Arrangement of at least one interface for electronically coupling at least one control device to a brake-by-wire system of a motor vehicle, and method

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement of at least one interface (18) for electronically coupling at least one control device (20) to a brake-by-wire system (10) of a motor vehicle, which is designed to detect adjustment of a brake pedal device (12), to transmit at least one signal, which corresponds to the adjustment, to an electronic computer device (14) of the brake-by-wire system (10) and to at least partially control a brake device (16) of the motor vehicle, the brake device being coupled to the brake-by-wire system (10), depending on the signal, wherein the at least one interface (18) and at least one corresponding connecting element (22) for electronically coupling the at least one control device (20), via the at least one interface (18), to the brake-by-wire system (10) are arranged on the brake pedal device (12). The invention also relates to a method for operating such a brake-by-wire system (10).

Description

[0001] Arrangement of at least one interface for an electronic coupling of at least one control device to a brake-by-wire system of a motor vehicle and method

[0002] The invention relates to an arrangement of at least one interface for an electronic coupling of at least one control device to a brake-by-wire system of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a brake-by-wire system.

[0003] Brake-by-Wire is a technology that replaces the traditional mechanical connections between the brake pedal and the braking system with electrical connections. With a brake-by-wire system, the movement of the brake pedal is transmitted to a vehicle control computer, which then activates the brakes. However, there is no interface that allows an individual to simply connect an additional input device. Currently, this conversion has to be initiated, resulting in time-consuming and expensive connection work and requiring at least one additional control unit.

[0004] DE 10 2013202 253 A1 discloses a circuit for controlling an acceleration, braking, and steering system of a vehicle. This system comprises at least two separate motors for actuating the acceleration and braking system and at least two separate motors for actuating the steering system, as well as at least one electronic control unit for controlling the motors.

[0005] DE 10 2006 062 300 B4 also discloses a circuit comprising two control units, one for the braking and acceleration system and one for the steering system. Each of the control units has two identical, redundant CPUs. During operation, only one of the CPUs is active at a time. If a safety processor detects a fault in the currently active CPU, it switches to the other CPU, which takes over further control.

[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide an arrangement of at least one interface for an electronic coupling of at least one control device to a brake-by-wire system of a motor vehicle and a method for operating such a brake-by-wire system, by means of which an electronic coupling of the control device can be designed particularly simply, efficiently and quickly, in particular for a driver or user.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by an arrangement having the features of patent claim 1 and by a method according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims and the description.

[0008] One aspect of the invention relates to an arrangement of at least one interface for an electronic coupling of at least one control device to a brake-by-wire system of a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, in particular an electric or hybrid vehicle, wherein the term control device refers, for example, to various devices for controlling the motor vehicle. For example, a driving school may want to connect a second set of pedals, or a person with a disability may want to connect an alternative brake control unit, such as a joystick or a steering wheel rim. The arrangement of such a control device is intended to offer an alternative possibility for at least partially controlling or influencing the brake-by-wire system. The brake-by-wire system according to the invention is designed to detect an adjustment of a brake pedal device, which is used as an input device for the driver or user.In addition, it is provided to transmit at least one signal corresponding to the adjustment to an electronic computing device of the brake-by-wire system, wherein the electronic computing device can be embodied as a control computer of a motor vehicle. The control computer of the motor vehicle, also known as the engine control module (ECM) or powertrain control module (PGM), is responsible for controlling the various systems in the motor vehicle. It acts as the central nervous system of the motor vehicle, acquires data and information from various sensors, in particular sensors for detecting an adjustment of the brake pedal device, and uses this information to control various systems such as the engine, transmission, and brakes, in particular to control the brake-by-wire system according to the invention.

[0009] Finally, the brake-by-wire system according to the invention is designed to at least partially control a braking device of the motor vehicle coupled to the brake-by-wire system depending on the signal. However, the brake pedal itself is not directly connected to the brakes, but only to the electronic computing device, thus eliminating a direct mechanical connection between the brake pedal and the brakes. When the driver or user presses the brake pedal, an electrical signal is sent to the electronic computing device or the control computer of the motor vehicle, which triggers the activation of the brakes.

[0010] In summary, the brake-by-wire system is a well-known braking technology for motor vehicles, offering better control and individual adjustment, greater efficiency, and increased safety. However, there is the problem that no interface has yet been offered that allows drivers or users to easily connect an additional control unit or input device, such as a second set of pedals or a joystick. Until now, this conversion has usually had to be carried out by external companies or at great expense and with significant time loss.

[0011] In order to achieve the object of the invention and thus to make electronic coupling of the control device particularly simple, efficient, and quick, in particular for a driver or user, the invention provides that the at least one interface and at least one corresponding connecting element for the electronic coupling of the at least one control device via the at least one interface to the brake-by-wire system are arranged on the brake pedal device. This provides a first possible interface, whereby an additional signal input is provided in the brake pedal itself. Due to the now defined interface, various control devices for controlling the motor vehicle can be connected to this input.For example, a driving school can easily connect a second set of pedals via a cable, or a person with a disability can connect an alternative brake control unit, such as a joystick or steering wheel rim. To properly connect this cable in a simple, efficient, and quick manner, a mechanical connector is provided, which can be configured as a plug-in connection, for example.

[0012] Such a connection, in particular an electronic one, can also be made using a variety of methods, including clamp screws, soldered connections or screw connections. The choice of method depends on a number of factors, including the type and size of the cable, the application in which it is used and the necessary electrical requirements, wherein the invention provides that the connection can be carried out particularly quickly, efficiently and easily by the user or driver, especially for a layperson. It is also provided that the connection by means of the connecting element and thus the exemplary cable connection is made safely and reliably in order to prevent electrical problems or a potential danger to the user or driver and the motor vehicle, whereby already known connections according to ISO standards are particularly advantageous for this purpose.In order for the vehicle to know which signal should be used for control, a separate electrical control unit (ECU) is integrated or installed in the brake pedal device, in particular in the pedal itself, which prioritizes the signal from the connected control device.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a second interface and a second corresponding connecting element for the electronic coupling of the at least one control device via the second interface to the brake-by-wire system are arranged on the electronic computing device. A second possibility is proposed here for providing a further interface via which alternative control devices or operating units can be more easily connected to the electronic computing device and thus to the brake-by-wire system. In this case, by means of the second possibility, it is provided that the interface is no longer or not only installed in the brake pedal device, but that the control device can be connected, for example, directly to the electronic computing device or a central control unit.This makes it possible to dispense with the first connecting element if necessary, but requires an additional input on the electronic processing unit. The prioritization of the signals now takes place directly on the electronic processing unit, with the output signals from the brake pedal device and the output signals from the control unit being transmitted separately to the electronic processing unit.

[0014] In the two options presented, the signal is then processed by the electronic computing device, after which, for example, recuperation of an electric motor and / or direct use of the wheel brake is made to decelerate the vehicle as desired.

[0015] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second connecting element is freely accessible to a user in the interior of the motor vehicle. In particular, it is possible to design the second connecting element analogously to the first connecting element, with alternative configurations also being provided, particularly with regard to further functions and applications of additional control devices, such as the joystick, which does not necessarily have to be connected to the brake pedal device, but rather to the second connecting element, which is arranged at a more easily accessible location in the motor vehicle.For example, a plug connection as the second connecting element on a dashboard can provide an ergonomic solution for connecting certain control devices, making the electronic coupling of the control device even easier, more efficient and faster, especially for a driver or user.

[0016] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is one in which a data module for wirelessly enabling the at least one control device is arranged on the brake-by-wire system. Such a data module for wireless connections is an electronic device used to transmit data between different devices via a wireless connection. It acts as a transmission point and can support a variety of protocols, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, NFC, etc.In particular, it is intended that the electronic coupling of the control device does not necessarily lead to the application of the control device, but rather that the electronic computing device offers the possibility of determining whether the control device is switched on and off or used and not used, despite a physical connection of the control device to the electronic computing device via the first and / or second connecting element and / or further connecting elements. In other words, an internal switch function is to be provided, thereby providing a possibility, via programming, by means of which the control device can be used or not, as desired.A particular advantage is that the control device is connected once and can be switched on and off without having to interrupt the electronic coupling of the control device, which in particular allows for particularly quick use of the control device with few or no manual steps.

[0017] An embodiment of the invention has also proven advantageous in which the at least one control device is connected to a vehicle-external server by means of the data module. In this case, the data module can also be connected to the server by establishing a network connection. In particular, the data module is configured to communicate with the server in compliance with security protocols. This may require configuration of the network settings, including IP address, subnet mask, and gateway. The data module connects to the server by using a wireless connection, in particular via LTE or another mobile network, to provide a connection to the Internet. This is a fast and reliable option, but is dependent on the coverage of the mobile network.It is important to note that the exact steps for connecting a data module to a server depend on the type of data module and server, as well as the protocols and network settings used. The connection to the server enables external control of the control device, but also enables logging of functions of the respective electronically linked control devices. This can lead to the desired monitoring and testing of the respective control devices in order to continuously improve the functionality of the respective control devices or at least provide assistance to a user or driver in the event of a failure. Alternatively, third parties can also be informed, in particular an emergency service, for example in the event of a control device failure and / or an accident situation, thereby increasing the safety of the driver or user.

[0018] In addition, a further embodiment of the invention has proven advantageous in which the at least one control device can be at least partially controlled and / or adjusted by means of the data module via a mobile device and / or by means of an infotainment system. In this case, it is provided, for example, that an application or an app is provided by a display device with a touchscreen for the infotainment system or on the mobile device, in particular on a mobile phone, a tablet or similar mobile devices, and is used to adjust, control or at least switch the control device on and off. In such an application for controlling the control device via a mobile phone, for example, a connection is first established, for example, with the server or directly with the electronic computing device.The control device and the application are linked to each other through a corresponding configuration to enable successful communication. This can be done by entering IP addresses, user names, and passwords, in particular to recognize the user or driver and thus provide presettings, which makes setting up and using the control device faster. Once a connection is established, the application can ultimately be used to send commands to the control device and monitor its status. The control device can then respond accordingly. In particular, the data module can be integrated into the electronic computing device, arranged as a separate module of the electronic computing device, arranged as a separate module of the control device, or integrated into the control device.Depending on the configuration, the commands and signals for controlling the control unit and for the electronic coupling with the brake-by-wire system are generated, transmitted, and executed accordingly. Overall, the mobile device, the application, and the wireless connection enable the control unit to be controlled and monitored from anywhere, thus enabling fast, convenient, efficient, and flexible control that is also safe.

[0019] Finally, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides for a physical operating unit to be arranged for switching the control device on and off. In particular, the operating unit is intended to be used as an emergency switch to interrupt the electronic coupling of the control device to the brake-by-wire system in an emergency situation and to enable the standard functioning of the motor vehicle, in particular essentially immediately. In other words, the operating unit is intended to be used to quickly and safely switch the brake-by-wire system back to its original function if a problem occurs or a danger exists. If a problem occurs, such as a short circuit, overheating, or another safety risk, the emergency switch, which is designed, for example, as a lever, button, or switch, can be triggered.In particular, it is also possible for the electronic processing unit to detect such an emergency situation and trigger automatic processes to restore the break-by-wire system to its original function. However, it is also possible to use the control unit to reestablish the electronic coupling of the control unit and thus restore it to operation. Such an emergency switch-based control unit is therefore an important safety mechanism for electrical systems and can react quickly in the event of a problem and interrupt the power supply to prevent damage and hazards.

[0020] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a brake-by-wire system of a motor vehicle, in which an adjustment of a brake pedal device is detected, at least one signal corresponding to the adjustment is transmitted to an electronic computing device of the brake-by-wire system, and a braking device of the motor vehicle coupled to the brake-by-wire system is at least partially controlled as a function of the signal. The electronic computing device can be designed as a central control unit of the motor vehicle, wherein it is used to perform calculations and process data; in particular, it is also designed to receive and transmit signals, data, and information, both via cable or electronically and wirelessly via an arranged data module.

[0021] According to the invention, at least one control device is electronically coupled to the brake-by-wire system via at least one interface arranged on the brake pedal device, wherein the at least one control device is connected to at least one connecting element arranged on the brake pedal device. Thus, the operation of the brake-by-wire system is carried out through various method steps, which are based on the control of electronic and mechanical components. For example, it is provided that a driver or user presses the brake pedal of the brake pedal device, whereby an electrical signal is transmitted to the electronic computing device. This calculates the required braking force and sends electrical signals to the braking device, which actually exerts the braking force in order to at least partially brake the motor vehicle.Alternatively, the brake-by-wire system can also use a hydraulic pump and reservoir to regulate the brake pressure and transmit it to the brake components. However, by connecting the control unit, the signal generated by the control unit is first transmitted to the electronic computing unit, thereby controlling the braking system in accordance with the signals generated by the control unit and transmitted to the electronic computing unit.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one control device is electronically coupled to the brake-by-wire system via a second interface arranged on the electronic computing device, wherein the at least one control device is connected to a second mechanical connecting element arranged on the electronic computing device. In particular, an alternative connection option for the control device or for other control devices is provided here, wherein it is also provided that the connecting element is positioned in a particularly ergonomic manner and is freely accessible to the driver or user in order to make connecting the control device particularly efficient, quick, and easy.The second connection element is arranged, for example, as a freely accessible plug-in connection on the dashboard, which is easily accessible and quickly available without the need for any tools or other devices. This type of connection allows the driver or user to connect the control device easily and conveniently.

[0023] Finally, an advantageous embodiment of the invention provides for the use of a master-slave system to prioritize the at least one control device over the brake pedal device in the brake-by-wire system. The master-slave method is a technology used in data processing and data transmission to coordinate communication between multiple control devices, in this case between the brake pedal device and the connected control device. In this method, the electronic computing device is thus referred to as the "master," and the brake pedal device and the connected control device are referred to as the "slave." The master is responsible for transmitting requests and commands to the slave devices and receiving responses and data from these devices.The slave devices are responsible for receiving requests and commands from the master and responding accordingly. The electronic computing device is thus trained to prioritize the connected control device and apply the data and information to control the braking device. The master-slave system is easy to implement and prevents multiple control devices from sending data simultaneously, which could lead to conflicts. It is also very efficient because it optimizes the use of resources by concentrating responsibility for data transmission on a single device. Overall, the master-slave system offers a way to easily and efficiently coordinate communication between the electronic computing device with the brake pedal device and the control device.

[0024] In other words, there are two ways to provide an interface through which alternative control units can be more easily connected to a vehicle.

[0025] The first possible interface is an additional signal input in the brake pedal itself. Various devices for controlling the vehicle, namely the control unit, can be connected to this input via a defined interface. For example, a driving school can simply connect a second set of pedals as the control unit via a cable. A person with a disability, for example, has the option of connecting an alternative brake control unit, such as a joystick or steering wheel rim. To ensure that the vehicle recognizes which signal should be used for control, an electrical control unit (ECU) is installed in the brake pedal device, for example, which prioritizes the signal. For example, prioritization can be carried out using a master-slave process in the driving school car, whereby the input of the driving instructor is prioritized over that of the student driver.As is well known from the prior art, the pedal is connected to the vehicle's central control unit. The electronic computing device, designed as a central control unit, is also connected to an infotainment system and a manufacturer's server, to which a mobile device or smartphone can be connected via an application. This enables the activation of the control unit or the new input device via the infotainment system or smartphone.

[0026] The second option for implementing the method and providing the system is to not install an interface in the pedal, but to connect the control unit directly to the central control unit. This eliminates the input provided by the first connecting element on the brake pedal, but requires an additional input on the control unit, thus requiring the second connecting element. The prioritization of the signals now takes place in the central control unit. All other points correspond to the first option. This also makes it possible to activate the control unit via the infotainment system or the driver's own smartphone.

[0027] In both cases, the signal is then processed by the central control unit, after which, for example, the recuperation of an electric motor of an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle and / or a wheel brake are carried out and controlled accordingly in order to decelerate the vehicle as desired.

[0028] A particularly advantageous feature of the invention is the vehicle's accessibility, focusing on brake actuation, which is significantly simplified and more cost-effective. Furthermore, it avoids complex and cost-intensive conversions, such as those required by third-party providers. Complex external electronics can also be largely dispensed with, as essentially all components for prioritizing the input signals are already present in the vehicle. The main advantage of arranging a control device in this way in a brake-by-wire system is that the braking system can be better controlled and adapted using connected control devices.The system can be programmed to respond to various inputs from the control units, including driver behavior, road conditions, and vehicle speed, providing a refined and tailored braking experience. Furthermore, the brake-by-wire system can be combined with the control unit and other advanced technologies such as anti-lock braking systems, traction control, and stability control to provide even greater control and safety under various driving conditions.

[0029] Overall, the invention offers more control and customization options, improved efficiency and increased safety, with a brake-by-wire interface being proposed for alternative operating units or alternative control devices.

[0030] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0031] The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and with reference to the drawings. They show:

[0032] Fig. 1 is a first diagram illustrating a first embodiment of an arrangement of at least one interface for an electronic coupling of at least one control device to a brake-by-wire system of a motor vehicle; and

[0033] Fig. 2 shows a second diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the arrangement of the at least one interface for the electronic coupling of the at least one control device to the brake-by-wire system of the motor vehicle. In the figures, identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a first image diagram to illustrate a first embodiment of a brake-by-wire system 10 for a motor vehicle with a brake pedal device 12, an electronic computing device 14 and a braking device 16, on which at least one control device 20 is arranged by means of a first interface 18.

[0035] In other words, an arrangement according to the invention of the at least one interface 18 for electronically coupling the at least one control device 20 to the brake-by-wire system 10 of the motor vehicle is to be presented, which is designed to detect an adjustment of the brake pedal device 12, to transmit at least one signal corresponding to the adjustment to the electronic computing device 14, and to at least partially control the braking device 16 of the motor vehicle coupled to the brake-by-wire system 10 as a function of the signal. It is provided that the at least one interface 18 and at least one corresponding first connecting element 22 for electronically coupling the at least one control device 20 to the brake-by-wire system 10 via the at least one interface 18 are arranged on the brake pedal device 12.For example, the first connecting element 22 can be designed as a plug connection for a correspondingly designed cable of the at least one control device 20. In order for the motor vehicle to detect which signal is to be used for control, a separate electrical control unit 13 is integrated or installed in the brake pedal device 12, in particular in the pedal itself, for example, which prioritizes the signal from the connected control device 20.

[0036] It is provided that a data module 30 for wirelessly enabling the at least one control device 20 is arranged on the brake-by-wire system 10. Such a data module 30 for wireless connections is thus used as an electronic device for transmitting data between different devices via a wireless connection. In particular, it is provided that the electronic coupling of the control device 20 does not necessarily lead to an application of the control device 20, but rather that the electronic computing device 14 offers the possibility of determining the switching on and off or the application and non-application of the control device 20, despite a physical connection of the control device 20 to the electronic computing device 14 via the first connecting element 22 and the associated interface 18.

[0037] Furthermore, the at least one control device 20 is connected to a vehicle-external server 32 by means of the data module 30. The data module 30 can also be connected to the server 32 by establishing a network connection. In particular, the data module 30 is configured to communicate with the server 32 in compliance with security protocols, establishing a wireless connection, in particular via LTE or another mobile network. The at least one control device 20 can thus also be at least partially controlled and / or adjusted by means of the data module 30 via a mobile terminal 34 and / or via an infotainment system 36.In this case, it is provided, for example, that an application or an app is provided via a display device with a touchscreen for the infotainment system 36 or on the mobile device 34, in particular on a mobile phone, a tablet, or similar mobile devices, and is used to set, control, or at least switch the control device 20 on and off. In such an application for controlling the control device 20 via, for example, a mobile phone, a connection is first established, for example, with the server 32 or directly with the electronic computing device 14. Once a connection is established, the application can ultimately be used to send commands to the control device 20 and monitor its status. The control device 30 can then react accordingly.In particular, the data module 30 can be integrated into the electronic computing device 14, arranged as a separate module of the electronic computing device 14, arranged as a separate module of the control device 20, or integrated into the control device 20. Depending on the configuration, the commands and signals for controlling the control device 20 and for the electronic coupling with the brake-by-wire system 10 are generated, transmitted, and executed correspondingly. Overall, the mobile terminal 34, the application, and the wireless connection enable the control device 20 to be controlled and monitored from anywhere, thereby enabling fast, convenient, efficient, and flexible control that is also secure.

[0038] Finally, it is also provided that a physical operating unit 38 is arranged for switching the control device 20 on and off. In particular, the operating unit 38 is intended to be used as an emergency switch to interrupt the electronic coupling of the control device 20 with the brake-by-wire system 10 in an emergency situation and to enable the standard functioning of the motor vehicle, in particular essentially immediately.

[0039] Fig. 2 shows a second image diagram to illustrate a second or alternative embodiment of the brake-by-wire system 10 for the motor vehicle, on which the at least one control device 20 is arranged by means of a second interface 24.

[0040] In other words, the inventive arrangement of the second interface 24 for a further electronic coupling of the at least one control device 20 to the brake-by-wire system 10 of the motor vehicle is to be presented. Provision is made here for the second interface 24 and a second corresponding connecting element 26 for the further electronic coupling of the at least one control device 20 via the second interface 24 to the brake-by-wire system 10 to be arranged on the electronic computing device 14. A second possibility for providing the second interface 24 is proposed, via which alternative control devices or operating units can be more easily connected to the electronic computing device 14 and thus to the brake-by-wire system 10.The second option provides that the interface is no longer, or not only, installed in the brake pedal device 12, but rather that the control device 20 can be connected, for example, directly to the electronic computing device 14 or a central control unit. This may eliminate the need for the first connecting element 22, but an additional input is required at the electronic computing device 14, which requires the second connecting element 26. The prioritization of the signals now takes place directly at the electronic computing device 14, with output signals from the brake pedal device 12 and output signals from the control device 20 being transmitted separately to the electronic computing device 14.In particular, it is also provided to take into account an input signal of an anti-lock braking system 40 to the electronic computing device 14 in order to control the braking process.

[0041] This second connecting element 26 is freely accessible to a user, particularly in the interior of the motor vehicle. In particular, it is possible to design the second connecting element 26 analogously to the first connecting element 22, although alternative designs are also provided, particularly with regard to further functions and applications of additional control devices 20, such as the joystick, which does not necessarily have to be connected to the brake pedal device 12, but rather to the second connecting element 22, which is arranged at a more easily accessible location in the motor vehicle. For example, a plug connection as the second connecting element 22 on a dashboard can provide an ergonomic solution for connecting certain control devices 20, whereby the electronic coupling of the control device 20 can be made even simpler, more efficient, and faster, particularly for a driver or user.

[0042] By means of a physical operating unit 38 for switching the control device 20 on and off, an emergency switch is to be provided in order to interrupt the electronic coupling of the control device 20 with the brake-by-wire system 10 in an emergency situation and, in particular, to enable the standard functionality of the motor vehicle essentially immediately. In other words, the operating unit 38 is to be used to quickly and safely switch the brake-by-wire system 10 back to its original function if a problem occurs or a danger exists. In particular, the operating unit 38 can also be arranged in the immediate vicinity of the second connecting element 26 in order to enable the components for the brake-by-wire system 10 to be consolidated at one location in the motor vehicle and thus offer a faster response for the user or driver.

[0043] According to the invention, a method is used for operating the brake-by-wire system 10 of the motor vehicle, in which method the adjustment of the brake pedal device 12 is detected, at least one signal corresponding to the adjustment is transmitted to the electronic computing device 14 of the brake-by-wire system 10, and the braking device 16 of the motor vehicle coupled to the brake-by-wire system 10 is at least partially controlled as a function of the signal. The at least one control device 20 is electronically coupled to the brake-by-wire system 10 via at least one interface 18 arranged on the brake pedal device 12, wherein the at least one control device 20 is connected to the at least one connecting element 26 arranged on the brake pedal device 12.The at least one control device 20 can also be electronically coupled to the brake-by-wire system 10 via a second interface 24 arranged on the electronic computing device 14, wherein the at least one control device 20 can be connected to the second connecting element 26 arranged on the electronic computing device 14. In addition, a master-slave system can be used to prioritize the at least one control device 20 over the brake pedal device 12 in the brake-by-wire system 10. Further method steps and configurations are also possible. In particular, it is provided to also take into account an input signal from an anti-lock braking system 40 to the electronic computing device 14 in order to control the braking process.

[0044] Overall, the embodiments of the invention proposed in the figures offer more control and adaptation options, improved efficiency, and increased safety. The arrangement of the interfaces 18, 24 for electronically coupling the at least one control device 20 to the brake-by-wire system 10, as well as the method for operating the brake-by-wire system 10, enable a particularly simple, efficient, and fast electronic coupling of the control device 20 to the electronic computing device 14 and thus to the brake-by-wire system 10, particularly for a driver or user.

[0045] In other words, the invention relates to a brake-by-wire interface for alternative control units.

[0046] List of reference symbols

[0047] B rake- by- Wire- Syste m brake pedal device electrical control unit electronic computing device braking device first interface control device first connecting element second interface second connecting element data module server mobile device infotainment system operating unit

[0048] Anti-lock braking system

Claims

Patent claims 1. Arrangement of at least one interface (18) for an electronic coupling of at least one control device (20) to a brake-by-wire system (10) of a motor vehicle, which is designed to detect an adjustment of a brake pedal device (12), to transmit at least one signal corresponding to the adjustment to an electronic computing device (14) of the brake-by-wire system (10) and, depending on the signal, to at least partially control a braking device (16) of the motor vehicle coupled to the brake-by-wire system (10), characterized in that the at least one interface (18) and at least one corresponding connecting element (22) for the electronic coupling of the at least one control device (20) via the at least one interface (18) to the brake-by-wire system (10) are arranged on the brake pedal device (12).

2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that a second interface (24) and a second corresponding connecting element (26) for the electronic coupling of the at least one control device (20) via the second interface (24) to the brake-by-wire system (10) are arranged on the electronic computing device (14).

3. Arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the second connecting element (26) is freely accessible to a user in an interior of the motor vehicle.

4. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a data module (30) for wirelessly enabling the at least one control device (20) is arranged on the brake-by-wire system (10).

5. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one control device (20) is connected to a vehicle-external server (32) by means of the data module (30).

6. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one control device (20) is at least partially controllable and / or adjustable by means of the data module (30) via a mobile terminal (34) and / or by means of an infotainment system (36).

7. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a physical operating unit (38) is arranged for switching the control device on and off.

8. A method for operating a brake-by-wire system (10) of a motor vehicle, in which an adjustment of a brake pedal device (12) is detected, at least one signal corresponding to the adjustment is transmitted to an electronic computing device (14) of the brake-by-wire system (10), and a braking device (16) of the motor vehicle coupled to the brake-by-wire system (10) is at least partially controlled as a function of the signal, characterized in that at least one control device (20) is electronically coupled to the brake-by-wire system (10) via at least one interface (18) arranged on the brake pedal device (12), wherein the at least one control device (20) is connected to at least one connecting element (26) arranged on the brake pedal device (12).

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one control device (20) is electronically coupled to the brake-by-wire system (10) via a second interface (24) arranged on the electronic computing device (14), wherein the at least one RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP Control device (20) is connected to a second connecting element (26) arranged on the electronic computing device (14).

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that a master-slave system is used to prioritize the at least one control device (20) over the brake pedal device (12) in the brake-by-wire system (10).

Images