Control device and method for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle before and during a refueling process

Abstract

A control device (1) is provided for controlling an operation of a motor vehicle (10) before and during a refueling process of the motor vehicle (10).The control device (10) is designed to: detect a desire to carry out the refueling process (S6), initiate preparation of the motor vehicle (10) for the refueling process (S7) as soon as the desire to carry out the refueling process has been detected, control at least one lighting device (3, 4) and / or output device (5) of the motor vehicle (10) (S8), output at least a first signal as soon as the preparation has been initiated, and control the at least one lighting device (3, 4) and / or output device (5) (S9), either output at least a second signal (S9a) if the initiated preparation has been completed without errors and the refueling process can be started, or output at least a third signal (S9b) if the initiated preparation has not been completed without errors and the refueling process is not possible.The at least one first signal, the at least one second signal and the at least one third signal are different visual and / or acoustic signals.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle before and during a refueling process of the motor vehicle, a motor vehicle comprising the control device, and / or a method for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle before and during a refueling process of the motor vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, a computer program is provided which comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to at least partially carry out the method. Additionally or alternatively, a computer-readable medium is provided which comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to at least partially carry out the method.

[0002] In conventional motor vehicles, refueling begins by directly opening the fuel filler flap. Normally, this can be done immediately, allowing refueling to begin immediately.

[0003] However, this is not possible with fuel cell vehicles, for example, because the fuel cell must be shut down during refueling, due to regulatory requirements, among other things. The fuel cell shutdown process takes a certain amount of time, so the fuel filler flap must also remain closed until then. This results in a waiting period before refueling can begin.

[0004] In addition to the waiting time, other technical reasons can also lead to a situation where refueling isn't always possible immediately. In such situations, the user usually has no way of understanding the situation, e.g., why the fuel filler flap can't be opened.

[0005] Document US 2014 / 0 191 718 A1 discloses a system and method for refueling a vehicle. According to one embodiment, a vehicle charging station comprises a power distribution interface, a receiving component, and an authorization component. The power distribution interface is configured to establish an electrical connection with a power input interface of a vehicle and to supply it with electrical energy. The power distribution interface comprises a power cable extending from the vehicle charging station, and the power cable comprises an output plug. The receiving component is configured to receive identification information that uniquely identifies the vehicle based on an identification component of the vehicle.The receiving component is configured to communicate with the identification component to enable electrical communication between the identification component and the receiving component when the power receiving interface is electrically coupled to the power distribution interface. The authorization component is configured to allow electrical energy to flow to the vehicle in response to an authorization based on the received identification information.

[0006] Document DE 10 2017 209 675 A1 discloses a control unit for a fuel cell system, wherein the fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell stack and a pressure vessel for storing fuel. The control unit is configured to determine status information relating to a refueling process for refueling the pressure vessel. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to activate the fuel cell stack depending on the status information.

[0007] Document DE 10 2015 106 316 A1 discloses a vehicle component for a vehicle with an energy storage device, as well as a vehicle with such a vehicle component and a method for operating a vehicle component. The vehicle component has a display device for displaying information about the storage state of the energy storage device. The display device is arranged at least partially on the rear side of an interior mirror of the vehicle, so that the information displayed by the display device can be recognized from outside the vehicle.

[0008] Against the background of this prior art, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a device and / or a method which are each suitable for enriching the prior art.

[0009] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. The subordinate claims and the dependent claims each contain optional developments of the disclosure.

[0010] According to this, the problem is solved by a control device for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle before and during a refueling process of the motor vehicle.

[0011] The control device is designed to detect a request to carry out the refueling process (e.g. while the motor vehicle is stationary).

[0012] The control device is designed to initiate preparation of the motor vehicle for the refueling process as soon as the desire to carry out the refueling process has been detected.

[0013] The control device is designed to control at least one lighting device and / or output device of the motor vehicle to output at least a first signal as soon as the preparation has been initiated.

[0014] The control device is configured to control the at least one lighting device and / or output device, either to output at least one second signal if the initiated preparation has been completed without errors and the refueling process can begin, or to output at least one third signal if the initiated preparation has not been completed without errors and the refueling process is not possible. The at least one first signal, the at least one second signal, and the at least one third signal are different visual and / or acoustic signals.

[0015] The control device or control unit can be part of the driver assistance system or represent it. The control device can be, for example, an electronic control unit (ECU). The electronic control unit can be an intelligent processor-controlled unit that can communicate with other modules, for example, via a central gateway (CGW) and, if necessary, can form the vehicle's on-board network via fieldbuses such as the CAN bus, LIN bus, MOST bus, FlexRay, and / or via the automotive Ethernet, e.g., together with telematics control units and / or environmental sensors.

[0016] It is conceivable that the control device controls functions relevant to the vehicle's driving behavior, such as the steering, engine control, power transmission, and / or the braking system. Furthermore, driver assistance systems such as a parking assistant, adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane keeping assistant, lane change assistant, traffic sign recognition, traffic light recognition, start-off assistant, night vision assistant, and / or intersection assistant can be controlled by the control device.

[0017] The control device described above offers a number of advantages. Among other things, it provides improved technology that enables a user, e.g., the driver of the motor vehicle, to be adequately informed before and, if necessary, during a refueling process, enabling them to understand the situation and react or act correctly. Specifically, the user can be informed based on various signals, e.g., at the location of user interaction (e.g., at a fuel filler flap of the motor vehicle that they intend to open or are opening for the refueling process), when their desire to complete the refueling process has been detected and the subsequently initiated preparation for the refueling process could be completed without errors, or when an error has occurred. Thus, when the user is at the fuel filler flap, for example, the various signals allow them to recognize when they can begin the refueling process or when refueling is not possible due to an error.

[0018] Possible further developments of the control device described above are explained in detail below.

[0019] The motor vehicle may be a fuel cell vehicle. The control device may be configured to check, during the initiated preparation, whether a shutdown process of a fuel cell system of the fuel cell vehicle has been completed without errors. The control device may be configured to determine that the initiated preparation has been completed without errors if the shutdown process has been completed without errors.

[0020] The control device can be designed to detect the desire to carry out the refueling process by detecting a tap and / or attempt to open a fuel filler flap of the motor vehicle.

[0021] The at least one first signal, the at least one second signal and the at least one third signal can be perceptible outside the motor vehicle and / or on a fuel filler flap of the motor vehicle.

[0022] The control device can be designed to initiate and / or allow opening of a fuel filler flap of the motor vehicle when the initiated preparation has been completed without error and the refueling process can be started.

[0023] The control device can be designed to control the at least one lighting device and / or output device to output at least a fourth signal when the refueling process has been completed.

[0024] The at least one lighting device can comprise an exterior lighting and / or an interior lighting of the motor vehicle for outputting the at least one first signal, the at least one second signal and the at least one third signal (and optionally the at least one fourth signal) as mutually different visual signals.

[0025] The at least one output device may comprise a loudspeaker device of the motor vehicle for outputting the at least one first signal, the at least one second signal and the at least one third signal (and optionally the at least one fourth signal) as mutually different acoustic signals.

[0026] The at least one first signal can comprise a flashing of the at least one lighting device, e.g., the exterior lighting and / or the interior lighting, at a predetermined first frequency. For example, the exterior lighting and the interior lighting can flash simultaneously (or synchronously) at the first frequency, wherein, for example, it is conceivable for the interior lighting to have different colors and, for example, flash in a blue-green color.

[0027] The at least one first signal may comprise an output of a first sound by at least one output device, e.g., the loudspeaker device.

[0028] The at least one second signal may comprise a continuous illumination of the exterior lighting (e.g., throughout the entire refueling process). Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one second signal may comprise the output of a second tone through the loudspeaker device that differs from the first tone and / or a flickering or brief, strong illumination of the interior lighting.

[0029] The at least one third signal may comprise a flashing of the at least one lighting device, e.g., the exterior lighting and / or the interior lighting, with a predetermined second sequence that differs from the first frequency, and optionally a subsequent switching off of the at least one lighting device. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one third signal may comprise the output of a warning tone by the loudspeaker device.

[0030] The at least one fourth signal may comprise switching off the exterior lighting and / or switching off or at least single (e.g. double) flashing of the interior lighting.

[0031] The at least one fourth signal may comprise the output of a third tone by the loudspeaker device, which differs from the first and / or second tone. The third tone may, for example, be a confirmation tone that the fuel filler flap is closed. It is conceivable that the loudspeaker device may further output a fourth tone before the end of the refueling process, which differs from the third tone and may, for example, be a confirmation tone that the motor vehicle's tank is full.

[0032] The control device can be configured to control a screen in the interior of the motor vehicle and output information about a status of the preparation of the motor vehicle and a status of the refueling process. It is conceivable that the control device can be configured to control the screen and output an error message and, for example, information about an error (which occurred during the initiated preparation) if the initiated preparation was not completed without error. The information can, for example, include instructions for troubleshooting the error.

[0033] As previously mentioned, the motor vehicle may be a fuel cell vehicle. The control device may be configured to obtain a current position of the fuel cell vehicle while the fuel cell vehicle is in driving mode (or in motion) and retrieve digital map data, wherein the digital map data indicates locations of hydrogen refueling stations.

[0034] The control device can be configured to determine, based on the received current position of the fuel cell vehicle and the retrieved digital map data, whether one of the hydrogen refueling stations is located in an environment of the fuel cell vehicle and / or whether the fuel cell vehicle is approaching one of the hydrogen refueling stations.

[0035] The control device can be configured to predict a potentially imminent refueling operation of the fuel cell vehicle if it has been determined that one of the hydrogen refueling stations is located in the vicinity of the fuel cell vehicle and / or the fuel cell vehicle is approaching one of the hydrogen refueling stations.

[0036] The control device may be configured to initiate a shutdown process of a fuel cell system of the fuel cell vehicle if the potentially imminent refueling process has been predicted.

[0037] This can, among other things, provide improved technology that allows refueling of the fuel cell vehicle to begin as quickly as possible without waiting or delay. By proactively and early initiating a shutdown of the fuel cell vehicle's fuel cell system while the fuel cell vehicle is still in operation and approaching a hydrogen refueling station, it is ensured that the shutdown process is completed when the fuel cell vehicle has reached the hydrogen refueling station and a user, e.g., the driver, wishes to begin refueling.

[0038] The current position of the fuel cell vehicle (e.g., based on GPS position data) and the digital map data can be provided by a navigation device of the fuel cell vehicle. The navigation device can be understood as a device that enables route creation and guidance to a selected destination based on the current position and the digital map data. The destination can be selected or specified by a user, e.g., via an input unit of the fuel cell vehicle. The digital map data can contain information on road networks and points of interest (POIs), where the points of interest can include hydrogen filling stations (or their positions). The digital map data can be retrieved, e.g., from a memory of the navigation device or the fuel cell vehicle and / or from external devices.

[0039] The control device can be designed to initiate the shutdown process of the fuel cell system in such a way that the shutdown process is terminated upon arrival at one of the hydrogen filling stations and / or a refueling process of the fuel cell vehicle can be carried out without waiting upon arrival at one of the hydrogen filling stations.

[0040] The control device can be configured to initiate the shutdown process of the fuel cell system depending on a driving speed of the fuel cell vehicle, a remaining distance of the fuel cell vehicle to one of the hydrogen filling stations and / or an expected remaining travel time of the fuel cell vehicle to one of the hydrogen filling stations.

[0041] The control device can be configured to initiate the shutdown process of the fuel cell system if a traction battery of the fuel cell vehicle has a sufficient state of charge to operate an electric machine of the fuel cell vehicle to reach the fuel cell vehicle at one of the hydrogen filling stations.

[0042] The above description can be summarized in other words and in a possible more concrete embodiment of the disclosure as described below, whereby the following description is not to be interpreted as limiting the disclosure.

[0043] Hydrogen refueling stations can be considered points of interest (POIs). This allows for advance determination of whether the vehicle is at or near a hydrogen refueling station. The operating strategy can proactively shut down the fuel cell or fuel cell system based on POI detection.

[0044] For example, the motor vehicle can approach a hydrogen filling station. The POI can be identified, and a signal can be transmitted (e.g., to an operations coordinator) that shuts down the motor vehicle's fuel cell or fuel cell system. The motor vehicle can drive to a pump at the hydrogen filling station using an electric motor, where a refueling request can be made (e.g., by tapping the vehicle's fuel filler flap from the outside). Due to the predictive shutdown of the fuel cell, the fuel filler flap can open without delay, i.e., without waiting.

[0045] In addition, or alternatively, to predictive shutdown, a user can be adequately informed at the location of a user interaction in order to be able to understand the situation and react or act correctly.

[0046] For example, the user can start refueling at the fuel filler flap. Whether the fueling condition is correct (i.e., "OK") or not (i.e., "not OK"), the user can be informed of the status of the refueling process, e.g., via external or internal lighting visible from the fuel filler flap, acoustic outputs, and / or visual outputs (via any displays).

[0047] Furthermore, a motor vehicle is provided which comprises the control device described above.

[0048] The motor vehicle may be a fuel cell vehicle. The motor vehicle may include a fuel cell system. The fuel cell system may be configured to generate electrical energy for an electric machine (as the drive motor of the motor vehicle).

[0049] The motor vehicle may comprise the at least one lighting device and / or the at least one output device. The at least one lighting device may comprise exterior lighting and / or interior lighting of the motor vehicle. The at least one output device may comprise a loudspeaker device of the motor vehicle.

[0050] The motor vehicle may include a fuel filler flap, which may be arranged (or accessible), for example, on an exterior side of the motor vehicle. The fuel filler flap may serve as a closure for access to a fuel tank (e.g., a hydrogen tank) of the motor vehicle.

[0051] The motor vehicle may include the navigation device, e.g., for providing the current position of the motor vehicle and the digital map data.

[0052] The motor vehicle may include the screen in the interior of the motor vehicle.

[0053] The control device can be connected (optionally directly or indirectly, e.g. via an on-board electrical system of the motor vehicle) in terms of signaling to the at least one lighting device, the at least one output device, the fuel cell system, the fuel filler flap, the navigation device and / or the screen.

[0054] The motor vehicle may be automated. The motor vehicle may be configured to at least partially and / or at least temporarily assume longitudinal and / or lateral guidance during automated driving of the motor vehicle by means of the control device.

[0055] Automated driving can be implemented in such a way that the motor vehicle's movement is (largely) autonomous. Automated driving can be controlled at least partially and / or temporarily by the control device.

[0056] It is conceivable that the motor vehicle intervenes in the lateral guidance of the motor vehicle through a driver assistance system actively, e.g. by adjusting an actual steering wheel position, and optionally passively, e.g. by displaying a turn-off instruction.

[0057] The motor vehicle may be a motor vehicle with autonomy level 0, i.e. the driver assumes the dynamic driving task, even if supporting systems (e.g. ABS or ESP) are present.

[0058] The motor vehicle may be a Level 1 autonomy motor vehicle, i.e. it may have certain driver assistance systems that support the driver in operating the vehicle, such as adaptive cruise control (ACC).

[0059] The motor vehicle may be a motor vehicle of autonomy level 2, i.e. be so partially automated that functions such as automatic parking, lane keeping or lateral guidance, general longitudinal guidance, acceleration and / or braking are taken over by driver assistance systems.

[0060] The motor vehicle can be a Level 3 autonomy vehicle, meaning it is so conditionally automated that the driver does not need to continuously monitor the vehicle. The vehicle performs functions such as activating the turn signal, changing lanes, and / or keeping in lane independently. The driver can attend to other activities but will be prompted by the system to take over driving if necessary within a pre-warning period.

[0061] The motor vehicle can be a Level 4 autonomy vehicle, meaning it can be so highly automated that the vehicle's control system permanently assumes control of the vehicle. If the system can no longer handle the driving tasks, the driver can be requested to take over.

[0062] The motor vehicle can be a Level 5 autonomy vehicle, meaning it is so fully automated that the driver is not required to perform the driving task. No human intervention is required other than setting the destination and starting the system. The motor vehicle can operate without a steering wheel or pedals.

[0063] What has been described above with reference to the control device also applies analogously to the motor vehicle and vice versa.

[0064] Furthermore, a method for controlling an operation of a motor vehicle before and during a refueling process of the motor vehicle is provided.

[0065] The method includes detecting a request to carry out the refueling process (e.g. while the motor vehicle is stationary).

[0066] The method includes initiating preparation of the motor vehicle for the refueling process as soon as the desire to carry out the refueling process has been detected.

[0067] The method comprises controlling at least one lighting device and / or output device of the motor vehicle to output at least a first signal as soon as the preparation has been initiated.

[0068] The method comprises controlling the at least one lighting device and / or output device to either output at least one second signal if the initiated preparation has been completed without errors and the refueling process can begin, or to output at least one third signal if the initiated preparation has not been completed without errors and the refueling process is not possible. The at least one first signal, the at least one second signal, and the at least one third signal are different visual and / or acoustic signals.

[0069] The (control) method may be a computer-implemented method, i.e. one, several or all steps of the method may be carried out at least partially by a computer or a data processing device, optionally the control device.

[0070] What has been described above with reference to the control device and the motor vehicle also applies analogously to the method and vice versa.

[0071] Furthermore, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to at least partially carry out or implement the method described above.

[0072] A program code of the computer program may be in any code, in particular in a code suitable for motor vehicle controls.

[0073] What has been described above with reference to the control device, the motor vehicle and the method also applies analogously to the computer program and vice versa.

[0074] Furthermore, a computer-readable medium, in particular a computer-readable storage medium, is provided. The computer-readable medium comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to at least partially execute or carry out the method described above.

[0075] This means that a computer-readable medium can be provided that contains a computer program as defined above. The computer-readable medium can be any digital data storage device, such as a USB flash drive, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an SD card, or an SSD card (or SSD drive / SSD hard disk).

[0076] The computer program does not necessarily have to be stored on such a computer-readable storage medium in order to be made available to the motor vehicle, but can also be obtained via the Internet or otherwise externally.

[0077] What has been described above with reference to the method, the control device, the computer program and the motor vehicle also applies analogously to the computer-readable medium and vice versa.

[0078] Below is an optional embodiment with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described. Fig. 1 schematically shows a motor vehicle according to the disclosure with a control device for controlling an operation of the motor vehicle before and during a refueling process of the motor vehicle, and Fig. 2 schematically shows a flow diagram of a method according to the disclosure for controlling an operation of the motor vehicle before and during a refueling process of the motor vehicle.

[0079] The Fig. 1, the motor vehicle 10, which is only shown schematically, comprises the control device 1, at least one lighting device 3, 4 and at least one output device 5, wherein the control device 1 can be connected in terms of signaling to the at least one lighting device 3, 4 and the at least one output device 5.

[0080] The at least one lighting device 3, 4 can comprise an exterior lighting 3 and an interior lighting 4 of the motor vehicle 10, while the at least one output device 5 can comprise, for example, a loudspeaker device.

[0081] The motor vehicle 10 may include a fuel filler flap 6, which may be arranged on an outer side of the motor vehicle 10.

[0082] The motor vehicle 10 may be a fuel cell vehicle, which may include a fuel cell system 11 as part of the drive system. Accordingly, the motor vehicle 10 may be refueled, for example, with hydrogen, via the fuel filler flap 6.

[0083] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the motor vehicle 10 may include a navigation device 2. The navigation device 2 may be configured to provide a current position of the motor vehicle 10 and digital map data.

[0084] In order to control an operation of the motor vehicle 10 before and during a refueling process of the motor vehicle 10, the control device 1 is designed to carry out the following with reference to Fig. 2 to carry out the procedures 100 described in detail.

[0085] If the motor vehicle 10 is a fuel cell vehicle 10, it is conceivable to carry out the following five steps S1 to S5 of the method 100, wherein the fuel cell vehicle 10 is in driving mode or in motion.

[0086] In the first step S1, a current position of the fuel cell vehicle 10 can be obtained while the fuel cell vehicle 10 is in driving mode.

[0087] In the second step S2, digital map data can be retrieved, whereby the digital map data shows positions of hydrogen filling stations.

[0088] In the third step S3, based on the obtained current position of the fuel cell vehicle 10 and the retrieved digital map data, it can be determined whether one of the hydrogen filling stations is located in an environment of the fuel cell vehicle 10 and / or whether the fuel cell vehicle 10 is approaching one of the hydrogen filling stations.

[0089] In the fourth step S4, a potentially imminent refueling operation of the fuel cell vehicle 10 can be predicted if it has been determined that one of the hydrogen refueling stations is located in the vicinity of the fuel cell vehicle 10 and / or the fuel cell vehicle 10 is approaching one of the hydrogen refueling stations.

[0090] In the fifth step S5, a shutdown process of the fuel cell system 11 of the fuel cell vehicle 10 can be initiated if the potentially imminent refueling process has been predicted.

[0091] The shutdown process of the fuel cell system 11 can be initiated in such a way that the shutdown process is terminated upon arrival at one of the hydrogen filling stations and / or a refueling process of the fuel cell vehicle can be carried out without waiting upon arrival at one of the hydrogen filling stations.

[0092] The shutdown process of the fuel cell system 11 can be initiated, for example, depending on a driving speed of the fuel cell vehicle 10, a remaining distance of the fuel cell vehicle 10 to one of the hydrogen filling stations and / or an expected remaining travel time of the fuel cell vehicle 10 to one of the hydrogen filling stations, for example, such that the switching process is terminated upon arrival at one of the hydrogen filling stations.

[0093] Furthermore, it is conceivable to initiate the shutdown process of the fuel cell system 11 if a traction battery of the fuel cell vehicle 10 has a sufficient charge state to operate an electric machine of the fuel cell vehicle 10 to reach the fuel cell vehicle 10 at one of the hydrogen filling stations.

[0094] The following steps S6 to S11 of the method 100 can be carried out when the motor vehicle 10 is stationary, e.g., at a filling station or a hydrogen filling station. To carry out these steps S6 to S11, it is not necessarily necessary for the motor vehicle 10 to be a fuel cell vehicle, as is the case with the previous optional steps S1 to S5. In other words, in the following, the motor vehicle 10 can also be, for example, a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine or a battery-electric motor vehicle. Accordingly, the filling station can also be a conventional filling station for (e.g., fossil) fuels and / or an electric charging station.

[0095] In the sixth step S6, a request to perform the refueling process is detected. For this purpose, the request can be detected, for example, by detecting a tap and / or attempt to open a fuel filler flap 6 of the motor vehicle 10. For example, a signal generated when the fuel filler flap 6 is tapped can be received from the fuel filler flap 6 or a fuel filler flap device of the motor vehicle 10.

[0096] In the seventh step S7, preparation of the motor vehicle 10 for the refueling process is initiated as soon as the desire to carry out the refueling process has been detected.

[0097] In the eighth step S8, the at least one lighting device 3, 4 and / or output device 5 of the motor vehicle 10 is controlled to output at least a first signal as soon as the preparation has been initiated.

[0098] In the ninth step S9, which comprises two alternative steps S9a and S9b, the at least one lighting device 3, 4 and / or output device 5 is controlled to either output at least a second signal if the initiated preparation has been completed without errors and the refueling process can begin (step S9a), or to output at least a third signal if the initiated preparation has not been completed without errors and the refueling process is not possible (step S9b). The at least one first signal, the at least one second signal, and the at least one third signal are different visual and / or acoustic signals.

[0099] If the motor vehicle 10 is a fuel cell vehicle, it can be checked during the initiated preparation whether a shutdown process of the fuel cell system 11 of the fuel cell vehicle, which was initiated, for example, according to the previous optional steps S1 to S5, has been completed without errors. If this is the case, i.e., if the shutdown process has been completed without errors, it can be determined that the initiated preparation has been completed without errors, and (optionally, if no other error has occurred) the at least one lighting device 3, 4 and / or output device 5 can be controlled according to step S9a to output the at least one second signal.If, however, an error has occurred during the shutdown process, it can be determined that the initiated preparation has not been completed without errors, and the at least one lighting device 3, 4 and / or output device 5 can be controlled according to step S9b to output the at least one third signal.

[0100] In the tenth step S10, opening of the fuel filler flap 6 can be initiated and / or permitted if the initiated preparation has been completed without error and the refueling process can begin. The opening can, for example, occur simultaneously with the output of the at least one second signal. Thus, the refueling process of the motor vehicle 10 can be carried out.

[0101] After the refueling process has been completed, in the eleventh step S11, the at least one lighting device 3, 4 and / or output device 5 can be controlled to output at least a fourth signal. The end of the refueling process can be detected, for example, by closing the fuel filler flap 6.

[0102] As previously mentioned, the at least one first signal, the at least one second signal, the at least one third signal and optionally the at least one fourth signal are different visual and / or acoustic signals.

[0103] Thus, the at least one lighting device 3, 4, which comprises the exterior lighting 3 and / or the interior lighting 4, can be configured to output the at least one first signal, the at least one second signal, and the at least one third signal as mutually different visual signals. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one output device 5, which comprises the loudspeaker device 5, can be configured to output the at least one first signal, the at least one second signal, and the at least one third signal as mutually different acoustic signals.

[0104] In order for a user, e.g. a driver of the motor vehicle 10, to be able to perceive the signals before and during the refueling process when he is located at the fuel filler flap 6, the at least one first signal, the at least one second signal and the at least one third signal can be perceptible outside the motor vehicle 10 and / or at the fuel filler flap 6 of the motor vehicle 10.

[0105] For example, if a refueling process is carried out correctly, steps S6 to S11 can proceed as follows: The motor vehicle 10 drives to a gas station or pump where a user or the driver of the motor vehicle 10 wishes to refuel. After parking the motor vehicle 10, the user gets out of the motor vehicle 10, walks to the fuel filler flap 6, and attempts to open it, for example, by tapping it. By attempting to open the fuel filler flap 6, the user indicates their desire to complete the refueling process, which is recorded in the sixth step S6.

[0106] The recorded request initiates the preparation for the refueling process in the seventh step S7 and the user is informed of this in the eighth step S8 by controlling the at least one lighting device 3, 4 and / or output device 5 (or loudspeaker device 5) to output the at least one first signal.

[0107] The at least one first signal may comprise a flashing of the exterior lighting 3 and / or the interior lighting 4 at a predetermined first frequency and / or an output of a first tone by the loudspeaker device 5.

[0108] For example, the exterior lighting 3 and the interior lighting 4 can flash simultaneously (or synchronously) with the first frequency, whereby it is conceivable that the interior lighting 4 has different colors, e.g., flashes with a blue-green color.

[0109] If the initiated preparation has been completed without errors, at least one second signal is output according to step S9a, which differs from the at least one first signal, so that the user recognizes that they can begin the refueling process. They can now open the fuel filler flap 6, or the fuel filler flap opens automatically (according to the tenth step S10), so that the user can connect a nozzle to the fuel pump and begin the refueling process.

[0110] The at least one second signal may comprise a continuous illumination of the exterior lighting (e.g., during the entire refueling process). Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one second signal may comprise the output of a second tone by the loudspeaker device 5, which differs from the first tone, and / or a flickering or a brief, strong illumination of the interior lighting 4.

[0111] The preparation for the refueling process can vary in duration. For example, if, as described above, the motor vehicle 10 is a fuel cell vehicle, the preparation duration depends, among other things, on a shutdown process of the fuel cell system 11. If, for example, the optional steps S1 to S5 of the method 100 were performed, the shutdown process can already be completed upon arrival at the filling station or hydrogen filling station, so that the user can begin the refueling process without delay. This means that the preparation duration can be as short as possible, e.g., only a few seconds.

[0112] However, if the shutdown process of the fuel cell system 11 has not been carried out in advance according to the optional steps S1 to S5, the shutdown process must be carried out accordingly during the preparation for the refueling process. The user must therefore wait until they can, for example, open the fuel filler flap 6 and begin the refueling process.

[0113] As long as at least a third signal is not emitted, the user knows that preparations for refueling are proceeding normally and can probably begin refueling immediately. It may be conceivable to slightly adapt the staging, i.e., the output of the signals, for example, by adjusting the color.

[0114] At the end of the refueling process, the user removes the nozzle again and closes the fuel filler flap 6. After the refueling process has been completed, which is detected, for example, by the closing of the fuel filler flap 6, the at least one fourth signal can finally be output according to the eleventh step S11.

[0115] The at least one fourth signal can comprise, for example, switching off the exterior lighting 3, emitting a third tone by the loudspeaker device 5 that differs from the first and / or second tone, and / or switching off or at least simply flashing the interior lighting 4. The third tone can, for example, be a confirmation tone that the fuel filler flap is closed. It is conceivable that the loudspeaker device 5 further emits a fourth tone before the end of the refueling process, which tone differs from the third tone and can, for example, be a confirmation tone that the tank of the motor vehicle 10 is full.

[0116] In the event of an error, when refueling is not possible, steps S6 to S8 can initially be carried out as described above.

[0117] However, if, in contrast to the described error-free execution of the refueling process, an error occurred during the initiated preparation, at least one third signal is output according to step S9b instead of the at least one second signal, which differs from the at least one first signal and the at least one second signal. This informs the user that the refueling process is not possible and that they may need to initiate countermeasures to rectify the error. Accordingly, the fuel filler flap 6 still cannot be opened and does not open automatically.

[0118] The at least one third signal may include flashing the exterior lighting 3 and / or interior lighting 4 with a predetermined second sequence that differs from the first frequency, and optionally subsequently switching off the exterior lighting 3 and / or interior lighting 4. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one third signal may include outputting a warning tone via the loudspeaker device 5.

[0119] Additionally, it is conceivable that a screen (not shown) in the interior of the motor vehicle 10 could display an error message and, for example, information about the error and instructions for troubleshooting. Thus, the user can be informed of an error both in the interior, where they can receive further instructions, and at the fuel filler flap 6. Accordingly, they can, for example, request further assistance. List of reference symbols 1 control device 2 Navigation device 3 Lighting equipment, outdoor lighting 4 Lighting equipment, interior lighting 5 Output device, loudspeaker device 6 Fuel filler flap 10 Motor vehicle, e.g. fuel cell vehicle 11 Fuel cell system 100 procedures S1-S11 Process steps

Claims

[1] Control device (1) for controlling an operation of a motor vehicle (10) before and during a refueling process of the motor vehicle (10), wherein the control device (1) is designed to: - to record a request to carry out the refuelling process (S6); - to initiate (S7) preparation of the motor vehicle (10) for the refuelling process as soon as the desire to carry out the refuelling process has been detected; - to control (S8) at least one lighting device (3, 4) and / or output device (5) of the motor vehicle (10), to output at least a first signal as soon as the preparation has been initiated; and - to control (S9) the at least one lighting device (3, 4) and / or output device (5), either - to issue at least a second signal (S9a) when the initiated preparation has been completed without error and the refuelling process can be started, or - to output at least one third signal (S9b) if the initiated preparation has not been completed without error and the refueling process is not possible, wherein the at least one first signal, the at least one second signal and the at least one third signal are different visual and / or acoustic signals. [2] Control device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the motor vehicle (10) is a fuel cell vehicle and the control device (1) is designed to: - to check during the initiated preparation whether a shutdown process of a fuel cell system (11) of the fuel cell vehicle has been completed without error; and - to determine that the initiated preparation has been completed without errors, provided that the shutdown process has been completed without errors. [3] Control device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device is designed to: - to detect the desire to carry out the refuelling process by detecting a tap and / or attempt to open a fuel filler flap (6) of the motor vehicle (10). [4] Control device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one first signal, the at least one second signal and the at least one third signal are perceptible outside the motor vehicle (10) and / or at a fuel filler flap (6) of the motor vehicle (10). [5] Control device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control device (1) is designed to: - to initiate and / or permit (S10) the opening of a fuel filler flap (6) of the motor vehicle (10) when the initiated preparation has been completed without error and the refueling process can be started. [6] Control device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control device (1) is designed to: - to control (S11) the at least one lighting device (3, 4) and / or output device (5) to output at least a fourth signal when the refueling process has been completed. [7] Control device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein - the at least one lighting device (3, 4) comprises an exterior lighting (3) and / or an interior lighting (4) of the motor vehicle (10) for outputting the at least one first signal, the at least one second signal and the at least one third signal as mutually different visual signals, and / or - the at least one output device (5) comprises a loudspeaker device (5) of the motor vehicle (10) for outputting the at least one first signal, the at least one second signal and the at least one third signal as mutually different acoustic signals. [8] Motor vehicle (10), wherein the motor vehicle (10) comprises the control device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7. [9] Method (100) for controlling an operation of a motor vehicle (10) before and during a refueling process of the motor vehicle (10), the method (100) comprising: - Recording (S6) a request to carry out the refuelling process; - initiating (S7) a preparation of the motor vehicle (10) for the refueling process as soon as the desire to carry out the refueling process has been detected; - controlling (S8) at least one lighting device (3, 4) and / or output device (5) of the motor vehicle (10) to output at least a first signal as soon as the preparation has been initiated; and - controlling (S9) the at least one lighting device (3, 4) and / or output device (5), either - to issue at least a second signal (S9a) when the initiated preparation has been completed without error and the refuelling process can be started, or - to output at least one third signal (S9b) if the initiated preparation has not been completed without error and the refueling process is not possible, wherein the at least one first signal, the at least one second signal and the at least one third signal are different visual and / or acoustic signals. [10] Computer program and / or computer-readable medium, wherein the computer program and / or the computer-readable medium comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method (100) according to claim 9.

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