DE102012023632A1 - Device for determining active range of vehicle e.g. electric vehicle, has processor that is adapted to identify secondary system configuration having lower energy consumption if detected residual range falls below threshold value - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has a processor (15) that is adapted to identify the remaining range function of a primary system configuration having a power consumption of the vehicle train. The secondary system configuration having lower energy consumption than the power consumption of the primary system configuration is determined if the detected residual range falls below a threshold value. The residual range of the vessel which does not fall below the threshold is determined. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) method for influencing active range of vehicle; and (2) computer program for influencing range of vehicle.

Description

Embodiments of the present invention are concerned with the range control of a vehicle in response to a travel destination and a first system configuration that results in a first energy consumption of the vehicle.

Current electrical energy stores, which are usually found in electric or hybrid vehicles, have a range of 100 km to 200 km. For a driver of a motor vehicle with electric or hybrid drive, the knowledge about a remaining range which can be covered with the still available energy of the electrical storage is of great importance because of the charging stations which are not yet available on a full scale. A just reaching a charging station is not desirable in such electric vehicles, since a reload takes considerable time, which delays the onward journey.

From the DE 10 2009 052 853 A1 a device and a method is known, with which the range over the limitation of the driving performance, in particular the maximum permissible driving speed and / or the maximum permissible acceleration, can be influenced by these parameters are set or limited in advance by the driver. By limiting the mileage, the driver is allowed to increase the range of the motor vehicle to reach, for example, his chosen destination or to obtain a range reserve.

The determination of the range of an electric vehicle depends on many vehicle and distance-related parameters, which can be detected by suitable vehicle sensors or vehicle information systems. With the aid of these parameters, a vehicle or on-board computer can estimate the range of the vehicle.

At the time of the DE 10 2009 052 853 A1 known device, the vehicle parameters are set by the driver in advance or limited to allow this setting or limitation a desired range. However, because of the large number of parameters that are incorporated into system configurations of the vehicle, as well as the interaction between the individual parameters, it is very difficult for the driver, even nearly impossible, to optimize the parameters one upon the other so as to obtain a desired minimum residual range. Also, the relationship between the individual system configurations and the resulting ranges for the driver is not directly traceable. The driver can not derive the corresponding necessary system configuration based on a desired minimum remaining range at the destination.

There is thus a need to make the interactions between system configurations in the vehicle and the resulting residual ranges of the vehicle comprehensible and controllable or transparent to the user.

This need is taken into account by a device and a method for influencing the range with the features of the independent patent claims.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A device for influencing the range of a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, comprises, according to exemplary embodiments, a processor which is set up to calculate or determine a first remaining range of the vehicle as a function of a first system configuration of the vehicle, which results in a first energy consumption of the vehicle Has. Furthermore, the processor is set up to determine, or automatically adjust, at least one second system configuration if the calculated or determined first remaining range exceeds a threshold, resulting in lower energy consumption than the first energy consumption and a second remaining range of the vehicle that does not fall below the threshold or less than the first remaining range. In other words, the processor is designed, for example, by means of suitable programming and / or electrical circuitry to determine the first remaining range of the vehicle based on the first vehicle configuration of the vehicle and to compare the first remaining range with the predefinable threshold value. In the event that the first residual range of the vehicle corresponding to the first system or vehicle configuration falls below the remaining range threshold value, the processor determines the second system configuration and a corresponding second remaining range of the vehicle such that the second energy consumption of the vehicle corresponding to the second system configuration Vehicle is smaller than the first energy consumption and that the corresponding to the second system configuration second residual range is greater than or equal to the threshold. The second system or vehicle configuration is thus automatically determined by the processor such that the second remaining range is greater than the first remaining range.

In this case, the processor may be configured to determine the remaining ranges, for example, in each case with respect to a destination or a destination of the vehicle, so that a remaining range means a maximum possible range of the vehicle starting from or to the destination. In other words, it may be remaining residual ranges around a defined destination. Additionally or alternatively, the remaining ranges can be determined in relation to a current position of the vehicle, so that a remaining range means a maximum possible range of the vehicle based on the current vehicle position and a current energy storage state (eg electric charge or fuel tank filling) of the vehicle ,

A device for influencing the range according to an exemplary embodiment is thus based on the recognition that the interaction between a system configuration and the resulting remaining range for the user is displayed in a transparent or comprehensible manner by the coupled consideration of remaining ranges and corresponding system configurations, so that the driver contributes the (automated) choice of a suitable system configuration is not overwhelmed.

At the beginning of a journey, the driver can specify a destination as well as a first system or vehicle configuration. In this case, the system configuration can be defined by parameters that can be set by the driver or front passenger, called users for short, as well as automatically determined by the system. Thus, the user can specify preferences, such as a certain minimum value for the interior temperature, a maximum permissible driving speed and / or a maximum permissible acceleration. Other parameters describing the first system configuration may include the route to the destination calculated by a navigation system, the state of charge of an electrical energy store (eg, battery), or the load state of the vehicle. The device according to the invention is capable of calculating or determining a first remaining range around the travel destination, at least as a function of the first system configuration. The first remaining range can preferably be recalculated constantly during the journey and adapted to changed conditions, for example with regard to changes in the driving speed or energy consumption.

If the first remaining range falls below a threshold value, in other words, if the first energy consumption is no longer sufficient, by a predetermined minimum remaining range z. B. allow at the destination, calculates or determines the device according to the invention at least one alternative or second system configuration, as well as an associated or corresponding second residual range such that the second remaining range does not fall below the threshold. When calculating or determining the second system configuration, user-defined preferences may be taken into account. The threshold can be set by the user, for example by entering a desired range radius at the destination. It is also conceivable that the threshold is determined by the system, for example, taking into account the nearest gas station or electric charging station at the destination.

Optionally, in a device according to one embodiment, the processor may be configured to determine the second system configuration by automatically limiting parameters of the first system configuration. For this purpose, for example, a default limitation (ie, a predefined limitation) of the drive train and / or the air conditioning can be automatically made, for example, by reducing the torque by reducing the electric power supplied to an electric motor of the electric vehicle and / or the interior temperature of the vehicle is reduced to a predetermined default value. A limitation of the maximum permissible speed and / or the maximum permissible acceleration is also conceivable.

By automatically limiting parameters of the first system configuration influencing the energy consumption of the vehicle, the second system configuration is actively or automatically calculated by the (on-board) system without requiring manual intervention by the user. Such an active calculation increases the ease of use and the accuracy of the determination, since the user does not have to himself vary the parameters of the system configuration to find those vehicle parameters that have the desired remaining minimum remaining range z. B. at the destination.

Optionally, in a range-influencing device according to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to determine the second system configuration considering individual setting of system configuration parameters by the user if the calculated first residual range does not fall below the threshold. In uncritical cases, that is to say in those cases in which the first remaining range corresponding to the first system configuration is sufficient to achieve the desired minimum remaining range at the destination, the driver can thus be allowed to himself the parameters of the system configuration weight and thus the tangible cuts in the driving performance or in other system conditions. In other words, for active range control according to some embodiments, there are the following variants:
When the vehicle falls below a range threshold value, the vehicle automatically switches on a default limit, for example, of the drive train and of the air conditioning via a corresponding predetermined vehicle configuration. In the event that the predicted range after this intervention is sufficient, ie above the threshold, the user can adjust the drive and the air conditioning, ie the automatically set default system configuration, in a so-called expert mode individually. In the event that the predicted range after automatic setting of the default system configuration does not meet the target achievement, ie is below the threshold value, an automatic change to the expert mode can take place. In doing so, the user sees the automatically made limitation of the system configuration components in terms of their maximum performance. The system can make a system configuration proposal that it can accept or change. Thereafter, the system can jump back to the normal range display mode.

Optionally, in a range-influencing device, the processor may be further configured to calculate / determine an actual range of the vehicle around a current vehicle position based on a current system configuration, wherein the current system configuration is one of the first system configuration and the second system configuration, and wherein calculating or determining the current range around the current vehicle position and calculating one of the first and second remaining ranges around the travel destination are performed in parallel. The processor can thus be able, at least based on the current system configuration, to calculate the still possible or remaining range of the motor vehicle and to display it, for example via a navigation system. In this case, the still possible range of the motor vehicle can be calculated taking into account the minimum remaining range at the destination. Thus, any change in the system configuration made to allow the minimum remaining range at the destination can be included in the calculation of the current range. This allows a very accurate calculation of the current range, since not only the first system configuration, but any change of the system or vehicle parameters is taken into account with respect to the minimum remaining range.

In this case, the parallel calculation of the current range around the current vehicle position and the calculation of a remaining range around the destination can be carried out as a quasi-parallel calculation on a processor (for example of an infotainment system). A true parallel processing in a multi-core environment is also conceivable. Thus, two calculation methods can be used in parallel: (1) calculation of a current range around the current vehicle position and (2) calculation of the predicted remaining range around the navigation target.

Optionally, in an apparatus for influencing range according to one embodiment, the first and / or the second system configuration include at least one of the following parameters: vehicle characteristics, vehicle condition, comfort setting, route selection, minimum remaining range, energy storage status, weather.

Especially in the case of vehicle characteristics, further sub-parameters such as efficiency, tire friction loss, aerodynamic drag, rolling resistance, energy requirements of additional systems such as comfort, assistance, safety systems, or entertainment systems may be taken into account. Of course, further sub-parameters, such as, for example, the load of the vehicle, the presence of a roof rack, may also play a role. Also different comfort settings, such as setting the air conditioning, the radio, or the interior lighting of the vehicle, can be taken into account when calculating the system configurations. Other sub-parameters, such as the environment in which the vehicle is located, may also be included in the calculation of the system configuration. For example, weather-dependent parameters, such as the outside temperature, snow, rain, wind, but also the condition of the roads, day or night driving, can be taken into account.

The values of relevant parameters can be set in several ways. For example, suitable sensors can be used to determine parameters with regard to the vehicle characteristics and / or the vehicle state by means of sensors. For example, parameters that can not be determined by sensors, such as rolling resistance of the vehicle, can be estimated.

The processor may also, in some embodiments, independently learn relevant parameters of the system configuration that are necessary for optimal driving with respect to a desired minimum residual range. For this purpose, route, driving or / and comfort information can be collected and stored in a database. By means of a frequency analysis, those parameters can be determined whose influence on the range is greatest. By varying these parameters, the residual range can thus be influenced in an efficient manner. As a learning method, for example, fuzzy logic-based methods or machine learning methods can be considered.

Optionally, according to an embodiment, a device for influencing the range may further include a display for displaying the current range and / or the first remaining range and / or the second remaining range. The driver receives in a particularly advantageous manner at a glance a statement about which route he can still cover, starting from his current vehicle position or which route he can still cover after he has reached the destination.

Optionally, in an apparatus for influencing range according to an exemplary embodiment, the display can also be set up to display the first and / or the at least second remaining range together with the associated system configuration. Such a display creates more transparency for the user, so that the interaction between different system configurations and the associated residual ranges are comprehensible to the user. In this case, it may be advantageous that at far distances between the current vehicle position and the destination or in the case of high-resolution zoom settings of the map, the current range and the remaining range at the destination are not displayed simultaneously on the display.

Optionally, according to one embodiment, the range-influencing device may comprise warning means arranged to issue a warning when the first remaining range is less than the threshold value. The warning can be done, for example, in the form of a colored marking around the destination and / or by means of an acoustic signal, d. H. audio visual. In the event that only the current range is displayed on the display, so if the change in the remaining range at the destination for the driver is not visible in the display area, advantageously the warning can be done as a colored, in particular red border of the navigation window. The driver can recognize the marking and can change the display on the display to visualize the critical residual range. Thus, critical changes in the remaining range around the target for the driver are detectable, even if the target is not included in the visible display area. Thus, depending on the context, it is possible to switch between a display "current range around the current vehicle position" and "predicted remaining range around the navigation target". If you are in the display mode "current range around the current vehicle position", but calculated in the mode "predicted residual range around the navigation target" falls below a threshold, so (1) the edge of the current navigation window, for example, be colored red to the user the critical Signaling range status and (2) enabling active range control by automatically changing the system or vehicle configuration.

Optionally, a range-influencing device according to an embodiment may further include an interactive user interface through which the user may select one of the first and second system configurations. The interactive user interface further enhances the transparency of the representation of interactions of the system configurations and the remaining range of the electric vehicle. The driver can interactively select an alternative system configuration via the user interface, which facilitates operability.

Thus, during driving, the driver is not confronted with a complex menu-based presentation in order to select a desired system configuration, since he can immediately select the desired system configuration via the interactive user interface. As a result of the driver's lower distraction while driving, driving safety is thus increased.

Optionally, a further improvement of the operation, a device for influencing the range according to an exemplary embodiment, can be equipped with an interactive user interface as touchscreen.

According to a further aspect, a method for influencing the range of a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, comprises the following steps: Determining a first remaining range of the vehicle in dependence on a first system configuration, which results in a first energy consumption of the vehicle. If the determined first remaining range falls below a remaining range threshold, at least one second system configuration is determined or automatically set, which results in a lower energy consumption than the first energy consumption and a second remaining range of the vehicle that does not fall below the threshold or less than the first remaining range ,

In this case, the remaining ranges can be calculated or otherwise determined according to exemplary embodiments with respect to a destination location and / or a current vehicle position (for example, by looking up in a previously stored so-called look-up table as a function of system configurations) so that a remaining range has a maximum possible remaining range indicates the vehicle based on the destination or the current vehicle position.

As already explained in connection with the device for influencing the range according to one exemplary embodiment, a method according to an exemplary embodiment also makes it possible to make the interaction between system configurations and remaining ranges comprehensible for the driver.

In critical cases, that is, in those cases where the energy supply is insufficient to reach the desired minimum residual range, the driver need not worry about conflict resolution and related vehicle settings. The system is itself capable of calculating a second system configuration that results in a second energy consumption covered by the vehicle's current energy supply so that the minimum remaining range can be achieved.

Further, optionally, a computer program product having a computer-readable medium and a computer program stored on the computer-readable medium may be provided with program code suitable for carrying out a method according to an embodiment when the computer program is executed on the apparatus according to an embodiment.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a computer program having a program code suitable for carrying out the method according to an embodiment when the computer program is executed on the apparatus according to an embodiment.

In a further development of the invention, a computer-readable medium is provided with a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program has a program code which is suitable for carrying out the method according to an embodiment when the computer program is executed on the device according to an embodiment.

In other words, according to one exemplary embodiment, the method can be implemented by means of a computer program that can be used in a navigation device, in particular a vehicle navigation device. The inventive method can already be integrated in a navigation software or alternatively preferably by means of a mass storage device, such as a memory card, a USB memory stick, an optical disk or the like, optionally by means of a corresponding device connected to the navigation device, are recorded on a navigation device ,

In a further development of the invention, a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle is also provided, which comprises a device according to an embodiment.

Thus, some embodiments of the present invention provide extended range-constrained route guidance that accommodates three-dimensional goal achievement. As a result, in addition to a local target achievement, an energetic and a temporal goal achievement are taken into account in order to determine a possibly optimal system configuration, which effects a minimum range at the destination. Based on a driver-determined destination and driver preferences regarding vehicle parameters, route choice, and other variables, a system configuration may be determined that results in such energy consumption that, for example, a predetermined minimum remaining range at the destination is covered by the energy carried in the vehicle becomes. In other words, by means of a device according to the invention and a method according to the invention a possibly optimal combination of configuration parameters can be automatically determined which realize the desired minimum remaining range (at the destination). Such a multi-criteria optimization method can be implemented, for example, using Pareto fronts.

Embodiments of the present invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

1 shows a schematic representation of a device for influencing the range according to an embodiment;

2 shows a flowchart of a method for influencing range according to an embodiment;

3 shows a representation on a display of the device 1 at a given destination and an insufficient residual range at the destination;

4 shows a representation of a warning display with insufficient residual range at the destination, if the target is not included in the visible range of the display;

5 shows a first remaining range at the destination and a second remaining range at the destination with corresponding first and second system configurations;

6 shows different residual ranges at the destination with associated system configurations on the display of the device 1 ;

7 shows a display of a residual range at the destination with driving data and configuration information.

In the following description of the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate like or similar components. Further, summary reference numbers are used for components and objects that occur multiple times in one embodiment or in one representation, but are described together in terms of one or more features. Components or objects which are described by the same or by the same reference numerals may be the same, but possibly also different, in terms of individual, several or all features, for example their dimensions, unless otherwise explicitly or implicitly stated in the description.

1 shows a basic structure of a device 1 for influencing the range according to an embodiment in a schematic representation.

The device 1 includes a location module 11 , such as As a GPS receiver, to determine a current vehicle position. The device 1 still contains detection means 12 for acquiring system or vehicle configuration parameters. These may be, for example, parameters defining a vehicle condition, such as electrical energy consumption, remaining electric charge of the vehicle, presence of a roof rack, etc. The parameter detection means 12 For example, they may be implemented in the form of sensors such as, for example, speed sensors, acceleration sensors, temperature sensors for measuring the outside temperature, rain sensors, etc. The detection means 12 can serve to also other parameters, such as settings on an air conditioner, age of a vehicle battery, etc., which play a role in the calculation or determination of the remaining range, to capture.

The device 1 further includes a user interface 13 for the communication of the device 1 with the user or mobile online services. A user input can therefore also take place, for example, via a mobile terminal coupled to the vehicle. The user interface 13 may include input / output means (not shown), such as a keyboard and / or controls, such as a voice input module or a touch screen, and output means, in the form of a display and / or an acoustic output module (not shown). The device 1 can still use a map module 14 in which information about, for example, traffic routes and pedestrian paths drivable by a motor vehicle, information about infrastructural facilities, gas stations, etc., are stored in the form of a digital map.

In this case, the digital map can also be designed as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, which by means of a corresponding drive (not shown) of the device 1 can be read. The individual components of the device 1 be using a processor 15 controlled, such. As a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a so-called general purpose processor.

2 shows a flowchart of a method for range control. After starting the method in a step S100, the destination is first input by the user and the first system or vehicle configuration is determined in a step S110. In this case, a determination of the destination via the input / output means 13 the in 1 illustrated device 1 , respectively. Further, in step S110, the parameters of the first system configuration are set. Thus, the driver can input certain parameters, such as climate comfort, route selection, specifications over a minimum remaining range at the destination. The input is again via the input means 13 the device 1 , Furthermore, the driver can also limit the driving performance, for example in the form of a limitation of a maximum permissible driving speed and / or a maximum permissible acceleration. Also, information regarding safety systems, such as automatic distance control on the highway, can be taken into account when determining the first system configuration.

Based on the specified parameters, the processor can now be used in step S120 15 the in 1 shown device 1 a first residual range z. B. calculate or determine the destination depending on the first system configuration. The user gets the current with high accuracy Range displayed around his current position. If he wants a remaining range display around the target, he can change or zoom in on a view. Otherwise, the system can only switch to a "Remaining range display around the destination" mode near the destination. The system can also switch to the "Remaining range display around the destination" mode if the destination can no longer be reached with the first system configuration (assuming that route guidance is active).

Subsequently, in step S130, a query is made as to whether the calculated or determined first remaining range falls below a remaining range threshold value. This threshold value results, for example, from the minimum remaining range defined by the driver in step S110. However, the threshold value may also be determined by the system, for example taking into account available electrical charging stations in the vicinity of the destination specified by the driver.

If the threshold is not undershot, the determined first remaining range is output in step S150 and displayed on the display of the device. If the query in step S130 leads to the result that the determined first residual range falls below the threshold value, that is to say that the calculated first remaining range is insufficient to cover the desired minimum remaining range at the destination, the processor will execute the step S140 15 determines a second system configuration that results in a second energy consumption, and a second residual range corresponding to this second system configuration. In this case, the determination of the second system configuration takes place in such a way that the resulting second energy consumption is less than the first energy consumption, which can ensure that the (electric) amount of energy carried by the vehicle is sufficient to reach the driver's desired minimum remaining range at the destination.

At the same time, a warning is displayed in step S142 40 issued to signal the driver the critical range status. This can, for example, by a colored, in particular red border of the destination 10 be signaled when the destination is visible in the display, as in 3 shown. If the destination is not visible in the display, for example, because the distance to the destination is still too large, the warning display 40 through a colored border of the display window, as in 4 shown, done. So if you are in the display mode "current range around the current vehicle position" ( 4 ), but calculated in the mode "Predicted remaining range around the navigation target" ( 3 ) falls below a residual range threshold to the target, the edge of the current navigation window can be colored in color to signal the user the critical range status and the active range control of the vehicle are turned on.

An energy conflict can be displayed to the driver regardless of the mode (display mode or zoom mode), for example, by reddening the screen frame. In the case of insufficient residual energy, the drive and the air conditioning system can be automatically throttled. The limitation of other secondary consumers is conceivable. The user does not need to worry about conflict resolution and related vehicle settings; only with serious bottlenecks can be changed automatically into an expert mode. Here the customer can independently weight propulsion and air conditioning and thus co-determine the tangible cuts in his driving performance.

In step S150, the determined first residual range and / or the determined second residual range can be displayed on the device 1 are displayed.

5 shows a corresponding output of the determined residual ranges 20 . 30 of the vehicle with the associated system configurations 22 . 32 on the display of the device. At the in 5 illustrated embodiment, both remaining ranges 20 . 30 at the destination with associated system configurations 22 . 32 shown. This indicates the first remaining range 20 a smaller extent around the target 10 on as the second remaining range 30 , The reason is that the first system configuration 22 , which is the first remaining range 20 result in a lower restriction of the configuration parameters, in this embodiment, the air conditioning and drive, as the second system configuration is based 32 , The greater limitation of the parameters in the second system configuration 32 causes a greater residual range around the destination. The parameters of the system configurations 22 and 32 become graphically by means of bars 24-1 respectively 24-2 shown. In other words, the first system configuration or vehicle setting effects 22 a higher (electrical) energy consumption and thus a smaller residual range 20 of the vehicle as the second system configuration 32 ,

According to embodiments, the processor 15 the (electrical) energy consumption of the vehicle by automatically influencing the vehicle condition, such. As an influence on the performance characteristics of the vehicle, lowering, so that an advised residual range of the vehicle is possible.

By means of active range control, the vehicle can automatically set a default Switch on the limitation of the drive train and / or the air conditioning. In the event that the predicted range after this intervention is sufficient, the user can adjust the drive and the air conditioning individually in expert mode. In the event that the predicted range corresponding to the default limit is not sufficient to achieve the goal, an automatic change to the expert mode can follow, whereby the user sees the drive and climate control. He sees the limitation of the two components (climate, drive) in terms of their maximum performance. According to one embodiment, the system may make a suggestion that it can accept or change. The system can then jump back to the normal range display mode (see 4 ).

Due to this coupled representation of the remaining range and system configuration ( 5 ), the interaction between the system configuration and the remaining range becomes more comprehensible and / or transparent to the driver. The driver can select the appropriate system or vehicle configuration that gives him a desired residual range z. B. realized to the destination. For example, he can use the first system configuration 22 or the second system configuration 32 depending on how far he wants to go after reaching the finish.

The ad off 5 is as one in the 6 and 7 shown interactive user interface 50 realized, via which the driver can select either the first or the second system configuration. Thus, for example, the interactive user interface can be realized as a touch screen, whereby the operation is improved because the driver can select the desired system configuration by simply clicking.

The 6 and 7 show further embodiments of possible display modes of the device according to the invention 1 , So be in 6 different residual ranges at the destination with associated system configurations shown. Different residual ranges are defined by polygons 40-1 . 40-2 . 40-3 . 40-4 displayed. These are interactive polygons because their size changes dynamically depending on the distance already traveled from the start.

The driver can select the desired residual range at the destination by selecting the appropriate system configuration via switching elements 60-1 . 60-2 . 60-3 or by selecting the appropriate polygon.

7 on the other hand, shows a single residual range at the destination, for example the first remaining range at the destination, together with the parameters defining the system configuration. In the 7 The display shown represents a dynamic condition monitor in which all data relating to the journey as well as all system configuration settings are displayed.

Embodiments of the present invention thus relate to an extension of driver information systems (eg display, driver information) as well as driver assistance systems (eg automatic intervention) in the context of configuration-related energy consumption and resulting residual ranges. A concept is suggested which undertakes a guidance or guidance of the vehicle configurations along a route. Similar to a conventional route guidance / goal guidance, the driver can be guided automatically or deviate informed from the guide.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, in the following claims and in the drawings may be of importance both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various forms.

Although some aspects of the present invention have been described in the context of a device, it will be understood that these aspects also constitute a description of a corresponding method such that a block or device of a device is also to be understood as a corresponding method step or feature of a method step is. Similarly, aspects described in connection with or as a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block or detail or feature of a corresponding device.

Depending on particular implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention may be implemented in hardware or in software. The implementation may be performed using a digital storage medium, such as a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blu-ray Disc, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM or FLASH memory, a hard disk, or other magnetic disk or optical memory are stored on the electronically readable control signals, which can cooperate with a programmable hardware component or cooperate such that the respective method is performed.

A programmable hardware component may be controlled by a controller, a processor, a computer processor (CPU = Central Processing Unit) a computer, a computer system, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an integrated circuit (IC), a system-on-chip (SOC) system, a programmable logic element, or a field-programmable one Gatterarray be formed with a microprocessor (FPGA = Field Programmable Gate Array).

The digital storage medium may therefore be machine or computer readable. Thus, some embodiments include a data carrier having electronically readable control signals capable of interacting with a programmable computer system or programmable hardware component such that one of the methods described herein is performed. One embodiment is thus a data carrier (or a digital storage medium or a computer readable medium) on which the program is recorded for performing any of the methods described herein.

In general, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a program, firmware, computer program, or computer program product having program code or data, the program code or data operative to perform one of the methods when the program resides on a processor or a computer programmable hardware component expires. The program code or the data can also be stored, for example, on a machine-readable carrier or data carrier. The program code or the data may be present, inter alia, as source code, machine code or bytecode as well as other intermediate code.

Another embodiment is further a data stream, a signal sequence, or a sequence of signals that represents the program for performing any of the methods described herein. The data stream, the signal sequence or the sequence of signals can be configured, for example, to be transferred via a data communication connection, for example via the Internet or another network, in particular a CAN (Controller Area Network). Embodiments are also data representing signal sequences that are suitable for transmission over a network or a data communication connection, the data representing the program.

For example, a program according to one embodiment may implement one of the methods during its execution by, for example, reading or writing one or more data into memory locations, optionally switching operations or other operations in transistor structures, amplifier structures, or other electrical, optical, magnetic or caused by another operating principle working components. Accordingly, by reading a memory location, data, values, sensor values or other information can be detected, determined or measured by a program. A program can therefore acquire, determine or measure quantities, values, measured variables and other information by reading from one or more storage locations, as well as effect, initiate or execute an action by writing to one or more storage locations and control other devices, machines and components ,

The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. It will be understood that modifications and variations of the arrangements and details described herein will be apparent to others of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims and not by the specific details presented with the description and explanation of the embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Device for influencing the range of a vehicle

11

tracking system

12

detection means

13

User interface

14

Digital map

15

Processor,

10

Destination,

20

first remaining range,

22

first system configuration,

24

Bar,

30

second remaining range,

32

second system configuration,

40

Warning indicator,

50

interactive user interface,

60

polygons

70

switching elements

S100

Begin,

S110

Entering the destination and the first system configuration,

S120

Determination of the first remaining range,

S130

Query whether the first remaining range is less than or equal to a threshold value,

S140

Determination of the second system configuration and the second remaining range,

S142

Issue a warning,

S150

Output of residual ranges and / or system configurations,

S160

The End.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102009052853 A1 [0003, 0005]

Claims (15)

Contraption ( 1 ) for influencing the range of a vehicle having the following feature: a processor ( 15 ) arranged to maintain a first remaining range ( 20 ) depending on a first system configuration ( 22 ), which results in a first energy consumption of the vehicle, and, if the determined first residual range ( 20 ) falls below a threshold to at least a second system configuration ( 32 ), which use less energy than the first energy consumption and a second residual range ( 30 ) of the vehicle, which does not fall below the threshold. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the processor ( 15 ) is set to the first and / or the second remaining range ( 20 ; 30 ) as the remaining range from a travel destination of the vehicle. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor ( 15 ) is set to the first and / or the second remaining range ( 20 ; 30 ) as remaining range from a current position of the vehicle. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor ( 15 ), the second system configuration ( 32 ) by automatically limiting parameters of the first system configuration ( 22 ) to investigate. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processor ( 15 ), the second system configuration ( 32 ), taking into account an individual setting of parameters of the first system configuration by the user, if the determined first remaining range ( 20 ) does not fall below the threshold. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor ( 15 ) is further configured to determine an actual range of the vehicle about an actual vehicle position in response to a current system configuration, wherein the current system configuration is one of the first system configuration and the second system configuration, wherein determining the current range around the current vehicle position and the Determining one of the first and the second remaining range around the destination is done in parallel. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or the second system configuration ( 22 ; 32 ) comprises at least one of the following parameters: vehicle characteristics, vehicle condition, comfort setting, route selection, minimum remaining range, energy storage status, weather. Contraption ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a display ( 50 ) to display the current range and / or the first remaining range. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 8, wherein the display ( 50 ) is further configured to display the first and / or the second remaining range together with the associated first or second system configuration. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising warning means ( 40 ) configured to issue a warning when the first remaining range is less than the threshold. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an interactive user interface, via which the user can select one of the first and the second system configuration. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 11, wherein the interactive user interface is implemented as a touch screen. Vehicle, in particular electric vehicle, comprising a device according to one of the preceding claims. Method for influencing the range of a vehicle, having the following steps: determining, by a processor, a first remaining range ( 20 ) of the vehicle as a function of a first system configuration ( 22 ), which results in a first energy consumption of the vehicle; and if the determined first residual range ( 20 ) is below a threshold, determining, by the processor, at least one second system configuration ( 32 ), which consumes less energy than the first energy consumption and a second residual range ( 30 ) of the vehicle, which does not fall below the threshold. A computer program comprising program code for carrying out the method of claim 14 when the computer program is executed on a programmable hardware component.

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