Method and system for adjusting the driving operation of a vehicle

Abstract

Method for setting the driving mode of a vehicle (4) powered by at least one electric machine (6), wherein several stages of recuperation operation and a coasting mode are provided for the driving mode, wherein a first operating step or a second operating step is performed with a control element (12, 12a, 12b), wherein each single execution of the first operating step with the control element (12, 12a, 12b) increases the stage of recuperation operation, wherein repeated execution of the first operating step with the control element (12, 12a, 12b) sets a stage of recuperation operation that is higher than a lowest stage of recuperation operation, wherein a first movement is performed when the first operating step is carried out and a second movement is carried out when the second operating step is carried out, wherein the two movements are opposite to each other, characterized in thatthat when performing the second operating step with the control element (12, 12a, 12b) starting from the set higher level of recuperation operation, the sailing operation is directly stopped.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a system for adjusting the driving operation of a vehicle.

[0002] A motor vehicle powered by at least one electric motor can be driven in different driving modes, with each driving mode being selected and set by an occupant of the motor vehicle.

[0003] A common recuperation control includes two possible variants, each switching between recuperation mode and sailing mode.

[0004] In one variant, the system switches directly between sailing mode and maximum recuperation mode.

[0005] The recuperation control of the electrically powered Up can serve as an example here. ® the Volkswagen brand ® , hereinafter referred to as eUp ®The following options are listed. A push-button selector lever operation is used. The eUp is initially in drive mode "D". ® In so-called coasting mode, i.e., when the accelerator pedal is released, the vehicle rolls. Tapping the selector lever backward switches to maximum recuperation mode "B," meaning the vehicle begins to decelerate strongly without mechanical braking, as the electric motor switches from idle (coasting) to generator mode (recuperation), converting the vehicle's kinetic energy into electrical energy and storing it in the vehicle battery. The vehicle recuperates at the maximum recuperation level. Tapping the selector lever backward again re-engages coasting mode "D."

[0006] A second variant provides for several stages of recuperation operation, whereby on the one hand a gradual increase of a stage of recuperation operation starting from sailing operation as well as a gradual reduction of the stages of recuperation operation towards sailing operation is possible.

[0007] The recuperation control of the electrically powered eUp can also serve as an example here. ® The following steps are listed. This also involves a tapping action of the selector lever to the left and right. The eUp is initially in drive mode "D". ®In coasting mode. Starting with the first movement of the selector lever to the left, the first level of recuperation is activated, meaning the vehicle begins to decelerate slightly. A quick, flick of the selector lever to the left activates the second level of recuperation, increasing the deceleration to the second of four levels. A third level of recuperation can be activated by moving the selector lever to the left. A quick flick of the selector lever to the right then activates the second level of recuperation. A further flick of the selector lever to the right activates the first level of recuperation. Finally, coasting mode can be activated again by flicking the selector lever to the right once more.

[0008] Document DE 10 2010 004 846 A1 describes a method and a control device for recuperation in a motor vehicle.

[0009] A method for activating a sailing mode in a motor vehicle is known from publication DE 10 2012 222 348 A1.

[0010] The publication DE 10 2014 207 065 A1 describes a method for performing a user-defined recuperation.

[0011] German patent application DE 10 2007 035 424 A1 describes a user interface in a vehicle comprising a powertrain with a drive unit. The user interface is designed to allow the driver to engage the coasting mode as frequently and conveniently as possible. This mode is characterized by the fact that the drive unit does not transmit power to the wheels, thus neither propelling nor braking the vehicle. To maximize energy efficiency, coasting brings the drive system into a state of minimal energy consumption. In addition to enabling the driver to consciously engage the coasting mode, the user interface should also allow the driver to adjust the level of vehicle acceleration or deceleration required instead of coasting. This should be achieved as energy-efficiently as possible using suitable operating procedures within the drive system.

[0012] Against this background, the task was to effectively control the driving operation of a vehicle using a single control element.

[0013] This problem is solved by a method and a system with the features of the independent claims. Embodiments of the method and the system are described in the dependent claims.

[0014] The method according to the invention is provided for setting the driving mode of a vehicle powered by at least one electric motor, wherein several, namely n greater than or equal to two (n ≥ 2), levels of recuperation operation and a coasting mode are provided for the driving mode. A control element is used to perform either a first operating step or a second operating step. Each time the first operating step is performed with the control element, one level of recuperation operation is increased, and each repeated performance of the first operating step with the control element sets a recuperation level that is typically higher than a lowest recuperation level. Furthermore, when the second operating step is performed with the control element, the coasting mode is directly activated, starting from the currently set recuperation level, in particular the higher level.

[0015] In this configuration, for example, releasing the vehicle's accelerator pedal activates coasting mode, which is then used as the driving mode. During coasting, the vehicle rolls without any deceleration from the drivetrain. The first or second operating step is then performed using the control element. The first time the first operating step is performed, either from coasting mode or from a driving mode where the vehicle is driven by at least one motor, the system switches to the first level of recuperation. This means the vehicle begins to decelerate slightly without the brakes being applied. Each subsequent execution of the first operating step increases the recuperation level by at least one further level.Furthermore, when the second operating step is performed, the coasting mode is immediately activated again from any active recuperation stage. This means the vehicle ends any deceleration resulting from a particular (k-th) recuperation stage, the respective stage having been activated by performing the first operating step k times. Thus, by performing the second operating step, the vehicle switches directly from recuperation mode to coasting mode. The vehicle is designed and / or designated as a motor vehicle and has at least one electric motor for propelling the vehicle. Optionally, the vehicle may also have an internal combustion engine.

[0016] The procedure involves using the control element to select between the currently selected higher level of recuperation operation (driving mode) and coasting mode (driving mode). The control element can perform both the first and second steps, and these two steps can be carried out alternately. First, the control element is operated to select and set the higher level of recuperation operation for the vehicle, specifically for the at least one electric motor. Then, the control element is operated again to directly select and set coasting mode from the selected and set higher level of recuperation operation. This allows switching directly from any recuperation level to coasting mode.The higher level of recuperation operation corresponds to at least a second level and is higher than a first, lowest level of recuperation operation.

[0017] For example, if a k-th stage of a total of n stages of recuperation operation is to be set, the first operating step is performed k times consecutively using the control element, starting from normal driving operation or sailing mode. Regardless of how many times the first operating step is performed consecutively, sailing mode is activated by performing the second operating step only once.

[0018] When the first operating step is performed, a first movement is carried out, and when the second operating step is performed, a second movement is carried out, with these two movements being oriented in opposite directions.

[0019] As a rule, several stages are provided for recuperation operation or for recuperation.

[0020] In this design, the control element allows the sailing mode to be selected and directly set from any currently set and / or selected level of the recuperation operation, e.g. also from the lowest or highest level.

[0021] The procedure involves the use of a control element that has at least one selector switch or button, which is used to perform the first and second operating steps. The first operating step involves selecting the level for recuperation operation, e.g., from one level to the next higher level. The second operating step involves selecting the sailing mode. The first operating step is performed with the first movement of the at least one selector switch. The second operating step is performed with the second movement of the at least one selector switch.

[0022] The procedure can use a control element that has only one selector switch or button, with which the first movement associated with the first operating step and the second movement associated with the second operating step are performed, wherein these two movements are opposite to each other or disjoint from each other, wherein the level for recuperation operation is selected, e.g. increased, by performing the first movement and wherein the sailing operation is selected by performing and / or by performing the second movement.

[0023] Alternatively, a control element can be used that has two selection switches or selection buttons, wherein a first selection switch performs the first movement associated with the first operating step and a second selection switch performs the second movement associated with the second operating step, wherein these two movements are opposite to each other in a possible embodiment, wherein by operating the first selection switch while performing the first movement the level for recuperation operation is selected, e.g. increased, and wherein by operating the second selection switch under and / or by performing the second movement the sailing operation is selected.

[0024] In this configuration, the vehicle is accelerated by setting and / or selecting the sailing mode, starting from the currently or initially set and / or selected level of recuperation operation.

[0025] In this process, the negative acceleration of the vehicle resulting from setting and / or selecting the coasting mode, starting from the currently or initially set and / or selected recuperation level, is reduced to zero deceleration by the drivetrain. This change, or a corresponding delta step in the negative acceleration of the vehicle, is perceived by the vehicle's occupants as acceleration due to the inertia of their mass.

[0026] It is also possible that the at least one electric motor operates as a generator in the initially set and / or selected recuperation mode. The at least one electric motor is switched off and / or disconnected from the vehicle's drivetrain during coasting mode.

[0027] The system according to the invention is designed for setting the driving mode of a vehicle powered by at least one electric motor, wherein several levels of recuperation and a coasting mode are provided for driving operation. The system has a control element for performing a first operating step or a second operating step that is an alternative to the first operating step. Each time the first operating step is performed once with the control element, the recuperation level is increased by one level. By performing the first operating step multiple times, i.e., at least twice, a recuperation level is set that is higher than a lowest recuperation level. Conversely, when the second operating step is performed with the control element, the coasting mode is directly activated, starting from the set higher recuperation level.

[0028] The control element is designed to switch between at least one recuperation level for driving mode and coasting mode for driving mode when operated accordingly. It is conceivable that, for the vehicle, particularly the at least one electric motor, a higher recuperation level can first be selected and set by operating the control element. By operating the control element again, it is then possible to directly select and set coasting mode from the currently selected recuperation level.

[0029] The control element has at least one selector switch or selector button with which the first operating step and the second operating step can be carried out and / or are carried out, wherein, during and / or by carrying out the first operating step, which is associated with or defined by a first movement, the level for recuperation operation is selected with the at least one selector switch, and wherein, during and / or by carrying out the second operating step, which is associated with or defined by a second movement different from the first movement, the sailing operation can be selected and / or is selected with the at least one selector switch.

[0030] In its embodiment, the control element has only one selection switch or button with which the first movement associated with the first operating step and the second movement associated with the second operating step can be carried out and / or is carried out, wherein, by carrying out the first movement, the stage for recuperation operation can be selected and / or is selected, and wherein, by carrying out the second movement, the sailing operation can be selected and / or is selected.

[0031] It is also possible that the control element has two selector switches or buttons, i.e., a first selector switch and a second, additional selector switch, whereby the first selector switch is used to perform the first movement associated with the first operating step, and the second selector switch is used to perform the second movement associated with the second operating step. Operating the first selector switch, by performing the first movement, selects the level for recuperation operation. Operating the second selector switch, by performing the second movement, selects the sailing operation.

[0032] The two movements, corresponding to the two possible operating steps, are different, especially when only one selector switch is used for the first and second movements; for example, they may be opposite to each other. The first movement can be oriented to the right and the second to the left, or vice versa. Furthermore, the first movement can be oriented upwards and the second downwards, or vice versa.

[0033] It is possible for one selection switch to be designed as a sliding knob (shifter), or for two selection switches to be designed as buttons on a steering wheel rocker. A device already installed in the vehicle, such as a steering wheel, can be used as the control element.

[0034] The presented method is intended for a vehicle designed as an electric traction vehicle, whereby the method is used to control recuperation. The vehicle is, for example, a hybrid vehicle, electric vehicle, or fuel cell vehicle (PHEV, BEV). In each case, electrical energy is supplied to the vehicle's at least one electric motor from an electrical energy source, such as a battery and / or a fuel cell, and converted by the at least one electric motor into mechanical energy for propelling or moving the vehicle. The at least one electric motor is operated as a motor. Conversely, it is also possible for the at least one electric motor to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, which is then stored in an electrical energy storage device, i.e., in the vehicle's battery.In this case, at least one electric machine is operated as a generator, whereby recuperation operation or recuperation is carried out.

[0035] Typically, coasting mode is defined as a possible driving mode where the driver takes their foot off the accelerator pedal and the vehicle rolls without regenerative braking. In regenerative braking mode, the foot is also taken off the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle decelerates according to the selected regenerative braking level, particularly the maximum regenerative braking level (one-paddle driving). The degree of deceleration depends on the selected regenerative braking level.

[0036] This method makes it possible, regardless of the current recuperation level selected for the vehicle, to revert to coasting mode by performing the second operating step and the corresponding second movement of the control element, in which the vehicle rolls without recuperation. The control element has two selection switches or buttons, each designed as a steering wheel rocker, and in this case, the steering wheel with its rocker switches is used as the control element.

[0037] Furthermore, for example, a left steering wheel rocker or left button on the steering wheel is used as a selection switch to set a level for recuperation operation, and a right steering wheel rocker or right button on the steering wheel is used as a second selection switch to directly set the coasting operation from any level of recuperation operation.

[0038] In one possible configuration, the vehicle is in an initial state, either in coasting mode, driving mode, or under engine power. By first pressing the left button or the first selection switch, a first, lowest level of recuperation is set, starting from coasting or engine power mode. It is also possible to press the left button, and thus the first selection switch, at least once more, thereby setting a second or higher level of recuperation. A third, also higher, level can be set after another press of the first selection switch, and so on. Each subsequent press of the first selection switch increases the existing recuperation level. For example, if the first selection switch is set to, say, 100% starting from coasting or engine power mode...If the second selection switch is operated k times, it is possible to set a k-th level for recuperation operation. Regardless of which recuperation level is set, the sailing operation is immediately and directly switched off by operating the second selection switch for the first time after the first selection switch has been operated at least once from the currently set k-th level for recuperation operation.

[0039] This makes it possible to activate sailing mode directly using the control element, regardless of the currently set level for recuperation operation.

[0040] One possible implementation of the method is, for example, when driving the vehicle through a curve. The system provides that, even before reaching the curve, the vehicle's coasting mode is activated by releasing the accelerator pedal. This reduces the vehicle's speed due to air and rolling resistance. By repeatedly pressing the control element via the first operating step, different levels of recuperation are successively set, with the recuperation strength being increased incrementally. This allows the vehicle to first be set to the lowest recuperation level and then gradually selected and set higher levels, thereby decelerating the vehicle step by step. This is achieved without using the brake pedal and without having to immediately set the maximum recuperation level.

[0041] This approach is comparable to accelerating or decelerating a conventional vehicle before a curve. For example, if the vehicle is at the apex of the curve and any desired recuperation level is selected, the system allows the vehicle to directly switch from the selected recuperation level to coasting mode, reducing any negative acceleration, particularly of the drivetrain, to zero. Thus, by ending the negative acceleration caused by the recuperation level and directly activating coasting mode, the vehicle can be perceived as accelerating out of the curve due to the inertia of the occupants.By operating and influencing the vehicle's driving operation in this way, it is possible to increase driving pleasure and at the same time increase the efficiency of the vehicle operation or driving operation.

[0042] In this embodiment of the method, it is thus possible to use a selected recuperation level and therefore recuperation as a substitute for braking the vehicle. In this case, the vehicle is decelerated not by applying the brakes, but by converting mechanical energy, particularly kinetic energy, resulting from the vehicle's movement, into electrical energy by the at least one electric motor, thereby generating electricity. The method allows for a rapid, direct switch back from any recuperation level to coasting mode. In each recuperation level, the vehicle decelerates, and in coasting mode, it is perceived as accelerating from that level.Sailing mode can be activated from any recuperation level during the procedure. Therefore, activating sailing mode is not limited to the maximum or minimum recuperation level.

[0043] Before entering a curve, the vehicle is decelerated or slowed down by gradually increasing the strength of the recuperation system, or by successively increasing the recuperation levels. This means that the maximum recuperation level does not need to be selected immediately. This is comparable to operating the brake pedal of a conventional combustion engine vehicle, initially applying only light pressure and then increasing it as needed. Following this, regardless of the current recuperation level, the system allows for an immediate switch back to coasting mode. This is similar to switching from the brake pedal of a conventional combustion engine vehicle to the accelerator pedal, where the vehicle feels as if it is accelerating out of the curve due to the direct activation of coasting mode.Therefore, it is no longer necessary to gradually or stepwise reverse the recuperation operation by repeatedly operating it, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

[0044] The invention is schematically illustrated with reference to embodiments in the drawings and is described schematically and in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the system according to the invention for a vehicle for carrying out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a first variant of an operating element of the embodiment of the system according to the invention. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a second variant of a control element for the embodiment of the system according to the invention. Fig. 1.

[0045] The in Fig. Figure 1, a schematically represented embodiment of the system 2 according to the invention, is intended for a vehicle 4, which is designed and / or designated here as a motor vehicle. The vehicle 4 has at least one electric motor 6, at least one electrical energy storage device 8 (designed here as a battery), and several wheels 10 for propelling the vehicle 4.

[0046] Several driving modes can be set and / or implemented for the vehicle 4. To propel the vehicle 4, electrical energy from the energy storage device 8 or, if applicable, from an energy source, e.g., a fuel cell if the vehicle 4 is designed as a fuel cell vehicle, is transferred to at least one electric machine 6, which in this case operates as a motor and converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy, which turns the wheels 10 and thus propels the vehicle 4 forward, whereby a motor-driven driving mode is implemented for the vehicle 4.

[0047] To brake the vehicle 4, it is further provided that the at least one electric machine 6 is operated as a generator and that a recuperation mode is activated for the vehicle 4 as a braking driving mode, whereby mechanical energy resulting from the movement of the vehicle 4 is converted back into electrical energy by the at least one electric machine 6 and further transferred to the at least one electrical energy storage device 8. It is also provided that different levels and thus different strengths can be set for the recuperation mode.

[0048] In carrying out this embodiment of the method, a control element 12 of the vehicle 4 is used. In this embodiment, a first variant of the control element 12a, as described in Fig. 2 is shown schematically, or a second variant of the control element 12b, as shown in Fig.Figure 3 is schematically shown and can be used. The first variant, 12a, has a first selection switch 14 and a second selection switch 16. The second variant of the control element, 12b, has only one selection switch 18. Thus, each variant of the control element, 12, 12a, and 12b, has at least one selection switch 14, 16, and 18, respectively.

[0049] Furthermore, at least one selection switch 14, 16, 18 can be used to perform at least one first operating step and / or at least one second operating step to actuate the control element 12, 12a, or 12b. It is provided that several, e.g., n, levels of recuperation are possible for the recuperation operation of the vehicle 4, where n ≥ 2. Performing the first operating step once increases the recuperation level by one. If the vehicle 4 is initially in powered driving mode or in coasting mode, performing the first operating step for the first time activates the first, lowest level of recuperation. Performing the first operating step again increases the recuperation level by one level accordingly.If the second operating step is carried out as part of the procedure, the sailing operation will be stopped immediately and / or directly, regardless of which level should currently be set for recuperation operation.

[0050] If the procedure is carried out with the first variant of the control element 12a, the first operating step is performed by operating and / or actuating the first selection switch 14. In contrast, the second operating step is performed by operating the second selection switch 16.

[0051] If the procedure is carried out with the second variant of the control element 12b, which has only one selection switch 18, the first operating step is performed by actuating and / or operating this single selection switch 18 with a first movement in a first direction, whereas the second operating step is performed by actuating and / or operating the single selection switch 18 with a second movement in a second direction, different from the first movement. It is possible that the first movement or direction and the second movement or direction are oriented in opposite directions.

[0052] Regardless of which variant of the control element 12, 12a, or 12b is used to perform the procedure and thus set a particular driving mode of vehicle 4, performing the first operating step typically increases the recuperation level incrementally, whereas performing the second operating step once directly switches to coasting mode from any currently set recuperation level. Therefore, due to the inertia of their mass, an occupant of vehicle 4 will perceive the vehicle, which is decelerating due to recuperation, as accelerating when it switches directly to coasting mode. REFERENCE NUMBERS: 2 System 4 vehicles 6 Electric machine 8 Energy storage 10 wheels 12, 12a, 12b Control element 14, 16, 18 selection switch

Claims

[1] Method for setting a driving mode of a vehicle (4) powered by at least one electric machine (6), wherein several levels of recuperation operation and a coasting mode are provided for driving operation, wherein a first operating step or a second operating step is performed with an operating element (12, 12a, 12b), wherein each single execution of the first operating step with the operating element (12, 12a, 12b) increases the level of recuperation operation, wherein each repeated execution of the first operating step with the operating element (12, 12a, 12b) sets a level of recuperation operation that is higher than a lowest level of recuperation operation, wherein a first movement is performed when the first operating step is carried out and a second movement is carried out when the second operating step is carried out, wherein the two movements are opposite to each other. characterized by, that when performing the second operating step with the control element (12, 12a, 12b) starting from the set higher level of recuperation operation, the sailing operation is directly stopped. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle (4) is perceived as being accelerated by the inertia of a mass of an occupant by setting the sailing operation from the currently set level of the recuperation operation. [3] System for setting the driving mode of a vehicle (4) powered by at least one electric machine (6), wherein several levels of recuperation operation and a coasting mode are provided for driving operation, wherein the system (2) has a control element (12, 12a, 12b) for performing a first operating step and a second operating step, wherein each single execution of the first operating step with the control element (12, 12a, 12b) increases the level of recuperation operation, wherein each repeated execution of the first operating step with the control element (12, 12a, 12b) sets a level of recuperation operation that is higher than a lowest level of recuperation operation, wherein a first movement is performed when the first operating step is carried out and a second movement is carried out when the second operating step is carried out, wherein the two movements are opposite to each other. characterized by, that when performing the second operating step with the control element (12, 12a, 12b) starting from the set higher level of recuperation operation, the sailing operation is directly stopped. [4] System according to claim 3, wherein the control element (12, 12a, 12b) has at least one selection switch (14, 16, 18) with which the first operating step and the second operating step can be carried out, wherein, in carrying out the first operating step, the stage for the recuperation operation is selected and set with the at least one selection switch (14, 16, 18), and wherein, in carrying out the second operating step, the sailing operation is selected and set with the at least one selection switch (14, 16, 18). [5] System according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control element (12b) has a selection switch (18) with which a first movement associated with the first operating step and a second movement associated with the second operating step can be performed, wherein the stage for recuperation operation can be selected and adjusted during the first movement, and wherein the sailing operation can be selected and adjusted during the second movement. [6] System according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a selection switch (18) is designed as a sliding knob.

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