Method for operating a measuring device of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle comprising a measuring device

Abstract

Method for operating a measuring device (15) of a motor vehicle (1), wherein the motor vehicle (1) comprises at least one ventilation device (2) by means of which at least one airflow (3, 8) is generated, wherein the at least one airflow (3, 8) is ionized by means of at least one ionization device (13), wherein measured values ​​relating to the at least one airflow (3, 8) are recorded by means of at least one measuring device (15), wherein the at least one airflow (3, 8) is directed into an occupant compartment (4) of the motor vehicle (1) via at least one air guidance device (5), wherein the operation of the at least one measuring device (15) is controlled depending on at least one recorded or determined operating information (24) relating to the operation of the at least one ionization device (13).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a measuring device of a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle comprises at least one ventilation device by means of which at least one air flow is generated, wherein the at least one air flow is ionized by means of at least one ionization device, wherein measured values ​​relating to the at least one air flow are recorded by means of at least one measuring device, wherein the at least one air flow is guided into a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle via at least one air guiding device.Furthermore, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one ventilation device, wherein at least one air flow generated by means of the ventilation device can be ionized by means of at least one ionization device, wherein measured values ​​relating to the at least one air flow can be detected by means of at least one measuring device, wherein the at least one air flow can be guided into a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle via at least one air guiding device.

[0002] Ventilation systems, especially air conditioning systems, in modern motor vehicles often include ionization devices that ionize the air introduced into the passenger compartment. The ionization device, which can also be referred to as an ionizer, generates ions, particularly oxygen ions, in the air. These ions can bind dust particles, thus achieving a cleaning effect through the ionization device.

[0003] With regard to air flow, it is often necessary to record measured values ​​relating to the air. Appropriate measuring devices are used for this purpose. The recorded measured values ​​often serve as the basis for various control systems of the vehicle, for example, regarding the operation of the air conditioning system, especially a heating system. Using these measured values ​​to control the ionization system is also conceivable.

[0004] For example, DE 10 2014 005 955 A1 discloses a concept related to an ionizer in which, to prevent the generation of ozone, the ionizer detects whether an airflow is currently present. If this is not the case, the ionizer is shut down. To determine whether an airflow is currently present, the air temperature is measured and compared with a target temperature.

[0005] The present invention has for its object to provide an improved concept in connection with a motor vehicle having a measuring device and an ionization device.

[0006] According to the invention, the object is achieved in a method of the type mentioned at the outset in that the operation of the at least one measuring device is controlled as a function of at least one detected or determined item of operating information relating to the operation of the at least one ionization device.

[0007] The invention is based on the finding that when a measuring device and an ionization device are operated simultaneously, the operation of the measuring device may be impaired due to the operation of the ionization device. This effect, which has been identified in particular through experiments, could be due to the fact that high electrical currents and voltages typically occur during operation of the ionization device, which could have a negative impact on the operation of the measuring device.

[0008] Such influences are more pronounced the closer the distance between the measuring device and the ionization device. Therefore, this problem occurs more frequently in pairs comprising a measuring device and an ionization device, where these devices are arranged, particularly directly adjacent to one another, or at a short distance from one another. Thus, the motor vehicle can have at least one pair or group comprising at least one measuring device and one ionization device, wherein the operation of this measuring device is controlled depending on the at least one piece of operating information relating to the operation of this ionization device.

[0009] In the present invention, knowledge of the existence of the influence just explained is used to reduce or, ideally, avoid the negative effects. Accordingly, a concept is implemented in which at least one parameter, in particular at least one control or measurement parameter, relating to the operation of the ionization device is used as a control basis, in particular an additional control basis, for at least one parameter, in particular at least one control parameter, relating to the operation of the measuring device. Thus, the operation of the measuring device can be adapted to the operation of the ionization device in order to ensure the most interference-free acquisition of the measured values ​​possible.

[0010] The ionization device can comprise electrodes, with the air flow being guided past or around these electrodes. An electrical voltage can be applied to the electrodes, creating an electric field between them. The electric field, or the electrical potential associated with the electric field, is such that the aforementioned ionization effect occurs when air enters the electric field. At least one of the electrodes can be heated by means of an electrode heater.

[0011] The air flow can be generated by means of the ventilation device, which in particular comprises a fan or is designed as such. For this purpose, air can be drawn in by means of the ventilation device, for example from outside the motor vehicle or from the passenger compartment, whereby this air forms the air flow. This air can preferably be conditioned by means of the ventilation device, for example with regard to temperature or humidity. The ventilation device can be an air conditioning device. The air conditioning device, which can also be a separate component, can comprise a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the air flow, in particular a heating device.

[0012] The heating device is used to convert electrical energy, in particular from an electrical energy storage device of the motor vehicle, in which electrical energy for the traction of the motor vehicle is also stored or storable, into thermal energy. The heating device operates in particular in a high-voltage environment, so that a heating output sufficient to heat the passenger compartment can be achieved. Preferably, a thermal output in the order of kilowatts can be achieved using the heating device. Particularly preferably, the operating range of the heating device is between 1 kW and 10 kW and is in particular 1 kW or 5 kW.

[0013] Preferably, a heating device is used that comprises or is comprised of at least one PTC thermistor. In the PTC thermistor, the electrical ohmic resistance increases with increasing temperature. This enables stable operation of the heating device in terms of heating output. Such a PTC thermistor is often also referred to as a PTC thermistor, where PTC stands for "Positive Temperature Coefficient."

[0014] The occupants of the motor vehicle typically stay in the passenger compartment while driving. Before the airflow reaches the passenger compartment, it can be conditioned, or more precisely, ionized, using the ionization device. Furthermore, the air in the airflow can come into contact with the measuring device to record the measured values. The measuring device and / or the ionization device can be a separate component from the ventilation device. It is conceivable that the airflow is generated by the ventilation device and then, while being guided to the passenger compartment, is conditioned by the ionization device and comes into contact with the measuring device. The measuring device and / or the ionization device can be a component of the ventilation system.It is conceivable that the conditioning of the air by means of the ionization device and the recording of the measured values ​​by means of the measuring device take place in parallel or simultaneously.

[0015] The air flow from the ventilation system into the passenger compartment can be guided by or through the air guiding device. Thus, the air guiding device can have at least one air duct or be one that leads from the ventilation system to the passenger compartment. The air duct can open into an air outlet, which is inserted into an outlet opening or can be one through which the air flow is blown into the passenger compartment. Air guiding elements, such as adjustable louvre grilles, can be arranged on or in the air outlet to influence the outflow direction of the air flow into the passenger compartment.

[0016] It is conceivable that the motor vehicle comprises the air conditioning system, which can also be referred to as an air conditioning device, wherein the air conditioning system comprises the measuring device and / or the ionization device and / or the ventilation device and / or the air guiding device, in particular all of these components. The measuring device and / or the ionization device and / or the ventilation device and / or the air guiding device are, respectively, preferably arranged inside a vehicle console. The vehicle console can be a front console forming a dashboard of the motor vehicle.

[0017] The measuring device or one of the measuring devices can be a temperature sensor, by means of which the measured values ​​relating to a temperature of the at least one air stream are recorded. The temperature sensor or at least a part of the temperature sensor can be arranged in the air stream. The measured values ​​can be recorded using an electrical, in particular ohmic, measuring resistance of the temperature sensor, which changes with a change in temperature.

[0018] It is also conceivable that the measuring device or one of the measuring devices is a humidity sensor, by means of which the measured values ​​relating to the humidity of the at least one air stream are recorded. Furthermore, it can be provided that the measuring device or one of the measuring devices is a particle sensor, by means of which the measured values ​​relating to dirt particles present in the at least one air stream are recorded.

[0019] The operating information or at least one of the operating information items can be detected or determined using at least one control command generated during the control of the ionization device. Thus, during the operation of the ionization device, control signals for controlling the ionization device can be generated, for example, by means of an ionization device control device, which are also used as a control basis for the measuring device. Thus, it is particularly advantageous to dispense with sensory detection of measured values ​​relating to the operation of the ionization device, since its operating parameters obviously depend on these control signals. Thus, the control signals can serve to determine the operating information or represent it. Such operating information can relate to a type and / or a level of a pulse-width modulated control signal of the ionization device.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the operating information or at least one of the operating information items is detected or determined based on at least one measured sensor value, which depends in particular on an operating state of the ionization device. The advantage here is that relevant operating parameters can be detected directly by sensors, whereas they can only be determined indirectly using the control signals explained above. Within the scope of this embodiment, sensors are therefore provided, in particular in addition to the measuring device, via which measured values, which in particular relate to operating parameters of the ionization device, can be detected. These measured values ​​serve to determine the operating information or represent the same.

[0021] Preferably, the operating information is acquired or determined based on the at least one control command and the at least one measured sensor value. Thus, the operating information can be roughly predetermined based on the control command, with this result being verified and, if necessary, corrected based on the sensor value.

[0022] Furthermore, the operating information or at least one of the operating information items can be detected or determined based on a known switching behavior of the ionization device. In this embodiment, too, the operating information is determined indirectly, with measured values ​​or control commands being used to obtain the operating information taking the known switching behavior into account. The known switching behavior can be the delayed curve of the electrical current or the electrical voltage at the ionization device after switching on or off. In a diagram in which the current or voltage is plotted at the top and time to the right, a ramp-shaped curve typically results. When switched on, this curve rises with a time delay from zero to the required value for the voltage or current. When switched off, this curve falls with a time delay from the original operating voltage to zero.

[0023] The operating information, or at least one of the operating information items, can be commissioning information that indicates whether the ionization device is currently switched on or off. Thus, the operation of the measuring device can only be performed based on the operating information if the commissioning information indicates that the ionization device is currently switched on. The commissioning information can be acquired via the ionization device control device, which is configured to control the ionization device.

[0024] The operating information, or at least one of the operating information items, can be voltage information relating to a value of the electrical voltage by which the ionization device is currently or in the future operated. It can therefore generally be assumed that the influence of the ionization device on the measuring device is greater the higher the current electrical voltage present from the ionization device. The voltage information can be detected by means of a voltage sensor and / or the ionization device control device.

[0025] The operating information, or at least one of the operating information items, can be current information relating to a value of the electrical current by which the ionization device is currently or in the future operated. It can therefore generally be assumed that the influence of the ionization device on the measuring device is greater the higher the current strength present in the ionization device. The current information can be detected by means of a current sensor and / or the ionization device control device.

[0026] The operating information or at least one of the operating information items can be power information relating to a value of the operating power at which the ionization device is currently or will be operated. It can therefore generally be assumed that the greater the power currently being implemented by the ionization device, the greater the influence of the ionization device on the measuring device. As the operating power increases, the ion generation rate of the ionization device increases. The ion generation rate is therefore one of the key operating parameters for the operation of the ionization device. The higher the ion generation rate, the more ions are generated per unit of time. The ion generation rate can be adjusted via the electrical voltage applied to the electrodes, whereby the ion generation rate increases with increasing voltage.

[0027] The power information can be acquired using a power sensor and / or the ionization device control device. The power information can also or alternatively be acquired using the voltage and current information. Thus, the current power at the ionization device can be determined by multiplying the current voltage and the current current of this device.

[0028] As already mentioned, it is conceivable that the voltage information and / or the current information and / or the power information is determined based on the known, time-delayed switching behavior of the ionization device. This embodiment relates to the determination of the respective information immediately after the ionization device is switched on or off. This takes into account the circumstance already explained above that, due to the delayed switching behavior of the ionization device immediately after switching off, the values ​​for the voltage, current, and power in the ionization device do not suddenly drop to zero, or that immediately after switching on, the final value to be reached for the voltage, current, and power is not suddenly available, but rather a delay occurs in this regard.Time information can be recorded and / or continuously updated, relating to the time period since the ionization device was switched on or off. The known, for example, ramp-shaped, switching behavior and the time information make it possible to determine the currently available values ​​for voltage, current, and power, and thus the voltage, current, and / or power information.

[0029] It is conceivable that at least one measurement period, during which the measured values ​​are recorded by the measuring device, is specified depending on the at least one piece of operating information. The at least one measurement period, i.e., the at least one time period during which the measurement is taken by the measuring device, is specifically adapted to the operation of the ionization device within the scope of this embodiment. Thus, the greater the influence on the measuring device expected based on the operating information, the shorter the measurement period or the sum of the measurement periods can be.

[0030] Specifically, it can be provided that the at least one measuring time period is specified such that the measuring time period or the sum of the measuring time periods is shorter, the higher the current operating power and / or the current current and / or the current voltage of the ionization device. As already mentioned, it can generally be assumed that the influence of the ionization device on the measuring device is greater, the higher the current operating power of the ionization device. Accordingly, it can be advantageous to reduce the number of measured values ​​that were recorded simultaneously during operation of the ionization device at high operating power and consequently exhibit a large, in particular systematic, error.By shortening the measurement time period or the sum of the measurement time periods at high values ​​for the voltage, current and / or power, the relative number of measured values ​​with a rather small measurement error is increased compared to the relative number of measured values ​​with a rather large measurement error and thus the measurement quality is improved.

[0031] The at least one measuring time period can be specified such that the measuring device only records the measured values ​​when the ionization device is currently switched off, i.e. in particular when the commissioning information indicates that the ionization device is currently switched off, and / or when the power information indicates that the value of the operating power of the ionization device is currently zero or approximately zero. Thus, the smallest possible influence on the measuring device by the ionization device can be expected when the ionization device is currently switched off and therefore no operating power is being implemented. In this case, the electrical voltage and currents present on the part of the ionization device are approximately zero, wherein, within the scope of this embodiment, the measured values ​​are preferably recorded exclusively during these periods.

[0032] In particular, if recording the measured values ​​even during operation of the ionization device is unavoidable, the at least one measuring period can be specified such that the measuring device records the measured values ​​at intervals when the ionization device is currently switched on. In particular, within the scope of this embodiment, it can be provided that the measuring device records the measured values ​​permanently or continuously when the ionization device is currently switched off.

[0033] Preferably, it can be provided that the operation of the ionization device and the operation of the measuring device take place alternately and intermittently. In other words, the ionization device is only switched on when the measuring device is currently switched off and vice versa. Thus, within the scope of this embodiment, it is provided that the ionization device is switched on and off at intervals and that the measuring device records the measured values ​​during the intervals during which the ionization device is switched off. Preferably, either the ionization device or the measuring device is always switched on. Thus, it is conceivable that the ionization device is switched on during a predetermined ionization period, with the measuring device being switched on subsequently and during a measuring period. The time periods can assume values ​​between tenths of a second and several minutes.Preferably, the ionization time period is greater and / or the measuring time period is smaller, the greater the operating power of the ionization device is.

[0034] It is conceivable that the operation of the measuring device is controlled as a function of the at least one piece of operating information by means of a lookup table, which is based in particular on empirical values. Thus, in a lookup table, which is stored, for example, by a control device, several numerical values ​​relating to the operating information can be assigned corresponding numerical values ​​relating to a control parameter for controlling the measuring device and, if applicable, the ionization device. It is conceivable that several values ​​for the power information are each assigned at least one control parameter for specifying the at least one measuring time period. Thus, a relationship is specified between the at least one piece of operating information as the control basis and the control parameter for controlling the measuring device as the parameter to be controlled.

[0035] This relationship can additionally or alternatively be given by a mathematical formula. Thus, the operation of the measuring device can be controlled depending on the at least one piece of operating information using an empirical relationship. Thus, the ratio of the value of the ionization time period t ion and the value of the measurement period t measure by the connection t ion / t measure = C · P, where C is a positive constant and P is the value for the operating power of the ionization device. It can be specified that the value for the measuring period is always t, regardless of the value for the operating power P. measure = 1 second, so that the ionization time t ion in seconds to tion = C · P.

[0036] Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the operation of the measuring device is controlled by artificial intelligence depending on the at least one piece of operating information. In particular, since the specific relationship or the physical processes that describe the influence of the ionization device on the measuring device cannot be described or modeled, or can only be described or modeled with great effort and effort, artificial intelligence can represent a low-effort solution for determining the influence of the ionization device on the measuring device as realistically as possible. In this context, an artificial intelligence based on the concept of machine learning is conceivable, which is trained accordingly before and / or during real-life use in the motor vehicle.

[0037] Furthermore, depending on the control of the measuring device based on the at least one piece of operating information, at least one piece of user information can be generated and, depending on this, a user output can be generated by means of which a user is informed about the control of the measuring device. The presence of the user information triggers the user output by means of which the user is informed about the current operation of the measuring device, in particular with regard to the change in the operation of the measuring device due to the operation of the ionization device. The user output can at least indirectly relate to information to the effect that the measurement of the measured values ​​is currently only taking place with reduced measurement accuracy, for example because the duration of the measurement period is currently shorter than in normal operation in which the measurement values ​​are recorded continuously.The user output can also be of a purely binary nature, i.e. inform the user whether or not there is a current change in the operation of the measuring device due to the operation of the ionization device.

[0038] The user output can be provided via an output device of the motor vehicle. The output device can be a screen. The output device can be an input / output device, in particular a touchscreen. The output device can be arranged on a vehicle console, for example a dashboard. Additionally or alternatively, the user output can be provided via an electronic terminal of the user, for example a smartphone. For example, a communication device can be provided on the motor vehicle side and on the terminal side, via which a wireless communication connection can be established between the motor vehicle and the terminal, preferably via the Internet, wherein the user information is transmitted from the motor vehicle to the terminal via the wireless communication connection. An application can be implemented on the terminal side which evaluates the user information and generates the user output based on this.

[0039] According to the invention, the object is achieved in a motor vehicle of the type mentioned above in that the motor vehicle has a measuring device control device configured to control the operation of the measuring device depending on at least one detected or determined item of operating information relating to the operation of the ionization device. All aspects, advantages, and features explained in connection with the method according to the invention are equally applicable to the motor vehicle according to the invention and vice versa.

[0040] The motor vehicle according to the invention can be a hybrid or electric vehicle. Thus, the motor vehicle can comprise a high-voltage energy storage device, by means of which energy usable for traction or propulsion of the motor vehicle is stored or storable. Furthermore, the measuring device and / or the ionization device and, if applicable, the heating device can be operated using the energy stored in this energy storage device.

[0041] According to a conceivable embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, an ionization device control device is additionally provided, which is designed to control the operation of the ionization device, in particular on the basis of operating inputs made by the user.

[0042] In this context, it is conceivable that a common control device is provided, which, on the one hand, implements the measuring device control device and, on the other hand, the ionization device control device. In this case, it can be provided that the common control device controls the operation of the measuring device depending on the at least one piece of operating information relating to the operation of the ionization device. The common control device can be a structural unit or a common control unit by means of which the measuring device and the ionization device can be controlled.

[0043] According to one conceivable embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the measuring device control device and the ionization device control device are each a separate control unit. The ionization device control device and the measuring device control device can be connected to one another via a data transmission means for transmitting the at least one item of operating information from the ionization device control device to the measuring device control device. The data transmission means can be or comprise at least one data cable. Particularly preferably, the data transmission means is a vehicle bus. The information can be transmitted using a suitable bus protocol, such as CAN, LIN, or Ethernet.

[0044] It is conceivable that the at least one air guiding device has at least one air duct or is designed as such, in particular with a rectangular cross-section. The air duct can be a separate component or an integral section of another component of the motor vehicle, for example a vehicle console such as a dashboard. The at least one measuring device and the at least one ionization device and optionally at least one heating device can be arranged on or in the at least one air duct. The air duct can thus have a lateral recess in which the respective device for interacting with the air flow flowing through the air duct is inserted or arranged.

[0045] The at least one air guiding device can have a main duct that branches downstream into a plurality of sub-ducts, wherein the sub-ducts open into the passenger compartment at different points. Initially, the main air flow generated by the ventilation device can be guided in the main duct. At at least one branching point, the main duct can split into the sub-ducts, so that the main air flow also splits into a plurality of sub-air flows. The strength of the sub-air flows can be adjustable, for example via a valve device that can be arranged at the branching point. The sub-ducts, in particular two, can open into the passenger compartment on the driver side and the passenger side. An air vent can be arranged at each of the air outlet openings into which the sub-ducts open. Additionally or alternatively, the strength of the sub-air flows can be adjusted by opening and closing the air vents, in particular continuously.

[0046] It is conceivable that the one or more measuring devices and / or the one or more ionization devices are provided in the main channel and / or in at least one of the subchannels. In particular, it is conceivable that the measuring device and the ionization device are provided in pairs or groups in the main channel and / or in at least one of the subchannels. Ultimately, within the scope of the present invention, all possible combinations are conceivable with regard to the arrangement of the measuring device(s) and / or the ionization device(s) and / or, if applicable, the heating device(s) in the main channel and in the subchannels.

[0047] Specifically, a measuring device and an ionization device can be arranged in or on the main duct. In this case, these devices are arranged upstream of the branching point(s), so that the main airflow is conditioned by the ionization device. Thus, exactly one measuring device or a group of different measuring devices and exactly one ionization device can be arranged in the main duct.

[0048] Additionally or alternatively, multiple measuring devices and / or multiple ionization devices can be arranged in or on different sub-channels. Thus, exactly one measuring device and exactly one ionization device can be arranged in or on at least one of the sub-channels, in particular on each of the sub-channels. The corresponding components are arranged downstream of the branching point(s). The measuring devices and ionization devices are preferably individually controllable. Thus, the partial air flows guided through the various sub-channels can be differently conditioned or measured and evaluated by the respective devices.

[0049] Further advantages and details of the present invention will become apparent from the following exemplary embodiments and from the figures, which schematically show: Fig. 1 a schematic diagram of the motor vehicle according to the invention according to an embodiment, Fig. 2 a flowchart of the method according to the invention according to an embodiment, which in the motor vehicle of Fig. 1 is carried out, and Fig. 3 - 4 Diagrams illustrating an intermittent operation of an ionization device and a measuring device of the motor vehicle of the Fig. 1.

[0050] Fig. Figure 1 shows a highly schematic sketch of a motor vehicle 1 according to the invention according to an exemplary embodiment, comprising a ventilation device 2 designed as a fan, by means of which a main air flow 3 can be generated. For this purpose, air is drawn in from outside the motor vehicle 1 and / or a passenger compartment 4 of the motor vehicle 1, forming the main air flow 3 and being blown into the passenger compartment 4.

[0051] To guide the air of the main air flow 3 from the ventilation device 2 to the passenger compartment 4, an air guiding device 5 is provided, which has a plurality of air ducts. Specifically, the air guiding device 5 has a main duct 6, which is connected downstream to the ventilation device 2. Further downstream, the main duct 6 branches into several, in this case two, sub-ducts 7. At the branching point, the main air flow 3 also branches into several sub-air flows 8. To adjust the strength of the sub-air flows 8, a valve device 9 is arranged in the region of the branching point, via which the inlet openings from the main duct 6 into the sub-ducts 7 can be continuously opened and closed. The valve device 9 can be controlled via a control signal generated by an operating action performed by a user on an input and output device 10.The input and output device 10 is a touchscreen mounted on a dashboard 11. The partial ducts 7 and the partial air streams 8 flow into the passenger compartment 4 via air vents 12 on the driver and passenger sides. The air vents 12 are mounted on the dashboard 11 and inserted into air outlets.

[0052] An electrical heating device (not shown in detail) is provided on each of the sub-ducts 7, by means of which the air of the respective partial air flow 8 can be tempered. The heating devices are inserted into lateral openings or recesses of the respective air duct and protrude into its interior to enable heating of the respective partial air flow 8. Thus, by means of the heating devices, electrical energy from an electrical energy storage device of the motor vehicle 1, in which electrical energy for driving the motor vehicle 1 is stored, is converted into thermal energy for heating the air and thus for heating the passenger compartment 4. The heating device is designed as a so-called PTC or PTC thermistor or comprises one, wherein the ohmic resistance of this conductor increases with increasing temperature. By means of the heating device, a heat output in the order of kilowatts can be implemented, namely 5 kW, for example.

[0053] Furthermore, each of the sub-channels 7 is provided with an ionization device 13, by means of which the air of the respective partial air flow 8 can be ionized. The ionization devices 13 are also inserted into lateral openings or recesses of the respective air duct and protrude into its interior to enable ionization of the respective partial air flow 8. For this purpose, the ionization devices 13 each have electrodes along which the air of the respective partial air flow 8 is guided. An electrical voltage is applied to the electrodes to generate the ions, so that an electric field is created between the electrons, through which the air flows and is thereby ionized. Also provided is an electrode heater (not shown in detail), by means of which the electrodes can be heated. An ionization device control device 14 is provided to control the operation of the ionization device 13.

[0054] At least one, in this example several, measuring devices 15 are provided adjacent to the ionization devices 13. For the sake of clarity, the three measuring devices 15 provided in or on each of the sub-channels 7 are shown in Fig. 1 as merely one component. The measuring devices 15 are also inserted into lateral openings or recesses of the respective air duct and protrude into the interior thereof in order to enable the recording of measured values ​​relating to the respective partial air flow 8. Thus, a temperature sensor is provided as the measuring device 15, by means of which the measured values ​​relating to a temperature of the respective partial air flow 8 are recorded. Furthermore, a humidity sensor is provided as the measuring device 15, by means of which the measured values ​​relating to a humidity of the respective partial air flow 8 are recorded. Finally, a particle sensor is provided as the measuring device 15, by means of which the measured values ​​relating to dirt particles, in particular dust particles or pollen, present in the respective partial air flow 8 are recorded.

[0055] To control the operation of the measuring devices 15, a measuring device control device 16 is provided, in particular for each of them. This device is further configured to determine the measured values ​​based on sensor signals from the measuring device 15 and, if necessary, to forward and / or evaluate the measured values.

[0056] Based on the measured values, operating parameters relating to the motor vehicle 1, in particular the air conditioning system, are controlled. For example, the temperature of the respective air flow 3, 8 can be used to control the operation of the heating system, the humidity of the respective air flow 3, 8 can be used to control the operation of a dehumidification system, and the concentration of dirt particles contained in the respective air flow 3, 8 can be used to control the operation of a cleaning system of the air conditioning system.

[0057] With regard to the ionization device(s) 13 and / or the measuring device(s) 15 and / or, if applicable, the heating device(s), it can additionally or alternatively be provided that these are arranged in the region of the main channel 6, so that the main air flow 3 can be additionally or alternatively ionized or that corresponding measured values ​​relating to the main air flow 3 can be determined. This is in Fig. 1 by dashed lines. Thus, within the scope of the present invention, any combination regarding the arrangement of the ionization device(s) 13 and the measuring device(s) 15 and, if applicable, the heating device(s) in the region of the main duct 6 and the sub-ducts 7 is conceivable, so that, in particular, selective ionization and, if applicable, heating, as well as acquisition of measured values ​​regarding the partial air streams 8 flowing out via the various air outlets 12, is possible.

[0058] Also indicated by dashed lines is the possibility that a common control device 17 can be provided for controlling the ionization device(s) 13 and the measuring device(s) 15, which implements both the ionization device control device 14 and the measuring device control device 16 as a common control unit.

[0059] Another one in which Fig. A possibility not explicitly shown in Figure 1 is that the ionization device(s) 13 and / or the measuring device(s) 15 are components of the ventilation device 2. Thus, the ventilation device 2 can be an air conditioning device of the motor vehicle 1, by means of which the air to be supplied to the passenger compartment 4 can be conditioned, in particular with regard to temperature and humidity.

[0060] The following is based on reference to Fig. 2 explains the method according to the invention according to an embodiment which is used in the motor vehicle 1 of Fig. 1 is carried out. Fig. Figure 2 shows a flowchart of the method comprising steps 18 - 23. The aspects described below regarding the ionization devices 13 and the measuring devices 15 refer only to a group of adjacent devices 13, 15 arranged on or in the same air duct, respectively, whereby these aspects are also applicable to the remaining groups.

[0061] In the first step 18, the method is started by switching on the ionization device 13, for example, at the start of a journey. This switching on occurs, for example, by the user, for example via an operating action performed on the input and output device 10 and directed thereto, or automatically as part of at least partially autonomous vehicle control. It is conceivable that a desired operating power of the ionization device 13 is specifically specified, in particular by the user or as part of autonomous vehicle control.

[0062] Subsequently, several pieces of operating information 24 are recorded or determined. Thus, in step 19, a piece of commissioning information 25 is recorded as operating information 24, which indicates whether the ionization device 13 is currently switched on. The commissioning information 25 is recorded by the ionization device control device 14 providing stored information on this matter. The commissioning information 25, like other operating information 24, is transmitted from the ionization device control device 14 to the measuring device control device 16 via a data transmission means 26 embodied as a vehicle bus, using a suitable bus protocol such as CAN, LIN, or Ethernet. If the common control device 17 is provided, such a transmission is not necessary, since this information is already available from this control device 17.In addition, in step 19, time information 27 is determined and continuously updated, which relates to the time period that has passed since the ionization device 13 was switched on or off.

[0063] In the next step 20, a check is made to determine whether the commissioning information 25 indicates that the ionization device 13 is currently switched on. If this check reveals that this is the case, the method continues with the next step 21, which is explained further below. Otherwise, a check is made to determine whether the time information 27 indicates, or results from, that a period of time greater than a predetermined switch-off time has elapsed since the ionization device 13 was switched off. The switch-off time corresponds to the time required until, after the ionization device 13 has been switched off, all values ​​for current, voltage, and operating power available from the ionization device 13 have actually dropped to a value of at least approximately zero due to a delayed switching behavior. If this is also the case, step 21 is skipped, and the method continues with step 22.

[0064] During step 22, the measuring device control unit 16 generates a control command 28 and issues it to the measuring device 15, which causes it to be started up or switched on, so that the measured values ​​are recorded. This recording then occurs continuously or uninterruptedly.

[0065] In all other cases, step 21 is performed after step 20. This is the case if the commissioning information 25 indicates that the ionization device 13 is currently switched on. This is also the case if the commissioning information 25 indicates that the ionization device 13 is currently switched off and if the time information 27 indicates that a period of time less than a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the ionization device 13 was switched off. In these cases, further operating information 24 is recorded or determined in step 21, namely voltage information 29, current information 30, and power information 31.

[0066] The voltage information 29 relates to a value for the electrical voltage by which the ionization device 13 is currently or will be operated. The current information 30 relates to a value for the electrical current by which the ionization device 13 is currently or will be operated. Specifically, the voltage information 29 is a volt number and the current information is an ampere number relating to the voltage or current values ​​present at the ionization device 13. If the ionization device 13 is switched on, the information 29, 30 is determined via a control command generated by the ionization device control device 14 and output to the ionization device 13, by means of which the operating voltage or the operating current of the ionization device 13 can be adjusted.Specifically, it is intended that a pulse-width modulated control signal, which is generated by the ionization device control device 14 to control the ionization device 13, is used for this purpose. Thus, the type and magnitude of the pulse-width modulated control signal can be used to determine the voltage and / or current at the ionization device 13. If necessary, and additionally in the present example, the information 29, 30 is acquired using measured sensor values ​​that depend on the operating state of the ionization device 13. Thus, voltage and current sensors (not shown in the figures) are provided on the ionization device 13. These sensor-acquired values ​​are used to verify the results determined by means of the control commands and, if necessary, to correct them.

[0067] The power information 31 relates to a value of the operating power at which the ionization device 13 is currently or will be operated. The power information 31 is a wattage value relating to the ionization device 13. To determine the power information 31, the voltage information 29 and the current information 30, i.e., the number of volts and the number of amperes, are multiplied.

[0068] Several conceivable cases within the scope of step 21 are explained below. These depend on the commissioning information 25 and the time information 27. In the first case, the commissioning information 25 indicates that the ionization device 13 is switched on. Furthermore, the time information 27 indicates that a period of time has elapsed since the ionization device 13 was switched on, which is greater than a predetermined switch-on time period. The switch-on time period corresponds to the time required after the ionization device 13 is switched on until, due to a delayed switching behavior, all values ​​for current, voltage, and operating power available from the ionization device 13 actually correspond to the intended operating values. In this case, the information 29, 30 are determined as explained above using the control commands and the sensor signals, and the power information 31 is determined by multiplying these results.

[0069] In a second case, the commissioning information 25 indicates that the ionization device 13 is currently switched on. Furthermore, the time information 27 indicates that a period of time has elapsed since the ionization device 13 was switched on, which period is shorter than a predetermined switch-on time period. Consequently, the ionization device 13 was only switched on immediately beforehand, so that the required value for the operating voltage has not yet been reached due to a delayed, known switching behavior of the ionization device 13. In a diagram plotting the voltage or current against time, this behavior can be described by an increasing ramp. Furthermore, a value for the required voltage or the target voltage that is currently being built up is determined based on a control command generated by the ionization device control device 14.The current values ​​for voltage and current in the ionization device 13 can be determined using the value for the time elapsed since the ionization device 13 was switched on, the determined target voltage and the known switching behavior.

[0070] The third case is analogous to the second case, whereby in this case the commissioning information 25 indicates that the ionization device 13 is currently switched off. Furthermore, the time information 27 indicates that a period of time has elapsed since the ionization device 13 was switched off that is shorter than the switch-off period. Consequently, the ionization device 13 was only switched off immediately beforehand, so that the values ​​for the voltage and current have not yet dropped to zero due to the delayed, known switching behavior of the ionization device 13. Thus, the delayed switching behavior of the ionization device 13 is also known with respect to the switch-off, which results in a falling ramp in the diagram plotting the voltage or current against time.In this case, too, the values ​​for the voltage and current at the ionization device 13 can be determined based on the time elapsed since the ionization device 13 was switched off. The operating voltage of the ionization device 13 before switching off is determined based on a control command generated by the ionization device control device 14 and present before switching off.

[0071] After acquiring the information 29, 30, 31, the method continues in the previously explained step 22, in which the control command 28 for controlling the measuring device 15 is generated and output. In contrast to the above-explained step, in which the ionization device 13 is switched off and no longer subjected to voltage or current due to a delayed switching behavior, in this case the information 29, 30, 31 is taken into account to generate the control command 28.

[0072] This is particularly advantageous due to the proximity between the ionization device 13 and the measuring devices 15 of the respective group of four. Thus, during operation of the ionization device 13, high voltage and current values ​​create magnetic fields in its vicinity, which potentially impair the operation of the neighboring measuring devices 15 due to electromagnetic interactions. The operating information 24 represents an additional control basis for the operation of the measuring devices 15, so that their operation is adapted to the operation of the ionization device 13 in such a way that these negative effects are avoided or at least reduced.

[0073] For the operation of the measuring devices 15, it is intended that the measured values ​​are recorded only during discrete measuring periods 42 or intervals. In contrast to the case in which the ionization device 13 is switched off and no influence on the measuring device 15 is to be expected, thus recording the measured values ​​continuously, this occurs with temporal interruptions.

[0074] Specifically, the operation of the ionization device 13 and the measuring device 15 is intended to be alternating and intermittent. This means that the ionization device 13 is switched on when the measuring devices 15 are currently switched off, and vice versa.

[0075] For illustration purposes, reference is made to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. The abscissa 38 of the coordinate system shown therein relates to time and the ordinate 39 to a current operating power or voltage of the ionization device 13 or the measuring device 15. A curve 40 shows the temporal progression of the operating voltage at the measuring devices 15. Another curve 41 shows the temporal progression of the operating power of the ionization device 13. Effects related to the delay when switching on and off are approximately disregarded here for reasons of clarity. It is clear that the devices 13, 15 are alternately switched on and off. For better recognition, the curves 40, 41 have been shifted along the vertical axis so that the respective horizontal zero lines do not coincide with the horizontal axis shown.

[0076] Thus, the ionization device 13 is switched on during predetermined ionization periods 43, with the measuring devices 15 then being switched on and recording measured values ​​during a subsequent measuring period 42. Several options for determining the specific values ​​for the time periods 42, 43 are explained below, depending on the operating information 24.

[0077] A first possibility is that the operation of the measuring device 15 is controlled as a function of the at least one piece of operating information by means of an empirical relationship. For example, it is provided that the duration or the value of one of the time periods 42, 43 is fixed. In the present case, the value for the measuring time period 42 is fixed and is, for example, one second. The duration or the value of the other time period 42, 43, in this case the ionization time period 43, is determined by multiplying the intended operating power by a positive constant. The result is calculated from the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the values ​​for the measurement time periods 42 are the same in both cases, whereas the values ​​for the ionization time periods 43 are different. Thus, when operating according to Fig. 3 the power information 31 indicates a higher value for the current or desired operating power of the ionization device 13 than during operation according to Fig. 4.

[0078] A second possibility is that the operation of the measuring device 15 is specified based on the operating information 24 using a lookup table 32, which is stored, in particular, by the measuring device control unit 16. This lookup table can be based on corresponding empirical values. A third possibility is the use of artificial intelligence. These options can be implemented separately or in a possible combination.

[0079] In the final step 23, the user is informed about the adjustment of the control of the measuring device 15 or the change in the operating parameter during the operation of the measuring device 15, which is dependent on the operating information 24. For this purpose, user information 33 is generated, and a user output is output depending on this. Specifically, a numerical value or factor is output by which the sum of the measurement time periods 42 was reduced in relation to the ionization time periods 43 due to the operation of the ionization device 13. The output thus informs the user about a reduced data quality of the recorded measured values ​​and any impairments to functionalities of the motor vehicle 1, in particular the air conditioning system, that depend on this.

[0080] The user output is provided via the input and output device 10. Furthermore, the user output is provided via an electronic terminal 34 of the user, which in this case is a smartphone. A motor vehicle-side communication device 35 and a terminal-side communication device 36 are provided, via which a wireless communication connection 37 is established between the motor vehicle 1 and the terminal 34, namely via the internet. The user information 33 is transmitted via the communication connection 37. An application is implemented on the terminal 34 that evaluates the user information 33 and generates the user output.

[0081] After performing step 23, the method can be terminated. Alternatively, the method can be restarted, for example, by re-capturing or updating the information 24, 27 in step 19 or 21. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This 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

[0000] DE 10 2014 005 955 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Method for operating a measuring device (15) of a motor vehicle (1), wherein the motor vehicle (1) comprises at least one ventilation device (2) by means of which at least one air flow (3, 8) is generated, wherein the at least one air flow (3, 8) is ionized by means of at least one ionization device (13), wherein measured values ​​relating to the at least one air flow (3, 8) are recorded by means of at least one measuring device (15), wherein the at least one air flow (3, 8) is guided into a passenger compartment (4) of the motor vehicle (1) via at least one air guiding device (5), characterized by that the operation of the at least one measuring device (15) is controlled as a function of at least one detected or determined item of operating information (24) relating to the operation of the at least one ionization device (13). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the measuring device (15) or one of the measuring devices (15) - a temperature sensor by means of which the measured values ​​relating to a temperature of the at least one air flow (3, 8) are recorded, or - a humidity sensor by means of which the measured values ​​relating to a humidity of the at least one air flow (3, 8) are recorded, or - a particle sensor by means of which the measured values ​​relating to dirt particles present in the at least one air stream (3, 8) are recorded. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the operating information (24) or at least one of the operating information (24) - is detected or determined on the basis of at least one control command which is generated in the course of controlling the ionisation device (13), and / or - is detected or determined on the basis of at least one measured sensor value which depends on an operating state of the ionization device (13), and / or - is detected or determined on the basis of a known switching behavior of the ionization device (13). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the operating information (24) or at least one of the operating information (24) - commissioning information (25) indicating whether the ionization device (13) is currently switched on or off, and / or - a voltage information item (29) relating to a value of the electrical voltage by means of which the ionisation device (13) is currently or in the future operated, and / or - is current information (30) relating to a value of the electric current by means of which the ionization device (13) is currently or in the future operated, and / or - a power information item (31) relating to a value of the operating power by means of which the ionization device (13) is currently or in the future operated. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one measuring time period (42), during which the measured values ​​are recorded by means of the measuring device (15), is predetermined as a function of the at least one item of operating information (24). [6] Method according to claims 4 and 5, characterized by that the at least one measuring time period (42) is predetermined in such a way that the measuring time period (42) or the sum of the measuring time periods (42) is shorter, the higher the current operating power and / or the current current and / or the current voltage of the ionization device (13) is. [7] Method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that the operation of the ionization device (13) and the operation of the measuring device (15) takes place alternately and intermittently. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the operation of the measuring device (15) is controlled as a function of the at least one item of operating information (24) by means of a lookup table (32), which is based in particular on empirical values, and / or an empirical relationship and / or an artificial intelligence. [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that, depending on the control of the measuring device (15) carried out on the basis of the at least one piece of operating information (24), at least one piece of user information (33) is generated and, depending thereon, a user output is carried out by means of which a user is informed about the control of the measuring device (15). [10] Motor vehicle, designed in particular as a hybrid or electric vehicle, comprising at least one ventilation device (2), wherein at least one air flow (3, 8) generated by means of the ventilation device (2) can be ionized by means of at least one ionization device (13), wherein measured values ​​relating to the at least one air flow (3, 8) can be detected by means of at least one measuring device (15), wherein the at least one air flow (3, 8) can be guided into a passenger compartment (4) of the motor vehicle (1) via at least one air guiding device (5), characterized by a measuring device control device (16) which is designed to control the operation of the measuring device (15) as a function of at least one detected or determined item of operating information (24) relating to the operation of the ionization device (13). [11] Motor vehicle according to claim 10, characterized bythat an ionization device control device (14) is additionally provided, which is designed to control the operation of the ionization device (13), wherein - a common control device (17) is provided which, on the one hand, implements the measuring device control device (16) and, on the other hand, the ionization device control device (14), and / or - the ionization device control device (14) and the measuring device control device (16) are connected to one another for transmitting the at least one item of operating information (24) from the ionization device control device (14) to the measuring device control device (16) via a data transmission means (26), in particular via a vehicle bus. [12] Motor vehicle according to claim 10 or 11, characterized bythat the at least one air guiding device (5) has at least one air guiding channel or is designed as such, on or in which the at least one measuring device (15) and the at least one ionization device (13) are arranged, in particular one after the other. [13] Motor vehicle according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by that the at least one air guiding device (5) has a main duct (6) branching downstream into a plurality of sub-ducts (7), wherein the sub-ducts (7) open into the passenger compartment (4) at different points. [14] Motor vehicle according to claim 13, characterized by that either a measuring device (15) and an ionization device (13) are arranged in or on the main channel (6) or that several measuring devices (15) and / or several ionization devices (13), which are in particular individually controllable, are arranged in or on different sub-channels (7).

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