CA2062175A1 - System for determining the load of a vehicle or the like - Google Patents
System for determining the load of a vehicle or the likeInfo
- Publication number
- CA2062175A1 CA2062175A1 CA 2062175 CA2062175A CA2062175A1 CA 2062175 A1 CA2062175 A1 CA 2062175A1 CA 2062175 CA2062175 CA 2062175 CA 2062175 A CA2062175 A CA 2062175A CA 2062175 A1 CA2062175 A1 CA 2062175A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- measuring
- vehicle
- receiver
- transmitter
- load
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Abstract
SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING THE LOAD OF A VEHICLE OR THE LIKE.
Abstract of the Disclosure A system for determining the load of a vehicle or the like comprises one or more measuring units with a transmitter/re-ceiver for sound waves, and a reflector surface being movable relative to the transmitter/receiver. Each measuring unit is connected by means of a Bowden cable or a pressure line with two measuring points, one of these points being connected to a frame portion of the vehicle, and the other point being connected to a part of the wheel axle. A control and proces-sing unit which is connected to the or each measuring unit, is equipped for determining the transit time of the sound waves between said transmitter/receiver and said reflector surface, and for deriving therefrom the distance between said two measuring points. For reference purposes, a dummy measu-ring unit is added to the system.
Abstract of the Disclosure A system for determining the load of a vehicle or the like comprises one or more measuring units with a transmitter/re-ceiver for sound waves, and a reflector surface being movable relative to the transmitter/receiver. Each measuring unit is connected by means of a Bowden cable or a pressure line with two measuring points, one of these points being connected to a frame portion of the vehicle, and the other point being connected to a part of the wheel axle. A control and proces-sing unit which is connected to the or each measuring unit, is equipped for determining the transit time of the sound waves between said transmitter/receiver and said reflector surface, and for deriving therefrom the distance between said two measuring points. For reference purposes, a dummy measu-ring unit is added to the system.
Description
2 ~ 7 ~
SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING THE LOAD OF A VEHICLE OR THE LIKE.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a system for determining the load of a vehicle or the like by measuring sonically the distance between a measuring point connected to a frame portion of the vehicle and a measuring point connected to a point of the wheel axle being movable relative to said frame portion.
DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART
Measuring the load condition of a vehicle by means of measuring a distance between two measuring points on the vehicle which is representative of the load is generally known. The object thereof is, for example, to check on overloading or underloading, on volume or weight units supplied and to be supplied for a load to be carried, on illegal loading and/or unloading of loads etc. This can be - 15 for lorries with a loading platform, tankers or private cars, but it can also be for aircrafts on the ground.
The check on overloading and underloading is an absolute measurement which does not have to be very accurate, and in the case of which only a specific maximum load, possibly per wheel or per wheel set of the vehicle, must not be exceeded, and therefore has to be monitored.
The check on units of goods for loading and unloading, on the other hand, requires an accurate relative measurement, in order to ensure that small weight changes can still be detected.
US Reissue No. 26,826 discloses a load indicator for vehicles, comprising a transmitter/receiver for sonic waves being fixed to the frame portion of the vehicle, and a reflector surface being fixed to a wheel axle of the vehicle and situated to reflect ultrasonic pulses transmitted by the 2 ~ 7c~ -`
transmitter/receiver back thereto. Thus, from the measured transit time of the ultrasonic waves the distance between the transmitter/receiver and the reflector surface can be esta-blished, said distance being a measure for the compression of a vehicle spring in proportion to the loading condition of the vehicle.
A first drawback of the prior art device is that the reflector surface, i.e. a concave mirror, will only reflect the ultrasonic waves back to the transmitter/receiver if the ultrasonic waves are transmitted to the reflector surface along the center line thereof. However, in most situations, e.g. an uneven loading of the vehicle or a road surface which is not exactly horizontal, this will not be the case and consequently the load indicator will not function properly.
A further drawback is the open construction of the known device. The transmitter/receiver will therefore not only detect ultrasonic waves reflected back from the reflector surface, but also any disturbing noise generated by the vehicle or parts thereof, when the vehicle is stationary or moving, or by environmental noise. Particularly noise genera-ted by the flow of air along the vehicle may cause unwanted sonic waves at the transmitter/receiver. In addition, such an open construction is susceptible to pollution and wear by water, sand, oil and the like, which will result into a rapid decrease in the performance of the device. Further, any change of temperature, humidity or air pressure will effect a change of the transit time of the sonic waves in the known device, from which large measuring inaccuracies will result.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is now the object of the present invention to provide a system for determining the load of a vehicle, wherein the determination of the distance between a measuring point connected to a frame portion of the vehicle and a measuring point connected to a point of the wheel axle being movable relative to said frame portion is performed sonically, the determination not being impaired by the momentary relative 3 ~ ~J ~ ~ d ~ ~ 1 position of the wheel axle and the frame portion.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a load determination system of the kind mentioned before, wherein the determination is not impaired by influences originating from the vehicle, its moving or its environment.
These objects are attained according to the present invention by providing one or more measuring units being fixed to the frame portion of the vehicle at a suitable place, each measuring unit comprising a transmitter/receiver for the sonic waves and a reflector surface for reflecting the sonic waves transmitted by the transmitter/receiver back thereto, each measuring unit being coupled by coupling means to a measuring point connected to a frame portion of the vehicle and a measuring point connected to a point of the wheel axle being movable relative to said frame portion. A
control and processing unit determines the transit time of the sonic waves between the transmitter/receiver and the reflector surface and derives therefrom the distance between the measuring points connected to a measuring unit.
According to an aspect of the invention, the coupling means consist of a Bowden cable. However, when the vehicle is provided with a pneumatic or hydraulic suspension, the measuring unit may be connected to the piston of a compressi-on cylinder being under a reference counterpressure, which cylinder is connected by means of a pressure line to the pressure chamber of the corresponding spring.
Other claims and advantages will be more readily appre-ciated as the same becomes better unterstood by reference to the following detailed description and considered in connec-tion with the accompanying drawings in which like referencesymbols designate like parts.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a supporting structure of a vehicle, with load measuring devices according to the invention; and FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a system according to the - invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 shows a rear axle 2 of a lorry with rear wheels 4 and 5 and a differential 6. The rear axle 2, by means of springs 8 and 9, supports a chassis 10, on which rests a loading platform 12 which is filled with a load 14, for example sand. A measuring point 50 on the rear axle 2 is connected to one end of the core 63 of a Bowden cable 60, and the corresponding measuring point 53 on the chassis 10 is connected to one end of the sheath 66 of the Bowden cable 60.
The other end of the sheath 66 is connected to a casing 70, while the other end of the core 63 can move a reflector surface 18 relative to a transmitter/receiver 16 for sound waves. When the distance between measuring points 50 and 53 decreases or increases, the distance between transmitter/re-ceiver 16 and reflector surface 18 will also decrease or increase by the same amount. The transit time of a sound wave transmitted by the transmitter/receiver, reflected by the reflector surface 18 and picked up again by the transmit-ter/receiver, will consequently decrease or increase propor-tionately. The transit time of the sound wave thus constitu-tes a measure of the compression of the spring and conse-quently for the load situation of the vehicle. In order to reduce the influence of environmental noise on the sound wave detected by the transmitter/receiver and to eliminate the influence of water, dust, etc. on the elements required for the transit time measurement, these elements are accommodated in a closed casing. A compression spring 75 ensures here that there in constant tensile stress in the core 63, in order to avoid backlash.
Measuring points 51 and 54 are connected in a similar way through the core 64 and the sheath 67 respectively of a Bowden cable 61 to the reflector surface 19 and a casing 71 respectively, a compression spring 76 holding the core 64 taut. The reflector surface 19 interacts with the transmit-ter/receiver 17.
.
The velocity of sound in air depends on the pressure, the temperature and the air humidity, factors which thus also will have an influence on the measured values of each measu-ring unit. In order to compensate for measuring errors caused by these, each measuring unit may be provided with a referen-ce target 18a and l9a for cooperation with transmitters/re-ceivers 16 and 17, respectively, the reference targets being connected to the casings 70 and 71, respectively. The refe-rence targets are fixed at a predetermined distance relative to the corresponding transmitter/receiver, and thereby constitute a known distance reference in the measuring unit concerned. Alternatively, the reference targets may be connected to the reflector surfaces and movable therewith relative to the transmitters/receivers. In the latter case a known distance reference is provided by the distance between a reference target and the reflector surface.
As a further measure to improve the measuring accuracy, an additional measuring unit is provided in which for refe-rence a predetermined fixed distance is measured, possibly by means of a representative length of Bowden cable, to compen-sate for length variations in the case of temperature varia-tions therein. Such an additional measuring unit is obtained by connecting two measuring points 52 and 55 which are not movable relative to each other to the core 65 and the sheath 25 68 respectively of a Bowden cable 62, the core 65 being connected to a reflector surface 80 which interacts with a transmitter/receiver 81, the last-mentioned two being placed inside a casing 73. A spring 77 also holds the core 65 taut inside this casing 72. In the casing a reference target 80a may be provided.
The casings 70, 71 and 72 can be placed together at a suitable point on the vehicle, it being possible to adapt the number of casings and the relative positioning thereof to the required number of measuring points. In Fig. 1, this is indicated with dashed lines.
Since a transmitter/receiver is the most vulnerable part of a measuring unit, it is connected to the loadable part of the vehicle or the like which has a great mass inertia. The reflector surface, which can be made robust in design, is connected via the coupling means to the wheel axle or the guiding part thereof, which vehicle parts are exposed to intensive vibrations with great acceleration forces.
In general, the movement of the reflecting surface during changes in the load situation of the vehicle or the like is not such that a sound wave directed at a particular angle onto a flat reflector surface is reflected in the same direction. In a preferred embodiment, the reflector surface therefore comprises three partial faces which are at right angles to one another and are arranged in such a way that, on tilting of the surface about an arbitrary axis, a sound wave coming from the transmitter/receiver is reflected parallel to itself back to the transmitter/receiver through reflection against the three partial faces.
FIG. 2 shows different measuring units 22, each compri-sing a transmitter/receiver for sound waves, which are connected by means of leads 24 to a control and processing unit 26. Dashed lines 28 and 30 indicate that the number of measuring units 22 and accompanying leads 24 is not a priori fixed, but can be determined according to the actual require-ments.
The control and processing unit 26 is also connected by means of a lead 32 to a speed measuring apparatus 34.
Since, due to uneven road surfaces, acceleration, deceleration and steering movements, a distance measurement of the type mentioned above during movement of the vehicle shows a curve fluctuating around a certain average value so that an average over a certain period of time has to be taken in order to obtain sufficient accuracy, determining the load condition is carried out when the vehicle is stationary, which is determined by the control and processing unit 26 on the basis of the speed measuring apparatus 34. It is assumed here that load changes in the vehicle can in principle take place only when said vehicle is stationary. It is true that, as a result of the fuel consumption of the vehicle, with ~$~
unchanged load a load difference can be found between two successive moments of stopping, separated by movement. In order to eliminate this influence on a measurement of the load change, the control and processing unit 26 is connected by means of a lead 36 to means 38 for measuring the fuel level in a fuel container, and is equipped to correct the determined load for the fuel consumption.
Each time the vehicle stops after movement, the control and processing unit 26 fixes a reference load value, so that subsequent load changes can be related thereto, in order to increase the measuring accuracy.
For the exchange of data, which may or may not be recorded on a data carrier, between the system and the operator thereof, the control and processing unit 26 is connected by means of a lead 42 to an input and output unit 40 present on the vehicle, preferably placed in the driver's cab. The input and output unit 40 may comprise, for example, a display screen 44 for alphanumeric or graphic display of data, a keyboard 46 for controlling the load-checking system, and a slot 48 behind which a read/write unit is provided for reading or writing to a data carrier, e.g. a card with a magnetic strip.
In FIG. 1, the transmitters/receivers 16, 17, 81 inside each casing are connected by means of leads 90 to a control and processing unit, as described with reference to FIG. 2.
The system for determining the load of a vehicle accor-ding to the invention is not only suitable for establishing the total load of the vehicle through adding together the load measured for the different wheels or wheel sets, but by menas of the system, provided that it is equipped for the purpose, it is also possible to establish overloading of specific wheels as a result of incorrect loading. The above-mentioned system can also be used for vehicles with pneumatic and/or hydraulic suspension, in which the distance from the axle to the chassis is kept essentially constant by regula-ting the pressure in the appropriate spring. Instead of the above-mentioned Bowden cable, a pressure line is then connec-7 ~
ted to the pressure chamber of the appropriate spring, whichat the other side is connected to a cylinder whose piston, which is under spring tension or a similar reference counter-pressure, is connected to the corresponding surface 18, 19, the displacement of which then corresponds to the pressure in the spring, and thus to the load. It is, of course, also possible to connect these pressure cylinders directly to the corresponding spring, and to connect the piston thereof to a Bowden cable of the above-mentioned type.
SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING THE LOAD OF A VEHICLE OR THE LIKE.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a system for determining the load of a vehicle or the like by measuring sonically the distance between a measuring point connected to a frame portion of the vehicle and a measuring point connected to a point of the wheel axle being movable relative to said frame portion.
DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART
Measuring the load condition of a vehicle by means of measuring a distance between two measuring points on the vehicle which is representative of the load is generally known. The object thereof is, for example, to check on overloading or underloading, on volume or weight units supplied and to be supplied for a load to be carried, on illegal loading and/or unloading of loads etc. This can be - 15 for lorries with a loading platform, tankers or private cars, but it can also be for aircrafts on the ground.
The check on overloading and underloading is an absolute measurement which does not have to be very accurate, and in the case of which only a specific maximum load, possibly per wheel or per wheel set of the vehicle, must not be exceeded, and therefore has to be monitored.
The check on units of goods for loading and unloading, on the other hand, requires an accurate relative measurement, in order to ensure that small weight changes can still be detected.
US Reissue No. 26,826 discloses a load indicator for vehicles, comprising a transmitter/receiver for sonic waves being fixed to the frame portion of the vehicle, and a reflector surface being fixed to a wheel axle of the vehicle and situated to reflect ultrasonic pulses transmitted by the 2 ~ 7c~ -`
transmitter/receiver back thereto. Thus, from the measured transit time of the ultrasonic waves the distance between the transmitter/receiver and the reflector surface can be esta-blished, said distance being a measure for the compression of a vehicle spring in proportion to the loading condition of the vehicle.
A first drawback of the prior art device is that the reflector surface, i.e. a concave mirror, will only reflect the ultrasonic waves back to the transmitter/receiver if the ultrasonic waves are transmitted to the reflector surface along the center line thereof. However, in most situations, e.g. an uneven loading of the vehicle or a road surface which is not exactly horizontal, this will not be the case and consequently the load indicator will not function properly.
A further drawback is the open construction of the known device. The transmitter/receiver will therefore not only detect ultrasonic waves reflected back from the reflector surface, but also any disturbing noise generated by the vehicle or parts thereof, when the vehicle is stationary or moving, or by environmental noise. Particularly noise genera-ted by the flow of air along the vehicle may cause unwanted sonic waves at the transmitter/receiver. In addition, such an open construction is susceptible to pollution and wear by water, sand, oil and the like, which will result into a rapid decrease in the performance of the device. Further, any change of temperature, humidity or air pressure will effect a change of the transit time of the sonic waves in the known device, from which large measuring inaccuracies will result.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is now the object of the present invention to provide a system for determining the load of a vehicle, wherein the determination of the distance between a measuring point connected to a frame portion of the vehicle and a measuring point connected to a point of the wheel axle being movable relative to said frame portion is performed sonically, the determination not being impaired by the momentary relative 3 ~ ~J ~ ~ d ~ ~ 1 position of the wheel axle and the frame portion.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a load determination system of the kind mentioned before, wherein the determination is not impaired by influences originating from the vehicle, its moving or its environment.
These objects are attained according to the present invention by providing one or more measuring units being fixed to the frame portion of the vehicle at a suitable place, each measuring unit comprising a transmitter/receiver for the sonic waves and a reflector surface for reflecting the sonic waves transmitted by the transmitter/receiver back thereto, each measuring unit being coupled by coupling means to a measuring point connected to a frame portion of the vehicle and a measuring point connected to a point of the wheel axle being movable relative to said frame portion. A
control and processing unit determines the transit time of the sonic waves between the transmitter/receiver and the reflector surface and derives therefrom the distance between the measuring points connected to a measuring unit.
According to an aspect of the invention, the coupling means consist of a Bowden cable. However, when the vehicle is provided with a pneumatic or hydraulic suspension, the measuring unit may be connected to the piston of a compressi-on cylinder being under a reference counterpressure, which cylinder is connected by means of a pressure line to the pressure chamber of the corresponding spring.
Other claims and advantages will be more readily appre-ciated as the same becomes better unterstood by reference to the following detailed description and considered in connec-tion with the accompanying drawings in which like referencesymbols designate like parts.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a supporting structure of a vehicle, with load measuring devices according to the invention; and FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a system according to the - invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 shows a rear axle 2 of a lorry with rear wheels 4 and 5 and a differential 6. The rear axle 2, by means of springs 8 and 9, supports a chassis 10, on which rests a loading platform 12 which is filled with a load 14, for example sand. A measuring point 50 on the rear axle 2 is connected to one end of the core 63 of a Bowden cable 60, and the corresponding measuring point 53 on the chassis 10 is connected to one end of the sheath 66 of the Bowden cable 60.
The other end of the sheath 66 is connected to a casing 70, while the other end of the core 63 can move a reflector surface 18 relative to a transmitter/receiver 16 for sound waves. When the distance between measuring points 50 and 53 decreases or increases, the distance between transmitter/re-ceiver 16 and reflector surface 18 will also decrease or increase by the same amount. The transit time of a sound wave transmitted by the transmitter/receiver, reflected by the reflector surface 18 and picked up again by the transmit-ter/receiver, will consequently decrease or increase propor-tionately. The transit time of the sound wave thus constitu-tes a measure of the compression of the spring and conse-quently for the load situation of the vehicle. In order to reduce the influence of environmental noise on the sound wave detected by the transmitter/receiver and to eliminate the influence of water, dust, etc. on the elements required for the transit time measurement, these elements are accommodated in a closed casing. A compression spring 75 ensures here that there in constant tensile stress in the core 63, in order to avoid backlash.
Measuring points 51 and 54 are connected in a similar way through the core 64 and the sheath 67 respectively of a Bowden cable 61 to the reflector surface 19 and a casing 71 respectively, a compression spring 76 holding the core 64 taut. The reflector surface 19 interacts with the transmit-ter/receiver 17.
.
The velocity of sound in air depends on the pressure, the temperature and the air humidity, factors which thus also will have an influence on the measured values of each measu-ring unit. In order to compensate for measuring errors caused by these, each measuring unit may be provided with a referen-ce target 18a and l9a for cooperation with transmitters/re-ceivers 16 and 17, respectively, the reference targets being connected to the casings 70 and 71, respectively. The refe-rence targets are fixed at a predetermined distance relative to the corresponding transmitter/receiver, and thereby constitute a known distance reference in the measuring unit concerned. Alternatively, the reference targets may be connected to the reflector surfaces and movable therewith relative to the transmitters/receivers. In the latter case a known distance reference is provided by the distance between a reference target and the reflector surface.
As a further measure to improve the measuring accuracy, an additional measuring unit is provided in which for refe-rence a predetermined fixed distance is measured, possibly by means of a representative length of Bowden cable, to compen-sate for length variations in the case of temperature varia-tions therein. Such an additional measuring unit is obtained by connecting two measuring points 52 and 55 which are not movable relative to each other to the core 65 and the sheath 25 68 respectively of a Bowden cable 62, the core 65 being connected to a reflector surface 80 which interacts with a transmitter/receiver 81, the last-mentioned two being placed inside a casing 73. A spring 77 also holds the core 65 taut inside this casing 72. In the casing a reference target 80a may be provided.
The casings 70, 71 and 72 can be placed together at a suitable point on the vehicle, it being possible to adapt the number of casings and the relative positioning thereof to the required number of measuring points. In Fig. 1, this is indicated with dashed lines.
Since a transmitter/receiver is the most vulnerable part of a measuring unit, it is connected to the loadable part of the vehicle or the like which has a great mass inertia. The reflector surface, which can be made robust in design, is connected via the coupling means to the wheel axle or the guiding part thereof, which vehicle parts are exposed to intensive vibrations with great acceleration forces.
In general, the movement of the reflecting surface during changes in the load situation of the vehicle or the like is not such that a sound wave directed at a particular angle onto a flat reflector surface is reflected in the same direction. In a preferred embodiment, the reflector surface therefore comprises three partial faces which are at right angles to one another and are arranged in such a way that, on tilting of the surface about an arbitrary axis, a sound wave coming from the transmitter/receiver is reflected parallel to itself back to the transmitter/receiver through reflection against the three partial faces.
FIG. 2 shows different measuring units 22, each compri-sing a transmitter/receiver for sound waves, which are connected by means of leads 24 to a control and processing unit 26. Dashed lines 28 and 30 indicate that the number of measuring units 22 and accompanying leads 24 is not a priori fixed, but can be determined according to the actual require-ments.
The control and processing unit 26 is also connected by means of a lead 32 to a speed measuring apparatus 34.
Since, due to uneven road surfaces, acceleration, deceleration and steering movements, a distance measurement of the type mentioned above during movement of the vehicle shows a curve fluctuating around a certain average value so that an average over a certain period of time has to be taken in order to obtain sufficient accuracy, determining the load condition is carried out when the vehicle is stationary, which is determined by the control and processing unit 26 on the basis of the speed measuring apparatus 34. It is assumed here that load changes in the vehicle can in principle take place only when said vehicle is stationary. It is true that, as a result of the fuel consumption of the vehicle, with ~$~
unchanged load a load difference can be found between two successive moments of stopping, separated by movement. In order to eliminate this influence on a measurement of the load change, the control and processing unit 26 is connected by means of a lead 36 to means 38 for measuring the fuel level in a fuel container, and is equipped to correct the determined load for the fuel consumption.
Each time the vehicle stops after movement, the control and processing unit 26 fixes a reference load value, so that subsequent load changes can be related thereto, in order to increase the measuring accuracy.
For the exchange of data, which may or may not be recorded on a data carrier, between the system and the operator thereof, the control and processing unit 26 is connected by means of a lead 42 to an input and output unit 40 present on the vehicle, preferably placed in the driver's cab. The input and output unit 40 may comprise, for example, a display screen 44 for alphanumeric or graphic display of data, a keyboard 46 for controlling the load-checking system, and a slot 48 behind which a read/write unit is provided for reading or writing to a data carrier, e.g. a card with a magnetic strip.
In FIG. 1, the transmitters/receivers 16, 17, 81 inside each casing are connected by means of leads 90 to a control and processing unit, as described with reference to FIG. 2.
The system for determining the load of a vehicle accor-ding to the invention is not only suitable for establishing the total load of the vehicle through adding together the load measured for the different wheels or wheel sets, but by menas of the system, provided that it is equipped for the purpose, it is also possible to establish overloading of specific wheels as a result of incorrect loading. The above-mentioned system can also be used for vehicles with pneumatic and/or hydraulic suspension, in which the distance from the axle to the chassis is kept essentially constant by regula-ting the pressure in the appropriate spring. Instead of the above-mentioned Bowden cable, a pressure line is then connec-7 ~
ted to the pressure chamber of the appropriate spring, whichat the other side is connected to a cylinder whose piston, which is under spring tension or a similar reference counter-pressure, is connected to the corresponding surface 18, 19, the displacement of which then corresponds to the pressure in the spring, and thus to the load. It is, of course, also possible to connect these pressure cylinders directly to the corresponding spring, and to connect the piston thereof to a Bowden cable of the above-mentioned type.
Claims (8)
1. System for determining the load of a vehicle or the like, comprising one or more measuring units, each unit being adap-ted for determining the distance between a measuring point connected to a frame portion of the vehicle and a measuring point connected to a part of the wheel axle or guiding means thereof being movable relative to said frame portion, the distance between said measuring points being a measure of the load condition of the vehicle or the like, each measuring unit comprising two parts, namely a transmitter/receiver for sonic waves connected to one of the measuring points and a reflector surface connected to the other measuring point, the reflector surface reflecting the sonic waves transmitted by the trans-mitter/receiver back thereto, one of these parts being fixed and the other being movable as a function of the distance between the measuring points, the or each measuring unit being fixed to the frame portion of the vehicle, the movable parts of the or each measuring unit being connected to a coupling means which, at its other end, is connected to a part of a respective wheel axle or guiding means thereof, said coupling means being adapted to displace the movable part of the res-pective measuring unit, a control and processing unit being equipped for determining the transit time of the sonic waves from the transmitter/receiver to the reflector surface and back to the transmitter/receiver in each measuring unit, and for deriving therefrom the distance between the two measuring points being connected to the respective measuring unit.
2. System according to claim 1, wherein the coupling means consist of a Bowden cable, one end of the sheath thereof being connected to one of the measuring points, and the end of the core thereof lying at said sheath end being connected to the other measuring point, while the other end of the sheath and the core are connected to the fixed and movable parts of the corresponding measuring unit.
3. System according to claim 1 for a vehicle with pneumatic or hydraulic spring suspension, wherein the movable part of the or each measuring unit is connected to the piston of a compression cylinder being under a reference counterpressure, which cylinder is connected by means of a pressure line to the pressure chamber of the corresponding spring.
4. System according to claim 1, wherein the reflector surfa-ce comprises three partial faces which are at right angles to each other and are arranged in such a way that a sound wave coming from the transmitter/receiver, after reflection against the partial faces, is reflected back parallel to itself to the transmitter/receiver.
5. System according to claim 1, wherein the control and processing unit is connected to a speed measuring apparatus and is equipped for carrying out the load determination when the vehicle is stationary.
6. System according to claim 1, wherein the control and processing unit is connected to means for measuring the fuel consumption and is equipped for correcting the determined load for the fuel consumption.
7. System according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the control and processing unit is equipped for establishing a reference load value when the vehicle is stationary.
8. System according to claim 1, wherein the or each measu-ring unit is accomodated in a casing.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2062175 CA2062175A1 (en) | 1992-03-02 | 1992-03-02 | System for determining the load of a vehicle or the like |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2062175 CA2062175A1 (en) | 1992-03-02 | 1992-03-02 | System for determining the load of a vehicle or the like |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2062175A1 true CA2062175A1 (en) | 1993-09-03 |
Family
ID=4149361
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2062175 Abandoned CA2062175A1 (en) | 1992-03-02 | 1992-03-02 | System for determining the load of a vehicle or the like |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2062175A1 (en) |
-
1992
- 1992-03-02 CA CA 2062175 patent/CA2062175A1/en not_active Abandoned
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |