EP1169686B1 - Method and device for storing data in a vehicle and for evaluating said stored data - Google Patents

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to an apparatus and method for Storage and / or evaluation of data in a vehicle according to the respective preambles of the independent claims out.

An arrangement for storing data in one Motor vehicle is, for example, from EP 0 671 631 known. The data contain static information on the Motor vehicle and to the owner, information about error codes the condition of systems, components and sensors on board of the motor vehicle. A card is used as the storage medium intended. This document describes the storage of Trouble codes generated by a vehicle diagnostic device Have been obtained on board the motor vehicle. This Error codes are stored on a smart card that is in a corresponding recording unit is used saved. Together with the error codes obtained on board the vehicle position as well as data about the vehicle and whose holder is saved on the card. The card can be removed from the recording unit and, since they own intelligence and with special facilities is provided to be inserted into a phone to the data to be sent to a mobile repair service. This one The smart card described and used only contains data a current error problem, so that more data that the affect the previous life cycle of the vehicle from previous error problems. So allowed this known arrangement does not save everyone on board error codes obtained over the entire usage cycle of the Motor vehicle. In addition, there is no internal Data evaluation, in particular a reconstruction allows individual usage and load patterns.

DE 197 00 353 describes an apparatus and a method for diagnosis, control, transmission and storage safety-relevant system state variables of a Motor vehicle known. The acquisition becomes more dynamic Operating data of a motor vehicle for detection and Assessment of safety-critical situations described. Out the data currently in memory Control operations derived. Because process data, Safety parameters and control operations are recorded and the recorded values for an analysis of the course of Risk situations and driver behavior certain periods, in certain traffic situations and Traffic areas are evaluated in order to get out of it safety-relevant conclusions for the design of the driver-vehicle-environment system this document assume that the data in the vehicle just be recorded over a certain period of time and then overwritten by more recent data. A Storage of data over the entire life cycle or a longer period of use of the motor vehicle is in not mentioned in this document. Even the evaluation of the data to create usage or load patterns For example, determining the degree of wear is not the subject of this Disclosure.

DE 44 43 218 A1 shows a device for storing diagnosis-relevant Environment variables in a motor vehicle. It is in the facility communication-capable bus memory module provided with its own computer, which for Receive requests to set error codes for evaluation Request and to generate corresponding error codes as well as Selection determination depending on the respective error code of the respective Requirement to set the respective error code more relevant to diagnosis Environment variables, for independent collection of these environment variables from the bus, and for storing them together with the current error code in the Location is. This prior art thus shows one Diagnostic device in which the service technician replaces the bus memory module Query error codes and the associated environment variables and a targeted Fault localization can perform.

In addition, data on the vehicle history is saved independently, this data is used for vehicle maintenance to be transmitted to different Adapt wear situations such as urban or long-distance traffic.

A storage of essential data in the life history of a control unit is in the DE 195 16 481 shown. The data recorded and saved can be used if necessary be issued and thus z. B. in the assessment of a used control unit provide clues regarding the probability of failure and reliability. A Overall view of, for example, the vehicle in which the control unit is installed, cannot be achieved with it. This also helps that the recorded and stored Data, operating time, control unit temperature and applied to the control unit Voltage values, in particular duration and intensity of interference voltages, directly correlated physically with each other and with the functionality of the control unit itself are. The fact that only essential data is saved and by installing the

Control device in the vehicle is the storage of dynamic data and their Evaluation, especially an internally or externally executed one at any time Reconstruction of the individual usage and load patterns not shown. The Viewing and evaluating data that are not correlated with each other, especially for It is not possible to create wear profiles for a vehicle.

In relation to the prior art mentioned, the task of Acquisition, classification and storage of dynamic, also uncorrelated data about the entire life cycle or period of use of a vehicle and one of them permanently possible, carried out through individual data interpretation Reconstruction of vehicle use and wear between commissioning and any time of reading.

Advantages of the invention

The device according to the invention and the inventive Process for storing and evaluating data in one Vehicle enable in an advantageous manner over that State of the art the registration of everyone for the vehicle, his company and its holder relevant data on the entire vehicle life cycle in a central, am Data bus of the vehicle coupled memory that the Vehicle is assigned. This enables the use of this Data in diverse and surprising ways.

Aspects of the invention are defined in independent claims 1, 2 and 8.

The acquisition, classification and storage more dynamic Data during the use phase of a motor vehicle the entire life cycle or period of use according to the invention in a system with a storage medium realized. This system, as operational data storage, the from at least one memory, a bus coupling and one Input / output unit exists, is referred to as Storage medium called. Data is stored in the storage medium filed and processed, which in its entirety actually are uncorrelated, but in their combination one detailed reconstruction of the vehicle load and the Vehicle use and wear between first commissioning and enable any time of reading. The storage medium is advantageously a bus participant trained and can thus in an information network of Vehicle components and systems on the data bus Read in and evaluate data as well as data from the bus participants for storage and reconstruction Interrogate.

The type and intensity of vehicle use, in particular of the vehicle are individual load patterns, however known if those already available in the vehicle Sensor data, the data of other systems in the vehicle as well other vehicle components for an additional evaluation are fed. So that's vehicle-specific Stress patterns or their wear an objective Indicator for determining the residual value and condition of a Vehicle.

It is also advantageous if the data is saved using a Microprocessor can also be recorded encrypted. So can also manipulate the data, such as avoided, for example, resetting the odometer reading become.

The data stored in the storage medium allow for this also advantageously at any time Reconstruction of individual usage and load patterns since commissioning. By generating or Reconstruction of the load patterns on site, i.e. in the Vehicle itself can provide information about it without additional effort directly, also by the driver or Holder are queried.

Preferred application scenarios are mentioned below, in which the device according to the invention and the associated methods can be used advantageously.

Repair or service can be exchanged Components based on operating hours and load can be easily identified. More critical if it occurs States on individual components, such as overload a detailed data recording and evaluation. Consequently it is also possible to have service intervals and repairs to the Adapt usage or load history of the vehicle and thus the usage history, as well as the To record the overall condition of the vehicle. The Data from the storage medium also for error diagnosis be used.

When vehicle components are replaced or newly installed this is just like their repair history detectable. Advantageously give new ones Vehicle components, such as control units, Sensors, especially intelligent sensors, according to the Installation of an individual identifier when commissioning, which is also recorded and processed in the storage medium can be.

Guarantee, insurance and goodwill claims can based on what has been said so far from the actual Vehicle use can be made dependent.

When renting and leasing vehicles, the Rental price is no longer determined on the basis of the rental period but can be dependent on the actual usage of the vehicle can be calculated. An additional one Risk surcharge for the uncertainty about the stress can thus be omitted during the loan period.

Also when selling a leasing vehicle or generally when The storage medium allows the determination of used car purchases an objective resale value depending on the Intensity of use. Here, too, could be an additional one The risk premium does not apply.

This would also improve fleet management Knowledge of the actual current state of the Vehicle fleet possible. This enables planning in particular of repairs, component replacement, rental and Sales of vehicles.

Likewise, depending on the one central storage medium for a possible recycling of the vehicle at the end of the Useful life. Reusable Components can be based on the remaining life identified and used again.

Another advantageous area of application of the invention is the vehicle development. You can use specifications with real usage data are compared and adjusted. The Storage medium provides data on the field behavior of Components and the entire vehicle ready. So that can the field data for vehicle development and Component development can be gained. Also one through that central storage medium possible recording of the Driver behavior for test purposes and when used in pre-series for development and dimensioning of vehicle components or vehicles can be used. This grasping of the Driver behavior or certain usage profiles also be used to monitor vehicle behavior adapt to different driving styles.

Further advantages are the subject of the claims drawing

The invention is illustrated in the drawing Exemplary embodiments of the description below explained. 1 shows one provided in the vehicle Data bus to the various systems and sensors as well other vehicle components are connected. Likewise the storage medium is connected to the data bus. Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of the storage medium. A very special, modular embodiment of a storage medium shows Figure 3 in the form of a usage chip, which also portable on a carrier. On possible procedure in hardware or software for determination the wear in the form of a degree of wear or the Lifetime is shown in Figure 4.

Description of the embodiments

In FIG. 1, an overall system with a data bus 108, which is provided in a vehicle, is shown schematically in a block diagram. The storage medium 101 and, on the other hand, various components 111 to 116 within the vehicle are connected to this data bus 108. The components connected to the data bus can be individual systems, other control devices, individual sensors or sensor groups, actuators and other vehicle components. In this exemplary embodiment, 111 denotes an engine management system to which 109 and 110 sensors and 117 actuators are additionally connected. This connection of sensors or actuators to the system can take place on the one hand via separate connecting lines or in series or else also via data bus 108 or a further bus system connected to data bus 108, in particular a field bus system. In this case, the sensor system and / or actuator system can be connected to one another via at least one second bus system, which is different from the data bus system 108 and is designed, for example, as a field bus, and coupled to at least one control unit, which in turn is connected to the bidirectional bus system 108.
In this exemplary embodiment, sensor 109 represents an engine temperature sensor and sensor 110 represents an engine speed sensor. Further sensors relating to the engine management system are not shown for reasons of clarity. Actuator 117 also stands here, for example, as an injection means for fuel, representing other and further actuators of an engine management system. The sensor system 109, 110 and the actuator system 117 are only to be understood as representative here. Depending on the type of engine, whether there is an electric motor or an internal combustion engine and, for example, a gasoline engine with direct petrol injection or a diesel engine, different sensors or actuators are used. Block 112 represents a further system, for example a system influencing the braking effect and / or increasing the driving stability or safety, such as an anti-lock braking system or a driving dynamics control system. For reasons of clarity, the entire actuator system or sensor system is shown in the System summarized in block 112. In addition, 113 represents another system, for example a transmission control or a system for fault diagnosis in the vehicle, which supplies fault information, for example in the form of fault codes, to the data bus 108. In addition to systems and control units, other components such as actuators or sensors, in particular intelligent sensors with signal processing and local logic, can also be connected directly to the bus. Block 114 shows, for example, a sensor for detecting the driving speed. In addition, block 115 represents, for example, a starter or starter generator. Likewise, other vehicle components 116 in the form of systems, control devices, actuators and sensors can optionally also be coupled to the data bus 108, possibly a vertical acceleration sensor, for detecting vibrations when driving over potholes. Sensors for recording environmental variables such as outside temperature, moisture, in particular a rain sensor, etc. are also possible. The data bus 108 can be connected via a gateway, for example the optional component 116, to further bus systems in the vehicle, for example sensor bus systems, that is to say a bus system which networks sensors.

In the example, the sensor can be used as intelligent sensor, with a microcontroller on site, own AD conversion and own signal preprocessing be used, which makes the sensor directly physical Values as digital values on the bus, e.g. 108 can. In addition, such a sensor can also be on-chip with or be housed in another system (109-111) and share its signal processing and bus controller. Analogously, this also applies to actuators that, on the one hand, themselves Have bus access (115) or with a system (111) connected (117). The connected Vehicle components 111 to 116 have different complexity and communicate for example, via a bus controller with the Data bus 108. Representing the multitude of to the Vehicle components that can be connected to the bus are here an engine management system 111, a braking system, for example 112, a transmission control or a fault diagnosis system 113, a starter 115 and a vehicle speed sensor or a rotation rate sensor 114 shown or called. Element is optional for other components 116 shown.

The data from these components on the data bus or from the components via the data bus are available, the storage medium 101 by means of its Bus coupling also provided and saved. In a first embodiment, this includes Storage medium 101 at least one storage 100 a Bus coupling unit 100b, for example a microcontroller and an output unit 100a, via which data from the Memory 100 are available. The bus coupling unit 100b can with its own volatile or non-volatile memory for example for data buffering. There is the bus coupling unit 100b e.g. from a Communication controller and a communication interface, especially a dual port RAM. A host function could thereby by the control unit SW, or the SW in Storage medium can be realized because the processing of the data to be stored or stored in the Storage medium by a microcomputer or Microcontroller can be done.

The inventive arrangement for storing data in The core of the vehicle is therefore that of a storage medium as a memory 100 is provided which the vehicle assigned and in a vehicle-side interface to Read and / or write connected to data bus 108 is. The memory 100 has a large one Storage volume or is alternatively modular (e.g. cascaded) from several smaller memory chips built up, which depending on usage over corresponding Software or switches, e.g. Dip switch, configured can be. In an advantageous embodiment variant are also stored as one or more of the in one or non-volatile memory available to several control units as part of an execution as a distributed application in a software network used. In doing so, the data is on several memories distributed in the control units.

By means of the in the memory 100 over the entire use or Lifetime of the vehicle can be filed through data Evaluation means at any time Load profiles of the vehicle or components be reconstructed. These are advantageous Evaluation means 102 to 104, but at least one on which Storage medium 101 provided itself. Through the Evaluation means 102 to 104 are different Data from memory 100 can be interpreted. about an output unit 105 can display the results of such Interpretations are directed to external interfaces. This can be a serial interface 106, for example and a parallel interface 107, for example another bus. Instead of issuing the Data interpretation results obtained, these can also are again stored in the storage device 100 and stay there. The total in the data memory 100 stored data and results remain there over the entire period of use of the motor vehicle or Arrangement so that a historical record of behavior of the motor vehicle is present. This can, if the Arrangement is provided from the start in the motor vehicle include the entire life cycle of the vehicle. if the Such an arrangement should be possible retrofitted into the motor vehicle and to the there to connect existing data bus 108, then this applies History from the installation of the arrangement according to the invention.

Another embodiment for that shown in Figure 1 Storage medium 101 is shown in FIG. 2. It will Storage medium 101a via a coupling module 203 to the Data bus 108 of the vehicle connected. An internal bus 202 of the storage medium 101 connects the storage 100, a microprocessor 200, a peripheral input / output unit 204 and optionally further elements 201. For the microprocessor 200 depending on the range of functions and internal structure, such as possible storage, Coprocessors, etc., various names, such as Microcontroller, central processor unit (Central Processing Unit), control unit (Electronic Control Unit), etc. can be used. The peripheral input / output unit 204 creates the connection of the storage medium 101a either serially via interface 106 or in parallel via Interface 107 with possible external devices and Modules 205. Such external devices are, for example Test and evaluation computers or others Vehicle components or sensors that are not connected to the Data bus 108 of the vehicle are coupled. in principle the data on the data bus 108 through the Coupling unit 203 is read into the storage medium 101a. A selection or preselection of certain data can already take place in the coupling module 203. Another Selection of the data to be saved is, for example by the microprocessor 200 or a possible one Evaluation circuit, for example at the position of the element 201 possible. An entire system according to the invention exists thus from the hardware of the storage medium in the vehicle, a possible evaluation device for data transmission from on-board data storage and evaluation software or an evaluation circuit for classification, interpretation and visualization of the data. The on-board hardware typically consists of a microprocessor or Microcontroller 200 for data preprocessing and / or Evaluation, the vehicle components (111-116) from which the Data are saved, especially sensors for Acquisition of operating data, at least not one volatile large-volume data storage (100), one mandatory power supply, an interface in the form a coupling unit (100b, 203) to the data bus of the vehicle and at least one communication interface (105, 203), especially for the transmission of the stored data to another computer, in particular a reading device. The storage medium hardware in the vehicle is used for recording, Preprocessing and storage of the data for the application scenarios listed above are required. Advantageously, by a possible Evaluation circuit in the storage medium a data evaluation, especially the reconstruction of usage and / or Load patterns carried out and the resulting Results for the driver on the other hand for example for service or other people and Institutions made visible. The storage medium (101 or 101a) is a participant in the in-vehicle data bus system, such as CAN, with information from other Bus participants in the form of vehicle components such as for example, a transmission control or an on-board diagnostic system (113), engine management system (111), Brake system (112), starter (115), rotation rate sensor, Airbag sensor, etc. detected and cyclically or on the one hand Inquiry or event-oriented to the storage medium are sent or transmitted. The one in the storage medium processed data and their evaluation enable the parallel realization of several of the advantages listed application scenarios. To do this Data interpretation systems for everyone interested Application scenarios created. This can be done through internal like external evaluation circuits or in software. in the external case will be about the Communication interface transferred from the storage medium Receive data from a reader and then for example on a computer or an external one Test device evaluated. The storage medium also detects the Operating states of other bus users such as the information "Starter On", as well as their registration and deregistration on the bus system. In this way, for example Replacement of a component can be documented. It is also possible in connection with keyless entry systems Store user profiles of drivers in the storage medium. Then the vehicle components or the vehicle could be on the respective user style, especially the personal one Driving style to be adjusted.

A very special embodiment of the invention is in Figure 3 shown in the form of a usage chip 101b. On separate module from other automotive components, which the Includes usage chip 101b, gets access to all of them Information in the vehicle about one or more Data bus systems are transmitted. Ideally, everyone is relevant information is available via the data bus system. If this is not the case, there are external ones Interfaces for components outside the data bus system provided in the vehicle. The usage chip thus consists of a microprocessor 300 for data acquisition and evaluation with a writing and security logic as well as a Connection module 301 for example as a bus system Data bus 108, which is coupled to pins 302. In addition, the usage chip 101b contains an input and Readout unit 306, on the one hand, for detecting further ones external data, such as B. Service or Repair information on pin 304 and on the other hand for the Usage data either via a special code on electronic driver display can be shown or with a readout pin 305 wired or wireless (e.g. optically, inductively or by radio) via a reader to one Computers can be transferred. Likewise with 308 is one Battery, provided as an additional power supply, the intervenes, for example, when the power supply 303 is out of function. With 309 there is an optional circuit with whose help generates a time base for time recording can be provided, for example, an RC oscillator. The data store is special in this Embodiment marked with 307. This is for example as EEPROM or flash memory or others non-volatile memory. The microprocessor 300 also serves to evaluate the information or Data, for example to meet the necessary storage requirements limit. Data or Information extracted, interpreted and data, In particular, usage data generated, for example, the Describe wear and tear on the vehicle. The There is thus a module in the form of the usage chip 101b at least one microprocessor (300), one not volatile data memory (307) and interfaces to Communication with the bus (302) and for reading out the data (304) of the data store.

It is also conceivable to connect the data memory 307 directly to the components required for using the method, in particular to couple sensors, as well as the data storage connect to the on-board diagnosis.

The microprocessor 300 but also the processors 200, 100a and 100b also serve to encrypt the calculated ones Data. To exchange the usage chip 101b in relation to prevent data security, on the one hand certain vehicle data such as the serial number on the Usage chip 101b can be stored. On the other hand, you can with unauthorized removal of the usage chip 101b as well in the event of tampering with the help of the internal battery 308 the stored data deleted or unrecognizable be made depending on the severing of certain Safety barriers.

The usage chip 101b can either be in one Vehicle component installed, or as a separate module be carried out.

In the aforementioned storage medium in FIGS. 1 to 3 diverse data can thus be stored to this evaluate. The following are examples of such data called that together or alternatively or in any Combination can be saved.

In addition to internal operating data for the individual components of the Vehicle, that is vehicle systems for processing Operating data, such as brake system, drive system, Power transmission system, especially gears, etc. external data stored .. This external data is e.g. detected by sensors or determined from sensor sizes. These are in particular environmental conditions such as Temperature, humidity, amount of rain, fog density, Wind force, etc. These environmental conditions can also further combined and evaluated. This environmental data can also be used during breaks, i.e. when the vehicle is not will be recorded, e.g. from the Environment of the vehicle even when not in use (e.g. rain, Snow, cold, parking on slopes: handbrake on, etc.) to conclude that it is worn out according to the invention over the entire period of use.

In addition, data can also be stored in the storage medium Inspections and maintenance are stored. These dates concern e.g. the inspection intervals of the vehicle and / or repairs carried out or to be carried out on Vehicle with identification of individual components in this regard. Information from components to be exchanged and / or exchanged Components are recorded and taken into account. For one Determination of wear of the overall vehicle system can components and their components that have been replaced or repaired Exchange or repair time are taken into account. For this, an individual component identifier stored, based on which the affected component can be identified. During maintenance or inspection or other opportunity are changed adjustment data also with the corresponding time of change can be stored. Such adjustment data are e.g. in the Application of components or the entire vehicle entered or changed. This can also be the case with subsequent changes or improvements or Vehicle components have been added or removed. This adjustment data can be changed or optimized Data e.g. in vehicle control units.

Also occurring in operation or during inspections, In particular, permanent errors can occur in the storage medium be filed. Another type of data is information about Operating errors such as accelerating too hard, extreme braking, Gear change errors, etc., which can also be saved are.

This means that user profiles, e.g. from one Driver type recognition can be stored in the storage medium. Real incorrect operation then results from the tolerances regarding the operation of the respective driver type. To a The types of wear can also be determined by the driver types themselves, i.e. the user profiles are used. there plays e.g. matter whether the vehicle is economical, sporty, etc. based on the operating data becomes. In some cases, this can directly affect individual loads Components or the entire vehicle are determined, wherein data like number of starts, especially cold starts, Acceleration, violent steering movements, Delays, e.g. by braking or engine braking, Axle loading through loading play a role.

Through the invention mentioned, one can Logging of vehicle usage across the entire Period of use of the vehicle, i.e. until the final one Decommission the vehicle. Also the duration and Violence of individual operating phases as well as phases in which the vehicle is stationary in the period of use until Scrapping can be saved and evaluated.

Another part of the invention are methods for determining the wear and / or loading of vehicles based on the aforementioned storage media 101, 101a or the usage chip 101b. To explain a first method for determining the degree of wear AG, the engine temperature and the engine speed are recorded as an example and representative of further data and variables. This is done, for example, by sensors 109 and 110. For further processing, the number of engine speeds N1 that exceed a predeterminable threshold value Nmax1 is recorded. In addition, a further number of engine speeds N2 can also be detected, which exceed a threshold value Nmax2 which is greater than Nmax1. This could be continued with any number of Nmaxi threshold values. In addition, an average engine speed Nmean can be used. The same applies to the engine temperature. On the one hand, the number of engine temperatures T1 that exceed a threshold value Tmax1 is detected. Likewise, for example, a number of engine temperatures T2 is detected that exceed a further threshold value Tmax2 that is greater than the first threshold value Tmax1. This can also be done for any number of threshold values. On the other hand, an engine temperature T average obtained by averaging can also be used here. Instead of or in addition to the engine speed and engine temperature, every conceivable vehicle size can be used to form the degree of wear AG. The vehicle speed, the longitudinal and lateral acceleration, the vertical acceleration, the outside temperature, the humidity of the outside air, the braking force, etc. are also used as parameters, whereby the number of exceeding certain threshold values can also be detected or averages can be formed. Likewise, at least a number of steering movements, cold and warm start processes, etc. can be introduced or averaged according to the above principle. In a very simple form, the degree of wear AG results as follows: AG = a1 * N1 + a2 * N2 + a3 * T1 + a4 * T4 + ...

Using the averaged sizes, G1 (1) is: AG = a1 * N1 + a2 * N2 + a5 * N average + + a3 * T1 + a4 * T2 + a6 * T mean + ...

The weighting factors a1 to a6 or ai, for example constant or dynamically adaptable when using others and / or additional data are application-specific to be determined and, if necessary, dynamically adjusted Sizes. The value AG of the degree of wear can then automatically e.g. in tabular form or via a map for example, a residual value of the vehicle as well as the Remaining life of the vehicle, its subsystems and Components are assigned. This information can also automatically depending on authorization e.g. as an advertisement in Vehicle to the keeper, the driver or by radio Individuals and institutions displayed or transmitted become. The one for determining the degree of wear relevant parameters can be determined by test series before launch on the market and experience from the Operating phase. As with the introduction of a new vehicle model mostly manufacturer information from test series available are the starting values for the degree of wear during of the entire vehicle life cycle or usage phase customized. For this purpose, the weighting factors a1 to a6 or ai to the current situation or the current status adapted by retrieving data via the vehicle service and correlated with repair data. The degree of wear can either be calculated on a microprocessor in the vehicle or determined using an external device or computer become.

In addition to the sizes used, engine speed and As already mentioned, engine temperature is a large number other sizes to determine objective wear conceivable. For example, the number of Engine starts, depending, for example, on the Engine temperature can be determined whether it is a Cold or warm start is the vehicle speed the braking force, the braking time, the lateral acceleration, a Vertical acceleration, for example for the detection of Vibrations when driving over potholes, etc.

A more complex type of evaluation compared to the above Figure 4 shows the example of this. The central unit includes at least one of the aforementioned storage media and the data bus, but can also be a control unit include. The central control or central unit 400 provides different lines 402 and 403 Input information for an interpretation means 401 for Available. In the simplest case, line 403 is on Low level and a high level on line 402 and that Interpretation means 401 is a simple switching means educated. Will the vehicle or an in-vehicle Component put into operation by the control signal StS is communicated to means of interpretation 401. thereupon then switches the interpretation means 401 as switching means from the low level on line 403 to the high level on line 402, whereby, for example, a subsequent circuit first can be made functional. Is the low level at 403 becomes zero only when the vehicle is in operation or a single component and thereby attached High level determines a significantly higher wear. Becomes by the control signal StS the interpretation element 401 not in the operating state. (High level) can be set additionally be prevented that an offset OS or a Weighting WS are issued, which only makes a contribution to the degree of wear arises when the vehicle or Component is put into operation. In element 404 is on the output, the signal level SP of element 401 an offset signal OS activated. In the simplest case, the offset OS just added up. The one charged with the offset OS Size SPO is now in element 405 with a weighting or provided with a weighting signal WS. In turn, the simplest Trap the weighting WS is simply a factor multiplied up. The weighting WS and / or the offset OS become the central unit's input signals ES 400 formed. These input signals ES correspond to the Data to be stored and evaluated in the storage medium. Thus, the storage medium is in the central processing unit 400 contain. The so with weighting WS and offset OS size SPOW applied is now an integrating element 406 fed. In this integrating element 406 the successively incoming with offset OS and weighting WS sizes SPOW integrated. This creates at the output of the integrator, a size that a use or corresponds to a useful life, a usage signal NS. Element 407 then serves as a comparison element. In addition to the size NS describing the use from integrating element 406 the comparison element 407 becomes a comparison signal VS fed. This comparison signal VS, with a Threshold function occupied, for example be used if it is exceeded Exchange of at least one component, a shortening of service intervals or carrying out necessary Initiate repairs. The output size or the Output signal AS of comparison element 407 indicates this. This size AS can then either via a driver display Vehicle drivers also via radio in a workshop or a fleet manager. The one in FIG. 4 The flow shown can also be completely in software be implemented. It is also possible for everyone or at least a selection of vehicle components System. This can be for everyone Component of the degree of utilization or performance determined and in their combination can be determined for the entire vehicle. For starter 115, for example, the offset OS would be the Number of starts would correspond and WS would be weighted for example, the engine temperature. That would be in A finer compared to the previous procedure Relationship between start and engine temperature as only cold and warm start differentiation possible. For example, in the case of an e-gas regulator, the offset would correspond OS the load change and the weighting WS would here the engine temperature is also included. In case of Vehicle brakes, for example, would offset OS Brake intervention results in the WS weighting being the strength reflect the braking torque. The same could be for Engine fan, spark plugs, vehicle engine, clutch or Gearboxes, injection valves, etc. are shown. In Vehicle internal sizes can also affect environmental conditions for example as weighting or weighting factors be introduced. For example, driving shortens at constant low temperatures or on rough roads just like frequent cornering the lifespan of the Vehicle. It can be used for detection at frequent Cornering either the steering angle setting or a navigation system from which the routes traveled recognizable are evaluated. Frequent rain trips too on wet and muddy ground, the Increase vehicle corrosion and thus the overall service life shorten.

The invention can simplify the treatment of Guarantee claims or insurance claims as well protection against manipulation, for example against installation and Operating wrong components or using wrong ones Data, in particular adjustment data, take place. Besides, is the vehicle history available at all times.

Claims (12)

1. Device for storing data in a memory (100) in a vehicle, the data being transmitted in the vehicle via a data bus (108) to which components (111-116) such as vehicle systems, sensors, actuators and further vehicle components are connected and can be connected, the memory (100) being embodied as a central storage medium (101, 101a, 101b) for the components (111-116) which are connected to the data bus (108) and also being connected to the data bus (108) in the vehicle, and the data being permanently stored in the storage medium over the entire period of use of the vehicle, characterized in that the data can be interpreted in different ways by evaluation means (102-104, 201) which can be connected to the storage medium, the data being interpreted in such a way that a measure (AG) of use and/or wear and tear of the vehicle and/or the components (111-116) is formed by the evaluation means (102-104, 201).
2. Storage medium (101, 101a, 101b) for storing data in a vehicle, the vehicle containing different components (111-116), the storage medium containing a non-volatile memory (100), the storage medium being connected to a data bus (108) in the vehicle via a bus coupling unit (100b, 203), and the data being written into the storage medium via the data bus (108) over the entire period of use of the vehicle, characterized in that the storage medium contains an input/output unit (100b, 203, 106, 107) and evaluation means (102-104, 201) for evaluating the data, the data being evaluated in such a way that a measure (AG) of the use and/or wear and tear of the vehicle and/or of the components (111-116) is formed from it.
3. Device according to Claim 1 or storage medium according to Claim 2, characterized in that one or more memories of the non-volatile memories present in components (111-116) of the vehicle, in particular controllers, are used for storage purposes.
4. Device according to Claim 1 or storage medium according to Claim 2, characterized in that data relating to inspection intervals and/or repairs which have been carried out and/or are to be carried out and/or components (111-116) which have been replaced and/or are to be replaced, in particular a component identifier, are stored in the storage medium.
5. Device according to Claim 1 or storage medium according to Claim 2, characterized in that user profiles and/or data relating to faults and/or fault conditions and/or changes of adjustment data are stored in the storage medium.
6. Device according to Claim 1 or storage medium according to Claim 2, characterized in that internal operating data of the vehicle and/or external data, such as environmental conditions, are stored in the storage medium.
7. Device according to Claim 1 or storage medium according to Claim 2, characterized in that the storage medium contains a non-volatile memory, a bus coupling unit and an input/output unit.
8. Method for storing and evaluating data in a vehicle in which the data is transmitted via a data bus (108) and input into a storage medium (101, 101a 101b), the storage medium (101, 101a, 101b) being connected, as a central memory, to further components (111-116) in the vehicle via the data bus (108), and the data and remaining stored over the entire period of use of the vehicle, characterized in that an evaluation (102-104, 201) of the data is carried out with the effect that a measure (AG) of the wear and tear and/or use of the vehicle and/or of the components is formed from it.
9. Method according to Claim 8, characterized in that the evaluation of the data by means of which the measure (AG) of the wear and tear and/or use of the vehicle and/or of the components (111-116) is formed is carried out in the storage medium by evaluation means.
10. Method according to Claim 8, characterized in that the evaluation of the data is carried out by forming a degree of wear and tear as a sum of the weighted frequencies with which selected types of data of predefinable threshold values associated with the respective data and/or the weighted average values of selected types of data are exceeded.
11. Method according to Claim 8, characterized in that the evaluation of the data is carried out by forming a value which represents the previous period of use and/or intensity of use, and this is carried out by applying at least one signal with a weighting and/or an offset and subsequent summing, in particular integration, the weighting and/or the offset also being formed from the data of the evaluation.
12. Method according to Claim 8, characterized in that internal operating data of the vehicle and/or external data such as environmental conditions and/or the data relating to inspection intervals and/or repairs which have been carried out and/or are to be carried out and/or components (111-116) which have been exchanged and/or are to be exchanged and/or data relating to faults and/or faulty conditions and/or changes in adjustment data are stored as data in the storage medium.

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