Fuel tank level display, combination instrument, motor vehicle and method for preparing motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a fuel tank level indicator having a first operating mode, in which a detected change in the amount of fuel is ignored during the display of the fuel tank level when the magnitude of the detected change does not exceed a predetermined threshold value during a predetermined time period, characterized by a second operating mode, in which the detected change in the amount of fuel is ignored during the display of the fuel tank level, in which the detected change in the amount of fuel does not exceed the predetermined threshold value during the predetermined time period. The detected fuel quantity is displayed by the fuel tank level display as precisely as possible at each time point, and the fuel tank level display can be switched from the second operating mode to the first operating mode. The method for preparing a delivery motor vehicle comprises the following steps: activating a first operating mode of a fuel tank level display of the motor vehicle, filling a fuel tank of the motor vehicle taking into account a fuel tank level display until a predetermined minimum amount of fuel is present in the fuel tank, and configuring the fuel tank level display, the fuel tank level display is enabled to activate the second operation mode when the fuel tank level display is conventionally used by a user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a fuel tank fill level display device for a motor vehicle, having a first operating mode, in which, when the magnitude of the change in the detected fuel quantity within a predetermined time period does not exceed a predetermined threshold value, the detected change in the fuel quantity is ignored when displaying the fuel tank fill level. The invention also relates to an instrument cluster having such a tank fill level display, a method for preparing a motor vehicle for delivery, and a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0002] It is common in the technical field of motor vehicles or their manufacture to partially fill the tank with a predetermined amount of fuel during the production of the motor vehicle in order to be able to operate the engine of the vehicle during production for production logistics or other technical reasons. Due to rework during the production process, the vehicle consumes fuel. The fill level of the fuel tank is displayed directly in the instrument cluster or by a tank fill level display. In the software for identifying the tank fill level, a function is usually stored, which prevents small changes in the fill level from being recognized and directly displayed. This should prevent the tank needle from moving back and forth quickly during the normal operation of the motor vehicle, or more generally prevent the displayed value of the tank fill level display from changing frequently and thus possibly causing irritation to the user.

[0003] Known technical solutions always start at the use phase of the motor vehicle. However, it is particularly desirable to supply the motor vehicle with a defined fuel filling amount at the end of the production process. Although the customer should be able to use the motor vehicle first when receiving it, only a limited amount of fuel should be included in the scope of delivery for cost reasons. However, since the fuel consumption may vary from vehicle to vehicle during the production process, the amount of fuel that must be replenished before delivery is unknown. Therefore, empirical values ​​are used here. Since insufficient filling before delivery must be prevented at all costs due to quality requirements, traditional methods usually lead to overfilling. As a result, the vehicle provides more fuel in the fuel tank than is actually provided. This basically leads to avoidable costs.

[0004] If the fuel indicator light comes on during rework, only a small amount of oil is refilled, so that there is not much oil left in the tank. The instrument cluster therefore does not recognize the refilling process and the low fuel indicator light remains activated. As a result, a further refilling process may occur during rework, which is not necessary.

[0005] DE 10 201 9 216 751 A1 discloses a method in which the remaining fill level of the fuel in a fuel tank of a motor vehicle is determined, preferably after the production of the fuel tank of the motor vehicle and before its delivery, and the fuel tank is then filled to a predetermined delivery fill level. Although precise results are achieved and overfilling of the fuel tank on delivery is avoided, the method is complex, i.e., requires individual measurement of the contents of the fuel tank and communication of the vehicle, for example with a refueling station. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a tank level indicator which allows the delivery of a motor vehicle with a fuel quantity that is as precisely defined as possible and which is at the same time simple to operate and with minimal operating effort. The object of the present invention is also to provide a corresponding instrument cluster, a method for preparing a motor vehicle for delivery and a motor vehicle which meet the same requirements.

[0007] This technical problem is solved by a tank level indicator of the type mentioned at the outset, which has a second operating mode in which the respectively detected fuel quantity is displayed as accurately as possible by the tank level indicator at each point in time, wherein it is provided that the tank level indicator can be switched from the second operating mode to the first operating mode.

[0008] According to the invention, it has been recognized that the standard operating mode of the tank level display, according to which small changes in the fuel level are ignored in the display, makes it difficult to precisely adjust the amount of fuel present in the fuel tank at the time of delivery. The solution provides that the operating mode can be deactivated and the tank level display is switched to a "native" operating mode, so to speak, in which the fuel level is displayed as accurately as possible. During production, the requirements for the tank level display differ from those in the normal operation of the motor vehicle. The most accurate display of the fuel level is advantageous here, because on the one hand, the personnel who work on the vehicle during production have detailed knowledge of the functions of the motor vehicle and are therefore not confused by rapid changes in the display, and on the other hand, factors (which could lead to an inaccurate or confusing display of the fuel level in the "native" operating mode) usually do not occur during production or only occur to a reduced extent. Such factors can be, in particular, the inclination of the terrain of the motor vehicle, driving on a curve or other environmental influences.

[0009] It is provided that the tank level display is provided for switching from the second operating mode or for being switched into the first operating mode. The possibility of switching from the first operating mode back into the second operating mode is not absolutely necessary, but is of course also possible. The second operating mode is usually designed as a pure production mode, so that the second operating mode is usually no longer required after the end of production. However, it is possible that the second operating mode can be activated again, for example within the scope of a workshop mode or a maintenance mode.

[0010] The activation and in particular the deactivation of the second operating mode (which can also be referred to as the original operating mode) can be carried out in different ways and methods. Thus, for example, it is possible that the tank level display has a switching device for changing from the first operating mode to the second operating mode and for changing from the second operating mode to the first operating mode. In this case, during production, the personnel involved in production can each select which operating mode is to be activated. For this purpose, there can be an operating element, such as a switch, a software switch or an option in a menu, for example an option in a menu that is not visible to a normal user. It is also possible that the change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode or from the second operating mode to the first operating mode is carried out by the controller by means of a wired or wireless connection to the motor vehicle.

[0011] It is also possible that the tank level indicator is configured to switch from the second operating mode to the first operating mode when the motor vehicle (in which the tank level indicator is installed) reaches a predetermined mileage. Thus, an automatic switch from the second operating mode to the first operating mode can be realized shortly after delivery. The predetermined mileage can be, for example, 10 km, 20 km, 30 km, 50 km, 100 km or other suitable values. Here, the suitable value is characterized mainly in that the mileage completed by the motor vehicle during production or until delivery to the end customer is less than the predetermined value. At the same time, the predetermined operating power should be as close as possible to the operating power actually completed during production, so that the first operating mode actually set for the user is activated as quickly as possible after delivery. Thus, for example, it can be provided that the predetermined mileage corresponds to the mileage typically completed during production plus a safety buffer of, for example, 10 km or 20 km.

[0012] It is also possible that the tank level indicator is designed to switch from the second operating mode to the first operating mode when leaving a predetermined stopping place or stopping area of ​​the motor vehicle in which the tank level indicator is installed. In this case, the predetermined stopping place or stopping area can correspond in particular to the production location of the motor vehicle. In this case, the implementation of the first operating mode is not linked to the mileage, but to the actual stopping place of the motor vehicle. Preferably, the tank level indicator is connected to a position determination device, for example to a GPS sensor or to a navigation device of the motor vehicle in this embodiment.

[0013] According to a special embodiment, the tank level display is configured to switch from the second operating mode to the first operating mode when a predetermined time point is reached. In this case, the standard of the delivery state can also be meaningfully considered. Accordingly, the predetermined time point can be set so that the predetermined time point coincides with the expected or actual delivery time point of the motor vehicle. As an alternative, the predetermined time point can be set so that the predetermined time point corresponds to the time point at which all work or repair work that consumes fuel on the motor vehicle has ended. In this way, the tank level display can no longer be switched to the "original" second operating mode in any case, but the motor vehicle in which the commonly used first operating mode has been activated is handed over to the customer. The predetermined time point can be adjustable. For example, the predetermined time point can be set by a person engaged in motor vehicle production. This can be done, for example, through a menu. The menu can be a hidden menu. In other words, the menu can be a menu that is invisible to the regular user of the motor vehicle. The time point can also be set by an external control device. Here, the external controller can be connected to the motor vehicle by wire or wirelessly, and in particular to the controller or onboard computer of the motor vehicle.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment, the tank level indicator is designed to switch from the second operating mode to the first operating mode at the end of a production mode of the motor vehicle in which the tank level indicator is installed. This variant is provided when a special production mode of the motor vehicle is actually present, which is deactivated for delivery. If such a production mode is present, it is possible in this way to operate the tank level indicator in the first mode when the motor vehicle is delivered without additional effort.

[0015] In a similar embodiment, it is provided that the tank level indicator is designed to switch from the second operating mode to the first operating mode when a transport mode of the motor vehicle in which the tank level indicator is installed is activated. This variant is provided if a special transport mode is already present, which is activated for delivery or for transport to a delivery location, i.e., for example, to a dealer. If the motor vehicle is transported before delivery and the transport mode is therefore switched on or activated, it can be achieved in this way without additional effort that the tank level indicator is operated in the first mode when the motor vehicle is delivered.

[0016] It is also possible that the tank level indicator is designed to switch from the second operating mode to the first operating mode when a user mode of the motor vehicle (on which the tank level indicator is installed) is activated. This embodiment is similar to activating the second operating mode in parallel with the activation of the production mode. If the first operating mode is activated in the user mode, no special production mode is required for this, but a user mode that is activated before or during delivery is required. In the final result, this embodiment differs from the previously mentioned embodiment in which the production mode is used to switch the operating mode of the tank level indicator essentially in the names of the different modes.

[0017] The tank level display can have an indicator light for low-fuel operation. In particular, it can be provided that when the second operating mode is activated, the indicator light is switched off as soon as the amount of fuel present in the fuel tank exceeds a predefined limit value. The limit value can correspond to a value below which in the first operating mode the low-fuel operation of the motor vehicle is indicated. The indicator light can also be referred to as a low-fuel indicator light.

[0018] Furthermore, the technical problem is solved by an instrument cluster for a motor vehicle having a tank level display of the aforementioned type. Likewise, the technical problem is solved by a motor vehicle having a tank level display or an instrument cluster of the aforementioned type and a method for preparing a motor vehicle for delivery, the method comprising the following steps:

[0019] a. activating a first operating mode of the fuel tank level display of the motor vehicle, in which the fuel level of the motor vehicle is displayed as accurately as possible,

[0020] b. filling the fuel tank of the motor vehicle taking into account the fuel tank fill level indicator until a predefined minimum amount of fuel is present in the fuel tank,

[0021] c. Configuring the fuel tank level display so that the fuel tank level display activates a second operating mode when it is normally used by a user. In the second operating mode, when the magnitude of the change in the detected fuel quantity within a predetermined time period does not exceed a predetermined threshold value, the detected change in the fuel quantity is ignored when displaying the fuel tank level.

[0022] The regular use of the user can be the regular use of the user that is actually detected or expected soon. Here, regular use by the user is understood in particular as the operating behavior of the motor vehicle, which has the following characteristics, which indicate that the motor vehicle is handed over to a regular user, that is, for example, to the buyer or lessee of the motor vehicle. In other words, when the characteristics indicating the regular use of the motor vehicle are identified, the customary use of the motor vehicle can be indicated. Such characteristics have been further explained above and can in particular include the regular operation of the motor vehicle, the mileage completed by the motor vehicle, the time point or date and the stop place of the motor vehicle. It can be proposed that a single feature of these features or any combination of these features is used to detect the customary use of the motor vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail based on the accompanying drawings and the following description. The accompanying drawings show:

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic side view of a motor vehicle 2 with a first exemplary embodiment of a tank fill level display according to the invention is shown, and

[0025] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a display panel of a motor vehicle is shown with a second exemplary embodiment of a tank fill level display according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic side view of a motor vehicle 2 is shown with a first exemplary embodiment of a tank fill level indicator 20 according to the invention. Figure 1 1 and 2. The motor vehicle 2 has a fuel tank 4 which, in the case shown, is connected to a refueling device 10. The refueling device 10 delivers fuel to the motor vehicle 2 in order to thereby set a predetermined fuel quantity 6 in the fuel tank 4 of the motor vehicle 2. Accordingly, the fuel level 8 displays the respective current fuel quantity 6 in the fuel tank 4.

[0027] When the motor vehicle 2 is refueled by the refueling station 10 at the end of production or shortly before the end of production, the second operating mode of the tank level indicator 20 is activated, so that the existing fuel level 8 is accurately displayed within the scope of the measurement accuracy by the tank level indicator 20. The production personnel responsible for the refueling process or, for example, a control integrated in the refueling station 10 or an automatic machine integrated in the refueling station 10 can use this precise fuel level 8 in order to adjust the fuel quantity 6 set for the delivery state of the motor vehicle 2 as accurately as possible.

[0028] In addition Figure 1 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the motor vehicle 2 has a control unit 12, into which a switching device 14 is integrated. The switching device 14 is provided for switching the tank fill level display 20 between a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In order to determine whether the first operating mode or the second operating mode should be activated, the control device can use different Figure 1 Input variables of modules or sensors not shown in detail.

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a display panel 16 of a motor vehicle with a second embodiment of a tank level indicator 20 according to the invention is shown. The display panel 16 has an instrument cluster 18 in which the tank level indicator 20, an odometer 26 and an indicator light 22, also referred to as a low tank indicator light, are arranged. Furthermore, a navigation device 24, a timer 28 or clock and a plurality of input elements 30, which can also be referred to as operating elements, are arranged in the display panel 16.

[0030] Fuel tank level indicator 20 and Figure 2 Here, the controller has a switching device in order to be able to switch the fuel tank level display 20 from the first operating mode to the second operating mode or vice versa. In other words, the first operating mode or the second operating mode of the fuel tank level display 20 can be activated by the switching device.

[0031] The navigation device 24 or the associated GPS sensor, the indicator light 22, the odometer 26 and at least one of the timer 28 and the input element 30 can be connected to the control device and thus to the switching device. The control device can thus use the information provided by the elements in order to determine the operating mode to be activated in each case. In this case, one of the elements or a combination thereof can be used.

[0032] Reference numerals list

[0033] 2Motor Vehicles

[0034] 4 Fuel tanks

[0035] 6 Fuel quantity

[0036] 8 Fuel level

[0037] 10Refueling equipment

[0038] 12 Controllers

[0039] 14 Switching device

[0040] 16 Display Panel

[0041] 18 Instrument cluster

[0042] 20 Fuel tank level indicator

[0043] 22 indicator lights

[0044] 24Navigation equipment

[0045] 26 Odometer

[0046] 28 timers

[0047] 30 Input components

Claims

1. A tank level display (20) for a motor vehicle (2), having a first operating mode, in which a change in the detected fuel quantity (6) is ignored when displaying the fuel tank level (8), if the magnitude of the change in the detected fuel quantity (6) within a predetermined time period does not exceed a predetermined threshold value, Features A second operating mode, in which the tank fill level indicator (20) displays the respective detected fuel quantity (6) as accurately as possible at each time point, wherein it is provided that the tank fill level indicator (20) can be switched from the second operating mode to the first operating mode.

2. The tank level indicator (20) according to claim 1, Features A switching device (14) is used to switch from the first operation mode to the second operation mode and to switch from the second operation mode to the first operation mode.

3. A fuel tank level indicator (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The tank filling level indicator (20) is configured to switch from the second operating mode to the first operating mode when the motor vehicle (2) in which the tank filling level indicator (20) is installed reaches a predetermined mileage.

4. A tank level indicator (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The tank filling level indicator (20) is configured to switch from the second operating mode to the first operating mode when leaving a predetermined stopping place or stopping area of ​​the motor vehicle (2) in which the tank filling level indicator (20) is installed.

5. The tank level indicator (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The tank level display (20) is configured to switch from the second operating mode to the first operating mode when a predetermined time point is reached.

6. A tank level indicator (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The tank filling level indicator (20) is designed to switch from the second operating mode to the first operating mode at the end of a production mode of the motor vehicle (2) in which the tank filling level indicator (20) is installed.

7. A tank level indicator (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The tank filling level indicator (20) is designed to switch from the second operating mode to the first operating mode when a transport mode of the motor vehicle (2) in which the tank filling level indicator (20) is installed is activated.

8. An instrument cluster (18) for a motor vehicle, comprising a tank fill level indicator (20) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. A method for preparing a motor vehicle (2) for delivery, the method comprising the following steps: a. activating a first operating mode of a tank level indicator (20) of the motor vehicle (2), in which the fuel level (8) of the motor vehicle (20) is displayed as accurately as possible, b. filling the fuel tank of the motor vehicle taking into account the tank fill level indicator (20) until a predetermined minimum amount of fuel is present in the fuel tank, and c. configuring the fuel tank level display (20) so that the fuel tank level display (20) activates a second operating mode when used normally by a user, and when the magnitude of a change in the fuel quantity (6) detected within a predetermined time period does not exceed a predetermined threshold value, the detected change in the fuel quantity (6) is ignored when displaying the fuel tank level in the second operating mode.

10. A motor vehicle having a tank fill level display (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or having an instrument cluster (18) according to claim 9.

Images