Method for operating a vehicle with a tank system and a vehicle with a tank system

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for operating a vehicle with a tank system, wherein a possible upcoming refueling process of the vehicle is detected by means of a detection device and wherein, upon detection of a possible upcoming refueling process, a vehicle is made ready for refueling.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle with a tank system according to claim 1 and to a vehicle with a tank system according to the independent claim 9. For the prior art, reference is made, for example, to DE 41 02 961 A1.

[0002] Numerous vehicle tank systems and fuels are known from the state of the art. These include conventional diesel and gasoline fuels, as well as electric vehicles. In addition, there are also more unconventional fuels, such as AdBlue, hydrogen, natural gas, etc.

[0003] In conventional fuel tanks with petrol or diesel as fuel, for example, particularly in motor vehicles, the fuel vapors and air previously contained in the fuel tank are discharged via a ventilation or vent line when the fuel tank is filled. The fuel components contained in the discharged air stream can be temporarily stored in an activated carbon filter, through which the discharged air stream is passed, in order to prevent environmental pollution from these unburned fuel components. The activated carbon filter also temporarily stores fuel vapors resulting from the evaporation of fuel in the fuel tank of a motor vehicle, particularly one operated in ambient heat but also parked in a hot environment. This is because this evaporation must not result in any significant overpressure in the fuel tank, and therefore the tank must be vented via the activated carbon filter even under these conditions.However, even regardless of a possible activated carbon filter mentioned (for example in motor vehicles powered by diesel), venting of the fuel tank is necessary, especially if it is a “closed tank”.

[0004] Particularly in so-called hybrid vehicles, which can be powered by an electric motor (or another motor not powered by the fuel tank) as an alternative to an internal combustion engine, there may be long periods of time during driving during which the internal combustion engine is not running. The fuel tank in hybrid vehicles is generally closed to reduce emissions. Particularly when the internal combustion engine is not in use for extended periods or in hot outside temperatures, excess pressure can occur in the fuel tank, requiring the aforementioned venting.

[0005] If the fuel tank is pressurized, it is no longer as easy to fill or refuel as with conventional "open" fuel tanks, in which overpressure rarely occurs due to forced venting. If a standard filler cap were opened in the event of overpressure in the tank, a sudden pressure drop would occur, associated with the risk of fuel leakage and, in particular, with the corresponding environmental pollution from the gaseous fuel components accumulated in the tank.

[0006] It should be noted here that if there is a vacuum in the tank system, a similar process to relieving the vacuum occurs by venting the tank system. In this case, however, the purpose is to reduce the suction effect from the inside on the tank cap, allowing drivers to open it without exerting excessive force.

[0007] With this in mind, the aforementioned DE 41 02 961 A1 provides a so-called vapor barrier in the filler pipe, which opens when a fuel pump nozzle is inserted. The nozzle is surrounded by a spaced-apart sealing collar, allowing excess pressure in the tank to be dissipated via the space between the sealing collar and the pump nozzle, which in turn is connected to the fuel station's storage tank. This eliminates the need for an activated carbon filter or similar device. However, the dissipation of excess pressure in the tank and the diversion of fuel vapors from the tank back into the fuel station's storage tank must function with absolute reliability. However, this is not the case at all fuel stations worldwide.

[0008] In this context, reference can also be made to the hybrid vehicles of Toyota and Lexus, in which ventilation of the tank (via an activated carbon filter / intermediate storage tank provided in the vehicle) is initiated by pressing a corresponding button in the interior of the vehicle.

[0009] Only the driver himself must then manually put the vehicle into a so-called refueling readiness state. If this is forgotten, done too late, or incorrectly for any reason, it will generally lead to waiting times (regardless of the fuel used), uncertainty, and thus problems.

[0010] It is an object of the invention to provide a method for operating a vehicle with a tank system which eliminates the above-mentioned problems and enables a comfortable refueling process for a vehicle occupant.

[0011] The solution to the problem arises from a method having the features of claim 1 and from a vehicle for carrying out a method according to the features of the independent claim 9. Advantageous developments and further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0012] A method for operating a vehicle with a tank system is proposed, wherein a possible upcoming refueling process of the vehicle is detected by means of a detection device and wherein, upon detection of a possible upcoming refueling process, a vehicle is made ready for refueling.

[0013] In particular, a method for venting a pressure tank system of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle (preferably with a fuel such as gasoline or diesel) is proposed.

[0014] In particular, a vehicle is proposed which can be moved without removing fuel from the fuel tank.

[0015] For example, it can be a hybrid vehicle that is powered by an internal combustion engine (which is powered by fuel from a pressurized tank in the pressure tank system) and another type of drive, e.g. an electric motor.

[0016] It is preferably provided that a build-up of overpressure or underpressure relative to the ambient pressure of a pressure tank is permitted. For example, a closed pressure tank can be arranged in the pressure tank system, which is separated from the ambient air or is closed. Such a closed pressure tank is particularly useful in a hybrid vehicle as described above.

[0017] Furthermore, a venting process can preferably be initiated to reduce the resulting overpressure or underpressure by reducing the overpressure in connection with an intended refueling process by opening a venting valve.

[0018] At this point (as already mentioned above), it should be mentioned that if there is a negative pressure in the tank system, a similar process can be used to reduce the negative pressure by venting the tank system. In this case, however, the primary purpose is to reduce the suction effect from the inside on a tank cap, allowing the driver or vehicle occupant to open it without exerting excessive force.

[0019] It is intended that a detection device will detect, calculate or estimate a possible imminent refuelling process of the vehicle or a possible imminent opening of the pressure tank and then put the vehicle into refuelling readiness.

[0020] Such readiness for refueling is achieved in particular (in the case of a conventional fuel tank) by initiating a venting process.

[0021] As already described, a possible upcoming refueling process of the vehicle or, in particular, a possible upcoming opening of the pressure tank can be detected by appropriate data collection or estimates or calculations and comparisons.

[0022] Particularly preferably, the detection device detects, estimates, or calculates that a possible imminent refueling of the vehicle, or in particular a possible refueling of the pressure tank, is imminent. From this possible imminent refueling, it is inferred, in particular, that the pressure tank may also be opened.

[0023] For example, if it is detected that there is a certain (particularly increased) probability that the pressure tank will be opened, a venting process is initiated.

[0024] The invention has the advantage that the active, manual initiation of the vehicle's refueling readiness, for example, a venting process by a vehicle occupant (e.g., by pressing a corresponding button in the vehicle interior), is no longer necessary, or its use can at least be limited to very specific situations. This significantly increases comfort for vehicle occupants and reduces situations in which uncertainty arises, for example, due to a closed pressure tank.

[0025] Particularly preferably, the detection device comprises a calculation unit which uses tank-related data to estimate or calculate a possible upcoming refueling process of the vehicle, in particular a possible upcoming refueling and thus opening of the pressure tank.

[0026] Tank-related data refers to any data or functions containing data that directly or indirectly influence the tank system.

[0027] For example, the data may include camera data, sensor data, navigation data, driver profile data, driving data, driving profile data, online data, vehicle data, etc.

[0028] For example, the detection device can comprise an image recognition unit (e.g., a camera already installed in the vehicle for capturing the vehicle's surroundings) that uses camera data to detect a possible impending refueling of the vehicle or a possible impending opening of the pressure tank. For example, camera data or image data can be used to detect whether the vehicle is in the immediate vicinity of a gas station or is already directly at a gas pump.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the detection device can evaluate navigation data and / or online data that indicate a possible imminent refueling of the vehicle or a possible imminent opening of the pressurized tank. For example, navigation data can detect that a gas station was recently or currently entered as a destination or intermediate destination. From this, it can then be concluded that refueling and thus, for example, an imminent opening of the pressurized tank is likely.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, the detection device can evaluate tank filling data that indicate a possible imminent refueling of the vehicle, in particular a possible imminent opening of the pressure tank. For example, information about a certain (particularly low) residual fill level in the tank system can indicate an imminent refueling and thus the opening of the pressure tank.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, vehicle or driver-specific data can also be included in the detection device. For example, it can determine how much time has passed since the last refueling or how much distance the vehicle has traveled since the last refueling. This can then be used to calculate the probability of a possible upcoming refueling of the vehicle, in particular a possible upcoming opening of the pressurized tank.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a comparison is provided between the data concerning a possible upcoming refueling process of the vehicle, in particular a possible upcoming opening of the pressure tank, from the detection device and the data concerning a subsequent actual refueling or opening of the pressure tank. It is then further preferably provided that a pressure tank opening profile is learned from the comparison.

[0033] This makes it possible to record the refueling behavior, driver behavior, or vehicle behavior in a data-based manner by comparing how often the detection device has detected the triggers for putting the vehicle into refueling readiness, especially for a venting process, with how often refueling or opening of the pressure tank actually took place immediately afterwards. This can be used to "teach" this function and thus optimize the entire refueling process individually.

[0034] For example, it is possible to store or learn a driver profile that identifies, for example, that the vehicle has refueled predominantly at the same gas station (in terms of location). If it is detected that the vehicle's trajectory is heading toward this gas station (e.g., based on navigation data or GPS data), refueling readiness can be established, or in particular, such a venting process can be initiated.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vehicle's refueling readiness, and in particular the aforementioned venting process, is initiated automatically (i.e., without further queries or the like) upon detection of a possible imminent opening of the pressure tank. The venting process is preferably initiated autonomously, i.e., so that no manual intervention is required.

[0036] It is also possible that the vehicle's readiness for refueling, or in particular the detection of the possible imminent opening of the pressure tank by the detection device, must first be positively confirmed by a vehicle occupant before the vehicle's readiness for refueling is actually established or, in particular, the venting process is initiated. For example, a visual or acoustic request can be sent to the vehicle occupant to confirm that the vehicle is to be refueled. Only upon positive confirmation from the customer is the vehicle's readiness for refueling established or, in particular, the venting process initiated.

[0037] In the latter case, the advantage is that the driver knows that refueling is ready, for example, a venting process is being initiated. If, for example, opening the pressure tank is not possible, the driver is aware that there may have been a problem with the venting or that the venting process was faulty.

[0038] Particularly preferably, the pressure tank can only be opened, in particular by means of a so-called tank flap, after the pressure tank has been vented. For example, the tank flap can remain locked by means of an unlocking device until the pressure tank has been vented.

[0039] An example embodiment involves a vehicle driving onto the forecourt of a gas station. The detection device detects, for example, using image data or camera data from an external camera on the vehicle, that the vehicle is in the immediate vicinity of a gas station. For further plausibility, the detection device also detects speed, acceleration, or braking data from the vehicle, which indicate that the vehicle is traveling slowly or even decelerating. Furthermore, for further plausibility, the detection device can deduce from navigation data that the vehicle is heading for the gas station as its destination, or it can determine from geodata that a gas station is located at this location, or that the tank level is already low (in particular, less than half full).

[0040] This means that a possible imminent refueling process or a possible imminent opening of the pressure tank (by refueling) is detected. At this point, for example, a venting process of the pressure tank can be initiated automatically via the vent valve without prior prompting.

[0041] It is also possible that a vehicle occupant may be asked beforehand, in which the occupant must / should confirm that refueling or opening of the pressure tank is about to take place. Only after such confirmation will the aforementioned venting process be initiated.

[0042] In addition to the method for operating the vehicle described above, a vehicle with a tank system for carrying out the method is also proposed.

[0043] The vehicle includes a refueling system and a detection device for detecting or recording a potentially impending refueling process. The vehicle also includes a device for making the refueling system ready for refueling.

[0044] The vehicle preferably comprises a pressure tank which is designed in such a way that a build-up of overpressure or underpressure compared to an ambient pressure of the pressure tank is permitted.

[0045] Furthermore, the vehicle or the pressure tank system preferably includes a vent valve for reducing the overpressure or underpressure that has built up during an intended refueling process. The overpressure or underpressure is reduced by opening the vent valve to the ambient air.

[0046] The vehicle or the pressure tank system preferably further comprises a detection device for detecting a possible impending opening of the pressure tank or for detecting a possible impending refueling of the pressure tank.

[0047] Preferably, a control or actuating unit is also provided for opening the vent valve.

[0048] Furthermore, a control or actuating unit is preferably provided for opening or unlocking the opening of the pressure tank (in particular the tank flap).

[0049] As already mentioned above, the vehicle is preferably one that can be moved without drawing fuel from the pressurized tank. For example, it can be a hybrid vehicle, in particular a so-called "plug-in hybrid vehicle," which can be operated with both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine is then powered by the fuel from the pressurized tank.

[0050] Particularly preferably, the pressure tank is a self-contained system so that pressure build-up (relative to the environment) occurs in many practical situations (for example, if a long period of time has passed since the pressure tank was last opened, if the outside temperature is high, etc.). 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] DE 41 02 961 A1 [0001, 0007]

Claims

[1] Method for operating a vehicle with a tank system, wherein a possible imminent refueling process of the vehicle is detected by means of a detection device and wherein, upon detection of a possible imminent refueling process, a refueling readiness of a vehicle is established. [2] Method according to claim 1 for venting a pressure tank system of a vehicle, where a build-up of overpressure and / or underpressure relative to the ambient pressure of a pressure tank is permitted, wherein a venting process can be initiated to reduce the resulting overpressure and / or underpressure by opening a venting valve in connection with the upcoming refueling process, The detection device detects a possible imminent opening of the pressure tank and then initiates a venting process. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection device comprises an image recognition unit which detects a possible imminent refueling process and / or a possible opening of the pressure tank using camera data. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device evaluates navigation data and / or online data indicating a possible imminent refueling process and / or a possible imminent opening of the pressure tank. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device evaluates tank filling data that indicate a possible imminent refueling process and / or a possible imminent opening of the pressure tank. [6] Method according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 5, wherein the venting process is initiated automatically upon detection of a possible imminent opening of the pressure tank. [7] Method according to claims 2 to 5, wherein, after detecting the possible imminent opening of the pressure tank, a confirmation request is sent to a vehicle occupant to confirm an intended opening of the pressure tank, and the venting process is initiated only upon positive confirmation by the vehicle occupant. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a comparison is made between the data on a possible imminent refueling process and / or a possible imminent opening of the pressure tank by the detection device and the data on a subsequent actual refueling process and / or a subsequent actual opening of the pressure tank, and wherein a refueling process profile and / or a pressure tank opening profile is learned from the comparison. [9] Vehicle with a tank system for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8. [10] Vehicle according to claim 9 with a pressure tank system comprising a pressure tank which is designed in such a way that a build-up of overpressure and / or underpressure relative to an ambient pressure of the pressure tank is permitted, a vent valve for reducing the overpressure and / or underpressure in connection with an intended refueling process by opening the vent valve, and a detection device for detecting a possible imminent opening of the pressure tank. [11] Vehicle according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the vehicle can be moved even without taking fuel from the pressure tank. [12] Vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the vehicle comprises a hybrid drive.