Method and device for operating a hybrid vehicle

Abstract

Method for operating a hybrid vehicle (1) to which an internal combustion engine and an electric motor are assigned, comprising: Providing a current position signal of the hybrid vehicle (1), Providing data with information on a passable environmental zone (10) that is representative of a location-based target for permissible vehicle emissions, Determining a current distance between the hybrid vehicle (1) and a boundary (11) of the environmental zone (10) as a function of the position signal of the hybrid vehicle (1) and the data on the environmental zone (10), Determining a current driving state of the hybrid vehicle (1), and Switching a drive mode of the hybrid vehicle (1) depending on the determined distance between the boundary (11) of the environmental zone (10) and the hybrid vehicle (1) and depending on the determined current driving state of the hybrid vehicle (1), characterized by the following steps: - Determining an electronic horizon that includes a predicted vehicle trajectory for a given length, and - Outputting information relating to the environmental zone (10) as a function of the determined electronic horizon, comprising: issuing an acoustic indication and displaying a visual indication of the environmental zone (10); and - Outputting information relating to a parking possibility and information relating to a charging possibility depending on the determined current driving state of the hybrid vehicle (1); and in that the switching between an electric drive and a combustion drive takes place depending on an available and required drive power of the hybrid vehicle and is only carried out if this does not result in a significant drop in drive power.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for operating a hybrid vehicle.

[0002] Many motor vehicles are equipped with an internal combustion engine, which enables the vehicle to operate through the controlled combustion of fuel. However, such a combustion process produces pollutant emissions that are subject to legal regulations and must be strictly controlled. For example, there are currently legal requirements for maximum permissible pollutant emissions in order to be permitted to enter central urban areas.

[0003] Currently, more and more cities are designating environmental zones for busy inner-city streets to reduce or minimize emissions for the population. In the future, it is expected that such protective measures will become even stricter, so that only particularly low-emission or completely zero-emission vehicles will be allowed to enter these environmental zones.

[0004] Systems for operating hybrid vehicles in environmental zones are known from DE 10 2017 004 690 A1 and US 2019 / 0 126 907 A1. DE 10 2010 039 564 A1 discloses a warning system that indicates environmental zones.

[0005] DE 10 2007 026 320 A1 describes a navigation system taking into account transit restrictions in environmental zones.

[0006] Further systems for the predictive operation of motor vehicles are known from DE 10 2014 209 687 A1, DE 11 2014 004 812 T5 and DE 10 2010 039 653 A1.

[0007] It is an object underlying the invention to provide a method and a device which can contribute to the reliable operation of a hybrid vehicle.

[0008] The problem is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, a method for operating a hybrid vehicle, which is associated with an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, comprises providing a current position signal of the hybrid vehicle and providing data with information about a passable environmental zone, which is representative of a location-specific specification with regard to permissible vehicle emissions. The method further comprises determining a current distance between the hybrid vehicle and a boundary of the environmental zone as a function of the position signal of the hybrid vehicle and the data about the environmental zone. The method further comprises outputting information relating to the environmental zone as a function of the determined distance between the boundary of the environmental zone and the hybrid vehicle.

[0010] The described method enables reliable and safe detection of an environmental zone within a driving range of the hybrid vehicle and informing the driver accordingly. The method enables a boundary field analysis of a hybrid vehicle, particularly with regard to the charge state of the hybrid vehicle's electric motor. Depending on the detected environmental zone, the driver can be provided with instructions and suggestions regarding further driving of the hybrid vehicle within the determined environmental zone.

[0011] It has been discovered in connection with the present invention that vehicle owners are uncertain about purchasing new vehicles, partly due to statutory emissions regulations, and are increasingly opting for a motor vehicle with a hybrid drive. A hybrid drive combines the advantages of an electric drive with the advantages of an internal combustion engine. The electric motor produces no pollutant emissions during operation, and the internal combustion engine provides a long range for longer distances. However, regulations regarding environmental zones can be disadvantageous for hybrid vehicles, as the hybrid vehicle can be operated in both emission-free and emission-intensive modes and may therefore not be permitted to enter emission-free zones.

[0012] Using the described method, a hybrid vehicle can be advantageously adapted so that operation of the hybrid vehicle in a zero-emission environmental zone can be established or supported.

[0013] According to the invention, the method comprises determining a current driving state of the hybrid vehicle and switching a drive mode of the hybrid vehicle depending on the determined distance between the boundary of the environmental zone and the hybrid vehicle and depending on the determined current driving state of the hybrid vehicle. In this way, the hybrid vehicle can be automatically adapted to driving in the environmental zone. For example, at a determined distance of several kilometers from the environmental zone, the driver or, in the case of autonomous driving, a vehicle occupant is informed that the hybrid vehicle is approaching an environmental zone. Shortly before the environmental zone, for example when a newly determined distance is undershot or when entering the environmental zone, the drive mode is then switched from combustion operation to electric operation.Regarding the switching, for example, a corresponding message is then given to the driver or the vehicle occupant.

[0014] According to a further development of the method, determining a current driving state of the hybrid vehicle comprises determining the drive mode and a charge level of the electric motor of the hybrid vehicle. Switching the drive mode of the hybrid vehicle comprises switching from the combustion engine to the electric motor if it has been determined that the charge level of the electric motor exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the determined value for the charge level is lower than the predetermined threshold, a notification can be issued, a nearby charging station can be suggested, and / or a parking space outside or inside the environmental zone can be suggested. Corresponding notifications can also be provided additionally if the determined charge level of the electric motor is sufficient.The threshold value is, for example, specified with a value relating to a passage through the environmental zone or is specified in accordance with an entered destination and / or a selected route.

[0015] According to the invention, the method additionally comprises determining an electronic horizon which comprises a probable vehicle trajectory for a predetermined length section. The method further comprises outputting information relating to the environmental zone as a function of the determined electronic horizon. The electronic horizon refers, for example, to a vehicle radius of three kilometers from the current vehicle position. An probable vehicle position can be proactively determined based on existing road layouts and / or speed values ​​of the hybrid vehicle. If it is determined that a boundary of a detected environmental zone is located within the electronic horizon, corresponding information can be output to the driver or vehicle occupant, informing them of the probable entry into the environmental zone.The vehicle position and the comparison with the determined electronic horizon can be carried out in particular on the basis of a global positioning system, such as GPS.

[0016] According to a further development, providing data with information about the environmental zone comprises receiving data with information about the environmental zone from a server unit external to the hybrid vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, data with information about the environmental zone can be received from a wireless communication unit external to the hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle is connected to the server unit, for example, via the GSM network and can communicate with it. The GSM network forms a mobile radio standard for a global system for mobile communications.

[0017] For example, the hybrid vehicle is configured to search for and connect to a Wi-Fi connection, and to query or receive information through it. Server-based data collection on the locations and extent of environmental zones makes it possible to implement a data-based service that can have a beneficial impact on the operation and comfort of the hybrid vehicle. Information about environmental zones can also be stored by a vehicle manufacturer in a data storage device within the hybrid vehicle, for example, in conjunction with a navigation system and maps.

[0018] Information for the driver or the occupant(s) of the hybrid vehicle includes, in particular, the output of an acoustic signal and the display of a visual signal related to the environmental zone. Acoustic information can be output as a signal tone and / or as a voice message via a loudspeaker. Visual indications can be provided via a head-up display and / or other displays.

[0019] According to the invention, the method further comprises determining a current driving state of the hybrid vehicle and outputting information relating to a parking possibility and information relating to a charging possibility depending on the determined current driving state of the hybrid vehicle.

[0020] A further aspect of the invention relates to a device for operating a hybrid vehicle, which is configured to perform one of the previously described methods. Such a device is implemented, for example, as a server unit or backend and is designed to receive, process, and transmit data that is determined or evaluated in connection with the method. Alternatively or additionally, a control unit or an on-board computer of the hybrid vehicle can be capable of performing one of the described methods.

[0021] The control unit is particularly configured to monitor switching from the electric motor to the combustion engine of the hybrid vehicle and only performs it if this does not result in a significant loss of drive power. This is comparable to switching when overtaking or driving uphill. Switching between the electric drive and the combustion engine thus preferably occurs depending on the available or required drive power of the hybrid vehicle. This takes into account the case where an electric motor of a hybrid vehicle has a significantly lower drive power than the drive power that can be provided by the combustion engine.

[0022] The described process can be implemented, in particular, via a cloud-based connection. Upon reaching a zero-emissions environmental zone, the hybrid vehicle switches to electric operation. The switchover is based on the hybrid vehicle's position values ​​and the environmental zones known in the cloud. The process can be performed continuously or cyclically, and can be repeated, for example, after certain distances or periods of time.

[0023] The driver or, in the case of autonomous driving, the vehicle occupant, is informed that the hybrid vehicle is in an environmental zone and that only emission-free driving is permitted.

[0024] Switching only occurs, for example, if the charge level of the batteries is sufficient for electric operation to enter the emission-free environmental zone. This can include a prior comparison with a entered destination and / or a comparison with the scope or dimensions of the environmental zone. For example, depending on the determined charge level of the electric motor, a recommendation to recharge in the environmental zone can be given with a charging station sign. Information regarding the upcoming environmental zone can, for example, contain a note that the charge level is too low and entering the environmental zone is not recommended. Alternatively, a note can be given that entering the environmental zone is tolerable, but recharging within the next 20 km is recommended. If the charge level is sufficient, only the information that entering the environmental zone is okay can be given.

[0025] If the hybrid vehicle cannot be switched to electric operation because the state of charge is lower than a specified threshold, a notice will be displayed, for example, stating that the environmental zone may not be entered with the current state of charge of the batteries or accumulators.

[0026] In addition to cloud-based implementation, the process can also be implemented via Wi-Fi. Such an alternative or additional implementation option is made possible, for example, by Wi-Fi entry points, which are used as so-called roadside units and are set up, for example, as a service of the associated city or district. Using such Wi-Fi units, an automatic switchover can be initiated in the immediate vicinity of the environmental zone. Using the described process, hybrid vehicles can be treated largely like electric vehicles in zero-emission environmental zones.

[0027] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic drawings. They show: Fig. 1 an embodiment of a hybrid vehicle in a schematic plan view, Fig. 2 a schematic flow diagram for methods for operating the motor vehicle.

[0028] Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a hybrid vehicle 1 in a schematic plan view, comprising an internal combustion engine and an electric motor to enable locomotion by means of an emission-laden combustion operation and an emission-free electric operation. By means of a communication interface 5 and a control unit 3, the hybrid vehicle 1 is capable of detecting signals from an external server unit 9 and transmitting signals wirelessly to it. The communication interface 5 is configured to communicate bidirectionally with the external server unit 9 and to send and receive data to and from the external server unit. Alternatively, the external server unit 9 can represent a communication unit, such as a WLAN entry point, and enable a connection to a server unit.

[0029] The hybrid vehicle 1 further includes an output unit 7 that enables the output of acoustic and / or visual information. The information can be communicated to the driver or, in the case of autonomous driving, to a vehicle occupant via a loudspeaker and / or a display, such as a head-up display.

[0030] As shown in the following Fig. 2, a method for operating the hybrid vehicle 1 enables reliable operation and beneficial coordination with a driving cycle in connection with an environmental zone 10, to which, in particular, statutory emission regulations with regard to tolerable vehicle emissions are assigned.

[0031] A method for operating the hybrid vehicle 1 can be carried out according to the flow chart according to Fig. 2 be carried out.

[0032] In a step S1, a current position signal of the hybrid vehicle (1) is provided, which is determined, for example, via GPS and sent to the server unit 9.

[0033] In a further step S3, data containing information about the accessible environmental zone 10 is provided, which is representative of a location-specific specification regarding permissible vehicle emissions. Such data is stored, for example, in the form of a digital map on a data storage device of the server unit 9. Alternatively, data about the environmental zone 10 or about a plurality of environmental zones is loaded by the server unit 9 and provided for further processing.

[0034] In a further step S5, a current distance between the hybrid vehicle 1 and a boundary 11 of the environmental zone 10 is determined depending on the position signal of the hybrid vehicle 1 and the data about the environmental zone 10.

[0035] In a further step S7, information relating to the environmental zone 10 is output as a function of the determined distance between the boundary 11 of the environmental zone 10 and the hybrid vehicle 1.

[0036] If, for example, it is determined that environmental zone 10, which hybrid vehicle 1 is approaching, is still far enough away, no information regarding the environmental zone is yet output. However, if the determined distance is, for example, less than a predefined threshold, the information that hybrid vehicle 1 is approaching environmental zone 10 can be output. In addition, it can be displayed whether entering the environmental zone is permitted or not recommended, for example because the batteries for electric operation are too low. Such additional information can also be output at a later time, for example when hybrid vehicle 1 has come closer to environmental zone 10 and the distance to the boundary 11 thus falls below a further threshold.

[0037] In particular, in a further step S9, an automatic switchover of the drive mode of the hybrid vehicle 1 can be performed. For example, the current driving state of the hybrid vehicle 1 is determined beforehand, which includes, for example, information about a charge state of the electric motor and the current drive mode. A switchover occurs, for example, when it has been determined that the hybrid vehicle 1 is in the drive mode established by the combustion engine and the charge state has a predetermined minimum charge that enables emission-free driving in the environmental zone 10. Information regarding the completed or impending switchover of the drive mode is output to the driver or the vehicle occupant via the output unit 7.

Claims

[1] Method for operating a hybrid vehicle (1) to which an internal combustion engine and an electric motor are assigned, comprising: Providing a current position signal of the hybrid vehicle (1), Providing data with information on a passable environmental zone (10) that is representative of a location-based target for permissible vehicle emissions, Determining a current distance between the hybrid vehicle (1) and a boundary (11) of the environmental zone (10) as a function of the position signal of the hybrid vehicle (1) and the data on the environmental zone (10), Determining a current driving state of the hybrid vehicle (1), and Switching a drive mode of the hybrid vehicle (1) depending on the determined distance between the boundary (11) of the environmental zone (10) and the hybrid vehicle (1) and depending on the determined current driving state of the hybrid vehicle (1), characterized by the next steps: - Determining an electronic horizon that includes a predicted vehicle trajectory for a given length, and - Outputting information relating to the environmental zone (10) as a function of the determined electronic horizon, comprising: issuing an acoustic indication and displaying a visual indication of the environmental zone (10); and - Outputting information relating to a parking possibility and information relating to a charging possibility depending on the determined current driving state of the hybrid vehicle (1); and in that the switching between an electric drive and a combustion drive takes place depending on an available and required drive power of the hybrid vehicle and is only carried out if this does not result in a significant drop in drive power. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein determining a current driving state of the hybrid vehicle (1) comprises determining the drive mode and determining a charge state of the electric motor of the hybrid vehicle (1), and wherein switching the drive mode of the hybrid vehicle (1) comprises switching from the internal combustion engine to the electric motor when it has been determined that the charge state of the electric motor exceeds a predetermined threshold value. [3] Method according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the provision of data with information about the environmental zone (10) comprises: Receiving data with information about the environmental zone (10) from a server unit (9) external to the hybrid vehicle (1). [4] Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the provision of data with information about the environmental zone (10) comprises: Receiving data with information about the environmental zone (10) from a wireless communication unit external to the hybrid vehicle (1). [5] Device (3, 9) for operating a hybrid vehicle (1), which is designed to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 4.

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