Combinable and separable vehicle and method for controlling the same

Abstract

Combinable and separable vehicle, comprising: a front connecting section (120) and a rear connecting section (140), each provided at a front section and a rear section of a vehicle (100) respectively, and configured to be connected to another vehicle (300), a front monitoring section (162) and a rear monitoring section (182) configured to monitor a forward and a reverse area of ​​the vehicle (100) respectively, and a control device (130) configured to determine whether another vehicle (300) is connected to the front connecting section (120) or the rear connecting section (140) of the vehicle (100), based on information received from the front connecting section (120) or the rear connecting section (140) of the vehicle or from the front monitoring section (162) or the rear monitoring section (182) of the vehicle (100), wherein the control device (130) is configured to control the operation of each of a front component (164) and a rear component (184) of the vehicle (100) depending on which of the front and rear connecting sections (120, 140) of the vehicle (100) is connected to another vehicle (300), wherein the control device (130) is configured to control the operation of a drive component (150) of the vehicle (100) depending on the result of a comparison between a driving energy storage quantity of the vehicle (100) and a driving energy storage quantity of another vehicle (300) connected to the vehicle (100).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a combinable (e.g. connectable, e.g. couplingable) and separable (e.g. detachable, e.g. uncoupling) vehicle (e.g. motor vehicle) which is combinable (e.g. connectable, e.g. couplingable) with other vehicles (e.g. motor vehicles). 2. Description of related technology

[0002] Following the development of an electric vehicle, a two-seater micro-mobility solution (e.g., a two-seater micro-mobility unit) was proposed for the market. Regarding the charging of the electric vehicle, numerous initiatives and trials were undertaken to enable intermediate or mutual charging of electricity between vehicles (e.g., motor vehicles).

[0003] A two-seater micromobility vehicle (e.g., a two-seater micromobility unit) operates with limited functionality, serving solely as a means of transport. Such a micromobility vehicle (e.g., such a micromobility unit) can be a two-seater environment.

[0004] The foregoing content described as related technology has been provided only to help understand the background of the present invention and should not be understood as corresponding to related technology known to the person skilled in the art.

[0005] Furthermore, DE 10 2014 010 461 A1 discloses a combinable and separable vehicle comprising: a front connecting section and a rear connecting section, each provided on a front section and a rear section of a vehicle and connected to another vehicle when the vehicle is combined with the other vehicle; a front monitoring section and a rear monitoring section, each monitoring a forward area and a reverse area of ​​the vehicle; and a control device that determines whether the other vehicle is / will be connected to the front connecting section or the rear connecting section of the vehicle, based on information received from the front connecting section or the rear connecting section of the vehicle, or from the front monitoring section or the rear monitoring section of the vehicle.and the control device controls whether each is to be operated by a front component and a rear component of the vehicle, depending on the direction in which the vehicle is connected to the other vehicle.

[0006] Further combinable and separable vehicles and relevant technologies are known from DE 10 2013 006 687 A1 and DE 10 2015 208 585 A1. EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a combinable (e.g. connectable, e.g. coupling) and separable (e.g. detachable, e.g. uncoupling) vehicle (e.g. motor vehicle) which can be combined (e.g. connectable, e.g. coupling) with other vehicles (e.g. motor vehicles) at a front section and a rear section thereof, and which is effective for controlling components, driving (e.g. propulsion), charging (e.g. charging), and safety systems between the vehicles when the vehicles are combined (e.g. connected, e.g. coupled), and a method for controlling the same.

[0008] The present invention provides a combinable and separable vehicle according to claim 1 and a method for controlling the combinable and separable vehicle according to claim 18. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a combinable (e.g., connectable, e.g., coupling) and separable (e.g., detachable, e.g., uncoupling) vehicle (e.g., motor vehicle) comprises: a front connecting section and a rear connecting section, each provided (e.g., each assigned) to a front section and a rear section of a vehicle (e.g., a motor vehicle) and connected / become connected to another vehicle (e.g., another motor vehicle) when the vehicle is combined (e.g., connected, e.g., coupled) with the other vehicle; a front monitoring section and a rear monitoring section, each comprising (e.g., each assigned) a forward section (e.g., a front section) and a reverse section (e.g., a rear section).a rear area) of the vehicle, and a control device that determines whether the other vehicle is / will be connected to the front connecting section or the rear connecting section of the vehicle, based on information received from the front connecting section or the rear connecting section of the vehicle, or from the front monitoring section or the rear monitoring section of the vehicle, and that controls whether each of a front component and a rear component of the vehicle is to be operated, depending on a direction (e.g. an arrangement) in which the vehicle is / will be connected to the other vehicle.According to the invention, the control device is configured to control the operation of a drive component of the vehicle depending on the result of a comparison between a driving energy storage quantity of the vehicle and a driving energy storage quantity of another vehicle that is connected to the vehicle.

[0010] In a case where it is detected that the front connecting section or the rear connecting section of the vehicle is / will be connected to the other vehicle, the control device can determine that the other vehicle is / will be connected to the front section of the vehicle if a distance between the vehicle and a front obstacle, measured by the front monitoring section, is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, and the control device can determine that the other vehicle is / will be connected to the rear section of the vehicle if a distance between the vehicle and a rear obstacle, measured by the rear monitoring section, is equal to or less than the predetermined distance.

[0011] In a case where it is detected that the front connecting section or the rear connecting section of the vehicle is / will be connected to the other vehicle, the control device can determine that other vehicles (e.g. other motor vehicles) are / will be connected to the front section and the rear section of the vehicle respectively, if a distance between the vehicle and a front obstacle, measured by the front monitoring section, and a distance between the vehicle and a rear obstacle, measured by the rear monitoring section, are equal to or less than a predetermined distance.

[0012] The control device can terminate operation of the front monitoring section and operation of the front component of the vehicle if the other vehicle is / becomes connected to the front section of the vehicle.

[0013] The control device can terminate operation of the rear monitoring section and operation of the rear component of the vehicle if the other vehicle is / becomes connected to the rear section of the vehicle.

[0014] The control device can terminate a respective operation (e.g., operations, e.g., an operation) of the front monitoring section, the rear monitoring section, the front component, and the rear component of the vehicle when other vehicles (e.g., other motor vehicles) are connected to the front section and the rear section of the vehicle, respectively.

[0015] The front component may include: a headlight, a front direction indicator and a front windscreen wiper, and the rear component may include: a rear brake light, a reversing light (e.g. a reversing light) and a rear direction indicator.

[0016] In a case where it is detected that the front connecting section or the rear connecting section of the vehicle is / will be connected to the other vehicle, the control device can determine that the other vehicle is / will be connected to the front section of the vehicle if a distance between the vehicle and a front obstacle, measured by the front monitoring section, is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, can stop operation of the front monitoring section and the front component, and can control the rear monitoring section and the rear component to be in operation.

[0017] In a case where it is detected that the front connecting section or the rear connecting section of the vehicle is / will be connected to another vehicle, the control device can determine that other vehicles (e.g., other motor vehicles) are / will be connected to the front section and the rear section of the vehicle, respectively, if a distance between the vehicle and a front obstacle, measured by the front monitoring section, and a distance between the vehicle and a rear obstacle, measured by the rear monitoring section, are equal to or less than a predetermined distance, and can stop the respective operation (e.g., operations, e.g., an operation) of the front monitoring section, the rear monitoring section, the front component, and the rear component of the vehicle.

[0018] The control device can terminate the operation of the vehicle's drive component if the vehicle's driving energy storage capacity is less than that of the other vehicle.

[0019] The vehicle's control device can grant a driving control right (e.g., a propulsion control right) to a control device of the other vehicle if the vehicle's control device stops the operation of the vehicle's drive component.

[0020] The control device can allow a driving (e.g. propulsion) energy storage device of the vehicle to be charged with driving energy (e.g. propulsion energy) (e.g. energy for driving (e.g. propulsion)) from the other vehicle if the driving energy storage quantity of the vehicle is less than that of the other vehicle.

[0021] The control device can provide a credit (e.g., a balance, e.g., a credit note) to a control device of the other vehicle by means of a charge amount when the vehicle's driving energy storage device is charged with the driving energy from the other vehicle.

[0022] The control device can release the connection between the other vehicle and the rear connecting section of the vehicle when it has been determined that the other vehicle is connected to the rear section of the vehicle and a front collision (e.g. a frontal collision) is predicted (e.g. a foreshadowing) by means of the front monitoring section.

[0023] A control device of the other vehicle, which is separated (e.g. uncoupled) from the rear section of the vehicle, can control a drive component of the other vehicle, causing the other vehicle to be driven in a direction opposite to a direction (e.g., in a direction opposite to a direction) in which a collision of the vehicle is predicted (e.g., pre-calculated).

[0024] The control device can release the connection between the front connecting section of the vehicle and the other vehicle and can control a drive component of the vehicle so that the vehicle is driven in a direction opposite to a direction (e.g., in a direction opposite to a direction) in which a collision of the vehicle is predicted (e.g., pre-calculated) when it is determined that the other vehicle is connected to the front section of the vehicle and a front collision (e.g., a frontal collision) is predicted (e.g., pre-calculated) by means of the front monitoring section of the other vehicle.

[0025] The control device of the vehicle and a control device of the other vehicle can transmit and receive a command by means of communication (e.g. data communication, e.g. data transmission, e.g. information exchange) or can share (e.g. exchange) a collision prediction signal (e.g. a collision forecast signal) and a collision signal with each other.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for controlling the combinable and separable vehicle comprises: detecting a connection signal of the front connecting section or the rear connecting section of the vehicle, determining that the other vehicle is / will be connected to the front connecting section or the rear connecting section of the vehicle, based on the information received from the front monitoring section or the rear monitoring section of the vehicle, and controlling whether each of the front component and the rear component of the vehicle is to be operated, depending on the direction (e.g., arrangement) in which the vehicle is connected to the other vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a view to describe a combination (e.g. a connection, e.g. a coupling) of combinable (e.g. connectable, e.g. couplingable) and separable (e.g. detachable, e.g. uncoupling) vehicles (e.g. motor vehicles) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figures 2 to 4 are views that each show a control relationship between a combinable (e.g. connectable, e.g. coupling) and separable (e.g. detachable, e.g. uncoupling) vehicle (e.g. motor vehicle) and another vehicle (e.g. motor vehicle) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows views that each represent a control of a safety system of a combinable (e.g. connectable, e.g. coupling) and separable (e.g. detachable, e.g. uncoupling) vehicle (e.g. motor vehicle) according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Micromobility vehicles (e.g., micromobility cars) have a two-seater configuration and can be combined (e.g., connected, coupled) to provide a four-seater environment. Additional mobility vehicles (e.g., mobility cars) can be combined (e.g., connected, coupled) to enable group driving. Such combination (e.g., connecting, coupling) of micromobility vehicles (e.g., micromobility cars) requires development of both control systems and hardware.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 is a view for describing a combination (e.g., a connection, e.g., a coupling) of combinable (e.g., connectable, e.g., couplingable) and separable (e.g., detachable, e.g., uncoupling) vehicles (e.g., motor vehicles) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figures 2 to 4 are views that each show a control relationship between a combinable (e.g. connectable, e.g. coupling) and separable (e.g. detachable, e.g. uncoupling) vehicle (e.g. motor vehicle) and another vehicle (e.g. motor vehicle) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows views that each represent a control of a safety system of a combinable (e.g. connectable, e.g. coupling) and separable (e.g. detachable, e.g. uncoupling) vehicle (e.g. motor vehicle) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 is a view describing a combination (e.g., a connection, e.g., a coupling) of combinable (e.g., connectable, e.g., couplingable) and separable (e.g., detachable, e.g., uncoupling) vehicles (e.g., motor vehicles) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The combinable and separable vehicle according to the present invention comprises: a front connecting section 120 and a rear connecting section 140, each provided (e.g., each assigned) to a front section and a rear section of a vehicle 100 (e.g., a motor vehicle) and connected / become connected to another vehicle 300 (e.g., another motor vehicle) when the vehicle 100 is combined (e.g., connected, e.g., coupled) with the other vehicle 300; a front monitoring section 162 and a rear monitoring section 182, each assigned (e.g., each assigned) to a forward section (e.g.,a front area) and a rear area (e.g. a rear area) of the vehicle 100, and a control device 130 which determines whether the other vehicle 300 is / will be connected to the front connecting section 120 or the rear connecting section 140 of the vehicle 100, based on information received from the front connecting section 120 or the rear connecting section 140 of the vehicle 100, or from the front monitoring section 162 or the rear monitoring section 182 of the vehicle 100, and which (the control device 130) controls whether each of a front component 164 and a rear component 184 of the vehicle 100 is to be operated, depending on a direction (e.g. an arrangement) in which the vehicle 100 is / will be connected to the other vehicle 300.

[0031] The combinable and separable vehicle according to the present invention is suitable for vehicles (e.g., motor vehicles) powered by a battery and an electric motor, such as an electric vehicle (e.g., an electric motor vehicle), a fuel cell vehicle (e.g., a fuel cell motor vehicle), or the like, and is equally suitable for internal combustion engine vehicles (e.g., internal combustion engine motor vehicles). It should also be noted that the combinable and separable vehicle is suitable for various device types and is also suitable for innovative micro-mobility (e.g., an innovative micro-mobility unit) (two-seater vehicle (e.g., two-seater motor vehicle)).

[0032] In the case of a conventional vehicle (e.g., a motor vehicle), a driver generally drives their own vehicle (e.g., a motor vehicle) and operates only their own vehicle. However, considering the future value (e.g., importance) of a vehicle (e.g., a motor vehicle), there will be situations in which several vehicles (e.g., motor vehicles) are combined (e.g., connected, e.g., coupled) to move and travel together. In principle, in this case, each vehicle (e.g., a motor vehicle) is provided with a front connecting section and a rear connecting section for combination (e.g., for connection, e.g., for coupling) with another vehicle (e.g., a motor vehicle) (e.g., each assigned to the front and rear sections of the vehicle).The front and rear connecting sections can each be a mechanical or electrical locking device. In addition to the locking device, a sensor can be installed in the connecting section to detect a locking state. This sensor is connected to a vehicle control unit and indicates whether the vehicle is locked to another vehicle. The term "Vehicle 100" (e.g., "Motor Vehicle 100"), as used below, is defined as a host vehicle (e.g., a main vehicle, a central vehicle, or a lead vehicle), and the term "Other Vehicle 300" (e.g., "Other Motor Vehicle 300") is defined as another vehicle located around the host vehicle (e.g., near the host vehicle) in order to be locked to it.

[0033] In this context, the front connecting section 120 and the rear connecting section 140 are each provided (e.g., each assigned) to the front and rear sections of the vehicle 100 according to the present invention and are / will be connected to another vehicle (e.g., motor vehicle) 300 when the vehicle 100 is combined (e.g., connected, e.g., coupled) with the other vehicle 300. Additionally, the vehicle 100 is provided with the front monitoring section 162 and the rear monitoring section 182, which (e.g., each assigned) monitor the forward and reverse sections of the vehicle 100.The front monitoring section 162 and the rear monitoring section 182 are various sensors such as a camera, a radar sensor, a light detection and ranging sensor (LiDaR sensor), an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor and the like, which can measure a distance between the vehicle 100 and an obstacle.

[0034] Additionally, the control device 130 of vehicle 100 detects whether vehicle 100 is / will be locked to the other vehicle 300 at the front or rear section of vehicle 100, by means of the front connecting section 120 or the rear connecting section 140, or (e.g.) by means of the front monitoring section 162 or the rear monitoring section 182, the distance between vehicle 100 and the other vehicle 300, which is positioned in front of or behind vehicle 100, and the like. The control device 130 determines whether the other vehicle 300 is / will be connected to the front connecting section 120 or the rear connecting section 140 of vehicle 100, based on information that is / will be received.The connection direction can only be detected by the locking state, however, it is also possible to perform a more precise determination of the connection direction by using the front monitoring section 162 or the rear monitoring section 182.

[0035] Additionally, the control device 130 controls whether each of the front component 164 and the rear component 184 of the vehicle 100 is to be operated, depending on the direction in which the vehicle 100 is / will be connected to the other vehicle 300. Specifically, Fig. 2 to 4 views, each showing a control relationship between a combinable (e.g. connectable, e.g. coupling) and separable (e.g. detachable, e.g. uncoupling) vehicle (e.g. motor vehicle) and another vehicle (e.g. motor vehicle) according to an embodiment of the present invention.In a case where it is detected that the front connecting section 120 or the rear connecting section 140 of vehicle 100 is / will be connected to the other vehicle 300, the control device 130 determines that the other vehicle 300 is / will be connected to the front section of vehicle 100 if a distance between vehicle 100 and a front obstacle, measured by means of the front monitoring section 162, is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, and the control device 130 determines that the other vehicle 300 is / will be connected to the rear section of vehicle 100 if a distance between vehicle 100 and a rear obstacle, measured by means of the rear monitoring section 182, is equal to or less than the predetermined distance.Furthermore, in a case where it is detected that the front connecting section 120 or the rear connecting section 140 of the vehicle 100 is / will be connected to the other vehicle 300, the control device 130 can determine that other vehicles (e.g. motor vehicles) are connected to the front section and the rear section of the vehicle 100 respectively, if a distance between the vehicle 100 and a front obstacle, measured by means of the front monitoring section 162, and a distance between the vehicle 100 and a rear obstacle, measured by means of the rear monitoring section 182, are equal to or less than a predetermined distance.In one embodiment, it is possible for the control device 130 to determine precisely, using such logic, whether the other vehicle 300 is / will be connected to the front section or the rear section of the vehicle 100, or whether the vehicle 100 is / will be positioned in the middle when three or more vehicles (e.g. motor vehicles) are / will be combined (e.g. connected, e.g. coupled) with each other.

[0036] Additionally, the control device 130 can terminate the operation of the front monitoring section 162 and the operation of the front component 164 of vehicle 100 when the other vehicle 300 is / becomes connected to the front section of vehicle 100. The control device 130 can terminate the operation of the rear monitoring section 182 and the operation of the rear component 184 of vehicle 100 when the other vehicle 300 is / becomes connected to the rear section of vehicle 100. The control device 130 can terminate a respective operation (e.g., operations, e.g., an operation) of the front monitoring section 162, the rear monitoring section 182, the front component 164, and the rear component 184 of the vehicle 100 when other vehicles (e.g., other motor vehicles) are connected to the front section and the rear section of the vehicle 100.

[0037] For example, if the other vehicle 300 is connected to the rear section of vehicle 100, and a rear light (e.g., a taillight) of vehicle 100 is switched on, but this is not necessary, the occupants of the other vehicle 300 may feel unwell. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary that the rear light of vehicle 100 is not / is not switched on, but it is necessary that a rear light (e.g., a taillight) of the other vehicle 300 is / is switched on. In embodiments, the control device 130 determines in which direction (e.g., with which direction) of vehicle 100 the other vehicle 300 is / is connected and terminates the control of the (e.g., respective) monitoring sections or the (e.g., respective) components of vehicle 100 that are in the corresponding connection direction (e.g., a forward connection direction, e.g., front, or, e.g., a rear connection direction, e.g., rear)are positioned at the rear) so that unnecessary energy consumption is saved and the comfort and road safety of the occupants and surrounding vehicles (e.g. motor vehicles) is ensured.

[0038] Specifically, the front component 164 may include: a headlight, a front turn signal, and a front windshield wiper; and the rear component 184 may include: a rear brake light, a reversing light (e.g., a reversing light), and a rear turn signal. A front component 364 and a rear component 384 of the other vehicle 300 may have the same components, similar to vehicle 100.

[0039] Additionally, in a case where it is detected that the front connecting section 120 or the rear connecting section 140 of vehicle 100 is / will be connected to the other vehicle 300, the control device 130 can determine that the other vehicle 300 is / will be connected to the front section of vehicle 100 if a distance between vehicle 100 and a front obstacle, measured by means of the front monitoring section 162, is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, (the control device 130) can stop the operation of the front monitoring section 162 and the operation of the front component 164 and can control the rear monitoring section 182 and the rear component 184 to be / become operated.Additionally, in a case where it is detected that the front connecting section 120 or the rear connecting section 140 of vehicle 100 is / will be connected to the other vehicle 300, the control device 130 can determine that other vehicles (e.g., motor vehicles) are / will be connected to the front section and the rear section of vehicle 100 respectively, if a distance between vehicle 100 and a front obstacle, measured by means of the front monitoring section 162, and a distance between vehicle 100 and a rear obstacle, measured by means of the rear monitoring section 182, are equal to or less than a predetermined distance, and (the control device 130) can determine a respective operation (e.g., operations, e.g.(an operation) of the front monitoring section 162, the rear monitoring section 182, the front component 164 and the rear component 184 of the vehicle 100 stop.

[0040] Fig. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing a control process for the front monitoring section 162 and the rear monitoring section 182. In the case where vehicle 100 and another vehicle 300 (e.g., another motor vehicle) are connected (S100), the control device 130 receives sensor values ​​from a front camera and a rear camera (S200). In the case where the distance between vehicle 100 and a front obstacle is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance (D), the control device 130 receives sensor values ​​from a front camera and a rear camera (S200). min(S300), the control device 130 determines that the other vehicle 300 is / will be connected to the rear section of vehicle 100 and stops a rear parking sensor, a rear radar, a rear camera, and the like (S301, S302, S303, and S304). Additionally, a front parking sensor and a front rain sensor are active, and a front windshield wiper signal is / will be transmitted (S305 and S306). In this case, since the distance between vehicle 100 and a rear obstacle is equal to or less than the predetermined distance (D min ) (S500), the front parking sensor, the front radar, the front camera and a front side camera are active (S511, S512, S513 and S514), and the rear parking sensor is off (e.g. switched off) and a rear windscreen wiper signal is / will be switched off (e.g. stopped) (S516 and S517).

[0041] Furthermore, in the case where the distance between the vehicle 100 and the rear obstacle is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance (D min ), the control device 130 determines that the other vehicle 300 is / will be connected to the front section of vehicle 100, and controls the front monitoring section 162 and the rear monitoring section 182 in a manner opposite to that previously described (S311 to S316 and S501 to S506). Additionally, if the distance between vehicle 100 and the front obstacle and the distance between vehicle 100 and the rear obstacle are within the predetermined distance (D min ) are, the control device 130 terminates the respective operation (e.g. the operations) of the front monitoring section 162, the rear monitoring section 182 and the components (S401 to S406).

[0042] Furthermore, the front component 164 may include: a headlight, a front turn signal, and a front windshield wiper, and the rear component 184 may include: a rear brake light, a reversing light (e.g., a reversing light), and a rear turn signal. In this case, similarly, if the other vehicle 300 is connected to the front section of the vehicle 100, the control device 130 stops any operation (e.g., all operations) of the front components (S611 to S615 and S801 to S805). If the other vehicle 300 is connected to the rear section of the vehicle 100, the control device 130 stops any operation (e.g., all operations) of the rear components (S601 to S605 and S811 to S815).Motor vehicles) are connected to the front section and the rear section of the vehicle 100, the control device 130 stops any operation (e.g. all operations) of the front components and the rear components (S701 to S705).

[0043] Additionally, the control device 130 can control whether a drive component of vehicle 100 is to be operated, based on the result of a comparison between the energy storage capacity of vehicle 100 and that of the other vehicle 300. In embodiments, if the energy storage capacity of vehicle 100 is less than that of the other vehicle 300, the control device 130 can stop the operation of the drive component of vehicle 100. Furthermore, the control device 130 of vehicle 100 can grant a driving control right (e.g., a driving control right) to a control device of the other vehicle 300 if the control device 130 of vehicle 100 stops the operation of the drive component of vehicle 100.

[0044] In detail, Fig. 4. A view to describe a control system for driving (e.g., propulsion) and charging. In vehicle 100 and the other vehicle 300, high-voltage batteries can each be provided as driving (e.g., propulsion) energy storage devices 110 and 310, control devices 130 and 330 can each be mounted, and electric motors can each be provided as drive components 150 and 350. Additionally, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, if the charge level of vehicle 100 is insufficient (e.g., too low) when vehicle 100 and vehicle 300 are connected, propulsion is carried out by the other vehicle 300, and vehicle 100 can be recharged by the other vehicle 300. In the illustrated embodiment, vehicle 100 is recharged, and vehicle 300 is propelled, so that propulsion is carried out in a rear-wheel-drive mode when vehicle 100 and vehicle 300 are combined (e.g., connected, e.g., coupled).

[0045] In embodiments, the control device 130 can allow a driving (e.g., propulsion) energy storage device 110 of vehicle 100 to be charged with driving (e.g., propulsion) energy from the other vehicle 300 when the driving (e.g., propulsion) energy storage quantity of vehicle 100 is less than that of the other vehicle 300. Additionally, the control device 130 can provide a credit (e.g., a balance, e.g., a credit note) to a control device 330 of the other vehicle 300 by means of a charge quantity when the driving energy storage device 110 of vehicle 100 is charged with the driving energy from the other vehicle 300. In embodiments, the control device 130 of vehicle 100 and a control device 330 of the other vehicle 300 can transmit and receive a command by means of communication. (e.g., data communication, e.g.)B. a data transmission, e.g., an information exchange) or can share (e.g., exchange) a collision prediction signal and a collision signal. Such communication makes it possible to enable intermediate charging or reciprocal charging between two vehicles (e.g., two motor vehicles), and compensation for this can be achieved by granting credit (e.g., a balance, e.g., a credit note).

[0046] Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows views that each represent a control of a safety system of a combinable (e.g. connectable, e.g. coupling) and separable (e.g. detachable, e.g. uncoupling) vehicle (e.g. motor vehicle) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control device 130 can release the connection between the other vehicle 300 and the rear connecting section 140 of vehicle 100 when it is determined that the other vehicle 300 is connected to the rear section 140 of vehicle 100 and a front collision (e.g., a head-on collision) is predicted (e.g., pre-calculated) by means of the front monitoring section 162. In embodiments, vehicle 100 can predict (e.g., pre-calculate) a collision accident by means of the front monitoring section 162 or the rear monitoring section 182. In the case of a front collision (e.g., a head-on collision), the control device 130 can release the connection between the other vehicle 300 and the rear connecting section 140 of vehicle 100 when it is determined that the other vehicle 300 is connected to the rear section 140 of vehicle 100 and a front collision (e.g., a head-on collision) is predicted (e.g., pre-calculated) by means of the front monitoring section 162.If a frontal collision is predicted (e.g., calculated in advance), the control device 130 can release the combination (e.g., the connection, e.g., the coupling) between vehicle 100 and the other vehicle 300 and can control the other vehicle 300 to be / be moved backwards. Since the control devices 130 and 330 of vehicle 100 and the other vehicle 300 communicate with each other (e.g., are in communication link with each other) and exchange information when the front collision is predicted (e.g., pre-calculated) on the front vehicle, the control devices 130 and 330 release the connection between the rear connecting section 140 of vehicle 100 and the front connecting section 320 of the other vehicle 300, and the control device 330 of the other vehicle 300 controls the drive components of the other vehicle 300, so that the other vehicle 300 is / is being moved backwards.In embodiments, a control device 330 of the other vehicle 300, which is separated (e.g. uncoupled) from the rear section of the vehicle 100, can control the drive components of the other vehicle 300, so that the other vehicle 300 is driven (e.g. powered) in a direction opposite to a direction in which a collision of the vehicle 100 is predicted (e.g. calculated).

[0047] Furthermore, the control device 130 can release the connection between the front connecting section 120 of the vehicle 100 and the other vehicle 300 and can control the drive components of the vehicle 100 so that the vehicle 100 is driven (e.g., propelled) in a direction opposite to a direction in which a collision of the vehicle 100 is predicted (e.g., pre-calculated) when it is determined that the other vehicle 300 is connected to the front section of the vehicle 100 and a front collision (e.g., a head-on collision) is predicted (e.g., pre-calculated) by means of the front monitoring section 362 of the other vehicle 300.

[0048] Furthermore, as in Fig.As shown in Figure 6, if an unexpected collision occurs in a state where vehicle 100 and vehicle 300 are combined (e.g., connected, coupled), the control device 130 can control safety devices 170 and 370, such as an airbag or the like, which are provided in each of the vehicles 100 and 300, to be activated without separating the two vehicles 100 and 300, in order to provide the most statistically safe protection for the occupants of the two vehicles 100 and 300. In embodiments, it is necessary to handle the separation or driving of vehicles 100 and 300 differently depending on whether a collision is predicted (e.g., pre-calculated) or not.

[0049] A method for controlling the combinable and separable vehicle comprises: detecting a connection signal from the front connection section 120 or the rear connection section 140 of vehicle 100; determining that the other vehicle 300 is / will be connected to the front connection section 120 or the rear connection section 140 of vehicle 100, based on the information received from the front monitoring section 162 or the rear monitoring section 182 of vehicle 100; and controlling whether each of the front component 164 and the rear component 184 of vehicle 100 is to be operated, depending on the direction (e.g., arrangement) in which vehicle 100 is connected to the other vehicle 300. Since the combinable and separable vehicle of the present invention is described above, a detailed description of it (e.g., regarding the method) is omitted.

[0050] According to a combinable (e.g. connectable, e.g. coupling) and separable (e.g. detachable, e.g. uncoupling) vehicle (e.g. motor vehicle) and a method for controlling the same, the vehicle can be combinable (e.g. connectable, e.g. coupling) with other vehicles (e.g. motor vehicles) at a / the front section and a / the rear section thereof, respectively, and can be effective in controlling components, driving (e.g. propulsion), charging (e.g. charging), and safety systems between the vehicles when the vehicles are combined (e.g. connected, e.g. coupled).

[0051] Logic blocks, modules, or units described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented by means of a computing device or computer device having at least one processor, at least one memory, and at least one communication interface. The elements of a method, process, or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be directly executed (e.g., implemented) in hardware, in a software module executed by means of at least one processor, or in a combination of both. Computer-executable instructions for implementing a method, process, or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be stored in a non-volatile, computer-readable storage medium.

[0052] Although the present invention has been set out and described with reference to embodiments, it will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the present invention can be modified and altered in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

Combinable and separable vehicle, comprising: a front connecting section (120) and a rear connecting section (140), each provided on a front section and a rear section of a vehicle (100) and configured to be connected to another vehicle (300); a front monitoring section (162) and a rear monitoring section (182), each configured to monitor a forward area and a reverse area of ​​the vehicle (100); and a control device (130) configured to determine whether another vehicle (300) is connected to the front connecting section (120) or the rear connecting section (140) of the vehicle (100), based on informationwhich is received from the front connecting section (120) or the rear connecting section (140) of the vehicle or from the front monitoring section (162) or the rear monitoring section (182) of the vehicle (100), wherein the control device (130) is configured to control the operation of each of a front component (164) and a rear component (184) of the vehicle (100) depending on which of the front and rear connecting sections (120, 140) of the vehicle (100) is connected to another vehicle (300), wherein the control device (130) is configured to control the operation of a drive component (150) of the vehicle (100) depending on the result of a comparison between a driving energy storage quantity of the vehicle (100) and a driving energy storage quantity of another vehicle (300) connected to the vehicle (100). Combinable and separable vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, in a case where it is detected that the front connecting section (120) or the rear connecting section (140) of the vehicle (100) is connected to another vehicle (300), the control device (130) is configured to determine that the other vehicle (300) is connected to the front section of the vehicle (100) when a distance between the vehicle (100) and a front obstacle, measured by means of the front monitoring section (162), is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, and the control device (130) is configured to determine that the other vehicle (300) is connected to the rear section of the vehicle (100) when a distance between the vehicle (100) and a rear obstacle, measured by means of the rear monitoring section (182), is equal to or less than the predetermined distance. Combinable and separable vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in a case in which it is detected that each of the front connecting section (120) and the rear connecting section (140) of the vehicle (100) is connected to another vehicle (300), the control device (130) is configured to determine that the other vehicles are connected to the front section and the rear section of the vehicle (100) respectively when a distance between the vehicle (100) and a front obstacle, measured by means of the front monitoring section (162), and a distance between the vehicle (100) and a rear obstacle, measured by means of the rear monitoring section (182), are equal to or less than a predetermined distance. Combinable and separable vehicle according to one of claims 1-3, wherein the control device (130) is configured to terminate operation of the front monitoring section (162) and operation of the front component (164) of the vehicle (100) when it is determined that another vehicle (300) is connected to the front section of the vehicle (100). Combinable and separable vehicle according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the control device (130) is configured to terminate operation of the rear monitoring section (182) and operation of the rear component (184) of the vehicle (100) when it is determined that another vehicle (300) is connected to the rear section of the vehicle (100). Combinable and separable vehicle according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the control device (130) is configured to terminate a respective operation of the front monitoring section (162), the rear monitoring section (182), the front component (164) and the rear component (184) of the vehicle (100) when it is determined that other vehicles (300) are connected to the front section and the rear section of the vehicle (100). Combinable and separable vehicle according to one of claims 1-6, wherein the front component (164) has a front headlight, a front direction indicator and a front windscreen wiper, and the rear component (184) has a rear brake light, a reversing light and a rear direction indicator. Combinable and separable vehicle according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, in a case where it is detected that the front connecting section (120) or the rear connecting section (140) of the vehicle (100) is connected to another vehicle (300), the control device (130) is configured to determine that the other vehicle (300) is connected to the front section of the vehicle (100) when a distance between the vehicle (100) and a front obstacle, measured by means of the front monitoring section (162), is equal to or less than a predetermined distance in order to stop operation of the front monitoring section (162) and operation of the front component (164), and to control the rear monitoring section (182) and the rear component (184) to be in operation. Combinable and separable vehicle according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, in a case where it is detected that both the front connecting section (120) and the rear connecting section (140) of the vehicle (100) are connected to other vehicles (300), the control device (130) is configured to determine that the other vehicles (300) are connected to the front section and the rear section of the vehicle (100) respectively when a distance between the vehicle (100) and a front obstacle, measured by means of the front monitoring section (162), and a distance between the vehicle (100) and a rear obstacle, measured by means of the rear monitoring section (182), are equal to or less than a predetermined distance, and to enable respective operation of the front monitoring section (162), the rear monitoring section (182),to stop the front component (164) and the rear component (184) of the vehicle (100). Combinable and separable vehicle according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the control device (130) is configured to terminate operation of the drive component (150) of the vehicle (100) when the driving energy storage quantity of the vehicle (100) is less than that of another vehicle (300) connected to the vehicle (300). Combinable and separable vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the control device (130) of the vehicle (100) is configured to grant a driving control right to a control device (330) of another vehicle (300) connected to the vehicle (100) when the control device (130) of the vehicle (100) stops the operation of the drive component (150) of the vehicle (100). Combinable and separable vehicle according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the control device (130) is configured to allow a driving energy storage device (110) of the vehicle (100) to be charged with driving energy from another vehicle (300) connected to the vehicle (100) when the driving energy storage quantity of the vehicle (100) is less than that of the other vehicle (300). Combinable and separable vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the control device (130) is configured to provide a credit to a control device (330) of another vehicle (300) connected to the vehicle (100) by a charge amount when the driving energy storage device (110) of the vehicle (100) is charged with the driving energy from the other vehicle (300). Combinable and separable vehicle according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the control device (130) is configured to release the connection between another vehicle (300) connected to the vehicle (100) and the rear connecting section (140) of the vehicle (100) when it is determined that the other vehicle (300) is connected to the rear section of the vehicle (100) and a front collision is predicted by means of the front monitoring section (162). Combinable and separable vehicle according to claim 14, wherein a / the control device (330) of the other vehicle (300), which is separated from the rear section of the vehicle (100), is configured to control a drive component (350) of the other vehicle (300) such that the other vehicle (300) is driven in a direction opposite to a direction in which a collision of the vehicle (100) is predicted. Combinable and separable vehicle according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the control device (130) is configured to release the connection between the front connecting section (120) of the vehicle (100) and another vehicle (100) connected to the vehicle (100) and to control a drive component (150) of the vehicle (100) so that the vehicle (100) is driven in a direction opposite to a direction in which a collision of the vehicle (100) is predicted when it is determined that the other vehicle (300) is connected to the front section of the vehicle (100) and a front collision is predicted by means of the front monitoring section (382) of the other vehicle (300). Combinable and separable vehicle according to one of claims 1-16, wherein the control device (130) of the vehicle (100) and a / the control device (330) of a / the other vehicle (300) connected to the vehicle (100) are configured to transmit and receive a command by means of communication or to share a collision prediction signal and a collision signal with each other. Method for controlling the combinable and separable vehicle according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein the method comprises: detecting a connection signal of the front connection section (120) or the rear connection section (140) of the vehicle (100), determining that the other vehicle (300) is connected to the front connection section (120) or the rear connection section (140) of the vehicle (100) based on the information received from the front monitoring section (162) or the rear monitoring section (182) of the vehicle (100), comparing a driving energy storage quantity of the vehicle (100) with a driving energy storage quantity of another vehicle (300) connected to the vehicle (100), and controlling an operation of a drive component (150) of the vehicle (100) depending on a result of the comparison.

Images