Method for configuring a steering system, computer program product, control unit and charging system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for configuring a steering system (101), in particular a steer-by-wire system, of a vehicle (100), wherein the steering system (101) comprises at least one steering gear (10) and one force feedback actuator (20) which are connected to each other via a communication link (K), characterized in that demonstrating the procedure: - Starting the steering system (101), - Capturing a startup version (SV1) for a configuration (K1) of the steering gear (10) and a startup version (SV2) for a configuration (K2) of the force feedback actuator (20), in particular via the communication link (K), - Comparing the initial version (SV1) for the configuration (K1) of the steering gear (10) and the initial version (SV2) for the configuration (K2) of the force feedback actuator (20), - Determining a working version (AV1) for the configuration (K1) of the steering gear (10) depending on and a working version (AV2) for the configuration (K2) of the force feedback actuator (20) depending on the comparison, - Operating the steering system (101) with the working version (AV1) for the configuration (K1) of the steering gear (10) and with the working version (AV2) for the configuration (K2) of the force feedback actuator (20).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for configuring a steering system, in particular a steer-by-wire system, of a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding computer program product, a corresponding control unit and a corresponding steering system for carrying out a corresponding method.

[0002] Modern vehicles increasingly feature advanced steering systems, such as steer-by-wire systems. Such steering systems typically comprise a steering gear and a force feedback actuator (FFA), which are connected via a communication link.

[0003] The generic DE 10 2020 205 904 A1 shows such a system.

[0004] To ensure safe operation of the steering systems, the components of the steer-by-wire steering systems must have compatible configurations. Problems in steer-by-wire systems can arise, for example, when components are replaced, e.g., during development or maintenance, or updated, e.g., during normal operation. If, for example, a software update for one of the two components fails, the released configurations of the two components no longer match. This can also happen if the parameter data sets used to adapt the respective software to the specific vehicle do not match.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome at least one of the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a method for configuring a steering system, in particular a steer-by-wire system, of a vehicle, which enables safe and reliable operation of the steering system, ensures efficient configuration of the components of the steering system, increases customer comfort, and increases confidence in the system. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a corresponding computer program product, a corresponding control unit, and a corresponding steering system for carrying out a corresponding method.

[0006] This problem is solved by the features of the independent claims.

[0007] The present invention provides a method for configuring a steering system, in particular a steer-by-wire system, of a vehicle having the features of the independent method claim. Furthermore, the invention provides a corresponding computer program product, a corresponding control unit, and a corresponding steering system having the features of the independent claims. Features and details described in connection with the various embodiments and / or aspects of the invention naturally also apply in connection with the other embodiments and / or aspects, and vice versa, so that reciprocal reference is or can always be made to the individual embodiments and / or aspects with regard to the disclosure.

[0008] The present invention provides: A method for configuring a steering system, in particular a steer-by-wire system, of a vehicle, wherein the steering system has at least one steering gear and one force feedback actuator, which are connected to one another via a communication connection.

[0009] The procedure comprises the following steps: - Starting the steering system (e.g. when starting the vehicle), - capturing a starting version for a configuration of the steering gear and a starting version for a configuration of the force feedback actuator, in particular via the communication link, - Comparing the starting version for the steering gear configuration and the starting version for the force feedback actuator configuration, - Determining a working version for the configuration of the steering gear depending on and a working version for the configuration of the force feedback actuator depending on the comparison, - Operating the steering system with the working version for the steering gear configuration and with the working version for the force feedback actuator configuration.

[0010] A configuration can be understood as a specific adaptation of software and / or hardware components of a system. A configuration can include one or more data sets (so-called configuration settings) for the software and / or hardware components of the system. A configuration can advantageously include selectable presets or default versions for the software and / or hardware components of the system.

[0011] Using this method, the steering gear and the force feedback actuator can exchange information, preferably via the communication connection, about which configuration (e.g., from software and parameter data sets) the respective component can offer, particularly when starting the steering system or starting the vehicle. A control unit, for example, intended for the steering gear, can compare the configurations and then decide whether the configurations are compatible and can be used for safe operation of the steering system.

[0012] This ensures that the configurations of the steering system components match each other, can be adjusted, or can be replaced with at least one approved default version to ensure safe operation of the steering systems. This enables not only coordination but also efficient configuration of the steering system components.

[0013] Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one default version is released as a working version for the steering gear configuration and at least one default version is released as a working version for the force feedback actuator configuration. In this way, retraction positions can be provided for the configurations of the steering system components that are compatible with each other and can be used safely and reliably in any case, even if the initial versions for the configurations of the steering system components do not match.

[0014] In a further implementation, additional data sets can be kept as released in addition to the default versions. In such a implementation, multiple data sets can be accessed, for example, the most recently released configuration.

[0015] Furthermore, it can be provided that if the starting version for the steering gear configuration corresponds to a default version, and if the starting version for the force feedback actuator configuration corresponds to a default version, then the default version is designated as the working version for the steering gear configuration and the default version as the working version for the force feedback actuator configuration. This can cover the case where both starting versions for the configurations of the steering system components match and are approved.

[0016] Furthermore, it can be provided that if the starting version for the steering gear configuration corresponds to a default version, and if the starting version for the force feedback actuator configuration corresponds to a first data set, then the default version is determined as the working version for the steering gear configuration and the default version is determined as the working version for the force feedback actuator configuration. This way, the case can be covered in which a component (e.g., the force feedback actuator) of the steering system contains a different data set as its starting version. In this case, for security reasons, it can be determined that both components use their default versions as working versions.

[0017] Furthermore, it can be specified that if the starting version for the steering gear configuration corresponds to a first data set, and if the starting version for the force feedback actuator configuration corresponds to a default version, then the default version is determined as the working version for the steering gear configuration and the default version is determined as the working version for the force feedback actuator configuration. This can cover the case in which a component (e.g., the steering gear) of the steering system contains a different data set as its starting version. In this case, for security reasons, it can be specified that both components use their default versions as working versions.

[0018] Furthermore, it can be provided that if the starting version for the configuration of the steering gear corresponds to a first data set, and if the starting version for the configuration of the force feedback actuator corresponds to a first data set, then the first data set is determined as the working version for the configuration of the steering gear and the first data set is determined as the working version for the configuration of the force feedback actuator. In this way, the case can be covered in which both starting versions for the configurations of the steering system components match each other and have a first data set.

[0019] Furthermore, it can be provided that if the starting version for the steering gear configuration corresponds to a first data set, and if the starting version for the force feedback actuator configuration corresponds to a second data set, then the default version is determined as the working version for the steering gear configuration and the default version is determined as the working version for the force feedback actuator configuration. This way, the case can be covered in which both starting versions for the configurations of the steering system components have different versions (e.g., the steering gear version is newer) and do not match. In this case, both components can use the default versions as working versions.

[0020] Furthermore, it can be provided that if the starting version for the steering gear configuration corresponds to a second data set, and if the starting version for the force feedback actuator configuration corresponds to a first data set, then the default version is determined as the working version for the steering gear configuration and the default version is determined as the working version for the force feedback actuator configuration. This way, the case can be covered in which both starting versions for the configurations of the steering system components have different versions (e.g., the steering gear version is older) and do not match. In this case, both components can use the default versions as working versions.

[0021] Furthermore, it can be provided that if the starting version for the configuration of the steering gear corresponds to a second data set, and if the starting version for the configuration of the force feedback actuator corresponds to a second data set, then the second data set is determined as the working version for the configuration of the steering gear and the second data set as the working version for the configuration of the force feedback actuator. In this way, the case can be covered in which both starting versions for the configurations of the steering system components match each other and have a first data set.

[0022] Advantageously, the method can be carried out for a steering system with multiple steering gear units. The steering gear units can each have their own configurations. Preferably, for such a steering system, it can be provided that the configurations of all components of the steering system can be coordinated with one another, preferably according to the method described above.

[0023] The invention further provides a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method, which can be carried out as described above. The computer program product can achieve the same advantages as those described above in connection with the method according to the invention. These advantages are incorporated herein by reference.

[0024] A corresponding control unit provides a further aspect of the invention. A computer program in the form of code can be stored in a memory unit of the control unit. When the code is executed by a computing unit of the control unit, the program performs a method that can proceed as described above. The control unit can achieve the same advantages as described above in connection with the method according to the invention. These advantages are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0025] The control unit can be implemented at least partially in a control unit for the steering gear and / or at least partially in a control unit for the force feedback actuator. At the same time, it is conceivable that the steering system can have a common control unit for both components, the steering gear and the force feedback actuator.

[0026] Furthermore, the invention provides: a steering system, in particular a steer-by-wire system, for a vehicle, wherein the steering system has a steering gear and a force feedback actuator which are connected to one another via a communication connection, and wherein the steering system has a control unit which can be designed as described above.

[0027] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which describes embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be advantageous individually or in any combination. They show schematically: Fig. 1 an exemplary steering system for a vehicle with a steering gear and a force feedback actuator, Fig. 2 an exemplary sequence of a method for configuring a steering system and Fig. 3 several examples of a selection of suitable working versions for the configurations of components of a steering system.

[0028] The Fig. 1 to 3 serve to explain a method which was developed for configuring a steering system 101, in particular a steer-by-wire system, of a vehicle 100.

[0029] As the Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, the steering system 101 comprises a steering gear 10 and a force feedback actuator 20, which are connected to each other via a communication link K. The steering gear 10 and the force feedback actuator 20 are arranged at a distance from each other and are only electrically connected. No direct power transmission takes place between the steering gear 10 and the force feedback actuator 20.

[0030] Showed the Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, the proposed procedure comprises the following steps: 110 Starting the steering system 101, e.g. when starting the vehicle, 120 Detecting a start version SV1 for a configuration K1 of the steering gear 10 and a start version SV2 for a configuration K2 of the force feedback actuator 20, in particular via the communication connection K, 130 Comparing the starting version SV1 for the configuration K1 of the steering gear 10 and the starting version SV2 for the configuration 21 of the force feedback actuator 20, 140 Determining a working version AV1 for the configuration K1 of the steering gear 10 as a function of and a working version AV2 for the configuration 21 of the force feedback actuator 20 as a function of the comparison, 150 Operating the steering system 101 with the working version AV1 for the configuration K1 of the steering gear 10 and with the working version AV2 for the configuration 21 of the force feedback actuator 20.

[0031] The idea is that the steering gear 10 and the force feedback actuator 20 determine, for example, when starting the steering system 101 or when starting the vehicle 100, preferably via the communication connection K, which configuration K1, K2 (e.g., from software and parameter data set) the respective component 10, 20 can offer. A control unit ECU, which is provided, for example, for the steering gear 10 and / or the force feedback actuator 20, can compare the configurations K1, K2 and, depending on the comparison, decide whether the configurations K1, K2 are compatible and can be used for safe operation of the steering system 101.

[0032] As the Fig. As indicated in Figure 3, at least one default version DV can be determined as working version AV1 for configuration K1 of the steering gear 10 and at least one default version DV can be determined as working version AV2 for configuration 21 of the force feedback actuator 20. In this way, retraction positions can be provided for the configurations K1, K2 of the components 10, 20 of the steering system 101 that are compatible with each other and can be used in the event of discrepancies.

[0033] Advantageously, multiple data sets A, B can be released so that in case of discrepancies, multiple data sets A, B can be used, e.g. the most recently released data set B.

[0034] As the Fig. 3 illustrates, if the starting version SV1 for the configuration K1 of the steering gear 10 corresponds to a default version DV, and if the starting version SV2 for the configuration 21 of the force feedback actuator 20 corresponds to a default version DV, the default version DV can be determined as the working version AV1 for the configuration K1 of the steering gear 10 and the default version DV can be determined as the working version AV2 for the configuration 21 of the force feedback actuator 20. Both starting versions (SV1 = SV2 or DV = DV) for the configurations K1, K2 of the components 10, 20 of the steering system 101 match each other. Since both starting versions (SV1 = SV2 or DV = DV) are released, they can be directly determined as working versions (AV1 = AV2 i.e., DV = DV).

[0035] As the Fig. 3, if the start version SV1 for the configuration K1 of the steering gear 10 corresponds to a default version DV, and if the start version SV2 for the configuration 21 of the force feedback actuator 20 corresponds to a first data set A, the default version DV can be determined as the working version AV1 for the configuration K1 of the steering gear 10 and the default version DV can be determined as the working version AV2 for the configuration 21 of the force feedback actuator 20. In this case, a component (e.g., the force feedback actuator 20) of the steering system 101 has a different data set A than the start version SV2 (DV is not equal to A). In this case, for reasons of operational reliability, it can be determined that both components 10, 20 use their default versions DV as working versions AV1, AV2.

[0036] As the Fig. 3, if the starting version SV1 for the configuration K1 of the steering gear 10 corresponds to a first data set A, and if the starting version SV2 for the configuration 21 of the force feedback actuator 20 corresponds to a default version DV, the default version DV can be determined as the working version AV1 for the configuration K1 of the steering gear 10 and the default version DV can be determined as the working version AV2 for the configuration 21 of the force feedback actuator 20. In this case, a component (e.g., the steering gear 10) of the steering system 101 has a different data set A as the starting version SV1 (A is not equal to DV). In this case, for reasons of operational reliability, it can be determined that both components 10, 20 use their default versions DV as working versions AV1, AV2.

[0037] As the Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, if the starting version SV1 for the configuration K1 of the steering gear 10 corresponds to a first data set A, and if the starting version SV2 for the configuration 21 of the force feedback actuator 20 corresponds to a first data set A, the first data set A can be determined as the working version AV1 for the configuration K1 of the steering gear 10 and the first data set A as the working version AV2 for the configuration 21 of the force feedback actuator 20. Both starting versions (SV1 = SV2 or A = A) for the configurations K1, K2 of the components 10, 20 of the steering system 101 match each other. The first data set A can therefore be determined as the appropriate working version AV1, AV2 for both configurations K1, K2.

[0038] As the Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, if the starting version SV1 for the configuration K1 of the steering gear 10 corresponds to a first data set A, and if the starting version SV2 for the configuration 21 of the force feedback actuator 20 corresponds to a second data set B, the default version DV can be determined as the working version AV1 for the configuration K1 of the steering gear 10 and the default version DV can be determined as the working version AV2 for the configuration 21 of the force feedback actuator 20. Both starting versions SV1, SV2 for the configurations K1, K2 of the components 10, 20 of the steering system 101 have different versions (A is not equal to B) that do not match each other. In this case, both components 10, 20 can use the default versions DV as working versions AV1, AV2.

[0039] As the Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, if the starting version SV1 for the configuration K1 of the steering gear 10 corresponds to a second data set B, and if the starting version SV2 for the configuration 21 of the force feedback actuator 20 corresponds to a first data set A, the default version DV can be determined as the working version AV1 for the configuration K1 of the steering gear 10 and the default version DV can be determined as the working version AV2 for the configuration 21 of the force feedback actuator 20. Both starting versions SV1, SV2 for the configurations K1, K2 of the components 10, 20 of the steering system 101 have different versions (B is not equal to A) that do not match each other. In this case, both components 10, 20 can use the default versions DV as working versions AV1, AV2.

[0040] As the Fig.As illustrated in Figure 3, if the starting version SV1 for the configuration K1 of the steering gear 10 corresponds to a second data set B, and if the starting version SV2 for the configuration 21 of the force feedback actuator 20 corresponds to a second data set B, the second data set B can be determined as the working version AV1 for the configuration K1 of the steering gear 10 and the second data set B as the working version AV2 for the configuration 21 of the force feedback actuator 20. Both starting versions (SV1 = SV2 or B = B) for the configurations K1, K2 of the components 10, 20 of the steering system 101 match each other. The second data set B can therefore be determined as the appropriate working version AV1, AV2 for both configurations K1, K2.

[0041] In addition, the invention provides: a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the computer program product is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method which can proceed as described above.

[0042] A corresponding control unit provides a further aspect of the invention. The control unit can be implemented at least partially in a control unit for the steering gear and / or at least partially in a control unit for the force feedback actuator. At the same time, it is conceivable that the steering system can have a common control unit for both components, the steering gear and the force feedback actuator.

[0043] Furthermore, the invention provides: a steering system 101, in particular a steer-by-wire system, for a vehicle 100, wherein the steering system 101 has a steering gear 10 and a force feedback actuator 20, which are connected to one another via a communication connection K, and wherein the steering system 101 has a control unit ECU, which can be designed as described above.

[0044] A corresponding computer program product, a corresponding control unit ECU and a corresponding steering system 101 with a corresponding control unit ECU also represent aspects of the invention.

[0045] The control unit ECU can be implemented as a central (for both components 10, 20 of the steering system 101) or a distributed control unit (one control unit for each component 10, 20 of the steering system 101).

[0046] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively by way of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the claims. List of reference symbols 100 vehicles 101 Steering system 10 steering gear 20 force feedback actuator K Communication connection K1 configuration K2 configuration SV1 starter version SV2 starter version AV1 working version AV2 working version A data set B data set ECU control unit

Claims

[1] Method for configuring a steering system (101), in particular a steer-by-wire system, of a vehicle (100), wherein the steering system (101) comprises at least one steering gear (10) and one force feedback actuator (20) which are connected to one another via a communication connection (K), characterized by , that the procedure has: - Starting the steering system (101), - detecting a start version (SV1) for a configuration (K1) of the steering gear (10) and a start version (SV2) for a configuration (K2) of the force feedback actuator (20), in particular via the communication connection (K), - comparing the starting version (SV1) for the configuration (K1) of the steering gear (10) and the starting version (SV2) for the configuration (K2) of the force feedback actuator (20), - Determining a working version (AV1) for the configuration (K1) of the steering gear (10) as a function of and a working version (AV2) for the configuration (K2) of the force feedback actuator (20) as a function of the comparison, - Operating the steering system (101) with the working version (AV1) for the configuration (K1) of the steering gear (10) and with the working version (AV2) for the configuration (K2) of the force feedback actuator (20). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that at least one default version (DV) is determined as a working version (AV1) for the configuration (K1) of the steering gear (10) and the at least one default version (DV) is determined as a working version (AV2) for the configuration (K2) of the force feedback actuator (20) as released. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat if the starting version (SV1) for the configuration (K1) of the steering gear (10) corresponds to a default version (DV), and if the starting version (SV2) for the configuration (K2) of the force feedback actuator (20) corresponds to the default version (DV), then the default version (DV) is determined as the working version (AV1) for the configuration (K1) of the steering gear (10) and the default version (DV) is determined as the working version (AV2) for the configuration (K2) of the force feedback actuator (20). [4] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that if the starting version (SV1) for the configuration (K1) of the steering gear (10) corresponds to a default version (DV), and if the starting version (SV2) for the configuration (K2) of the force feedback actuator (20) corresponds to a first data set (A), then the default version (DV) is determined as the working version (AV1) for the configuration (K1) of the steering gear (10) and the default version (DV) is determined as the working version (AV2) for the configuration (K2) of the force feedback actuator (20). [5] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that if the starting version (SV1) for the configuration (K1) of the steering gear (10) corresponds to a first data set (A), and if the starting version (SV2) for the configuration (K2) of the force feedback actuator (20) corresponds to a default version (DV), then the default version (DV) is determined as the working version (AV1) for the configuration (K1) of the steering gear (10) and the default version (DV) is determined as the working version (AV2) for the configuration (K2) of the force feedback actuator (20). [6] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that if the starting version (SV1) for the configuration (K1) of the steering gear (10) corresponds to a first data set (A), and if the starting version (SV2) for the configuration (K2) of the force feedback actuator (20) corresponds to the first data set (A), then the first data set (A) is determined as the working version (AV1) for the configuration (K1) of the steering gear (10) and the first data set (A) is determined as the working version (AV2) for the configuration (K2) of the force feedback actuator (20). [7] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that if the starting version (SV1) for the configuration (K1) of the steering gear (10) corresponds to a first data set (A), and if the starting version (SV2) for the configuration (K2) of the force feedback actuator (20) corresponds to a second data set (B), then the default version (DV) is determined as the working version (AV1) for the configuration (K1) of the steering gear (10) and the default version (DV) is determined as the working version (AV2) for the configuration (K2) of the force feedback actuator (20). [8] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that if the starting version (SV1) for the configuration (K1) of the steering gear (10) corresponds to a second data set (B), and if the starting version (SV2) for the configuration (K2) of the force feedback actuator (20) corresponds to a first data set (A), then the default version (DV) is determined as the working version (AV1) for the configuration (K1) of the steering gear (10) and the default version (DV) is determined as the working version (AV2) for the configuration (K2) of the force feedback actuator (20). [9] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that if the starting version (SV1) for the configuration (K1) of the steering gear (10) corresponds to a second data set (B), and if the starting version (SV2) for the configuration (K2) of the force feedback actuator (20) corresponds to the second data set (B), then the second data set (B) is determined as the working version (AV1) for the configuration (K1) of the steering gear (10) and the second data set (B) is determined as the working version (AV2) for the configuration (K2) of the force feedback actuator (20). [10] Computer program product comprising instructions which, when the computer program product is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to one of the preceding method claims. [11] Control unit (ECU), comprising a computing unit and a memory unit in which instructions are stored which, when at least partially executed by the computing unit, carry out a method according to one of the preceding method claims 1 to 9. [12] Steering system (101), in particular a steer-by-wire system, for a vehicle (100), wherein the steering system (101) comprises a steering gear (10) and a force feedback actuator (20) which are connected to one another via a communication connection (K), and wherein the steering system (101) comprises a control unit (ECU) according to the preceding claim.

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