attelage de remorque (10) destiné à être connecté à un système électrique (86) d'un véhicule à moteur (80), une remorque (180) pouvant être attelée au véhicule à moteur (80) au moyen de l'attelage de remorque (10) ; le module de commande de couplage (30) active et/ou surveille au moins une fonction électrique de l'attelage de remorque (10) ; le module de commande de couplage (30) présente au moins une interface de bus (36, 37) pour une communication avec un bus numérique (85), en particulier un bus CAN, du système électrique (86) du véhicule à moteur (80) ; le module de commande de couplage (30) peut envoyer des messages de bus (SN, M) au ou aux modules de bus de véhicule à moteur (90) connectés au bus numérique (85) du véhicule à moteur (80) et/ou peut recevoir des messages de bus (SN, M) en provenance du ou des modules de bus de véhicule à moteur (90) ; le module de commande de couplage (30) est conçu pour envoyer au moins un message de bus de configuration (N3) au ou aux modules de bus de véhicule à moteur (90) par le biais de la ou des interfaces de bus (36, 37) ; le message de bus de configuration (N3) contient un identificateur de configuration (96), qui identifie la présence du module de commande de couplage (30) et/ou de l'attelage de remorque (10) pour entrer dans des données de configuration (95) du module de bus de véhicule à moteur (90). Le module de commande de couplage (30) présente une interface de communication externe (41) pour une communication avec un dispositif de configuration (60) pour configurer le ou les modules de bus de véhicule à moteur (90) et un module de communication (40) pour générer le message de bus de configuration (N3) à l'aide d'une conversion d'un message de configuration externe (K3) reçu en provenance du dispositif de configuration (60) au niveau de l'interface de communication externe (41).
PCT/EP2022/050549 2021-01-20 2022-01-12 Module de commande de couplage pour un attelage de remorque WO2022157050A1 (fr)

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DE102021101173.6A DE102021101173A1 (de) 2021-01-20 2021-01-20 Kupplungssteuermodul für eine Anhängekupplung
DE102021101173.6 2021-01-20

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102008034851A1 (de) * 2008-06-06 2009-12-17 Westfalia-Automotive Gmbh Anhängekupplung
EP2602133A1 (fr) * 2011-12-09 2013-06-12 WESTFALIA - Automotive GmbH Appareil de commande et attelage pour la communication avec un appareil de commande
WO2018149662A1 (fr) 2017-02-14 2018-08-23 Westfalia-Automotive Gmbh Module de commande d'attelage pour un attelage de remorque

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202005017151U1 (de) 2005-03-15 2005-12-29 Conwys Ag Steuerungsvorrichtung für Anhänger und Fahrradträger

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102008034851A1 (de) * 2008-06-06 2009-12-17 Westfalia-Automotive Gmbh Anhängekupplung
EP2602133A1 (fr) * 2011-12-09 2013-06-12 WESTFALIA - Automotive GmbH Appareil de commande et attelage pour la communication avec un appareil de commande
WO2018149662A1 (fr) 2017-02-14 2018-08-23 Westfalia-Automotive Gmbh Module de commande d'attelage pour un attelage de remorque

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