FR2828448A1 - Safety system for automobile provides disconnection of end stage for electrically-operated actuator in safety critical situation - Google Patents

Abstract

The safety system monitors the driving situation of the automobile or given automobile components, for detection of a safety-critical situation, for disconnection of an end stage (12) for an electronically-controlled electric motor (10) for a drive or a clutch actuator within the automobile drive train. Also included are Independent claims for the following: (a) a method for operation of a safety system for an automobile; (b) a method for disconnection of different end stages of different actuators within an automobile

Description

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Motor vehicle security system
The invention relates to a security system for motor vehicles, a method for operating a security system, as well as a method for decommissioning different final stages, associated with different actors of the same motor vehicle.

 Security systems intended for motor vehicles as well as methods of operating security systems are already known.

 The invention aims to provide a security system of another configuration, a method of another configuration for the operation of a security system, as well as a method of decommissioning of different final stages, therefore a security system or a method such that it is distinguished in at least one characteristic with respect to known configurations, so that it is new, within the meaning of patent law, compared with known embodiments .

 The problem is solved by a security system which has at least one characteristic among the characteristics described in the description below or the claims, or else illustrated in the figures.

 The problem is solved by a method, which has at least one characteristic among those which are described in the description below or the claims, or are illustrated in the figures.

 The problem is solved in particular by a security system for motor vehicles, monitoring operating situations of the motor vehicle or predetermined components of the motor vehicle, in order to identify operating situations critical for safety, occurring in the evolutionary field, where

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 a clutch device, arranged in a drive train is provided, as well as a gearbox device arranged in this drive train; at least two actors are provided, each having an electric motor and by means of which at least one of these devices can be actuated; at least one of these devices is controlled by an electronic control device; these electric motors are connected to a final stage, at least one of these connections being produced in the form of a wired connection, for which at least one wired section is installed freely outside the electronic control device, and at least one of these connections is made so that no wired section, installed freely, of this connection is provided outside of the electronic control device; the security system causes the final stages to be put out of service when a safety-critical operating situation is identified in the progress field; the final stage, coupled to one of the electric motors by a cable connection, which is installed freely, at least in sections, outside the electronic control device, is switched to a first switching state, so to deactivate the final floor; the final stage, which is connected to one of the electric motors so that no wired section is in this connection, which is installed freely outside the electronic control unit, is switched to a second switching state, for the decommissioning of this final stage; and the first switching state is of a configuration different from the first switching state.

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 The problem is solved in particular by a method according to claim 16 or else according to claim 17.

 Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

 According to the invention, in particular, a security system for motor vehicles is provided, which monitors operating situations of the motor vehicle or indeed of its components, in order to identify operating situations critical for safety, occurring in the field of evolution.

 The expression "identification of operating situations critical for safety, occurring in the field of evolution" is understood in particular to mean that a situation, if necessary critical for safety and occurring in the field of evolution , is identified before it actually occurs and, if necessary, endangers safety.

 The motor vehicle has a clutch device arranged in the drive section and a gearbox device arranged in this drive section.

 In addition, according to the invention, at least two actors are provided, each having an electric motor. By means of these actors, one of the aforementioned devices can be actuated, therefore the clutch device and / or the gearbox device. According to the invention, moreover, provision is made in particular for at least one of these devices, therefore the gearbox device and / or the clutch device, to be controlled by an electronic control device.

 These actors or these electric motors are each connected to a respective final stage.

 Between one of these electric motors and a final stage associated with this electric motor is provided a connection

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 which is produced at least in sections in the form of wired links and for which at least one wired section is installed freely outside the control unit.

 The connection between another of these electric motors and the final stage associated with this other electric motor is made in such a way that no freely installed wired section is provided in the connection, outside of a control device or the control unit.

 The connection between a respective electric motor and the associated final stage is carried out in particular so that, by means of this connection, it is possible to transmit energy and / or an electric current. Preferably, the connection is an electrical connection. The connecting cable can be made of the kind of a cable in the literal sense, or else be made otherwise, in particular the connecting cable can be an electrical conductor.

 The security system causes the final stages to be put out of service when a critical security situation, occurring in the evolutionary field, is identified.

 According to the invention, it is in particular provided that the final stage connected to an electric motor or to an actor, by means of a wired link arranged at least by section outside the control device and freely installed, or switched for the deactivation of this final stage, in a first switching state.

 The final stage, connected to another of the electric motors so that, in this connection, no wired section installed freely, arranged outside of a control device is provided, is switched for the decommissioning of this final stage in a second switching state.

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 According to the invention, provision is made in particular for the first switching state and the second switching state to be of different configuration.

 According to a preferred embodiment, the clutch device is an automated clutch device. An automated clutch device taken as an example can be produced in the manner of clutch devices which are sold by the applicant under the designation "electronic clutch management - (EKM)".

 Other clutch devices are also generally preferred.

 According to a preferred embodiment, the gearbox device is produced in the form of an automatic gearbox (ASG). According to the invention, in any case other gearbox devices are also preferred.

 Particularly preferably, provision is made for a clutch control device to be provided for controlling the clutch device.

 It is further preferred that an electronic gearbox controller is provided to control the gearbox device.

 Furthermore, it is preferred that a master control apparatus is provided which provides a plurality of control functionalities.

 According to a preferred embodiment, the final stages of the actors or of the electric motors are produced in the form of H-bridges. It is particularly preferred that these H-bridges each have four transistors. An electric motor is preferably arranged in the connecting branch of this H-arrangement.

 Preferably, the first switching state, to which a final stage is switched for decommissioning, is carried out so that this final stage is switched by

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 strongly ohmic. In this embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the transistors of the final stage, in particular therefore the four transistors of the final stage, are open.

 It is provided, in a particularly preferred manner in this preferred embodiment, that the energy stored, at the time of decommissioning, in the coil of the electric motor is consumed in the actor itself or is destroyed. This can in particular be done by the fact that the actor continues to rotate again for a predetermined duration after the final stage is switched off, until this energy is consumed.

 It is preferably provided that the second switching state, to which a final stage is switched for decommissioning, is produced so that the final stage is closed in short circuit.

 This short-circuit may in particular be such that the short-circuit closing operation is carried out towards ground, or else it may be such that the short-circuiting operation is carried out with respect to the voltage of a voltage source, especially a battery voltage. According to a preferred embodiment, here in particular, in the case of an arrangement according to the aforementioned H bridge having four transistors, two transistors are closed and two transistors are opened.

 This is preferably done so that the transistors associated with the plus pole in the H-bridge are open and that the transistors associated with the mass of the H-bridge are closed.

 An embodiment is also preferred such that the two transistors associated with the pole more than one voltage source are closed and that the two transistors associated with ground are open. In doing so, we must in any case ensure that, in particular, the final stage is not limited to a specific configuration.

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 It is preferably provided that this short circuit is such that a closed circuit between the plus pole of the voltage source, a transistor, an electric motor, another transistor and the plus pole of the voltage source is produced , while a circuit between the ground, a transistor, the electric motor, another transistor and the ground is open so that the two cited transistors are in an open switching state. Here, it is particularly preferred that the electrical connection between the plus pole and the earth is interrupted.

 It is further preferred that the short circuit is such that a closed circuit is produced between ground, a transistor, an electric motor and another transistor and ground, while the connection between ground and the pole is more a voltage source is interrupted and a circuit between the plus pole of the voltage source, a transistor, an electric motor, another transistor and the plus pole is open. For this, in particular, the last two transistors mentioned are in an open position.

 Preferably, it is provided that, for the operation of the electric motor in such an embodiment, two transistors are open and that two transistors are closed so that a connection is created between the plus pole, a transistor, a motor electric, another transistor and ground. By switching these open transistors to a closed position and by corresponding switching to an open position of the transistors which are closed, in the aforementioned configuration, the direction of rotation of the motor can preferably be modified.

 According to a preferred embodiment, a first actor is provided with a first electric motor, with the help of which the clutch device can be actuated.

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 Preferably further, a second actor with a second electric motor, as well as a third actor with a third electric motor are provided.

 This second actor with the second electric motor, and the third actor with the third electric motor are preferably designed for actuation of the gearbox device. The second actor, equipped with a second electric motor, can then actuate the gearbox device, in the direction of the selection, and the third actor, equipped with the third electric motor, can actuate this gearbox device, in the direction of the gear lane.

 The gearbox device is produced in a particularly preferred manner in the form of an H-diagram. It is preferably provided that several gear lanes start from a selection lane. When switching a switching element in these gear lanes, corresponding speeds can be passed, while the neutral position of the gearbox device is arranged in the area of the selection lane.

 According to an embodiment according to the invention, preferred, the final stages are each arranged in an electronic control device.

 Particularly preferably, the final stages are arranged in a housing, such as the housing of an electronic control device.

 It is further provided that the clutch actuator is disposed at least partially in an electronic clutch control device or in its housing. The clutch actuator can also be completely arranged in an electronic control device or else its housing.

 According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the clutch actuator and / or the electric motor of the clutch actuator is disposed at least partially or

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 completely in an electronic clutch control device, knowing that the connection, in particular the electrical connection, between this clutch actor or its electric motor and the associated final stage, is arranged inside this control device clutch.

 It is further preferred that the gearbox players, or else their electric motors are disposed at least partially or completely outside of an electronic control device or of its housing.

 It is particularly preferred that the actors are disposed partially or completely outside of an electronic control device, knowing that the connection between this respective gearbox actor, or respective electric motor, and the final stages each associated, presents a wired section, installed freely and outside this gearbox control unit.

 It should be noted that the expression "installed freely" is understood in particular to mean that the cable section is not protected so that a short circuit is prevented, which, for example, could occur in insulation damage and contact with corresponding components.

 According to a preferred embodiment, it is judged that a situation is critical for safety if, in the case of a practically stationary vehicle, while the drive device is in operation and the speed has shifted, the device d clutch is closed without a wish to start or a wish to drive slowly being provided by the driver.

 The gear is then shifted, particularly in the gearbox device.

 The drive device is preferably an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle.

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 According to a preferred embodiment, a starting wish is identified, or a starting wish is sent, if the accelerator pedal of the motor vehicle is actuated, precisely in particular when the vehicle is practically stationary, when the drive device is in operation, as well as when a gear is shifted.

 A wish to drive slowly is preferably emitted when the braking device of the motor vehicle is released, knowing that, in particular, it is intended that this is done when the engine - such as an internal combustion engine - is in operation , when the vehicle is practically stationary, as well as when a gear is shifted, the braking device is preferably a main brake.

 In a particularly preferred manner, the control device has a processor. Preferably, the security system has a redundant processor.

 The problem is further solved by a method according to claim 16.

 The problem is further solved by a method according to claim 17.

 According to the invention, in particular there is provided a method for decommissioning different final stages, concerning these different final stages, a different switching being carried out to obtain decommissioning. Preferably, the final stages are those which are associated with the actors or the electric motors of a motor vehicle. It is provided, in a particularly preferred manner, that at least one of these final stages is put out of service, by short-circuiting this final stage and that at least another of these final stages is put out of service by the fact that this final stage is highly ohmically switched.

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 By the concept of "control" in the sense of the present invention, in particular what is expressed by "adjust" and / or "control" within the meaning of the DIN standard. The same goes for concepts derived from the concept of "ordering".

 The patent claims transmitted with the application are proposals for wording without prejudice to obtaining patent protection. The plaintiff reserves the right to claim still other combinations of characteristics disclosed until now only in the description and / or the drawings.

 The references used in the subclaims relate to the remainder of the embodiments of the subject matter of the main claim by means of the features of the respective subclaim; they are not to be understood as a renunciation of obtaining self-protection independent of the combinations of characteristics of the subclaims presenting the references.

 Since the objects of the sub-claims, having regard to the state of the art on the day of priority, can form own and independent inventions, the plaintiff reserves the right to be the subject of independent claims or division statements. In addition, they may also contain own inventions which have a configuration independent of the objects of the preceding subclaims.

 The exemplary embodiments are not to be understood as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, in the case of the present disclosure, many variants and modifications are possible, in particular variants, elements and combinations and / or materials which, for example, can be found by a combination or derivation of characteristics or elements or steps of

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 individual processes, in conjunction with those described in the general description and embodiments, as well as in the claims, and contained in the drawings, for those skilled in the art, having regard to the solution of the problem, and which, by characteristics which can be combined, lead to a new object or to new process steps or successions of process steps, also insofar as they relate to manufacturing, testing and operating processes.

 Preferred aspects of the invention will now be explained below with the aid of the figures, the invention should not be considered as being limited thereto.

 In the drawing: FIG. 1 is a first switching position, taken as an example, of a final stage of an actor or an electric motor; and Fig. 2 is a second switching position, taken as an example, of a final stage of an actor or an electric motor.

 Fig. 1 represents an electric motor 1 of a gearbox actor, connected to a final stage 12.

The final stage 12 is connected to the plus pole 14 of a voltage supply source, as well as connected to the ground 16.

 The final stage 12 has four transistors 18, 20, 22, 24 connected in an H bridge.

 The electric motor 10 is placed in the link bar 26 of this H-shaped bridge.

 The connection to this electric motor 10 has sections of connection line 28, 30 installed freely outside of a control device.

 Terminals 32, 34 are also provided.

 The transistor 18 is placed between the electric motor 10 and the plus pole 14.

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 The transistor 20 is also arranged, however, in another section of line, between the electric motor and the plus pole.

 The transistors 22, 24 are arranged in different line sections and between the electric motor 10 and the earth 16.

 Fig. 1 shows the final stage 12 in a switching position out of service. In this switching position out of service, the transistors 18, 20, 22, 24 are highly ohmic or else switched to the open position.

 Fig. 2 represents an electric motor 40 of a clutch actor, as well as a final stage 42 for this electric motor 40.

 The final stage 42 is connected to the plus pole 14 of a voltage source, as well as to the ground 16. The final stage 42, just as also the final stage 12 of FIG. 1, is arranged in an electronic control device.

 If this electronic control device, such as in the embodiment of FIG. 1, is an electronic gearbox control apparatus, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, it is an electronic clutch control device.

 The electric motor 40 and the electric link 44, 46 are arranged in the electronic clutch control device or in its housing.

 The final stage 42 of FIG. 2 essentially shows the structure having been described with the aid of FIG. 1 for the final floor 12.

 Fig. 2 shows such a final stage 42 in a second switching position, in which this final stage 12 is put out of service.

 The final stage 42 in the embodiment of FIG. 2 is put out of service by the fact that the transistors 48 and 50, which are arranged in different connections between

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 the electric motor 40 and the plus pole 14 of the voltage source are in an open position. The transistors 52, 54 are arranged in the switching position out of service, according to FIG. 2, each time in different line sections between the electric motor 40 and the earth 16. These final stages 52, 54, when the final stage of the electric motor 40 of the clutch is out of service, are in a switching position closed, so that the ground 16, via the transistor 52, of the electric motor 40 of the transistor 54 and the ground 16, is connected in a closed circuit. The circuit, formed by the plus pole 14, the transistor 48, the electric motor 40, the transistor 50 as well as the plus pole 14, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, is open, the transistors 48.50 being open.

 In the embodiments of Figs. 1 and 2, the electric motor 10 or 40 can be put into service in different directions of rotation if it is not put out of service or if the final stages 12 or 42 are not put out of service.

 A first direction of rotation of the electric motor 10, 40 is caused when the transistors 18 and 24, or 48 and 50 are closed and that the transistors 20 and 22, or 50 and 52 are open.

 In the opposite direction of rotation of the electric motor 10, 40, an inversion switching can be carried out by opening the transistors 18, 24 or 48, 54 and closing the transistors 20, 22 or 50, 52.

Claims (18)

CLAIMS 1. Safety system for motor vehicles, monitoring operating situations of the motor vehicle or predetermined components of the motor vehicle, in order to identify operating situations critical for safety, occurring in the field of evolution, where a clutch device, arranged in a drive train is provided, as well as a gearbox device arranged in this drive train; at least two actors are provided, each having an electric motor (10,40) and by means of which at least one of these devices can be actuated; at least one of these devices is controlled by an electronic control device; these electric motors (10,40) are connected to a final stage, at least one of these connections being produced in the form of a wired connection, for which at least one wired section is freely installed outside the device electronic control, and at least one of these connections is made so that no cable section, freely installed, of this connection is provided outside of the electronic control device; - the security system causes the final stages to be put out of service when a critical operating situation for security is identified in the evolution field; - the final stage, coupled to one of the electric motors (10) by a cable connection, which is installed freely, at least in sections, outside the electronic control device, is switched to a first state switching, in order to deactivate the final stage; - the final stage, which is connected to one of the electric motors (10,40) so that no wired section <Desc / Clms Page number 16>  is in this link, which is installed freely outside the electronic control device, is switched to a second switching state, for the deactivation of this final stage; and the first switching state is of a configuration different from the first switching state.  2. Security system, in particular according to claim 1, characterized in that the final stages (12,42) of the actors are produced in the form of H-bridges, each having four transistors.  3. Security system, in particular according to at least any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first switching state, in which a final stage (12) is switched to cause deactivation, is such that l 'final stage (12) is switched to a highly ohmic state.  4. Security system, in particular according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second switching state, to which a final stage (42) is switched in order to cause the deactivation, is such that the stage final (42) is short-circuited.  5. Safety system, in particular according to at least any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clutch device is actuated using the first actor.  6. Security system, in particular according to at least any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second actor is provided, by means of which the gearbox device can be actuated in the selection direction, as well as a third actor, by means of which the gearbox device can be actuated in the direction of the gear lane. <Desc / Clms Page number 17>  7. Security system, in particular according to at least any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the final stages (12,42) are each arranged in an electronic control device.  8. Safety system, in particular according to at least any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clutch actuator is arranged at least partially in an electronic clutch control device.  9. Safety system, in particular according to at least any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clutch actuator is arranged at least partially in an electronic clutch control device, and the connection (44, 46) between this clutch actor and the associated final stage is disposed inside this clutch control device.  10. Security system, in particular according to at least any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gearbox actors are arranged at least partially outside of an electronic gearbox control device.  11. Security system, in particular according to at least any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gearbox actors are arranged at least partially outside the electronic gearbox control device, and the respective link (28,30), between these gearbox actors and the final stages each related, has a wired section (28,30) installed freely and outside this gearbox control apparatus .  12. Security system, in particular according to at least any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an operating situation is judged to be critical for security when, for <Desc / Clms Page number 18>  a practically stationary motor vehicle, while the drive device, such as an internal combustion engine, is in operation, so that when a gear is shifted in the gearbox device, the clutch arrangement is closed without a wish to start or a wish to drive slowly being provided.  13. Security system, in particular according to at least any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a starting wish is displayed by actuation of the accelerator pedal of the motor vehicle and precisely in particular when the motor vehicle is practically stationary, that the drive device is in operation and that a speed had passed in the gearbox device.  14. Safety system, in particular according to at least any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a desire for slow driving is displayed by the fact that the braking device of the motor vehicle, in particular the main braking device of the motor vehicle is released and, specifically, in particular when the vehicle is practically stationary, that the drive device is in operation and that a speed has been passed in the gearbox device.  15. Security system, in particular according to at least any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic control device has a processor and the security system has a redundant processor.  16. Method of operating a security system according to any one of the preceding claims.  17. Method of decommissioning different final stages which are associated with different actors in <Desc / Clms Page number 19>  the same motor vehicle, these actors each having an electric motor (10,40), characterized in that one final stage among these final stages is put out of service, in that this final stage is short-circuited and another final stage of these final stages is put out of service, in that this other final stage is connected in a highly ohmic manner.  18. The method of claim 16 and claim 17.