DE102010035300B4 - Apparatus and method for operating multiple components on simple electrical data links - Google Patents

Abstract

Simple data connections, e.g. B. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) interfaces in the vehicle, which are used to transmit measured or setpoint values and are sometimes also operated with feedback, are limited to 2 participants, the sender of the information (control unit) and the receiver ( Component). If the information is required on several components, with the possibility of feedback at the same time, several interfaces to the control unit are often implemented or the information is passed on at high cost via a further interface, or more complex BUS systems with addressability are used. The new method makes it possible to expand an existing system concept with additional receiver components and to be able to assign all feedback to one of the components using component-dependent timing. In the special case, for. B. If one component malfunctions, another component will react in a compensating manner. The control unit does not have to intervene. Particularly in the case of double fan systems in motor vehicles, there are significant advantages in terms of costs and performance. Without adapting the control module from a single to a double fan system, the motors can independently maintain the cooling effect in the event of a fault and thus convert a failure into an error warning. Another variant of the invention offers significant savings potential in the wiring of air conditioning flaps in automotive ventilation and air conditioning devices.

Description

The invention relates to a device and method for operating multiple components on simple electrical data connections.

Some components z. B. radiator fan motors in the car are controlled by a control unit z. B. supplied by means of a pulse width modulation (PWM) interface with setpoints. These interfaces (usually on-board potential) can also be used partly to return information from the component to the controller, z. B. Error indications.

There are systems in which the same or similar components occur multiple times. For example, in radiator fan systems, there are designs that make it necessary to mount, control and supply 2 (or more) fan motors with setpoint values.

There are solutions for this, in which one of the motors is the primary component, which z. B. is connected to the PWM interface. This primary component then has a second interface (eg, PWM or LIN interface) to transmit the setpoint setpoint to the secondary or other components and collect feedback from them (eg, fault conditions), then send them back to the system through feedback To transmit control unit. These feedbacks are z. T. coded to determine the faulty component (primary or secondary component?) By means of different feedback duration. In case of service then it is known which is the faulty component.

There are z. B. off WO 2007/042353 A1 Also known systems in which several motors are powered by electronics. Considering the fact that engine module manufacturers produce both single and multi-engine systems for different models of vehicles, this would be a special solution for a multi-engine system and unnecessarily costly for single-engine systems. In sum, across an entire delivery spectrum, this solution is cost-optimal only in individual cases.

The US 5,974,351 A describes a network monitor in each module of the system. If status messages of individual modules (components) are missing, other components accept default values as a replacement for missing or all data. In the US 5,974,351 A it is specified exactly which errors it is. The logs are analyzed and compensated for erroneous logs. So as described also a network analysis is done. At the network monitor, each participant checks to see if something is being transmitted incorrectly by others.

The US Pat. No. 6,654,910 B1 describes a multiprocessor system. The error compensation described here refers to the assumption of processor load (CPU time) by one module in the event that another CPU fails.

The US 2002/0 099 487 A1 describes the download of replacement software in sensor-detected fault cases of the system, as well as the distribution of CPU time and storage space in the system in case of failure of participants.

Similar to US 2002/0 099 487 A1 describes the US 5,957,985 A a software download to slaves (participants) of the system. In the event of a fault, the master assumes the processing power of the slaves and directs them directly. In the case of master errors, the slaves take over the bus control.

The object of the invention is the simplification of the system and the achievement of "system cost reductions" across the entire delivery spectrum. The PWM interface should be used with unchanged protocol and timing for both components. A second or additional interfaces should be omitted. Primary and secondary components should be identical, which according to the principle of the same principle leads to an increase in the number of units and thus to a reduction in costs as well as a lower logistics in spare parts management.

Another task is to compensate for the error in the event of a component fault (eg in the case of a defective fan motor in a double fan system) within its capabilities (eg in a fan system by increasing the speed of the non-defective fan). A system designed in this way could fulfill this function of compensating error states independently, without burdening a control unit with the need for a setpoint increase. Especially in the presence of existing system software in the control unit for a one-component system and switching to a multi-component system (eg a double fan system) this is a decisive advantage, especially since the modules that contain a control unit often come from other producers, as the fan motor modules.

In order to achieve the aforementioned object, the invention provides an apparatus and a method for operating a plurality of components ( 2 ) on simple electrical data connections ( 3 ) proposed according to claims 1-12.

Several or all components ( 2 ) (primary, secondary, further ...) are connected to the data connection ( 3 ) and receive the necessary information about z. As PWM duty-cycle, high-phase duration or low-phase duration or serial Protocol. All components ( 2 ) thus receive from the control unit ( 1 ) the same specifications regarding the desired state of the overall system, but depending on the function or position information ( 25 ) of the individual component ( 2 ) can be converted into other setpoints.

• – Pinkodierung
• – Steckerkodierung
• – Programmierung in nicht flüchtigem Speicher (Flash, Zapping, Fuse, EEPROM, etc...)
• – Auto-Adressierung

Duty cycle, high-phase, low-phase, serial protocol are evaluated depending on the variant. The components ( 2 ) receive their function or position information ( 25 ) (whether they are the primary, secondary, or more ...)

• - Pinkodeierung
• - Plug coding
• - Programming in non-volatile memory (flash, zapping, fuse, EEPROM, etc ...)
• - Auto-addressing

The components ( 2 ) interpret the information from the ECU ( 1 ) either identical (eg identical fan speed) or different (with a fixed one of the function or position information ( 25 ) of the individual component ( 2 ) dependent calculation algorithm) (eg secondary drive 20% more setpoint than primary).

It is also possible and intended to have functionally different components ( 2 ), each component ( 2 ) "Knows" what to do with a certain default value. For example, in air conditioning systems, a component ( 2 ) one fan speed, another closes a valve.

This possibility leads to a further very preferred variant of the invention whereby low-cost systems z. B. in the air conditioning are possible.

So far, two variants have been established on the market, with the first electro-mechanical components, such as motors or sensors, directly controlling with individual lines from a central, resulting in high costs in the wiring, and a second variant in the form of a BUS system in which each individual electro-mechanical component can be addressed addressed directly from the control center. Here, telegrams with address and data are necessary, with corresponding effort and costs at headquarters and at the components.

To solve the aforementioned cost problems, the invention provides an apparatus and method for operating a plurality of components ( 2 ) on simple electrical data connections ( 3 ) proposed according to claims 1-12.

According to the invention, the procedure is completely different from the usual procedure in that according to the invention data are not provided with an address to specific subscribers ( 2 ), but a system-desired state is transferred address-free, which all components ( 2 ) but depending on their individual function or position information ( 25 ) into different actions. This allows cost savings, especially for small systems, by replacing the many individual lines with a common data connection ( 3 ) (eg PWM) + supply without simultaneously high costs for complex bus structures such. To generate LIN.

In a preferred variant, instead of using an additional line for the data transfer, the data signals can also be modulated onto the supply lines by known methods (such as voltage and / or current modulation, or carrier frequency methods with amplitude, frequency or other types of modulation).

Furthermore, it can be achieved that not for each vehicle type, the control unit ( 1 ) must be programmed with other vehicle-specific system parameters. The software of the operating devices, which are not usually from the manufacturers of air conditioning systems, so can be consistent. The interpretation of the desired states and their conversion into nominal values of individual components ( 2 ) z. B. air conditioning flap according to the invention then in the components ( 2 ). These are usually mounted by the air conditioning manufacturer who knows these parameters, and can be configured according to the invention of this on his system so that the function cooperates with a vehicle-type-comprehensive operating software of a HMI manufacturer.

• – die Stellung z. B. eines oder mehrerer Klima-Bedienelemente (z. B. Klimadüsen-Verteil-Bedienelemente und/oder des Temperaturwahl-Bedienelementes und/oder anderer Wunschzustände wie Zuluft/Umluft-Taste) wird vom Steuergerät (1) oder in der Variante ohne Steuergerät von einer Bedienteil-Komponente (2) als PWM-Vorgabewert (duty-cycle, high-Phase oder low-Phase) kodiert oder in ein serielles Datenwort umgewandelt
• – jede andere Komponente (2) im Klimasystem (Lüfter/Luftventile/etc.) erhält diesen Vorgabewert
• – jede Komponente (2) ”weiss” aufgrund ihrer Funktions- oder Positions-Information (25), wie ”Wunschzustand” zu interpretieren und, unterstützt durch eine integrierte Fehlerkompensation (24), in einen individuellen Sollwert (z. B. eine Drehzahl eines Lüfters) umzusetzen ist.

According to the invention, the following system is possible by way of example:

• - the position z. B. one or more air conditioning controls (eg., Air conditioning distributor control elements and / or the temperature selection control element and / or other desired states such as supply air / circulating air button) is from the control unit ( 1 ) or in the variant without control unit of a control unit component ( 2 ) is encoded as a PWM default value (duty-cycle, high-phase or low-phase) or converted into a serial data word
• - any other component ( 2 ) in the air conditioning system (fan / air valves / etc.) receives this default value
• - each component ( 2 ) "Knows" due to its function or position information ( 25 ), how to interpret "desired state" and, supported by an integrated error compensation ( 24 ), in an individual setpoint (eg, a speed of a fan) is to be implemented.

In one embodiment variant can (if higher system complexity required) the Setpoint specification can be replaced by a duty cycle, high phase duration or low phase duration by a serial protocol. Again, the components ( 2 ) is not individually addressed with setpoint values, but always the desired system state, which is transmitted by all individual components ( 2 ) and, supported by an integrated error compensation ( 24 ), is converted to setpoints. This "knowledge" about the conversion of the function or position information ( 25 ) into a functional interpretation of the default and fault diagnostic values can be persisted in the components ( 2 ) or be taught in an initialization phase, whereby a common-part principle with the known advantages is possible.

• – Es ist möglich, ähnlich wie bei den Komponenten (2), zwei oder mehrere Steuergeräte (1) zu installieren, die abhängig von der Eigenschaft duty-cycle, high-Phase, low-Phase oder serielles Protokoll zu unterschiedlichen Zeiten dominieren. Dieses kann wie folgt erfolgen, indem nach einer Reset-Phase jedes Steuergerät (1) die Datenverbindung (3) für eine bestimmte Zeit aktiviert. Da diese Reset-Phase nicht bei allen Steuergeräten (1) exakt gleichzeitig erfolgen wird, so wird wegen ODER-Verknüpfung der Datenverbindung (3) der Steuergeräte (1) das ”späteste” Steuergerät (1) das Ende dieses Synchronisationsimpulses bestimmen. Dieses Ende wird dann von allen Steuergeräten (1) erkannt und basierend auf diesem Event laufen in allen Steuergeräten (1) Zähler los, die die Steuergeräte (1) in die Lage versetzen, ab dem Synchronisationszeitpunkt synchron zu agieren.
• – Es ist möglich, keinen Unterschied zwischen Steuergeräten (1) und Komponenten (2) zu machen. Nach Power Up oder anders initiiert, synchronisieren sich alle Komponenten (2) selbst. Dieses kann wie folgt geschehen, indem nach einer Reset-Phase jede Komponente (2) die gemeinsame Datenverbindung (3) für eine bestimmte Zeit aktiviert. Da diese Reset-Phase nicht bei allen Komponenten (2) exakt gleichzeitig erfolgen wird, so wird wegen ODER-Verknüpfung der Datenverbindung (3) der Komponenten (2) die späteste Komponente (2) das Ende dieses Synchronisationsimpulses bestimmen. Dieses Ende wird dann von allen Komponenten (2) erkannt und basierend auf diesem Event laufen in allen Komponenten (2) Zähler los, die die Komponenten (2) in die Lage versetzen, ab dem Synchronisationszeitpunkt synchron zu agieren. Nach der Synchronisation können alle Komponenten (2) abhängig von ihrer zugewiesenen Funktions- oder Positions-Information (25) zu festgelegten Zeiten Informationen senden und empfangen in Form von duty-cycle, high-Phasen-Dauer, low-Phasen-Dauer oder seriellen Protokollen.

It is possible for. For example, in motor vehicle air conditioning systems, several desired settings (disc / foot / body) / temperature / air / recirculation / etc. in a default value as duty-cycle, high-phase, low-phase or serial protocol to unite and thus only data connection ( 3 ) to need.

• - It is possible, similar to the components ( 2 ), two or more control units ( 1 ), which dominate at different times depending on the duty-cycle, high-phase, low-phase or serial protocol. This can be done as follows, after a reset phase, each control unit ( 1 ) the data connection ( 3 ) for a certain time. Since this reset phase does not apply to all control units ( 1 ) will be done exactly at the same time, so is due to OR connection of the data connection ( 3 ) of the control devices ( 1 ) the "latest" controller ( 1 ) determine the end of this synchronization pulse. This end is then cleared by all controllers ( 1 ) and based on this event run in all ECUs ( 1 ) Counter that the control units ( 1 ) enable it to act synchronously from the synchronization time.
• - It is possible, no difference between ECUs ( 1 ) and components ( 2 ) close. After Power Up or otherwise initiated, all components synchronize ( 2 ). This can be done as follows, after each component ( 2 ) the common data connection ( 3 ) for a certain time. Because this reset phase is not common to all components ( 2 ) will be done exactly at the same time, so is due to OR connection of the data connection ( 3 ) of the components ( 2 ) the latest component ( 2 ) determine the end of this synchronization pulse. This end is then removed from all components ( 2 ) and based on this event run in all components ( 2 ) Counters going off the components ( 2 ) enable it to act synchronously from the synchronization time. After synchronization, all components ( 2 ) depending on their assigned function or position information ( 25 ) transmit and receive information at specified times in the form of duty-cycle, high-phase-duration, low-phase-duration or serial-protocol.

• – alle zeitgleich, so dominiert z. B. eine einzige Fehlermeldung einer Komponenten (2) das gesamte System, es kann von keiner Komponente (2) interpretiert werden, welche Komponente (2) die Meldung abgesetzt hat
• – zeitversetzt, so dass jede Komponente (2), abhängig von ihrer Funktions- oder Positions-Information (25) in einem festen Zeitbereich ihre Meldung(en) absetzen kann (als duty-cycle, high-Phasen-Dauer, low-Phasen-Dauer oder serielles Protokoll)
• – zeitgleich und zeitversetzt gemischt: So kann z. B. zeitnah ein Fehlerflag abgesetzt werden, auf das alle Komponenten (2) umgehend reagieren können. ”Später” können dann (im abhängig von der Funktions- oder Positions-Information (25) zugeteilten Zeitfenster) detailliertere Informationen übertragen werden. Erfindungsgemäß wird daher empfohlen, zu Beginn der Rückmeldephase Zeitfenster für solche zeitgleichen Meldungen zu reservieren.
• – Abhängig von diesen (Fehler-)Meldungen kann das Protokoll dynamisch (also nur für diesen einzelnen Durchgang) verlängert werden. Dadurch werden kurze Zykluszeiten und gleichzeitig größere Datenmengen möglich.

The feedback from the individual component ( 2 ) to the control unit ( 1 ), or in a control unit-free system to the component ( 2 ), which performs ECU tasks:
The components ( 2 ) respond with their messages either

• - all at the same time, so z. For example, a single error message from a component ( 2 ) the entire system, it can not by any component ( 2 ), which component ( 2 ) has canceled the message
• - delayed so that each component ( 2 ), depending on their function or position information ( 25 ) can transmit its message (s) in a fixed time range (as duty cycle, high phase duration, low phase duration or serial protocol)
• - mixed at the same time and with a time lag: So z. B. promptly issued an error flag to which all components ( 2 ) can react immediately. "Later" can then (depending on the function or position information ( 25 ) allocated more detailed information. According to the invention, it is therefore recommended to reserve time windows for such simultaneous messages at the beginning of the feedback phase.
• - Depending on these (error) messages, the protocol can be extended dynamically (ie only for this single pass). This enables short cycle times and larger data volumes.

Use of feedback

• - The feedback of the individual components ( 2 ) except from the control unit ( 1 ) also of other components ( 2 ) be used.
• - Use of feedback from other components ( 2 ) in the way that they are about the error compensation ( 24 ) can influence or switch over the interpretation algorithm of the default values.
• - Especially in the case of an error in a component ( 2 ) can be another component ( 2 ) whose function is provided by an integrated error compensation ( 24 ) z. T. or prevent further damage by a suitable reaction. In the example given of two radiator fan motors in a car with inferior performance or failure of a fan, the one or the other run at an increased speed to prevent overheating of the engine.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Control unit with

11

interface

2

component

21

interface

22

Control for drive, sensors, other ...

23

fault diagnosis

24

error compensation

25

Function and / or position information

3

Data Connection

Claims (12)

Method for operating multiple components ( 2 ) on simple electrical data connections ( 3 ), with - at least one control unit ( 1 ) and - at least two with the control unit ( 1 ) in communication-related components ( 2 ), characterized in that - the at least one control device ( 1 ) at a transmission time a message representing the system desired state to all components ( 2 ) without targeted addressing and any component receiving this message ( 2 ) the message according to its own function or position information ( 25 ) in the system), processes and reacts, after which each message-receiving component ( 2 ) has the ability to, depending on one's own function or position information ( 25 ) time response reserved in the system to send a response, - the content of the feedback of a component ( 2 ) depends on the state of an integrated fault diagnosis ( 23 ) - based on the time behavior with which a component ( 2 ) sends its feedback, the component ( 2 ), which issued the feedback, for the at least one control unit ( 1 ) and all components ( 2 ) is identifiable, - wherein both the at least one control device ( 1 ), as well as other components ( 2 ) are able to respond to this feedback by means of integrated error compensation ( 24 ) to react. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that an existing, for a single component ( 2 ) developed control unit ( 1 ) now at least two components ( 2 ) are connected. Method according to claims 1-2, characterized in that of the connected components ( 2 ) in case of functional restriction of a component ( 2 ) caused by the fault diagnosis ( 23 ), at least one other component ( 2 ) even without intervention of a control unit ( 1 ) Measures to mitigate damage with their error compensation ( 24 ) and compensates for the limited function as far as possible. A method according to claim 1-3, characterized in that an application in the automotive sector in fan systems with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) interface ( 11 . 21 ) and via this interface ( 11 . 21 ) Multiple fan systems are driven, whereby by the fault diagnosis ( 23 ) recognized function restriction of a fan another fan within its capabilities the under-performance of a fan by means of the realized error compensation ( 24 ) compensated. Method according to claim 1-4, characterized in that in a variant embodiment, if higher system complexity is required, the control unit ( 1 ) sends its specifications via a serial protocol, whereby the components ( 2 ) is not individually addressed with setpoints, but always the entire system-desired state is transmitted as a block, which together with the feedback of all other components ( 2 ) of all individual components ( 2 ) and converted into setpoints. Method according to claims 1-5, characterized in that the scheme for interpreting the incoming data from the control unit ( 1 ) and the feedback from the individual components ( 2 ), which depends on its own function or position information ( 25 ) in the system - fixed in the individual component ( 2 ) is anchored z. In the form of logic, ROM code, one-time programmable (OTP) programming, flash programming, EEPROM programming. Method according to claims 1-6, characterized in that information necessary for the interpretation of the incoming data from the control unit ( 1 ) and feedback from each component ( 2 ) and to generate your own confirmations, this information being dependent on the function or position information ( 25 ) of a component ( 2 ) are taught in the system in an initialization phase, whereby all the learning functions for all components ( 2 ) of all components ( 2 ) and then depending on the own function or position information ( 25 ) in the system the relevant ones are used. Method according to claims 1-7, characterized in that the determination of the individual function or position information ( 25 ) of components ( 2 ) in the System is performed by evaluating at least one of the following information: - the functionality of the component ( 2 ) - binary coding in the component ( 2 ), binary coding via the plug-in contacts of the component ( 2 ), - individual programming in non-volatile memories within the component ( 2 ) - Programming in non-volatile memories within the component ( 2 ), through sequential assembly and programming as part of the production process, in such a way that each component ( 2 ) originally the same function or position information ( 25 ), a programming device, which recognizes on the basis of the feedback information whether a component ( 2 ) with delivery address, the programmer then in such a case by data transfer the component ( 2 ), their function or position information ( 25 ), then, in the next assembly cycle, the next component ( 2 ) and the procedure is programmed by the programmer with other function or position information ( 25 ) is continued until all components ( 2 ) and with function or position information ( 25 ), - Auto addressing procedure. A method according to claim 1-8, characterized in that the method is used in motor vehicle air conditioning systems and multiple desired positions (disc / foot / body) / temperature / supply / circulating air are combined in a single system-desired state. Method according to Claims 1-9, characterized in that - two or more control devices ( 1 ), which dominate the data transmission depending on the characteristic duty-cycle, high-phase, low-phase or serial protocol at different times times, the problem of the necessary synchronicity of the several control devices ( 1 ) is solved by, after a reset phase, each control unit ( 1 ) the common data connection ( 3 ) is activated for a certain time, due to the fact that the reset phase is not applied to all control units ( 1 ) is terminated exactly at the same time, the "latest" control unit ( 1 ) determines the end of this synchronization pulse, this end of the synchronization pulse from all the control devices ( 1 ) and based on this event all ECUs ( 1 ) subsequently work synchronously, as well as a resynchronization takes place during normal operation. Method according to claims 1-10, characterized in that - no difference between control devices ( 1 ) and components ( 2 ), all components ( 2 ) (there are only these) after a reset phase and then synchronize regularly or as needed independently, after synchronization all components ( 2 ) depending on their assigned function or position information ( 25 ) can send information at specified times and from all components ( 2 ) and depending on their individual function or position information ( 25 ) and translated into actions. Device having means for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11.

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