Method and control device for operating a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a control device (12) for operating a motor vehicle (10). It is provided that the temperature of the vehicle cabin is controlled during a stopover of the motor vehicle (10) during short-distance operation, which temperature is dependent on whether an occupant is wearing clothing (18) with an adjustable temperature control function. The occupant's air conditioning is then essentially controlled by the clothing (18) worn, which has an adjustable temperature control function, thus reducing the energy consumption for cabin air conditioning.

Description

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

[0002] The air conditioning of the passenger compartment, also known as the vehicle cabin, is of great importance for the available range of electric and / or hybrid vehicles as the largest auxiliary consumer. Neither sufficient waste heat at high temperatures nor sufficient usable energy from a combustion engine are available for heating the vehicle cabin. The energy for heating the vehicle cabin in cold ambient conditions must be drawn from a vehicle battery in predominantly or fully electrically powered vehicles, so heating can cause significant range reductions.

[0003] In many private or professional vehicle usage scenarios, short distances are driven followed by brief downtimes. Depending on the ambient conditions, the vehicle cabins repeatedly cool down or heat up, and then must be repeatedly adjusted to the correct temperature. Despite the presence of vehicle cabin air conditioning, a comfortable thermal climate of approximately 18°C ​​to 24°C will not be achieved (or will only be achieved for a few minutes) in cold or excessively warm ambient conditions during short journeys. The vehicle's air conditioning system nevertheless expends considerable energy trying to heat the vehicle cabin without achieving the desired target cabin temperature during the journey.Since this leads to a large, unnecessary reduction in the range of electric vehicles, the document DE 10 2013 205 223 A1 provides a method for controlling an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle, in which the performance of the air conditioning system is reduced in such cases.

[0004] The document DE 10 2013 214 264 A1 discloses a solution in which the driver of the motor vehicle specifies the intended operating time so that the control device can take this information into account at an early stage, i.e. at the beginning of the journey and not only as a corrective during the journey, for the control of a consumer.

[0005] In order to increase the range of the vehicle, the document DE 10 2023 001 182 A1 proposes, however, to reduce the energy required for tempering the interior by means of an air conditioning system when driving, using residual engine heat or by supplying cool outside air.

[0006] According to document DE 10 2020 211 340 A1, it is intended to shift the heating function into the occupant's clothing in order to avoid heating the entire vehicle cabin and thus reduce the overall heating energy required.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of providing an air conditioning system for a motor vehicle that reduces energy consumption and comfort restrictions for the user of the motor vehicle.

[0008] The object of the invention is achieved by a method and a control unit for operating a motor vehicle according to the independent patent claims. Preferred developments are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

[0009] A first aspect relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is preferably a fully or partially electronically powered vehicle (electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle). Particularly preferably, the motor vehicle is a vehicle in which the temperature control of the vehicle cabin is achieved either entirely or at least partially via an electrically powered air conditioning system. Temperature control of the vehicle cabin can comprise heating (in cold ambient conditions) and / or cooling (in warm ambient conditions). The target temperature for the temperature control of the vehicle cabin is preferably between 18°C ​​and 24°C.

[0010] In one method step, a short-distance operation of the motor vehicle with at least one intermediate stop is recorded. In other words, knowledge is obtained of an upcoming operation of the motor vehicle, according to which, after a short driving time, for example, of 30 minutes or less, an intermediate stop is planned, after which further driving of the motor vehicle is planned. An intermediate stop therefore corresponds to a stationary period of the motor vehicle between two operations of the motor vehicle with a short driving time. During the intermediate stop, the motor vehicle may, in particular, be abandoned by the vehicle user / occupant. It is understandable that short-distance operation can also include a plurality of intermediate stops.Short-distance operation can primarily include private but also professional use scenarios, where short distances are driven followed by brief downtimes, meaning that the vehicle cabins repeatedly cool down (or heat up, depending on the ambient conditions) and then repeatedly need to be adjusted to the correct temperature. Examples of professional use scenarios include delivery services, mobile care services, installation and assembly services, and the like. However, even in private use, motor vehicles are often parked after short travel periods, for example, about half an hour per day for shopping trips and another three-quarters of an hour at other locations, such as restaurants, parks, or other recreational facilities.Even in such usage scenarios, the vehicle cabin will cool down during idle times on cold days and heat up on warm days, and the vehicle will expend considerable energy trying in vain to heat or cool the cabin during a subsequent short journey. The energy expended for this purpose leads to unnecessary (or avoidable) reductions in the vehicle's range.

[0011] According to a further step of the method, it is determined whether an occupant of the motor vehicle, for example the driver of the motor vehicle, is wearing clothing with an adjustable temperature control function. In other words, it is determined whether the occupant of the motor vehicle is wearing heated and / or cooling clothing, for example electrically heated and / or cooling clothing, which can at least partially, preferably completely, provide local air conditioning for the occupant of the motor vehicle. Clothing with an adjustable temperature control function preferably comprises heating and / or cooling clothing, for example electrically heated and / or cooling clothing with sufficient, i.e., active or activatable, heating and / or cooling power that is perceptible to the occupant.

[0012] In a further method step, the motor vehicle is operated in a short-distance operating mode. The short-distance operating mode comprises an (activatable) first mode in which no clothing with an adjustable temperature control function has been detected, and an (activatable) second mode in which clothing with an adjustable temperature control function has been detected. The first mode is preferably a comfort mode, in which a temperature in a predetermined first temperature range, for example a comfortable climate of 18°C ​​to 24°C, is to be provided in the vehicle cabin. The second mode is preferably a departure-ready mode or economy mode, in which a temperature is provided in a second temperature range that differs from the first temperature range and lies, for example, between the comfortable climate of 18°C ​​to 24°C and the ambient temperature of the motor vehicle.

[0013] By knowing the clothing worn by the occupant with an adjustable temperature control function, the energy required to regulate the temperature in the vehicle cabin can be reduced, as the occupant's temperature is at least partially controlled by the clothing worn. This means that in the second mode, there is no need to completely heat or cool the vehicle cabin. Given that vehicles on German roads are on average only occupied by 1.46 people, meaning that in most cases the entire vehicle cabin is only heated or cooled for one person anyway, the second mode represents a particularly effective energy-saving measure. In particular, delivery vehicles or vehicles used for mobile care, maintenance, assembly, and the like are usually driven by only one person.

[0014] During the intermediate stop, a first temperature is provided in the vehicle cabin in the first mode, and a second temperature different from the first temperature is provided in the second mode. The second temperature is preferably provided depending on the (determined) clothing with an adjustable temperature control function. Preferably, the first temperature is greater than the second temperature in the case of determined heating clothing, and less than the second temperature in the case of determined cooling clothing. The short-distance operating mode preferably relates to electric or hybrid vehicle driving scenarios with repetitive short driving and downtimes.According to the invention, in the short-distance operating mode, during the respective short-term driving and idle times, cabin air conditioning, for example by heating or cooling air flowing into the vehicle cabin, is to be dispensed with essentially completely or at least to a considerable extent, and this is to be replaced for the vehicle user by tempering the clothing with an adjustable tempering function, for example heating and / or cooling clothing.

[0015] Studies of various motor vehicles in which the vehicle cabins were heated from -10 °C to 20 °C and the time required for this was measured have shown that many of the vehicles examined require more than 30 minutes to heat up the vehicle cabin. Furthermore, it was found that all of the vehicles examined require approximately 1.5 kW to 2 kW of power to permanently maintain a temperature of 20 °C in the vehicle cabin at an outside temperature of -10 °C. In comparison, the electrical power required for the corresponding heating using clothing with an adjustable temperature control function is approximately 100 W to 200 W. Furthermore, with the local air conditioning of the occupant through the worn clothing, the occupant's temperature can be adjusted considerably faster, within just a few minutes, comparable to conventional seat heaters.The invention thus exploits the fact that, for certain vehicle usage scenarios involving repetitive short journeys, close-to-body and quickly perceptible heating or cooling in clothing offers significant energy savings with associated comfort gains. The improvement in comfort is particularly evident in the fact that the perceptible warmth reaches the vehicle occupants considerably more quickly, namely after just a few minutes. Due to the (direct) contact with large surfaces of the occupant, clothing with an adjustable temperature control function, for example a jacket, trousers, shoes, and / or the like, with integrated heating elements, for example woven heating wires, offers the possibility of providing the vehicle occupants with a thermally comfortable climate over a large area, promptly, and energy-efficiently, even in very cold or very warm ambient conditions.Particularly in professional contexts, for example, in delivery services, mobile care services, and / or by plumbers, fitters, and the like, workwear is commonly worn. This can be specifically designed as clothing with an adjustable temperature control function and can preferably incorporate interfaces for energy transfer from vehicle batteries to the worn heating and / or cooling clothing. The increased comfort achieved according to the invention increases customer satisfaction, and the reduced energy consumption leads to a greater effective range and shorter charging times for the motor vehicle. Alternatively, a smaller vehicle battery can be used, making the motor vehicle more cost-effective and lighter.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the operational readiness of the motor vehicle is maintained during the intermediate stop in the first mode and / or in the second mode. In other words, the motor vehicle remains conditioned during the intermediate stop so that it is immediately ready for use again after a standstill and the return of the occupant, whereby, however, the motor vehicle's air conditioning system is only operated to a predetermined reduced extent or not at all in the second mode for heating or cooling the vehicle cabin. In particular, the provided operational readiness of the motor vehicle prevents restrictions on driving safety and / or disadvantages otherwise resulting from the standstill with regard to energy consumption and / or the service life of the motor vehicle components from having to be accepted when the motor vehicle is subsequently driven on, as can be the case, for example, with a possible "cold start".The fact that the vehicle is kept in a state ready to drive off immediately during the stop provides further comfort for the occupants.

[0017] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that, in order to maintain the operational readiness of the motor vehicle, a heating and / or ventilation unit of the motor vehicle is controlled to prevent fogging on at least one vehicle window and / or at least one vehicle mirror. Additionally or alternatively, the (or another / further) heating and / or ventilation unit of the motor vehicle is controlled to thermally condition the vehicle battery and / or the chassis of the motor vehicle in order to maintain the operational readiness of the motor vehicle.Due to the reduced large-scale vehicle cabin air conditioning during the stop in the second mode, in cold ambient conditions, for example an outside temperature below 10 °C, or in excessively warm and particularly sunny ambient conditions, for example an outside temperature above 30 °C, in the first case the risk of condensation on the vehicle windows on the inside increases, and in the second case the risk of excessive heating with a heat build-up in the vehicle cabin. Condensation on the vehicle windows compromises clear visibility and thus driving safety, making it difficult to continue driving immediately after the vehicle has been stationary. In the case of excessive heating, immediate resumption of driving is also made more difficult, as the heat build-up in the vehicle cabin must first be ventilated.The heating and / or ventilation unit preferably comprises a window heater, for example, a windshield and / or rear window heater, and / or an interior and / or exterior mirror heater. Additionally or alternatively, the heating and / or ventilation unit is preferably configured to perform concentrated ventilation of the vehicle window(s) via air vents, for example, defogging vents, in order to provide the most energy-efficient local temperature control possible, for example, to suppress fogging. Furthermore, the steering wheel, a floor mat, and / or other interior surfaces of the vehicle cabin, such as trim parts of the vehicle cabin, handles, and / or armrests, and the like, are preferably (electrically) heated.Likewise, the chassis and / or the vehicle battery are preferably kept at a temperature within a predetermined temperature range, for example by appropriate heating or cooling, so that the motor vehicle is ready for use during the stopover, i.e. ready to depart immediately.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment, the operational readiness of the motor vehicle is maintained for a predetermined period of time during the intermediate stop in the first mode and / or in the second mode. The temporal limitation on maintaining the operational readiness of the motor vehicle during the intermediate stop prevents the operational readiness from being provided permanently. Particularly in cases where an intermediate stop exceeds the predetermined period of time, for example, one hour, 45 minutes, 30 minutes, or 20 minutes, it may no longer be expedient to maintain the operational readiness of the motor vehicle beyond this time and to assume that the occupant will soon return in order to justify energy consumption to ensure that the motor vehicle is ready for immediate departure.In other words, preference is given to certain usage scenarios where it can be assumed that a stopover will generally not last longer than the specified time period, so that if the specified time period is exceeded, it can be assumed that the usage scenario has changed.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the predetermined time period varies depending on the location. In other words, the predetermined time period preferably varies with the location where the intermediate stop of the motor vehicle was made. Based on (stored) location information about the location of the intermediate stop, probable downtimes for certain locations can be determined or specified. The location of the motor vehicle is preferably determined using satellite support, for example, GPS location information. The associated location information is preferably determined from stored map data. Particularly preferably, an artificial intelligence is trained to determine probable downtimes for locations and associated contexts at the locations, for example, specific locations for handing over special goods, shopping opportunities, restaurants, and so on, and to output or specify corresponding downtimes.Preferably, at least two probability thresholds are provided for determined occupant downtimes, each associated with different procedures for conditioning the motor vehicle. Thus, if a first threshold is exceeded, the conditioning of the motor vehicle to maintain operational readiness during the stop for spontaneous onward travel can be carried out with less electrical power than if a second threshold is exceeded. For example, if the first probability value is exceeded, preferably (only) driving safety-critical conditioning of the motor vehicle is carried out, preferably ensuring a clear view through the vehicle windows by preventing fogging.If the second (higher) threshold is exceeded, additional comfort conditioning measures in the vehicle, such as steering wheel or floor mat heating, or surface heating, are preferably activated. In other words, if the second probability threshold is exceeded, it is assumed with a higher probability that the occupant will return within the relevant period. This can further save energy, increase the vehicle's range, and provide the occupant with a high level of comfort.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment, the detection of short-distance operation of the motor vehicle occurs independently by the motor vehicle and / or by means of a notification received from the motor vehicle regarding the upcoming short-distance operation. In other words, the motor vehicle independently determines and / or (additionally) receives information that a driving scenario consisting of one or a plurality of short-distance journeys with one or more recurring short-term stops is imminent. The independent detection of short-distance operation by the motor vehicle further increases the comfort gain for the occupant, since the occupant does not have to take any action themselves to indicate an upcoming short-distance operation.Detecting short-distance travel based on a received notification, however, reduces the computational requirements of the motor vehicle and / or improves detection accuracy, for example, by the occupant announcing the upcoming short-distance travel. The notification is preferably received using a communication interface. The communication interface is preferably connected to a radio communication unit and / or to an in-vehicle system for detecting short-distance travel. Particularly preferably, the radio communication unit is in radio signal exchange with a mobile device associated with the occupant, for example, a smartphone, in order to receive information about an upcoming short-distance travel and / or relevant context information.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment, short-distance operation is preset. In other words, short-distance operation is activated by default, for example when the ignition of the motor vehicle is activated. The presetting of short-distance operation is a particularly simple implementation that requires little computing power and / or no or only a small number of (additional) components to detect short-distance operation. In particular, for motor vehicles that are frequently used in usage scenarios that often involve short-distance operation with brief intermediate stops, the presetting of short-distance operation can be particularly effective. Furthermore, short-distance operation is preferably a preset operating option of the motor vehicle from a plurality of selectable operating options of the motor vehicle.In other words, the occupant can deactivate the (default) short-distance operation and select a different operating option for the upcoming operation of the vehicle.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment, the notification of the upcoming short-distance operation is received based on a user input (from the occupant). The user input is preferably provided by touching a touch-sensitive surface and / or by pressing an actuation button, for example on a component of the motor vehicle provided for this purpose and / or on a mobile device. Furthermore, the user input can also be provided by means of voice, gesture, and / or facial expression control. The components and evaluation units required for this purpose, such as interior cameras, microphones, touch sensors, and the like, are well known to those skilled in the art and are therefore not explained in detail here.In a further preferred embodiment, during short-distance operation, the occupant is provided with an input menu, for example on a human-machine interface (HMI), when entering and / or exiting the vehicle (or each time) or for a subsequent stop, by means of which the user can specifically select (electrical) consumer systems of the motor vehicle, such as a steering wheel heater, a grip heater, an armrest heater, a floor mat heater, a heat radiator and the like, which are to be powered during the stop.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the detection of the short-distance operation of the motor vehicle occurs independently from an existing context. Additionally or alternatively, it is preferably provided that the duration of the provision of the first or second temperature in the vehicle cabin during the intermediate stop is adjusted independently (by the motor vehicle) depending on the existing context. The context can, for example, be determined from existing context information. The context information preferably comprises a navigation plan, i.e. a planned navigation route of the occupant, a duty roster of the occupant, a health status of the occupant, date and / or time information and / or historical data or information recognized therefrom, such as behavioral patterns of the occupant, recurring events and / or driving routes and the like. For the evaluation, an artificial intelligence is preferably used,For example, a trained neural network is used. In other words, the artificial intelligence learns that a specific vehicle user, after performing certain behavioral patterns and / or driving routes on certain days of the week and / or times of day and / or demonstrating a health / stress state, is sufficiently likely to perform a repetitive short-distance driving scenario. This allows an energy-efficient, range-optimized and / or comfort-optimized vehicle operating mode to be proactively selected and associated settings for short-distance operation to be implemented. The associated settings for short-distance operation are preferably adjusted independently depending on one or any combination of detected heating and / or cooling clothing worn by the occupant and the determined heating and / or cooling power used by the occupant, the season / time of day, the starting location of the journey,current location of the motor vehicle, total usage time of the motor vehicle on the day in question, working hours of the occupant, distance to a specified location, such as the starting location, history of previous downtimes at respective locations, current ambient temperature, wind conditions, solar radiation output or perceived outside temperature, current weather conditions (in rainy weather, a different ambient temperature can be specified as a limit value due to a different perceived temperature or fogging on the vehicle windows is more likely in rainy weather), previous weather / climate conditions up to the current time, navigation settings / route, access to calendar entries of the vehicle user / duty schedule on a server, goods / persons to be transported (when transporting physically disabled persons, it may be necessary,that the vehicle cabin is conditioned to a higher cabin temperature for transport times) and / or stress / health status of the occupant.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the motor vehicle is operated in short-distance operating mode in response to a detected short-distance operation of the motor vehicle and / or when the ambient temperature of the motor vehicle falls below a predetermined temperature threshold (or exceeds it in the case of cooling clothing). In other words, the short-distance operation is preferably also detected or activated based on an ambient temperature. In the case of heating clothing, the predetermined temperature threshold is preferably below 18°C, preferably in a range between -50°C and 18°C, particularly preferably -10°C.It is understandable that the colder the ambient temperature, the more quickly the vehicle cabin cools down or cools down, and the more sensible it is to activate short-distance mode in order to avoid (repeatedly) completely heating up the vehicle cabin if the occupant is wearing heated clothing.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the first and / or second temperature is provided depending on a state of charge of the vehicle battery. By taking into account the current state of charge of the vehicle battery and knowledge of short-distance operation, it can be determined whether additional comfort can be offered or provided to the occupant during the stop. Preferably, the state of charge of the vehicle battery, for example the on-board electrical system battery, is queried (even) before conditioning begins during the stop. Preferably, certain conditioning processes are only carried out during the stop if the state of charge is greater than a first threshold value. Preferably, only safety-critical conditioning processes are carried out below the first threshold value of the state of charge of the vehicle battery during the stop.This prevents the conditioning from jeopardizing the vehicle's starting ability / operational readiness. For example, if a separate starter battery is present, the first threshold can be lower than in the above-mentioned case, thus preventing deep discharge of the vehicle battery. Preferably, below the first threshold of the vehicle battery's state of charge, only safety-critical conditioning is performed, for example, to ensure that the vehicle windows are free of fogging and visibility, and comfort conditioning, such as the operation of additional electric heaters such as the steering wheel heater, floor mat heater, surface heaters, and the like, is no longer performed during an intermediate stop.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the determination of whether an occupant of the motor vehicle is wearing clothing with an adjustable temperature control function takes place using a camera system of the motor vehicle, a radio communication unit of the motor vehicle and / or by means of a detected user input (by the occupant). The camera system preferably comprises interior and / or exterior cameras. A camera system with appropriate image processing enables independent detection of clothing with an adjustable temperature control function without any intervention from the occupant being necessary. This improves comfort for the occupant. However, the exchange of radio signals between the radio communication unit of the motor vehicle and a mobile device of the occupant and / or a transmitter in the occupant's clothing can also enable independent detection of the clothing without any intervention from the occupant.For example, an RFID tag can be embedded in the clothing, which is read by the motor vehicle using the radio communication unit to detect that the occupant is wearing appropriate clothing. Confirming that the occupant is wearing clothing with adjustable temperature control through user input from the occupant, however, is the simplest method.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the determination of whether an occupant of the motor vehicle is wearing clothing with an adjustable temperature control function is carried out using an electrical contact between the clothing with the adjustable temperature control function and a contact area of ​​the motor vehicle. The contact area is preferably connected to the vehicle battery and configured to supply the clothing with an adjustable temperature control function with electrical current upon contact for heat generation through the clothing. In this embodiment, no energy storage devices are required in the clothing, which can further increase the occupant's comfort, since they no longer have to monitor the charge level of the energy storage devices integrated into the clothing.Furthermore, the clothing can be kept as simple as possible in this case, since it does not require any additional electronic components to control and monitor the temperature control function. The contacting area is also preferably designed to establish electrical contact with the clothing wirelessly, for example via an induction coil, and / or conductively, i.e. wired or contact-based. Compared to energy transmission via induction, the power loss with conductive energy transmission is considerably lower. In addition, radiation exposure is significantly lower. Preferably, one or a plurality of contacting areas are provided in the vehicle seat. The clothing with adjustable temperature control function and the contacting areas preferably each comprise electrically conductive textile surface areas that are contacted with one another via mutual contact.In other words, the clothing of the occupant sitting in the vehicle seat is supplied with electrical energy from the vehicle battery via the contact areas in the vehicle seat in order to regulate the occupant's temperature.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, it is further determined whether another occupant is present in the motor vehicle and whether the other occupant is wearing clothing with an adjustable temperature control function. The motor vehicle is operated in the second mode of the short-distance operating mode depending on whether it has been determined that both occupants are wearing clothing with an adjustable temperature control function. This prevents a second occupant who is not wearing clothing with an adjustable temperature control function from suffering a significant loss of comfort due to the energy savings in the second mode.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, it is determined whether the occupant is wearing a plurality of garments with an adjustable temperature control function. Depending on the determined plurality of garments, a temperature control output is provided across the plurality of garments, which corresponds to the temperature control output if only one garment is worn. In other words, the total temperature control output provided is independent of the actual number of garments per occupant. This avoids increased energy consumption, which would be attributable to the fact that each of the plurality of garments would be supplied with the temperature control output if only one garment were worn.

[0030] A further aspect of the invention relates to a control unit for a motor vehicle. The control unit is configured to carry out the method described above. The motor vehicle is preferably the motor vehicle described above. The advantages achieved with the method can be achieved analogously with the control unit. The disclosed feature combinations of the method can be applied analogously to the control unit. A repeated description of the features and advantages is therefore omitted.

[0031] A further aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising the control unit described above. The advantages achieved with the method can be achieved analogously with the control unit. The disclosed feature combinations of the method can be applied analogously to the control unit. A repeated description of the features and advantages is therefore omitted.

[0032] The individual method steps of the method according to the invention are further preferably embodied as one or more processes that run on one or more processors in one or more electronic computing devices and are generated when executing one or more computer programs. The computing devices are preferably designed to cooperate with other components, in particular a control unit for operating a motor vehicle, in order to implement the functionalities described herein. Likewise, the control unit is preferably embodied as a central (single-part) or decentralized (multi-part) component.

[0033] The individual components of the control unit are further preferably embodied as one or more processes that run on one or more processors in one or more electronic computing devices and are generated when executing one or more computer programs. The computing devices are preferably configured to cooperate with other components to implement the functionalities described herein. The instructions of the computer programs are also preferably stored in a memory, such as a RAM element. However, the computer programs can also be stored in a non-volatile storage medium, such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or the like.

[0034] It will also be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the functionalities of several computers (data processing devices) may be combined or combined in a single device or that the functionality of a particular data processing device may be distributed among a plurality of devices in order to carry out the steps of the method according to the invention without deviating from the method according to the invention.

[0035] A further aspect of the invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, such as a control unit for operating a motor vehicle, cause the computer to carry out the method, in particular a method for operating a motor vehicle.

[0036] Further preferred embodiments of the invention emerge from the remaining features mentioned in the subclaims.

[0037] The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another, unless otherwise stated in the individual case.

[0038] The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a method for operating a motor vehicle according to an embodiment, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a motor vehicle with a control unit for operating the motor vehicle according to an embodiment and Fig. 3 a schematic representation of an embodiment with regard to contacting a clothing with adjustable temperature control function with a vehicle seat of the motor vehicle according to a preferred embodiment.

[0039] The Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a method for operating a motor vehicle 10 according to one embodiment. The method according to the invention is described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 explained in more detail. The Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the motor vehicle 10 with a control unit 12 for operating the motor vehicle 10 according to an embodiment. The control unit 12 is designed to carry out the method according to Fig. 1. The Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment with regard to contacting a clothing 18 with adjustable temperature control function with a vehicle seat 24 of the motor vehicle 10 according to a preferred embodiment.

[0040] As in Fig. 2, the motor vehicle 10 comprises, in addition to the control unit 12, a heating and ventilation unit 14 which is configured to temper air, i.e., to heat or cool it, and to flow the tempered air into the vehicle cabin of the motor vehicle. By way of example, the heating and ventilation unit 14 is shown arranged below a vehicle window 16, namely the windshield, in order to prevent condensation on the vehicle window 16, depicted as a windshield, in cold ambient conditions by means of concentrated ventilation via defogging vents. For the purposes of clarity, the windshield is depicted as a representative vehicle window 16. However, it is understandable that other vehicle windows 16, in particular all vehicle windows, can also be protected from condensation by the one or more heating and ventilation units 14.

[0041] According to a first method step 50 of the Fig. 1 shown method for operating the motor vehicle 10 from Fig. 2, short-distance operation of the motor vehicle 10 with at least one intermediate stop, preferably a plurality of intermediate stops, is recorded. For short distances followed by brief downtimes and in cold ambient conditions below the comfortable temperature of 18°C ​​to 24°C, the vehicle cabin of the motor vehicle 10 usually cools down repeatedly. The heating and ventilation unit 14 must therefore repeatedly adjust the temperature of the vehicle cabin after each intermediate stop. During a short journey with the motor vehicle 10 following an intermediate stop, the heating and ventilation unit 14 will therefore attempt in vain, expending considerable energy, to reheat the vehicle cabin. Since the travel time of the subsequent journey is too short for the vehicle cabin to reach a comfortable temperature, the energy expended to partially heat the vehicle cabin leads to unnecessary (or avoidable) reductions in the range of the motor vehicle 10.This is particularly problematic for electric or hybrid vehicles, as the energy used for heating must be taken directly from the vehicle battery.

[0042] In a second method step 52, it is determined whether an occupant of the motor vehicle 10, for example, the driver of the motor vehicle 10, is wearing clothing 18 with an adjustable temperature control function. Clothing 18 with an adjustable temperature control function is, for example, electrical heating and / or cooling clothing that provides heating and / or cooling performance using electrical energy.

[0043] In the third and fourth method steps 54, 56 described below, the case is first explained in which no clothing 18 with an adjustable temperature control function was or could be identified.

[0044] In the third method step 54, the motor vehicle 10 is operated in a first mode of a short-distance operating mode. The first mode is preferably a comfort mode, in which a temperature within a predetermined first temperature range, for example, a comfortable climate of 18°C ​​to 24°C, is preferably provided in the vehicle cabin.

[0045] In the fourth method step 56, an intermediate stop of the motor vehicle 10 is detected, and during the intermediate stop in the first mode, a first temperature is provided in the vehicle cabin of the motor vehicle 10. The first temperature is, for example, a temperature in the comfortable climate range of 18°C ​​to 24°C. Once the intermediate stop of the motor vehicle 10 has ended, i.e., a departure of the motor vehicle 10 is registered, the method is preferably restarted.

[0046] In the fifth and sixth method steps 58, 60 described below, the case in which a clothing 18 with an adjustable temperature control function was determined is explained.

[0047] In the fifth method step 58, the motor vehicle 10 is operated in a second mode of the short-distance operating mode. The second mode is preferably a departure-ready mode or economy mode, in which a temperature is provided in a temperature range different from the comfortable climate of 18°C ​​to 24°C. The temperature range provided in the second mode is preferably between the comfortable climate of 18°C ​​to 24°C and the current ambient temperature of the motor vehicle 10. By knowing the clothing 18 with adjustable temperature control function worn by the occupant, the energy required to control the temperature of the vehicle cabin can be reduced overall, since the temperature control of the occupant is at least partially taken over by the clothing 18 with adjustable temperature control function worn. Thus, in the second mode, there is no need to completely heat or cool the cabin of the motor vehicle 10.

[0048] In the sixth method step 60, an intermediate stop of the motor vehicle 10 is detected, and during the intermediate stop in the second mode, a second temperature different from the first temperature is provided in the vehicle cabin of the motor vehicle 10. The second temperature is preferably between the comfortable climate of 18°C ​​to 24°C and the current ambient temperature of the motor vehicle 10. Once the intermediate stop of the motor vehicle 10 has ended, i.e., a departure of the motor vehicle 10 is registered, the method is preferably restarted.

[0049] If the second temperature of the vehicle cabin of the motor vehicle 10 in the second mode is lower than the first temperature in the first mode, there is a higher risk of condensation on the inside of the vehicle windows 16 of the motor vehicle during the intermediate stop in the second mode. This is particularly the case in cold ambient conditions, for example, when the outside temperature is below 10°C. The condensation on the vehicle windows 16 compromises clear visibility and thus driving safety, making it difficult to continue driving immediately after a stop of the motor vehicle 10. Waiting for the heating and ventilation unit 14 to clear the condensed vehicle windows 16 represents a significant loss of comfort for the returning occupant.Therefore, in the second mode, the heating and ventilation unit 14 is preferably controlled in such a way that a concentrated ventilation of the vehicle windows 16 relevant to driving safety is carried out during the intermediate stop in order to provide the most energy-efficient local temperature control possible and to suppress the formation of fogging on the vehicle windows 16 during the intermediate stop.

[0050] In Fig.Figure 3 depicts a preferred embodiment of an electrical contacting option for the occupant's clothing 18 with adjustable temperature control function to the vehicle seat 24 of the motor vehicle 10, which can be used, for example, to detect whether the occupant is wearing clothing 18 with adjustable temperature control function. The clothing 18 with adjustable temperature control function comprises two contacting areas 22 on the back side, which are arranged such that the occupant sitting on the vehicle seat 24 and wearing the clothing 18 with adjustable temperature control function establishes electrical contact with contacting areas 20 of the vehicle seat 24. The contacting areas 20 of the vehicle seat 24 are connected to the vehicle battery of the motor vehicle and are configured to supply the clothing 18 with adjustable temperature control function with electrical current upon contact, for heat generation by the clothing 18.In this case, no energy storage devices integrated into the clothing 18 with the adjustable temperature control function are required, which further increases the occupant's comfort, as they no longer have to monitor the charge level of the energy storage devices integrated into the clothing 18. Furthermore, the clothing 18 with the adjustable temperature control function can be kept as simple as possible in this case, as no additional electronic components are required in the clothing 18 with the adjustable temperature control function to control and monitor the temperature control function. The electrical contacting of the contact areas 20 and 22 in this embodiment is conductive, i.e., wire- or contact-based. Compared to energy transmission via induction, the power loss with conductive energy transmission is considerably lower. In addition, radiation exposure is significantly lower.The respective contact areas 20, 22 preferably each comprise electrically conductive textile surface areas that are contacted by mutual contact. In other words, the clothing 18 with adjustable temperature control function of the occupant sitting in the vehicle seat 24 is supplied with electrical energy from the vehicle battery via the contact areas 20 in the vehicle seat 24 in order to temperature-control the occupant. List of reference symbols 10 motor vehicle 12 Control unit 14 Heating and ventilation unit 16 vehicle window 18 Clothing with adjustable temperature control function 20 Contact area of ​​the vehicle seat 22 Contact area of ​​clothing 24 vehicle seat 50 First procedural step - Recording a short-haul operation 52 Second process step - Determining a clothing with adjustable temperature control function 54 Third process step - Operating the motor vehicle in the first mode 56 fourth process step - providing a first temperature 58 fifth process step - operating the motor vehicle in the second mode 60 sixth process step - Providing a second temperature 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 2013 205 223 A1

[0003] DE 10 2013 214 264 A1

[0004] DE 10 2023 001 182 A1

[0005] DE 10 2020 211 340 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Method for operating a motor vehicle (10), comprising the steps of: - detecting (50) a short-distance operation of the motor vehicle (10) with at least one intermediate stop, - determining (52) whether an occupant of the motor vehicle (10) is wearing clothing (18) with an adjustable temperature control function, and - Operating (54, 58) the motor vehicle (10) in a short-distance operating mode comprising a first mode in which no clothing (18) with an adjustable temperature control function has been detected, and a second mode in which clothing (18) with an adjustable temperature control function has been detected, wherein, during the intermediate stop, a first temperature is provided in the vehicle cabin in the first mode and a second temperature different from the first temperature is provided in the second mode (56, 60). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the operational readiness of the motor vehicle (10) is maintained during the intermediate stop in the first mode and / or in the second mode. [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein, in order to maintain the operational readiness of the motor vehicle (10), a heating and / or ventilation unit (14) of the motor vehicle (10) is controlled to prevent the formation of fogging on at least one vehicle window (16) and / or at least one vehicle mirror and / or to thermally condition the vehicle battery and / or the chassis of the motor vehicle (10). [4] Method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the operational readiness of the motor vehicle (10) is maintained during the intermediate stop in the first mode and / or in the second mode for a predetermined period of time. [5] Method according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined time period varies depending on the location. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection of the short-distance operation of the motor vehicle (10) is carried out independently by the motor vehicle (10) and / or by means of a message received from the motor vehicle (10) about the upcoming short-distance operation. [7] Method according to claim 6, wherein the short-distance operation is preset. [8] A method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the notification of the upcoming short-haul operation is obtained based on a user input. [9] Method according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the detection of the short-distance operation of the motor vehicle (10) takes place automatically from a given context and / or a duration of the provision of the first or second temperature in the vehicle cabin during the intermediate stop is automatically adapted depending on the given context. [10] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor vehicle (10) is operated in the short-distance operating mode in response to a detected short-distance operation of the motor vehicle (10) and / or when the ambient temperature of the motor vehicle (10) falls below a predetermined temperature threshold. [11] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second temperature is provided as a function of a state of charge of the vehicle battery. [12] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the determination of whether an occupant of the motor vehicle (10) is wearing clothing (18) with an adjustable temperature control function is carried out using a camera system of the motor vehicle (10), a radio communication unit of the motor vehicle (10) and / or by means of a detected user input. [13] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the determination of whether an occupant of the motor vehicle (10) is wearing clothing (18) with a controllable temperature control function is carried out using an electrical contact of the clothing (18) with a controllable temperature control function with a contact area (20) of the motor vehicle (10). [14] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it is further determined whether there is another occupant in the motor vehicle (10) and whether the other occupant is wearing clothing (18) with an adjustable temperature control function, wherein the motor vehicle (10) is operated in the second mode of the short-distance operating mode depending on the fact that it has been determined that both occupants are wearing clothing (18) with an adjustable temperature control function. [15] Control device (12) for operating a motor vehicle (10), which is designed to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims.

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