SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING FUNCTIONAL POWER STATES DYNAMIC TO FUNCTIONAL RUNTIME

Abstract

Method for operating a function-related part of a vehicle, comprising: - Recording (S10) a function call for a function of the vehicle performed and / or provided by a mechanical part; - Determine (S20) a functional requirement of the recorded function call; - Determine (S30) a power supply circuit (1) for the detected function call; and - Switching (S40) at least one partial power supply circuit (20, 21, 22) of the determined power supply circuit (1) based on the determined functional requirement, wherein the switching (S40) includes switching an eFuse, which involves controlling the eFuse using an eFuse ID assigned to the eFuse, and / or controlling a subnet vector, which involves changing at least one bit in the subnet vector, of the determined power supply circuit (1) of the vehicle, so that the at least one partial power supply circuit (20, 21, 22) is switched.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a function-related part of a vehicle, as well as a system.

[0002] Vehicle electrical systems are typically designed to supply the vehicle's electrical components with the necessary energy. They usually consist of a battery, a generator, a voltage regulator, and various electrical components that control and monitor the power supply system. Modern vehicles have a wide variety of electrical components powered by the electrical system, including lighting systems, air conditioning, radio, navigation systems, airbags, ABS systems, and much more. To ensure efficient power supply, various control units and sensors are often used to monitor and control the energy consumption of each component.

[0003] Furthermore, ECUs (Electronic Control Units) are commonly found in vehicles, where they are used as electronic control units in modern vehicles, industrial plants, and other complex systems to control and / or optimize various functions and processes. An ECU's task is typically to receive and process signals from various sensors and make decisions based on this information. The ECU is usually capable of performing complex calculations and controlling the relevant components to achieve the desired result. In the automotive sector, for example, an ECU is responsible for monitoring and controlling engine performance, brakes, transmission, air conditioning, and other, particularly critical, systems. The use of ECUs allows for the optimization of complex vehicle processes.

[0004] DE 10 2021 120 809 B3 discloses a device with a primary module and a secondary module, wherein the secondary module is connected to the primary module via at least one interface and is at least partially controllable by the primary module.The primary module comprises at least one power supply input configured for inputting a supply voltage from a vehicle's power supply into the primary module, a sensing module configured for sensing at least one measured quantity and determining a determined parameter relating to the vehicle from the at least one measured quantity, an activation circuit configured to activate and / or control the secondary module using the determined parameter, and a signaling output configured to generate and / or output a signal based on the determined parameter, wherein the secondary module has a power supply unit that can be powered by a supply voltage input into the power supply input of the primary module and is configured to supply the secondary module and / or at least one peripheral device.

[0005] DE 10 2011 104 259 A1 discloses a motor vehicle in which a predetermined function is provided by a first control unit under a first operating condition and by a second control unit under a second operating condition, wherein the first control unit is also switched off in the second operating condition.

[0006] DE 10 2017 206 831 A1 discloses a control device for a vehicle power supply with a plurality of area power supply slaves, which are connected to respective different device groups, which are designed with a plurality of different devices installed in a vehicle, and which regulate a current with which the devices in the connected device groups are supplied, a plurality of area power supply masters, which are connected to respective different area power supply slaves and which regulate a current with which the connected area power supply slaves are supplied, and a vehicle power supply master, which is connected to the area power supply masters and a battery of the vehicle and regulates a current with which the area power supply masters are supplied by the battery.

[0007] DE 10 2021 131 509 A1 (post-publication prior art pursuant to Section 3 (2) PatG) discloses a method for remotely updating the software of at least one functional component of a vehicle, in which updated software for the at least one functional component is transmitted to the vehicle from an external instance or received by the vehicle, the updated software is installed on the at least one functional component, and other functional components, which are not required for the installation and are protected by controllable or electrically switchable fuses, are electrically disconnected from the vehicle's supply network by blocking their fuses.

[0008] In particular, one object of the invention is to optimize energy requirements in the vehicle, especially to further improve energy consumption, and in particular to reduce it.

[0009] The solution to this problem is achieved according to the teaching of the independent claims. Various embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for operating a function-demand-related part of a vehicle is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting a function request for a function of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the method includes determining the function requirement of the detected function request. In another embodiment, the method includes determining a power supply circuit or power supply network for the detected function request. In another embodiment, the method includes, in particular selectively, switching at least one partial power supply circuit of the determined power supply circuit based on the detected function requirement.

[0011] This allows energy to be consumed, in particular, only when a function is accessed or requested. If this vehicle function is not used, the power supply to the circuits associated with the function is advantageously disconnected and / or deactivated. This can advantageously save energy, especially in hybrid or purely electric vehicles, and furthermore, in particular, increase the electric range of these vehicles.

[0012] The term "function," as used herein, shall be understood in particular as a specific action or task performed by a particular system and / or component in the vehicle. A function is performed and / or provided by a mechanical part, optionally also by an electronic component and / or a computer program or computer program product.

[0013] The term "functional requirement," as used herein, shall be understood in particular as that part or those parts of a (vehicle) function that are needed, especially necessary, for the immediate execution of an action or task, or for the execution of the sub-function associated with the function call. In other words, the "functional requirement" shall represent a minimum requirement of components, especially mechanical and / or electronic parts, computers, or controllers for executing computer programs or computer program products required for the function, which is just sufficient, in particular, to meet the recorded function call or to fulfill this function call.

[0014] A function in a vehicle is typically controlled and monitored by a component, in particular a dedicated circuit or part of a circuit, on or by one or more electronic control units (ECUs), which usually communicate with each other via a network of data buses. In one embodiment, the function(s) may also be supported by sensors and actuators that help to acquire the necessary data and perform the required actions or tasks. In one embodiment, switching at least one partial power supply circuit includes providing a power supply to the circuit or part of the circuit on the one or more ECUs, in particular based on the determined functional requirement, and in particular, energizing the parts of the power supply identified for the functional requirement. In one embodiment, switching includes de-energizing or...This involves disconnecting the parts from the power supply that are not used for the function, and in particular, that do not belong to the determined functional requirement. In one embodiment, several function calls can be recorded simultaneously, at least essentially. The determined requirement then comprises a requirement for the multiple or numerous recorded functions, especially a cumulative requirement, which is then used as the basis for switching at least one partial power supply circuit.

[0015] For example, if the intensity of a seat massage function is changed, but the massage itself is not activated, the circuit or part of a control unit responsible for the mechanical execution of the massage may remain deactivated, in particular the power supply circuit for a control unit of the mechanical execution of the massage, especially the motor(s) for the mechanical execution of the massage, may be switched off, in particular by means of an eFuse, an electrically switchable relay, an electronic switch, by means of subnet vector control or subnet vector bit, or the like.

[0016] In one interpretation, switching does not refer to switching all power supply circuits associated with the function or switching on / off an ECU on which part of the computing power and / or components are associated with the function, but, in particular, only to switching on / off a power supply circuit that is associated, in particular directly, with the requested function or the functional requirement.

[0017] The term "function call," as used herein, shall be understood in particular as the retrieval or activation of a vehicle function by a user, especially the driver. This activation may be carried out via a user interface in the vehicle, a switch, or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the term "function call," as used herein, shall be understood in particular as the retrieval or activation of a vehicle function by a system, device, function, or the like of the vehicle itself or its systems, devices, components, or the like, in particular without any action by a user.In one interpretation, the term "function call," as used herein, is to be understood in particular as a function trigger and / or function release, whereby "function call," "function trigger," and / or "function release" are also to be understood as switching off, locking, or rejecting a function of the vehicle. In one interpretation, this can encompass a change relating to a function and / or user function of the vehicle, in particular through operation by a user or by the vehicle or its systems themselves.

[0018] The switching process involves switching an electronic fuse (eFuse) and / or controlling a subnetwork vector of the identified power supply circuit of the vehicle, such that at least one subnetwork circuit is switched. In one embodiment, the switching process may additionally involve switching an electronic control unit (ECU), in particular a single ECU, and / or locally waking up an ECU, in particular a single ECU, using a power distribution unit (PDU), in particular a wakeable one, particularly at runtime and, furthermore, particularly without groups. Switching an eFuse involves controlling the eFuse using an eFuse ID assigned to the eFuse. An eFuse is typically programmable and can be adapted according to requirements and circuit configuration, in particular by means of an ID assigned to the eFuse.Controlling a subnetwork vector involves changing at least one bit in the vector, thereby switching at least one sub-supply circuit. The term "subnetwork vector(s)," as used herein, is preferably to be understood as vector(s) used in (power) electronics to describe the circuit configuration of power supply systems or power supply networks, in particular for a subnetwork that is, in particular, a part of an overall network composed of several, in particular individually energizable, branches and nodes. In one embodiment, the subnetwork vectors describe currents and voltages in this subnetwork and can, in particular, be used for controlling and regulating the power supply, and further, in particular, for activating and / or deactivating the energization of the subnetwork. In another embodiment, the subnetwork vectors are generated dynamically, in particular for switching.In one embodiment, the switching includes a, in particular dynamic, determination of subnetwork vectors, especially of at least one subnetwork vector.

[0019] Subnetwork vectors can be manipulated by mathematical operations, or are manipulated by them, in order to achieve the desired control and regulation of the power supply.

[0020] In one embodiment, determining a function requirement involves determining a parallel secondary function and / or a sequential secondary function; in particular, in one embodiment, a secondary function required for the function requirement is determined, especially automatically.

[0021] This advantageously allows the determination of the (functional) requirements, particularly the total requirements, and furthermore, the precise adjustment or determination of the vehicle's energy consumption, thereby reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, this enables the consideration of competing functional requirements, especially when switching partial power supply circuits.

[0022] In one implementation, determining a power supply circuit involves determining a power supply circuit for the secondary function.

[0023] In one implementation, a secondary function may use a different power supply circuit, or at least part of a different power supply circuit, than the (primary) function.

[0024] In one embodiment, the method features a time-shifted switching of at least one partial power supply circuit for the sequential secondary function, in particular automated switching.

[0025] This advantageously allows, in one embodiment, a predetermined function cascade, which follows a detected function call, to be provided, particularly automatically, especially at a predetermined time. In another embodiment, this enables only those partial power supply circuits to be active or energized that are necessary or required for the functional requirements of the (primary) function and the secondary function. This advantageously allows, in one embodiment, energy consumption to be (further) reduced.

[0026] In one embodiment, the switching involves, in particular, the selective switching off of at least one partial power supply circuit of the identified power supply circuit based on the determined functional requirement. In another embodiment, the functional requirement further describes the requirement for a secondary function and / or another function, particularly relevant to and / or after the function call. The (particularly selective) switching of partial power supply circuits is based, in one embodiment, on identifying competing functions, particularly when determining the functional requirement, and switching, in particular only, those partial power supply circuits that can be switched according to the functional requirement.This means, without limiting the generality, that, for example, a seat massage function does not impair the function of a cruise control system by switching off partial power supply circuits used or required by the cruise control system. Rather, in one embodiment, determining a functional requirement also includes determining the requirement of functions that are activated, particularly at the time of the detected function call, or that are to be continuously maintained. Accordingly, the switching of partial power supply circuits, especially selective switching, involves only switching partial power supply circuits that do not impair the function of the (other) functions of the vehicle. In other words, in one embodiment, the functional requirements, which can also be referred to as active paths, are added together.as an addition of active paths that are in particular independent and / or have no functional dependency(ies) between functions of different domains of the vehicle, or in particular such that no dependency(ies) arise between functions of different domains of the vehicle.

[0027] In one implementation, determining a functional requirement corresponds to determining a switching profile and / or a resource plan profile, which in particular involves switching on or off partial power supply circuits that are required in addition to the already energized partial power supply circuits according to the detected function call, i.e., that must be additionally energized, and / or that can be (additionally) switched off or whose power supply can be (additionally) disconnected with regard to the detected function call.

[0028] This allows for a more resource-efficient operation of a vehicle in one version.

[0029] It is within the scope of the invention to combine the process steps described above and / or to integrate one process step into another process step.

[0030] In one embodiment, the method is not used to interconnect logic units on one or more ECUs, but relates to energizing or de-energizing partial power supply circuits and / or parts of power supply networks, in particular in such a way that (also) parts of systems are energized or de-energized which are required for a function or its needs, or respectively are not required for the function and accordingly there is no need for this part.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for operating a function-related part of a vehicle, which is set up and / or comprises: at least one power supply network with at least one power supply circuit; and at least one means for switching at least one partial power supply circuit of the power supply circuit.

[0032] This can advantageously increase the range of an electric vehicle.

[0033] Any terms used herein, such as "comprises," "includes," "features," "has," "with," or any other variant thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method or apparatus that includes or features a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such method or apparatus.

[0034] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, "or" refers to an inclusive or and not an exclusive "or". For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0035] The terms "ein" or "eine," as used here, are defined as "one or more." The terms "ein anderer" and "ein Weitere," as well as any other variant thereof, are to be understood as "at least one more."

[0036] The terms "configured" or "set up" to perform a specific function (and their respective variations), as used here, mean that a device or component thereof already exists in a configuration or setting capable of performing the function, or at least is adjustable—i.e., configurable—so that it can perform the function after appropriate adjustment. Configuration can be achieved, for example, by adjusting process parameters or by using switches or similar devices to activate or deactivate functionalities or settings. In particular, the device may have several predefined configurations or operating modes, allowing configuration by selecting one of these.

[0037] Unless expressly excluded or technically impossible, the various exemplary embodiments can each be combined arbitrarily with each other and with the other described embodiments of the present solution.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, a computer program or computer program product is provided. In one embodiment, the computer program or computer program product contains instructions, particularly those stored on a computer-readable and / or non-volatile storage medium, which, when executed by one or more computers or a system described herein, cause the computer(s) or system to perform a method described herein.

[0039] The computer program can be stored, in particular, on a non-volatile data carrier. Preferably, this is a data carrier in the form of an optical data carrier or a flash memory module. This can be advantageous if the computer program itself is to be handled independently of a processor platform on which the one or more programs are to be executed. In another implementation, the computer program can exist as a file on a data processing unit, in particular on a server, and be downloadable via a data connection, for example, the Internet or a dedicated data connection, such as a proprietary or local network. Furthermore, the computer program can comprise a plurality of interacting individual program modules. The modules can, in particular, be configured, or at least be usable, in such a way that they function in the sense of distributed computing (i.e., distributed computing)."Distributed computing" is performed on different devices (computers or processor units) that are geographically separated and connected via a data network.

[0040] The system may accordingly have a program memory in which the computer program is stored. Alternatively, the system may also be configured to access an external computer program, for example on one or more servers or other data processing units, via a communication link, in particular to exchange data with it that is used during the execution of the procedure or computer program or represents outputs of the computer program.

[0041] Further advantages, features and applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. This will show Fig. 1. schematically a section of a power supply circuit; and Fig. 2 a flowchart to illustrate an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0042] The elements depicted in the figures are not necessarily shown to scale. Rather, the various elements shown in the figures are represented in such a way that their function and general purpose are understandable to a person skilled in the art. Connections and couplings between functional units and elements shown in the figures can, unless expressly stated otherwise, also be implemented as indirect connections or couplings. Functional units can, in particular, be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0043] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a section of a power supply circuit 1 with a first control unit 2 and a second control unit 2' connected to a partial power supply circuit 20, and an actuator 11 connected to another partial power supply circuit 21. A sensor 12 is also shown as an example connected to a further partial power supply circuit 22. These components can be energized or disconnected from the power supply via the switches shown in black, where "switch" is understood here simply as an element designed for switching a circuit, without any limitation of generality. Furthermore, parts of the control units 10, 10', 10'', 10''' are shown, each of which can be switched via switches (shown in black). If a function request is detected whose function requirement includes part 10" of the control unit 2' and the sensor 12, the partial power supply circuits 20 and 22 are energized or disconnected.The circuit 20, in particular the part containing part 10" of the control unit 2', is switched off. The other partial power supply circuits 21 and those containing parts 10, 10' and 10''' are de-energized. This allows for further energy savings in one configuration, which would otherwise have been consumed in the other parts of the control units.

[0044] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method according to the invention. The schematically shown method comprises: acquiring S10 a function call for a function of the vehicle, determining S20 a function requirement of the acquired function call, determining S30 a power supply circuit for the acquired function call, and switching S40 at least one partial power supply circuit of the determined power supply circuit based on the determined function requirement.

[0045] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been described above, it should be noted that a large number of variations exist. It should also be noted that the described exemplary embodiments are merely non-limiting examples, and it is not intended to restrict the scope, applicability, or configuration of the devices and methods described herein. Rather, the preceding description will provide the person skilled in the art with guidance for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment. It is understood that various modifications to the function and arrangement of the elements described in an exemplary embodiment can be made without derogating from the subject matter defined in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 power supply circuit 2, 2' Electronic Control Unit (ECU) 10, 10', 10'', 10''' Partial power supply circuit 11 (Actuating) Motor 12 Sensor 20 partial power supply circuit 21 Partial power supply circuit 22 Partial power supply circuit S10 Recording a function call S20 Determining functional requirements S30 Determining a power supply circuit S40 Switching a partial power supply circuit

Claims

[1] Method for operating a function-related part of a vehicle, comprising: - Recording (S10) a function call for a function of the vehicle performed and / or provided by a mechanical part; - Determine (S20) a functional requirement of the recorded function call; - Determine (S30) a power supply circuit (1) for the detected function call; and - Switching (S40) at least one partial power supply circuit (20, 21, 22) of the determined power supply circuit (1) based on the determined functional requirement, wherein the switching (S40) includes switching an eFuse, which involves controlling the eFuse using an eFuse ID assigned to the eFuse, and / or controlling a subnet vector, which involves changing at least one bit in the subnet vector, of the determined power supply circuit (1) of the vehicle, so that the at least one partial power supply circuit (20, 21, 22) is switched. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the switching (S40) includes a determination, in particular a dynamic determination, of the subnetwork vector, in particular for switching the at least one partial power supply circuit (20, 21, 22). [3] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that determining (S20) a function requirement involves determining a parallel secondary function and / or sequential secondary function, in particular based on the determined function requirement. [4] Method according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that determining (S20) a power supply circuit (1) involves determining a power supply circuit (1) for the secondary function. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims 3 or 4, characterized by , that the method features a time-shifted switching of at least one partial power supply circuit (20, 21, 22) for the sequential secondary function, in particular automated. [6] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the switching involves switching off at least one partial power supply circuit (20, 21, 22) of the determined power supply circuit (1) based on the determined functional requirement. [7] System for operating a function-related part of a vehicle, which is equipped and / or comprises a method according to one of the preceding claims: at least one power supply network with at least one power supply circuit (1); Means for recording (S10) a function call for a function of a vehicle performed and / or provided by a mechanical part; Means for determining (S20) a functional requirement of the recorded function call; Means for determining (S30) a power supply circuit (1) for the detected function call; and at least one switching device that is configured for switching (S40) at least one partial power supply circuit (20, 21, 22) of the power supply circuit (1), based on the determined functional requirement, wherein the switching (S40) is a switching of an eFuse, which involves controlling the eFuse using an eFuse ID assigned to the eFuse, and / or controlling a subnet vector, which exhibits a change of at least one bit in the subnet vector of the determined power supply circuit (1) of the vehicle, such that at least one subpower supply circuit (20, 21, 22) is switched. [8] Computer program or computer program product, wherein the computer program or computer program product, in particular stored on a computer-readable and / or non-volatile storage medium, contains instructions which, when executed by one or more computers or a system according to claim 7, cause the computer(s) or system to carry out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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