WO2019238465A1

WO2019238465A1 - System comprising an air dryer unit for an air treatment installation and a counter, and method therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2019238465A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/064427
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas Leinung
Original assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
Priority date: 2018-06-12
Filing date: 2019-06-04
Publication date: 2019-12-19
Also published as: DE102018113963A1; CN112334214A; EP3806984A1; BR112020024081A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (10, 10') comprising an air dryer unit (12, 12') for an air treatment installation (14, 14') of a vehicle (16, 16') and an electronic counter (18, 18'), wherein the air treatment installation (14, 14') and/or the air dryer unit (12, 12') has an electronic memory module (20, 20'), said electronic memory module (20, 20') having a memory space (22, 22'), and wherein a counter information can be stored in the memory space (22, 22'), on the basis of which the usage state of the air dryer unit (12, 12') can be read out, and wherein an operating cycle of the air dryer unit (12, 12') is detectable by means of the electronic counter (18, 18'), wherein a counting signal can be generated on the basis of the detection, and the counting signal can be transmitted to the electronic memory module (20, 20') for storing as counting information. The present invention further relates to an air dryer unit (12, 12') for said system (10, 10') and to an air treatment installation (14, 14') having said system (10, 10') and to a method for operating said system (10, 10'), said air dryer unit and/or said air treatment installation (14, 14').

Description

DESCRIPTION

System comprising an air dryer unit for an air treatment system and a counter and method therefor

The present invention relates to a system comprising at least one

Air dryer unit for at least one air treatment system of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle and at least one electronic counter, wherein the air dryer unit has at least one electronic memory module.

The present invention further relates to an air dryer unit for such a system.

In addition, the present invention relates to an air conditioning system of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, with such a system.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for operating this system, this air dryer unit and this air treatment system.

The correct allocation of spare parts or exchange parts in the form of

Air dryer cartridges and the prevention of the assembly of inferior, already used or counterfeit air dryer cartridges is already the subject of the prior art.

From DE 10 2010 038 064 A1, an air treatment system with an air drying cartridge is already known, by means of which it can be avoided that the

Air treatment system is operated with an improper air drying cartridge. For this purpose, the air drying cartridge has an indicator element which interacts with a receiver element of the air treatment system, so that the type of air drying cartridge can be automatically recognized.

Furthermore, DE 10 2005 050 635 A1 discloses an air filter cartridge for mounting on an air treatment device of a commercial vehicle. According to the invention, that the air filter cartridge has identification means, the information content of which can be detected by a detection device. The invention further relates to a method for recognizing properties of an air filter cartridge.

In addition, DE 10 2009 011 824 A1 shows a system with an air treatment system and with an air filter cartridge for mounting on the air treatment system, the air filter cartridge having a means of identification comprising a memory, and the information content of the memory being detectable and changeable by the detection device.

For the rest, EP 2 229 994 A2 relates to a sealing component comprising a sealing body which has a first sealing surface for sealing a volume to be sealed. The sealing body at least partially encloses an electronic component. An operating method for a sealing component comprises the following steps: providing a sealing component according to the invention, changing information in an electronic memory of the sealing component, querying the information from the electronic memory of the sealing component, evaluating the requested information and performing an action depending on and / or taking into account a Evaluation result of the evaluation of the requested information.

Furthermore, EP 1 849 672 A2 discloses a cartridge for a

Compressed air treatment system of a motor vehicle or commercial vehicle. According to the invention, a sensor is arranged in the cartridge with which, for example, a moisture content of a treatment agent of the compressed air, in particular of a granulate, is monitored. A takes place in a control device in accordance with the signal of the sensor

automatic switchover between a compressed air treatment circuit and a regeneration circuit.

Furthermore, DE 10 2008 012 699 A1 discloses an air filter cartridge for mounting on a compressed air treatment system of a vehicle, with a sensor for detecting a degree of moisture and a transponder with an antenna in the air filter cartridge and a memory are arranged. According to the invention, it is provided that the transponder is coupled to the sensor.

In addition, DE 10 2007 044 586 A1 shows a control unit for identifying spare parts for subsystems of a vehicle with one

Detection device read information. According to the invention, it is provided that the control device has at least one interface for at least one

Includes detection device and at least one interface for the indirect or direct connection to several subsystems. The invention further relates to a system and method for identifying spare parts for subsystems of a vehicle.

Due to the limited inclusion of safety-relevant data of the air dryer unit, such as, for example, the specific state of its use prior to installation on an air treatment system assigned to it, there are always certain in the air treatment systems mentioned in the prior art

Vulnerabilities exist.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a system comprising a

Air dryer unit for an air treatment system of the type mentioned in an advantageous manner, in particular in that the

Identification security and the counterfeit security of the system is improved.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a system having the features of claim 1. According to this, it is provided that a system has at least one

Air dryer unit for at least one air treatment system of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, and at least one electronic counter, wherein the air treatment system and / or the air dryer unit has at least one electronic memory module, the electronic memory module having at least one memory location and wherein at least one counter in the memory location. Information can be stored on the basis of which the state of use of the air dryer unit can be read out, the electronic counter with the

electronic memory module is in data connection and by means of electronic counter, at least one operating cycle of the air dryer unit is recognizable, a detection signal can be generated on the basis of the detection, and the count signal to the electronic memory module for storage as counting information

is transferable.

The invention is based on the basic idea that to increase the

Identification security or the counterfeit security of the air dryer unit of each operating cycle of the which can be detected or recognized by means of the counter

Air dryer unit in the form of counting information can be stored in the electronic storage module. In the context of this invention, the air dryer unit is as

Air dryer cartridge trained. This detection or detection is particularly advantageous and reliable because it takes place directly from the air dryer unit. In this case, an operating cycle can be understood to be a cycle of the air dryer unit in which at least one cycle for a certain period of time

Operating parameters (e.g. mass flow, volume flow, degree of humidity of the air, switch-on and switch-off pressure, etc.) of the air dryer unit can be regarded as approximately constant. In this case, e.g. a regeneration period, a load operating period, the respective time periods of the switch-off and switch-on pressures, lower and upper threshold values for load and regeneration phases

Moisture values, pressure values and the like can be viewed. After each of these operating cycles, the counter signal can be sent to the

electronic memory module are transmitted so that the corresponding current life information or the current state of use of the

Air dryer unit can be stored and read out. In the event that

Air dryer unit is unused, which is originally in the memory module

stored counting information assigned to an initial value or an initial variable. This initial variable or the initial value can have the value zero or any other initialization value. As soon as an operating cycle has been recognized by the electronic counter, further counting information is stored in the electronic memory module. As a result, the initial value is increased by an increment assigned to the operating cycle, which is part of the counting information. This increment can have the value 1 for the sake of simplicity, but can also be assigned to any other increment value. Furthermore, it is it is conceivable that the number information can be encrypted and stored and read out in the electronic memory module.

It is basically conceivable that the air treatment system is part of the system.

In addition, it can be provided that the number information is designed such that the number information can be used to identify whether the air dryer unit is unused or has already been put into operation. Especially in the case where there is still no number information relating to an operating cycle in the electronic

Memory module is stored, only an initial value assigned to this counting information or an initial variable is stored in the memory module.

On the basis of this initial value or this initial variable, the unused state can be identified in a particularly simple and advantageous manner. This initial value is therefore particularly important and advantageous for the air dryer unit

to be used because it clearly shows the new condition or the unused condition of the air dryer unit. This essential information for the user offers him the certainty that he is using an original part. On the other hand, the use of original parts in mint condition increases the

Operational reliability of the air dryer unit in an advantageous manner. Other information such as the type, type, manufacturing method, manufacturing location, batch, batch number, etc. of the air dryer unit is also in the electronic storage module

storable.

It is also conceivable that the electronic memory module is an RFID element or has at least one RFID element and / or is part of an RFID element.

Here, the word RFID denotes an abbreviation of the English definition for: radio frequency identification (German: identification by means of electromagnetic waves). The radio frequency identification (RFID) therefore characterizes a technology for transmitter and receiver systems for automatic and contactless

Identify and also locate objects (e.g. the air dryer unit) using radio waves. An RFID element, hereinafter also referred to as an RFID chip for the sake of simplicity, offers a wireless, particularly fast, powerful and safe or correct identifiability of the air dryer unit used in each case. By identifying it with the lifetime information or the Combined use state of the air dryer unit, an even safer use of this component, which is very important for vehicle safety, can be increased.

It is also conceivable that the number information which can be stored in the storage space and on the basis of which the state of use of the air dryer unit can be read out,

in particular in the assembled state of the air dryer unit, cannot be overwritten and / or deleted. The non-erasability or the non-overwritability relates in particular to the operational use of the air dryer unit. Harmful external influences such as a strong external magnetic field, high temperatures, vibrations etc. can make the counting information erasable anyway. Without being safe in the electronic during the operation of the air dryer unit

The counting information stored in the memory module would not allow an exact determination of the life of the air drying unit. Thus, in order to increase the overall operational reliability of the air dryer unit, securing the stored counting information is particularly important and advantageous. Just by misusing or overwriting the stored counting information, an air dryer unit that has already been used could be declared as a new air dryer unit. This abuse can thus be effectively prevented by not overwriting or not deleting. The assembled state is e.g. recognizable by an electrical contact or by an optical sensor between the air dryer unit and the air treatment system.

In this context, write protection or erasure protection is generated in particular by the air dryer unit and / or the air treatment system. According to a further exemplary embodiment, it is also conceivable that the counting information, in particular in the assembled state, may be overwritten, but not by a lower value. Thus, the counter can also be designed in such a way that the counting information can also be overwritten in order to document a higher or advanced level of use and to store it in the memory module.

It is also possible that the memory location is designed as a non-volatile read-write memory in which the counting information is stored, on the basis of which the Condition of use of the air dryer unit is readable. This non-volatile

Storage space allows a particularly space-saving and compact design of the electronic storage module, since non-volatile storage does not have to have an external energy source such as a battery or an electrical accumulator. In this regard, it is conceivable that the memory location is designed as an EEPROM, flash EEPROM or FRAM memory. The abbreviation EEPROM denotes an English abbreviation for the definition: Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (German: electrically erasable programmable read-only memory). The abbreviation Flash-EEPROM also denotes an English abbreviation for the

Definition: Flash Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (German: so-called flash memory). The abbreviation FRAM also indicates an English abbreviation for the definition: Ferroelectric Random Access Memory (German:

ferroelectric random access memory). Incidentally, it is conceivable that that

electronic memory module has at least one non-volatile read-only memory. Static type information of the air dryer unit such as manufacturer, type, serial number, date of manufacture, place of manufacture, manufacturing process, batch number, etc., for example, can be stored in this read-only memory and should only be readable in the operating state. The advantage of

The read-only memory is that it cannot be written to during operation of the air dryer cartridge, but can only be read. This

additional information further increases the identifiability or security of the air dryer unit.

In addition, it is conceivable that the electronic memory module has at least one further memory location, which is designed as a RAM memory and in which the counting information can be stored. The abbreviation RAM denotes an English abbreviation for the definition: Random Access Memory (German: direct access memory). By using a RAM memory, redundancy to the existing non-volatile memory space can be created. This can

in particular, the data security of the electronic memory module can be increased. On the other hand, the RAM memory allows write and write much faster

Read accesses for the count information compared to the non-volatile memory space. In this context, it is also conceivable that with fast Operating cycle changes of the air dryer unit, the number information is first stored in the RAM memory and then to the non-volatile

Read-write memory can be transferred and saved. The RAM memory can be designed, for example, as an SRAM memory. In addition, the

Abbreviation SRAM an English abbreviation for the definition: Static Random Access Memory (German: static direct access memory).

It is also possible for the electronic counter to have at least one

Sensor device for detecting at least one operating cycle of the

Air dryer unit or has a data connection with at least one sensor device for detecting at least one operating cycle of the air dryer unit. The sensor device enables the counter to recognize an operating cycle of the air dryer unit as clearly and precisely as possible. The sensor device can e.g. as a flow sensor device, moisture sensor device and / or

Pressure sensor device may be formed. The sensor signal recorded in this way can then be transmitted to the electronic counter, where it can be evaluated or determined to form a unique counting signal by means of a calculation and / or processing device of the counter. The sensor device is advantageous in the

Air dryer unit positioned. However, the sensor device can also be arranged on an outer surface of a housing of the air dryer unit and connected to at least one inner pressure chamber. In addition, it is alternatively or additionally conceivable that the sensor device can be arranged or arranged in the interior of the air dryer unit (i.e. e.g. in the interior of an air dryer cartridge) or in an inner pressure chamber of the air dryer unit.

In addition, it can be provided that the usage state can be updated by means of at least one processing device of the electronic memory module on the basis of the counting information. Accordingly, a large number of operating cycles of the air dryer unit can be recognized or recorded by the electronic counter and in the form of the counter information or counter information to the electronic counter

Memory module are transferred. The current state of use of the

Air dryer unit is also the most important parameter that is directly linked to its service life. Maintenance intervals for the can thus be based on the current state of use or from a certain number of operating cycles Air dryer unit are determined and transmitted to the driver or to a central monitoring point as a corresponding maintenance signal. The processing device can be designed, for example, in the form of an integrated circuit as a microcontroller and / or microchip.

Incidentally, it is conceivable that the electronic counter part of the

Air dryer unit is. As a result, the electronic counter can be arranged in the immediate vicinity of the electronic memory module, which is also part of the air dryer unit. This arrangement allows minimal

Data transmission paths and thus maximizing data transmission security. The electronic counter can be arranged, for example, in a recess in a housing of the air dryer unit. Furthermore, it can be provided that the electronic counter forms a common structural unit or a common module with the sensor device. It is also conceivable in this context that this common structural unit additionally also includes the electronic storage unit. Alternatively, it is conceivable in this context that the electronic counter is part of the air treatment system.

In addition, the present invention relates to an air dryer unit for the system described above. All related to the above

described inventive system and its possible

Embodiments disclosed structural and functional features of the

Air dryer unit according to the invention can also be provided alone or in combination in this air dryer unit and the associated advantages can be achieved. In addition, it can be provided that the air dryer unit is designed as an air dryer cartridge within the scope of this invention.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to an air treatment system of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, with at least one system described above, with at least one evaluation device and with at least one

Data transmission device which is in data connection with the evaluation device, the electronic counter and / or the electronic memory module, so that the counting information and / or at least one operating cycle of the Air dryer unit can be received by means of the data transmission device and the state of use of the air dryer unit can be evaluated and / or read out by means of the evaluation device. The evaluation of the number information or the counting signal can be carried out particularly simply and quickly by means of the air treatment system in the sense of checking the newness or the unused condition of the air dryer unit. The direct flange connection of the air dryer unit to the

Air treatment system also enables the shortest possible data transmission paths, which means that data transmission security can be designed and improved more efficiently. The evaluation device provided for this purpose can be used by the

Evaluate the number information provided to the data transmission device in particular with regard to its initial value and compare it with a stored initial value. As long as these two initial values match, the

Evaluation device the air dryer unit as new or unused. Furthermore, it can be provided that the counting signal can also be received by the data transmission device starting from the counter. The count signal can then be transmitted to the evaluation device, where reference count information of the air dryer unit can be determined. If counting information based on the electronic memory module is now compared with the reference counting information, a plausibility check of the counting information can be carried out continuously. This plausibility check can also be retransmitted to the electronic memory module by means of the data transmission device and can also be stored there as plausibility counter information. One such falls

If the plausibility check or the check of the initial value is negative, the evaluation device can generate a warning signal. This warning signal can e.g. are transmitted to a control unit of the air treatment system which, in response to this signal, prevents the operation of the air treatment system, restricts it or causes a warning signal to be output to a vehicle driver. The

The evaluation device can also be part of the control unit of the air treatment system.

It is also conceivable that the air treatment system has at least one

Has operating parameter device for providing several operating parameters of the air treatment system, which with the data transmission device in Data connection is established, so that by means of the data transmission device

Operating parameters are transferable to the electronic memory module. These operating parameters can also be stored in the electronic memory module. The transmission of the operating parameters or a combination of several

Operating parameters (e.g. by calculation) increases the database within the electronic memory module. This database enables an even more detailed analysis of the respective air dryer unit, so that it is falsified

Air dryer unit continues to be difficult. In addition, the maintenance intervals can be determined, for example, by means of the stored operating parameters

Evaluation device can be determined or optimized even more precisely. In addition, a minimum number of stored operating parameters can be assumed or

be defined, which are read out in the course of a maintenance interval. As a result, the originality of the air dryer unit can also be inferred from this and the security against forgery can be further improved.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for operating at least one system described above with at least one air dryer unit which has at least one electronic storage module and / or at least one air dryer unit and / or at least one air treatment system described above, the method comprising the following steps :

Detection of at least one operating cycle of the air dryer unit,

- Generating a count signal based on the detection of the operating cycle, and

- Transfer the count signal to the electronic memory module

Storage as counting information.

All of the structural and functional features of the method according to the invention disclosed in connection with the above-described system according to the invention, the above-described air dryer unit and the above-described air treatment system and its possible embodiments can also be used alone or in combination in this method for operating the system, the air dryer unit and the Air treatment system can be provided and the associated advantages can be achieved.

In the context of the method according to the invention described above, the case is explained below in which the air treatment system is equipped with a new and original air dryer unit or air dryer cartridge which replaces a used air dryer unit after a service life specified and / or freely definable by the manufacturer.

The new air dryer unit is initialized in the factory in accordance with an initialization step, the initialization step storing initialization data in the form of some specific information of the air dryer unit, such as:

- a serial number;

- a characteristic date such as the production date;

count information with an initial value of e.g. Zero; and or

- a control number (depending on further data) on the RFID chip

includes.

The RFID chip is in particular part of the air dryer unit. The control number is generated in the production plant using a non-public algorithm. The new air dryer unit can also be understood as an original air dryer unit that has been repaired by a manufacturer himself or by a repair company authorized by him.

After installing the new air dryer unit on the air treatment system, at certain times, e.g. as a result of switching on the power supply of the commercial vehicle, a reading step of the RFID chip by the control unit of the

Air treatment system and / or the vehicle or commercial vehicle.

The reading step at certain times can also be carried out automatically or by triggered wake-ups of these control units. The reading step includes, for example, reading the date, the counting information and the control number from the RFID chip of the new or exchanged air dryer unit.

In addition, at certain times, e.g. as a result of switching off the

Power supply of the commercial vehicle, a writing step of the RFID chip (the writing process could also take place on the air conditioning control device if the RFID chip has no writable memory, which would represent a very inexpensive solution) by the control device of the air conditioning system and / or the vehicle or commercial vehicle.

The writing step at certain points in time can also be function-dependent, automatic or by means of triggered shutdown processes by the respective control units or permanently in each control unit cycle.

As part of the write step, the control unit can store and / or overwrite the new counting information or the control number calculated according to the said algorithm on the memory module of the RFID chip or the control unit.

However, the count information cannot be overwritten and / or stored if the count information is smaller than the count information already stored.

In this context it can be provided that the counting information is designed such that the counting information is used to identify whether the

Air dryer unit is unused or has already been put into operation.

It is also conceivable in this regard that the stored counting information, on the basis of which the state of use of the air dryer unit is read out, in particular in the assembled state of the air dryer unit, is not overwritten and / or deleted. As an alternative, however, it is conceivable that the stored number information, on the basis of which the state of use of the air dryer unit is read out (in particular in the assembled state of the air dryer unit), can be overwritten.

It is also conceivable that several operating parameters of the air treatment system are transferred to the electronic storage module.

As part of a plausibility check step, the data read by the RFID chip can be stored in the control unit of the air conditioning system and / or the vehicle and / or in a central server (e.g. in a production plant) and checked for plausibility with respect to one another.

The plausibility check step can be carried out, for example, with regard to the count information when a new air dryer unit with the count information zero or another unambiguous starting value in an air treatment system

(outside the production plant) is recognized.

As part of the plausibility step, the central server and / or checks

Control unit as to whether a further air dryer unit with at least partially the same initialization data and / or the same or lower counting information or

Counter readings are already known and can then recognize the new air dryer unit as a forgery.

On the basis of the plausibility step, those in the control unit and from

Algorithms used in the production plant are compared based on their respective results and thereby checked for plausibility. Likewise, the

Plausibility check step external, ie unauthorized write operations on the RFID chip are recognized. In this context, it can be checked, for example, whether the original or the currently provided algorithm is still used for writing to the RFID chip. Such a check can in particular be checked for plausibility in such a way that if, after changing the calculation algorithm for the control number, the control number read by the RFID chip changes in accordance with an algorithm that is no longer permitted. The evaluation or use of the data determined as described above can be used in particular to identify piracy products in connection with air dryer units. A further application or use of the data can be used for the statistical evaluation of product behavior and for triggering maintenance instructions (e.g. display in the vehicle regarding end of service life or

Pirate product, unusual product behavior that could lead to exchange recommendations). Furthermore, the data determined as above can be used for an update of the control unit and / or production plant algorithm to calculate the control number. This algorithm could thus be updated if, according to the plausibility step, it is recognized that counterfeiters are using the currently used algorithm for external control device writes to the RFID chip, in order to enable the use of inferior piracy components.

Further details and advantages of the invention will now be based on the in the

Drawings illustrated embodiments are explained in more detail.

Show it:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a system according to the invention for performing a method according to the invention.

2 shows a schematic illustration of a second exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention for carrying out the method according to the invention;

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a vehicle with the first or second

Embodiment of the system according to the invention according to FIG. 1 or

2 for carrying out the method according to the invention; and FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of a flow chart according to FIG

Implementation of a method according to the invention.

1 shows a schematic illustration of a first exemplary embodiment of a system 10 according to the invention. The system 10 comprises an air dryer unit 12 for an air treatment system 14 of a commercial vehicle 16.

Accordingly, FIG. 1 also shows an air dryer unit 12 according to the invention for the system 10.

The air dryer unit 12 is designed as an air dryer cartridge in the context of this invention.

System 10 further includes an electronic counter 18.

The electronic counter 18 can be part of the

Air treatment unit 14.

In particular, the electronic counter 18 according to FIG. 1 can also be part of a control unit of the air treatment system 14.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the counter is part of a control or regulation device or a control device of the commercial vehicle 16.

The air dryer unit 12 furthermore has an electronic storage module 20.

The electronic memory module 20 in turn comprises a memory location 22.

The electronic counter 18 is also in data connection with the electronic memory module 20.

The data connection between the counter 18 and the electronic memory module 20 is wireless and bidirectional or unidirectional.

The electronic memory module 20 is further designed as an RFID element, here as an RFID chip 24. The word RFID denotes an abbreviation of an English definition for: radio frequency identification.

The radio frequency identification (RFID) therefore characterizes a technology for transmitter and receiver systems for automatic and contactless

Identify and also locate objects (e.g. the air dryer unit) using radio waves.

The storage location 22 in turn is designed as a non-volatile read-write memory 26.

The non-volatile read-write memory 26 can e.g. have an EEPROM, Flash EEPROM or FRAM memory.

The abbreviation EEPROM denotes an English abbreviation for the definition: Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (German: electrically erasable programmable read-only memory).

The abbreviation Flash-EEPROM also denotes an English abbreviation for the definition: Flash Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (German: so-called flash memory).

In addition, the abbreviation FRAM denotes an English abbreviation for the definition: Ferroelectric Random Access Memory (German: ferroelectric

Random Access Memory).

The electronic memory module 20 can also have a further memory location 28.

This additional storage space can be designed as RAM memory 28. The abbreviation RAM denotes an English abbreviation for the definition: Random Access Memory (German: direct access memory).

The RAM memory 28 can have an SRAM memory, for example.

In addition, the abbreviation SRAM denotes an English abbreviation for the definition: Static Random Access Memory (German: static direct access memory).

The electronic counter 18 is also in data connection with the sensor device 30 for detecting an operating cycle of the air dryer unit 12.

This data connection between the electronic counter 18 and the

Sensor device 30 for detecting an operating cycle is also wireless.

The electronic memory module 20 also has one

Processing device 32.

The processing device 32 is designed in the form of an integrated circuit by means of a microchip or a microcontroller.

Furthermore, an air treatment system 14 of a commercial vehicle 16 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 1.

The air treatment system 14 comprises the system 10 described above.

The air treatment system 14 also has all known to those skilled in the art

Devices such as multi-circuit protection valve, electronic control unit, the

corresponding connections for the pneumatic operating circuits of the commercial vehicle, etc.

Furthermore, the air treatment system 14 has an evaluation device 34 and a data transmission device 36. The data transmission device 36 is designed as a bidirectional or unidirectional and wireless data transmission device 36.

The data transmission device 36 is in contact with the evaluation device 34, with the electronic counter 18 and with the electronic memory module 20

Data Connection.

Accordingly, the data connection between the data transmission device 36 and the electronic counter 18 and the electronic memory module 20 is also wireless.

The data transmission device 36 is in turn wired to the evaluation device 34 in a data connection.

The air treatment system 14 further includes an operating parameter device 38 for providing a plurality of operating parameters of the air treatment system 14.

The operating parameter device 38 can e.g. have a fieldbus in the form of a CAN bus of the commercial vehicle 16 or have a data connection to it.

The operating parameter device 38 can act as a data interface for the

Operating parameters of the air treatment system 14 are viewed.

The abbreviation CAN denotes an English abbreviation for the definition:

Controller Area Network (German: ECU network).

Other bus systems, particularly for commercial vehicles 16, are included in this

Context also conceivable.

The operating parameter device 38 is in data connection with the data transmission device 36, in particular by cable. All of the wireless data connections described above and also below can of course also be wired.

The same also applies vice versa for wired data connections.

The functions of the system 10, the air dryer unit 12 and the

Air treatment system 14 can now be described as follows:

For a safe operation of the air treatment system 14 with one after the

Replacement of original and new air dryer unit 12, the use of the electronic counter 18 described structurally above is particularly important.

Furthermore, it can also be provided in this context that the air dryer unit 12 is a new air dryer unit 12 as a result of the initial start-up of the commercial vehicle 16.

After the air dryer unit 12 has been installed on the air treatment system 14, the electronic memory module 20 or the memory location 22 is first read out by means of the evaluation device 34 before the first start-up.

In the event that the air dryer unit 12 is unused or as good as new, the counting information originally stored in the memory module is assigned to an initial value or an initial variable.

This initial variable or the initial value can have the value zero or any other initialization value which is associated with an unused or new condition of the air dryer unit 12.

This initial value can moreover already be stored in the memory location 22 of the RFID chip 24 during the manufacturing process.

If the evaluation device 34 has confirmed the newness or the unused condition of the air dryer unit 12 after evaluating the counting information, in response, it sends a confirmation signal, for example, to a control unit of the air treatment system 14.

In response to the receipt of the confirmation signal, the control device can release the proper operation of the air treatment system 14.

The counting information is consequently designed such that the counting information can be used to identify whether the air dryer unit 12 is unused or has already been put into operation.

As soon as an operating cycle of the

electronic counter 18 has been recognized, the electronic counter 18 generates a count signal.

The operating cycle can be identified, for example, by the system e.g. (for the first time) is powered.

It is also conceivable that not just one but several operating parameters are recognized.

This can be done, for example, by pressure detection in the system, since the pressure at operation is different from that in the idle state.

Accordingly, the counting signal can be generated on the basis of this detection and that

The counting signal can then be transmitted to the electronic memory module 20 for storage as counting information.

By means of the electronic counter 18, the operating cycle is consequently the

Air dryer unit 12 recognizable.

After receipt of the counting information, the counting information can be stored in the memory location 22. As a result, the initial value is increased by an increment assigned to the respective operating cycle, which in turn is part of the number information.

For the sake of simplicity, this increment can have the value 1.

However, the increment can also have any other increment value that is assigned to a distinguishable operating cycle of the air dryer unit 12.

Furthermore, it is conceivable for the number information to be encoded and storable in the electronic memory module 20 or the memory location 22 and sent to the

Data transmission device 36 is transferable.

The number information or an operating cycle of the air dryer unit 12 can then be received by means of the data transmission device 36 and sent to the

Evaluation device 34 can be transferred.

Furthermore, this data connection enables the use state of the air dryer unit 34 to be evaluated and read out on the basis of the number information by means of the evaluation device 34.

The reading and evaluation of the number information is carried out continuously by the evaluation device 34.

The state of use of the air dryer unit 12 is also also continuous by means of a processing device 32 of the electronic memory module 20 based on a continuous update of the number information

updatable.

Of course, within the scope of this invention, several operating cycles of the air dryer unit 12 can also be detected or recognized with the electronic counter 18.

The operating cycles of the air dryer unit 12 can thus over their entire

Lifetime recognized by the electronic counter 18. In addition, the number information which can be stored in the storage space 22 and on the basis of which the use state of the air dryer unit 12 can be read out cannot be overwritten and erased in the assembled state of the air dryer unit 12.

The number information is also stored in the memory location 22 in the form of a non-volatile random access memory 26.

It is also conceivable that the electronic memory module 20 can have a RAM memory.

The number information can also be stored in this RAM memory 28.

In this context, the RAM memory 28 can serve, for example, as a buffer memory for the number information.

The memory module 20 can furthermore have a current source in the form of an accumulator or a battery.

Since the operating parameter device 38 with the

Data transmission device 36 is in data connection, consequently, the operating parameters of the commercial vehicle 16 can be transmitted to the electronic memory module 20 by means of the data transmission device 36.

This data connection between the data transmission device 36 and the electronic memory module 20 thus also enables the operating parameters of the commercial vehicle 16 to be stored in the electronic memory module 20.

Furthermore, the present invention further discloses a method for operating the system 10 described above according to FIG. 1. In addition, the present invention discloses a method of operating the above-described air dryer unit 12 and the above

Air treatment system 14 according to FIG. 1.

The process therefore comprises the following steps:

Recognizing at least one operating cycle of the air dryer unit 12 by means of the counter 18,

- Generating a count signal by means of the electronic counter 18 based on the detection of the operating cycle, and

- Transfer of the count signal from the electronic counter 18 to the

electronic storage module 20 for storage as counting information.

The counting information is designed in such a way that the counting information is used to determine by means of the evaluation device 24 whether the air dryer unit 12 is unused or has already been put into operation.

In addition, it is conceivable that the stored counting information, on the basis of which the usage state of the air dryer unit 12 is read out, cannot be overwritten and deleted in the assembled state of the air dryer unit 12.

Furthermore, several are made by means of the data transmission device 36

Transfer operating parameters of the air treatment system 14 to the electronic memory module 20.

FIG. 2 also shows a schematic representation of a second exemplary embodiment of a system 10 ′ according to the invention.

The second exemplary embodiment of the system 10 'according to the invention and the air treatment unit 14' according to the invention shown in FIG. 2 has essentially the same structural and functional features as the first exemplary embodiment of the system 10 and the air preparation unit 14 according to the invention shown in FIG. 1. Only the following structural and / or functional feature differences are to be shown:

The electronic counter 18 'is according to the second embodiment

Part of the air dryer unit 12 '.

Incidentally, it is conceivable that the electronic counter 18 ’and the

Sensor device 30 ’to form a common structural unit for detecting an operating cycle of the air dryer unit 12’.

However, it is equally possible that the electronic counter 18 ’and the sensor device 30’ for detecting an operating cycle of the air dryer unit 12 ’are arranged at separate positions of the air dryer unit 12.

The system 10 'is also set up to carry out the inventive method described above.

Furthermore, the air dryer unit 12 ’and the air treatment system 14’ are also set up to carry out the inventive method described above.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a commercial vehicle 16, 16 ″, which may have the first or second exemplary embodiment of the system 10, 10 ″ according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2.

The air treatment system 14, 14 ″ also has a control unit 40a, 40a ’, which can have the evaluation device 34, 34’ described above.

The control unit 40a, 40a 'is also connected to a further vehicle control unit 40b, 40b' via a wired data connection. According to FIG. 3, a mobile terminal 40c is also provided for a vehicle driver, which is designed, for example, as a smartphone or as a tablet.

The vehicle control device 40b, 40b 'in turn is in data connection with a vehicle antenna 42, 42'.

According to FIG. 3, a data transmission antenna 44, 44 'is also shown, which is connected to both the vehicle antenna 42, 42 "and a central server 46, 46"

Production plant 48, 48 ’e.g. for the production of air dryer units 12, 12 is in wireless data connection.

In addition, the mobile terminal 40c, 40c ’with the control device 40a, 40a’, with the further vehicle control device 40b, 40b ’, with the data transmission antenna 44, 44’ and / or with the vehicle antenna 42, 42 ’are in wireless data connection.

Incidentally, the first or second embodiment of the system 10, 10 'according to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 for performing the above

described inventive method set up the steps

are explained in more detail below in particular in connection with FIG. 3:

4 shows a schematic illustration of a flowchart for carrying out a method according to the invention in accordance with steps S1 to S5 by means of the first or second exemplary embodiment of the system 10, 10 ′ according to the invention.

In the context of the method according to the invention described above, the case is explained below in which the air treatment system 14, 14 'of the system 10, 10' according to the invention is equipped with a new and original air dryer unit 12, 12 'or air dryer cartridge 12, 12' which a used one

Air dryer unit 12, 12 'replaced after a definable life.

The new air dryer unit 12, 12 'is initialized from the production plant 48, 48' in accordance with an initialization step S1, with the initialization step S1 storing initialization data in the form of some specific information of the

Air dryer unit 12, 12 'such as:

- a serial number,

- a characteristic date such as the production date,

- Number information with a clear initial value (e.g. zero); and

- a control number (depending on further data) on the RFID chip

includes.

The control number is in the production plant 48, 48 ’after non-public

Algorithm generated.

A new air dryer unit 12, 12 ″ can also be understood as an original air dryer unit 12, 12 ’that has been repaired based on a used condition by the manufacturer himself or by a repair company authorized by him.

After installation of the new air dryer unit 12, 12 'on the air treatment system 14, 14', at certain times, e.g. as a result of turning on the

Power supply to the commercial vehicle 16, 16 ″, a read step S2 of the RFID chip by the control device 40a, 40a ’of the air treatment system 14, 14’ and / or the commercial vehicle 16, 16 ’.

The reading step S2 at certain times can also be carried out automatically or by triggered wake-ups of the control devices 40a, 40a ’; 40b, 40b '.

The reading step includes, for example, reading the date, the counting information and the control number from the RFID chip 24, 24 ’of the new or

exchanged air dryer unit 12, 12 '.

In addition, at certain times, e.g. as a result of switching off the

Power supply to the commercial vehicle 16, 16 ', a write step S3 of the RFID chip 24, 24' by the control device 40a, 40a 'of the air treatment system 14, 14' and / or the commercial vehicle 16, 16 '. The writing step S3 at certain times can also be function-dependent, automatically or by means of triggered shutdown processes by the respective control devices 40a, 40a '; 40b, 40b 'or permanently in each control unit cycle.

In the context of the writing step S3, the control unit 40a, 40a ’; 40b, 40b ’, and / or overwrite and / or overwrite the new counting information or the control number calculated according to the said algorithm on the RFID chip 24, 24’.

Accordingly, it is conceivable that the stored counting information, on the basis of which the state of use of the air dryer unit is read out, can be overwritten.

In the context of a plausibility check step S4, the data read by the RFID chip 24, 24 'in the control unit 40a, 40a' of the air treatment system 14, 14 'and / or the commercial vehicle 16, 16' and / or in the central server 46, 46 ' (eg in a production plant 48, 48 ') and can be checked for plausibility.

The plausibility check step S4 can be carried out, for example, with regard to the count information when a new air dryer unit 12, 12 ′ with the count information zero or another unambiguous initial value in one

Air treatment system 14, 14 '(outside the production plant 48, 48') is recognized.

During the plausibility step S4, the central server 46, 46 'and / or the control device 40a, 40a'checks; 40b, 40b ', whether a further air dryer unit 12, 12' with at least partially the same initialization data and / or the same or lower counter information or counter readings is already known. If the check comes to a matching result, the new air dryer unit 12, 12 'can be recognized as a forgery.

Using the plausibility step S4, the algorithms used in the control unit 40a, 40a ’and from the production plant 48, 48 ″ can also be used based on their respective

Results are compared and thereby checked for plausibility.

Likewise, by means of the plausibility check step S4, external, i.e. unauthorized writes to the RFID chip 24, 24 'are recognized.

In this context e.g. are checked whether the original or the currently provided algorithm is used for writing to the RFID chip 24, 24 '.

Such a check can in particular be checked for plausibility in such a way that if, after changing the calculation algorithm for the control number, the control number read by the RFID chip 24, 24 ′ changes in accordance with an algorithm that is no longer permitted.

The evaluation or the use of the data (as described above) can be used in particular to identify piracy products in connection with air dryer units 12, 12 '.

A further application or use of this data can be according to a

Evaluation step S5 for statistical evaluation of the product behavior and for triggering maintenance instructions (e.g. display on the mobile terminal 40c or in the commercial vehicle 16, 16 'itself with regard to the end of the service life or pirate product,

unusual product behavior that could lead to exchange recommendations).

In addition to displaying the exchange recommendations in the form of the maintenance instructions for the air dryer unit 12, 12 ', such maintenance instructions can also be subject to all other wear and tear that are to be regularly replaced and are subject to particular wear Components or operating media (such as filters, brake components, oils, etc.) are used.

Furthermore, the data determined as described above can be used as part of the evaluation step S5 for an update of the control unit and / or production plant algorithm to calculate the control number.

This algorithm could thus be updated if, in accordance with the plausibility step S4, it is recognized that counterfeiters are using the algorithm currently used for external control device write operations on the RFID chip, in order to enable the use of inferior piracy components if necessary.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 system

12 air dryer unit

14 air treatment system

16 commercial vehicle

18 electronic counter

20 electronic memory module

22 storage space

24 RFID chip

26 non-volatile read-write memory

28 RAM memory

30 sensor device

32 Processing device of the electronic memory module

34 evaluation device

36 Data transmission device

38 Operating parameter setup

40a control unit of the air treatment system

40b control unit of the vehicle

40c mobile device

42 Vehicle antenna

44 transmission antenna

46 central server

48 production plant

10’s system

12’ air dryer unit

14’ air conditioning system

16’’s commercial vehicle

18’’s electronic counter

20’’s electronic memory module

22 ’storage space

24 'RFID chip 26 'non-volatile read-write memory

28 ’RAM memory

30’’s sensor device

32 ’processing device of the electronic memory module 34’ evaluation device

36 ’data transmission device

38 ’Operating parameter setup

40a ’control unit of the air treatment system

40b ’control unit of the vehicle

40c’s mobile device

42’’s vehicle antenna

44 ’transmission antenna

46’’s central server

48 ’production plant

Claims

1. System (10, 10 ') comprising at least one air dryer unit (12, 12') for at least one air treatment system (14, 14 ') of a vehicle (16, 16'), in particular a commercial vehicle (16, 16 '), and at least an electronic

Counter (18, 18 '), the air treatment system (14, 14') and / or the

Air dryer unit (12, 12 ') has at least one electronic storage module (20, 20'), the electronic storage module (20, 20 ') having at least one

Has storage space (22, 22 ') and wherein at least one piece of information can be stored in the storage space (22, 22'), on the basis of which the use status of the air dryer unit (12, 12 ') can be read out, the electronic counter (18, 18 ') is in data connection with the electronic memory module (20, 20') and at least one operating cycle of the air dryer unit (12, 12 ') can be recognized by means of the electronic counter (18, 18'), a counting signal can be generated on the basis of the recognition and that Count signal to the electronic memory module (20, 20 ') for storage as counting information can be transmitted.

2. System (10, 10 ') according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the counting information is designed in such a way that the counting information can be used to identify whether the air dryer unit (12, 12 ′) is unused or has already been put into operation.

3. System (10, 10 ’) according to claim 1 or claim 2,

characterized in that

the electronic storage module (20, 20 ’) is an RFID element (24, 24’) or has at least one RFID element (24, 24 ’) and / or is part of an RFID element.

4. System (10, 10 ’) according to one of claims 1 to 3,

characterized in that

the counting information which can be stored in the storage space (22, 22 ') and which can be used to read out the state of use of the air dryer unit (12, 12'), in particular in the assembled state of the air dryer unit (12, 12 '), cannot be overwritten and / or deleted.

5. System (10, 10 ') according to claim 4,

characterized in that

the memory location (22, 22 ’) is designed as a non-volatile read-write memory (26, 26’) in which the counting information is stored, on the basis of which the state of use of the air dryer unit (12, 12 ’) can be read out.

6. System (10, 10 ') according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the electronic memory module (20, 20 ’) has at least one further memory location (28, 28’), which is designed as a RAM memory (28, 28 ’) and in which the counting information can be stored.

7. System (10, 10 ') according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the electronic counter (18, 18 ') has at least one sensor device (30, 30') for detecting at least one operating cycle of the air dryer unit (12, 12 ') or with a sensor device (30, 30') for detecting at least one

Operating cycle of the air dryer unit (12, 12 ') is in data connection.

8. System (10, 10 ') according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the state of use can be updated by means of at least one processing device (32, 32 ’) of the electronic memory module (20, 20’) based on the counting information.

9. System (10, 10 ') according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the electronic counter (18 ’) is part of the air dryer unit (12’).

10. Air dryer unit (12, 12 ') for a system (10, 10') according to one of the

previous claims.

11. Air conditioning system (14, 14 ') of a vehicle (16, 16'), in particular a commercial vehicle (16, 16 '), with at least one system (10, 10') according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one evaluation device (34 , 34 ') and with at least one data transmission device (36, 36') which is connected to the

Evaluation device (34, 34 '), the electronic counter (18, 18') and / or the electronic storage module (20, 20 ') is in data connection so that the counting information and / or at least one operating cycle of the air dryer unit (12, 12 ') can be received by means of the data transmission device (36, 36') and the status of use of the air dryer unit (34, 34 ') can be evaluated and / or read out by means of the evaluation device (34, 34').

12. Air treatment plant (14, 14 ’) according to claim 11,

characterized in that

the air conditioning system (14, 14 ’) has at least one operating parameter device (38, 38’) for providing a plurality of operating parameters of the air conditioning system (14, 14 ’), which is connected to the data transmission device (36, 36’)

Data connection is established so that the operating parameters can be transferred to the electronic memory module (20, 20 ’) by means of the data transmission device (36, 36’).

13. Method for operating at least one system (10, 10 ') with at least one air dryer unit (12, 12') which has at least one electronic memory module (20, 20 '), in particular a system (10, 10') according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 and / or at least one air dryer unit (12, 12 ') according to Claim 10 and / or at least one air treatment system (14, 14') according to Claim 11 or Claim 12, the method comprising the following steps:

Recognizing at least one operating cycle of the air dryer unit (12, 12 ’),

- Generating a count signal based on the detection of the operating cycle, and

- Transfer of the count signal to the electronic memory module (20, 20 ’) for

Storage as counting information.

14. The method according to claim 13 characterized in that

the number information is designed in such a way that the number information is used to identify whether the air dryer unit (12, 12 ’) is unused or has already been put into operation.

15. The method according to claim 13 or claim 14,

characterized in that

the stored number information, based on which the state of use of the

Air dryer unit (12, 12 ') is read, especially in the assembled state of the air dryer unit (12, 12'), is not overwritten and / or deleted.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15,

characterized in that

several operating parameters of the air treatment system (14, 14 ') are transmitted to the electronic memory module (20, 20').