SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING AT LEAST ONE SENSOR DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for identifying at least one sensor device in or on a vehicle, a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle and / or trailer, comprising such a system and a method for identifying at least one sensor device in or on a vehicle.

[0002] It is known in the art to automatically record and monitor various operating and condition variables on vehicles using sensors. The data is recorded by the sensors and transmitted, for example, to an evaluation unit or a central system. However, especially when multiple measuring points or multiple sensors at different positions are provided, the question arises as to how these sensors can transmit their signal to the central system efficiently and as error-free as possible. It may be desirable not only to determine and transmit the measurement signal, but also to register the measuring point or the exact position, e.g. the axle, the wheel, or the brake disc, at which the sensor determined an operating and / or condition variable. This can then be used to show the driver or a technician, for example, where a problem has occurred.

[0003] DE 10 2020 202029 A1 discloses a method for identifying electronic wheel units arranged on vehicle wheels. A cumulative number of revolutions of each of the vehicle wheels is recorded using the wheel units and compared with each other to identify wheel units that have approximately the same cumulative number of revolutions as being rotationally connected to each other.

[0004] JP 2008 168814 A describes the use of IC tags near wheels to obtain a mounting position using a tag reader and to transmit it together with a measured air pressure.

[0005] US 2020 / 0124697 A1 describes a device for determining a position of an electronic unit, wherein a time of a voltage supply is determined by means of timers, wherein the measurement of the voltage represents a position of the respective unit.

[0006] EP 3 439 920 B1 describes a method for determining a mounting position of different cameras by detecting certain markers.

[0007] DE 10 2016 118 641 A1 describes a device for determining the position of a mobile access device relative to a motor vehicle. Modules detect the signal strength of a transmission and determine the position based on several signal strengths from different modules.

[0008] In the current state of the art, for example, it is common practice to enable sensor identification by establishing a direct cable connection between a central system and the respective sensor. Setting up a star topology, particularly with a central hub unit for evaluating and / or forwarding the data, is also a possible option.

[0009] However, confusion can easily arise if, for example, the positions of two sensors are swapped during installation. This can happen, for example, if the position is not yet known or predetermined upon delivery of the sensor, and / or if a mounting position can vary, particularly due to multiple equivalent installation positions. Furthermore, routing the cables for each individual sensor can be time-consuming and material-intensive when a large number of sensors are planned.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a system which enables the identification of the positioning of various sensors in a vehicle reliably and efficiently.

[0011] This object is achieved with a system according to claim 1, with a vehicle according to claim 9 and with a method according to claim 12. Further advantages, features and advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the description as well as the figures and their description.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention, a system is provided for identifying at least one sensor device, preferably a plurality of sensor devices, in particular in or on a vehicle, wherein the system comprises the at least one sensor device for detecting measurement signals and at least one measuring point, preferably a plurality of measuring points, wherein at least one of the sensor devices is positioned and / or positionable at each of the measuring points, wherein the system comprises a, in particular central, control unit for collecting and / or evaluating the measurement signals detected by the at least one sensor device, wherein the at least one sensor device and / or the measuring point is configured to detect and / or generate an identification signal, in particular a position-dependent one, and to forward it to the, in particular central, control unit, wherein the, in particular central, control unit is configured toto assign the at least one sensor device and / or the measurement signals detected by the at least one sensor device to the respective measuring point based on the identification signal. The vehicle can preferably be a commercial vehicle, preferably with a permissible total weight of more than 3.5 t, particularly preferably more than 7.5 t, and most preferably more than 18 t. The vehicle is, in particular, a roadworthy and / or road-bound vehicle. The sensor device can preferably be configured to detect operating and / or state variables of the vehicle and / or components of the vehicle, particularly in the form of measurement signals. Detected components of the vehicle can be, for example, a wheel, a tire, a vehicle axle, a brake, in particular a disc brake, and / or parts thereof. Measurement signals can be, for example, a temperature, a voltage, and / or a pressure, in particular air pressure.The sensor device can, for example, comprise a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a voltage sensor, an acoustic sensor and / or an optical sensor or be formed by such a sensor. For example, the sensor device can be configured to detect the temperature of a disc brake and / or the air pressure of a tire. The identification of the sensor device can, in particular, be a spatial or local identification. In particular, the identification of the sensor device can comprise a local, preferably relative, position, in particular within the vehicle, and / or an assignment of the sensor device to a possible installation location and / or to a measuring point. Alternatively or additionally, the identification can also preferably comprise a unique assignment, in particular a serial number.for the sensor or the sensor device or be formed by such information. The measuring point can be a, in particular predetermined, position at which the sensor device is arranged or positioned and / or can and / or should be arranged or positioned. The measuring point can, for example, comprise fastening means for fastening the sensor device and / or connections, e.g. data connections and / or power supply connections, for the sensor device. For example, the sensor device can be plugged, clipped and / or screwed into the measuring point. Preferably, several measuring points are provided, wherein a sensor device is in particular connectable to different, preferably all, measuring points or is compatible with different, preferably all, measuring points. The measuring point and / or the sensor device is configured to generate an identification signal,which can be position-dependent, to detect and / or generate. For example, it can be a location signal, wherein the location signal can be used to determine, in particular, a position of the sensor device in the vehicle. The identification signal can, in particular, enable conclusions to be drawn about a position relative to the vehicle and / or relative to a reference position in the vehicle, and / or the identification signal can be dependent on the measuring point or the sensor device. In particular, the identification signal can therefore be or comprise an advantageously unique ID of the measuring point and / or the sensor device. The measuring point and / or the sensor device is configured to forward the identification signal to the control unit. The system can comprise data lines, in particular from the measuring point to the control unit,which are configured to forward the identification signal to the control unit. The forwarding can alternatively or additionally be provided via a wireless connection, e.g., by means of a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. It is conceivable that the sensor device is configured to detect and / or generate the identification signal, while the measuring point is configured to forward the identification signal to the control unit, or vice versa. Alternatively or additionally, the measuring point and / or the sensor device can be configured both to detect and / or generate and to forward the identification signal. The identification signal can, for example, be transmitted together with a measurement signal, in particular to enable a direct assignment of the measurement signal to the identification signal or to the measurement point at which the sensor device is positioned.to enable. The control unit can preferably comprise a computer unit, a data memory and / or a user interface. The control unit can be configured to collect, evaluate, process and / or present the measurement signals to a user. The control unit can in particular be configured to evaluate the identification signal and, based on the evaluation, to determine at which position or at which measuring point the sensor device is arranged. In particular, the control unit can be configured to assign a plurality of sensor devices to their respective measuring points. Advantageously, a positioning of the sensor device can thus be automatically identifiable. This can be particularly advantageous if there are a plurality of equivalent positions or measuring points in the vehicle at which the sensor device can be arranged or positioned. In particular, larger measuring systems,For example, it can be implemented in the vehicle, connected to a bus communication system. Automatic detection of the sensor device's position can provide a high degree of certainty in the unambiguous assignment of transmitted measurement signals to the respective measuring points. For example, it can be used to determine or detect an otherwise unclear placement of the sensor device in a bus system.

[0013] Advantageously, each of the measuring points and / or the sensor devices can be connected in terms of information technology to the, in particular central, control unit, in particular via a common line or through different lines, wherein the, preferably common, line is configured in particular for transmitting the measurement signals and / or the identification signal. The common line can, for example, be a ring system and / or a bus system. In this case, a set of identical, common lines can also be provided, e.g. in the form of a data bus system, in order to be able to transmit a larger amount of data, for example. The common line can optionally also be configured to supply power to the measuring points and / or the sensor devices. It can be provided that the system comprises a common line for forwarding measurement signals and a further common line for identifying the sensor devices.The common line can in particular comprise a data path with a width of 4 bits to 32 bits. The common line can optionally also be bidirectional, i.e. in particular can be configured so that, in addition to the measurement and / or identification signals that can be transmitted to the control unit, control signals can be transmitted from the control unit to the sensor device. The control unit can be configured to generate control signals and to send them, in particular via the common line, to the sensor device(s). This can be, for example, a signal for detecting and forwarding measurement signals and / or an instruction for the, in particular local, identification of the sensor device. By providing a common line, material, installation space and / or installation effort can be saved, in particular compared to the use of individual lines for each of the measuring points or sensor devices.While it can generally be problematic to carry out a clear assignment of the individual sensor devices or the measurement signals of the sensor devices, in particular automatically, in the case of a common line, the identification according to the invention can also achieve a clear assignment in the case of a common line.

[0014] Advantageously, the at least one sensor device and / or the at least one measuring point can be configured to generate the identification signal based on a detected time difference and / or based on a signal propagation time, in particular in relation to a current vehicle speed. Preferably, the signal propagation time or the detected time difference is directly related to the position of the measuring point or the sensor device positioned at the measuring point. In particular, the signal propagation time or the time of a detected event can be linked to the vehicle speed, for example by using an element arranged outside the vehicle as a reference. A sensor unit can be arranged at the at least one measuring point and / or the at least one sensor device.The sensor unit can in particular be configured to detect an event and / or an object entering its detection range in a time-associated manner. For example, the sensor unit can be configured, in an installed state, to detect the driving over of an obstacle and / or the passing of a predetermined object. The sensor unit can be, for example, an acceleration sensor, a signal receiver, or a noise sensor. The system can comprise a reference sensor unit, which is in particular configured to be installed in a vehicle at a predetermined location and / or arranged in the vehicle. The reference sensor unit can be configured, in particular analogously to the sensor unit, to detect an event and / or an object entering its detection range, wherein this detection can be assigned to a point in time. The reference sensor unit can in particular be designed analogously to the sensor unit.The time difference can be a time difference between a respective signal acquisition by the reference sensor unit and the sensor unit. For example, a time at which the reference sensor unit passes an object and another time at which the sensor unit passes an object can form the time difference. Alternatively or additionally, the time difference can also be a signal propagation time of a signal, wherein, in particular, a signal line of the signal from a signal transmitter to the sensor device or the measuring point can be configured to delay the signal, in particular to delay it to a different extent for each measuring point. Thus, this embodiment can represent a possibility for local identification with little additional material expenditure.

[0015] According to the invention, the at least one sensor device is part of a series circuit, wherein the series circuit in particular comprises a voltage source, wherein the at least one sensor device is configured to generate the identification signal based on a signal transmitted via the series circuit, in particular a voltage signal. In particular, the series circuit can comprise a plurality of sensor devices, wherein the series circuit is configured such that the signal transmitted via the series circuit has a different characteristic at each sensor device. The identification signal can preferably be defined via a predetermined characteristic, for example via the time at which the signal reaches the sensor device, via an amplitude or size of the signal, e.g. the magnitude of a voltage, and / or via a signal curve.Advantageously, in this embodiment, the system can be configured to utilize influences on a signal that are already present due to the environment and / or the design characteristics of the vehicle in order to generate or determine the identification signal, e.g. in the form of a voltage drop in a bus system.

[0016] Advantageously, the series circuit can be a resistor series circuit, wherein the resistor series circuit comprises a voltage source for generating a voltage, wherein the sensor device is configured to generate the identification signal based on a voltage applied to the at least one sensor device, wherein the resistor series circuit is designed in particular such that the applied voltage depends on the position of the respective measuring point. Preferably, the resistor series circuit is designed independently and / or separately from a supply line for supplying power to the sensor device. The resistor series circuit can represent an easily implementable possibility for generating a position-dependent identification signal, in particular in relation to other elements of the series circuit, by using in particular the lower voltage after each resistor as a reference.In this embodiment, the identification signal can be the magnitude of a voltage. In particular, the resistor series circuit can comprise a plurality of sensor devices and / or measuring points connected in series, wherein each of the sensor devices and / or measuring points comprises an electrical resistor that is part of the resistor series circuit. It can be provided that upon connection of the sensor device to the measuring point, the respective resistance of the sensor device is automatically integrated into the resistor series circuit. Particularly preferably, the resistor can be part of the measuring point and in any case part of the resistor series circuit, wherein in particular a voltage behind the resistor is detected when the sensor device is connected to the measuring point.The sensor device can comprise a voltage sensor configured to detect the voltage of the resistor series circuit at the measuring point and, in particular, to use it as an identification signal. Alternatively, the voltage sensor can also be part of the measuring point, and the measuring point can be configured to send the identification signal to the sensor device and / or forward the identification signal, advantageously together with a signal, in particular a measurement signal, from the sensor device to the control unit. In this embodiment, the detected voltage is, in particular, lower the more resistors are arranged between the voltage source and the measuring point. Consequently, the detected voltage is different at each measuring point and can be used to determine the position, in particular within the series circuit, or the location within the series circuit of the sensor device(s).If, according to one embodiment, a number N of resistors is assumed, which can in particular correspond to a number N of measuring points, the voltage at a specific measuring point depends on the number and size of the resistors arranged upstream of the measuring point in the series circuit. Resistors of the same size are preferably provided at the measuring points, ie R 1 = R 2 = R 3 =...= R n = R, where R is the (always the same) resistance value of the individual resistors. Consequently, the voltage drop across each resistor is the same, and a voltage U pos that can be read at a measuring point is directly proportional to the number N pos of the measuring points arranged further upstream in the resistor circuit. Depending on the voltage UB of the voltage source, the following thus results. U pos = U B ⋅ R pos + 1 + ⋯ + R N R 1 + R 2 + ⋯ + R pos + ⋯ + R N = U B ⋅ N − N pos ⋅ R N ⋅ R , where N pos is the number of resistors before the measuring point and thus also an indicator for the position of the measuring point, and R pos+1 is the resistance after the current measuring point. The number N pos , which is particularly assigned to the number of the measuring point at which the sensor device is positioned and / or corresponds to this, can then be determined as the basis for the identification signal by N pos = N − N ⋅ U pos U B .

[0017] The identification signal can thus be determined, if the number of measuring points and the supply voltage UB of the voltage source are known, by simply reading a voltage U pos at the measuring point where the sensor device is located. In particular, in the event that the number of resistors is undetermined or dependent on the number of sensor devices, e.g. because the resistors are built into the sensor devices, the number of connected sensor devices can be determined via the current IB in the resistor series circuit, whereby with UB / IB =N×R the number can be calculated in particular as N=UB / (IB ×R). For example, the control unit and / or the sensor device can be configured to carry out these calculations, in particular automatically.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, the system can preferably comprise a digital-to-analog converter (D / A converter) and / or an analog-to-digital converter (A / D converter), in particular at the measuring point, on the sensor device and / or on the, in particular central, control unit, wherein the D / A converter and / or A / D converter can in particular have a resolution in a range of 4 bits to 32 bits, preferably in a range of 8 bits to 16 bits, particularly preferably 12 bits. 4 bits to 32 bits can be a good value range for processing measurement signals, in particular when there are multiple sensor devices. 8 bits to 16 bits can be a good value range for achieving the resolution required for identification. In particular, it has been shown that 12 bits are well suited to achieving sufficient measurement accuracy.

[0019] In particular, the total number (N) of resistors in the resistor series circuit and a relative measurement accuracy (δ) of the voltage in percent can be linked via the equation N=100% / |δ|. Here, the number of resistors can be N and |δ| can be the total amount of uncertainty. If the measurement uncertainty is, for example, ±25%, then |δ|=|-25%|+|+25%|=|50%|. In this example, N=2 sensor devices could therefore be distinguished. This relationship can be explained by dividing the total voltage of the voltage source (corresponding to 100%) into smaller voltage amounts (in %), which are measured to identify the sensor device. In this case, |δ| should not be greater than the voltage drop across a resistor (proportionately in %) in order to still be able to distinguish between the different voltage signals. For example, a measurement accuracy of ±0.05% can be achieved. This results in a maximum number of measuring points of N=100 / |0.05%+0.05%|=1000.For this number, a D / A converter or A / D converter with a resolution of at least (log(1000) / log(2)) bits ≈ 10 bits can be used. Consequently, it has been found that a 12-bit converter is well suited for use in this embodiment of the invention.

[0020] Advantageously, the at least one sensor device can be configured to detect a point in time at which it is supplied with power via the series circuit and to generate the identification signal based on this point in time. For example, the position can be determined via the bus participants of a bus system available for communication, wherein the wiring sequence in particular can be decisive. According to the invention, the at least one sensor device comprises a switching mechanism for connecting a further sensor device to the series circuit, wherein the at least one sensor device is configured to exclude the further sensor device from the series circuit when it is not itself supplied with power and, as soon as it is itself supplied with power, to connect the further sensor device to the series circuit after a predetermined time interval.For example, one of several sensor devices can be configured to register a time when it is supplied with power, forward this time, in particular, to the control unit, and close a switch, preferably with a time delay, thereby connecting the next sensor device to the power supply. The time difference can thus be used to easily determine the identification, in particular the local identification, or the identification signal.

[0021] Advantageously, the at least one sensor device can comprise an identification means, in particular a QR code and / or a bar code, wherein the measuring point comprises a recognition device and / or wherein a recognition device, in particular a QR scanner and / or a bar scanner, is arranged at the measuring point, wherein the recognition device is designed to detect and / or identify the identification means, wherein the measuring point, the recognition device and / or the sensor device is configured to generate the identification signal for the at least one sensor device based on the identification means detected or identified by the recognition device. Advantageously, the sensor device can thus be automatically recognized. A combination with one of the other embodiments is also conceivable, e.g.With the resistor series circuit, the system can be configured to automatically detect whether (any) sensor device is connected to a specific measuring point. The system can be configured to determine the exact positioning of each individual measuring point using the other embodiment, e.g., using the resistor series circuit described herein. For example, a scan can be used to determine which measuring points are occupied, and the resistor series circuit can then be used to determine the order of the sensor devices among the occupied measuring points.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the invention, a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle and / or trailer, is provided; comprising a system as described herein, wherein the vehicle in particular comprises at least one vehicle axle, advantageously comprising a brake disc, and / or in particular a vehicle wheel, wherein at least one of the measuring points is arranged on the vehicle wheel, on the brake disc and / or on the vehicle axle of the vehicle, wherein in particular at least one measuring point is arranged on each of several vehicle wheels and / or vehicle axles. All advantages and features described for the system can be transferred analogously to the vehicle and vice versa.The sensor device can in particular be configured to detect at least one state and / or operating variable of the vehicle, the vehicle axle, the brake disc and / or the vehicle wheel, for example by the sensor device comprising a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an acceleration sensor, a vibration sensor and / or an optical sensor.

[0023] Advantageously, the vehicle can comprise a plurality of axles, with at least one measuring point being arranged on at least two axles, preferably on the majority of axles, and particularly preferably on all axles. Thus, for example, each individual axle, or the wheels and / or brake discs of the axles, can be advantageously monitored, whereby a clear assignment of measurement signals to the individual axles or components can be possible with the aid of the system.

[0024] Advantageously, the at least one sensor device can be designed to detect when a vehicle axle assigned to it travels over an obstacle, and wherein the sensor device or the measuring point is configured to generate the identification signal based on a temporal assignment of the travel over of the obstacle, wherein the assigned vehicle axle is in particular a vehicle axle on which the measuring point of the sensor device is arranged or which is closest to the measuring point of the sensor device. For example, the obstacle can be an unevenness in the road surface, e.g. a manhole cover or a pothole. This embodiment can have the advantage that the surroundings or the properties of the road surface can be exploited, in particular automatically, to detect the positioning of the at least one sensor device.For example, the system can be configured to use a vehicle speed to establish a correlation between the time of crossing the obstacle and the location of the sensor device. The sensor device can be configured to register and / or query the vehicle speed and determine the position of the sensor device from the vehicle speed and the time association of crossing the obstacle.In particular, the system can comprise a reference device at a fixed position, wherein the reference device is designed to detect when a vehicle axle assigned to it travels over an obstacle and to transmit this information to the, in particular central, control unit, wherein the, in particular central, control unit can be configured to determine the position of the at least one sensor device based on the identification signal in combination with the information of the reference device and a current vehicle speed.

[0025] Advantageously, the sensor device and / or the reference device can comprise an acceleration sensor and be configured to detect an obstacle that has been driven over using the acceleration sensor. In particular, the acceleration sensor can be configured to detect a vertical acceleration, preferably in the area at the axle. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device and / or the reference device can comprise a sound sensor and be configured to detect an obstacle that has been driven over based on the noise generated when driving over it. The noise can, for example, be a noise generated by driving over a manhole cover and / or another road irregularity. With the aid of a sound and / or acceleration sensor, automatic identification of the sensor device can thus advantageously take place.Advantageously, it can be provided that the sensor used for identification is also configured to detect the measurement signal.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for the local identification of at least one sensor device, preferably a plurality of sensor devices, for detecting measurement signals in or on a vehicle is provided, the method comprising the following steps: Providing the at least one sensor device at one of several measuring points in or on the vehicle; detecting and / or generating an identification signal by the sensor device; forwarding the identification signal to a control unit, in particular a central one; assigning the at least one sensor device and / or the measurement signals detected by the at least one sensor device to the respective measuring point based on the identification signal by the control unit, in particular a central one.

[0027] All advantages and features described for the system and the vehicle can be transferred analogously to the process and vice versa.

[0028] A further aspect of the invention is a sensor device, in particular a sensor device as described herein, which is particularly configured for use in a system as described herein. All advantages and features described for the system and the vehicle can be applied analogously to the sensor device, and vice versa.

[0029] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying figures. Individual features of various embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a system according to the invention, Fig. 2a circuit diagram of a resistor series circuit according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a system according to the invention, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of an additional embodiment of a system according to the invention, Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a system according to the invention, Fig. 6 a circuit diagram of a series circuit with switches according to the fourth embodiment of the invention, Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a method according to an embodiment of the invention and Fig. 8 a schematic representation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] Figure 1shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system according to the invention, which is partially and / or completely installed on vehicle axles 22 of a vehicle 20. The system comprises a plurality of sensor devices 2, which are positioned at measuring points 4 on the vehicle axles 22. In this or all embodiments of the invention, the sensor devices 2 can each be arranged at measuring points 4. Advantageously, at least one sensor device 2 can be positioned or arranged at a respective measuring point 4. The sensor devices 2 are connected to a control unit 6 via a common line (not shown), via which they can transmit measurement signals and identification signals to the control unit 6. This control unit 6 can be a central control unit.

[0031] In this embodiment, the system further comprises a resistor series circuit with a plurality of resistors 16. The sensor devices 2 are connected in series via the resistor series circuit, with a resistor 16 being arranged between each two sensor devices 2. A circuit diagram of this principle is shown in Figure 2 shown. In this example, a voltage source 12 or a power source supplies the series circuit with a voltage of 3.3 V, although other voltage values ​​are also conceivable.

[0032] Each sensor device 2 is provided with a voltage sensor 14 in the form of a voltmeter, which can be used to measure the voltage at the respective sensor device 2. A resistor 16 is arranged between each two sensor devices 2, as a result of which the measured voltage at the next sensor device 2 is lower, in this case by 1.1 V. In this case, a voltage of 3.3 V is measured at the first sensor device 2, a voltage of 2.2 V is measured at the second sensor device 2, and a voltage of 1.1 V is measured at the third sensor device 2. Based on the measured voltage values, each sensor device 2 can be assigned, in particular unambiguously, to its respective position or measuring point.

[0033] Figure 3shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a system according to the invention, which can be installed - at least partially - on vehicle axles 22 of a vehicle 20. In this embodiment too, the sensor devices 2 are positioned at measuring points 4 and in contact with the control unit 6 via a common line 8. In this case, however, the sensor devices 2 are identified with the aid of acceleration sensors 18, which are arranged on the sensor devices 2 and / or can be part of the respective sensor device 2. If the individual vehicle axles 22 pass over an obstacle, this is registered by the acceleration sensors 18. The time at which the vehicle axles 22 each pass over the obstacle is then registered by the sensor device 2 and / or the respective measuring point 4 and forwarded to the control unit 6.Depending on the vehicle speed, this time will be different for each of the vehicle axles, with the first vehicle axle crossing the obstacle at time t0, the second vehicle axle at time t1, and the last vehicle axle at time t2. Based on the recorded travel times and, in particular, taking the vehicle speed into account, the position or measuring point of the respective sensor devices 2 can be determined.

[0034] Figure 4shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of a system according to the invention, which can be installed on vehicle axles 22 of a vehicle 20. In this embodiment, each of the measuring points 4 has a recognition device 19, in particular a QR code scanner, which is configured to detect a QR code on a sensor device 2 positioned at the measuring point 4 and forward it to the control unit 6. Upon installation of the sensor device 2, it is thus possible to immediately determine the position at which the sensor device 2 was installed.

[0035] Figure 5shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of a system according to the invention, which is installed on vehicle axles 22 of a vehicle 20. In this embodiment, the system is configured to determine the position of the sensor devices 2 based on the time at which the sensor devices 2 are connected to an electrical circuit. A circuit diagram of a possible series circuit used for this purpose is shown in Figure 6shown. Accordingly, each of the sensor devices 2 comprises a switch 13, which is initially configured to exclude the next sensor device 2 from the series connection. As soon as the first sensor device 2 (left in the image) is supplied with power, it registers this time and transmits the time as an identification signal to the control unit 6. After a predetermined time interval, the sensor device 2 then switches the switch 13 and thus connects the next sensor device 2 (here the middle sensor device 2) to the circuit. This also registers the time at which the power supply begins and, after a corresponding predetermined time interval, also switches its switch 13 in order to connect the next sensor device 2. This process can be continued until all sensor devices 2 are connected and have registered the time of their connection.

[0036] Figure 7shows a schematic representation of a method according to an embodiment of the invention. In a first step 101, a plurality of sensor devices 2 are initially provided at measuring points 4 in or on a vehicle 20. This can be done in particular by installing the sensor devices 2 at the measuring points 4 of the vehicle 20. The sensor devices 2 are connected to a control unit 6, which can basically be a central control unit, via the measuring points 4 and a common line 8. The sensor devices 2 can be designed such that they can each be installed at different measuring points 4. The following steps serve to identify the sensor devices 2 or to automatically assign the sensor devices 2 to the measuring point 4 at which they are positioned. In a step 102, an identification signal is first detected and / or generated by the sensor device 2.This occurs in particular according to one of the embodiments of the system according to the invention described herein. For example, by means of a resistor series circuit and voltage sensors 14, a different voltage at the various sensor devices 2 can be determined as an identification signal, which can be used to identify or spatially assign the sensor devices 2. In a further step 103, the identification signal is forwarded to a, in particular central, control unit 6. Finally, in a further step 104, the control unit 6 assigns the individual sensor devices 2 or the measurement signals detected by the sensor devices 2 to their respective measuring point 4 or to their position based on the identification signal.

[0037] Figure 8shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 20 with a system according to an embodiment of the invention. In the vehicle 20, for example, one of the embodiments of a system shown in the Figures 1 to 7 shown must be installed. List of reference symbols:

[0038] 2Sensor device 4Measuring point 6Control unit 8Common line 12Voltage source 13Switch, switching mechanism 14Voltage sensor, voltmeter 16Resistance 18Acceleration sensor 19Identification means 20Vehicle 22Vehicle axle

Claims

1. System for identifying at least one sensor device (2), preferably a plurality of sensor devices (2), in or on a vehicle (20), wherein the system comprises the at least one sensor device (2) for detecting measurement signals and at least one measuring point (4), preferably a plurality of measuring points (4), wherein at least one of the sensor devices (2) is positioned and / or positionable at the measuring point (4) or the measuring points (4), wherein the system comprises a control unit (6) for collecting and / or evaluating the measurement signals detected by the at least one sensor device (2), wherein the at least one sensor device (2) and / or the measuring point (4) is configured for this purpose, to detect and / or generate an identification signal, in particular a position-dependent identification signal, and to forward it to the control unit (6), wherein the control unit (6) is configured to assign the at least one sensor device (2) and / or the measurement signals detected by the at least one sensor device (2) to the respective measuring point (4) on the basis of the identification signal, wherein the at least one sensor device (2) is part of a series circuit, wherein the series circuit comprises in particular a voltage source (12), wherein the at least one sensor device (2) is configured to generate the identification signal on the basis of a signal, in particular a voltage signal, transmitted via the series circuit, wherein the at least one sensor device (2) is configured to detect a time at which it is supplied with power via the series circuit, wherein the at least one sensor device (2) comprises a switching mechanism (13) for connecting a further sensor device (2) to the series circuit, characterized in that the at least one sensor device (2) is configured to exclude the further sensor device (2) from the series circuit when it is not itself powered and, once it is itself powered, to connect the further sensor device (2) to the series circuit after a predetermined time interval.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein each of the measuring points (4) and / or the sensor devices (2) is connected to the control unit (6) in terms of information technology, in particular via a common line (8), wherein the, preferably common, line (8) is configured in particular for transmitting the measurement signals and / or the identification signal.

3. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor device (2) and / or the at least one measuring point (4) are configured to generate the identification signal on the basis of a detected time difference and / or on the basis of a signal propagation time, in particular in connection with a current vehicle speed.

4. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the series circuit comprises a plurality of sensor devices (2), wherein the series circuit is configured such that the signal transmitted via the series circuit is different at each sensor device (2).

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the series circuit is a resistor series circuit, wherein the resistor series circuit comprises a voltage source (12) for generating a voltage, wherein the sensor device (2) is configured to generate the identification signal on the basis of a voltage applied to the at least one sensor device (2), wherein the resistor series circuit is designed in particular such that the applied voltage is dependent on the position of the respective measuring point (4).

6. System according to claim 5, wherein the resistor series circuit comprises a plurality of series-connected sensor devices (2), wherein each of the sensor devices (2) comprises an electrical resistor (16) forming part of the resistor series circuit.

7. System according to claim 6, wherein the total number N of resistors (16) in the resistor series circuit and a relative measurement accuracy δ of the voltage in percent are linked via the equation N=100% / |δ|.

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor device (2) comprises an identification means (19), in particular a QR code, wherein the measuring point (4) comprises a recognition device and / or wherein a recognition device is arranged at the measuring point (4), wherein the recognition device is designed to detect and / or identify the identification means (19), wherein the measuring point (4), the recognition device or the sensor device (2) is configured to generate the identification signal for the at least one sensor device (2) on the basis of the identification means (19) detected or identified by the recognition device.

9. Vehicle (20), in particular commercial vehicle and / or trailer, comprising a system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle (20) comprises in particular at least one vehicle axle (22), advantageously comprising a brake disk, and / or in particular a vehicle wheel, wherein at least one of the measuring points (4) is arranged on the vehicle wheel, on the brake disk and / or on the vehicle axle (22) of the vehicle (20), wherein in particular at least one measuring point (4) is arranged in each case on a plurality of vehicle wheels and / or vehicle axles (22).

10. Vehicle (20) according to claim 9, wherein the at least one sensor device (2) is configured to detect when a vehicle axle (22) associated therewith passes over an obstacle, and wherein the sensor device (2) or the measuring point (4) is configured to generate the identification signal on the basis of a temporal assignment of the passing over of the obstacle, wherein the assigned vehicle axle (22) is in particular a vehicle axle (22) at which the measuring point (4) of the sensor device (2) is arranged or which is closest to the measuring point (4) of the sensor device (2).

11. Vehicle (20) according to claim 10, wherein the system comprises a reference device at a fixed position, wherein the reference device is designed to detect when a vehicle axle (22) assigned to it passes over an obstacle and to transmit this information to the control unit (6), wherein the control unit (6) is configured to determine the position of the at least one sensor device (2) based on the identification signal in combination with the information of the reference device and a current vehicle speed.

12. Method for identifying at least one sensor device (2), preferably a plurality of sensor devices (2), for detecting measurement signals in or on a vehicle (20), wherein the method comprises the following steps: - - providing the at least one sensor device (2) at one of a plurality of measuring points (4) in or on the vehicle (20), wherein the at least one sensor device (2) is part of a series circuit; - detecting and / or generating an identification signal by the sensor device (2), wherein the sensor device (2) generates the identification signal on the basis of a signal, in particular a voltage signal, transmitted via the series circuit, wherein the sensor device (2) detects a point in time at which it is supplied with power via the series circuit and generates the identification signal on the basis thereof, wherein the at least one sensor device (2) comprises a switching mechanism (13) for connecting a further sensor device (2) to the series circuit, wherein the at least one sensor device (2) excludes the further sensor device (2) from the series circuit when it is not itself supplied with power and, as soon as it is itself supplied with power, connects the further sensor device (2) to the series circuit after a predetermined time interval; - forwarding the identification signal to a control unit (6); - assigning the at least one sensor device (2) and / or the measurement signals detected by the at least one sensor device (2) to the respective measuring point (4) on the basis of the identification signal by the control unit (6).