DE102022205076A1 - Method for providing and using a data set - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for providing and using a data set for processing in a control device (10) of a vehicle, the data set containing parameter data relating to a component (12) of a brewing group (14) for an injection system of the vehicle, the data set including characteristic Properties of the component (12) are generated, and wherein the data record is converted into an optically readable code and is arranged as an optically readable code on the component (12), and wherein the optically readable code is optically detected and the data record read out in this way is converted into a is stored in a data memory that can be connected to the control device (10) of the vehicle.

Description

The present invention relates to the technical field of injection systems in vehicles, in particular an injection system for reducing agents in a catalytic converter system of a motor vehicle. The present invention relates specifically to a method for providing and using a data set according to the preamble of claim 1.

To meet legal requirements, modern vehicles must have on-board diagnostics that monitor the functions of all safety and emissions-relevant components.

To reduce emissions from a vehicle with a combustion engine, a system for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases is now used as standard. An SCR system usually contains a metering module, having at least one pump and a pressurized liquid reservoir, for removing the reducing agent from a tank provided for this purpose and for supplying it to one or more injectors with which the reducing agent is injected into the exhaust system of the vehicle.

To monitor the injection quantities of the reducing agent, it is usual to first record the hydraulic properties of the injection system fed by the pump in order to be able to determine precise values about the quantities of reducing agent metered into the exhaust system, taking into account the hydraulic properties of the system. Methods and devices for monitoring the injection quantities of liquid operating fluids, in particular in a hydraulic system of an SCR system, are known from the prior art. In an SCR dosing system there is a legal requirement for dosing quantity monitoring. This dosing quantity can be calculated from the known electrical control of the dosing module with known hydraulic characteristics and the pressure drop over an injection. To do this, the modulus of elasticity or the stiffness of the system must be estimated. In this regard, reference is made to the registrations DE 102017217184 A1 and WO 2018007189 A1 , the contents of which are hereby incorporated into this application.

The hydraulic line, dissolved air in the hydraulic channels and in particular the pressure-liquid reservoir installed in the dosing module, also known as the volume reservoir, influence the rigidity. The estimation of the stiffness in the hydraulic system is usually done by determining a minimum in the pressure wave triggered by the injection and its correlation to the stiffness.

The pressure-liquid storage has a production spread based on the parameters that directly influence the stiffness or its estimation in the system (hysteresis, volume, spring stiffness). This production variation causes a variation in the minimum pressure determination and thus in the estimation of the system stiffness. This leads to variation from system to system and therefore limits the ability to accurately monitor the dosage in the system. At the same time, there is a correlation between the characteristic parameters of the pressure accumulator and the estimated stiffness in the hydraulic system.

Increasing requirements for the accuracy to be maintained when determining the injection quantities of operating fluids such as reducing agents in an SCR system or fuels require greater accuracy in determining the hydraulic properties of the injection system used. Production-related fluctuations in the manufacture of various components of the injection system can lead to undesirable inaccuracies in the estimation of injection quantities, taking into account the assumed hydraulic properties of the corresponding system component.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method with which component-specific properties of a component of the injection system can be transmitted to a control device in a simple manner.

This task is solved by a method with the features of claim 1. Advantageous refinements are specified in the description and in the subclaims.

According to the invention is a method for providing and using a data set for processing in a control device of a vehicle, wherein the data set contains parameter data relating to a component of a brewing group for an injection system of the vehicle, and wherein the data set is generated taking into account characteristic properties of the component, and wherein the Data record is converted into an optically readable code and is arranged as an optically readable code on the component, and wherein the optically readable code is optically detected and the data record read out in this way is stored in a data memory that can be connected to the control device of the vehicle.

Some of the components used in a hydraulic part of the injection system are electrically passive components that have no electronic interfaces for communication with the control device controlling the injection system. Such components include, for example, hose lines, filters, pressurized liquid storage and other elements. However, these components often and sometimes significantly influence the hydraulic properties of the injection system. Until now, the hydraulic properties of such components were often recorded component categorically and stored in the control device for consideration when recording hydraulic properties. A single data set was defined and used for all components of a specific type. The invention now makes it possible to record hydraulic properties of a component, in particular those hydraulic properties that are influenced by production-related fluctuations in the manufacture of the component, on a component-specific basis and to make them available to the control device.

The data set containing the component-specific data of the component is made available as an optically readable code and arranged on the component. At a suitable time in the sequence of the production chain for the manufacture of the vehicle, for example when assembling the assembly containing the component, the optical code is read out and stored in an electronic memory that can be read by the control device.

An optically readable code can be transported without the need for electronic components and the data stored in it can therefore be read out and further processed anywhere using simple means. An external reading device such as a camera or a scanner set up for this purpose is usually used to optically read out the optically readable code. In order to write the read data record into the memory, a data connection can be established between the reading device and the memory. It can also be provided that the data record read out with the reading device is initially temporarily stored in a suitable location and then transferred to the memory in a subsequent step. The data record can be transferred to the memory using, for example, a single edge nibble transmission protocol (SENT protocol).

In a specific application of the invention, the data record relates to a component of an SCR dosing system. The component, such as a volume storage or a pressure-liquid storage in a dosing module of an SCR dosing system, is measured with regard to its characteristic parameters in the production process and values determined in this way are stored in a data matrix code on the volume storage. This data matrix code is written into the non-volatile memory of a sensor installed in the dosing module when the assembly is assembled. The content of the data matrix code is transmitted in the system to the SCR control unit via the sensor's electronic interface. The SCR control unit reads the data record and uses this data to compensate for any production variation in the volume storage unit. As a result, the system stiffness is determined with greater accuracy because the individual characteristics of the volume storage installed in the system are taken into account.

It is advisable for the optically readable code to be recorded optically during assembly of the module. In addition to the component, the assembly often also contains other components that together form a coherent module of the injection system. When assembling the assembly, components with component-specific hydraulic properties are combined with each other, on which occasion it is advisable to read out an optical code arranged on a component of the assembly and store it as an electronically readable data record in a memory that is controlled by or at least the injection system influencing control device can be read out.

According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the characteristic properties are recorded on an individual component basis, in particular during the production process of the component. In addition, it is conceivable that the data record relating to the component contains component categorical data, i.e. data that relates to generalized properties of components of the same type. This means that component type-related data can also be transported with the data set using the optically readable code.

The data set with the parameter data relating to the component can be arranged on the component at any time after the component has been manufactured. It is advantageous if the optically readable code is arranged on the component during production of the component.

For the most comprehensive compatibility possible with globally standardized methods for the optical acquisition of data, it can be provided that the optically readable code is a 2D code, in particular a data matrix code. Data matrix codes, like QR codes (Quick Response Codes), are 2D codes, i.e. codes that encode the data stored in them in the form of a surface over two spatial directions. 2D codes usually consist of strips of different widths chen or dots and gaps in between. The data matrix code also usually consists of black and white boxes, which are usually arranged in a square shape. In addition to the use of 2D codes, such as a data matrix code or a QR code, the use of 1D codes, such as barcodes, is also fundamentally conceivable. In contrast to 2D codes, the data of a 1D code is represented by dots or lines and gaps that are arranged in a spatial direction.

For the use of the data transmitted by means of the optical code, in a preferred embodiment it is intended that at least part of the parameter data contained in the data set is used by the control device for the adaptation of process steps carried out with the control device and/or influenced by the control device, in order to take individual characteristic properties of the component into account.

The data record read from the memory can be transmitted to the control device wirelessly or by wire. Various transmission interfaces or protocols can be used for the transmission. For example, the data can be transmitted using a UART interface (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter), using a bus system such as the CAN bus (Controller Area Network), or the like. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that the data record is read from the memory and transmitted to the control device by means of a digital interface, in particular using a single edge nibble transmission protocol (SENT protocol).

By using the digital SENT interface, component-characteristic properties can be transmitted to the control device using digital information and knowledge about mechanical component properties can thus be used in a targeted manner. This leads to a cost- and resource-optimized improvement in metering quantity monitoring in the injection system.

When selecting the memory intended for storing the data record, it is taken into account that the memory is a memory that can be electrically connected to the control device, in particular a non-volatile memory. In a specific embodiment, the non-volatile memory is designed as an EEPROM memory (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory).

The memory provided for storing the data record can be a memory located anywhere on the vehicle. For example, the memory can be a memory that is directly connected to the control device. In a preferred embodiment, it is envisaged that the memory is a component of the assembly of the vehicle, in particular a memory of a second component contained in the assembly. The second component is preferably a so-called LQS sensor (Level Quality Sensor) of a dosing module, with which a concentration measurement, a level measurement and a temperature measurement can be carried out.

If the data record is stored in a memory of the assembly containing the component, a spatial assignment of the data record to the component is established, which simplifies the procedural steps necessary for reading out and transmitting the data record. When reading the data record from the assembly's memory, there is no need to resort to a higher-level database that contains information about the assignment of the component to a specific assembly. The data record is therefore firmly connected to the assembly. In particular, if the individual components of the assembly are connected to one another in a non-destructive and separable manner, a clear association is thus established between the first component for which the data record contains parameter data, the data record itself and the second component.

A particular advantage of this embodiment is that an electronic component already present in the assembly, such as an electronic sensor, an electronic actuator or a control device assigned to this assembly, is used to store the data record of a passive component without electronic interfaces and for later use to provide use.

In principle, it is intended that the invention applies to any injection system of the vehicle, such as the fuel injection system or another injection system, for example an injection system for reactants that are necessary or intended for the operation of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, it is envisaged that the brewing group is a component in an SCR catalyst system, in particular a metering module for removing liquid reducing agent from a tank of the SCR catalyst system. Like the prior art documents incorporated into this application DE 102017217184 A1 and WO 2018007189 A1 explain in more detail, it is particularly the case with systems for exhaust gas aftertreatment, As with injection systems for reducing agents, such as aqueous urea solution, it is advantageous to know the specific hydraulic properties of the system in order to be able to record precise values for injection quantities and to be able to reliably estimate the behavior of the system under different operating conditions.

Basically, it is intended that the control device of the vehicle that processes the data record is any control device that controls or influences the injection system. For example, the control device can be a control device, such as a control device set up for electronic engine control. Such control devices are generally referred to as ECUs (electronic control units). In particular, it can be provided to use a higher-level control device which, in addition to controlling the injection system, also takes on data processing and control functions for other functional groups of the vehicle. For example, the use of the ECM (engine control module) is conceivable. In one embodiment of the invention it is provided that the control device is an SCR control device of an SCR catalytic converter system or has an SCR control device of an SCR catalytic converter system.

Components for which the provision and processing of a data set containing parameter data according to the invention is advantageous are usually electronically passive components in a hydraulic system, i.e. without an electronic connection to a higher-level control device. It goes without saying that components that can be electronically connected to the control device that controls or influences the injection system are also possible. The main components that come into question are liquid-carrying components such as pumps, pipes, hoses, filters, valves and the like. In a specific embodiment, it is envisaged that the component is a pressurized liquid reservoir in a hydraulic system, wherein the pressurized liquid reservoir is in particular a pressurized liquid reservoir for a liquid reducing agent of an SCR catalytic converter system.

For the processing of the data set containing parameter data of the component, according to one embodiment it is provided that at least part of the parameter data contained in the data set is used by the control device of the vehicle to determine the rigidity of the hydraulic system. Details on determining the hydraulic properties of an injection system, which may relate to further embodiments of the invention, can be found in the prior art documents included in this application DE 102017217184 A1 and WO 2018007189 A1 refer to.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines SCR-Dosiersystems mit einem Druck-Flüssigkeitsspeicher,

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. It shows

• 1 a schematic representation of an SCR dosing system with a pressurized liquid storage,

1 shows an assembly 14, which in the present exemplary embodiment is designed as a metering module of an SCR system. The dosing module 14 is arranged on a tank 16 designed for the storage of a liquid reducing agent and is connected to it in fluid communication. A pump 20 of the dosing module 14 sucks the liquid reducing agent from the tank 14 through an inlet filter 26 into the dosing module 14. A check valve 24 in the flow direction behind the inlet filter 26 prevents the reducing agent from flowing back into the tank 16. The reducing agent is introduced into the tank 16 at an outlet filter 28 a liquid line is fed, which forwards the reducing agent to injection nozzles 36. By means of the injection nozzles 36, the reducing agent is metered into a tract 38 of an exhaust system of the vehicle.

The pump 20 of the dosing module 14 is controlled by a control device 10. A signal line 34 connects the electrical interface 32 of the control device 10 to the electrical interface 30 of the dosing module 14. The dosing module 14 further contains a sensor 18 with which a concentration measurement, a level measurement, and a temperature measurement of the reducing agent conveyed by the dosing module 14 are carried out can. The sensor 18 contains an electronic memory that can be read by the control device 10. The data set containing the parameter data relating to the pressure-liquid storage 12 can be stored in the memory of the sensor 18 and read from there.

By means of a pressure sensor 22, the pressure of the conveyed reducing agent can be detected. The data recorded by the sensors and other electronic data, such as operating data of the pump 20, can be read out and processed by the control device 10.

The data matrix code is arranged on the component 12. In the present exemplary embodiment, the component 12 is designed as a pressure-liquid reservoir of the metering module 14. The data set encoded in the data matrix code of the pressure-liquid memory 12 is stored in the electronic memory of the sensor 18. Usually Pressure liquid storage 12 and sensor 18 are produced at different locations. To complete the dosing module 14, the individual components are usually brought together and assembled together. In one step, the sensor 18 is welded to the housing of the dosing module 14. This means that there is an inseparable connection between the sensor 18 and the metering module 14. The pressure-liquid reservoir 12, the pressure sensor 22 and the pump 20 are then installed in the metering module 14.

The pressure-liquid storage 12 of a dosing module 14 is usually not a service component, so it remains firmly connected to the dosing module 14 throughout the entire period of use of the dosing module 14. In a typical production process, the dosing module 14 is sent to the tank supplier after final assembly and is firmly welded to the tank 16 there. The control device 10 and the dosing module 14 are only connected to one another at the vehicle manufacturer.

Transmission of the data record stored in the memory of the sensor 18 via the digital interface SENT has advantages that are known from self-learning systems. Even if the tank 16 and thus the dosing module 14 are replaced, the control device 10 can recognize this and use the new data set stored in the memory of the sensor 18 to read out the component-specific parameter data of the replaced component 12 of the new dosing module 14. No intervention is necessary at the vehicle level in vehicle production or workshop.

The pressure-liquid storage 12, also called volume storage, functions in a first respect as a pressure damping element. However, it should primarily provide a certain volume of reducing agent in the target pressure range. The storage volume of a pressure liquid storage 12 is typically in the range of 400 µl. The properties of the pressure-liquid reservoir 12 and the dissolved air volume are then decisive for system rigidity. Since the hysteresis behavior, i.e. volume delivery and intake, of the pressure-liquid reservoir 12 is a crucial characteristic of the hydraulic system operated with it and this can neither be read out electronically by the component 12 itself nor learned elsewhere in the system, the processing of the in the Sensor 18 stored data record with component-specific parameter data of component 12 is particularly advantageous.

Reference symbol list

10

Control device

12

Pressurized liquid storage

14

Dosing module

16

tank

18

sensor

20

pump

22

Pressure sensor

24

check valve

26

Input filter

28

Output filter

30

Electrical interface of the dosing module

32

Electrical interface of the control device

34

Electrical connection

36

Injectors

38

Exhaust tract of an exhaust system

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102017217184 A1 [0004, 0026, 0029]
• WO 2018007189 A1 [0004, 0026, 0029]

Claims (13)

Method for providing and using a data set for processing in a control device (10) of a vehicle, the data set containing parameter data relating to a component (12) of a brewing group (14) for an injection system of the vehicle, characterized in that the data set includes characteristic properties of the component (12), and wherein the data record is converted into an optically readable code and is arranged as an optically readable code on the component (12), and wherein the optically readable code is optically detected and the data record read out in this way is converted into a the data memory which can be connected to the control device (10) of the vehicle is stored. Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the optically readable code is optically recorded during assembly of the assembly (14). Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the characteristic properties are recorded on an individual component basis, in particular during the production process of the component (12). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optically readable code is arranged on the component during production of the component (12). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optically readable code is a 2D code, in particular a data matrix code. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least part of the parameter data contained in the data record is used by the control device (10) for the adaptation of process steps carried out with the control device (10) and/or influenced by the control device (10). in order to take individual characteristic properties of the component (12) into account. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data record is read from the memory and transmitted to the control device (10) by means of a digital interface, in particular using a single edge nibble transmission protocol (SENT protocol). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the memory is a memory that can be electrically connected to the control device (10), in particular a non-volatile memory. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the memory is a component of the assembly (14) of the vehicle, in particular a memory of a second component (18) contained in the assembly. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the brewing group (14) is a component in an SCR catalyst system, in particular a metering module for removing liquid reducing agent from a tank (16) of the SCR catalyst system. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (10) is an SCR control device of an SCR catalytic converter system or has an SCR control device of an SCR catalytic converter system. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component (12) is a pressurized liquid reservoir in a hydraulic system, wherein the pressurized liquid reservoir is in particular a pressurized liquid reservoir for a liquid reducing agent of an SCR catalytic converter system. Procedure according to Claim 12 , characterized in that at least part of the parameter data contained in the data set is used by the control device (10) of the vehicle to determine the rigidity of the hydraulic system.

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