Method for determining a current state of a battery of a motor vehicle by means of a monitoring device of a motor vehicle, computer program product and monitoring device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining a current state of a battery (14) of a motor vehicle (10) by means of a monitoring device (12) of the motor vehicle (10), comprising the steps of detecting a current electrical characteristic of the battery (14) by means of a detection device (16) of the monitoring device (12), specifying an individual usage profile (28) of at least one vehicle function (30) in the motor vehicle (10) by means of an electronic computing device (18) of the monitoring device (12), and determining the current state of the battery (14) as a function of the current electrical characteristic and the individual usage profile (28) by means of the electronic computing device (18). The invention further relates to a computer program product and a monitoring device (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for determining a current state of a battery of a motor vehicle by means of a monitoring device of the motor vehicle according to the applicable patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program product and a monitoring device.

[0002] It is already known in the prior art that batteries, such as corresponding lead-acid batteries, must be monitored in motor vehicles. In the prior art, monitoring is based in particular on the state of charge (SoC), as well as the so-called state of health (SoH). In particular, battery degradation can be monitored accordingly, and, for example, once a predetermined value for the state of health and / or the state of charge has been reached, it can be determined whether the battery is defective and, for example, whether a battery replacement is necessary.

[0003] EP3610277 A1 relates to a system and a method for determining a current and / or predicted state of a vehicle battery of a vehicle. The system is designed with a detection device, by means of which a current voltage value of a voltage on board the vehicle can be detected, wherein the detection device is configured to detect a respective current idle-state voltage value multiple times during the at least one idle state of the vehicle, a data storage device in which at least one voltage threshold is stored, and an adaptation device which is designed to adapt the at least one voltage threshold in the data storage device based on the detected idle-state voltage values;and a computing device configured to determine the current or predicted state of the vehicle battery based on a comparison of a provided comparison voltage value with at least the at least one adjusted voltage threshold value and to output an output signal initiating the determined current and / or predicted state of the vehicle battery.;

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a method, a computer program product and a monitoring device by means of which a condition of a battery of a motor vehicle can be determined in an improved manner.

[0005] This object is achieved by a method, a computer program product, and a monitoring device according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

[0006] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for determining the current state of a battery of a motor vehicle using a monitoring device of the motor vehicle. A current electrical characteristic of the battery is detected by a detection device of the monitoring device. An individual usage profile of at least one vehicle function in the motor vehicle is specified by an electronic computing device of the monitoring device. The current state of the battery is determined as a function of the current electrical characteristic and the individual usage profile by means of the electronic computing device.

[0007] In particular, the battery is not considered in isolation, but in conjunction with a corresponding vehicle function, particularly an on-board electrical system or power supply function. Furthermore, the battery's history is also taken into account, particularly through the usage profile.

[0008] In particular, an expert model for classifying a battery, especially a battery designed as an on-board power supply battery, for example, a 12-volt battery, can be presented. Based on the specific condition, a recommendation can be made as to whether, for example, the battery needs to be recharged or whether the battery is defective and needs to be replaced. This is done, in particular, based on battery characteristics, environmental variables, or, in particular, vehicle functions for a customer within the motor vehicle.

[0009] In particular, the invention provides that, when determining the condition, a deviation from predetermined characteristic values, for example, over one hundred driving and parking cycles of the motor vehicle, is also considered. A corresponding model for the battery is specified, which is independent of specific vehicle equipment / models and thus universally applicable to multiple motor vehicles. This leads, in particular, to cost savings through reduced battery changes. Furthermore, fast and accurate battery fault analyses are possible within a workshop or via remote access. Furthermore, an increase in vehicle reliability can be achieved through early detection of a fatigued battery.

[0010] As already mentioned, the electronic computing device, in particular, can thus have a corresponding battery model, which can also be referred to as a battery profiler. This model classifies the battery's health status, for example, with the levels "good," "charge," or "replace." Although, as already described, the electronic computing device is implemented for a main battery, the corresponding model can also be used for a secondary battery or any other on-board battery, in particular a lead-acid battery.

[0011] The corresponding algorithm is a robust algorithm or uses robust logic based on battery, customer functions, and environmental data points, along with configurable thresholds that depend on the vehicle configuration. The algorithm evaluates the main characteristics of a battery, such as charge, battery resistance, and temperature, which correspond particularly to the electrical parameters, along with vehicle functions such as start / stop. To determine the battery profile, the history of the vehicle's most recent driving and parking cycles is used. The algorithm is adapted to a so-called on-board network architecture or power supply architecture and is therefore usable for a wide range of vehicle series.With the user's consent, the relevant data is also sent to an electronic computing device external to the vehicle, in particular a so-called backend. The data is then analyzed externally using another algorithm, and the results can be retrieved accordingly. If, for example, the electronic computing device detects a defective battery, the user is recommended to visit a workshop to have the battery replaced. The results of the electronic computing device can then be reset accordingly, for example, by the workshop. Overall, the results displayed by the electronic computing device contribute to maintaining the usability of the vehicle and increasing customer satisfaction.

[0012] Alternatively, this calculation can also be performed in the vehicle. Furthermore, the data can be analyzed in the vehicle, and a recommendation for action can be made in the workshop or remotely.

[0013] Furthermore, potential battery problems can then be checked in the workshop, for example, by downloading the relevant vehicle data and applying the model. The model's results help in analyzing vehicle and / or battery problems, reducing the time required for fault analysis in the workshop and thus avoiding unnecessary battery replacements. This can also improve the sustainability of the vehicle and reduce warranty / goodwill costs.

[0014] Furthermore, the specific condition data can also be used, for example, to improve battery quality and thus also to improve the product.

[0015] In particular, the present invention thus enables the method to be independent of the vehicle architecture while still taking the corresponding vehicle configurations into account. Furthermore, no additional data acquisition and storage is necessary, since the required data is already sufficiently recorded by corresponding data processing devices and is thus available. Furthermore, the method offers the possibility of robust remote analysis of the battery status without corresponding hardware access. The method is accordingly robust and is based on the battery history. Furthermore, the method takes customer experience and comfort functions into account. Furthermore, the usage of the motor vehicle can be shown to a user via a corresponding display, which improves customer satisfaction and, in particular, reduces battery problems.Furthermore, the results of the method are quickly accessible and cost-effective and enable battery analysis to detect vehicle malfunctions.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment, the usage profile of a predefined number of battery usages is determined. For example, the last 100 driving and parking cycles can be used for this purpose. This allows a comprehensive creation of the usage profile, which allows a detailed determination of the current status.

[0017] It is also advantageous if the battery is provided as a lead-acid battery. This makes it particularly suitable for internal combustion engines. For example, the battery can then be used as the main battery for the internal combustion engine. The lead-acid battery has the advantage that it is already widely used in automotive construction. Thus, the method can be used in a wide variety of motor vehicles.

[0018] It is also advantageous if the use, failure, or deactivation of at least one comfort function is taken into account as a vehicle function in the usage profile. For example, a seat setting and / or a heating setting and / or a cooling setting, or the like, can be considered a comfort function. Thus, the use of comfort functions within the motor vehicle can be reliably monitored and recorded, and the corresponding status can be determined based on the comfort function used.

[0019] A further advantageous embodiment provides for the use of at least one driver assistance function to be taken into account as a vehicle function in the usage profile. For example, steering wheel assistance or a tire pressure monitoring system can be considered a driver assistance function. Thus, corresponding assistance functions can also be taken into account, thus enabling a detailed battery status assessment.

[0020] It is also advantageous if the speed of an internal combustion engine is considered as a vehicle function in the usage profile. For example, a user can operate the vehicle in the increased speed range of the internal combustion engine. This then takes into account increased use of the electrical voltage within the battery. Furthermore, an increase in the DC / DC load due to charging the battery itself can also be considered.

[0021] It is also advantageous if the use of at least one communication device of the motor vehicle is considered as a vehicle function in the usage profile. For example, a corresponding communication bus within the motor vehicle can be considered a communication device.

[0022] Operating this communication bus, in turn, requires electrical energy. Depending on which vehicle devices communicate with each other based on the various vehicle functions, a correspondingly increased energy consumption can be observed, including for communication purposes. This can now be taken into account to reliably determine the battery's condition.

[0023] It is also advantageous if the additional use of the battery by at least one functional device independent of the vehicle is taken into account in the usage profile. For example, corresponding uses for mobile phone charging or the operation of other "gadgets" in the vehicle, such as connected TVs or the like, can also be taken into account.

[0024] Furthermore, it can also be provided that, for example, incorrect battery use, such as short circuits, long parking periods, or corresponding failure modes within the battery, can be taken into account. Furthermore, the efficiency of battery charging can also be taken into account. Furthermore, external temperatures and, for example, combinations thereof, such as temperatures with battery charging efficiency, can also be taken into account accordingly.

[0025] The method presented is, in particular, a computer-implemented method. Therefore, a further aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product with program code means that, when the program code means are processed by the electronic computing device, cause an electronic computing device to perform a method according to the preceding aspect.

[0026] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a computer-readable storage medium with the computer program product according to the preceding aspect.

[0027] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a monitoring device for determining a current state of a battery of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one detection device and an electronic computing device, wherein the monitoring device is configured to perform a method according to the preceding aspect. In particular, the method is performed by means of the monitoring device.

[0028] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a monitoring device according to the preceding aspect. The motor vehicle is designed, in particular, as a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine or another propulsion machine.

[0029] Advantageous embodiments of the method are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the computer program product, the computer-readable storage medium, the monitoring device, and the motor vehicle. The monitoring device and the motor vehicle have material features for this purpose in order to be able to carry out corresponding method steps.

[0030] A computing unit / electronic computing device can be understood, in particular, as a data processing device that contains a processing circuit. The computing unit can therefore, in particular, process data to perform computing operations. This may also include operations for performing indexed access to a data structure, for example, a look-up table (LUT).

[0031] The computing unit can in particular contain one or more computers, one or more microcontrollers and / or one or more integrated circuits, for example one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or one or more single-chip systems (SoCs). The computing unit can also contain one or more processors, for example one or more microprocessors, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more graphics processing units (GPUs), and / or one or more signal processors, in particular one or more digital signal processors (DSPs). The computing unit can also contain a physical or virtual network of computers or other of the aforementioned units.

[0032] In various embodiments, the computing unit includes one or more hardware and / or software interfaces and / or one or more memory units.

[0033] A memory unit can be a volatile data memory, for example a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM), or a non-volatile data memory (NVRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a flash memory or flash EEPROM, a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), a magnetoresistive random access memory,MRAM (magnetoresistive random access memory) or phase-change random access memory, PCRAM (phase-change random access memory).

[0034] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawing(s). The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0035] Showing: Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle with an embodiment of a monitoring device; and Fig. 2 a schematic flow diagram according to an embodiment of the method.

[0036] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle 10 with an embodiment of a monitoring device 12. The monitoring device 12 is designed, in particular, to determine a current state of a battery 14 of the motor vehicle 10. For this purpose, the monitoring device 12 has at least one detection device 16 and an electronic computing device 18.

[0038] Furthermore, it can be provided that the monitoring device 12 has a communication device 20, which can communicate in particular with an external electronic computing device 22, for example, a so-called backend. Furthermore, the communication device 20 can also communicate with a workshop 24, for example.

[0039] In the present exemplary embodiment, the motor vehicle 10 has, in particular, a battery-electric drive or an internal combustion engine 26. The battery 14 can be regarded, in particular, as the main battery for the motor vehicle 10. In particular, the battery 14 can be designed, for example, as a 12-volt battery. Furthermore, the battery 14 is designed, in particular, as a lithium-ion battery 14 or as a lead-acid battery 14.

[0040] In particular, it is thus provided that, for example, the detected or determined state is transmitted to the electronic computing device 22 external to the motor vehicle by means of the monitoring device 12 according to the invention. This can, for example, have a corresponding database and store the state accordingly. For this purpose, it can then be provided that the electronic computing device 22 external to the motor vehicle transmits the state, should it be considered critical, for example, to a workshop 24. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the monitoring device 12 itself transmits the state directly to a workshop 24 or only runs via the cloud, wherein the analysis can be carried out by the profiler. The profiler can also be implemented in the vehicle and the result communicated via the workshop or remote access.

[0041] In particular, the invention proposes that, in order to determine the current state of the battery 14, a current electrical characteristic of the battery 14 is detected by means of the detection device 16. Furthermore, an individual usage profile 28 of at least one vehicle function 30 in the motor vehicle 10 is specified by means of the electronic computing device 18. Furthermore, the current state of the battery 14 is determined as a function of the current electrical characteristic and the individual usage profile 28, as well as environmental conditions or customer-perceived functions, by means of the electronic computing device 18.

[0042] In particular, it can be provided that the usage profile 28 is determined over a predetermined number of uses of the battery 14. Furthermore, it can be provided in particular that the use of at least one comfort function is taken into account as a vehicle function 30 in the usage profile 28. Furthermore, the use of at least one driver assistance function can be taken into account as a vehicle function 30 in the usage profile 28. Furthermore, a rotational speed of the internal combustion engine 26 can be taken into account as a vehicle function 28 in the usage profile 30. Furthermore, the use of at least one communication device 20 of the motor vehicle 10 can also be taken into account as a vehicle function 28 in the usage profile 30. Likewise, the use of the battery 14 by at least one functional device independent of the motor vehicle 10 can also be taken into account in the usage profile 28.

[0043] Fig.2 shows a schematic flow diagram according to one embodiment of the method. In particular, in a first step S1, various data of the motor vehicle 10 are collected. For example, a state of charge 32, a state of health 34, and a functional state 36 can be specified accordingly. This can be determined accordingly, in particular, over the last one hundred driving cycles or driving histories or parking cycles. Furthermore, a corresponding internal resistance value 38 of the battery and a start / stop function 40 can also be taken into account accordingly. Furthermore, for example, a non-functioning of the start / stop function 40 can also be taken into account. Furthermore, temperatures and a duration of a journey can also be taken into account. The provided data can also include, for example, the battery capacity and the battery type.

[0044] In a second step S2, for example, it is checked whether sufficient data is available, for example, whether more than seventy cycles are stored in the usage profile 28. If this is not the case, a third step S3 decides that too few cycles are available, and the process is terminated in a fourth step S4.

[0045] If enough cycles are present, for example more than seventy, the corresponding evaluation is carried out again. The corresponding battery charging criteria can be provided here. For example, the state of charge 32 can be checked in a standalone process, and the functional state 36 and the state of health 34 of the battery can be checked in a connected process, which is represented here by steps S6 and S7. In an eighth step S8, the corresponding criteria for the resistance of the battery 14 can then be checked. In a ninth step S9, the criteria for the start / stop function 40 can again be checked accordingly. A corresponding evaluation of the various data then takes place in a tenth step S10.Depending on this, it can then be decided, for example, that the analysis from the tenth step S10 is again transferred to an application for the end user in an eleventh step S11, so that the end user receives the relevant information. Furthermore, in a twelfth step S12, the corresponding evaluation values ​​can be transmitted to the workshop 24. Various systems can be provided for this purpose, which can, for example, evaluate the corresponding condition in detail.

[0046] It can further be provided that in a thirteenth step S13 the corresponding data are also transferred to the electronic computing device 22 external to the motor vehicle. Furthermore, in a fourteenth step S14 it can be checked whether, for example, corresponding recharging criteria are present. In particular, in the fifth step S5, sixth step S6 and seventh step S7, for example, a calculation can take place which is carried out as a function of the different cycles, based on the state of charge 32, the functional state 36 and the state of health 34. For example, corresponding threshold values ​​can be specified here. In this case, for example, the classification can be provided which relates to both the state of charge 32, the functional state 36 and the state of health 34.For this purpose, for example, a classification can be made as mild, moderate, or severe, with the classification in turn relating to the corresponding condition. A severe condition describes, in particular, a poor condition of the battery 14, and a mild condition describes a condition of the battery 14 that only has a minor impact.

[0047] The resistance calculation can also be configured to calculate the deviation of the current resistance from the expected resistance for each cycle. An average of the deviation across all cycles can then be determined. Based on this average, a classification into light, medium, or heavy can be determined, with corresponding threshold values ​​being specified.

[0048] During the start / stop function 40 according to the ninth step S9, an average value of the start / stop function 40 can be provided, which also indicates a corresponding travel time combined with the start / stop function 40 or a non-provision of the start / stop function 40. Furthermore, corresponding charging criteria can also be checked, in particular whether the state of charge 32 exceeds a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, external criteria can also be checked, in particular whether the corresponding running distance is greater than a predetermined threshold. The presented method can also be used, for example, for telediagnosis. In this case, a user can upload the corresponding data to the electronic computing device 32 external to the vehicle, which then in turn analyzes the corresponding data.The corresponding battery status can then be downloaded from the vehicle-external electronic processing unit 22 to a user application, for example, on a terminal device such as a smartphone. Furthermore, this data can also be transmitted to the workshop 24. The corresponding results can also be used for further product improvement.

[0049] The corresponding data can also be downloaded and analyzed at the workshop 24. Using appropriate software from the workshop 24, correct handling 12 of the battery 14 can also be determined, and appropriate repair measures can be suggested, particularly based on the corresponding evaluations. List of reference symbols 10 motor vehicle 12 Monitoring device 14 Battery 16 Recording device 18 Electronic computing device 20 Communication device 22 Electronic computing device external to the motor vehicle 24 Workshop 26 Internal combustion engine 28 Usage profile 30 Vehicle function 32 Charge level 34 State of health 36 Functional status 38 Battery resistance 40 Start / Stop function S1-S14 Steps of the procedure QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3610277 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Method for determining a current state of a battery (14) of a motor vehicle (10) by means of a monitoring device (12) of the motor vehicle (10), comprising the steps: - detecting a current electrical characteristic of the battery (14) by means of a detection device (16) of the monitoring device (12); - specifying an individual usage profile (28) of at least one vehicle function (30) in the motor vehicle (10) by means of an electronic computing device (18) of the monitoring device (12); and - Determining the current state of the battery (14) as a function of the current electrical characteristic and the individual usage profile (28) by means of the electronic computing device (18). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the usage profile (28) is determined over a predetermined number of uses of the battery (14). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the battery (14) is provided as a lead-acid battery or lithium-ion battery. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the use of at least one comfort function as a vehicle function (30) is taken into account in the usage profile (28). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the use of at least one driver assistance function as a vehicle function (30) is taken into account in the usage profile (28). [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a speed of an internal combustion engine (26) or an alternative drive such as an electric motor is taken into account as a vehicle function (30) in the usage profile (28). [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the use of at least one communication device (20) of the motor vehicle (10) is taken into account as a vehicle function (30) in the usage profile (28). [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the use of the battery (14) by at least one functional device independent of the motor vehicle (10) is additionally taken into account in the usage profile (28). [9] Computer program product with program code means which cause an electronic computing device (18) to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8 when the program code means are processed by the electronic computing device (18). [10] Monitoring device (12) for determining a current state of a battery (14) of a motor vehicle (10), with at least one detection device (16) and an electronic computing device (18), wherein the monitoring device (12) is designed to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8.

Images