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

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for detecting a replacement of a wheel unit (6) having a sensor device (7) or a replacement of the sensor device (7) of the wheel unit (6) of a vehicle (1) having a tire pressure monitoring system (4), wherein the sensor device (7) is configured to detect a tire pressure parameter (R) and to transmit (120) sensor signals (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) is evaluated (130) to determine a combination (K) of sensor signal values ​​(SSW), and based on the combination (K) of sensor signal values ​​(SSW) a replacement of the wheel unit (6) or the sensor device (7) is detected (E1-J).The invention further 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

[0001] The invention relates to a method for detecting a replacement of a wheel unit having a sensor device or a replacement of the sensor device of the wheel unit of a vehicle having a tire pressure monitoring system. The invention further relates to a tire pressure monitoring system for a vehicle, an electronic control unit for a tire pressure monitoring system, and a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle.

[0002] Tire pressure monitoring systems monitor tire pressure parameters on vehicle wheels to prevent accident risks and increased fuel consumption. The tire pressure parameter can be detected directly as tire pressure using a tire pressure sensor, for example, or indirectly derived from other variables, such as a tire pressure-dependent change in the rolling circumference of the tires or frequency effects of the vibrations of rim-tire combinations, which can be detected, for example, by wheel speed sensors. The sensor-detected values, which directly or indirectly represent tire pressure, can be transmitted wirelessly, for example, to a tire pressure control unit in the vehicle. Manual and automatic assignment methods are known for assigning the transmitted values ​​to a specific wheel position. These methods can be used, for example, to link an identification code of a sensor unit to a wheel position.

[0003] A technical challenge for tire pressure monitoring systems arises when a wheel unit or a sensor device of a vehicle's wheel unit is replaced, if such a replacement is to be detected automatically. In particular, an unscheduled replacement of a wheel unit may result in a change in the type of sensor device on the wheel unit, so type-independent automatic replacement detection is desirable. At the same time, high detection reliability is desirable to prevent the system integrity of the tire pressure monitoring system from being compromised by false detections.

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

[0007] DE 10 2018 104 673 A1 describes a method for assigning tire pressure monitoring units mounted on the wheels of a vehicle to wheel positions of the vehicle, in which signals from ABS sensors and level fluctuations of signals from the tire pressure monitoring units are evaluated.

[0008] DE 10 2020 106 754 A1 describes a method for the automatic assignment of tire pressure sensors to a wheel position by evaluating sensor data from the tire pressure sensors and wheel speed sensors at the wheel positions using measured signal strengths and recorded rotation angle positions of the wheels.

[0009] According to the features of independent claim 1, a method is proposed for detecting a replacement of a wheel unit having a sensor device or a replacement of the sensor device of the wheel unit of a vehicle having a tire pressure monitoring system, wherein the sensor device is configured to detect a tire pressure parameter and to transmit sensor signals to a receiving device of the tire pressure monitoring system, and wherein a plurality of sensor signal criteria of the transmitted sensor signal are evaluated in order to determine a combination of sensor signal values, and based on the combination of sensor signal values, a replacement of the wheel unit or the sensor device is detected.

[0010] In other words, a method for detecting a replacement of the wheel unit or the sensor device is provided. A joint evaluation of several sensor signal criteria enables a statistical decision basis that can be used to accurately conclude with a high degree of probability that the component has been replaced. A successful replacement of the wheel unit or the sensor device can be reliably detected based on characteristic combinations of sensor signal values.

[0011] The proposed method can enable automated sensor identification without user interventions. As a result, on the one hand, there is an increased user comfort, and on the other hand, the tire pressure monitoring system can be immediately ready for use with respect to the replaced wheel unit or sensor device, whereby a high safety level can be maintained. Due to the combined evaluation of several factors, the method has a low susceptibility to errors, so that the system integrity of the tire pressure control system is increased. Here, risks of non-identification and false identification of a replacement of the wheel unit or the sensor device, i.e., an unintended re-assignment of a sensor device to a wheel position, can be significantly reduced.The proposed method is largely independent of the sensor type, vehicle type, or user intervention used, allowing for a high degree of autonomy. The sensor signal criteria used for evaluation can be flexibly defined and expanded or replaced at any time without major effort, enabling an adaptable evaluation process that can be further developed, for example, with future sensor types, vehicle types, and tire pressure monitoring methods available.

[0012] A wheel unit can be formed from a wheel of the vehicle and a sensor device arranged on the wheel. The sensor device can be configured to generate and transmit sensor signals. A sensor signal can represent a variable detected on the wheel by a sensor element of the sensor device, for example, a tire pressure or a wheel acceleration. A sensor signal can also be an operation-related sensor status signal, for example, a battery status of the sensor device. Sensor signals can be transmitted to a receiving device of the tire pressure monitoring system, in particular wirelessly. The receiving device of the tire pressure monitoring system can, for example, be assigned to an electronic control unit of the tire pressure monitoring system of the vehicle, in which the received sensor signals can be evaluated, for example, by means of a signal processing unit designed as a processor.The vehicle can in particular be a commercial vehicle, for example a towing vehicle, a trailer vehicle or a combination consisting of a towing vehicle and a trailer vehicle.

[0013] According to the proposed method, a plurality of sensor signal criteria of the transmitted sensor signal are evaluated. A plurality can be understood to mean a number of at least two, in particular at least three or at least four sensor signal criteria. Sensor signal criteria can, for example, include the sensor values ​​relating to a variable detected by a sensor element of the sensor device or an operation-related sensor state, or can relate to defined properties of the sensor signal, for example a signal strength of the sensor signal. In this case, certain sensor values ​​or states or properties of the sensor signal can correlate with a replaced wheel unit or with a replaced sensor device and thus represent direct or indirect indicators of a completed replacement.During the evaluation, a combination of sensor signal values ​​is created based on the evaluated sensor signal criteria, which forms the basis for the decision for the intended replacement detection. In this case, each sensor signal value can represent a sensor signal criterion. According to one conceivable embodiment, a qualitative evaluation can be carried out, in which, for example, it is checked whether a sensor signal criterion is met or not met and, depending on the test result, an associated sensor signal value is determined. Such a sensor signal value can, for example, be a truth value. Alternatively or additionally, a quantitative evaluation can be carried out, in which, for example, a key figure or a probability value of the sensor signal criterion is determined and, depending on the result, an associated sensor signal value is determined.

[0014] Here, the sensor signal value can correspond to the quantitative value, for example, the key figure or the probability value. It is conceivable to combine qualitative and quantitative evaluations, for example, to determine one sensor signal criterion qualitatively and another sensor signal criterion quantitatively.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the plurality of sensor signal criteria may comprise one of the following sensor signal criteria: - a battery warning signal; - a pressure loss warning signal; - a sensor loss signal; - a signal strength fluctuation of the sensor signal; - an acceleration signal; - a direction of rotation signal and / or - a driving status signal.

[0016] The aforementioned sensor signal criteria can be advantageously used to detect a replacement of a wheel unit or sensor device, as they represent suitable indicators for such a replacement. The aforementioned sensor signal criteria can be recorded using sensor signals from the sensor device that are already provided to the tire pressure monitoring system, or they can be easily additionally determined. In this case, it is not necessary to provide additional sensors on the wheel unit or on the vehicle to detect a replacement of the wheel unit or sensor device. The aforementioned sensor signal criteria represent clear, easily detectable factors and can be easily evaluated.After transmission to the receiving device, the sensor signals can be stored, for example, in a memory unit of an 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 a later time after receipt of the sensor signal at the receiving device. Thus, at the time of a sensor signal criteria evaluation, it can be retrospectively checked whether, for example, a battery warning signal or a pressure loss warning signal was transmitted.

[0017] For example, a battery warning signal can represent information regarding a drop below a predetermined battery voltage of the sensor device and be an indicator for replacing the sensor device.

[0018] A pressure loss warning signal can represent information regarding a tire pressure of the wheel of the wheel unit falling below a specified value and can be an indicator for replacing the wheel unit. Several types of pressure loss warning signals can be considered. For example, a distinction can be made between a minor and a significant pressure loss, each of which can represent different sensor signal criteria or form a common sensor signal criterion with different characteristic or probability values. A pressure loss warning signal indicating a significant pressure loss can correlate with a higher probability of replacing the wheel unit.

[0019] A sensor loss signal can be generated, for example, if no sensor signal has been received from the sensor device at the receiving device over a specified period of time, so that a sensor loss can be deduced, for example, from a corresponding timeout signal. A sensor loss signal can indicate a defective or removed sensor device and represent an indicator for replacing the sensor device or the wheel unit containing the sensor device. The sensor loss signal can be generated directly in an electronic control unit of the tire pressure monitoring system and stored in a memory unit of the tire pressure monitoring system.Compared to the other sensor signal criteria described, a sensor loss signal may be associated with a high probability of a replacement of the sensor device or the wheel unit, so that in some embodiments, this sensor signal criterion may be given greater importance, for example a higher weighting, in a joint evaluation of sensor signal criteria.

[0020] A signal strength fluctuation of the sensor signal can correspond to a change 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 an RSSI value (Received Signal Strength Indicator) is a measure of the received field strength of the wirelessly transmitted sensor signal. If a wheel unit with the sensor device moves relative to the vehicle equipped with the tire pressure monitoring system, the signal strength can fluctuate measurably due to a distance between the sensor device and the receiving device that changes with the rotation of the wheel, for example, even periodically at a constant speed.However, if, for example, it is detected that a signal strength fluctuation of the sensor signal is suddenly reduced or no longer measurable, or is, for example, within a specified tolerance range, this may indicate that the wheel unit or sensor device transmitting the sensor signal has been moved from its original wheel position and is, for example, located in a spare wheel holder or on the loading area of ​​the vehicle. Accordingly, a changed or insufficient signal strength fluctuation of the sensor signal may be an indicator that a wheel unit or a sensor device assigned to a wheel of the vehicle has been replaced.The sensor signal criterion described above can also be referred to as RSSI plausibility, since the evaluation of the sensor signal criterion involves an RSSI plausibility check to determine whether the signal strength of the received sensor signal lies within or outside a typical fluctuation range for wheel rotation.

[0021] An acceleration signal can, for example, be provided by a suitable acceleration sensor element of the sensor device and transmitted to the receiving device in addition to the variable detected by the sensor device for determining or monitoring the tire pressure. The acceleration signal can, in particular, represent a rotational acceleration of the sensor device at the associated wheel. If the acceleration signal falls below a predetermined acceleration value for an extended period of time and, in particular, the acceleration value is reduced compared to acceleration signals from other wheel units of the vehicle, it can be concluded that the wheel unit or sensor device transmitting the sensor signal has been moved from its original wheel position and is arranged, for example, in a spare wheel holder or on a loading area of ​​the vehicle.Accordingly, an acceleration signal value of the sensor signal that is too low or deviates from other acceleration values ​​can be an indicator that a wheel unit or a sensor device assigned to a wheel of the vehicle has been replaced. The sensor signal criterion described above can also be referred to as acceleration status plausibility, since the evaluation of the sensor signal criterion involves a plausibility check to determine whether an acceleration value of the received sensor signal lies within or outside a typical value range for wheel rotation. Alternatively or additionally, a check can be performed, for example, to determine whether the acceleration value matches acceleration values ​​of other wheel units.

[0022] A direction of rotation signal can be provided, for example, by a suitable direction of rotation sensor element, such as a Hall sensor, of the sensor device and transmitted to the receiving device in addition to the variable detected by the sensor device for determining or monitoring the tire pressure. The direction of rotation signal can, in particular, indicate a direction of rotation of the sensor device on the associated wheel. If direction of rotation information is missing for an extended period, it can be concluded that the wheel unit or the sensor device transmitting the sensor signal has been moved from its original wheel position and is located, for example, in a spare wheel holder or on a loading area of ​​the vehicle.Accordingly, a change in the direction of rotation information from an existing direction of rotation signal to a missing direction of rotation signal of the sensor signal can be an indicator of a replacement of a wheel unit or a sensor device assigned to a wheel of the vehicle.

[0023] A driving state signal can be a time-dependent criterion of the wheel unit, for example, standstill or travel time information determined based on acceleration or speed, which, depending on the design, can be provided by the sensor device or determined by evaluating the sensor signals in a control unit of the tire pressure monitoring system. Using the driving state signal, for example, short or long standstill times of the wheel unit can be detected and evaluated. The driving state signal can be used as a sensor signal criterion to detect a replacement of the sensor device or wheel unit, for example, when a standstill time of the wheel unit is reported to the receiving device, while other wheel units of the vehicle transmit a travel time for the affected period.Furthermore, the driving status signal can be used to trigger a check process to detect a replacement of the wheel unit or the sensor device. For example, a prolonged downtime of all wheel units can be an indicator of a possible replacement of a wheel unit. Conversely, for example, a longer continuous driving time can be assumed that no check for replacement is currently necessary.

[0024] According to one embodiment, to determine the combination of sensor signal values, it can be checked whether the plurality of sensor signal values ​​each fulfills a predetermined condition. This allows for a simple evaluation of the combination of sensor signal values ​​with clear results. For example, a binary evaluation result can be determined for each sensor signal value, for example, a truth value with the possible outcomes "true" and "false," so that a simple comparison of the evaluation results with possible binary comparison combination series of the sensor signal criteria can be performed.With regard to the sensor signal criteria described above, a binary evaluation result can be used, for example, to check whether a battery warning signal is present, whether a pressure loss warning signal is present, whether a sensor loss signal is present, whether a signal strength of the received sensor signal is outside a typical fluctuation range for wheel rotation, whether an acceleration value of the received sensor signal is outside a typical value range for wheel rotation or whether an acceleration value of the received sensor signal does not match acceleration values ​​of other wheel units, whether a direction of rotation signal is present and / or whether a standstill time has been recorded.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the determined combination of sensor signal values ​​can be compared with stored comparison combinations of sensor signal values, with each comparison combination of sensor signal values ​​being assigned a result value. This enables a secure and reliable evaluation with a clear conclusion based on predetermined result values. According to one embodiment, binary result values ​​can be provided, for example, in the sense of "exchange completed" or "no exchange completed." This enables a comparatively simple embodiment of the method, which can, for example, be advantageously combined with binary sensor signal values.Alternatively, a more differentiated evaluation based on a plurality of possible result values ​​is conceivable, for example, with gradations such as "exchange very likely," "exchange likely," "exchange unlikely," or "exchange very unlikely." Furthermore, it is possible to provide result values ​​in the form of probability values, such as "75 percent exchange probability." By providing greater differentiation using multiple possible result values, different follow-up actions can be offered or performed. For example, a reassignment can be made based on a determined probability value depending on selected user settings, or an optional additional user input can be requested.

[0026] According to one embodiment, a replacement of the wheel unit or the sensor device can be detected if a predefined condition is met for two or more of the plurality of sensor signal criteria. This allows a conclusion to be drawn about a replacement using logical links between sensor signal values, for example, based on if-then rules, thus providing an easily implementable and flexible option for processing the evaluation results.

[0027] According to one embodiment, different priorities of the sensor signal criteria can be applied during the evaluation. For example, a positive result, which represents a completed replacement, can be output when a specific sensor signal criterion or several specific sensor signal criteria are met, independently of other sensor signal criteria. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable to weight sensor signal criteria differently, for example, by assigning larger or smaller key figures when evaluating a sensor signal criterion and summing the key figures to decide whether a replacement has been completed.Since some sensor signal criteria can be a stronger indicator for a possible replacement of the wheel unit or sensor device, the validity of the replacement detection can be increased if such sensor signal criteria are taken more into account in the evaluation or can be more strongly incorporated into the test result.

[0028] According to an advantageous refinement of the above-described embodiment, a replacement of the wheel unit or the sensor device can be detected if a sensor loss signal is present. Accordingly, this sensor signal criterion can be prioritized over other sensor signal criteria. A sensor loss signal can be a reliable indicator for a replacement of the wheel unit or the sensor device and can highly likely indicate such a replacement. Depending on the configuration of the sensor device or the tire pressure monitoring system, it may also be 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 signals cannot be further evaluated following the sensor loss.Therefore, it may be useful not to evaluate any further sensor signal criteria when a sensor loss signal is received and to link the sensor loss signal with the result of a replacement of the wheel unit or the sensor device.

[0029] According to one embodiment, in response to a detected replacement, a check can be performed to determine whether the detected replacement can be uniquely assigned to a wheel unit or a sensor device. Such a check can also be referred to below as a check for the unique assignability of the replacement. For example, a check can be performed to determine whether sensor signal criteria indicating a replacement are present only for a single sensor device, or a localization process can be initiated to identify the affected sensor device. This can prevent incorrect detection of a replacement and, for example, ensure that subsequent reassignment of a new sensor device can be carried out correctly.

[0030] According to one embodiment, a new sensor device can be reassigned in the tire pressure monitoring system in response to a detected replacement of the wheel unit or sensor device or in response to a unique assignability of the detected replacement. For example, after a positive replacement detection or after a recognized unique assignability of the replacement, an automated detection and query process can run to capture a sensor ID of a new sensor device and a reassignment of the sensor ID to a wheel position stored for the previously replaced sensor device can take place. The reassignment can advantageously only be performed if a previous unique identification of the wheel unit and / or sensor device affected by the replacement has taken place.For example, a clear identification of the wheel unit and / or sensor device affected by the replacement can take place if an evaluation of the sensor signal criteria produces a positive replacement result for only one wheel unit or only one sensor device of the vehicle. This can reduce or eliminate the susceptibility to errors during reassignment. The reassignment of the new sensor device can, in particular, be an automatic reaction of the tire pressure monitoring system to a detected replacement, for which no user intervention is required. This achieves a higher degree of automation than, for example, with a tire pressure monitoring system that reports a completed replacement but subsequently requires manual reassignment of a sensor device.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the plurality of sensor signal criteria can be evaluated while the vehicle is traveling at a predetermined 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 predetermined minimum speed is maintained over a predefined period of time. Advantageously, a one-time recording and evaluation of the sensor signal criteria can occur during traveling and only be repeated after a standstill period of a predetermined minimum duration, for example, a minimum duration of 10, 15, or 20 minutes, since a certain minimum period of time can usually be required to replace the wheel unit or sensor device.An evaluation time during vehicle operation at a specified minimum speed represents a favorable time in terms of energy and control technology for performing the test procedure. For example, at the beginning of vehicle operation (i.e., the start of a journey), an energy- and query-intensive state may occur in the tire pressure monitoring system and / or other vehicle systems, for example, to check safety-relevant parameters of the vehicle systems. By performing the procedure during vehicle operation at a specified minimum speed, such an initial state can be skipped, and the vehicle's energy and signal processing resources can be initially conserved.A one-time evaluation of the majority of sensor signal criteria during driving also increases the reliability of the testing process, as the sensor signal criteria are checked at a time when they can logically be met. For example, an incorrect sensor loss signal due to a sensor signal initially missing from the sensor device at the start of the journey can be avoided. Furthermore, the process's susceptibility to errors and the high load on a tire pressure monitoring system's control unit can be reduced compared to continuous evaluation and testing of the sensor signal criteria.

[0032] The invention further relates to a tire pressure monitoring system for a vehicle, comprising a wheel unit having a sensor device for detecting a tire pressure parameter and transmitting sensor signals to a receiving device of the tire pressure monitoring system, and comprising an electronic control unit for carrying out the above-described method. The proposed tire pressure monitoring system can also achieve the above-described advantages of automated replacement detection, increased user convenience, increased system integrity, a high degree of autonomy, and flexible adaptability. The receiving device of the tire pressure monitoring system can be connected to one or more sensor devices of wheel units of the vehicle via a suitable signal connection, for example a wireless signal connection.The electronic control unit of the tire pressure monitoring system can be configured to evaluate the sensor signals with regard to the detected sensor variable and other sensor signal criteria. The electronic control unit can have a memory device for temporarily and / or permanently storing sensor signal values ​​and criteria. Processing information, such as machine-readable command sequences, tables, or evaluation rules, for implementing the method can also be stored in the memory unit. The electronic control unit can have a signal processing unit, such as a processor, for processing the sensor signals received at the receiving device.

[0033] The invention further relates to an electronic control unit for a tire pressure monitoring system, which is configured to carry out the method described above. The control unit can be designed as a tire pressure control device and, for example, configured to transmit tire pressure information to a display of the vehicle. The electronic control unit can be configured to evaluate sensor signals from wheel units of a vehicle equipped with the tire pressure monitoring system with regard to the detected sensor variable and other sensor signal criteria. The electronic control unit can have a memory device for temporarily and / or permanently storing sensor signal values ​​and criteria. Processing information, for example machine-readable command sequences, tables, or evaluation rules, for carrying out the method can also be stored in the memory unit.The electronic control unit may comprise a signal processing unit, for example a processor, for processing the sensor signals received at the receiving device.

[0034] The invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, with a tire pressure monitoring system and / or an electronic control unit according to one of the features described above. A commercial vehicle can, for example, be a towing vehicle, a trailer vehicle, or a combination consisting of a towing vehicle and a trailer vehicle. In principle, the invention can also be used on a passenger car. For a vehicle designed as a commercial vehicle, additional advantages may arise, or certain advantages may be more pronounced.For example, commercial vehicles, which may be designed to transport goods or large numbers of people, may have a higher number of axles and wheel units than passenger cars, so the probability of a wheel unit or sensor device being replaced may be increased, and automated replacement detection may be associated with reduced maintenance effort for the driver. In addition, depending on the design, commercial vehicles may have a lifting axle, which, when raised, could lead to characteristic sensor signals such as a sharply reduced acceleration signal and thus trigger a replacement error detection. However, this can be avoided thanks to the proposed evaluation of a combination of sensor signal values.Due to the flexibility and adaptability in the selection and evaluation of suitable sensor signal criteria, an individually configurable and scalable tire pressure monitoring system with a high degree of autonomy can be provided on the vehicle and equipped accordingly with improved tire pressure monitoring.

[0035] The invention permits various embodiments and is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with the accompanying drawings. They show schematically: Fig. 1 a schematic diagram of a vehicle with a tire pressure monitoring system in a side view; Fig. 2 a schematic flow diagram of a method for detecting a replacement of a wheel unit or sensor device of the vehicle; Fig. 3 a schematic diagram of a control unit of the tire pressure monitoring system; and Fig. 4 a table example for evaluating sensor signal values ​​to a result value.

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a vehicle 1 designed as a commercial vehicle, which according to the illustrated embodiment is configured as a combination with a towing vehicle 2 and a trailer vehicle 3. The vehicle 1 has a tire pressure monitoring system 4 with an electronic control unit 5 designed as a tire pressure control unit and a receiving device 8 for receiving sensor signals S. The vehicle 1 further has a plurality of wheel units 6, each with a wheel 12 and a sensor device 7 arranged on the wheel 12. The sensor devices 7 are designed to detect a tire pressure parameter R of the wheel 12 on which they are arranged. The sensor devices 7 are connected to the receiving device 8 by means of signal connections 9, which can advantageously be wireless signal connections 9.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 connections 9. In . Fig. 1 shows the vehicle 1 in a driving mode FB, in which it is traveling at a minimum speed v min on a roadway 13, so that an evaluation of sensor signal criteria of the sensor signals S can advantageously be carried out according to the method 100 described below.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method 100 for detecting a replacement of a wheel unit 6 having a sensor device 7 or a replacement of the sensor device 7 of the wheel unit 6 of a vehicle 1 having a tire pressure monitoring system 4, as is described, for example, in Fig. 1, wherein the sensor device 7 is configured to detect a tire pressure parameter R. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the method 100 enters a loop-like sequence after a start 110. Sensor signals S are continuously transmitted 120 from the sensor devices 7 of the wheel units 6, for example at periodic time intervals, to a receiving device 8 of the tire pressure monitoring system 4. Upon a corresponding command from the control unit 5 of the tire pressure monitoring system 4, for example due to a fulfilled condition such as driving FB at a minimum speed v min , are based on the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 detailed and explained sensor signal criteria SSK 1 up to SSK 7to a combination K of sensor signal values ​​SSW evaluated 130. Based on the combination K of sensor signal values ​​SSW, a decision E1 is made as to whether a replacement of the wheel unit 6 or the sensor device 7 has occurred E1-J or not E1-N. If it is decided that a replacement of the wheel unit 6 or the sensor device 7 has not occurred E1-N, the method is continued with the further transmission 120 of sensor signals S and, upon command from the control unit 5, with a renewed evaluation 130 of the sensor signal criteria SSK 1 up to SSK 7 continued. If it is decided that a replacement of the wheel unit 6 or the sensor device 7 has occurred E1-J, according to the exemplary embodiment shown, a check is carried out to determine whether the detected replacement E1-J can be clearly assigned to a wheel unit 6 or a sensor device 7. If this is not the case, for example because an evaluation 130 of sensor signal criteria SSK 1 up to SSK 7shows that several wheel units 6 are eligible for replacement, the process is continued according to path E2-N with the further transmission 120 of sensor signals S and, on the command of the control unit 5, with a renewed evaluation 130 of the sensor signal criteria SSK 1 up to SSK 7 continued. However, if a decision is made on the unambiguous assignment capability of the detected exchange E1-J E2-J, a new assignment 150 of a new sensor device 7 takes place in the tire pressure monitoring system 4. Subsequently, the method is continued with the further transmission 120 of sensor signals S and, upon command from the control unit 5, with a renewed evaluation 130 of the sensor signal criteria SSK 1 up to SSK 7 continued.

[0038] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a tire pressure monitoring system 4 with an electronic control unit 5, which has a signal processing unit 10, a receiving device 8 and a storage unit 11. At the receiving device 8, sensor signals S of the sensor device 7 relating to a tire pressure parameter R of the wheel unit 6 having the sensor device 7 can be received, for example wirelessly, and transferred to the signal processing unit 10. In the signal processing unit 10, sensor signal criteria SSK 1 up to SSK 7 to a combination K of in Fig. 4 schematically indicated sensor signal values ​​SSW are evaluated in order to detect a replacement of the wheel unit 6 or the sensor device 7 based on the combination of sensor signal values ​​SSW. For example, the sensor signal criterion SSK 1 represent a battery warning signal, the sensor signal criterion SSK 2for a pressure loss warning signal, the sensor signal criterion SSK 3 for a sensor loss warning signal, the sensor signal criterion SSK 4 for a signal strength fluctuation of the sensor signal S, the sensor signal criterion SSK 5 for an acceleration signal, the sensor signal criterion SSK 6 for a direction of rotation signal and the sensor signal criterion SSK 7 for a driving condition signal. If necessary, the sensor signals S can be stored in the memory unit 11 so that an evaluation of the sensor signal criteria SSK 1 up to SSK 7 can also take place at a later time after the sensor signals S have been received at the receiving device 8.

[0039] Fig. 4 shows a table example for the evaluation of sensor signal values ​​SSW to a result value EW, whereby according to the embodiment shown the sensor signal criteria SSK 2 , SSK 3 , SSK 4 or SSK 5be considered. The table contains comparison combinations VK of sensor signal values ​​SSW with associated result values ​​EW, so that a determined combination of sensor signal values ​​SSW can be compared with the comparison combinations VK and an associated result value EW can be determined for a combination of sensor signal values ​​SSW. According to the illustrated embodiment, the sensor signal values ​​SSW are binary and represented by truth values ​​with the possible values ​​W for true and F for false, so that a qualitative evaluation can take place. The truth values ​​of the sensor signal values ​​SSW can, for example, indicate whether a specified condition for the respective sensor signal criterion SSK 2 , SSK 3 , SSK 4 or SSK 5is fulfilled (true) or not (false). The result values EW, which are also represented as truth values, can indicate, for example, whether it is decided (true) or not (false) to replace the wheel unit 6 or the sensor device 7. As can be seen from the result values EW assigned to the sensor loss warning signal corresponding sensor signal criterion SSK 3 it is recognizable, this sensor signal criterion SSK 3given a higher priority, since the result value EW assumes a positive truth value (true) regardless of the other sensor signal values ​​SSW if the condition of a sensor loss warning signal as a sensor signal value SSW is fulfilled (true). If there is no sensor loss warning signal, for example, the rule can be followed that two or more of the sensor signal values ​​SSW must assume a positive truth value (true) in order to obtain a positive result value EW (true). Depending on individual logic, exceptions can be made for certain sensor signal criteria SSK, as exemplified here with the sensor signal criteria SSK 2 and SSK 4 illustrated.

[0040] With the presented method 100, the vehicle 1, the tire pressure monitoring system 4 and the electronic control unit 5, it is possible to realize an automatic replacement detection, which is accompanied by increased user comfort, increased system integrity, a high degree of autonomy and flexible adaptability. Reference symbol (part of the description) 1 vehicle 2 towing vehicle 3 trailer vehicle 4 Tire pressure monitoring system 5 Control unit 6 wheel unit 7 Sensor device 8 Receiving device 9 Signal connection 10 Signal processing unit 11 Storage device 12 wheels 13 Roadway 100 procedures 110 Start 120 Transmission of sensor signals 130 Evaluation of sensor signal criteria 140 Comparison of sensor signal values ​​with comparison combinations 150 Reassignment of a new sensor device E1 Decision to exchange E1-J Positive decision on exchange E1-N Negative decision on exchange E2 Check for assignability of the exchange E2-J Positive decision on assignability E2-N Negative decision on assignability EW result value F False FB driving operation K Combination of sensor signal values R Tire pressure parameters S sensor signal SSK sensor signal criterion SSK 1 Battery warning signal SSK 2 Pressure loss warning signal SSK 3 Sensor loss signal SSK 4 Signal strength fluctuation of the sensor signal SSK 5 Acceleration signal SSK 6Direction of rotation signal SSK 7 Driving status signal SSW sensor signal value V min Minimum speed VK comparison combination W True 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] KR 10 0 783 958 B1

[0004] KR 10 0 680 342 B1

[0005] KR 10 2015 0 022 448 A

[0006] DE 10 2018 104 673 A1

[0007] DE 10 2020 106 754 A1

[0008]

Claims

[1] Method (100) for detecting a replacement of a wheel unit (6) having a sensor device (7) or a replacement of the sensor device (7) of the wheel unit (6) of a vehicle (1) having a tire pressure monitoring system (4), wherein the sensor device (7) is configured to detect a tire pressure parameter (R) and to transmit (120) sensor signals (S) to a receiving device (8) of the tire pressure monitoring system (4), characterized by that a plurality of sensor signal criteria (SSK) of the transmitted sensor signal (S) is evaluated (130) in order to determine a combination (K) of sensor signal values ​​(SSW), and that based on the combination (K) of sensor signal values ​​(SSW) a replacement of the wheel unit (6) or the sensor device (7) is detected (E1-J). [2] Method (100) according to claim 1, characterized by that the majority of sensor signal criteria (SSK) has one of the following sensor signal criteria (SSK): - a battery warning signal (SSK 1 ); - a pressure loss warning signal (SSK 2 ); - a sensor loss signal (SSK 3 ); - a signal strength fluctuation of the sensor signal (SSK 4 ); - an acceleration signal (SSK 5 ); - a direction of rotation signal (SSK 6 ) and / or - a driving status signal (SSK 7 ). [3] Method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that in order to determine the combination (K) of sensor signal values ​​(SSW), it is checked whether the majority of sensor signal values ​​(SSW) each fulfills a predetermined condition (F, W). [4] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the determined combination (K) of sensor signal values ​​(SSW) is compared (140) with stored comparison combinations (VK) of sensor signal values ​​(SSW), wherein each comparison combination (VK) of sensor signal values ​​(SSW) is assigned a result value (EW). [5] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a replacement of the wheel unit (6) or the sensor device (7) is detected (E1-J) if a predetermined condition is met (F, W) for two or more of the plurality of sensor signal criteria (SSK). [6] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that different priorities of the sensor signal criteria (SSK) are applied during the evaluation (130). [7] Method (100) according to claim 6, characterized by that a replacement of the wheel unit (6) or the sensor device (7) is detected (E1-J) when a sensor loss signal (SSK 3 ) is present. [8] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in response to a detected exchange (E1-J) it is checked whether the detected exchange (E1-J) can be clearly assigned to a wheel unit (6) or a sensor device (7) (E2). [9] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in response to a detected replacement (E1-J) of the wheel unit (6) or the sensor device (7) or in response to a clear assignment capability (E2-J) of the detected replacement (E1-J), a new assignment (150) of a new sensor device (7) in the tire pressure monitoring system (4) takes place. [10] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the plurality of sensor signal criteria (SSK) during driving operation (F) of the vehicle (1) at a predetermined minimum speed (v min ) is evaluated (130). [11] Tire pressure monitoring system (4) for a vehicle (1) with a wheel unit (6) which has a sensor device (7) for detecting a tire pressure parameter (R) and transmitting sensor signals (S) to a receiving device (8) of the tire pressure monitoring system (4), and with an electronic control unit (5) for carrying out the method (100) according to one of the preceding claims. [12] Electronic control unit (5) for a tire pressure monitoring system (4), configured to carry out the method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10. [13] Vehicle (1), in particular a commercial vehicle, with 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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