Method, device, vehicle, computer program product and computer readable storage medium for operating a vehicle

Abstract

In a method for operating a vehicle, a first group of consumers of the vehicle is switched on in accordance with a first activation signal. The consumers of the first group are placed in a first operating state or a second operating state in accordance with a state of charge of the vehicle, wherein the first operating state is an energy-saving mode and the second operating state is an operating mode. A second group of consumers of the vehicle is switched on in accordance with a second activation signal. In accordance with a determined energy budget of the vehicle, it is determined whether the consumers of the first group and / or the second group and / or further consumers should be switched on or off and / or placed in a further operating state. The determined consumers are switched on or off and / or placed in the further operating state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] A method for operating a vehicle is provided. Additionally, an apparatus for operating a vehicle and a vehicle including the apparatus are provided. Furthermore, a computer program product for operating a vehicle and a computer-readable storage medium are provided. Background Technology

[0002] The task at hand is to help vehicles utilize energy resources efficiently or operate them in a resource-saving manner. Summary of the Invention

[0003] These tasks are accomplished through the methods and subjects of the independent patent claims. Advantageous design solutions, implementation solutions, and extension solutions are the subjects of the corresponding dependent patent claims.

[0004] First, the method of operating the vehicle is described. The vehicle is, for example, a motor vehicle, such as a passenger car, truck, transport vehicle, and / or motorcycle. Alternatively, the vehicle may be an aircraft or a watercraft.

[0005] Vehicles, especially battery electric vehicles (BEVs), have electric motors powered by battery cells. Vehicles, especially those that operate purely on electric power. Alternatively, vehicles can be, especially, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), both powered by battery cells. Alternatively, vehicles can also be driven solely by an internal combustion engine.

[0006] According to at least one embodiment of the method, a first set of electrical appliances in the vehicle is turned on according to a first activation signal.

[0007] The first activation signal is specifically used to wake up the vehicle. For example, the first activation signal is triggered by unlocking the vehicle or by approaching the vehicle. The first set of electrical appliances includes any electrical appliances the driver might need. For example, if the driver approaches the vehicle from behind and is detected by the vehicle, initially only the electrical appliances needed to open the trunk are activated.

[0008] In this regard, switching on includes, for example, supplying current and / or voltage to an electrical appliance by means of a so-called "eFuse" (electronic fuse).

[0009] In this regard, electrical appliances are electrically powered devices in a vehicle that consume current, such as control equipment, electric motors and / or sensing mechanisms and / or lights.

[0010] Depending on the vehicle's charging status, the electrical appliances in the first group are placed in either the first operating state or the second operating state. The first operating state is the energy-saving mode, and the second operating state is the normal operating state.

[0011] For example, if a vehicle is not being charged and is therefore experiencing energy shortages, the method commands a specific electrical appliance to enter a degraded state (energy-saving mode) until its function is actually needed.

[0012] The second set of electrical appliances in the vehicle is activated according to the second activation signal.

[0013] The second activation signal is specifically a signal that puts the vehicle in a ready-to-drive state. For example, it is triggered by turning the ignition key, pressing the start button, and / or sitting in the driver's seat.

[0014] Therefore, if it has been determined that the driver truly wants to depart, the method connects and uses the additional electrical appliances required for driving at the appropriate time.

[0015] Based on the vehicle's determined energy budget, determine whether the first and / or second groups of electrical appliances and / or other electrical appliances should be switched on or off and / or placed in another operating state. Switch the determined electrical appliances on or off and / or place them in another operating state.

[0016] During operation, the energy budget is continuously checked and all electrical appliances are monitored. Therefore, specific appliances can be disconnected and / or their operating status changed when it is energy-efficient.

[0017] Energy budgeting can be checked, for example, by determining the amount of energy consumed over a period of time.

[0018] The described method combines power management and terminal control within the vehicle. Therefore, this method supplies power only to the portion of electrical appliances that require it and also monitors the consumption of these appliances. This enables efficient use of the vehicle's energy resources and allows for resource-saving vehicle operation.

[0019] For example, when waking the vehicle (achieved via a first activation signal), electrical appliances that the customer might need next are always switched on. For instance, if the vehicle is not charged and therefore energy is scarce, the method commands electrical appliances to enter a degraded state (energy-saving mode) until their function is actually needed. If it is recognized that the driver really wants to depart (i.e., via a second activation signal), the method switches on other electrical appliances needed for driving at the appropriate time. During driving, specific electrical appliances can be switched off if it is energy-efficient. Depending on the tightness of the energy budget and the needs in the vehicle, measures ranging from minor functional control interventions (e.g., downgrading heating from level 5 to level 4) to complete component shutdown can be taken.

[0020] According to at least one embodiment of the method, the first group is determined based on information in the first activation signal and / or based on sensor signals of the vehicle.

[0021] This allows for a more precise determination of the number of electrical appliances that may be needed.

[0022] The information in the first activation signal includes, for example, key information. For instance, if the vehicle was last operated with the first key and is now opened with the second key, it may make sense to activate the exterior mirror motors, seat motors, etc., to prepare the vehicle for a driver change.

[0023] Sensor signals include, for example, key position determination. If the driver approaches the vehicle from behind with the key, and the vehicle recognizes this, it initially only activates the electrical appliances needed to open the trunk.

[0024] According to at least one embodiment of the method, the charging state includes whether the vehicle is currently charging.

[0025] For example, if a vehicle is charging, more electrical appliances can be activated directly because there is sufficient energy available. Alternatively or additionally, the state of charging also includes the remaining capacity of the vehicle's battery. If the vehicle is, for example, fully / fully charged, more electrical appliances can be activated directly compared to a situation where the remaining capacity is very low.

[0026] According to at least one embodiment of the method, the vehicle includes at least two energy sources, and when a corresponding electrical appliance is switched on, it is determined which of the two energy sources is connected for use.

[0027] For example, a vehicle has a high-voltage battery (e.g., between 100V and 1000V) and additional batteries, such as 12V and / or 24V and / or 48V batteries. When the high-voltage battery starts, other electrical appliances, such as the cooling system, must be automatically activated. Therefore, starting the high-voltage battery requires more energy than activating the other batteries. Thus, it makes sense, for example, to use the other batteries first and then connect the high-voltage battery later.

[0028] According to at least one embodiment of the method, an energy budget is determined based on current energy consumption and / or on the state of charging.

[0029] Therefore, specific measures can be implemented based on the energy budget or the tightness of the charging status.

[0030] According to at least one embodiment of the method, it is determined, based on the vehicle's determined energy budget and additionally on the determined usage probability, whether the first group and / or the second group of electrical appliances and / or other electrical appliances should be turned on or off and / or placed in another operating state.

[0031] For example, it is not always necessary to operate all electrical appliances while driving. For instance, if it is detected that no passengers are seated in the rear area, the electrical appliances in the rear area can be deactivated and / or downgraded. Furthermore, it can be determined, for example, based on the outside temperature that it is unlikely that the heating system and / or seat heating system will be activated.

[0032] In addition, a device for operating a vehicle is provided.

[0033] The apparatus is configured to perform the methods described herein. Therefore, all features of the embodiments disclosed in connection with the methods are also disclosed in connection with the apparatus and vice versa.

[0034] Furthermore, a vehicle is provided that has the devices described herein. This vehicle is, in particular, a motor vehicle.

[0035] In addition, a computer program product is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described herein.

[0036] In addition, a computer-readable storage medium is provided on which the computer program described herein is stored. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Embodiments of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the illustrative accompanying drawings.

[0038] In the attached diagram:

[0039] Figure 1 A flowchart of a method according to one embodiment is shown; and

[0040] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of three sets of electrical appliances is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0041] In all the accompanying drawings, elements with the same construction or function are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0042] Figure 1 A flowchart of the program used to run the vehicle is shown.

[0043] The control device 50 is configured for operating the vehicle. For this purpose, the control device 50 includes, in particular, a computing unit, a program and data memory, and, for example, one or more communication interfaces. The program and data memory and / or the computing unit and / or the communication interfaces may be configured in a single structural unit and / or distributed across multiple structural units.

[0044] The control device 50 can also be referred to as a device for operating the vehicle.

[0045] Therefore, the program used to operate the vehicle is stored, in particular, in the program and data memory of the control device 50.

[0046] The program begins in step S1, in which variables may be initialized if necessary.

[0047] In step S3, the first set of electrical appliances in the vehicle is turned on according to the first activation signal.

[0048] The first activation signal is specifically used to wake up the vehicle. For example, the first activation signal is triggered by unlocking the vehicle or by approaching the vehicle. The first set of electrical appliances includes any electrical appliances the driver might need. For example, if the driver approaches the vehicle from behind and is detected by the vehicle, initially only the electrical appliances needed to open the trunk are activated.

[0049] For example, the first set of electrical components is determined based on information in the first activation signal and / or on sensor signals from the vehicle. Information in the first activation signal includes, for example, key information. For instance, if the vehicle was last operated with the first key and is now opened with the second key, it may be meaningful to activate the exterior mirror motors, seat motors, etc., to prepare the vehicle for a driver change. Sensor signals may include, for example, key position determination. If the driver approaches the vehicle from behind, for example, with the key and is recognized by the vehicle, initially only the electrical components required to open the trunk are activated.

[0050] In step S5, based on the vehicle's charging status, the electrical appliances in the first group are respectively placed in a first operating state or a second operating state, wherein the first operating state is an energy-saving mode and the second operating state is a regular operating state.

[0051] Charging status includes, for example, whether the vehicle is currently charging.

[0052] For example, if a vehicle is not being charged and is therefore experiencing energy shortages, the method commands a specific electrical appliance to enter a degraded state (energy-saving mode) until its function is actually needed.

[0053] In step S7, the second set of electrical appliances in the vehicle is turned on according to the second activation signal.

[0054] The second activation signal is specifically a signal that puts the vehicle in a ready-to-drive state. For example, it is triggered by turning the ignition key, pressing the start button, and / or sitting in the driver's seat.

[0055] In step S9, based on the vehicle's determined energy budget, it is determined whether the electrical appliances of the first group and / or the second group and / or other electrical appliances should be turned on or off and / or placed in another operating state.

[0056] Energy budgets are checked, for example, by determining the amount of energy consumed over time. Alternatively or additionally, energy budgets are determined based on current energy consumption and / or on the state of charge.

[0057] In particular, it is determined, based on the vehicle's determined energy budget and, additionally, based on the determined probability of use, whether the first and / or second groups of electrical appliances and / or other electrical appliances should be switched on or off and / or placed in another operating state.

[0058] In step S11, the determined electrical appliances are turned on or off and / or placed in another operating state.

[0059] Steps S9 and S11 are executed consecutively until the vehicle stops and / or is shut down.

[0060] If this occurs, the program ends in step S13, and can be restarted in step S1 if necessary.

[0061] For example, a vehicle includes at least two energy sources, and when a corresponding electrical appliance is switched on, it determines which of the two energy sources is used. For instance, a vehicle has a high-voltage battery (e.g., between 100V and 1000V) and additional batteries, such as 12V and / or 24V and / or 48V batteries. When the high-voltage battery starts, the additional electrical appliance, such as the cooling system, must be automatically activated. Therefore, starting the high-voltage battery requires more energy than activating the additional battery. Thus, it makes sense, for example, to use the additional battery first and then connect the high-voltage battery later.

[0062] Figure 2 The electrical components of vehicle 10 are shown.

[0063] The vehicle may have, for example, a first group of 13 electrical appliances that can be switched on according to a first activation signal. Such electrical appliances include, for example, the vehicle lighting system, a motor for opening the door / trunk, etc.

[0064] The vehicle may have, for example, a second group of 15 electrical appliances that can be switched on according to a second activation signal. Such electrical appliances may include, for example, an electric drive motor.

[0065] The vehicle may have, for example, a third set of 17 electrical appliances that can be additionally connected and used while in motion, such as high beams.

[0066] However, the appliances in group 13 can also be included in group 15 and group 17. In other words, there can be an intersection of appliances in all groups.

[0067] List of reference numerals

[0068] Electrical appliances in 10 vehicles

[0069] Group 13

[0070] Group 2, 15

[0071] Group 3 of 17

[0072] 50 control devices

[0073] S1..S13 Method Steps

Claims

1. A method for operating a vehicle, wherein, -Based on the first activation signal, the first group (13) of electrical appliances in the vehicle are turned on. - Based on the charging status of the vehicle, the electrical appliances of the first group (13) are respectively placed in a first operating state or a second operating state, wherein the first operating state is an energy-saving mode and the second operating state is a normal operating state. -Based on the second activation signal, the second group (15) of electrical appliances in the vehicle are switched on. -Based on the determined energy budget of the vehicle, determine whether the electrical appliances of the first group (13) and / or the second group (15) and / or other electrical appliances (17) should be turned on or off and / or placed in another operating state, and - Turn the identified electrical appliances on or off and / or place them in the other operating state.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first group (13) is determined based on the information in the first activation signal and / or based on the sensor signals of the vehicle.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The charging status includes whether the vehicle is currently charging.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The vehicle includes at least two energy sources, and determines which of the two energy sources is connected and used when the corresponding electrical appliance is turned on.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The energy budget is determined based on current energy consumption and / or the state of charge.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Based on the vehicle's determined energy budget and, additionally, based on the determined usage probability, determine whether the electrical appliances of the first and / or second groups and / or other electrical appliances should be turned on or off and / or placed in another operating state.

7. A device for operating a vehicle, wherein, The apparatus is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A vehicle, wherein, The vehicle includes the device according to claim 7.

9. A computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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