Methods for controlling a vehicle fleet

Abstract

A method is provided to improve the control of a vehicle fleet 1, and in particular to individually optimize the operation of each vehicle 2 of the vehicle fleet 1. In this case, the vehicle parameters FP and / or control parameters SP are calculated over time depending on the degradation state of multiple vehicles 2, so that the vehicle parameters FP and the control parameters SP calculated from the vehicle parameters FP of multiple vehicles 2 are collected from multiple vehicles 2 of the vehicle fleet 1, preferably from all vehicles 2 of the vehicle fleet 1, and at least one model parameter MP of model M of at least one vehicle 2 of the vehicle fleet 1, - preferably at least one vehicle 2 of multiple vehicles 2 from which the vehicle parameters FP and the control parameters SP calculated from the vehicle parameters FP are collected - is changed in accordance with the changes over time of the vehicle parameters FP and / or control parameters S, in order to ensure that the operating characteristics BK of at least one vehicle 2 is maintained at a preset target value despite the degradation of at least one vehicle 2.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling a vehicle fleet. In this case, the vehicle fleet includes a plurality of vehicles, and for each respective vehicle of the vehicle fleet, at least one vehicle parameter of at least one vehicle component of the vehicle is acquired by at least one sensor unit of the vehicle. In this case, the at least one vehicle parameter indicates a state of the at least one vehicle component. In this case, in a computing unit located outside the vehicles of the vehicle fleet, a model of the vehicle is operated with at least one model parameter for each respective vehicle of the vehicle fleet. In this case, the at least one model parameter represents a physical property of the vehicle. In this case, the model calculates at least one control parameter of the assigned vehicle from the at least one vehicle parameter of the at least one vehicle component, and the calculated at least one control parameter is transmitted to the assigned vehicle and used by a control unit of the assigned vehicle to control functions of the vehicle to operate the vehicle. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Due to the increasing complexity of modern vehicles and the large number of sensors and actuators, control units with high computing power are integrated into vehicles to process the corresponding volume of data. These control units not only act as a factor that further increases the manufacturing cost of the vehicle, but also increase the energy consumption of the vehicle due to their high computing power. Especially in the case of purely battery-electric vehicles, this increase in energy consumption reduces the cruising range. In the case of conventional vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines, energy consumption (for example, consumption of gasoline or diesel fuel) increases, and as a result, pollutant emissions also increase.

[0003] Essentially, a control unit (also called a control device) is used to determine control parameters based on vehicle parameters acquired by the vehicle's sensors (e.g., battery charge level, engine operating temperature, residual oxygen concentration in exhaust gas, etc.). These control parameters then control the vehicle's functions, such as the torque adjustment of the drivetrain, fuel injection amount, the appropriate adjustment of the cooling system, or exhaust gas aftertreatment, in order to operate the vehicle. Vehicle parameters are either measured in the vehicle (and therefore, corresponding sensors are present in the vehicle) or calculated from other vehicle parameters (e.g., by the control unit), for example, by calculation or acquisition from existing characteristic maps.

[0004] The control unit stores a digital model of an actual (physical) vehicle or a digital model of a specific vehicle component. This digital model reproduces the behavior of the actual vehicle or vehicle component and determines at least one control parameter for controlling the actual vehicle based on at least one vehicle parameter. Essentially, this model includes inputs, outputs (including at least one control parameter), and model parameters. In order for the model to function, it is necessary to assign model parameter values ​​to the model parameters. Generally, this is called model parameterization. In this case, the model parameters represent the physical characteristics of the actual vehicle (e.g., geometric characteristics, kinematic characteristics, etc.). In this case, the model is parameterized by at least one model parameter in order to reproduce the behavior of the actual vehicle as realistically as possible. The model parameter, specifically the model parameter value, defines how the model responds to a particular input, i.e., what value the output takes. The model parameters are based on data obtained from tests (e.g., test stands, test tracks) with the actual vehicle or vehicle component, or data obtained from empirical models of the vehicle (e.g., numerical simulations).

[0005] In this case, to minimize the computational load required by the control unit, the model is generally reduced to the minimum model parameters of the actual vehicle. Often, the model is stored as a mathematical model and can be implemented as software code executed by the control unit.

[0006] However, in order to allow the model to simulate actual vehicles or vehicle components more realistically, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2022258751 or U.S. Patent Application Publication 2022176938, the model is offloaded from the in-vehicle control unit to an external computing unit (e.g., a cloud server). This reduces the performance required of the in-vehicle control unit, such as computing power, and therefore reduces energy consumption. Due to the significantly higher computing power of the external computing unit, a more complex and realistic model of the actual vehicle can be operated.

[0007] The model is used for each vehicle in the vehicle fleet and is updated over its service life based on customer and maintenance data. However, vehicles and their components degrade differently over their service life (e.g., due to driving style, operating environment, weather conditions, etc.). This leads to a discrepancy between the actual (degraded) behavior of the vehicles and the behavior of the vehicles reproduced by the model, i.e., the behavior of the vehicles that have not degraded. Consequently, the model calculates control parameters based on the vehicles that have not degraded. As a result, each vehicle may not operate optimally (e.g., due to increased energy consumption or reduced exhaust gas aftertreatment performance). Consequently, in some cases, regulatory targets for maintaining operating characteristic values, such as the vehicle's maximum energy consumption or permissible hazardous substance emissions, may not be met. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 2022258751 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 2022176938 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to improve vehicle control in a vehicle fleet, and in particular to optimize the operation of each vehicle in the fleet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to the present invention, this problem is solved by using a method for controlling vehicles in a vehicle fleet to calculate the changes over time of vehicle parameters and / or control parameters depending on the degradation state of several vehicles, so that the vehicle parameters and control parameters calculated from the vehicle parameters of several vehicles are collected from multiple vehicles in the vehicle fleet, preferably from all vehicles in the vehicle fleet, and in order to ensure that a preset target value of the operating characteristics of at least one vehicle is maintained despite the degradation of at least one vehicle, at least one model parameter of the model of at least one vehicle in the vehicle fleet - preferably at least one vehicle from several vehicles in the vehicle fleet from which the vehicle parameters and control parameters calculated from the vehicle parameters are collected - is changed depending on the changes over time of the vehicle parameters and / or control parameters. This makes it possible to individually adapt the model parameters of the model for each vehicle in order to take into account the degradation of each vehicle in the model of that vehicle and adapt the control of each vehicle accordingly. This makes it possible to obtain a model that is closer to reality and more efficient because the model can better reproduce the behavior of a degraded vehicle. Further advantages can be obtained by collecting vehicle parameters and control parameters calculated from vehicle parameters for vehicles in a fleet. Therefore, for example, maintenance intervals can be better planned for each vehicle in the fleet before vehicle components fail. Furthermore, the development of new vehicles can be improved by comparing the collected vehicle and control parameters with those derived from the prototype. Therefore, for example, multiple vehicles in a fleet traveling the same route can be better coordinated with each other to avoid full charging stations along the route.

[0011] Preferably, vehicle parameters and control parameters calculated from multiple vehicles in a vehicle fleet are collected by an external computing unit. This allows these parameters to be easily obtained and used, for example, for the development of new vehicles.

[0012] Preferably, to change at least one model parameter of the model of at least one vehicle in the vehicle fleet, the change over time of the vehicle parameter and / or control parameter is calculated by comparing the target value with the actual value. This makes it easy to determine whether at least one model parameter of the model is still up-to-date or whether the vehicle has deteriorated, and the at least one model parameter can be adapted accordingly.

[0013] Preferably, to change at least one model parameter of the model of at least one vehicle in a vehicle fleet, the change over time of the vehicle parameter and / or control parameter is calculated from a preset characteristic curve or preset characteristic map. Instead of, or in addition to, comparing target values ​​with actual values, it can also be easily confirmed by the characteristic curve or characteristic map whether at least one model parameter of the model is still up-to-date or whether the vehicle is degrading, and the at least one model parameter can be adapted accordingly.

[0014] Preferably, an external computing unit receives at least one vehicle parameter from the vehicle via a communication connection. In this case, the external computing unit transmits at least one control parameter to the assigned vehicle via the communication connection. In particular, with the expansion of 5G mobile communication networks, information can be easily exchanged between the vehicle and the external computing unit.

[0015] Preferably, in order to control the vehicle in emergency driving mode, if the communication connection between the vehicle and an external computing unit is interrupted, the control unit calculates at least one control parameter from at least one vehicle parameter of at least one vehicle component. This can ensure that the functions necessary to operate the vehicle safely or, if necessary, the functions necessary to drive to a repair shop can continue to be performed.

[0016] Preferably, the operating characteristics include speed and / or energy consumption and / or driving range and / or harmful substance emissions.

[0017] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 and 2, which illustrate, schematically, and without limitation, preferred configurations of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] The components of the present invention's method for controlling a vehicle fleet are schematically shown. [Figure 2] This document illustrates the processing steps for a method of controlling multiple vehicles in a vehicle fleet. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] Figure 1 schematically shows the components for carrying out the method of the present invention for controlling a vehicle fleet. The vehicle fleet 1 consists of a known or predetermined number of vehicles 2. Preferably, the vehicle fleet 1 consists of the same vehicle 2. The same vehicle 2 means vehicles of the same vehicle model having the same drive system, or vehicles of different vehicle models (including those from different manufacturers) having at least one vehicle component (such as the same battery or the same cooling module). Thus, if the vehicle fleet 1 includes the same vehicle component 4, in particular vehicle component 4 having the same configuration, the vehicle fleet 1 may also include vehicles from different manufacturers. In this case, the vehicle 2 may be passenger cars, trucks, buses, etc. The vehicle 2 may have, for example, a conventional drive system, a fully electric drive system, or a hybrid drive system as its drive system. A conventional drive system means, for example, a drive system having an internal combustion engine driven by gasoline or other fuel. The term “same drive system” preferably includes drive systems of the same output as well as drive systems of the same type. However, drive systems of different outputs are also possible in this case.

[0020] Each vehicle 2 in the vehicle fleet 1 has a plurality of vehicle components 4. In this case, for each vehicle 2, at least one vehicle parameter FP of at least one vehicle component 4 of the vehicle 2, preferably a vehicle component 4 that is present in the same configuration in all vehicles, is acquired by at least one sensor unit 3 of the vehicle 2. Naturally, this means that the actual value of the vehicle parameter FP is acquired. This at least one vehicle component 4 may be, for example, an entire constituent unit such as a powertrain, a brake system, a cooling system, etc., but may also be an individual component of the vehicle 2 such as a battery, a pump (actuator) of a cooling system, an exhaust gas aftertreatment system, etc. In this case, the at least one vehicle component 4 is not limited to components of the drive system. Preferably, the at least one vehicle component 4 includes a component of the vehicle 2 that can influence and reduce the energy consumption, wear, emissions, etc. of the vehicle 2 through optimized control, that is, improve the efficiency of the vehicle 2.

[0021] In order to be able to acquire the desired vehicle parameter FP, a suitable sensor is used as the at least one sensor unit 3. The vehicle 2 is generally equipped with a large number of sensors that acquire various vehicle parameters FP. Therefore, naturally, these sensors are preferably used. However, it is of course also conceivable to retrofit a specific sensor to the vehicle 2 in order to carry out the method of the present invention. For example, a temperature sensor, a rotational speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc. may be provided on the vehicle 2 as the sensor unit 3.

[0022] The acquired at least one vehicle parameter FP represents the state of the at least one vehicle component 4. The state of this at least one vehicle component 4 may be, for example, the charge level of a battery, the operating temperature of an engine, the residual oxygen content in exhaust gas, the coolant temperature, etc. However, this state may also represent the ambient conditions of the vehicle component 4, such as the environmental temperature. Vehicle operations (by the driver or automatic), such as gear position, accelerator pedal position, etc., may also be acquired as the vehicle parameter FP.

[0023] In the event of a failure or malfunction of at least one sensor unit 3, it may be proposed to display a visual and / or audible indication within the vehicle 2 (for example, on the instrument panel) to inform the driver that a visit to a repair shop is required.

[0024] In the computing unit 6 located outside of each vehicle 2 in vehicle fleet 1, for each vehicle 2 in vehicle fleet 1, the model M of vehicle 2 is operated by at least one model parameter MP. In this case, at least one model parameter MP represents the physical properties of vehicle 2 or at least one vehicle component 4. Thus, model M is assigned to each vehicle 2 in vehicle fleet 1. In this case, it is not necessarily required that the same model parameter MP be provided for all models M. In addition to the model parameter MP, model M includes at least one input and at least one output. The model parameter MP reproduces the behavior of the actual vehicle, in particular, through relationships (e.g., kinematic, physical, or empirical properties) expressed by the model. Examples of model parameters MP include the internal resistance of a battery (as a vehicle component 4) which depends on its charge state, or the efficiency of a cooler (as a vehicle component 4) which depends on its mass weight. Model parameter values ​​are assigned to model parameter MP in order to operate model M. This is generally called "parameterization" of model M. The parameterization of Model M essentially determines what value at least one output will respond to for at least one input. Model M is parameterized and in a parameterized state before use. In this case, the external computing unit 6 may be, for example, a cloud server. Model M for each vehicle 2 may be stored on the cloud server as a mathematical model and implemented as software code executed by the external computing unit 6. For example, a digital twin, i.e., a digital image, may exist as Model M. The digital image reproduces the physical behavior of the vehicle 2. In this case, the external computing unit 6 is connected to each vehicle 2 via a suitable wireless communication connection 7 (e.g., a mobile network, preferably 5G) and is configured to receive at least one vehicle parameter FP from the vehicle 2, preferably in real time, and provide it as input to Model M.

[0025] In addition to at least one vehicle parameter FP, information regarding the location of vehicle 2 (e.g., GPS signal), weather conditions (e.g., rain, snow, etc.), the planned route of vehicle 2, or traffic conditions (e.g., congestion on the planned route) may be provided to Model M as input.

[0026] During the operation of vehicle 2 of vehicle fleet 1, at least one vehicle parameter FP is naturally acquired continuously, usually at a predetermined time interval. This time interval may differ for different vehicle parameters FP. Thus, model M also continuously receives at least one vehicle parameter FP each.

[0027] Model M of vehicle 2 calculates at least one control parameter SP of the assigned vehicle 2 from at least one received vehicle parameter FP of at least one vehicle component 4. To operate vehicle 2 and control the functions of vehicle 2, the calculated at least one control parameter SP is transmitted to the assigned vehicle 2 as an output of Model M and used by the control unit 5 of the assigned vehicle 2. To lower the engine operating temperature to operate the vehicle, for example, Model M of vehicle 2 calculates at least one control parameter SP based on the engine operating temperature (as at least one vehicle parameter FP). The control unit 5 controls the cooling system of vehicle 2 by the control parameter SP (e.g., adjusting the coolant flow rate). In this case, the calculated at least one control parameter SP is transmitted to the assigned vehicle 2, preferably in real time, via a suitable wireless communication connection 7. In addition to at least one control parameter SP, the model can, of course, provide other outputs.

[0028] The control parameter SP is also calculated continuously during operation, preferably at a preset time interval, and continuously transmitted to the vehicle 2.

[0029] The control unit 5 can control various functions of the vehicle 2, such as drive torque and exhaust gas aftertreatment, based on at least one control parameter SP. The functions of the vehicle 2 basically depend on the type of vehicle 2 and its drive system. However, in this case, the functions of the vehicle 2 are not limited to the drive system. For example, the functions of other onboard components 4, such as an information system and an air conditioning system, which the driver or other passengers of the vehicle 2 interact with during operation, can also be controlled. For example, in order to reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle 2 when the battery charge level is low, the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system can be reduced or the information system can be operated in energy-saving mode based on at least one control parameter SP.

[0030] In this case, the control unit 5 may include, for example, several microprocessors and memory units. Furthermore, the control unit 5 may have a communication unit (not shown) that can communicate with the external arithmetic unit 6 via a suitable wireless communication connection 7 in order to transmit at least one vehicle parameter FP to the external arithmetic unit 6 and receive at least one control parameter SP from the external arithmetic unit 6. Alternatively, an independent communication unit may be provided that is connected to the control unit 5.

[0031] If the communication connection 7 between vehicle 2 and the external computing unit 6 is interrupted, preferably, the operation of vehicle 2 is controlled by the vehicle 2's control unit 5. In this case, to control vehicle 2 in emergency driving mode, the control unit 5 calculates at least one control parameter SP from at least one vehicle parameter FP of at least one vehicle component 4. Furthermore, the emergency driving mode (also called "limp home mode") controls the necessary functions of vehicle 2 until the communication connection 7 between vehicle 2 and the external computing unit 6 is re-established. During emergency driving mode, the speed of vehicle 2 may be reduced, for example, as a safety measure. The emergency driving mode may also be activated to inform the driver of vehicle 2 that vehicle 2 should be taken to a repair shop (for example, in the event of a sensor unit 3 failure). Alternatively, the operation of the vehicle may be stopped until the communication connection 7 between vehicle 2 and the external computing unit 6 is newly established.

[0032] Furthermore, Model M can predict and calculate at least one control parameter SP up to a predetermined period (e.g., 10 seconds) in advance, based on a predetermined route and location of vehicle 2, and transmit the control parameter SP to the assigned vehicle 2. This allows the control unit 5 to continue controlling the functions of vehicle 2 (for at least a predetermined period) based on the at least one control parameter SP calculated by Model M, even when the communication connection 7 to the external computing unit 6 is interrupted.

[0033] To calculate the time-dependent changes in vehicle parameters FP and / or control parameters SP depending on the deterioration state of vehicle 2, the vehicle parameters FP and control parameters SP calculated from the vehicle parameters FP of several vehicles 2 are preferably collected from multiple vehicles 2 of the vehicle fleet 1 by an external calculation unit 6. To calculate the time-dependent changes in vehicle parameters FP and / or control parameters SP depending on the deterioration state of vehicle 2, preferably the vehicle parameters FP and control parameters SP calculated from the vehicle parameters FP of all vehicles 2 in the vehicle fleet 1 are collected. The external calculation unit 6 may have a storage unit (not shown) used to store the collected vehicle parameters FP and control parameters SP.

[0034] As the deterioration state of vehicle 2 or at least one vehicle component 4 changes over time (e.g., due to wear), the control and behavior of vehicle 2 also change accordingly. For example, the deterioration state of an air-cooled liquid cooler in vehicle 2 may change due to increased fouling on the air side or deterioration of the coolant in the air-cooled liquid cooler. In this case, this deterioration state manifests as a change in the vehicle parameter FP over time, as illustrated below. In order to continue controlling the operation of vehicle 2 despite the deterioration state of vehicle 2 or at least one vehicle component 4 (e.g., the air-cooled liquid cooler), a change in the control parameter SP over time may also be necessary due to the change in the vehicle parameter FP over time.

[0035] To calculate the time-dependent changes in vehicle parameters FP and / or control parameters SP, for example, a comparison between target values ​​and measured values ​​may be performed. In this case, for example, the vehicle parameter FP acquired by vehicle 2 and transmitted to the calculation unit 6 is compared with a preset target value for the vehicle parameter FP.

[0036] The target values ​​are determined, for example, in a test environment (e.g., a test stand, a test track) using an actual vehicle 2 or vehicle component 4, or using an empirical model of vehicle 2 (e.g., numerical simulation). The target values ​​may also be determined and predetermined during the design and development of vehicle 2.

[0037] For example, when vehicle 2 is traveling at a speed of 80 km / h and ambient air is supplied to an air-cooled liquid cooler at an inflow temperature of 25°C, several vehicle parameters FP are measured. In this case, if the coolant flow rate is 50 L / min and the inflow temperature of the coolant into the air-cooled liquid cooler is 85°C, the outlet temperature of the coolant from the air-cooled liquid cooler should be 55°C (target value). This target value for the outlet temperature is preset for that point in time and / or a predetermined period. However, due to the deterioration state of vehicle 2 (e.g., due to contamination on the air side), the outlet temperature from the air-cooled liquid cooler may rise, and the measured value may become, for example, 60°C (actual value). By comparing the target value and the actual value using an external calculation unit 6, the change over time of this vehicle parameter FP, which depends on the deterioration state of the air-cooled liquid cooler of vehicle 2, can be estimated from the rise in outlet temperature.

[0038] Instead of, or in addition to, comparing target values ​​with actual values, the time-dependent changes in vehicle parameters FP and / or control parameters SP, which depend on the degradation state of vehicle 2, can be calculated from characteristic curves or characteristic maps calculated during the operation of vehicle 2. For example, the battery capacity of vehicle 2's battery can be recorded as a characteristic curve over several charging cycles as vehicle parameter FP. Thus, the time-dependent changes in vehicle parameter FP (e.g., over a certain number of charging cycles), which depend on the degradation state of vehicle 2's battery, can be obtained from this characteristic curve. This characteristic curve can be recorded, for example, by an external arithmetic unit 6. In this case, the external arithmetic unit 6 calculates the time-dependent changes from the recorded characteristic curve.

[0039] To ensure that the preset target value of the operating characteristics BK of each vehicle 2 is maintained despite the deterioration of the vehicle 2, at least one model parameter MP of the model M of at least one vehicle 2 among the multiple vehicles 2 of the vehicle fleet 1 is changed in accordance with the change over time of the vehicle parameter FP and / or the control parameter SP. Naturally, this means that the model parameter value is changed, but the model parameter MP is not changed or replaced. To ensure that the preset target value of the operating characteristics BK of each vehicle 2 is maintained despite the deterioration of the vehicle 2, preferably at least one model parameter MP of the model M of all vehicles 2 in the vehicle fleet 1 is changed in accordance with the change over time of the vehicle parameter FP and / or the control parameter SP.

[0040] Even if the vehicle parameters FP and / or control parameters SP of vehicle 2 are not collected, it is conceivable to change the model parameters MP of the model M of vehicle 2. For example, when the vehicle parameters FP and / or control parameters SP of vehicle 2 are collected, the model M of vehicle 2 that is in a similar state of degradation as vehicle 2 may be changed in the same way as vehicle 2, because it can be presumed to be in a similar state of degradation.

[0041] In this case, at least one model parameter MP is changed at a predetermined time interval. Generally, this time interval is much longer than the time interval at which model M calculates the output in response to the input. For example, model parameter MP may be changed every few seconds, every few minutes, every few hours, every few days, or even over a longer period. By changing at least one model parameter MP, the degradation state of vehicle 2 is taken into consideration in model M.

[0042] To modify the model parameter MP of model M in accordance with the time-dependent changes in the vehicle parameter FP and / or the control parameter SP, at least one further degradation parameter may be provided in the model. This at least one degradation parameter represents the degradation state of the vehicle 2 or at least one vehicle component 4. In this case, this at least one degradation parameter is adapted at a predetermined time interval, depending on the time-dependent changes in the vehicle parameter FP and / or the control parameter SP. For example, when it exceeds a predetermined target value, the degradation parameter may be adapted, i.e., increased or decreased, in a predetermined manner. The degradation parameter may be adapted continuously with the operating time of the vehicle 2 or depending on a specific load state or load cycle of the vehicle 2. The degradation parameter can act directly or indirectly on the model parameter MP of model M in a predetermined manner, thereby directly or indirectly changing the model parameter value.

[0043] For example, the internal resistance of a battery (as a model parameter MP) can change over time due to battery degradation. As a result, a significant amount of heat is generated during battery charging. This additional heat is recognized as a temperature rise in the vehicle parameter FP (battery temperature) over time. Therefore, the battery cooling system is controlled accordingly, for example, by increasing the coolant flow rate to release the additional heat. This can be done by a degradation parameter that acts additively or multiplicatively on the value of the battery's internal resistance (as a model parameter MP). This causes a change in the model parameter MP. Consequently, this means a change in the control parameter SP over time.

[0044] Another example is the pressure loss coefficient (model parameter MP) in an air system. Pressure loss increases over time due to fouling of the air filter. This, too, can be represented by a degradation parameter.

[0045] In the above example of an air-cooled liquid cooler, at least one control parameter SP may be determined by Model M using a modified model parameter MP. At least one control parameter SP is used by the control unit 5 of Vehicle 2 to adapt at least one vehicle parameter FP, for example, to increase the coolant flow rate from 50 L / min to 55 L / min.

[0046] Alternatively, or furthermore, maintenance or cleaning of at least one vehicle component 4 at a repair shop (e.g., cleaning the air filter of an air-cooled liquid cooler) can also reduce the deterioration state. In this case, for example, after cleaning of at least one vehicle component 4 at a repair shop, at least one model parameter MP may be adjusted accordingly. For example, if at least one vehicle component 4 has reached a preset deterioration state, at least one control parameter SP may activate a visual and / or auditory indicator in the vehicle 2 (e.g., on the dashboard) to inform the driver that they should go to a repair shop. If a preset maximum deterioration state is reached, the control parameter SP may activate an emergency driving mode, for example, by reducing the speed of the vehicle 2 or controlling other safety measures. After the vehicle has been repaired (e.g., when a vehicle component 4 is replaced due to a malfunction or when it has reached a preset maximum deterioration state), the model parameter MP of the model M of each vehicle 2 may be reset to a preset initial value, for example, at a repair shop.

[0047] The operating characteristics BK may be, for example, the speed, energy consumption, or driving range of vehicle 2. Furthermore, it is possible that preset target values ​​for operating characteristics BK, such as maximum hazardous substance emissions or maximum speed, can be stipulated by law. In this case, the preset target values ​​for operating characteristics BK may be adapted to the section or region (e.g., suburban roads or urban environmental regulation zones) depending on the location of vehicle 2. The target values ​​for operating characteristics BK may be received by, for example, an external computing unit 6 and stored in model M.

[0048] Figure 2 illustrates the processing steps of a method for controlling multiple vehicles 2 of a vehicle fleet 1. In this case, the first step S1 is to obtain at least one vehicle parameter FP of at least one vehicle component 4 of each vehicle 2 of the vehicle fleet 1 by at least one sensor unit 3 of each vehicle 2. In the second step S2, at least one vehicle parameter FP is transmitted to the control unit 5 of each vehicle 2 (for example, via a suitable interface in the vehicle 2). In this case, the control unit 5 further transmits at least one vehicle parameter FP to a model M of each vehicle 2 in an external computing unit 6. The control unit 5 is understood to include, in particular, a group of control units including multiple individual control units. In the third step S3, the model M of each vehicle 2 calculates at least one control parameter SP (output) from at least one vehicle parameter FP (input). In this case, in the fourth step S4, the control parameter SP is transmitted to the assigned vehicle 2. In the fifth step S5, the control unit 5 of the assigned vehicle 2 uses at least one calculated control parameter SP to control the functions of vehicle 2 and operate vehicle 2. In step S30, which is added to the third step, vehicle parameters FP and control parameters SP calculated from vehicle parameters FP are collected from multiple vehicles 2 of the vehicle fleet 1. Then, in step S40, the changes over time of vehicle parameters FP and / or control parameters SP are calculated depending on the degradation state of each vehicle 2 (for example, by comparing target values ​​with actual values). Then, in step S50, in order to ensure that the preset target values ​​of the operating characteristics BK of vehicle 2 are maintained despite the degradation of vehicle 2, at least one model parameter MP of the model M of the assigned vehicle 2 is changed depending on the changes over time of vehicle parameters FP and / or control parameters SP.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a vehicle fleet (1), A vehicle fleet (1) includes a plurality of vehicles (2), and for each vehicle (2) of the vehicle fleet (1), at least one vehicle parameter (FP) of at least one vehicle component (4) of the vehicle (2) is acquired by at least one sensor unit (3) of the vehicle (2). At least one vehicle parameter (FP) indicates the state of at least one vehicle component (4), In the calculation unit (6) located outside the vehicle (2) of the vehicle fleet (1), for each vehicle (2) of the vehicle fleet (1), the model (M) of the vehicle (2) is operated by at least one model parameter (MP), At least one model parameter (MP) represents the physical characteristics of the vehicle (2), In this method, Model (M) calculates at least one control parameter (SP) of a vehicle (2) assigned from at least one vehicle parameter (FP) of at least one vehicle component (4), the calculated at least one control parameter (SP) is transmitted to the assigned vehicle (2), used by the control unit (5) of the assigned vehicle (2), and controls the functions of the vehicle (2) to operate the vehicle (2), In order to calculate the time-dependent changes in vehicle parameters (FP) and / or control parameters (SP) depending on the deterioration state of several vehicles (2), the vehicle parameters (FP) and control parameters (SP) calculated from the vehicle parameters (FP) of several vehicles (2) in a vehicle fleet (1), preferably all vehicles (2) in the vehicle fleet (1), are collected. A method characterized in that, in order to ensure that the operating characteristics (BK) of at least one vehicle (2) of a vehicle fleet (1) are maintained at a preset target value despite the deterioration of at least one vehicle (2), at least one model parameter (MP) of the model (M) of at least one vehicle (2) of at least one vehicle (2) of a vehicle fleet (1), preferably of several vehicles (2) of a plurality of vehicles (2) from which vehicle parameters (FP) and control parameters (SP) calculated from the vehicle parameters (FP) are collected, is changed in accordance with the changes over time of the vehicle parameters (FP) and / or control parameters (S).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that vehicle parameters (FP) of some vehicles (2) among a plurality of vehicles (2) of a vehicle fleet (1) and control parameters (SP) calculated from the vehicle parameters (FP) are collected by an external calculation unit (6).

3. The method according to 1 or 2, characterized in that, in order to change at least one model parameter (MP) of the model (M) of at least one vehicle (2) of a vehicle fleet (1), the change over time of a vehicle parameter (FP) and / or a control parameter (S) is calculated by comparing a target value with an actual value.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in order to change at least one model parameter (MP) of the model (M) of at least one vehicle (2) of a vehicle fleet (1), the change over time of the vehicle parameter (FP) and / or control parameter (SP) is calculated from a preset characteristic curve or a preset characteristic map.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that an external arithmetic unit (6) receives at least one vehicle parameter (FP) from a vehicle (2) via a communication connection (7), and the external arithmetic unit (6) transmits at least one control parameter (SP) to the assigned vehicle (2) via the communication connection (7).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, if the communication connection (7) between the vehicle (2) and an external computing unit (6) is interrupted in order to control the vehicle (2) in emergency driving mode, the control unit (5) calculates at least one control parameter (SP) from at least one vehicle parameter (FP) of at least one vehicle component (4).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the operating characteristics (BK) include speed and / or energy consumption and / or driving range and / or harmful substance emissions.

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