Patent Application
20250135864
This application claims the benefit of European Patent Application Number 23206120.0, filed on Oct. 26, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The present disclosure relates to an electronics unit for a traction battery of a vehicle. The electronics unit comprises a housing. Moreover, the electronics unit comprises at least one electronic control component and/or at least one power electronics component arranged inside the housing.
The disclosure is also directed to a seat assembly for a vehicle. Moreover, the disclosure relates to a vehicle. Additionally, the disclosure is directed to a use of an electronics unit.
A vehicle comprising a traction battery configured to provide electric energy for driving the vehicle may be called an electric vehicle.
Such vehicles usually comprise at least one electronics unit. The electronics unit may, for example, form part of an inverter unit. Additionally or alternatively, the electronics unit may form part of a so-called Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU) configured to disconnect the traction battery from remaining electric components of the vehicle if needed. It is also possible that the electronics unit forms part of a Battery Management System (BMS) configured to control the operation of the traction battery.
Within the vehicle, such an electronics unit occupies a certain amount of space which cannot be used for other functionalities of the vehicle, e.g. for parts of the traction battery and/or for passengers. Additionally, the electronics unit has a certain weight that adds to the vehicle's total weight, wherein the vehicle's total weight is one of the major influencing factors on a driving range of an electric vehicle. In this context, a comparatively high total weight is associated with a comparatively low driving range.
Therefore, it is an objective of the present disclosure to contribute to a reduction of the total weight of an electric vehicle. In doing so, a driving range of the vehicle shall be enhanced.
The problem is at least partially solved or alleviated by the subject matter of the independent claims of the present disclosure, wherein further examples are incorporated in the dependent claims.
According to a first aspect, there is provided an electronics unit for a traction battery of a vehicle. The electronics unit comprises a housing. Moreover, the electronics unit comprises at least one electronic control component and/or at least one power electronics component arranged inside the housing. A mechanical connection interface for mechanically attaching a seat element is provided on the housing. In this context, a housing is to be understood as a structural member enclosing and/or supporting the at least one electronic control component and/or the at least one power electronics component. The structural member is configured to support mechanical loads. A mechanical connection interface is to be understood as a means for mechanically connecting the housing to another element such as the seat element. The mechanical connection interface is configured to transfer mechanical loads from the housing to the other element and/or vice versa. The mechanical connection interface may be detachable or non-detachable, i.e. permanent. In case the mechanical connection interface is detachable, it may be manually detachable or detachable using an appropriate tool. In case the mechanical connection interface is non-detachable, it cannot be detached without damaging the housing, an element of the mechanical connection interface or the other element connected to the mechanical connection interface. According to an example, the mechanical connection interface is configured to transmit a tensile force and/or a compressive force. According to a further example, the mechanical connection interface may be configured to transmit a shear force. According to still another example, the mechanical connection interface is configured to transmit torques. In other words, the mechanical connection interface is configured to block one or more mechanical degrees of freedom associated with a relative movement of the housing and the other element, e.g. the seat element. Due to these characteristics of the mechanical connection interface, the housing may be used as a structural component of a vehicle in which the electronics unit is used, e.g. for mechanically supporting the seat element. Thus, the housing is not only used to protect and/or support the at least one electronic control component and/or the at least one power electronics component. Additionally, the mechanical stability of the housing is used for supporting other elements such as the seat element. This has the effect that other structural components of the vehicle may be reduced in size and weight or even eliminated completely. Altogether, the electronics unit enables a total weight reduction of the vehicle.
An electronics unit comprising: a housing; and at least one of an electronic control component and a power electronics component arranged inside the housing; and wherein a mechanical connection interface for mechanically attaching a seat element is provided on the housing; and wherein the electronics unit is a component of a traction battery of a vehicle.
A seat assembly, comprising: a seat element; and an electronics unit, wherein the electronics unit comprises: a housing; and at least one of an electronic control component and a power electronics component arranged inside the housing; and wherein the seat element is attached to the electronics unit via a mechanical connection interface of the electronics unit; and wherein the seat assembly is a component of a vehicle.
A vehicle comprising: a traction battery; and one of an electronics unit and a seat assembly; wherein the electronics unit comprises: a housing; and at least one of an electronic control component and a power electronics component arranged inside the housing; and wherein a mechanical connection interface for mechanically attaching a seat element is provided on the housing; and wherein the seat assembly comprises: the seat element; and the electronics unit; and wherein the seat element is attached to the electronics unit via the mechanical connection interface of the electronics unit; wherein one of the electronics unit and the seat assembly is one of electrically and communicatively coupled to the traction battery.
According to an example, the seat element may be cushion element. The cushion element may be a rear seat cushion element. Thus, using the electronics unit of the present disclosure, the cushion element, e.g. the rear seat cushion element, may be mounted inside the vehicle.
In an example, the mechanical connection interface comprises at least one hole configured to receive a bolt. Additionally or alternatively, the mechanical connection interface comprises at least one bolt configured to be received in a hole provided on the seat element. Mechanical connection interfaces comprising at least one hole and/or at least one bolt are structurally simple. Moreover, such connection interfaces are stable and reliable. Furthermore, establishing a mechanical connection using such a mechanical connection interface is comparatively simple and may be automated. Altogether, a mechanical connection interface comprising at least one hole and/or at least one bolt are a highly reliable and efficient way to connect an element, e.g. seat element, to the housing of the electronics unit.
According to a further example, the mechanical connection interface comprises two or more holes, wherein each hole is configured to receive a bolt. Additionally or alternatively, the mechanical connection interface comprises two or more bolts, wherein each bolt is configured to be received in a hole provided on the seat element. Using at least two holes and/or at least two bolts enhance the capability of the mechanical connection interface to transmit torques. This is due to the fact that one of the at least two holes and/or bolts blocks a relative rotation around the respective other one of the at least two holes and/or bolts. Moreover, providing at least two holes and/or at least two bolts enhance the stability of the mechanical connection interface, especially as compared to a connection interface comprising only one hole and/or only one bolt.
In case the mechanical connection interface comprises one or more bolts, the bolt may be provided with a thread. In this case, the mechanical connection interface may as well comprise one or more nuts, wherein one nut is associated with each bolt.
According to an example, the housing comprises an upper housing part and a lower housing part. The mechanical connection interface is provided on the lower housing part and/or on the upper housing part. In this context, the designation of the housing parts as upper housing part and lower housing part refers to an orientation of the housing during use of the electronics unit. Providing the mechanical connection interface on the upper housing part and/or the lower housing part allows for a stable mechanical connection between the housing and the seat element.
In an example, at least one of the upper housing part and the lower housing part is cup-shaped. In this case, the respective other housing part may be cup-shaped as well or plate-shaped. In a case in which both the upper housing part and the lower housing part are cup-shaped, the housing parts may as well be designated as half-shells.
In an example, the power electronics component comprises an electric converter unit and/or a switching unit. The electric converter unit is, for example, an AC/DC converter or a DC/AC converter or a DC/DC converter. The electric converter unit may form part of a so-called onboard charger. The electric converter unit may as well be a combination of these types of converters. The switching unit may be a safety disconnector which is configured to selectively disconnect the traction battery from remaining electric components. The switching unit may comprise a fuse.
In an example, the electronics unit of the present disclosure is formed as a component of the battery pack. In this case, the at least one electronic control component and/or the at least one power electronics component arranged inside the housing may be configured to transfer a current, a measurement signal and/or a communication signal originating from a battery cell or being associated with the battery cell.
According to an example, the electronics unit of the present disclosure may form part of an inverter unit. Additionally or alternatively, the electronics unit may form part of a so-called Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU) configured to disconnect the traction battery from remaining electric components of the vehicle if needed. It is also possible that the electronics unit forms part of a Battery Management System (BMS) configured to control the operation of the traction battery.
In an example, the electronics unit further comprises a mechanical support structure configured to support loads originating from the seat element. The mechanical support structure is arranged inside the housing. Thus, in this example, mechanical loads are not only supported by the housing itself, but also by the mechanical support structure arranged inside the housing. This enhances the load-bearing capacity of the electronics unit. Moreover, a distribution of load-bearing capacities between the mechanical support structure arranged inside the housing and the housing may lead to a reduced weight of the electronics unit. This enables a comparatively low weight of a vehicle in which the electronics unit is used.
In an example, the mechanical support structure comprises the at least one electronic control component and/or the at least one power electronics component. This means that the at least one electronic control component and/or the at least one power electronics component is used to bear mechanical loads originating from the element, e.g. the seat element, connected to the electronics unit via the mechanical connection interface. In other words, the at least one electronic control component and/or the at least one power electronics component not only has an electric functionality but also a mechanical one. This allows to further reduce the weight of the electronics unit and/or to enhance the load-bearing capacity of the electronics unit. This also enables a comparatively low weight of a vehicle in which the electronics unit is used.
According to an example, the electronics unit further comprises an electric connection interface configured to connect the at least one electronic control component and/or the at least one power electronics component to a battery cell of the traction battery. Thus, the electronics unit may be electrically connected to the traction battery in a reliable manner.
According to an example, the battery cells may be located in a battery cell housing which is separate from the housing of the electronics component. However, the battery cell housing and the housing of the electronics unit may be mechanically connected. In this context, the battery cell housing may be configured to house a plurality of battery cells. The battery cell housing may comprise a bottom pan on which the plurality of battery cells may be supported. Additionally or alternatively, the battery cell housing may comprise a support frame holding the plurality of battery cells.
In an example, at least one battery cell of the traction battery is located in the housing. Thus, in this example, the housing of the electronics unit is a common housing for battery cells and the at least one electronic control component and/or the at least one power electronics component. In this context, a plurality of battery cells of the traction battery may be located in the housing. Thus, the common housing for battery cells and the at least one electronic control component and/or the at least one power electronics component may house the traction battery or may form the traction battery. The common housing may comprise a bottom pan on which the plurality of battery cells may be supported. Additionally or alternatively, the common housing may comprise a support frame holding the plurality of battery cells.
According to an example, the housing in which a plurality of battery cells and the at least one electronic control component and/or the at least one power electronics component are located is made by casting. In an example, the common housing is cast as one component. This may render the common housing compact and cost-efficient.
It is noted that the above-mentioned examples may be combined. Then, a portion of battery cells is located in a separate battery cell housing and a portion of battery cells is located in the common housing. In this context, the at least one electronic control component and/or the at least one power electronics component may be arranged on top of the battery cells.
According to a second aspect, there is provided a seat assembly for a vehicle. The seat assembly comprises a seat element and an electronics unit according to the present disclosure. The seat element is attached to the electronics unit via the mechanical connection interface of the electronics unit. Thus, the housing is used as a structural component for mechanically supporting the seat element. This has the effect that other structural components of the vehicle may be reduced in size and weight or even eliminated completely. Altogether, the electronics unit enables a total weight reduction of the vehicle.
In an example, the seat element is attached to the electronics unit using at least one bolt. Thus, the seat element is attached to the electronics unit in a structurally simple and reliable manner. Furthermore, establishing a mechanical connection using a bolt may be easily automated.
In an example, the seat assembly further comprises a spacer part wherein the spacer part is interposed between the electronics unit and the seat element. The spacer part may be used in order to bridge a geometric distance between the electronics unit and the seat element. To this end, at least one dimension of the spacer part, e.g. a height of the spacer part, needs to be adjusted to the desired geometric distance. Moreover, using the spacer part, different seat assemblies may be provided in a modular manner. This means that the same electronics unit and the same seat element may be used in combination with different spacer parts thereby adjusting a geometric distance between the electronics unit and the seat element.
According to an example, the spacer part is made from plastics, e.g. expanded polypropylene (EPP). Consequently, the spacer part may be produced in an efficient manner and has a comparatively low weight.
According to a third aspect, there is provided a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a traction battery. Moreover, the vehicle comprises an electronics unit according to the present disclosure and/or a seat assembly according to the present disclosure. The electronics unit and/or the seat assembly is electrically and/or communicatively coupled to the traction battery. Due to the fact that the housing is used as a structural component for mechanically supporting the seat element, other structural components of the vehicle may be reduced in size and weight or even eliminated completely. Consequently, such a vehicle has a comparatively low weight without compromising on mechanical stability.
In an example, the traction battery comprises a plurality of battery cells arranged in a battery cell housing. The battery cell housing forms at least a part of a vehicle floor. In this context, the battery cell housing may be formed integrally with the housing of the electronics unit. Alternatively, the battery cell housing and the housing of the electronics unit may be formed separately. In the latter case, the battery cell housing and the housing of the electronics unit may be mechanically connected. In all of these alternatives, forming at least a part of the vehicle floor by the battery cell housing allows to provide the battery cell housing in the vehicle in a space-saving manner. Put otherwise, the electronics unit and the plurality of battery cells may be arranged close to one another such that conductor lengths may be small. At the same time, this position of the battery cell housing allows to use the housing of the electronics unit as a mechanical support for a seat element. This may be done in a compact manner.
In an example, the traction battery is a structural battery. This means that the traction battery is configured to transfer and carry load occurring during use of the vehicle. Since the traction battery is a structural battery, other structural components of the vehicle may be reduced in size and/or weight or may be eliminated completely. This allows to provide a comparatively large battery in an electric vehicle while keeping the total weight of the electric vehicle comparatively low.
According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a use of an electronics unit for a traction battery of a vehicle. The electronics unit is used for attaching a seat element inside the vehicle. In other words, the electronics unit is used as a mechanical support for the seat element. This has the effect that other structural components of the vehicle may be reduced in size and weight or even eliminated completely. Altogether, the electronics unit enables a total weight reduction of the vehicle.
It should be noted that the above examples may be combined with each other irrespective of the aspect involved.
These and other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from and elucidated with reference to the examples described hereinafter.
Examples of the disclosure will be described in the following with reference to the following drawings.
The FIGS. are merely schematic representations and serve only to illustrate examples of the disclosure. Identical or equivalent elements are in principle provided with the same reference signs.
The vehicle 10 comprises a traction battery 12 comprising a plurality of battery cells 14 arranged in a battery cell housing 16. For reasons of better visibility, only some of the battery cells 14 are equipped with a reference sign.
In the present example, the traction battery 12 is a structural battery forming part of an underfloor unit 18 of the vehicle 10. This means that the traction battery 12 is configured to bear loads occurring during use of the vehicle 10, e.g. in a crash situation. At the same time, a top side of the traction battery 12, more precisely a top side of the battery cell housing 16, forms an interior floor of the vehicle 10.
In an interior of the vehicle 10, there is provided a front seat assembly 28 and a rear seat assembly 22.
Since in the following, the focus will be placed on the rear seat assembly 22, the rear seat assembly 22 will be simply called seat assembly 22 for the ease of explanation.
The seat assembly 22 comprises a seat element 24, which in the present example is a lower cushion element configured to support a portion of the legs and a bottom of a passenger.
Moreover, the seat assembly 22 comprises an electronics unit 26 and a spacer element 28.
The spacer element 28 is interposed between the electronics unit 26 and the seat element 24.
The electronics unit 26 comprises a housing 30.
In the present example, the housing 30 comprises two housing parts, wherein a lower housing part 32 is essentially cup-shaped and an upper housing part 34 is essentially cup-shaped. In other words, the lower housing part 32 and the upper housing part 34 form half-shells of the housing 30. In the present example, the lower housing part 32 is formed by casting and the upper housing part 34 is formed by sheet-metal forming.
The lower housing part 32 and the upper housing part 34 are attached to one another using a number of screws 36. For reasons of better visibility, only some of the screws 36 are equipped with a reference sign.
Additionally, the lower housing part 32 is mechanically connected to the battery cell housing 16. Also to this end, screws are used.
Inside the housing 30, there is provided a plurality of electronic control components. In
Moreover, the power electronics components 37 comprise a switching unit 40 which is configured to electrically separate the battery cells 14 from the remaining electric components of the vehicle 10 if needed.
It is understood that the electric converter unit 38 and the switching unit 40 need to be electrically and/or communicatively connected to the battery cells 14. A corresponding electric connection interface is designated with reference sign 42.
More generally speaking, the electronics unit 26 is a so-called Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU) configured to disconnect the traction battery 12 from remaining electric components of the vehicle 10 if needed. Such BDUs are generally known and, thus, a more detailed explanation will be omitted.
The housing 30 of the electronics unit 26 additionally comprises a mechanical connection interface 44 for mechanically attaching the seat element 24.
In the present example, the mechanical connection interface 44 comprises two holes 46 which are provided on opposite lateral sides of the lower housing part 32.
Moreover, the mechanical connection interface 44 comprises two bolts 48 which are configured to extend through a corresponding hole in the seat element 24. Moreover, each of the bolts 48 is configured to extend through an associated one of the holes 46. To this end, the bolts 48 and the holes 46 may be threaded. However, it is also possible to provide holes 46 without the thread and use nuts in order to fix the bolt 48 inside the holes 46.
Since the spacer element 28 is interposed between the seat element 24 and the electronics unit 26, also the spacer element 28 comprises openings 50 configured to receive the bolts 48 (refer
Thus, in the present example, the seat element 24 is mounted onto the electronics unit 26 using the mechanical connection interface 44 with the bolt 48 and holes 46.
This has the effect that the seat element 24 is mechanically supported on the electronics unit 26 along a negative Z-direction. In this direction, the mechanical support is provided via the spacer element 28 located on top of the electronics unit 26.
Moreover, the seat element 24 is mechanically supported on the electronics unit 26 along the positive z direction since it is held on the electronics unit 26 by the bolts 48.
Additionally, the seat element is mechanically supported on the electronics unit 26 along a positive and negative x direction as well as along a positive and negative y direction. This is due to the fact that the mechanical connection interface 44, more precisely the bolts 48 extending through holes in the seat element 24 and holes 46 on the housing 30 do not allow a relative movement of the seat element 24 along or against the x direction and along or against the y direction.
Furthermore, due to the fact that the bolts 48 are provided in separate locations, the seat element 24 is supported on the electronics unit 26 such that a relative rotation between these two elements is not possible.
Consequently, due to the connection via the mechanical connection interface 44, the seat element 24 is not able to move with respect to the electronics unit 26.
Nevertheless, in order to further enhance the stability of the connection of the seat element 24 inside the vehicle 10, the seat element 24 is also connected to a rear structure 52 of the vehicle 10 using two bolts 54 (refer
In addition to the mechanical support of the seat element 24 by the housing 30, the seat element 24 may also be mechanically supported by a mechanical support structure 56 arranged inside the housing 30 (
In the present example, the mechanical support structure 56 is formed by the electric converter unit 38. This means that the inherent mechanical stability of the electric converter unit 38 is used to mechanically support the seat element 24. This is the case in a crash situation as will be explained in the following.
A front crash of the vehicle 10 may have the effect that a passenger sitting on the seat assembly 22, i.e. on the seat element 24 is pushed downwards and rearwards, i.e. along the negative z direction. This is indicated by an arrow 58 in
Altogether, the electronics unit 26 is used for mechanically attaching the seat element 24 inside the vehicle 10 and for supporting loads resulting from the seat element 24.
It is noted that even though the present example has been explained in connection with the rear seat assembly 22, it is of course possible to use the teachings of the present disclosure in connection with any sort of seat assembly. This means that also a seat element 24 belonging to a front seat assembly or any other seat assembly may be mechanically supported on the electronics unit.
Due to the fact that the seat element 24 is mechanically supported on the electronics unit 26, further structures for supporting the seat element 24 inside the vehicle may be reduced in number or side or may be completely eliminated. Since such further structures occupy space within the vehicle and have a certain weight, using the electronics unit 26 for mechanically supporting the seat element 24 liberates space inside the vehicle and enables a weight reduction of the vehicle.
As used herein, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more entities should be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more of the entities in the list of entities, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every entity specifically listed within the list of entities and not excluding any combinations of entities in the list of entities. This definition also allows that entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified within the list of entities to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) may refer, in one example, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including entities other than B); in another example, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including entities other than A); in yet another example, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other entities). In other words, the phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and/or C” may mean A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B, and C together, and optionally any of the above in combination with at least one other entity.
Other variations to the disclosed examples can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed disclosure, from the study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items or steps recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. A computer program may be stored/distributed on a suitable medium such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
As used herein, the terms “example” and/or “exemplary” mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, such examples do not limit the herein described subject matter. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as an “example” and/or “exemplary” is not necessarily preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor does it preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, distinguish between similar elements and do not necessarily describe a particular sequence or chronological order. The terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” “have,” and any variations thereof, cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limiting to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.
As used herein, the terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.
No element act, or instruction used herein is critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Furthermore, the term “set” includes items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, a combination of related items and unrelated items, etc.) and may be interchangeable with “one or more”. Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Also, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” or the like are open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” means “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.
As used herein, the terms “system,” “device,” “unit,” and/or “module” refer to a different component, component portion, or component of the various levels of the order. However, other expressions that achieve the same purpose may replace the terms.
As used herein, the term “or” means an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X uses A or B” means any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X uses A; X uses B; or X uses both A and B, then “X uses A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances.
As used herein, two or more elements are “integral” if they comprise the same piece of material or if they operate functionally together. Two or more elements are “non-integral” if each comprises a different piece of material or if each element can operate functionally independently.
As used herein the term “component” refers to a distinct and identifiable part, element, subsystem, or unit within a larger system, structure, or entity. It is a building block that serves a specific function or purpose within a more complex whole. Components are often designed to be modular and interchangeable, allowing them to be combined or replaced in various configurations to create or modify systems. Components may be a combination of mechanical, electrical, hardware, firmware, software, and/or other engineering elements.
Aspects of the one or more embodiments described herein are described with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to one or more embodiments described herein. Each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by machine-readable storage program instructions. These computer-readable program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer and/or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer-readable program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored therein can comprise an article of manufacture including instructions which can implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. The computer-readable program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus and/or other device to cause a series of operational acts to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus and/or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus and/or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
While this specification contains many specifics, these do not construe as limitations on the scope of the disclosure or of the claims, but as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations. A single implementation may implement certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations. Conversely, multiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub-combination may implement various features described herein in the context of a single implementation. Moreover, although features described herein as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.
Similarly, while operations depicted herein in the drawings in a particular order to achieve desired results, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the implementations should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems may be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.
Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of possible implementations. Other implementations are within the scope of the claims. For example, the actions recited in the claims may be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of possible implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23206120.0 | Oct 2023 | EP | regional |
