DE102024203236B4 - Motor vehicle including a warning system and procedures for securing accident or breakdown sites - Google Patents

Abstract

Motor vehicle (100) comprising a warning system (10), wherein the warning system (10) comprises a flying object (25) arranged in or on the motor vehicle (100), wherein the flying object (25) is configured to set up a warning device or to function as a warning device, wherein the warning system (10) is configured to launch the flying object (25) to secure accident or breakdown sites, wherein the warning system (10) is designed such that no vehicle door (12), tailgate, or front hatch (13) needs to be opened to launch the flying object (25), characterized in that the flying object (25) is a side mirror (15a) and/or is integrated into a side mirror (15a), wherein launching the flying object (25) comprises detaching or releasing the side mirror (15a) from the motor vehicle.

Description

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a warning system, wherein the warning system includes a flying object arranged in or on the motor vehicle, the flying object being configured to deploy a warning device or to function as a warning device, and wherein the warning system is configured to launch the flying object to secure accident or breakdown sites. The present invention further relates to a method for securing accident or breakdown sites carried out with a motor vehicle.

According to traffic regulations, accident or breakdown sites must be secured. This can be done by placing a warning triangle at a sufficient distance from the accident or breakdown site. In the case of vehicles involved in a serious accident, a warning triangle must be set up as quickly as possible. The requirement to secure accident or breakdown sites also applies to semi-autonomous or autonomous vehicles. In such vehicles, often none of the occupants is also the driver. Furthermore, the occupants are usually unaware of the location of the warning triangle in the vehicle.

To nevertheless ensure that a warning triangle is set up in the event of an accident or breakdown, especially in the case of semi-autonomous or autonomous motor vehicles, it is known to provide flying objects in or on the motor vehicle which independently deploy a warning device, such as a warning triangle.

The DE 10 2017 011 569 A1 A device for issuing a warning in the event of a vehicle breakdown is known. It is a breakdown assistance unit designed as a drone, wherein the drone is networked with the vehicle and includes a ring buffer for storing vehicle-specific and/or environment-specific data, as well as a processing unit for processing stored data, wherein the processing unit controls the movement of the drone depending on the data.

Furthermore, it is from the DE 10 2023 102 522 A1 A known vehicle comprising at least one drone platform and one drone arranged therein, a central computing unit, crash sensors, environmental sensing sensors, and a wireless communication interface connected to the central computing unit, wherein the drone has at least one camera and is configured to be launched upon detection of an accident by means of the crash sensors and to take aerial photographs of the accident scene, wherein the drone further comprises a lighting device for illuminating the accident scene, wherein the drone further comprises a wireless communication interface for transmitting the aerial photographs to authorities and/or to an operator of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle is further equipped with a safety system and at least one assistance system and/or a prediction unit, wherein the safety system is configured to trigger a timely launch of the drone when an impending accident has been detected by the assistance system or the prediction unit.

The DE 10 2021 001 291 A1 The invention relates to a warning device for a motor vehicle, comprising a warning triangle and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) controllable by means of a control device, by means of which the warning triangle can be set up at a distance relative to the motor vehicle, wherein the warning triangle is designed as a base body of the UAV on which at least a first propeller and/or a wing of the UAV is arranged. The invention further relates to a method for operating the warning device.

The DE 10 2023 102 522 A1 Disclosing a motor vehicle comprising at least one drive engine operable by at least one drive means of a drive means type and at least one drive means storage device for the drive means, wherein the motor vehicle further comprises a detection system comprising at least one sensor and a control unit for detecting a hazardous condition existing outside the drive means storage device and a display device with a display surface forming part of the outer surface of the motor vehicle, wherein the control unit of the detection system is configured to control the display device for displaying the at least one drive means type as a warning information when a hazardous condition existing outside the drive means storage device is detected.

The EP 3 069 995 A1 The document shows an unmanned aerial system comprising a housing attached to a vehicle and having an interior, wherein the housing is equipped with a launch unit, and wherein an unmanned aerial vehicle is housed within the housing and configured to be launched from the housing when a driving state of the vehicle meets a predetermined condition. It further comprises wing units attached to the unmanned aerial vehicle and configured to control the flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle in response to a predetermined condition. enabling launch from the housing, an output unit located on the unmanned aerial vehicle, and a controller configured to cause the wing units to fly the unmanned aerial vehicle in response to launch from the housing, wing units attached to the unmanned aerial vehicle and configured to enable the flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle in response to launch from the housing, an output unit located on the unmanned aerial vehicle, and a controller configured to control the wing units to move the unmanned aerial vehicle to a position determined based on information regarding the flight condition when the unmanned aerial vehicle is launched, and controls the output unit to issue warning information regarding the flight condition.

The DE 11 2015 007 123 T5 Disclosure reveals an emergency alarm system for a vehicle. This system comprises a drone system, including a warning sign located within a cavity defining the vehicle's body, and a control unit. The control unit is designed to launch the drone system from the cavity in response to a user request during a stop and to determine a drone position relative to the vehicle based on the traffic flow around the vehicle, in order to alert other vehicles in the vicinity of the vehicle via the warning sign regarding the occurrence of the stop.

It is also known in the prior art to transport a drone in a car trunk or on a vehicle roof. In the event of an accident, the trunk and any drone placed inside it could be damaged, rendering it unable to fulfill its purpose of setting up the warning triangle. Furthermore, concepts in which drones are placed in the trunk or on the roof of the vehicle are incompatible with autonomous driving because the seating configurations eliminate the trunk space, and sensors also require space on the vehicle roof.

The invention is based on the objective of providing a motor vehicle with a warning system with which accident or breakdown sites, especially in the case of semi-autonomous or autonomous driving operation, can be secured quickly and reliably.

To solve the problem underlying the invention, a motor vehicle comprising a warning system is proposed, wherein the warning system comprises a flying object arranged in or on the motor vehicle, wherein the flying object is configured to set up a warning device or to function as a warning device, wherein the warning system is configured to launch the flying object to secure accident sites or breakdown sites, wherein it is further provided that the warning system is designed such that no vehicle door, tailgate, or front hatch needs to be opened to launch the flying object.

According to the invention, it is thus provided that no vehicle door, tailgate, or hood needs to be opened to launch the flying object. In the event of an accident, vehicle doors, tailgates, and hoods are particularly at risk of being damaged and thus becoming inoperable. This creates the risk that the flying object will no longer be able to take off, preventing the necessary securing of the accident scene by setting up the warning device or by acting as a warning device. Accordingly, in the present invention, the flying object is arranged on the motor vehicle in such a way that no vehicle door, tailgate, or hood needs to be opened to launch the flying object.

The vehicle is preferably designed as a semi-autonomous or autonomous vehicle. In particular, the vehicle may be designed as a so-called "people mover". The vehicle may be a battery-electric vehicle.

Furthermore, the vehicle may be equipped with suitable breakdown or accident sensors, or crash sensors, the data from which can be used to determine whether an accident or breakdown has occurred. The warning system may also include an electronic processing unit that controls the functions of the warning system and, in particular, can be used to launch the aircraft.

In a preferred embodiment, the electronic processing unit, optionally using data from breakdown or accident sensors or crash sensors of the motor vehicle, determines that an accident or breakdown has occurred and instructs the aircraft to take off. The aircraft then takes off to deploy a warning device at a suitable distance from the motor vehicle or to act as a warning device at a suitable distance.

Preferably, the warning system is designed such that no trunk lid, trunk hood, frunk lid, frunk hood, or engine compartment lid is required to launch the aircraft. no engine compartment hood, and/or no side door needs to be opened.

A so-called "frunk" is particularly common in battery-electric vehicles. Since these vehicles no longer have a combustion engine, in addition to a trunk at the rear, an extra storage space can often be provided at the front, where the combustion engine would otherwise be located. This storage compartment, which can be closed via the front hatch, is also known as a frunk.

Preferably, the flying object should be a drone.

In principle, the flying object can also be any other suitable flying object, for example, a helicopter (especially a remotely controlled one), a balloon, a glider, or a device comprising a parachute. If the flying object is a balloon, the warning system can include a device for filling the balloon with a gas, such as hydrogen or helium.

A further advantage is that the warning device can be a warning triangle or a warning light.

According to the invention, the flying object is a side mirror and/or is integrated into a side mirror, wherein launching the flying object includes separating or releasing the side mirror from the motor vehicle.

In one embodiment, the side mirror of the motor vehicle itself serves as the flying object. The side mirror, or rather the flying object, is then attached to the body or passenger compartment of the motor vehicle via a suitable mounting device. To launch the flying object, the warning system, preferably the electronic processing unit, is configured to detach or release the side mirror from the motor vehicle by controlling the mounting device. The side mirror preferably includes the rotors of the flying object, which can optionally be extended from the side mirror when it is detached.

Preferably, the warning system includes a receiving space, wherein the flying object is arranged in the receiving space, and wherein the launching of the flying object includes releasing the flying object from the receiving space.

Within the receiving chamber, the aircraft is protected from environmental influences. The receiving chamber is preferably enclosed and can be opened for launching and releasing the aircraft, preferably by the warning system, and more preferably by the electronic processing unit.

It is advantageous that the warning system includes several flying objects, and/or that the warning system includes several reception areas, with one flying object arranged in each reception area.

One advantage of providing multiple aircraft or multiple receiving bays containing aircraft is that if one aircraft is damaged or if, due to the circumstances of an accident, it becomes impossible to launch an aircraft, other aircraft are available to perform its tasks. This creates increased safety and redundancy.

The above and following statements apply equally to each of the multiple flying objects or recording locations. In particular, some or all of the flying objects may be designed as drones.

Preferably, the receiving space may be integrated into the motor vehicle, in particular into the passenger compartment or the body.

If the receiving compartment is integrated into the passenger compartment, it can also be formed from within the passenger compartment. The passenger compartment is the most stable area in the vehicle, which is subject to the least deformation in the event of an accident. Accordingly, by positioning or integrating the receiving compartment within the passenger compartment, increased safety can be ensured so that the aircraft can still be launched and fulfill its mission in the event of an accident or breakdown.

A further advantage is that the receiving space is formed in a protective container, wherein the protective container is arranged in or on the motor vehicle or is integrated into the motor vehicle.

The protective container is preferably part of the warning system.

The protective container can be, in particular, a separate element or component that is attached to or integrated into the motor vehicle together with the aircraft housed within it. The protective container serves to protect the aircraft. to protect against environmental influences and against damage in the event of an accident.

Preferably, the protective container may be a capsule, and/or the protective container may be designed to be shock-resistant or shatterproof, and/or the protective container may comprise carbon fibers and/or steel and/or composite materials and/or plastic.

It may also be provided that a shock-absorbing, in particular an elastic and/or plastic, material, preferably a foamed plastic material, is arranged in the receiving space.

The preferably provided shock-absorbing material within the receiving chamber protects the aircraft inside from impacts and damage. This ensures that even in the event of a serious accident, the aircraft survives undamaged and can be released from the protective container or receiving chamber to set up or function as a warning device, in particular a warning triangle.

It is advantageous to provide that the receiving space and/or the protective container is arranged in, or on the passenger compartment side and/or on the body side behind and/or under, an emblem or a trailer hitch or a fuel filler cap and/or loading cap, or that the receiving space and/or the protective container is arranged between an engine compartment hood and a windshield, preferably next to windshield wipers, or under a sill.

For example, the receiving compartment and/or the protective container may be located beneath the manufacturer's emblem on the front of the vehicle. In the event of an accident, the emblem can be detached. This may be achieved using electrically triggered spring elements or similar mechanisms. Upon or after the emblem's detachment, the receiving compartment and/or the protective container located beneath it on the vehicle body are opened, allowing the flying object to be released from the receiving compartment or the protective container and perform its intended function.

It is particularly preferred that several flying objects are provided, which are arranged on several of the aforementioned or on other areas of the motor vehicle.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the receiving space and/or the protective container is arranged in, or on the passenger compartment side and/or on the body side behind and/or below, a side mirror.

It may be provided that the warning system is set up to fold down or flip over the side mirror to release the aircraft from the recording space, thus opening the recording space.

The receiving compartment and/or protective container can be integrated into the passenger compartment and positioned below or behind the side mirror. This places the flying object in one of the most stable areas of the vehicle. After folding down or, if necessary, detaching the side mirror, the flying object can be released from the receiving compartment. However, it is equally possible for the flying object to be located on the vehicle body side, for example, in a vehicle door below or behind the side mirror.

Advantageously, the motor vehicle may also include environmental sensing sensors and a prediction device, wherein the prediction device is configured to determine, using environmental data obtained by means of the environmental sensing sensors, whether an accident or breakdown of the motor vehicle will occur, and, if an accident or breakdown of the motor vehicle will occur, to instruct the warning system to launch the flying object.

The prediction device assesses the vehicle's position relative to its surroundings and the driving behavior of other road users based on environmental data acquired through its sensors, and calculates whether an accident is unavoidable. For this purpose, the prediction device can determine the probability of an impending accident and classify it as unavoidable if this probability exceeds a predetermined threshold. This predetermined threshold can be between 50% and 100%, preferably between 90% and 100%, and also above 95%.

If it is determined that an accident or breakdown is unavoidable, the aircraft is launched by the warning system, in particular by the electronic computing unit.

The aircraft is thus given priority for launch before an accident or breakdown occurs. This protects the aircraft from damage. It also ensures that the aircraft can still take off even in the event of a serious accident. Furthermore, the time until the aircraft is ready for launch is reduced. Warning device, or until the aircraft functions as a warning device, is shortened.

Furthermore, it may be preferably provided that the aircraft is released by the warning system when a vehicle other than the motor vehicle has an accident or a breakdown.

Another solution to the problem underlying the invention consists of a method for securing accident sites or breakdown sites carried out with a previously described motor vehicle, comprising the steps of determining whether an accident or breakdown will occur or whether an accident or breakdown has occurred, and, if an accident or breakdown will occur or if an accident or breakdown has occurred, starting the aircraft by the warning system.

All the features, functions and designs of the motor vehicle explained above can also be applied to the process in a correspondingly analogous manner.

• 1 ein Kraftfahrzeug in einem Halbschnitt mit einem Warnsystem,
• 2 das Kraftfahrzeug in einem Längsschnitt, und
• 3 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zur Absicherung von Unfallstellen oder Pannenstellen.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. These show:

• 1 a motor vehicle in a half-section with a warning system,
• 2 the motor vehicle in a longitudinal section, and
• 3 A flowchart of a procedure for securing accident sites or breakdown sites.

1 Figure 100 shows a motor vehicle in a front view. The right side of the vehicle is shown in a half-section. 2 Figure 1 shows the motor vehicle 100 in a longitudinal section. The motor vehicle 100 comprises a warning system 10 with flying objects 25 arranged in or on the motor vehicle 100, which are designed as drones 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d. The drones 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d are configured to deploy a warning device designed as a warning triangle at a sufficient distance from the motor vehicle 100 in the event of an accident or breakdown of the motor vehicle 100, in order to secure the accident or breakdown site. Therefore, the drones 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d are arranged on or in the motor vehicle 100 in such a way that no vehicle door 12, no tailgate, and no front hood 13 need to be opened. In particular, no engine compartment hood 13a, no trunk lid, and no side door 12a need to be opened. The warning system 10 includes an electronic processing unit 14 for controlling its functionality.

A first drone 11a is configured as a side mirror 15a of the motor vehicle 100. In the event of an accident or breakdown, the warning system 10, in particular the electronic processing unit 14, signals the side mirror 15a to be detached or released. Rotors of the drone 11a, not shown here, are integrated into the side mirror 15a and are then extended.

Furthermore, the motor vehicle 100 includes a receiving compartment 16a, in which a second drone 11b is arranged. To launch the second drone 11b, it is released from the receiving compartment 16a. The receiving compartment 16a is integrated into the passenger compartment 17 and is located below or behind the side mirror 15b. In the event of an accident or breakdown, the side mirror 15b is folded down, inverted, or detached upon instruction from the warning system 10, in particular the electronic processing unit 14, so that the receiving compartment 16a is opened and the drone 11b can leave the receiving compartment 16a. A shock-absorbing material 18 is also arranged in the receiving compartment 16a. This protects the drone 11b from damage in the event of an accident.

A third drone 11c is located in the body 19 behind or below the emblem 20. To release and launch the third drone 11c, the emblem 20 is detached. The third drone 11c is then housed in a protective container 21, which is designed as a capsule 22 and forms a receiving chamber 16b. The protective container 21, or capsule 22, is located in a corresponding space below or behind the emblem 20. The capsule 22, or protective container 21, can be made of or comprise carbon fibers. This provides additional protection for the drone 11c.

A fourth drone, the 11d, is, as is particularly evident in the 2 As can be seen, the fourth drone 11d is arranged in a further receiving compartment 16c. This further receiving compartment 16c is located between the engine compartment hood 13a and the windshield 26, preferably next to the windshield wipers 27. To release and launch the fourth drone 11d, the receiving compartment 16c is opened. During this process, the drone 11d can glide or roll up the windshield 26, particularly if the vehicle 100 is still in motion.

Furthermore, the motor vehicle 100 comprises an environment sensing sensor system 23 and a prediction device 24. The prediction device 24 is configured to determine, using environmental data obtained by means of the environment sensing sensor system 23, whether an accident or breakdown of the motor vehicle 100 will occur, and, if an accident or breakdown of the motor vehicle 100 does occur, will instruct the warning system 10 to launch drones 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d.

3 shows a flowchart for a procedure 200 for securing accident sites or breakdown sites, which is carried out with a motor vehicle 100 to 1 This can be carried out. In a first step S1, it is determined whether an accident or breakdown will occur, or whether an accident or breakdown has occurred. In a second step S2, if an accident or breakdown will occur, or has occurred, the drone 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d is launched by the warning system 10.

Reference symbol list

100

motor vehicle

200

Proceedings

10

Warning system

11a

First drone

11b

Second drone

11c

Third drone

11d

Fourth drone

12

Vehicle door

12a

Side door

13

front hood

13a

hood

14

Electronic computing unit

15a

side mirrors

15b

side mirrors

16a

Recording room

16b

Recording room

16c

Recording room

17

passenger compartment

18

Shock-absorbing material

19

body

20

emblem

21

Protective container

22

capsule

23

Environmental sensing sensors

24

Prediction device

25

Flying object

26

windshield

27

windshield wipers

S1

Procedure step

S2

Procedure step

Claims (14)

Motor vehicle (100) comprising a warning system (10), wherein the warning system (10) comprises a flying object (25) arranged in or on the motor vehicle (100), wherein the flying object (25) is configured to set up a warning device or to function as a warning device, wherein the warning system (10) is configured to launch the flying object (25) to secure accident or breakdown sites, wherein the warning system (10) is designed such that no vehicle door (12), tailgate, or front hatch (13) needs to be opened to launch the flying object (25), characterized in that the flying object (25) is a side mirror (15a) and/or is integrated into a side mirror (15a), wherein launching the flying object (25) comprises detaching or releasing the side mirror (15a) from the motor vehicle. Motor vehicle (100) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the warning system (10) is designed such that no trunk lid, trunk hood, frunk lid, frunk hood, engine compartment lid, engine compartment hood, and/or side door (12a) needs to be opened to start the flying object (25). Motor vehicle (100) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the flying object (25) is a drone (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d), and/or that the warning device is a warning triangle or a warning light. Motor vehicle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the warning system (10) comprises a receiving space (16a, 16b, 16c), wherein the flying object (25) is arranged in the receiving space (16a, 16b, 16c), and wherein the launching of the flying object (25) comprises releasing the flying object (25) from the receiving space (16a, 16b, 16c). Motor vehicle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the warning system (10) comprises several flying objects (25), and/or that the warning system (10) comprises several receiving spaces (16a, 16b, 16c), wherein one flying object (25) is arranged in each receiving space (16a, 16b, 16c). Motor vehicle (100) according to one of the Claims 4 or 5 , characterized in that the receiving space (16a, 16b, 16c) is integrated into the motor vehicle, in particular into the passenger compartment (17) or the body (19). Motor vehicle (100) according to one of the Claims 4 or 5 , characterized in that the receiving space (16a, 16b, 16c) is formed in a protective container (21), wherein the protective container (21) is arranged in or on the motor vehicle or is integrated into the motor vehicle. Motor vehicle (100) according to Claim 7 , characterized in that the protective container (21) is a capsule (22), and/or that the protective container (21) is designed to be impact-resistant or break-resistant, and/or that the protective container (21) is made of carbon fibers and/or steel and/or composite materials and/or plastic. Motor vehicle (100) according to one of the Claims 4 until 8 , characterized in that a shock-absorbing, in particular an elastic and/or plastic, material (18), preferably a foamed plastic material, is arranged in the receiving space (16a, 16b, 16c). Motor vehicle (100) according to one of the Claims 4 until 9 , characterized in that the receiving space (16a, 16b, 16c) and/or the protective container (21) is arranged in, or on the passenger compartment side and/or on the body side behind and/or under, an emblem (20) or a trailer hitch or a fuel filler cap and/or charging cap, or that the receiving space (16a, 16b, 16c) and/or the protective container (21) is arranged between an engine compartment hood (13a) and a windshield (26), preferably next to windshield wipers (27), or under a sill. Motor vehicle (100) according to one of the Claims 4 until 9 , characterized in that the receiving space (16a, 16b, 16c) and/or the protective container (21) is arranged in, or on the passenger compartment side and/or on the body side behind and/or below, a side mirror (15b). Motor vehicle (100) according to Claim 11 , characterized in that the warning system (10) is configured to fold down or reverse the side mirror (15) to release the flying object (25) from the receiving space (16a, 16b, 16c), so that the receiving space (16a, 16b, 16c) is opened. Motor vehicle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an environment detection sensor system (23) and a prediction device (24), wherein the prediction device (24) is configured to determine, using environment data determined by means of the environment detection sensor system (23), whether an accident or breakdown of the motor vehicle (100) will occur, and, if an accident or breakdown of the motor vehicle will occur, to instruct the warning system (10) to launch the flying object (25). Method (200) for securing accident or breakdown sites, carried out with a motor vehicle (100) according to one of the aforementioned claims, comprising the steps of determining whether an accident or breakdown will occur or whether an accident or breakdown has occurred, and, if an accident or breakdown will occur or if an accident or breakdown has occurred, launching the flying object (25) by means of the warning system (10).