Method for controlling a heating device, a steering device of a motor vehicle, and a corresponding motor vehicle

Abstract

Method for controlling a heating device (4) of a steering device (10) of a motor vehicle, wherein the heating device is operated with a predetermined heating output to warm the hands of a vehicle driver at least partially. According to the invention, the heating output of the heating device is controlled depending on a driving operating state of the motor vehicle and, in particular, depending on a driving gear of the motor vehicle.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle with a heated steering wheel and to a corresponding motor vehicle. Vehicles equipped with heated steering wheels have been known in the art for some time. These heated steering wheels contribute to a more comfortable driving experience for the driver. However, they also consume energy and are therefore a cost factor in the vehicle's energy consumption.

[0002] A motor vehicle with a steering wheel heater is known from CN 109178082 A. The temperature of the steering wheel is measured and the steering wheel heater is controlled depending on this temperature.

[0003] DE 10 2016 219 653 A1 describes a heating arrangement for a vehicle component. This includes heating components for a seat heater and a steering wheel heater.

[0004] KR 1998 00 49 899 U describes a steering wheel heater with adjustable temperature. KR 2010 00 48 388 A discloses a heating control system for multiple heated components of a motor vehicle. US 2010 / 0176110 A1 describes a vehicle heating system.

[0005] While a driver of a motor vehicle typically keeps their hands, or at least one hand, on the steering wheel while driving, situations are conceivable in which the driver is sitting in the car and not holding the steering wheel. This is the case, for example, when the driver has parked the vehicle and is waiting for other people or engaged in other activities, such as reading or eating.

[0006] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of reducing the energy consumption of vehicles. This objective is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] In an inventive method for controlling a heating device of a steering device or a steering device of a motor vehicle, the heating device is operated with a predetermined heating power in order to effect at least partial heating of the hands of a vehicle driver.

[0008] According to the invention, the heating output of the heating device can be controlled or is controlled accordingly, depending on an operating state and / or movement state of the motor vehicle, and in particular depending on a driving stage of the motor vehicle.

[0009] The operating state and / or state of motion of a motor vehicle is understood to mean, in particular, a state that characterizes whether the motor vehicle is moving or stationary, and preferably also the reason for its stationary position. Preferably, this state of motion is selected from a group of states of motion that includes movement or driving of the vehicle, a temporary stop of the vehicle (e.g., at traffic lights or in traffic jams), a parked state of the vehicle (the vehicle is left parked for a specific period of time), a parked state in which a driver remains in the vehicle, a parked state in which the driver leaves the vehicle (possibly briefly), and the like.

[0010] Motor vehicles, and in particular both motor vehicles with automatic transmissions and those with manual transmissions, as well as electric vehicles or gas-powered motor vehicles, can be switched into a position in which driving the motor vehicle is not immediately possible.

[0011] In motor vehicles with automatic transmissions, this is the position “P” of the gear lever, and in manually shifted motor vehicles, this is, for example, neutral or a situation in which the engine is switched off and, in particular, a certain gear is engaged.

[0012] The invention therefore proposes to take this driving condition of the motor vehicle into account when controlling the steering wheel heating or, more generally, the heating device of the steering system.

[0013] This detection can be achieved by checking whether, particularly in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, the gear selector is in position "P". However, other methods are also conceivable for detecting whether the vehicle is parked. For example, a navigation system could be used to detect that the vehicle is in a parking space.

[0014] For example, in a vehicle with a manual transmission, it could be checked whether the parking brake or handbrake is engaged. It could also be noted whether the vehicle's engine is running. Furthermore, it could be checked whether a gear or drive mode is selected with the engine off.

[0015] Alternatively, the user could also confirm that the vehicle will be parked for a certain period of time.

[0016] Preferably, the steering device is a steering wheel of a motor vehicle. However, other steering devices are also possible, such as steering bars, control sticks, and the like. In particular, the steering device is one that is gripped by at least one hand, and preferably by both hands, of the driver so that the driver can perform a steering maneuver.

[0017] In another preferred method, the interior temperature of the vehicle is measured and the heating output of the heating system is controlled depending on this interior temperature. This makes it possible to determine when the interior temperature of the vehicle is high enough that no additional hand warming is necessary.

[0018] In another preferred method, an outside temperature is detected and the heating power of the steering device's heating unit is controlled depending on the outside temperature.

[0019] In another preferred method, the heating output of the heating device is controllable by the user and / or driver. Preferably, the user can choose how much the steering wheel or steering device in general should be heated.

[0020] Preferably, the control of the heating device also takes into account the user's setting of the heating output, and in particular, this setting is also taken into account when, as explained in more detail below, the heating output is to be reduced.

[0021] These measures are primarily taken to determine whether and, if so, with what power output steering wheel heating is required.

[0022] Preferably, the heating device is electrically operated. This could, for example, include a heating coil integrated into the steering wheel or similar.

[0023] In another preferred method, the temperature of the steering system is measured. Preferably, at least the temperature of a heated area of ​​the steering system is measured or measurable. Preferably, the control and, in particular, the regulation of the steering system's heating element is also carried out taking into account the temperature of the steering system thus measured.

[0024] In another preferred method, the temperature of the driver's hands is also measured or measurable.

[0025] In a preferred method, a gear position of the motor vehicle (and in particular a gear position of a transmission) is detected. Upon detection of a predetermined gear position, especially a park position, a reduction in heating power is enabled (and / or implemented). This means that the heating power is not reduced as long as it is detected that the vehicle is moving or that it can be immediately brought into a driving state, as is possible, for example, in the "D" position used in automatic transmissions.

[0026] In manually shifted vehicles, for example, it would be possible to determine whether the clutch or clutch pedal is engaged by the driver. For instance, the presence of a gear, especially a low gear, with the clutch disengaged and the engine off, could be considered an indication that the vehicle is parked.

[0027] In another preferred method, it is recorded whether at least one hand of the motor vehicle user or driver is in contact with the steering device and, preferably, if no contact is detected, a reduction in heating power is enabled (and / or carried out).

[0028] During a parking maneuver, the user or driver of a motor vehicle will usually take their hands off the steering wheel, so that in this situation an adjustment of the heating power is possible without impairing the comfort of the motor vehicle operator or driver.

[0029] Preferably, a reduction in heating power is enabled if, on the one hand, a lack of contact of the steering device or steering means is detected and, on the other hand, a certain driving stage of the motor vehicle, in particular the "P" position, is engaged.

[0030] Furthermore, it is also possible to detect whether only one hand or no hand is on the steering wheel. In certain situations, the driver may only be holding the steering wheel with one hand. In these situations, a reduction in heating power is preferably not permitted.

[0031] In another preferred method, if the steering device is detected to be out of contact with at least one hand for a specified period of time, the heating power of the heating device is reduced.

[0032] For example, the system detects when the driver's hand(s) are no longer on the steering wheel. It then waits for a predetermined period to check if this lack of contact persists.

[0033] Another preferred method records whether a user, and in particular a driver, is in the motor vehicle and, in particular, is in its driver's seat.

[0034] It is possible that the loss of contact occurred because the driver had left the vehicle. In this case, reducing or switching off the heating output would also be possible.

[0035] In another preferred method, the heating power of the heating device is reduced in several stages, or can be reduced in several stages, wherein this reduction is preferably carried out depending on the duration of non-contact between the steering device and the driver's hands. This duration is preferably configurable. It is also preferably configurable in which steps, or more generally, in what manner, the heating power of the heating device is reduced.

[0036] The proposed invention enables energy savings in the vehicle, specifically savings in battery power (in both electric and internal combustion engine vehicles) as well as savings in fuel such as gasoline, diesel, or gas. Furthermore, the present invention can be implemented by using components already commonly found in motor vehicles, such as contact sensors, temperature sensors, or an existing control unit for the steering system's heating mechanism.

[0037] For example, the heating output can be reduced as a first step if it is detected that the user's hands have not been on the steering wheel for more than 30 seconds. If it is further determined that the user's hands have not been on the steering wheel for more than 60 seconds, the heating system can be reduced further or even switched off completely.

[0038] The present invention further relates to a motor vehicle and in particular a road vehicle with a steering device for steering the motor vehicle and with a heating device for heating at least one section of this steering device and in particular a section which is intended to be contacted by the user of the motor vehicle for steering the motor vehicle.

[0039] Furthermore, the motor vehicle has a control device for controlling the heating system and, in particular, for controlling the (heating) output of the heating system.

[0040] According to the invention, the control device is suitable and intended to control the heating output of the heating device depending on a driving operating state of the motor vehicle and in particular on a selected driving stage of the motor vehicle.

[0041] Preferably, the motor vehicle has a gear position detection device that is suitable and designed to detect an engaged gear. Preferably, this gear position detection device can communicate with the control unit of the heating system. However, it would also be possible for the control unit to query this gear position detection device to control the heating system.

[0042] Preferably, a detection device is also provided that determines whether the vehicle's engine is running. This makes it possible to reduce the heating output only when the vehicle's engine is off.

[0043] In a further advantageous embodiment, the motor vehicle has a contact detection device which is suitable and intended to detect contact of a body part and in particular a hand of a user with the steering device.

[0044] Particularly preferably, the control device is also suitable and intended to control the heating output of the heating device as a function of a measured value output by the contact detection device. This is, in particular, a measured value that is characteristic of whether one or both hands of the driver are on the steering mechanism or not.

[0045] The control system is particularly preferably suitable and designed to control the heating power depending on both a measured value from the contact detection device and a measured value from the speed step detection device.

[0046] In another embodiment, the motor vehicle has a timing device which determines, or is suitable for determining, a time or duration during which the hand or hands of a user or driver have not been on the steering device.

[0047] The control device is particularly preferably also suitable and intended to control the heating output depending on the duration during which the driver's hand has not been on the steering wheel.

[0048] The control device is particularly preferably suited and designed to control and / or regulate the heating output of the heating device in at least two, preferably at least three, and preferably at least four different power levels, and preferably in more than four power levels. In addition, stepless controllability or regulation of the heating output would also be conceivable.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment, the vehicle has a temperature sensing device which is suitable and intended to detect the interior temperature of the motor vehicle.

[0050] In another advantageous embodiment, the vehicle has a temperature measuring device which is suitable and intended to detect an outside temperature.

[0051] In another familiar embodiment, the control device is suitable and intended to control the heating power of the heating device depending on contact of a part of the user's body, and in particular the hand(s), with the steering device as detected by the contact-establishing device.

[0052] In a further preferred embodiment, the motor vehicle has a presence detection device designed to detect and / or verify the presence of a driver or user in the motor vehicle, and in particular the presence of a driver or user in the driver's seat. This detection can be achieved, for example, by means of weight measuring devices.

[0053] Preferably, the motor vehicle and / or the aforementioned control device is configured, suitable, and / or intended to execute the above-described method and all process steps already described above in connection with the method, either individually or in combination. Conversely, the method can be equipped with all the features described within the scope of the motor vehicle, either individually or in combination.

[0054] A (motor) vehicle can be a driver-operated vehicle ("driver only"), a semi-autonomous vehicle, an autonomous vehicle (for example, at autonomy levels 3, 4, or 5 (according to the SAE J3016 standard)), or a self-driving (motor) vehicle. Autonomy level 5 refers to fully automated vehicles. The vehicle can be driven by a driver or drive autonomously, so that, for example, a steering system may be provided for optional intervention by a driver. Furthermore, in addition to a road vehicle, the vehicle can also be an air taxi, an aircraft, or another means of transport or vehicle type, such as an aircraft, watercraft, or rail vehicle.

[0055] The present invention further relates to a computer program or computer program product, comprising program means, in particular a program code, which represents or encodes at least some and preferably all of the process steps of the method according to the invention (especially in connection with the control of the heating device) and preferably one of the described preferred embodiments and is designed for execution by a processor device.

[0056] The present invention further relates to a data storage device on which at least one embodiment of the computer program according to the invention or a preferred embodiment of the computer program is stored.

[0057] Further advantages and embodiments can be seen from the attached drawings:

[0058] It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a motor vehicle according to the invention in a preferred embodiment; and Fig. 2 a block diagram-like representation of a method according to the invention in a preferred embodiment.

[0059] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic interior view of a motor vehicle 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. This vehicle has a steering device 2, here in the form of a steering wheel 2. This steering wheel, in turn, has a heating device 4, which is designed to heat at least one area 24 of the steering device 2 where a user's or driver's hand is located during driving.

[0060] Reference numeral 6 designates a control device for controlling this heating device 4 of the steering device 2.

[0061] Reference sign 8 indicates a contact detection device which determines whether a user is gripping the steering device 2 with one or both hands.

[0062] Reference sign 12 indicates (only schematically and not positionally) a presence detection device which serves to determine whether a driver is in the motor vehicle 1 and in particular in its driver's seat.

[0063] Reference numeral 14 designates a temperature sensing device for measuring a temperature inside the motor vehicle, and reference numeral 16 designates a further temperature sensing device for measuring an outside temperature. Preferably, at least one of the temperatures mentioned, and preferably both temperatures, is also used to control the heating device 4.

[0064] Reference numeral 18 schematically designates a vehicle operating state detection device, which detects the vehicle's operating state. In particular, the position of a gearshift can be queried here, for example, whether the gear lever is in position "P" in an automatic transmission. This detected driving state can also be forwarded to the control unit 6 to be used for controlling the heating unit 4.

[0065] Reference numeral 22 designates a display device of the motor vehicle 1. This device can, for example, indicate to the user that the heating output of the heating system will be reduced in x seconds. Preferably, this display device is also suitable for operating the heating system, and the driver can, for example, input that the heating output of the heating system should not be reduced.

[0066] Fig.Figure 2 shows a block diagram representation of a method according to the invention in a preferred embodiment. In the first step of the method, either a heater is activated or it is checked whether it is activated. If this is the case, the driving mode (IIa) or, more generally, the driving operating state is preferably checked. In particular, it is checked whether the vehicle or a gear lever is in or has been moved into a position "P" (park position).

[0067] In a further step (Ilb), it is preferably checked whether the brake pedal is being pressed and / or whether the brake pedal is no longer being pressed. For this purpose, a further detection device is preferably provided (not shown), which is suitable and intended to detect when the brake pedal is pressed.

[0068] In a further procedural step (IIc), it is checked whether a driver is present in the vehicle and, in particular, whether they are in the driver's seat. For example, a driver may remain seated to wait for someone.

[0069] In procedure step III, it is checked whether one or both of the driver's hands are on the steering device.

[0070] This means that the detection of whether the hand is on the steering device and especially the steering wheel remains active, preferably even when the vehicle is parked.

[0071] Another reason why a user's hand might no longer be on the steering wheel could be if the driver is engaged in other activities while parking and therefore no longer has their hands on the steering wheel.

[0072] In a further process step, a specific time is determined or waited out. After this time period has elapsed, the heating power of the steering system's heating element is reduced.

[0073] Thus, it is possible that the heating device will switch back from stage three to stage two if, after a period of time, such as 30 seconds after the above procedural steps (i.e., in particular, the determination of gear position “P”, confirmation that the brake pedal is no longer being pressed, and confirmation that the driver is still in the car), no hand is detected on the steering device.

[0074] In a further process step, a time t2 is determined, for example, it is established that after a total of 60 seconds no hand is on the steering mechanism. In this case, a further reduction of the heating power is preferably carried out. For example, it can be reduced from stage two to stage one. However, it would also be possible that stage one of the heating power is already active, in which case the heating power is reduced by half again.

[0075] Preferably, the steering wheel heating is deactivated after a further time or time interval t3, which is greater than t2. For example, the steering wheel heating could be deactivated after a further 60 seconds following the steps described above.

[0076] In another preferred method, it can be determined whether a vehicle door, and in particular the driver's door, will be closed further, for example, if the journey continues. This can be done, for instance, by changing a gear position. In this case, the originally selected heating level of the steering wheel heater is preferably reactivated.

[0077] Furthermore, it would also be possible that if the driver's door is opened during a waiting process, the steering wheel heating would also be deactivated.

[0078] If the driver continues to prefer getting back into the vehicle after leaving it without locking it in the meantime, the above-mentioned procedure can be continued, for example, reselecting the original heating level of the steering wheel heater. Furthermore, in some vehicles, it may also be possible for the driver to leave the seat without exiting the vehicle or opening the driver's door. This is possible, for example, in VW buses. In this case, the steering wheel heater can also be deactivated.

[0079] In addition, it is suggested that the steering wheel heating or heating system should be switched down to a smaller heating level after a definable time.

[0080] Furthermore, it is preferred to deactivate the heating device if no contact with the steering device occurs after a further defined period of time.

[0081] It is further proposed that seat occupancy be checked, in particular to determine whether the heating system is needed.

[0082] Preferably, the heating system is also switched off when the driver leaves and locks the vehicle.

[0083] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel individually or in combination compared to the prior art. It is further noted that the individual figures also describe features which may be advantageous on their own. A person skilled in the art will immediately recognize that a particular feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without incorporating other features from that figure. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will recognize that advantages may also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual or different figures. Reference symbol list 1 motor vehicle 2 Steering device of the motor vehicle 2a Steering system area 4. Steering system heating device 6 Control device for controlling the heating system 8 Contact tracing device 12 Attendance recording device 14 Temperature measuring device Indoor temperature 16 Temperature detection device Outdoor temperature 18 Driving condition monitoring device 22 Display unit, touchscreen 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] CN 109178082 A

[0002] DE 10 2016 219 653 A1

[0003] KR 1998 00 49 899 U

[0004] KR 2010 00 48 388 A

[0004] US 2010 / 0176110 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Method for controlling a heating device (4) of a steering device (2) of a motor vehicle (1), wherein the heating device (4) is operated with a predetermined heating power in order to cause at least partial heating of the hands of a vehicle driver, characterized by , that the heating output of the heating device (4) is controlled depending on a driving operating condition of the motor vehicle (4) and in particular depending on a driving stage of the motor vehicle (1). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that a driving stage of the motor vehicle (1) is detected and, upon detection of a predefined driving stage, in particular a parking position (P), a reduction of the heating power is enabled. [3] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that it is recorded whether at least one hand of a motor vehicle user is in contact with the steering device (2) and, if no contact is detected, a reduction in heating power is enabled and / or carried out. [4] Procedure according to the preceding claim, characterized by that if no contact is detected for a specified period of time, the heating power of the heating device (4) is reduced. [5] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it is recorded whether a user is in the motor vehicle (1) and in particular in its driver's seat. [6] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the heating power of the heating device (4) is reduced in several stages, wherein this reduction preferably takes place depending on a duration of non-contact of the steering device. [7] Motor vehicle, in particular road vehicle, with a steering device (2) for steering the motor vehicle and with a heating device (4) for heating at least one section of this steering device (2) and in particular one section (2a) which is intended to be contacted by the user of the motor vehicle for steering the motor vehicle (1), with a control device (6) for controlling the heating device (4), characterized by , that the control device (6) is suitable and intended to control a heating output of the heating device (4) depending on a driving operating condition of the motor vehicle (1) and in particular on a selected driving stage of the motor vehicle (1). [8] Motor vehicle according to the preceding claim, characterized by, that the motor vehicle has a contact detection device (8) which is suitable and intended to detect contact of a body part and in particular a hand of a user with the steering device (2). [9] Motor vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the control device (6) is suitable and intended to control the heating power of the heating device (4) depending on contact of a part of the user's body with the steering device (2) detected by the contact detection device (8). [10] Motor vehicle (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the motor vehicle has a presence detection device (12) which is suitable for detecting the presence of a user in the motor vehicle and in particular in the driver's seat of the motor vehicle (1).

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