Network system for a tractor unit of a multi-part vehicle, in particular utility vehicle, tractor unit, method, computer program and / or computer-readable medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a network system (250) for a tractor unit (205) of a multi-part vehicle (200a), in particular utility vehicle (200b), comprising the tractor unit (205) and a trailer vehicle (206), the network system (240) having a tractor-unit-installed first data processing device (250), the first data processing device (250) having a plurality of network interfaces (251) for communicatively connecting the first data processing device (250) to one other data processing device (260, 261) each, the network system (240) being designed to assign each of the other data processing devices (260, 261) a zone (270) and / or domain (275) of the vehicle (200a), in particular utility vehicle (200b), according to the network interface (251) by means of which the particular other data processing device (260, 261) is and / or can be communicatively connected to the first data processing device (250), one of the network interfaces (251) being connected and / or being able to be connected to a trailer-installed second data processing device (261), and the network system (240) being designed to assign the second data processing device (261) a trailer-specific zone (271) and / or trailer-specific domain (276).

Description

[0001] Network system for a towing vehicle of a multi-unit vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, towing vehicle, method, computer program and / or computer-readable medium

[0002] The disclosure relates to a network system for a towing vehicle of a multi-unit vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, comprising the towing vehicle and a trailer vehicle. The disclosure also relates to a towing vehicle of a multi-unit vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, comprising a network system, a method for establishing a network system, and a computer program and / or computer-readable medium.

[0003] Network systems for vehicles are known from the prior art. It is known that network systems of single-unit vehicles, such as passenger cars and / or tractors, have a domain and / or zone architecture. A domain architecture can define, for example, a functional division of the network system's components into domains. The domains thus comprise components organized according to function. A zone architecture can define, for example, a spatial division of the network system's components into zones. The zones thus comprise spatially structured components. By appropriately designing the network system by structuring it into zones and / or domains, the performance of the network system can be improved in terms of communication between the components connected by the network system and / or the effort required to provide cabling for the network system can be reduced.

[0004] In multi-unit vehicles, i.e., tractor-trailer combinations, the ability to uncouple the tractor and trailer, and if necessary, swap and reconnect one of the vehicles, provides additional degrees of freedom that must be considered when designing a network system. For example, a tractor and a trailer can be connected via an interface, a so-called "Truck-Trailer-Link" or TT-Link. Such a connection is necessary, for example, to transmit image data and / or other sensor data from the trailer to the tractor and / or to control the trailer's functions.

[0005] The communication connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer vehicle is known from the state of the art. Various transmission paths can be provided.

[0006] DE 102016 010644 A1 discloses a method for establishing a wireless vehicle network with at least a first station in a tractor and a second station in a trailer, wherein the first station transmits information required to establish the wireless network, and a first control unit assigned to the first station receives a defined message from a second control unit assigned to the second station via a physical interface between the tractor and trailer, after the second control unit is supplied with electrical energy and the two control units are connected to one another via the physical interface. According to the invention, the first station only transmits the information required to establish the wireless network wirelessly once the defined message is present in the first station.

[0007] DE 102017 010356 A1 discloses a data system of a towing vehicle and / or trailer vehicle.

[0008] US 2019 / 217831 A1 discloses a vehicle system comprising a head vehicle and a rear vehicle towed by the head vehicle. The head vehicle and the rear vehicle together have a control subsystem for controlling, among other things, the braking of the rear vehicle. The control subsystem comprises a head unit in the head vehicle and a rear unit in the rear vehicle. The rear unit can be configured to serve as a gateway for other rear-vehicle-side devices and other rear vehicles. A cable establishes an operative connection between a head connector of the head vehicle and a rear control unit of the rear unit of the rear vehicle.

[0009] In the prior art, further possible specific features relating to a towing vehicle-trailer combination are unknown, in particular a design of a domain and / or zone architecture.

[0010] Against the background of this prior art, one object of the present disclosure is to provide a network system suitable for enriching the prior art. In particular, the object of the disclosure is to provide an effective and well-defined network architecture for the application of a multi-unit vehicle.

[0011] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. The subclaims contain further developments of the disclosure.

[0012] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the object is achieved by a network system for a towing vehicle of a multi-unit vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, with the towing vehicle and a trailer vehicle, wherein the network system has a towing vehicle-side, first data processing device, the first data processing device has a plurality of network interfaces for communicatively connecting the first data processing device to a respective further data processing device, the network system is configured to assign a zone and / or domain of the vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, to the respective further data processing devices in accordance with the network interface to which the respective further data processing device is communicatively connected and / or connectable to the first data processing device, wherein one of the network interfaces is connected to a trailer-side,second data processing device is connected and / or connectable, and the network system is configured toto assign a trailer-specific zone and / or trailer-specific domain to the second data processing device. In other words, the disclosure relates to a domain and / or zone architecture for a multi-unit vehicle. The domain and / or zone architecture can be mapped by the network system. The first data processing device, as a component of the network, can be a central control unit for operating the network and can be referred to as a so-called "service-oriented gateway." The first data processing device is connected and / or connectable via the network interfaces to one or more further data processing devices as network components. The further data processing devices can be assigned domains according to their function and / or zones according to their physical arrangement.

[0013] The trailer vehicle has the second data processing device. The second data processing device is thus physically located outside the towing vehicle. The second data processing device and the first data processing device can thus be uncoupled or separated from the towing vehicle and coupled or connected to it in the same way as the trailer vehicle. To ensure that the second data processing device can still be logically integrated into the network system of the towing vehicle, it is proposed that one of the network interfaces be a trailer-specific network interface, by means of which the first data processing device can be connected to the second data processing device. The second data processing device can be assigned the trailer-specific zone and / or trailer-specific domain.

[0014] In other words, a network system for a towing vehicle with interconnected data processing devices having a domain and / or zone architecture is provided, wherein one of the data processing devices, namely the second trailer-side data processing device, is physically located outside the towing vehicle, namely in the trailer. This extends a known domain and / or zone architecture such that network components physically located outside can be logically integrated into the network system. This allows the trailer vehicle or its second data processing device to be incorporated into the network architecture of the towing vehicle and assigned to a domain and / or zone in order to provide an effective and well-defined network architecture for the application of a multi-unit vehicle.

[0015] Optionally, the trailer-specific zone and / or trailer-specific domain can be assigned to the second data processing device by connecting via a trailer-specific network interface. It has been recognized that the network interfaces may include a trailer-specific network interface. Connecting the second data processing device and the first data processing device via the trailer-specific network interface allows for determining that the second data processing device is trailer-specific, thereby enabling a reliable and well-defined assignment of the trailer-specific zone and / or trailer-specific domain.

[0016] Optionally, each of the network interfaces is an Automotive Ethernet interface. The Automotive Ethernet interface allows the components of the network system to be efficiently connected. The Automotive Ethernet interface allows the first data processing device to be effectively connected to the other data processing devices and / or the second data processing device, thus achieving reliable and effective data transmission.

[0017] Optionally, the network system comprises a towing vehicle-trailer vehicle interface connected to a trailer-specific network interface for communicatively connecting the first data processing device and the second data processing device. The towing vehicle-trailer vehicle interface can be an interface located, for example, in a rear area of ​​the towing vehicle in order to effectively establish a reliable communication connection when coupling the trailer vehicle to the towing vehicle. Optionally, each of the network interfaces is configured for wired communication. It has been recognized that wired communication is particularly reliable and enables a sufficient range or cable length for a multi-unit vehicle, particularly a commercial vehicle.

[0018] Optionally, the trailer-specific zone is different from each of the zones and / or the trailer-specific domain is different from each of the domains. In other words, the trailer-specific zone is different from other zones of the towing vehicle, or the trailer-specific domain is different from other domains of the towing vehicle. This enables targeted communication with the network components of the trailer vehicle.

[0019] Optionally, the network system is configured to assign a plurality of trailer-specific zones and / or trailer-specific domains to additional trailer-side data processing devices. It has been recognized that the trailer vehicle may also have multiple data processing devices or network components. Therefore, structuring the network components into multiple trailer-specific zones and / or trailer-specific domains may be appropriate.

[0020] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a towing vehicle of a multi-unit vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, comprising the network system described above is provided. Optionally, the vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, and / or the network system have one or more of the features described above as optional and / or advantageous in order to achieve an associated technical effect.

[0021] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a method for establishing a network system described above is provided, the method comprising: detecting a connection of the second data processing device and the first data processing device through the trailer-specific network interface; assigning the trailer-specific zone and / or the trailer-specific domain to the second data processing device; and outputting and / or storing assignment information corresponding to the assignment. Optionally, the method is implemented such that the network system has one or more of the features described above as optional and / or advantageous in order to achieve an associated technical effect.

[0022] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a computer program and / or a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer program and / or the computer-readable medium comprises instructions which, when the program or instructions are executed by a data processing device, cause the device to perform the method according to the disclosure and / or steps thereof. Optionally, the computer program and / or the computer-readable medium comprises instructions which, when the program or instructions are executed by a data processing device, cause the device to perform the method steps described as advantageous or optional in order to achieve an associated technical effect.

[0023] In the following, one embodiment is described with reference to the figures.

[0024] Fig. 1 schematically shows a multi-unit vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, with a towing vehicle with a network system according to one aspect of the disclosure;

[0025] Fig. 2 schematically shows a multi-unit vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, with a towing vehicle with a network system according to another aspect of the disclosure;

[0026] Fig. 3 schematically shows a flow diagram of a method according to one aspect of the disclosure; and

[0027] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a computer program and / or computer-readable medium according to one aspect of the disclosure.

[0028] Figure 1 schematically shows a multi-unit vehicle 200a, in particular commercial vehicle 200b, with a towing vehicle 205 having a network system 240 according to one aspect of the disclosure. The multi-unit vehicle 200a, in particular commercial vehicle 200b, is referred to below as vehicle 200a, 200b. The vehicle 200a, 200b is a land vehicle. The vehicle 200a, 200b comprises the towing vehicle 205 and a trailer vehicle 206. The vehicle 200a, 200b is thus a two-unit vehicle 200a, 200b. In another embodiment (not shown), the vehicle 200a, 200b can have more than two units, for example, multiple trailer vehicles 206.

[0029] The towing vehicle 205 and the trailer vehicle 206 can be mechanically connected to one another so that the towing vehicle 205 can move the trailer vehicle 206. For data exchange between the towing vehicle 205 and the trailer vehicle 206, the towing vehicle 205 and the trailer vehicle 206 are configured to be communicatively connected to one another. For this purpose, the towing vehicle 205 has a towing vehicle-trailer vehicle interface 255. The towing vehicle-trailer vehicle interface 255 thus physically enables the electrical and communicatively connecting the towing vehicle 205 to the trailer vehicle 206. For this purpose, the towing vehicle-trailer vehicle interface 255 is designed as a plug connection. The towing vehicle-trailer vehicle interface 255 can, for example, be designed as a socket, and the trailer vehicle 206 can have a plug corresponding to the socket, or vice versa.

[0030] The towing vehicle 205 has a network system 240. The network system 240 forms a set of communicatively connectable and / or connected network components.

[0031] The network system 240 comprises a towing vehicle-side, first data processing device 250 as a network component. The first data processing device 250 is arranged in and / or on the towing vehicle 205. The first data processing device 250 is a network component configured, for example, to manage the network system 240. For this purpose, the first data processing device 250 has a plurality of network interfaces 251, 252 for communicatively connecting the first data processing device 250 to a respective further data processing device 260, 261.

[0032] The further data processing devices 260, 261 may, for example, comprise control units, actuators and / or sensors that are and / or can be integrated into the network system 240 as network components.

[0033] The network system 240 is configured to assign a zone 270 of the vehicle 200a, 200b to the additional data processing devices 260, 261, respectively, according to the network interface 251, 252 to which the respective additional data processing device 260, 261 is communicatively connected and / or connectable to the first data processing device 250. The zones 270 are local sections of the vehicle 200a, 200b. The additional data processing devices 260, 261 within a zone 270 are thus arranged in the same section of the vehicle 200a, 200b, for example, at the front, left, or right in the direction of travel. One or more of the additional data processing devices 260, 261 can be assigned to each of the zones 270. Each of the further data processing devices 260, 261 can be assigned to exactly one of the zones 270.

[0034] One of the network interfaces 251, 252 is connected and / or connectable to a trailer-side, second data processing device 261. The trailer vehicle 205 thus has the second data processing device 261. The second data processing device 261 is thus physically arranged in and / or on the trailer vehicle 205. The second data processing device 261 is configured to control and / or monitor components of the trailer vehicle 205. The second data processing device 261 can, in particular, control and / or monitor, for example, lights, brakes, components of an electrically driven trailer vehicle 205, automated driving functions, and / or sensors of the trailer vehicle 205.

[0035] The network system 240 is configured to assign a trailer-specific zone 271 to the second data processing device 261. The second data processing device 261 is thus integrated into the network system 240. The trailer-specific zone 271 is different from each of the zones 270.

[0036] One of the network interfaces 251, 252 is a trailer-specific network interface 252. The trailer-specific network interface 252 is communicatively connected to the towing vehicle-trailer vehicle interface 255. The trailer-specific network interface 252 is configured like the other network interfaces 251 and does not differ from the other network interfaces 251, except for the connection to the towing vehicle-trailer vehicle interface 255. Connecting the second data processing device 261 to the towing vehicle-trailer vehicle interface 255 thus indirectly establishes a communicatively connected network interface between the first data processing device 250 and the second data processing device 261 via the trailer-specific network interface 252.The trailer-specific zone 271 can be assigned to the second data processing device 261 due to the connection via a trailer-specific network interface 252. When the second data processing device 261 is assigned to the trailer-specific zone 271, assignment information ZI is created, which represents the assignment and is written to a data memory (not shown) of the first data processing device 250. Alternatively or additionally, the assignment information ZI is output for further processing.

[0037] Each of the network interfaces 251, 252 is an automotive Ethernet interface 253. Each of the network interfaces 251, 252 is configured for wired communication connection.

[0038] The network system 240 is configured to assign a plurality of trailer-specific zones 271, 271' to additional trailer-side data processing devices 262. In the example shown in Figure 1, the trailer vehicle 206 has an additional trailer-side data processing device 262. The additional trailer-side data processing device 262 is configured via a network interface analogous to the network interfaces 251, 252, 253 of the towing vehicle 205 and is communicatively connected to the second data processing device 261. The additional trailer-side data processing device 262 is also assigned a trailer-specific zone 271, whereby the network system 240 assigns several zones 271, 271' to the trailer vehicle 206.In another embodiment (not shown), the trailer vehicle 206 may have a plurality of trailer-side additional data processing devices 262, to which a correspondingly adapted number of zones 271' can be assigned.

[0039] Figure 2 schematically shows a multi-unit vehicle 200a, in particular a commercial vehicle 200b, with a towing vehicle 205 having a network system 240 according to one aspect of the disclosure. Figure 2 shows an alternative to Figure 1. Figure 2 is described with reference to Figure 1, describing the differences between Figures 1 and 2.

[0040] According to Figure 2, the further data processing devices 260, 261 are assigned according to domains 275. The network system 240 is therefore configured to assign a domain 275 of the vehicle 200a, 200b to the further data processing devices 260, 261 in each case according to the network interface 251, 252 with which the respective further data processing device 260, 261 is and / or can be connected to the first data processing device 250 for communication purposes.

[0041] The domains 275 are functionally structured. The additional data processing devices 260, 261 within a domain 275 are thus assigned, for example, to one of the functional groups "drive system," "chassis," "infotainment system," "autonomous driving function," etc. Each of the domains 275 can be assigned one or more of the additional data processing devices 260, 261. Each of the additional data processing devices 260, 261 can be assigned to exactly one of the domains 275.

[0042] The network system 240 is configured to assign a trailer-specific domain 276 to the second data processing device 261. The assignment of the trailer-specific domain 276 is performed as described with reference to the trailer-specific zone 271 in Figure 1. The trailer-specific domain 276 shown in Figure 2 is different from each of the domains 275. The network system 240 is configured to assign a plurality of trailer-specific domains 276, 276' to further trailer-side data processing devices 262.

[0043] Figure 3 schematically shows a flow diagram of a method 300 according to one aspect of the disclosure. The method 300 according to Figure 3 is a method 300 for establishing a network system 250. Such a network system 250 is described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 3 is described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0044] The method 300 according to Figure 3 comprises: detecting 310 a connection of the second data processing device 261 and the first data processing device 250 through the trailer-specific network interface 252.

[0045] The method 300 includes: assigning 320 the trailer-specific zone 271 and / or the trailer-specific domain 276 to the second data processing device 261.

[0046] The method 300 comprises: outputting and / or storing 330 an assignment information ZI corresponding to the assignment 320.

[0047] The person skilled in the art will recognize that the method 300 according to Figure 3 can also be performed in a different order than that shown. In particular, it is possible for steps of the method 300 to be interchanged, shifted, and / or performed simultaneously.

[0048] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a computer program and / or computer-readable medium 400 according to one aspect of the disclosure. The computer program and / or computer-readable medium 400 includes instructions (not shown) that, when executed by a data processing device 250, cause the device 250 to perform the method 300 and / or the steps of the method 300 according to Figure 3.

[0049] The instructions can be present as program code in any code or language, in particular in code suitable for motor vehicle control systems. The computer program and / or computer-readable medium 200 can be or include any digital data storage device, such as a USB stick, a hard drive, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, an SD card, or an SSD card. The computer program does not necessarily have to be stored on such a computer-readable storage medium, but can also be accessible via the Internet or otherwise.

[0050] Reference symbol (part of the description)

[0051] 200a vehicle

[0052] 200b commercial vehicle

[0053] 205 towing vehicle

[0054] 206 trailer vehicle

[0055] 240 network system

[0056] 250 tractor-side, first data processing device

[0057] 251 Network interface

[0058] 252 trailer-specific network interface

[0059] 253 Ethernet interface

[0060] 255 Towing vehicle-trailer interface

[0061] 260 additional data processing devices

[0062] 261 trailer-side, second data processing device

[0063] 262 trailer-side additional data processing device

[0064] 270 Zone

[0065] 271 ,271 ' trailer-specific zone

[0066] 275 Domain

[0067] 276,276' trailer-specific domain

[0068] 300 procedures

[0069] 310 Capture

[0070] 320 Assign

[0071] 330 Output and / or Save

[0072] 400 Computer program and / or computer-readable medium

[0073] ZI allocation information

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Network system (240) for a towing vehicle (205) of a multi-unit vehicle (200a), in particular a commercial vehicle (200b), with the towing vehicle (205) and a trailer vehicle (206), wherein - the network system (240) has a first data processing device (250) on the towing vehicle side, - the first data processing device (250) has a plurality of network interfaces (251, 252) for connecting the first data processing device (250) to a respective further data processing device (260, 261), - the network system (240) is configured to assign a zone (270) and / or domain (275) of the vehicle (200a), in particular commercial vehicle (200b), to the further data processing devices (260, 261) in each case according to the network interface (251, 252) with which the respective further data processing device (260, 261) is and / or can be connected for communication purposes to the first data processing device (250), wherein - one of the network interfaces (251, 252) is connected and / or connectable to a trailer-side, second data processing device (261), and - the network system (240) is configured to assign a trailer-specific zone (271) and / or trailer-specific domain (276) to the second data processing device (261).

2. Network system (240) according to claim 1, wherein the trailer-specific zone (271) and / or trailer-specific domain (276) is assignable to the second data processing device (261) due to the connection via a trailer-specific network interface (252).

3. Network system (240) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the network interfaces (251, 252) is an Automotive Ethernet interface (253).

4. Network system (240) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the network system (240) comprises a towing vehicle-trailer vehicle interface (255) connected to a trailer-specific network interface (252) for communicatively connecting the first data processing device (250) and the second data processing device (261).

5. Network system (240) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the network interfaces (251, 252) is configured for wired communication connection.

6. The network system (240) of any preceding claim, wherein the trailer-specific zone (271) is different from each of the zones (270) and / or the trailer-specific domain (276) is different from each of the domains (275).

7. Network system (240) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the network system (240) is configured to assign a plurality of trailer-specific zones (271, 271') and / or trailer-specific domains (276, 276') to trailer-side, further data processing devices (262).

8. Towing vehicle (205) of a multi-unit vehicle (200a), in particular a commercial vehicle (200b), comprising a network system (240) according to one of the preceding claims.

9. A method (300) for establishing a network system (240) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the method (300) comprises: - detecting (310) a connection of the second data processing device (261) and the first data processing device (250) through the trailer-specific network interface (252); - Assigning (320) the trailer-specific zone (271) and / or the trailer-specific domain (276) to the second data processing device (261); and - Outputting and / or storing (330) an assignment information (ZI) corresponding to the assignment (320).

10. Computer program and / or computer-readable medium (400) comprising instructions which, when the program or instructions are executed by a Data processing device (250) causing it to carry out the method (300) and / or the steps of the method (300) according to claim 9.

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