SE1551046A1 - Method, device and system for operating a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Method, device and system for operating a motor vehicle. A method for operating a motor vehicle, comprises the steps of providing motor vehicle data (KF_D) which encompass at least items of information regarding the motor vehicle (1) and/or a trailer (5), and receiving an identifier (K_GS) of at least one weight sensor (3) . Furthermore, the method comprises the step of comparing the received identifier (K_GS) with a predefined identifier (K_ZE) for the at least one weight sensor (3) . Furthermore, the method comprises the step of receiving measurements signals (MS_G) of the at least one weight sensor (3) which are representative of an axle load of an axle (7) of the motor vehicle (1) or of the trailer (5) . Furthermore, the method comprises the step of determining a weight force (F_G) in a manner dependent on the received measurement signals (MS_G) and the provided vehicle data (KF_D) if correlation of the received identifier (K_GS) with the predefined identifier (K_ZE) of the at least one weight sensor (3) has been determined.(Figure 1)

Description

lO 20l4PO2879SE - l - Description Method, device and system for operating a motor vehicle The corresponding to the method, present invention relates to a method, to a device and to a system for operating awhich reliable monitoring of axle loads of the motor vehicle and/or motor vehicle, each of are suitable for permitting changing motor vehicle-trailer combinations.

Axle loads of nwtor vehicles or trailers are determined andmonitored for example by way of pressure sensors or ride-height sensors. In this case, pressure sensors are arranged for example on air spring-mounted axles of the motor vehicle or ofthe leaf spring-mounted axles of the motor vehicle or of the trailer. trailer, and ride-height sensors are arranged on From measurement signals of said sensors, the together with items of information regarding geometry and material of components involved, it is possible to determine weight forces acting on the respective axles. The resulting axle loads are for example displayed to the driver of the motor vehicle inorder that he or she can inspect a load of the motor vehicle and of the trailer.

Such systems for monitoring axle loads generally exhibit adequate accuracy only when the vehicle is at a standstill, for example because roadway unevennesses and braking processesduring driving operation lead to load alterations and can thusgreatly influence the detected weight values. Furthermore, suchsystems are generally set for fixedly assigned motor vehicle-trailer combinations, in the case of which no provision is madefor alternating operation between different motor vehicles andtrailers. Furthermore, such systems offer various avenues ofattack for tampering with the detected measurement results and determined weight values. lO 20l4PO2879SE - 2 - Monitoring' of stationary' or rolling motor vehicles with orwithout a trailer by inspection authorities is performed forexample in a stationary manner at rest areas by way of scalesthat are set up there or integrated into the roadway surface.In this case, monitoring of axle loads at rest areas is time- both inspection flow of traffic. consuming for officials and drivers, and impedes the free By' comparison, automatic measurements integrated into the roadway surface can possiblybe carried out more quickly but are generally expensive andtied to a certain level of infrastructure.

It is an object to provide a method, a device corresponding to the method, and a system for operating a motor vehicle, each ofwhich are suitable for permitting reliable and securedetection, transmission and/or monitoring of axle loads of themotor vehicle and/or of different motor vehicle-trailercombinations.

According' to a first aspect of the invention, a 1nethod. foroperating a nwtor vehicle, comprises the steps of providing which least items of information regarding the motor vehicle and/or a trailer, motor vehicle data encompass at andleast weight the receiving an identifier of at one sensor.

Furthermore, the method. comprises step of comparing' the received identifier with a pmedefined identifier for the at least one weight sensor. Furthermore, the method comprises the step of receiving' measurements signals of the at least one weight sensor which are representative of an axle load of an axle of the motor vehicle or of the trailer. Furthermore, the method comprises the step of determining a weight force in amanner dependent on the received measurement signals and theprovided vehicle data if correlation of the received identifier with the predefined identifier of the at least one weight sensor has been determined.

By means of the described method, it is for example possible, even in the case of changing motor vehicle-trailer lO 20l4PO2879SE - 3 - combinations, for the measurement signals of the at least one weight sensor to be reliably and securely detected and and thus for the axle loads of the motor vehiclethe The identifier for the at least one weight sensor is for example transmitted, and/or of trailer to be monitored. predefined stored in a memory which is assigned to the at least one weight sensor. For example, the at least one weight sensor has a dedicated memory in which the predefined identifier is stored.

In this case, the at least one weight sensor represents a sensor which permits a determination of a weight force in a manner dependent on its measurement signals. For example, the at least one weight sensor is a pressure sensor, a tire pressure sensor, a right-hand sensor or a profile depth sensor.

By means of the comparison of the received identifier and predefined identifier of the at least one weight sensor, tamper-proof detection of measurement signals and monitoring ofthe axle loads is possible, or tampering with the measurementis at least made more The identifier of the signals and the determined axle loadsdifficult in the context of the method. at least one weight sensor comprises for example items of information regarding a manufacture and a model designation of the weight sensor, and includes for example an electronicidentification number which uniquely identifies the weightsensor. Furthermore, the weight sensor is advantageously also, as a component, externally labeled with a unique identification number. These items of information may for example be implemented during the production of the weight sensor or ofthe accessible the motor vehicle and are for example only to authorized personnel working for example at vehicle manufacturer or i11 certain installation workshops. Access toand editing of the identifier are then for example possibleonly with suitable programming means and are protected by wayof an electronic security key which is realized for example asThe is then for example also stored, a password or an electronic chip card. corresponding identifier as a predefined lO 20l4PO2879SE - 4 - identifier, in a database which is accessible to a device which is designed for carrying out the described methods.

During a comparison of the received identifier with the predefined identifier of the weight sensor, it is for example the case that the above-described. items of information areand the method is allowed to proceed for example only It is then for compared,in the event of complete positive correlation.example the case that the identifier of the at least one weightsensor is received, and compared. with the predefinedonce or several times during every driving cycle of thus identifier,the certified the motor vehicle, contributing toimplementation of the method. Alternatively or in addition,device corresponding to the method is set during the productionand activation process by authorized personnel such that, forexample, the weight sensor and the device can be designated as being certified and secure upon leaving the factory.

The at least one weight sensor is for example equipped with electronics for processing the measurement signals, whichelectronics furthermore permit for example wireless and/orWired. communication. with further components involved. in the context of the næthod. For example, the at least one weight sensor has a communication interface which is designed totransmit the identifier and the received measurement signals tothe corresponding device, in order thereby to make it possiblefor axle loads to be reliably determined in the context of the method.

The motor vehicle data that are made available comprise for example items of information regarding' a geometry' and/or amaterial of different components of the motor vehicle and/or ofthe trailer. For example, the at least one weight sensor is apressure sensor which is assigned to a tire or to an air-springbellows of the motor vehicle or of the trailer, and the motorvehicle data comprise items of information regarding a cross- sectional area of the air-spring bellows, such that from this, lO 20l4PO2879SE - 5 - a weight force can be determined. Alternatively, the at leastone weight sensor is a ride-height sensor which is assigned toa leaf spring-mounted. axle of the motor vehicle or of thetrailer and which monitors a change in position of the leafsprings. In this case, the motor vehicle data comprise forexample items of information regarding the material of the leafand make associated characteristic curves springs, spring available.

The described methods can thus be realized by means of at leastone certified weight sensor and a device corresponding to themethod, which. can also be referred. to as certified. control unit. Said components are then for example arranged in or on,and in each case uniquely assigned to, the motor vehicle and/orthe trailer. Reliable and secure monitoring of axle loads ofthe motor vehicle and/or of the trailer is thus possible.In one refinement of the first aspect, the method comprises thesteps of receiving measurement signals of at least one speedwhich theand. determining' a speed. of the motor* vehicle the sensor are representative of a speed of motor vehicle, in a manner dependent on received measurement signals.

Furthermore, the method comprises the step of determining the weight force in a manner dependent on the determined speed.

In this context, the method is enhanced such that the determined speed of the motor vehicle is also incorporated intothe determination of the weight force acting on an axle of themotor vehicle or of the trailer.

In this way, it is for example possible for an axle load of themotor vehicle or of the trailer to be determined and monitoredeven during travel. For example, it is possible for roadwayof the the unevennesses encountered during travelling operation motor vehicle to also be taken into consideration in determination of a weight force. In this context, the by means of weight sensors, roadway unevennesses are detected lO 20l4PO2879SE - 6 - dynamically as load alterations during a driving cycle. In this case, it is for example the case that a load alteration occursfirstly at a front axle of the motor vehicle, and immediatelyload for example aa drive thereafter, at a predeterminable point in time, a alteration occurs at a subsequent axle, axle or a trailer* axle. Fron1 known installation. conditions, such as axle spacings, and the determined speed, it is thus possible in the context of the næthod to nwnitor, and check within certain limits, a time of a load alteration and a change in the determined weight force, which can inter alia improve and/or confirm the reliability and security of the method and of the corresponding device. Furthermore, with the incorporation of the determined speed, a load alteration owing to a braking or acceleration process can also be taken into consideration.

Furthermore, by way of the determination of the speed of the motor vehicle, it is also possible to determine when the motor vehicle comes to stop. For example, if a speed of the motor vehicle of zero meters per second is determined, a measurement of the axle loads is for example particularly accurate because it is not influenced by roadway unevennesses and braking or acceleration processes.

In a further refinement of the first aspect, the method comprises the step of recording the determined weight force by way of a recording unit.

In this way, it is possible for the determined weight forces to be stored and logged in the recording unit during operation of the motor vehicle. In this way, long-term monitoring and evaluation of the axle loads of the motor vehicle and/or of theit is thus the trailer is for example possible. For example, case that, during a driving cycle, loading and/or unloading of the motor vehicle and/or of the trailer is logged and can evenretrospectively' be compared. with any specifications and, if necessary, inspected by inspection officials. lO 20l4PO2879SE - 7 - Thecertified digital tachograph which logs the determined weight recording unit is realized for example by way of a forces and axle loads in the context of the næthod and forexample also displays error messages which notify the driver orinspection official of discrepancies in the determination ofthe axle loads and/or comparison of the identifiers of the oneor more weight sensors. In this way, it is thus possible toreplicate a driving cycle of the motor vehicle and/or of thetrailer with regard to the axle loads, whereby, for example, tampering' with. the detected. measurement signals or with. thedetermined weight forces is made considerably more difficult.Furthermore, by means of the recording unit, it is possible inthe context of the method for exceedances of admissible axleloads to be registered. With knowledge of this function forexample on the part of the driver, it may be the case thatloading of nwtor vehicles and/or trailers will be preciselymonitored and overloading will be avoided, thereby contributingto greater safety in the road traffic environment. invention, a device is the According tx> a second aspect of the designed to carry out a method of above-described refinements of the first aspect.With this aspect of the invention, a device corresponding to the method. described. above is claimed, which. device permits reliable, secure and certified monitoring of axle loads of the motor vehicle and/or of the trailer. In this context, the method is realized for example by way of certified. weightsensors and a certified control unit, which is coupled in termsof signal transmission to the certified weight sensors and to a certified recording unit. third according to thethe According to a aspect of invention, a system comprises a device above-described second aspect, which device is arranged in or on the motor vehicle or the trailer. Furthermore, the systen1 comprises at least one lO 20l4PO2879SE - 8 - certified weight sensor which is coupled in terms of signaltransmission to the device and which is arranged in or at apredefined location on the motor vehicle or on the trailer andwhich is assigned to an axle of the motor vehicle or of thetrailer.

In this way, a system is realized which makes it possible tocarry out a Hæthod as described above and VÜUAÜ1 is thereby conducive to tamper-proof detection, transmission andmonitoring of axle loads of the motor vehicle and/or of thetrailer. For example, the certified weight sensor is a tirepressure sensor which is arranged in an air-spring bellows or atire of the motor vehicle and which monitors an axle load ofthe motor vehicle. In this context, the certified. pressuresensor is for example installed and programmed by authorizedpersonnel already during the production of the vehicle or axle,and thus exhibits the certification described in the context ofthis invention. This is for example indicated by way of a labelon the at least one weight sensor. Such a label then includesfor example items of information such as the chassis number andas a seal on the name of the authorized installation site, and, weight sensor, said label cannot be removed non-destructively.The device and the at least one certified weight sensor are then for example provided, at the time of installation, with awhich and an unique identification comprises for example an identification number electronic signature. In this case, the device and the certified weight sensor are coupled to one another and, for example, items of information regarding axle configuration and axle sequence of the motor vehicle and/or of the trailer are stored for example in a data memoryof the device. Alternatively' or in addition, said items ofsuch as the motor the information and further items of information, vehicle data, are made available externally to motor vehicle and the trailer in a back-end, and can be retrieved in the context of the method. lO 20l4PO2879SE - 9 - third certified weight sensor is a pressure sensor, In one refinement of the aspect, the at least one in particular a profile depth sensor, which is arranged in a tire of the motor vehicle or of the trailer.

The pressure sensor is for example arranged in a tire of the motor vehicle or of the trailer, and in this case monitors the pressure of the respective tire and can accordingly also be referred to as tire pressure sensor. For example, the system also comprises multiple tire pressure sensors which, as certified weight sensors, permit a determination of a weight force and of an axle load of the respective tire and of the respective axle.

In this context, the tire pressure sensor is for example arranged internally on an inner side of the tire and monitorsrolling behavior of the tire. The rolling behavior in this caseprovides information regarding a load acting on the axle towhich the tire is assigned, the and thus permits, for example in context of an evaluation by way of software, a determination of the weight force and a determination of the axle load. Furthermore, by means of the tire pressure sensor, the monitored rolling behavior can also be evaluated for thepurposes of determining and monitoring a profile depth of the tire. Consequently, the tire pressure sensor can also be referred to as profile depth sensor. What is also possible is a combination. of different certified. weight sensors which arearranged in or at a predefined location on the motor vehicle oron the trailer.

In one refinement of the third aspect, the system comprises arecording unit which is coupled in terms of signal transmissionto the device.

The recording unit permits, as described above, digital loggingof the determined weight forces acting on the respective axlesthe of the motor vehicle and/or of the trailer. In this case, 2014PO2879SE - 10 - device, the at least one weight sensor and the recording unit are in each case designed to communicate with one another and transmit or receive the detected measurement signals and predetermined weight forces and axle loads. Communication forthe transmission and receiving of data is realized for example by way of wireless communication, or is realized for example by way of wired Controller Area Network (CAN) connections betweenthe motor vehicle and the trailer and the above-describedcomponents. Another possible means of communication is for example a powerline connection, in the case of which existingelectrical cabling is generally utilized for data transmission.The communication between the described components is performedfor example in each case with an associated signature in orderto ensure the validity of the transmitted and received data, and make tampering more difficult.

In a further refinement of the third aspect, the device and/or the at least one certified weight sensor are/is coupled cohesively and/or in positively locking fashion and/or in non-the positively locking fashion to the motor vehicle or to trailer. realized the In this way, a system. is in which the components required for carrying out above-described method are arranged, to a certain degree, in tamper-proof fashion in or on the motor vehicle or the trailer. For example, the device, as a certified control unit, is cohesively connected to a vehicleframe of the motor vehicle or of the trailer, for example by way of welding. In this context, it is consequently no longerpossible for the certified control unit to be non-destructivelydetached from the motor vehicle or the trailer. Furthermore,the device and/or the at least one certified weight sensor isfor example provided with an anti-tamper seal which is appliedthe said by authorized personnel installation of Thus, duringcomponents. unauthorized dismounting or repositioning ofthe device and of the certified weight sensor is visible from the outside, whereby a quick external inspection of the system lO 20l4PO2879SE - ll - Such anti-tamper seals are then, for example and the is also possible. similarly to the abovementioned labels electronic security key, accessible only to authorized persons working forexample at authorized vehicle manufacturers, body manufacturersand installation workshops.

In a further refinement of the third aspect, the at least onecertified weight sensor is arranged in an air-spring bellows ofthe motor vehicle or of the trailer.

In this way, a mechanically tamper-proof arrangement of the atleast one certified weight sensor is for example realized, inthe case of which the weight sensor is for example internallyvulcanized into the air-spring bellows. Tampering with thecertified weight sensor and the position thereof is thus madeconsiderably more difficult and is possible only with priorexternal destruction of the air-spring bellows. In this way, intervention is for example prevented, contributing to reliable and secure detection and monitoring of axle loads of the motor vehicle or of the trailer.

In a further refinement of the first aspect, the system comprises at least one weight sensor which is assigned to themotor vehicle or to the trailer and which is coupled in termsof signal transmission to the recording unit.

In this context, the systen1 is enhanced. to include a speedsensor by means of which a determination of the axle loads in amanner dependent on the speed of the motor vehicle is possible.In this way, it is possible for speed-induced changes in the axle loads, such as roadway unevennesses, braking oracceleration processes to also be taken into consideration inthe determination of the weight forces acting on the respective axles. the motor vehiclewhich In a further refinement of the third aspect, has a nmnagement unit and the trailer has the device, lO 20l4PO2879SE - l2 - management unit and. device are each. designed. to communicatewith one another in terms of signal transmission when the motorvehicle and the trailer are in a coupled state.The management unit, as a higher-level entity, is designed forexample to coordinate the data transfer between the at leastone certified weight sensor, the device and the recording unit.

Furthermore, by means of the management unit, it is also possible for different motor vehicle-trailer combinations to bethethe configured. with regard. to theand for it to be checked whether implementation. of one ofabove-described methods, components involved exhibit corresponding certification.

For example, the one or more trailers with the device are designated as being certified upon leaving the factory, and are coupled to the motor vehicle for operation. In this case, such coupling also includes a coupling in terms of signal transmission, which may be realized in wireless or wired form.

For example, communication is realized by way of a motor vehicle-trailer CAN connection,the thus permitting data transfer between motor vehicle and trailer and monitoring and management of the determined axle loads.Exemplary' embodiments of the invention. will be discussed. inmore detail below on the basis of the schematic drawings, in which: figure l shows a flow diagram. of a program. executed. in adevice,figure 2 shows a system for operating a motor vehicle.

Figure l illustrates a flow diagram of a program for operatinga motor vehicle l, which program is executed for example in adevice lO of the motor vehicle l or over trailer 5. The devicelO is for example realized in the form of a certified control unit, and comprises for example a data and program memory and a 2014P02879SE - 13 - processing unit. The device 10 is coupled in terms of signaltransmission to at least one weight sensor 3 which is assigned to an axle of the motor vehicle 1 or of the trailer 5.

The program may for example occur close to a time of starting of an In a first step S1, the program. started. start of the engine 16 of the motor vehicle 1.

In a step S3, the device 10 receives an identifier K_GS of the at least one weight sensor 3, which identifier comprises for example items of information regarding' a manufacture and a model designation of the weight sensor 3. The identifier K_GS includes for example an electronic identification number which uniquely identifies the weight sensor 3. Furthermore, the weight sensor 3 is advantageously also, as a component, externally labeled with a unique identification number.

For example, the at least one weight sensor 3 has a dedicated memory in which the identifier K_GS is stored. The memory is designed such that the identifier K_GS is accessible only to authorized persons working for example at a vehicle manufacturer or i11 certain installation workshops. Access to and editing of the identifier K_GS are then for example possible only with suitable programming means and are protectedrealized. forThecorresponding identifier K_GS is then for example also stored,K_zE, in a by way of an electronic security key which is example as a password or an electronic chip card. as a predefined identifier database which is accessible to a device 10 for executing the program.

In a step S5, the device 10 checks whether the received identifier K_GS correlates with the predefined identifier K_ZE.In this context, the device 10 compares the received identifierK_GS with the predefined identifier K_ZE, which is for examplestored in a data memory of the device 10 or which may also beretrieved. fronl a back-end arranged. externally' to the motor vehicle 1. If the comparison of the received identifier K_GS 2014PO2879SE - 14 - with the predefined identifier K_ZE does not yield acorrelation, the program can for example return to the step S3.However, if the received identifier K_GS correlates with the predefined identifier K_ZE for the at least one weight sensor3, the program proceeds to a step S7.In the comparison. of the received. identifier* K_GS with. thepredefined identifier K_ZE for the at least one weight sensor3, it is for example the case that the above-described items ofmodel and such as designation and the method information, manufacturer, electronic identification number, are compared,is allowed to proceed for example only in the event of completepositive correlation.K_GS of and compared. with. the predefined It is then for example the case that the identifier the at least one weight sensor 3 is received, identifier* K_ZE,once or several times during every driving cycle of the motorvehicle 1, thus contributing to certified implementation of the method. Alternatively* or in addition, the device 10 is set during the production and activation process by authorized personnel such that, for example, the weight sensor 3 and thedevice 10 can be designated as being certified and secure uponleaving the factory, and in the context of the program do not imperatively have to be checked with regard to a signature.

By means of the comparison of the received identifier K_GS andpredefined identifier K_ZE of the at least one weight sensor 3,MS_G of the weight sensor 3 and monitoring of the axle loads is possible, tamper-proof detection of measurement signalsor tampering with the næasurement signals MS_G and with theaxle loads that can be determined therefrom is at least mademore difficult.In the step S7, the acquisition of the measurement signals MS_Gof the at least one weight sensor 3, from which næasurementsignals an axle load of an axle 7 of the motor vehicle 1 or ofthe trailer* 5 is determined. during* the further* process, is commenced. 2014PO2879SE - 15 - Furthermore, in a step S8, measurement signals MS_V of a speedsensor 9 are acquired, GE of the motor* vehicle 1 from which measurement signals a speedis determined. during' the furtherprocess.

In a step S9, in a manner dependent on the received measurementsignals MS_G of the at least one weight sensor' 3 and. in amanner dependent on the received measurement signals MS_V ofthe speed sensor 9, a weight force F_G acting on an axle of theIn this the motor vehicle 1 (mf of the trailer 5 is determined. context, motor vehicle data KF_D are incorporated intodetermination of the weight force F_G, which motor vehicle dataare made available for example in a data memory of the device or in the back-end arranged externally to the motor vehicle 1.

The motor vehicle data KF_D that are made available comprisefor example items of information regarding a geometry and/or amaterial of different components of the motor vehicle 1 and/orof the trailer 5. For example, the at least one weight sensor 3is a pressure sensor which is assigned to a tire or to an air-spring bellows of the motor vehicle 1 or of the trailer 5, and the motor vehicle data KF_D comprise items of information regarding' a cross-sectional area of the air-spring' bellows,such that from this,the weight together with measurement signals MS_G ofsensor' 3, a weight force F_G can be determined.

Alternatively, the at least one weight sensor' 3 is a ride- height sensor which is assigned to a leaf spring-mounted axleof the motor vehicle 1 or of the trailer 5 and which monitors athe motor change in position of the leaf springs. In this case, vehicle data. KF_D comprise for example items of information regarding the material of the leaf springs, and make associated spring characteristic curves available.

The determined weight forces F_G correspond to an axle load ofthe respective axle 7 to which the at least one weight sensor 3the determined axle loads can be is assigned. In a step S11, 2014PO2879SE - 16 - recorded and stored in a recording unit 12 in order thereby topermit for example long-term monitoring of the axle loads of the motor vehicle 1 and/or of the trailer 5.

The determined weight forces F_G are then for example storedand logged in the recording unit 12 during the operation of themotor vehicle 1. For example, it is thus the case that, duringloading and/or unloading of the motor vehicle the a driving cycle,1 and/or of retrospectively' be compared. with any specifications trailer 5 is logged and can even and, if necessary, inspected by inspection officials. In this way, a moderate increase or decrease in axle loads, for example between a vehicle stoppage and travel of the motor vehicle 1 possibly' with. a trailer* 5, is checkedd In this regard, forexample, application-specific load coefficients are storedwhich, for example, are indicative of a type of load such as bulk material, piece goods, heavy load, or container.

The recording' unit 12 is for example realized. by' way' of acertified digital tachograph which logs the determined weightforces F_G and axle loads in the context of the method and forexample also displays error messages which notify the driver orinspection official of discrepancies in the determination ofthe axle loads and/or* comparison. of the received. identifierK_GS with the predefined identifier K_ZE of the at least oneit is thus possible to certified weight sensor 3. In this way, replicate a driving cycle of the motor vehicle 1 and/or of thewhereby, for example, MS_V or trailer 5 with regard to the axle loads, tampering with the detected measurement signals MS_G,with the determined weight forces F_G is made considerably moredifficult. is possible Furthermore, by means of the recording unit 12, it in the context of the næthod for exceedances ofadmissible axle loads to be registered. With knowledge of thisfunction for example on the part of the driver of the motorvehicle 1, it may be the case that loading of motor vehicles 1 and/or trailers 5 will be precisely monitored and overloading 2014PO2879SE - 17 - will be avoided, thereby contributing to greater safety in the road traffic environment.

The program is for example carried out continuously after stepS11, such that,the program proceeds again to step S7 or to step S3 depending during the operation of the motor vehicle 1, on whether the identifier K_GS of the weight sensor 3 is toagain be received and compared with the predefined identifierK ZE.

In a step S13,ended. engine 16 is shut down. the program for operating a motor vehicle 1 is This occurs for example when the motor vehicle 1 or the Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a system which comprises the motor vehicle 1 and a trailer 5.

The motor vehicle 1 is realized for example in the form of apassenger motor vehicle which is coupled to the trailer 5, oris realized in the form of a heavy goods motor vehicle which,as a tractor unit, tows one or more trailers 5. Figure 2illustrates only one trailer 5, 5 to be though it is also possible for multiple trailers provided which are for examplearranged one behind the other and are coupled to one another ineach case.

In embodiments, on each axle 7 of the motor vehicle 1 and ofthe trailer 5, there is arranged in each case one weight sensor3 which is for example in the form of a pressure sensor or aIn further embodiments, ride-height sensor. the weight sensor 3 is arranged only at a single axle 7. In further embodiments, ineach case one weight sensor 3 is arranged on some of the axles7, and no weight sensor 3 is provided on the other axles 7.Furthermore, the motor vehicle 1 and the trailer 5 each have adevice 10, said devices each being coupled in terms of signaltransmission to two weight sensors 3 and one speed sensor 9. In this exemplary embodiment, two speed sensors 9 are illustrated, 2014P02879SE - 18 - with one on or in the motor vehicle 1 and one on or in the trailer 5, though it is alternatively also possible for only one speed sensor 9 to be provided. Furthermore, it is likewise possible for more axles 7 to be provided than are illustrated.

In the exemplary embodiment in figure 2, the motor vehicle 1 and the single trailer 5 illustrated are connected. to one another by way of a coupling 14. In this exemplary embodiment, the coupling 14 represents both a næchanical coupling of themotor vehicle 1 and of the trailer 5 and also a coupling in terms of signal transmission, for example by way of an electrical connection, such as for example CAN or powerline connections. The coupling in terms of signal transmission mayalternatively' or additionally' be realized. in wirelessand data and the form, communication transfer between motor the permitting vehicle 1, trailer 5 components involved for monitoring the axle loads.

The devices 10 and. the certified. weight sensors 3 are for example provided, at the time of installation, with a unique identification. which. comprises for example an identification number and an electronic signature. In this case, the devices 10 and the one or more certified weight sensors are coupled to one another and, for example, items of information regarding axle configuration and axle sequence of the motor vehicle 1and/or of the trailer 5 are stored for example in a data memory of the device 10. Alternatively or in addition, said items of information and further items of information, such as the motor vehicle data KF_D, are made available externally to the motor vehicle 1 and the trailer 5 in a back-end, and can be retrieved as required. For example, one or nwre spring characteristic curve is also stored in the data memory of the device 10, which spring characteristic curves contain information regarding pressure to weight force and/or spring compression travel toweight force relationships and can be utilized for example inthe determination. of the axle loads for leaf spring-mounted axles 7 of the motor vehicle 1 or of the trailer 5. 2014P02879SE - 19 - The motor vehicle 1 furthermore has the recording unit 12 whichfor example permits digital logging of the determined weightF_G the of the motor the device 10 forces acting on respective axles 7 vehicle 1 and/or of the trailer 5. In this case,of the motor vehicle 1, the two illustrated weight sensors 3,the speed sensor 9 and the recording unit 12 are each designed to communicate with one another and transmit or receive the detected measurement signals MS_G, MS_V and the determinedweight forces F_G.

The devices 10 and the weight sensors 3 are for examplecohesively connected to a vehicle frame of the motor vehicle 1or of the trailer 5, for example by means of welding. In thiscontext, it is consequently no longer possible for the certified devices 10 to be non-destructively detached from the motor vehicle 1 or the trailer 5. Furthermore, the device 10and/or the certified weight sensors 3 is for example providedauthorized Thus, with an anti-tamper seal which is applied by personnel during' the installation. of said. components.unauthorized dismounting or repositioning of the device 10 and of the certified weight sensors 3 is visible from the outside, whereby' a quick external inspection of the system. is alsopossible. Such anti-tamper seals are then, for examplesimilarly to the abovementioned labels and the electronic security key, accessible only to authorized persons working for example at authorized vehicle manufacturers, body manufacturers and installation workshops.

The motor vehicle 1 furthermore has a management unit 15 which,as a higher-level entity, is designed for example to coordinatethe data transfer between the certified weight sensors 3, the devices 10 and the recording unit 12. Furthermore, by means of the management unit 15, it is also possible for different motorvehicle-trailer combinations to be configured with regard to the implementation of the flow diagram illustrated in figure 1. 2014PO2879SE - 20 - The illustrated system composed of motor vehicle 1 and trailer5, on which weight sensors 3 and in each case one device 10 arearranged, has for example been installed and programmed at avehicle or axle manufacturer, as these represent authorizedpersonnel and have access to the required characteristic curvesfor signal and axle weight. In this case, it is for examplepossible for cumbersome calibration of the system by means ofload simulation to be dispensed with.

For example, a weight sensor 3, as a pressure sensor, isadhesively bonded to and vulcanized into the inside of an air-spring' bellows or a 'tire of the motor* vehicle 1 or of thetrailer 5, and has a dedicated memory in which characteristiccurves are already stored. the The pressure sensor then monitors for example pressure of the respective tire, and can consequently also be referred to as tire pressure sensor. For example, the system also comprises multiple tire pressure sensors which, as certified weight sensors 3, permit a determinatmni of a weight force and of an axle load of therespective tire and of the respective axle 7.In this context, the certified weight sensors 3, for example in the form of tire pressure sensors, are for example arrangedinternally on an inner side of the tire and nwnitor rollingthe The this provides information regarding a load acting on the axle 7 to behavior of tire. rolling behavior in case which the tire is assigned,the and thus permits, for example in context of an evaluation by way of software, adetermination of the weight force F_G and a determination ofthe load. of the the nwnitored rolling behavior can also be evaluated axle Furthermore, by means tire pressure sensor,for the purposes of determining and monitoring a profile depthof the tire.

Consequently, the certified weight sensor 3 used as tire pressure sensor' can also be referred. to as profile depth sensor. lO 20l4PO2879SE - 2l - The weight sensors 3 have for example electronics which permitprocessing of the measurement signals MS_G and wireless and/or wired signal transmission. The respective weight sensors 3 of the motor vehicle l and of the trailer 5 are coupled in termsof signal transmission to the respective device lO in wired or wireless fashion. The weight sensors 3 and/or the devices lO furthermore, for example, have the chassis number stored therein as a unique link to the chassis of the motor vehicle lor of the trailer 5.course inspection, for example in During the of periodic authorized workshops, the system is checked and calibrated onthe basis of simulated threshold values by way of pressure andlever travel simulation and with the aid of vehicle scales, in order thereby to ensure reliable functioning. Such inspections are then for example documented on labels or installationplaques, and. are for example readily' apparent to inspectionofficials.

By means of the described system, it is for example possible even in the case of changing motor vehicle l-trailer 5 combinations for the measurement signals MS_G of the at leastone weight sensor 3 to be reliably and securely detected and transmitted, and thus for the axle loads of the motor vehicle l and/or of the trailer 5 to be monitored. The recording unit 12 permits permanent monitoring of the logged axle loads which, owing to certified weight sensors 3, exhibit assured and certified reliability to a certain extent. Such reliability of the determined axle loads is further supported by the deviceslO and weight sensors 3 which are mounted in or on the motorvehicle l or trailer 5 and which are provided with tamper-proof seals and. which, both. mechanically' and. electronically, each have unique identification. numbers. Replication. of and tampering with the measurement signals MS_G and/or MS_V and/or of the determined axle loads is made considerably more difficult by way of such a system. 2014PO2879SE - 22 List of reference signs \1U"|U)|-\ 121416 F_GGE Ms_GMs_vK_GsK_zEKF_Ds_AE Motor vehicleWeight sensorTrailer Axle Speed sensorDeviceRecording unitCouplingManagement unit Engine Weight forceSpeed Measurement signals from weight sensorMeasurement signals from speed sensor Identifier of weight sensor Certified identifierMotor vehicle data Recording unit memory

Claims (1)

1. lO 20l4PO2879SE - 23 - Patent claims l. A. method. for operating za motor* vehicle, comprising the steps of 3. Theof The method as claimed in claim l, method as claimed in claim l or 2, providing motor vehicle data (KF_D) which encompass information regarding' the motor(5), at least items of vehicle (l) and/or a trailer receiving an identifier (K_GS) of at least one weightsensor (3), comparing the received identifier (K_GS) with apredefined identifier (K_ZE) for the at least oneweight sensor (3), receiving measurements signals (MS_G) of the at least one weight sensor (3) which are representative of an axle load of an axle (7) of the motor vehicle (l) or of the trailer (5),determining a weight force (F_G) in a mannerdependent on the received measurement signals (MS_G) and the provided vehicle data (KF_D) if correlation(K_Gs) of the at least one weight sensor of the received identifier(K_zE) (3) has been determined. with the predefined identifier comprising the steps of receiving measurements signals (MS_V) of at least onespeed sensor (9) which are representative of a speedof the motor vehicle (l), determining a speed (GE) of the motor vehicle (l) ina manner dependent on the received measurementsignals (MS_V), determining the weight force (F_G) in a manner dependent on the determined speed (GE). comprising the step recording the determined weight force(12). (F_G) by way of a recording unit 20l4P02879SE - 24 - 4 A device (10) for operating a motor vehicle (1), - which device is «designed ixn carry out za method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3.5 A system, comprising: - a device (10) as claimed in claim 4, which device isarranged in or on the motor vehicle (1) or thetrailer (5), - at least one certified. weight sensor (3) which iscoupled in terms of signal transmission to the device(10) and. which is arranged. in or at a predefinedlocation on the motor vehicle (1) or on the trailer(5) and which is assigned to an axle of the motorvehicle (1) or of the trailer (5). 6. The system as claimed in claim 5, - in which the at least one certified weight sensor (3)is a pressure sensor, in particular a profile depthsensor, which is arranged. in a tire of the motorvehicle (1) or of the trailer (5). 7. The system as claimed in claim 5 or 6, comprising: - a recording unit (12) which is coupled in terms of signal transmission to the device (10).8. The system as claimed in one of claims 5 to 7, - in which the device (10) and/or the at least onecertified weight sensor (3) are/is coupled cohesivelyand/or in positively locking fashion and/or in non-positively locking fashion to the motor vehicle (1)or to the trailer (5). 9. The system as claimed in one of claims 5 to 8,- in which the at least one certified weight sensor (3) is arranged of the motor (l) in an air-spring' bellows vehicle or trailer (5). 2014PO2879SE - 25 - 10. 11. The system as claimed in one of claims 5 to 9,- which system comprises at least one speed sensor (9)which is assigned to the motor vehicle (1) or to thetrailer (5) and which is coupled in terms of signaltransmission to the recording unit (12).The system as claimed in one of claims 5 to 10,- in which the motor vehicle (1)(15) and the trailer (5) management has a management unit(10), which each designed to has the deviceunit and device areterms ofvehicle (1) are in a coupled state. communicate with one another in signal transmission when the and the trailer (5) motor