DE102021133763A1 - Method for monitoring the load of a vehicle combination - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for monitoring the load of a vehicle combination (36), which has a towing vehicle (38) and a coupled trailer vehicle (40), wherein by means of a first sensor device (2) arranged on a coupling element of a trailer device (46) of the towing vehicle, one of a counter-coupling element (58) of the trailer vehicle to the coupling element of the towing vehicle is recorded and a coupling force signal is formed from this, with the value of a vertical load (FS) being determined from the coupling force signal in an evaluation unit (4) and this being transmitted to a control unit (6), with a A second sensor device (8) arranged on the suspension of at least one vehicle axle (50, 52) of the trailer vehicle (40) detects a weight force transmitted from the vehicle frame (48) to the vehicle axle and from this a weight force signal is formed, from which an evaluation unit (10 ) the value of an axle load (FA) is determined and this is transmitted to a control unit (12), and when the trailer vehicle is loaded, at least one item of information for loading control is derived from the value of the vertical load (FS) and the value of the axle load (FA) and is shown. In addition, it is provided that the value of the support load and the value of the axle load are shown on a display of a display device (18) of the towing vehicle, that the value of the support load and the value of the axle load are compared with limit values (FS_min, FS_max, FA_max), and that an acoustic and/or optical warning signal is issued if at least one of these limit values is fallen below or exceeded.

Description

The invention relates to a method for monitoring the load of a vehicle combination, which has a towing vehicle and a trailer coupled to it, with a first sensor device arranged on a coupling element of a towing device of the towing vehicle detecting a vertical coupling force transmitted from a counter-coupling element of the trailer to the coupling element of the towing vehicle and A coupling force signal is formed therefrom, with the value of a support load being determined from the coupling force signal in an assigned evaluation unit and this value of the support load being transmitted to an electronic control unit, with a second sensor device arranged on the suspension of at least one vehicle axle of the trailer vehicle measuring one of the vehicle frame the weight force transmitted by the vehicle axle is recorded and a weight force signal is formed from this, with the value of an axle load being determined from the weight force signal in an associated evaluation unit and this axle load value being transmitted to an electronic control unit, and with the value of the support load and at least one item of information for load control is derived from the value of the axle load and displayed.

The towing vehicle of the vehicle combinations considered here is preferably a towing vehicle, such as a tractor, which is intended for use in agriculture and/or forestry and has a coupling element in the form of a trailer hitch at the rear of the vehicle and/or at the front of the vehicle, such as a ball head coupling or open-end pin coupling. The associated trailer vehicle can be a rigid drawbar trailer, a center-axle trailer or an implement that has a counter-coupling element, such as a coupling shell or a towing eye, arranged on a rigid drawbar or suspension. Likewise, a towing vehicle of the vehicle combinations considered here can be a semi-trailer tractor used in agriculture and/or forestry, such as an agrotruck, with a fifth wheel coupling as a coupling element, and the associated trailer vehicle can be a semi-trailer with a support plate provided with a kingpin as a counter-coupling element act.

In a vehicle combination of the type described, it is assumed that the towing vehicle is equipped with a sensor device on the coupling element of its trailer device, with which a vertical coupling force transmitted from a counter-coupling element of the trailer vehicle to the coupling element of the towing vehicle can be determined as a force signal and from this the value can be determined in an assigned evaluation unit the current support load can be determined.

In the DE 10 2018 106 856 A1 describes such a sensor device of a towing device, which has a plurality of sensor elements fastened to rectangular or star-shaped webs of a measuring plate. The webs of the measuring plate are elastically deformed under the load of the hitch. The sensor elements can be load cells, strain gauges or SAW elements. In the case of a tractor, the measuring plate is preferably arranged between a bolting plate fixed to the vehicle and a trailer hitch, to which the respective coupling element is fastened in the form of an open-end pin coupling or a ball head coupling. As an alternative to this, the measuring plate can also be arranged in connection with a vehicle-side coupling carrier and an outer adapter plate between the trailer hitch fixed to the vehicle and the coupling element. Using the sensor elements of the measuring plate, the transmitted forces and moments can be measured in all or in the direction of all three vehicle axles.

From the DE 10 2019 124 281 A1 discloses a fifth wheel coupling of a semi-trailer tractor with a sensor device for detecting the forces transmitted from a coupled semi-trailer to the semi-trailer tractor via the fifth wheel coupling. The fifth wheel coupling has a bearing block which can be fastened to the vehicle frame and in which a coupling plate is mounted so that it can pivot about a horizontal transverse axis. For this purpose, the bearing block has two laterally parallel webs, each with a bearing block eye, in each of which engages a damping element connected to the clutch plate via a tensioning element and a bearing insert. According to a first embodiment of the sensor device, sensors, which can be strain gauges or piezo elements, are arranged on an intermediate element, which is arranged between the damping element and the bearing insert and is elastically deformed when loaded by a coupled trailer. According to a second embodiment of the sensor device, the sensors are arranged on the bearing insert, which is elastically deformed when subjected to a load from a coupled semi-trailer.

Likewise, in a vehicle combination of the type described, it is assumed that the trailer vehicle is provided with a sensor device arranged on the suspension at least one vehicle axle, by means of which one of the Vehicle frame on the vehicle axle transmitted vertical weight as a force signal and can be determined in an associated evaluation unit, the value of the current axle load.

In the case of a vehicle axle with steel springs, that is to say one supported on the vehicle frame by means of leaf springs or coil springs, the axle load is determined on the basis of the weight-related deflection path of the vehicle frame in relation to the vehicle axle. With several steel-sprung vehicle axles arranged one behind the other at a short distance, only the sum of the axle loads of the vehicle axles can be determined in this way. In contrast, with air-sprung vehicle axles, it is possible to determine the axle loads separately using the bellows pressures of the air springs, via which the vehicle axles are supported on the vehicle frame, even if the vehicle axles are arranged at a short distance one behind the other.

From the DE 10 2016 005 666 A1 a sensor device for detecting the axle load of a steel-sprung vehicle axle is known, which comprises an inductively effective rotational angle sensor and a joint linkage. The rotation angle sensor is attached to the vehicle frame and can be actuated via a control shaft that can be rotated about its longitudinal axis. The articulated linkage consists of two rods connected by a joint. One rod of the linkage is fixed largely radially to the vehicle axle, while the other rod of the linkage is fixed in a radial bore of the control rod. Thus, when the vehicle frame deflects, the control rod is rotated relative to the vehicle axis about its longitudinal axis, which can be detected by the rotation angle sensor.

In the DE 100 29 332 B4 discloses a sensor device for determining the axle loads of a vehicle with at least two air-sprung vehicle axles, each comprising a travel sensor for detecting the deflection path and a pressure sensor for detecting the bellows pressure on each air spring. Since the wheel load of each individual vehicle wheel can be determined with this sensor device, an associated method provides for the center of gravity of the vehicle in the vehicle longitudinal direction and in the vehicle transverse direction to be determined from the wheel loads.

In the DE 10 2008 032 104 B4 describes a vehicle combination consisting of a tractor as the towing vehicle and a rigid drawbar trailer as the trailer vehicle. The trailer vehicle has a vehicle axle rigidly suspended from the vehicle frame and a vehicle axle designed as a lift axle. In addition, the vehicle combination is provided with a sensor device for measuring the vertical load on the coupling element of the towing vehicle and with a sensor device for measuring the axle load on the rigidly suspended vehicle axle of the trailer vehicle. The determined vertical load and the determined axle load are used to control the lifting axle, the normally raised lifting axle being lowered when the vertical load or the axle load exceeds a predetermined limit value in each case.

Finally is out of the DE 10 2018 117 352 A1 a truck is known with a structure and sensors which are used for weight measurement and are arranged in different sections of the commercial vehicle. The measured values determined by the sensors are processed and displayed on a display device as the loading states of the different sections of the vehicle body and/or as the center of gravity of the loading of the body and/or as axle loads of the truck.

The present invention is based on the object of presenting a method for monitoring the load of a vehicle combination of the type mentioned at the outset, with which at least one item of information for load control, i.e. for limiting and distributing the load, can be generated and displayed when a trailer vehicle is loaded. In addition, the support load acting on the coupling element of the towing vehicle and/or the axle load on at least one axle of the trailer vehicle should be able to be adjusted by means of the method depending on the current loading mass of the trailer vehicle.

This object is achieved by a method which has the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments are defined in the dependent claims.

Accordingly, the invention relates to a method for monitoring the load of a vehicle combination, which has a method for monitoring the load of a vehicle combination, which has a towing vehicle and a trailer coupled to it, wherein a first sensor device arranged on a coupling element of a trailer device of the towing vehicle picks up one of a counter-coupling element of the trailer The vertical coupling force transmitted by the coupling element of the towing vehicle is recorded and a coupling force signal is formed from this, with the value of a support load being determined from the coupling force signal in an assigned evaluation unit and this value of the support load being transmitted to an electronic control unit, with at least one vehicle axle of the appendix second sensor device arranged on the vehicle detects a weight force transmitted from the vehicle frame to the vehicle axle and a weight force signal is formed from this, the value of an axle load being determined from the weight force signal in an assigned evaluation unit and this axle load value being transmitted to an electronic control unit, and with one Loading of the trailer vehicle from the value of the vertical load and the value of the axle load at least one piece of information for loading control is derived and displayed.

In order to solve the task at hand, this method provides that the value of the support load and the value of the axle load are shown on a display of a display device of the towing vehicle, that the value of the support load and the value of the axle load are compared with assigned and predetermined limit values, and that an acoustic and/or optical warning signal is issued if at least one of these limit values is fallen below or exceeded.

In this method, a vehicle combination is therefore assumed, which comprises a towing vehicle and a trailer vehicle coupled to it. A vertical coupling force transmitted from a counter-coupling element of the trailer to the coupling element of the towing vehicle is detected by means of a sensor device arranged on a coupling element of a trailer device of the towing vehicle and a force signal is formed therefrom. From this force signal, a support load F _S is determined in an associated evaluation unit and transmitted to an electronic control unit. By means of a sensor device arranged on the suspension of at least one vehicle axle of the trailer vehicle, a vertical weight force transmitted from the vehicle frame to the vehicle axle is also detected and a force signal is formed from this, from which an axle load F _A , F _{A_i} is calculated in an assigned evaluation unit and this is transmitted to an electronic control unit is transmitted.

By displaying the vertical load F _S and the axle load F _A , F _{A_i} on the display of the display device and the output of an acoustic and/or visual warning signal if at least one of the limit values F _{S_min ,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} is exceeded or not reached, the driver is of the towing vehicle and can influence the loading of the trailer vehicle in a suitable manner by communicating with the driver of a loading vehicle, i.e. stop the loading of the trailer vehicle in good time and, if _necessary, arrange for the load to be shifted during further loading.

The vertical load F _S and the axle load F _A , F _{A_i} are shown on the display of the towing vehicle's display device as bars in a bar chart, which also shows the permissible value ranges for the vertical load F _S and the axle load F _A , F _{A_i} with the associated Limit values F _{S_min,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} are displayed.

To clarify the display, the bars in the bar graph, with which the current value of the support load F _S and the current value of the axle load F _A , F _{A_i} are shown, depending on
whether they are within the permissible range of values,
whether they are each approaching a limit value F _{S_min,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} of the permissible value range,
or whether they have fallen below or exceeded a limit value F _{S_min,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} of the permissible value range,
be shown in different colors.

For this purpose, it can be provided that the bars in the bar chart, with which the value of the support load F _S and the value of the axle load F _A , F _{A_i} are shown,
are displayed in the color green,
if the value of the vertical load F _S or the value of the axle load F _A , F _{A_i} are in the permissible value range,
that the bars are displayed in yellow,
if the value of the support load F _S or the value of the axle load F _A , F _{A_i} approaches a limit value F _{S_min,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} of the permissible value range,
and that the bars are displayed in the color red,
if the value of the support load F _SL or the value of the axle load F _A , F _{A_i} has fallen below or exceeded a limit value F _{S_min ,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} of the permissible value range.

An acoustic and/or optical warning signal should then be output when the current value of the vertical load F _S falls below a lower limit value F _{S_min} or exceeds an upper limit value F _{S_max} , and when the current value of the axle load F _A , F _{A_i exceeds} an upper limit value F has exceeded _{A_max} .

Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that the center of gravity x _SP of the trailer is determined in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle from the value of the vertical load F _S and the value of the axle load F _A , F _{A_i} , and that the center of gravity x _SP of the trailer vehicle is shown on the display of the display device of the towing vehicle is displayed.

According to another development of the method, it is provided that the center of gravity x _SP of the trailer vehicle related to the counter-coupling element is calculated according to the formula x _SP = x _A × F _A / (F _S + F _A ) if the trailer vehicle only has one vehicle axle or more has steel-sprung vehicle axles with a joint measurement of the axle load F _A . Here, x _SP is the distance from the center of gravity SP and x _A is the distance between the vehicle axle or the vehicle axles and the counter-coupling element, and F _S is the vertical load and F _A is the axle load of the vehicle axle or the multiple vehicle axles.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the relative to the counter-coupling element center of gravity x _SP of the trailer vehicle according to the formula x _SP = Σ (x _{A_i * FA_i} ) / (F _S + Σ _{FA_i} ) with i = 1 - n is calculated, provided the trailer vehicle has several air-sprung vehicle axles with separate detection of the axle loads F _{A_i} . Here, x _SP is the distance from the center of gravity SP and x _{A_i} is the distance between the i-th vehicle axle and the counter-coupling element, F _S is the vertical load and F _{A_i} is the axle load of the i-th vehicle axle, and n is the number of vehicle axles. The distance x _SP of the center of gravity SP from the counter-coupling element is shown in a bar chart as a center of gravity symbol SP within a bar indicating the permissible range.

In order to optimally inform the driver of the loading vehicle, it is preferably provided that the value of the support load F _S , the value of the axle load F _A , F _{A_i} and the associated
limit values F _{S_min,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} are transmitted wirelessly to an electronic control unit of a loading vehicle,
that the value of the support load F _S and the value of the axle load F _A , F _{A_i} are shown on a display of a display device of the loading vehicle,
and that the value of the support load F _S and the value of the axle load F _A , F _{A_i} are compared with the limit values F _{S_min} , F _{S_max} , F _{A_max}
and an acoustic and/or visual warning signal is emitted,
if at least one of the limit values F _{S_min,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} is fallen below or exceeded.

The evaluation and display of the vertical load F _S and the axle load F _A , F _{A_i} takes place in the same way as in the control unit and the display unit of the towing vehicle.

Provision can also be made for the counter-coupling element of the trailer vehicle to be lowered to load the rear axle of the towing vehicle when the current value of the support load F _S has fallen below the associated lower limit value F _{S_min} . Since this causes a higher axle load to act on the rear axle of the towing vehicle, the traction of the wheels on the rear axle of the towing vehicle is improved. Care is taken to ensure that the axle load acting on the steerable front axle of the towing vehicle remains sufficiently large to ensure its steering function.

However, if the current value of the support load F _S has exceeded the associated upper limit value F _{S_max} , the counter-coupling element of the trailer vehicle is raised to relieve the rear axle of the towing vehicle. This safely avoids the wheels of the steerable front axle of the towing vehicle no longer being able to perform their steering function when the rear axle is subjected to excessive loading.

In addition, it can be provided that when a front axle of the trailer vehicle is loaded by an axle load F _A , F _{A_i} generated by a load on the trailer vehicle that exceeds a limit value, the counter-coupling element of the trailer vehicle is raised. As a result, the rear axle of the towing vehicle and the front axle of the trailer are relieved and the rear axle of the trailer is loaded more.

It can further be provided that when a rear axle of the trailer vehicle is subjected to an axle load generated by a load on the trailer vehicle
F _A , F _{A_i} is loaded in excess of a limit value, the counter-coupling element of the trailer vehicle is lowered. As a result, the rear axle of the towing vehicle and the front axle of the trailer are loaded more and the rear axle of the trailer is relieved.

The counter-coupling element of the trailer vehicle is preferably raised and lowered by controlling the air pressure in air spring bellows of an air spring system, which are arranged between the vehicle frame connected to the counter-coupling element and the vehicle axles of the trailer vehicle. As an alternative to this, however, hydraulic or electric actuators known per se can also be used in order to raise or lower the vehicle frame together with the counter-coupling element in relation to the vehicle axles.

• 1 ein Blockschaltbild des Verfahrens zur Ladungsüberwachung eines ersten Fahrzeuggespanns,
• 1a eine der 1 zugeordnete Anzeige einer aktuellen Stützlast und einer aktuellen Achslast eines Anhängefahrzeugs in einem Balkendiagramm,
• 1b eine zugeordnete Anzeige einer Schwerpunktlage des Anhängefahrzeugs in einem Balkendiagramm,
• 2 ein Blockschaltbild des Verfahrens zur Ladungsüberwachung eines zweiten Fahrzeuggespanns,
• 2a eine der 2 zugeordnete Anzeige einer aktuellen Stützlast und mehrerer aktueller Achslasten eines Anhängefahrzeugs in einem Balkendiagramm,
• 3 ein erstes Fahrzeuggespann mit einem Zugfahrzeug und einem Anhängefahrzeug mit zwei stahlgefederten Fahrzeugachsen sowie ein erstes Ladefahrzeug in einer Seitenansicht, und
• 4 ein zweites Fahrzeuggespann mit einem Zugfahrzeug und einem Anhängefahrzeug mit drei luftgefederten Fahrzeugachsen sowie ein zweites Ladefahrzeug in einer Seitenansicht.

The method according to the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the attached drawing. In the drawing shows

• 1 a block diagram of the method for monitoring the load of a first vehicle combination,
• 1a one of the 1 assigned display of a current nose weight and a current axle load of a trailer vehicle in a bar chart,
• 1b an associated display of a center of gravity of the trailer in a bar graph,
• 2 a block diagram of the method for monitoring the load of a second vehicle combination,
• 2a one of the 2 associated display of a current nose weight and several current axle loads of a trailer vehicle in a bar chart,
• 3 a first vehicle combination with a towing vehicle and a trailer vehicle with two steel-sprung vehicle axles and a first loading vehicle in a side view, and
• 4 a second vehicle combination with a towing vehicle and a trailer vehicle with three air-suspended vehicle axles and a second loading vehicle in a side view.

This in 3 The first vehicle combination 36 shown consists of a towing vehicle 38 and a coupled trailer 40. The towing vehicle 38 is a tractor and the trailer 40 is designed as a central axle trailer. The towing vehicle 38 has a front axle 42 and a rear axle 44 and is equipped at its rear with a trailer device 46, which is provided with a coupling element designed as a trailer hitch (in 3 not visible). The trailer hitch can be designed, for example, as a ball head hitch, as an open-end pin hitch or as a hook hitch.

The trailer vehicle 40 has a vehicle frame 48 which is supported by two central axles 50, 52 arranged adjacent one behind the other. The central axles 50, 52 are, for example, steel-sprung, i.e. supported on the vehicle frame 48 via leaf springs or coil springs (in 3 not visible). A tipper body 54 is mounted on the vehicle frame 48 and can be tipped at least backwards for unloading. A drawbar 56 is rigidly attached to the front of the trailer vehicle 40 and is connected via a counter-coupling element 58 at the end (in 3 not recognizable) is articulated to the trailer hitch 46 of the towing vehicle 38 . The counter-coupling element 58 of the trailer vehicle 40 is adapted to the design of the trailer device 46 of the towing vehicle 38 and is therefore designed as a spherical shell coupling or as a towing eye.

A loading vehicle 60 designed as a combine harvester is located next to the trailer vehicle 40 and is in the process of loading the trailer vehicle 40 with cargo 64 from a storage container 62 . The load 64 can be grain, for example.

In the 4 a second vehicle combination 66 is shown, which is formed from a semi-trailer tractor as a towing vehicle 68 and a semi-trailer coupled to it as a trailer vehicle 70 . The towing vehicle 68 has a vehicle frame 72, a front axle 74 and a rear axle 76 and is equipped in the rear area of the vehicle frame 72 with a trailer device 78 with a coupling element designed as a fifth wheel.

The trailer vehicle 70 has a vehicle frame 80 which is carried by three trailer axles 82, 84, 86 arranged adjacent one behind the other. The semi-trailer axles 82, 84, 86 are air-sprung in the present example, i.e. supported on the vehicle frame 80 via air springs (in 4 not visible). A tipper body 88 is mounted on the vehicle frame 80 and can be tipped at least backwards for unloading. In the front area of the vehicle frame 80 there is a counter-coupling element 90 in the form of a fifth wheel plate provided with a king pin (in 4 not recognizable), which is connected to the fifth wheel coupling 78 of the towing vehicle 68 so that it can pivot about a vertical axis.

A loading vehicle 92 designed as a wheel loader is located next to the trailer vehicle 70 and is in the process of loading it with a load 96 lying on a heap 94, which may be corn, for example.

The following is based on in the 1 and 2 illustrated block diagrams, the method according to the invention for monitoring the load of a vehicle combination 36, 66 of the type described above is described.

In the first vehicle combination 36 according to 3 is according to the block diagram of 1 A sensor device 2 is arranged on the hitch of the trailer device 46 of the towing vehicle 38, by means of which a vertical coupling force transmitted from the counter-coupling element 58 of the trailer vehicle 40 to the coupling element 46 of the towing vehicle 38 is detected and a first force signal is formed from this. From this first Kraftsig The current support load F _S is then determined in an associated evaluation unit 4 and transmitted to an electronic control unit 6 of the towing vehicle 38 .

A further sensor device 8 is arranged on the trailer vehicle 40 between the vehicle frame 48 and the two central axles 50, 52, which comprises at least one spring travel sensor arranged between the vehicle frame 48 and one of the two central axles 50, 52. A weight force transmitted from the vehicle frame 48 to the central axles 50, 52 is detected by means of this second sensor device 8 and a second force signal is formed therefrom. The current axle load F _A of the two central axles 50 , 52 is determined from this second force signal in an associated evaluation unit 10 and transmitted to an electronic control unit 12 of the trailer vehicle 40 .

The current axle load F _A is preferably transmitted by cable from the control unit 12 of the trailer vehicle 40 to the control unit 6 of the towing vehicle 38 . A data memory 14 is assigned to the control unit 6 of the towing vehicle 38, in which, among other things, limit values of the permissible range of the vertical load F _S of the trailer hitch 46, such as a minimum vertical load F _{S_min} and a maximum vertical load F _{S_max} , as well as at least one limit value of the permissible range of the axle load F _A of the central axles 50, 52, such as a maximum axle load F _{A_max} , are stored.

According to the invention, the support load F _S and the axle load F _A are shown on a display of a display and operating device 18 of the towing vehicle 38 that is connected to the control unit 6, so that the driver of the towing vehicle 38 can find out about the current values of the support load F _S and the Axle load F _A is informed. The representation of the support load F _S and the axle load F _A is preferably done as a bar in a bar chart, as shown by way of example in 1a is shown. This bar chart also shows the permissible ranges of the vertical load F _S and the axle load F _A with the associated limit values F _{S_min,} F _{S_max} , F _A , so that the driver can assess the level of the vertical load F _S and the axle load F _A well and take appropriate measures Information to the driver of the loading vehicle 60 can forward.

To increase the display effect, the bars with which the support load F _S and the axle load F _A are shown are preferably dependent on whether they are each in the permissible range, whether they are each at a limit value F _{S_min,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} of the permissible range, or whether they have fallen below or exceeded a limit value F _{S_min ,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} of the permissible range, shown in different colors. For example, the bars can be displayed in green if the vertical load _FS or the axle load _FA is in the permissible range, displayed in yellow if the vertical load _FS or the axle load _{FA is} in each case at a limit value _{FS_min,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} approach the permissible range, and are shown in red if the vertical load F _S or the axle load F _A has fallen below or exceeded a limit value F _{S_min,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} of the permissible range.

In addition, it is provided that the current value of the vertical load F _S and the current value of the axle load F _A are compared with assigned limit values, i.e. with the minimum vertical load F _{S_min} and the maximum vertical load F _{S_max} or with the maximum axle load F _{A_max} and an acoustic and /or an optical warning signal is issued if at least one of the limit values F _{S_min,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} is exceeded or not reached. The warning signal can be output, for example, in the form of an interrupted warning tone and/or a flashing display in the display and operating device 18 and/or via a loudspeaker 20 or a warning light 22 (see 1 ). Correspondingly, an acoustic and/or optical warning signal is output when the support load F _S has fallen below the lower limit value F _{S_min} or has exceeded the upper limit value F _{S_max} . Likewise, an acoustic and/or optical warning signal is output when the axle load F _A has exceeded the upper limit value F _{A_max} .

In addition, it can advantageously be provided that the center of gravity _XSP of the trailer vehicle 40 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is determined in the control unit 6 from the vertical load F _S and the axle load F _A , and that the center of gravity x _SP of the trailer vehicle 40 is shown in the display of the display device 18 of the towing vehicle 38 is shown. The center of gravity position x _SP of the trailer vehicle 40 related to the counter-coupling element 58 can be determined using the formula x _SP = x _{A *} F _A / (F _S + F _A ), where x _SP is the distance of the center of gravity SP and x _A is the mean Distance between the vehicle axles 50, 52 are designated by the counter-coupling element 58.

The center of gravity position x _SP can be displayed in the display of the display and operating device 18 in a diagram as a center of gravity symbol within a bar indicating the permissible value range, as is shown in FIG 1b is shown. This range of values is in 1b with the minimum permissible distance of the center of gravity x _{SP_min} and the maximum permissible Distance of the center of gravity x _{SP_max} specified by the counter-coupling element 58.

The display of the vertical load F _S and the axle load F _A according to 1a and the display of the center of gravity x _SP according to 1b can be done together, i.e. side by side or one above the other on the display of the display and control unit 18, or separately via the selection of the display mode.

Since the transmission of the values for the vertical load F _S and the axle load F _A to the loading vehicle 40 by means of agreed horn signals or via a radio link is relatively cumbersome and can be subject to errors, it is provided that the current values of the vertical load F _S and the axle load F _A and the assigned limit values F _{S_min ,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} are transmitted wirelessly to an electronic control unit 24 of the loading vehicle 60 . To inform the driver of the loading vehicle 60 on the
Depending on the loading condition of the trailer vehicle 40 , which may be different in each case, it is provided that the vertical load F _S and the axle load F _A are displayed on a display of a display and operating device 30 of the loading vehicle 60 . In the electronic control unit 24 of the loading vehicle 60, the support load F _S and the axle load F _A are compared with the transmitted limit values F _{S_min,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} . An acoustic and/or visual warning signal is then emitted by the control unit 24 by means of a loudspeaker 32 and/or by means of a warning lamp of the loading vehicle 60 if at least one of the specified limit values F _{S_min ,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} is fallen below or exceeded.

A transmitting and receiving unit 16, 28 of the towing vehicle 38 or the loading vehicle 60 connected to the assigned control device 6, 24 is used for radio transmission of the mentioned values F _S , F _A , F _{S_min ,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} . The evaluation and display of the vertical load F _S , the axle load F _A and the center of gravity x _SP preferably also takes place in the electronic control unit 24 of the loading vehicle 60 in the same way as was previously described for the towing vehicle 38 .

In the second vehicle combination 66 according to 4 is according to the block diagram of 2 A sensor device 2 is arranged on the fifth wheel coupling of the trailer device 78 of the towing vehicle 68, by means of which a vertical coupling force transmitted from the counter-coupling element 90 of the trailer vehicle 70 to the coupling element 78 of the towing vehicle 68 is detected and a force signal is formed therefrom.

The current support load F _S is calculated from this force signal in an associated evaluation unit 4 and transmitted to an electronic control unit 6 of the towing vehicle 68 .

A further sensor device 8a, 8b, 8c is arranged on trailer vehicle 70 between vehicle frame 80 and semi-trailer axles 82, 84, 86, each of which comprises at least one pressure sensor connected to the spring bellows of the air springs of relevant semi-trailer axle 82, 84, 86. A weight force transmitted from the vehicle frame 80 to the respective trailer axle 82, 84, 86 is detected by means of the sensor devices 8a, 8b, 8c and a force signal is formed therefrom. The value of the current axle load F _{A_1} , F _{A_2} , F _{A_3} of the respective trailer axle 82 , 84 , 86 is calculated from this force signal in an assigned evaluation unit 10 and transmitted to an electronic control unit 12 of the trailer vehicle 70 . The current axle loads F _{A_1} , F _{A_2} , F _{A_3} are transmitted from the control unit 12 of the trailer vehicle 70 to the control unit 6 of the towing vehicle 68 , preferably by cable. A data memory 14 is assigned to the control unit 6 of the towing vehicle 68, in which, among other things, the limit values of the permissible range of the vertical load F _S of the trailer hitch 78, such as a minimum vertical load F _{S_min} and a maximum vertical load F _{S_max} , as well as at least one limit value of the permissible range of the Axle loads F _{A_1} , F _{A_2} , F _{A_3} of the trailer axles, such as a maximum axle load F _{A_max} , are stored.

The additional evaluation and display of the support load F _S and the axle loads F _{A_1} , F _{A_2} , F _{A_3} can be carried out analogously to those for the first vehicle combination 36 . A related representation of the support load F _S and the axle loads F _{A_1} , F _{A_2} , F _{A_3} as bars in a bar chart is given as an example in FIG 2a pictured. The center of gravity x _SP of the trailer vehicle 70 in the display of the display device 18 of the towing vehicle 68 can accordingly 1b are displayed. The relative to the counter-coupling element 90 center of gravity x _SP of the trailer 70 can in this case according to the formula x _SP = Σ (x _{A_i *} F _{A_i} ) / ( _FS + Σ F _{A_i} ), i = 1 - n are determined, with x _{A_i} is the distance between the i-th vehicle axle 82, 84, 86 and the counter-coupling element 90, F _{A_i} is the axle load of the i-th vehicle axle 82, 84, 86 and n is the number of vehicle axles 82, 84, 86.

Reference List

2

sensor device

4

evaluation unit

6

Electronic control unit

8th

sensor device

8a, 8b, 8c

sensor devices

10

evaluation unit

12

Electronic control unit

14

data storage

16

Transmitting and receiving unit

18

Display and operating device

20

speaker

22

warning light

24

Electronic control unit

26

data storage

28

Transmitting and receiving unit

30

Display and operating device

32

speaker

34

warning light

36

Vehicle combination (1st embodiment)

38

towing vehicle, tractor

40

Trailer vehicle, central axle trailer

42

front axle of the towing vehicle

44

rear axle of the towing vehicle

46

hitch, hitch

48

Vehicle frame of the trailer 40

50

First vehicle axle, central axle of the trailer 40

52

Second vehicle axle, central axle of the trailer 40

54

Trailer tipper body 40

56

Trailer drawbar 40

58

feedback element

60

Loader vehicle, combine harvester

62

storage tank of the loading vehicle

64

cargo, grain

66

Vehicle combination (2nd embodiment)

68

Towing vehicle, tractor unit

70

Trailer vehicle, semi-trailer

72

vehicle frame of the towing vehicle

74

Front axle of the towing vehicle 68

76

Rear axle of the towing vehicle 68

78

Hitch, fifth wheel

80

Vehicle frame of the trailer 70

82

First vehicle axle, trailer axle of trailer 70

84

Second vehicle axle, trailer axle of trailer 70

86

Third vehicle axle, trailer axle of the trailer 70

88

Trailer tipper body 70

90

Counter-coupling element, saddle plate

92

Loading vehicle, wheel loader

94

heap

96

cargo, corn

FA

axle load

FA_max

Maximum axle load

FA_i

Axle load of the i-th vehicle axle

FA_1

Axle load of the first vehicle axle

FA_2

Axle load of the second vehicle axle

FA_3

Axle load of the third vehicle axle

FS

drawbar load

FS_max

Maximum drawbar load

FS_min

Minimum vertical load

i

index

n

Number of vehicle axles

SP

Center of gravity, center of gravity symbol

xA

distance of the vehicle axis

xA_i

Distance of the i-th vehicle axle

xA_1

Distance of the first vehicle axle

xA_2

Distance of the second vehicle axle

xA_3

Distance of the third vehicle axle

xSP

Center of gravity distance

xSP_max

Maximum distance of center of gravity

xSP_min

Minimum center of gravity distance

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102018106856 A1 [0004]
• DE 102019124281 A1 [0005]
• DE 102016005666 A1 [0008]
• DE 10029332 B4 [0009]
• DE 102008032104 B4 [0010]
• DE 102018117352 A1 [0011]

Claims (17)

Method for monitoring the load of a vehicle combination (36, 66), which has a towing vehicle (38, 68) and a trailer vehicle (40, 70) coupled to it, with a trailer device (46, 78) of the towing vehicle (38, 68) arranged first sensor device (2) detects a vertical coupling force transmitted from a counter-coupling element (58, 90) of the trailer vehicle (40, 70) to the coupling element of the towing vehicle (38, 68) and from this a coupling force signal is formed, with the coupling force signal in an assigned evaluation unit (4) determines the value of a vertical load (F _S ) and this value of the vertical load (F _S ) is transmitted to an electronic control unit (6), with at least one vehicle axle (50, 52; 82, 84, 86) of the trailer vehicle (40, 70) arranged second sensor device (8; 8a, 8b, 8c) detects a weight force transmitted from the vehicle frame (48, 80) to the vehicle axle and from this a weight force signal is formed, wherein the weight force signal in an assigned evaluation unit (10) determines the value of an axle load (F _A , F _{A_i} ) and this value of the axle load (F _A , F _{A_i} ) is transmitted to an electronic control unit (12), and when the trailer vehicle (40, 70) at least one piece of information for loading control is derived from the value of the vertical load (F _S ) and the value of the axle load (F _A , F _{A_i} ) and displayed, characterized in that the value of the vertical load (F _S ) and the value of the axle load (F _A , F _{A_i} ) are shown in a display of a display device (18) of the towing vehicle (38, 68) that the value of the vertical load (F _S ) and the value of the axle load (F _A , F _{A_i} ) with associated and predetermined Limit values (F _{S_min} , F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} ) are compared, and that an acoustic and/or optical warning signal is output if at least one of these limit values (F _{S_min} , F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} ) is fallen below or exceeded. procedure after claim 1 , characterized in that the vertical load (F _S ) and the value of the axle load (F _A , F _{A_i} ) are shown in the display of the display device (18) of the towing vehicle (38, 68) as bars in a bar graph. procedure after claim 2 , characterized in that the permissible value ranges of the support load (F _S ) and the axle load (F _A , F _{A_i} ) with the assigned limit values (F _{S_min} , F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} ) are also shown in the bar chart. procedure after claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that the bars in the bar chart with which the value of the vertical load (F _S ) and the value of the axle load (F _A , F _{A_i} ) are shown, depending on whether they are in the permissible range of values, whether they are each approaching a limit value (F _{S_min,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} ) of the permissible value range, or whether they have fallen below or exceeded a limit value (F _{S_min,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} ) of the permissible value range, are displayed in different colors. procedure after claim 4 , characterized in that the bars in the bar graph with which the value of the nose weight (F _S ) and the value of the axle load (F _A , F _{A_i} ) are shown are shown in the color green when the value of the nose weight ( F _S ) or the value of the axle load (F _A , F _{A_i} ) are in the permissible value range, so that the bars are displayed in yellow if the value of the vertical load (F _S ) or the value of the axle load (F _A , F _{A_i} ) each approach a limit value (F _{S_min,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} ) of the permissible range of values, and that the bars are displayed in red if the value of the vertical load (F _SL ) or the value of the axle load (F _A , F _{A_i} ) each fell below or exceeded a limit value (F _{S_min ,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} ) of the permissible value range. Procedure according to one of Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that an acoustic and/or visual warning signal is emitted when the current value of the support load (F _L ) falls below a lower limit value (F _{S_min} ) or exceeds an upper limit value (F _{S_max} ). Procedure according to one of Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that an acoustic and/or an optical warning signal is emitted when the current value of the axle load (F _A , F _{A_i} ) has exceeded an upper limit value (F _{A_max} ). Procedure according to one of Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that the center of gravity (x _SP ) of the trailer vehicle (40, 70) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is determined from the value of the support load (F _S ) and the value of the axle load (F _A , F _{A_i} ), and that the center of gravity (x _SP ) of the trailer vehicle (40, 70) is displayed on the display device (18) of the towing vehicle (38, 68). procedure after claim 8 , characterized in that the center of gravity (x _SP ) of the trailer vehicle (40) related to the counter-coupling element (58) is determined according to the formula x _SP = x _A × F _A / (F _S + F _A ), provided that the trailer vehicle (40 ) only one vehicle axle or several steel-sprung vehicle axles (50, 52) with a joint measurement of the axle load (F _A ). points, where x _SP is the distance of the center of gravity (SP) and _XA is the distance of the vehicle axle or the vehicle axles (50, 52) from the counter-coupling element (58) and _{FS is} the support load and _{FA is} the axle load of the vehicle axle or the Vehicle axles (50, 52) are designated. procedure after claim 8 , characterized in that the center of gravity (x _SP ) of the trailer vehicle (70) related to the counter-coupling element (90) according to the formula x _SP = Σ (x _{A_i *} F _{A_i} ) / (F _S + Σ F _{A_i} ) with i = 1 - n is determined if the trailer vehicle (70) has several air-sprung vehicle axles (82, 84, 86) with separate detection of the axle loads (F _{A_i} ), where x _SP is the distance from the center of gravity (SP) and x _Ai is the distance between the i-th vehicle axle (82, 84, 86) from the counter-coupling element (90), with F _S the vertical load and with F _{A_i} the axle load of the i-th vehicle axle (82, 84, 86) and with n the number of vehicle axles (82 , 84, 86). Procedure according to one of Claims 8 until 10 , characterized in that the distance (x _SP ) of the center of gravity (SP) from the counter-coupling element (58) is shown in a bar chart as a center of gravity symbol (SP) within a bar indicating the permissible range. Procedure according to one of Claims 1 until 11 , characterized in that the value of the support load (F _S ), the value of the axle load (F _A , F _{A_i} ) and the associated limit values (F _{S_min,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} ) are transmitted wirelessly to an electronic control unit (24) of a loading vehicle ( 60, 92) that the value of the vertical load (F _S ) and the value of the axle load (F _A , F _{A_i} ) are shown on a display of a display device (30) of the loading vehicle (60, 92), and that the value the vertical load (F _S ) and the value of the axle load (F _A , F _{A_i} ) are compared with the limit values (F _{S_min,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} ) and an acoustic and/or visual warning signal is output if at least one of the limit values (F _{S_min,} F _{S_max} , F _{A_max} ) is fallen below or exceeded. procedure one of Claims 1 until 12 , characterized in that when the current value of the support load (F _S ) has fallen below the associated lower limit value (F _{S_min} ), the counter-coupling element (58, 90) of the trailer vehicle (40, 70) to load the rear axle (44, 76 ) of the towing vehicle (38, 68) is lowered. procedure one of Claims 1 until 12 , characterized in that when the current value of the support load (F _S ) has exceeded the associated upper limit value (F _{S_max} ), the counter-coupling element (58, 90) of the trailer vehicle (40, 70) to relieve the rear axle (44, 76 ) of the towing vehicle (38, 68) is raised. procedure one of Claims 1 until 12 , characterized in that when a front axle (50, 82) of the trailer vehicle (40, 70) is subjected to an axle load (F _A , F _{A_i} ) generated by a load on the trailer vehicle (40, 70) that exceeds a limit value, the Counter-coupling element (58, 90) of the trailer vehicle (40, 70) is raised. procedure one of Claims 1 until 12 , characterized in that when a rear axle (50, 52, 82, 84, 86) of the trailer vehicle (40, 70) by a loading of the trailer vehicle (40, 70) generated axle load (F _A , F _{A_i} ) a Is loaded exceeding the limit, the counter-coupling element (58, 90) of the trailer vehicle (40, 70) is lowered. procedure one of Claims 13 until 16 , characterized in that the counter-coupling element (58, 90) of the trailer vehicle (40, 70) is raised and lowered by controlling the air pressure in air-suspension bellows of an air-spring system which is located between the vehicle frame (48, 80) and the vehicle axles (50, 52; 82, 84, 86) of the trailer vehicle (40, 70).

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