Information device

Abstract

Information device for displaying the remaining range of a motor vehicle, comprising means for determining the fill level of an energy storage device of the motor vehicle, a computing unit for determining the remaining range, and a display unit for displaying the remaining range, in which: - a first estimate concerning a maximum remaining range of the motor vehicle can be determined based on the fill level of the energy storage device; - the energy consumption of at least one auxiliary consumer of the motor vehicle can be determined, and, taking into account the energy consumption of the at least one auxiliary consumer, a second estimate concerning a reduced remaining range of the motor vehicle can be determined; and which is configured to graphically display the first estimate simultaneously with the second estimate and / or a difference between the first and the second estimate simultaneously with at least one of the two estimates by means of the display unit.wherein the respective energy consumption of at least two additional consumers of the motor vehicle can be determined and the contributions of the at least two additional consumers to the difference between the first and second estimated values ​​can be determined and displayed, whereby the contribution of each of the additional consumers is only taken into account in the displayed message if the respective additional consumer is activated.

Description

The invention relates to an information device for a motor vehicle. Modern motor vehicles typically have information systems for displaying the remaining range. These systems include means for determining the charge level of the vehicle's energy storage system, a processing unit for calculating the remaining range, and a display unit for showing the remaining range. Such information systems are known for vehicles with internal combustion engines as well as for electric and hybrid vehicles. To determine the charge level of the respective energy storage system, the fuel level in the tank is measured or estimated for vehicles with internal combustion engines, while the state of charge of the battery is determined for electric vehicles. In hybrid vehicles, the charge level of both energy storage systems can be used to determine the remaining range. In addition to the direct display of the charge level of the energy storage system, the numerical display of the remaining range in miles or kilometers is also widespread today.Instructions regarding an increase in the remaining range are generally not provided for such information devices. One known method for increasing remaining range is to provide gear selection recommendations to the driver. Another method described in the literature for increasing remaining range is the provision of an energy-saving mode, which involves switching off or restricting the operation of non-essential auxiliary consumers. Document DE 101 38 750 A1 discloses a system comprising a computing unit and a screen for displaying vehicle-specific information. An energy monitoring device records the energy consumption of consumers in a motor vehicle and provides corresponding data. An evaluation unit receives this data, converts it into an equivalent fuel consumption figure, and outputs it for display on the screen. Furthermore, a method is described for determining and displaying the electricity consumption of a consumer in the vehicle. Document DE 103 02 504 A1 discloses a method for determining the range of an electric vehicle, in which information about the vehicle, the route, the surroundings, and the planned or actual route is acquired or input by a vehicle system unit. The information is linked before or during the journey and evaluated based on a predefined or varying driving behavior. The remaining range of the vehicle is then calculated from this information and displayed on a screen. Document US 6,453,731 B1 discloses a system and method for displaying fuel consumption in vehicles. It calculates short-term fuel consumption (A) and long-term fuel consumption (B) or corrected long-term fuel consumption (C) in a common unit of measurement and displays them comparatively on a screen using a bar graph and a pointer with a common scale to visually assist decision-making through comparison. The object of the invention is to improve the support provided to the driver of a motor vehicle with regard to increasing the remaining range of the motor vehicle. This problem is solved by an information device with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims. According to the invention, the information device or the computing unit contained therein is designed such that a first estimate of the maximum remaining range of the motor vehicle can be determined based on the fill level of the energy storage device. This can be done in a manner known per se, e.g., based on the fill level and a hypothetical total energy consumption—perhaps historically determined or specified by the manufacturer—with the motor vehicle's auxiliary consumers completely and / or largely switched off. Furthermore, the information device has means for determining the energy consumption of at least one auxiliary consumer (e.g., an air conditioner or seat heater) of the motor vehicle. The determination of the energy consumption can be based on an estimate or a measurement. Furthermore, the information device or...The processing unit contained therein is designed such that, taking into account the energy consumption of at least one auxiliary consumer, a second estimate of the reduced remaining range of the vehicle can be determined. This can also be done in a manner known per se, e.g., based on the fill level and the current total energy consumption with the auxiliary consumer switched on. Finally, the display device allows the first estimate to be shown simultaneously with the second estimate, and / or the difference between the first and second estimates can be shown simultaneously with at least one of the two estimates. If necessary, the first estimate can even be displayed simultaneously with the second estimate and the difference between the first and second estimates. This results in a particularly easy and quick-to-read overall display. The proposed information device clarifies for the viewer of the display how and to what extent the energy consumption of the auxiliary device affects the remaining range. Particularly for vehicles with a relatively short maximum range (e.g., most currently available or developing electric vehicles), precise and detailed information about the vehicle's remaining range offers significant advantages. The proposed information device provides the driver with sufficient information to make an informed decision about whether or not to forgo the use of one or more auxiliary devices in favor of increasing the remaining range. According to the invention, the respective energy consumption of several, i.e., at least two, auxiliary consumers of the motor vehicle can be determined, and the contributions or shares of the several, i.e., the at least two, auxiliary consumers to the difference between the first and second estimated values ​​are determined and displayed. Equipped with such information, the driver can make a more informed decision as to whether to forgo the use of one or more auxiliary consumers in favor of increased remaining range. Specifically, the driver can see from the display how the elimination of the energy consumption of a particular auxiliary consumer affects the vehicle's range and / or how the energy consumption of a particular auxiliary consumer compares to that of another consumer.Thus, the driver can, for example, deliberately leave an additional consumer with relatively low energy consumption activated, while deactivating an additional consumer with relatively high energy consumption, because the operation of the latter has a greater impact on the remaining range. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second estimated values ​​are first determined. From the first and second estimated values, the reduction in range due to the additional power consumer can then be easily deduced, since this reduction consists precisely of the difference between the first and second estimated values. Alternatively, only one of the estimated values ​​can be determined directly, and the other estimated value can be deduced from empirical data on the increase / decrease of the remaining range due to certain additional consumers, which may be stored in a table, for example. Additional consumers for which energy consumption or a reduction in remaining range resulting from this energy consumption can be advantageously displayed in the proposed manner – individually or jointly – include an air conditioning system, a rear window heater, a front window heater, a seat heater and an audio system. If the information device is only capable of taking into account a single additional consumer, this will preferably only be actually included in the displayed information if it is currently activated. If the information system is generally capable of taking multiple additional power consumers into account, these are only actually considered in the displayed information if they are also activated. For example, if air conditioning and seat heating are both capable of being considered, but only the air conditioning is activated, the displayed values ​​(first / second estimate, difference) will be determined solely based on the energy consumption of the air conditioning. Preferably, the proposed information device considers the currently activated auxiliary consumers only with regard to the energy consumption resulting from their current setting and / or the current ambient conditions (e.g., outside temperature). For example, a seat heater can typically be operated at different intensity levels. The energy consumption and the resulting reduction in remaining range are naturally lower at a low intensity level than at a higher intensity level. Preferably, the display is updated immediately or at least promptly when the power-on state and / or operating state of an additional consumer changes. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the difference between the first and second estimated values ​​can be represented as a proportion of the first estimated value in a graphical representation of the remaining range, in particular a bar chart or a pie chart. Such a graphical representation makes the influence of operating additional consumers on the remaining range particularly clear. The graphical display of remaining range can include a numerical representation of the first and second estimated values. This informs the driver, in particular, about the maximum possible and the currently expected remaining range. The numerical representation can specifically include the respective value in kilometers or miles. The graphical display of remaining range can also include a numerical representation of the initial estimate and the difference. This informs the driver, in particular, about the maximum possible remaining range and the currently expected reduction due to the operation of additional electrical consumers. The graphical display of remaining range can also include a numerical representation of the second estimate and the difference. This informs the driver, in particular, about the currently expected remaining range and the potential to increase it by switching off auxiliary consumers. The graphical display of remaining range can also include a numerical representation of the first and second estimated values. This provides the driver with a particularly easy and quick way to read the maximum possible and currently expected remaining range, as well as the influence of operating auxiliary consumers on the remaining range. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the graphical representation of the remaining range is designed as a bar graph. It can then, in particular, comprise a bar for displaying the first estimate, which is composed of a first sub-bar for displaying the second estimate and a second sub-bar for displaying the difference. This results in a particularly space-saving and easy-to-read display of the aforementioned quantities. A particularly advantageous display format is one in which, in the case of the operation of several additional consumers, the shares of the individual additional consumers in the difference or reduction in remaining range are displayed again as segments of the second partial bar. The difference between the first and second estimated values ​​is preferably displayed together with an identifier for at least one auxiliary power consumer. The second bar segment can, for example, be labeled with such an identifier. The identifier can be textual (written out or abbreviated, e.g., "SHZ" for seat heating or "HSH" for rear window heating) or symbolic (e.g., a snowflake for air conditioning). The identifier clarifies which auxiliary power consumer is responsible for the reduction in remaining range shown in the display. If the reduction in remaining range is due to the operation of several auxiliary power consumers, the identifiers of all these consumers can be displayed. However, it is also advantageous to display only the identifiers of those auxiliary power consumers that account for a certain minimum share of the reduction in remaining range.Alternatively, only the identifier of the additional consumer that accounts for the largest share of the reduction in remaining range can be displayed. The labeling by the identifier(s) is particularly space-saving and easy to assign if it is arranged completely within the contours of the second sub-bar. For easy readability, the second sub-bar is preferably distinguished from the first sub-bar by color. A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further details, preferred embodiments, and further developments of the invention will become apparent from these drawings. Specifically, Fig. 1 shows a first display state of a display unit for showing the remaining range of a motor vehicle, Fig. 2 shows a second display state of the same display unit, and Fig. 3 shows a third display state of the same display unit. An electric vehicle has an information device that displays its remaining range. The charge level of the vehicle's battery can be determined for this display. Furthermore, the energy consumption of several auxiliary systems (in this case, air conditioning and seat heating) and their activation status can be determined and taken into account. A computing unit of the information device can determine the remaining range based on the battery charge level and the energy consumption values ​​of the additional consumers in the manner described below and display it on a display unit of the vehicle. First, an initial estimate of the maximum remaining range of the vehicle is determined based on the battery charge level. To determine this maximum remaining range, it is assumed that the seat heating and air conditioning, i.e., all auxiliary consumers that can be considered in this concept, are switched off for the remainder of the journey. The calculation of this maximum remaining range is essentially based on dividing the available energy by the vehicle's consumption over the distance with the auxiliary consumers switched off. If at least one of the aforementioned auxiliary consumers is activated, a second estimate of the vehicle's reduced remaining range is calculated, taking into account the energy consumption of that auxiliary consumer. For example, if the air conditioning is activated but not the seat heating, the calculation of this reduced remaining range assumes that this state (seat heating OFF, air conditioning ON) will be maintained for the remainder of the journey. The second estimate therefore depends on the activation state of the auxiliary consumers. Fig. 1 shows the resulting display of the display unit in a display state in which both the seat heating and the air conditioning are deactivated. The second estimate (reduced remaining range) does not need to be calculated and displayed separately, as it is the same as the first estimate (maximum remaining range) in this case. Only the first estimate is displayed - in a bar graph with a bar 1 whose height is proportional to the maximum remaining range and in which a numerical representation 1a of the first estimate (here “138” representing 138 kilometers) is included. Fig. 2 shows the resulting display of the display unit in a display state in which the seat heating is activated and the air conditioning is deactivated. The second estimated value is now determined based on the increased fuel consumption of the vehicle due to the seat heating. The first estimate (maximum remaining range) is displayed in a bar graph with a bar 1' whose height is proportional to the maximum remaining range. Above the bar is a numerical representation 1b of the first estimate (here "138" representing 138 kilometers). As shown in Fig. 2, the bar 1' is divided into a sub-bar 2 to display the second estimate (reduced remaining range) and a sub-bar 3 to display the difference between the first and second estimates, i.e., the reduction in remaining range due to the additional power consumption. Subbar 2 contains a numerical representation 2a of the second estimate (here “107” representing 107 kilometers). Subbar 3 contains an identifier 3a for the auxiliary consumer responsible for this subbar (or the reduction in remaining range it represents) (here, "SHZ" represents the auxiliary consumer seat heating). The estimated value of the reduction in remaining range (here 138 km - 107 km = 31 km) is displayed graphically, not numerically. Other implementations of the presented display concept could, of course, also include the numerical display of the difference value. Fig. 3 shows the resulting display of the display unit in a display state in which the seat heating and the air conditioning are activated. The second estimated value is now determined based on the increased fuel consumption of the vehicle due to the seat heating and air conditioning. The first estimate (maximum remaining range) is again displayed in a bar graph with a bar 1'' whose height is proportional to the maximum remaining range. Above the bar is a numerical representation 1c of the first estimate (here "138" representing 138 kilometers). As shown in Fig. 3, the bar 1'' is subdivided into a sub-bar 4 to display the second estimate and two sub-bars 5 and 6 to display the difference between the first and second estimates. Subbar 4 contains a numerical representation 4a of the second estimate (here “72” representing 72 kilometers). Sub-bars 5 and 6 together show the reduction in remaining range resulting from the operation of auxiliary consumers. Sub-bar 5 shows the proportion used by the seat heating, and sub-bar 6 shows the proportion used by the air conditioning. Subbar 5 contains an identifier 5a for the auxiliary consumer responsible for this subbar (here, "SHZ" representing the auxiliary consumer seat heating). Subbar 5 according to Fig. 3 has the same color as subbar 3 according to Fig. 2, which allows the viewer to easily identify it as the auxiliary consumer seat heating. Subbar 6 contains an identifier 6a for the auxiliary consumer responsible for this subbar (here, an "ice crystal" representing the auxiliary consumer air conditioning). The estimated value of the remaining range reduction (here, 138 km - 72 km = 66 km) is displayed graphically, not numerically. Other implementations of the presented display concept could, of course, also include the numerical display of the difference value or the individual contributions of the auxiliary consumers. When the switching-on state of one of the auxiliary consumers changes, the display is immediately updated (for example, transition from the display state according to Fig. 3 to the display state according to Fig. 2 when the air conditioning is switched off). The display is immediately updated even if the energy consumption of one of the auxiliary consumers changes significantly. For example, starting from the display state shown in Fig. 3, setting the seat heating to a lower power level causes sub-bar 5 to "melt" and sub-bar 4 and the second estimated value 4a to increase accordingly. The differentiated information provided by the presented information device allows the driver to gain an overview – albeit "only" based on estimates – of the consequences of operating auxiliary consumers with regard to the vehicle's remaining range. Furthermore, by switching off one of several auxiliary consumers and observing the immediate change in the display (e.g., switching off the air conditioning and consequently transitioning from the display state shown in Fig. 3 to the display state shown in Fig. 2), the driver can quickly and easily check whether the remaining range after the switch-off is sufficient to reach a desired destination.

Claims

Information device for displaying the remaining range of a motor vehicle, comprising means for determining the fill level of an energy storage device of the motor vehicle, a computing unit for determining the remaining range, and a display unit for displaying the remaining range, in which: - a first estimate concerning a maximum remaining range of the motor vehicle can be determined based on the fill level of the energy storage device; - the energy consumption of at least one auxiliary consumer of the motor vehicle can be determined, and, taking into account the energy consumption of the at least one auxiliary consumer, a second estimate concerning a reduced remaining range of the motor vehicle can be determined; and which is configured to graphically display the first estimate simultaneously with the second estimate and / or a difference between the first and the second estimate simultaneously with at least one of the two estimates by means of the display unit.wherein the respective energy consumption of at least two additional consumers of the motor vehicle can be determined and the contributions of the at least two additional consumers to the difference between the first and second estimated values ​​can be determined and displayed, whereby the contribution of each of the additional consumers is only taken into account in the displayed message if the respective additional consumer is activated. Information device according to claim 1, characterized in that the display device displays the first estimated value simultaneously with the second estimated value and the difference between the first and the second estimated value. Information device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the difference between the first and the second estimated value can be represented as a proportion of the first estimated value in a graphical representation of remaining range, in particular a bar chart or a pie chart. Information device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the graphical remaining range display includes a numerical representation of the first and second estimates and / or that the graphical remaining range display includes a numerical representation of the first estimate and the difference and / or that the graphical remaining range display includes a numerical representation of the second estimate and the difference. Information device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the graphical remaining range display comprises a numerical representation of the first and second estimated values ​​and the difference. Information device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the graphical remaining range display is designed as a bar display and comprises a bar for displaying the first estimate, which is composed of a first sub-bar for displaying the second estimate and a second sub-bar for displaying the difference. Information device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the difference between the first and the second estimated value is displayed together with an identifier for the at least one additional consumer. Information device according to claim 6, characterized in that the second partial bar is labelled by an identifier for the at least one additional consumer. Information device according to claim 8, characterized in that the inscription is arranged completely within the contours of the second partial bar. Information device according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the second partial bar is color-coded to contrast with the first partial bar.

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