Method for operating a drive unit for a motor vehicle, drive unit for a motor vehicle and computer program product

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a drive unit (1) for a motor vehicle, wherein the drive unit (1) comprises at least one drive unit (2) that is at least intermittently powered by fuel, and the composition of the fuel is determined by means of a sensor (3). It is provided that the composition of the fuel is stored in a data storage device (8, 9) together with a time-dependent data point. The invention further relates to a drive unit (1) for a motor vehicle and a computer program product.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a drive device for a motor vehicle, wherein the drive device has at least one drive unit that is at least temporarily fuel-operated, and the composition of the fuel is determined by means of a sensor. The invention further relates to a drive device for a motor vehicle and a computer program product.

[0002] For example, the prior art document DE 10 2018 202 816 A1 is known. This document describes a method for operating an internal combustion engine of a vehicle with a fuel mixture of a fossil fuel and a synthetic fuel. First, a pure-fuel emission profile of the internal combustion engine during operation with pure fossil fuel is defined, and then a composition of the fuel mixture is determined. A mixture emission profile of the internal combustion engine during operation with the fuel mixture is determined, and at least one operating parameter of the internal combustion engine is adjusted such that the mixture emission profile corresponds to the pure-fuel emission profile.

[0003] Furthermore, the document DE 40 19 161 C2 discloses a fuel control for an engine of a motor vehicle with a fuel line; means for supplying a liquid fuel mixture of first and second combustible fuels having different volumetric heat contents and viscosities through the fuel line at a predetermined pressure; and a fuel composition sensor in the fuel line which, in response to a physical parameter of the fuel mixture, generates a fuel composition signal indicative of the relative proportions of the first and second combustible fuels.

[0004] Further, there is provided a fuel injection device having an engine fuel injector in the fuel line and control means for opening the engine fuel injector during predetermined pulse durations to deliver pulse quantities of fuel to the engine, the fuel injection device calculating the pulse durations in dependence on the fuel composition signal for a predetermined quantity of fuel calibrated for flow characteristics of the engine fuel injector and the viscosity of the first fuel.

[0005] It is provided that the fuel injection device further reacts to the fuel composition signal by changing the predetermined pulse durations to compensate for the changing viscosity of the fuel mixture in order to deliver the predetermined fuel quantities in the fuel pulse durations when the viscosity of the fuel mixture changes along with a change in the fuel mixture composition.

[0006] It is an object of the invention to propose a method for operating a drive device for a motor vehicle, which has advantages over known methods, in particular ensures the use of a fuel with a specific composition and / or encourages a user of the motor vehicle to use such a fuel.

[0007] This is achieved according to the invention with a method for operating a drive device for a motor vehicle having the features of claim 1. It is provided that the composition of the fuel is stored in a data memory together with a time-dependent date.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments with useful further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments explained in the description are not limiting; rather, any variations of the features disclosed in the description, the claims, and the figures are feasible.

[0009] The drive device serves to drive the motor vehicle, i.e., to provide a drive torque directed towards driving the motor vehicle. To provide the drive torque, the drive device has at least one drive unit. Where reference is made to the drive unit or the at least one drive unit within the scope of this description, the statements are always equivalent to one another. Of course, the drive device can have multiple drive units; in this case, the drive unit or the at least one drive unit represents part of the multiple drive units. The multiple drive units are preferably of different types; for example, one of the drive units is an internal combustion engine and another of the drive units is an electric traction machine.In this case, the drive device can also be referred to as a hybrid drive device.

[0010] The drive unit is preferably in the form of an internal combustion engine, in particular a gasoline internal combustion engine or a diesel internal combustion engine. Fuel is supplied to the drive unit at least temporarily during operation of the drive device. The fuel serves to operate the drive unit; in particular, the drive unit consumes the fuel to provide the drive torque. Preferably, fresh gas is supplied to the drive unit at least temporarily in addition to the fuel, wherein the fresh gas at least temporarily contains fresh air. In addition, the fresh gas can comprise exhaust gas from the drive unit, provided that exhaust gas recirculation is implemented, in which the exhaust gas generated by the drive unit is at least partially recirculated back into the drive unit, namely as a component of the fresh gas.The fuel and fresh gas supplied to the drive unit form a fuel-fresh gas mixture with a specific composition, which is reacted in the drive unit.

[0011] In principle, various types of fuel are available for operating the drive system, which are also suitable for operating the drive unit. For example, a first type of fuel can be a conventional, purely petroleum-based fuel. A second type of fuel is also a petroleum-based fuel, but contains a first proportion of a biofuel produced from biomass. A third type of fuel is, for example, a petroleum-based fuel, but has a higher second proportion of the biofuel. A fourth type of fuel consists entirely of the biofuel, while a fifth type of fuel is a synthetically produced fuel, for example, one produced using electrical energy. Such a synthetic fuel can also be referred to as e-fuel. It is preferably produced from water and carbon dioxide using electrical energy.The fuel types mentioned are examples only. The fuel types may include only a portion of the fuel types mentioned, or they may include other fuel types not listed here. In any case, the different fuel types or the corresponding fuels differ in their composition.

[0012] It is foreseeable that the requirements for the fuel used to operate the drive unit will increase in the future. The requirements can also vary locally. For example, the operation of the drive unit or the drive device in a certain first area is only permitted if it is carried out using fuel that has a certain composition. In a second area, however, operation must be carried out using a fuel with a different composition. Additionally or alternatively, the only fuel available in the second area is that is not approved for operating the drive device in the first area. In this case, there can be an exception in the first area according to which the operation of the drive device is permitted with a fuel that does not have the required composition if the fuel was taken up in the second area.It may also be important to prove that the drive unit in the first area was operated exclusively with fuel that has the required composition.

[0013] For this reason, the invention provides that the fuel composition is first determined using the sensor. The sensor is a component of the drive system and is intended and configured to detect the fuel composition, in particular at least the fuel type. Upon detecting the fuel type, the sensor or a control unit controlling the sensor classifies the fuel into stored fuel types based on the determined composition, thus assigning the fuel to one of the fuel types.

[0014] Once the fuel composition has been determined, it is saved in the data memory. In addition to the composition, the time-dependent date is saved, whereby the time-dependent date is linked to the fuel composition. The time-dependent date is a data value that changes over time. The date can contain the time itself or, alternatively, a quantity that changes over time. The date that is present when the composition is determined using the sensor is saved together with the composition. In other words, the time-dependent date is present at a time at which the fuel composition is also determined. The composition present at that time and the date present at that time are linked together, i.e. assigned to one another, and stored in the data memory.When the composition is subsequently read from the data storage, the corresponding date can always be read as well, so that the composition and the date linked to it are known.

[0015] The composition of the fuel present at that time and the time-dependent date present at that time together form a data set that is stored in the data memory. Saving is preferably done as a data set history, in which the composition and the linked date are stored at different times. The data set history contains one or more data sets that are stored therein at different times. The data set history is stored in the data memory. The data memory or the data set history preferably has a certain size, i.e., it can only contain a certain maximum number of data sets. For example, the data set present at that time is added to the data set history.

[0016] If the number of data records present in the data record history reaches or exceeds the maximum number, the oldest data record is removed from the data record history and thus from the data store. The data store operates according to the first-in, first-out principle. However, it can also be provided that the data store can contain any number of data records, which is practically unlimited. This means that the size of the data store is such that data values ​​can be stored in it over time, for example, over several years or even over the entire service life of the drive system or motor vehicle.

[0017] It can be provided that the composition and the date are saved periodically, in particular regularly, i.e. at certain time intervals. However, it can also be provided that the composition and the date are only saved when the sensor detects a change in the composition. This procedure can significantly reduce the amount of data generated. A combination of both approaches can also be provided. In this case, the composition and the date are saved each time a change in the composition of the fuel is detected by the sensor. In addition, the composition and the date are saved periodically, in particular at regular time intervals, especially if no change in the composition of the fuel has been detected over a certain period of time.

[0018] The described method reliably records the fuel composition. Since this is done together with the time-dependent date, it is easily traceable at a later date which fuel the drive system was powered with at a specific time and what the fuel composition was at that time. This allows, for example, a motor vehicle user to easily prove compliance with regulations when driving the vehicle in a specific area.

[0019] A further development of the invention provides that the sensor is designed and configured to determine one of the following fuel compositions: a composition of the fuel supplied to the drive unit, a composition of the fuel taken from a fuel tank of the motor vehicle, a composition of the fuel supplied to the fuel tank, and a composition of the fuel temporarily stored in the fuel tank. It can be provided that only one of the aforementioned compositions is determined. However, several or even all of the aforementioned compositions are preferably determined and stored in the data memory together with the time-dependent date. Particularly preferably, the composition of the fuel supplied to the drive unit and the composition of the fuel supplied to the fuel tank are stored together with the date.This makes it possible to prove, on the one hand, that the fuel used to operate the engine has a specific composition. On the other hand, it can be verified when and / or where the fuel was taken up, i.e., added to the fuel tank.

[0020] Essentially, the drive system comprises the drive unit and the fuel tank. The fuel is temporarily stored in the fuel tank. In particular, the fuel is supplied to the fuel tank via a fuel filler neck during a refueling process. During the refueling process, fuel is drawn from a fuel pump, for example, into the fuel tank and temporarily stored there. During operation of the drive system, the fuel is withdrawn from the fuel tank, at least temporarily, and supplied to the drive unit to provide the drive torque.

[0021] For example, the composition of the fuel supplied to the drive unit is determined. This describes the composition of the fuel when it is supplied to the drive unit. Alternatively or additionally, the composition of the fuel taken from the fuel tank is determined. However, the composition of the fuel supplied to the drive unit usually corresponds to the composition of the fuel taken from the fuel tank, so both compositions can be determined together using a single sensor.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, the composition of the fuel supplied to the fuel tank is determined. For this purpose, the sensor is arranged, for example, in the fuel filler neck or in a fuel line between the fuel filler neck and the fuel tank. Furthermore, it can additionally or alternatively be provided to determine the composition of the fuel temporarily stored in a fuel tank or present there. For this purpose, the sensor is preferably arranged in or on the fuel tank. If several of the aforementioned compositions are to be determined, it is preferably provided to use several sensors for this purpose. In this case, the sensor already mentioned is a component of the several sensors. The described procedure enables particularly reliable monitoring of the composition of the fuel.

[0023] A further development of the invention provides that the time-dependent date contains at least one of the following variables: a time of day, a calendar date, a position of the motor vehicle, a route traveled by the motor vehicle, a direction of travel of the motor vehicle, and a driving speed of the motor vehicle. The date can contain exactly one of the named variables, but also several or preferably all of the named variables. The at least one variable or the several variables are preferably determined when determining the composition of the fuel, in particular at the same time. The time of day is to be understood very generally as a time specification which is specified, for example, at least in hours and minutes. In addition, the time can also be specified in seconds. The calendar date is a day specification of the current time. Together, the time of day and the calendar date form a unique time specification.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, the position and / or the route traveled by the motor vehicle is included in the time-dependent datum. The position is a geodetic position and is determined, for example, using a navigation system, preferably a global navigation system, in particular a global satellite navigation system. The route traveled is understood to mean the distance traveled by the motor vehicle, for example since a last change in the composition of the fuel. The direction of travel of the motor vehicle is recorded, for example, using the navigation system, a compass, or an inertial navigation system. The driving speed describes the current speed at which the motor vehicle is moving. By using at least one of the aforementioned variables as a component of the time-dependent datum, the advantages already mentioned can be readily achieved.

[0025] A further development of the invention provides that one of the following data storage devices is used as the data storage device: a local data storage device of the motor vehicle, a central data storage device of a central computing device connected to the motor vehicle via a wireless data transmission connection, and a distributed data storage device of one or more central computing devices and / or one or more motor vehicles. The data storage devices can therefore be divided into the local data storage device, the central data storage device, and the distributed data storage device. The local data storage device is located exclusively on board the motor vehicle. The central data storage device is a data storage device that is arranged at a distance from the motor vehicle and is present as a component of the central computing device. The central computing device and thus the central data storage device are wirelessly connected to the motor vehicle via the data transmission connection.To store the composition and date, these are transmitted from the motor vehicle via the data transmission connection to the central computer, where they are written into the central data memory. Preferably, the central data memory serves to store the aforementioned data for a plurality of motor vehicles, of which the described motor vehicle is a component.

[0026] The distributed data storage is located at multiple locations. For example, it can be distributed across one or more central computing devices and / or one or more motor vehicles. For example, the distributed data storage is located in multiple central computing devices, multiple motor vehicles, or at least one central computing device and at least one motor vehicle. The motor vehicle, of which the drive device is a component, can be used as this motor vehicle or as a component of the multiple motor vehicles. If the distributed data storage is used, the data to be stored, i.e., the fuel composition and the time-dependent date, are preferably stored at multiple locations simultaneously or distributed across multiple locations.

[0027] Particularly preferably, several of the aforementioned data storage devices are used to store the described data. For example, they are written to both the local data storage device and the central data storage device and / or the distributed data storage device for storage. This achieves a particularly high level of data security.

[0028] A further development of the invention provides that storage in the data storage device is carried out with a cryptographic signature. The cryptographic signature of the stored data prevents manipulation of the data. Particularly preferably, a checksum of the previously stored data set is stored with each stored data set in order to create a tamper-proof data set history. Cryptographic signing is preferably always carried out if the local data storage device and / or the distributed data storage device are used to store the data. The described procedure ensures a high level of data security.

[0029] A further development of the invention provides for the fuel composition to be stored in a classified form. The composition determined using the sensor is classified using the stored fuel types. The fuel type that most closely corresponds to the determined fuel composition is determined. Instead of the actual fuel composition, a value describing the fuel type and thus the fuel composition is stored in the data memory along with the associated date. This simplifies the evaluation of the stored data.

[0030] A further development of the invention provides that the composition of the fuel over a total distance traveled by the motor vehicle is displayed by means of a display. The display is preferably arranged in an interior of the motor vehicle, preferably in a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. For example, it is mounted on a dashboard of the motor vehicle. The display shows the composition of the fuel, specifically based on the entire distance traveled by the motor vehicle to date. For example, it shows for which proportions of the total distance traveled a certain composition of the fuel or a certain type of fuel was used. This enables the user of the motor vehicle to initiate appropriate measures, for example adding the required fuel to the fuel tank. The described procedure ensures that local regulations can always be reliably complied with.

[0031] A further development of the invention provides for the use of an internal combustion engine as the drive unit. This was already mentioned above. High drive power is achieved with the help of the internal combustion engine.

[0032] The invention further relates to a drive device for a motor vehicle, in particular for carrying out the method according to the explanations in the context of this description, wherein the drive device has at least one drive unit that is at least temporarily operated with a fuel and is provided and configured to determine the composition of the fuel by means of a sensor. The drive device is further provided and configured to store the composition of the fuel in a data memory together with a time-dependent date.

[0033] The advantages of such a drive system design and such a procedure have already been pointed out. Both the drive system for a motor vehicle and the method for operating it can be further developed according to the explanations in this description, so reference is made to these in this regard.

[0034] Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program product comprising instructions that cause the drive device to execute the explained method steps according to the embodiments of this description. Regarding the advantages and possible advantageous developments, reference is made to the entire description.

[0035] The features and feature combinations described in the description, in particular the features and feature combinations described in the following description of the figures and / or shown in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments are also considered to be encompassed by the invention that are not explicitly shown or explained in the description and / or the figures, but which follow from or can be derived from the explained embodiments.

[0036] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, without limiting the invention. Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a method for operating a drive device for a motor vehicle.

[0037] The Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a drive device 1 designed and configured to drive a motor vehicle. To provide a drive torque directed toward driving the motor vehicle, the drive device 1 has a drive unit 2, which is in the form of an internal combustion engine, for example. During operation, the drive unit 2 is supplied with fuel, the composition of which is determined using a sensor 3. For this purpose, the sensor 3 is controlled by a control unit 4, which supplies the composition of the fuel as an output variable. This output variable, or composition, is indicated here in the form of block 5.

[0038] In blocks 6 and 7, the composition is linked to a first time-dependent datum and a second time-dependent datum, for example, a route traveled by the motor vehicle and a position of the motor vehicle. The data, consisting of the fuel composition and the two time-dependent datums, are stored in a data memory 8 and a data memory 9. Data memory 8 is a local data memory of the motor vehicle, whereas data memory 9 is a central data memory of a central computing device 10. Furthermore, the data is displayed to a driver of the motor vehicle via a display 11.

[0039] Using the described drive device 1 or the procedure described with reference to the drive device 1, it can be ensured that the drive unit 2 is operated in a targeted manner with a specific fuel having a specific composition. This allows the motor vehicle 1 to be used even in areas where restrictions exist regarding the fuel to be used. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS: 1 drive device 2 drive unit 3 Sensor 4 Control unit 5 blocks 6 blocks 7 Blocks 8 data storage 9 Data storage 10 Central computer 11 Advertisement 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] DE 10 2018 202 816 A1

[0002] DE 40 19 161 C2

[0003]

Claims

[1] Method for operating a drive device (1) for a motor vehicle, wherein the drive device (1) has at least one drive unit (2) which is at least temporarily operated with a fuel and a composition of the fuel is determined by means of a sensor (3), characterized by that the composition of the fuel is stored in a data memory (8, 9) together with a time-dependent date. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the sensor (3) is provided and designed to determine one of the following compositions of the fuel: a composition of the fuel supplied to the drive unit (2), a composition of the fuel taken from a fuel tank of the motor vehicle, a composition of the fuel supplied to the fuel tank and a composition of the fuel temporarily stored in the fuel tank. [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the time-dependent data contains at least one of the following variables: a time of day, a calendar date, a position of the motor vehicle, a route traveled by the motor vehicle, a direction of travel of the motor vehicle and a speed of the motor vehicle. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that one of the following data memories (8, 9) is used as the data memory (8, 9): a local data memory (8) of the motor vehicle, a central data memory (9) of a central computing device (10) connected to the motor vehicle via a wireless data transmission connection and a distributed data memory of one or more central computing devices (10) and / or one or more motor vehicles. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the storage in the data memory (8, 9) is cryptographically signed. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the composition of the fuel is stored in a classified manner. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the composition of the fuel over a total distance traveled by the motor vehicle is displayed by means of a display (11). [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an internal combustion engine is used as the drive unit (2). [9] Drive device (1) for a motor vehicle, in particular for carrying out the method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the drive device (1) has at least one drive unit (2) which is at least temporarily operated with a fuel and is provided and designed to determine a composition of the fuel by means of a sensor (3), characterized bythat the drive device (1) is further provided and designed to store the composition of the fuel in a data memory (8, 9) together with a time-dependent date. [10] Computer program product comprising instructions which cause the drive device (1) according to claim 9 to carry out the method according to one or more of claims 1 to 8.

Images