METHOD AND DEVICE FOR INDICATING THE RANGE OF A VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for displaying the range of a vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to a device and a method for determining and displaying a route-dependent range of a vehicle.

[0002] Motorized vehicles, whether cars, motorcycles, or bicycles with auxiliary motors, etc., are usually equipped with an energy storage device that powers the vehicle's engine(s). In vehicles with internal combustion engines, the energy storage device is a fuel tank; in vehicles with electric motors, rechargeable batteries are used; and in so-called hybrid vehicles, both systems are employed.

[0003] One of the most important pieces of information for a vehicle user is the display of the vehicle's achievable range based on the amount of energy stored in the energy storage system. In vehicles with combustion engines, the range was previously only indicated indirectly via a fuel gauge, which showed the remaining amount of fuel. In battery-powered vehicles, on the other hand, the battery's state of charge (SoC) is displayed. Since modern vehicles also provide information about current fuel consumption via their engine electronics, this indirect range information can be converted into direct range estimates, such as remaining kilometers, based on current consumption. In combination with a navigation system, the user also receives information about whether a specific destination can be reached or not.

[0004] The energy available in a vehicle is not only needed to power the vehicle itself, but also for a variety of other functions, such as comfort features like climate control. Furthermore, a vehicle's energy consumption depends on the route and driving style. For electric vehicles, it's important to note that some of the energy used can be recovered during braking or downhill driving. Because energy consumption in a vehicle depends on many individual factors in a complex way, calculating the remaining range based on instantaneous consumption is subject to significant fluctuations, making it difficult for the vehicle's user to estimate the actual remaining range achievable with the available energy.

[0005] In recent decades, a very dense network of filling stations has developed in many countries, primarily for refueling vehicles with combustion engines. However, for electric vehicles, especially pure electric vehicles that run exclusively on electricity, the network of charging stations for their electrical energy storage systems remains much less extensive. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that the range of electric vehicles is still significantly shorter than that of comparable vehicles with combustion engines.Electric vehicle users must therefore pay particular attention to the available charging options along their route when planning their journeys, especially if it is clear from the outset that the planned route exceeds the maximum range provided by the battery charge, meaning that recharging will be essential. This leads to a feeling of anxiety among electric vehicle users, often described as "range anxiety." Users constantly consider whether the next charging opportunity can still be reached based on the current driving situation.

[0006] The solutions currently available are not suitable for minimizing range anxiety. Indirect range indicators are completely unsuitable for minimizing range anxiety, as they lack any reference to the remaining range due to the multitude of influencing factors mentioned above. A range display in kilometers, for example in a driver information display or in an instrument cluster on the dashboard, is also unsuitable because, firstly, it lacks any reference to the nearest available charging stations, and secondly, the range display's dependence on current consumption leads to greater fluctuations, which can actually exacerbate range anxiety.

[0007] Modern vehicles, regardless of their drive system, are typically equipped with a navigation system for automatic route planning, which also includes information on gas stations and charging stations. For purely electric vehicles, such a navigation system is usually standard equipment due to the greater demands of route planning. When a route is planned using such a navigation system, it offers significantly more informative options for advising the user on the available range and the location of gas stations or charging stations.

[0008] German patent application DE 10 2012 003 292 describes a method and a device for providing a navigation function in a motor vehicle. In this method, a navigation destination is detected, and a remaining energy amount is calculated from the amount of energy required to reach the destination and the amount of energy available in the vehicle. This remaining energy amount is then visualized on a map as a line enclosing the detected navigation destination. The user can thus see on the map whether, for example, a charging station is located within the visualized remaining range after reaching the navigation destination. In the latter case, the user would have to recharge the battery before reaching the navigation destination or, if possible, at the destination itself.However, the invention described there does not help to reduce range anxiety if the planned route already precludes reaching the destination with the available amount of energy.

[0009] German patent DE 10 2014 204 789 A1 describes an energy management method and a corresponding device for a vehicle, in which the energy supply in the vehicle's energy storage system is recorded, and a predicted actual range of the vehicle is calculated and visualized by a bar-like graphic. The planned navigation destination is also visualized, and the user can see at a glance whether the destination is within the visualized actual range. Different color profiles are also visualized by corresponding changes in the bar-like display of the actual range, so that the user can immediately see how a particular driving profile affects the feasibility of reaching the navigation destination.However, in the representation described there, the user only learns whether a specific navigation goal can be reached under the current circumstances or not, which, as a negative visualization, is not suitable for reducing range anxiety.

[0010] European patent application EP 2 902 243 A1 describes a method and a device for displaying vehicle parameters, in which the state of charge of the vehicle battery and the distance traveled, on the one hand, and the remaining range, on the other, are represented as bar-like objects. Additional elements visualize the influence of driving mode, destination, and navigation route on the remaining range. Here, too, the user receives only binary information, namely whether a planned navigation destination will be reached or not.

[0011] German patent DE 10 2010 051 469 A1 describes a display system for determining and displaying the range of an electric vehicle, comprising a navigation system with stored digitized road map information and a range determination unit. This unit determines the electric vehicle's range based on user-defined or navigation system-acquired current position information and the remaining energy in the vehicle's energy storage system. The range can then be displayed on a display device. The display can visually represent the range in at least three categories: one category is a guaranteed range, a second category is a range achievable under certain conditions, and a third category is an unattainable range.

[0012] EP 2 902 243 A1 describes a range indicator for a vehicle. This indicator generates a display that differentiates between whether the destination is within the remaining achievable range or beyond. In the latter case, it further distinguishes whether the destination can still be reached with a change in driving behavior. If so, the driver is shown specific suggestions for reducing energy consumption.

[0013] DE 10 2012 003 292 A1 describes a method and a device for providing a navigation function in a motor vehicle. In this method, a navigation destination is detected, and several settings for parameter sets are determined. These parameter sets comprise adjustable individual parameters for the operation of the motor vehicle or the navigation route, on which the amount of energy required by the motor vehicle for the journey to the detected navigation destination depends.

[0014] The present invention therefore addresses the technical problem of providing a device and a method for determining and displaying the remaining range of a vehicle, which reliably informs the user about remaining range and charging options in relation to a navigation route.

[0015] This technical problem is solved by the device of claim 1 and the method of claim 2. Advantageous further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0016] The invention therefore relates to a method for displaying the range of a vehicle, in which at least one navigation destination is detected, the state of charge of an energy storage device for a drive unit of the vehicle is detected, the energy consumption of the vehicle is determined, an actual range of the vehicle is calculated from the state of charge of the energy storage device and the energy consumption of the vehicle, which is defined by a minimum and a maximum range, and the actual range of the vehicle is visualized in a range display, wherein the range display comprises a graphical vehicle object, at least one graphical target object and a variable graphical range object that extends from the vehicle object towards the target object, wherein the graphical range object has at least a first section,which extends from the vehicle object to an area of ​​the range object representing the minimum range, and comprises a second section extending from the first section to an end of the range object representing the maximum range.

[0017] With the method according to the invention, the user can therefore always recognize whether the navigation destination will be reached safely even with a non-fuel-efficient driving style, or whether an adjustment of the driving style or driving mode is necessary. Modern motor vehicles typically have various driving modes, which, particularly in electric vehicles, allow for numerous settings of the vehicle's electrical consumers, ranging from sporty to comfortable to economical, by selecting the appropriate driving mode. For example, a correspondingly modified control of a vehicle's air conditioning system can drastically influence energy consumption. The user can then immediately recognize this by corresponding changes in the minimum and maximum range displayed graphically.

[0018] In the method according to the invention, the energy storage device for the vehicle's drive system can be in various embodiments. In an electric vehicle, for example, the energy storage device comprises rechargeable batteries, and the state of charge then corresponds to the state of charge of the batteries. In a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, the energy storage device is, for example, a gasoline, diesel, or natural gas tank, and the state of charge of the energy storage device corresponds to the fill level or pressure of the tank.

[0019] While the vehicle's energy consumption can be precisely measured for the current consumption, and the energy consumption for the distance already traveled can be accurately determined, allowing for the calculation of an average energy consumption, the determination of the actual range also incorporates the future energy consumption for the remaining route, which can never be predicted with absolute certainty. Therefore, determining the actual range is always subject to a degree of uncertainty. In the method according to the invention, the vehicle's actual range is defined by a minimum and a maximum range, which represent this uncertainty. In a simple embodiment of the invention, the uncertainty inherent in the minimum and maximum ranges can, for example, be determined as a percentage of the vehicle's actual range.

[0020] Preferably, the upper and lower limits of the actual range are determined by estimating the vehicle's future energy consumption, which is then defined by a consumption upper limit and a consumption lower limit. Depending on the desired accuracy of the prediction, the future energy consumption can be calculated with varying degrees of complexity. In a simple embodiment, the vehicle's energy consumption can be determined, for example, starting from the current consumption, with the consumption upper and lower limits calculated by considering the possible activation or deactivation of the vehicle's energy consumers, for example, depending on the selected driving mode. In a more complex energy consumption determination, navigation information, such as the selected route, any inclines and declines along the route, etc., can also be taken into account.Here, too, the selected driving mode can play a role, for example, in a sport mode the energy consumption is calculated based on a higher average speed and in an economy mode based on a lower average speed. Furthermore, real-time traffic information, such as traffic jams, average speeds on a section of road with heavier traffic, etc., can also be factored into the energy consumption calculation.

[0021] The range determined from the state of charge of the energy storage and the energy consumption of the vehicle is then defined accordingly by a minimum and maximum range, whereby the minimum range is based on the upper limit of the determined energy consumption and the maximum range on the lower limit of the determined energy consumption.

[0022] The current range is visualized in a range display by a graphic range object that extends from a vehicle object towards a target object. This graphic range object typically has an elongated configuration, such as a bar or band. In the range display, the graphic range object is the primary source of information. The graphic vehicle object and the graphic target object can be designed accordingly. In a particularly simple embodiment, the graphic vehicle object can be represented, for example, by one end of the range object, and the graphic target object by the other end. However, for the sake of clarity, dedicated vehicle and target objects are preferably used.The vehicle object can be represented, for example, by a vehicle icon or an arrow icon pointing in the direction of the graphic range object, thus symbolizing the direction of travel. The target object can be symbolized, for example, by a flag icon or a house icon.

[0023] In the method according to the invention, the graphic range object is divided into at least two sections along its length between the vehicle object and the target object. The first section extends from the vehicle object towards the target object to a region of the range object representing the minimum range, while the second section extends from the end of the first section furthest from the vehicle object to an end of the range object representing the maximum range. However, the computational division of the graphic range object into two sections in the method according to the invention does not mean that both sections actually have to be displayed during navigation-based route guidance. The display of the range object, or rather...In preferred embodiments of the method, the overall range display depends on the current navigation situation, as will be explained in more detail below. However, if the range object is visualized with its first and second sections, then both sections are always graphically distinct, so that the user can clearly differentiate the first and second sections of the range object. The lengths of the first and second sections of the graphical range object can be based on the percentages of the minimum and maximum ranges, respectively, if the total length of the graphical range object corresponds to the maximum range.However, a more abstract representation can also be chosen, in which the first and second sections are represented only within the context of the specific navigation situation. This means that the length of the first and second sections does not necessarily indicate percentages of the maximum range, but the user receives clearer information regarding the accessibility of the navigation destination and any intermediate destinations. In the graphical range representation, the distance between the vehicle object and the destination symbolizes the remaining distance the vehicle has to travel. Here, too, the lengths of the two sections of the graphical range representation can be displayed as a percentage of the remaining distance.However, an abstract representation is preferred, which merely expresses that the target object is reachable with minimum range, i.e., if the target object lies in the first section of the graphical range object, or with maximum range, i.e., if the object lies in the second section of the graphical range object, or is not reachable at all with the current charge state, i.e., if the target object lies outside the range object, in particular further away from the vehicle object than the end of the range object representing the maximum range.

[0024] The method according to the invention is preferably optimized in such a way that the user is largely spared the so-called range anxiety. This is particularly true if the range indicator does not appear at all. In this case, the user can assume that the selected navigation destination will be reached safely. According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the range indicator is therefore not displayed if the distance to the destination is less than the minimum range, or, in the graphical representation (which is then not displayed), if the navigation destination lies within the first section of the range object. The absence of the range indicator thus signals to the user that no problems with energy management are to be expected for the selected journey and that the user therefore does not need to worry about any potential range issues.Regardless of the range indicator provided according to the inventive method, at least one charging icon is typically displayed in this scenario as well, signaling the charging status of the energy storage device to the user, since otherwise the user would be more likely to worry about whether there is a malfunction of the range indicator.

[0025] In one variant of the inventive method, the range indicator can also be displayed when the distance to the navigation target is less than the minimum range. In this case, the target object lies within the first section of the range object. In the graphical representation, this does not necessarily mean that the target object must be symbolized within the range object. For example, a representation in which the target object is symbolized next to the range object is sufficient, as long as it is possible to clearly determine whether the target object is located in the first section, the second section, or outside the range object.In this variant of the procedure, the second section of the range object is preferably not visualized, since on the one hand it does not contain any additional information for the selected route, and on the other hand the absence of the second section conveys positive feedback to the user that concerns about energy management for the current route are unfounded.

[0026] In any case, the range indicator is displayed in the method according to the invention when the distance to the navigation destination is greater than the minimum range. Then, for example, it may happen that the user can still reach the destination through proactive energy management.

[0027] Reaching the navigation destination is possible, for example, if the distance to the destination is greater than the minimum range but less than the maximum range. In this case, according to the invention, the first and second sections of the range object are displayed, with the destination object then located in the second section of the range object. The user then receives the information that an energy-saving operating mode and / or an energy-saving driving style are required to reach the navigation destination.During the course of the journey, the first and second sections of the range object are dynamically adjusted based on the current vehicle data and the route, so that after a certain distance the navigation destination may again be within the range of the minimum range, allowing the use of the display modes described above, in which the distance to the navigation destination is less than the minimum range.

[0028] However, as long as the navigation destination is located within the second section of the range object, a situation arises that is typically associated with range anxiety. In this case, a charging station, such as a gas station for combustion engine vehicles or an electric charging station for electric vehicles, is displayed as an intermediate destination in the first section of the range object, meaning its distance to the vehicle is less than the minimum range. This reassures the user, even if reaching the navigation destination is uncertain, that at least one charging option exists for the vehicle's energy storage system, which can be easily accessed even with high energy consumption. In this way, range anxiety cannot even arise in the first place.The charging station could, for example, be one located along the selected route, determined using data available in the navigation system or online. Such a charging station along the selected route can also be displayed permanently, even if the navigation destination is in the first section of the range object. This is especially true if the charging station is located near the navigation destination, thus indicating to the user that, despite the navigation destination being easily reachable, a charging option is available for the vehicle's energy storage system, should this be desired. Charging stations can also be manually entered as waypoints along the navigation route, for example, if the user is already planning a stop, such as at a rest area with charging facilities.

[0029] If the vehicle's distance to the navigation destination is greater than the minimum range but less than the maximum range, it's possible that no charging station is available on the calculated route that is closer than the minimum range. Since there would then be no charging station within the first segment of the range calculation, range anxiety would reappear. In this case, the system recalculates the route to the navigation destination to find a charging station whose distance on the recalculated route is less than the minimum range. This route recalculation to find a nearby charging station is initiated automatically if the distance to the navigation destination is greater than the minimum range.The ratio of the target charge level to the remaining range can also be used as a criterion for recalculating the route. This ratio can be less than or equal to a predefined multi-stop recalculation hysteresis or recalculation threshold. Such a recalculation threshold can also be implemented based on the minimum remaining range, so that, for example, a recalculation is not triggered immediately upon exceeding the minimum remaining range, since in this case, the energy required to reach the navigation destination can often be saved by making minor changes to driving behavior.However, by appropriately changing the graphical representation of the second section and / or the first section of the graphical range object, the user is signaled that a recalculation is imminent, which is then actually carried out when the distance to the navigation destination is exceeded by a certain threshold above the minimum range.

[0030] In one variant of the inventive method, in addition to the visual range display, one or more acoustic signals can be generated when the distance to the navigation destination exceeds the minimum range. This provides the user with an additional indication that energy conservation measures are necessary for the remainder of the route and / or a charging stop is required along the route, or that a route recalculation is necessary. The subsequent route recalculation can also be signaled acoustically.

[0031] The method according to the invention is particularly preferred when route guidance is planned that extends beyond the vehicle's range, i.e., a charging stop is absolutely necessary.

[0032] The "navigation destination" within the meaning of the present invention does not necessarily have to be the final destination of the planned route. If the final destination is already outside the vehicle's range, the navigation destination in the inventive method can also be a charging stop planned manually by the user or automatically by the navigation system. Furthermore, the inventive method allows for the visualization of additional intermediate destinations, such as user-planned intermediate destinations that must be adhered to even when the route is changed to reach a closer charging stop, and / or so-called points of interest along the route that are not necessarily visited when the route is recalculated.

[0033] Preferably, the range object is visualized as an elongated, bar-like or ribbon-like object.

[0034] The first and second sections of the graphical range object can be visualized in a variety of ways. Preferably, the first section should convey positive, affirming information, for example, by using saturated, vibrant colors. The second section symbolizes a certain degree of uncertainty regarding the accessibility of the navigation destination, which can also be conveyed graphically, for example, by using faded or washed-out colors. The transition from the first to the second section of the graphical range object does not have to be abrupt; a gradual transition can also be visualized.

[0035] The invention also relates to a device for displaying the range of a vehicle, comprising: A device for capturing navigation destinations, a device for capturing the state of charge of a vehicle's energy storage device, a device for determining the vehicle's energy consumption, a display surface for showing a range indicator, and a control unit connected to the device for capturing navigation destinations, the device for capturing the state of charge, the device for determining the vehicle's energy consumption, and the display surface, wherein the control unit calculates an actual range of the vehicle from the state of charge of the energy storage device and the vehicle's energy consumption, which is defined by a minimum and a maximum range, and visualizes the actual range of the vehicle in a range indicator, wherein the range indicator comprises a graphical vehicle object, at least one graphical destination object, and a modifiable graphical range object.which extends from the vehicle object towards the target object, and wherein the graphical range object comprises at least a first section extending from the vehicle object to a region of the range object representing the minimum range, and a second section extending from the first section to an end of the range object representing the maximum range.

[0036] The display area for the range indicator can, for example, be integrated into the display of a navigation device; that is, the range indicator according to the invention is displayed alongside a conventional map display. However, it is also possible to provide the range indicator as a separate display, for example, in the area of ​​the instrument cluster.

[0037] The method and device according to the invention can be used in a wide variety of vehicles, with use in electrically or partially electrically powered vehicles being particularly preferred. These vehicles include not only passenger cars, buses, and trucks, but also electric motorcycles and electric bicycles.

[0038] The invention will now be explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention in a vehicle, Figures 2a and 2b show an exemplary display on a display unit of the device according to the invention. Figure 1In a first state and in a second state, respectively, Figures 3a and 3b show representation variants of the range display according to the invention in which a navigation destination is reached; Figures 4a and 4b show representation variants of the range display according to the invention in which a navigation destination is not reached with certainty; Figures 5a to 5c show representation variants of the range display according to the invention for multi-stop route planning.

[0039] With reference to Figure 1An embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown in a vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle that has an energy storage device 11 in the form of a rechargeable battery. Numerous consumers of the vehicle 10 are powered via the battery 11, in particular a drive unit 12 and other consumers, of which an air conditioning system 13 and a navigation and infotainment system 14 are shown by way of example. Furthermore, a detection device 15 is provided which determines the state of charge of the energy storage device 11 and the energy consumption of the vehicle 10. A navigation destination is detected via the navigation device 14, and the distance of the vehicle 10 from the navigation destination is determined according to an automatically predefined route or a route defined by intermediate destinations.A control unit 16 receives information about the vehicle's state of charge and consumption from the detection unit 15 and information about the selected route, in particular the distance to a navigation destination, from the navigation unit 14. The control unit 16 determines the vehicle's current range and generates a range display, which is visualized on a display device 17.

[0040] The vehicle's actual range is characterized by a minimum and a maximum range. These are calculated based on the energy storage system's state of charge. In simplified terms, the minimum and maximum ranges represent an uncertainty in the predicted actual range, which is based on the current and expected energy consumption along the route. The more information included in the calculation of the minimum and maximum ranges, the smaller these uncertainties become. However, significant uncertainties will always remain for a given route, as factors such as driving style and external influences like strong headwinds are often difficult to predict. Therefore, both the minimum and maximum ranges can change while driving a route.

[0041] In the Figures 2a and 2b The display unit 17 is shown in two different states. The display unit 17 could, for example, be the display of a conventional infotainment system, such as the display of the navigation system.

[0042] In Figure 2a The display device 17 is shown in a first state in which a conventional map display is provided in a first area 18, while a second area 19 is provided for dynamically displayed additional information, such as a range display 20 according to the invention. However, the range display according to the invention can also be provided at other locations in the cockpit of the vehicle 10.

[0043] In the presentation of the Figure 2aIt is assumed that the navigation destination is located at a distance from the vehicle that is less than the vehicle's minimum range. According to one embodiment of the invention, it is proposed not to display the range indicator according to the invention in such a case, since there is no need to intervene in the vehicle's energy management or to maximize the range through economical driving in order to still reach a navigation destination. Since electric vehicles typically also have a permanently visible instrument indicating the state of charge of the energy storage system, a detailed consideration of the range indicator is not necessary in this case.

[0044] Figure 2bFigure 1 shows a variant of the display device 17 in a state where reaching the navigation destination is not guaranteed. In this case, the described embodiment provides that the range indicator 20 is displayed in field 19 of the display device 17. The range indicator 20 is described in more detail below in different display variants.

[0045] Figure 3aFigure 1 schematically shows a first representation variant of the range display 20 according to the invention. The range display 20 comprises a vehicle object 21, which symbolizes the position of the vehicle 10, and a target object 22, which symbolizes a navigation destination. The target object 22 can be the final destination of a navigation route, an intermediate destination, or an automatically calculated or manually inserted charging stop. The range display 20 further comprises a variable graphic range object 23, which includes a first section 24 extending from the vehicle object 21 towards the target object 22 to a boundary region 25 of the first section 24 located away from the vehicle object, which represents the minimum range of the vehicle.The first boundary region 25 is followed by a second section 26 of the range object 23, which extends to an end region 27 of the range object representing the maximum range and located furthest from the vehicle object 21. Although the boundary region 25 and the end region 27 of the range object are shown with sharp boundaries in the schematic drawings, other representations may depict transitions or blurred boundaries.

[0046] In the Figure 3a In the example shown, the distance of the target object 22 from the vehicle is less than the minimum range, so that the target object 22 is represented in the first section 24 of the range object 23. For this situation, in Figure 3bA preferred alternative representation is shown: Since the representation of the second section 26 does not provide any additional information for the user in this situation, preferably, in the case that the reach object 22 is reached even on the basis of the minimum reach, only the first section 24 is displayed and the second section 26 is hidden.

[0047] As in Figure 3a and shown in the following figures, the two sections 24 and 26 of the range object 23 are visualized differently, which is represented in the present illustrations by different hatching densities.

[0048] In Figure 4a and 4b Figure 1 depicts a situation in which target object 22 can no longer be reached with certainty because the distance to target object 22 is greater than the minimum range but less than the maximum range. As shown in Figure 2, this is a situation in which target object 22 can no longer be reached with certainty because its distance is greater than the minimum range but less than the maximum range. Figure 4aAs shown, in this case the target object 22 is located in the second section 26 of the range object 23. The representation of the Figure 4a can be seen, for example, from the presentation of the Figure 3b This can develop if a particularly dynamic driving style, which leads to significantly higher consumption than in the previous driving pattern, means that the originally calculated minimum range can no longer be achieved. By displaying the Figure 4aThe user is therefore informed that more energy-efficient operation of the vehicle than the current operation is required to reach the navigation destination 22. The graphical representation of the range object 23 can optionally be supplemented with acoustic warnings. If the distance to the target object 22 only slightly exceeds the minimum range 25, a reduction in energy consumption can be achieved by simple adjustments to the driving style and / or the vehicle's energy management, so that the display quickly returns to the state of Figure 3b will switch over.

[0049] If a charging station is available on the selected route and its distance is less than the minimum range, it is preferably also visualized. The corresponding representation of the range display, in which a charging station visualized by the charging station object 28 is located in the first section 24 of the range object 23, is shown in Figure 4b This is shown. In this representation, the user is thus given the positive assurance that, despite the uncertain accessibility of navigation destination 22, another charging station 28 can be reached with certainty. If there is no charging station on the currently selected route whose distance is less than the minimum range, no charging station is initially visualized ( Figure 4aHowever, by appropriately animating the first section 24 and / or the second section 26 of the range object 23, it can be signaled that a route recalculation is being performed to ensure that a charging station can be reached within the minimum range. The representation of the Figure 4a Then, animated, it transitions into the display of the display of the Figure 4b above.

[0050] In the Figures 5a to 5cFigure 1 shows a variant of the representation of the range object according to the invention, in which a so-called multi-stop route is planned. Here, the target object 22', which is within the vehicle's range, is not the final destination of the route, but, for example, a charging station that is mandatory on the route, since the distance to the final destination of the route visualized by the final target object 29 is greater than the vehicle's maximum range. The navigation target object 22', which influences the representation of the range object 23, is in this case merely an intermediate destination on the route. If the intermediate target object 22' is, as in the Figures 5a to 5cSince this is simply a charging stop 28', the intermediate destination 22' is dynamically changeable. This means that with dynamic route planning, this intermediate destination does not necessarily have to be visited. For example, if energy consumption changes, the charging stop can be replaced by a different charging stop on the revised route. In the example shown, the planned route includes further intermediate destinations, visualized by the intermediate destination objects 30, 31, and 32. These could be fixed intermediate destinations that must be visited even if the route is changed, or so-called points of interest on the current route that do not have to be visited if the route is changed.

[0051] In the example shown, in the Figure 5aSince the charging stop at 22',28' is still safely reached, it lies within the first section of the range object 23. The second section 26 is therefore in Figure 5a not shown. Due to a sudden increase in energy consumption, in Figure 5b Reaching charging stop 22',28' is no longer guaranteed; that is, the range object 23 is displayed with its two sections 24 and 26, with charging stop 22',28' now located in the second section 26. Should the distance to charging stop 22',28' continue to increase, and thus its accessibility become increasingly unlikely, the route is recalculated from a certain threshold onwards to reach a charging station 22",28" on the new route that is still within the vehicle's minimum range. In this case, the display of the Figure 5b in the representation of Figure 5cover, where only the first section 24 of the range object is displayed. However, the charging station 22",28" now located in the first section 24 is a different charging station 22',28' than the charging station in the due to the route recalculation. Figures 5a and 5b In the map display of the vehicle's navigation system (not shown here), the changed route is naturally adjusted accordingly. In the abstract representation of a range indicator shown here, the fundamental structure of the range indicator does not change due to the route recalculation. In particular, in the variant shown here, the distances between the vehicle and the individual intermediate destinations 30, 31, 22', 22" and 32 to the final destination 29 are not to scale. However, in other embodiments of the range indicator according to the invention, information about the distance relationships can also be incorporated into the display. Reference symbol list

[0052] 10 Vehicle 11 Energy storage, battery 12 Drive unit 13 Air conditioning 14 Navigation and infotainment system 15 Detection device 16 Control unit 17 Display device 18 First area of ​​the display device 19 Second area of ​​the display device 20 Range display 21 Vehicle object 22, 22', 22" Target object 23 Range object 24 First section of the range object 25 Boundary region of the first section 26 Second section of the range object 27 End region of the range object 28, 28', 28" Charging station object 29 Final destination object 30, 31, 32 Intermediate destination object

Claims

1. Apparatus for displaying the range of a vehicle (10), comprising a device (14) for acquiring navigation destinations and for calculating a route to the navigation destination, a device (15) for acquiring the state of charge of an energy storage device (11) of the vehicle (10), wherein, in the case of a vehicle (10) having an internal combustion engine, the energy storage device (11) is a fuel tank, in the case of a vehicle having an electric motor, a rechargeable battery is used, and in the case of a hybrid vehicle, an internal combustion engine having a fuel tank and an electric motor having a rechargeable battery are used, and the state of charge in the case of a vehicle (10) having an internal combustion engine corresponds to the filling level of the tank or the filling pressure of the tank, and the state of charge in the case of a vehicle having an electric motor corresponds to the state of charge of the battery, a device for determining the energy consumption of the vehicle, a display area for depicting a range indicator and a control unit (16) which is connected to the device (14) for acquiring the navigation destinations, the device (15) for acquiring the state of charge, the device for determining the energy consumption of the vehicle and to the display area, wherein the control unit (16) calculates an actual range of the vehicle (10) from the state of charge of the energy storage device (11) and from the energy consumption of the vehicle, which actual range is defined by a minimum and a maximum range, wherein an upper and a lower limit of the actual range is determined by an assessment of the future energy consumption of the vehicle (10) which is then defined by a consumption upper limit and a consumption lower limit, and the minimum range is based on the consumption upper limit of the determined energy consumption and the maximum range is based on the consumption lower limit of the determined energy consumption, wherein the actual range of the vehicle (10) is visualized in the range indicator, wherein the range indicator comprises a graphical vehicle object, at least one graphical destination object and a variable graphical range object which extends from the vehicle object toward the target object, and wherein the graphical range object comprises at least a first portion extending from the vehicle object to a region of the range object representing the minimum range, and a second portion extending from the first portion to an end of the range object representing the maximum range, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the range object are displayed if the distance to the navigation destination is less than the maximum range, wherein the destination object is in the second portion of the range object, wherein a charging station, i.e. a filling station for vehicles having internal combustion engines, or an electric charging station for electric vehicles, at a distance from the vehicle (10) of less than the minimum range is displayed as an intermediate destination in the first portion of the range object, wherein the apparatus is designed to search for a charging station at a distance on the recalculated route of less than the minimum range by recalculating the route to the navigation destination, if the distance of the vehicle (10) to the navigation destination is greater than the minimum range but less than the maximum range and no charging station is available on the calculated route at a distance from the vehicle (10) of less than the minimum range, and wherein a charging station at a distance from the vehicle (10) of less than the minimum range is determined as an intermediate destination by recalculating the route, wherein a change in the graphical depiction of the second portion and / or the first portion of the graphical range object signals to the user that a recalculation is pending, and the recalculation is only carried out if the distance to the navigation destination is exceeded by a certain threshold above the minimum range.

2. Method for displaying the range of a vehicle (10) by means of an apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one navigation destination is acquired and a route to the navigation destination is calculated, a state of charge of an energy storage device for a drive unit of the vehicle (10) is acquired, wherein, in the case of a vehicle (10) having an internal combustion engine, the energy storage device is a fuel tank, in the case of a vehicle (10) having an electric motor, a rechargeable battery is used, and in the case of a hybrid vehicle, an internal combustion engine having a fuel tank and an electric motor having a rechargeable battery are used, and the state of charge in the case of a vehicle (10) having an internal combustion engine corresponds to the filling level of the tank or the filling pressure of the tank, and the state of charge in the case of a vehicle (10) having an electric motor corresponds to the state of charge of the battery, an energy consumption of the vehicle (10) is determined, an actual range of the vehicle (10) is calculated from the state of charge of the energy storage device (11) and the energy consumption of the vehicle (10), which actual range is defined by a minimum and a maximum range, wherein an upper and a lower limit of the actual range is determined by an assessment of the future energy consumption of the vehicle (10) which is then defined by a consumption upper limit and a consumption lower limit, and the minimum range is based on the consumption upper limit of the determined energy consumption and the maximum range is based on the consumption lower limit of the determined energy consumption, the actual range of the vehicle (10) is visualized in the range indicator, wherein the range indicator comprises a graphical vehicle object, at least one graphical destination object and a variable graphical range object which extends from the vehicle object toward the target object, wherein the graphical range object comprises at least a first portion extending from the vehicle object to a region of the range object representing the minimum range, and a second portion extending from the first portion to an end of the range object representing the maximum range, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the range object are displayed if the distance to the navigation destination is less than the maximum range, wherein the destination object is in the second portion of the range object, wherein a charging station, i.e. a filling station for vehicles having internal combustion engines, or an electric charging station for electric vehicles, at a distance from the vehicle (10) of less than the minimum range is displayed as an intermediate destination in the first portion of the range object, wherein, if the distance of the vehicle (10) to the navigation destination is greater than the minimum range but less than the maximum range, and no charging station is available on the calculated route at a distance from the vehicle (10) of less than the minimum range, a charging station at a distance on the recalculated route of less than the minimum range is searched for by recalculating the route to the navigation destination, and wherein a charging station at a distance from the vehicle (10) of less than the minimum range is determined as an intermediate destination by recalculating the route, wherein a change in the graphical depiction of the second portion and / or the first portion of the graphical range object signals to the user that a recalculation is pending, and the recalculation is only carried out if the distance to the navigation destination is exceeded by a certain threshold above the minimum range.

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the range indicator is not displayed if the distance to the navigation destination is less than the minimum range.

4. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the range indicator is displayed if the distance to the navigation destination is less than the minimum range, wherein the destination object is in the first portion of the range object and the second portion of the range object is not visualized.

5. Method according to any of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that an acoustic alert is generated if the distance to the navigation destination becomes greater than the minimum range.

6. Method according to any of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the graphical range object is visualized as an elongate bar-like or strip-like object.