Adjusting device for detecting driving request of motor vehicle, motor vehicle and operating method

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjusting device (10) for detecting a driving request of a motor vehicle (1), comprising an operating element (2) that can be actuated by a driver of the motor vehicle (1), the operating element (2) being equipped with at least one first sensor (7) for detecting an actuation acting on the operating element (2), the operating element (2) is movably arranged in different rest positions by means of a bearing device. According to the invention, the operating element (2) is provided with a second sensor (11) for detecting a current orientation of the operating element (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a regulating device for detecting a driving request for a motor vehicle, the regulating device having an operating element actuable by a driver of the motor vehicle, wherein the operating element is equipped with at least one first sensor in order to detect at least one actuation acting on the operating element.

[0002] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle having such an adjusting device and to a method for operating an adjusting device or a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0003] Conventional motor vehicles usually have a hydraulic brake system which comprises a brake pedal as an operating element which can be actuated by the driver and a master brake cylinder which is mechanically coupled to the brake pedal. The master brake cylinder is actuated by actuating the brake pedal or a hydraulic piston in the master brake cylinder is moved by the brake pedal, whereby hydraulic pressure is generated in the master brake cylinder and distributed to one or more brake circuits of the brake system. The hydraulic pressure build-up is thus at least partially achieved directly by actuating the brake pedal. In more modern motor vehicles, this pressure build-up is supported by a brake booster.

[0004] In newer motor vehicles, in particular in the course of further electrification of motor vehicles, plans are being made to dispense with the mechanical connection between the operating element and the actuator, in particular the master brake cylinder. So-called brake-by-wire brake systems detect the actuation request or the driver's request via a sensor assigned to the operating element and trigger one or more actuators as a function of their sensor signals in order to meet the driving request. A corresponding brake system is known, for example, from publication EP 1 459 928 A2.

[0005] Furthermore, it is known that the operating element is equipped with a triggerable actuator which can provide the driver with tactile feedback when the operating element is actuated. Thus, it is known, for example, that the driver notices certain events, such as the intervention of ABS brake control, through perceptible pulses applied by the actuator to the operating element.

[0006] Furthermore, the publication DE 10 2012 024 846 A1 discloses an adjustable motor vehicle pedal device having an adjustment device and a pedal, wherein the position and / or orientation of the pedal can be adjusted by the adjustment device and adapted to a certain extent to the needs of the user or driver, and the pedal can be locked in a selected position by a blocking device. Summary of the invention

[0007] The regulating device according to the invention having the features of claim 1 has the advantage that the actuation of the operating element can be detected reliably and precisely, regardless of the orientation or position of the movable operating element. To this end, it is provided according to the invention that the operating element is movably arranged in different static positions by means of a support device, and that the operating element is equipped with a second sensor for detecting the current orientation of the operating element. By monitoring or detecting the current orientation of the operating element, it is ensured that the orientation or position of the operating element can be reliably determined when the driver's intention is determined by the actuation of the operating element. For example, an inclined orientation or inclined position and the resulting reduced actuation force can be compensated by identifying the inclined position. As a result, regardless of the orientation and position of the operating element, the driver's intention can always be carried out in a precise and always driver-perceivable manner.

[0008] For this purpose, it is preferably provided that the second sensor is an acceleration sensor. Using an acceleration sensor, the orientation of the operating element and in particular a change in orientation can be determined cost-effectively and precisely.

[0009] Preferably, the operating element is equipped with at least one triggerable actuator, which can be triggered to apply a force pulse to the operating element, in particular for the purpose of verifying the current orientation detected by the second sensor. As a result, the operating element can be excited or moved by the actuator, thereby stimulating the second sensor, in particular an acceleration sensor, and thus the orientation of the operating element can be determined or verified particularly accurately. For this purpose, for example, a sensor signal detected by the sensor is compared with a stored sensor signal determined according to a predetermined orientation of the operating element, in order to determine the current orientation of the operating element. Preferably, a large number of expected sensor signals are stored in a non-volatile memory according to different orientations of the operating element, in order to be compared with the currently detected sensor signal of the sensor after the operating element has been excited by the actuator, in order to determine the current orientation of the operating element based on the comparison. For this purpose, a characteristic curve is stored in particular, which is called up by the advantageous controller during the comparison.

[0010] Particularly preferably, the actuator is designed as a vibration actuator which does not exert a single force pulse on the operating element, but rather exerts a plurality of force pulses to excite the operating element. By triggering the actuator and detecting the sensor signal of the second sensor determined in response to the triggering, the functionality of the adjusting device can also be tested in an advantageous manner. Preferably, the above-mentioned controller is used to trigger the actuator and detect the sensor signal in order to test the functionality of the adjusting device.

[0011] Particularly preferably, the controller is specifically configured to detect the current orientation of the operating element when used as intended based on the sensor signal of the second sensor. In particular, the controller is specifically configured to trigger the actuator to perform orientation detection when used as intended and to evaluate the sensor signal detected in response to the triggering, as described above.

[0012] It is particularly preferred that the control is specially configured to correct the actuation force detected by the first sensor or the actuation path detected by the first sensor as actuation of the operating element as a function of the orientation of the operating element detected by the second sensor when used as intended. As described above, this ensures reliable detection of the driver's intention at all times, regardless of the actual orientation of the operating element. The driver can thus optimally adapt the adjustment device to his ergonomic requirements.

[0013] The operating element is preferably designed as a foot pedal, in particular a brake pedal, or as a manually actuated handle.

[0014] Particularly preferably, the controller is designed to check the plausibility of the orientation of the operating element detected by the second sensor based on the sensor signal of at least one further sensor. Particularly preferably, the further sensor is part of the regulating device. Optionally, the further sensor is, for example, a sensor that is permanently fixed to the motor vehicle or can be fixed to the motor vehicle, which monitors the orientation of the motor vehicle. For this purpose, the further sensor is also designed, for example, as an acceleration sensor or an inertial sensor. Alternatively, the controller is connected to a further sensor of the motor vehicle, which is anyway configured to monitor the position and / or orientation of the motor vehicle. In this case, existing further sensors can be used and no further sensors have to be added.

[0015] The motor vehicle according to the invention having the features of claim 10 is characterized by an adjusting device according to the invention. This leads to the advantages already mentioned above.

[0016] The method according to the invention having the features of claim 11 is characterized in that the current orientation of the operating element is determined from the sensor signal of the second sensor. This leads to the advantages mentioned above.

[0017] Particularly preferably, a driving request of the driver of the motor vehicle is determined as a function of the determined orientation and the sensor signal of the first sensor. In particular, the process is as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Further advantages and preferred features and feature combinations are derived in particular from the above description and the claims. The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In which:

[0019] Figure 1A motor vehicle having an advantageous adjusting device is shown in a simplified illustration;

[0020] Figure 2 The operating elements of the adjustment device are shown in a simplified diagram; and

[0021] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C Different orientations of the operating element are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Figure 1 A simplified illustration shows a footwell of a motor vehicle 1, not shown in detail here, in which an operating element 2 of a brake system 3 is arranged. In the present case, the operating element 2 is a brake pedal, alternatively an accelerator pedal, which the driver of the motor vehicle 1 can actuate with his foot. Alternatively, the operating element 2 is designed or provided as a gas pedal (accelerator pedal). The brake pedal 2 is held movably on a support device 4 fixed in the footwell, in particular the driver can pivot the brake pedal about a pivot axis 5, such as Figure 1 As shown by the arrow 6 in . This enables the driver to adjust the operating element to the orientation that best meets his ergonomic or comfort-related requirements.

[0023] The operating element 2 is equipped with a sensor 7, by which an actuation force acting on the operating element 2 and / or an actuation path of the operating element 2 set by the actuation of the operating element 2 according to the arrow 6 can be detected. Thus, the actuation of the brake pedal or the actuating lever 2 can be monitored by the sensor 7.

[0024] The sensor 7 is connected at least in terms of signals to a controller 8 which monitors and evaluates the sensor signal of the sensor 7 in order to determine the driver's intention, in particular a braking torque request, based on the detected actuating force and / or the detected actuating path and to trigger at least one actuator of the braking system of the motor vehicle 1 based on the specific braking request, thereby setting the braking force.

[0025] Furthermore, the operating element 2 is equipped with a triggerable actuator 9. The actuator 9 is also connected to the controller 8 at least in terms of signals and is configured to apply tactile feedback to the operating element 2. Here, the actuator 9 is configured and can be triggered, for example, to apply a force pulse on the operating element 2, which can be felt by the driver as tactile feedback. The controller 8 is particularly used to trigger the actuator 9 so that a single force pulse or a plurality of force pulses are generated in a vibrating manner, which act on the operating element 2.

[0026] At least the operating element 2 and the sensor 7 together form an advantageous regulating device 10 in order to detect the driver's wish, in the present case a braking request by the driver.

[0027] Figure 2A simplified top view of the operating element 2 is shown. In addition to the sensor 7, the operating element 2 is also equipped with a further sensor 11 for detecting the current orientation or position of the accelerator pedal or brake pedal. In particular, the sensor 11 is arranged and fastened directly on or at the operating element 2. The control unit 8 is connected to the sensor 7 and the sensor 11 in order to evaluate their sensor signals.

[0028] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C For this purpose, different orientations of the operating element 2 are shown. A sensor 11 is shown here, which is designed as an acceleration sensor and is shown in a simplified form. The sensor 11 has a movably mounted sensor element 12, which is located, for example, between two spring elements 13, 14, which are compressed or stretched depending on the position of the sensor element 12 and exert a compressive or tensile force on the sensor element 12 accordingly. Figure 3C In the intermediate position shown, when the sensor 11 is oriented horizontally, the sensor element 12 is moved by the spring elements 13, 14 to a central position within the housing 15 of the sensor 11. From this intermediate position, the sensor element 12 can be moved the same distance in both directions in the longitudinal extension of the sensor 11. If the sensor 11 is lifted, i.e. tilted upward from the horizontal, e.g. Figure 3B As shown, until the sensor element 12 is tilted at about 45° to the horizontal, the sensor element 12 overcomes the spring force of the spring element 14 located below by the gravitational acceleration or its weight and moves closer to the lower end of the housing 15. If the sensor 11 is further lifted so that it is in a vertical orientation, as shown in FIG. Figure 3A As shown, ie at an angle of 90° to the horizontal, sensor element 12 is displaced maximally downwards by its weight or by gravity acceleration, overcoming the spring force of spring element 14 .

[0029] By monitoring the position and movement of the sensor element 12 , the orientation or a change in orientation of the operating element 2 can therefore be determined with the aid of the sensor 11 .

[0030] The support device is designed so that the user can set a basic position of the operating element 2 and can move the operating element 2 for this purpose. In this case, the support device can also change the orientation of the operating element 2 and optimally adapt it to the ergonomic requirements or comfort requirements. With the help of the sensor 11, the control unit 8 detects the starting position or basic position of the operating element 2 set by the user. With the help of the sensor 7, the control unit 8 detects an operation or actuation of the operating element, by which the operating element 2 can be moved during operation and / or an actuation force can be applied.

[0031] The controller 8 is particularly designed to adapt the braking characteristic curve as a function of the detected orientation of the operating element 2 in the starting position, in order to optimally determine the braking intention as a function of the detected actuation of the operating element 2 by the driver. For example, if the operating element is unfavorably positioned or oriented from an ergonomic point of view, the controller 8 increases or decreases the actuation force detected by the sensor 7 in order to achieve an optimal braking result. The exact orientation of the operating element 2 can also be used for other purposes, for example for adapting the acceleration characteristic curve.

[0032] Furthermore, the controller 8 is preferably connected to the actuator 9 in order to trigger the actuator so that the actuator applies one or more force pulses to the operating element 2. Under normal circumstances, the actuator 9 is triggered to provide tactile feedback to the driver, thereby informing the driver of driving situations, such as the intervention of ABS control, etc. Preferably, the controller 8 also triggers the actuator 9 to apply one or more force pulses to the operating element 2 when calibrating the control device 10, in particular in the form of a predetermined vibration, in order to accurately determine the orientation of the operating element 2. By means of one or more force pulses, the sensor element 12 is repeatedly moved from its rest position, such as FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C As indicated by the double arrow 16 in , the sensor 11 is thereby excited and can therefore reliably and precisely detect the orientation of the operating element 2. In particular, by applying one or more force pulses to the operating element 2, measurement errors in determining the orientation of the operating element are eliminated.

[0033] Preferably, the detected orientation is checked for plausibility using information from the motor vehicle, in particular information already present in the motor vehicle, for example information about the orientation of the motor vehicle relative to the horizontal. For example, the tilted position of the motor vehicle as a whole can be taken into account when checking the plausibility of the orientation of the operating element 2 and compensated accordingly. In particular, an inertial sensor system is used for this purpose, which is usually already installed in the motor vehicle and serves as an additional sensor or reference sensor. As a result, the orientation of the operating element 2 detected by the sensor 11 is compensated by the actual orientation of the motor vehicle 1 and the orientation of the operating element 2 relative to the motor vehicle 1 is thus reliably determined.

[0034] Optionally, the control unit 8 is also designed to determine the braking request independently of the orientation of the operating element 2 in its starting position and the detected actuation, but rather based on other information, for example from seat settings, steering wheel settings, the weight of the motor vehicle driver, images from an in-vehicle camera or a driver profile. The braking characteristic curve and / or the acceleration characteristic curve can thereby be adapted in an advantageous manner.

Claims

1. A control device (10) for detecting a driving request of a motor vehicle (1), the control device having an operating element (2) which can be actuated by a driver of the motor vehicle (1), wherein: The operating element (2) is equipped with at least one first sensor (7) for detecting an actuation acting on the operating element (2), wherein the operating element (2) is movably arranged in different static positions by means of a supporting device, characterized in that the operating element (2) is equipped with a second sensor (11) for detecting the current orientation of the operating element (2).

2. The adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second sensor (11) is an acceleration sensor.

3. The adjusting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The operating element (2) is equipped with at least one triggerable actuator (9), which can be triggered, in particular for verifying a current orientation detected by the second sensor (11), in order to exert a force on the operating element (2).

4. The adjusting device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The actuator (9) is designed as a vibration actuator.

5. Adjustment device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The adjusting device has a control unit (8) which is specially configured to detect the current orientation of the operating element (2) when used as intended based on the signal of the second sensor (11).

6. The adjusting device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The controller (8) is specifically configured to trigger the actuator (9) when used as intended to verify the detected orientation.

7. Adjustment device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The controller (8) is specifically configured to correct the actuation force detected by the first sensor (7) or the actuation path detected by the first sensor (7) according to the orientation of the operating element (2) detected by the second sensor (11) when used as intended.

8. Adjustment device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The operating element (2) is designed as a foot pedal or a handle.

9. Adjustment device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The control unit (8) is designed to check the plausibility of the orientation of the operating element (2) detected by the second sensor (11) based on a sensor signal of at least one further sensor (11).

10. A motor vehicle (1) comprising an adjusting device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Method for operating an adjusting device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or a motor vehicle (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that The current orientation of the operating element (2) is determined based on the sensor signal of the second sensor (11).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that A driving request by a driver of the motor vehicle (1) is determined based on the determined orientation and the sensor signal of the first sensor (7).

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