DE102023200624A1 - Vehicle with reset element for control units - Google Patents

Abstract

Vehicle (1), in particular a motor vehicle, with a main control unit (10) and a plurality of secondary control units (12, 14, 16), which each control and/or regulate predetermined functions within the vehicle (1). According to the invention, the vehicle (1) has a central reset element (20) which is suitable and intended to simultaneously trigger a reset function on the main control unit (10) and all secondary control units (12, 14, 16).

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with a main control unit and a plurality of secondary control units, as well as to a method for operating such a vehicle.

The networking of functions in the vehicle, especially the control units in the vehicle with each other, is becoming increasingly complex and therefore more prone to errors. It can happen that individual functions are no longer available or fail, or that certain functions "freeze" like in a computer. This results in the need for a reset button for all control units in a vehicle, which can be triggered manually by the user and thus "reboots" and resets the entire vehicle system.

Such a reset option for rebooting the entire system is known, for example, from smartphones or computers. In a vehicle, this has so far only been possible by disconnecting the battery. However, this function via a battery isolator switch is actually intended to switch off the power to the entire vehicle and is therefore not suitable for end customer use. After switching the voltage on the battery off and on again, it is also necessary for the vehicle to be put back into operation by a qualified person.

From the US 2002/116117 A1 For example, a method and a device for remote control of motor vehicles is known, wherein, for example, a "blink" command of the vehicle initiates a visual display of the vehicle, such as the operation of its four-way indicator. The control commands include, for example, the "slow" command to slow down the vehicle, the "stop" command to stop the vehicle and a "reset" command to reset the vehicle module.

Furthermore, for example, the US 2010/191404 A1 a display system for work vehicles is known, wherein a switching signal output as a result of a short depression of a manually operated switch is used as a display switching command, and a switching signal output as a result of a long depression of the manually operated switch is used as a reset command.

The present invention is based on the object of overcoming the disadvantages known from the prior art and providing a simple, user-friendly reset function for vehicle control units.

The object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are the subject matter of the subclaims.

The present invention is directed to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, having a main control unit and a plurality of secondary control units, each of which controls and/or regulates predetermined functions within the vehicle.

According to the invention, the vehicle has a central reset element which is suitable and intended to trigger, preferably simultaneously, a reset function on the main control unit and all secondary control units.

In other words, the reset element or the actuation of the reset element enables a restart of all control units present in the vehicle (main control unit and secondary control units).

The reset element, such as a button in the vehicle and/or a selectable menu item on the vehicle display, therefore provides the option of initiating a reset of all control units in an orderly manner by the vehicle user.

Particularly preferred is a central mechanism that forces all control units (main control unit and a large number of secondary control units) in the vehicle to restart the systems/control units at the same time. This is necessary, for example, if certain functions in the vehicle are no longer available or have failed and can be remedied with a restart.

Alternatively, a mechanism could be used to de-energize all control units/systems, although this would be a separate or specially designed mechanism that differs from the battery disconnect switch mentioned above.

Preferably, the reset is triggered on all control units (main control unit and a large number of secondary control units) essentially at the same time. This essentially means that the control units can only be reset with a time deviation of a few ms at most (preferably 5-10 ms, preferably 3-8 ms and particularly preferably 1-5 ms). reset. This is necessary because the individual control units enter errors in an error log if one or more networked control units are no longer accessible or have already been switched off. If the reset function of the individual control units is triggered as simultaneously as possible, as few errors as possible are entered.

The proposed solution therefore makes it possible to restart the “vehicle” system in a particularly simple and user-friendly manner, thus preventing the vehicle from breaking down as a result.

The vehicle can in particular be a (motorized) road vehicle. Preferably, the vehicle can be a motor vehicle, which is in particular a motor vehicle controlled by the driver himself (“driver only”), a semi-autonomous, autonomous (for example autonomy level 3 or 4 or 5 (of the SAE J3016 standard)) or self-driving motor vehicle. The autonomy level 5 refers to fully automatic vehicles. The vehicle can also be a driverless transport system. The vehicle can be controlled by a driver or drive autonomously. In addition to a road vehicle, the vehicle can also be an air taxi, an airplane and another means of transport or another type of vehicle, for example an air, water or rail vehicle.

Preferably, the reset function is not triggered when the vehicle's engine is running, or preferably the reset function cannot be triggered when the vehicle's engine is running. Preferably, the reset function is triggered in a vehicle state in which the vehicle's engine is off. Preferably, the reset function cannot be triggered when the vehicle's engine is running (by operating the reset element).

Preferably, the reset function is triggered when the ignition is on (terminal 15 on) and/or when the ignition is off. Preferably, the reset function is triggered when the ignition is on (terminal 15 on) and/or when the ignition is off.

This is a good way to ensure that a reset does not necessarily have to take place when the engine is running. The reset should preferably take place when the engine is off and/or when the ignition is on (terminal 15 on) and/or when the ignition is off.

Preferably, the vehicle and/or the reset element is configured, suitable and/or determined in such a way that a reset function is not triggered and/or cannot be triggered by actuating the reset element (with the engine running). Preferably, when the reset element is actuated with the engine running, the reset element must be actuated again with the engine switched off in order to trigger the reset function. However, it is also conceivable that when the reset function is actuated with the engine running, the triggering of the reset function is paused and, particularly preferably, is only triggered when the engine is switched off.

Preferably, the vehicle and/or the reset element are configured, suitable and/or determined in such a way that a reset function can be triggered by actuating the reset element when the ignition is on (terminal 15 on) and/or when the ignition is off. It is therefore conceivable that the reset function can be triggered when a starting device of the vehicle for carrying out the starting process of the vehicle (in particular Hall sensor, ignition coil and/or ignition transformers) is supplied with voltage.

Preferably, the control units are (re)started or start up again essentially at the same time, so that all functions are available again at (essentially) the same time. Here, too, essentially means that the control units restart with a time deviation of at most a few ms (preferably 5-10 ms, preferably 3-8 ms and particularly preferably 1-5 ms).

However, it is also conceivable that the control units are switched on or controlled one after the other, for example first the main control unit and then the secondary control units. The control units, in particular the secondary control units, can preferably also be assigned priority numbers which correspond to an order or sequence in which the (secondary) control units are started again.

In a preferred embodiment, the reset element can be actuated by an operator of the vehicle. The reset element can particularly preferably be actuated or triggered with the operator's hand or finger, so that no separate trigger elements are required.

In a preferred embodiment, the reset element is a reset button, such as a knob or a switch, or a function that can be selected via a menu (on the vehicle display). Instead of a switch, the reset element could preferably also be a lock that has to be operated with a special key, such as turning, pressing in or the like.

In a further preferred embodiment, the reset element, in particular the reset button, is arranged inside the vehicle and preferably in a side compartment (of the driver's door or passenger door), in the A-pillar area, in the vehicle roof liner, in the glove compartment, in the engine compartment, under a flap (in the vehicle interior or trunk or engine compartment), in the trunk, under a (driver's) seat, on the center console, on the driver's door, or another area suitable for this purpose.

Preferably, the reset element is arranged in a closed compartment that can be opened by the vehicle operator without tools. For example, this can be a position that cannot be reached while driving and/or can only be reached when the vehicle is stationary. In particular, the reset element contains a safety function so that it can only be triggered or operated when the vehicle is stationary but the engine is running.

Preferably, the reset element also or alternatively has a safety mechanism which requires that triggering is only possible if the reset element is operated for a longer period of time and/or a safety lock which must first be opened or removed in order to access the reset element. Such a safety mechanism can also be provided for triggering the reset element via the menu of the vehicle display, for example in which more than one button, preferably two buttons, preferably three buttons on the display must be selected or selected in order to get to the button for the reset element.

The vehicle preferably contains a main control unit and a large number of secondary control units, which are not quite as powerful as the main control unit. The individual control units are preferably spaced apart from one another.

The control units are preferably selected from a group of control units which includes engine control units, transmission control units, climate control units, temperature control units, light control units, ABS control units, ESP control units, control units for brake assistants, control units for parking assistants, door and window lift controls, cruise control control units and the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle has at least one and preferably exactly one main control unit and at least 40, preferably at least 80, preferably at least 100 and particularly preferably at least 120 secondary control units. The control units preferably receive their information from a large number of sensor devices arranged on and in the vehicle. For example, a light control unit switches on the vehicle's headlights when it receives a message from the corresponding sensor device that the surroundings are dark or dim. The large number preferably comprises at least 40, preferably at least 80, preferably at least 100 and preferably at least 120 secondary control units.

In a further preferred embodiment, the reset element must be actuated for a longer period of time to trigger the reset function, preferably for at least 3 seconds, preferably for at least 5 seconds and particularly preferably for at least 7 seconds. In other words, the reset element must be pressed or actuated for a longer period of time and thus the signal must also be present at the control devices for a longer period of time in order to prevent false triggering.

The vehicle can preferably also have a checking device which, after the reset element has been activated, checks whether a reset function has been triggered on all control units and whether these are restarted.

To reset all control units, it may also be necessary, in addition to the options mentioned above, such as pressing the reset element, or alternatively, to enter an authorization code to trigger the reset function on all control units. This authorization code can preferably be requested, for example, via an app or the menu on the vehicle display.

In a preferred embodiment, the main control unit and the plurality of secondary control units communicate with each other via a BUS system. Preferably, all control units communicate via a BUS system. Preferably, a diagnostic request for error detection and/or a reset request for triggering the reset function can also be sent to all control units via the BUS system.

In a further preferred embodiment, a relay or a MOSFET is connected upstream of the main control unit and/or the plurality of secondary control units, which is suitable and intended to switch the respective control unit off. Accordingly, for example, these relays or MOSFETs can be controlled by triggering the reset function and the control units can be switched off accordingly.

The present invention is further directed to a method for operating a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, having a main control unit and a plurality of secondary control units, each of which controls and/or regulates predetermined functions within the vehicle.

According to the invention, the vehicle has a central reset element, wherein actuation of the reset element simultaneously triggers a reset function on the main control unit and all secondary control units (the plurality of secondary control units and/or preferably all secondary control units of the vehicle).

It is therefore also proposed within the scope of the method according to the invention that a restart of all control units present in the vehicle (main control unit and secondary control units) can be initiated by means of a reset element.

The vehicle described above is in particular also designed and intended to carry out the method described, i.e. all features described for the device described above are also disclosed for the method described here and vice versa.

• Darin zeigt:
  • 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer Anordnung des Resetelements in einem Fahrzeug.
  • 1 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer Anordnung des Resetelements 20 in einem Fahrzeug 1. Das Resetelement 20 ist hier beispielhaft in einer Fahrertür 25 des Fahrzeugs 1 angeordnet. Wie oben erwähnt kann das Resetelement jedoch auch an einer Vielzahl von anderen geeigneten Positionen innerhalb des Fahrzeugs angeordnet sein.

Further advantages and embodiments can be seen in the attached drawing:

• It shows:
  • 1 a schematic representation of an arrangement of the reset element in a vehicle.
  • 1 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement of the reset element 20 in a vehicle 1. The reset element 20 is arranged here, for example, in a driver's door 25 of the vehicle 1. As mentioned above, however, the reset element can also be arranged in a variety of other suitable positions within the vehicle.

The reference number 10 refers to a main control unit and the reference numbers 12, 14 and 16 to secondary control units, wherein the solid lines between the control units illustrate a BUS system 22 via which the control units are in communication with one another and the dashed lines leading from the reset element 20 to the main control unit 10 and the secondary control units 12, 14, 16 indicate that a reset function is triggered in the control units by actuating the reset element 20.

The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided that they are new individually or in combination compared to the prior art. It is also pointed out that the individual figures also describe features that can be advantageous in themselves. The person skilled in the art will immediately recognize that a particular feature described in a figure can also be advantageous without adopting further features from this figure. The person skilled in the art will also recognize that advantages can also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual or different figures.

List of reference symbols

1

vehicle

10

Main control unit

12

Auxiliary control unit

14

Auxiliary control unit

16

Auxiliary control unit

20

Reset element

22

BUS system

25

Drivers door

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2002116117 A1 [0004]
• US 2010191404 A1 [0005]

Claims (10)

Vehicle (1), in particular a motor vehicle, with a main control unit (10) and a plurality of secondary control units (12, 14, 16), which each control and/or regulate predetermined functions within the vehicle (1), characterized in that the vehicle (1) has a central reset element (20) which is suitable and intended to simultaneously trigger a reset function on the main control unit (10) and all secondary control units (12, 14, 16). Vehicle (1) to Claim 1 , characterized in that the reset element (20) can be actuated by an operator of the vehicle (1). Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reset element (20) is a reset button, such as a knob or a switch, or a function selectable via a menu. Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reset element (20), in particular the reset button, is arranged inside the vehicle (1), preferably in a side compartment, in the A-pillar area, in the vehicle roof liner, in the glove compartment, in the engine compartment, under a flap, in the trunk, under a (driver's) seat, on the center console, on the driver's door, or another suitable area. Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control units (10, 12, 14, 16) are selected from a group of control units which includes engine control units, transmission control units, climate control units, temperature control units, light control units, ABS control units, ESP control units, control units for brake assistants, control units for parking assistants, door and window lift controls, cruise control control units and the like. Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle (1) has at least one and preferably exactly one main control unit (10) and at least 40, preferably at least 80, preferably at least 100 and particularly preferably at least 120 secondary control units (12, 14, 16). Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reset element (20) has to be actuated for a longer period of time to trigger the reset function, preferably for at least 3 seconds, preferably for at least 5 seconds and particularly preferably for at least 7 seconds. Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main control unit (10) and the plurality of secondary control units (12, 14, 16) communicate with each other via a bus system (22). Vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main control unit (10) and/or the plurality of secondary control units (12, 14, 16) are each preceded by a relay or a MOSFET which is suitable and intended to de-energize the respective control unit. Method for operating a vehicle (1), in particular a motor vehicle, with a main control unit (10) and a plurality of secondary control units (12, 14, 16), which each control and/or regulate predetermined functions within the vehicle (1), characterized in that the vehicle (1) has a central reset element (20), wherein actuation of the reset element (20) simultaneously triggers a reset function on the main control unit (10) and all secondary control units (12, 14, 16).

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