Method for operating a motor vehicle system

Abstract

Method for operating a motor vehicle system (1), comprising at least one motor vehicle (3) and a key arrangement (2), wherein the respective motor vehicle (3) has an air conditioning system (4) for air conditioning the motor vehicle (3), wherein the key arrangement (2) for the respective motor vehicle (3) has an associated vehicle key (7) and at least one key storage compartment (8) for storing at least one of the at least one vehicle key (7) outside the associated motor vehicle (3), wherein the removal of the respective vehicle key (7) from the at least one key storage compartment (8) is detected and subsequently the air conditioning system (4) of the motor vehicle (3) belonging to the removed vehicle key (7) is activated for preconditioning the motor vehicle (3), characterized in that an associated delay duration is specified for at least one of the at least one motor vehicle (3).wherein the air conditioning system (4) of this motor vehicle (3) is activated after the delay period has elapsed when the associated vehicle key (7) has been removed from the key holder (8), and that the delay period is individually changed for at least one of the at least one motor vehicle (3).

Description

The present invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle system comprising at least one motor vehicle and a key arrangement which includes a corresponding vehicle key for each motor vehicle. The invention further relates to such a motor vehicle system. Preconditioning of motor vehicles is becoming increasingly important. Preconditioning involves taking specific climate control measures before a journey to increase passenger comfort and / or to thermally prepare the vehicle for the upcoming trip. This process typically utilizes the vehicle's climate control system, which is also commonly used to maintain the vehicle's temperature during normal driving. Preconditioning of the vehicle is usually started by manual activation by a user and / or by a predetermined start time for preconditioning. From DE 10 2016 100 294 A1 a method for operating a motor vehicle system is known in which the activation of preconditioning triggers a process which uses crowd-based data to precondition the motor vehicle in order to optimize the preconditioning and / or to take into account weather conditions outside the vehicle. A key storage system with multiple interconnected key storage units is known from US 2018 / 0 190 052 A1. The DE 10 2017 201 087 A1 proposes, for increased security when using vehicle keys that have a radio connection, to detect the movement of the vehicle key and to operate the vehicle key in different operating modes depending on the detected movement. If the vehicle's preconditioning is triggered manually, this results in a loss of convenience for the driver. Furthermore, the driver might forget to activate it manually, preventing preconditioning from occurring. Using timers to specify a preconditioning start time does not account for differing and / or individual driver behavior. For example, the driver might start their journey later than planned, causing preconditioning to start too early. Conversely, the driver might start their journey earlier than planned, meaning preconditioning has not yet occurred and / or is incomplete. From WO 2012 / 001497 A1, it is known to initiate the preconditioning of a motor vehicle in connection with an associated building in which a user of the motor vehicle is located. The removal of a vehicle key detects that the user is leaving the building, and the preconditioning of the motor vehicle is then initiated. The present invention therefore addresses the problem of providing improved or at least other embodiments of a method for operating a motor vehicle system and of such a motor vehicle system, which are characterized in particular by increased comfort and / or an improved energy balance. This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims. The present invention is based on the general concept of initiating preconditioning of a motor vehicle when a vehicle key belonging to the vehicle is removed from a key holder outside the vehicle. This utilizes the knowledge that driving the vehicle occurs after the corresponding vehicle key is removed from the key holder. Accordingly, according to the invention, the preconditioning is triggered or initiated by the removal of the vehicle key from the key holder. The preconditioning is thus activated or started depending on the removal of the vehicle key from the key holder. This eliminates the need for manual activation of the preconditioning by a user of the vehicle, particularly a driver, thereby increasing overall user convenience.Furthermore, this avoids unnecessary preconditioning, which can occur particularly when a fixed start time for preconditioning is specified. Accordingly, the energy consumed for such unnecessary preconditioning is saved or at least reduced, thus improving overall energy efficiency. In accordance with the inventive concept, the invention comprises a method for operating a motor vehicle system, which includes a motor vehicle and a key assembly. The motor vehicle has an air conditioning system, hereinafter also referred to as the air conditioning system, for preconditioning the motor vehicle. The key assembly comprises the vehicle key belonging to the motor vehicle and the key storage compartment in / on which the vehicle key is placed outside the motor vehicle.According to the invention, the removal of the vehicle key from the key holder is detected and, upon detection of the removal of the vehicle key, the air conditioning system of the motor vehicle is activated to precondition the motor vehicle, such that preconditioning of the motor vehicle starts. The air conditioning system is useful not only for pre-conditioning the vehicle, but also for temperature control of the vehicle during driving. Preconditioning, as used here, encompasses any measure taken before driving a motor vehicle to increase the comfort and / or safety of its occupants, and / or measures that bring the vehicle into a suitable condition, particularly a thermal condition, before driving. Preconditioning includes, for example, measures to temperature-control, i.e., to heat and / or cool, the vehicle. This includes temperature-controlling the vehicle interior, windows, seats, steering mechanism, and the like. Preconditioning can also include ventilation measures. The air conditioning system is therefore primarily designed as a system for heating, cooling, and ventilation, also known as an HVAC system. The air conditioning system may also include a pre-heater that is activated for preconditioning. Preconditioning can also include components and parts of the vehicle that are prepared for driving. In particular, it is conceivable to precondition the vehicle's drive system to a specific temperature and / or to condition the fuel, and so on. The key holder can be of any type, as long as it's possible to detect when the vehicle key is removed. The key arrangement can be designed accordingly. In particular, it's conceivable to equip the key holder with a light barrier, a scale, or similar device that detects the presence or removal of the vehicle key. In particular, the key storage can be designed as a key box. The method according to the invention is particularly advantageous for use in a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered. This means that the motor vehicle has an electric drive system with which it is at least partially powered. In such vehicles, the method according to the invention additionally leads to an increase in the vehicle's range if the vehicle is connected to an external electrical energy source during preconditioning to charge an electrical energy storage device of the vehicle, for example, a vehicle battery. This results in energy being drawn at least partially from the external energy source during preconditioning, so that the vehicle's energy storage device supplies less energy for preconditioning and subsequent temperature control of the vehicle.Consequently, more electrical energy remains available for powering the vehicle and / or the vehicle's range is increased. It is understood that the method according to the invention can also be used in a motor vehicle system comprising two or more motor vehicles, in particular a fleet of motor vehicles. In this case, the key arrangement for each motor vehicle includes a corresponding vehicle key, wherein the removal of the respective vehicle key from the key holder is detected and preconditioning is activated in the motor vehicle belonging to the removed vehicle key. Particularly in vehicle fleets where the motor vehicles are not usually used at fixed times and / or regularly, it is thus possible to offer demand-based preconditioning nonetheless. According to the invention, a corresponding delay period is specified for at least one of the at least one motor vehicle. This delay period lies between the removal of the corresponding vehicle key from the key holder and the activation of the air conditioning system or preconditioning. In other words, the air conditioning system of this motor vehicle is activated after the delay period has elapsed in order to begin preconditioning. Thus, the individual behavior of the vehicle's user and / or the individual duration between the removal of the vehicle key from the key holder and the start of the journey are taken into account.In other words, the activation of the climate control system to precondition the vehicle does not occur immediately upon removal of the vehicle key from the key holder, but rather after a predetermined delay. This delay specifically takes into account the time between removing the vehicle key and entering the vehicle and / or starting the journey. Therefore, it is possible to consider the individual behavior of the vehicle user during preconditioning, ensuring optimal preconditioning of the vehicle upon entry and / or commencement of driving. It is preferred if a corresponding delay duration is specified for the respective motor vehicle. Furthermore, according to the invention, the delay duration for at least one of the at least one motor vehicle, particularly preferably for the respective motor vehicle, is variable. In this way, it is possible to take into account a change in the behavior of the user of the respective motor vehicle and / or the behavior of different users of the same motor vehicle by individually adjusting the delay duration. It is conceivable to remove the delay duration for at least one of the motor vehicles, or to indicate that the delay duration for at least one of the motor vehicles is not present or zero. The respective delay duration can be set centrally. This makes it particularly useful for vehicle fleets, allowing for centralized management of the delay duration. It is also possible to allow each user to individually adjust the delay duration. This is particularly useful if the user repeatedly uses the vehicle over an extended period. To activate the air conditioning system for preconditioning the vehicle, the key assembly is expediently connected to the air conditioning system via communication. The connection is preferably wireless, allowing the key assembly and the air conditioning system to communicate wirelessly. For this purpose, the key assembly preferably includes a key communication device that can communicate with a vehicle communication device of at least one of the vehicles. The respective communication device can include a transmitter and / or a receiver for wireless communication. The vehicle communication device is conveniently connected to a control unit of the vehicle. During operation, the control unit controls the air conditioning system. In particular, the control unit starts and / or modifies the vehicle's preconditioning during operation. The key communication device can include components in the key holder and / or in the respective vehicle key. The key communication device can, in principle, be solely part of the key holder. Alternatively, the key communication device can have a communication interface in the respective vehicle key, so that communication between the key assembly and the vehicle takes place via the respective vehicle key. It is also conceivable to use embodiments in which the key communication device is arranged in the key holder and has a corresponding communication interface for at least some of the vehicle keys. Wireless communication between the key communication device and the vehicle communication device can, in principle, take place directly between the key communication device and the vehicle communication device. In preferred embodiments, wireless communication between the key communication device and the vehicle communication device occurs indirectly via a central communication interface, which is hereinafter also referred to as the intermediate communication interface. This makes it possible, in particular, to design the typically wireless communication between the respective vehicle key and the vehicle—for example, for wirelessly unlocking and locking the vehicle and / or for wirelessly switching on the vehicle, especially starting the vehicle—with shorter ranges. This means, in particular, that the vehicle key and the vehicle can only communicate with each other over short distances. Consequently, unauthorized access to the communication between the vehicle key and the vehicle is prevented or at least made more difficult, thus increasing security. Preferred embodiments include a key holder designed to accommodate at least two vehicle keys for different vehicles. Preferably, the key arrangement features a recognition device that identifies each stored vehicle key as belonging to its corresponding vehicle. This recognition device allows, in particular, the differentiation of the various vehicle keys and thus enables the individual activation of preconditioning for each vehicle, despite the storage capacity for different vehicle keys. Increased security, particularly for vehicle fleets, is achieved by ensuring that the key tray is only accessible with a corresponding security key to remove the vehicle key. Ideally, the security key should also allow the vehicle key to be placed back in the tray. This prevents unauthorized access to the key tray. The security key can be a physical key, a code, an encryption method, or something similar. In particular, the security key can be stored in the respective vehicle key or be the same as the vehicle key. The key holder is therefore conveniently adjustable between an open and a locked position. In the locked position, access to the key holder is blocked, while in the open position, the key holder is accessible to remove the vehicle key and / or place it in the key holder. The security key enables adjustment of the key holder. This means that without the security key, it is not possible to move the key holder from the locked position to the open position, and especially not between the locked and open positions. It is conceivable that the vehicle system includes not just one key holder, but two or more key holders. Each key holder can then serve as a storage space for at least one of the corresponding vehicle keys in the key arrangement. It is also conceivable that at least two of the key holders are provided for storing at least one vehicle key. In this way, it is possible to arrange the key holders at a distance from each other and in different locations, with the preconditioning of the associated vehicle being started according to the invention when the corresponding vehicle key is removed from the respective key holder. It is understood that, in addition to the method according to the invention, a corresponding motor vehicle system is also part of the scope of this invention. Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the figures based on the drawings. It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention. Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components. The figures show, schematically: Fig. 1 a highly simplified representation of a motor vehicle system with a key arrangement, Fig. 2 a highly simplified representation of the motor vehicle system with the key arrangement, Fig. 3 a highly simplified representation of the motor vehicle system in a different embodiment. A motor vehicle system 1, as shown in Figures 1, 2 to 3, comprises a key assembly 2 and at least one motor vehicle 3. Each motor vehicle 3 has an air conditioning system 4 for air conditioning and preconditioning the motor vehicle 3, a control unit 5 connected to the air conditioning system 4 for controlling the air conditioning system 4, and a communication unit 6 connected to the control unit 5, hereinafter referred to as the vehicle communication unit 6. The key assembly 2 includes a corresponding vehicle key 7 for each motor vehicle 3 and a key storage compartment 8 for storing the vehicle key 7 outside the motor vehicle 3. The key assembly 2 further comprises a communication unit 9, hereinafter also referred to as the key communication unit 9.The key communication device 9 and the respective vehicle communication device 6 are wirelessly connected to each other. In the examples shown, communication between the communication devices 6 and 9 occurs indirectly via an intermediate communication device 10, to which the respective vehicle communication device 6 and the key communication device 9 are each wirelessly connected. The intermediate communication device 10 can be part of a central server 11 or the like. The key arrangement 2 is designed to detect whether the respective vehicle key 7 is removed from the key holder 8. If this is the case, communication takes place via the key communication device 9 with the vehicle 3 belonging to the removed vehicle key 7 via the vehicle communication device 6 of that vehicle 3. This communication activates the air conditioning system 4 of the vehicle 3 via the control unit 5 of that vehicle 3 in order to start preconditioning the vehicle 3. Since the removal of the respective vehicle key 7 generally results in the imminent use of the associated vehicle 3, this achieves demand-based, individual, and adapted preconditioning of the respective vehicle 3. The preconditioning can include temperature control of the vehicle 3, i.e., cooling and / or heating the vehicle 3.For this purpose, air conditioning system 4 is designed accordingly. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the motor vehicle system 1 comprises a single motor vehicle 3. Accordingly, the key arrangement 2 comprises a vehicle key 7 belonging to this motor vehicle 3. Fig. 1 shows a state of the key arrangement 2 in which the vehicle key 6 is placed in the key holder 8. The key holder 8 is, in particular, a key box 12. Particularly when the key tray 8 is generally accessible, for example, to the public, the key arrangement 2, as indicated in Fig. 2, has a security key 13. The security key 13 makes it possible to move the key tray 8 from a locked position 14, indicated in Fig. 2, in which access to the vehicle key 7 stored in the key tray 8 is blocked, to an open position 15, shown in Fig. 1, in which access to the stored vehicle key 7 is possible. The security key 13 can be a physical key 16, indicated in Fig. 2, in which case the key tray 8 has a lock 17 corresponding to the key 16. Alternatively or additionally, the security key 13 can be in the form of a key code 18, which is entered into an input field 19 of the key tray 8, indicated in Fig. 2.Alternatively or additionally, the key code 18 can be stored in a mobile device 20, in particular a smartphone 21, wherein the mobile device 20 communicates wirelessly with the key arrangement 2, in particular with the key communication device 9, in order to transmit the key code 18 to the key tray 8 and to move the key tray 8 into the open position 15. This communication can take place directly between the mobile device 20 and the key communication device 9 or via the intermediate communication device 10. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the motor vehicle system 1 comprises two or more motor vehicles 3. In particular, the motor vehicle system 1 comprises a fleet of vehicles 22. Fig. 3 shows, purely by way of example, three motor vehicles 3. For each motor vehicle 3, the key arrangement 2 includes a corresponding vehicle key 7. That is, for a first of the motor vehicles 3a, a corresponding vehicle key 7a is provided, for a second of the motor vehicles 3b, a corresponding vehicle key 7b, and for a third of the motor vehicles 3c, a corresponding vehicle key 7c. Each motor vehicle 3 is connected to the key communication device 9 of the key arrangement 2 via the corresponding vehicle communication device 6, with communication in Fig. 3 taking place via the common intermediate communication device 10.In this embodiment, the key arrangement 2 is configured to detect the removal of the respective vehicle key 7 from the key holder 8. The key arrangement 2 is designed to distinguish between different vehicle keys 7. Thus, when the respective vehicle key 7 is removed from the key holder 8, the key arrangement 2, and in particular the key holder 8, communicates via the key communication device 9 with the vehicle 3 belonging to the removed vehicle key 7 in order to start the preconditioning of that vehicle 3. Fig. 3 shows the open position 15 of the key holder 8. The key arrangement 2 shown in Fig. 3, in particular the key holder 8, can also be adjusted to the locking position 14 shown in Fig. 2 and to the open position 15 shown with the safety key 13. A corresponding security key 13, in particular key code 18, can be provided for each vehicle key 7. Alternatively or additionally, different security keys 13, in particular key codes 18, can be provided for different users of the vehicle system 1. In such cases, the vehicle system 1 therefore comprises several security keys 13. In the examples shown, in addition to the key tray 8 shown, at least one further key tray 8 (not shown) of the key arrangement 2 may be provided, wherein each key tray 8 is designed to hold at least one of the vehicle keys 7. The removal of the respective vehicle key 7 from the respective key tray 8 is detected, and preconditioning of the associated vehicle 3 is activated via the key communication device 9, as described above. The activation of the respective preconditioning can be delayed. This means that a delay period can be specified for at least one of the vehicles 3, such that after the corresponding vehicle key 7 is removed from the key holder 8, the preconditioning only starts after the delay period has elapsed. It is preferred if a corresponding delay period is provided for each vehicle 7. It is further preferred if the delay period for each vehicle is individually adjustable and changeable. The respective motor vehicle 3 is driven by any means. In particular, the respective motor vehicle 3 may have an electric drive unit 23 which drives the motor vehicle 3 at least partially.

Claims

Method for operating a motor vehicle system (1), comprising at least one motor vehicle (3) and a key arrangement (2), wherein the respective motor vehicle (3) has an air conditioning system (4) for air conditioning the motor vehicle (3), wherein the key arrangement (2) for the respective motor vehicle (3) has an associated vehicle key (7) and at least one key storage compartment (8) for storing at least one of the at least one vehicle key (7) outside the associated motor vehicle (3), wherein the removal of the respective vehicle key (7) from the at least one key storage compartment (8) is detected and subsequently the air conditioning system (4) of the motor vehicle (3) belonging to the removed vehicle key (7) is activated for preconditioning the motor vehicle (3), characterized in that an associated delay duration is specified for at least one of the at least one motor vehicle (3).wherein the air conditioning system (4) of this motor vehicle (3) is activated after the delay period has elapsed when the associated vehicle key (7) has been removed from the key holder (8), and that the delay period is individually changed for at least one of the at least one motor vehicle (3). Motor vehicle system (1), comprising at least one motor vehicle (3), and a key assembly (2), wherein each motor vehicle (3) comprises: - an air conditioning system (4) for air conditioning the motor vehicle (3), - a control unit (5) for controlling the air conditioning system (4), - a vehicle communication device (6) for wireless communication with the key assembly (2), which is communicatively connected to the control unit (5), wherein the key assembly (2) comprises: - for each motor vehicle (3) an associated vehicle key (7), - at least one key storage compartment (8) for storing the respective vehicle key (7) outside the associated motor vehicle (3), - a key communication device (9) for wireless communication with the vehicle communication device (6) of the at least one motor vehicle (3), wherein the key assembly (2) is configured such thatthat it recognizes the removal of the respective vehicle key (7) from the at least one key storage compartment (8), wherein the system (1) is designed such that it is operated according to the method of claim 1. Motor vehicle system according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one of the at least one motor vehicle (3) has an electric drive device (23). Motor vehicle system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the motor vehicle system (1) comprises at least two motor vehicles (3), in particular a fleet of motor vehicles (22). Motor vehicle system according to claim 4, characterized in that the key arrangement (2) for at least two of the vehicle keys (7) has a common key storage compartment (8). Motor vehicle system according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the key communication device (9) is at least partially arranged in the key storage compartment (8). Motor vehicle system according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the key communication device (9) is at least partially arranged in at least one of the at least one vehicle key (7). Motor vehicle system according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the at least one key storage compartments (8) is adjustable between an open position (15) in which the key storage compartment (8) is accessible and a locked position (14) in which the key storage compartment (8) is locked, and that the motor vehicle system (1) comprises at least one safety key (13) with which the key storage compartment (8) can be adjusted from the locked position (14) to the open position (15) during operation.

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