DE102017222287A1 - Method for operating a drive device of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for operating a drive device (2, 3) of a motor vehicle (1), wherein at least one operating parameter of the drive device (2, 3) is predefined as a function of an operating mode of the motor vehicle (1) selected from a plurality of operating modes, wherein one currently provided and / or a maximum available power and / or a currently available and / or a maximum available torque of the motor vehicle (1) depend on the operating parameter, wherein at least one limited operating mode is selectable only as a selected operating mode, if a release condition is met, the fulfillment of the reception a release message from a vehicle-external device (6) depends, and / or wherein before or during or after a change in the limited mode of operation, a selection information concerning this change is transmitted from the motor vehicle to the vehicle-external device (6).

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a drive device of a motor vehicle, wherein at least one operating parameter of the drive device is specified as a function of an operating mode of the motor vehicle selected from a plurality of operating modes, wherein a currently provided and / or a maximum available power and / or a currently provided and / or or a maximum available torque of the motor vehicle depend on the operating parameter. In addition, the invention relates to a motor vehicle and a server device.

Various drive concepts for motor vehicles are known which make it possible to provide a higher driving performance in the short term. This is usually done by a selection of a driving program, such as a driving program, which is geared to a sporty driving, in conjunction with a specific operating action, for example, with a kickdown of a Kickdownschalters in an accelerator pedal. Corresponding functions are typically found in hybrid or electric vehicles, where they can be implemented with little technical effort. However, it is also known to increase the power of internal combustion engines in the short term by changing operating parameters of the internal combustion engine.

The disadvantage here is that such functionality is available only to customers who have purchased a corresponding vehicle with this trim level, which is typically available only in the premium segment. In addition, it may be necessary to limit the permitted number of activations of such an increase in output, since operation with increased power can, for example, increase the wear of some motor vehicle components or shorten maintenance intervals. However, it is usually not clear to the customer how many more power increases he can still carry out.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a contrast improved method for operating a drive device that can provide access to a dynamically available power increase of the drive device to a large number of vehicle users.

The object is achieved by a method of the type mentioned above, wherein at least a limited operating mode is selectable only as selected operating mode when a release condition is met, the fulfillment depends on the receipt of a release message from an off-board device, and / or being before or during or after a change to the restricted operating mode, a selection information relating to this change is transmitted from the motor vehicle to the vehicle-external device.

The method according to the invention makes it possible for the spontaneously available power increase explained in the introduction to be available in principle in a large number of vehicles. However, since the vehicle requests release from an external server device or reports operation in the restricted operation mode to the vehicle-external device, the vehicle-external device which is operated by the manufacturer, in particular, can monitor and manage which vehicle uses a limited mode of operation as often. In this way, on the one hand, it can be ensured that the limited operating mode is not used too frequently in individual motor vehicles. The limited operating mode can be released, for example, only if previously a sufficient maintenance condition has been detected, for example, if the last maintenance of the motor vehicle is not more than a predetermined time interval ago. Additionally or alternatively, the release of the limited operating mode may depend on a state of at least one component of the motor vehicle, for example, a state of health of a traction battery. In addition, the vehicle parameters outside the vehicle parameters can be monitored and the operation in the restricted mode of operation can be released, for example, only in certain weather conditions, sufficient engine temperature, etc.

The release of the restricted operating mode can be requested or booked by a user of the vehicle outside the vehicle, for example via an app with a smartphone or via a website, or via a vehicle-side device, for example via a menu of an infotainment system. In the case of a request via a vehicle-side device, a release by the vehicle-external device can be requested and the limited operating mode can only be available after the request has been answered by the release message. Alternatively, the limited mode of operation may also be available immediately after the request or booking. In this case, it is possible for the selection information to be transmitted to the vehicle-external device already at the time of the booking or the request for the release of the restricted operating mode, for example in order to settle charges for a use. However, a transfer of the selection information can also be made only at an actual use of the limited mode of operation at a later date.

In particular, the method according to the invention also makes it possible to levy charges for the operation of the motor vehicle in the limited operating mode. As explained above, the use of the limited operating mode can increase the wear on individual components of the motor vehicle. Therefore, potentially shorter service intervals are required and / or more wear-resistant components must be used to allow repeated operation of the motor vehicle in the limited operating mode. This can cost the manufacturer, which can be compensated by appropriate fees.

If the release condition is not met, it may only be possible to use an unrestricted mode of operation or to select between several unrestricted modes of operation. For example, it may always be possible to switch between a comfort-oriented and a sport-oriented driving mode, wherein the operating parameter may differ between these operating modes. The limited operating mode may supplement this selection in particular or be available as an additional option in at least one of the unrestricted operating modes. This can serve, for example, to increase the power in certain operating situations, for example in the case of a track day, over longer periods of, for example, a few tens of minutes. However, it is particularly advantageous to enable a brief activation of the limited operating mode, which increases the power in the short term only during individual driving maneuvers, for example during an overtaking maneuver or when accelerating out of a turn. In this case, an end of the driving maneuver can be detected automatically and it can be switched back to one of the unlimited operating modes. Alternatively, for example, it would be possible to maintain the limited mode of operation for a fixed time interval.

The release condition can be met if a release message has ever been received. Preferably, however, the release condition evaluates the contents of the release message. In this case, as will be explained in detail later, the release message in particular describe how often or how long the limited operating mode can be used. The release message can also be evaluated in that the vehicle-external device is identified with respect to the motor vehicle and authenticated by the motor vehicle. As a result, a manipulation of the release process can be prevented.

The communication between the motor vehicle and the vehicle-external device can be wireless, for example via a mobile radio protocol. Since corresponding communication devices in vehicles are frequently present in any case or can be provided via a mobile telephone coupled to the vehicle, the method according to the invention can be implemented with little technical outlay.

It is possible that in certain operating situations of the motor vehicle no communication with the vehicle-external device or reception of the release message is possible, for example in remote regions or in tunnels. In order to enable use of the limited operating mode even in such operating situations, the last valid release state in the motor vehicle can be temporarily stored. This can be updated as soon as communication with the vehicle-external device is possible again. For example, if an arbitrary frequent usability of the limited operating mode in a certain time interval, for example within a month booked and released and expires this time interval, while no communication between the motor vehicle and the vehicle external device is possible, the limited mode of operation initially continue, at least for a certain tolerance interval, remain selectable until a communication between the motor vehicle and the vehicle-external device is possible again.

The alternative, according to which selection information is transmitted to the vehicle-external device when changing to the restricted operating mode, makes it possible to use the restricted operating mode in particular without a prior booking or request of this limited operating mode via the vehicle-external device. The limited operating mode is thus also available in situations in which the driver wants to use this operating mode spontaneously, but in which, for example, not directly communication with the vehicle-external device is possible. In order nevertheless to enable monitoring of the use of the restricted operating mode, the selection information can be sent repeatedly to the vehicle-external device until it confirms the reception. Additionally or alternatively, the use of the limited operating mode after a single or multiple use can be blocked until the vehicle-external device confirms the reception of the selection information or sends a release message to the motor vehicle.

The vehicle-external device can also transmit a blocking message to the motor vehicle which blocks further use of the restricted operating mode permanently or until receipt of a release message. Such blocking may be done, for example, if the number or duration of use of the restricted Operating mode since the last maintenance of the motor vehicle exceeds a certain limit or if fees for previous uses have not been paid.

The motor vehicle may have a plurality of drive devices. In this case, it is possible for the motor vehicle to be driven exclusively by a first drive device and, in the limited operating mode, exclusively by a second drive device or together by the first and second drive device before changing to the limited operating mode. For example, in the limited operating mode, a hybrid vehicle may be powered by the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, while in other operating modes under the same operating conditions, only one of these engines is utilized.

It is known that, especially in internal combustion engines, the powers or torques provided depend strongly on the current rotational speed of the drive device. The increase of the power or the torque according to the invention can in this case increase the power or the torque over the entire rotational speed range or only in a specific subrange of the rotational speed range. For example, in the case of a turbocharged drive device, an increase in the boost pressure can lead, in particular, to a power or speed increase in a relatively narrow rpm range. If, on the other hand, additional cylinders are activated in an engine with deactivatable cylinders, or if a maximum amount of electric power that can be supplied to an electric motor is increased, the power or the torque is increased over a wide speed range.

As already mentioned, an automatic return change from the limited operating mode to one of the other operating modes can take place, for example after a fixed time interval, when the brake is actuated, after a certain driving distance or the like. A release message is used in particular for limited activation of the limited mode of operation. For example, a certain operating time in the limited operating mode or a certain number of switches can be released in the restricted operating mode. In principle, however, it would also be possible to release the use of the limited operating mode for a specific time interval, for example for a day, a month or a year, or permanently by sending a corresponding release message to the motor vehicle. This is particularly expedient if the limited operating mode should be able to be rented or purchased as an equipment variant.

The method according to the invention can be implemented, for example, by a motor control. This detects the driver's request via vehicle-mounted sensors, such as an accelerator pedal sensor. In addition, data on other vehicle-mounted sensors, such as temperature sensors, yaw rate sensors or the like, as well as environmental data can be detected. Depending on this data and the operating mode, a power electronics of an electric drive device and / or an actuator system of an internal combustion engine can be controlled in order to fulfill a power requirement determined from the variables mentioned.

The provided and / or the maximum available power and / or the currently provided and / or the maximum available torque of the motor vehicle may be higher under otherwise identical conditions in the restricted operating mode than in at least one other of the operating modes. In particular, these sizes are larger than in all unrestricted operating modes. Under the same conditions, in particular a same driving situation, in particular a same speed to understand.

Upon detection of a corresponding operator input of a user on a vehicle-side user interface or on a portable communication device, a request message can be sent to the vehicle-external device to request a transmission of the release message. A user can thus actively request the single or multiple release of the restricted mode of operation or the release of the limited mode of operation for a particular time interval. As a vehicle-side user interface, for example, a touch screen or a vehicle-side menu system can be used. A voice-controlled user interface in the motor vehicle can also be used. If a request is to be made via a portable communication device, it is possible, for example, to use an application or app provided in particular by the vehicle manufacturer. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to provide a user interface usable via the communication device by the vehicle-external device or a server device communicating with it. For example, a request can be made via a website operated by the vehicle manufacturer, for example.

If the restricted operating mode is released by receiving a corresponding release message or is it always selectable, an activation of the restricted operating mode can take place automatically when a specific driving situation is detected. For example, the limited Operating mode always or, for example, be activated when a kickdown switch, when the vehicle accelerates from a curve, overtook another motor vehicle or the like. In particular, if use of the limited mode of operation is chargeable, however, it is advantageous if a change to the restricted mode of operation occurs only when it is explicitly requested by the user or released by the user. This can be done, for example, by actuating a control element, which is not necessarily actuated while driving, for example a specific area of a touchscreen or a separate button or the like.

The release message may describe or confirm a release number of restricted mode releases and / or a release period for which the automotive vehicle is operable in the restricted mode of operation, satisfying the release condition from the release count and a number of switches to the restricted operation mode Receive the release message and / or depends on the release period and the duration of the use of the limited mode of operation since receiving the release message. For example, the release number or the release period may be added to a previous number or duration that was still unconsumed at the time the release message was received. When using the limited operating mode, the number of remaining shares can be reduced by one or the remaining time can be reduced by the period of use.

If a release number or duration is only to be confirmed, for example, only the request message may contain a requested release number or a value determined therefrom, for example a price to be paid therefor. The release message in this case can only confirm that the request message has been received and accepted, for example by returning a signed hash of the request message or the like.

The number of remaining changes in the limited operating mode or the remaining period of use can be counted on the vehicle side. For this purpose, a tamper-proof meter can be implemented in the motor vehicle, the increase of which, for example, only after identification and authentication of the vehicle-external device is possible. Alternatively, such a count can also be made by the vehicle-external device.

A residual number or remaining duration of switches in the restricted operating mode, for which the release condition can be fulfilled without receiving a further release message, can be output via an output device of the motor vehicle and / or via the or a portable communication device, for example a smartphone. The user can thus always recognize how many uses or which duration of use of the limited mode of operation is still available and can promptly request or book additional uses as needed.

When the motor vehicle is switched to the limited operating mode and / or during operation of the motor vehicle in the restricted operating mode, a device of the motor vehicle can be actuated to output an operating instruction. In this way, on the one hand, a user can be confirmed that additional power or additional torque is now available. In addition, the perception of the additional power now available can be experienced more clearly by an appropriate choice of operating advice. The operating instruction can be output, for example, optically. For this purpose, a corresponding, in particular animated, display on a display. However, it is also possible, the luminous color or luminous intensity of a lighting device, for. As an interior lighting or dashboard lighting to customize to issue the operating advice. The operating advice can also be issued acoustically. In particular, the operation in the limited operating mode can be illustrated by the output of a real or a simulated engine sound in the interior and / or external speakers. Additionally or alternatively, the operating advice can be haptically, for example, a slight vibration of the steering wheel, the accelerator pedal or the driver's seat issued.

The operating parameter can be specified in the restricted operating mode as a function of environmental data relating to the motor vehicle environment and / or vehicle data relating to the motor vehicle. In particular, the available power and / or the available torque can be adjusted by appropriate selection of the operating parameter as a function of these variables. The limited operating mode can thus be adapted in particular depending on a current driving situation. For example, a current speed, a current yaw rate, a current slip and / or temperatures of vehicle components may be taken into account as vehicle data. The environment data can be provided, for example, by at least one camera and / or at least one radar sensor and / or route data provided by a navigation system can be evaluated. The data sources mentioned can, for example, contain information about a current or predefined speed limit, a Road condition, in particular a road surface and / or a curvature of the current or future section of track, and / or provide weather information. In this way, it can be achieved that the vehicle remains manageable despite increased power or despite increased torques provided and optimal driving performance or optimal driving pleasure are achieved.

Depending on the environment data describing the environment of the motor vehicle and / or the vehicle data relating to the motor vehicle, an instantaneous and / or expected future driving situation can be determined, depending on the driving situation the driver is given a driving instruction which indicates the restricted operating mode and / or the advance information about a change of the driving operation upon activation of the restricted operating mode. For example, a driver may be advised that using the limited mode of operation to overtake a preceding vehicle or to accelerate out of a corner may be appropriate. Additionally or alternatively, it may be pointed out which power gain would be expected when the limited mode of operation is activated. For example, it may be possible that due to a currently traveled road surface or due to the weather conditions activation of the limited operating mode would only lead to a slight increase in the provided torque or the power provided. The driver can thus easily judge whether a use of the limited operating mode is currently appropriate.

It is possible for the restricted operating mode to be offered to the driver in corresponding driving situations only if the release condition is also fulfilled, in particular if a corresponding release message was received previously. However, it is also possible for a driver, if this is not the case, in particular as a function of the ascertained driving situation, to be notified of the possibility of sending a request message to the vehicle-external device or of booking further activations of the restricted operating mode.

Upon activation of the limited operating mode, the available power or torque at the current speed or speed may be at least 5%, 10%, or 20% higher than in other operating modes.

In addition to the method according to the invention, the invention relates to a motor vehicle having a drive device and a control device for specifying at least one operating parameter of the drive device, wherein the control device is set up to carry out the method according to the invention. The motor vehicle according to the invention can be further developed with the features explained above for the method according to the invention with the advantages mentioned there, and vice versa.

In addition, the invention relates to a server device which is set up to participate in the method according to the invention as a vehicle-external device. The server device may be a fixed server device, for example an internet server. It can be operated in particular by a manufacturer of the motor vehicle. The server device according to the invention can be further developed with the features described for the method according to the invention with the advantages mentioned there, and vice versa.

Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the following embodiments and the drawing. The drawing shows schematically an embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the invention and a server device according to the invention, by which an embodiment of the inventive method is performed together.

The figure shows a motor vehicle 1 , the two drive devices 2 . 3 having. The drive device 2 is an internal combustion engine and the drive device 3 is an electric motor. The drive devices 2 . 3 be by a control device 4 controlled. The control described here using the example of two drive devices can also be applied to motor vehicles which have only one drive device or more than two drive devices.

The control device 4 gives operating parameters of the drive devices 2 . 3 before, the currently provided or the maximum available power of the motor vehicle 1 and the currently provided or maximum available torque of the motor vehicle 1 to control. As will be explained in more detail below, this control can depend on a large number of parameters that the motor vehicle 1 or its environment. In addition, however, the operating parameters depend on which operating mode for the motor vehicle 1 or for the control device 4 is selected. The operating mode may be by a user 5 on a vehicle-side user interface 8th to get voted. For example, the user 5 between a more comfort-oriented mode of operation and a more sport-oriented mode of operation of the motor vehicle 1 choose. The selection of the operating mode may alternatively or additionally, however depend on the vehicle environment surrounding information or the vehicle state related vehicle information.

At least one limited mode of operation is in the motor vehicle 1 only selectable as a selected operating mode if a release condition for this is fulfilled. The fulfillment of the release condition depends on a prior receipt of a release message from an off-board device 6 , For example, via a vehicle-side communication device 7 , from. The vehicle-external device may be a server device, in particular operated by the vehicle manufacturer. In addition to this limited selectability of the limited mode of operation, or alternatively, the controller may 4 when switching to the restricted mode of operation, the communication device 7 to drive to a selection information relating to this change of the motor vehicle 1 to the vehicle external device 6 to convey. By the dependence of the release condition of the receiving release message or by sending the selection information is achieved that an operation of the motor vehicle 1 in the restricted mode of operation by the off-board device 6 can be monitored.

The monitoring of the limited operating mode is particularly advantageous if, in the limited operating mode, the currently provided or maximum available power and / or the provided or maximum available torque is higher under otherwise identical conditions than in the other non-limited operating modes of the motor vehicle 1 or the control device 4 , In this case, the increase in power or torque can be made only for certain driving situations, after which automatically returns to another operating mode. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to increase the power or the torque for longer periods or even permanently.

Such an increase in power or torque typically involves a higher load on the components of the motor vehicle 1 associated. Therefore, it is appropriate, such use by the vehicle external device 6 in particular by the manufacturer of the motor vehicle 1 or a service provider can be operated to monitor. The monitoring of the use of the restricted mode of operation may also be used to charge for the use of the restricted mode of operation. The power or torque increase can thus be provided as a "function on demand" for the purchase, rent or lease of the motor vehicle 1 There are no costs, but there are costs for each use or activation for a certain period of time.

Will, as shown in the embodiment, two drive means 2 . 3 used, the power or torque increase can be achieved in the simplest case, that in operating situations in which in other operating modes, only one of the drive means 2 . 3 operated, both drive means 2 . 3 operated or that instead of the drive device 2 the drive device 3 or vice versa. For example, in other operating modes in a driving situation, only one internal combustion engine could be operated, wherein in the limited operating mode, in particular at low rotational speeds, a higher torque is provided by an additional operation of the electric motor.

However, an increase in the power or the torque is also possible if only one drive device 2 . 3 is present or if only one of the drive means 2 . 3 should be operated or even in unrestricted modes of operation both drive means 2 . 3 operate. In the simplest case, only a power or torque requirement of the control device 4 to the drive device 2 . 3 adapted, that is, for the same input variables that control the requested power or the requested torque in the respective operating mode, the corresponding output variables for the request are increased.

However, it is also particularly preferred to increase powers or torques which can be provided to a maximum extent, in particular at certain rotational speeds. A short-term power or torque increase can be realized, for example, in an electric motor by being energized with such high currents that a cooling capacity of a cooling device of the electric motor can not completely dissipate the waste heat. Thus, a short-term increase in temperature is accepted in order to provide more power and / or more torque in a certain driving situation, for example for an overtaking process or for accelerating out of a curve. In an internal combustion engine, a maximum available power or a maximum available torque can be adjusted, for example, by varying ignition times, a mixing ratio of air and fuel, boost pressure, and / or a number of cylinders used. For example, a short-term increase in consumption or pollutant emissions and / or an increase in the wear of motor vehicle components can be accepted in order to provide a higher torque or a higher performance.

In order to achieve release of the restricted mode of operation, the user may 5 by a corresponding operator input on the vehicle-side user interface 8th or at a mobile communication device 9 For example, on a smartphone, a request message to the vehicle-external device 6 Send to request the transmission of a release message. If a smartphone is to be used, an appropriate application or app can be provided for this, in particular by the motor vehicle manufacturer. Alternatively, the vehicle-external device could 6 or another server device, not shown, which is connected to the vehicle-external device 6 communicates, for example an Internet server, to provide a user interface which, for example, enables a request for a release message via a website.

The user 5 In particular, it may post multiple activations of the restricted mode of operation, or enable the limited mode of operation for certain periods of time, such as a few days or weeks. It is also possible for him to book a total time for which the vehicle can operate in the restricted mode of operation. This information can by the release message to the motor vehicle 1 be transferred so that, for example, a corresponding counter, by the control device 4 can be implemented, can be set to a corresponding value or an existing value of a remaining use time or number can be increased accordingly.

The user may be informed of a remaining number of activations or a remaining time during or for which the restricted mode of operation is activated upon activation of the restricted mode of operation and / or in operational situations in which such activation would be potentially appropriate. Also as part of a booking process via the communication device 9 or the user interface 8th such information may be provided. Represents the user 5 For example, before a long drive, it is clear that only three activations of the limited operating mode remain, he can, for. For example, five additional activations can be booked so that eight activations are available while driving. As part of the booking, for example, a maintenance condition of the motor vehicle are taken into account. For example, the number of bookable shares between two maintenance of the motor vehicle may be limited or the like. This information can also be provided to the user 5 via the user interface 8th or the communication device 9 to be provided.

In particular, if the use of the restricted mode of operation is chargeable, it is convenient for the user 5 to be experienced intensively. For this purpose, when changing to the limited operating mode or during operation of the motor vehicle 1 corresponding indications are issued in the limited operating mode. In the simplest case, only the display device 10 be used to give such, in particular animated, hint. Additionally or alternatively, for example, a luminous color and / or luminous brightness of a device can be used to indicate 11 , namely a lighting of the interior, of the motor vehicle 1 and / or sound issues at the facilities 12 . 13 , To be adapted to the interior or exterior speakers of the motor vehicle. In particular, a simulated engine sound can be output via the interior and exterior speakers. It is possible in this case that such an output also takes place outside the limited operating mode, for example for the information of passers-by in a purely electrical operation of the motor vehicle 1 or to improve vehicle sound, and this output is modified only in the limited mode of operation. However, it is also possible to output additional engine noise only in limited operating mode through speakers. Additionally or alternatively, a haptic indication can be made by, for example, the steering wheel 14 or the accelerator pedal 15 be excited by not shown actuators to vibrate.

In the motor vehicle, both the environmental data relating to the environment of the motor vehicle and the vehicle data relating to the motor vehicle itself are detected and sent to the control device 4 provided. The environmental data can, for example, via the camera 16 and the radar sensor 17 be recorded. In addition, environment data can be generated by a navigation system 18 be provided, which is a position of the motor vehicle 1 determined and this position related environment data, for example, predictive route data from map data and to the controller 4 can provide. From the environment data, for example, information about a road surface and a curviness of a traveled route can be obtained. Also information about weather conditions and / or a traffic density can be considered. As vehicle data, for example, a steering angle via the steering angle sensor 19 , a pedal position of the accelerator pedal 15 via the pedal sensor 20 , an actual yaw rate of the motor vehicle 1 via the yaw rate sensor 21 and a speed or acceleration of the motor vehicle 1 be detected and processed via sensors, not shown. The environmental data is preferably in both the limited and unrestricted operating modes of the motor vehicle 1 or the control device 4 evaluated to the operating parameters of the drive equipment 2 . 3 adapt. For example, the currently provided or maximum power or the currently provided or maximum available torque can be limited if the motor vehicle on loose road surfaces, for example, on sand or gravel moves, the motor vehicle enters a curve or a busy route very is curvy and / or adverse weather conditions and / or high traffic density. In particular, a current driving situation can be classified and the operating parameters and thus the power and the torque can be limited or even increased depending on the driving situation.

In particular, if the restricted mode of operation is chargeable, a user should 5 Before activating the restricted operating mode, it is possible to estimate the extent to which the limited operating mode can increase the power or the torque or to what extent the increased power or the increased torque can even be used. If, for example, a smooth or uneven road surface is to be expected in the immediately preceding section of the line or if there is a very high traffic density, it is not expedient to increase the power or the torque. Therefore, the driver can use the display device 10 Depending on the determined driving situation, information is provided to inform him to what extent a use of the limited mode of operation is appropriate, or point out the usability of the limited mode of operation in situations in which this is the case. In addition, it can be given preliminary information to what extent an activation of the limited operating mode would change the driving, so in particular to what extent a torque or power could be increased or to what extent this higher power or the higher torque can be used at all. Such an indication can also be used to alert the driver, for example, in an imminent overtaking process or during such overtaking and / or when accelerating out of a curve, to use the limited operating mode. If the use of the limited operating mode would be expedient in a certain driving situation, but this is not released, for example because all the shared uses have already been consumed, the driver can also be made aware that further uses of the restricted operating mode can be booked. In this case, a request for a further release message for one or more users is preferably possible by a relatively simple operator action, for example by touching a touch screen or a steering wheel-side control element.

Claims (10)

Method for operating a drive device (2, 3) of a motor vehicle (1), wherein at least one operating parameter of the drive device (2, 3) is predefined as a function of an operating mode of the motor vehicle (1) selected from a plurality of operating modes, wherein one currently provided and / or a maximum available power and / or a currently available and / or a maximum available torque of the motor vehicle (1) depend on the operating parameter, characterized in that at least one limited operating mode is selectable as a selected operating mode only if a release condition is met, the Fulfillment of the receipt of a release message from an off-vehicle device (6) depends, and / or that before or during or after a change in the limited mode of operation a selection information relating to this change is transmitted from the motor vehicle to the vehicle external device (6). Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the currently provided and / or the maximum available power and / or the currently provided and / or the maximum available torque of the motor vehicle (1) are higher under otherwise identical conditions in the restricted operating mode than in at least one other of the operating modes , Method according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that upon detection of a corresponding operating input of a user (5) on a vehicle-side user interface (8) or on a portable communication device (9) a request message to the vehicle external device (6) is sent to request a transmission of the release message. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release message describes or confirms a release number of restricted mode releases and / or a release period for which the motor vehicle (1) is operable in the restricted mode of operation, satisfying the release condition of the release count and a number of switches in the restricted mode of operation since receipt of the release message and / or the release period and the duration of the use of the limited mode of operation since receiving the release message. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a residual number or remaining duration of switches in the restricted operating mode for which the release condition without receiving another Release message can be fulfilled, via an output device (10) of the motor vehicle (1) and / or via the or a portable communication device (9) is output. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the motor vehicle (1) is switched over to the limited operating mode and / or during operation of the motor vehicle (1) in the restricted operating mode, a device (11, 12, 13) of the motor vehicle ( 1) is triggered to output an operating instruction. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating parameter in the limited operating mode is specified as a function of environment data relating to the motor vehicle environment and / or vehicle data relating to the motor vehicle (1). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that depending on the surrounding environment of the motor vehicle (1) descriptive environment data and / or the motor vehicle (1) relevant vehicle data, a current and / or expected future driving situation is determined, depending on the driving situation the user (5) is issued a driving advice that indicates the restricted operating mode and / or the advance information about a change of driving operation when activating the limited operating mode. Motor vehicle with a drive device and a control device (4) for specifying at least one operating parameter of the drive device (2, 3), characterized in that it is set up control device (4) for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims. Server device, characterized in that it participates in the method according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th as the vehicle-external device (6) is set up.

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