Device and method for situation-dependent power control

Abstract

Methods for situation-dependent control of a vehicle's driving characteristics, comprising the following steps: Capturing situation-dependent information, Processing the captured situation-dependent information, and Performing a situation-dependent adjustment of at least one system for power control of an internal combustion engine based on the processed situation-dependent information, wherein The situation-dependent information includes at least one of the following: Information about a driver's request regarding driving behavior, Information about previous driving behavior, Information about a driver currently using the vehicle and Information about the current driving situation.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and device for situation-dependent power control of an internal combustion engine. The system and method relate in particular to the situation-dependent control of the boost pressure.

[0002] Today's turbocharged combustion engines have a delayed response from low loads compared to a naturally aspirated engine of the same power output, because the speed of the turbocharger is correspondingly low at the beginning of the load increase with small exhaust mass flows and low temperature, and therefore the boost pressure is also lower.

[0003] This delayed response is typically partially compensated for by the fact that, in naturally aspirated engines operating at partial load, the turbine bypass, or wastegate, is permanently, partially, or fully closed. Closing the wastegate leads to an increase in pressure upstream of the turbine. This pressure opposes the expulsion of the engine's exhaust gases. As a result, closing the wastegate reduces the engine's efficiency and consequently increases fuel consumption.

[0004] Precise control of the wastegate allows for a compromise between engine performance and reduced efficiency. A typical control system allows the driver to select a specific setting before starting the journey using an actuator, or to change it while driving, for example, selecting a sport mode or an energy-saving mode.

[0005] In modern vehicles, power provision and / or line output is preferably controlled via the control of the wastegate with a boost pressure control (BTDC) application.

[0006] DE 101 29 149 A1 relates to a method for optimizing the power transmission of an engine to the drive wheels of a vehicle, in which road and map data from a navigation system are also used to specify target values ​​for the engine and / or transmission control.

[0007] DE 195 24 914 B4 relates to a method for determining gear ratio changes in an automatic transmission, in which a gear ratio change of the automatic transmission is read out as an output variable of a basic map and at least two input variables are supplied to the basic map.

[0008] DE 10 2004 020 110 A1 relates to a method for adapting the driving behavior of motor vehicles, wherein a detection unit records the operating parameters supplied by sensors and prepares them for transmission to downstream control units.

[0009] DE 10 2010 017 831 A1 relates to a method for checking the stability of the driving behavior of a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle with a control unit assigned to a vehicle dynamics control system.

[0010] DE 102011 055 685 A1 relates to a method for operating a system influencing the driving behavior of a vehicle, wherein at least one control parameter of the system that can be manually adjusted by a vehicle occupant is automatically adjusted.

[0011] DE 10 2006 060 306 A1 discloses a driver-type-dependent setting of a rail pressure in the injection system.

[0012] US 2015 / 0 275 771 A1 discloses a prediction of an intake manifold pressure depending on a sport mode, taking into account a turbocharger.

[0013] EP 1 320 472 B1 discloses a state manager in which information from a driver and situation recognition system is taken into account.

[0014] The invention is based on the objective of providing a method and a system for situation-dependent power control of an internal combustion engine, in particular for situation-dependent control of the boost pressure and / or the boost pressure control.

[0015] This problem is solved by a system and a method according to the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to further aspects of the invention.

[0016] The invention relates to a method for situation-dependent control of a vehicle's driving characteristics. The method comprises the following steps: acquiring situation-dependent information, processing the acquired situation-dependent information, and performing a situation-dependent adjustment of at least one system for power control of an internal combustion engine based on the processed situation-dependent information, wherein the situation-dependent information includes at least one of the following: information about a driver's desired driving behavior, information about previous driving behavior, information about a driver currently using the vehicle, and information about a current driving situation.

[0017] Preferably, the system for controlling the power of an internal combustion engine includes power provision and / or power output.

[0018] Preferably, the system for power control of an internal combustion engine includes at least one system for boost pressure generation and / or boost pressure control.

[0019] Preferably, the power control system relates to exhaust gas turbocharging (ATL). Preferably, the power control system relates to an ATL turbine bypass. Preferably, the power control system relates to an electronically assisted ATL. Preferably, the power control system relates to a thermal reserve for transient overload. Preferably, the power control system relates to a mechanical compressor. Preferably, the power control system relates to an electric compressor. Preferably, the power control system relates to a diverter valve control. Preferably, the power control system relates to exhaust aftertreatment. Preferably, the exhaust aftertreatment can be controlled in a catalytic converter.

[0020] Preferably, the information about the driver's desired driving behavior includes at least information about the selection of a specific transmission configuration. Preferably, the information about the driver's desired driving behavior includes at least information about the selection of a specific driving mode. Preferably, the information about the driver's desired driving behavior includes at least information about a desired gear change in the transmission. Preferably, the information about the driver's desired driving behavior includes at least information about a desired acceleration.

[0021] Preferably, the information regarding the driver's desired driving behavior is derived from the driving experience setting. For this purpose, the vehicle preferably has a driving experience switch, which ideally offers settings such as "Sport", "Comfort", "Eco" or "Eco Pro".

[0022] Preferably, the information regarding the driver's desired driving behavior is obtained from the user's manual shifting behavior, particularly preferably by detecting a downshift or upshift.

[0023] Preferably, the information regarding the driver's desired driving behavior is determined by detecting the pressing of the accelerator pedal, particularly preferably by detecting a "kick down" and / or detecting an increase in the pressure exerted by the driver's foot.

[0024] Preferably, the information regarding the driver's desired driving behavior is obtained from an input via the gearshift lever, for example, moving the gearshift lever into a sport mode. Preferably, the information regarding the driver's desired driving behavior is determined by detecting whether manual or non-manual shifting is selected.

[0025] Preferably, the information regarding the driver's desired driving behavior is summarized from one or more partial pieces of information, preferably from one of the preceding examples, and sent to the ATL application and / or sent individually and summarized in the ATL application.

[0026] Preferably, the information on previous driving behavior includes at least information on the current driver's previous driving behavior during the current trip and / or on previous driving behavior of the current driver during earlier trips. Preferably, the current driver is identified. Preferably, information on the current driver's previous driving behavior during the current trip and / or on previous driving behavior of the current driver during earlier trips is collected and / or stored.

[0027] The driving behavior information is preferably exchanged with a central data processing unit (backend) and / or one or more decentralized data processing units (car-to-car information), preferably in other vehicles.

[0028] Preferably, to determine the current driver of the vehicle, at least the following information is collected and processed: a vehicle key in use, a selected seat position, the connection of the driver's personal electronic devices to or within the vehicle's communication interfaces, the selection of a specific radio station or music program, the detection of at least one voice in the vehicle, and / or the driver's weight. Preferably, the driver's face is detected by an interior camera.

[0029] Preferably, to determine the driver currently using the vehicle, i.e., the current driver, at least information from the vehicle key is obtained and processed. Preferably, a vehicle key is linked to a driver, and personal information is stored on the key. Preferably, the vehicle key is assigned to a specific driver. Preferably, the driver-related information is stored in the ATL application.

[0030] The vehicle key information is preferably exchanged with a central data processing unit (backend) and / or one or more decentralized data processing units (car-to-car information), preferably in other vehicles.

[0031] Preferably, at least information from the selected seating position is determined and processed to identify the current driver. Each driver is preferably assigned a seating position, which is then stored in the ATL application. This seating position information is preferably exchanged with a central data processing unit (backend) and / or one or more decentralized data processing units (car-to-car information), preferably located in other vehicles.

[0032] Preferably, information from personal electronic devices is obtained or processed to determine the current driver. These are preferably devices that can be assigned to a specific person; communication devices, such as a smartphone, are particularly preferred.

[0033] Preferably, the electronic devices are connected to the vehicle and / or automatically detected by the vehicle. Information on personal electronic devices is preferably exchanged with a central data processing unit (backend) and / or one or more decentralized data processing units (car-to-car information), preferably located in other vehicles.

[0034] Preferably, to determine the current driver, at least information from the selected radio station and / or other settings of the vehicle's entertainment system is obtained and processed. This information is preferably exchanged with a central data processing unit (backend) and / or one or more decentralized data processing units (car-to-car information), preferably located in other vehicles.

[0035] Preferably, to determine the current driver, information from the recognition of at least one voice and / or at least one driver's face in the vehicle is obtained or processed. The voice and / or face recognition information is preferably exchanged with a central data processing unit (backend) and / or one or more decentralized data processing units (car-to-car information), preferably in other vehicles.

[0036] Preferably, at least the driver's weight is obtained and processed to determine the current driver. Preferably, the weight of other vehicle occupants is also recorded and processed, either alternatively or additionally. The information on the driver's weight and / or the weight of other vehicle occupants is preferably exchanged with a central data processing unit (backend) and / or one or more decentralized data processing units (car-to-car information), preferably in other vehicles.

[0037] Preferably, one or more pieces of information for determining the current driver from the previous embodiments are combined and processed as partial information and / or obtained and processed in combination.

[0038] Preferably, the information on the current driving situation includes at least information on the current driving situation from vehicle sensors, on the driving situation through data exchange with a central data processing unit, on the driving situation through data exchange with other vehicles, on the driving situation through data exchange with traffic control systems and / or on the driver's intention.

[0039] Preferably, the information about the driving situation is determined and processed from the detection of the speed of at least one vehicle ahead. Preferably, the speed of the at least one vehicle ahead is faster or slower.

[0040] Preferably, the information about the driving situation is obtained and / or processed from the detection of a vehicle following at a higher speed.

[0041] Preferably, the information about the driving situation is determined and processed from the detection of a vehicle ahead that has come to a stop, e.g. in a traffic jam or a dangerous situation.

[0042] Preferably, the information about the driving situation is determined and processed from the detection of whether the vehicle is on a country road, in city traffic or on a motorway.

[0043] Preferably, the information about the driving situation is determined and processed from the detection of a free overtaking lane.

[0044] Preferably, one or more pieces of information about the driving situation from the previous exemplary embodiments are combined and processed as partial information and / or determined and processed in combination.

[0045] Preferably, the information on the driving situation is determined and processed from the detection of a speed limit and / or the detection of the cancellation of a speed limit.

[0046] Preferably, information about the driving situation will be determined and processed by at least one traffic sign. Examples include no-overtaking signs, right-of-way rules, road markings, stop signs, and all other warning, regulatory, directional, traffic control, and supplementary signs.

[0047] Preferably, a traffic signal further along the route is detected and processed to obtain information about the driving situation. This signal is preferably from a signaling device, preferably a traffic light system, e.g., a traffic light. Preferably, information about the duration and sequence of the traffic light phases is assigned to the traffic light and / or is determined and processed by the method.

[0048] Preferably, the information on the driving situation can be combined and processed as partial information according to one or more of the preceding embodiments and / or determined and processed in combination.

[0049] Preferably, the driving situation information can be exchanged according to one or more of the preceding embodiments with a central data processing unit (backend) and / or one or more decentralized data processing units (car-to-car information), preferably in other vehicles.

[0050] Preferably, the recognition of the driver's intention is carried out taking into account the seating position, the driver's view in a rearview mirror, and / or the position of the driver's hands.

[0051] The invention also relates to a device for situation-dependent modification of at least one system relevant to driving characteristics.

[0052] Preferably, the system is suitable for carrying out the method according to one of the aforementioned embodiments of the invention.

[0053] The device includes a control unit suitable for collecting and processing situation-dependent information and for making a situation-dependent change to at least one power control system according to the processed information.

[0054] The method and device according to the invention allow for situation-appropriate control of, among other things, the wastegate and / or other electrically or mechanically driven compressors, or exhaust gas turbochargers supported by an auxiliary drive, and / or the bypass valve. Situation detection can also be used to activate other measures such as downshifting, thermal preconditioning of the charging system (e.g., by charge air cooling), the catalytic converter, and / or engine cooling. Furthermore, the thermal reserves of the systems can be utilized depending on the situation.

[0055] Another measure according to the invention is to condition the exhaust aftertreatment for an increase in raw emissions, for example by purging the turbocharger with a lean mixture, preferably by regenerating a NOx storage catalyst or a particulate filter in advance and / or bringing it into a preferred temperature range in order to have an increased capacity for absorption.

[0056] By controlling the wastegate in the naturally aspirated engine's partial load operation according to the situation, it is possible in many cases to open the wastegate and thus reduce fuel consumption, and to close the wastegate only in cases where a special requirement is detected.

[0057] If the charging system has additional compressors, e.g., electrically or mechanically driven compressors, or exhaust gas turbochargers supported by an auxiliary drive, these can also be controlled in the manner according to the invention to further improve the response. The other measures mentioned here also lead to improved dynamics appropriate to the situation, without having a lasting negative impact on fuel consumption or emissions. Brief description of the characters

[0058] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to examples and drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a block diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 a block diagram of the recognition of information about the driver's request according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 a block diagram of the detection of driving behavior according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 a block diagram of the detection of the driving situation according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 a block diagram of the control of the boost pressure regulation according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 a block diagram of the control of the exhaust system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description of the characters

[0059] Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram according to one embodiment of the present invention. The inventive method according to this embodiment can be divided into three blocks. However, it is immediately apparent to those skilled in the art that this division can also be made alternatively.

[0060] In an information generation unit 200, information about the driver's request 210, the driving behavior 220 and the driving situation 230 is collected.

[0061] The information is transmitted to the ATL application 100 via suitable transmission paths 501, 502 and 503 and processed there.

[0062] The ATL application 100 generates control signals for situation-dependent control (300).

[0063] The control signals are transmitted to the boost pressure control systems 310 and the exhaust aftertreatment systems (320) via suitable transmission paths 601 and 602.

[0064] Fig. Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the recognition of information on the driver request 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] The information includes information concerning the transmission 111, information on the driving experience selection 112, and information about an acceleration request 113 from the accelerator pedal.

[0066] Information concerning the transmission preferably includes information about shifting into Sport mode 1111 and information about manual downshifting or upshifting 1112. The information concerning the transmission 1111 may also indicate whether the driver desires manual shifting or not.

[0067] Information on the driving experience selection 112 preferably includes the selection of one of the modes: Sport, Comfort, ECO and ECO Pro.

[0068] Information about an acceleration request 113 from the accelerator pedal preferably contains information about a kick down or a pressure change on the accelerator pedal.

[0069] Fig. Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the detection of driving behavior 120 according to an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle must first detect,

[0070] which driver is driving the vehicle 121. For this purpose, information about the vehicle key used 1211, the seat position set 1212, the connection of a personal electronic device 1214, preferably via Bluetooth, the settings on the vehicle's entertainment system 1215, preferably the radio station or music selection, and the recognition of the driver's face 1216 are obtained and forwarded to the ATL application 100 via suitable transmission paths 502.

[0071] In addition, when detecting driving behavior 120, information about the current driving behavior 122 is collected and / or information about previous driving behavior 123 is passed on to the ATL application 100 via suitable transmission paths 502.

[0072] Fig. Figure 4 shows a block diagram with details of the recognition of information about the driving situation 130 according to an embodiment of the invention. Information about preceding and following vehicles 131, information about the previous, current and upcoming road segment 132, information about traffic signs 133, information about the driver's intention 134, information about the status of the driver assistance systems 135, and information about upcoming traffic signal systems 136 are obtained from the vehicle sensors and forwarded to the ATL application 100 via suitable transmission paths 503.

[0073] All information from the Fig. 1 to 4 can be obtained and / or supplemented by data exchange with a central data processing unit (backend) and / or one or more decentralized data processing units (car-to-car information), preferably in other vehicles. The data exchange is described in the Fig. Numbers 1 to 4 not shown.

[0074] The ATL application 100 can also perform data exchange with a central data processing unit (backend) and / or one or more decentralized data processing units (car-to-car information), preferably in other vehicles.

[0075] Fig. Figure 5 shows a block diagram of the control of the boost pressure control 310 according to an embodiment of the invention. A control signal is transmitted from the turbocharger application to the wastegate 311 and to the diverter valve 312 via a suitable transmission path 601.

[0076] In one embodiment of the invention, upon detection of a first situation, e.g., driving behind a slow-moving vehicle on a country road, detection of a clear oncoming lane, and a neutral or sporty driving style, a signal for maximum preload of the turbocharger can be generated. In contrast, for a defensive driving style, a signal for partial preload of the turbocharger can be generated.

[0077] Upon detection of a second situation, such as driving behind a slow-moving vehicle on a country road, the detection of an oncoming lane being blocked, and a sporty driver, a signal to partially pre-tension the ATL (automatic throttle) can be generated. However, in the case of a neutral or defensive driver, a signal to not pre-tension the ATL may be generated.

[0078] Alternatively, it is also possible to regulate a thermal reserve for a transient overload, a mechanical compressor, an electric compressor, a recirculating air valve and / or exhaust aftertreatment.

[0079] In the first situation and with a sporty driver, a control on the gearbox (analogous to connected shift), a control of the thermal reserve and a conditioning of the exhaust aftertreatment for a purge would therefore be appropriate.

[0080] For a neutral or defensive driver, however, only a regulation of the thermal lead would be appropriate.

[0081] Fig. Figure 6 shows a block diagram of the control of the exhaust system 320 according to an embodiment of the invention. The signal is transmitted to a NOx storage catalyst 321 or a particulate filter 322.

[0082] Although the invention is illustrated and described in detail by means of the figures and the accompanying description, this illustration and detailed description are to be understood as illustrative and exemplary and not as limiting the invention. It is understood that those skilled in the art may make changes and modifications without departing from the scope and spirit of the following claims. In particular, the invention also includes embodiments with any combination of features mentioned or shown above or below in relation to various embodiments.

[0083] The invention also includes individual features shown in the figures, even if they are shown there in conjunction with other features and / or are not mentioned above or below. Furthermore, the alternative embodiments described in the figures and the description, and individual alternatives of their features, may be excluded from the subject matter of the invention or from the disclosed subject matter. The disclosure includes embodiments that comprise exclusively the features described in the claims or in the exemplary embodiments, as well as those that include additional features.

Claims

[1] Method for situation-dependent control of the driving characteristics of a vehicle comprising the following steps: Capturing situation-dependent information, Processing the captured situation-dependent information, and Performing a situation-dependent adjustment of at least one system for power control of an internal combustion engine based on the processed situation-dependent information, wherein The situation-dependent information includes at least one of the following: Information about a driver's request regarding driving behavior, Information about previous driving behavior, Information about a driver currently using the vehicle and Information about the current driving situation. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the system for power control of an internal combustion engine comprises at least one system for boost pressure generation and / or boost pressure control. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information about the driver's wish regarding driving behavior includes at least one of the following: the selection of a specific gearbox configuration, the selection of a specific driving mode, a desired gear change on the transmission and a desire for acceleration. [4] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information on previous driving behavior includes at least information on the previous driving behavior of the current driver during the current journey and / or on previous driving behavior of the current driver on previous journeys. [5] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the following pieces of information is determined and processed to identify the driver currently using the vehicle: the vehicle key used the chosen seating position, the connection of the driver's personal electronic devices to communication interfaces provided on or in the vehicle, the selection of a particular radio station or music program, the recognition of at least one voice in the vehicle and the detection of a driver's weight and / or driver's face. [6] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information on the current driving situation includes at least one of the following: Information on the current driving situation from at least one vehicle sensor system, Information on the driving situation is obtained through at least one data exchange with a central data processing facility. Information on the driving situation is obtained through at least one data exchange with other vehicles, Information on the driving situation is obtained through at least one data exchange with traffic control systems and Information about the driver's intention. [7] Method according to claim 6, wherein the recognition of the driver's intention is determined taking into account the seating position, the driver's view in a rearview mirror, and / or the position of the driver's hands. [8] Device for situation-dependent control of at least one system relevant to driving characteristics, preferably suitable for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: a control device that is suitable for capturing and processing situation-dependent information and for making situation-dependent adjustments to at least one system for power control of an internal combustion engine based on the processed information. [9] Device according to claim 8, wherein the power control system relates to at least one of the following systems: exhaust gas turbocharging (ATL), an ATL turbine bypass, an electrified ATL, a thermal reserve for transient overload, a mechanical compressor, an electric compressor, a diverter valve control and concerns exhaust aftertreatment.

Images