DE10159863A1 - Motor vehicle has opening of drive train when loaded by drive wheels with engine off via driver's input device inhibited if vehicle brake not operated at same time - Google Patents

Abstract

The vehicle has a drive train with a drive engine (2), a clutch (4) with a first actuator, a gearbox (6) with a second actuator and vehicle wheels, a vehicle brake, a driver input device and a controller (44). The actuators are automatically operated by the controller. Opening the drive train when loaded by the drive wheels with the engine off via the driver's input device is inhibited if the vehicle brake is not operated at the same time. Independent claims are also included for the following: a method of operating a motor vehicle.

Description

The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a drive motor, a clutch with a first actuator, a transmission device with a two th actuator, a driver input device and a control direction, the first actuator and possibly also the second actuator automatically initiated by the control device are operable. In any case, coupling processes are automated by feasible, which supports the driver in operating the vehicle and a high level of comfort is achieved. Is also the gear device can be operated automatically, a further increase in driving comfort is achieved can, for example, be actuated by the control in a first operating mode direction can be initiated automatically on the basis of a plurality of input variables or, if necessary, in an operating mode by an on the driver's input by means of the driver input device. Next Such an automation increases comfort for the driver tion of motor vehicles achieved a variety of other advantages such as se fast and smooth switching processes or consumption or performance opti mated operation.  

Operational safety is very important in such motor vehicles; unsiche re or even critical conditions must be excluded. in the especially starting or crawling, with the vehicle going out moving from standstill represents a situation in which in particular Dimensions security aspects must be taken into account. A vehicle can get started in several ways. At a point on a sloping road for example, it is possible that the vehicle be in a safe state takes place in which the drive wheels via a suitable Ü set in the transmission Gear ratio and sufficiently closed clutch against the An drive motor are braked. An opening of the drive train starting from Such a situation would have resulted in the vehicle moving sets, which creates a significant security risk. Another example The way to get a vehicle moving is the so-called creep. On such a function is known from automatic transmissions with a hydraulic converter. Moves when the brake is not or only slightly actuated and the drive motor is running the vehicle slowly moves according to the set translation ratio ratio slowly forward or backward; The driver can use the vehicle brake dosing the crawling speed, which ensures good controllability of the Motor vehicle, for example when parking, maneuvering or stopping And-go traffic is given. In a situation where no driver is present however, such a function represents an unacceptably high security risk.

The invention is therefore based on the object, in particular in situations which the vehicle starts moving from a standstill, the Be improve driving safety and rule out dangerous situations.

This object is achieved by a motor vehicle with a Ge drives solved, which has a plurality of features and / or process steps ten according to the following description with figures and the claims points, in particular in the present combination, but also in each case for achieve the desired success.

So to solve an aspect of the task in a motor vehicle with egg a drive motor, a clutch with a first actuating device, a transmission device with a second actuator and vehicle drive train, a vehicle brake, a driver input device and a control device, wherein the actuating devices initiated automatically by the control device, an opening of the drivetrain loaded via the vehicle wheels when stationary drive motor even with a corresponding request via driver input device prevented if the vehicle brake is not applied at the same time.

Another aspect of the object is achieved by using a motor vehicle a drive motor, a clutch with an actuator that by a control device can be automatically activated and a device  device to detect the presence of a driver starting or crawling is prevented if the presence of a driver is not recognized.

In the present case, a start of the motor vehicle is started accelerator pedal understood, whereas crawl set in motion referred to the motor vehicle when the accelerator pedal is not actuated.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, an An driving or creeping prevented by the powertrain at least partially is interrupted. Starting from a situation where the drive motor is on Drive torque generated, the transmission of this drive torque to the Drive wheels prevented or at least reduced.

Appropriately starting or crawling is prevented or at least least reduced by at least partially opening the clutch. in principle it is sufficient if the clutch is opened so far that the on drive wheels transmitted drive torque below a predetermined value lies. The value of the drive torque is predetermined such that the Does not set the vehicle in motion, or at least not significantly. Advantageous it is, however, if the drive torque transmitted by the clutch with a certain safety is below the drive torque, from which the Would set the vehicle in motion, with the clutch preferred open to the extent that no drive torque is transmitted, for example the clutch is in a fully disengaged position.  

Alternatively or additionally, in the preferred embodiment, one Motor vehicle with an automatically initiated by the control device Tigbaren gear device with a further actuator, the driving or crawling prevents a neutral position from being set becomes. A transmission stage inserted in the transmission is designed so that none Torque transmission through the transmission takes place and the drive train ge is interrupted on the drive side.

The presence of a driver is determined according to a preferred embodiment Example detected by a room surveillance sensor. Such one Sensor monitors the motor vehicle interior, in particular the area that a driver takes to operate the motor vehicle.

An acoustic sensor is expediently used as the room monitoring sensor how used ultrasonic sensor. In another embodiment, it can however, it can also be advantageous to use an optical sensor such as an infrared sensor Image recording system to use.

It is also very advantageous if to determine the presence of a driver a load sensor is used which is responsive to the change in load caused by the Drivers evokes when he provides for the operation of the vehicle position.  

In a further advantageous embodiment, the presence of a Driver recognized due to the operation of controls, their operation clearly indicate the presence of the driver, such as the actuation of a brake or accelerator pedal.

Other aspects of the task are covered by a method of operating a Motor vehicle according to at least one of claims 1 to 13 solved. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to FIG Figures described, showing

Fig. 1 shows schematically and exemplarily a vehicle with automated clutch and automated processing betae tigbarer operable Getriebeeinrich,

Fig. 2 is a diagram for preventing rolling away on a slope and

Fig. 3 is a diagram for the driver presence-dependent start control.

Fig. 1 shows schematically and exemplarily a vehicle 1 with a clutch 4 and the transmission device 6. The clutch 4 is presently arranged in the power flow between the drive motor 2 and the transmission device 6 ; Expediently between drive motor 2 and clutch 4, a divided flywheel is arranged, the partial masses of which can be rotated with respect to one another with the interposition of a spring-damper device, thereby substantially improving the vibration-related properties of the drive train.

Preferably, the invention with a damping device for recording Men or compensation of rotary shocks or device to compensate for Torsion impact or torsion shock reducing device or device for damping of vibrations combined, as they are particularly in the publications to DE OS 34 18 671, DE OS 34 11 092, DE OS 34 11 239, DE OS 36 30 398, DE OS 36 28 774 and DE OS 37 21 712 of the applicant is described, the Disclosures also ge the disclosure content of the present application heard.

The vehicle 1 is driven by a drive motor 2 , which is shown here as a combustion engine such as a gasoline or diesel engine; In another embodiment, the drive can also be carried out by means of a hybrid drive, electro motor or hydromotor. The clutch 4 , in the exemplary embodiment shown, is a friction clutch, by means of which the drive motor 2 can be separated from the transmission device 6, in particular for starting up or for carrying out switching operations. Due to an increasing engagement or disengagement of the clutch, more or less torque is transmitted, for this purpose a pressure plate and a pressure plate are axially displaced relative to one another and take an intermediate friction disk more or less with them. The clutch 4 designed as a clutch is advantageously self-adjusting, ie the wear of the friction linings is compensated in such a way that a constant, low disengagement force is ensured. The invention is preferably combined with a clutch, as described in particular in the applications DE OS 42 39 291, DE OS 42 39 289 and DE OS 43 06 505 of the applicant, the disclosures of which also belonged to the disclosure content of the present application.

The wheels 12 of the vehicle 1 are driven via a differential 10 by means of a shaft 8 . The driven wheels 12 are assigned speed sensors 60 , 61 , where appropriate only one speed sensor 60 or 61 is provided, each of which generates a signal corresponding to the speed of the wheels 12 ; additionally or alternatively, a sensor 52 is provided at another suitable location in the drive train, for example on the shaft 8 , for determining the transmission output speed. The transmission input speed can be determined by means of a further sensor or, as in the present exemplary embodiment, can also be determined from the drive motor speed, for example the transmission ratio set in the transmission can be determined.

An actuation of the friction clutch 4 , which can advantageously be pressed, in another embodiment also expediently can also be carried out, is carried out in the present case by means of an actuating device 46 , such as a clutch actuator. To actuate the transmission 6 , a two actuators 48 and 50 comprising actuating device is provided, one of the actuators actuating a selection and the other performing a switching actuation. The clutch actuator 46 is designed as an electrohydraulic system, with an on or off return movement generated by means of an electric drive, for example using an electric direct current motor, and transmitted to the release system via a hydraulic path. The gear actuators 48 , 50 are designed as electric drives, for example as electric DC motors, which are connected via kinematics to the moving members in the gear 6 , which are actuated to determine the gear ratio. In another embodiment, especially when large actuation forces are required, it can also be very expedient to provide a hydraulic system for actuation.

The control of the clutch 4 and the transmission 6 is carried out by a Steuerein device 44 , which expediently forms a structural unit with the clutch actuator 46 , although in another exemplary embodiment it can also be advantageous to mount these elsewhere in the vehicle. The actuation of clutch 4 and transmission 6 can take place automatically in an automatic operating mode by the control device 44 , or in a manual operating mode by driver input by means of a driver input device 70 , such as a shift lever, the input being detected by sensor 71 . In the automatic operating mode, gear ratio changes are carried out by appropriate actuation of the actuators 46 , 48 and 50 in accordance with characteristic curves which are stored in a memory assigned to the control device 44 . There are a number of driving programs defined by at least one characteristic, between which the driver can choose, such as a sporty driving program in which the drive motor 2 is operated in a performance-optimized manner, an economy program in which the drive motor 2 is operated in a consumption-optimized manner or a Winter program in which the vehicle 1 is operated to optimize driving safety; Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment described, characteristic curves are adaptable, for example to the driver's behavior and / or to other boundary conditions such as road friction, outside temperature, etc.

A control device 18 controls the drive motor 2 by influencing the mixture supply or composition, a throttle valve 22 is represented in the figure, the opening angle of which is detected by an angle sensor 20 and the signal of the control device 18 is available. In other embodiments of the drive motor control, the control device 18 , if it is an internal combustion engine, is provided with a corresponding signal, on the basis of which the mixture composition and / or the volume supplied can be determined; The signal from an existing lambda probe is also expediently used. Furthermore, the control device 18 is in the present embodiment, a signal of a driver operated load lever 14 , the position of which is detected by a sensor 16 , a signal about an engine speed, generated by a speed sensor 28 which is associated with the engine output shaft, a signal of an intake manifold pressure sensor 26 and a signal from a cooling water temperature sensor 24 are available.

The control devices 18 and 44 can be constructed in structurally and / or functionally separate sub-areas, then they are expediently connected to one another for example by means of a CAN bus 54 or another electrical connection for data exchange. However, it can also be advantageous to summarize the areas of the control devices, in particular since an assignment of the functions is not always clearly possible and an interaction is necessary. In particular, during certain phases of the gear ratio change, the control device 44 can control the drive motor 2 with respect to the speed and / or the torque.

Both the clutch actuator 46 and the transmission actuators 48 and 50 generate signals from which an actuator position can at least be derived, which are available to the control device 44 . In the present case, the position is determined within the actuator, an incremental encoder being used which determines the actuator position in relation to a reference point. In another exemplary embodiment, however, it can also be expedient to arrange the encoder outside of the actuator and / or to provide an absolute position determination, for example by means of a potentiometer. A determination of the actuator position is of particular importance with regard to the clutch actuator, since this makes it possible to assign the clutch 4 gripping point to a specific engagement path and thus to an actuator position. The gripping point of the clutch 4 is advantageously redetermined at start-up and during operation, in particular depending on parameters such as clutch wear, clutch temperature, etc. A determination of the transmission actuator positions is important with regard to the determination of the gear ratio ses.

The control device 44 also has signals from speed sensors 62 and 63 of the non-driven wheels 65 and 66 available. To determine a vehicle speed, it can be useful to use the average value of the speed sensors 62 and 63 or 60 and 61 in order to compensate for speed differences, for example when cornering. The vehicle speed can be determined by means of the speed signals and a slip detection can also be carried out. In the figure, output connections of the control devices are shown as solid lines, input connections are shown in dashed lines. The connection of the sensors 61 , 62 and 63 to the Steuerein direction is only hinted at.

In FIG. 2, a diagram 200 is illustrated for Wegrollverhinderung. It is based on a situation in which the vehicle is in a safe state at a point on an inclined roadway, in that the drive wheels are braked against the drive motor via a suitable transmission ratio set in the transmission and a sufficiently closed clutch, the drive motor not in operation is. The set gear ratio is expediently a high gear such as first or second gear, with a small force acting on the vehicle wheels it may also be sufficient if a higher gear is engaged, so that that acts on the drive motor via the clutch Sufficient moment is reduced and the clutch of the vehicle is at least closed so far that no significant slip occurs; it is preferred if the clutch is closed so far that no slippage occurs with certainty, for example it is completely closed. For example, the drive train is closed to support the torque on the drive motor that is initiated by the downhill force and is prevented from rolling away. If the ignition is now switched on in step 201 and in a further step 202 a corresponding actuation of the driver input device 70 calls for a set gear ratio to be set, in step 203 a check of the actuation of a vehicle brake 85 is undertaken. If no vehicle brake is applied, the request to set the neutral position is ignored by the control device, see step 204 . Otherwise, when a vehicle brake 85 is actuated, the shift intention is recognized and accepted in step 205 , whereupon the clutch opens in step 206 and subsequently or simultaneously in step 207 an engaged gear ratio is disengaged and thus neutral is engaged. The actuated vehicle brake prevents the vehicle from rolling away if the brake is not actuated sufficiently, but this ensures that the driver is at least ready to brake.

Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of the invention, in which a situation is assumed in which the vehicle 1 is set in motion by so-called creep. Such a function is known from automatic transmissions with hydraulic converter. When the brake 85 is not or not operated at all and the drive motor 2 is running, the vehicle 1 moves slowly forwards or backwards in accordance with the set transmission ratio; The driver can meter this creep via the vehicle brake 85 .

In contrast to starting, where the generated by the drive motor and on the Vehicle wheels transmit drive torque from, among other things, the degree of gas pedal actuation is determined, when crawling is the drive torque as Creep torque limited to a maximum value. The creep torque can be at ei nem vehicle of the present type, for example, by operating the Vehicle brake - if necessary to zero - be lowered by the Clutch is opened.

Only when the presence of a driver is recognized during the check in step 302 is the crawl or start function initiated in step 304 . In vehicles of the type mentioned, the possibility is used to interrupt the drive train to prevent the creep function when the gear ratio is set and the drive motor 2 is running if no presence of a driver can be detected or an absence of the driver is known. When this very critical condition occurs, the drive train is at least partially interrupted to prevent starting or crawling ( 303 ) by at least partially opening the clutch 4 . In principle, it is sufficient if the clutch 4 is opened to such an extent that the drive torque transmitted to the drive wheels 12 is below a predetermined value. The value of the drive torque is predetermined in such a way that the vehicle 1 does not move, or at least does not move appreciably. Before geous it is, however, if the drive torque transmitted by the clutch 4 is with a certain certainty below the drive torque, from which the vehicle 1 would start to move, it being preferable to open the clutch 4 to the extent that no drive torque is transmitted, for example, the clutch 4 is brought into a fully disengaged position.

Alternatively or additionally, starting or crawling is prevented in a motor vehicle with an automatically actuated transmission device 6 initiated by the control device 44 with a further actuating device 48 , 50 thereby preventing a neutral position from being set. A transmission stage inserted in the transmission 6 is designed so that no torque transmission takes place through the transmission 6 and the drive train is interrupted on the transmission side.

To detect the presence or absence of a driver, room monitoring sensors 80 are used in one exemplary embodiment, which monitor the vehicle interior, in particular the area that a driver occupies to operate the motor vehicle 1 . An acoustic sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor can be used as the room monitoring sensor 80 , which emits sound waves and detects the presence or absence of a driver on the basis of the changed reflection of the waves. In another exemplary embodiment, an optical sensor such as an infrared sensor is used which, for example, reacts to the heat radiated by the driver. It may also be expedient to use an image recording system for driver presence detection, an evaluation device assigned to the image recording system carrying out an image comparison between the recorded image and stored images which represent the presence or absence of a driver. It is particularly expedient to use already existing room monitoring sensor 80 of a motor vehicle alarm system.

Driver presence detection based on a load sensor 81 is also preferably carried out. The sensor 81 responds to the change in load that the driver causes when he is in the position provided for operating the vehicle. A mechanical pressure switch, a piezoelectric switch or an element that changes its conductivity under load is advantageously used in the area of the driver's seat, the seat frame or the seat guide. A sensor can also be attached in the area of the driver's seat belt so that a signal is generated which indicates whether a driver is present or not.

In a further advantageous exemplary embodiment, the presence of a driver is recognized on the basis of the actuation of control elements, the actuation of which clearly indicates the presence of the driver, such as the actuation of a brake or accelerator pedal 14 .

The driver presence check is preferably initialized when the Driver's door of the vehicle was opened and / or a parking brake was applied , but it can also be initialized independently.  

Furthermore, starting or crawling can be carried out by targeted actuation of the driving brake 85 , so that, despite a transmission to the drive wheels 12 , no torque occurs.

Furthermore, the application relates to a coupling device according to the Publication of DE OS 100 29 618 by the applicant, the content of which also relates to Of fenungsungsin content of the present application.

The claims submitted with the application are drafted strikes without prejudice for obtaining further patent protection. The An notifier reserves the right to add more, so far only in the description and / or To claim drawings disclosed combination of features.

Relationships used in subclaims point to further training the subject of the main claim by the features of the respective towards subclaim; they are not considered a waiver of achieving one independent, objective protection for the combinations of features of to understand related subclaims.

Since the subjects of the subclaims with regard to the prior art reserves the right to make its own independent inventions on the priority date Applicant before becoming the subject of independent claims or part to make statements of compliance. You can also continue to invent independently  containing one of the subjects of the preceding subclaims have independent design.

The exemplary embodiments are not to be understood as a limitation of the invention hen. Rather, there are numerous variations within the scope of the present disclosure Rations and modifications possible, especially such variants, elements and combinations and / or materials, for example by combination or modification of individual in connection with that in the general Be writing and embodiments and the claims described and in the features or elements contained in the drawings or procedural step ten for the expert with regard to the solution of the task are removed and through combinable features to a new item or new ones Lead process steps or process step sequences, also insofar as they Test and work procedures concern.

Claims (14)

1. Motor vehicle with a drive motor, a clutch with a first actuation device, a transmission device with a second actuation supply device and vehicle wheels comprising drive train, a vehicle brake, a driver input device and a control device, wherein the actuation devices are automatically actuated by the control device, thereby characterized in that an opening of the drive train loaded on the vehicle wheels when the drive motor is stopped even with a corresponding request via the driver input device is prevented if the vehicle brake is not actuated at the same time. 2. Motor vehicle with a drive motor, a clutch with an actuation device that is automatically actuated by a control device bar, a transmission device with an input and an output shaft and a vehicle brake.   3. Motor vehicle with a drive motor, a clutch with an actuation device that is automatically actuated by a control device bar and a device for detecting the presence of a driver, characterized in that starting or crawling is prevented, if the presence of a driver is not recognized. 4. Motor vehicle in particular according to claim 2 or 3, characterized net that starting or creeping is prevented by the drive strand is at least partially interrupted. 5. Motor vehicle in particular according to claim 4, characterized in that starting or crawling is prevented by at least the clutch is partially opened. 6. Motor vehicle in particular according to claim 4 with a by the Steuerein Direction initiated automatically actuated transmission device with a further actuating device, characterized in that the starting or creep is prevented by setting a neutral position. 7. Motor vehicle in particular according to claim 4, characterized in that the presence of a driver through a room surveillance sensor is known.   8. Motor vehicle in particular according to claim 7, characterized in that the room monitoring sensor is an acoustic sensor. 9. Motor vehicle in particular according to claim 7, characterized in that the room surveillance sensor is an optical sensor. 10. Motor vehicle in particular according to claim 7, characterized in that an image recording system is used as a room monitoring sensor. 11. Motor vehicle in particular according to claim 4, characterized in that the presence of a driver is detected by a load sensor. 12. Motor vehicle in particular according to claim 11, characterized in that the load sensor responds to the weight of the driver. 13. Motor vehicle in particular according to claim 4, characterized in that the presence of a driver due to the operation of controls is recognized. 14. Method for operating a motor vehicle according to at least one of the previous claims.