Method and device for operating an electrically powered vehicle in preparation for a starting process - Patents.com

Abstract

To efficiently provide a preparation stage for preparing a starting process of an electrically driven vehicle. A device for operating an electric drive machine of a vehicle in preparation for the vehicle to depart, the device comprising: - to determine that a preparation mode of the vehicle 100 for preparing for a starting process is active; and in response to this, the electric drive machine 114 is operated with a time-adjusted target drive torque in the preparation phase for the starting process in order to provide vibrations of the vehicle 100 by the drive machine 114 in a standstill state as a haptic response to the driver of the vehicle 100; It is composed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a corresponding device which makes it possible to operate an electrically driven vehicle in a preparation mode for the starting process, in particular making it possible to shorten the starting time of the vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] A vehicle having an internal combustion engine can be operated by a driver of the vehicle in a stationary state, for example before the start of a vehicle race, such that the internal combustion engine has an increased drive torque that can be used for increased acceleration of the vehicle at the moment of starting. For this purpose, the driver operates the brakes of the vehicle, in particular the brake pedal, to keep the vehicle stationary. Furthermore, the driver operates the drive control means of the vehicle, for example the accelerator pedal of the vehicle, to set a drive torque (increased relative to the idling speed) by the internal combustion engine of the vehicle. For starting the vehicle, the driver can release the brakes of the vehicle, so that an increased drive torque is provided for increased acceleration of the vehicle.

[0003] During the above-mentioned preparation phase for the accelerated start of the vehicle, the driver of the vehicle gets a haptic response of the increased drive torque of the internal combustion engine provided by the driver through the vibration of the vehicle provided by the internal combustion engine, which enables the driver to precisely adjust (set) the increased drive torque by operating the drive control means, and the driver's haptic response is often experienced as a positive emotion and driving experience. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present specification relates in particular to the technical problem of efficiently providing a preparatory step for preparing a starting process of an electrically driven vehicle in order to enable a starting process with increased drive torque and / or increased driving enjoyment for the vehicle driver. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The problem is solved by each independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are set out in particular in the dependent claims. It is to be pointed out that the additional features of the claims dependent on an independent claim may form an independent invention from the combination of all the features of the independent claim, either without the features of the independent claim or only in combination with some of the features of the independent claim, which may be made for the subject matter of an independent claim, a divisional application or a subsequent application. This also applies to technical suggestions given in the description, which may form an independent invention from one of the features of the independent claims.

[0006] According to one aspect, an apparatus is described for operating an electric drive machine of a vehicle in preparation for starting the vehicle. The vehicle may be a battery electric vehicle (BEV). In particular, the vehicle may be configured to be driven exclusively by one or more electric drive machines.

[0007] The device is configured to determine that a preparatory mode of the vehicle for preparation for a starting process is active. The preparatory mode can then be activated by a driver of the vehicle. In particular, the device can be configured to detect simultaneous operation (by the driver) of a brake control means, in particular a brake pedal, controlling one or more (friction) brakes of the vehicle, and a drive control means, in particular an accelerator pedal, controlling a drive machine, in a stationary state of the vehicle. Then, based on said information, it is possible to determine that a preparatory mode of the vehicle is active. Thus, the driver of the vehicle can simultaneously operate the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal in preparation for a starting process (while the vehicle is stationary) to activate the preparatory mode of the vehicle.

[0008] The vehicle may include a user interface (e.g. with operating elements) that allows the driver of the vehicle to configure whether or not the preparatory mode should be used during the start-off process. For example, the driver may activate a sport mode of the vehicle that allows the use of the preparatory mode during the start-off process. Otherwise, the use of the preparatory mode may possibly be prevented.

[0009] Thus, the device can be configured to detect that a setting has been made via a user interface of the vehicle (e.g. via an operating element) that the preparation mode should be used for preparing the vehicle for a starting process, and based on the setting, can determine that the preparation mode of the vehicle is active.

[0010] By enabling or blocking the preparation mode via the user interface of the vehicle, a particularly flexible and comfortable operation of the vehicle can be made possible.

[0011] The device is also configured to operate the electric drive machine in a preparation phase for the starting process with a time-adjusted target drive torque in response to detecting that the preparation mode is active. In other words, it is possible to bring about a time-adjustment (i.e. a time-varying) of the target drive torque required by the drive machine in a preparation phase for the starting process (the vehicle remains stationary). The target drive torque can then be composed of a constant component and an alternating component superimposed on the constant component, where at least the alternating component can be varied over time. The alternating component can, for example, be composed of one or more sinusoidal oscillations.

[0012] In particular, the device may be configured to vary the amplitude of the alternating component over time. Thus, amplitude modulation of the alternating component may be performed. Alternatively or supplementarily, the device may be configured to vary the frequency and / or period duration of the alternating component over time. Thus, frequency modulation of the alternating component may be performed. Alternatively or supplementarily, the device may be configured to vary the rate at which the amplitude of the alternating component is varied over time.

[0013] The adjustment of the target drive torque required by the drive machine can then be performed in such a way that the drive machine is exposed to vibrations which result in vibrations of the vehicle, in particular in a stationary state of the vehicle, which vibrations of the vehicle are provided by the drive machine as a haptic response to the driver of the vehicle.

[0014] By means of a target drive torque required by the drive machine, in particular by a constant component of the target drive torque, the drive shaft of the drive machine, in particular the rotor, can be set (e.g. preloaded) to a predefined central position. At this time, typically no (full) rotation of the drive shaft takes place (because the vehicle is stationary and the drive shaft is blocked by the stationary wheels of the vehicle). Rather, the position of the drive shaft (in particular the rotor) of the electric drive machine can be changed over time based on the adjusted target drive torque to be provided. At this time, in particular, oscillations of the drive shaft can be produced around the central position. The oscillations of the drive shaft can correspond to an alternating component of the target drive torque. The central position of the drive shaft can depend on the constant component of the target drive torque.

[0015] Thus, in the run-up phase for the start-up process of the vehicle, an oscillating time-varying and / or oscillating target drive torque is requested by the electric drive machine of the vehicle in order to provide a vibration of the vehicle (of the vehicle body) (corresponding to the oscillating (varying) target drive torque) as a haptic response during the run-up phase. The driving experience for the vehicle driver can thus be effectively improved. The haptic response also allows the driver to set the desired drive torque particularly precisely at the beginning of the start-up process in order to enable an accelerated start-up process.

[0016] The device may be configured to detect braking information about the braking torque exerted by one or more (friction) brakes of the vehicle. The braking information may indicate the value of the braking torque and / or the displacement (deflection) of a brake control means, in particular a brake pedal. Alternatively or additionally, the braking information may indicate the force with which the driver operates the brake control means.

[0017] The time-adjusted target drive torque provided by the drive machine can be determined and / or adjusted (set) depending on the brake information. The target drive torque can be determined and / or adjusted such that the time-adjusted target drive torque does not exceed the brake torque in the preparation phase (overall). On the other hand, the target drive torque can be determined and / or adjusted such that the maximum value of the target drive torque corresponds to at least 90% of the value of the brake torque. Thus, a target drive torque as large as possible can be required to ensure a stationary state of the vehicle. Thus, it is possible to provide a haptic response as strong as possible for the driver of the vehicle (to further improve the quality of the setting of the target drive torque for the starting process and / or the driving experience).

[0018] The device may be configured to detect actuation information about an actuation, in particular about the magnitude of an actuation, of a brake control means (in particular a brake pedal) controlling one or more brakes of the vehicle. The actuation information (also referred to herein as brake information) may be detected, for example, by a brake pedal sensor. The actuation information may indicate a brake torque and / or a displacement of the brake pedal requested by the driver.

[0019] The time-adjusted target drive torque to be provided by the drive machine, in particular the constant component of the time-adjusted target drive torque, can be determined and / or adjusted as a function of the operating information. In particular, the constant component of the time-adjusted target drive torque can be increased with an increase in the required brake torque (or decreased with a decrease in the brake torque). Thus, the quality of the setting of the target drive torque for the starting process can be further improved. Thus, in particular, the adjustment range for the target drive torque that can be adjusted by the driver can be flexibly increased.

[0020] The device can be configured to detect actuation information about an actuation of a drive control means (in particular an accelerator pedal) controlling the drive machine, in particular about the magnitude of the actuation. The actuation information can indicate the drive torque requested by the driver and / or the displacement of the accelerator pedal.

[0021] The time-adjusted target drive torque to be provided by the drive machine, in particular the alternating component of the time-adjusted target drive torque, can be determined and / or adjusted depending on the operating information about the operation of the drive control means. In particular, the time-adjusted target drive torque can be adapted in such a way that the magnitude of the vibrations of the vehicle caused by the drive machine increases with an increase in the required drive torque (or decreases with a decrease in the required drive torque). Such an adaptation of the haptic response can further improve the quality of the setting of the target drive torque for the starting process.

[0022] The vehicle may include at least one active vibration damping unit, which is configured to damp the transmission of vibrations of the drive machine to the driver position of the vehicle (where the driver of the vehicle is seated). The active vibration damping unit or units can be operated while the vehicle is moving in order to damp the vibrations caused by the drive machine as comprehensively as possible. A particularly comfortable ride can thus be made possible.

[0023] The device can be configured to deactivate the active vibration damping during the preparatory phase (overall). Alternatively or additionally, the device can be configured to activate the active vibration damping during the preparatory phase (overall), such that the transmission of vibrations from the drive machine to the driver's position of the vehicle is not damped and / or possibly even enhanced.

[0024] By deactivating and / or amplifying the vibration of one or more active vibration damping parts, the strength of the haptic response can be further increased and thus the quality of the driving experience and / or the setting of the target drive torque for the starting process can be further improved.

[0025] Typically, the vehicle comprises steering means, in particular a steering wheel, for steering the vehicle. The device can be configured to bring about a vibration of the steering means by means of a steering means actuator in the preparation mode and / or in the preparation phase as an (additional) haptic response for the driver of the vehicle. The vibration of the steering means, in particular the amplitude of the vibration, can then be adapted depending on the brake information and / or depending on the operating information of the drive control means. Providing an additional haptic response can further improve the quality of the driving experience and / or the setting of the target drive torque for the start-off process.

[0026] The vehicle may include a first electric drive machine for a first axle (e.g., a rear axle) of the vehicle (for all-wheel drive) and a second electric drive machine for a second axle (e.g., a rear axle) of the vehicle.

[0027] The device can be configured to operate the first drive machine with a first adjusted target drive torque and the second drive machine with a second adjusted target drive torque during the preparation phase. Furthermore, the device can be configured to vary the first and second adjusted target drive torques relative to each other over time such that the vibrations of the vehicle are displaced positionally (within the body of the vehicle) over time. Thus, the operation of the electric drive machines located at different locations in the vehicle can effectively generate a spatial haptic response to further improve the driving experience.

[0028] The time-adjusted target drive torque, in particular the alternating component of the time-adjusted target torque, can be dependent on the resonance frequency of the vehicle body. In particular, the time-adjusted target drive torque can be configured to excite vibrations of the vehicle body that differ from the resonance frequency of the vehicle body by at most 30% or at most 20%. Thus, a haptic response for the vehicle driver can be effectively generated.

[0029] The device may be configured to determine that the preparation phase is over and / or that the starting process is initiated (and thus the vehicle should start), for example by detecting that the driver reduces or ends the operation of the brake control means.

[0030] In response to this, the adjustment of the target drive torque to be provided by the electric drive machine can be terminated (either abruptly or smoothly over a predefined time period) and the drive machine can be operated according to the drive torque set by the driver via the drive control means. A direct transition to the starting process can thus be made possible. The comfort of the starting process can thus be further improved.

[0031] The device can also be configured to determine that the launch mode is not active for a given launch process, for example because the preparation mode has been enabled without via a user interface of the vehicle. In this case, simultaneous operation of the brake control means and the drive control means is controlled by the electric drive machine to: - No target drive torque is required, or A time-adjusted target torque is required (i.e. only a constant component of the target torque, no alternating components) This could lead to...

[0032] Thus, there may be no vehicle vibration (when the readiness mode is not active) and no haptic response to the vehicle operator.

[0033] According to another aspect, a (road vehicle) motor vehicle (in particular a car or a lorry or a bus or a motorcycle) is described that comprises the device described herein. The vehicle may be exclusively an electrically driven vehicle.

[0034] According to another aspect, a method of operating an electric drive machine of a vehicle in preparation for a launch of the vehicle is described. The method includes determining that a preparation mode of the vehicle is active for preparation for a launch process. The method further includes, in response thereto, operating the electric drive machine with a time-adjusted target drive torque in preparation for the launch process to provide vehicle vibration by the drive machine at a standstill as a haptic response to a vehicle driver.

[0035] According to another aspect, a software (SW) program is described, the software program being configurable to execute in a processor (e.g., in a vehicle controller) and thereby to perform the methods described herein.

[0036] According to another aspect, a storage medium is described. The storage medium can include a software program configured to execute on a processor and thereby perform the methods described herein.

[0037] It should be noted that the methods, devices and systems described herein can be used alone or in combination with other methods, devices and systems described herein. Furthermore, aspects of the methods, devices and systems described herein can be combined with each other in various ways. In particular, features of the claims can be combined in various ways.

[0038] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1a] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary vehicle having an electric drive machine. [Figure 1b] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary vehicle having an electric drive machine. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary time course of the target drive torque to be adjusted by the electric machine during the preparation phase for a start-off maneuver. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of operating an electric machine during a preparation phase for a launch maneuver. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] As explained at the beginning, the present specification relates to an efficient provision of a preparatory phase for a launch maneuver, which allows an increased drive torque for the launch maneuver and / or an improved driving experience for the driver of the vehicle. In this context, different views of an electrically powered (possibly exclusively electrically powered) vehicle 100, in particular a battery electric vehicle (BEV), are shown in Figures 1a and 1b.

[0041] Vehicle 100 includes at least one electric machine 114 configured to be operated by electric energy from an electric energy store (not shown) of vehicle 100 and to drive vehicle 100. Vehicle 100 includes a first electric machine 114 for a first axle (e.g., a rear axle) of the vehicle and a second electric machine 114 for a second axle (e.g., a front axle) of the vehicle, for example to provide an electric all-wheel drive. The first and / or second machines 114 may each be a synchronous or an asynchronous motor.

[0042] The vehicle 100 further typically includes brakes 113, in particular wheel brakes and / or friction brakes, arranged to slow down the vehicle 100. For this purpose, the brakes 113 are capable of acting on the wheels 106 of the vehicle 100 in order to brake the wheels 106.

[0043] Furthermore, the vehicle 100 includes a brake control means 103, e.g. a brake pedal, by which one or more brakes 113 of the vehicle 100 can be operated in order to brake the vehicle 100. Here, typically, the one or more brakes 113 can also provide for keeping the vehicle 100 stationary even when a drive torque is acting on one or more wheels 106. In particular, the one or more brakes 113 can provide a brake torque that can act against the drive torque of the vehicle 100. Here, the magnitude of the brake torque can be adjusted by the driver, possibly via the brake control means 103, e.g. via a force acting on the brake pedal and / or via a displacement (deflection) of the brake pedal. The magnitude of the brake torque typically increases the harder the driver operates the brake pedal and / or the greater the driver displaces the brake pedal.

[0044] The vehicle 100 further comprises a drive control means 103, for example an accelerator pedal, by means of which it is possible to adjust the drive torque provided by the electric machine or machines 114. In particular, the driver can increase the drive torque by increasing the displacement of the accelerator pedal.

[0045] The (control) device 101 of the vehicle 100 can be configured to detect operation information regarding the drive control means 104 and / or the brake control means 103 (e.g. based on respective sensors in the drive control means 104 or the brake control means 103). Furthermore, the device 101 can: Detecting a target drive torque based on operation information of the drive control means 104, and / or Calculating a target brake torque based on operation information of the brake control means 103 It is possible to configure it as follows.

[0046] Furthermore, the device 101 can be configured to operate the one or more electric machines 114 depending on operating information of the drive control means 104, in particular depending on the calculated target drive torque, in particular so that a target drive torque is set by the one or more electric machines 114. Correspondingly, the one or more brakes 103 can be operated depending on operating information of the brake control means 103, in particular so that a target brake torque is set by the one or more brakes 103, in particular depending on the calculated target brake torque.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 1b, the vehicle 100 may further comprise at least one active vibration damping 122 for reducing vibrations caused by the electric machine(s) 114 (particularly at the driver's position). Here, the active vibration damping 122 may act on the mounting of the electric machine(s) 114 on the chassis 121 of the vehicle 100.

[0048] As explained at the beginning, for example in preparation for the start of a vehicle race and / or to increase the driving torque acting during a starting maneuver, the driver of the vehicle 100 may wish to operate the vehicle in a preparation mode in which the vehicle 100 is prepared for an imminent starting process when in a stationary state. To prepare the vehicle 100 for the starting process, the driver 100 can simultaneously operate the brake control means 103 so that a braking torque is generated by the one or more brakes 113 and the vehicle 100 remains stationary. Furthermore, the drive control means 104 can be operated by the driver 100 so that a driving torque is provided by the one or more electric machines 114, which does not lead to the starting of the vehicle due to the applied braking torque. The driver 100 can release the operation of the brake control means 103 to start the actual starting process, so that the vehicle 100 is driven by the driving torque provided by the one or more electric machines 114.

[0049] In an electrically powered vehicle 100, the drive torque provided by the one or more electric machines 114 typically does not result in a perceptible tactile response to the driver of the vehicle 100, making it difficult for the driver to set a desired drive torque by operating the drive control means 104 when in a stationary state.

[0050] The (control) device 101 of the vehicle 100 can be configured to operate the one or more electric machines 114 of the vehicle 100 in a preparation mode such that the one or more electric machines 114 provide a haptic response at the driver's position of the vehicle 100. The provided haptic response can then depend on the operation of the drive control means 104, in particular on the operation information. In particular, the haptic response can be adapted depending on a target drive torque requested by the driver via the drive control means 104. The driver of the vehicle 100 can thus prepare the vehicle 100 precisely for the starting process.

[0051] The (control) device 101 can be configured to adjust or vary a target torque demanded by one or more electric machines 114 in order to excite the one or more electric machines 114 into a vibration that leads to a perceptible tactile response at the driver's position.

[0052] The device 101 may also be configured to operate (or not operate) one or more active vibration damping units 122 to dampen vibrations of one or more electric machines 114 in order to transmit the vibrations of the one or more electric machines 114 as best as possible to the driver's position in the vehicle 100.

[0053] The device 101 can therefore be configured to detect whether the vehicle 100 should be operated in a preparation mode for the starting process. Whether the vehicle 100 is stationary; Whether the preparation mode has been activated via the user interface 102 of the vehicle 100; and / or Whether the brake control means 103 and the drive control means 104 are operated simultaneously It is possible to check.

[0054] If the above conditions (in particular all of the above conditions) are met, it is possible to specify that the vehicle 100 is operated in the standby mode. On the other hand, it is possible in some cases to specify that the vehicle 100 is not operated in the standby mode.

[0055] When it is determined that the vehicle 100 is not operated in the ready mode, the device 101 can prevent one or more electric machines 114 from providing a drive torque and / or a tactile response to the driver of the vehicle 100 when the brake control means 103 is operated (and possibly also when the drive control means 104 is operated at the same time).

[0056] On the other hand, when it is determined that the vehicle 100 is to be operated in the ready mode, the one or more electric machines 114 can be controlled (operated) to set a predetermined target torque 201 (see FIG. 2 ). In this case, the target torque 201 can be composed of an average target torque 202 or a constant component 202 and an adjustment component that adjusts the target torque 201.

[0057] The average driving torque 202 (i.e., the constant component of the target driving torque 201) is expressed as follows: Operation information about the operation of the drive control means 104, in particular the displacement of the drive control means 104, Operating information about the operation of the brake control means 103, in particular the displacement of the brake control means 103 and / or the forces acting on the brake control means 103, and / or Braking torque provided by one or more brakes 103 and may depend on.

[0058] The average target driving torque 202 can be such that the effective target driving torque 201 does not exceed the brake torque even during adjustments with respect to the average target driving torque 202. It is therefore possible to reliably prevent the vehicle 100 from starting unintentionally.

[0059] 2 shows an exemplary time course 200 of a requested target drive torque 201. At time 222, it is determined that the vehicle 100 should be operated in a preparatory mode. In a first phase 231 before time 222, typically no request for a target drive torque 202 is made by the electric machine(s) 114. From time 222, in a preparatory phase 232, a time-adjusted target drive torque 201 is requested, which fluctuates and / or changes with respect to the average target drive torque 202. The adjustment of the target drive torque 201 then excites vibrations of the electric machine(s) 114, which leads to a haptic response at the driver's position of the vehicle 100.

[0060] The adjustment of the required target drive torque 201 may include a change to the average target drive torque 202 or an adjustment of the amplitude 203 of the oscillations (i.e., the alternating component of the target drive torque 201). In this case, the amplitude 203 may vary over time. The change of the amplitude 203 may be performed continuously or in steps (e.g., periodically). In the example shown in Fig. 2, the third period of the required target drive torque 201 has a smaller amplitude 203 than the first and second periods.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, the adjustment of the required target drive torque 201 may include a frequency adjustment (frequency modulation) in which the cycle duration 204 of the cycle of the adjusted target drive torque 201 varies over time. The change in cycle duration 204 may be made continuously or in steps (e.g. cyclically).

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to vary the frequency and / or speed at which the amplitude 203 of the adjusted target drive torque 201 is changed.

[0063] Thus, adjustments to the required target drive torque 201 can be made during the preparation phase 232, and one or more electric machines 114 (whose drive shafts typically do not rotate) can be excited into vibration by such adjustments, which again leads to a perceptible tactile response at the driver's position in the vehicle 100.

[0064] The adjustment of the required target drive torque 201 can be performed in such a way that the provided haptic response depends on the operating information regarding the operation of the drive control means 104, in particular on the displacement of the drive control means 104, in particular in such a way that the magnitude of the vibrations perceptible to the driver increases with increasing displacement of the drive control means 104. The provided haptic response thus enables the driver of the vehicle 100 to precisely adjust the desired drive torque for the subsequent starting process. Furthermore, such a haptic response can enhance the driving experience for the driver of the vehicle 100.

[0065] The starting process can be initiated by the driver, in particular by him terminating the operation of the brake control means 103. As a result, the vehicle 100 starts off with the target driving torque 201 requested via the driving control means 104. The adjustment of the target driving torque 201 is then terminated (suddenly or smoothly).

[0066] In the example shown in Fig. 2, the driver of the vehicle 100 starts (activates) the starting process at time 223 (e.g. by releasing the brake pedal). This ends the preparation phase 232 and is followed by a starting phase 233. In the starting phase 233, in particular at time 223, the adjustment of the target drive torque 201 is ended. Furthermore, the target drive torque 201 requested by the driver via the drive control means 104 is to be set by the electric machine or machines 114.

[0067] During the preparation phase 232 and / or during operation of the vehicle 100 in the preparation mode, an actuator in the steering wheel (or steering means in general) of the vehicle 100 can be additionally controlled (activated) in order to provide vibrations in the steering wheel as part of the haptic response, thus further improving the driving experience for the driver.

[0068] Alternatively or additionally, the user interface 102 of the vehicle 100 can be adapted when the vehicle 100 is in the preparation mode and / or in the preparation stage 232. For example, the user interface 102 can be adapted in color to indicate to the driver that the vehicle 100 is in the preparation mode and / or in the preparation stage 232. Alternatively or additionally, a predefined symbol can be shown via the user interface 102 to indicate to the driver that the vehicle 100 is in the preparation mode and / or in the preparation stage 232. Thus, the comfort and the driving experience for the driver can be further improved.

[0069] Therefore, measures are described in which a relatively strong vibration of the vehicle 100 is generated during the preparation phase 232 (in particular during the so-called launch control preparation) in order to improve the driving experience for the driver and / or to allow the driver to perceive the driving torque already prepared in the dynamic state of the vehicle 100. A steering wheel vibration function can be associated with the launch control sequence in order to enhance the haptic response.

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, one or more further measures for directing the launch process may be performed during the preparation phase 232. The vehicle 100 may include an audio system for generating acoustic signals. The audio system may generate acoustic signals (e.g. special sound effects) during the preparation phase 232 that further improve the driving experience for the driver of the vehicle 100. Alternatively or additionally, a seat heater of the driver's seat may be selectively operated during the preparation phase 232 to give the driver of the vehicle 100 an impression of the heat generation of the drive of the vehicle 100.

[0071] During the preparation phase 232, the drivetrain having one or more electric machines 114 can be preloaded with the vehicle 100 in a stationary state, so that the drivetrain of the vehicle 100 varies in amplitude and frequency, resulting in a corresponding vibration of the vehicle 100 that is perceived as a tactile response by the driver of the vehicle 100.

[0072] 3 illustrates an exemplary (possibly computer-implemented) method 300 for operating the electric drive machine 114 of the vehicle 100 in preparation for a launch process of the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 may be a purely electrically powered vehicle. In particular, the vehicle 100 may be configured such that the vehicle 100 does not include an internal combustion engine.

[0073] The method 300 comprises determining 301 that a preparation mode of the vehicle 100 is active for preparation for a starting process. To activate the preparation mode, the driver of the vehicle 100 can set, possibly via the user interface 102 of the vehicle 100, that the preparation mode should be used in preparation for the starting process. The driver can also simultaneously operate the brake control means 103 (particularly the brake pedal) and the drive control means 104 (particularly the accelerator pedal) when the vehicle 100 is in a stationary state, to activate the preparation mode of the vehicle 100.

[0074] The method 300 further includes, in response to detecting that the preparation mode is active, operating 302 the electric drive machine 114 in a preparation phase 232 for the launch process with a time-adjusted target drive torque 201. In other words, the target drive torque 201 can be requested by the drive machine 114, the target drive torque 201 being time-adjusted. In particular, the requested target drive torque 201 varies around a constant component.

[0075] The adjustment of the required target drive torque 201 can then be performed in such a way that, when the vehicle 100 is stationary, the drive machine 114 causes vibrations of the vehicle 100 (in particular at the driver's position of the vehicle 100) as a haptic response to the driver of the vehicle 100. The driving experience for the driver can thus be further improved. Also, the driver may be able to precisely adjust the drive torque to be provided at the start of the starting process.

[0076] It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, and in particular that the specification and drawings are merely illustrative of the principles of the proposed methods, devices and systems.

Claims

1. An apparatus (101) for operating an electric drive machine (114) of a vehicle (100) in preparation for starting the vehicle (100), the apparatus (101) being - to identify that the preparation mode of the vehicle (100) for preparation of the starting process is active, and - in response thereto, to operate the electric drive machine (114) with a target drive torque (201) that is temporally adjusted in a preparation stage (232) of the starting process in order to cause vibrations of the vehicle (100) by the drive machine (114) in a stopped state as a tactile response to the driver of the vehicle (100). An apparatus characterized by being configured as such.

2. The apparatus (101) is - to detect that in a stationary state of the vehicle (100), brake control means (103) for controlling one or more brakes (113) of the vehicle (100), in particular a brake pedal, and drive control means (104) for controlling the drive machine (114), in particular an accelerator pedal, are simultaneously operated, and - based on this, to identify that the preparation mode of the vehicle (100) is active. The apparatus (101) according to claim 1, characterized by being configured as such.

3. The apparatus (101) is - to detect that it is set via a user interface (102) of the vehicle (100) that the preparation mode is to be used for preparation of the starting process of the vehicle (100), and - based on this, to identify that the preparation mode of the vehicle (100) is active. The apparatus (101) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by being configured as such.

4. The temporally adjusted target drive torque (201) is - a constant component of the target drive torque (201), and - an alternating component of the target drive torque (201). The apparatus (101) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by being composed of these.

5. The apparatus (101) is - to vary the amplitude (203) of the alternating component over time, - to vary the frequency and / or the period duration (204) of the alternating component over time, and / or - to change the speed at which the amplitude of the alternating component changes over time. The apparatus (101) according to claim 4, characterized by being configured as such.

6. The apparatus (101) is - to detect brake information about the brake torque provided by one or more brakes (113) of the vehicle (101), and - The time-adjusted target drive torque (201) to be provided by the drive machine (114) is detected depending on the brake information, in particular such that the time-adjusted target drive torque (201) does not exceed the brake torque in the preparation stage (232). The device (101) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is configured as such.

7. The device (101) is - Detecting operation information indicating the brake torque required by the driver, in particular regarding the scale of the operation, regarding the operation of the brake control means for controlling one or more brakes (113) of the vehicle (100). - Depending on the operation information, the time-adjusted target drive torque (201) to be provided by the drive machine (114), in particular the constant component (202) of the time-adjusted target drive torque (201), is determined such that the constant component (202) of the time-adjusted target drive torque (201) is required and increases with an increase in the brake torque. The device (101) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is configured as such.

8. The device (101) is - Detecting operation information indicating the drive torque required by the driver, in particular regarding the scale of the operation, regarding the operation of the drive control means (104) of the drive machine (114). - Depending on the operation information, the time-adjusted target drive torque (201) to be provided by the drive machine (114), in particular the alternating component of the time-adjusted target drive torque (201), is determined such that the scale of the vibration of the vehicle (100) caused by the drive machine (114) increases with an increase in the required drive torque. The device (101) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is configured as such.

9. - The vehicle (100) includes at least one active vibration damping unit (122), and the active vibration damping unit is set to attenuate the transmission of the vibration of the drive machine (114) to the driver position of the vehicle (100), and - The device (101) is - In the preparation stage (232), deactivating the active vibration damping unit (122), and / or - In the preparation stage (232), operating the active vibration damping unit (122) so as not to attenuate or to enhance the transmission of the vibration of the drive machine (114) to the driver position of the vehicle (100). The device (101) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in being so configured.

10. - The vehicle (100) includes steering means for steering the vehicle (100), in particular a steering wheel, - The device (101) is configured to cause vibration of the steering means as a tactile response to the driver of the vehicle (100) by means of a steering means actuator in the standby mode The device (101) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in this regard.

11. - The vehicle (100) includes a first electric drive machine (114) for a first axle of the vehicle and a second electric drive machine (114) for a second axle of the vehicle, - The device (101) is in the preparation stage (232), - To operate the first drive machine (114) with a first adjusted target drive torque (201), - To operate the second drive machine (114) with a second adjusted target drive torque (201), - The first and second adjusted target drive torques (201) are changed relative to each other over time so that the vibration of the vehicle (100) is displaced positionally over time The device (101) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in being so configured.

12. The device (101) is - To identify that the preparation stage (232) has ended and / or the starting process has been initiated, and - In response thereto, to end the adjustment of the target drive torque (201) to be provided by the electric drive machine (114) and to operate the drive machine (114) in accordance with the drive torque set by the driver via the drive control means (104) The device (101) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in being so configured.

13. - The drive shaft of the electric drive machine (114) does not rotate in the preparation stage (232), and / or - The position of the drive shaft of the electric drive machine (114) is changed over time based on the adjusted target drive torque (201) to be provided, in particular fluctuating around the central position The device (101) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in this regard.

14. The device (101) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the temporally adjusted target drive torque (201), in particular the alternating component of the temporally adjusted target drive torque (201), depends on the resonance frequency of the vehicle body of the vehicle (100).

15. A method (300) for operating an electric drive machine (114) of a vehicle (100) in preparation for starting the vehicle (100), the method (300) comprising - identifying (301) that a preparation mode of the vehicle (100) for preparation of the starting process is active, and - in response thereto, operating (302) the electric drive machine (114) with a target drive torque (201) that is temporally adjusted in a preparation stage (232) for the starting process in order to cause vibrations of the vehicle (100) by the drive machine (114) in a stopped state as a tactile response to the driver of the vehicle (100). A method characterized by including the above.

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