Method and device for measuring an engine load of a drive motor of a vehicle

• US 9,764,743 B2
• Filed: 09/09/2014
• Issued: 09/19/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 10/16/2013
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Inventors: Bast, Frank
• Primary Examiner(s): Gimie, Mahmoud
• Application Number:
  US15/029,516
• Publication Number:
  US 20160272218A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,106 Days
• Field of Search: 701102
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2030/1809 Without torque flow between driveshaft and engine, e.g. with clutch disengaged or transmission in neutral
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2530/13 Mileage
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2556/10 Historical data
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 40/10 related to vehicle motion
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0808 Diagnosing performance data testing of vehicles G01M17/00; testing of electrical installation on vehicles G01R31/005
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/085 using electronic data carriers
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/60 Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect

Abstract

A method for measuring an engine load of a drive motor in a vehicle. Here, at least one parameter which characterizes the engine load is allocated a driving distance equivalent. This driving distance equivalent is then incremented by a driving distance counter. If the vehicle is equipped with a sailing functionality, the driven distance is counted only if the vehicle is moving and the drive train is coupled to the drive motor without slip. A rate of rotation sensor, a clutch sensor and a driving distance counter able to be switched on and off are required for running the method of the present invention. A computer program is used in addition.

Claims

1. A method for measuring a driving output characterizing an engine load of a drive motor of a vehicle, comprising:

ascertaining, using a clutch sensor, if the drive motor is coupled to a drive train of the vehicle;

incrementing continuously a driving distance in a driving distance counter, the incremented driving distance being precisely the driving distance of the vehicle during which the drive motor is coupled to the drive train of the vehicle and during which the vehicle is moving;

wherein the driving distance in the driving distance counter is incremented only when both (i) it is ascertained that the drive motor is coupled to the drive train of the vehicle, and (ii) the vehicle is moving.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the driving distance during which the drive motor is coupled to the drive train of the vehicle is displayed to the driver of the vehicle.

3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein coupling of the drive motor to the drive train is assumed when a clutch is closed largely without slip.

4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the drive motor is an internal combustion engine.

5. A method for measuring a driving output characterizing an engine load of a drive motor of a vehicle, comprising:

incrementing continuously a driving distance in a driving distance counter, the incremented driving distance being precisely the driving distance of the vehicle during which the drive motor is coupled to a drive train of the vehicle and during which the vehicle is moving;

wherein coupling of the drive motor to the drive train is assumed when a clutch is closed largely without slip.

6. The method as recited in claim 5, wherein the drive motor is an internal combustion engine.

7. A device designed to:

increment continuously a driving distance in a driving distance counter, the incremented driving distance being precisely the driving distance of the vehicle during which the drive motor is coupled to a drive train of the vehicle and during which the vehicle is moving;

wherein coupling of the drive motor to the drive train is assumed when a clutch is closed largely without slip.

8. The device as recited in claim 7, wherein the device is designed to ascertain, using a clutch sensor, if the drive motor is coupled to the drive train, and the driving distance in the driving distance counter is incremented only when both (i) it is ascertained that the drive motor is coupled to the drive train of the vehicle, and (ii) the vehicle is moving.

9. The device as recited in claim 7, wherein the drive motor is an internal combustion engine.

10. A computer program product including program code which is stored on a non-transitory machine-readable carrier, the program code, when executed on a computer or control unit of a vehicle, causing the computer or control unit to perform:

incrementing continuously a driving distance in a driving distance counter, the incremented driving distance being precisely the driving distance of the vehicle during which the drive motor is coupled to a drive train of the vehicle and during which the vehicle is moving;

wherein coupling of the drive motor to the drive train is assumed when a clutch is closed largely without slip.

11. The computer program product as recited in claim 10, wherein the computer or control unit performs:

ascertaining, using a clutch sensor, if the drive motor is coupled to the drive train of the vehicle, wherein the driving distance in the driving distance counter is incremented only when both (i) it is ascertained that the drive motor is coupled to the drive train of the vehicle, and (ii) the vehicle is moving.

12. The computer program product as recited in claim 10, wherein the drive motor is an internal combustion engine.