Method for planning a route of an electrically operated vehicle, electronic route planning system, and computer programme

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for planning a route (4) of an electrically operated vehicle (1), wherein the following steps are performed: - providing calendar entries (8) of an electronic calendar (9) of a user (10) of the electrically operated vehicle (1) to an electronic evaluation unit (5), the calendar entries (8) having appointments (12) and / or local arrival points (13); - planning at least one route (4) using the electronic evaluation unit (5) depending on the calendar entries (8) and depending on at least one item of information from an electrical energy store (2) of the electrically operated vehicle (1). The invention also relates to an electronic route planning system (3) and a computer programme.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Method for planning a route of an electrically powered vehicle, electronic route planning system and computer program

[0003] The invention relates to a method for planning a route of an electrically powered vehicle.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to an electronic route planning system with an electronic evaluation unit. The invention also relates to a computer program.

[0005] Electrically powered vehicles, such as hybrid vehicles, have at least one electrical energy storage unit or at least one vehicle battery. The capacity of the electrical energy storage unit for purely electric driving is limited, especially in hybrid vehicles. When a hybrid vehicle begins a journey, it can initially start in electric drive mode by default. This can be maintained until the battery capacity is exhausted, after which it can automatically switch to the hybrid vehicle's combustion engine. In this case, it is possible to drive purely electrically regardless of power consumption and fuel consumption, which can have a negative impact on the range, especially in hilly or mountainous regions. This can severely limit the possibilities for purely electric driving.This also applies, of course, to electrically powered vehicles, such as electric vehicles, since the electrical energy storage can also be quickly and severely affected.

[0006] For example, if the battery capacity of a hybrid vehicle is depleted, the combustion engine can provide relief. In this case, a hybrid mode can be activated, but not additional battery charging, so that the hybrid mode can only operate independently due to the depleted battery. In some cases, if a hybrid vehicle user wants to charge the battery via hybrid mode, this must be activated manually in a menu.

[0007] In the case of electrically powered vehicles, it is particularly important to consider the electrical energy storage system when carrying out a driving route, for example.

[0008] For example, DE 102019 133338 A1 discloses a method for planning charging stops for a hybrid or electric vehicle. A graph comprising a plurality of connected nodes can be provided. Each node can represent a potential charging station.

[0009] Furthermore, DE 102018 215 722 A1 discloses a method for a vehicle. This method comprises a received input for a route destination and a remaining range or remaining energy quantity to be maintained at the route destination in a navigation system of the vehicle. A route to the entered route destination can be determined based on the remaining range or remaining energy quantity to be maintained.

[0010] Furthermore, DE 102019 109 561 A1 discloses a method for route planning in a vehicle navigation system. For example, a route from a starting point to an end point can be divided into a plurality of route sections. An individual speed can be assigned to each of these route sections. Furthermore, a minimum total travel time can be determined by varying variables used to determine an initial total travel time, relating to the individual speeds and the at least one charging point.

[0011] An object of the present invention can be seen in adapting route planning for an electrically powered vehicle more individually to the respective user of the vehicle.

[0012] This problem is solved by a method, an electronic route planning system, and a computer program according to the independent patent claims. Useful further developments arise from the dependent patent claims.

[0013] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for planning a route of an electrically powered vehicle, wherein the following steps are carried out:

[0014] - Providing calendar entries from an electronic calendar of a user of the electrically powered vehicle to an electronic evaluation unit, wherein the calendar entries contain appointments and / or local travel locations,

[0015] - Planning at least one route by the electronic evaluation unit based on the calendar entries and based on at least one piece of information from an electrical energy storage device of the electrically powered vehicle. The proposed method enables more efficient and, in particular, more personalized route planning for an electrically powered vehicle. By taking into account the calendar entries in the user's electronic calendar, the route can be individually adapted to the respective user or driver of the electrically powered vehicle. Thus, in addition to taking into account the electrical energy storage device, in particular a capacity or range of the electrical energy storage device, calendar entries of the user of the electrically powered vehicle can also be taken into account.This means that a planned route can take into account not only the capacity of the electrical energy storage system and, for example, the relevant charging options along the route, but also individual and user-specific calendar entries during planning.

[0016] For example, the user can transmit the electronic calendar entries themselves to the electronic evaluation unit. It is also conceivable for the electronic evaluation unit to be communicatively connected to the electronic calendar, resulting in automatic and, in particular, continuous data exchange. With the help of the electronic evaluation unit, the appointments and / or corresponding local travel locations can be retrieved as calendar entries. This means, for example, that for a route that the user wishes to take on a subsequent day, route planning can be carried out in advance using the calendar entries in the electronic calendar. In addition, at least one piece of information relating to the electrical energy storage device, i.e. a vehicle battery or a traction battery of the electrically powered vehicle, can be taken into account in the route planning.

[0017] For example, the electronic calendar can be stored on a mobile device, such as a tablet, smartphone, laptop, or other smart device. The user's appointments can be stored in this electronic calendar. In this regard, the calendar entries can contain, for example, dates, times, locations, the duration of an appointment, or a local travel location or other travel locations for a particular appointment. Based on these calendar entries, especially digital calendar entries, a route can be planned or predicted accordingly.

[0018] The proposed method is particularly advantageous when the user of the electrically powered vehicle wishes to plan a vacation route, for example. Furthermore, the user may be, for example, a tradesperson, parcel delivery worker, field service employee, delivery driver, long-distance bus driver, passenger transport driver, or freight transport driver. Thus, depending on which task the user wishes to perform, for example, the next day or today, the planning can be carried out based on the calendar entries, which could, for example, be an electronic calendar of a delivery service or a parcel delivery service. This allows routes of parcel delivery companies, in particular, to be planned better and more efficiently in advance, since the respective appointments, which include, for example, delivery addresses, can be taken into account.

[0019] The proposed method is particularly advantageous for field service employees. They can make their electronic appointments available for route planning, so that when using an electric vehicle, they can be provided with an efficient and, in particular, more time-saving route for their field service trip. Specifically, the vehicle's route can be adapted to the appointments with battery capacity-optimized usage, including possible charging stops. This makes electric vehicles, in particular, easier for the user to use and also allows these electric vehicles to be controlled more intelligently, since, depending primarily on the electrical energy storage and calendar entries, a more energy-efficient yet still timely route can be created.

[0020] As already mentioned, the proposed method is particularly advantageous for logistics companies. This allows deliveries to be carried out more efficiently using electrically powered vehicles. This is particularly beneficial for the just-in-time delivery of goods. For example, such a logistics company may have a large number of electrically powered vehicles as its fleet. By taking into account the respective energy storage devices and the respective calendar entries, energy savings can be achieved within the logistics company's vehicle fleet. Furthermore, by individually considering the respective calendar entries, delays or delays in delivery can be reduced or prevented. This is advantageous, for example, for critical or urgent deliveries or for deliveries to construction sites.

[0021] Specifically, the proposed method can be a computer-implemented method. In one embodiment, it is provided that the at least one planned route is transmitted to a navigation system of the electrically powered vehicle and / or to a mobile device of the user. For example, the planned route can be transmitted to the navigation system of the electrically powered vehicle via communication technology and configured or set there accordingly, so that execution of the route is prepared and thus feasible. It is also conceivable that, in addition to or instead of the planned route, it is transmitted or transferred to the user's mobile device, such as a smartphone. This is advantageous, for example, if the electrically powered vehicle does not have a navigation system or if this is at least temporarily non-functional.This means that the mobile device can provide the user with a visual and / or acoustic indication of the route as they travel along it.

[0022] For example, in the previously mentioned embodiment, the planned route can be transmitted to the electrically powered vehicle and its driver. Additionally, the planned route can be transmitted to a dispatcher at the logistics company or to a central location within the logistics company.

[0023] Furthermore, at least one planned route or several planned routes can be offered or displayed to the user for selection via the navigation system and / or the mobile device and / or a route terminal of a logistics system. For example, it may happen that several potential routes are possible based on the calendar entries and the information from the electrical energy storage device. In this case, the user or a higher-level system can, for example, specify in advance that the most energy-efficient and, in particular, most time-optimized route is to be automatically selected. Otherwise, all planned routes can be offered to the user for selection. This allows the user to decide, for example, before starting the route, which actual route they would like to take.In a way, special requests and / or special knowledge of which the user is aware can be taken into account when selecting the appropriate route. The appropriate route can in turn be selected via an electronic input unit of the mobile device or the navigation system. For example, a touch display of an infotainment system of the vehicle or of the navigation system or the mobile device can be used for this purpose. In a further exemplary embodiment, it is provided that when planning the at least one route, a chronological sequence of the appointments and / or position information of the travel locations and / or a respective distance between the travel locations is taken into account. In particular, the planning of the at least one route or of the several routes available for selection is carried out automatically by the electronic evaluation unit depending on the diverse information provided.In particular, when planning at least one route, the respective calendar entries can be precisely addressed, and the respective constellation and relationships of the individual calendar entries to one another can be taken into account. The electronic calendar can already specify the order in which the respective appointments are to be processed, approached, or completed. This is particularly advantageous, for example, in a supply chain for a logistics company. It can be specified which appointments must be approached first when traveling along the route.

[0024] Furthermore, the appointments and / or the local travel locations of the calendar entries can be prioritized. The respective urgency or importance of the respective calendar entries can be taken into account. In addition to or instead of this, the respective position information regarding the travel locations can also be taken into account during planning. Environmental information in the vicinity of the travel locations is particularly relevant here. With regard to the electrical energy storage system, it can be considered whether the travel location or the route to this travel location has an uphill or downhill gradient, or whether it is a winding or hilly road. These have a decisive influence on the capacity of the electrical energy storage system.

[0025] Furthermore, a parking or stopping point can be taken into account for the starting points. If there is no nearby parking or stopping point, the user would have to park the electric vehicle further away from the actual starting point or destination. This can affect the timing of subsequent appointments or starting points. Furthermore, the respective distances between the starting points can be taken into account, so that, for example, starting points that are in close proximity to one another are approached first. This can prevent confusing journeys from different starting points.In particular, by taking into account the diverse information just mentioned and further specific information not mentioned regarding the calendar entries, an efficient and, in particular, more energy-saving and, in particular, more time-optimized route can be determined.

[0026] In one exemplary embodiment, it is further provided that the electronic evaluation unit is provided with route information relating to the at least one planned route and / or traffic information relating to the at least one planned route and / or environmental information relating to the at least one planned route. The electronic evaluation unit can assess a potential travel along the at least one planned route depending on at least one of these pieces of information provided. In addition, an assessment result can be provided to the user. Based on this information, the electronic evaluation unit can primarily assess or evaluate whether, for example, the calendar entries on the basis of which the route is formed can be covered, based on the capacity of the electrical energy storage device and in particular the range of the electrical energy storage device.If, for example, it is determined that the calendar entries are too extensive to be processed or driven through in one route by the electrically powered vehicle, this can be taken into account in advance by the evaluation unit. Depending on the assessment result, the user of the electrically powered vehicle can be provided with an appropriate route that provides at least one charging option, in particular an electric charging option at a charging station, along the route. This means that the desired calendar entries can be processed or processed with one route even if the capacity of the electrical energy storage device is insufficient, since at least one additional charging option along the route is selected or made available.

[0027] For example, route information may include a gradient and / or speed information related to the planned route. Traffic information may include a traffic situation and / or traffic conditions along the planned route. Environmental information may include weather conditions such as rain or snow. In particular, this information influences whether calendar entries for the route are kept to schedule. Furthermore, this information can have a negative impact on the electrical energy storage system. If, for example, there are construction sites or traffic jams along the route, the range of the electrically powered vehicle is minimized. Likewise, very low temperatures, particularly below zero, can negatively impact the capacity of the electrical energy storage system.This information can be taken into account by the electronic evaluation unit or a processing unit, so that, for example, when planning multiple routes, these can be assessed accordingly and the most suitable route selected. This allows for efficient and, above all, effective route planning.

[0028] In one exemplary embodiment, it is further provided that the at least one piece of information from the electrical energy storage device provides the electronic evaluation unit with a current charge state of the electrical energy storage device and / or a capacity of the electrical energy storage device and / or an energy consumption of the electrical energy storage device. This information can also be taken into account when planning the at least one route. This information relating to the electrical energy storage device is important because it can be used to decide whether the planned route can be carried out or whether, for example, this route is too extensive. Furthermore, the evaluation unit can determine appropriate charging options to remedy the situation.

[0029] In particular, the current charge level of the electrical energy storage device is important when planning the route, as is the respective charge level before a potential execution or journey along this route. Capacity refers in particular to the maximum capacity that can be provided by the electrical energy storage device. Based on this, it can be determined, for example, whether the route can be completed with a certain charge level or whether intermediate charging options are necessary. Another important criterion for route planning is the average energy consumption of the electrical energy storage device. This can be determined, for example, from previous journeys or movements of the electrical energy storage device of the electrically powered vehicle.Furthermore, information from other vehicles, in particular other fleet vehicles, can be used here in order to be able to take comparative data or comparative information into account for a corresponding route.

[0030] In one embodiment, the electronic evaluation unit checks whether at least one electric charging station is located within the surrounding area of ​​a location of at least one appointment and / or a local starting point, with this check being taken into account when planning the at least one route. For example, potential charging options along a potential route can be intelligently predicted in advance of a potential route being taken by the electronic evaluation unit and made available to the user as backup information. This allows for a response to unforeseeable situations, such as a traffic jam or a detour, and the electrical energy storage device can be charged as needed.For this purpose, the electronic evaluation unit can analyze the corresponding appointments and / or starting locations and check whether there is at least one electric charging station, such as an electric charging column, in the immediate vicinity or surrounding area of ​​a respective appointment or starting location. This can be taken into account when planning the route. In addition to or instead of this, this information regarding potential charging options at electric charging stations in the area of ​​the appointments and / or starting locations can be made available to the user as additional information. This information can, for example, be entered into the navigation system or displayed on the user's mobile device.

[0031] In one exemplary embodiment, it is provided that, depending on the appointments and / or the local starting points, the electronic evaluation unit checks whether the range, in particular the electric range, of the electrically powered vehicle is sufficient. If not, the electronic evaluation unit determines at least one charging option at at least one electric charging station based on the appointments and / or the local starting points. Thus, for example, depending on the calendar entries, it can be determined in advance whether a route can be determined that can be traveled with a certain "fuel quantity," i.e., an electrical charge quantity of the electrically powered vehicle.If this is not the case and no alternative route can be determined, at least a potential charging option can be determined at at least one electric charging station in the area of ​​an appointment location or a local starting point. This can be communicated to the user and in particular to the navigation system of the electrically powered vehicle. This makes it possible to determine in advance whether or not the electric range of the electrically powered vehicle is sufficient to complete a route without a charging stop. If this is not the case, either a charging option or smaller interim charging options can be determined according to the appointments and / or stop locations. In this regard, for example, a location, a time, a charging quantity and / or a charging duration at at least one charging option can be determined or calculated in advance.In one exemplary embodiment, it is provided that a local charging location and / or a charging time and / or a charging quantity and / or a charging duration relating to the at least one charging option at the at least one charging station is determined depending on the dates and / or the local starting points and depending on the at least one piece of information from the electrical energy storage device. In this way, for example, the user of the electrically powered vehicle can be informed where they can charge their vehicle and how long they need to charge a minimum amount of charge into the electrical energy storage device. This can also be communicated to the user in advance, before the route is driven. If the user does not agree to this, appropriate rescheduling or replanning can be carried out in advance.

[0032] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the electronic evaluation unit makes a corresponding reservation or booking for the at least one charging option at the at least one charging station or charging column at the charging location and time, so that when the electric vehicle arrives at this charging option, the electric charging station is free or available. This allows the route to be completed more efficiently, as a timed plan can be made in advance. This avoids unnecessary delays.

[0033] A further aspect of the invention relates to an electronic route planning system with an electronic evaluation unit, wherein the electronic route planning system is designed to carry out a method according to the previous aspect or an advantageous development thereof. Thus, the aforementioned method can be carried out with the aid of the electronic route planning system.

[0034] For example, the electronic route planning system can be understood as a computing unit, server unit, or cloud application. In particular, the electronic route planning system can be a centralized or decentralized computing unit. In particular, it can be a backend. This can, for example, carry out appropriate route planning for a wide variety of electrically powered vehicles. This is particularly advantageous for vehicle fleets. In particular, the electronic route planning system can be an electronic system of a logistics company or a parcel delivery service. Another conceivable possibility is that the electronic route planning system is an application on a user's mobile device. This means that the user of the electrically powered vehicle can, for example, have the route planning carried out via this corresponding application.In particular, this can also be a cloud-based application.

[0035] It is also conceivable that the electronic route planning system is part of a navigation system of the electrically powered vehicle.

[0036] A further aspect of the invention relates to a computer program which can be loaded directly into a memory of a control device of an electronic route planning system according to the previous aspect, with program means for executing a method according to the previous aspect or an advantageous further development thereon when the computer program is executed in the control device of the electronic route planning system.

[0037] A battery or an electrical energy store within the meaning of the invention comprises at least one and in particular a plurality of electrically conductively interconnected battery cells, wherein such a battery cell preferably provides a voltage in the range of 3.5 to 4.0 volts. Such a battery cell can be designed, for example, as a prismatic cell, a pouch cell or a round cell. The battery is preferably configured as a so-called high-voltage battery, which is designed to provide an electrical voltage in the range of more than 60 volts, in particular in the range of several hundred volts. Such a high-voltage battery can be arranged in a motor vehicle, where it can supply an electrical consumer, in particular a drive motor, with electrical energy.

[0038] A computing unit, in particular an electronic evaluation unit, can be understood in particular as a data processing device that contains a processing circuit. The computing unit can therefore in particular process data to perform computing operations. This may also include operations to perform indexed access to a data structure, for example a look-up table (LUT). The computing unit or evaluation unit can in particular contain one or more computers, one or more microcontrollers and / or one or more integrated circuits, for example one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or one or more single-chip systems (SoCs).The computing unit may also include one or more processors, for example, one or more microprocessors, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more graphics processing units (GPUs), and / or one or more signal processors, in particular one or more digital signal processors (DSPs). The computing unit may also include a physical or virtual network of computers or other of the aforementioned units.

[0039] In various embodiments, the computing unit includes one or more hardware and / or software interfaces and / or one or more memory units.

[0040] A memory unit can be a volatile data memory, for example a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM), or a non-volatile data memory, for example a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a flash memory or flash EEPROM, a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), a magnetoresistive random access memory,MRAM (magnetoresistive random access memory) or phase-change random access memory (PCRAM).

[0041] For use cases or application situations that may arise during the method and which are not explicitly described here, it may be provided that, in accordance with the method, an error message and / or a request to enter user feedback is issued and / or a default setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set.

[0042] The invention also includes further developments of the electronic route planning system according to the invention and the computer program according to the invention, which have features as already described in connection with the further developments of the method according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the electronic route planning system according to the invention and the computer program according to the invention are not described again here.

[0043] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0044] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Shown are:

[0045] Fig. 1 shows exemplary embodiments of route planning for an electrically powered vehicle; and

[0046] Fig. 2 shows an exemplary process of route planning according to the invention.

[0047] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual, independently considered features of the invention, which also further develop the invention independently of one another and are thus also to be considered as components of the invention, either individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described exemplary embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0048] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0049] Embodiments of the present invention with regard to route planning are described with reference to the following Figure 1. In particular, Figure 1 shows an electrically powered vehicle 1. This can be an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in vehicle.

[0050] In particular, in one embodiment, the electrically powered vehicle 1 may be a passenger car for traveling. In another embodiment, the electrically powered vehicle 1 may be an electrically powered delivery vehicle, transport vehicle, or mail vehicle of a logistics company.

[0051] The vehicle 1 has, in particular, at least one electrical energy storage device 2. The electrical energy storage device can be, for example, a battery system or a battery arrangement of the vehicle 1. This serves, in particular, to electrically drive an electric drive unit, such as an electric motor, of the vehicle 1.

[0052] Efficient route planning is particularly important for electrically powered vehicles, as the range of such vehicles is often limited.

[0053] This can be remedied by, for example, efficiently planning at least one route 4 of the electrically powered vehicle 1 with the aid of an electronic route planning system 3. Route 4 is, for example, a route along a road.

[0054] For example, route 4 can be traveled during a journey of vehicle 1. In other words, route planning can be carried out using the electronic route planning system 3.

[0055] The electronic route planning system 3 can, for example, be a server unit, a backend, a central or decentralized computing unit or a cloud-based system.

[0056] For planning the route 4, the system 3 can have at least one electronic evaluation unit 5. For example, a computer program can also be provided which can be loaded directly into a memory 6 of a control device 7 of the electronic route planning system 3. Program means can be provided here to carry out appropriate route planning for the route 4 when the computer program is executed in the control device 7. For example, the control device 7 can be the evaluation unit 5; it is also conceivable that there are two separate units of the system 3. In order to carry out particularly efficient route planning and in particular individual planning, calendar entries 8 of an electronic calendar 9 of a user 10 of the electrically powered vehicle 1 can be made available, in particular provided, to the evaluation unit 5 or the system 3.

[0057] The electronic calendar 9 can be a digital calendar on a computer or other electronic device. In particular, these calendar entries 8 of the electronic calendar 9 are located on a mobile device 11 of the user 10. These calendar entries 8 can contain appointments 12 and / or local travel locations 13. Thus, route planning can be carried out individually according to the respective needs of the user 10, especially through their personal electronic calendar 9. A constant exchange of data can take place between the system 3 and the electronic calendar 9, so that an ongoing planning process can be carried out. In particular, dynamic adaptation takes place here should changes occur in the electronic calendar 9.

[0058] With the aid of the evaluation unit 5 of the system 3, the route 4 or several routes can be determined or planned, for example, in advance of a journey of the vehicle 1 or already during a journey of the vehicle 1, depending on the calendar entries 8 and depending on at least one piece of information from the electrical energy storage device 2. In this case, a current state of charge and / or a maximum capacity and / or an energy consumption can be provided using the at least one piece of information from the electrical energy storage device 2. In particular, an average electrical energy consumption of the electrically powered vehicle 1, in particular per 100 kilometers, can be provided here. This is particularly important in order to be able to decide whether the electrical energy storage device 2 is sufficient to carry out the route 4.Furthermore, a chronological sequence, in particular the order in which the calendar entries 8 are to be processed, and / or position information of the starting points 13 can be taken into account when planning the route 4. Furthermore, for example, a respective distance between the appointments 12 and / or starting points 13 can be taken into account in order to achieve efficient route planning or route planning or routing.

[0059] Furthermore, when planning route 4, the electronic evaluation unit 5 can take into account the possible loading status or additional load of the vehicle. It may also be important to know what route information and / or traffic information and / or environmental information is available regarding the at least one route 4. This information can be retrieved by the evaluation unit 5 from external information points, for example, or provided by them. In particular, traffic jams and / or numerous construction sites along route 4 can significantly impair the electric range of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, weather phenomena, such as temperatures below freezing, have a negative impact on the electrical energy storage unit 2.

[0060] A further criterion to be taken into account when planning route 4 is the respective local conditions in the vicinity of the appointments 12 and / or starting points 13. If, for example, these are located on inclines, more electrical energy will be required to power the vehicle 1 when traveling to such a location. If, for example, it is determined when planning route 4 or while already traveling along route 4 that the electrical energy of the electrical energy storage device 2 is not available or is insufficient for traveling along route 4, then at least one charging option can be determined at at least one electrical charging station 14. For this purpose, this charging option for the electrical energy storage device 2 is determined depending on the appointments 12 and / or starting points 13.This should be done in such a way that there are no major detours and / or delays in traveling through Route 4. It is also conceivable that, depending on the dates 12 and / or starting points 13, a battery swap station is determined, where the electrical energy storage device can be replaced or exchanged, in particular automatically, with a charged energy storage device.

[0061] For example, route 4 could be a delivery tour for a field service employee and / or a logistics company. During such a delivery tour, longer appointments could be used to charge electrical energy storage device 2.

[0062] For the charging option, the evaluation unit can further determine a charging location and / or a charging time and / or a charging quantity and / or a charging duration. This information can, for example, be provided acoustically and / or visually to the user 10 via their mobile device 11. Furthermore, the option can be provided to reserve this specific charging station 14 for the charging option. Furthermore, other potential charging options along route 4 can be determined by the evaluation unit 5 and made available at least as a backup.

[0063] The route 4 thus planned can, for example, be automatically transmitted or transferred to a navigation system 15 of the electrically powered vehicle 1 and / or the mobile device 11 of the user 10. Thus, the planned route 4 can be driven through efficiently. Furthermore, it is conceivable that several potential routes, i.e., alternative routes in addition to route 4, are made available to the user 10. Thus, the user 10 can be provided with or offered a selection option for a suitable route.

[0064] In other words, in a further exemplary embodiment, it can be provided that the vehicle 1 is a hybrid vehicle. In this case, an increase in the battery capacity cannot be activated or set by an automatic switch to a hybrid driving mode due to an exhausted battery capacity. This is done, for example, by configuration using arrow keys in an infotainment system of the vehicle 1. In this case, the user 10 can, for example, manually set how much charge or how much electrical energy can be removed or added for the hybrid driving mode. If a journey is now undertaken, route guidance can be set using the navigation system 15. If no route guidance is provided, no further automated procedure takes place.In conjunction with an application, for example on the mobile device 11, the availability of charging stations can be displayed and carried out by communicating with a database that provides this data. For this purpose, trend analyses can be used which determine the probability of a free charging station at the charging option at the time of arrival. If a charging station is highly likely to be available near the destination, for example at an appointment 12 or start point 13, the user 10 can be informed whether they wish to charge at the destination, and the system can thus optimize the destination accordingly. If it is determined during the journey that the planned charging station is no longer free, in particular before arriving at the charging stations, the area around the initial destination is checked for other free charging stations. This occurs continuously, for example, and suggests alternative charging options if necessary.An optimized driving style can be applied throughout the entire journey to achieve the optimal energy-efficient range for both drive systems, i.e., the combustion engine and the electric motor, and to ensure that the vehicle's electrical energy storage capacity does not fall below a minimum specified by the user 10 at the destination. The route planning system 3 can be used for this purpose.

[0065] It is also conceivable that a desired length of stay at an appointment 12 or departure location 13 is requested, or that return or onward travel planning is used via an application such as the "We connect app." This can be used to determine a corresponding charging time. From this, a corresponding minimum remaining capacity of the electrical energy storage device 2 can be determined if a full charge of the electrical energy storage device 2 is desired. This can be calculated from the data from the charging station.

[0066] If, for example, it is determined that no suitable charging station is available and therefore the journey along route 4 cannot be completed or there are no charging stations at the destination, a minimum remaining battery capacity can be determined from the route guidance, which is optimized for the return or onward journey. This is done, for example, using the "We connect app" in order to plan and manage the route or route efficiently. During the return journey, the required capacity can be determined from the route guidance or route planning and this can be set as the target value for the remaining capacity, for example by the evaluation unit. For this purpose, a balanced use of the electric drive and the combustion engine is activated during route guidance to maintain the charge and ensure efficient driving. The user 10 can also select or specify a full charge during the outward and return journey.

[0067] For example, navigation data can advantageously be used to check charging options. Furthermore, the user 10 can be queried about a charging project. For this purpose, an automatic adjustment of the navigation data or route data to the nearest free charging station can be carried out. The vehicle 1 and / or the evaluation unit 5 can check whether the charging stations at the destination or at a charging location are free or occupied at the start of the journey and during the journey. If the status of a free charging station has changed, the navigation data can be adjusted with regard to the destination input in relation to the calendar entries 8 so that the nearest free charging station can be reached. Based on appointment data or the calendar entries 9, charging destinations and possible charging times at the respective desired destination can be determined.A desired charging destination, i.e., a preference for a charging process, can be queried by the user 10 via the system 3. If the desired charging destination cannot be reached by charging alone at the charging station, intermediate charging can be carried out automatically during the journey using the combustion engine of the hybrid vehicle. If charging is not desired at the destination and the return journey takes the same route 4, the necessary capacity for energy-efficient driving is determined from the route or route planning of the outward journey and, if necessary, this capacity is taken into account on the outward journey according to the electrical energy storage device 2. The minimum capacity of the electrical energy storage device 2 defined or specified by the user can be taken into account and, above all, must not be undercut.

[0068] The following explains, for example, a sequence of events for a journey by vehicle 1 along route 4 or another route. At the start of the journey, a query can be made as to whether charging should be carried out at a destination based on calendar entries 8. This can be used to check whether an available charging station is available at this destination. Accordingly, route guidance can be adjusted to the nearest charging stations, for example, within a radius of 500 meters from the destination. During the journey, a dynamic and continuous check for charging station availability can be carried out. Based on appointment data relating to the charging stations and / or vehicle 1, the available charging time can be determined. This can be determined in particular based on calendar entries 8. Before the start of the journey, the user 10 can be asked whether only interim charging or a full charge should be carried out.Subsequently, for example, a route and potentially required battery capacity can be checked in conjunction with the driving behavior of the user 10. This makes it possible to determine a possible charging capacity during a stay at a destination or at an appointment 12 or starting point 13. Subsequently, for example, an electrical energy storage device 2 can be automatically charged. If this is not the case, the electrical energy storage device 2 can be automatically charged independently, for example through recuperation or other systems, especially in hybrid vehicles.

[0069] Optionally, for hybrid vehicles, a network of gas stations or charging stations can be considered when determining a charging station. Additionally or instead of, a current fuel price can also be considered to suggest a cost-effective provider to the user. Specifically, cost sensitivity can be used as a possible input parameter in the charging and / or gas station search.

[0070] Furthermore, the minimum battery capacity set or specified by user 10 can, for example, be automatically adjusted to achieve a greater range. If, for example, there is no charging request or no charging station available at the destination, the minimum battery capacity for an efficient outward and return journey is determined. This is done with the aid of evaluation unit 5. The minimum battery capacity at the destination is determined and adjusted accordingly. This is done automatically, for example, on the system side. Alternatively, user 10 can decide, in particular with the aid of an electronic input unit, that the outward and return journey should be used for full charging. Thus, during route 4, which includes the outward and return journey, a suitable charging option for fully charging the electrical energy storage device 2 can be searched for.For example, the minimum battery capacity can be set to a maximum for the outward and return journey. On the return journey, this can be done without further prompting, as only a safe return journey needs to be ensured. For example, the relevant information, queries, and / or status reports can be provided to the user 10 via an infotainment system or via voice query or voice input in vehicle 1.

[0071] Furthermore, in one exemplary embodiment, it can be provided that the evaluation unit 5 initially determines the route 4 based on the calendar entries 8, and then evaluates this route using the information from the electrical energy storage device 2. It is also conceivable in one exemplary embodiment that the route planning takes place at least in phases simultaneously, using the calendar entries 8 and also taking into account the storage state of an electrical energy storage device 2. This allows, above all, various alternative routes to be determined. The proposed method is particularly advantageous for optimized hybrid charging of a hybrid vehicle.

[0072] The following Fig. 2 shows an example process for planning and executing Route 4. Some optional steps are explained in more detail. For example, planning a delivery route for a logistics system could be used as a process.

[0073] In step S1, planning can be initiated or started. In the optional step S2, appointment calendar data is retrieved. For this purpose, a data interface to the calendar entries 8 of calendar 9 exists. For this purpose, for example, vehicle 1 can communicate with electronic calendar 9.

[0074] In the next optional step (S3), an appointment overview is created or optimized. For example, in the case of the logistics system or company, break times and appointments for a workday, for example, on which deliveries are made, can be compared.

[0075] Subsequently, in an optional fourth step S4, route and route planning can be performed. In an optional step S5, battery capacity planning of the electrical energy storage device 2 can be performed. Subsequently, in an optional sixth step S6, for example, the target appointments at charging stations can be checked.

[0076] An additional check of this can be performed in an optional seventh step S7. In an optional eighth step S8, the distance between the charging stations and the appointment destinations can be checked. This can be done by the evaluation unit 5. In a ninth step S9, a check of the possible charging capacity during the appointments can be performed.

[0077] In a subsequent optional tenth step S10, the appointment overview can be compared.

[0078] Subsequently, in an eleventh step S11, the route and route planning, including charging points, can be created or calculated. This can be transferred, for example, to vehicle 1 or user 10. Furthermore, the charging stations can be checked to determine whether their driving, appointment, and break data and locations are aligned with the appointment calendar. For example, the created appointments with charging points can be made available to user 10. In this regard, the coordination of the daily schedule for deliveries can be checked, for example.

[0079] Following the eleventh step S11, it can again be checked whether there is sufficient time between the appointments. In doing so, it can be checked whether there is a sufficient time buffer for the route between the charging station and the appointment destination, for example 15 minutes including traffic conditions based on experience-based values. Furthermore, it can be checked whether there is enough time between the appointments for organizational matters, such as toilet breaks, making phone calls, eating, or other activities. If this is not the case, the system can return to step S3. If there is sufficient time, an appointment overview can be created, saved, and transmitted to user 10 or vehicle 1 in a twelfth step S12. User 10 can then, for example, take over route guidance, appointment guidance, and charging guidance.Here, the user can evaluate whether the planned route is suitable for them or for the day. If the user 10 does not agree with the route planning, the user 10 can make manual changes, for example, using their mobile device 11, in an optional thirteenth step S13. Otherwise, step S3 can be repeated. If the user 10 is satisfied, the traffic situation regarding route 4 can be checked in an optional fourteenth step S14. If the traffic situation is not critical, route 4 can be followed, for example. If this is not the case, the third step S3 can be repeated.

[0080] If everything is now OK for user 10, the journey or workday can begin. This occurs in an optional fifteenth step S15. After the start, the charging stations can optionally be checked for availability, particularly dynamically, in a step S16. In particular, the charging stations can be checked during the journey. If the charging stations are available or a charging plan can be implemented, route planning can continue in an optional step S17. If route planning is not feasible, new planning regarding charging destinations can be carried out in an optional eighteenth step S18. This allows a charging point change, including the impact on the daily appointments, to be calculated and made available to user 10.Based on the calculated new charging options, suggestions for alternative charging stations, including the resulting scheduling effects, can be issued or provided to the user 10 in an optional step S19.

[0081] If the user confirms and approves this, the route planning can be updated in step S20. If the user does not agree with the suggested alternative charging stations, step S18 can be repeated. If the new, updated route S20 is suitable, it is again referred to as route guidance S17. If a charging point or the appointment destination has been reached, a check can be made in step S21 to see whether the daily destination has been reached. If this is not the case, step S16 can be repeated. If all appointment destinations related to calendar entries 8 have been processed or completed, the route planning and, in particular, the route driving can be ended in a final step S22.

[0082] The processes just described are examples and can be repeated, additionally called up or modified in a variety of constellations.

[0083] List of reference symbols electrically powered vehicle electrical energy storage device electronic route planning system route electronic evaluation unit

[0084] memory

[0085] Control device

[0086] Calendar entries electronic calendar

[0087] Mobile device user

[0088] Dates

[0089] Access points for electric charging stations

[0090] navigation system

[0091] S22 first to twenty-second step

Claims

Patent claims Method for planning a route (4) of an electrically powered vehicle (1), wherein the following steps are carried out: - Providing calendar entries (8) of an electronic calendar (9) of a user (10) of the electrically powered vehicle (1) to an electronic evaluation unit (5), wherein the calendar entries (8) comprise appointments (12) and / or local starting points (13), - Planning at least one route (4) as a function of the calendar entries (8) and as a function of at least one piece of information from an electrical energy storage device (2) of the electrically powered vehicle (1) by the electronic evaluation unit (5). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one planned route (4) is transmitted to a navigation system (15) of the electrically powered vehicle (1) and / or to a mobile terminal (11) of the user (10), in particular the at least one planned route (4) is offered to the user (10) for selection by means of the navigation system (15) and / or the mobile terminal (11). Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when planning the at least one route (4), a chronological sequence of the appointments (12) and / or position information of the starting points (13) and / or a respective distance between the starting points (13) is taken into account.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic evaluation unit (5) is provided with route information relating to the at least one planned route (4) and / or traffic information relating to the at least one planned route (4) and / or environmental information relating to the at least one planned route (4), wherein the electronic evaluation unit (5) is provided with route information relating to the at least one planned route (4) as a function of at least one of these. a potential travel through the at least one planned route (4) is assessed using the information provided, in particular an assessment result is provided to the user (10). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a current charge state of the electrical energy store (2) and / or a capacity of the electrical energy store (2) and / or an energy consumption of the electrically powered vehicle (1) is provided to the electronic evaluation unit (5) using the at least one piece of information from the electrical energy store (2).Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic evaluation unit (5) checks whether at least one electric charging station (14) is located within a surrounding area of ​​a location of at least one appointment (12) and / or a local starting point (13), wherein this check is taken into account when planning the at least one route (4). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, depending on the appointments (12) and / or the local starting points (13), the electronic evaluation unit (5) checks whether a range, in particular an electric range, of the electrically powered vehicle (5) is sufficient, and if not, then the electronic evaluation unit (5) determines at least one charging option at at least one electric charging station (14) depending on the appointments (12) and / or the local starting points (13).Method according to claim 7, characterized in that depending on the dates (12) and / or the local starting locations (13) and depending on the at least one piece of information of the electrical energy storage device (2), a local charging location and / or a charging time and / or a charging quantity and / or a charging duration relating to the at least one charging option at the at least one electrical charging station (14) is determined. Electronic route planning system (3) with an electronic evaluation unit (5), wherein the electronic route planning system (3) is designed to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8. Computer program which can be loaded directly into a memory (6) of a control device (7) of an electronic route planning system (3) according to claim 9, with program means for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8 when the computer program is executed in the control device (7) of the electronic route planning system (3).

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