Method for identifying a replacement of a wheel unit or sensor device, tire pressure monitoring system, electronic control unit and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for identifying a replacement of a wheel unit (6) with a sensor device (7) or a replacement of a sensor device (7) of a wheel unit (6) of a vehicle (1) with a tire pressure monitoring system (4), wherein the sensor device (7) is designed to detect a tire pressure parameter (R) and to transmit (120) a sensor signal (S) to a receiving device (8) of the tire pressure monitoring system (4), and wherein a plurality of sensor signal criteria (SSK) of the transmitted sensor signal (S) are evaluated (130) in order to derive a combination (K) of sensor signal values (SSW) and to identify (E1- "yes") the replacement of the wheel unit (6) or the sensor device (7) on the basis of the combination (K) of sensor signal values (SSW). The invention also relates to a tire pressure monitoring system (4) for a vehicle (1), an electronic control unit (5) for a tire pressure monitoring system (4) and a vehicle (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for replacing a wheel unit with a sensor device, or a method for replacing the sensor device of a wheel unit, in order to identify a vehicle equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system. The invention also relates to a tire pressure monitoring system for a vehicle, an electronic control unit for the tire pressure monitoring system, and the vehicle itself, particularly a commercial vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Tire pressure monitoring systems are used to monitor tire pressure parameters at vehicle wheels to prevent accident hazards and increased fuel consumption. Tire pressure parameters can be detected directly by tire pressure sensors, for example, or indirectly derived from other parameters, such as variations in tire rolling circumference related to tire pressure or the frequency effects of rim-tire assembly vibrations, which can be detected, for example, by wheel speed sensors. The values ​​detected by the sensors, directly or indirectly representing tire pressure, can be transmitted, for example, wirelessly to the vehicle's tire pressure control equipment. Manual and automatic assignment methods are known for assigning the transmitted values ​​to their respective wheel positions, by means of methods that, for example, link the sensor unit's identification code to the wheel position.

[0003] Automatic identification of such replacements, particularly when replacing wheel units or the sensor devices of the vehicle's wheel units, presents technical challenges for tire pressure monitoring systems. In particular, unplanned wheel unit replacements, for example, result in a change in the type of sensor device at the wheel unit, making type-independent automatic replacement identification desirable. Simultaneously, high reliability of identification is desired to prevent compromise of the tire pressure monitoring system's integrity due to erroneous identification.

[0004] KR 10 0 783 958 B1 discloses a method in which temperature information from a tire pressure monitoring sensor is used to identify whether a spare wheel is being used as a replacement wheel.

[0005] KR 10 0 680 342 B1 describes a method in which acceleration information from a tire pressure monitoring sensor is used to identify whether a spare wheel is being used as a replacement wheel.

[0006] KR 10 2015 0 022 448 A relates to a method in which a spare wheel is used as a replacement wheel by means of rotation angle information from a tire pressure monitoring sensor and by means of a wheel speed sensor.

[0007] A method for matching a tire pressure monitoring unit installed at the wheels of a vehicle with the wheel position can be derived from DE 10 2018 104 673 A1, in which the level fluctuations of signals from ABS sensors and tire pressure monitoring units are evaluated.

[0008] DE 10 2020 106 754 A1 describes a method for automatically matching a tire pressure sensor to a wheel position by utilizing sensor data from a tire pressure sensor and a wheel speed sensor at a wheel position, based on the measured signal strength and the detected wheel rotation angle position. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to the features of independent claim 1, a method is proposed for identifying the replacement of a wheel unit with a sensor device in a vehicle equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system, or the replacement of a sensor device in a wheel unit, wherein the sensor device is designed to detect tire pressure parameters and to transmit sensor signals to a receiving device of the tire pressure monitoring system, and wherein multiple sensor signal criteria of the transmitted sensor signals are evaluated to determine a combination of sensor signal values, and the replacement of the wheel unit or sensor device is identified based on the combination of sensor signal values.

[0010] In other words, a method is provided for identifying the replacement of a wheel unit or sensor device, in which a statistical judgment basis is realized by jointly evaluating multiple sensor signal criteria, based on which the replacement of the component can be accurately inferred with high probability. Here, the replacement of a wheel unit or sensor device can be reliably identified based on a characteristic combination of sensor signal values.

[0011] The proposed method enables automated replacement identification without user intervention. This provides improved user comfort and allows the tire pressure monitoring system to be immediately operational for replaced wheel units or sensor devices, thus maintaining a high level of safety. By jointly evaluating multiple factors, the method exhibits low failure susceptibility, improving the system integrity of the tire pressure monitoring system. It significantly reduces the risk of unidentified or incorrectly identified wheel unit or sensor device replacements (i.e., unintentionally reassigning sensor devices to wheel positions). The proposed method is largely independent of the type of sensor used, vehicle type, or user intervention, enabling a high degree of autonomy. It allows for flexible validation of the criteria used for evaluated sensor signals and enables expansion or replacement at any time without additional cost, achieving an adaptable evaluation process that can be further developed, for example, with future availability of sensor types, vehicle types, and tire pressure monitoring methods.

[0012] A wheel unit can be formed by the vehicle's wheels and sensor devices arranged at the wheels. The sensor devices can be designed to generate and transmit sensor signals. These sensor signals can represent parameters detected at the wheel by means of the sensor elements of the sensor device, such as tire pressure or wheel acceleration. The sensor signals can also be operation-related sensor status signals, such as the battery status of the sensor device. Transmitting the sensor signals to a receiving device of the tire pressure monitoring system can be particularly wireless. The receiving device of the tire pressure monitoring system can, for example, be an electronic control unit associated with the vehicle's tire pressure monitoring system, in which the received sensor signals can be evaluated, for example, by means of a signal processing unit configured as a processor. The vehicle can be, in particular, a commercial vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer, a trailer, or a combination of tractor-trailers.

[0013] According to the proposed method, multiple sensor signal criteria are evaluated for the transmitted sensor signals. "Multiple" can be understood as at least two, particularly at least three, or at least four sensor signal criteria. Sensor signal criteria may include, for example, sensor values ​​relating to parameters detected by sensor elements of a sensor device, or sensor states related to operation, or characteristics defined by the sensor signal, such as signal strength. Here, a particular sensor value or state, or characteristic of the sensor signal, can be associated with a replaced wheel unit or a replaced sensor device, and thus is a direct or indirect indication that a replacement has occurred. Within the scope of the evaluation, combinations of sensor signal values ​​are created based on the evaluated sensor signal criteria, forming the basis for the proposed replacement identification. Here, each sensor signal value can represent a sensor signal criterion. According to conceivable designs, a qualitative evaluation can be performed, in which, for example, it is checked whether a sensor signal criterion is met, and the corresponding sensor signal value is determined based on the check result. Such sensor signal values ​​can be, for example, true values. Alternatively or additionally, quantitative evaluation can be performed, in which, for example, characteristic values ​​or probability values ​​of sensor signal criteria are determined, and the corresponding sensor signal value is determined based on the results. Here, the sensor signal value may correspond to a quantitative value, such as a characteristic value or probability value. It is conceivable to combine qualitative and quantitative evaluations, for example, to qualitatively determine one sensor signal criterion and quantitatively determine another sensor signal criterion.

[0014] According to one implementation, the multiple sensor signal criteria may include one of the following sensor signal criteria: - Battery warning signal; - Pressure loss warning signal; - Sensor signal loss; - Fluctuations in the signal strength of the sensor signal; - Acceleration signal; - Rotation direction signal; and / or - Driving status signal.

[0015] The aforementioned sensor signal criteria can be advantageously used to identify wheel unit or sensor device replacements, as they are suitable indicators for such replacements. The aforementioned sensor signal criteria can be detected based on the sensor signals that the sensor device provides to the tire pressure monitoring system regardless of the situation, or can be derived separately in a simple manner. Here, it is not necessary to install additional sensors at the wheel unit or in the vehicle to identify wheel unit or sensor device replacements. The aforementioned sensor signal criteria are explicit, easily detectable factors and can be evaluated in a simple manner. After transmission to the receiving device, the sensor signals can, for example, be stored in the storage unit of the electronic control unit of the tire pressure monitoring system, so that the electronic control unit can also use the aforementioned sensor signal criteria for evaluation at later points in time after receiving the sensor signals from the receiving device. Therefore, it is possible to retrospectively check at the time point of sensor signal criterion evaluation whether, for example, a battery warning signal or a pressure loss warning signal has been transmitted.

[0016] For example, a battery warning signal can represent information about the battery voltage being below a preset value for the sensor device, and can also be an indication to replace the sensor device.

[0017] A pressure loss warning signal can represent information about a wheel with a pressure below a preset level and can be an indication of wheel unit replacement. It is feasible to consider multiple types of pressure loss warning signals. For example, a distinction can be made between slight and significant pressure loss, which can be determined by separate sensor signal criteria or by forming a common sensor signal criterion using different characteristic values ​​or probability values. A pressure loss warning signal indicating significant pressure loss can be associated with a higher probability of wheel unit replacement.

[0018] Sensor loss signals can be generated, for example, when no sensor signal is received at the receiving device within a preset time period, such that sensor loss can be deduced, for example, from a corresponding timeout signal. Sensor loss signals can infer that the sensor device is defective or has been removed, and can be an indication of replacement of the sensor device or the wheel unit equipped with it. Sensor loss signals can be generated directly in the electronic control unit of the tire pressure monitoring system and stored in the storage unit of the tire pressure monitoring system. Compared to other sensor signal criteria described, sensor loss signals may be associated with a high probability of sensor device or wheel unit replacement, allowing, in some embodiments, the sensor signal criteria to be given greater importance, such as higher weight, in the joint evaluation of sensor signal criteria.

[0019] Fluctuations in the signal strength of a sensor signal can correspond to changes in the signal strength of the sensor signal received at the receiving device over time. The signal strength of the sensor signal can be represented, for example, by an RSSI value, where RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) is a measure of the received field strength of a wirelessly transmitted sensor signal. If a wheel unit with a sensor device moves relative to a vehicle with a tire pressure monitoring system, the signal strength will measurably fluctuate due to the varying distance between the sensor device and the receiving device as the wheel rotates, and may also fluctuate periodically, for example, at a constant speed. Conversely, if, for example, a sudden decrease or loss of measurability in the signal strength fluctuation of the sensor signal is detected, or if it falls within a predetermined tolerance band, this can indicate that the wheel unit transmitting the sensor signal or the sensor device has been removed from its original wheel position and, for example, placed in a spare wheel holder or on the vehicle's loading surface. Therefore, altered or excessively low signal strength fluctuations in the sensor signal can be an indication that replacement of the wheel unit or the sensor device associated with a wheel of the vehicle has occurred. The aforementioned sensor signal criteria can also be referred to as RSSI reasonableness, because in the evaluation of sensor signal criteria, RSSI reasonableness is checked as follows: whether the signal strength of the received sensor signal is within or outside the normal fluctuation range for wheel rotation.

[0020] Acceleration signals can be provided, for example, by suitable acceleration sensor elements of a sensor device, and are transmitted to a receiving device in addition to parameters detected by the sensor device to determine or monitor tire pressure. Acceleration signals particularly reflect the rotational acceleration of the sensor device at the associated wheel. If the acceleration value is lower than a preset value for an extended period, and especially if the acceleration value is lower than that of other wheel units of the vehicle, it can be inferred that the wheel unit or sensor device sending the sensor signal has been removed from its original wheel position and, for example, placed in a spare wheel carrier or on the vehicle's loading surface. Therefore, an excessively low or deviating acceleration signal value can be an indication that replacement of the wheel unit or the sensor device associated with the vehicle's wheel has occurred. The aforementioned sensor signal criterion can also be referred to as acceleration status plausibility, because the evaluation of the sensor signal criterion involves checking whether the received sensor signal's acceleration value is within or outside the normal range for wheel rotation. Alternatively or additionally, it can be checked, for example, whether the acceleration value is consistent with the acceleration values ​​of other wheel units.

[0021] The rotation direction signal can be provided, for example, by a suitable rotation direction sensor element (e.g., a Hall sensor) of the sensor device, and is transmitted to the receiving device in addition to parameters detected by the sensor device to determine or monitor tire pressure. The rotation direction signal particularly reflects the rotation direction of the sensor device at the associated wheel. In the event of a prolonged period of missing rotation direction information, it can be inferred that the wheel unit or sensor device transmitting the sensor signal has been removed from its original wheel position and, for example, placed in a spare wheel holder or on the vehicle's loading surface. Therefore, the change in rotation direction information from an existing rotation direction signal to a missing rotation direction signal can be an indication that a replacement of the wheel unit or the sensor device associated with the vehicle's wheel has occurred.

[0022] Driving status signals can be criteria for time-related detection of wheel units, such as stationary or traveling time information derived from acceleration or rotational speed. Depending on the design, this information can be provided by sensor devices or derived by evaluating sensor signals in the control unit of a tire pressure monitoring system. Driving status signals can, for example, identify and evaluate short or long stationary times of wheel units. Driving status signals can be used as sensor signal criteria to identify the replacement of sensor devices or wheel units, for example, when reporting the stationary time of a wheel unit to a receiving device while other wheel units of the vehicle transmit traveling time for a relevant time period. Furthermore, driving status signals can be used to trigger inspection processes for identifying wheel unit or sensor device replacements, because, for example, a longer stationary time for all wheel units can be an indication of possible replacement of the wheel unit in the sense of wheel replacement. Conversely, for example, in the case of a long continuous driving time, it can be assumed that replacement inspection is not currently required.

[0023] According to one embodiment, in order to determine the combination of sensor signal values, it can be checked whether each of the multiple sensor signal values ​​satisfies a preset condition. This allows for a simple evaluation of the combination of sensor signal values ​​with a clear result. For example, a binary evaluation result can be obtained for each sensor signal value, such as a true value with the probability of "true" and "false," making it possible to simply compare the evaluation result with a series of possible binary comparison combinations of sensor signal criteria. Regarding the aforementioned sensor signal criteria, for example, the binary evaluation result can be used to check: whether a battery warning signal exists, whether a pressure loss warning signal exists, whether a sensor loss signal exists, whether the signal strength of the received sensor signal is outside the normal fluctuation range for wheel rotation, whether the acceleration value of the received sensor signal is outside the normal value range for wheel rotation, or whether the acceleration value of the received sensor signal is not consistent with the acceleration values ​​of other wheel units, whether a rotation direction signal exists, and / or whether a stationary time has been detected.

[0024] According to one implementation, a combination of calculated sensor signal values ​​can be compared with a stored combination of sensor signal values, wherein each comparison combination of sensor signal values ​​is assigned a result value. This enables a safe and reliable evaluation with a clear conclusion based on preset result values. According to one design, binary result values ​​can be provided, for example, in the sense of "replacement has occurred" or "replacement has not occurred." Thus, a relatively simple design of the method is possible, which can advantageously be combined with binary-designed sensor signal values, for example. Alternatively, a more detailed differentiation of multiple possible result values ​​is conceivable, for example, categorized in the sense of "very likely to be replaced," "possible to be replaced," "unlikely to be replaced," or "very unlikely to be replaced." Furthermore, it is feasible to provide result values ​​in the form of probability values, for example, in the sense of "75% probability of replacement." By using multiple possible result values ​​for more detailed differentiation, different follow-up actions can be provided or performed, for example. For example, the calculated probability values ​​can thus be reassigned based on selected user settings, or optional additional user input can be queried.

[0025] According to one implementation, if two or more sensor criteria among a plurality of sensor signal criteria satisfy preset conditions, a replacement of the wheel unit or sensor device can be identified. Thus, a conclusion regarding a replacement that has occurred can be drawn using logical links of sensor signal values ​​(e.g., according to if-then rules), providing the possibility of easily implemented and flexibly designed methods for processing evaluation results.

[0026] According to one implementation, different priorities of sensor signal criteria can be applied during evaluation. For example, a positive result indicating that a replacement has occurred can be output independently of other sensor signal criteria when a specific sensor signal criterion or multiple specific sensor signal criteria are met. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable to assign different weights to the sensor signal criteria, for example, by assigning larger or smaller feature values ​​and summing the feature values ​​when evaluating the sensor signal criteria to determine whether a replacement has occurred. Because some sensor signal criteria may be stronger indicators of a possible replacement of the wheel unit or sensor device, the effectiveness of replacement identification can be improved if such sensor signal criteria are given more consideration in the evaluation or if they can be incorporated more into the inspection results.

[0027] According to an advantageous design of the above-described embodiment, the replacement of a wheel unit or sensor device can be identified when a sensor loss signal is present. Therefore, this sensor signal criterion can be prioritized for evaluation compared to other sensor signal criteria. The sensor loss signal can be a reliable indication of the replacement of the wheel unit or sensor device and strongly suggests such a replacement. Furthermore, depending on the configuration of the sensor device or tire pressure monitoring system, it is possible that the number of evaluable sensor signal criteria is reduced due to the sensor loss indicated by the sensor loss signal, since the sensor signal can no longer be evaluated after the sensor loss. Therefore, it is meaningful to not evaluate other sensor signal criteria upon receiving a sensor loss signal and to associate the sensor loss signal with the conclusion that the wheel unit or sensor device has been replaced.

[0028] According to one implementation, in response to an identified replacement, it can be checked whether the identified replacement can be definitively assigned to a particular wheel unit or a particular sensor device. This check may also be referred to hereinafter as a check of the definitive configurability of the replacement. For example, it can be checked whether the sensor signal criteria indicating a replacement exist only for a single sensor device, or whether a positioning process can be initiated to identify the affected sensor device. This avoids incorrect identification of replacements and, for example, ensures that new sensor devices can subsequently be correctly reconfigured.

[0029] According to one implementation, a new sensor device can be reconfigured in a tire pressure monitoring system in response to a identified replacement of a wheel unit or sensor device, or in response to a clear configurability attribute of the identified replacement. For example, after a positive replacement identification or after a clear configurability attribute of the replacement is identified, an automatic identification and query process for the sensor ID of the new sensor device can be run, and the sensor ID can be reconfigured with the wheel position stored for the previously replaced sensor device. In particular, it is advantageous that reconfiguration can be performed only if a clear identification of the wheel unit and / or sensor device affected by the replacement has previously occurred. For example, if an evaluation of sensor signal criteria for only a specific wheel unit or sensor device of the vehicle yields a positive replacement result, a clear identification of the wheel unit and / or sensor device affected by the replacement can occur. This reduces or eliminates the variability in reconfiguration. Reconfiguration of the new sensor device can be particularly automatic in response to an identified replacement by the tire pressure monitoring system, without user intervention. This achieves a higher degree of automation compared to, for example, tire pressure monitoring systems that report a replacement but subsequently require manual reconfiguration of the sensor device.

[0030] According to one embodiment, multiple sensor signal criteria can be evaluated during vehicle operation at a preset minimum speed. Such a minimum speed can be, for example, 20 km / h, 30 km / h, or 40 km / h. Advantageously, it can be checked whether the preset minimum speed is maintained within a predetermined time period. Advantageously, the sensor signal criteria can be detected and evaluated only once during operation and not repeated until after a stationary period with a preset minimum duration (e.g., 10, 15, or 20 minutes), as a specific minimum duration is typically required for replacing wheel units or sensor devices. The evaluation point during vehicle operation at the preset minimum speed is an energy- and control-advantageous time point for performing the inspection process. For example, at the start of vehicle operation in a de facto sense, the tire pressure monitoring system and / or other vehicle systems can enter an energy- and query-intensive state to check, for example, safety-related parameters of the vehicle systems. By performing this method during operation at the preset minimum speed, such an initial state can be skipped, and the vehicle's energy and signal processing resources can be saved first. The simultaneous evaluation of multiple sensor signal criteria during driving operation further improves the reliability of the inspection process because the sensor signal criteria are checked at a point in time when they can also be logically satisfied. For example, it can avoid incorrect sensor loss signals caused by the sensor device initially lacking a sensor signal at the start of driving. In addition, compared with continuous evaluation and checking of sensor signal criteria, this method can reduce error variability and increase the utilization rate of the tire pressure monitoring system control unit.

[0031] The present invention also relates to a tire pressure monitoring system for a vehicle, comprising: a vehicle unit, wheel units having sensor devices for detecting tire pressure parameters and transmitting sensor signals to a receiving device of the tire pressure monitoring system; and an electronic control unit for performing the above-described method. With the proposed tire pressure monitoring system, the aforementioned advantages of automatic tire replacement identification, increased user comfort, improved system integrity, high autonomy, and flexible adaptability can also be achieved. The receiving device of the tire pressure monitoring system can be connected to one or more sensor devices of the vehicle's wheel units via a suitable signal connection (e.g., a wireless signal connection). The electronic control unit of the tire pressure monitoring system can be designed to evaluate sensor signals based on detected sensor parameters and other sensor signal criteria. The electronic control unit may have storage devices for temporarily and / or permanently storing sensor signal values ​​and sensor signal criteria. Processing information, such as machine-readable instruction sequences, tables, or evaluation rules for performing the method, may also be stored in the storage units. The electronic control unit may have a signal processing unit (e.g., a processor) for processing the sensor signals received at the receiving device.

[0032] The present invention also relates to an electronic control unit for a tire pressure monitoring system, the electronic control unit being designed to perform the methods described above. This control unit can be configured as a tire pressure control device and, for example, designed to transmit tire pressure information to a vehicle display. The electronic control unit can be designed to evaluate sensor signals from wheel units of a vehicle equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system with respect to detected sensor parameters and other sensor signal criteria. The electronic control unit may have storage means for temporarily and / or permanently storing sensor signal values ​​and sensor signal criteria. Processing information, such as machine-readable instruction sequences, tables, or evaluation rules, for performing the method may also be stored in the storage unit. The electronic control unit may have a signal processing unit (e.g., a processor) for processing the sensor signals received at the receiving device.

[0033] This invention also relates to vehicles, particularly commercial vehicles, having a tire pressure monitoring system and / or electronic control unit according to one of the aforementioned features. Commercial vehicles can be, for example, tractor-trailers, trailers, or combinations of tractor-trailers. Essentially, the invention can also be used in passenger cars. For vehicles constructed as commercial vehicles, additional advantages can be achieved, or certain advantages can be more strongly manifested. For example, commercial vehicles designed for transporting goods or large numbers of people can have a greater number of axles and wheel units than passenger cars, increasing the probability of replacing wheel units or sensor devices, and allowing automatic replacement identification to be accompanied by reduced maintenance costs for vehicle drivers. Furthermore, according to the design, commercial vehicles can have liftable axles that, in the raised state, generate characteristic sensor signals (e.g., a sudden decrease in acceleration signal) that could trigger incorrect replacement identification, but this can be avoided due to the proposed evaluation of the combination of sensor signal values. By demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in selecting and evaluating appropriate sensor signal criteria, it is possible to provide highly autonomous, independently configurable, and evolving tire pressure monitoring systems at the vehicle level, and to equip them with correspondingly improved tire pressure monitoring. Attached Figure Description

[0034] This invention allows for various implementations and will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In an illustrative manner: Figure 1 A side view showing a schematic diagram of a vehicle with a tire pressure monitoring system; Figure 2 A schematic flowchart illustrating a method for replacing wheel units or sensor devices used to identify a vehicle; Figure 3The schematic diagram of the control unit of the tire pressure monitoring system is shown; and Figure 4 An example table is shown for evaluating sensor signal values ​​as result values. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Figure 1 A simplified schematic diagram exemplarily illustrates a vehicle 1 constructed as a commercial vehicle. According to the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle is configured as a combination of a tractor unit 2 and a trailer unit 3. Vehicle 1 includes a tire pressure monitoring system 4 with an electronic control unit 5 configured as a tire pressure control device and a receiving device 8 for receiving sensor signals S. Vehicle 1 further includes multiple wheel units 6, each having a wheel 12 and sensor devices 7 arranged at each wheel 12. The sensor devices 7 are designed to detect the tire pressure parameter R of the wheel 12 at which they are located. The sensor devices 7 are connected to the receiving device 8 via a signal connection 9 (advantageously a wireless signal connection 9). The sensor signals S can be transmitted from the sensor devices 7 to the receiving device 8 of the electronic control unit 5 of the tire pressure monitoring system 4 via the signal connection 9. Figure 1 In the diagram, vehicle 1 is shown in driving operation FB, and during driving operation, the vehicle is in lane 13 at a minimum speed v. min The movement allows for the advantageous evaluation of sensor signal criteria for sensor signal S according to method 100 described below.

[0036] Figure 2 As shown, for example, in Figure 1 The schematic flowchart shown is a method 100 for identifying the replacement of a wheel unit 6 with a sensor device 7 in a vehicle 1 equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system 4, wherein the sensor device 7 is designed to detect tire pressure parameter R. According to the illustrated embodiment, method 100 enters a cyclic process after initiation 110. Sensor signals S are continuously (e.g., at periodic time intervals) transmitted from the sensor device 7 of the wheel unit 6 to the receiving device 8 of the tire pressure monitoring system 4 120. In response to a corresponding command from the control unit 5 of the tire pressure monitoring system 4 (e.g., due to satisfying a condition such as at a minimum speed v), min (Conditions for operating FB), according to Figure 3 and 4The sensor signal criteria SSK1 to SSK7, shown and explained in more detail, are evaluated 130 into a combination K of sensor signal values ​​SSW. Based on the combination K of sensor signal values ​​SSW, a determination is made using judgment E1: whether there is a replacement of wheel unit 6 or sensor device 7 (E1 - "yes") or not (E1 - "no"). If it is determined that there is no replacement of wheel unit 6 or sensor device 7 (E1 - "no"), the method continues with the transmission 120 of sensor signals S and a re-evaluation 130 using sensor signal criteria SSK1 to SSK7 under the command of control unit 5. If it is determined that there is a replacement of wheel unit 6 or sensor device 7 (E1 - "yes"), then according to the illustrated embodiment, it is checked whether the identified replacement (E1 - "yes") can be clearly associated with a certain wheel unit 6 or a certain sensor device 7. If this is not the case, for example, if the evaluation 130 of sensor signal criteria SSK1 to SSK7 indicates that multiple wheel units 6 have been replaced, then according to path E2 - "No", the method continues to transmit sensor signals S120 and, under the command of control unit 5, re-evaluates sensor signals SSK1 to SSK7 130. However, if the identified replacement E1 - "Yes" has a clear configurable attribute E2 - "Yes", then a new sensor device 7 is reconfigured in tire pressure monitoring system 4 150. Subsequently, the method continues to transmit sensor signals S120 and, under the command of control unit 5, re-evaluates sensor signals SSK1 to SSK7 130.

[0037] Figure 3 A tire pressure monitoring system 4 with an electronic control unit 5 is schematically shown. The electronic control unit includes a signal processing unit 10, a receiving device 8, and a storage unit 11. At the receiving device 8, sensor signals S from the sensor device 7 regarding the tire pressure parameter R of the wheel unit 6 with the sensor device 7 can be received, for example wirelessly, and transmitted to the signal processing unit 10. In the signal processing unit 10, sensor signal criteria SSK1 to SSK7 can be evaluated to determine the tire pressure parameter R. Figure 4The diagram illustrates a combination K of sensor signal values ​​SSW, used to identify the replacement of wheel unit 6 or sensor device 7 based on this combination. For example, sensor signal criterion SSK1 can represent a battery warning signal, sensor signal criterion SSK2 can represent a pressure loss warning signal, sensor signal criterion SSK3 can represent a sensor loss warning signal, sensor signal criterion SSK4 can represent signal strength fluctuations of sensor signal S, sensor signal criterion SSK5 can represent an acceleration signal, sensor signal criterion SSK6 can represent a rotation direction signal, and sensor signal criterion SSK7 can represent a driving status signal. When needed, sensor signal S can be stored in storage unit 11, allowing sensor signal criteria SSK1 to SSK7 to be evaluated at subsequent points in time after sensor signal S is received at receiving device 8.

[0038] Figure 4 An example table is shown for evaluating sensor signal values ​​SSW as result values ​​EW, where sensor signal criteria SSK2, SSK3, SSK4, or SSK5 are considered according to the illustrated embodiment. The table stores comparison combinations VK of sensor signal values ​​SSW, each comparison combination having an associated result value EW, allowing comparisons of the calculated combinations of sensor signal values ​​SSW with comparison combinations VK, and enabling the determination of the associated result value EW for each combination of sensor signal values ​​SSW. According to the illustrated embodiment, the sensor signal values ​​SSW are designed in binary form and represented by true values ​​as possible values ​​"true" W and "false" F, enabling qualitative evaluation. The true value of the sensor signal value SSW can, for example, indicate whether a preset condition for the respective sensor signal criterion SSK2, SSK3, SSK4, or SSK5 is met (true) or not met (false). Similarly, the result value EW, also shown as a true value, can, for example, indicate whether a replacement of the wheel unit 6 or sensor device 7 is determined to be present (true) or absent (false). As can be identified from the result value EW of the sensor signal criterion SSK3 corresponding to the sensor loss warning signal, the sensor signal criterion SSK3 is given increased priority because if the condition of the sensor loss warning signal as the sensor signal value SSW is met (true), the result value EW takes a positive true value (true) independently of the other sensor signal values ​​SSW. If there is no sensor loss warning signal, for example, the following rule can be followed: where two or more sensor signal values ​​SSW must take a positive true value (true) to obtain a positive result value EW (true), where exceptions can be made for specific sensor signal criterions SSK according to separate logic, as exemplarily shown here at sensor signal criterions SSK2 and SSK4.

[0039] By means of the proposed method 100, vehicle 1, tire pressure monitoring system 4 and electronic control unit 5, it is feasible to achieve automatic tire replacement identification, which is accompanied by increased user comfort, improved system integrity, high autonomy and flexible adaptability.

[0040] List of reference numerals (part of the instruction manual)

[0041] 1 vehicle

[0042] 2 Towing vehicles

[0043] 3. Trailer vehicles

[0044] 4. Tire Pressure Monitoring System

[0045] 5 Control Unit

[0046] 6 wheel units

[0047] 7. Sensor Device

[0048] 8. Receiving device

[0049] 9. Signal Connection

[0050] 10 Signal Processing Unit

[0051] 11 Storage devices

[0052] 12 wheels

[0053] 13 lanes

[0054] 100 methods

[0055] 110 Start

[0056] 120 Transmit sensor signals

[0057] 130 Evaluation criteria for sensor signals

[0058] 140. Compare the sensor signal value with the comparison combination.

[0059] 150. Reassign new sensor devices.

[0060] E1's determination of replacement

[0061] E1 - "Yes" indicates a positive judgment regarding replacement.

[0062] E1 - "No" indicates a negative judgment regarding replacement.

[0063] E2 checks the replaceable configurable attributes.

[0064] E2 - Affirmative judgment of configurable attributes: "Yes"

[0065] E2 - "No" - A judgment of negation of configurable attributes.

[0066] EW result value

[0067] F false

[0068] FB driving operation

[0069] Combination of K sensor signal values

[0070] R Tire pressure parameters

[0071] S sensor signal

[0072] SSK sensor signal criteria

[0073] SSK1 Battery Warning Signal

[0074] SSK2 Pressure Loss Warning Signal

[0075] SSK3 sensor signal loss

[0076] SSK4 sensor signal strength fluctuation

[0077] SSK5 acceleration signal

[0078] SSK6 Rotation Direction Signal

[0079] SSK7 Driving Status Signal

[0080] SSW sensor signal value

[0081] v min minimum speed

[0082] VK Comparison Combinations

[0083] W True

Claims

1. A method (100) for identifying the replacement of a wheel unit (6) with a sensor device (7) or the replacement of the sensor device (7) of a wheel unit (6) for identifying a vehicle (1) with a tire pressure monitoring system (4), wherein, The sensor device (7) is designed to detect tire pressure parameters (R) and to transmit sensor signals (S) (120) to the receiving device (8) of the tire pressure monitoring system (4). The feature is that multiple sensor signal criteria (SSK) of the sensor signal (S) transmitted by the evaluation (130) are used to determine a combination (K) of sensor signal values ​​(SSW), and the replacement of the wheel unit (6) or the sensor device (7) is identified (E1-"yes") based on the combination (K) of the sensor signal values ​​(SSW).

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of sensor signal criteria (SSKs) have one of the following sensor signal criteria (SSKs): - Battery warning signal (SSK1); - Pressure loss warning signal (SSK2); - Sensor loss signal (SSK3); - Signal strength fluctuation of sensor signal (SSK4); - Acceleration signal (SSK5); - Rotation direction signal (SSK6); and / or - Driving status signal (SSK7).

3. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In order to determine the combination (K) of the sensor signal values ​​(SSW), check whether the multiple sensor signal values ​​(SSW) respectively satisfy the preset conditions (F, W).

4. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The combination (K) of the obtained sensor signal values ​​(SSW) is compared with the comparison combination (VK) of the stored sensor signal values ​​(SSW) (140), wherein each comparison combination (VK) of sensor signal values ​​(SSW) is assigned a result value (EW).

5. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, If two or more of the sensor signal criteria (SSK) satisfy the preset conditions (F, W) respectively, then the replacement of the wheel unit (6) or the sensor device (7) is identified (E1-"Yes").

6. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Different priorities of the sensor signal criterion (SSK) are applied during the evaluation (130).

7. The method (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, When a sensor loss signal (SSK3) is present, the replacement of the wheel unit (6) or the sensor device (7) is identified (E1-"Yes").

8. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, In response to the identified replacement (E1-"Yes"), check whether the identified replacement (E1-"Yes") can be clearly assigned to a wheel unit (6) or a sensor device (7) (E2).

9. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, In response to the identified replacement of the wheel unit (6) or the sensor device (7) (E1-"Yes"), or in response to the identified replacement (E1-"Yes") with a clear configurable attribute (E2-"Yes"), a new sensor device (7) is reconfigured (150) in the tire pressure monitoring system (4).

10. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The vehicle (1) is traveling at a preset minimum speed (v) min During driving operation (F), the multiple sensor signal criteria (SSK) described in (130) are evaluated.

11. A tire pressure monitoring system (4) for a vehicle (1), the tire pressure monitoring system comprising: a wheel unit (6) having a sensor device (7) for detecting tire pressure parameters (R) and transmitting sensor signals (S) to a receiving device (8) of the tire pressure monitoring system (4); and an electronic control unit (5) for performing the method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. An electronic control unit (5) for a tire pressure monitoring system (4), the electronic control unit being designed to perform the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A vehicle (1), particularly a commercial vehicle, said vehicle having a tire pressure monitoring system (4) according to claim 11 and / or an electronic control unit (5) according to claim 12.

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