Process and device for determining a vehicle's mass

US6446024B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Robert Bosch GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Klaus-Dieter Leimbach · Heubach, DE
• Hans Veil · Eberdingen, DE
• Stefan Hummel · Haseldorf, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 5, 1999
• Grant date: Sep 3, 2002
• Expiry date: Mar 5, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16H2059/142
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A mass value is determined which represents the mass of a vehicle. The vehicle includes a drive unit and a clutch unit. By the disengagement of the clutch unit, the force flow between the drive unit and the vehicle wheels can be essentially interrupted. At least a first acceleration value is detected which represents the vehicle acceleration at a first time point. Furthermore, at least a first drive value is detected which represents the drive force or the drive torque of the drive unit at the first time point. At least a second acceleration value is detected which represents the vehicle acceleration at a second time point whereat the clutch unit is disengaged. A comparison then takes place of the detected second acceleration value with at least one pregivable threshold value. The determination of the mass value takes place at least in dependence upon the comparison and at least in dependence upon the detected first acceleration value and the detected first drive value.