EP2042379A2 - Control device and method for identifying replacement parts of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (20) has an interface provided for a detecting device (60) that reads information. Another interface is provided for indirect or direct connection to an engine (30), an exhaust system (40) and a compressed air conditioning system (50). The device interprets the information, which is impressed to spare parts. The device is partly integrated into an on-board computer of a commercial motor vehicle (10) e.g. truck. The detecting device is firmly integrated in the vehicle. The detection device is connectable to the device by a cable connection or a radio contact. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a system for identification of spare parts for subsystems (2) a method for identification of spare parts for subsystems.

Description

The invention relates to a control unit for the identification of spare parts for subsystems of a vehicle with an information read by a detection device.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for the identification of spare parts for subsystems of a vehicle, comprising a control device, a detection device and means for data transmission to a plurality of subsystems, the spare parts having identification means whose information can be detected by the detection device.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the identification of spare parts for subsystems of a vehicle with an information read by a detection device, wherein the spare parts have identification means whose information is detected by a detection device.

Although the following mainly deals with commercial vehicles and the embodiments are explained with reference to commercial vehicles, the control unit, system and method according to the invention can nevertheless also be used in conjunction with other types of vehicles, for example passenger cars, motorcycles, ships or aircraft.

Modern vehicles, d. H. in particular passenger and commercial vehicles, such as trucks, rail vehicles, aircraft and watercraft, which are used in road, rail, air or water transport, must have high standards of reliability and safety, as they have the one with the largest possible maintenance intervals On the other hand, a failure of a safety-relevant part of the vehicle can have serious consequences.

Subsystems of a commercial vehicle which have parts to be replaced at various intervals include, for example, the brake system (brake pads), the drive (oil and air filter), the exhaust gas purification system (exhaust purification filter), the hydraulic system (hydraulic oil filter), the transmission (transmission oil filter), the air pressure conditioning system (Air filter cartridge) and the windscreen wiper (windscreen wiper blades). In the simplest case, the maintenance intervals for such spare parts can be written in Be monitored form, this type of accounting is naturally prone to error.

With the advancement of miniaturization of electronic components, it has become possible to integrate an increasing number of management and monitoring functions into the commercial vehicle. Subsystems of a commercial vehicle can be electronically controlled and monitored. The functions inherited from such an electronic control may include, for example, the detection of the presence of the replacement part at start-up, the monitoring of a locking mechanism to determine whether an associated replacement part has been changed in the meantime, the monitoring of the thickness of the brake pads or the available mileage to the next Include oil changes. A disadvantage of these monitoring functions is that they depend on the proper use of suitable replacement parts. For example, these systems can not determine if the replacement parts that are installed are suitable for the vehicle at all. For example, it is known that the filter cartridges for compressed air distribution systems have substantially standardized connection dimensions, but may have different cleaning or drying performance. If, incorrectly, an unsuitable filter cartridge is installed in the commercial vehicle, it can, in the worst case, cause damage to the compressed air treatment system or to air consumer systems.

This problem can be solved by equipping the utility vehicle's compressed air preparation system with sensors that detect identification means attached to the filter cartridge. However, the systems are very complex in terms of apparatus.

The invention has for its object to ensure that no unsuitable spare parts are installed in different subsystems of the commercial vehicle, and at the same time to reduce the number of components used.

This object is solved by the features of the independent claims.

Advantageous embodiments and modifications of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the generic control unit in that the control unit comprises at least one interface for at least one detection device and at least one interface for the direct or indirect connection to a plurality of subsystems. Thus, a single control unit is connected or connectable to a plurality of subsystems of a vehicle, this being able to ensure the use of suitable replacement parts for all subsystems to which the control unit is connected by the detection device.

In particular, it can be provided that the control unit can interpret information which is stamped on spare parts. The fact that the control unit interprets the detected information, this functionality must be present only once in the entire vehicle. So it saves electronic components. The recorded data can be in encrypted form and their interpretation includes the decryption. By interpreting the detected information, it is determined whether the spare part whose information has been detected is suitable for the vehicle. Furthermore, the interpretation may include modification or extension of the information by vehicle data, such as vehicle data. Mileage, VIN of the vehicle, date, time and location, if a GPS receiver is integrated into the vehicle.

In particular, it is provided that the control unit is at least partially integrated in the on-board computer of the vehicle. Modern vehicles usually already have extensive on-board electronics, which is normally monitored by a central on-board computer. This on-board computer offers ideal conditions for the integration of the control unit, since it is already connected to many subsystems of the vehicle and thus no additional connections between the control unit and the subsystems must be created. Furthermore, the at least partial integration of the control unit in the On-board computer at least a reduction of the additional necessary electronic components.

Usefully, it is provided that the detection device is firmly integrated in the vehicle. This integration of the detection device can be done at any readily accessible point of the vehicle; suitable for this purpose, for example, the cockpit of the vehicle, as any feedback from the control unit on the suitability of the replacement part are directly visible on the existing display instruments there. The replacement part can then be brought to the integrated detection device prior to installation and the information of its identification means are recorded, whereby any feedback from the control device can be observed. It can therefore be determined before installing the spare part, if the replacement part is suitable for the subsystem of the vehicle.

Usefully, it can be provided that the detection device can be connected to the control device via a cable or radio link. It is conceivable that the vehicle is a rail vehicle of considerable length. In this case, it is cumbersome to bring each spare part to a permanently integrated in the vehicle detection device. Of course, this is especially true for large bulky replacement parts. It is then more convenient for the user to use a movable detector.

Advantageously, it can be provided that the control unit provides an interface for external vehicle diagnosis. In the event that a connection is provided for a detection device, this connection can also be used in a service device to connect an external diagnostic device. A separate connection can be saved. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the control unit comprises a separate connection for an external diagnostic device. In both cases, the control unit can serve as an interface between the external diagnostic device and the detection device, as soon as both are simultaneously connected to the control unit. Data can be exchanged between the diagnostic device and the vehicle electronics via the interface between the external diagnostic device and the control unit.

It can also be provided that the control unit is not firmly integrated into the vehicle and can be connected via a cable or radio link directly or indirectly to the on-board computer. The use of an external control unit makes it possible to use a single multi-vehicle control unit. It is conceivable, for example, that only the service point has such a control unit and if necessary, that is, when replacing a designated by means of identification spare part, the controller connects to the vehicle. This will increase the number of people to use in the vehicle Systems reduced, which ultimately leads to a further cost reduction.

Furthermore, it can then be usefully provided that the detection device is integrated together with the control unit in a common housing. If the control unit represents an external device which can be connected to the vehicle, it is conceivable to integrate the necessary detection device together with the control unit into a common housing. This combination is very efficient because now only the combination of control unit and detection device has to be coupled with the vehicle. A separate connection between detection device and control unit or vehicle can be omitted.

Advantageously, it can be provided that the control unit provides an interface for external vehicle diagnosis. If a connection is provided for the coupling of the control device to the vehicle, then an additional connection to the vehicle can be saved by connecting an external diagnostic device indirectly to the vehicle via the control device.

Usefully, it can furthermore be provided that the control unit is integrated in a device for external vehicle diagnosis. Service workshops for modern vehicles usually already have extensive facilities for offboard diagnostics of the vehicle. The integration the control unit in the already existing infrastructure of the service facility is therefore useful to limit the number of separate facilities necessary for the maintenance of the vehicle.

The generic system for the identification of spare parts for subsystems of a vehicle is further developed in that the detection device can detect information of spare parts for different subsystems. The possibility of detecting the impressed information of spare parts of several subsystems of the vehicle with only one detection device and only one control device represents an advantageous saving of system components whose functionality can be adopted without disadvantages from the remaining components.

In particular, it can be provided that the control unit can interpret the information that is stamped on spare parts. The fact that the control unit interprets the detected information, this functionality must be present only once in the entire vehicle. So it saves electronic components.

Usefully, it can be provided that the control unit can forward the interpreted data to at least one responsible subsystem. By forwarding the interpreted data to the competent subsystems, the necessary scope of functions of the control unit can be minimized if the responsible subsystem of the Vehicle stores and monitors the maintenance intervals of spare parts themselves. This functionality in the controller can therefore be eliminated if the interpreted data is forwarded to the responsible subsystem. It is also conceivable that the subsystems of the vehicle require operating parameters of the replacement part in order to increase the service life of the replacement part. A filter cartridge for a compressed air treatment plant can be offered, for example, with two different drying agents that are regenerated differently or for different lengths. If incorrect regeneration cycles are used, this can have a negative effect on the service life of the filter cartridge or the compressed air treatment system and connected compressed air consumers.

Advantageously, it can be provided that the detection device comprises an optical detection which can read in a spare part identification means comprising a barcode. The optical detection of barcodes for the identification of objects is a sophisticated low-cost method. At the same time the susceptibility is very low.

Usefully it can be provided that the detection device comprises an electromagnetic detection, which can read in a transponder comprehensive identification means of the spare parts. The use of transponders for the identification of objects has already widely used. Since a transponder does not necessarily have to be mounted on the surface of the replacement part, it is less susceptible to contamination than a barcode. Furthermore, the orientation of the transponder with respect to the detection device is not essential, since only the spatial distance is relevant. This can be advantageous in particular when acquiring information from an already installed spare part, since a barcode can then definitely be located at a point inaccessible to the detection device.

In particular, it can be provided that the transponder contained in the identification means comprises memory which the detection device can describe or delete. By using memory that can be manipulated by the detector, it is possible to couple at least part of the interpreted information directly to the spare part. This may include, for example, the chassis number of the vehicle, the mileage, date, time and location at the time of detection. The communication between the transponder and the detection device can be encrypted in order to avoid intentional manipulation of the information.

Advantageously, it can be provided that the detection device, the identification means of the spare parts after successful reading of a permissible information can convert into an at least partially unreadable state. It is not only conceivable that an unsuitable spare part is installed in the vehicle. Rather, it is also possible that by mistake a suitable but already used spare part should be installed in the vehicle. However, since the information of the used spare part has already been recorded once, its identification means are at least partially unreadable, whereby the control unit can recognize that this spare part is no longer new.

Advantageously, it can be provided that the identification means contain information about the type of spare parts. The term "type" here stands not only for the distinction of different types of spare parts, such as an oil filter and an air filter, but also for the distinction between different spare parts that, while performing the same function, but still not identical.

Usefully, it can be provided that the identification means mark the spare parts individually. Such an individual tag may be used, for example, to trace back individual batches of replacement parts that have proven defective upon delivery. It is not only possible to identify spare parts that have not yet been installed, but also to detect affected vehicles in which such a faulty spare part has been installed before a subsystem fails due to damage. This can be done in a simple manner by making the individual markings of the defective replacement parts available to the service workshops. By capturing information already installed parts in the appearing for service vehicles can then be determined in a simple manner, whether built-in parts belong to the defective batch.

Usefully, it can be provided that the identification means contain information about the service life of the replacement parts. Due to the technical advancement, for example, it is conceivable that the service life of an oil filter increases. This could be done by changing the oil filter itself, but also by improving the engine oil used. Instead of intervening in the complex programming of the on-board electronics and possibly causing a mistake by a change, the desired result can be achieved in a simple manner via the information gathered from the spare part.

Advantageously, it can be provided that the identification means can not be separated from the spare parts nondestructively. This ensures that the captured information really belongs to the spare part from which it was read.

The invention is based on the generic method for detecting properties of spare parts for subsystems of a vehicle in that the detection device detects the information that is stamped on spare parts before installing the replacement parts. On this basis, the advantages and special features of the system according to the invention are implemented in the context of a method.

In particular, it can be provided that the control unit interprets the detected information. The interpretation of the collected data by the control unit is advantageous, since so the cost of additional electronic components in the vehicle is minimized.

With regard to the simplest possible production of the system can be provided that the control unit forwards the interpreted information to at least one subsystem of the vehicle. By forwarding the interpreted information, both the storage and the provision of further functions in the control unit become superfluous. These functions can usually be performed by the existing on-board electronics.

Usefully, it can be provided in the method that the interpretation of the detected information by the control device comprises a comparison with permissible information that, if the detected information is not complies with permissible information, the control unit directly or indirectly activates a visual or audible fault indication, and if the detected information agrees with a permissible information, the maintenance interval for this replacement part restarts and the subsystem resumes its normal function. The activation of a visual or audible fault indication serves both the comfort and the safety of the user. It informs the user that an inappropriate spare part should be installed before further measures to maintain vehicle safety must be initiated. In this way, both labor can be saved, since the unsuitable spare part is not installed, as well as a complex troubleshooting are avoided, which would inevitably arise if an unsuitable spare part is installed, which then disturbs the functionality of a subsystem or causes its failure.

Advantageously, the method can be further developed in that the control device indirectly or directly prevents the re-commissioning of the vehicle, if the service life of a spare part is exceeded and not permissible or no information is detected. Modern vehicles point out the user early on reaching the service life (for example, a filter), which is to replace the maintenance of the reliability of the subsystem. A necessary service stay of the vehicle can therefore be conveniently planned. If the service life of this filter is exceeded, that is to say the announced service interval is ignored, or if an inappropriate filter is inadvertently installed, then the vehicle is no longer in a fail-safe condition and must consequently be shut down until the fault is rectified.

Usefully, the method can be further developed in that the detection device transfers the identification means of the spare part to an at least partially unreadable state after successful reading out of permissible information. By this method step can be achieved that not coincidentally, although a suitable, but not new spare part is installed. This error can occur in particular in larger service workshops, if the same parts are to be replaced with several vehicles. If the user inadvertently accesses a spare part already in use originating from another vehicle, the control unit will recognize this error in the detection of the information by the partial illegibility of the identification means, and it can inform the user of his mistake.

Usefully, it can be provided that the control unit determines the service life of the replacement part as a function of the detected information. It is conceivable, for example, the same manufacturer different spare parts Offer quality. The control unit can now determine a wide variety of spare parts qualities based on the information collected and as a result provide a reduced service life for the lower quality.

Advantageously, it can be provided that a detection device which can be connected to the control unit via a cable or radio connection acquires information from already installed spare parts. If a defect unexpectedly occurs in a subsystem of the vehicle, it may be necessary to temporarily remedy this defect outside a service workshop in order to be able to move the vehicle. If no detection device is present in the vehicle, a provisional repair of the vehicle can take place with spare parts whose information has not yet been recorded. However, the information of the installed spare parts must be detected after a short time by a connectable to the vehicle detection device. Trigger for a short-term acceptance of spare parts with unrecognized identification means in a subsystem of the vehicle, for example, could be detected by the on-board electronics failure of a subsystem with simultaneously missing detection device in the vehicle.

Usefully, it can be provided that at least part of the interpreted information is transmitted to the identification means of the detected replacement part. This step allows the coupling of interpreted data to the detected spare part. For example, the date of installation and the vehicle in which the replacement part has been installed can be coupled to the replacement part.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings with reference to preferred embodiments.

Figur 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Nutzfahrzeugs mit mehreren Teilsystemen, in dem ein erfindungsgemäßes System verwendet wird;

Figur 2

eine schematische Darstellung eines Nutzfahrzeugs mit mehreren Teilsystemen, in dem ein erfindungsgemäßes System verwendet wird;

Figur 3

eine mit einem Steuergerät verbundene Erfassungseinrichtung sowie ein Ersatzteil mit Identifikationsmitteln;

Figur 4

eine mit einem Steuergerät verbundene Erfassungseinrichtung sowie ein Ersatzteil mit Identifikationsmitteln;

Figur 5

eine Erfassungseinrichtung mit einer Anntenne und einen Transponder;

Figur 6

den Aufbau eines typischen Transponderspeicherinhalts;

Figur 7

ein geschnittenes Ersatzteil mit Transponder;

Figur 8

eine in Onboard- und Offboardbereich unterteilte Systemarchitektur eines Nutzfahrzeugs;

Figur 9

ein vereinfachtes Blockschaltbild eines Steuergerätes mit seinen wesentlichen Komponenten und Anschlüssen und

Figur 10

ein Flussdiagramm eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

Show it:

FIG. 1

a schematic representation of a commercial vehicle with multiple subsystems in which a system according to the invention is used;

FIG. 2

a schematic representation of a commercial vehicle with multiple subsystems in which a system according to the invention is used;

FIG. 3

a detection device connected to a control device and a spare part with identification means;

FIG. 4

a detection device connected to a control device and a spare part with identification means;

FIG. 5

a detection device with an antenna and a transponder;

FIG. 6

the structure of a typical transponder memory content;

FIG. 7

a cut spare part with transponder;

FIG. 8

a system architecture of a commercial vehicle divided into onboard and offboard areas;

FIG. 9

a simplified block diagram of a control unit with its essential components and connections and

FIG. 10

a flowchart of a method according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a commercial vehicle 10 with several subsystems, in which a system according to the invention is used. The utility vehicle comprises an engine 30, an exhaust system 40, and a compressed air treatment system 50. Furthermore, an on-board computer 22 and a control unit 20 coupled thereto are present. The on-board computer 22 is coupled via connection means 84 to the engine 30, the exhaust system 40 and the compressed air treatment system 50. Furthermore, display means 70, a detection device 60, which is permanently integrated into the utility vehicle, and a connection 80 are provided, which are coupled to the control device 20 via connection means 84. To the connection 80 can with Help a plug 82, an external detection device 62 are coupled to the controller 20. Therefore, the system does not necessarily have to simultaneously include a fixed detector 60 and an external detector 62 connector 80. It is also possible to connect an external diagnostic device for external vehicle diagnosis to this port. The indicated subsystems of the commercial vehicle (engine 30, exhaust system 40 and compressed air treatment system 50) each comprise parts to which the system and method according to the invention can be applied. These are, for example, the oil and air filters of the engine 30, the exhaust gas purification filter of the exhaust system 40, and the air cleaner cartridge of the compressed air treatment system 50. Of course, the system and method can be applied to other parts, also for simplifying subsystems not shown.

In the illustrated embodiment, both the control unit 20 and the on-board computer 22 are separate units, which may be useful in particular for retrofitting vehicles; However, the integration of the controller in the on-board computer is also conceivable. Furthermore, the illustrated subsystems of the commercial vehicle (engine 30, exhaust system 40 and compressed air treatment system 50) are connected in parallel to the on-board computer 22 by means of connecting means 84. Other subsystems of the commercial vehicle, which are not shown here, of course, also connected to the on-board computer 22 but have been omitted for the sake of simplicity. It is also conceivable that the individual subsystems are not connected in parallel to the on-board computer 22, but for example via a serial bus or a radio link. The control unit 20 can communicate via a connection to the on-board computer 22 with all subsystems, which are likewise coupled to the on-board computer 22. A clock generator having a microcontroller and a memory for software and data can be integrated into the control unit 20. Data to be written can then be buffered to synchronize the clock cycles between reading and writing. A direct connection between the controller 20 and the existing subsystems is also conceivable. It should also be noted that although the illustrated utility vehicle 10 is a motor vehicle, the system and method of the invention may equally well be used in a passenger, rail, air or water vehicle.

If the service life of a replacement part of a subsystem of the commercial vehicle 10 (for example, the air filter cartridge of the compressed air treatment system 50) is reached, this is signaled by the control unit 20 via the display means 70 to the user. The service life of the replacement part can be measured, inter alia, over the vehicle running time, the kilometers traveled or the actual load, the actual load in each case can be determined differently. Conceivable criteria Among other things, the operating cycles in the case of cyclically operable subsystems, such as windscreen wipers, or the actually filtered amount of air or oil in the case of an air or oil filter. The user will therefore visit a service facility for the commercial vehicle in which the spent air filter cartridge can be replaced. There, the spent air filter cartridge (not shown) is removed from the compressed air treatment plant 50. The air filter cartridge is now brought to the detection of the information either in the vicinity of the built-in detection device 60 or a connectable detection device 62. The information detected by the detection device 60, 62 is forwarded to the control unit 20, which checks whether the filter cartridge is suitable for this utility vehicle 10. The detected information may include, for example, a spare part number. The result of this check can be communicated to the user via the display means 70. If the check has been positive, that is, the filter cartridge is suitable as a replacement part for this commercial vehicle 10, then the detection device 60, 62 can at least partially convert the identification means of the filter cartridge into an unreadable state or modify the information of the identification means, whereby, for example, detection by a control device another commercial vehicle can be prevented. The system is now waiting for the installation of the air filter cartridge, whose information has been detected, in the compressed air treatment system 50. The replacement or the Installation of the filter cartridge can usually independently detect modern compressed air treatment plants and notify the control unit 20. Once installation is complete, the air filter cartridge service interval may restart.

FIG. 2 shows one with FIG. 1 largely identical commercial vehicle 10, but the controller 20 is shown externally and integrated with the external detection device 62 in a common housing 64. Furthermore, there is no detection device 60 fixedly arranged in the commercial vehicle 10, and the connections between the individual subsystems of the commercial vehicle are realized via a serial bus with branch connections, to which the external housing 64 can also be connected via a plug 84.

FIG. 3 1 shows a detection device 62 connected to a control unit 20 and a replacement part 100 with identification means 110, 112. The identification means 110, 112 of the replacement part 100 are brought into proximity to the detection device 62, which comprises, for example, optical information detection means 90. With their help, the optical identification means 110 of the replacement part 100 can be detected and forwarded to the control unit 20. Furthermore, the detection device may comprise means for reading out a transponder 112 integrated in the replacement part. Such a transponder 112 usually comprises an antenna, a receiver coil, a disk and a capacitor. The communication between the transponder and the detection device is preferably carried out in an encrypted manner and may also include methods for arbitration, for example according to the cryptographic methods according to IEC 11785 or ISO 9798-2. For this purpose, the transponder may also contain an additional logic circuit, such as a shift register or an ASIC, or a microprocessor for encrypted arbitration. If the transponder 112 comprises a memory, such as EE-Prom or F-Ram, which can be manipulated by the detector 62, it may be erased, for example, or described with interpreted information. This may include the vehicle number, mileage of the vehicle, date, time, location, or other information accessible to the controller, such as the amount of air supplied by the engine air filter and filter cartridge of the compressed air supply device, or the filtered oil quantity of an oil filter. Furthermore, the interpreted information can be stored in the control device itself or associated subsystems and / or transmitted to an external device of the service device for further processing.

FIG. 4 shows essentially the same thing as FIG. 3 However, the detection device 62 is integrated together with the control unit 20 in a housing 64 which is connectable via a plug 84 to a utility vehicle 10.

FIG. 5 1 shows a detection device 62 with an antenna 66 and a transponder 112. The transponder 112 has a ferrite antenna 114, an induction winding 116, a capacitor 118 and a memory with CPU 134.

When the antenna 66 of the detection device 62 is brought into the vicinity of the transponder 112, the electromagnetic waves 68 emitted by the antenna cause the activation of the transponder. Upon activation, information and energy is transmitted to the transponder 112, which is powered by the received energy and, in turn, transmits information back to the detector 62 as electromagnetic wave 69.

FIG. 6 FIG. 12 shows the structure of a typical transponder memory content 140, consisting of an id field 142 of the CPU, a type field id field 144, an id field 146 for the manufacturer, and optionally an empty data field 148 into which, for example, information about the Installation time of the spare part can be written by the detection device 62.

FIG. 7 shows a cut spare part 100 with transponder 112. The transponder can be arranged inside the spare part 100 and is still readable.

FIG. 8 shows a divided into onboard and offboard area system architecture of a commercial vehicle. All components arranged in an onboard region 160 of the commercial vehicle 10 are connected to one another via a CAN bus 164, while all components associated with an offboard region 162 are connected to one another via an offboard data bus 166. The two data buses 164, 166 are connected to one another via a connection 168, which is why the external data bus 166 can be regarded as an extension of the CAN bus 164 beyond the vehicle. As internal components, a timer 150, an input device 152, display means 70, a GPS device and a subsystem 158 of the utility vehicle are shown. As external components, the control unit 20, the detection device 62 and a service computer 24 are shown.

A spare part 100 for the subsystem 158 of the commercial vehicle is to be detected, which is why the spare part 100 is brought into the vicinity of the detection device 62 and a data exchange takes place between the two. In the further course, the control unit 20 and the service computer 24 can be included in the data exchange, wherein the service computer 24 is only optional in a service facility, for example a workshop available and may provide additional configuration and maintenance options. By connecting to the service computer 24 can optionally be dispensed with the control unit 20, whose functions then completely taken over by the service computer 24.

The processed data may then be forwarded to the subsystem 158 via the data buses 164, 166, wherein data about the timing of the timer 150 and the location of detection by the GPS system 156 may be taken into account. Data may also be included to identify the utility vehicle 10 itself, such as the chassis number or the vehicle service card identification number, which could also be entered manually via an input device 152, for example on the vehicle itself.

FIG. 9 shows a simplified block diagram of a control unit 22 with essential components and connections. The illustrated control unit 22 comprises a processor 120, a memory 122, a cryptography processor 124 and a data bus 126. The control unit usually has connections for display means 70 and, if the control unit was not integrated into the on-board computer, for the on-board computer 22. Furthermore, at least one connection option 60, 80 for a detection device 60, 62 is present. The on-board computer 22 typically also includes a processor 128 and a memory 130 and a data bus 132. Furthermore, connection options for the control unit 20 and various subsystems 30, 40 of the commercial vehicle 10 are provided. The number and arrangement of electronic Components and connections may vary depending on the specific embodiment of the device. In particular, an integration of the control unit 20 into the on-board computer 22 could save all electronic components of the control unit 20 except for the cryptography processor 124. The cryptography processor itself is only necessary if the information concerning a spare part is encrypted and the processor 120 of the controller 20 or the processor 128 of the on-board computer 22 is not able to decrypt it. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the display means are not connected directly to the data bus 126 of the control unit 20, but are indirectly connected via the data bus 132 of the on-board computer 22.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of a method according to the invention. The starting point is step 200, in which the commercial vehicle signals the user that a part must be replaced. This may be necessary, for example, as a consequence of the normal operation of the commercial vehicle. In step 210, the required spare part is brought into the vicinity of the detection device and the information of its identification means is detected. The detected information of the spare part is compared by the control unit in step 220 with permissible information. If the information is not permissible, step 230-no, an optical or acoustic warning is issued to the user in step 280 and the vehicle is shut down in the following step 290, since no suitable Spare part is available. On the other hand, if the information is permissible, step 230-yes, the identification means of the replacement part are at least partially converted into an unreadable state by the detection device in step 240. This can be done, for example, by overloading a passive transponder with a short electromagnetic pulse, whereupon it burns out and is no longer readable. Alternatively, also conceivable interpreted information to write to a writable memory of the transponder or delete a writable memory of the transponder to identify the detected spare part or partially overwrite the transponder data. In step 250, the captured information is now forwarded to the subsystem. In step 260, the replacement part is installed and its service interval begins. The commercial vehicle is now ready for operation again in step 270.

The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description, in the drawings and in the claims may be essential to the realization of the invention both individually and in any combination.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

commercial vehicle

20

control unit

22

on-board computer

24

service computer

30

engine

40

exhaust system

50

Compressed air treatment plant

60

permanently installed detection device

62

connectable detection device

64

external housing with detection device and control unit

66

antenna

68

electromagnetic wave

69

electromagnetic wave

70

display means

80

connection

82

plug

84

connecting means

90

Means for collecting information

100

spare part

110

optical identification means (barcode)

112

electromagnetic identification means (transponder)

114

ferrite

116

induction coil

118

capacitor

120

processor

122

Storage

124

The cryptographic processor

126

bus

128

processor

130

Storage

132

bus

134

Memory with processor

140

data field

142

Id field (CPU)

144

Id field (component type)

146

Id field (manufacturer)

148

free data field

150

timer

152

input device

156

GPS

158

control unit

160

Onboard area

162

Offboardbereich

164

CAN-BUS

166

Offboarddatenbus

168

connection

Claims (30)

Control unit (20) for identifying spare parts for subsystems (30, 40, 50) of a vehicle (10) with information read by a detection device (60, 62), characterized in that the control device (20) has at least one interface for at least one Detection device (60, 62) and at least one interface for the direct or indirect connection to a plurality of subsystems (30, 40, 50). Control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (20) can interpret information which is stamped on spare parts. Control unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit (20) is at least partially integrated in the on-board computer (22) of the vehicle (10). Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection device (60) is firmly integrated in the vehicle (10). Control device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection device (62) can be connected to the control device (20) via a cable or radio connection. Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (20) provides an interface for external vehicle diagnosis. Control unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit (20) is not firmly integrated into the vehicle (10) and can be connected via a cable or radio link directly or indirectly to the on-board computer (22). Control device according to claim 7, characterized in that the detection device (62) is integrated together with the control device (20) in a common housing (64). Control unit according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the control unit (20) provides an interface for external vehicle diagnosis. Control device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the control device (20) is integrated in a device for external vehicle diagnosis. System for identifying spare parts for subsystems (40, 50, 60) of a vehicle (10), comprising a control device (20), a detection device (60, 62) and means (84) for data transmission to a plurality of subsystems (30, 40, 50 ), wherein the spare parts comprise identification means (110, 112) whose information can be detected by the detection device (60, 62), characterized in that the detection device (60, 62) displays information of spare parts for different subsystems (30, 40, 50). System according to claim 11, characterized in that the control unit (20) can interpret the information imprinted on spare parts. System according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the control unit (20) can forward the interpreted data to at least one competent subsystem (30, 40, 50). A system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the detection means (60, 62) comprises an optical detection capable of reading spare parts identification means (110) comprising a bar code. A system according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the detection means (60, 62) comprises electromagnetic detection capable of reading replacement parts identification means (112) of a transponder. A system according to claim 15, characterized in that the transponder contained in the identification means (112) comprises memory which the detection means (60, 62) can describe or erase. System according to one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the detection means (60, 62) can transfer the identification means (110, 112) of the spare parts after successful readout of permissible information in an at least partially unreadable state. A system according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that the identification means (110, 112) contain information about the type of spare parts. A system according to any one of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that the identification means (110, 112) individually identify the replacement parts. System according to one of claims 11 to 19, characterized in that the identification means (110, 112) contain information about the service life of the replacement parts. System according to one of claims 11 to 20, characterized in that the identification means (110, 112) can not be separated from the spare parts nondestructively. Method for identifying spare parts for subsystems (30, 40, 50) of a vehicle (10) with information read in by a detection device (60, 62), the spare parts having identification means (110, 112) whose information is detected by a detection device (60 , 62), characterized in that the detection means (60, 62) detects the information imparted to spare parts prior to installation of the replacement parts. A method according to claim 22, characterized in that the control unit (20) interprets the detected information. A method according to claim 23, characterized in that the control unit (20) forwards the interpreted information to at least one subsystem (30, 40, 50) of the vehicle (10). Method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized - that the interpretation of the detected information by the control unit (20) comprises a comparison with permissible information, - that, if the detected information does not correspond to a permissible information, the control unit (20) directly or indirectly activates a visual or audible error indication, and - That , if the detected information agrees with a permissible information, the maintenance interval for this spare part restarts and the subsystem (30, 40, 50) resumes its normal function. Method according to one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that the control device (20) indirectly or directly prevents the recommissioning of the vehicle (10), if the service life of a spare part is exceeded and a non-permitted or no information is detected. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that the detection means (60, 62) the identification means (110, 112) of the spare part after successful reading out of a permissible information converted into an at least partially unreadable state. Method according to one of claims 22 to 27, characterized in that the control device (20) determines the service life of the replacement part in dependence on the detected information. Method according to one of Claims 22 to 28, characterized in that a detection device (60, 62) which can be connected to the control device (20) via a cable or radio link detects information from spare parts already installed. Method according to one of claims 22 to 29, characterized in that at least part of the interpreted information is transmitted to the identification means of the detected spare part.

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