SYSTEM AND DETECTION DEVICE FOR CHECKING A STATE OF AT LEAST ONE COMPONENT OF A VEHICLE AND METHOD OF CHECKING A STATE

Abstract

A system and method for checking the state of at least one component on a vehicle, in particular on a commercial vehicle, comprising a detection device configured to detect information in the form of a data set in a defined area on the vehicle, the defined area comprising the at least one component to be checked, and an evaluation device to which the data set is provided, wherein the evaluation device is configured to determine the state of the at least one component on the basis of the detected data set, and wherein the detection device is at least temporarily attached to the vehicle and/or can be carried along on the vehicle.

Claims

1.-10. (canceled)

11. A commercial vehicle including a system configured to check the state of at least one component on the vehicle, the system comprising: a mover; a rail system; a detection device configured to detect information in the form of a data set in a defined area on the vehicle, the defined area comprising the at least one component to be checked, the detection device positioned on an outside of the vehicle; and an evaluation device to which the data set is provided by the detection device wherein the evaluation device is configured to determine the status of the at least one component on the basis of the detected data set; wherein the detection device is attached to the vehicle, wherein the detection device is positioned on the mover, wherein the detection device comprises a sensor that is based on a detection and/or emission of electro-magnetic waves and/or sound waves; wherein the mover includes a carriage on the rail system; and wherein the detection device and/or the mover includes a drive.

12. The commercial vehicle with a system according to claim 11, wherein the detection device is arranged on the vehicle so as to be mobile and/or pivotable and/or movable and/or changeable in location.

13. The commercial vehicle with a system according to claim 12, wherein the detection device is configured to detect a plurality of defined areas, and wherein each defined area comprises at least one component to be checked.

14. The commercial vehicle with a system according to claim 13, wherein the at least one component to be checked is part of a body or part of a chassis or part of a drive or part of a connection technology of the vehicle.

15. The commercial vehicle with a system according to claim 14, wherein the detection device is configured to check the state of the at least one component during a journey of the vehicle.

16. The commercial vehicle with a system according to one claim 15, wherein the data set can be stored in a memory device.

17. The commercial vehicle with a system according to claim 16, wherein the system comprises a communication device configured to transmit information relating to the status to a control centre.

18. The commercial vehicle with a system according to claim 17, wherein the communication device is in communication with a network.

19. The commercial vehicle with a system according to claim 17, wherein the detection devices are located in a closed area during a rest state.

20. The commercial vehicle with a system according to claim 11, wherein the detection device is configured to detect a plurality of defined areas, and wherein each defined area comprises at least one component to be checked.

21. The commercial vehicle with a system according to claim 11, wherein the at least one component to be checked is part of a body or part of a chassis or part of a drive or part of a connection technology of the vehicle.

22. The commercial vehicle with a system according to claim 11, wherein the detection device is configured to check the state of the at least one component during a journey of the vehicle.

23. The commercial vehicle with a system according to one claim 11, wherein the data set can be stored in a memory device.

24. The commercial vehicle with a system according to claim 11, wherein the system comprises a communication device configured to transmit information relating to the status to a control centre.

25. The commercial vehicle with a system according to claim 24, wherein the communication device is in communication with a network.

26. The commercial vehicle with a system according to claim 11, wherein the detection devices are located in a closed area during a rest state.

27. A method for determining a state of at least one component of a commercial vehicle having a system configured to check a state of at least one component on the commercial vehicle, comprising: detecting of information in the form of a data set by a detection device, the information being present in a defined area on the vehicle, the defined area comprising the at least one component to be checked; providing the data set to an evaluation device; and determining the state of the component on the basis of the detected data set by the evaluation device, the detection device being fastened to the vehicle and positioned on a mover, wherein the detection device comprises a sensor based on the detection and/or emission of electromagnetic waves and/or sound waves; wherein the mover includes a carriage on a rail system, wherein the detection device and/or the mover includes a drive, and wherein the detection device is positioned on an outside of the vehicle.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the defined area is one of a plurality of defined areas.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Further advantages and features result from the following description of preferred embodiments of the object according to the invention with reference to the attached figures. It shows:

[0021] FIG. 1 is a commercial vehicle with a system for checking several components of the commercial vehicle according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a commercial vehicle with a system for checking several components of the commercial vehicle according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 3 is a view of the underside of a vehicle with a system for checking a plurality of wheels or a plurality of brakes of the vehicle with a detection device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0024] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an example of a method according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 5 with a system 100 for checking a status of a component on the vehicle 5 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 5 shown here is an articulated lorry on which a plurality of detection devices 10 are mounted on carriages 13 and can move on a rail system 12. In the illustration shown, the detection devices 10 are located on the outside of the vehicle 5, but it is also possible that detection devices 10 are additionally or exclusively located inside the vehicle 5. The detection devices 10 shown are only intended to serve as an example and are not to be understood as restrictive, in particular with regard to the shape and placement of the detection devices 10. The detection devices 10 in this example are designed to check the external components of the vehicle 5. In particular, the detection devices 10 can each check a plurality of defined areas on the exterior of the vehicle 5, in particular on the body and chassis of the vehicle 5, through the rail system 12. It is also optionally possible to rotate the detection devices 10 on the carriage 13 in order to check components located in different defined areas by changing the angle of view of the detection device 10. For example, locking devices such as doors and tailgates can be checked, which can be done with optical sensors, for example. A functional check of the lighting equipment of the vehicle 5 can also be carried out by light sensors. It is also possible for a detection device 10 on a carriage 13 to comprise different sensors in order to check different components with the appropriate sensor as required, for example by optical image detection to check a locking device and by light sensor to check the lighting device. Furthermore, it can also be checked whether the trailer hitch (not shown) is properly coupled and whether a support leg (not shown) is retracted before driving off. Furthermore, the wheels 4 can be checked, for example, by optical image matching, in order to check the tyre profile. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the detection device 10 is arranged on an upper side and/or underside of a trailer. For example, the rail system 12 extends more than 50%, preferably more than 70% and particularly preferably more than 80% of the longitudinal extent of the trailer in the longitudinal direction of the trailer. It is also conceivable that the rail system 12 comprises both longitudinal components and transverse components with which the detection device 10 is movable both in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction on or under the trailer.

[0026] The system is particularly suitable for departure control. Before and after the check, the detection devices 10 can each move via the rail system 12 to a designated closed area 11 in order to be put into a rest state there. This protects them from environmental influences and from unauthorised access by unauthorised persons. However, it is also possible for the detection devices 10 to be used continuously or intermittently during the journey. For example, a detection device 10 on the underside of the vehicle 5 could monitor the temperature of the brakes with the aid of an infrared camera. Due to the mobility, a detection device 10 with a sensor that can cover all areas with brakes is sufficient for this. While a quasi-continuous check is possible alternating between the brakes, the detection device 10 could also be activated at certain time intervals, thus saving energy. In general, it is also possible to have a system in which a detection device 10 is activated when necessary, for example to find the cause of an unexplained problem. For example, the brakes could be specifically checked if braking performance deteriorates, or the tyres 4 and axles could be checked if driving behaviour deteriorates. On the other hand, an additional sensor is also conceivable which prevents activation of the detection devices 10 in unfavourable external conditions and causes them to remain in or visit the enclosed area 11. For an optical sensor on the underside of the vehicle 5, unfavourable conditions could be, for example, a muddy surface that could lead to contamination of the optics.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a vehicle 5 with a system 100 for checking a status of a component on the vehicle 5 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 5 shown here is an articulated lorry with a detection device 10 attached to a flying drone 14. Due to the high mobility, at least the complete exterior area of the vehicle 5 can be checked with a detection device 10 in this case. It is conceivable that the detection device 10 has two or more different sensors in order to be able to check different components appropriately. Alternatively, it would also be possible to have a mobile drone 14 that drives around or on top of the vehicle 5 and can thus check several defined areas. Also, optionally, another drone 14 is conceivable inside the vehicle 5 to check components in defined areas inside the vehicle 5. The drone 14 is connected to an evaluation device 20 in the vehicle 5 by a wireless connection. The wireless connection can be used to transmit information in the form of a data set 19 that is collected during checking the components. In addition or alternatively, there can also be a direct connection to a control centre outside the vehicle 5. The wireless connection can be based on WLAN, Bluetooth or mobile internet, for example. Advantageously, the drone 14 can carry out a check, such as a departure check, fully autonomously. However, it is also conceivable that the check is carried out remotely, for example from the control centre. In this embodiment, when the drone 14 is not in use, it is located in a closed area 11, which can be closed by a flap 11a. Alternatively, other closure mechanisms are possible, such as a sliding roof. In the enclosed area 11, the drone 14 is protected from external influences and energy can be saved in a rest state. In a preferred embodiment, a docking station is located in the enclosed area, at which the drone 14 can be charged with energy, e.g. via an electrical connection. A connection for data transmission is also optionally possible, at which, for example, updates for system software of the drone 14 can be transmitted. Optionally, the detected data set 19 can also be transmitted via a data connection. This can be useful, for example, if wireless transmission is not possible or not desired. In particular, a data port may also be an alternative option in the event that wireless transmission fails. In a further embodiment, the drone 14 may also be used at least temporarily during a journey of the vehicle 5 to check one or more components on the vehicle 5.

[0028] FIG. 3 shows a view of the underside of a vehicle 5 with a system 100 for checking a plurality of wheels 4 and/or a plurality of brakes of the vehicle 5 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 5 may be, for example, a commercial vehicle. It comprises a detection device 10, which is located on the underside of the vehicle 5. In this example, the detection device 10 is attached to a telescopic pivot arm 15 via a pivot axis 15b. The pivot arm 15 is in turn rotatably attached to the underside of the vehicle 5 by means of a pivot axis 15a. The detection device 10 comprises, for example, an infrared sensor with which the temperature of all brakes can be detected. In this way, a single sensor advantageously replaces several sensors. The tyre profile can also be checked with an optical camera, for example, or damage, such as cracks in the brake disc or a burst tyre, can be detected. In a rest state, the pivot arm 15 with the detection device 10 is lowered into a projection 110. Optionally, the projection 110 may comprise a locking mechanism, for example a sliding door. This protects the detection device 10 from external influences. The detection device 10 can be used, for example, at the start of a journey during a departure check or during an intermediate stop. Optionally, it can also be used during a journey.

[0029] FIG. 4 shows an example of a schematic representation of a method for determining a state of at least one component of a vehicle 5 with a system 100 according to the present invention. In a first step, a detection device 10 acquires information in the form of a data set 19, the information being available in a defined area, preferably in several defined areas, on the vehicle 5, the defined area comprising at least one component to be checked.

[0030] In a second step, the data set 19 is then made available to an evaluation device 20 via a wireless connection, alternatively also via a cable connection. In a third step, the evaluation device 20 determines the state of the component on the basis of the detected data set 19. The evaluation device comprises, for example, a computer or a microprocessor which is designed to determine the state of the checked component on the basis of the detected data set. The data set may now, in an optional fourth step, be stored on a memory device 30. The memory device 30 may be, for example, a hard disk or a flash memory. The stored data may be used, for example, as evidence of a departure check that has been carried out or as a comparison with data collected at a later time. In a further optional step, the data set 19 can be forwarded to a communication device 40, which transmits the data set 19 e.g. to a control centre. In this way, for example, a database of several vehicles 5 can be created. In addition, any repairs that may be necessary can be coordinated centrally.

REFERENCE LIST

[0031] 4 tyres [0032] 5 vehicle [0033] 10 detection device [0034] 11 closed area [0035] 11a flap [0036] 12 rail system [0037] 13 carriage [0038] 14 drone [0039] 15 pivot arm [0040] 15a rotation axis [0041] 15b rotation axis [0042] 19 data set [0043] 20 evaluation device [0044] 30 memory device [0045] 40 communication device [0046] 50 network [0047] 100 system [0048] 110 projection