Assistance function for the use of a car wash, control unit and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for initiating and executing an assistance function for the use of a car wash (20) with a vehicle (10), in which the approach to a car wash (20) and its type are detected, and an overview (12) with instructions for achieving a car wash-ready state of the vehicle (10) depending on the car wash type is then provided. Alternatively, the assistance function is activated manually and the car wash type is queried. The invention also relates to a control unit for executing the method and a vehicle (10) with such a control unit.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for initiating and executing an assistance function for using a car wash with a vehicle, in which the approach to a car wash and its type are detected, and a display is then provided with instructions for achieving a car wash-ready state of the vehicle, depending on the car wash type. Alternatively, the assistance function is activated manually, and the car wash type is queried. The invention also relates to a control unit for executing the method and a vehicle with such a control unit.

[0002] When using a car wash or conveyor belt, drivers must observe a number of things. For example, the windows must be closed, the car radio antenna removed or retracted, and so on. The vehicle may need to be put into roll mode. With rail-guided systems, a precise maneuver is required, where the vehicle's wheels must be correctly aligned with the track. Furthermore, when switching from a manual transmission vehicle to an automatic, and especially to an electric vehicle, a completely new shift pattern may be encountered.

[0003] The sum of these requirements and necessities can mean stress and uncertainty for the driver.

[0004] Several solutions are known in the prior art. DE 10 2018 005 466 A1 describes the detection of a car wash using a camera and the calculation of a trajectory to the conveyor system. DE 10 2013 209 242 A1 describes the detection of a car wash and the subsequent activation or deactivation of driver assistance systems. EP 2 698 294 A1 describes the detection of a passageway and the autonomous driving through the car wash. US 2014 / 0052312 A1 also describes autonomous driving through a car wash. US 2022 / 0402524 A1 discloses a method in which a vehicle status is checked and its suitability for washing is established. Here, too, the vehicle drives autonomously through the car wash. DE 10 2021 126 458 A1 describes the operation of a car wash mode in which the car wash mode is detected and executed after confirmation.

[0005] The current state of the art in vehicle cleaning processes share the common characteristic of being largely automatic or automated, with little to no influence on the vehicle occupant. In many cases, the occupant is not even informed about the necessary procedures. Some users may perceive this as unpleasant and a loss of control, leading to discomfort. Therefore, it would be desirable to find a process in which the vehicle user or occupant is adequately informed, can influence the degree of automation, and can independently prepare the vehicle for washing using an assistance function.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to propose such a method.

[0007] The object of the invention is achieved by a method, a control device, and a vehicle according to the independent claims. Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the remaining features mentioned in the dependent claims.

[0008] The inventive method for initiating and carrying out an assistance function for the use of a car wash with a vehicle comprises at least the following steps: • Detection of approach to a car wash and detection and / or querying of the car wash type, or • Manual activation of the assistance function by a vehicle user and query of the car wash type, and each • Display of an overview with instructions on how to achieve a car wash-suitable condition of the vehicle depending on the car wash type.

[0009] The procedure therefore initially offers two ways to initiate the assistance function for using a car wash. This assistance function can be started by approaching a car wash, but it can also be activated manually by a vehicle user.

[0010] In the first step, if an approach to the car wash is detected, the type of car wash is identified and / or queried in a subsequent step. Car washes – or synonymously, car wash facilities or car wash garages – can have various operating mechanisms. Vehicles can be pulled through them by a chain or similar device, transported on conveyor belts, or driven through by the vehicle itself. There are also car washes where a vehicle is simply placed inside and washed while stationary, with the cleaning equipment moving around the vehicle (for example, gantry car washes or robotic car washes).

[0011] The system should identify the type of car wash the vehicle has approached. This can be determined using camera tracking with subsequent image analysis, communication between the vehicle and the infrastructure and / or the car wash itself (Car2X communication), or location information from map data combined with the vehicle's position, for example, in the form of a GPS coordinate. Alternatively or additionally, the car wash type can be queried, allowing the vehicle user to enter the car wash type or select it from a predefined list.

[0012] Alternatively, the assistance function can be activated manually. The vehicle user should therefore start the assistance function themselves, for example from a menu in a user interface within the vehicle, such as the infotainment display. Immediately after starting the assistance function, the type of car wash can be requested and answered by the vehicle user.

[0013] From now on, the process is the same in both steps: a display is provided that includes an overview with instructions on how to achieve a car wash-suitable condition for the vehicle, depending on the type of car wash entered or detected.

[0014] The condition of a vehicle suitable for a car wash is one in which damage to the vehicle during the washing process should be avoided or eliminated. This includes ensuring that all openings of the vehicle, such as doors, windows, sunroof, and the like, are closed. Depending on the type of car wash, the vehicle may need to be set to roll mode so that it can be moved through the wash without damage, while in other cases the parking brake must be engaged. Some vehicles still have rod antennas that must be removed or retracted before the wash. The exterior mirrors should be folded in. It can be helpful to set the vehicle's interior ventilation to recirculation mode during the wash.

[0015] Furthermore, in modern vehicles, driver assistance and warning systems, or the sensors required for them, must be deactivated, such as parking and distance sensors, the transmission of warnings to the vehicle occupant, and the like. The automatic windshield wiper system should also be deactivated. If the vehicle is to be left and locked by the occupant for the washing process, it may be advisable to deactivate the vehicle's exit control system, which includes, among other things, the activation of an alarm system and / or lighting scenarios. The vehicle systems or components that may need to be adjusted to prepare the vehicle for the car wash are also referred to below as vehicle equipment.

[0016] These and any other necessary measures should be displayed in the overview. The information can be displayed using text and optionally also graphically with images or symbols. The display should preferably be shown on a sufficiently large screen, such as the center display of the vehicle's infotainment system.

[0017] The vehicle user can now use such a list, specific to the type of car wash, to take the necessary steps to prepare the vehicle for the wash cycle before initiating the process. Only the steps actually required for the type of car wash being visited are displayed. This provides the vehicle user with individualized and situation-appropriate guidance, giving them a sense of security and control over the situation.

[0018] In a first embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the vehicle user must confirm the detection of an approach to a car wash and / or the detection of the car wash type. The vehicle user should therefore be shown that the approach to a car wash and / or a car wash type has been detected, and in the case of the car wash type, preferably also which car wash type has been detected.

[0019] As previously explained, the notification should be displayed via a vehicle display unit, which also allows input from the vehicle user. According to this design, the vehicle user should then confirm the detected information, provided it is correct. This gives them the opportunity to correct a false detection, re-trigger the process, or cancel it entirely, for example, if no car wash was actually entered.

[0020] This design also addresses the vehicle user's need for control. Optionally, confirmation can occur automatically after a few seconds without user intervention, or the process can be aborted.

[0021] In the second embodiment of the method according to the invention, the approach to a car wash is detected by means of map information in conjunction with a position of the vehicle, image processing and / or communication with an infrastructure in the vicinity of the vehicle.

[0022] Car washes, like gas stations, are typically stored in the maps used for vehicle navigation and are therefore known to the vehicle's user. The vehicle can determine its position at any time using global positioning systems such as GPS, and thus also its approach to a known location of a car wash as soon as it does so. This detection preferably occurs in the background and initially goes unnoticed by the vehicle user until the vehicle falls within a predefined distance threshold. As mentioned, the stored information about the car wash may also include its type. Furthermore, the vehicle user may have selected the car wash as a destination, meaning that its approach is already known.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, approach detection can also be achieved using image processing. Newer vehicles are equipped with numerous cameras for environmental sensing, which continuously capture and subsequently analyze images. If it is detected that these images contain recurring features of a car wash, particularly those that become larger (i.e., closer to the vehicle), this indicates that the vehicle is approaching the car wash. These methods of image capture and analysis are generally well-known and will therefore not be discussed in detail here.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the approach to the car wash can be detected via communication between the vehicle and its surroundings, also known as Car2X or C2X. This infrastructure can also include the car wash itself, allowing the car wash to communicate with the vehicle. This communication can, for example, transmit the vehicle's location, so that the approach of the car wash can be inferred from the vehicle's proximity to each other during the journey. Any other infrastructure object equipped for C2X communication can also contribute to this communication.

[0025] An advantageous further development of the method according to the invention exists when the display of the overview with instructions for achieving the car wash-suitable condition of the vehicle is supplemented with a display of status information of the vehicle equipment to be tested.

[0026] This means that the system not only displays the measures necessary to achieve a car wash-ready condition, but also the current state of each vehicle component. For example, a window would show whether it is open or closed. A sensor system would indicate whether it is activated or deactivated. The system should display the current state or status of each vehicle component whose condition needs to be checked and brought into a predefined state for passage through a car wash. As previously explained, this should only apply to vehicle components for which such a setting is required for the specific car wash type.

[0027] The display can be represented by symbols, graphics, and / or colors. For example, an open window can be shown as a red graphic or symbol, and green when closed. The display can change as the vehicle user restores the necessary state of the vehicle equipment. Initially, only a display is implemented that reflects the state of the vehicle equipment and also confirms to the vehicle user that the correct settings have been configured.

[0028] In a further development of the aforementioned embodiment of the inventive method, the vehicle user can select whether to activate or deactivate the vehicle equipment to achieve a car wash-ready state within the status information display of the vehicle equipment being tested. This means that the display of information on achieving a car wash-ready state, along with the status information, also includes selection areas. When activated, these areas switch the corresponding vehicle equipment to the required state. For example, if the window is open, a selection area can be displayed next to the aforementioned red marker. Activating this area closes the window (= activation). An activated distance warning system can be deactivated using such a selection area. If necessary, the parking brake can be engaged (= activated), or a roll mode can be set.

[0029] In particular, this method should enable the deactivation of the distance and parking sensors and / or the vehicle exit concept explained earlier, so that their individual functions do not have to be deactivated individually or the vehicle user does not have to find their individual function in a menu.

[0030] It is particularly advantageous if the activation or deactivation of all vehicle features for setting the car wash-ready state can be selected using a single selection field. This single selection field can also be referred to as a "master button." When this selection field is activated, all vehicle features that are not yet in a state required for passing through a car wash and that can be centrally controlled should be activated to switch to the required state. In this way, the effort required to set the car wash-ready state is minimized, if desired by the vehicle user. This single selection field can be integrated directly into the overview display with instructions for achieving a car wash-ready state, or into the display of status information for the vehicle features being checked.

[0031] The overview display with instructions on how to achieve a car wash-ready condition for the vehicle can also be supplemented with a top-view view of the vehicle in relation to the car wash, which includes in particular driving instructions.

[0032] In addition to displaying instructions for setting the vehicle to be suitable for the car wash and, optionally, the status of the vehicle's settings relevant to the specific car wash type, the status display can also include a top-down view of the vehicle in relation to the car wash entrance. This shows the driver whether their vehicle, and especially its wheels, are correctly positioned in relation to the car wash lane, particularly when the lane is defined by a rail system or guide rails. This top-down view, also known as a top view, is generated in newer vehicles by the vehicle's own cameras as part of the parking assistant and can be used for the assistance function when driving through a car wash.

[0033] Thanks to such a display, the vehicle operator can still correct the vehicle's position. This is particularly effective when the top-view display also includes driving instructions, such as the current steering angle of the vehicle's wheels and the resulting direction of travel, or the remaining distances to surrounding components of the car wash. These driving instructions are familiar from parking assistance systems and can be used in the same way for entering a car wash.

[0034] In vehicles with an autonomous driving mode, it may be provided that the procedure is further developed in such a way that, triggered by the vehicle user via the assistance function, an automated adjustment of the vehicle's condition to be suitable for the car wash and passage through the car wash takes place.

[0035] Once the vehicle's approach to the car wash is detected, the car wash type is identified or entered, and the instructions for achieving a car wash-ready state are displayed, the automatic setting of the car wash-ready state can be initiated via a selection field or any other input option, triggering an autonomous passage of the vehicle through the car wash. If desired by the vehicle user, control can be transferred to the vehicle itself, allowing the assistance function to execute all necessary measures and actions. Optionally, this can also include only the passage through the car wash.

[0036] This design can also optionally include autonomous exit from the car wash.

[0037] As part of the aforementioned design or as a standalone feature, the assistance function can include an exit function for the vehicle leaving the car wash, which specifically includes gear selection and / or releasing the parking brake. This exit function is intended to make it easier for the vehicle user to take over the vehicle and drive out of the car wash after the washing process has finished.

[0038] As part of the exit functionality, the systems that were switched off or deactivated for the car wash are reactivated. This includes, in particular, the sensor and warning systems, such as the distance and collision warning. Optionally, all systems to be reactivated can be reset to their previous state or a predefined default value. Another option allows the vehicle user to predefine which systems should be (re)activated after the car wash and with which settings, such as opening the windows.

[0039] The exit functionality should also include preparing the vehicle for driving in automatic vehicles. This can include setting the drive mode ("D"), i.e., selecting a gear, and / or releasing the parking brake if it was engaged. Particularly when setting the drive mode in conjunction with the released parking brake, it can be useful to provide this setting without the vehicle being propelled. This allows the vehicle user to drive off after the washing process is complete by pressing the accelerator pedal, without having to perform all the necessary steps to prepare the vehicle for driving.

[0040] Optionally, this can be done with prior confirmation by the vehicle user via the vehicle's central display and input device. The extension functionality can also optionally be triggered manually by the user.

[0041] Some of the aforementioned configurations relieve the vehicle user of control over the processes. Since this is not to every vehicle user's liking, one embodiment of the inventive method provides that the level of support from the assistance function can be selected by the vehicle user.

[0042] The vehicle user should be able to choose the level of support they wish to receive when driving through a car wash, i.e., whether the display described at the beginning, providing guidance on achieving a car wash-ready condition, is sufficient, or whether they wish to view the associated status information, or even centrally control individual systems up to and including all systems that need to be adjusted to achieve a car wash-ready condition, up to and including autonomous driving through the car wash.

[0043] Such a selection can also be made using the vehicle's central display and input device, where the type and scope of support can be determined via a suitable menu.

[0044] The invention also provides a control unit for a vehicle, which is configured to execute a method according to the invention. This includes the reception and evaluation of image and / or sensor data, which, through their evaluation, allow the vehicle to detect its approach to a car wash, as well as the type of car wash. It also includes the provision of a display with instructions for reaching a car wash-ready state and any necessary queries, as well as the measures for implementing the optional embodiments of the method according to the invention.

[0045] For this purpose, program codes or instructions are stored in a memory of the control unit, the execution of which by the control unit carries out the method according to the invention. In addition, the control unit is connected to the vehicle systems that are controlled by it within the framework of the method according to the invention, as well as to a sensor system that can detect the state of these vehicle systems.

[0046] Finally, the invention also includes a vehicle with the control device described above, so that the method according to the invention can be carried out in the vehicle.

[0047] The method according to the invention provides a vehicle user with a tool to prepare the vehicle for car washes. The user is always informed about the scope of the necessary steps and retains control over the process. Even in vehicles without extensive automation, such as those with electric windows, the required steps are displayed, preventing accidental incorrect settings.

[0048] Unless otherwise stated in individual cases, the various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another.

[0049] The invention is explained below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a flowchart for the method according to the invention with embodiment variants, and Fig. 2 A possible view of the overview of instructions for achieving a car wash-ready condition for the vehicle.

[0050] Fig. Figure 1 shows a flowchart of the method according to the invention with various embodiments. The method is executed by means of a control unit in the vehicle 10, which approaches the car wash 20. The displays are shown on the center display of the vehicle 10.

[0051] A vehicle 10 approaches a car wash 20 (step S1). The approach to the car wash 20 is detected in step S2, followed by the type of car wash (step S3). The approach is detected using map information and the GPS position of vehicle 10. The car wash type is identified through image capture and analysis.

[0052] Optionally, and shown with dashed lines, a query can be made after steps S2 and S3 to confirm B the detected approach to a car wash 20 and the detected car wash type.

[0053] Alternatively, the assistance function can be manually activated in step M1, after which the vehicle user is asked about the car wash type (step M2).

[0054] In all processes, step S4 displays an overview 12 with instructions for achieving a car wash-ready condition for the vehicle 10, depending on the detected or entered car wash type. The mere display of these instructions is illustrated by step S5. This lists the vehicle components that must be brought into a car wash-ready condition before the washing process begins. This can include windows, antennas, doors, sensors, setting a rolling state for the vehicle 10, and the like.

[0055] In embodiments of the method, status information on vehicle equipment from step S5 is provided (step S6) based on the information provided in step S5. This is done as described in relation to Fig. 2, which is explained further, uses red and green symbols to indicate whether a vehicle's equipment still needs to be adjusted (red) or is already in a car wash-ready condition (green).

[0056] Optionally, each of these status information 24 can be assigned a selection area 26, which can be used to bring the corresponding vehicle equipment into a car wash-ready state (step S7). For example, if such a selection area 26 is activated, an open window will be closed.

[0057] Additionally, a topview view 14 can be provided, illustrating the position of the vehicle 10 in relation to a given lane 30 in the car wash 20 (step S8), so that the vehicle user can maneuver the vehicle 10 into the correct position.

[0058] Alternatively, after step S4, the vehicle user can trigger the automatic setting of the car wash-suitable state and the autonomous passage of the vehicle 10 through the car wash 20 (step S9).

[0059] In all cases, the washing process is followed by exiting (step S10) from the car wash 20. This can be assisted, whereby deactivated systems are reactivated, the parking brake is released (if engaged) and optionally the vehicle's driving mode 10 is set.

[0060] To allow the vehicle user to determine the level of assistance provided by the driver assistance system when using a car wash, they can select their preferred level of support in the vehicle menu. This corresponds to a selection from steps S5 (minimum version) to S9 (maximum support).

[0061] In Fig. Figure 2 shows an overview of how it can be displayed within the procedure.

[0062] The left-hand section displays a list of vehicle equipment 22 that must be made suitable for car washes. These requirements depend on the identified car wash type. Overview 12 is labeled with heading 21. Fig.In section 2, all text information is simplified and displayed as a box. Each vehicle equipment unit 22 in overview 12 is assigned a status information 24 indicating whether the vehicle equipment unit 22 is already in a condition suitable for the car wash. Next to this is a selection area 26 for setting the desired status. Overview 12 also includes a common selection area 28 that can be used to switch all vehicle equipment units 22 to a car wash-suitable state.

[0063] On the right side of overview 12 is a top view 14 showing the position of vehicle 10 in car wash 20 in relation to lane 30 in car wash 20 and supplemented with driving instructions 32. Reference symbol list 10 vehicles 12 Overview with notes 14 Topview view 20 Car Wash 21 Heading Assistant function 22 Vehicle equipment 24 Status Information 26 Selection field (area) 28 shared selection field (area) 30 lanes in the car wash 32 Driving instructions S1...S10 Process steps M1, M2 process steps B Confirmation QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2018 005 466 A1

[0004] DE 10 2013 209 242 A1

[0004] EP 2 698 294 A1

[0004] US 2014 / 0052312 A1

[0004] US 2022 / 0402524 A1

[0004] DE 10 2021 126 458 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Method for initiating and carrying out an assistance function for the use of a car wash (20) with a vehicle (10) comprising at least the following steps: • Detection (S2) of an approach (S1) to a car wash (20) and detection and / or query (S3) of a car wash type of the car wash (20), or • Manual activation (M1) of the assistance function by a vehicle user and query (M2) of the car wash type, and each • Display (S4) of an overview (12) with instructions (S5) on how to achieve a car wash-suitable condition of the vehicle (10) depending on the car wash type. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the detection of an approach to a car wash (20) and / or the detection of the car wash type by the vehicle user must be confirmed (B). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the detection of the approach to a car wash (20) is carried out using map information in conjunction with a position of the vehicle (10), image processing and / or communication with an infrastructure in the vicinity of the vehicle (10). [4] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the display of the overview (12) with instructions on how to achieve the car wash-suitable condition of the vehicle is supplemented by a display of status information (24) of the vehicle equipment (22) to be checked (S6). [5] Method according to claim 4, characterized by , that in the display of the status information (24) of the vehicle equipment (22) to be tested, the activation or deactivation (S7) of the vehicle equipment (22) to set the car wash-suitable state must be selected by the vehicle user, in particular a deactivation of the distance and parking sensors and / or the vehicle exit concept (10). [6] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the activation or deactivation of all vehicle equipment (22) to set the car wash-suitable state is to be selected by means of a common selection field (28). [7] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the overview display (12) with instructions for achieving the car wash-suitable condition of the vehicle (10) is supplemented with a top view (14) of the vehicle (10) in relation to the car wash (20) (S8), which in particular includes driving instructions (32). [8] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that triggered by the vehicle user using the assistance function, an automated adjustment of the vehicle's condition suitable for the car wash (10) and passage through the car wash (20) takes place (S9). [9] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the assistance function has an exit functionality for the vehicle (10) exiting the car wash (20) (S10), which includes in particular a gear selection and / or the release of the parking brake. [10] Method according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized by , that the level of support provided by the assistance function can be selected by the vehicle user. [11] Control device for a vehicle (10) configured to perform a method according to any of the preceding claims. [12] Vehicle (10) with a control device according to claim 11.

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