Method and device for monitoring a heating device of a sensor mounted in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine

摘要

A method and device for monitoring a heating device of a sensor mounted in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. In assessing the working order of the heating device, use is made of the fact that a sensor heated by a heating element heats up more strongly than an unheated sensor, and that it is possible to establish, with the aid of the signals output by the sensor, whether the sensor has exceeded its minimum operating temperature. The temperature of the sensor is simulated as a function of internal combustion engine operating characteristics. The working order of the heating device can be assessed with the aid of the simulated temperature and the information as to whether the minimum operating temperature is exceeded.