Testing device and method for testing the number of start-up cycles of a detection device of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a testing device (10) for testing the number of start cycles of a detection device (12) of a motor vehicle, the testing device having an electrical switching device (14) for providing a sensor power supply (16) for the detection device (12) and having a contact device (18) for making electrical contact between the electrical switching device (14) and the detection device (12), wherein the electrical switching device (14) has a comparator circuit (20) and a continuous wake-up test of the detection device (12) is performed by the comparator circuit (20) and the number of start cycles is thus tested. The invention also relates to a method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a testing device for testing the number of start-up cycles of a test device of a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a method. Background Art

[0002] According to the prior art, vehicle components, such as detection devices, for motor vehicles that are operated at least partially autonomously are designed for a predetermined power range or operating life. For example, a predetermined number of start cycles is preset based on this operating time. This number of start cycles is formulated in particular based on the requirements of a test plan, which on the one hand specifies the required load, but on the other hand also ensures that the tested components are not overloaded. In particular, in the at least partially autonomous operation of a motor vehicle, in particular in the fully autonomous operation of a motor vehicle, components of the corresponding travel system, for example, perform self-tests, which intentionally cause resets and restarts to detect "sleeping" errors and, for example, ensure redundancy in the corresponding auxiliary systems. For example, these restarts can double the assumed number of starts, in particular significantly increase it. Therefore, according to the prior art, it is not enough to regulate the start cycles accordingly.

[0003] From the prior art, a method for testing a sensor measuring movement, in particular a ride height sensor of a motor vehicle, is also known, which is operated in a test stand by an electric stepper motor, the rotation axis of which and the rotation axis of the sensor are initially positioned in a zero position, and then the corresponding sensor signal is determined in a plurality of rotation angle sections provided by the stepper motor. A lever arm can be provided on the sensor and can be rotated by a driver of the electric stepper motor. A preferred test stand for carrying out the method comprises a carrier plate for receiving the sensor and a gantry bridging the sensor, the gantry carrying the stepper motor and on which a driver driven by the stepper motor is rotatably supported, the driver engaging in the lever arm of the sensor. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a testing device and a method by means of which the number of start-up cycles of a test device of a motor vehicle can be tested in an improved manner.

[0005] One aspect of the invention relates to a testing device for testing the number of start cycles of a testing device of a motor vehicle, the testing device having an electrical switching device for providing sensor power to the testing device and having a contact device for electrically contacting the electrical switching device with the testing device.

[0006] It is provided that the electrical switching device has a comparator circuit and that a continuous wake-up test of the detection device is carried out by means of the comparator circuit and thus the number of start cycles is checked.

[0007] This makes it possible to check the number of start cycles within the continuous wake-up test. This makes it possible to check the number of start cycles of the detection device within the shortest possible time—especially since the detection device does not have to be arranged on the motor vehicle.

[0008] In particular, it is thus possible to perform a controlled and monitored deactivation of the detection device, which is monitored, controlled, and can also detect subsequent activations, in particular with regard to time. By repeatedly cyclically resetting the process and recording activations that have or have not occurred, or activations that are correct or incorrect in time, the suitability of the detection device for the corresponding assistance system of the motor vehicle can be verified independently of the supplier.

[0009] In other words, the concept according to the invention is based on the possibility of simply controlling the transmission function of the detection device by means of a comparator circuit and evaluating it at the same time. In particular, a process-controlled control can thus be performed, for example using an Arduino, in order to perform a continuous wake-up test of the detection device.

[0010] Preferably, it can be provided that a wheel speed sensor is tested as the detection device. However, this enumeration is purely exemplary and is by no means considered exhaustive. Other detection devices of the motor vehicle can also be tested. In particular, the detection device may also be referred to as a sensor hereinafter.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment, the comparator circuit has at least one first comparator, which is designed to detect current pulses greater than three milliamperes (3 mA). In particular, by switching on the power supply of the detection device after the initialization phase, the detection device can cyclically send current pulses, in particular three milliamperes, to the corresponding bus according to the specifications. Regardless of the function, these current pulses signal that the sensor is active or correctly started. According to the specifications, the start of the sensor, in particular the detection device, can also be carried out in this case in relation to the identified object. Initialization or resetting when the object is moving takes effect faster than when the vehicle is stationary or the object is stationary. Therefore, it can be achieved by the first comparator that the number of start cycles of the detection device can be reliably checked.

[0012] It is also advantageous if the comparator circuit has a second comparator which is designed to detect current pulses greater than 14 milliamperes (14 mA). In particular, by switching on the power supply of the detection device after an initialization phase of the detection device, current pulses of 14 mA can be cyclically sent to the bus according to the specifications. Regardless of the function, these current pulses signal that the sensor is active or correctly started. Depending on the specifications, the start of the detection device may also be necessary here in relation to the identified object. Initialization or resetting during object movement takes effect faster than when the vehicle is stationary or the object is stationary.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment, the comparator circuit has at least one electronic calculation device, by means of which the continuous wake-up test is performed. For example, the electronic calculation device can have two interrupt inputs in order to read in the current value change. In addition, the electronic calculation device can have a digital input in order to monitor the relay. In addition, the electronic calculation device can have a digital output in order to actuate the relay. In addition, the electronic calculation device can have an analog input in order to monitor the reference voltage.

[0014] It is also advantageous if the electronic computing device is designed to read in an interrupt request (which can also be referred to as an interrupt) and / or to actuate a switching element of the comparator circuit and / or to monitor a digital input of the electronic computing device in order to actuate the switching element. In particular, the electronic computing device is thus designed to read in an interrupt, actuate a relay (which is a switching element) and monitor a digital input which ensures the switching function of the relay. In this way, the number of start cycles can be checked in a simple manner.

[0015] It is also advantageous if the electronic computing device has a real-time clock, which is used to generate time stamps during the verification process. In particular, based on real-time implementation, the times of reset and startup can be precisely monitored. As a result, the verification of the number of startup cycles can be reliably performed.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment, the comparator circuit has at least one switching element for establishing or interrupting the voltage supply. The switching element can be provided in particular as a relay. In particular, the relay has a sufficient number of switching cycles and a fast switching hysteresis. In particular, the switching element can be controlled by an electronic computing device. This allows the detection device or the power supply of the detection device to be switched on or off.

[0017] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating a testing device for testing the number of start-up cycles of a testing device of a motor vehicle, in which method a sensor power supply is provided to the testing device via an electric switching device, and in which method the electric switching device is brought into contact with the testing device via a contact device.

[0018] It is provided that the electrical switching device has a comparator circuit and that a continuous wake-up test of the detection device is carried out by means of the comparator circuit and thus the number of start cycles is checked.

[0019] In particular, in the method according to the invention, the test counter is reset and a timestamp is set and recorded. In addition, all input channels are checked for open relays and analog voltage frequencies with interrupt inputs at zero level. In addition, the supply relay is also switched and a timestamp is set. The input channel is then checked for a set value change of the sensor current. Then a defined delay is waited for. Then the reset of the supply relay is controlled and a timestamp is set. The interrupt is monitored and, when the value changes, a timestamp is set. In addition, a defined debounce time is waited for. Then the supply relay is controlled and a timestamp is set. Then the interrupt is monitored and, when the value changes, a timestamp is set. Then the Δ time is calculated from the timestamp and compared with the set time and the debounce time according to the sensor specifications. The remainder counter is incremented by one. The switching state of the relay and the reference voltage are continuously monitored. These sequences are repeated until the desired number of cycles is reached. In particular, it is provided that a fault routine is also implemented in the corresponding computer program for the method according to the invention.

[0020] In an advantageous specific embodiment of the method, a time stamp of the start of the testing device and a time stamp of the reset or resetting of the testing device are recorded and evaluated by a computer electronics of the testing device.

[0021] It may also be provided that in the method further starts occurring after the start are also recorded by the electronic computing device and are taken into account in the evaluation.

[0022] Advantageous embodiments of the test device are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method. Furthermore, advantageous embodiments of the method are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the test device. For this purpose, the test device has features with respect to the technical solution which enable the execution of the method and its advantageous embodiments.

[0023] Further features of the invention are apparent from the drawings and the description of the drawings. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description and the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the drawings and / or shown individually in the drawings can be used not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in other combinations or alone. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The invention will now be explained in more detail with the aid of preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram showing one embodiment of a testing device; and

[0026] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a flow chart of a method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Elements that are identical or have the same function are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

[0028] Figure 1 The schematic diagram shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a testing device 10. The testing device 10 is designed to test the number of start cycles of a detection device 12 of a motor vehicle (not shown). The testing device 10 has an electrical switching device 14, which is designed to provide a sensor power supply 16 for the detection device 12. In addition, the testing device 10 has a contact device 18 for electrically contacting the electrical switching device 14 with the detection device 12.

[0029] It is provided that the electrical switching device 14 has a comparator circuit 20 and that a continuous wake-up test of the detection device 12 is carried out by means of the comparator circuit 20 and the number of start cycles is checked thereby.

[0030] Figure 1 In particular, it is shown that the comparator circuit 20 has a first comparator 22 which is designed to detect current pulses greater than three milliamperes (3 mA). Figure 1 It is also shown that the comparator circuit 20 has a second comparator 24 which is designed to detect current pulses greater than 14 milliamperes (14 mA).

[0031] also, Figure 1 In particular, it is shown that the comparator circuit 20 has at least one switching element 26, which is used to establish or interrupt the voltage supply 16. In addition, the comparator circuit 20 has a plurality of resistors 28, which are designed in particular as ohmic resistors. Figure 1 It is shown that the comparator circuit 20 can have a first light-emitting diode 30 and a second light-emitting diode 32. Furthermore, the comparator circuit 20 has two MOSFETs 34. The comparator circuit 20 also has two capacitors 36. Furthermore, the comparator circuit 20 has a shunt resistor 38. It is also provided that the comparator circuit 20 has a voltage regulator 40.

[0032] also, Figure 1 It is shown that the comparator circuit 20 has at least one electronic computing device 42, by which a continuous wake-up test is performed. In particular, the electronic computing device 42 can be designed to read in interrupt requests and / or to actuate the switching element 26 of the comparator circuit 20 and / or to monitor a digital input of the electronic computing device 42 in order to actuate the switching element 26.

[0033] Furthermore, it may be provided that the electronic computer 42 has a real-time clock 44 which is designed to generate a time stamp during the test process.

[0034] exist Figure 1In the embodiment, the detection device 12 is designed, for example, as a wheel speed sensor of a motor vehicle. Basically, the wheel speed sensor serves as a current interface. By switching on the power supply of the detection device 12, current pulses of approximately 3 mA or 14 mA are cyclically sent to the corresponding bus according to its specifications after an initialization phase of the detection device 12. Regardless of the function, these current pulses signal that the detection device 12 is active or correctly started. Depending on the specifications, the start of the detection device 12 is also related to the identified object. Initialization or resetting during object movement takes effect faster than when the vehicle is stationary or the object is stationary.

[0035] According to the invention, a reset can now be triggered by switching off the sensor power supply in a controlled and monitored manner, and subsequent activations can be monitored, controlled and also detected in terms of time. By repeating the cyclical reset process or resetting process and recording activations that have or have not occurred, or activations that are correct or incorrect in terms of time, the proof of the suitability of the detection device 12 for use in, for example, an assistance system of a motor vehicle can be verified independently of the supplier.

[0036] In particular, for this purpose, the comparator circuit 20 has a reference voltage supply for the detection device 12. In addition, a first comparator 22 and a second comparator 24 are provided. In addition, an electronic computing device 42, which can also be referred to as a controller, is provided, wherein the electronic computing device 42 has, for example, two interrupt inputs in order to read in a current value change. In addition, the electronic computing device 42 has a digital input in order to monitor a relay, in particular a switching element 26. In addition, the electronic computing device 42 has a digital output in order to control the relay. In addition, the electronic computing device 42 has an analog input in order to monitor the reference voltage. In particular, the electronic computing device 42 has a real-time clock 44 in order to be able to accurately assign a time stamp. The switching element 26 is particularly configured to have sufficient switching cycles and fast switching hysteresis. In particular, the voltage supply is obtained by the electronic computing device 42. In addition, a computer program product is particularly provided, which is executed on the electronic computing device 42 and which in particular reads in an interrupt request referred to as an interrupt, controls the relay and monitors the digital input that ensures the switching function of the relay.

[0037] Figure 2 An embodiment of the method according to the invention is shown in a schematic diagram. In particular, in a method for operating a testing device 10 for checking the number of start cycles of a detection device 12 of a motor vehicle, an electric sensor supply 16 is provided to the detection device 12 via an electric switching device 14, and the electric switching device 14 is contacted with the detection device 12 via a contact device 18. It is provided that the electric switching device 14 has a comparator circuit 20, and a continuous wake-up test of the detection device 12 is performed via the comparator circuit 20, and the number of start cycles is thus checked.

[0038] In particular, Figure 2 It is shown that the time stamp of the start of the test device 12 and the time stamp of the reset of the test device 12 are recorded and evaluated by the electronic computing device 42 of the test device 10. In particular, further starts occurring after the start are recorded by the electronic computing device 42 and taken into account in the evaluation.

[0039] In particular, according to Figure 2 In a first step S1, a signal is sent to the reference voltage 46 to activate the reference voltage 46. In a second step S2, feedback is performed as a control. In a third step S3, an activation signal is sent to the computer program 50. In a fourth step S4, feedback is sent by the computer program 50 to the electronic computing device 42 that the test process has started. In a fifth step S5, the sensor supply 16 is provided by the reference voltage 46 by switching the switching element 26. In a sixth step S6, the detected switching state and the reference voltage are evaluated. In a seventh step S7, an actuation signal of the electronic computing device 42 is sent to the signal unit 48. In an eighth step S8, the switching element 26 is activated by the electronic computing device 42. In a ninth step S9, the switching process is controlled and a time stamp is detected. In a tenth step S10, the sensor supply 16 is activated, thereby activating the detection device 12. In an eleventh step S11, the sensor is controlled and the time stamp is detected by the electronic computing device 42. In a twelfth step S12, the control is performed by the electronic computing device 42 based on the signal unit 48. In a thirteenth step S13, the switching element 26 is deactivated. In a fourteenth step S14, the switching process is controlled and the time stamp is detected. In a fifteenth step S15, the detection device 12 is deactivated by the switching element 26. In a sixteenth step S16, the detected time stamp and the switching time are calculated or determined, compared and evaluated. In a seventeenth step S17, the start counter is incremented and the sequence is repeated with determined parameters. In an eighteenth step S18, the signal unit 48 is actuated by the electronic computing device 42.

[0040] In the following exemplary embodiments, wheel speed sensors are mentioned in particular as detection devices 12. In other words, the solution according to the invention can be used, for example, in brake control systems, and it should be provided that fault cycles can be checked reliably and quickly. In addition, the system can be designed for any type of detection device 12 or sensor or control unit.

[0041] In summary, the present invention generally describes a start cycle test system for a wheel speed sensor having a current interface and an analog sensor.

[0042] Reference numerals list

[0043] 10Inspection equipment

[0044] 12 Detection device

[0045] 14Electric switchgear

[0046] 15 Sensor power supply

[0047] 18 Contact device

[0048] 20 Comparator Circuit

[0049] 22 First comparator

[0050] 24 Second comparator

[0051] 26 Switching elements

[0052] 28 ohm resistor

[0053] 30 first light emitting diode

[0054] 32 second light emitting diode

[0055] 34MOSFET

[0056] 36 Capacitors

[0057] 38 Shunt resistor

[0058] 40 Voltage Regulator

[0059] 42 Electronic computing devices

[0060] 44 Real-time clock

[0061] 46 Reference voltage

[0062] 48 signal units

[0063] 50 Computer Programs

[0064] S1 First step

[0065] S2 Second step

[0066] S3 Step 3

[0067] S4 Step 4

[0068] S5 Step 5

[0069] S6 Step 6

[0070] S7 Step 7

[0071] S8 Step 8

[0072] S9 Step 9

[0073] S10 Step 10

[0074] S11 Step 11

[0075] S12 Step 12

[0076] S13 Step 13

[0077] S14 Step 14

[0078] S15 Step 15

[0079] S16 Step 16

[0080] S17 Step 17

[0081] S18 Step 18

Claims

1. A testing device (10) for testing the number of start cycles of a detection device (12) of a motor vehicle, the testing device comprising an electrical switching device (14) for providing a sensor power supply (16) for the detection device (12) and a contact device (18) for electrically contacting the electrical switching device (14) with the detection device (12), characterized in that: The electrical switching device (14) has a comparator circuit (20) and a continuous wake-up test of the detection device (12) is performed by means of the comparator circuit (20) and the number of start cycles is thereby checked. The comparator circuit (20) has at least one electronic calculation device (42) by which a continuous wake-up test is performed, and The electronic computing device (42) is designed to read in an interrupt request and / or to actuate a switching element (26) of the comparator circuit (20) and / or to monitor a digital input of the electronic computing device (42) in order to actuate the switching element (26), By switching on the power supply of the detection device after an initialization phase, the detection device can cyclically send current pulses to the bus according to specifications, and the comparator circuit (20) has at least one first comparator (22) which is designed to detect current pulses greater than 3 mA.

2. The testing device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The comparator circuit (20) has a second comparator (24) which is designed to detect current pulses greater than 14 mA.

3. The testing device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The electronic computing device (42) has a real-time clock (44) which is used to generate a time stamp during the test process.

4. The testing device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The comparator circuit (20) has at least one switching element which is used to establish or interrupt a voltage supply.

5. A method for operating a testing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 for testing the number of start cycles of a testing device (12) of a motor vehicle, wherein a sensor power supply (16) is provided to the testing device (12) via an electric switching device (14), and wherein the electric switching device (14) is brought into contact with the testing device (12) via a contact device (18), characterized in that: The electrical switching device (14) has a comparator circuit (20) and a continuous wake-up test of the detection device (12) is performed by means of the comparator circuit (20) and the number of start cycles is thus checked.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that A time stamp for the start of the test device (12) and a time stamp for the reset of the test device (12) are recorded and evaluated by a computer system (42) of the test device (10).

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that Further starts occurring after the start are recorded by the electronic computing device (42) and taken into account in the evaluation.

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