Method for actuating motor vehicle locking device of motor vehicle and motor vehicle locking device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling a motor vehicle locking device (12), comprising the following steps: detecting a current first position (P1) of a motor vehicle (10); determining a distance of the motor vehicle (10) from an energy source (18) for the motor vehicle (10) to charge an energy storage device (16); determining a second position (P2) of a mobile access authority device (22) for a person (24) to enter the motor vehicle (10); it is determined that a filling nozzle (38) for the energy source (18) has been removed by the person (24); and if the motor vehicle (10) is within a predetermined first distance threshold value (28) relative to the energy source (18) and the second position (P2) is within a predetermined second distance threshold value (30) relative to the motor vehicle locking device (12) and if it is determined that the filling nozzle (38) has been removed, determining that the filling nozzle (38) has been removed. If so, the motor vehicle locking device (12) is actuated by means of an electronic computing device (32) of the motor vehicle locking device (12). The invention also relates to a computer program product, a computer-readable storage medium and a motor vehicle locking device (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for actuating a motor vehicle locking device of a motor vehicle according to the present claim 1. The invention also relates to a computer program product and a motor vehicle locking device. Background Art

[0002] It is already known in the prior art that vehicle locking devices, such as fuel tank flaps or charging stations, can be opened automatically or mechanically to allow access to a filling pipe, for example. In particular, at gas stations or charging stations, the corresponding pipe can then be inserted into the opening to, for example, fill the vehicle with electrical energy or liquid fuel. For this purpose, corresponding mechanical locking devices are known, which, for example, allow the flap to be opened to facilitate access. However, this always requires a person to perform the corresponding manipulation of the fuel tank flap. This can result in the person's fingers becoming soiled, for example, if the vehicle is dirty.

[0003] Document DE102009058864B4 discloses a method for operating a motor vehicle locking device, which has a locking part that can be moved by means of a drive device, and the inlet of the fuel filler neck can be locked by means of the locking part, wherein a sensor device is activated by switching on an activation device, and the sensor device has a proximity sensor arranged near the locking part, wherein if an approaching person and / or any approaching object is below a predetermined distance relative to the proximity sensor, the activated sensor device outputs an opening signal to the drive device for opening the locking part, and if the person and / or object moves away from the proximity sensor beyond a predetermined distance, the activated sensor device outputs a closing signal to the drive device for closing the locking part. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a method, a computer program product and a motor vehicle locking device, by means of which comfortable access is achieved for persons during the filling process.

[0005] This object is achieved by a method, a computer program product, and a motor vehicle locking device according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for controlling a vehicle locking device of a motor vehicle. A current first position of the motor vehicle is detected using a position detection device of the motor vehicle. A distance of the motor vehicle relative to an energy source used by the motor vehicle to charge an energy storage device of the motor vehicle is determined. A second position of the access authorization device for a person accessing the motor vehicle is determined using a further position detection device. Furthermore, it is determined using a surroundings detection device of the motor vehicle that a person has removed a filling nozzle of the energy source. If the motor vehicle is within a predetermined first distance threshold relative to the energy source and if the second position is within a predetermined second distance threshold relative to the motor vehicle locking device and if it is determined that the filling nozzle has been removed, the motor vehicle locking device is controlled using an electronic computing device of the motor vehicle locking device.

[0007] This allows comfortable access to persons, in particular persons carrying a mobile access authorization device.

[0008] In particular, hands-free operation of the motor vehicle locking device can be achieved. In addition, by detecting the position of the person via the mobile access authorization device, a recognition of a careful pattern can be achieved, whereby incorrect triggering can be minimized.

[0009] The charging diagram can also be verified by testing a filling neck, for example in the form of a charging cable. The filling neck can be not only the filling neck of a fluid tank device or a charging cable of a charging station, but also a charging cable removed from a motor vehicle, for example a charging cable for AC charging.

[0010] The mobile access authorization device can be, for example, a key element, a mobile terminal, in particular a mobile phone, smartphone, or smartwatch. Various "car-connected" options can be provided, for example, according to the CCC (Car Connectivity Consortium) standard. By detecting the person's location via the mobile access authorization device, the intention to recharge can be determined. The vehicle's location is compared with a database of known energy sources, such as charging points or gas stations. Known charging points can include, for example, fast charging networks or past charging points of the user or vehicle. If the person's location can be identified as being in the vicinity of the vehicle's locking device and, by comparison, the vehicle's proximity to the energy source, it can be detected that a recharging process, for example, is being set. For example, a distance of two meters from the vehicle's locking device can be implemented as the second distance threshold. In the event of an erroneous triggering, the vehicle's locking device automatically closes despite the energy source being detected (which can, for example, be identified based on the person's continuous trajectory).

[0011] The motor vehicle can be not only a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine, but also a motor vehicle with an electric drive. Furthermore, it can also be a so-called hybrid motor vehicle. In particular, a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine, for example, has a fuel tank cap, which in this embodiment can be considered a motor vehicle locking device. The energy accumulator can then be designed as a fuel tank. If the motor vehicle is to be designed as an electric motor vehicle, for example, the motor vehicle locking device can also be called a charging cap. The energy accumulator can then be designed as an electrical energy accumulator, such as a traction battery. If the motor vehicle is to be designed as a hybrid vehicle, for example, the motor vehicle can have not only a corresponding fuel tank cap but also a corresponding charging cap as well as a corresponding fuel tank and electrical energy accumulator. It can also be provided that, for example, the position of a person relative to the charging cap or relative to the fuel tank cap is used to determine whether electrical charging or fluid refilling is to be provided.

[0012] Furthermore, it can be provided that the filling level of the fuel tank or electrical energy storage device is also taken into account. For example, if the vehicle is in close proximity to the energy source but is almost full, it can be assumed that no refueling process is taking place. This can prevent the activation of the vehicle's locking system. Furthermore, it can be checked whether the electrical energy storage device has been adjusted, for example, due to a search for or entry of a charging station, from which inferences about future charging processes can be drawn. Preconditioning by the user without entering a charging station is also conceivable.

[0013] Furthermore, in order to also cover situations where, for example, the mobile access authorization device is not close to the vehicle locking device, a mechanical opening of the vehicle locking device can also be provided. In particular, comfortable access to the vehicle locking device can be achieved for a person.

[0014] Furthermore, it can be provided that, for example, if the motor vehicle is to be locked, the motor vehicle locking device can also be locked or closed. Furthermore, before the motor vehicle locking device can be opened at all, it can also be possible to authenticate or verify the user or person to determine whether the user or person is authorized to carry out the corresponding filling.

[0015] As an alternative or in addition to the distance threshold, other information, such as the orientation of the vehicle and the type of charging point, can also be taken into account in order to open the charging or fuel cap. Thus, in addition to so-called geofencing, the angle and / or speed of the person's movement can also be taken into account.

[0016] In order to increase the robustness of the charging request detection, the key holder or the person who wishes to initiate the charging process can therefore be uniquely identified. For this purpose, provision is made, in particular, to also identify the filling neck, in particular using a vehicle's surroundings detection device. Provision can be made not only for the filling neck to be removed from the corresponding charging station or tank device, but also for the filling neck of a charging cable, such as an AC charging cable, to be removed from the vehicle itself, for example, from the luggage compartment. Access to the vehicle locking device or opening of the vehicle locking device is permitted only when the corresponding removal of the filling neck is detected.

[0017] According to one advantageous embodiment, the surroundings detection device is provided as a camera and / or a lidar sensor device. For example, the lidar sensor device can generate a corresponding point cloud and, in particular, reliably detect a filler neck, for example, in a person's hand. Furthermore, the camera can also reliably identify the filler neck, for example, based on object classification. In particular, the camera and the lidar sensor device are already components of the vehicle, eliminating the need to install new components in the vehicle.

[0018] Another advantageous embodiment provides for detecting the type of the filler neck using the surroundings detection device. In particular, the type can be understood to mean that a filler neck for fluid refueling, a charging cable for direct current charging, or a charging cable for alternating current (AC) charging can be correspondingly identified. Based on this, provision can then be made for the corresponding vehicle locking device to be unlocked.

[0019] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the vehicle locking device is provided as a fuel tank cap for a fluid accumulator device and / or as a charging cap for an electrical accumulator device. The fluid accumulator device can be, for example, a gasoline tank, a diesel tank, or even a hydrogen tank. Thus, the vehicle can be configured not only with an internal combustion engine but also with an electrical accumulator. Combinations, i.e., hybrid vehicles, are also possible.

[0020] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to additionally unlock a safety lock on the DC charger on the motor vehicle when the DC plug is identified as a filling neck. In particular, the DC charger on the motor vehicle is also provided with an additional safety lock to prevent the ingress of dust or moisture. If a DC plug (in other words, a DC plug) is to be identified in a person's hand, the safety lock can also be unlocked accordingly, allowing secure access to the DC charger.

[0021] It is also advantageous to additionally detect the type of energy source using the surroundings detection device. For example, an energy source, such as a charging station for DC and / or AC charging or a gas pump for refueling a fluid, can be correspondingly identified. This allows for early detection of the type of refueling or filling provided and for corresponding unlocking of the vehicle locking device.

[0022] Another embodiment provides that the trajectory of the person is determined based on the second position and the vehicle locking device is actuated based on this trajectory. Thus, the direction of movement of the person can also be determined, wherein if the person moves in the direction of the vehicle locking device, the vehicle locking device is correspondingly opened.

[0023] Therefore, an independent aspect of the present invention also relates to the fact that the motor vehicle locking device can be opened independently of the second distance threshold, for example, a trajectory of a person guided in the direction of the motor vehicle locking device is to be determined.

[0024] It is also advantageous to additionally evaluate the trajectory based on the detected position of the energy source. For example, the movement of a person toward the energy source can be evaluated accordingly, so that it can be inferred that a filling process will be required in the future if the person moves toward the energy source and the removal of the filling nozzle is detected. However, if, for example, the person should be in the vicinity of the energy source but does not approach it, it can be inferred that the energy source is not in use and a filling process is not required.

[0025] The proposed method is in particular a computer-implemented method. Therefore, another aspect of the present invention relates to a computer program product comprising program code means which, when executed by an electronic computing device, causes the electronic computing device to carry out the method according to the above-mentioned aspect. The computer program product may also be referred to as a computer program.

[0026] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program product according to the above aspect.

[0027] Another aspect of the present invention also relates to a vehicle locking device for a motor vehicle, the vehicle locking device having at least one electronic computing device, wherein the vehicle locking device is designed to carry out the method according to the above aspect, in particular, the method is carried out by means of the vehicle locking device.

[0028] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a motor vehicle having a motor vehicle locking device according to the above aspect. The motor vehicle may be, for example, a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and / or a motor vehicle having an electric drive.

[0029] The electronic computing device has, for example, a processor, a circuit, in particular an integrated circuit, and further electronic components in order to be able to carry out the corresponding method steps.

[0030] Advantageous embodiments of the method can be seen as advantageous embodiments of a motor vehicle locking device and a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle locking device and the motor vehicle have, in particular, physical features in order to be able to carry out the corresponding method steps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Further features of the invention are apparent from the claims, the drawings, and the description of the drawings. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description and the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the drawings and / or shown only in the drawings can be used not only in the combination specified in each case but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0032] The invention will now be explained in more detail using only a preferred exemplary embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Here, the single figure shows:

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic top view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle is shown having an embodiment of a motor vehicle locking device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic top view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle 10 is shown, which includes an embodiment of a motor vehicle locking device 12. In particular, the motor vehicle locking device 12 is provided with a charging cover 14 in the present case. In other words, the motor vehicle 10 is designed as an electrically operated motor vehicle 10 in the present case. The motor vehicle 10 has an energy storage device 16, which is an electrical energy storage device 16 in the present case. The electrical energy storage device 16 can be charged via the motor vehicle locking device 12 via an energy source 18, which can be designed as a charging station, for example.

[0037] The method according to the present invention provides for automated actuation of the vehicle locking device 12. A first position P1 of the vehicle 10 is detected, in particular, by a position detection device 20 of the vehicle 10. The distance of the vehicle 10 relative to an energy source 18 used by the vehicle 10 for charging the energy storage device 16 of the vehicle 10 is determined. A second position P2 of the access authorization device 22 is determined by a further position detection device 26 of the mobile access authorization device 22 for a person 24 to access the vehicle 10. If the vehicle 10 is within a predetermined first distance threshold 28 of the energy source 18 (in particular, within a so-called geofence), if the second position P2 is within a predetermined second distance threshold 30 relative to the vehicle locking device 12, and if a surroundings detection device 36 of the vehicle 10 determines that a filling nozzle 38 for the energy source 18 has been removed by the person 24, the vehicle locking device 12 is actuated by an electronic processing unit 32 of the vehicle locking device 12. In particular, the vehicle locking device 12 is thereby opened.

[0038] in particular Figure 1 It is shown that a trajectory 34 of person 24 is determined as a function of second position P2 and that motor vehicle locking device 12 is actuated as a function of trajectory 34 .

[0039] Instead of Figure 1 The example shown in FIG can provide that the tank cap of the fluid accumulator device is also provided accordingly. Figure 1 , the charging cover 14 for the electric energy storage device 16 is shown open.

[0040] Furthermore, provision can be made for automatic closing of the vehicle locking device 12 to take place after a predetermined time period following actuation of the vehicle locking device 12. However, locking of the vehicle locking device 12 can be suppressed, in particular, during the charging process of the energy storage device 16.

[0041] In particular, it is additionally determined with the aid of surroundings detection device 36 that filling neck 38 for energy source 18 has been removed by person 24. Surroundings detection device 36 can be provided, for example, as a camera and / or lidar sensor device.

[0042] Furthermore, it can be provided in particular that the type of filling neck 38 is detected by means of surroundings detection device 36 . Furthermore, it can be provided in particular that, when a DC plug is detected as filling neck 38 , a safety lock 40 of a DC charging device on motor vehicle 10 is additionally opened. Furthermore, the type of energy source 18 can also be detected, for example, whether it is a fluid filling station or an electrical charging station, and whether the charging station is designed, for example, for AC charging and / or DC charging. Furthermore, trajectory 34 can also be evaluated based on the detected position P3 of energy source 18 .

[0043] Therefore, in particular, Figure 1 The method of determining, for example, that a charging station is located in a corresponding area around vehicle 10 by geofencing is described. Furthermore, navigation to the charging station itself can also be used for pre-regulation. If person 24 then exits the vehicle, the movement of the stand is tracked by detecting access authorization device 22. If certain criteria, such as a change in time and direction, are met and person 24 subsequently enters a defined area around vehicle locking device 12, the latter is opened. Person 24 wishing to start the charging process can be uniquely identified, for example, by computer vision on a camera or a lidar point cloud from surroundings detection device 36, thereby increasing the robustness of access authorization device 22 or person 24. In particular, based on the performance of computer vision, a charging cable in the person's hand can be identified using a machine learning algorithm to further increase the confidence level.

[0044] In particular, it is thus possible to detect whether charging infrastructure is in the immediate vicinity of the parking location. To increase efficiency, the algorithm is only queried when charging infrastructure is reported, for example, via geofencing. Furthermore, the type of charging, such as AC or DC charging, is also detected, since, in particular, the so-called DC cover, in other words, the safety closure 40, must also be automatically opened in the case of DC charging. In some cases, this can be achieved not only due to geofencing, as both AC and DC charging are available at the charging station. Furthermore, the intention to charge is detected, for example, by detecting a charging plug, wherein the vehicle locking device 12 is not opened if no charging plug is detected. Furthermore, the approximate position of the energy source 18 relative to the vehicle 10 can also be determined, thereby enabling better classification of the corresponding trajectory 34. Furthermore, the use of a camera also enables operation in scenarios with poor GPS signals: for example, in underground garages or within geofencing, such as in private homes, where no charging points are stored.

[0045] Reference Signs List

[0046] 10 Motor Vehicles

[0047] 12 Motor vehicle locking device

[0048] 14 Charging cover

[0049] 16 Accumulator device

[0050] 18 Energy Source

[0051] 20 Position detection device

[0052] 22 Mobile access authorization device

[0053] 24 people

[0054] 26 Additional position detection device

[0055] 28 First distance threshold

[0056] 30 Second distance threshold

[0057] 32 Electronic computing devices

[0058] 34 Tracks

[0059] 36 Detection device

[0060] 38 Digital Map

[0061] 38 Charging pipe

[0062] 40 Safety lock

[0063] P1 First position

[0064] P2 Second position

[0065] P3 position

Claims

1. A method for actuating a motor vehicle locking device (12) of a motor vehicle (10), the method comprising the following steps: - detecting a current first position (P1) of the motor vehicle (10) by means of a position detection device (20) of the motor vehicle (10); - determining a distance of the motor vehicle (10) relative to an energy source (18) for the motor vehicle (10) for charging an energy storage device (16) of the motor vehicle (10); - determining a second position (P2) of the mobile access authorization device (22) for a person (24) to enter the motor vehicle (10) by means of a further position detection device (26) of the mobile access authorization device (22); - by means of a surroundings detection device (36) of the motor vehicle (10), it is determined that the filling nozzle (38) for the energy source (18) has been removed by the person (24); and - if the motor vehicle (10) is within a predetermined first distance threshold (28) relative to the energy source (18) and if the second position (P2) is within a predetermined second distance threshold (30) relative to the motor vehicle locking device (12) and if it is determined that the filling nozzle (38) has been removed, then the motor vehicle locking device (12) is controlled by means of an electronic computing device (32) of the motor vehicle locking device (12).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The surroundings detection device (36) is provided as a camera and / or a lidar sensor device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The type of the filling neck (38) is detected by means of the surroundings detection device (36).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The motor vehicle locking device (12) is provided for a tank cap of a fluid accumulator device (16) and / or a charging cap (14) for an electrical accumulator device (16).

5. The method according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that When the DC plug is identified as a filling neck (38), a safety lock (40) of the DC charging device on the motor vehicle (10) is additionally opened.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that In addition, the type of the energy source (18) is detected with the aid of the surroundings detection device (36).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A trajectory (34) of the person (24) is determined based on the second position (P2) and the motor vehicle locking device (12) is actuated based on the trajectory (34).

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The trajectory (34) is additionally evaluated as a function of the detected position (P3) of the energy source (18).

9. Computer program product comprising program code means which, when executed by an electronic computing device (32), cause the electronic computing device (32) to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A motor vehicle locking device (12) for a motor vehicle (10), comprising at least one electronic computing device (32), wherein: The motor vehicle locking device (12) is designed to carry out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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