vehicle

Abstract

Vehicle (1), in particular passenger car, with a body (5), a chassis (3) on which the body (5) is supported, and means (4, 6) for actively influencing the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body (5), wherein the vehicle (1) is operable in a transport mode in which the vehicle (1) is transported in a standing position, to detect transport-related causes for roll and / or pitch movements of the body (5) and to initiate a measure influencing the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body (5), wherein the vehicle (1) is assigned at least one active chassis device (6), in particular a chassis actuator for influencing the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body (5), and a control device (4), wherein the control device (4) is operable to actuate at least one active chassis device (6) in order to influence the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body (5), characterized in thatthat the vehicle (1) is equipped with a sensor device that can detect the freedom of movement of the body, whereby the control device (4) is operable to control the active chassis device (6) taking into account the freedom of movement of the body (5), in particular to avoid a collision of the body (5) with an obstacle.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a passenger car, comprising a body, a chassis on which the body is supported, and means for actively influencing the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a transport system according to claim 9 and a method for operating a vehicle during its transport according to claim 10.

[0002] From DE 10 2018 217 992 A1, it follows from the context of the description therein Fig.1. A vehicle that has features of the preamble of claim 1. By means of an actively adjustable roll stabilizer, the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body (referred to therein as the "body of the motor vehicle") can be actively influenced. The active roll stabilizer is controlled by a control unit that takes into account the rotational speed of a wheel of the moving vehicle, detected - among other things - by means of a speed sensor, as an operating parameter for the control.

[0003] Vehicles equipped with means for actively influencing the roll and / or pitch behavior of the vehicle body are generally known from the prior art. This active control of roll and / or pitch behavior is fundamentally carried out while the vehicle is in motion, in order to react to driving dynamics and / or events such as cornering, acceleration, braking, driving over uneven surfaces, and the like. The sensors and control logic employed are designed to recognize such driving dynamics situations and to actively influence the roll and / or pitch behavior of the vehicle body using the available means, thereby ensuring the desired level of safety and / or driving comfort during operation.

[0004] It is generally known that vehicle occupants may experience discomfort, also known as travel sickness or motion sickness, caused by the vehicle's bodywork during travel. German patent DE 10 2020 121 379 A1 discloses a vehicle seat whose suspension and / or damping is actively adjustable to increase passenger comfort, particularly to suppress symptoms of motion sickness. This adjustment is made while the vehicle is in motion. The measure is limited to an adjustment of the vehicle seat.

[0005] There are usage situations for vehicles, particularly passenger cars, in which the vehicle is stationary, i.e., in a parked or resting state, but at the same time the vehicle's body is set in motion by external factors. Such a situation arises particularly when the vehicle is transported by another means of transport, such as a car ferry, a car train, or a (road-bound) car transporter. In this context, reference is made to DE 10 2020 007 652 A1, which discloses a vehicle according to the features of the preamble of claim 1. The proposed method of influencing the roll and / or pitch behavior can lead to damage if the vehicle's body collides with neighboring vehicles or other obstacles.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle which offers improved comfort to the occupant(s) even in a transport situation, i.e. a situation in which the vehicle is transported while stationary, i.e. in a non-driving state, while at the same time ensuring sufficient safety.

[0007] The problem is solved by a vehicle according to the features of claim 1. This is a vehicle, in particular in the form of a passenger car, wherein the vehicle has a body, a chassis on which the body is supported, and means for actively influencing a roll and / or pitch behavior of the body.The vehicle is operable in a transport mode in which the vehicle is transported in a standing position, to detect transport-related causes for roll and / or pitch movements of the body and to initiate a measure influencing the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body, wherein the vehicle is assigned at least one active chassis device, in particular a chassis actuator for influencing the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body, and a control device, wherein the control device is operable to actuate at least one active chassis device in order to influence the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body.According to the invention, the vehicle is characterized in that a sensor device is assigned to the vehicle with which a freedom of movement of the body can be detected, wherein the control device is operable to carry out a control of the active chassis device taking into account the freedom of movement of the body, in particular to avoid a collision of the body with an obstacle.

[0008] According to the invention, it was first recognized that in the aforementioned situations, particularly when a vehicle is on a car ferry, car train, or car transporter, the movements of the means of transport can lead to discomfort for the occupant(s). Due to legal requirements, vehicles with combustion engines on car ferries usually have to switch off their engines, which, among other things, means that any suspension actuators that may be present can no longer be used, as these place a relatively heavy load on the vehicle's electrical system.Movements imposed by the means of transport, such as swaying or pitching movements, which occur, for example, when maneuvering a car ferry, car transporter or car train, and / or which may be caused by other transport-related influences such as sea state in the case of a car ferry, can in any case cause movements of the bodywork of the parked vehicle that are perceived as unpleasant by occupants.

[0009] Based on this finding, the invention developed the idea of ​​making advantageous use of means already on board the vehicle for actively influencing the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body in a transport mode of the vehicle. In the context of the invention, a transport mode is understood to be a state of the vehicle in which the vehicle is transported while stationary – i.e., at rest, with locked wheels, and without propulsion relative to the surface on which the vehicle is parked. According to the invention, in this transport mode, the vehicle detects transport-related causes of roll and / or pitch movements of the body and initiates a measure to influence the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body.In this way, a possibility is created to compensate for or otherwise influence movements caused by the vehicle being transported by a higher-level means of transport, in order to improve the comfort or driving experience (the vehicle in this case does not "drive" itself, but is carried on the means of transport; the term "driving experience" therefore refers more precisely to a feeling perceived in the vehicle while riding on the means of transport) for the vehicle's occupants. This can be implemented in various ways.

[0010] According to the invention, the vehicle is assigned at least one active chassis device and one control device, wherein the control device is operable to actuate at least one active chassis device in order to influence the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body. In principle, any suitable device can be used as the active chassis device; in particular, it is a chassis actuator for influencing the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body.

[0011] According to an advantageous further development of the vehicle, the active chassis device is an active roll stabilizer and / or an active spring device and / or an active damping device and / or another device for influencing the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body.

[0012] According to the invention, the vehicle initiates a measure that influences the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body. Such an influence can be designed in various ways. According to an advantageous embodiment, the measure can serve to eliminate or at least reduce roll and / or pitch movements of the body (of the vehicle). In this case, the measure aims to decouple the body from any movements of the means of transport by actively controlling the chassis.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, this measure can contribute to increasing the ride comfort of an occupant in the vehicle body, particularly to preventing or alleviating motion sickness. For example, it can be perceived as pleasant to slightly tilt the vehicle body into a curve—by appropriately controlling the active suspension system—when the transport vehicle on which the vehicle is mounted rotates. In this way, the vehicle occupant receives feedback about the movement of the transport vehicle. Furthermore, this can reduce lateral accelerations that are perceived as unpleasant. Similarly, when the transport vehicle accelerates or decelerates, a corresponding pitching motion of the vehicle body can compensate.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle, it is equipped with a sensor device by means of which a transport-related cause for rolling and / or pitching of the body can be detected. In the context of the invention, a transport-related cause is understood to be any cause that arises from the transport of the vehicle, i.e., not primarily from the vehicle itself, but from the circumstances of the transport, generally from the movement of the means of transport.

[0015] Advantageously, the sensor system includes a chassis sensor associated with the vehicle's chassis, in particular a ride height sensor and / or an acceleration sensor. This offers the advantage of utilizing a sensor already present on the vehicle, thus eliminating the need for additional design effort. Using a ride height sensor or acceleration sensor—especially an inertial acceleration sensor—movements of the means of transport, such as a car ferry carrying the vehicle, can be easily detected without additional design effort. These movements can be a transport-related cause of roll and / or pitch movements of the vehicle body.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the sensor system could include a vehicle-integrated sensor, in particular an optical sensor, preferably a camera, and / or a gyroscope and / or another sensor suitable for motion detection. A vehicle-integrated sensor could also be used to detect transport-related causes of roll and / or pitch movements of the vehicle body.

[0017] As an alternative or supplement to sensor-based detection, the vehicle can be equipped with means for receiving transport-related, in particular current and / or imminent, movement information from the transport vehicle. In other words, the vehicle receives current or imminent movement information from the transport vehicle. This would allow the vehicle to react to this information in a particularly suitable manner, for example, in terms of timing and / or extent, which could lead to a particularly effective countermeasure.

[0018] Particularly when the vehicle is parked in a relatively confined space and / or near obstacles, rolling or pitching movements of the body can lead to damage or even personal injury. According to the invention, the vehicle is therefore equipped with a sensor device that detects the body's freedom of movement. The control unit is capable of controlling the active suspension system, taking the body's freedom of movement into account, in particular to prevent a collision between the body and an obstacle. Such a sensor device could, for example, be a parking distance sensor, which is known in itself. Radar systems, cameras, or similar devices serving a comparable purpose can be used alternatively or additionally.It is expedient that the detection of the body's freedom of movement described above and / or the initiation of a measure influencing the roll and / or pitch behavior is deactivated at least when a door of the vehicle is opened.

[0019] In addition to a vehicle as described above, the invention also relates to a transport system according to claim 9. According to the invention, the transport system comprises a means of transport and a vehicle transported thereon, in particular a passenger car of the type described above. In this context, reference is made to the explanations given with regard to the vehicle, which are also applicable to the transport system.

[0020] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method according to claim 10. This is a method for operating a vehicle during its transport, wherein the vehicle according to the invention comprises: a bodywork a chassis on which the bodywork rests, and Means for actively influencing the roll and / or pitch behavior of the vehicle body, wherein the vehicle is assigned at least one active chassis device, in particular a chassis actuator for influencing the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body, and a control device, wherein the control device is operable to control at least one active chassis device in order to influence the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body, wherein the vehicle, in a transport mode in which the vehicle is transported in a standing position, detects transport-related causes for roll and / or pitch movements of the body in order to initiate a measure that influences the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body, wherein the vehicle is assigned a sensor device with which the freedom of movement of the body is detected, wherein the active chassis device is controlled taking into account the freedom of movement of the body, in particular to avoid a collision of the body with an obstacle.

[0021] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an example shown in the drawing. This also illustrates advantageous effects and possible embodiments of the invention. The drawing shows the only: Figure shows a means of transport and a vehicle transported by it, together forming a transport system, in a simplified schematic side view.

[0022] The single figure shows a schematic, simplified side view of a transport system according to an embodiment of the invention. A vehicle 1 in the form of a passenger car stands on a transport means 2 in the form of a car ferry (shown in a significantly simplified manner). As indicated in the drawing, the car ferry floats in the water and can be propelled and steered in a manner known per se (not shown) in order to transport the vehicle 1 standing on it.

[0023] The vehicle 1, in the form of a passenger car, has a body 5 and a chassis 3 on which the body 5 rests. The chassis 3 of the vehicle 1 includes numerous features known individually, of which, for the sake of simplification in the drawing, only a rear wheel 7 and a front wheel 8 are shown and labeled. An active chassis device 6, shown in simplified form in the drawing, is arranged between the body 5 and the rear wheel 7, and between the body 5 and the front wheel 8. The active chassis device 6 is, for example, an active roll stabilizer, which allows the roll behavior of the body 5 to be actively influenced. Each active chassis device 6 is associated with a chassis sensor 9, for example, a ride height sensor. Using the chassis sensor 9, the ride height of the rear wheel 7 and the front wheel 8 can be determined – axle-specifically.Determine the front wheel 8, which allows a roll angle to be determined by comparison with the opposite wheel on the other side of the vehicle (the rear axle or front axle).

[0024] Vehicle 1 is also equipped with a control unit 4. Control unit 4 can be used to actuate the active suspension system 6, in the form of the active roll stabilizer on the front or rear axle, in order to influence the roll behavior of the body 5. It should be noted that, as an alternative or supplement to an active roll stabilizer, an active suspension system (air suspension), an active damping system (height-adjustable active damper), or the like can also be used.

[0025] The control unit 4 receives height signals from the respective chassis sensor 9 and can determine a roll angle of the body 5 from these signals. Additionally, the vehicle 1 can be equipped with a sensor device 10, which is a vehicle sensor, for example, an optical sensor in the form of a camera and / or a gyroscope and / or another sensor suitable for motion detection. The vehicle sensor 10 is suitable for detecting movements of the body 5.

[0026] In addition, the vehicle 1 can be equipped with a sensor device - not shown here - such as a parking distance sensor, which can be used to detect the freedom of movement of the body 5.

[0027] When the means of transport 2 is in operation (the car ferry crossing the water: for example, when the ferry is maneuvering in a port, docking at a port, or performing other maneuvers), it moves. Means of transport 2 therefore undergo translational and / or rotational movements, indicated by the arrows drawn on the means of transport 2. In particular, changes in these movements represent corresponding accelerations.

[0028] The movements performed by the transport vehicle 2, and in particular the associated accelerations, act on the vehicle 1 standing upon it. Depending on the movements of the transport vehicle 2, which, incidentally, can also be influenced by sea state – in the case of a car ferry – the body 5 of the vehicle 1 is also set into motion, even though the vehicle 1 is standing on the transport vehicle 2 with its wheels locked. These are primarily roll and / or pitch movements, i.e., rotational movements around the vehicle's longitudinal axis (roll) and / or its transverse axis (pitch), which are possible despite the locked wheels, particularly due to elasticity between the body and the chassis. These movements of the body 5 are indicated by the three curved arrows above the vehicle 1.

[0029] The occupants of vehicle 1 are conventionally exposed to the movements imposed by the means of transport 2 and transmitted to the body 5 via the chassis 3. According to the invention, however, vehicle 1 can be operated in a so-called transport mode, in which the transport-related causes of roll and / or pitch movements of the body 5 are detected by the sensors on vehicle 1 and suitable countermeasures are initiated. For this purpose, the chassis sensors 9 and the vehicle sensor 10 detect movements of the body 5, and the control unit 4 controls the active chassis unit 6 on the front or rear axle, respectively, depending on the detected sensor information, in order to, for example, eliminate the roll of the body 5.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, using a different chassis actuator, such as an active spring system or active damping system, can also eliminate or at least reduce body pitch. This measure increases the ride comfort of an occupant in the body 5 and prevents or at least alleviates occupant motion sickness. In the example shown, the control unit 4 accesses signals from the chassis sensors 9 of the rear wheel 7 and the front wheel 8, as well as sensor signals from the vehicle sensor 10. Other sensor configurations are conceivable.

[0031] The transport system shown in the figure refers to a car ferry as the means of transport 2. It should be noted that the invention is also applicable to other means of transport, such as (road-bound) car transporters or (rail-bound) car trains. Even with such transport systems, there are situations in which a vehicle parked on the ferry is subject to the movements of the transport vehicle, and it may be advantageous to actively decouple the vehicle's body from these movements. The invention provides a solution for this, which advantageously utilizes sensors and actuators already present on the vehicle. Reference sign 1 vehicle 2 means of transport (car ferry) 3 Chassis 4 Control unit 5 Bodywork 6 active suspension system 7 rear wheel 8 front wheel 9 Chassis sensor 10 Vehicle sensor

Claims

[1] Vehicle (1), in particular a passenger car, with a body (5), a chassis (3) on which the body (5) is supported, and means (4, 6) for actively influencing the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body (5), wherein the vehicle (1) is operable in a transport mode in which the vehicle (1) is transported in a standing position, to detect transport-related causes for roll and / or pitch movements of the body (5) and to initiate a measure influencing the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body (5), wherein the vehicle (1) is assigned at least one active chassis device (6), in particular a chassis actuator for influencing the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body (5), and a control device (4), wherein the control device (4) is operable to actuate at least one active chassis device (6) in order to influence the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body (5), characterized by, that the vehicle (1) is assigned a sensor device with which the freedom of movement of the body can be detected, wherein the control device (4) is operable to carry out a control of the active chassis device (6) taking into account the freedom of movement of the body (5), in particular to avoid a collision of the body (5) with an obstacle. [2] Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized by , that the active chassis device (6) is an active roll stabilizer and / or an active spring device and / or an active damping device and / or another device for influencing a roll and / or pitch angle of the body (5). [3] Vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the measure is intended to eliminate or at least reduce any roll and / or pitch movement of the body (5). [4] Vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the measure contributes to increasing the driving comfort of an occupant located in the body (5), in particular to preventing or alleviating motion sickness of the occupant(s). [5] Vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vehicle (1) is equipped with a sensor device (9, 10) by means of which a transport-related cause for rolling and / or pitching of the body (5) can be detected. [6] Vehicle according to claim 5, characterized by , that the sensor device (9) comprises a chassis sensor (9) associated with the chassis (3) of the vehicle (1), in particular a height sensor and / or an acceleration sensor. [7] Vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the sensor device (10) comprises a vehicle sensor (10) associated with the vehicle (1), in particular an optical sensor, preferably a camera, and / or a gyroscope and / or another sensor suitable for motion detection. [8] Vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vehicle (1) is assigned means for receiving transport-related, in particular current and / or imminent movement information of a means of transport (2) transporting the vehicle (1). [9] Transport system comprising a means of transport (2) and a vehicle (1) transported thereby, in particular a passenger car according to any of the preceding claims. [10] Method for operating a vehicle (1) during its transport, wherein the vehicle (1) comprises: a body (5), a chassis (3) on which the body (5) is supported, and Means (6) for actively influencing the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body (5), wherein the vehicle (1) is assigned at least one active chassis device (6), in particular a chassis actuator for influencing the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body (5), and a control device (4), wherein the control device (4) is operable to control at least one active chassis device (6) in order to influence the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body (5), wherein the vehicle (1) in a transport mode in which the vehicle (1) is transported in a standing position detects transport-related causes for roll and / or pitch movements of the body (5) in order to initiate a measure that influences the roll and / or pitch behavior of the body (5), characterized by, that the vehicle (1) is assigned a sensor device with which the freedom of movement of the body is detected, wherein the active chassis device (6) is controlled taking into account the freedom of movement of the body (5), in particular to avoid a collision of the body (5) with an obstacle.

Images