Method for selecting a potential parking space for a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered by means of a parking assistance system, and parking assistance system

Abstract

Method for selecting a potential parking space (P1, P2) for a motor vehicle (2) that is at least partially electrically powered by means of a parking assistance system (1) of the motor vehicle (2), wherein, depending on a destination in a navigation device (5) of the motor vehicle (2) or an activation of a parking assistance function of the parking assistance system and depending on the current position of the motor vehicle (2), the potential parking space (P1, P2) is searched for and selected by means of the parking assistance system (1) on the basis of a predetermined criterion, wherein an electric charging station (4) for electrically charging an electrical energy storage device (6) of the motor vehicle (2) at the potential parking space (P1, P2) is taken into account, wherein a current state of charge of the electrical energy storage device (6) is determined and the potential parking space (P1, P2) is additionally selected depending on the determined current state of charge, characterized in thatthat a vehicle orientation during the parking process is automatically selected based on a known position of a charging socket on the vehicle (2) and a known position of the charging station (4).

Description

The invention relates to a method for selecting a potential parking space for an at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle using a parking assistance system of the motor vehicle. Depending on a destination in a navigation device or the activation of a parking assistance function of the parking assistance system, and depending on the current position of the motor vehicle, the potential parking space is searched for and selected by the parking assistance system based on a predetermined criterion. An electric charging station for electrically charging an electrical energy storage device of the motor vehicle at the potential parking space is taken into account. The invention further relates to a parking assistance system. In the prior art, parking functions are already known in which a vehicle can, for example, park itself at least partially autonomously into a parking space. For this purpose, potential parking spaces can be selected from a large number of spaces and then displayed to the vehicle's user or driver. The user can then choose from the available parking spaces and, for example, drive the vehicle into the space at least partially autonomously. DE 10 2014 223 237 A1 relates to an inductive charging system for a motor vehicle, wherein a charging station has a primary coil arranged on a ground surface and the motor vehicle has a secondary coil for receiving an alternating magnetic field from the primary coil. A predetermined parking position of the motor vehicle is provided for receiving the field. The motor vehicle is brought into the parking position as precisely as possible. For this purpose, the charging station has a stationary optical marker element. The motor vehicle has at least one camera for generating camera images of the motor vehicle's surroundings, a display device for showing the camera images, and an image processing device. The image processing device is designed to overlay a mask element onto the camera images on the display device in such a way that the motor vehicle is in the parking position if the mask element covers the marker element. DE 10 2015 004 369 A1 relates to a method for determining a suitable parking space for a motor vehicle and a route leading thereto, wherein at least one collision-free route is calculated on the basis of at least one piece of information relating to a parking space search, which is queried from at least one external server managing at least one parking area with at least one parking space before reaching the parking area. DE 10 2017 008 645 A1 relates to a method for operating a vehicle with at least one electric drive unit, which is powered by electrical energy from an electrical energy storage device of the vehicle. According to the invention, the vehicle is parked in a parking area without a charging station. If charging stations for charging the electrical energy storage device are occupied within a predetermined radius of the vehicle, a charging management system of the vehicle decides, based on a preset by a vehicle user, whether charging the energy storage device is necessary. Based on a known route that the vehicle will take after parking, it is determined whether the charge level of the energy storage device is sufficient to reach a destination. If charging is required, available charging stations within a predetermined radius are monitored.The charging requirement is reported to a free or soon-to-be-free charging station, and the charging station is reserved for charging the energy storage system. When a charging station becomes available, the vehicle is driven from its parking space (its point of origin) to the charging station in autonomous driving mode and automatically charged. A vehicle user is automatically informed about the energy storage system's state of charge and the vehicle's current position. The object of the present invention is to create a method and a parking assistance system by means of which an improved parking space search for a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered can be realized. This problem is solved by a method and a parking assistance system according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. One aspect of the invention relates to a method for selecting a potential parking space for an at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle by means of a parking assistance system of the motor vehicle, in which, depending on a destination in a navigation device or an activation of a parking assistance function of the parking assistance system and depending on the current position of the motor vehicle, the potential parking space is searched for and selected by means of the parking assistance system on the basis of a predetermined criterion, wherein an electric charging station for electrically charging an electrical energy storage device of the motor vehicle at the potential parking space is taken into account. The plan is to determine the current state of charge of the electrical energy storage system and to select the potential parking space based on this determined current state of charge. In particular, this allows for improved parking space searches for vehicles that are at least partially electric. Specifically, it enables the parking assistant to take charging processes into account. The vehicle can also be fully electric. The electrical energy storage system then serves as a traction battery for the vehicle's electric drive. In particular, the system detects the user's parking request or the (initiation of) a parking process and determines the necessity of charging. If both conditions are met, the potential parking space is selected from a large number of available spaces. Specifically, this potential parking space will then have a charging station. If, for example, charging is not required, the charging station can be omitted. Once the vehicle has arrived at the charging station or potential parking space, the parking space can be measured using standard procedures, and the user or driver can be offered the usual parking options. For example, the parking assistance function could be a standard parking option using a parking assist system (PAS), or another parking and / or maneuvering function that takes over the longitudinal and / or lateral guidance of the vehicle during the parking and / or maneuvering process. The driver may be inside or outside the vehicle during the parking or maneuvering function. The parking assistance function can also be automatically activated, for example, when the vehicle's speed decreases below a predefined threshold. In other words, the invention now provides the possibility, in addition to the already known parking assistance function, to take into account a potentially necessary charging process when searching for a parking space. Additionally, since both the position of the charging socket on the vehicle and the position of the charging station in relation to the potential parking space can be known, the parking procedure is carried out automatically in such a way that the optimal vehicle alignment, especially in the case of perpendicular and / or longitudinal parking, and / or forward or reverse parking, is enabled for inserting the charging plug into the charging station. According to an advantageous embodiment, the presence of an electric charging station is disregarded above a certain charge level threshold. In other words, if the electric energy storage device has a charge level of, for example, 80 percent, it is unnecessary to drive to a parking space with a charging station. This allows for the consideration of additional potential parking spaces. It is also advantageous if the potential parking space is displayed on a screen of the parking assistance system. In particular, the display could be, for example, a head unit of the vehicle with a touch-sensitive screen. The potential parking space can then be displayed accordingly. In particular, parking spaces that do not have a charging station can also be shown. All parking spaces can be displayed, and a distinction can be made between those with and without charging stations, for example, based on different colors. Furthermore, the occupancy status of the respective parking spaces can also be displayed on the screen. In another advantageous configuration, a route to the potential parking space is displayed on the screen. Specifically, visual arrows can be shown, leading the user to the parking space. Alternatively, the display can show only the distance to the destination or the potential parking space. Furthermore, information about the charging station, such as the provider, costs, usage duration, restrictions, vehicle compatibility (e.g., based on plug type), charging method (e.g., AC or DC charging), and charging speed, can also be displayed. In another advantageous embodiment, a predetermined distance to the destination is specified as a criterion, and / or the activation of a parking assist button by the vehicle user is specified as a criterion. Furthermore, the activation of the parking assist function itself can also be specified as a criterion. In other words, the parking assist, or the parking space search, is only activated if, for example, the vehicle is at a predetermined distance from the destination. Alternatively or additionally, the activation of a parking button by the user can also be used to initiate the parking space search. Furthermore, the size of the parking space can also be specified as a criterion. Thus, reliable parking of the vehicle can be achieved. It is also advantageous if, when selecting a parking space, the distance to the user's home address, the potential parking duration, and / or a future travel route are also taken into account. For example, if the distance to the user's home is so great that it cannot be reached with the current charge level of the energy storage system, a suitable parking space can be suggested even before a predefined charge level threshold is reached, allowing the electric energy storage system to be charged in order to reach home. Furthermore, the potential parking duration, for example, if the user is planning a longer shopping trip, can also be considered, and the system can then initiate charging of the vehicle, particularly in the case of longer parking durations. Finally, a future travel route can also be taken into account.For example, if it is determined that the charge level is still sufficiently high, but the future route requires more energy than the current charge level, this information can be taken into account and a parking space with a charging station can be sought. Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to locate potential parking spaces and charging stations using map information from the navigation system, optical detection from the parking assistance system, and / or historical data. In particular, map information, such as that provided by a charging station map, can be used to find suitable parking spaces and charging stations. Optical detection devices, such as sign recognition for charging points, can also be used. Aggregated fleet information, as well as previously learned charging points or trajectories, can also be used to efficiently locate potential parking spaces and, in particular, charging stations. In another advantageous configuration, the user specifies the charging station criterion and / or a further criterion and / or a charge level threshold. In particular, user-defined preferences, such as the desired energy provider, the desired tariff, the charging capacity, and other criteria, can be included in the calculation. This can specifically relate to the charging station. Furthermore, parking-related criteria can also be incorporated, such as the size of the parking space and the maximum parking cost. This can be considered a key criterion. The user can also specify a charge level threshold. For example, the user can stipulate that the electric vehicle must be recharged whenever the charge level falls below 40 percent. It is also advantageous if the parking assistance system queries the current and / or future occupancy status from an external electronic computer and considers this status when selecting a potential parking space. For example, the occupancy status can be checked by whether a vehicle is connected to the charging station. Occupancy sensors can also be used to verify whether a vehicle is present in the parking space. Furthermore, the future occupancy status, for example, based on bookings by other vehicles, can also be taken into account. If, for instance, the vehicle is expected to use this potentially unoccupied parking space, the system can automatically reserve it for the vehicle. Another aspect of the invention relates to a parking assistance system for a motor vehicle for selecting a potential parking space for an at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle, wherein the parking assistance system is configured to carry out a method according to the preceding aspect. In particular, the method is carried out by means of the parking assistance system. A further aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with a parking assistance system as described in the previous aspect. The motor vehicle is at least partially electrically powered. In particular, the motor vehicle is fully electrically powered. The method is, in particular, a computer-implemented method. For this purpose, a computer program is provided which contains program instructions which, when executed on the electronic computing device, cause it to carry out the method. The computer program can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium of the electronic computing device. The invention also includes further developments of the parking assistance system and the motor vehicle according to the invention, which have features already described in connection with the further developments of the method according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the parking assistance system and the motor vehicle according to the invention are not described again here. The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a parking assistance system; and Figure 2 shows a schematic flowchart according to an embodiment of a method according to the invention. The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another. Each of these features further develops the invention independently and can therefore be considered part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by other features of the invention already described. In the figures, functionally identical elements are each provided with the same reference symbols. Fig. 1 shows in a schematic side view an embodiment of a parking assistance system 1 for a motor vehicle 2 for selecting a potential parking space P1, P2 for the at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle 2. In the present embodiment, the motor vehicle 2 is shown in a side position. A display unit 3 of the parking assistance system 1 is also shown. The display unit 3 is also shown in an enlarged view. The following embodiment shows in particular that two potential parking spaces P1 and P2 are available. The first potential parking space P1 does not have a charging station 4. The second potential parking space P2 does have a charging station 4. In the procedure for selecting the potential parking space P1, P2 for the at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle 2 using the parking assistance system 1 of the motor vehicle 2, depending on a destination in a navigation device 5 or an activation of a parking assistance function of the parking assistance system 1 and depending on the current position of the motor vehicle 2, the potential parking space P1, P2 is searched for and selected using the parking assistance system 1 on the basis of a predefined criterion, whereby the electric charging station 4 for electrically charging an electrical energy storage device 6 of the motor vehicle 2 at the potential parking space P1, P2 is taken into account. It is planned that the current state of charge of the electrical energy storage device 6 will be determined and the potential parking spaces P1 and P2 will be selected depending on the determined current state of charge. In particular, it can be stipulated, for example, that the presence of charging station 4 is disregarded if the state of charge exceeds a certain threshold. In other words, if the state of charge is above the threshold, both parking spaces P1 and P2 can be selected by the parking assistance system 1. If the state of charge is below the threshold, the second parking space, P2, with charging station 4, can be offered to the driver as a priority. Fig. 1 shows in particular that the potential parking spaces P1, P2 are displayed on the display unit 3 of the parking assistance system 1. In particular, a route 7 to the potential parking spaces P1, P2 can also be displayed on the display unit 3. Furthermore, additional information (8) can be displayed. For example, the distance to potential parking spaces P1 and P2 can be displayed as additional information (8). Furthermore, it may be stipulated that a predetermined distance to the destination is specified as a criterion, and / or that a user 9, who can also be referred to as the driver, of vehicle 2 activates a parking assist function button as a criterion. The activation of the parking assist function can also be specified as a criterion. Additionally, the distance to the home location of user 9 of vehicle 2, a potential parking duration, and / or a future route can be taken into account when selecting the potential parking space P1, P2. Furthermore, it may be provided that the potential parking spaces P1, P2 and the charging station 4 are located using map information from the navigation system 5 and / or using an optical detection device 10 of the parking assistance system 1 and / or using fleet information and / or using historical data. Additionally, the user 9 of the vehicle 2 can specify the criterion and / or a further criterion via the charging station 4 and / or a threshold value for the state of charge. It may also be provided that an occupancy status and / or a future occupancy status is queried by means of the parking assistance system 1 at a vehicle-external electronic computing device 11, which can also be referred to as a backend server, and that the occupancy status and / or the future occupancy status is taken into account when selecting the potential parking space P1, P2. In particular, Fig. 1 shows that in the method according to the invention, the parking request of the user 9 is determined or recognized. This can be achieved, for example, by pressing a parking button, by the navigation system 5, or by an active parking assistance function, since the vehicle 2 is, for example, nearing its destination. Furthermore, the necessity of a charging process is determined, which can be based, for example, on an insufficient charge level or an excessive distance from the user's home location. If both conditions are met, the parking assistance system 1 then assists the user 9 in finding a potential parking space P1, P2 with the charging station 4, in this case, the second parking space P2. To find a suitable charging station 4, map information, such as a charging station map, can be used. Furthermore, optical sensors, such as the optical detection device 10 shown here, can be used to, for example, recognize charging station signs. Aggregated fleet information and previously learned charging stations or trajectories can also be included. Preferably, the status of the charging stations 4 is queried in parallel via the vehicle-external electronic computing device 11 in order to locate and specifically select an unoccupied charging station 4. Likewise, user 9's previously defined preferences, such as the desired energy supplier, the desired tariff, the charging power, and other information, can be included in the calculation. During the parking space search, the procedure on the display unit 3, which shows detected free parking spaces P1 and P2, can be extended to include additional functions or information 8. For example, navigation arrows 7 to the second parking space P2 can be displayed. Furthermore, the distance can also be displayed as additional information 8. Additional information 8 can also be displayed regarding the charging station, such as the provider, costs, usage duration, restrictions, compatibility with the vehicle 2 (especially based on the plug type), charging method (e.g., whether AC or DC charging is required), and charging speed. Once the vehicle 2 has arrived at charging station 4 or the associated parking space P2, the second parking space P2 is measured using the usual procedures and the usual parking options are offered to user 9. Additionally, since both the position of the charging socket on the vehicle 2 and the position of the charging station 4 in relation to the parking space are known, the parking procedure can automatically select the optimal vehicle orientation, for example by parking perpendicular or parallel, forward or reverse, to enable convenient insertion of the charging plug. Fig. 2 shows a schematic flowchart of the method according to the invention. In particular, the parking assistance system 1 is shown. In a first step S1, the method begins. In a second step S2, the parking request is detected. This can be detected automatically, by pressing a button, or by a driver action. In a third step S3, it is checked whether charging the electrical energy storage device 6 is necessary. If this is not the case, the method is terminated in a fourth step S4. If charging is necessary, in a fifth step S5, it is checked whether the automatic parking or charging assistant is activated. If this is not the case, in an optional sixth step S6, a query is performed on the display device 3 to determine whether charging is desired. If this is not the case, the method is terminated in the fourth step S4.If charging is desired, the system proceeds to a seventh step, S7, where the parking process and charging information are displayed on the display unit 3. It is also possible to proceed directly to the seventh step, S7, from the fifth step, S5. From the seventh step, S7, the system guides the vehicle 2 to the charging station in an eighth step, S8, taking into account the user's preferences 9 and the charging information. If necessary, the system may take over longitudinal and / or lateral control of the vehicle 2 in suitable driving situations. From the eighth step, S8, the process can then be completed in the fourth step, S4. In particular, to carry out the present method, the parking assistance system 1 comprises at least one electronic computing unit. The electronic computing unit can, in turn, comprise a computer program with program elements necessary for carrying out the method, provided the computer program is executed on a computer-readable medium of the electronic computing unit. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a computer-readable storage medium containing the computer program product. The electronic computing unit also comprises, in particular, corresponding circuits for performing the computational operations required to carry out the method. In particular, a method for providing information on available charging infrastructure for parking assistance functions has been demonstrated.

Claims

Method for selecting a potential parking space (P1, P2) for a motor vehicle (2) that is at least partially electrically powered by means of a parking assistance system (1) of the motor vehicle (2), wherein, depending on a destination in a navigation device (5) of the motor vehicle (2) or an activation of a parking assistance function of the parking assistance system and depending on the current position of the motor vehicle (2), the potential parking space (P1, P2) is searched for and selected by means of the parking assistance system (1) on the basis of a predetermined criterion, wherein an electric charging station (4) for electrically charging an electrical energy storage device (6) of the motor vehicle (2) at the potential parking space (P1, P2) is taken into account, wherein a current state of charge of the electrical energy storage device (6) is determined and the potential parking space (P1, P2) is additionally selected depending on the determined current state of charge, characterized in thatthat a vehicle orientation during the parking process is automatically selected based on a known position of a charging socket on the vehicle (2) and a known position of the charging station (4). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that above a threshold value of the state of charge the presence of the electric charging station (4) is not taken into account. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the potential parking space (P1, P2) is displayed on a display device (3) of the parking assistance system (1). Method according to claim 3, characterized in that a route to the potential parking space (P1, P2) is displayed on the display device (3). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a predetermined distance to the destination is specified as a criterion and / or the activation of a parking button of the parking assistance function (1) by a user (9) of the motor vehicle (2) is specified as a criterion. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that additionally a distance to a user's (9) home location of the motor vehicle (2) and / or a potential parking duration and / or a future route are taken into account when selecting the potential parking space (P1, P2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the potential parking space (P1, P2) and the charging station (4) are determined by means of map information from the navigation device (5) and / or by means of an optical detection device (10) of the parking assistance system (1) and / or by means of fleet information and / or by means of historical data. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the criterion and / or a further criterion is specified by a user (9) of the motor vehicle (2) via the charging station (4) and / or a threshold value for the state of charge. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an occupancy state and / or a future occupancy state is queried by means of the parking assistance system (1) at a motor vehicle-external electronic computing device (11) and the occupancy state and / or the future occupancy state are taken into account when selecting the potential parking space (P1, P2). Parking assistance system (1) for a motor vehicle (2) for selecting a potential parking space (P1, P2) for the at least partially electrically powered motor vehicle (2), wherein the parking assistance system (1) is configured to perform a method according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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