Method and system for controlling an additional heating device in motor vehicles

Abstract

Method for controlling a fuel-driven auxiliary heating device (5) for heating an engine and / or the interior of a motor vehicle (1), comprising the step of starting the auxiliary heating device (5) for conditioning according to specified requirements, taking into account the time elapsed since the last operation of the auxiliary heating device (5), characterized by the following steps: - determining (S1) the conditions in which the vehicle (1) is located; and - determining (S2) whether the conditions allow the additional heating device (5) to be put into operation, wherein the conditions include the speed of the vehicle (1) and a certain vehicle speed is used as a criterion confirming that the vehicle (1) is not in an unsuitable location.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a method for controlling an additional heating device in a motor vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1. The invention relates to a system for controlling an additional heating device in a motor vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 9. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a computer program and a computer program product. BACKGROUND

[0002] Motor vehicles, such as trucks, are typically equipped with auxiliary heaters to keep the driver's cab heated when the truck is parked for extended periods, and to warm the driver's cab and engine before starting in cold weather. Such an auxiliary heater is powered by fuel, such as diesel, and can be connected to the vehicle's conventional cooling system. Additional heaters are available as both liquid-type heaters, where the cooling fluid is heated for the heating purpose, and air-type heaters, where air is heated.

[0003] Such an additional heating device is used depending on the season and intensively during cold periods / winter periods, after which it is basically not used until the next time it is needed.

[0004] These auxiliary heating devices also have in common the fact that they include components that require maintenance to maintain their useful life. It is often sufficient to operate the auxiliary heating device periodically for a short time to condition the components. Examples of such components include seals and sealing devices that must be exposed to the action of a fluid to prevent drying and aging; bearings whose metallic point and line contacts must be moved if the bearings are continuously subjected to vibration from, for example, an internal combustion engine; and fluids that can thicken and clog pipes, which can also dry out if the fluid level drops.

[0005] Failure to perform maintenance during periods when the auxiliary heater is not in use may result in operational failures and reduce the service life of the auxiliary heater.

[0006] US 2001 / 0 017 487 A1 shows a method and a device for attaching such an additional heating device for extending the service life of an additional heater by automatically starting the additional heater when it has not been used for a certain period of time.

[0007] One problem with such an installation is that the conditioning may occur in unsuitable locations, such as a gas station, and thus compromise safety.

[0008] DE 103 39 073 A1 describes a method and device for operating an auxiliary heater. To prevent damage due to excessively long periods of non-use, the device includes devices that ensure automatic activation of the auxiliary heater at predetermined maximum intervals.

[0009] WO 2008 / 025 318 A2 describes a method for operating a fuel-operated auxiliary heater. Using at least one fuel type sensor, the type and / or composition of a fuel intended for combustion in the auxiliary heater, or burning or being burned in the auxiliary heater, is determined. A control unit sets current operating parameters depending on the determined fuel type and / or composition. A downtime of the auxiliary heater following a most recent operation of the auxiliary heater is recorded and compared with a threshold value determined depending on the fuel type and / or composition determined during the most recent operation of the auxiliary heater. If the threshold value is detected to be exceeded, the control unit outputs a signal to initiate renewed operation of the auxiliary heater.

[0010] DE 10 2008 040 261 A1 discloses a mobile heating system comprising a heater, a delivery line for supplying a liquid fuel to the heater, and a delivery device arranged in the delivery line. Furthermore, a return line is provided, by means of which the fuel can be returned from a downstream side of the delivery device to an upstream side of the delivery device. While the heater is not in operation, fuel is delivered through the delivery device and returned through the return line.

[0011] DE 101 35 723 C1 relates to a heater for mobile applications comprising a control unit and at least one further component. The control unit is configured to determine the value of a measured variable corresponding to the downtime of at least one component and to briefly activate at least one component when this value reaches a certain maximum value. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An object of the present invention is to achieve a method for controlling an additional heating device in a motor vehicle which makes it possible to ensure in a safe manner that the additional heating device is maintained in such a way as to extend its service life.

[0013] An object of the present invention is to achieve a system for controlling an additional heating device in a motor vehicle which makes it possible to ensure in a safe manner that the additional heating device is maintained in such a way as to extend its service life. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] These and other objects set forth in the following description are achieved with a method, a system, a motor vehicle, a computer program, and a computer program product of a particular type, which also have the characteristics specified in the characterizing part of the appended independent claims. The preferred embodiments of the method and system are defined in the appended dependent claims.

[0015] According to the invention, these objects are achieved by a method for controlling a fuel-driven auxiliary heating device for heating an engine and / or the interior of a motor vehicle, comprising the step of starting up the auxiliary heating device for conditioning according to predetermined requirements, taking into account the time elapsed since the last operation of the auxiliary heating device, and additionally comprising the following steps: i) determining the conditions in which the vehicle is located; ii) determining whether these conditions allow the auxiliary heating device to be started up, these conditions including the speed of the vehicle, a certain vehicle speed being taken as a criterion for ensuring that the vehicle is not in an unsuitable location.This provides an effective way to ensure that conditioning does not take place in unsuitable locations. This makes it possible to safely maintain auxiliary heating devices to extend their service life, as conditioning occurs under permissible conditions, thus avoiding conditioning that involves combustion in unsuitable locations such as a service station or when the vehicle is not outdoors.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the method, these conditions include the position of the vehicle, with a certain position of the vehicle being taken as a criterion for determining that the vehicle is located in an unsuitable location. This provides an effective way to ensure that conditioning does not take place in unsuitable locations.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the method, these conditions include the vehicle's route, with certain route characteristics being used as criteria to ensure that the vehicle is not located in an unsuitable location. This provides an effective way to ensure that conditioning takes place in suitable locations, such as roads with a certain speed limit, e.g., expressways or country roads. Thus, the probability that full conditioning takes place is increased, as the vehicle is likely to be traveling for a sufficiently long period of time, for example, on an expressway or country road, to allow sufficient time for full conditioning.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the method comprises the step of determining the use of vehicle components that generate additional heat for the vehicle's cooling system. Such components may be the vehicle's engine, a retarder in the vehicle, or a similar component that generates such additional heat. Activation of the additional heater for conditioning may thus be prevented if the coolant in the cooling system is too hot, as it may be difficult to activate the additional heater since the additional heater is often connected to a thermostat that prevents the additional heater from starting if the coolant temperature is too high.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the method comprises the step of determining the engine temperature of the vehicle, wherein a certain vehicle temperature is used as a criterion for determining whether the activation of the additional heating device is unfavorable. Thus, unfavorable activation of the additional heating device is prevented.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the method comprises the step of determining the output torque of the vehicle engine, wherein a certain output torque is used as a criterion for determining whether the activation of the additional heating device is unfavorable. Thus, unfavorable activation of the additional heating device is prevented.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the method comprises the step of determining the average output torque of the vehicle engine, wherein a certain average output torque is used as a criterion for determining whether the start-up of the additional heating device is unfavorable. By determining an average output torque over a certain period of time, unfavorable start-up of the additional heating device is prevented.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the method, the requirement includes cumulative time related to the conditioning sessions. Thus, a full conditioning session does not need to take place continuously and can instead be split up, e.g., if the conditioning session needs to be interrupted due to a safety risk, such as when the vehicle is in an unsafe location, so that it is not necessary to repeat the entire conditioning session and instead only the remaining time and potential extra time need to be completed.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the method, the step of starting up the additional heating device for conditioning takes place automatically. Thus, the driver does not need to take any action to perform conditioning, which reduces the risk of inadequate conditioning and thus extends the service life of the additional heating device. According to one variant, the driver is informed by means of a notification unit when such automatic conditioning takes place.

[0024] According to the invention, these objects are achieved by a system for controlling a fuel-driven auxiliary heating device for heating an engine and / or the interior of a motor vehicle, comprising means for taking into account, in accordance with predetermined requirements, the time elapsed since the last operation of the auxiliary heating device (5) in order to start the auxiliary heating device for conditioning purposes, means for determining the conditions in which the vehicle is located; and means for determining whether the conditions allow the auxiliary heating device to be started, wherein the means for determining the conditions in which the vehicle is located comprises determining the speed of the vehicle, wherein a certain vehicle speed is taken as a criterion for the vehicle being in an unfavorable location.This provides an effective way to ensure that conditioning does not occur in unsuitable locations. This makes it possible to safely maintain auxiliary heating devices and extend their service life, as conditioning occurs under permissible conditions, thus preventing conditioning that involves combustion in unsuitable locations, such as a gas station or when the vehicle is not outdoors.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the system, the conditions include the position of the vehicle, wherein the means for determining the conditions under which the vehicle is located comprises means for determining the position of the vehicle, wherein a certain position of the vehicle is taken as a criterion for the vehicle being located at an unsuitable location. This provides an effective way of ensuring that the execution does not take place at unsuitable locations.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the system, the conditions comprise the route of the vehicle, wherein the means for determining in which conditions the vehicle is located comprises means for determining the route characteristics of the vehicle, wherein certain route characteristics of the vehicle are taken as criteria for ensuring that the vehicle is not located in an unsuitable location. This provides an effective way of ensuring that conditioning takes place in suitable locations, such as roads with a certain speed limit, e.g., expressways or country roads. Thus, the probability of complete conditioning taking place is increased, since the vehicle is likely to be traveling for a sufficiently long period of time, for example, on a expressway or country road, so that sufficient time is available for complete conditioning.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the system comprises means for determining the use of vehicle components that generate additional heat for the vehicle's cooling system. Such components may be the vehicle's engine, a retarder in the vehicle, or a similar component that generates such additional heat. Activation of the additional heater for conditioning can thus be prevented if the coolant in the cooling system is too hot, as it may be difficult to activate the additional heater since the additional heater is often connected to a thermostat that prevents the additional heater from starting if the coolant temperature is too high.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the system comprises a device for determining the engine temperature of the vehicle, wherein a certain engine temperature is used as a criterion for determining whether the activation of the additional heating device is unfavorable. Thus, unfavorable activation of the additional heating device is prevented.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the system comprises a device for determining the output torque of the vehicle engine, wherein a certain output torque is used as a criterion for determining whether the activation of the additional heating device is unfavorable. Thus, unfavorable activation of the additional heating device is prevented.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the system comprises a device for determining the average output torque of the vehicle engine, wherein a certain average output torque is used as a criterion for determining whether the activation of the additional heating device is unfavorable. By determining an average output torque over a certain period of time, unfavorable activation of the additional heating device is prevented.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the system, the requirement comprises cumulative time related to the conditioning sessions, wherein the system comprises means for determining cumulative time related to the conditioning. Thus, the entire conditioning session does not need to take place continuously and can instead be split if the conditioning session needs to be interrupted due to, for example, a safety risk, such as when the vehicle is in an unsafe location, so that it is not necessary to repeat the entire conditioning session and instead only the remaining time and potential extra time need be completed.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the system, the device for starting the additional heating device for conditioning comprises a device for automatically starting the additional heating device for conditioning. Thus, the driver does not need to take any action to perform conditioning, which reduces the risk of inadequate conditioning and thus extends the service life of the additional heating device. According to one variant, the driver is informed by means of a notification unit when such automatic conditioning takes place. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] The present invention will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views. In the drawings: Fig. 1 schematically shows a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 schematically shows a system for controlling an additional heating device in a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 schematically shows a block diagram showing a method for controlling an additional heating device in a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 schematically shows a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0034] The term "connection" refers herein to a communication link, which may be a physical line, such as an opto-electronic communication line, or a non-physical line, such as a wireless connection, for example a radio or microwave connection.

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a motor vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary vehicle 1 consists of a lorry in the form of a truck. Vehicle 1 includes a system 1 for controlling an additional heating device installed in the vehicle 1 according to the present invention.

[0036] Fig. 2 schematically shows a system I for controlling an additional heating device 5 in a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] The additional heating device 5 comprises a combustion chamber 6 in which fuel, for example diesel fuel, is provided for combustion. Any suitable fuel, e.g., diesel fuel, ethanol, or gasoline, may be used. The additional heating device 5 comprises a gasoline pump 7 that pumps fuel to the fuel chamber 6, where it is burned. The additional heating device 5 is provided for heating a cooling medium, such as coolant, for heating the engine and / or the interior of a motor vehicle.

[0038] The system I comprises an electronic control device 100 for controlling the additional heating device 5.

[0039] The system I also comprises a conditioning condition state device 200 which checks the state of the conditions for conditioning the additional heating device 5, ie, on the basis of predetermined conditioning conditions / criteria, examines whether the conditioning of the additional heating device 5 should be activated, ie, it should be put into operation.

[0040] The conditioning condition state device 200 includes a vehicle condition determination device 210 for determining the conditions in which the vehicle is located.

[0041] The vehicle condition determination device 210 comprises a vehicle speed determination device 212 that determines the speed of the vehicle. According to one variant, a conditioning condition consists in the speed being above a certain predetermined speed. This avoids the risk of the conditioning not taking place outdoors or at a gas station, and improves the conditioning reliability. According to one variant, the vehicle speed determination device 212 comprises the vehicle's speedometer.

[0042] The vehicle condition determining means 210 includes a route determining means 214 for determining the position of the vehicle.

[0043] The route determining device 214 includes a vehicle position adjusting device in the form of a geographical positioning system, ie, GPS, to identify the position of the vehicle with respect to the position where a lower speed is required.

[0044] According to one variant, the route determination device 214 comprises a map information unit that contains map data including characteristics of the road along the vehicle's route at the location where conditioning is not suitable, such as gas stations. The map information unit also includes map data that includes characteristics of the road along the vehicle's route at the location where conditioning is not suitable, such as speed limits, where conditioning may be suitable at certain speeds, such as 70 km / h, and / or a type of road, such as a motorway or the like.

[0045] According to one variant, the conditioning condition state device 200 comprises a device 220 for determining additional heating, which determines the time that has passed since the last operation of the additional heating device 5. According to one variant, the device 220 for determining the additional heating device comprises elements for storing the time of the last operation of the additional heating device 5. Thus, it is possible for the additional heating device to be in conditioning mode at a certain predetermined interval, with the interval being shifted accordingly if the additional heating device was activated during normal operation. Conditioning also takes place during the winter if the heater is not manually operated by the driver within the specified interval.

[0046] According to one variant, the conditioning condition state device 200 comprises an engine operation determination device 230 for determining whether the engine of the vehicle is in operation.

[0047] The conditioning condition state device 200 comprises, according to one variant, a vehicle component usage determination device 240 for determining the usage of vehicle components. According to one variant, a conditioning condition is that the coolant has a temperature below a certain predetermined temperature. This condition is essential for the additional heating device 5 connected to the coolant in the vehicle, i.e., where coolant is heated by a vehicle component for heating with the additional heating device 5.

[0048] According to one variant, the conditioning condition state device 200 comprises an engine temperature determination device 242 for determining the engine temperature in the additional heating device 5. According to one variant, a conditioning condition consists in the engine temperature being below a certain predetermined value. This condition is essential for the additional heating device 5 connected to the coolant in the vehicle, i.e., where coolant is heated for heating with the additional heating device 5. According to one variant, the vehicle component usage determination device 240 comprises the engine temperature determination device 242.

[0049] The conditioning condition state device 200 comprises, according to one variant, an output torque determination device 244 for determining the output torque of the engine in the additional heating device 5. According to one variant, a condition for conditioning is that the output torque is below a certain predetermined level. According to one variant, a condition for conditioning is that the averaged output torque is below a certain predetermined level. This condition is essential for the additional heating device 5 connected to the coolant in the vehicle, i.e., where coolant is heated for heating with the additional heating device 5. The vehicle component usage determination device 240 comprises, according to one variant, the output torque determination device 244.

[0050] The system I also includes a fuel identification device 310 for identifying fuel with which the additional heating device 5 is operated.

[0051] The system I also includes a conditioning time determining device 320 for determining the conditioning time in the additional heating device 5.

[0052] System I further comprises a notification device 330 for notifying the operator / driver of the upcoming conditioning and informing them that the additional heating device 5 is operating in conditioning mode or normal operation. The information can be provided visually, audibly, by vibration, or similarly. According to one variant, the notification device 330 comprises a display unit in which information regarding upcoming conditioning and ongoing operation of the additional heating device 5 is displayed.

[0053] System I also includes a conditioning activation device 340 for activating the conditioning of the additional heating device 5. According to one variant, the conditioning activation device 340 includes a device 342 for automatic activation based on the fact that certain conditions determined by the conditioning condition state device 200 have been met. According to one variant, the notification device 330 is designed to be activated in conjunction with the automatic activation of the conditioning of the additional heating device 5 with the device 342 for automatic activation, whereby the operator / driver has the option of interrupting the conditioning.

[0054] According to one variant, the conditioning activation device 340 comprises a device 344 for manual activation based on the fact that certain conditions determined by the conditioning condition state device 200 have been met. According to one variant, the manual activation device 344 comprises a maneuvering element for activation. The manual activation can take place based on information from the notification device 330. According to one variant, the manual activation device 344 comprises a device for manually activating the operation of the additional heating device 5, and according to one variant, a maneuvering element for deactivation, so that the operator / driver is able to manually deactivate the operation of the additional heating device 5.This variant is preferred in vehicles transporting dangerous goods, where the operator / driver receives information about an impending conditioning via the notification device 330, for example, by asking whether conditioning should be started, and the conditioning is started by the operator / driver when this is deemed possible. The conditioning is designed to be automatically terminated when the conditioning is complete.

[0055] The electronic control device 100 is signal-connected to the conditioning condition status device 200 for checking the status related to the conditioning conditions of the additional heating device 5 via a connection. The electronic control device 100 is configured to receive a signal representing the conditioning condition data from the conditioning condition status device 200 via the connection.

[0056] The electronic control device 100 is signal-connected to the vehicle condition determining device 210 via a connection. The electronic control device 100 is configured to receive a signal representing the vehicle condition data from the vehicle condition determining device 210 via the connection.

[0057] The electronic control device 100 is signal-connected to the speed-determining device via a connection. The electronic control device 100 is configured to receive a signal representing the speed data from the speed-determining device via the connection.

[0058] The electronic control device 100 is signal-connected to the route determination device 214 via a connection. The electronic control device 100 is configured to receive a signal from the route determination device 214 via the connection, which signal represents route data, including vehicle position data for the geographical position of the vehicle and data concerning characteristics of the route on which the vehicle is traveling.

[0059] The electronic control device 100 is signal-connected to the additional heating determination device 220 via a connection. The electronic control device 100 is configured to receive a signal from the additional heating determination device 220 via the connection, which signal represents operating data for additional heating for the time of the last operation of the additional heating device 5.

[0060] The electronic control device 100 is signal-connected to the vehicle component usage determination device 240 via a connection. The electronic control device 100 is configured to receive a signal representing the component usage data from the vehicle component usage determination device 240 via the connection.

[0061] The electronic control device 100 is signal-connected to the engine operation determination device 230 via a connection. The electronic control device 100 is configured to receive a signal from the engine operation determination device 230 via the connection, which signal represents the engine operation data for determining whether the engine is operating.

[0062] The electronic control device 100 is signal-connected to the motor temperature determining device 242 via a connection. The electronic control device 100 is configured to send a signal to the motor temperature determining device 242 via the connection, which signal represents the motor temperature of the motor of the additional heating device 5.

[0063] The electronic control device 100 is signal-connected to the output torque determining device 244 via a connection. The electronic control device 100 is configured to send a signal to the output torque determining device 244 via the connection, which signal represents output torque data for the output torque and the averaged output torque in the motor of the auxiliary heating device 5.

[0064] The electronic control device 100 is signal-connected to the fuel identification device 310 via a connection. The electronic control device 100 is configured to receive a signal from the fuel identification device 310 via the connection, which signal represents data regarding the fuel used to operate the additional heating device 5.

[0065] The electronic control device 100 is signal-connected to the conditioning time determination device 320 via a connection. The electronic control device 100 is configured to receive a signal from the conditioning time determination device 320 via the connection, which signal represents conditioning time data regarding the continuous and cumulative duration of conditioning sessions in the event that conditioning sessions were completed before a complete / released conditioning session has taken place. According to one variant, the total duration of cumulative conditioning sessions, i.e., uncompleted added conditioning sessions, is longer than a continuously released conditioning session.

[0066] The electronic control device 100 is signal-connected to the notification device 330 via a connection. The electronic control device 100 is configured to send a signal to the notification device 330 via the connection, which signal represents information data relating to an impending activation of the additional heating device 5 for conditioning including combustion.

[0067] The electronic control device 100 is signal-connected to the conditioning activation device 340 via a connection. The electronic control device 100 is configured to send a signal to the conditioning activation device 340 via the connection, which signal represents activation data for activating the additional heating device 5 for conditioning including combustion to prevent blockage of the fuel chamber.

[0068] The electronic control device 100 is signal-connected to the conditioning activation device 340 via a connection. The electronic control device 100 is configured to receive a signal from the conditioning activation device 340 via the connection, which signal represents the activation data for activating the additional heating device 5 for conditioning including combustion to prevent blockage of the fuel chamber.

[0069] The electronic control device 100 is signal-connected to the additional heating device 5 via a connection. The electronic control device 100 is configured to send a signal to the additional heating device 5 via the connection, which signal represents activation data for activating the additional heating device 5 for conditioning.

[0070] According to a variant, the electronic control device 100 comprises the conditioning activation device 340 and is provided so that it sends a signal to the additional heating device 5 in order to activate the same.

[0071] The electronic control device 100 is provided to process the conditioning condition data from the conditioning condition state device 200 to determine whether the additional heating device 5 should be activated for conditioning. If the conditioning condition data meets certain criteria, the additional heating device 5 can be put into operation for conditioning.

[0072] The electronic control device 100 is provided to process the vehicle condition data to determine the conditions in which the vehicle is located. The electronic control device is provided to compare the condition data with predetermined condition data to confirm whether the conditions allow the additional heating device 5 to be operated.

[0073] The electronic control device 100 is provided to process the speed data representing the speed of the vehicle and to compare the speed data with predetermined speed data. If the speed data matches or exceeds the predetermined speed data, then a conditioning condition is met and conditioning of the additional heating device 5 can take place. Preferably, the vehicle speed exceeds a speed, so that the vehicle speed cannot be the speed during tests that do not take place outdoors or at a gas station. According to one variant, the speed is 70 km / h, i.e., if the speed data matches or exceeds 70 km / h, the additional heating device 5 for conditioning, which includes conditioning of the combustion chamber, is activated.

[0074] The electronic control device 100 is provided to process the stored data from the route data, which includes vehicle position data and / or route feature data. If the route data indicate that the vehicle is located in a geographically risky area, such as at a gas station, the additional heating device 5 is not activated. If, on the other hand, the route data indicate that the vehicle is traveling on a road where the speed limit is equal to or higher than the predetermined speed limit, then a condition for conditioning is met and the conditioning of the additional heating device 5 can take place. According to one variant, the speed limit is 70 km / h or higher, i.e.If the route data indicate that the vehicle is traveling on a road with a speed limit equal to or exceeding 70 km / h, the additional heating device 5 for conditioning, which includes conditioning of the combustion chamber, can be activated.

[0075] The electronic control device 100 is provided to process the operating data for additional heating and to compare the time at which the additional heating device 5 was last in operation with the predetermined time to determine the duration of the time interval, i.e., the time elapsed since the last operation. If the time interval exceeds a predetermined time interval, the additional heating device 5 can be activated for conditioning, which includes conditioning the combustion chamber.

[0076] The electronic control device 100 is provided to process the engine operating data to determine whether the vehicle's engine is running. When the engine is running, the additional heating device 5 for conditioning, which includes conditioning the combustion chamber, can be activated.

[0077] The electronic control device 100 is provided to process the engine temperature data to determine the engine temperature of the vehicle and to compare the engine temperature, which represents the given engine temperature, with predetermined engine temperature data, which represents a predetermined engine temperature. If the engine temperature data is below the predetermined engine temperature data, the additional heating device 5 for conditioning, which includes conditioning the combustion chamber, can be activated.

[0078] The electronic control device 100 is provided to process the output torque data to determine the engine output torque and to compare the output torque data representing the given output torque with predetermined output torque data representing a predetermined output torque. If the output torque data is below the predetermined output torque data, the additional heating device 5 for conditioning, which includes conditioning the combustion chamber, can be activated.

[0079] The electronic control device 100 is configured to process the averaged output torque data to determine the vehicle's averaged output torque over a certain period of time, and to compare the averaged output torque data representing the averaged output torque with predetermined output torque data representing a predetermined averaged output torque. If the averaged output torque data is below the predetermined output torque data, the additional heating device 5 for conditioning, which includes conditioning the combustion chamber, can be activated.

[0080] The electronic control device is accordingly configured to process vehicle condition data, such as speed data and / or route characteristic data, auxiliary heating operation data, engine operation data, and, for a coolant-heating auxiliary heating device 5, also engine temperature data, output torque data, and averaged output torque data, to determine whether the conditions for activating the auxiliary heating device 5 for conditioning the same are met. If the conditions are met, the electronic control device is configured to activate the auxiliary heating device 5 for conditioning.

[0081] The electronic control device 100 is provided to process the data for which fuel is used to operate the additional heater 5 in order to determine how long the additional heater 5 should be in the conditioning mode.

[0082] The electronic control device 100 is provided to process the data for which fuel is used to operate the additional heater 5 in order to determine how long the additional heater 5 should be in the conditioning mode.

[0083] The electronic control device 100 is configured to process the conditioning time data to determine how long the conditioning has been continuously performed, in order to determine whether the conditioning is a fully completed conditioning. The electronic control device 100 is configured to process the conditioning time data to determine the duration of the cumulative conditioning time in the event that the conditioning was terminated before it was completed / before a released conditioning has taken place, in order to determine whether the conditioning is a complete conditioning.

[0084] Above, a system with one electronic control device was shown. However, the system may include multiple control devices to control other aspects as outlined above. According to one variant, the electronic control device 100 includes multiple control devices.

[0085] Fig. 3 schematically shows a block diagram of a method for controlling a fuel-driven auxiliary heating device for heating an engine and / or the interior of a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the method comprises a first step S1 for controlling a fuel-driven auxiliary heating device for heating an engine and / or the interior of a motor vehicle. In this step, the conditions in which the vehicle is located are determined.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the method comprises a second step S2 for controlling a fuel-driven auxiliary heating device for heating an engine and / or the interior of a motor vehicle. In this step, it is determined whether the conditions allow the auxiliary heating device to be activated.

[0088] With reference to Fig. 4 is a diagram of an embodiment of a unit 500. The unit 500 described with reference to Fig. The control device 200 described in Figure 2 may, in one embodiment, comprise unit 500. Unit 500 comprises a non-volatile memory 520, a data processing unit 510, and a read / write memory 550. Non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory portion 530 in which a computer program, such as an operating system, is stored to control the function of unit 500. Furthermore, unit 500 comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, an input / output device, an A / D converter, a data timing input and transmission unit, an event counter, and an interrupt controller (not shown). Non-volatile memory 520 also has a second memory portion 540.

[0089] A computer program P is provided that includes processes for installing a vehicle configuration according to the method of the invention. The program P includes processes for determining the conditions in which the vehicle is located. The program P includes processes for determining whether the conditions allow the additional heating device to be activated. The program P can be stored in an executable manner or in a compressed manner in a memory 560 and / or a random access memory 550.

[0090] A statement that the data processing unit 510 performs a certain function means that the data processing unit 510 executes a certain part of the program stored in the memory 560 or a certain part of the program stored in the read / write memory 550.

[0091] The data processing unit 510 can communicate with a data port 599 via a data bus 515. The non-volatile memory 520 is provided for communication with the data processing unit 510 via a data bus 512. The separate memory 560 is intended for communication with the data processing unit 510 via a data bus 511. The read / write memory 550 is provided for communicating with the data processing unit 510 via a data bus 514. The connections connected to the control device 100 can be connected, for example, to the data port 599.

[0092] When data is received in the data port 599, it is temporarily stored in the second memory portion 540. When received data is temporarily stored, the data processing unit 510 is ready to execute code in the manner described above. The signals received in the data port 599 can be used by the unit 500 to determine the conditions in which the vehicle is located. The signals received in the data port 599 can be used by the unit 500 to determine whether the conditions allow the auxiliary heating device to be operated.

[0093] Portions of the methods described herein may be performed by unit 500 with the aid of data processing unit 510, which executes the program stored in memory 560 or random access memory 550. When unit 500 executes the program, the processes described herein are performed.

[0094] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the described variants. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and their practical applications, and to thereby enable those skilled in the art to understand the invention in terms of its various embodiments and with the various modifications applicable to its intended use.

Claims

[1] A method for controlling a fuel-driven auxiliary heating device (5) for heating an engine and / or the interior of a motor vehicle (1), comprising the step of starting the auxiliary heating device (5) for conditioning according to predetermined requirements, taking into account the time elapsed since the last operation of the auxiliary heating device (5), characterized by following steps: - determining (S1) the conditions in which the vehicle (1) is located; and - determining (S2) whether the conditions allow the additional heating device (5) to be put into operation, wherein the conditions include the speed of the vehicle (1) and a certain vehicle speed is used as a criterion confirming that the vehicle (1) is not in an unsuitable location. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the conditions comprise the position of the vehicle (1), wherein a certain vehicle position is used as a criterion for the vehicle (1) being in an unsuitable location. [3] Method according to one of claims 1-2, wherein the conditions comprise the route of the vehicle (1), wherein certain route features are used as criteria for ensuring that the vehicle (1) is not located in an unsuitable location. [4] A method according to any one of claims 1-3, comprising the step of determining the use of the vehicle components that generate additional heat for the cooling system of the vehicle (1). [5] Method according to claim 4, comprising the step of determining the engine temperature of the vehicle (1), wherein a certain engine temperature is used as a criterion for the fact that the commissioning of the additional heating device (5) is unfavorable. [6] Method according to claim 4 or 5, comprising the step of determining the output torque of the vehicle (1), wherein a certain output torque is used as a criterion for the fact that the commissioning of the additional heating device (5) is unfavorable. [7] Method according to one of claims 4-6, comprising the step of determining the average output torque of the vehicle engine, wherein a certain average output torque is used as a criterion for the commissioning of the additional heating device (5) being unfavorable. [8] Method according to one of claims 1-7, wherein the step of commissioning the additional heating device (5) for conditioning takes place automatically. [9] System (I) for controlling a fuel-driven auxiliary heating device (5) for heating an engine and / or the interior of a motor vehicle (1), comprising means (100, 340) for taking into account, according to specified requirements, the time elapsed since the last operation of the auxiliary heating device (5) in order to put the auxiliary heating device (5) into operation for the purpose of conditioning, characterized by means (100, 210) for determining the conditions in which the vehicle (1) is located; and means (100, 210) for determining whether the conditions allow the additional heating device (5) to be put into operation, wherein the means (100, 210) comprises means (212) for determining the speed of the vehicle (1), wherein a certain vehicle speed is used as a criterion to confirm that the vehicle (1) is not located in an unsuitable location. [10] System (I) according to claim 9, wherein the conditions comprise the position of the vehicle (1), wherein the means (100, 210) for determining the conditions in which the vehicle (1) is located comprises means (214) for determining the position of the vehicle (1), wherein a certain vehicle position is used as a criterion for the vehicle (1) being in an unsuitable location. [11] System (I) according to any one of claims 9-10, wherein the conditions comprise the route of the vehicle (1), wherein the means (100, 210) for determining the conditions in which the vehicle (1) is located comprises means (214) for determining the route characteristics, wherein certain route characteristics are used as a criterion for ensuring that the vehicle (1) is not located in an unsuitable location. [12] System (I) according to any one of claims 9-11, comprising means (240) for determining the use of vehicle components that generate additional heat for the cooling system of the vehicle (1). [13] System (I) according to claim 12, comprising means (242) for determining the engine temperature of the vehicle (1), wherein a certain engine temperature is used as a criterion for the fact that the commissioning of the additional heating device (5) is unfavorable. [14] System (I) according to claim 12 or 13, comprising means (244) for determining the torque of the vehicle engine, wherein a certain output torque is used as a criterion for the fact that the commissioning of the additional heating device (5) is unfavourable. [15] System (I) according to any one of claims 12-14, comprising means (244) for determining the average output torque of the vehicle engine, wherein a certain average output torque is used as a criterion for the commissioning of the additional heating device (5) being unfavorable. [16] System (I) according to any one of claims 9-15, wherein the means (340) for commissioning the additional heating device (5) for conditioning comprises means (342) for automatically commissioning the additional heating device (5) for conditioning. [17] Motor vehicle (1) comprising a system (I) according to any one of claims 9-16. [18] A computer program (P) for controlling a fuel-driven auxiliary heating device (5) for heating an engine and / or the interior of a motor vehicle (1), the computer program (P) comprising program code which, when actuated by an electronic control device (100) or another computer (500) connected to the electronic control device (100), causes the electronic control device (100) to carry out the steps of claims 1-8. [19] A computer program product comprising a digital storage medium storing the computer program (P) according to claim 18.

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