DE102017222287B4 - 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), at least one operating parameter of the drive device (2, 3) being specified as a function of an operating mode of the motor vehicle (1) selected from a plurality of operating modes, with a currently provided and/or a maximum available power and/or a currently provided and/or a maximum available torque of the motor vehicle (1) depend on the operating parameter, with selection information relating to this change being transmitted from the motor vehicle to the vehicle-external device (6) and / or on the other hand, at least one limited operating mode can only be selected as the selected operating mode when a release condition is met, the fulfillment of which depends on the receipt of a release message from a vehicle-external device (6), the release Message describes or confirms a release number of releases of the restricted operating mode and/or a release duration for which the motor vehicle (1) can be operated in the restricted operating mode and the fulfillment of the release condition of the release number and of a number of switchovers to the restricted operating mode since Receipt of the release message and / or depends on the release duration and the duration of use of the restricted operating mode since receipt of the release message.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a drive device of a motor vehicle, with at least one operating parameter of the drive device being specified as a function of an operating mode of the motor vehicle selected from a plurality of operating modes, with 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 mileage in the short term. This is usually done by selecting a driving program, for example a driving program that is geared towards sporty driving, in conjunction with a specific operator action, for example by stepping over a kickdown switch 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 only available to customers who have purchased a corresponding vehicle with this equipment variant, which is typically only available in the premium segment. In addition, it may be necessary to limit the permitted number of activations of such an additional power, since operation with increased power can, for example, increase the wear of some motor vehicle components or can shorten maintenance intervals. As a rule, however, the customer cannot see how many further increases in performance he can carry out.

In the engine control method according to the publication DE 10 2017 109 288 A1 whether the vehicle is operated in an electric mode or in a combustion mode can be selected depending on operating conditions. In the combustion mode, which of several fuels to use is decided depending on the driver's requirements and fuel costs, which can also be obtained from an external source, as well as depending on battery energy costs.

The pamphlet DE 10 2006 012 514 A1 discloses a motor vehicle having a cruise mode which, when activated, maintains a substantially constant vehicle speed. The activation of the constant driving mode can depend on a local speed limit, which can be fed into the system as a vehicle-external signal.

The pamphlet DE 10 2009 048 285 A1 concerns the display of speed and distance information in vehicles. An operating strategy of the vehicle can depend, among other things, on information that is obtained via a vehicle-external communication interface.

In the method for controlling a hybrid drive according to the reference DE 102 26 143 B4 Among other things, information from information sources external to the vehicle can be evaluated.

The pamphlet DE 10 2013 221 960 A1 proposes to receive a vehicle user identification and to request a personal vehicle function set based on this. As a result, for example, different power limitations of the motor can be provided depending on the person using the vehicle.

The pamphlet DE 10 2010 053 747 A1 discloses a motor vehicle control system in which an internal combustion engine can be operated in a control driving mode up to a nominal output and in a sport driving mode for a certain maximum time beyond the nominal output. The operating mode sport driving mode cannot be selected when certain operating states are present.

The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a method for operating a drive device which is improved in comparison thereto and which can offer a large number of vehicle users access to a dynamically available power increase of the drive device.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a method of the type mentioned at the outset, wherein on the one hand before or during or after a change to the restricted operating mode selection information relating to this change is transmitted from the motor vehicle to the device external to the vehicle and/or on the other hand at least one restricted operating mode is switched off - finally can be selected as the selected operating mode if a release condition is met, the fulfillment of which depends on the receipt of a release message from a device external to the vehicle, the release message specifying a release number of releases of the restricted operating mode and/or a release duration for which the motor vehicle is in the restricted operating mode is operable, describes or confirms and the fulfillment of the release condition depends on the number of releases and on a number of switches to the restricted operating mode since receipt of the release message and/or on the release duration and the duration of use of the restricted operating mode since receipt of the release message.

The method according to the invention makes it possible for the spontaneously available power increase explained at the outset to be available in principle in a large number of vehicles. However, since the vehicle requests approval from an external server device or reports operation in the restricted operating mode to the vehicle-external device, the vehicle-external device, in particular operated by the manufacturer, can be used to monitor and manage which vehicle uses a restricted operating mode and how often. On the one hand, this can ensure that the limited operating mode is not used too frequently in individual motor vehicles. The limited operating mode can only be enabled, for example, if an adequate maintenance state was detected beforehand, ie, for example, if the motor vehicle was last serviced no longer than a predefined time interval. In addition or as an alternative, the release of the restricted operating mode can depend on a state of at least one component of the motor vehicle, for example on a state of health of a traction battery. In addition, the vehicle parameters can be monitored outside the vehicle and operation in the restricted operating mode can only be released under certain weather conditions, sufficient engine temperature, etc., for example.

The release of the limited 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 an on-board device, for example via a menu of an infotainment system. In the case of a request via an on-board device, a release can be requested by the on-board device and the restricted operating mode can only be available after this request has been answered by the release message. Alternatively, the limited operating mode can 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 when booking or requesting the release of the limited operating mode, for example in order to bill fees for use. However, the selection information can also only be transmitted at a later point in time when the restricted operating mode is actually used.

The method according to the invention also makes it possible, in particular, to charge fees for operating the motor vehicle in the restricted operating mode. As explained at the outset, the use of the restricted operating mode can increase the wear and tear 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 result in costs for the manufacturer, which can be compensated for by appropriate fees.

If the release condition is not met, it may only be possible to use an unrestricted operating mode or to choose between several unrestricted operating modes. For example, it can always be possible to switch between a comfort-oriented and a sport-oriented driving mode, with the operating parameters being able to differ between these operating modes. In particular, the restricted operating mode can supplement this selection or be available as an additional option in at least one of the unrestricted operating modes. This can be used, for example, to increase the power in certain operating situations, for example during a track day, over longer periods of, for example, a few tens of minutes. However, it is particularly advantageous to enable the limited operating mode to be activated for a short time, which only increases the power for a short time during individual driving maneuvers, for example during an overtaking maneuver or when accelerating out of a curve. Here, the end of the driving maneuver can be automatically recognized and it is possible to switch back to one of the unrestricted operating modes. Alternatively, it would be possible, for example, to maintain the limited operating mode for a fixed time interval.

The release condition can be met if a release message was received at all. However, the release condition preferably evaluates the content of the release message. As will be explained in detail later, the release message can describe in particular how often or how long the restricted operating mode can be used. The release message can also be evaluated so that the vehicle-external device is identified to the motor vehicle and is authenticated by the motor vehicle. This can prevent manipulation of the release process.

The communication between the motor vehicle and the vehicle-external device can take place wirelessly, for example via a mobile radio protocol. Since corresponding communication devices are often already present in vehicles or can be provided via a mobile phone coupled to the vehicle, the method according to the invention can be implemented with little technical effort.

It is possible that in certain operating situations of the motor vehicle no communication with the vehicle-external device or no receipt of the release message is possible, for example in remote regions or in tunnels. In order to enable use of the limited operating mode in such operating situations as well, the last valid release state can be temporarily stored in the motor vehicle. This can be updated as soon as communication with the vehicle-external device is possible again. If, for example, the limited operating mode can be used as often as desired in a specific time interval, for example within a month, and this time interval expires while no communication between the motor vehicle and the vehicle-external device is possible, the limited operating mode can initially continue, at least for a specific tolerance interval, remain selectable until communication between the motor vehicle and the vehicle-external device is possible again.

That alternative, according to which selection information is transmitted to the vehicle-external device when changing to the restricted operating mode, allows the restricted operating mode to be used in particular without a prior booking or request for this restricted operating mode via the vehicle-external device. The limited operating mode is therefore also available in situations in which the driver would like to use this operating mode spontaneously, but in which, for example, direct communication with the vehicle-external device is not possible. In order to still enable monitoring of the use of the limited operating mode, the selection information can be sent repeatedly to the vehicle-external device until it confirms receipt. Additionally or alternatively, the use of the limited operating mode can be blocked after a one-off or multiple use until the vehicle-external device confirms receipt 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 a release message is received. Such a blocking can take place, for example, if the number or duration of use of the restricted operating mode since the motor vehicle was last serviced exceeds a certain limit or if fees for previous uses have not been paid.

The motor vehicle can have several drive devices. It is possible here for the motor vehicle to be driven exclusively by a first drive device before changing to the restricted operating mode, and in the restricted operating mode exclusively by a second drive device or jointly by the first and second drive device. For example, a hybrid vehicle may be powered by the engine and the electric motor in the limited operating mode, while in other operating modes only one of these motors is used under the same operating conditions.

It is known that, particularly in the case of internal combustion engines, the power or torque provided is heavily dependent on the current speed of the drive device. The increase in power or torque according to the invention can increase the power or torque over the entire speed range or only in a specific sub-range of the speed range. For example, in the case of a turbocharged drive device, an increase in the boost pressure can lead in particular to an increase in power or speed in a relatively narrow speed range. If, on the other hand, additional cylinders are activated in an engine with cylinders that can be switched off, or if a maximum amount of current 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 switch back 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 specific route or the like. A release message is used in particular for the limited activation of the limited operating mode. For example, a specific operating time in the restricted operating mode or a specific number of switchings to the restricted operating mode can be released. 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 even permanently, by a corresponding Release message is sent to the motor vehicle. This is particularly expedient if the limited operating mode is to be rentable or purchasable as an equipment variant.

The method according to the invention can be implemented, for example, by an engine controller. This detects the driver's request via sensors on the vehicle, for example an accelerator pedal sensor. In addition, data can be recorded via other vehicle-side sensors, for example temperature sensors, yaw rate sensors or the like, as well as environmental data. Depending on this data and the operating mode, power electronics of an electric drive device and/or actuators of an internal combustion engine can be controlled in order to meet 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 can be higher in the restricted operating mode than in at least one other of the operating modes under otherwise identical conditions. In particular, these sizes are larger than in all unconstrained modes of operation. The same conditions mean, in particular, the same driving situation, in particular the same rotational speed.

When a corresponding operator input from a user is detected at an operator interface on the vehicle or at a portable communication device, a request message can be sent to the device external to the vehicle in order to request transmission of the release message. A user can thus actively request the one-off or multiple release of the restricted operating mode or the release of the restricted operating mode for a specific time interval. For example, a touchscreen or a menu system on the vehicle can be used as the vehicle-side user interface. 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, an application or app, in particular one provided by the vehicle manufacturer, can be used, for example. Alternatively, however, it is also possible for the vehicle-external device or a server device communicating with it to provide a user interface that can be used via the communication device. For example, a request can be made via a website operated by the vehicle manufacturer, for example.

If the limited operating mode is released by receiving a corresponding release message or if it can always be selected, the limited operating mode can be activated automatically when a specific driving situation is detected. For example, the limited operating mode can always be activated or, for example, only when a kickdown switch is exceeded, when the vehicle accelerates out of a curve, overtakes another motor vehicle, or the like. In particular, if use of the restricted operating mode is chargeable, it is advantageous if a change to the restricted operating mode only takes place when it is explicitly requested by the user or is enabled by the user. This can be done, for example, by actuating a control element that is not necessarily actuated while driving, for example a specific area of a touchscreen or a separate button or the like.

In the event that the limited operating mode can only be selected as the selected operating mode if a release condition is met, the fulfillment of which depends on receipt of the release message from the vehicle-external device, the release message describes or confirms a release number of releases of the limited operating mode and/or one Release duration for which the motor vehicle can be operated in the restricted operating mode, the fulfillment of the release condition from the release number and from a number of switching to the restricted operating mode since receipt of the release message and / or from the release duration and the duration of use of the limited operating mode since receipt of the release message depends. For example, the number of releases or the release duration can be added to a previous number or duration that was still unused at the time the release message was received. When using the limited operating mode, the number of remaining releases can be reduced by one or the remaining duration can be reduced by the usage time.

If a number of releases or duration is only to be confirmed, the request message can, for example, exclusively contain a requested number of releases or a value determined therefrom, for example a price to be paid for this. In this case, the release message 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 to the limited operating mode or the remaining period of use can be counted on the vehicle side. A tamper evident Zäh be implemented in the motor vehicle, the increase of which is only possible, for example, after identification and authentication of the vehicle-external device. Alternatively, such a count can also be carried out by the vehicle-external device.

A remaining number or remaining duration of switching to the limited operating mode for which the release condition can be met 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 see how many uses or how long the limited operating mode is still available and, if necessary, can request or book further uses in good time.

When the motor vehicle is switched over to the restricted operating mode and/or during the operation of the motor vehicle in the restricted operating mode, a device in the motor vehicle can be activated to output an operating instruction. On the one hand, this can confirm to a user that additional power or additional torque is now available. In addition, the perception of the additional service that is now available can be experienced more clearly by selecting the operating information accordingly. The operating information can be output optically, for example. For this purpose, a corresponding, in particular animated, display can take place. However, it is also possible to change the luminous color or luminous intensity of a lighting device, e.g. B. an interior light or a dashboard light to adjust to output the operating notice. The operational notice can also be output acoustically. In particular, the operation in the limited operating mode can be made clearer by outputting a real or a simulated engine sound in the interior and/or via external loudspeakers. In addition or as an alternative, the operating instruction can be output haptically, for example via a slight vibration of the steering wheel, the accelerator pedal or the driver's seat.

In the limited operating mode, the operating parameter can be specified as a function of environmental data relating to the surroundings of the motor vehicle and/or vehicle data relating to the motor vehicle. In particular, the available power and/or the available torque can be adjusted as a function of these variables by appropriately selecting the operating parameter. The restricted operating mode can thus be adapted in particular as a function of a current driving situation. For example, a current speed, a current yaw rate, a current slip and/or temperatures of vehicle components can 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, provide information about a current or forthcoming speed limit, a road condition, in particular a road surface and/or a curvature of the current or forthcoming route section, and/or weather information. In this way it can be achieved that the vehicle remains controllable despite increased power or despite increased torque provided and optimal driving performance or optimal driving fun can be achieved.

Depending on the environment data describing the environment of the motor vehicle and/or vehicle data relating to the motor vehicle, a current and/or a probable future driving situation can be determined, with driving instructions being issued to the user as a function of the driving situation, which advises him of the restricted operating mode and/or or which relates to advance information about a change in driving operation upon activation of the restricted operating mode. For example, a driver may be alerted that it may be appropriate to use the restricted mode of operation to overtake a vehicle in front or to accelerate out of a corner. In addition or as an alternative, it can be pointed out what power or torque gain would be expected if the limited operating mode is activated. For example, it may be possible that due to the road surface currently being driven on or due to the weather conditions, activation of the restricted operating mode would only lead to a slight increase in the torque provided or the power provided. The driver can thus easily judge whether it is currently appropriate to use the restricted operating mode.

It is possible that the restricted operating mode is only offered to the driver in corresponding driving situations if the release condition is also met, in particular if a corresponding release message was previously received. If this is not the case, however, it is also possible for a driver to be informed of the possibility of sending a request message to the device external to the vehicle, in particular as a function of the driving situation determined to book the or further activations of the limited operating mode.

Upon activation of the limited operating mode, the available power or torque at the current speed or at a specific 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 with a drive device and a control device for specifying at least one operating parameter of the drive device, the control device being 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 that is set up as a vehicle-external device to participate in the method according to the invention. The server device can be a stationary server device, for example an Internet server. In particular, it can be operated by a manufacturer of the motor vehicle. The server device according to the invention can be further developed with the features explained for the method according to the invention with the advantages mentioned there and vice versa.

Further advantages and details of the invention result from the following exemplary embodiments and the drawing. The drawing schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the invention and a server device according to the invention, which together carry out an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention.

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

The control device 4 specifies operating parameters of the drive devices 2, 3 in order to control the power 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. As will be explained in detail below, this control can depend on a large number of parameters which relate to motor vehicle 1 or its surroundings. In addition, however, the operating parameters depend on which operating mode is selected for motor vehicle 1 or for control device 4 . The operating mode can be selected by a user 5 at an operating interface 8 on the vehicle. For example, the user 5 can choose between a more comfort-oriented operating mode and a more sport-oriented operating mode of the motor vehicle 1 . Alternatively or additionally, however, the selection of the operating mode can also depend on environmental information relating to the surroundings of the motor vehicle or vehicle information relating to the vehicle state.

At least one limited operating mode can only be selected as the selected operating mode in the motor vehicle 1 if a release condition for this is met. Fulfillment of the release condition depends on previous receipt of a release message from a device 6 external to the vehicle, for example via a communication device 7 on the vehicle. The vehicle-external device can be a server device operated in particular by the vehicle manufacturer. In addition to this limited selectability of the limited operating mode or as an alternative to this, the control device 4 can activate the communication device 7 when changing to the limited operating mode in order to transmit selection information relating to this change from the motor vehicle 1 to the device 6 external to the vehicle. The dependency of the release condition on the received release message or the sending of the selection information means that operation of the motor vehicle 1 in the restricted operating mode can be monitored by the vehicle-external device 6 .

The monitoring of the restricted operating mode is particularly advantageous if in the restricted operating mode the currently provided or maximum available power and/or the provided or maximum available torque is higher than in the other unrestricted operating modes of the motor vehicle 1 or the control device 4. In this case, the output or torque can only be increased for specific driving situations, after which there is an automatic switch back to another operating mode. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to increase the power or the torque for longer periods of time or even permanently.

Such an increase in output or torque is typically associated with a higher load on the components of motor vehicle 1 . It is therefore expedient to monitor such use by the vehicle-external device 6, which can be operated in particular by the manufacturer of the motor vehicle 1 or a service provider. The monitoring of the use of the restricted operating mode can also be used to charge for the use of the restricted operating mode. The power or torque increase can thus be provided as a “function on demand” for which no costs arise when purchasing, renting or leasing the motor vehicle 1, but which does incur costs for each use or for a respective activation for a specific period of time.

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

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

However, it is particularly preferred to also increase the maximum power or torque that can be provided, in particular at certain speeds. A short-term increase in output or torque can be implemented, for example, in an electric motor in that it is supplied with such high currents that a cooling capacity of a cooling device of the electric motor cannot completely dissipate the waste heat. A short-term temperature increase is thus accepted in order to provide more power and/or more torque in a specific driving situation, for example for an overtaking maneuver 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 the ignition timing, a mixing ratio of air and fuel, a boost pressure and/or the number of cylinders used. For example, a brief increase in consumption or in pollutant emissions and/or an increase in the wear of motor vehicle components can be accepted in order to provide a higher torque or higher power.

In order to release the limited operating mode, the user 5 can send a request message to the vehicle-external device 6 by means of a corresponding operator input on the vehicle-side user interface 8 or on a mobile communication device 9, for example on a smartphone, in order to transmit a release message to request. If a smartphone is to be used, a corresponding application or app can be provided for this purpose, in particular by the motor vehicle manufacturer. Alternatively, the vehicle-external device 6 or another server device (not shown) that communicates with the vehicle-external device 6, for example an Internet server, could provide an operating interface that enables a request for a release message via an Internet page, for example.

In particular, the user 5 can book several activations of the limited operating mode or activate the limited operating mode for specific periods of time, for example a few days or weeks. It is also possible for him to book a total time that the vehicle can be operated in the restricted operational mode. This information can be transmitted to the motor vehicle 1 by the release message, so that, for example, a corresponding counter, which can be implemented by the control device 4, can be set to a corresponding value or a value of a remaining usage time or number can be increased accordingly .

The user can be informed of a remaining number of activations or a remaining time during or for which the limited operating mode can be activated upon activation of the restricted operating mode and/or in operating situations in which such activation would be potentially useful. Also in the frame Such information can be provided for a booking process via the communication device 9 or the user interface 8 . If the user 5 finds, for example before a long journey, that only three activations of the limited operating mode remain, he can z. B. book five additional activations, so that eight activations are available during the journey. A maintenance status of the motor vehicle can also be taken into account, for example, as part of the booking. For example, the number of releases that can be booked between two maintenance sessions on the motor vehicle can be limited or something similar. Information relating to this can also be made available to the user 5 via the operating interface 8 or the communication device 9 .

In particular, if the use of the restricted operating mode is subject to a charge, it is expedient to make this experience intensive for the user 5. Corresponding information can be output for this purpose when changing to the restricted operating mode or during operation of the motor vehicle 1 in the restricted operating mode. In the simplest case, only the display device 10 can be used to give such an indication, particularly an animated one. Additionally or alternatively, for example, a luminous color and/or luminous brightness of a device 11, namely an illumination of the interior, of the motor vehicle 1 and/or sound output on the devices 12, 13, namely on interior or exterior loudspeakers, of the motor vehicle can be adjusted for notification purposes. In particular, a simulated engine sound can be output via the interior and exterior loudspeakers. It is possible that such an output also takes place outside of the limited operating mode, for example to inform passers-by when the motor vehicle 1 is operated purely electrically or to improve the vehicle sound, and this output is only modified in the limited operating mode. However, it is also possible to output additional engine noise through loudspeakers only in the limited operating mode. In addition or as an alternative, a haptic indication can also be provided, for example by the steering wheel 14 or the accelerator pedal 15 being excited to vibrate by actuators (not shown).

In the motor vehicle, both environmental data relating to the area surrounding the motor vehicle and vehicle data relating to the motor vehicle itself are recorded and made available to the control device 4 . The environment data can be recorded, for example, via the camera 16 and the radar sensor 17 . In addition, environmental data can be provided by a navigation system 18 that determines a position of motor vehicle 1 and can extract environmental data relating to this position, for example predictive route data, from map data and provide it to control device 4 . For example, information about a road surface and the curvature of a route traveled can be obtained from the environmental data. Information about weather conditions and/or traffic density can also be taken into account. A steering angle via steering angle sensor 19, a pedal position of accelerator pedal 15 via pedal sensor 20, a current yaw rate of motor vehicle 1 via yaw rate sensor 21 and a speed or acceleration of motor vehicle 1 via sensors (not shown) can be recorded and processed as vehicle data, for example. The environmental data are preferably evaluated both in the restricted and in the non-restricted operating modes of the motor vehicle 1 or the control device 4 in order to adjust the operating parameters of the drive devices 2, 3. For example, the currently provided or maximum power or the currently provided or maximum available torque can be limited if the motor vehicle is moving on loose road surfaces, for example sand or gravel, the motor vehicle is entering a curve or a route that is being traveled on is curvy and/or adverse weather conditions and/or high traffic density are present. In particular, a current driving situation can be classified and the operating parameters, and thus the power and the torque, can be limited or also increased depending on the driving situation.

In particular, if the limited operating mode is chargeable, a user 5 should be able to estimate before activating the limited operating mode to what extent the power or the torque can be increased by the limited operating mode or to what extent the increased power or the increased torque can be used at all . If, for example, the road section immediately ahead is expected to be slippery or uneven, or if traffic is very dense, it is not advisable to increase the output or torque. The driver can therefore receive information via display device 10 depending on the determined driving situation, which informs him to what extent it is advisable to use the restricted operating mode or, in situations in which this is the case, indicates the usability of the restricted operating mode. In addition, he can be given advance information as to the extent to which activation of the restricted operating mode would change the driving operation, ie in particular to what extent torque or power could be increased or to what extent this higher performance or the higher torque can be used at all. Such an indication can also be used to indicate to the driver, for example in the event of an imminent overtaking maneuver or during such an overtaking maneuver and/or when accelerating out of a curve, that he should use the restricted operating mode. If it were advisable to use the restricted operating mode in a specific driving situation, but this is not released, for example because all released uses have already been used, the driver can also be informed that further uses of the restricted operating mode can be booked. In this case, it is preferably possible to request a further release message for one or more users by means of a relatively simple operating action, for example by touching a touch screen or an operating element on the steering wheel.

Claims (9)

Method for operating a drive device (2, 3) of a motor vehicle (1), at least one operating parameter of the drive device (2, 3) being specified as a function of an operating mode of the motor vehicle (1) selected from a plurality of operating modes, with a currently provided and/or a maximum available power and/or a currently provided and/or a maximum available torque of the motor vehicle (1) depend on the operating parameter, with selection information relating to this change being transmitted from the motor vehicle to the vehicle-external device (6) and / or on the other hand, at least one limited operating mode can only be selected as the selected operating mode when a release condition is met, the fulfillment of which depends on the receipt of a release message from a vehicle-external device (6), the release Message describes or confirms a release number of releases of the limited operating mode and/or a release duration for which the motor vehicle (1) can be operated in the limited operating mode and the fulfillment of the release condition of the release number and of a number of switchings to the limited operating mode since Receipt of the release message and / or depends on the release duration and the duration of use of the restricted operating mode since receipt of the release message. procedure after 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 in the restricted operating mode than in at least one other of the operating modes under otherwise identical conditions . procedure after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that when a corresponding operator input from a user (5) is detected at an operator interface (8) on the vehicle or at a portable communication device (9), a request message is sent to the device (6) external to the vehicle in order to request transmission of the release message. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a remaining number or remaining duration of switching to the limited operating mode for which the release condition can be met without receiving a further release message, via an output device (10) of the motor vehicle (1) and / or via the or a portable communication device (9) is issued. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the motor vehicle (1) is switched over to the restricted operating mode and/or during the operation of the motor vehicle (1) in the restricted operating mode, a device (11, 12, 13) of the motor vehicle ( 1) is controlled to output an operating message. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating parameter in the restricted operating mode is specified as a function of environmental data relating to the motor vehicle's surroundings and/or vehicle data relating to the motor vehicle (1). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a current and/or a probable future driving situation is determined as a function of the environment data describing the environment of the motor vehicle (1) and/or vehicle data relating to the motor vehicle (1), the driving situation being determined the user (5) is issued a driving instruction which draws his attention to the restricted operating mode and/or which relates to advance information about a change in driving operation when the restricted operating mode is activated. 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 the control device (4) for carrying out the method rens is set up according to one of the preceding claims. Server device, characterized in that they participate in the method according to one of Claims 1 until 7 is set up as the vehicle-external device (6).

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