Control device and method for controlling operation of motor vehicle before and during energy supply process

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle before and during a power supply process of the motor vehicle, which is designed to detect a willingness to carry out the power supply process; upon detecting the intention to carry out the energy supply process, initiating a preparatory work of the motor vehicle for the energy supply process; operating a lighting device and / or an output device of the motor vehicle to output a first signal upon initiation of the preparatory work; and actuating the lighting device and / or the output device in order to output a second signal either when the initiated preparatory work has ended without failure and the energy supply process can be started, or in order to output a third signal when the initiated preparatory work has not ended without failure and the energy supply process cannot be carried out. The first signal, the second signal, and the third signal are visual and / or auditory signals that are different from each other. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle, a corresponding method, and a computer program and / or a computer readable medium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a control device for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle before and during a refueling process, a motor vehicle including the control device, and / or a method for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle before and during a refueling process. Additionally or alternatively, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to at least partially perform the method. Additionally or alternatively, a computer-readable medium is provided, comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to at least partially perform the method. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional motor vehicles, the refueling process begins by directly opening the corresponding refueling cover. Under normal circumstances, this can be done immediately, allowing for immediate refueling.

[0003] However, this is not possible in fuel cell vehicles, for example, because the fuel cells must be disconnected during refueling due to regulations and other reasons. The fuel cell disconnection process takes time, and the refueling cover must remain closed beforehand. This creates a waiting time until the refueling process can begin.

[0004] Besides waiting time, other technical reasons can also cause the refueling process to not always start immediately due to technical issues. In such cases, users often cannot understand these situations, such as why they cannot open the refueling cap. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In the context of the prior art, the object of this disclosure is to provide an apparatus and / or a method, which are respectively suited to enrich the prior art.

[0006] This task is solved by the features of the independent claim. The parallel claims and dependent claims each contain the content of optional further improvements of this disclosure.

[0007] Accordingly, the task is solved by a control device for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle before and during the energy replenishment process.

[0008] The control device is designed to detect the intention to carry out an energy replenishment process (e.g., while the vehicle is stationary).

[0009] The control device is designed to initiate preparations for the energy replenishment process in the motor vehicle once the intention to carry out the energy replenishment process is detected.

[0010] The control device is designed to: once preparation work is initiated, operate at least one lighting device and / or output device of the motor vehicle to output at least one first signal.

[0011] The control device is designed to operate the at least one lighting device and / or output device to output at least one second signal either when the initiated preparation work has been completed without failure and the energy replenishment process can begin, or when the initiated preparation work has not been completed without failure and the energy replenishment process cannot be performed. The at least one first signal, the at least one second signal, and the at least one third signal are visual and / or auditory signals that are distinct from each other.

[0012] The control device or control unit may be part of or constitute a driver assistance system. For example, the control device may be an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU may be an intelligent, processor-controlled unit that can communicate with other modules, for example, via a central gateway (CGW) and optionally via fieldbuses such as CAN bus, LIN bus, MOST bus, FlexRay, and / or via automotive Ethernet, for example, together with remote controllers and / or environmental sensor systems, to form an in-vehicle network.

[0013] It is conceivable that the control device controls functions related to the driving behavior of a motor vehicle, such as steering, engine control, power transmission, and / or braking systems. Furthermore, driver assistance systems, such as parking assistants, adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane keeping assist, lane change assist, traffic sign recognition, light signal recognition, start assist, night vision assist, and / or intersection assist, can be controlled by the control device.

[0014] The control device described above offers a number of advantages. In particular, an improved technique is provided that enables sufficient notification to the vehicle user, such as the driver, before and optionally during the refueling process, so that they can understand the situation and take appropriate reactions or actions. Specifically, the user can be notified based on different signals, for example at the user interaction location (e.g., at the vehicle's refueling cap, which the user has opened or intends to open for the refueling process), that their intention to initiate the refueling process has been detected, and that the subsequent preparations for the refueling process can be completed without failure or if a malfunction occurs. Thus, when the user is, for example, at the refueling cap, they can identify through different signals that they can begin the refueling process or that the refueling process cannot be initiated due to a malfunction.

[0015] The following section will elaborate on possible further improvements to the control device described above.

[0016] The motor vehicle may be a fuel cell vehicle. The control unit may be designed to: during the initiated preparation phase, check whether the disconnection process of the fuel cell system of the fuel cell vehicle has ended without failure. The control unit may be designed to: if the disconnection process has ended without failure, determine that the initiated preparation phase has ended without failure.

[0017] The control device can be designed to detect the intention to perform the energy replenishment process by detecting attempts to press and / or open the energy replenishment cap on the vehicle.

[0018] The at least one first signal, the at least one second signal, and the at least one third signal can be sensed outside the vehicle and / or at the vehicle's energy replenishment cover.

[0019] The control device can be designed to initiate and / or allow the opening of the vehicle's energy replenishment cover when the initiated preparation work has been completed without failure and the energy replenishment process can begin.

[0020] The control device may be designed to: when the energy replenishment process is completed, operate the at least one lighting device and / or output device to output at least one fourth signal.

[0021] The at least one lighting device may include external lighting components and / or interior space lighting components of a motor vehicle, for outputting the at least one first signal, the at least one second signal, and the at least one third signal (and optionally the at least one fourth signal) in the form of visual signals that are different from each other.

[0022] The at least one output device may include a speaker device of a motor vehicle for outputting the at least one first signal, the at least one second signal, and the at least one third signal (and optionally the at least one fourth signal) in the form of auditory signals that are different from each other.

[0023] The at least one first signal may include the at least one lighting device, such as an external lighting element and / or an internal space lighting element, flashing at a preset first frequency. For example, the external lighting element and the internal space lighting element may flash simultaneously (or synchronously) at the first frequency, wherein, for example, it is conceivable that the internal space lighting element has a different color and flashes, for example, blue-green.

[0024] The at least one first signal may include the output of a first sound through at least one output device, such as a speaker device.

[0025] The at least one second signal may include continuous illumination of external lighting (e.g., during the entire refueling process). Alternatively or additionally, the at least one second signal may include the output of a second sound, different from the first sound, through a speaker device, and / or the flickering or brief, intense illumination of interior space lighting.

[0026] The at least one third signal may include the at least one lighting device, such as an external lighting element and / or an interior space lighting element, flashing in a preset second sequence at a frequency different from the first frequency, and optionally, the at least one lighting device subsequently turning off. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one third signal may include the output of a warning sound through a speaker device.

[0027] The at least one fourth signal may include the shutdown of external lighting and / or the shutdown of internal space lighting, or at least one (e.g., two) flashes.

[0028] The at least one fourth signal may include the output of a third sound, different from the first and / or second sound, via a speaker device. The third sound may, for example, be a confirmation sound indicating that the refueling tank is closed. It is conceivable that the speaker device may also output a fourth sound, different from the third sound, before the refueling process is complete, and this fourth sound may, for example, be a confirmation sound indicating that the vehicle's energy tank is full.

[0029] The control device can be designed to operate a display screen located within the vehicle's interior to output information regarding the status of vehicle preparation and the energy replenishment process. It is conceivable that the control device can be designed to operate the display screen to output a fault report and, for example, information about a fault condition that occurred during the initiated preparation if the preparation process did not conclude without failure. This information may include, for example, instructions for troubleshooting the fault condition.

[0030] As mentioned earlier, the motor vehicle can be a fuel cell vehicle. The control unit can be designed to: acquire the current location of the fuel cell vehicle while it is in motion (i.e., in a moving state), and retrieve digital map data showing the locations of hydrogen refueling stations.

[0031] The control device can be designed to: determine, based on the current location of the fuel cell vehicle and retrieved digital map data, whether there is a hydrogen refueling station around the fuel cell vehicle and / or whether the fuel cell vehicle is close to one of the hydrogen refueling stations.

[0032] The control device can be designed to predict the potential upcoming energy replenishment process for the fuel cell vehicle if it has been determined that one of the hydrogen refueling stations is located around the fuel cell vehicle and / or the fuel cell vehicle is close to one of the hydrogen refueling stations.

[0033] The control device can be designed to initiate a disconnection process for the fuel cell system of a fuel cell vehicle if a potential upcoming energy replenishment process has been predicted.

[0034] Therefore, an improved technique can be provided that enables the refueling process of fuel cell vehicles to begin as quickly as possible without waiting time or delay. This is achieved by proactively and early initiating the disconnection process of the fuel cell system while the fuel cell vehicle is still in operation and en route to a hydrogen refueling station, ensuring that the disconnection process is completed by the time the fuel cell vehicle arrives at the refueling station and the user, such as the driver, wants to begin the refueling process.

[0035] The current location of the fuel cell vehicle (e.g., based on GPS location data) and digital map data can be provided by the vehicle's navigation system. The navigation system can be understood as a device capable of creating a route and providing destination guidance based on the current location and digital map data. The destination can be selected or specified by the user, for example, via an input unit in the fuel cell vehicle. The digital map data may contain information about road networks and points of interest (POIs), where POIs may include hydrogen refueling stations (or their locations). The digital map data may be retrieved, for example, from the navigation system's or the fuel cell vehicle's memory and / or from external devices.

[0036] The control device can be designed to: initiate a disconnection process of the fuel cell system such that the disconnection process ends upon arrival at one of the hydrogen refueling stations, and / or enable the refueling process of the fuel cell vehicle to be carried out upon arrival at one of the hydrogen refueling stations without waiting time.

[0037] The control unit can be designed to initiate a disconnection process of the fuel cell system based on the fuel cell vehicle's speed, the remaining distance of the fuel cell vehicle to one of the hydrogen refueling stations, and / or the estimated remaining travel time of the fuel cell vehicle to one of the hydrogen refueling stations.

[0038] The control unit can be designed to initiate a disconnection process for the fuel cell system if the traction battery of the fuel cell vehicle has a sufficient state of charge to operate the motor of the fuel cell vehicle so that the fuel cell vehicle can reach one of the hydrogen refueling stations.

[0039] In other words, and in conjunction with possible more specific design solutions of this disclosure, the above description can be summarized as follows, wherein the following description should be interpreted as non-limiting to this disclosure.

[0040] Hydrogen refueling stations can be considered points of interest (POIs). This allows for the early determination of whether a vehicle is located at or near a refueling station. Consequently, by identifying POIs, operational strategies can predictively shut down the fuel cell or fuel cell system.

[0041] For example, a motor vehicle can drive to a hydrogen refueling station. A Point of Interest (POI) can be identified and a signal (e.g., to an operations coordinator) transmitted to disconnect the vehicle's fuel cell or fuel cell system. The vehicle can then drive to the refueling column at the station using its motor, where it can express its refueling intention (e.g., by pressing the refueling cap from the outside). The refueling cap can open without delay, i.e., without waiting time, based on the predictive disconnection of the fuel cell.

[0042] Attached to or alternative to proactive disconnection, it allows for adequate notification of the user at the point of interaction, enabling them to understand the situation and take appropriate responses or actions.

[0043] For example, a user can initiate the refueling process at the refueling cap. Whether in a normal state (i.e., "normal", iO) or an abnormal state (i.e., "abnormal", niO), the user can be informed of the status of the refueling process, for example by auditory and / or visual output from visible external or internal space lighting elements of the vehicle (via a possible display) provided by the refueling cap.

[0044] In addition, a motor vehicle is provided, which includes the control device described above.

[0045] Motor vehicles can be fuel cell vehicles. Motor vehicles can include fuel cell systems. Fuel cell systems can be designed to generate electrical energy for an electric motor (which serves as the drive unit for the motor vehicle).

[0046] A motor vehicle may include at least one lighting device and / or at least one output device. The at least one lighting device may include exterior lighting components and / or interior lighting components of the motor vehicle. The at least one output device may include a speaker device of the motor vehicle.

[0047] Motor vehicles may include an energy replenishment cover, which may be located, for example, on the outside of the vehicle (or be accessible from the outside of the vehicle). The energy replenishment cover may serve as a closure for the entrance to the vehicle's energy tank (e.g., a hydrogen fuel tank).

[0048] Motor vehicles may include navigation devices, such as those used to provide the vehicle’s current location and digital map data.

[0049] A display screen may be included in the interior space of a motor vehicle.

[0050] The control device may (optionally directly or indirectly, such as via the vehicle’s onboard network) be connected in signal technology to the at least one lighting device, the at least one output device, the fuel cell system, the energy replenishment cover, the navigation device and / or the display screen.

[0051] Motor vehicles can be automated. Motor vehicles can be designed to: at least partially and / or at least temporarily take over longitudinal and / or lateral guidance by means of control devices when the motor vehicle is in automated driving mode.

[0052] Automated driving can be carried out in such a way that the forward movement of the vehicle is (essentially) autonomous. Automated driving can be controlled at least partially and / or temporarily by a control device.

[0053] It is conceivable that a motor vehicle could actively (e.g., by adjusting the actual steering wheel position) and optionally passively (e.g., by displaying turn prompts) intervene in the lateral guidance of the vehicle through a driver assistance system.

[0054] Motor vehicles can be those with an autonomous driving level of 0, meaning that the driver undertakes dynamic driving tasks, even if there are assistance systems (such as ABS or ESP).

[0055] Motor vehicles can be vehicles with a level 1 level of autonomous driving, that is, vehicles with specific driver assistance systems that assist the driver in operating the vehicle, such as adaptive cruise control (ACC).

[0056] The motor vehicle can be a Level 2 autonomous driving vehicle, that is, it is so partially automated that functions such as automatic parking, lane keeping or lateral guidance, general longitudinal guidance, acceleration and / or braking are taken over by the driver assistance system.

[0057] The vehicle can be a Level 3 autonomous driving vehicle, meaning it is automated under certain conditions, eliminating the need for continuous driver monitoring. The vehicle autonomously performs functions such as turn signal activation, lane changing, and / or lane keeping. The driver can engage in other activities, but will be instructed by the system to take over and guide the vehicle during a warning period when necessary.

[0058] The vehicle can be a Level 4 autonomous driving vehicle, meaning it is so highly automated that the vehicle's guidance is continuously taken over by the system. If the system is unable to complete the driving task, the driver can be asked to take over guidance.

[0059] The vehicle can be a Level 5 autonomous driving vehicle, meaning it is fully automated, requiring no driver to perform driving tasks. No human intervention is needed except for setting goals and activating the system. The vehicle may lack a steering wheel and pedals.

[0060] The above description of control devices also applies to motor vehicles, and vice versa.

[0061] In addition, a method for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle before and during the energy replenishment process is provided.

[0062] Methods include: detecting the willingness to carry out an energy replenishment process (e.g., while the vehicle is stationary).

[0063] The method includes initiating preparations for the energy replenishment process on the motor vehicle once the intention to carry out the energy replenishment process is detected.

[0064] The method includes: once preparation work is initiated, manipulating at least one lighting device and / or output device of the motor vehicle to output at least one first signal.

[0065] The method includes: manipulating the at least one lighting device and / or output device to output at least one second signal either when the initiated preparation work has been completed without failure and the energy replenishment process can begin, or when the initiated preparation work has not been completed without failure and the energy replenishment process cannot be performed. The at least one first signal, the at least one second signal, and the at least one third signal are visual and / or auditory signals that are distinct from each other.

[0066] The (control) method can be a computer-implemented method, that is, one, more or all of the steps of the method can be performed at least in part by a computer or data processing device, or optionally a control device.

[0067] The above descriptions of control devices and motor vehicles also apply to methods, and vice versa.

[0068] In addition, a computer program is provided, including instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to at least partially perform or implement the methods described above.

[0069] Computer program code can exist in any form of code, especially in a form suitable for motor vehicle control.

[0070] The above descriptions of control devices, motor vehicles, and methods also apply to computer programs, and vice versa.

[0071] Furthermore, a computer-readable medium, and more particularly a computer-readable storage medium, is also provided. The computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to at least partially perform or implement the methods described above.

[0072] In other words, a computer-readable medium may be provided that includes the computer program defined above. This computer-readable medium can be any digital data storage device, such as a USB flash drive, hard disk, CD-ROM, SD card, or SSD card (or SSD drive / SSD hard disk).

[0073] Computer programs are not required to be stored on such computer-readable storage media for use in motor vehicles, but can also be obtained from external sources via the Internet or otherwise.

[0074] The above descriptions of methods, control devices, computer programs, and motor vehicles also apply to computer-readable media, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0075] The following is for reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Describe the optional implementation methods.

[0076] Figure 1 The illustration schematically depicts a motor vehicle according to the present disclosure, which has a control device for controlling the operation of the motor vehicle before and during the refueling process, and

[0077] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle before and during the energy replenishment process according to the present disclosure is shown schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0078] exist Figure 1 The motor vehicle 10 shown in the diagram only includes a control device 1, at least one lighting device 3, 4 and at least one output device 5, wherein the control device 1 can be connected to the at least one lighting device 3, 4 and the at least one output device 5 in a signaling technology.

[0079] The at least one lighting device 3, 4 may include an external lighting element 3 and an internal space lighting element 4 of the motor vehicle 10, while the at least one output device 5 may include, for example, a speaker device.

[0080] The vehicle 10 may include an energy replenishment cover 6, which may be disposed on the outside of the vehicle 10.

[0081] Motor vehicle 10 may be a fuel cell vehicle, which may include a fuel cell system 11 as part of its drive system. Accordingly, motor vehicle 10 may be refueled with hydrogen, for example, via an energy refueling cap 6.

[0082] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the vehicle 10 may include a navigation device 2. The navigation device 2 may be designed to provide the current location and digital map data of the vehicle 10.

[0083] In order to control the operation of the vehicle 10 before and during the energy replenishment process of the vehicle 10, the control device 1 is designed to perform the following, also referred to Figure 2 Method 100 is described in detail.

[0084] If the motor vehicle 10 is a fuel cell vehicle 10, then the following five steps S1 to S5 of method 100 can be assumed to be performed, wherein the fuel cell vehicle 10 is in operation or in motion.

[0085] In the first step S1, when the fuel cell vehicle 10 is in operation, the current position of the fuel cell vehicle 10 can be obtained.

[0086] In the second step S2, digital map data can be retrieved, which shows the location of hydrogen refueling stations.

[0087] In the third step S3, it can be determined whether there is a hydrogen refueling station around the fuel cell vehicle 10 and / or whether the fuel cell vehicle 10 is close to a hydrogen refueling station, based on the current location of the fuel cell vehicle 10 and the retrieved digital map data.

[0088] In the fourth step S4, if it has been determined that one of the hydrogen refueling stations is located around the fuel cell vehicle 10 and / or the fuel cell vehicle 10 is close to one of the hydrogen refueling stations, the potential upcoming energy replenishment process for the fuel cell vehicle 10 can be predicted.

[0089] In the fifth step S5, if a potential upcoming energy replenishment process has been predicted, the process of disconnecting the fuel cell system 11 of the fuel cell vehicle 10 can be initiated.

[0090] The disconnection process of the fuel cell system 11 can be initiated in such a way that the disconnection process ends upon arrival at one of the hydrogen refueling stations and / or the energy refueling process of the fuel cell vehicle can be carried out upon arrival at one of the hydrogen refueling stations without waiting time.

[0091] The disconnection process of the fuel cell system 11 can be initiated, for example, based on the driving speed of the fuel cell vehicle 10, the remaining distance of the fuel cell vehicle 10 to one of the hydrogen refueling stations, and / or the estimated remaining driving time of the fuel cell vehicle 10 to one of the hydrogen refueling stations, such that the disconnection process ends upon arrival at one of the hydrogen refueling stations.

[0092] Furthermore, it is conceivable that if the traction battery of the fuel cell vehicle 10 has a sufficient state of charge to operate the motor of the fuel cell vehicle 10 so that the fuel cell vehicle 10 can reach one of the hydrogen refueling stations, then the process of disconnecting the fuel cell system 11 is initiated.

[0093] When the motor vehicle 10 is stationary, for example at an energy replenishment station or hydrogen refueling station, the following steps S6 to S11 of method 100 can be performed. Performing these steps S6 to S11 does not require the motor vehicle 10 to be a fuel cell vehicle, as was the case in the preceding optional steps S1 to S5. In other words, below, the motor vehicle 10 can also be, for example, a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine or a battery electric vehicle. Accordingly, the energy replenishment station can also be a conventional gas station and / or charging station for (e.g., fossil) fuels.

[0094] In the sixth step S6, the intention to carry out the energy replenishment process is detected. This intention can be detected, for example, by detecting attempts to press and / or open the energy replenishment cover 6 of the vehicle 10. For example, a signal generated when the energy replenishment cover 6 is pressed can be obtained from the energy replenishment cover 6 of the vehicle 10 or the energy replenishment cover device.

[0095] In the seventh step S7, once the intention to carry out the energy replenishment process is detected, the preparation work for the energy replenishment process of the motor vehicle 10 is initiated.

[0096] In the eighth step S8, once the preparation work is initiated, at least one lighting device 3, 4 and / or output device 5 of the motor vehicle 10 is operated to output at least one first signal.

[0097] In the ninth step S9, which includes two alternative steps S9a and S9b, the at least one lighting device 3, 4 and / or output device 5 is manipulated to output at least one second signal (step S9a) either when the initiated preparation work has been completed without failure and the energy replenishment process can begin, or when the initiated preparation work has not been completed without failure and the energy replenishment process cannot be performed (step S9b). The at least one first signal, the at least one second signal, and the at least one third signal are visual signals and / or auditory signals that are different from each other.

[0098] If the motor vehicle 10 is a fuel cell vehicle, during the initiated preparation work, it can be checked whether the disconnection process of the fuel cell system 11 of the fuel cell vehicle (e.g., initiated according to the optional steps S1 to S5 above) has ended without failure. If this is the case, i.e., if the disconnection process has ended without failure, it can be determined that the initiated preparation work has ended without failure, and (optionally, if no other fault occurs) the at least one lighting device 3, 4 and / or output device 5 can be operated according to step S9a to output the at least one second signal. However, if a fault occurs during the disconnection process, it can be determined that the initiated preparation work has not ended without failure, and the at least one lighting device 3, 4 and / or output device 5 can be operated according to step S9b to output the at least one third signal.

[0099] In the tenth step S10, when the initiated preparation work has been completed without failure and the energy replenishment process can begin, the opening of the energy replenishment cover 6 can be initiated and / or permitted. This opening can, for example, be performed simultaneously with the output of the at least one second signal. Thus, the energy replenishment process of the vehicle 10 can be implemented.

[0100] After the energy replenishment process is completed, in step eleven S11, the at least one lighting device 3, 4 and / or output device 5 can be manipulated to output at least one fourth signal. The end of the energy replenishment process can be detected, for example, by closing the energy replenishment cover 6.

[0101] As mentioned above, the at least one first signal, the at least one second signal, the at least one third signal, and optionally the at least one fourth signal are visual signals and / or auditory signals that are different from each other.

[0102] Thus, the at least one lighting device 3, 4, including the external lighting element 3 and / or the internal space lighting element 4, can be designed to output the at least one first signal, the at least one second signal, and the at least one third signal in the form of visual signals that are different from each other. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one output device 5, including the loudspeaker device 5, can be designed to output the at least one first signal, the at least one second signal, and the at least one third signal in the form of auditory signals that are different from each other.

[0103] In order to enable a user, such as the driver of vehicle 10, to perceive these signals before and during the refueling process when the user is at the refueling cover 6, the at least one first signal, the at least one second signal, and the at least one third signal can be perceived outside vehicle 10 and / or at the refueling cover 6 of vehicle 10.

[0104] Thus, steps S6 to S11 can be performed, for example, as follows, when the energy replenishment process is carried out without failure. Vehicle 10 drives towards an energy replenishment station or energy replenishment post, where the user or driver of vehicle 10 wishes to replenish energy. After the user stops vehicle 10, the user exits vehicle 10, walks to the energy replenishment cover 6, and attempts to open the cover (e.g., by pressing it). Through this attempt to open the energy replenishment cover 6, the user demonstrates their intention to carry out the energy replenishment process, which is detected in step S6.

[0105] Based on the detected intention, preparations for the energy replenishment process are initiated in the seventh step S7, and the user is informed of this in the eighth step S8 by manipulating the at least one lighting device 3, 4 and / or output device 5 (or speaker device 5) to output the at least one first signal.

[0106] The at least one first signal may include the flashing of the external lighting element 3 and / or the internal space lighting element 4 at a predetermined first frequency, and / or the output of a first sound through the speaker device 5. For example, the external lighting element 3 and the internal space lighting element 4 may flash simultaneously (or synchronously) at the first frequency, wherein it is conceivable that the internal space lighting element 4 has a different color, for example, flashing in blue-green.

[0107] If the initiated preparation work has been completed without failure, then according to step S9a, at least one second signal, different from the at least one first signal, is output so that the user knows that he / she can start the energy replenishment process. Thus, the user can now open the energy replenishment cover 6, or the energy replenishment cover opens automatically (according to step ten S10), so that the user can connect the diversion valve of the energy replenishment column and start the energy replenishment process.

[0108] The at least one second signal may include the continuous illumination of an external lighting element (e.g., during the entire energy replenishment process). Alternatively or additionally, the at least one second signal may include the output of a second sound different from the first sound through the speaker device 5, and / or the flickering or brief intense illumination of the interior space lighting element 4.

[0109] The preparation time for the energy refueling process can vary in its duration. For example, as previously mentioned, if vehicle 10 is a fuel cell vehicle, the preparation time depends particularly on the disconnection process of fuel cell system 11. For instance, if optional steps S1 to S5 of method 100 are implemented, the disconnection process ends upon arrival at an energy refueling station or hydrogen refueling station, allowing the user to begin the energy refueling process without delay; that is, the preparation time can be as short as possible, for example, only a few seconds.

[0110] However, if the shut-off process of the fuel cell system 11 is not performed proactively as optional steps S1 to S5, the shut-off process must be performed accordingly during the preparation period for the energy replenishment process. Therefore, the user must wait until, for example, he / she can open the energy replenishment cover 6 and begin the energy replenishment process.

[0111] As long as no third signal is output, the user knows that preparations for the energy replenishment process are proceeding normally and that the energy replenishment process is expected to begin soon. Optionally, it is conceivable to slightly adjust the presentation of the signal, i.e., the output, for example, through color adjustment.

[0112] At the end of the energy replenishment process, the user removes the diversion valve and closes the energy replenishment cover 6. After the energy replenishment process is completed (this is detected, for example, by closing the energy replenishment cover 6), the at least one fourth signal can finally be output according to step eleven S11.

[0113] The at least one fourth signal may include, for example, the off of external lighting 3, the output of a third sound different from the first and / or second sound through speaker device 5, and / or the off of interior lighting 4, or at least one flash. The third sound may, for example, be a confirmation sound indicating that the refueling cap has been closed. It is conceivable that speaker device 5 may also output a fourth sound before the refueling process is completed, which is different from the third sound and may, for example, be a confirmation sound indicating that the energy tank of vehicle 10 is full.

[0114] In the event of a failure, when the energy replenishment process cannot be performed, steps S6 to S8 can be performed as described above.

[0115] However, unlike the scenario where the described energy replenishment process is implemented without failure, if a failure occurs during the initiated preparation work, at least one third signal, different from the at least one first signal and the at least one second signal, is output according to step S9b, instead of the at least one second signal. Thus, the user recognizes that the energy replenishment process cannot be performed, and they must take corresponding measures to eliminate the failure if necessary. Accordingly, the energy replenishment cover 6 is still not allowed to be opened, or not allowed to be opened automatically.

[0116] The at least one third signal may include flashing of the external lighting element 3 and / or the interior space lighting element 4 in a predetermined second sequence different from the first frequency, and optionally may include the subsequent shutdown of the external lighting element 3 and / or the interior space lighting element 4. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one third signal may include the output of a warning sound through the speaker device 5.

[0117] Additionally, it is conceivable that a display screen (not shown) inside the interior space of the vehicle 10 could output a fault report and, for example, information about the fault condition, as well as instructions for troubleshooting. Thus, the user could be informed of a fault both inside the vehicle (where further instructions would be available) and at the energy replenishment cover 6. Accordingly, the user could, for example, request further assistance.

[0118] List of reference numerals

[0119] 1 Control device

[0120] 2 navigation devices

[0121] 3Lighting devices, external lighting parts

[0122] 4. Lighting fixtures and interior space lighting components

[0123] 5. Output devices, speaker devices

[0124] 6 Energy Supply Cover

[0125] 10 Motor vehicles, such as fuel cell vehicles

[0126] 11 Fuel Cell System

[0127] 100 methods

[0128] S1-S11 Method Steps

Claims

1. A control device (1) for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle (10) before and during an energy replenishment process, said control device (1) being designed to: The willingness to implement the energy replenishment process is being monitored (S6). Once the intention to carry out the energy replenishment process is detected, preparations for the energy replenishment process are initiated by the motor vehicle (10) (S7); Once preparations are initiated, at least one lighting device (3, 4) and / or output device (5) of the motor vehicle (10) is operated (S8) to output at least one first signal; and The at least one lighting device (3, 4) and / or output device (5) is manipulated (S9) to output (S9a) at least one second signal either when the initiated preparation work has been completed without failure and the energy replenishment process can begin, or when the initiated preparation work has not been completed without failure and the energy replenishment process cannot be carried out, wherein, The at least one first signal, the at least one second signal, and the at least one third signal are visual signals and / or auditory signals that are different from each other.

2. The control device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The motor vehicle (10) is a fuel cell vehicle, and the control device (1) is designed to: During the preparation work initiated, check whether the disconnection process of the fuel cell system (11) of the fuel cell vehicle has ended without failure; and If the disconnection process has ended without failure, then it is determined that the initiated preparation work has ended without failure.

3. The control device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control device is designed to: The intention to carry out the energy replenishment process is detected by detecting attempts to press and / or open the energy replenishment cover (6) of the motor vehicle (10).

4. The control device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The at least one first signal, the at least one second signal, and the at least one third signal can be sensed outside the vehicle (10) and / or at the energy replenishment cover (6) of the vehicle (10).

5. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The control device (1) is designed to: When the preparation work has been completed without failure and the energy replenishment process can begin, the opening of the energy replenishment cover (6) of the motor vehicle (10) is initiated and / or permitted (S10).

6. The control device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The control device (1) is designed to: When the energy replenishment process has ended, control (S11) the at least one lighting device (3, 4) and / or output device (5) to output at least one fourth signal.

7. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The at least one lighting device (3, 4) includes an external lighting element (3) and / or an interior space lighting element (4) of a motor vehicle (10), for outputting the at least one first signal, the at least one second signal and the at least one third signal in the form of visual signals that are different from each other, and / or The at least one output device (5) includes a speaker device (5) of a motor vehicle (10) for outputting the at least one first signal, the at least one second signal and the at least one third signal in the form of auditory signals that are different from each other.

8. Motor vehicles (10), of which, The motor vehicle (10) includes a control device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A method (100) for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle (10) before and during an energy replenishment process, wherein, The method (100) includes: The willingness to implement the energy replenishment process is being monitored (S6). Once the intention to carry out the energy replenishment process is detected, preparations for the energy replenishment process are initiated by the motor vehicle (10) (S7); Once preparations are initiated, at least one lighting device (3, 4) and / or output device (5) of the motor vehicle (10) is operated (S8) to output at least one first signal; and The at least one lighting device (3, 4) and / or output device (5) is manipulated (S9) to output (S9a) at least one second signal when the initiated preparation work has been completed without failure and the energy replenishment process can begin, or to output (S9b) at least one third signal when the initiated preparation work has not been completed without failure and the energy replenishment process cannot be carried out, wherein the at least one first signal, the at least one second signal and the at least one third signal are visual signals and / or auditory signals that are different from each other.

10. Computer programs and / or computer-readable media, wherein, The computer program and / or the computer-readable medium include instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method (100) according to claim 9.

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