Setting device for detecting travel request for automobile, automobile and method for operation

Abstract

To provide a setting device (10) for detecting a travel request for an automobile (1).SOLUTION: A setting device (10) comprises an adjusting element (2) operable by a driver of an automobile (1), providing at least one first sensor (7) for detecting an operation acting on the adjusting element (2) correspondingly to the adjusting element (2), the adjusting element (2) being arranged to displace to variously-different stationary positions by a support device. In the setting device (10), a second sensor (11) for detecting a present direction of the adjusting element (2) is provided correspondingly to the adjusting element (2).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3B

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a setting device for detecting driving requirements for a motor vehicle, the setting device comprising an adjustment element operable by a driver of the motor vehicle, and at least one first sensor for detecting at least one operation acting on the adjustment element being associated with the adjustment element.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle equipped with such a setting device and a method for operating the setting device or the motor vehicle.

Background Art

[0003] Prior Art Conventional motor vehicles typically have a hydraulic braking system that includes a brake pedal as an adjustment element operable by a driver and a master brake cylinder mechanically coupled to the brake pedal. Operation of the brake pedal operates the master brake cylinder, or the brake pedal shifts a hydraulic piston within the master brake cylinder, thereby generating hydraulic pressure within the master brake cylinder that is distributed to one or more brake circuits of the braking system. Thus, the increase in hydraulic pressure is at least partially directly effected by operation of the brake pedal. This pressure increase is assisted by a brake booster in modern motor vehicles.

[0004] In relatively recent motor vehicles, especially in the course of further electrification of motor vehicles, it is contemplated to omit the mechanical connection between the adjustment element and the actuator, especially the master brake cylinder. So-called brake-by-wire braking systems detect an operation desire or a driver desire using a sensor associated with the adjustment element and drive one or more actuators to meet the driving requirements depending on the sensor signal of this sensor. A corresponding braking system is known, for example, from European Patent Application Publication No. 1459928.

[0005] Furthermore, it is known to associate an adjustable actuator that can provide haptic feedback to the driver during operation of the adjustment element. For example, it is known to alert the driver to specific events, such as the intervention of ABS braking control, by means of a perceptible impulse applied to the adjustment element by the actuator.

[0006] From German Patent Application Publication No. 102012024846, a position-adjustable vehicle pedal device comprising a position adjustment device and a pedal is further known. In this case, the pedal can be position-adjusted in terms of its posture and / or orientation by the position adjustment device, and to that extent, it can be adapted to the needs of the user or driver and can be locked in the selected posture by a locking device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] Disclosure of the Invention The setting device according to the present invention having the features described in claim 1 has the advantage that it is possible to reliably and accurately detect the operation of the adjusting element without depending on the orientation or position of the displaceable adjusting element. According to the present invention, for this purpose, the adjusting element is arranged to be displaceable to various different rest positions by a support device, and a second sensor for detecting the current orientation of the adjusting element is associated with the adjusting element. By monitoring or detecting the current orientation of the adjusting element, it is ensured that when specifying the driver's desire by the operation of the adjusting element, it is possible to reliably confirm the orientation or posture of the adjusting element. Thus, for example, an inclined orientation or posture and the reduced operating force thereby can be compensated by grasping the inclined posture. Thereby, it is possible to accurately realize the driver's desire without depending on the orientation and posture of the adjusting element and to be traceable to the driver at any time.

[0009] Preferably, for this purpose, the second sensor is an acceleration sensor. Using the acceleration sensor, the orientation of the adjusting element, particularly the change in orientation, can be specified at low cost and accurately.

[0010] Preferably, at least one drivable actuator is associated with the adjusting element, and the actuator is drivable to apply a force impulse to the adjusting element, in particular to carry out a verification of the current orientation detected by the second sensor. Thereby, it becomes possible to excite or move the adjusting element by using the actuator, whereby the second sensor, in particular the acceleration sensor, is excited, and thereby it becomes possible to determine or verify the orientation of the adjusting element particularly accurately. For this purpose, for example, the sensor signal detected by the sensor is compared with a stored sensor signal specified depending on a predetermined orientation of the adjusting element, whereby the actual orientation of the adjusting element is determined. Advantageously, a plurality of expected sensor signals depending on different orientations of the adjusting element are stored in a non-volatile memory, and thereby, after the adjusting element has been excited by the actuator, it is compared with the currently detected sensor signal of the sensor, and the current orientation of the adjusting element is determined based on this comparison. In particular, a characteristic map is stored for this purpose, and this characteristic map is used during the comparison by an advantageous control device.

[0011] Particularly preferably, the actuator is configured as a vibration actuator, and this vibration actuator applies a plurality of force impulses to the adjusting element instead of a single force impulse to excite the adjusting element. Furthermore, by driving the actuator and detecting the sensor signal of the specifically determined second sensor in response to this drive, it becomes possible to check the functionality of the setting device in an advantageous manner. Preferably, the above-described control device is configured to drive the actuator, detect the sensor signal, and check the functionality of the setting device.

[0012] Particularly preferably, the control device is specifically configured to detect the current orientation of the adjusting element depending on the sensor signal of the second sensor when used as prescribed. In particular, the control device is specifically configured to drive the actuator to carry out the orientation detection and evaluate the detected sensor signal in response to this drive when used as prescribed as described above.

[0013] Particularly preferably, when used as specified, the control device is specifically configured to correct, as an operation of the adjusting element, the operating force detected by the first sensor or the operating distance detected by the first sensor depending on the orientation of the adjusting element detected by the second sensor. As already described above, this achieves the fact that reliable detection of the driver's wishes is always ensured regardless of the actual orientation of the adjusting element. Thereby, the driver can optimally adapt the setting device or the operating element to his or her ergonomic requirements.

[0014] Preferably, the adjusting element is configured as a foot pedal, in particular a brake pedal, or as a manually operable handle.

[0015] Particularly preferably, the control device is configured to perform a plausibility check on the orientation of the adjusting element detected by the second sensor depending on the sensor signal of at least one further sensor. Particularly preferably, the further sensor is part of the setting device. Optionally, the further sensor is a sensor fixedly attached to or attachable to the motor vehicle, for example monitoring the orientation of the motor vehicle. For this purpose, the further sensor is likewise configured, for example, as an acceleration sensor or an inertial sensor. Alternatively, the control device is connected to a further sensor of the motor vehicle which is provided anyway for monitoring the attitude and / or orientation of the motor vehicle. In that case, an existing further sensor can be used and there is no need to supplement a further sensor.

[0016] A motor vehicle according to the invention having the features according to claim 10 is characterized in that it comprises the setting device according to the invention. Thereby, the advantages already described above are obtained.

[0017] A method according to the invention having the features according to claim 11 is characterized in that the current orientation of the adjusting element is determined depending on the sensor signal of the second sensor. From this, the advantages described above are obtained.

[0018] Particularly preferably, the driving requirements of the vehicle driver are specified depending on a specified orientation and the sensor signal of the first sensor. In particular, this is implemented as described above.

[0019] Further advantages, as well as preferred features and combinations of features, will become apparent in particular from the foregoing description and the claims. In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail on the basis of the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 3C

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of the foot space of a vehicle 1 not shown here in much detail, in which an adjustment element 2 of a braking system 3 is arranged. The adjustment element 2 is, in this embodiment, a brake pedal that can be operated by the driver of the vehicle 1 with his foot, or alternatively an accelerator pedal. Alternatively, the adjustment element 2 is configured or designed as a travel pedal (accelerator pedal). The brake pedal 2 is displaceably held by a support device 4 attached to the foot space, and is held so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 5 by the driver, particularly as indicated by an arrow 6 in FIG. 1. Thereby, the driver can adjust the position of the adjustment element to an orientation that best meets his ergonomic or comfort-technical requirements.

[0022] The adjusting element 2 is associated with a sensor 7, and using this sensor 7, it is possible to detect the operating force acting on the adjusting element 2 in accordance with the arrow 6 of the adjusting element 2, and / or the operating distance set by the operation of the adjusting element 2. Therefore, it is possible to monitor the operation of the brake pedal or the operating lever 2 using the sensor 7.

[0023] The sensor 7 is at least signal - technically connected to a control device 8. The control device 8 monitors and evaluates the sensor signal of the sensor 7, determines the driver's desire, particularly the braking torque requirement, depending on the detected operating force and / or the detected operating distance, and drives at least one actuator of the braking system of the motor vehicle 1 depending on the determined braking requirement to set the braking force.

[0024] Furthermore, a drivable actuator 9 is associated with the adjusting element 2. This actuator 9 is also at least signal - technically connected to the control device 8 and is configured to apply a tactile feedback to the adjusting element 2. The actuator 9 is configured to apply, for example, a force impulse detectable by the driver as tactile feedback to the adjusting element 2 and is drivable in such a way. The control device 8 is configured to drive the actuator 9 so as to generate, in particular, single or multiple force impulses acting on the adjusting element 2 in the form of vibrations.

[0025] At least the adjusting element 2 and the sensor 7 together form an advantageous setting device 10 for detecting the driver's desire, in this embodiment, the driver's braking requirement.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows a schematic plan view of the adjusting element 2. In addition to the sensor 7, a further sensor 11 is associated with the adjusting element 2. This further sensor 11 is configured to detect the current orientation or attitude of the travel pedal or the brake pedal. In particular, the sensor 11 is directly arranged and mounted on or on the surface of the adjusting element 2. The control device 8 is connected to the sensor 7 and the sensor 11 and evaluates the sensor signals of these sensors.

[0027] Figures 3A to 3C show various different orientations of the adjusting element 2 for this purpose. In this case, a sensor 11 which is configured as an acceleration sensor and is schematically shown is illustrated. Accordingly, the sensor 11 has a sensor element 12 which is movably supported, and this sensor element 12 is located, for example, between two spring elements 13, 14, and these two spring elements 13, 14 are compressed or extended according to the position of the sensor element 12, and accordingly apply a pressing force or a tensile force to the sensor element 12. In the neutral position where the sensor 11 as shown in FIG. 3C is horizontally oriented, the sensor element 12 is moved by the spring elements 13, 14 to a central position inside the housing 15 of the sensor 11. The sensor element 12 can move an equal distance in both directions when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the sensor 11 from this neutral position. When the sensor 11 is activated, that is, when it is tilted, for example, from horizontal to an inclined position of about 45° with respect to the horizontal as shown in FIG. 3B, the sensor element 12 is moved by the gravitational acceleration or its own gravity so as to oppose the spring force of the spring element 14 which is located downward at this time, thereby reaching closer to the lower end portion of the housing 15. When the sensor 11 is further activated, whereby the sensor 11 is positioned in a vertical orientation as shown in FIG. 3A, that is, when it is positioned at an angle of 90° with respect to the horizontal, the sensor element 12 is moved downward to the maximum extent so as to oppose the spring force of the spring element 14 by its own gravity or the gravitational acceleration.

[0028] Therefore, by using the sensor 11 and monitoring the position and displacement of the sensor element 12, it is possible to confirm the orientation or change in orientation of the adjusting element 2.

[0029] The support device is configured such that the user can set the basic position of the adjusting element 2 and can displace the adjusting element 2 for this purpose. In this case, the user can also change the orientation of the adjusting element 2 and optimally adapt it to his / her ergonomic or comfort requirements. Using the sensor 11, the control device 8 detects the initial position or basic position of the adjusting element 2 set by the user. The control device 8 detects the adjustment or operation of the adjusting element 2 for enabling displacement of the adjusting element 2 during operation and / or the adjustment or operation of the adjusting element 2 for enabling application of an operating force to the adjusting element 2 during operation, using the sensor 7.

[0030] The control device 8 is configured to adapt a braking characteristic curve, in particular depending on the orientation detected in the initial position of the adjusting element 2, thereby optimally specifying a braking desire depending on the detected operation of the adjusting element 2 by the driver. For example, if the adjusting element is unfavorably positioned or oriented from an ergonomic point of view, the operating force detected by the sensor 7 is increased or reduced by the control device 8 in order to achieve an optimal braking result. The exact orientation of the adjusting element 2 can also be used for other purposes, such as for adapting an acceleration characteristic curve.

[0031] The control device 8 is more preferably connected to the actuator 9, whereby the actuator 9 is driven so as to apply one or more force impulses to the adjusting element 2. In a normal case, the actuator 9 is driven so as to output haptic feedback to the driver in order to notify the driver of a driving situation such as the intervention of ABS control. Preferably, the control device 8 further drives the actuator 9 so as to apply one or more force impulses in a particular vibration pattern to the adjusting element 2 during the calibration of the setting device 10 in order to accurately identify the orientation of the adjusting element 2. Due to the one or more force impulses, the sensor element 12 is moved from the rest position as shown by the bidirectional arrow 16 in FIGS. 3A to 3C, whereby the sensor 11 is excited, making it possible to reliably and accurately detect the orientation of the adjusting element 2. In particular, by applying one or more force impulses to the adjusting element 2, the measurement error in identifying the orientation of the adjusting element is eliminated.

[0032] Preferably, the detected orientation is validated using information from the vehicle that is already present in the vehicle, such as information regarding the orientation of the vehicle with respect to the horizontal plane. Thus, when validating the orientation of the adjusting element 2, for example, the inclination attitude of the vehicle as a whole can be considered and compensated accordingly. In particular, an inertial sensor is used for this purpose, and such an inertial sensor is usually incorporated in the vehicle anyway and is used as an additional sensor or reference sensor. In this case, as a result, the orientation of the adjusting element 2 detected by the sensor 11 is compensated by the actual orientation of the vehicle 1, thereby reliably confirming the orientation of the adjusting element 2 with respect to the vehicle 1.

[0033] Optionally, instead of specifying the braking request depending on the orientation of the adjusting element 2 at the initial position of the adjusting element 2 and the detected operation, the control device 8 is further configured to specify it depending on further information such as, for example, the seat posture, the steering wheel posture, the weight of the motor vehicle driver, the image of the vehicle interior camera, or the driver profile. Thereby, the braking characteristic curve and / or the acceleration characteristic curve can be adapted by an advantageous method.

Claims

1. A setting device (10) for detecting driving requirements for a motor vehicle (1), comprising: The setting device (10) comprises an adjustment element (2) operable by a driver of the vehicle (1), at least one first sensor (7) for detecting an operation acting on said adjustment element (2) is associated with said adjustment element (2), the adjustment element (2) is arranged to be displaceable into different rest positions by a support device, In the setting device (10), A second sensor (11) for detecting a current orientation of the adjustment element (2) is associated with the adjustment element (2). A setting device (10).

2. The second sensor (11) is an acceleration sensor. The setting device according to claim 1 .

3. At least one drivable actuator (9) is associated with said adjustment element (2), the actuator (9) being drivable to apply a force to the adjustment element (2) in order to perform a verification of the current orientation detected by the second sensor (11); 3. The setting device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The actuator (9) is configured as a vibration actuator. The setting device according to claim 3 .

5. A control device (8) is provided, the control device (8) being specially adapted, when used as specified, to detect the current orientation of the adjustment element (2) depending on the signal of the second sensor (11); The setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. said control device (8) being specially adapted, when used as specified, to drive said actuator (9) in order to perform a verification of said detected orientation; The setting device according to claim 5 .

7. the control device (8) is specially configured, when used as specified, to correct the actuation force detected by the first sensor (7) or the actuation distance detected by the first sensor (7) as a function of the orientation of the adjustment element (2) detected by the second sensor (11). The setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The adjustment element (2) is configured as a foot pedal or a handle. The setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the control device (8) being configured to validate the orientation of the adjustment element (2) detected by the second sensor (11) depending on a sensor signal of at least one further sensor (11); The setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A motor vehicle (1) equipped with a setting device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A setting device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or a method for operating a motor vehicle (1) according to claim 10, The current orientation of the adjustment element (2) is determined depending on the sensor signal of the second sensor (11). A method comprising:

12. determining a driving request of a driver of the vehicle (1) depending on the determined orientation and a sensor signal of the first sensor (7); The method of claim 11.

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