Method for optimizing route planning with charging stops for electrified vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for optimizing route planning (50) with at least one charging stop for electrified vehicles (10). On the one hand, compatibility between the electrified vehicle (10) and the charging point (20) is taken into account for each planned charging stop, and on the other hand, each journey (40) to a charging point (20) is supported by providing (45) a map (42) of the surrounding area and / or an approach path (44). Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the method and to an electrified vehicle (10) or mobile terminal (60) on which an application executes the method according to the invention.

Description

Technical FieldThe present invention relates to a method for optimizing a route planning with at least one charge stop for electrified vehicles. In this case, firstly compatibility of electrified vehicle and charging point is taken into account for each scheduled charging stop, and secondly each approach to a charging point is supported by providing an environment map and / or a starting path. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the method and to an electrified vehicle or mobile terminal on which an application carries out the method according to the invention.Prior ArtConventional routing methods do not allow for special routing that is tuned to electrified vehicles. However, the process of energy consumption due to the influence of charging time duration and the presence of charging points is an important factor of routing for electrified vehicles and must be taken into account accordingly.DE 10 2017 211 689 A1 relates to a method for route planning and route optimization for an electrically driving vehicle. The optimization is carried out on the basis of the energy requirement for individual route sections. A parameter on the basis of which an optimization can be carried out is, for example, the presence of charging points, their position, their availability and their charging power. Thus, charge infrastructure and charge strategy are observed during route planning.DE 10 2017 216 417 A1 discloses a charging station and a method for access control to such a charging station. For this purpose, a vehicle is identified and a parking space is assigned to the charging station. In one specific embodiment, characteristics of the motor vehicle, in particular charging technology, storage capacity of the electrical energy store, state of charge and / or anticipated charging duration, are ascertained during the identification. The allocation of the parking space then takes place at least partially as a function of the properties determined for the motor vehicle, or the parking space is selected from the plurality of parking spaces as a function of the properties determined. For example, the parking space is selected such that the charging technology of the associated charging unit matches the motor vehicle.DE 10 2021 203 535 A1 discloses a method for wireless communication between an infrastructure component, for example a charging station, and a vehicle. The mutual finding and identification of the communication partners can be effected by emitting a general radio signal or by exchanging the respective identity data (so-called IDs). Such communication is intended in particular for charging operations and serves for the exchange of information which can also comprise an exact point of view.DE 10 201977 A1 relates to a charging management system for a parking area or a parking garage. It is also provided that a vehicle or its user receives information via two different paths, which makes it easier for him to find a specific charging station and the associated parking zones. On the one hand, electronic information signs can be located in the entry areas. On the other hand, the parking space area can communicate directly with the vehicle and / or the mobile terminals of the user. In this case, in particular, an exact navigation route can be transmitted to the charging station.Disclosure of the InventionAccording to the invention, a method for optimizing a route planning with at least one charge stop for electrified vehicles is proposed, wherein a compatibility of electrified vehicle and charge point is taken into account for each scheduled charge stop, and wherein each approach to a charge point is supported by providing an environment map and / or a starting path.Electrified vehicles are in particular passenger cars, trucks, buses, two-wheeled vehicles or agricultural vehicles, which are at least partially operated electrically. The method according to the invention is particularly suitable for electric vehicles.For such electrified vehicles, charging is an important factor to consider in routing. In contrast to refueling vehicles with internal combustion engines, electric charging requires more planning, merely because the range of electrified vehicles is usually shorter. In addition, the network of charging stations is not yet available over the entire surface and the charging process itself is more time-consuming than a tank stop. In order to nevertheless carry out a charge stop as quickly and without problems as possible, compatibility of the electrified vehicle and the charging point is taken into account in the method according to the invention. To do this, various known parameters of the charging point are matched to those of the vehicle in order to ensure that charging of the vehicle at that charging point is possible and is not associated with great challenges.The compatibility check comprises, for example(i) the type of charging (e.g. via cable, AC charging, DC charging, inductive, quick charging);(ii) the dimensions of the loading point itself, such as its parking area (with length L L and width B L), approach to the parking space, alignment to the roadway, height restriction in the case of roofing, weight restriction, but also corresponding dimensions for direct access;(iii) the geometry of the vehicle, i.e. length L F, width B F, height H F, height profile, but also weight or the presence of a trailer;(iv) the position P D of the charging box(s) on the vehicle and the position P L of the charging post at the charging point;(v) the charging cable present on the electrified vehicle and / or at the charging point and its length L K, and also the plug type (e.g. type 1 plug, type 2 plug, CCS plug, chadeno, supercharger, CEE plug) or corresponding adapters;(vi) the access authorization to the charging point and for the charging process, or also in a private parking zone, for example by means of an RFID chip, an EVU (Energy Supply Company) charging card, a QR code, a unique identification number stored in the electrified vehicle, a certificate stored in the electrified vehicle (e.g. contract certificate for the charging process), a software on the mobile terminal (app) assigned to a contract for charging;(vii) Availability of the charging point on the basis of known occupancy, reservations or predictions of the occupancy.In order to find the charging point without problems for the charging process, the sole knowledge of its position is often not sufficient, since on the one hand the position information tolerates a certain deviation and on the other hand charging points are often not explicitly masked, they can easily be concealed and / or they can be located on different levels of a parking garage. Therefore, in the method according to the invention, each approach to a charging point is supported by providing an environment map and / or a starting path. By "providing" is meant in particular that the user of the electrified vehicle has direct access to it, i.e. for example that the environment map and / or the approach path can be called up within the route planning or the navigation or they are displayed directly.An environmental map is in particular a road map which, in addition to the road network of a conventional map, also represents details from the environment, for example buildings, plants, road infrastructure such as traffic signs or road lights, or construction sites. These details are depicted in particular graphically, for example by symbols, particularly preferably on the basis of actual photographs of the environment that are as current as possible, so that as fast and easy an orientation as possible is possible when approaching.A starting path is in particular a detailed description of the path up to the actual parking space of the charging point. This relates, for example, in particular to starting points at a parking lot or within a parking garage when the conventional navigation ends at the respective entrance. The starting path can be output in text form or by voice output, but is preferably graphically represented by (arrow) symbols or a route guidance. In the method according to the invention, the environment map and the approach path can be combined, for example by being displayed and used one after the other, or by simultaneous use, for example if the display of the approach path is supplemented with details from the environment. Thus, the user of the electric vehicle experiences the greatest possible assistance in finding the charging location within the method according to the invention.In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, an environment map and / or a starting path for the approach to a charging point is provided starting from a prominent point in the environment.Such a prominent point in the environment is a location that can easily be found by conventional navigation, for example a road intersection, a circular traffic, a traffic light system, a stop, a driveway to a terrain or building, or a conspicuous building (e.g. circh, supermarket) or other structure (e.g. staff, well) itself. A prominent point must be quickly apparent to the user of the electrified vehicle and must not be (completely) obscured by conventional environmental conditions such as parking cars, trees, building buildings, etc.The environment map and / or the starting path are provided as soon as the electrified vehicle is located within a specific radius around the prominent point, i.e., the distance falls below a specific threshold value. Alternatively, the providing occurs once the electrified vehicle is within a certain radius about the charging point.In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the at least one environment map and / or the at least one approach path are called when route planning is carried out.Even in the case of known routes or charging points, for example, when route planning is carried out, the map of the surroundings and / or the approach path are thus repeatedly called up. This ensures that current information is always available and short-term changes, for example due to construction sites, are also known.In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, a user is provided with the option, when performing the route planning, of reserving one or more charging points of the scheduled charging stops. If the route planning is carried out not only for purely planning purposes, but for a journey which is actually pending, the user has the possibility, within the scope of the route planning, of reserving individual charging points or all of the selected charging points for the required period of time. This additionally increases the planning safety because it is ensured that the charging points that are approached are free for a charging process of the electrified vehicle. Such reservation can be made via communication with the charging points themselves or via a database which provides the information and data of the charging points.In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the at least one environment map and / or the at least one starting path are displayed on a screen of the electrified vehicle, by means of a head-up display of the electrified vehicle or on a mobile terminal in the electrified vehicle.Preferably, the desired display may be adjusted and / or altered by the user of the electrified vehicle.In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the at least one charging point comprises a charging column.The most common way of charging electrified vehicles to date is achieved via charging cables, which are carried out via a charging column for charging in the public traffic area. Thus, in these cases, the charging column is an important component of the charging point and a connection of electrified vehicle and charging column is essential for the charging process.In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least one footprint of the charging point and / or a geometry of the electrified vehicle are taken into account for checking the compatibility, as defined above. A coordination of the dimensions of the parking space and vehicle is essential in order to be able to approach and use a charging point. Thus, on the one hand, the charging process can be carried out without problems and impairment of other road users can be avoided.In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, a position P D of a charging socket on the electrified vehicle, a length L K of an existing charging cable and / or a plug type of the electrified vehicle are taken into account for checking the compatibility, as defined above. Based on these properties, it is evident whether the electrified vehicle can be connected to the charging point, in particular to a charging column. A charging cable may be present at the charging point and / or in the electrified vehicle.In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, access authorisation of the electrified vehicle for the charging point is taken into account for checking the compatibility, as defined above. A charging process is possible only by identifying the electrified vehicle and selecting a payment option.In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, all data of the charging point with regard to a compatibility check are stored in a database of the charging points.In order to allow charging points to be considered for route planning, a database (or databases) is accessed in which locations of charging points are stored. Advantageously, further data relating to the corresponding load points are also stored in the same database in order to be able to retrieve all information as is necessary for the compatibility check to be carried out. Likewise, environment maps and approach paths of the charging points are advantageously also stored here. In one embodiment, an occupancy query and / or reservation of the charging points is also carried out via such databases.In addition, the invention relates to a use of the method according to the invention in an electrified vehicle, preferably in an electric vehicle. The use can take place before a trip, directly at the beginning of a trip, during a trip, if it becomes apparent, for example, that a charge stop is necessary, or else independently of a trip, for example for planning purposes.Moreover, the invention relates to an electrified vehicle or to a mobile terminal on which an application is charged and executed that carries out the method according to the invention.The electrified vehicle is in particular a passenger car, a truck, a bus, a two-wheeler or an agricultural vehicle which is at least partially operated electrically. Preferably, it is an electric vehicle. The mobile terminal is preferably a smartphone. However, it can also be a tablet, a navigation device or a smart watch, for example.The invention also relates to a computer program which is set up to control the method according to the invention, and to a machine-readable storage medium on which the computer program according to the invention is stored.Advantages of the InventionWith the method according to the invention, an optimization in the route planning for electrified vehicles is achieved and thus the utilization overall for the user is improved.Such optimized routing guarantees the user his mobility with the electrified vehicle, in particular with an electric vehicle. The range of these vehicles is comparatively limited and the users rely on public charging facilities. If charging is not possible at a charging point approached, this can easily result in the mobility of the vehicle and thus of the user no longer being given. This is associated with great inconvenience and time for the user.With the aid of the method according to the invention, however, there are no "top-up" for the user as a user of the electrified vehicle at the stop of charging, which make charging more difficult or impossible. The potential challenges at the charge stop are manifold, such as an improper parking area, an improper charging cable, no access, difficult parking or connecting to the charging point, necessary decoupling of a combination, no quick charging possible, etc.In contrast to gas stations for vehicles with an internal combustion engine, charging points for electrified vehicles are often not shielded, not characterized with a widely visible (light) shield and not provided with a recognizable entry or exit to the installation. Instead, charging stations are often installed as charging points at individual parking spaces in a large-area parking space, which charging stations are difficult to discover visually even if they are already in their vicinity, because of the more compact design in comparison to a gas station installation. The charging points can be easily covered by the further infrastructure or can be located, for example, at different levels of a parking garage. Furthermore, certain deviations from position information are often tolerated for navigation. Therefore, knowing only the position information of a charging point is often not sufficient to locate it without any problem.However, the method according to the invention does not require long searching for the (correct) charging point, since the user is additionally supported when approaching the charging point. The exact route and the exact location of the charging point can be found by current image and / or info material, even if it is located, for example, in a construction site environment or in a multi-level parking garage.This results in a further advantage of the method according to the invention, namely planning safety during travel with the electrified vehicle, in particular for the charge stops. In conventional route planning, charge stops are not taken into account and even if a charging strategy is planned in parallel, the compatibility of charging point and electrified vehicle is not checked in this case. As a result of the integrated planning of the charge stops, their checking and the assistance during the approach, a more accurate time estimate of the journey including charge stops is also possible within the scope of the route planning. Thus, not only the planning of the route, but also the planning of the time requirement is reliable.In addition, the method according to the invention always offers current data and information which is helpful not only for loading at unknown, but also at known loading points. For example, a driveway to a charging point may change due to diversions or construction sites, or the charging point itself may be concealed. The current query also allows information about current assignments or reservations of the charging point and / or gives the user of the electrified vehicle himself the option of reserving it. During the course of the route planning and after the selection of a suitable charge stop, a reservation can be made directly for the suitable time window.Thus, the method according to the invention provides reliable and accurate planning of charging stops for electrified vehicles, which avoids challenges for the user, avoids the uncertainties associated with charging, and supports them in the charging processes in the best possible manner.Brief Description of the DrawingsEmbodiments of the invention are explained in more detail on the basis of the drawings and the following description.The following are shown: FIG. 1 shows an overview of the method according to the invention for optimized route planning for electrified vehicles FIG. 2 shows a diagram for querying whether the environment map and / or the approach path to the charging point are displayed FIGS. 3-5 show various layouts of charging points for electrified vehicles with parking area and charging columnEmbodiments of the InventionIn the following description of the embodiments of the invention, identical or similar elements are denoted by identical reference symbols, wherein a repeated description of these elements is omitted in individual cases. The figures only schematically represent the subject matter of the invention.FIG. 1 shows an overview of the method according to the invention for optimized routing 50 for electrified vehicles 10. For this purpose, charging points 20 or charging stations 21 and their location 23 are called up from a database 25 along possible routes. In addition, additional available information and data 24 are retrieved from the respective charging points 20, which allow compatibility testing for charging point 20 and electrified vehicle 10. In addition, surrounding maps 42 and / or approach paths 44 of the selected charging points 20 are provided, which assist the user during the approach 40 in finding the charging points 20. After the retrieval 41 and the provision 45, the route planning 50 and the further information are then available to the user in the example shown on a mobile terminal 60, e.g. smartphone and / or in the electrified vehicle 10, for example via the onboard computer.The compatibility check of electrified vehicle 10 and charging point 20, at which various known parameters of charging point 20 are matched to those of electrified vehicle 10, includes, for example: (i) the type of charging (e.g., via charging cable 34, inductive, AC charging, DC charging, quick charging); (ii) the dimensions of charging point 20 itself, such as its footprint 26 (having length L L27 and width B L28), approach 40 to footprint 26, orientation to roadway 58, height limitation upon roofing, weight limitation, but also corresponding dimensions for direct approach; (iii) the geometry 12 of the electrified vehicle 10, i.e., length L F13, width B F14, height H F, height profile, but also weight or presence of a trailer 17; (iv) the position P D31 of the charging box(s) 30 on the electrified vehicle 10 and the position P L29 of the charging post 21 at the charging point 20; (v) the charging cable 34 present on the electrified vehicle 10 and / or on the charging point 20 and its length L K35, and the plug type 36 (e.g. type 1 plug, type 2 plug, CCS plug, chadeno, supercharger, CEE plug) or corresponding adapters; (vi) the access authorization 38 to the charging point 20 and for the charging process, or else in a private parking zone, for example by means of an RFID chip, EVU (Energy Supply Company) charging card, QR code, a unique identification number stored in the electrified vehicle 10, a certificate stored in the electrified vehicle 10 (e.g. contract certificate for the charging process), software on the mobile terminal 60 (app) assigned to a contract for charging; (vii) availability of the charging point 20 on the basis of known occupancy, reservations or predictions of the occupancy.FIG. 2 shows a diagram for inquiring whether the environment map 42 and / or the approach path 44 to the charging point 20 are to be displayed to the user. This takes place as a function of the distance of the electrified vehicle 10 from the planned charging point 20, that is to say as a function of whether the electrified vehicle 10 is already located in the approach 40 to the charging point 20 (i.e. in a specific radius of the charging point 20) or in the radius of a specific prominent point 48 in the environment 49 of the charging point 20. The respective distance 52 is checked here for a threshold value 54 being undershot. If this criterion is affirmative (check symbol), then the provision 45 of environment map 42 and / or approach path 44 takes place. if the criterion is not yet fulfilled (check symbol), then the normal navigation 56 is continued along the route or in the direction of the charging point 20 until ultimately the approach 40 to the charging point 20 begins.FIGS. 3-5 show various layouts of charging points 20 for electrified vehicles 10 with footprint 26 and charging post 21, as well as their characteristics, limitations, and challenges. FIG. 3 shows a charging point 20 with charging column 21, the parking area 26 being a parking bay. The geometry 12 of length L F13 and width B F14 of the electrified vehicle 10 is compatible with the footprint 26 (length L L27 and width B L28) of the charging point 20. Due to the positions P L29 and P D31 of charging post 21 and charging box 30 of the electrified vehicle 10, it is necessary to park the electrified vehicle 10 in reverse. The maneuvering from the roadway 58 takes place in this case counter to the direction of traffic and requires a curve of more than 180°. Thus, although charging for the electrified vehicle 10 at the illustrated charging point 20 is possible, it is associated with certain challenges for the driver at the approach 40. Such a charging point 20 is more suitable, for example, for electrified vehicles 10 in which the position P D31 of the charging box 30 is located at the vehicle front.FIG. 4 shows a charging point 20 having two parking spaces 26 and a charging column 21. In the example shown, the position P D31 of the charging box 30 is in each case located at the rear region of the electrified vehicle 10. the position P L29 of the charging post 21 is located between the two parking spaces 26, such that different requirements for a connection to the charging post 21 exist for the electrified vehicles 10, depending on the parking space 26. In order to connect charging column 21 and charging socket 30 to one another with a charging cable 34, this charging cable 34 must have a large length L K35 in order to bridge the distance between the two components. A short charging cable 34 cannot be used to charge in the parking position shown. In such a case, the electrified vehicle 10 would have to be parked in reverse, i.e., counter to the direction of travel, which is associated with higher requirements on the driver and, if necessary, also violates the applicable traffic rules. A charging process is therefore also possible here only under additional preconditions for the electrified vehicle 10 or its driver.FIG. 5 also shows a charging point 20 with a charging column 21, the parking area 26 is oriented orthogonally to the roadway 58 and the position P L29 of the charging column 21 is located at the rear end of the parking area 26, Further relevant parameters for a compatibility test between charging point 20 and electrified vehicle 10 are the dimensions of the parking area 26, namely the length L L27 and the width B L28, and the geometry 12 of the electrified vehicle 10 or, in this case, of the combination 16, which electrified vehicle 10 and trailer 17 comprise. It has the length L F13 and the width B F14. The position P D31 of the charging box 30 is located in the rear region of the electrified vehicle 10. In order to carry out a charging process at this charging point 20, the trailer 17 of the combination 16 would have to be decoupled so that it does not project from the parking surface 26 onto the roadway 58. In addition, depending on the length L K35 of the available charging cable 34, it may be expedient for the electrified vehicle 10 to park backwards at the charging point 20, such that the position P D31 of the charging box 30 is as close as possible to the position P L29 of the charging column 21. In addition, for example, the plug type 36 of the charging column 21 and potentially present adapters, and the access authorization 38 for the charging point 20 should also be queried in order to be able to establish a connection for charging. It is also possible to check assignments of the charging point 20 and, for example, the possibility for rapid charging.Overall, the charging process can thus be checked on the basis of the method according to the invention before a start 40 and can be designed as simply as possible. For this purpose, firstly the compatibility between electrified vehicle 10 and charging point 20 is checked on the basis of various parameters, and possibly the challenges that a user expect during the charging process (e.g. parking only in a specific position, decoupling a combination 16, parking against the traffic flow) are classified. On the other hand, the approach 40 itself is supported by surrounding maps 42 and / or approach paths 44 and is thus likewise simplified.The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described here and the aspects emphasized therein. Rather, within the scope of the claims, a variety of modifications are possible, which are within the scope of specialist activity.References included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedDE 10 2017 211 689 A1

[0003] DE 10 2017 216 417 A1

[0004] DE 10 2021 203 535 A1

[0005] DE 10 201977 A1

[0006]

Claims

Method for optimizing a route planning (50) with at least one charge stop for electrified vehicles (10), wherein compatibility of electrified vehicle (10) and charge point (20) is taken into account for each scheduled charge stop, and wherein each approach (40) to a charge point (20) is supported by providing (45) an environment map (42) and / or a starting path (44).Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the provision (45) of an environment map (42) and / or of a travel path (44) for the approach (40) to a charging point (20) takes place starting from a prominent point (48) in the environment (49).Method according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the at least one environment map (42) and / or the at least one approach path (44) are called up (41) when the route planning (50) is carried out.Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that when performing the route planning (50), a user is provided with the option of reserving one or more charging points (20) of the scheduled charging stops.Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one environment map (42) and / or the at least one starting path (44) are displayed on a screen of the electrified vehicle (10), by means of a head-up display of the electrified vehicle (10) or on a mobile terminal (60) in the electrified vehicle (10).Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the at least one charging point (20) comprises a charging column (21).Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one footprint (26) of the charging point (20) and / or a geometry (12) of the electrified vehicle (10) are taken into account for checking the compatibility.Method according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a position P D(31) of a charging socket (30) on the electrified vehicle (10), a length L K(35) of an existing charging cable (34) and / or a plug type (36) of the electrified vehicle (10) are taken into account for checking the compatibility.Method according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, for checking the compatibility, access authorisation (38) of the electrified vehicle (10) for the charging point (20) is taken into account.Method according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that all data (24) of the load point (20) with regard to a compatibility check are stored in a database (25) of the load points (20).Use of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 in an electrified vehicle (10).An electrified vehicle (10) or mobile terminal (60) on which an application is loaded and executed that performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.A computer program adapted to control the method of any one of claims 1 to 9.A machine readable storage medium having stored thereon the computer program of claim 12.

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