Method for performing a vehicle function and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (S1-S9) for performing at least one vehicle function on a parked vehicle (1), wherein a vehicle function is initiated by the user (S1), at least one sensor (8) associated with this vehicle function is switched on (S3), the execution of the vehicle function is validated based on sensor information from the at least one switched-on sensor (8) (S4, S6), based on a result of the validation, the vehicle function is either performed (S7) or its execution is prevented (S8), and the at least one sensor is switched off again (S9). The invention also relates to a vehicle (1), in particular an electric vehicle, which is configured to perform the method (S1-S9).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for performing at least one vehicle function on a parked vehicle, in which the vehicle function is initiated by the user. The invention also relates to a vehicle configured to perform the method. The invention is particularly advantageously applicable to electric vehicles.

[0002] Currently, vehicle sensors (e.g., radar sensors, cameras, etc.) are generally no longer supplied with electrical power when the vehicle is parked, meaning their sensor information can no longer be used. Furthermore, certain vehicle functions may still be available even when the vehicle is parked (so-called "offline vehicle functions"). One example is that if a user presses the "Open" button on a remote key for five seconds or longer, all of the vehicle's power-operated windows will open. Certain offline vehicle functions that can utilize sensor information are significantly restricted when the vehicle is parked.

[0003] It is also known to run certain sensors such as cameras even when the vehicle is parked, for example to monitor the environment.

[0004] US 8,433,456 B2 discloses a system and method for controlling power windows of a vehicle. This includes a vehicle-mounted receiver for wirelessly receiving a window-opening request signal from a portable device, at least one vehicle-mounted exterior condition sensor for detecting an adverse exterior condition relative to the vehicle, and a vehicle-mounted controller for communicating with the receiver and the at least one exterior condition sensor. The controller commands the opening of the one or more power windows when the receiver receives the window-opening request signal, provided that the at least one exterior condition sensor does not detect adverse exterior conditions relative to the vehicle.

[0005] DE 10 2014 204 848 A1 discloses a vehicle system. This may include a plurality of external capacitive sensors, such as door handles, and a controller connected to the plurality of capacitive sensors. The controller may be configured to identify a rain situation by a vehicle controller based on sensor data received from at least one external capacitive sensor of the vehicle; to ensure the absence of a remote key in the vicinity of the at least one locked handle and the absence of a subsequent door opening event performed upon unlocking to confirm the rain situation; and to trigger a closing action of a power actuator associated with an open vehicle window for the confirmed rain situation.

[0006] US 9 953 230 B2 discloses systems and methods for detecting a subject in a vehicle. A temperature sensor installed in the vehicle is automatically activated when the vehicle's ignition is turned off. The temperature sensor monitors the vehicle's interior temperature and activates a detection module when the monitored vehicle's interior temperature reaches a threshold.

[0007] DE 20 2016 105 696 U1 discloses a circuit for controlling a sliding / tilting roof of a parked vehicle, comprising: a first control module for monitoring a state of an engine of the vehicle; a second control module for monitoring a state of at least one accessory device; a third control module, responsive to the first and second control modules via a communication network, for closing the sliding / tilting roof a period of time after the state of the engine changes from an ON state to an OFF state when the state of the at least one accessory device is off.

[0008] DE 10 2016 120 511 A1 discloses that a vehicle computer is programmed to receive weather data from a remote server, determine a frequency based on the weather data, and obtain precipitation data from one or more vehicle sensors. The computer is further programmed to receive the precipitation data and close one or more vehicle windows based at least in part on the precipitation data.

[0009] It is the object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and in particular to provide an improved possibility of executing vehicle functions initiated by the user in an energy-saving manner.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments can be found in particular in the dependent claims.

[0011] The object is achieved by a method for carrying out at least one vehicle function on a parked vehicle, in which - a vehicle function is initiated by the user, - at least one sensor assigned to this vehicle function is switched on, - the plausibility of the vehicle function is verified based on sensor information from at least one connected sensor, - based on a result of the plausibility check, the vehicle function is carried out or its execution is prevented and - at least one sensor is switched off again.

[0012] This method advantageously allows vehicle functions initiated by the user to utilize sensor information when the vehicle is parked, thereby reducing user irritation and annoyance. Furthermore, electrical energy is saved by switching on or activating at least one sensor only when needed to perform a vehicle function. Advantageously, sensors already present in the vehicle can be used without any hardware modification.

[0013] The execution of a vehicle function on a parked vehicle includes, in particular, that such a vehicle function is available to its full extent or to a limited extent even when the vehicle is parked and can be executed accordingly. Such a vehicle function can also be referred to as an "offline vehicle function."

[0014] A parked vehicle is understood to mean, in particular, a vehicle in which driving functions and certain consumers or consumer groups, in particular all convenience consumers, have been switched off, e.g., via individual current paths or terminals, in order to save energy, achieve efficiency, and / or prevent customer irritation. This particularly includes situations outside of driving operation, e.g., parking. A parked vehicle meets, in particular, one or more of the following conditions: - Driving functions are switched off, e.g. by switching off the ignition or a drive battery; - there are no longer any passengers in the vehicle; - the vehicle has been locked from the outside.

[0015] The fact that a vehicle function is initiated for execution by the user includes in particular that a user wishes to trigger or execute the vehicle function and to do so carries out at least one action, e.g. operating a radio key, operating an application program installed on a mobile device, etc.

[0016] A sensor assigned to a vehicle function is understood in particular to be a sensor which, or whose sensor information, can or must be used to carry out and / or check the plausibility of the vehicle function. It is a development that at least one sensor assigned to the vehicle function can or must be used to check the plausibility, but not to carry out the vehicle function. It is a development that at least one sensor assigned to the vehicle function can or must be used to carry out, but not to check the plausibility of the vehicle function. It is a development that at least one sensor assigned to the vehicle function can or must be used to both carry out and check the plausibility of the vehicle function.

[0017] Turning on a sensor means, in particular, that it is electrically connected to the vehicle's on-board power supply system and then generates or can generate measured values. Turning off the sensor can, analogously, mean that it is no longer supplied with electrical energy from the vehicle's on-board power supply system.

[0018] It is a further development that the sensor information comprises measurement or sensor data directly measured by a sensor and / or sensor information derived from directly measured sensor data.

[0019] The plausibility check for the execution of a vehicle function based on sensor information from at least one sensor includes, in particular, checking or determining based on the sensor information whether it is appropriate to execute the vehicle function, or checking whether the vehicle function should be executed or not. Another result may be that it is appropriate to execute the vehicle function only to a limited extent. The execution of the vehicle function is therefore dependent on the sensor information.

[0020] The fact that the vehicle function is carried out or its implementation is prevented based on a result of the plausibility check can be extended in a further training to the effect that the vehicle function is only carried out to a limited extent.

[0021] For example, a user wants to activate a specific vehicle function on a parked vehicle. Once the vehicle has acknowledged this user request, the at least one sensor required to verify the plausibility of the desired vehicle function is connected to the vehicle's on-board power system. The sensor information is then used to verify whether this vehicle function may or should be performed. The vehicle function is then executed or prevented accordingly. If the vehicle function is permitted, this can be done by activating the required sensors, provided they have not already been activated for plausibility checks.In a further development, a sensor required for plausibility check is electrically disconnected from the on-board power supply system at the latest when the vehicle function has been carried out or prevented, and a sensor required for execution is electrically disconnected in particular when the vehicle function has been carried out.

[0022] In one embodiment, the at least one sensor is connected to the vehicle's on-board power supply system via an electronic fuse, and the sensor is switched on and off by switching the associated electronic fuse on or off. This is advantageous because an electronic fuse (also known as an "e-fuse") can be switched quickly and precisely and can therefore also be used as an on / off switch for connecting to or disconnecting from the on-board power supply system. An electronic fuse is also robust and compact and enables voltage and / or current measurement on the current path it protects.

[0023] A further development is that at least one sensor is protected by its own electronic fuse, allowing it to be switched on and off at will. This advantageously allows for particularly high power savings.

[0024] A further development is the protection of several sensors by a common electronic fuse. This advantageously eliminates the need for electronic fuses, especially in cases where these multiple sensors can or even must be used together to perform and / or verify a test.

[0025] In a further development, the electronic fuse can also protect other electrically operated components such as actuators, etc. Alternatively, at least one electronic fuse is dedicated or intended exclusively to protect at least one sensor.

[0026] In one embodiment, at least one vehicle function includes moving at least one vehicle component. This can also be expressed as at least one vehicle function including or enabling the operation of at least one actuator or motor.

[0027] In one embodiment, the at least one vehicle component is at least one window, in particular a door window. The associated motor can then be a window lift motor.

[0028] In one embodiment, the at least one vehicle component is at least one flap, in particular a sunroof. The sunroof can be moved and / or folded open.

[0029] In one embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises or is a precipitation sensor and the presence or absence of precipitation such as rain or snow is or can be determined based on the sensor information from the precipitation sensor. The precipitation sensor can also be referred to as a “rain sensor” or “wiper sensor”. The use of a precipitation sensor is particularly advantageous for determining whether a window or hatch of the vehicle should or may be opened in response to a user’s request. The result can be affirmative, for example, if the precipitation sensor detects no precipitation, or alternatively no precipitation, or only slight precipitation. Accordingly, the result can be negative if the precipitation sensor detects precipitation, or alternatively noticeable precipitation.

[0030] In one embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises at least one sensor from the group consisting of a radar sensor, camera, distance sensor, ultrasonic sensor, temperature sensor, and / or pressure sensor. For example, a user-triggered automatic door opening can be checked for plausibility based on sensor information from a camera and / or a lateral distance sensor as to whether the lateral distance to an adjacent parked vehicle is sufficiently large. If this is not the case, the automatic door opening can be prevented, or only a limited door unlocking can occur, but the door cannot be pushed open. Further application examples can include, for example, automatically extending the exterior mirrors when unlocking, opening the tailgate with the foot (on the diffuser); automatically closing the tailgate; automatically closing the windows; opening the hood and / or opening the fuel cap, etc.

[0031] One embodiment allows the vehicle function to be triggered remotely. The method is particularly advantageous for this purpose because the sensor-based plausibility check can advantageously at least partially replace direct monitoring of the vehicle function by a user. Remote control can be triggered, for example, by operating a radio key, by an application program installed on a mobile device, etc. To be capable of remote control, the vehicle, as is generally known, has at least one signal receiver that can receive signals, in particular commands, emitted by the remote control.

[0032] It is an embodiment, alternatively an independent method for performing at least one vehicle function on a parked vehicle, that - a vehicle function is initiated by the user, - then a communication module of the vehicle is activated, - information concerning this vehicle function is queried or requested by at least one external entity via the communication module and transmitted to the vehicle, - the communication module is deactivated again, especially immediately after the information has been transmitted, - this information is used to verify the plausibility of the vehicle function and - based on a result of the plausibility check, the vehicle function is carried out or its execution is prevented.

[0033] In this method, information transmitted by at least one external instance is used to perform the plausibility check and / or the vehicle function, either as an alternative or in addition to sensor information. For example, a weather report from a weather service server can be transmitted in addition to or as an alternative to a precipitation sensor to determine whether windows, roof hatches, etc., should be opened. If a weather report is transmitted from a weather service server in addition to using a precipitation sensor, the vehicle's communication module can also be permanently activated or active.

[0034] The object is also achieved by a vehicle configured to perform the method as described above. The vehicle can be configured analogously to the method, and vice versa, and has the same advantages.

[0035] The vehicle can be an internal combustion engine vehicle, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0036] The above-described properties, features and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more clearly understood in connection with the following schematic description of an embodiment, which is explained in more detail in connection with the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a sketch of a vehicle according to a possible embodiment; and Fig. 2 shows a possible sequence of a method according to the invention.

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a sketch of a vehicle 1 according to a possible exemplary embodiment. The vehicle 1 has an on-board power supply system 2 that is fed from an electrical energy storage device 3. A main control unit 4 of the vehicle 1 is permanently connected to the on-board power supply system 2, e.g., via a permanently connected fuse element such as, for example, an electronic fuse that is permanently connected (until a fuse blows) (not shown). The vehicle 1 also has a plurality of sensors 5 to 9, such as a temperature sensor 5, a radar sensor 6, a first camera 7, a precipitation sensor 8, a second camera 9, etc. The sensors 5 to 9 are connected to the on-board power supply system 2 via respective electronic fuses EF1 to EF5. The electronic fuses EF1 to EF5 can be selectively switched to conducting or blocking by means of the main control unit 4. The electronic fuses EF1 to EF5 allow sensors 5 to 9 to be switched on and off as required.

[0038] Other electrically operated vehicle components and component groups can also be connected to the on-board power supply system 2 via electronic fuses, such as a permanently connected door control unit 10 here, which can be protected by an electronic fuse EF6, but is not switched off by this during normal operation. The door control unit 10 is designed, for example, to control at least one window lift motor 11 for selectively raising or lowering at least one door window (not shown). At least one sensor 12, which can detect a position, in particular an end position, of an associated door window, e.g. a microswitch, can also be coupled to the door control unit 10. The door control unit 10 can also be designed to selectively lock or unlock at least one door lock (not shown).The door control unit 10, the at least one window lift motor 11, and the at least one sensor 12 can, as shown, be protected by the common electronic fuse EF6. In another development, the at least one window lift motor 11 and / or the at least one sensor 12 can be protected by respective electronic fuses and can thus be individually switched on and off. This advantageously enables a reduction in power consumption of at least the at least one sensor 12. Furthermore, the at least one dedicated sensor 12 can also be omitted, for example, if a stoppage of a window movement can be detected by evaluating a motor current of the associated window lift motor 11.

[0039] The main control unit 4 is further coupled for data purposes to a permanently connected signal receiver 13, which is configured to receive data signals, in particular commands, from an external entity that can be used as a remote control, such as, in this case, a radio key 15. The signal receiver 13 can be, for example, a radio module, in particular a Bluetooth module, but also, for example, an IR receiver, etc.

[0040] The main control unit 4 is also data-linked to a communication module 14, which is configured to exchange data signals with external network instances such as a cloud computer, a network server, a backend, etc. The communication module 14 can, for example, be a radio module, in particular a GSM, EDGE, 4G, 5G, WiFi, etc. module. The communication module 14 can optionally be connected to the on-board power supply system 2 via an electronic fuse (not shown), which advantageously allows it to be individually switched on and off, e.g., to save electrical energy.

[0041] Fig.Figure 2 shows a possible sequence of a method according to the invention based on an exemplary embodiment that can be implemented when the vehicle 1 is parked. When the vehicle 1 is parked, the main control unit 4, the door control unit 10, and the signal receiver 13 are connected to the on-board power supply system 2 and are thus switched on, possibly in a sleep or standby mode. The electronic fuses EF1 to EF5 are switched off, so that the sensors 5 to 9 are switched off and do not draw any current.

[0042] In step S1, a user outside the vehicle 1 issues a command via the remote key 15 to open all door windows. This can be achieved, for example, by pressing an "Open" button on the remote key 15 for more than 5 seconds. This actuation can be intentional or unintentional / accidental. Actuation thus triggers a vehicle function on the user side to open all door windows.

[0043] In a step S2, the command issued by the radio key 15 corresponding to the vehicle function initiated by the user is received by the signal receiver 13 and forwarded to the main control unit 4, which can also be considered a trigger. If the precipitation sensor 8 remained switched off, the main control unit 4 could instruct the door control unit 10 to actuate all window lift motors 11 to open the door windows, which would then be carried out without further ado by the door control unit 10.

[0044] However, the main control unit 4 is advantageously configured to switch the electronic fuse EF4 on in step S3 when the vehicle 1 is parked and the above command is received, thereby switching on the precipitation sensor 8.

[0045] In step S4, sensor information is generated by the now switched-on precipitation sensor 8 and transmitted to the main control unit 4, namely whether or not there is currently - possibly at least noticeable - precipitation such as rain or snow.

[0046] In step S5, the electronic fuse EF4 is switched off and the precipitation sensor 8 is switched off again.

[0047] In step S6, the plausibility of the vehicle function is checked based on this sensor information: if precipitation is present according to precipitation sensor 8, opening all windows is deemed impractical, for example, because the vehicle interior could potentially be damaged by moisture. If there is no precipitation, however, it is assumed that nothing prevents opening all windows.

[0048] If it is determined in step S6 according to the result of the plausibility check that nothing stands in the way of opening all windows because no precipitation is falling ("N"), in step S7 the main control unit 4 issues a corresponding command to the door control unit 10, which carries out this user-triggered vehicle function, i.e. opens the windows.

[0049] If it is determined in step S6 according to the result of the plausibility check that opening the door windows is not advisable because precipitation is falling (“Y”), the main control unit 4 prevents the windows from opening, for example by not issuing a corresponding command from the main control unit 4 to the door control unit 10.

[0050] Following steps S7 and S8, the method is terminated in step S9.

[0051] Alternatively, the precipitation sensor 8 can also be switched off again at other times in the process, for example after step S6 or with step S9.

[0052] Alternatively or in addition to using the precipitation sensor 8, the main control unit 4 can, after receiving the command via the signal receiver 13, switch on the communication module 14 (if it is not already permanently connected) and use it to obtain a weather report for the location of the vehicle 1. Based on the weather report, it can then determine whether or not the door windows should be opened. For example, opening could be prevented if the weather report currently indicates precipitation and / or predicts precipitation for a specific period, e.g., for the next half hour. The communication module 14 can be switched off again after transmitting the weather report if it is not or should not be permanently connected to the on-board power supply system.

[0053] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown.

[0054] Thus, in an alternative, the described window opening function with intelligent control of the electronic fuse EF4 etc. can also be carried out directly by the door control unit 10, bypassing the main control unit 10.

[0055] In general, “a”, “an”, etc. can be understood as a singular or a plural, in particular in the sense of “at least one” or “one or more”, etc., unless this is explicitly excluded, e.g. by the expression “exactly one”, etc.

[0056] A numerical value may also include the exact number stated as well as a usual tolerance range, as long as this is not explicitly excluded. List of reference symbols 1 vehicle 2 On-board power system 3 Electrical energy storage 4 Main control unit 5 Temperature sensor 6 radar sensor 7 First Camera 8 Rainfall sensor 9 Second camera 10 Door control unit 11 Window lift motor 12 Sensor 13 signal receivers 14 Communication module 15 radio keys Ef1-EF6 Electronic fuse S1-S9 process steps QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 8 433 456 B2

[0004] DE 10 2014 204 848 A1

[0005] US 9 953 230 B2

[0006] DE 20 2016 105 696 U1

[0007] DE 10 2016 120 511 A1

[0008]

Claims

[1] Method (S1 - S9) for performing at least one vehicle function on a parked vehicle (1), in which - a vehicle function is triggered by the user to be executed (S1, S2), - at least one sensor (8) assigned to this vehicle function is switched on (S3), - the implementation of the vehicle function is checked for plausibility (S4, S6) based on sensor information from the at least one connected sensor (8), - based on a result of the plausibility check, the vehicle function is carried out (S7) or its execution is prevented (S8) and - at least one sensor is switched off again (S9). [2] Method (S1 - S9) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor (8) is connected to an on-board power supply system (2) of the vehicle (1) by means of an electronic fuse (EF4) and the switching on and off of the sensor (8) is achieved by switching the associated electronic fuse (EF4) on or off. [3] Method (S1 - S9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one vehicle function comprises moving at least one vehicle component (S8). [4] Method (S1 - S9) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one vehicle component is at least one window, in particular a door window. [5] Method (S1 - S9) according to one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the at least one vehicle component is at least one flap, in particular a sliding roof. [6] Method (S1 - S9) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one sensor (8) comprises a precipitation sensor and the presence or absence of precipitation is determined (S4) on the basis of the sensor information of the precipitation sensor (8). [7] Method (S1 - S9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one sensor from the group - radar sensor (6), - Camera (7, 9), - Distance sensor, - Ultrasonic sensor, - temperature sensor (5), - Pressure sensor, includes. [8] Method (S1 - S9) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the vehicle function is triggered remotely (S1). [9] Method (S1 - S9) for carrying out at least one vehicle function on a parked vehicle (1), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, in which - a vehicle function is triggered by the user to be executed (S1, S2), - then a communication module (14) of the vehicle is activated, - information concerning this vehicle function is transmitted to the vehicle (1) by means of the communication module from at least one external entity, - the communication module (14) is deactivated again after the information has been transmitted, - this information is used to verify the plausibility of the vehicle function and - based on a result of the plausibility check, the vehicle function is carried out or its execution is prevented. [10] Method (S1 - S9) according to claim 9, wherein the information comprises a weather report. [11] Vehicle (1), in particular electric vehicle, wherein the vehicle (1) is designed to carry out the method (S1 - S9) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images