Method and device for controlling an assisted parking process of a motor vehicle

Abstract

A method for controlling an assisted parking process of a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of:- setting (101) an upper speed limit;- limiting (102) the speed of the motor vehicle to a parking speed less than or equal to the upper speed limit by a speed limiter (6), without autonomous braking or acceleration;- suppressing (103) an increase in the speed of the motor vehicle above the upper speed limit requested by actuating an accelerator pedal;and- carrying out (106) the assisted parking process at the parking speed, wherein the limiting of the speed and the suppression of the increase in the speed are terminated when the accelerator pedal is actuated by more than a predetermined value, characterized in that the predetermined value is selected in linear dependence on an incline on which the motor vehicle is located and in dependence on a current direction of travel;

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling an assisted parking process of a motor vehicle.

[0002] Active Park Assist (APA) systems have been developed and introduced by various automotive manufacturers to assist drivers during parking maneuvers. These systems include Pull-Out Assist (POA), Perpendicular Park Assist (PPA), and Semi-Automated Parallel Parking (SAPP).

[0003] Such systems typically feature ultrasonic sensors, an electric steering system, and a computing unit. Based on the sensor signals, a parking curve is calculated, and the vehicle is steered autonomously into or out of a parking space. The accelerator and brake pedals remain under the influence or control of the driver. Emergency braking systems are also used to avoid collisions with obstacles.

[0004] Current systems sometimes do not behave as a driver would expect, even though they function correctly. For example, the parking function is aborted if the driver accelerates the vehicle to a speed greater than 10 km / h. The driver might also expect a fully automated system that comfortably controls braking and accelerator functions in adaptation to an actual parking maneuver. Shortly before ending an assisted parking maneuver, when the vehicle approaches a parked vehicle and an ultrasonic parking aid issues a warning, there is a risk of collision with the parked vehicle due to an inappropriate speed. During assisted parking maneuvers, in emergency situations, automatic braking is activated, bringing the vehicle to a stop and aborting the parking maneuver. This braking activation is very sharp and is usually not expected by the driver.

[0005] DE 196 07 788 A1 discloses the control of the approach of a motor vehicle to an obstacle, wherein in a first distance range the motor vehicle speed is limited by controlling the power and in a second distance range by braking force.

[0006] WO 03 / 055734 A1 generally describes an assisted parking process with parking space detection, path planning and control of the steering and brakes in order to maneuver the motor vehicle into a parking space.

[0007] DE 100 30 449 A1 discloses an automatic steering system for a motor vehicle in which the brake prevents the motor vehicle from exceeding a speed limit in order to prevent the motor vehicle from leaving a calculated locus curve.

[0008] WO 02 / 084329 A2 discloses a driver assistance system with a sensor for detecting the distance of the motor vehicle from an object, wherein switching is possible between a parking aid operating mode, a pre-crash operating mode and a cruise control operating mode.

[0009] DE 10 2008 006 054 A1 discloses a device for performing an automatic braking intervention during a semi-autonomous parking process, which device comprises a control unit which limits the vehicle speed with the aid of speed control means when a predetermined limit speed of the vehicle is reached and at least one further condition, which includes, for example, an unintentional exceeding of the predetermined limit speed, is met.

[0010] DE 102 05 039 A1 discloses a method for determining the load request given by the driver of a motor vehicle by means of an accelerator pedal, wherein the relationship between the load request sensor deflection and the load request signal transmitted to the drive unit can be described by a characteristic curve and different characteristic curves are provided for different situational boundary conditions.

[0011] The invention is based on the object of improving an assisted parking process of a motor vehicle.

[0012] This object is achieved by the features of claims 1, 6 and 7, respectively. Advantageous developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for controlling an assisted parking process of a motor vehicle comprises the steps: - Setting an upper speed limit; - Limiting the speed of the motor vehicle to a parking speed less than or equal to the upper speed limit by means of a speed limiter; - suppression of an increase in the speed of the motor vehicle above the upper speed limit requested by an operation of the accelerator pedal; and - Performing the assisted parking process at the parking speed. The speed limitation and the suppression of the increase in speed are terminated if the accelerator pedal is depressed by more than a predetermined value. According to the invention, the predetermined value is selected depending on the gradient on which the motor vehicle is traveling.

[0014] The parking speed during automatic or semi-automatic parking (parking and / or exiting) is not necessarily a fixed speed, but can vary from parking to parking or during a parking maneuver. The suppression of the acceleration or speed generated by the driver can be achieved electrically, electronically, and / or mechanically. The driver's command via the accelerator pedal is then not transmitted to the engine or an engine control unit as long as the accelerator pedal is not applied more than the specified value.

[0015] The method according to the invention allows for a higher degree of automation with a higher success rate, as it also enables assisted parking on sloping parking spaces. Furthermore, the development effort and system costs are reduced relative to the degree of automation. Furthermore, the method allows for dynamic speed reduction.

[0016] Successful parking maneuvers follow a typical pattern. In addition to the actual steering or control of the vehicle, the vehicle's speed must be at a certain level or within a certain range. Plotting the speed against the distance traveled or the time traveled results in a typical curve.

[0017] To allow the driver to follow this speed characteristic without autonomously braking or accelerating, an algorithm is used to limit or restrict the speed.

[0018] Speed ​​limiters, also known as ASLDs (Adjustable Speed ​​Limitation Devices), are typically used in forward operation and for higher speeds. However, in this case, the speed limiter is used for low parking speeds, typically below 10 km / h, and for forward and reverse driving. Furthermore, the speed limiter or another device decouples the accelerator pedal movement from the actual acceleration when the speed exceeds a defined value, such as an upper speed limit.

[0019] The calculated path, route, or trajectory of the parking maneuver, the required steering angle, and existing distance signals, for example, generated by ultrasound or radar, can be used as input variables for limiting the speed. This prevents the vehicle from moving faster than a defined or calculated speed along the calculated path, even in comparison to the distance already covered. This can prevent the parking maneuver from being aborted due to excessive speed. Warnings to the driver not to accelerate to avoid aborting the parking function are also no longer necessary. Other abort warning signals may still occur, but not due to excessive speed.

[0020] Limiting speed can be achieved by restricting the power or speed of a vehicle's engine. This allows for more direct and comfortable control than using the brakes.

[0021] The vehicle's brakes can also be used to limit speed. This is particularly useful at very low speeds and / or to stop the vehicle.

[0022] The speed limit can be overridden by the driver by activating the accelerator pedal if the accelerator pedal is activated more than a predetermined value. This override function allows acceleration and speeds beyond the upper speed limit, making it easy to abort the assisted parking process if, for example, the journey is to be continued contrary to the driver's original intention or an unforeseen event occurs that requires the driver to take full control of the vehicle. As soon as the accelerator pedal is beyond the predetermined position while driving at maximum speed at the upper speed limit, the limitation is canceled and the vehicle accelerates. According to the invention, the predetermined position is selected depending on the given gradient.In particular, a first predefined value can be selected for a first gradient value, and a second predefined value, which is greater than the first predefined value, can be selected for a second gradient value that is greater than the first gradient value. The predefined value is selected as a linear function of the gradient. The gradient is interpreted relative to the current direction of travel. For example, if parallel parking is required on a downhill stretch, the predefined value will be greater in reverse gear than in forward gear, since the vehicle must work against the gradient when reversing, thus requiring a greater deflection of the accelerator pedal.

[0023] At the end of a parking maneuver, the vehicle's speed can be continuously reduced until it comes to a stop. The stopping point of the vehicle is determined using distance sensors and / or a distance calculation during the parking maneuver. This so-called comfort braking can be achieved, for example, by feeding the signal(s) from the distance sensors and / or the distance calculation to the speed limiter, allowing it to reduce the speed gently and comfortably to 0 km / h.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the invention, a steering system for an assisted parking process of a motor vehicle comprises a speed limiter for limiting the speed of the motor vehicle to a parking speed less than or equal to an upper speed limit, and a control unit connected to an accelerator pedal of the motor vehicle, which control unit is configured to suppress an increase in speed above the upper speed limit requested by the accelerator pedal and to carry out the method according to the invention. The advantages and modifications described above apply. The speed limiter and the suppression unit can be separate components or software routines, or a single unit.

[0025] A further aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with such a steering system. It can, for example, have a computing unit for calculating the path for the parking maneuver and for setting an upper speed limit. The advantages and modifications described above apply. The computing unit and the control unit can be implemented in a single unit; this can be a separate unit or part of an existing unit, such as a steering or vehicle control system. Furthermore, the path calculation and setting of the upper speed limit can be implemented in different hardware and / or software components.

[0026] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 shows a steering system of a motor vehicle for an assisted parking process according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a method for controlling an assisted parking process of a motor vehicle according to the invention; Fig. 3 a diagram of a typical parallel parking maneuver; Fig. 4 a location diagram of a typical parallel parking maneuver; Fig. 5 a 3-dimensional diagram of a typical parallel parking maneuver; and Fig. 6 a v vs. t diagram of a typical parallel parking maneuver.

[0027] The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the invention. The drawings and individual parts are not necessarily to scale. Like reference numerals designate like or similar parts.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows an automatic steering system 1 of a motor vehicle, or a part thereof. For the sake of clarity, only those components of the steering system 1 relevant to the explanation of the invention are shown here. Other components, such as a steering column or angle sensor, are not shown.

[0029] The steering system 1 comprises a controller 2 for an assisted parking process of the motor vehicle, such as a car. The assisted parking process includes parking in and out of parking spaces in forward and reverse directions, as well as parking parallel or perpendicular to the direction of travel or the road. The controller 2 can be implemented, for example, as a sub-function of the APA.

[0030] A Parking Aid Module (PAM) 3, for example, receives information about a parking space or parking space from sensors arranged on the side of the motor vehicle. This information can include, for example, the speed v, the length of the parking space l, and the position xy. Furthermore, sensors 4 arranged at the front and / or rear of the motor vehicle can provide information about the distances between the motor vehicle and obstacles such as other parked motor vehicles.

[0031] The PAM 3 has a computing unit 5 for calculating the path of the assisted parking process and for calculating and / or setting an upper speed limit for this assisted parking process. The calculations are based on the above and / or additional information.

[0032] A speed limiter 6 is connected to the PAM 3 and receives the upper speed limit. The speed limiter 6 then limits the vehicle's speed to a parking speed less than or equal to the upper speed limit. The path calculation and / or the calculated steering angle from the PAM 3 can be used for this purpose.

[0033] The speed limiter 6 is arranged between a gas function of the motor vehicle, such as an accelerator pedal 8 to be operated by the driver, and an engine or engine control unit 9. The speed limiter 6 comprises a unit 10 for suppressing an acceleration or increase in speed requested by a driver of the motor vehicle if this is greater than or equal to the upper speed limit.

[0034] Thus, the speed limiter 6 acts on the engine power while the PAM 3 acts on other systems 11 of the motor vehicle such as a steering device and / or a brake.

[0035] The computing unit 5 and the unit 10 can also be arranged in other structures, for example, the two units can be arranged in reverse.

[0036] Based on Fig. 2, the method for controlling an assisted parking process of a motor vehicle is now described.

[0037] The method is initiated in a first starting block 100. This can occur after a suitable parking space has been identified by lateral sensors, the PAM 3 has calculated a suitable route or trajectory, and the motor vehicle is controlled autonomously, i.e., independently of the driver.

[0038] First, in step 101, an upper speed limit is set, typically in a range of 5 to 15 km / h, usually 10 km / h. This prevents the parking function from being aborted due to excessive speed.

[0039] Regardless of the position of the accelerator pedal 8, this upper speed cannot be exceeded during a parking maneuver unless a special override function is activated.

[0040] The speed of the motor vehicle is thus limited by the speed limiter 6 to a parking speed less than or equal to the upper speed limit. This is represented by block 102.

[0041] According to block 103, an increase in speed above the upper speed limit caused by a driver of the motor vehicle is suppressed.

[0042] In such a case, an increase in the accelerator pedal function 8 does not change the position of the control or throttle valve, so the power of the engine 9 is not increased. Below the upper speed limit, the engine power and thus the speed of the motor vehicle can still be controlled and follows the position of the accelerator pedal 8.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, the brake 14 can be used to limit the speed. For example, a short braking impulse can be applied when the motor vehicle approaches the upper speed limit. This autonomous braking impulse prevents the parking function from being aborted due to excessive speed and reminds the driver not to exceed the speed limit.

[0044] In step 104, an abort of the parking function or an override function is monitored. If an abort is to occur, the system branches to the end 105 of the automatic or autonomous parking process. If no abort is to occur, the process continues.

[0045] The driver can cancel or end the speed limit by activating the accelerator pedal if the accelerator pedal is depressed more than a specified value. The specified value is selected depending on the gradient at the vehicle's location and in the vehicle's direction of travel.

[0046] To prevent a sudden increase in speed at the moment of override, acceleration is preferably ramped up or increased gently to avoid potential accidents caused by excessive, sudden acceleration. This can be achieved with a suitable low-pass filter.

[0047] The same gentle behavior should be present for the moment when the vehicle is at the upper speed limit and the parking function is terminated, for example by pressing a cancel button or by the driver influencing the steering wheel.

[0048] To prevent the parking function from being accidentally aborted due to excessive pressure on the accelerator pedal on steep inclines, the percentage override limit depends on the gradient on which the vehicle is to be parked or exited. The steeper the gradient, the higher the override limit can be.

[0049] The abort function 104 is arranged at this point in the process as an example. It can be monitored at another point or continuously.

[0050] In a further step 106, the assisted parking process is carried out at the parking speed; this can be fully automatic or semi-automatic.

[0051] As an example, a characteristic parallel parking behavior is now considered.

[0052] In Fig. Figure 3 plots the trajectory, or rather the absolute steering angle, against time for such a parking maneuver with a reverse pull. As can be seen, the speed slowly increases and decreases, respectively, while the steering angle changes direction.

[0053] Another way of displaying is in Fig. 4. Here, the locus of the parking process is shown with x and y coordinates.

[0054] Fig. Figure 5 shows another representation, this time three-dimensional, in which the reverse speed is plotted against the x and y, or lateral and longitudinal, coordinates. Thus, the trajectory of the parking maneuver is depicted.

[0055] Fig. Figure 6 shows the speed of the parking process plotted against time.

[0056] There is a relationship between the steering angle or trajectory and the speed of the vehicle. A parallel parking maneuver or parking process consists of several individual steps: 1. Start in front of the parking space, with the vehicle parallel to the parked vehicle and with a straight steering angle (0°). 2. Accelerate and reverse straight towards the parking space. 3. Increase the steering angle to begin maneuvering the rear of the vehicle into the parking space at a constant speed. The steering angle can reach up to more than 360°. 4. Continuously reduce the steering angle and reduce the speed to maneuver the front of the vehicle into the parking space. The vehicle's orientation is now diagonal. 5. When a steering angle of 0° is reached again, the steering wheel rotation continues and the angle becomes negative. The speed is further reduced. 6. The vehicle is now aligned, and the parking maneuver is completed. To stop the vehicle safely, the driver may need to apply the brakes.

[0057] Especially during steps 4 and 5, when the direction or sign of the steering angle or rotation of the steering wheel changes, the result is a reduction in speed.

[0058] Based on this knowledge, the steering angle or the trajectory of the motor vehicle can be used as an input variable that is equivalent to time or changes with position.

[0059] In order to implement a corresponding predefined speed profile or a dynamic speed limitation, a variable speed limiter, predefined braking interventions, for example depending on ultrasonic sensors to simulate a Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 or a combination of speed limitation and braking interventions can be used, particularly for low speeds below 5 km / h.

[0060] Additional ultrasonic sensors or similar sensors allow a reaction to unstable or unsteady situations, for example in which an obstacle suddenly appears in the parking space.

[0061] According to step 107, the assisted parking maneuver is terminated. At the end of a parking maneuver, the speed of the motor vehicle is continuously reduced until the vehicle stops. The stopping point of the vehicle is determined using distance sensors and / or a path calculation during the parking maneuver. When exiting a parking space, this step is omitted or replaced by a transition from assisted to autonomous forward driving. The parking maneuver can also be terminated by the driver's braking action, as described above.

[0062] The following describes automatic soft braking, called Comfort Braking.

[0063] Completing a parking maneuver, i.e., bringing the motor vehicle to a safe stop without compromising comfort, is a challenge for automatic systems. There are generally two ways to complete a parking maneuver. One possibility is to use distance information, provided, for example, by ultrasonic sensors 4. Another possibility is information about the remaining distance, or distance-to-travel, provided by the PAM 3. Module 3 knows where the motor vehicle is located, how long the parking space is, etc. This means it knows how long the motor vehicle's path of travel is and where on the path or trajectory the motor vehicle is located.

[0064] Particularly during the lateral approach of the front of the vehicle as described in steps 4 and 5, the speed between the vehicle and the parked vehicle is low enough to be measured with conventional ultrasonic sensors. With the distance between two vehicles reduced, the speed can be adjusted to give the driver a sense of security regarding the surroundings and the entire parking process.

[0065] Another issue is the approach of the rear of the vehicle to the parked vehicle at the rear and the corresponding termination of the parking maneuver. This situation can sometimes cause a collision because the driver overestimates the remaining distance between the two vehicles or the approach speed is too high.

[0066] As an alternative to, or in addition to, the initial length measurement of the parking space, the (rear) distance measurement, for example, using ultrasound, ensures accurate determination of the vehicle's position relative to the closest point to the parked vehicle. This actively monitors the surroundings, allowing the system to react to dynamic situations such as the appearance of an obstacle, including dynamic speed limitation.

[0067] The remaining distance, calculated from the planned trajectory and the current vehicle position, allows for an alternative route. A combination of both systems can increase the safety and reliability of the system.

[0068] These signals can be used individually or together as inputs to the speed limiter 6 to control the speed and reduce it gently and comfortably down to 0 km / h or a standstill. In addition to limiting the speed, the brakes can also be used. Unlike emergency braking, the purpose here is to provide comfortable braking. As the distance decreases, the brake pressure increases to slow the vehicle. At the end, i.e., when the vehicle is almost in the final desired parking position, the pressure drops again to enable a smooth and jerk-free stop.

Claims

[1] A method for controlling an assisted parking process of a motor vehicle, comprising the steps: - setting (101) an upper speed limit; - limiting (102) the speed of the motor vehicle to a parking speed less than or equal to the upper speed limit by a speed limiter (6), without autonomous braking or acceleration; - suppressing (103) an increase in the speed of the motor vehicle above the upper speed limit requested by actuation of an accelerator pedal; and - performing (106) the assisted parking process at the parking speed, wherein the limiting of the speed and the suppression of the increase in the speed are terminated when the accelerator pedal is operated by more than a predetermined value, characterized bythat the specified value is selected as a linear function of the gradient on which the motor vehicle is located and as a function of the current direction of travel. [2] The method of claim 1, wherein a first predetermined value is selected for a first gradient value and a second predetermined value is selected that is greater than the first predetermined value for a second gradient value that is greater than the first gradient value. [3] The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the limiting of the speed is achieved by limiting the power or the speed of an engine (9) of the motor vehicle. [4] The method according to claim 3, wherein brakes (11) of the motor vehicle are additionally used to limit the speed. [5] The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at the end of a parking process (107) the speed of the motor vehicle is continuously reduced until the motor vehicle stops, wherein the stopping point of the motor vehicle is determined by means of distance sensors and / or a path calculation of the parking process. [6] A steering system for an assisted parking process of a motor vehicle, comprising a speed limiter (6) for limiting the speed of the motor vehicle to a parking speed less than or equal to an upper speed limit and a control unit (10) connected to an accelerator pedal of the motor vehicle, which control unit is designed to suppress an increase in speed above the upper speed limit requested by the accelerator pedal, characterized by that the control unit (10) is further designed to carry out the method of one of claims 1 to 5. [7] A motor vehicle having a steering system according to claim 6.

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