Method for controlling an automatic start-stop function of a motor vehicle, control unit and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling an automatic start-stop function (11) of a motor vehicle, which is configured to trigger an automatic switching off and starting of the motor vehicle's engine when the motor vehicle is stationary, wherein, by means of a control device, after receiving a deactivation command, the start-stop function (11) is deactivated (V1), upon expiry of a predetermined time interval after deactivation of the start-stop function (11) or as soon as the motor vehicle has traveled a predetermined distance, a deactivation message is issued in an interior of the motor vehicle by means of an output device, which characterizes that the start-stop function (11) is deactivated and which includes a prompt to confirm the deactivation (V2), and the start-stop function (11) is activated.if, in response to the output of the deactivation information, no confirmation user input is detected that characterizes that the start-stop function (11) is to be kept deactivated, and the start-stop function (11) is kept deactivated if, in response to the output of the deactivation information, a confirmation user input is detected (V3).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for controlling an automatic start-stop function of a motor vehicle, a control device and a motor vehicle.

[0002] From DE 10 2014 204 817 A1, a method is known in which an input signal is received indicating whether the vehicle propulsion conditions for an automatic engine stop are met. Furthermore, the method receives an input signal indicating the presence of one or more automatic stop inhibitors that prevent the engine from automatically stopping, with the input signal also indicating that all automatic stop inhibitors relate to operator-controllable functions. The method further includes outputting at least one message via a user interface identifying the automatic stop inhibitors, the message containing a request for authorization to automatically remove the automatic stop inhibitors.The process continues to receive the input signal, which indicates authorization for the automatic removal of the auto-stop inhibitors in response to the message request, and the automatic control of operator-controllable functions to remove the auto-stop inhibitors and activate an auto-stop operation.

[0003] Furthermore, EP 3 726 048 A1 discloses an automatic start-stop system for a vehicle, which includes a control unit configured to control the stopping and starting of the vehicle's engine. The automatic stop-start function can be temporarily deactivated by the vehicle's driver. The control unit is configured to reactivate the automatic stop-start function after a predetermined period of time.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 10 2013 218 214 A1 discloses a system with a controller configured to receive input indicating the vehicle propulsion conditions and the presence of one or more auto-stop interlocks. The system also includes an interface communicating with the controller, configured to output a message identifying at least one of the interlocks based on a priority scheme when the vehicle propulsion conditions for an auto-stop event are met.

[0005] Furthermore, DE 10 2015 012 244 A1 discloses a starting device for starting a motor vehicle, comprising a start-stop button for starting the motor vehicle and a control and / or regulating unit designed to activate an ECO function for operating the motor vehicle when the start-stop button is pressed, wherein the start-stop button is designed for further actuation and the control and / or regulating unit is designed to deactivate the ECO function when the start-stop button is pressed again.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution which enables particularly energy-efficient operation of a motor vehicle by using an automatic start-stop function.

[0007] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further possible embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description, and the figures. Features, advantages, and possible embodiments set forth in the description for one of the subject matter of the independent claims are to be regarded, at least analogously, as features, advantages, and possible embodiments of the respective subject matter of the other independent claims, as well as of any possible combination of the subject matter of the independent claims, optionally in conjunction with one or more of the dependent claims.

[0008] The invention relates to a method for controlling an automatic start-stop function of a motor vehicle. The automatic start-stop function is designed to trigger the automatic switching off and restarting of the motor vehicle's engine when the vehicle is stationary. This means that the motor vehicle's engine is automatically switched off when the vehicle is stationary, for example, when the vehicle is waiting at a level crossing or traffic light. When a start condition for the engine is present, the engine is automatically restarted. This start condition can, for example, include receiving a signal via a car-to-car connection from a vehicle ahead, the signal indicating that the vehicle ahead has restarted its engine.Alternatively, the signal can be received via a car-to-infrastructure communication link, for example from the traffic light or the level crossing. This signal indicates that the traffic light has already changed from red to yellow or from yellow to green, or will change in the near future, or that the level crossing is already clear or will be cleared in the near future. The automatic start-stop function allows the engine to be switched off while the vehicle is stationary, thus preventing fuel or energy consumption and enabling particularly energy-efficient operation. The engine can be an internal combustion engine or an electric motor.

[0009] The procedure involves deactivating the start-stop function by means of a control unit, in particular a control unit of the vehicle, upon receiving a deactivation command. This means that the start-stop function is deactivated in response to receiving the deactivation command. The deactivation command can, in particular, be characterized by a detected user input requesting the deactivation of the start-stop function. In other words, the deactivation command can indicate that a user input from a vehicle occupant, especially the driver, has been received, which characterizes a request to deactivate the start-stop function. Once the start-stop function has been deactivated by the control unit, a counter is started.This counter can count the time elapsed since the start-stop function was deactivated and / or the distance traveled by the vehicle since the start-stop function was deactivated.

[0010] When a predetermined time interval has elapsed since the start-stop function was deactivated, or as soon as the vehicle has traveled a predetermined distance from its position at the time the start-stop function was deactivated, the control unit triggers an output device to display a deactivation message inside the vehicle. This predetermined time interval could, for example, be five minutes. Specifically, the output device is part of the vehicle and is configured to display the deactivation message inside the vehicle. This message indicates that the start-stop function is deactivated and prompts the driver to confirm the deactivation.In other words, the deactivation information informs at least one vehicle occupant, in particular the driver, that the start-stop function is currently deactivated. Furthermore, the deactivation information prompts this occupant to confirm that the start-stop function should remain deactivated.

[0011] The procedure further stipulates that the control unit activates the start-stop function if, in response to the output of the deactivation information, no confirmation user input is detected indicating that the start-stop function should remain deactivated. This means that the control unit activates the start-stop function if no user input corresponding to the confirmation user input has been detected within a predefined time period since the output of the deactivation information. This predefined time period can be considered to begin or end with the output of the deactivation information. It is possible to output the deactivation information multiple times consecutively, thereby ensuring a continuous deactivation.In this case, the deactivation information serves as a warning message similar to a seatbelt warning.

[0012] The procedure further stipulates that the control unit keeps the start-stop function deactivated if a confirmation user input is detected in response to the output of the deactivation information. This means that if, within the specified time period after the output of the deactivation information, the confirmation user input indicating that the start-stop function should remain deactivated is detected, then the control unit will keep the start-stop function deactivated. In particular, the control unit can keep the start-stop function deactivated until the driver manually switches off or restarts the engine. This means that, provided the confirmation user input has been received, the control unit will keep the start-stop function deactivated for the entire driving cycle.Alternatively, the deactivation information can be reissued after a predetermined time period or a further distance traveled, with a request for confirmation.

[0013] The invention is based on the fact that electronic circuits are available that automatically send a deactivation command after each vehicle start, thus deactivating the start-stop function via the control unit. To prevent the start-stop function from being permanently deactivated, particularly for the entire driving cycle, which would lead to increased fuel consumption or energy consumption, the described method is provided. If the start-stop function has been deactivated as a result of receiving the deactivation command, especially manually by a driver by activating a user input, then the situation in which the driver manually deactivated the start-stop function is expected to cease to exist after a certain distance, such as 200 meters.After this distance has been covered, the driver is notified via the display, in particular a combination display, that the start-stop function is still deactivated. The driver is prompted to confirm that the vehicle should continue operating with the start-stop function deactivated, for example, by pressing an OK button on the steering wheel. This provides an additional confirmation option, besides a deactivation control element in the vehicle, such as a deactivation button, by pressing the OK button to permanently activate the start-stop function for the duration of the driving cycle. Simply pressing the start-stop deactivation button is therefore no longer sufficient to deactivate the start-stop function for the entire driving cycle.Furthermore, the method makes it particularly easy to prevent the start-stop function from being forgotten for the remainder of the driving cycle.

[0014] In a possible further development of the invention, the deactivation command is received via a signal line connected to a control element designed as a push button, which is configured to provide the deactivation command when the push button is pressed. This means that the control element is a so-called hard key, which is configured to receive the user input that characterizes the command to deactivate the start-stop function. Alternatively, the control element can be a so-called soft key of a human-machine interface, in particular a so-called display control unit. The push button allows the user input, which triggers the provision of the deactivation command, to be received with particularly high reliability.

[0015] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the distance traveled by the motor vehicle is determined based on position data characterizing the respective position of the motor vehicle and / or on distance data provided by an odometer. In other words, the method may involve determining the position of the motor vehicle several times at regular intervals and, based on these determined positions, calculating the distance traveled by the motor vehicle. The distance traveled by the motor vehicle is determined, in particular, by the difference between the respective positions of the motor vehicle as characterized by the position data. The position data can, in particular, be received from a global satellite navigation system.Alternatively, a vehicle odometer can be used to measure the distance traveled. The odometer can determine the distance traveled, for example, by measuring the number of wheel rotations. Using position or distance data, the distance traveled by the vehicle can be determined with particularly high precision.

[0016] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the deactivation information comprises at least one optical and / or acoustic signal emitted by the output device in the vehicle interior. This optical signal can be perceived visually by the driver of the motor vehicle. The acoustic signal can be perceived by the driver by hearing. Emitting the deactivation information in the vehicle interior in the form of at least one optical signal and / or at least one acoustic signal ensures that the driver is highly likely to perceive the deactivation information.

[0017] In this context, it may be specifically intended that the output of the deactivation information includes the emission of a gong tone as an acoustic signal inside the vehicle. This means that the recorded gong tone of a gong is emitted as an acoustic signal inside the vehicle. A gong is a striking idiophone, i.e., a self-sounding instrument that is struck directly. The gong tone is a particularly effective and reliable way to attract the attention of the vehicle's driver.

[0018] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the output of the deactivation information comprises a signal sequence with the repeated output of at least one optical signal and / or at least one acoustic signal. This means that the output of the deactivation information includes the output of several signals in the interior of the vehicle. Here, only optical signals, only acoustic signals, or both optical and acoustic signals can be output sequentially in the interior of the vehicle. By outputting several signals sequentially and, if necessary, at least partially simultaneously in the interior of the vehicle as part of the deactivation information, the risk of the driver failing to perceive the deactivation information due to missing or overlooking the respective signal can be particularly minimized.

[0019] In this context, it may be specifically designed that the later the respective signals are emitted in the signal sequence, the higher the intensity of each signal. This means that, for the output of the deactivation information, the intensity of the several consecutively emitted signals is escalated. If the several consecutively emitted signals are acoustic signals, then each acoustic signal can be emitted louder than the immediately preceding acoustic signal. If the signals are optical signals, then each optical signal can be emitted with a larger area and / or brighter and / or more intense color than the preceding optical signals.If the driver does not perceive or react to the initial signals in the sequence, the system can ensure that the driver perceives the deactivation information by escalating the respective signals or increasing the intensity of subsequent signals. The time period within which the driver's confirmation input is checked can begin at the start or end of the sequence. In particular, the deactivation information can be characterized by each individual signal. This means that a single visual or audible signal, if perceived by the driver, is sufficient to inform the driver both that the start-stop function is deactivated and that they are prompted to confirm the deactivation.

[0020] The invention further relates to a control device configured to carry out a method as already described in connection with the inventive method for controlling the automatic start-stop function of the motor vehicle. This control device is particularly designed to be used in a motor vehicle.

[0021] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with a control unit as already described in connection with the control unit according to the invention. The motor vehicle further comprises an engine which is configured to be automatically switched off and subsequently restarted by the control unit.

[0022] Further features of the invention may become apparent from the following description of the figures and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features shown below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures themselves, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0023] The drawing shows in: Fig. 1. A procedural scheme for a method for controlling an automatic start-stop function of a motor vehicle; and Fig. 2 a schematic view of components of a motor vehicle by means of which an automatic start-stop function can be implemented.

[0024] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a procedure diagram for controlling an automatic start-stop function 11 of a motor vehicle. The procedure can be executed, in particular, by means of a control unit of the motor vehicle. The start-stop function 11 is designed to trigger the automatic switching off and starting of an engine, in particular an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, of the motor vehicle when the vehicle is stationary. Deactivating the start-stop function 11 leads to increased energy consumption, in particular fuel consumption. Nevertheless, deactivating the start-stop function 11 may be necessary in certain situations for operational safety reasons.Because some drivers may find the start-stop function 11 annoying, they may tamper with the connection of a deactivation button 1 in such a way that its activation is automatically simulated by an electronic circuit 2 after the vehicle is started. To prevent the deactivation of the start-stop function 11 for an entire driving cycle when the deactivation button 1 is pressed or simulated, the following procedure for controlling the automatic start-stop function 11 is provided.

[0025] The procedure comprises three process steps V1 to V3. In the first process step V1, the start-stop function 11 is deactivated upon receipt of a deactivation command. This means that the start-stop function 11 is only deactivated if the deactivation command has been received. The deactivation command is received, in particular, via a signal line 3. This signal line 3 is connected to an operating element, which is designed, in particular, as a push button, specifically to the deactivation button 1 already described. This operating element is configured to provide the deactivation command as soon as the push button has been pressed. Alternatively, the provision of the deactivation command can be triggered by the electronic circuit 2, which simulates the actuation of the deactivation button 1.

[0026] In the second process step V2, it is stipulated that, after a predetermined time interval has elapsed since the deactivation of the start-stop function 11, or as soon as the vehicle has traveled a predetermined distance since the deactivation of the start-stop function 11, a deactivation message is triggered to be displayed in the vehicle's interior via an output device. This means that the system determines whether the predetermined time interval has expired or whether the predetermined distance has been traveled since the deactivation of the start-stop function 11. If it is determined that the predetermined time interval has expired or the predetermined distance has been traveled, then the control unit triggers the display of the deactivation message.The deactivation information indicates that the start-stop function 11 is deactivated and includes a prompt to the driver to confirm the deactivation. The time interval considered from the moment the start-stop function 11 is deactivated could, for example, be five minutes.

[0027] The distance specified by the vehicle can, for example, be 200 meters. Using position data characterizing the vehicle's location, particularly by considering several recorded positions over time, it can be determined whether the vehicle has already covered the specified distance. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can use odometer data to determine the distance the vehicle has traveled since the start-stop function 11 was deactivated.

[0028] To display the deactivation information inside the vehicle, the output device can, in particular, emit at least one visual and / or at least one acoustic signal. At least one acoustic signal can be emitted as a gong tone inside the vehicle. It is possible for the output device to emit several visual and / or several acoustic signals sequentially inside the vehicle, forming a signal sequence. The intensity of each signal increases as it appears later in the sequence. In other words, the intensity of each signal in the sequence can escalate.

[0029] In the third process step V3 of the procedure, the start-stop function 11 is kept deactivated if a confirmation user input is received in response to the output of the deactivation information. This confirmation user input is an instruction from the driver to keep the start-stop function 11 deactivated. The driver can make this confirmation user input, for example, by pressing an OK button 9 on the vehicle's steering wheel. If no confirmation user input is detected in response to the output of the deactivation information, particularly within a specified time period after the output of the deactivation information, then the control unit activates the start-stop function 11.

[0030] In addition to the deactivation button 1, a second confirmation user input serves as confirmation to enable permanent deactivation of the start-stop function 11 for the driving cycle. A simple button press on deactivation button 1 is therefore no longer sufficient to permanently deactivate the start-stop function 11 for a driving cycle.

[0031] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a diagram illustrating the division of the start-stop function 11 with the vehicle components involved. Here, the following can be seen: Fig. 2. The deactivation button 1 and the point of attack for manipulation of the electrical circuit 2 can be identified. Furthermore, in Fig. 2 a central control module 4 is identified, which can also be referred to as the Body Control Module (BCM). In addition, in Fig.Figure 2 schematically shows a gateway 5, an engine control unit 6, an instrument cluster 7, and a multifunction steering wheel 8, each represented by a box. The multifunction steering wheel 8 has an OK button 9, which is configured to receive user confirmation input. The instrument cluster 7 is the output device, configured to display at least one visual signal in the form of a display 10 and / or to trigger the output of an acoustic signal, in particular a gong. The engine control unit 6 can be used to control the start-stop function 11. The control device for the procedure described above is, in this case, the engine control unit 6.

[0032] The following describes the respective signal flows between the components. First, upon receiving the deactivation command, the central control module 4 sends a trigger signal 12 to the engine control unit 6. Upon receiving this trigger signal 12, the engine control unit 6 deactivates the start-stop function 11. After deactivating the start-stop function 11, the engine control unit 6 provides an information signal 13 to the instrument cluster 7. Once the instrument cluster 7 has received the information signal 13, it outputs at least one visual signal and / or triggers at least one audible signal. Once the confirmation user input has been received via the OK button 9 on the multifunction steering wheel 8, the multifunction steering wheel 8 provides a confirmation signal 14 to the engine control unit 6.Upon receiving the confirmation signal 14, the engine control unit 6 keeps the start-stop function 11 deactivated for the entire driving cycle. The trigger signal 12, the information signal 13, and the confirmation signal 14 are each transmitted via the gateway 5. The engine control unit 6 communicates with the gateway 5 via a powertrain CAN bus, where CAN stands for Controller Area Network. CAN is a message-based protocol. The central control module 4 and the instrument cluster 7 communicate with the gateway 5 via a comfort CAN bus. The multifunction steering wheel 8 communicates with the gateway 5 via a LIN bus. LIN stands for Local Interconnected Network. A LIN bus is a serial communication system for networking sensors and actuators; it is a fieldbus.

[0033] Overall, the invention demonstrates how automatic start-stop deactivation can be prevented. Reference symbol list V1 to V3 respective process steps 1 Deactivation button 2 electronic circuit 3 Signal line 4 central control module 5 Gateway 6 Engine control unit 7 Instrument cluster 8 Multifunction steering wheel 9 OK button 10 ads 11 Start-stop function 12 Trigger signal 13 Information signal 14 Confirmation signal

Claims

[1] Method for controlling an automatic start-stop function (11) of a motor vehicle, which is designed to trigger an automatic switching off and starting of an engine of the motor vehicle when the motor vehicle is stationary, in which by means of a control device - after receiving a deactivation command, the start-stop function (11) is deactivated (V1), - upon expiry of a predetermined time interval from deactivation of the start-stop function (11) or as soon as the motor vehicle has covered a predetermined distance, a deactivation information is output in an interior of the motor vehicle by means of an output device, which deactivation information characterises that the start-stop function (11) is deactivated and which includes a request to confirm the deactivation (V2), - the start-stop function (11) is activated if, in response to the output of the deactivation information, no confirmation user input is determined which characterizes that the start-stop function (11) is to be kept deactivated, and the start-stop function (11) is kept deactivated if, in response to the output of the deactivation information, a confirmation user input is determined (V3). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the deactivation command has been received via a signal line (3) which is connected to an operating element designed as a push button, which is arranged to provide the deactivation command when the push button has been actuated. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance travelled by the motor vehicle is determined as a function of position data characterising a respective position of the motor vehicle and / or on the basis of path data provided by an odometer. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the deactivation information comprises at least one optical and / or acoustic signal output by means of the output device in the interior. [5] Method according to claim 4, wherein the outputting of the deactivation information comprises outputting a gong tone as an acoustic signal in the interior of the motor vehicle. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the output of the deactivation information comprises a signal sequence with a repeated output of at least one optical signal and / or at least one acoustic signal. [7] Method according to claim 6, wherein the later the respective signals are output in the signal sequence, the higher the intensity of the respective signal. [8] Control device which is arranged to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims. [9] Motor vehicle with a control device according to claim 8.

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