OBD ADAPTER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for reading vehicle data via a diagnostic connection of a vehicle, a vehicle with such a system and a method for retrofitting an air conditioning system in a vehicle.

[0002] When retrofitting an air conditioning system, especially an auxiliary heater or auxiliary heater, various components of the air conditioning system must be retrofitted in a vehicle and connected to various factory-installed components of the vehicle, such as the vehicle battery, the fuel tank, a fan, or a fan switch. Connecting a retrofittable air conditioning system to the existing vehicle electrical or electronic system is particularly complicated, time-consuming, and error-prone.

[0003] Modern vehicles use bus systems to facilitate communication between the various components of the vehicle. A vehicle's bus systems are often safety-relevant and not readily accessible for retrofittable components. For one thing, vehicle manufacturers often do not provide additional connections to existing communication systems. For another, existing connections may be specific to a particular vehicle manufacturer and not compatible with the connections of a retrofittable air conditioning system. A modern vehicle contains a large amount of vehicle data recorded by sensors relating to the operating states of vehicle components or systems, or to measured values ​​recorded by sensors. This vehicle data is communicated by control units within the vehicle via bus systems.These vehicle data are also of interest for the control of a retrofittable air conditioning system, for example in order to be able to operate the air conditioning system as effectively and efficiently as possible, especially in coordination with other vehicle systems.

[0004] Today, when retrofitting an air conditioning system, it is often necessary to disconnect or cut existing communication lines in order to install suitable connectors for an aftermarket air conditioning system, through which existing vehicle data can be accessed. Such retrofitting interventions can cause malfunctions in the existing in-vehicle communication system if not performed properly. This also makes the retrofitting process time-consuming.

[0005] Vehicles typically have a mandatory and standardized on-board diagnostic system, often referred to as OBD (on-board diagnostics). A diagnostic tool can be connected to a standard vehicle diagnostic port to perform a vehicle fault diagnosis at a workshop.

[0006] US 2008 / 268662 A1 discloses a pass-through connector. US 2020 / 010705 A1 describes a device for monitoring vehicle data. US 2016 / 042578 A1 discloses an OBD II diagnostic splitter cable, and US 2011 / 106731 A1 discloses an interface for vehicle diagnostics to which a communication module with a wireless transceiver is coupled in a protected manner.

[0007] Document CN 201975644U discloses an adapter for an on-board diagnostic system having an output connector that differs in size from the connector of the on-board diagnostic system, so that the transmission path transmits the vehicle's driving data via the input connector to the output connector.

[0008] Based on this prior art, the present invention aims to enable simpler, more reliable, and faster access to vehicle data available in a vehicle. In particular, existing vehicle data should be made available for controlling a retrofittable air conditioning system. In particular, access to existing vehicle data should be ensured as universally as possible for a variety of different vehicle types and vehicles from different vehicle manufacturers.

[0009] This object is achieved by a system according to claim 1.

[0010] A diagnostic port of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is preferably understood to mean a standardized port, in particular a standardized connector, of a diagnostic interface of the vehicle. In particular, vehicle control units or a fault memory can be addressed via a diagnostic port that is standard in vehicles, and vehicle data provided by the control units or the fault memory can be read out via the diagnostic port. Typically, the read vehicle data is used by a diagnostic device connected to the diagnostic port for fault diagnosis on the vehicle, for example, during a vehicle inspection in a workshop.

[0011] In particular, the gateway device is designed to receive vehicle data and, based thereon, to generate control commands for controlling an air conditioning system, such as an auxiliary heater or an auxiliary heater. The system can additionally comprise sensors, in particular a temperature sensor for detecting the outside temperature, which detect vehicle data and provide it to the gateway device. The gateway device has, in particular, a suitable, in particular multi-pin plug connection for connection to a branch connector of the branch line of the plug attachment. Preferably, the gateway device is designed to receive a PID (Parameter ID) read out via the plug attachment from a diagnostic connection of the vehicle as a data set and to interpret the vehicle data contained therein, preferably based on the OBD-2 standard.Preferably, the system uses the connector attachment to read at least an engine speed, a coolant temperature, and / or status data relating to a stop-start function of the engine control unit via the vehicle's diagnostic port. The operating status of the vehicle's ignition can also be detected by the gateway device.

[0012] One idea of ​​the invention is to access existing vehicle data via a vehicle's diagnostic port and to use this data in particular to control a retrofitted air conditioning system, preferably an auxiliary heater or an auxiliary heater. Preferably, the plug attachment remains permanently connected, in particular plugged in, to the vehicle's diagnostic port while the vehicle is in operation. In this way, vehicle data can be accessed both during operation and while the vehicle is stationary, as soon as it is available within the vehicle or is made available at the diagnostic port. Vehicle data transmitted from the diagnostic port via the first contacts of the plug attachment can be transmitted via one or more branch lines to another location in the vehicle, where it can preferably be used to generate control commands for an air conditioning system.The system according to the invention has the advantage that intervention in existing vehicle communication systems is not necessary when retrofitting an air conditioning system, since vehicle information can be read out via a vehicle diagnostic port for use in a gateway device for controlling the air conditioning system. The system is simple, quick, and reliable to install. It is versatile and does not interfere with existing vehicle systems.

[0013] In particular, the first and second contacts are electrically conductive, preferably made of a metallic material, and can be understood according to the invention as contact points. In particular, the first and second contacts are each electrically insulated from one another. A first and a second contact can each be provided on an integral contact element or on separate contact elements. In particular, a branch line is electrically conductively connected to a first contact, preferably soldered or clamped. Preferably, a branch line is provided for each first contact via which a desired item of vehicle information is to be transmitted. Several branch lines can be led out of the plug body individually or together, in particular surrounded by a common sheath or twisted together. In particular, the branch line is designed to transmit vehicle data.

[0014] The plug body can be constructed in one or more parts and in particular comprises a housing, preferably made of plastic. The ascent side and the connection side are preferably arranged opposite one another, but could also be arranged at an angle, for example. The body has in particular a cylindrical, for example cuboid, basic shape. The plug-in side is preferably designed to match the shape of the diagnostic connection in order to ensure, in the plugged-in state, not only an electrical connection via the first contacts but also a mechanical connection, e.g. via a force-fitting and / or positive clamping. Additional locking or clamping elements can be provided to ensure that the plug attachment sits securely on the diagnostic connection. The plug-in side is preferably a counterpart to the diagnostic connection and the connection side has the same shape as the diagnostic connection.Preferably, the exit side and the connection side have a standardized plug profile.

[0015] A system according to the invention with a connector attachment eliminates the need to intervene in the vehicle's internal communication lines for vehicle data, for example, cable harnesses or data buses. The connector attachment can be attached to a diagnostic port easily, quickly, and error-free. A connector attachment for a diagnostic port has the advantage that diagnostic ports for vehicles are typically standardized, allowing the same connector attachment to be used for a variety of different vehicle types. The connection side with second contacts is preferably designed such that the functionality of the diagnostic port is retained even when the connector attachment is plugged in. In particular, a diagnostic device can still be connected to the diagnostic port using a plugged-in connector attachment.

[0016] In an advantageous development of the invention, at least one first contact is electrically connected to an associated second contact. This ensures that an electrical signal transmitted via the first contact can be tapped via the associated second contact, for example by a connected diagnostic device. It is conceivable to connect only individual first contacts, in particular the first contacts relevant for vehicle diagnostics, to a second contact. In particular, a large number of the first contacts, preferably all of them, are electrically connected to a respective associated second contact. This means that all electrical signals that can be tapped at the vehicle's diagnostic connection can be tapped at the connection side of the plug attachment. The original function of the diagnostic connection is thus fully retained.

[0017] In an advantageous development of the invention, the plug-in side and / or the connection side are / is designed as an OBD-2 connector. An OBD-2 or OBD-II connector is a 16-pin connector standardized according to SAE Standard J / 1962, which is installed as standard in many vehicles as a diagnostic connector. By designing the plug-in side as an OBD-2 connector, the system according to the invention with a connector attachment is highly compatible with many different vehicle types.

[0018] In a further development of the invention, the plug-in side is designed as a male OBD connector, in particular for connection to a female OBD socket of a vehicle, and / or the connection side is designed as a female OBD connector. Typically, the diagnostic connector of vehicles is designed as a female OBD connector, in particular an OBD-2 socket. Accordingly, diagnostic devices for connecting to the vehicle's diagnostic connector typically have a male OBD connector. By designing the plug-in side as a male OBD connector, in particular as a male OBD-2 connector, in particular with plug pins as the first contacts, compatibility with the vehicle's standard diagnostic connector is ensured.

[0019] In a further development of the invention, at least one branch line is designed as a preferably bidirectional communication line, in particular a data bus line or a K-line. In particular, the branch line is designed as an electrical conductor, for example, as a wire, which is connected at one end to a first contact within the connector body and preferably forms a connection contact at its other end. In particular, the branch line is designed to forward the vehicle data transmitted via the first contact connected to it, in particular to forward it out of the connector body.

[0020] In a further development of the invention, the plug body has a branch opening, preferably a lateral one, through which the at least one branch line leads out of the plug body. A branch opening is provided, in particular, as a recess in a housing of the plug body as a passage for the branch line. The branch opening is preferably provided in a side wall of the plug body, but could also be arranged on an end face of the plug body. A lateral arrangement has the advantage that the plug attachment can be designed flatter overall if the branch line is led away laterally.

[0021] In one possible embodiment, a branch connection, in particular a socket, is integrated into the connector body, with the branch line preferably running only within the connector body and being connected to the branch connection. In this case, a separate line connectable to the branch connection would have to be provided to route vehicle data from the connector attachment to another location in the vehicle.

[0022] In a further development of the invention, the branch line is connected, preferably at one end, to a branch connector, wherein in particular several, preferably all, branch lines are connected to a common branch connector. However, the branch line could also be designed as a Y-connection, wherein a branch connector can be provided at each end. A branch connector could be any desired, preferably standardized, connector that is particularly suitable for connection to a gateway device. In particular, the branch connector is multi-pin, for example 16-pin or 12-pin, but is preferably not a standardized OBD connector, in particular not an OBD-2 connector.Preferably, the branch connector has a smaller number of pins than the number of first contacts, in particular the number of pins of the vehicle's diagnostic port. In particular, the pin assignment of the branch connector differs from the pin assignment of the diagnostic port. A branch connector allows the branch lines to be connected easily and reliably, for example, to a gateway device.

[0023] In a further development of the invention, the connector body has a height of less than 70 mm, preferably less than 60 mm, more preferably less than 50 mm, more preferably less than 40 mm, more preferably less than 30 mm, more preferably less than 20 mm, more preferably less than 10 mm. By designing the connector body as flat as possible, the connector attachment can be plugged onto the diagnostic port of a vehicle in a space-saving manner. A flat connector attachment preferably fits behind a panel that typically conceals the vehicle's diagnostic port in the vehicle interior.

[0024] In a further development of the invention, a first branch line is connected to a first contact which, when the plug-in connector is plugged in, is in contact with a first data bus line of a vehicle, in particular with connection 6 of an OBD-2 plug-in connection, and a second branch line is connected to a first contact which, when the plug-in connector is plugged in, is in contact with a second data bus line of a vehicle, in particular with connection 14 of an OBD-2 plug-in connection. A first and second data bus line of a vehicle are, for example, the so-called CAN High and CAN Low lines of a CAN bus system (Controller Area Network), which, for example, in a standard assignment of an OBD-2 plug-in connection are located on pins 6 and 14. However, a branch line could also be a single data bus line, for example a K line, with which, for example, connection 7 of an OBD-2 plug-in connection is occupied.Data bus lines of various vehicle-internal bus systems, e.g. a LIN bus, CAN bus or FlexRay bus, can be provided as branch lines, provided that these bus systems are connected to the vehicle's diagnostic port.

[0025] In a further development of the invention, the gateway device comprises a data storage device configured to record vehicle data read via the diagnostic connection, in particular their temporal progression, preferably in order to provide the vehicle data at a later time. In particular, the data storage device records a temporal sequence of vehicle data, for example, a temperature, pressure, acceleration, speed, and / or state value read via the diagnostic connection. In particular, the read vehicle data is stored in a database as past values, or historical values ​​(historian database).Preferably, the stored vehicle data is provided to the gateway device as needed to generate control commands, in particular read from the data storage device, particularly in cases where access to current vehicle data via the diagnostic connection is not possible or the required vehicle data is not currently being communicated on an internal vehicle bus system and thus cannot currently be read via the diagnostic connection. The gateway device can then access vehicle data stored in the data storage device to generate control commands.

[0026] According to the invention, the system further comprises a control unit for an air conditioning system of the vehicle, wherein the gateway device is communicatively connected to the control unit via a data bus. The control unit is preferably assigned to a heater of the air conditioning system, but can also be assigned to a component suitable for cooling. The control unit is connected to the gateway device, for example, via a proprietary bus, e.g. a W-bus, or a LIN bus. The control unit is particularly limited in its functionality in that it is preferably designed to receive control commands from the gateway device and, for example, to convert them into analog signals for controlling a heater. The gateway device has, in particular, at least one bus connection, in particular a bus controller and a transmitting / receiving unit (transceiver).The gateway device is designed, in particular, to communicate with an operating device for the air conditioning system, for example, a smartphone, a timer, a temperature controller, a remote control, or an on-board computer, in particular via a data bus line, for example, a W-Bus, and / or via a radio connection. Optionally, the gateway device can also be connected directly to an existing vehicle bus system.

[0027] Furthermore, the stated object is achieved by a vehicle according to claim 13, in particular by a vehicle comprising a system according to the invention.

[0028] Furthermore, the stated object is achieved by a method according to claim 13.

[0029] The method according to the invention has similar advantages as those already described in connection with the system according to the invention. The method can also implement some or all of the procedural features described in connection with the connector attachment and the system. Connecting the diagnostic port to the air conditioning system can be understood as a direct or indirect connection. In the case of an indirect connection, an (intelligent) gateway device can be interposed.

[0030] In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, the following steps are also provided: Connecting the diagnostic connection to the gateway device in a first connection step, in particular by means of the branch line of a plug attachment plugged onto the diagnostic connection, connecting the gateway device to the air conditioning device, in particular to a control unit of the air conditioning device, via a data bus in a second connection step.

[0031] The order of the method steps can be interchanged. The aforementioned first and second method steps relating to connecting the gateway device represent, in particular, sub-steps for connecting the vehicle's diagnostic port to the air conditioning system. However, it is also conceivable in principle to connect the diagnostic port directly to the control unit of the air conditioning system without an intermediate gateway device. The vehicle data read out via the diagnostic point could then be used directly for control by the appropriately designed control unit of the air conditioning system. A control unit is particularly limited in its functionality in that it is preferably designed to receive control commands from the gateway device and, for example, to convert them into analog signals for controlling a heater.

[0032] Embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Herein: Figure 1A is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the plug attachment of a system according to the invention in a perspective view; Figure 1B is a schematic representation of the embodiment of the plug attachment according to Figure 1A in a front view; Figure 1C a schematic representation of the embodiment of the plug attachment according to Figure 1A in a rear view; Figure 1D schematic representation of the embodiment of the plug attachment according to Figure 1A in a plan view; Figure 2 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system according to the invention with a plug attachment according to the Figures 1A to 1D ; Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention with a system according to Figure 2 .

[0033] In the following description of the invention, the same reference numerals are used for identical and identically acting elements.

[0034] The Figures 1A to 1D show a plug attachment 1 of a system 100 according to the invention in different views, wherein in Figure 1A a view of the plug-on side 13 as a front side and in Figure 1Ba view of the connection side 14 is shown as a rear side. The plug attachment 1 has a plug body 10, which here has a cuboid basic shape. The plug-on side 13 is designed here as a male plug connection with pin-shaped first contacts 11.1 to 11.16, while the connection side 14 is designed as a female plug connection with a plug socket in which second contacts 12.1 to 12.16 are arranged. However, the plug-on side 13 could also be designed as a female plug connection and the connection side 14 as a male plug connection. Alternatively, the plug-on side 13 and the connection side 14 could each be designed identically, so that the plug body 1 functions as an inverting adapter (gender changer). The plug-in side 13 and the connection side 14 are each designed as 16-pin connectors with sixteen first and second electrical contacts 11.1 to 1.16 and 12.1 to 12.16, respectively. Figure 1D It becomes clear that each first contact 11.1 to 11.16 is electrically connected to a respectively associated second contact 12.1 to 12.16 within the connector body 10, wherein the first and second contacts can be provided on a common, in particular metallic, contact element or on separate contact elements, for example, connected to one another via connecting cable segments. Here, the plug-on side 13 and the connection side 14 are each designed as a standardized 16-pin OBD-2 plug connection, wherein the connection side 14 forms a female counterpart to the male plug-on side 13. This has the advantage that the plug attachment 1 can be connected, in particular plugged, to a diagnostic connection 2 of a vehicle 3, which is typically present as a standardized female OBD-2 socket in vehicles (see Figures 2 and 3). Typically, the OBD connector in vehicles, especially motor vehicles, is hidden behind a panel on the dashboard or in the lower area of ​​the vehicle seat. Preferably, the connector attachment 1 is designed to be as flat as possible so that a panel still fits over the connector attachment 1 when it is plugged onto the diagnostic connector 2. According to the invention, the connector attachment 1 is used when retrofitting an air conditioning system 130 (see Figure 3 ) is plugged into the diagnostic connector 2 and remains there permanently during operation of the vehicle 3.

[0035] In the Figures 1A to 1DIn the embodiment of the plug attachment 1 shown, two branch lines 20a, 20b are led out of the plug body 10 through a branch opening 30 arranged laterally on the plug body 10. The branch lines 20a, 20b are designed as data bus lines, each of which is connected to a specific first contact within the plug body 10, with a branch line 20a, 20b branching off from a selected electrically conductive connection between a specific first and an associated second contact. The connection contacts 21a and 21b formed at the ends of the branch lines 20a and 20b are arranged in a common branch connector 22. With the aid of the plug attachment 1 with the branch lines 20a, 20b, vehicle data present within a vehicle 3 can be read out via the diagnostic port 2 and forwarded for use at another location in the vehicle 3.The number and connection of the branch lines with first contacts 11.1 to 11.16 is selected to ensure access to the relevant plug connections of diagnostic port 2, i.e., in particular, to branch off those lines of diagnostic port 2 via which the desired vehicle data is communicated within the vehicle. Because all first and second contacts 11.1 to 11.16 and 12.1 to 12.16 are electrically connected to one another and connection side 14 replicates diagnostic port 2, the full original functionality of diagnostic port 2 is retained, so that even when plug-in connector 1 is plugged in, a diagnostic device can be connected to diagnostic port 2 in order to perform fault diagnosis for vehicle 3 in a workshop.

[0036] In the present embodiments according to the Figures 1A to 1D , 2and 3, which are based on an OBD-2 plug connection as diagnostic connection 2, the branch line 20a is connected to the first contact 11.6, which by default corresponds to pin no. 6 of an OBD-2 connector, which is assigned to the CAN High line of a CAN bus system. The branch line 20b is connected to the first contact 11.14, which by default corresponds to pin no. 14 of an OBD-2 connector, which is assigned to the CAN Low line of a CAN bus system. An internal vehicle bus 4, on which vehicle data is communicated, is designed here as a CAN bus system, the data bus lines of which are connected to the OBD-2 diagnostic connection 2 of the vehicle 3. Vehicle data communicated internally on the CAN bus system can in this way be read out from the diagnostic connection 2 via the plug attachment 1, in particular via a standard OBD-2 PID (Parameter ID), via which, for example,the gateway device 110 queries vehicle data from an in-vehicle control unit or sensor.

[0037] In Figure 2A system 100 according to the invention is schematically illustrated for accessing vehicle data via the diagnostic port 2 of the vehicle 3. The connector attachment 1 is plugged into the OBD-2 socket provided as standard as the diagnostic port 2. The branch lines 20a, 20b are connected to a gateway device 110 via the branch connector 22. The gateway device 110 is connected via a data bus 140 to a control unit 120 of an air conditioning device 130, in particular a heater, and is designed to generate control commands for controlling the air conditioning device 130, in particular a heater, based on vehicle data read out via the diagnostic port 2.Additional vehicle data, in particular sensor data, for example an outside temperature detected by a temperature sensor, can be transmitted to the gateway device 110 via further bus systems connected to the gateway device 110, for example a LIN bus or any other bus, which can also be taken into account for generating control commands. The inventive system.

[0038] System 100 is particularly suitable for retrofitting an air conditioning system 130 in a vehicle 3. Via the connector attachment 1, vehicle data, such as an engine speed, a coolant temperature and / or status data relating to a stop-start function of the engine control unit, can be read out via the diagnostic connection 2 of the vehicle without having to intervene in or modify existing communication systems of the vehicle 3, e.g., vehicle-internal bus systems or wiring harnesses.

[0039] In Figure 3a vehicle 3 is shown with a retrofitted air conditioning device 130, such as an auxiliary heater or an auxiliary heater, wherein a system 100 according to the invention is installed in the vehicle 3.

[0040] At this point, it should be noted that all of the above-described parts, viewed individually and in any combination, particularly the details shown in the drawings, are claimed as essential to the invention. Modifications to these are familiar to those skilled in the art. In particular, it is familiar to those skilled in the art to combine the individual embodiments in any desired form. List of reference symbols

[0041] 1Connector attachment 2Diagnostic connection 3Vehicle 4Vehicle bus 10Connector body 11.1 to 11.16First contacts 12.1 to 12.16Second contacts 13Mounting side 14Connection side 20a, 20bBranch line 21a, 21bConnection contact 22Branch connector 30Branch opening 100System 110Gateway device 120Control unit 130Air conditioning device 140Data bus

Claims

1. System (100) for reading out vehicle data via a diagnostic connection, in particular an OBD plug-in connection, of a vehicle, comprising: - a plug attachment (1) for a diagnostic connection of a vehicle; and - a gateway device (110) for communication with an air-conditioning device of the vehicle, in particular an auxiliary heating system, wherein the plug attachment (1), in particular the OBD plug-in connection, comprises: a plug body (10) which has a plug-on side (13) with first contacts (11.1 to 11.16) for connection to the diagnostic connection and a connection side (14) with second contacts (12.1 to 12.16), in particular for connection to a diagnostic device; and at least one branch line (20a, 20b), wherein the branch line (20a, 20b) leads out of the plug body (10) from at least one of the first contacts (11.1 to 11.16) and is designed as a bidirectional communication line which is communicatively connected to the gateway device (110), wherein the system (100) also comprises a control device (120) for an air-conditioning device of the vehicle, wherein the gateway device (110) is communicatively connected to the control device (120) via a data bus (140).

2. System (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least one first contact (11.1 to 11.16) is electrically connected to an associated second contact (12.1 to 12.16).

3. System (100) according to Claim 1 or 2, in particular Claim 2, characterized in that a plurality of, preferably all, of the first contacts (11.1 to 11.16) are electrically connected to a respectively associated second contact (12.1 to 12.16).

4. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug-on side (13) and / or the connection side (14) are / is designed as an OBD-2 plug connection.

5. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug-on side (13) is designed as a male OBD plug connection, in particular for connection to a female OBD socket of a vehicle, and / or the connection side (14) is designed as a female OBD plug connection.

6. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one branch line (20a, 20b) is designed as a data bus line or a K-line.

7. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug body (10) has a, preferably lateral, branch opening (30) through which the at least one branch line (20a, 20b) leads out of the plug body (10).

8. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the branch line (20a, 20b) is connected, preferably at the end, to a branch plug-in connector (22), wherein in particular a plurality of, preferably all, of the branch lines (20a, 20b) are connected to a common branch plug-in connector (22).

9. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug body (10) has a height of less than 70 mm, preferably of less than 60 mm, further preferably of less than 50 mm, further preferably of less than 40 mm, further preferably of less than 30 mm, further preferably of less than 20 mm, further preferably of less than 10 mm.

10. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first branch line (20a) is connected to a first contact (11.6) which, in the plugged-in state of the plug attachment (1), is in contact with a first data bus line of a vehicle, in particular the connection 6 of an OBD-2 plug-in connection; and a second branch line (20b) is connected to a first contact (11.14) which, in the plugged-in state of the plug attachment (1), is in contact with a second data bus line of a vehicle, in particular the connection 14 of an OBD-2 plug-in connection.

11. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gateway device (110) comprises a data storage device which is designed to record vehicle data read out via the diagnostic connection, in particular the temporal profile thereof, preferably in order to provide the vehicle data at a later time.

12. Vehicle (3) comprising a system (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 11.

13. Method for retrofitting an air-conditioning device (130), in particular an auxiliary heating system, in a vehicle (3), comprising the following steps: - installing the components of the air-conditioning device (130) including a control device (120) in the vehicle (3); - mounting a gateway device (110) in the vehicle (3) for communication with the air-conditioning device (130); - connecting a diagnostic connection (2), in particular an OBD plug-in connection, of the vehicle (3) to the air-conditioning device (130) by plugging on a plug attachment (1) which has a plug body (10) with a plug-on side (13) with first contacts (11.1 to 11.16) for connection to the diagnostic connection, with a branch line (20a, 20b) to the diagnostic connection (2), wherein the branch line (20a, 20b) leads out of the plug body (10) from at least one of the first contacts (11.1 to 11.16) and is designed as a bidirectional communication line which is communicatively connected to the gateway device (110), - wherein the gateway device (110) is communicatively connected to the control device (120) via a data bus (140).

14. Method according to Claim 13, characterized by - connecting the diagnostic connection (2) to the gateway device (110) in a first connection step, in particular by means of the branch line (20a, 20b) of a plug attachment (1) which is plugged onto the diagnostic connection (2), - connecting the gateway device (110) to the air-conditioning device (130), in particular to a control device (120) of the air-conditioning device (130), via a data bus (140) in a second connection step.