HYBRID MOTOR VEHICLE FEATURING A TOUCH CONTROL CAPABLE OF PRESENTING TWO CONFIGURATIONS FOR ACTIVATING AN ENERGY SAVING DEVICE

Abstract

The invention relates to a hybrid motor vehicle comprising an energy-saving device configured to regulate driving and occupant comfort in order to reduce fuel consumption, and a touch control capable of having a first configuration in which said touch control has a first set of dimensions and a second configuration in which said touch control has a second set of dimensions, said second set of dimensions being larger than the first set of dimensions, the touch control exhibiting the second configuration when the controller detects a need to reduce the vehicle's fuel consumption. The invention also relates to a method for simplifying the activation of an energy-saving device in such a hybrid motor vehicle. Abstract figure: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: HYBRID AUTOMOBILE FEATURING A TOUCH CONTROL CAPABLE OF TWO CONFIGURATIONS FOR ACTIVATING AN ENERGY SAVING DEVICE

[0001] The invention relates to the economy mode for reducing the fuel consumption of hybrid motor vehicles.

[0002] Prior art patent application US9587380, which describes a vehicle display device, is known. The display device can display various screens, including a first screen comprising a video display area and a second screen not comprising a video display area. The display device includes a screen-changing means for switching from the first screen to the second screen, and vice versa. When switching from the first screen to the second screen via said screen-changing means, a temporary screen displays a message to warn the user of the screen change and prompt them to return to the first screen. The temporary screen is displayed for a predefined period. When the predefined period expires, the screen automatically returns to the first screen unless the user confirms their intention to display the second screen. Confirmation is effected by acknowledging the message or by activating the screen-changing means again.Icons are displayed on the first screen, including one to activate or deactivate the vehicle's "economy" mode. However, a drawback remains. The "economy" mode icon is displayed only on the first screen, among many others. Therefore, if the display is showing the second screen and the user wants to activate "economy" mode, they must first request the display of the first screen and then search for the appropriate icon. This process takes considerable time, during which the user's attention is not fully focused on the road and their driving, posing a risk to their safety and that of other road users.

[0003] The objective of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks and to facilitate the activation of the energy saving device to reduce the risks of traffic accidents.

[0004] To achieve this objective, the invention proposes a hybrid motor vehicle comprising an energy-saving device configured to regulate driving and occupant comfort in order to reduce fuel consumption, said vehicle comprising a human-machine interface including a touch screen, said energy-saving device being capable of being represented by a touch control on said touch screen, said energy-saving device being configured to be activated by the driver via said touch control, said vehicle comprising a controller capable of detecting a need to reduce fuel consumption by the vehicle, notable in that the touch control is capable of presenting two configurations: - a first configuration in which said touch control presents a first set of dimensions; - a second configuration in which said touch control presents a second set of dimensions, said second set of dimensions being greater than the first set of dimensions, the touch control presenting the second configuration when the controller detects a need to reduce fuel consumption by the vehicle.

[0005] Thanks to the invention, the touch control is larger when the energy-saving device is activated. The driver thus notices it more quickly, which does not distract them while driving.

[0006] The invention also relates to a method for simplifying the activation of an energy-saving device of a hybrid motor vehicle described above, remarkable in that the method comprises the following steps: - a step to detect the need to reduce fuel consumption by the controller, the touch control initially presenting the first configuration; - a step of increasing the dimensions of the touch control so that said touch control presents the second configuration to facilitate the activation of the energy saving device by the driver when the need to reduce fuel consumption is detected during the detection step.

[0007] Advantageously, the vehicle includes a means for measuring the fuel consumption of the vehicle, the controller being able to communicate with said means for measuring fuel consumption to determine the average fuel consumption of the vehicle, the controller detecting the need to reduce fuel consumption during said detection step when fuel consumption is higher than the average fuel consumption over a predetermined period of time.

[0008] The driver is thus encouraged to activate the energy saving device when fuel consumption is too high, in order to increase the vehicle's range.

[0009] Advantageously, the vehicle comprises a heat engine and a means for measuring the engine speed of the heat engine, the controller being capable of communicating with said engine speed measurement means to determine the average engine speed, the controller detecting the need to reduce fuel consumption during said detection step when the average engine speed is above a predetermined threshold engine speed over a predetermined period of time.

[0010] Excessive engine speed leads to excessive fuel consumption. The invention therefore makes it possible to encourage the driver to activate the energy-saving device when it is detected.

[0011] Advantageously, the vehicle includes a fuel tank and a means for measuring the level of fuel present in the fuel tank, the controller detecting the need to reduce fuel consumption during said detection step when the level of fuel present in the fuel tank is below a predetermined threshold level.

[0012] This reduces the risk of vehicle breakdown due to a lack of fuel in the tank.

[0013] Advantageously, the vehicle includes a geolocation means, the controller detecting the need to reduce fuel consumption during said detection stage when the vehicle is geolocated in an urban area.

[0014] This helps to contribute to the depollution of urban areas.

[0015] Advantageously, the controller is capable of receiving a voice command from the driver, said step of increasing the dimensions of the touch control being implemented when the driver issues a voice command.

[0016] Thus, even when there is no particular need to reduce fuel consumption by the vehicle, the driver may express a desire to consume less fuel, and therefore cause the touch control to switch from the first configuration to the second configuration to increase its range.

[0017] Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, lead the latter to implement the steps of the process of simplifying the activation of an energy saving device of a hybrid motor vehicle previously described.

[0018] The invention will be further detailed by the description of a non-limiting embodiment, and on the basis of the attached figures illustrating the invention, in which: - [Fig.1] schematically illustrates, in the form of a logic diagram, a method for simplifying the activation of an energy saving device of a hybrid motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention; - [Fig.2] illustrates, in two separate diagrams, the touch control showing, respectively, the first configuration and the second configuration in the touch screen of the human-machine interface of the hybrid motor vehicle.

[0019] A method for simplifying the activation of an energy-saving device in a hybrid motor vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention, is schematically illustrated in Figure 1 in the form of a flowchart. The energy-saving device regulates driving and occupant comfort to reduce fuel consumption. Specifically, activating the energy-saving device adjusts engine performance to limit sudden acceleration and deceleration. The engine's available power is reduced. The energy-saving device is also known as "economy mode." Furthermore, when the vehicle has an automatic transmission, gear shifting is optimized to favor higher gears, where the engine consumes less fuel.Regarding passenger comfort, activating the energy-saving system limits the functionality of the air conditioning and heating. It also restricts the use of features such as heated seats and power steering. In addition to reducing fuel consumption, activating the energy-saving system also lowers vehicle emissions and provides a smoother ride, ideal for urban traffic. Furthermore, the vehicle includes a human-machine interface (HMI). HMI is a device that enables interaction between the driver and the vehicle. Its role is to transmit useful information to the driver and to relay the driver's intentions to the vehicle.In the context of the invention, the human-machine interface 1 includes a touchscreen 2, generally located on the vehicle's dashboard, inside the passenger compartment. The energy-saving device is represented by a touch control 3 on said touchscreen 2. For example, the touch control 3 is a pictogram or an icon. The energy-saving device is configured to be activated by the driver via said touch control 3. Indeed, while driving, the driver touches the touch control 3 on the touchscreen 2, which activates the energy-saving device. Furthermore, the vehicle includes a controller capable of detecting when the vehicle's fuel consumption needs to be reduced, i.e., when there is a need to reduce fuel consumption. The touch control 3 is capable of having two different configurations.Indeed, touch control 3 is capable of presenting a first configuration in which touch control 3 displays a first set of dimensions. The first configuration is the default configuration, which remains constant as long as the controller does not detect a need to reduce the vehicle's fuel consumption. Furthermore, touch control 3 is capable of presenting a second configuration in which said touch control 3... presents a second set of dimensions, this second set being larger than the first. When touch control 3 is in this second configuration, it appears larger on touchscreen 2. This makes it easier for the driver to tap to activate the energy-saving feature. Ideally, when touch control 3 is in this second configuration, its dimensions should be roughly the same as those of touchscreen 2. This allows the driver to tap anywhere on touchscreen 2 to activate the energy-saving feature. This prevents the driver from having to look at touchscreen 2 for extended periods. Their attention remains focused on the road and driving, thus reducing the risk of a traffic accident.

[0020] The method comprises a plurality of steps. During a detection step E1, the controller detects a need to reduce fuel consumption. The touch control 3 initially displays the first configuration. There are various life situations in which the need to reduce fuel consumption can be detected.

[0021] For example, when the vehicle is equipped with a means for measuring fuel consumption and the controller is capable of communicating with said fuel consumption measurement means and determining the vehicle's average fuel consumption, then the need to reduce fuel consumption is detected by the controller when the vehicle's fuel consumption exceeds the average fuel consumption over a predetermined period. Indeed, if the vehicle exhibits unusually high fuel consumption, activating the energy-saving device will reduce this consumption in order to extend the vehicle's range, namely the maximum distance that the vehicle can travel without refueling.

[0022] Preferably, the vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine and a means for measuring the engine speed of the internal combustion engine. The engine speed of a motor vehicle is the engine's rotational speed, in revolutions per minute, which reflects its activity and effort under different driving conditions. The controller is capable of communicating with said engine speed measurement means to determine the average engine speed. The controller then detects a need to reduce fuel consumption when the average engine speed exceeds a predetermined threshold engine speed over a predetermined period of time. Indeed, an excessive average engine speed results in excessive fuel consumption.

[0023] Preferably, the vehicle includes a fuel tank that serves to store a quantity of fuel before its combustion in the internal combustion engine. Furthermore, The vehicle is equipped with a means of measuring the fuel level in the fuel tank. The controller detects the need to reduce fuel consumption when the fuel level falls below a predetermined threshold. Activating the fuel-saving system when the fuel level is low optimizes fuel consumption, thus increasing the vehicle's driving range before refueling.

[0024] Optionally, the vehicle includes a geolocation device. Typically, vehicles have a navigation system and, consequently, a geolocation device to determine the vehicle's location and guide it along a given route. The controller detects the need to reduce fuel consumption when the vehicle is located in an urban area. Indeed, driving at speed is relatively smooth, and significant engine power is not required. This is therefore an ideal location to save fuel by activating the energy-saving device.Furthermore, there are low-emission zones, which are geographical areas where access is restricted or limited for vehicles emitting high levels of pollution. The aim is to reduce polluting gas emissions, improve air quality, and encourage the use of cleaner vehicles, such as electric or hybrid vehicles. Indeed, reducing vehicle fuel consumption, and consequently particulate emissions from fuel combustion, is beneficial in these geographical areas.

[0025] During a step of increasing the dimensions of the touch control E2, the dimensions of the touch control 3 increase when the need to reduce fuel consumption is detected during the detection step EL. The touch control 3 therefore switches from the first configuration to the second configuration. In [Fig. 2], the first diagram A represents the touch control 3 in the first configuration in the touch screen 2 of the human-machine interface 1. The first configuration is retained by default as long as the need to reduce fuel consumption is not detected, i.e., as long as said detection step EL is not implemented. When the need to reduce fuel consumption is detected, i.e., when said detection step EL is implemented, said step of increasing the dimensions of the touch control E2 is also implemented. The second diagram B of [Fig.Figure 2 illustrates the touch control 3 in the second configuration. Indeed, the touch control 3 has the second set of dimensions, which is larger than the first set of dimensions. In other words, in the first diagram A, the touch control is smaller than the touch control shown in the second diagram B. It is therefore easier for... The driver touches the touch control when it displays the second configuration shown in [Fig. 2]. Touch control 3 is then more easily located by the driver, who thus understands that it would be beneficial to activate the energy-saving feature, and can easily activate it by touching touch control 3 without needing to look for it. Preferably, the controller is capable of receiving a voice command from the driver. The step of increasing the size of touch control E2 is then implemented when the driver issues a voice command indicating that they wish to activate the energy-saving feature.

[0026] Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program configured to implement said method of simplifying the activation of an energy saving device of a hybrid motor vehicle previously described.

Claims

Demands

1. Hybrid motor vehicle comprising an energy saving device configured to regulate driving and occupant comfort in order to reduce fuel consumption, said vehicle comprising a human-machine interface (1) comprising a touch screen (2), said energy saving device being capable of being represented by a touch control (3) on said touch screen (2), said energy saving device being configured to be activated by the driver via said touch control (3), said vehicle comprising a controller capable of detecting a need to reduce fuel consumption by the vehicle, characterized in that the touch control (3) is capable of having two configurations: - a first configuration in which said touch control (3) has a first set of dimensions;- a second configuration in which said touch control (3) has a second set of dimensions, said second set of dimensions being greater than the first set of dimensions, the touch control (3) having the second configuration when the controller detects a need to reduce fuel consumption by the vehicle.;

2. A method for simplifying the activation of an energy-saving device of a hybrid motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: - a detection step (E1) of the need to reduce fuel consumption by the controller, the touch control (3) initially having the first configuration; - a step of increasing the dimensions of the touch control (E2) so that said touch control (3) has the second configuration to facilitate the activation of the energy-saving device by the driver when the need to reduce fuel consumption is detected during the detection step (E1).

3. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the vehicle comprises a means for measuring the vehicle's fuel consumption, the controller being capable of communicating with said fuel consumption measurement means to determine the average fuel consumption of the vehicle, the controller detecting the need to reduce fuel consumption during said detection step (El) when fuel consumption is higher than the average fuel consumption over a predetermined period of time.

4. A method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the vehicle comprises a heat engine and a means for measuring the engine speed of the heat engine, the controller being able to communicate with said engine speed measurement means to determine the average engine speed, the controller detecting the need to reduce fuel consumption during said detection step (El) when the average engine speed is above a predetermined threshold engine speed over a predetermined period of time.

5. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the vehicle comprises a fuel tank and a means for measuring the level of fuel present in the fuel tank, the controller detecting the need to reduce fuel consumption during said detection step (El) when the level of fuel present in the fuel tank is below a predetermined threshold level.

6. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the vehicle includes a geolocation means, the controller detecting the need to reduce fuel consumption during said detection step (El) when the vehicle is geolocated in an urban area.

7. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the controller is capable of receiving a voice command from the driver, said step of increasing the dimensions of the touch control (E2) being implemented when the driver issues a voice command.

8. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method for simplifying the activation of an energy-saving device of a hybrid motor vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 7.

Images