RU2786684C1 - On-board measuring system of a cargo vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: motor vehicles.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to motor vehicles and can be used for weighing cargo directly on the chassis of the vehicle, for example, in the back of a truck or trailer, semi-trailer, to determine the load on each axle and wheel of a truck, as well as to quickly remotely change the load on each axle and wheel of the vehicle, including directly when the vehicle is moving. The device contains a microcontroller, communication modules with the ability to communicate the microcontroller with the display and control module, actuators for directly changing the load on each wheel and axle of the vehicle. At the same time, each actuator is made as a separate unit that contains a pneumatic analog pressure sensor for measuring pressure in the circuit and, accordingly, the load on the axle and wheel, and electro-pneumatic distributors, which are devices for changing air pressure in the pneumatic circuit of the axle and in the pneumatic element of each individual wheel, contains a sensor obstacles, distance sensor with the ability to determine the distance between the start and end points of the obstacle. At the same time, the microcontroller contains a system for processing pulses from measuring sensors with the ability to determine the moments of actuation of actuators.

EFFECT: improving the reliability and safety of motor transport cargo vehicles, including the possibility of operating vehicles in more difficult road conditions and quickly and safely overcoming obstacles.

5 cl, 2 dwg

Description

The invention relates to motor vehicles, and can be used for weighing cargo directly on the vehicle chassis, for example, in the back of a truck or trailer, semi-trailer, to determine the load on each axle and wheel of a truck, as well as to quickly remotely change the load on each axle and wheel of the vehicle, including directly when the vehicle is moving.

The inventive on-board measuring system of a cargo vehicle is used to determine the weight of the cargo and to quickly change the load on the axles of cargo vehicles and contains measuring sensors, a data processing module, actuators for directly changing the load on each wheel and axle of the vehicle, a monitor in the cockpit, communication modules . For the driver, information can be displayed on external devices via CANBUS, RS-485, WiFi, such as: a graphic display, a digital indicator, an external on-board computer, a smartphone.

State of the art

A technical solution is known according to patent RU 176 599 U1 G01G 19/08 (2006.01) G01G 19/083 (2006.01) with a priority date of 06/01/2017, according to which a DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE LOAD ON THE AXLE OF A VEHICLE includes a gauge of deformation of the undercarriage of the vehicle with respect to its axis under load. containing a housing in which a rotary variable resistor is placed, the shaft of which is pressed into the bearing, as well as a linkage connected on the one hand by means of a rotary lever to the end of the shaft of the rotary variable resistor and on the other hand to the vehicle axle, characterized in that in said body, a support part with a cylindrical hole is introduced, the axis of which is a continuation of the axis of rotation of the rotary lever of the linkage, and on opposite sides of this cylindrical hole, seats are made in the support part, into one of which the said bearing is pressed into, with the shaft of the rotary variable resistor pressed into it, and the said rotary variable resistor, made of an annular shape, is fixed to the other.

The disadvantages are the limited capabilities of the device, the bulkiness of the case, the low reliability of strain gauge bridges, signal processing circuits and low maintainability due to the complexity of mounting the elements of the electrical measuring circuit. The disadvantage of this technical solution is also the low reliability and accuracy of measurements, the complexity of the device and the power transmission of the weight load on the sensors, low functionality of the device.

A technical solution is known according to patent RU 2711183 C1 G01L 1/22 (2006.01), G01G 19/12 (2006.01), G01B 7/16 (2006.01), priority date 06/17/2019, according to which SYSTEM FOR MEASURING THE LOAD ON THE AXLE OF A LOAD VEHICLE consists of an assembly containing two pairs of perpendicularly directed foil-type strain gauges based on constantan, which are a full-bridge Whitson circuit, glued in the geometric center of an arcuate, pre-polished manually or semi-mechanically to a level of at least 7 cleanliness class and then the degreased surface of the metal element of the sensor structure. The design of the sensor contains an electronic signal processing module of a strain gauge assembly integrated inside the sensor housing, including a 32-bit processor based on the Cortex-MO core, a high-precision digital temperature sensor for implementing the temperature compensation process, an NFC module that allows you to identify the sensor and transmit service information wirelessly to external wireless reader and CAN interface for wired data transfer to the system monitor for further processing and indication. The metal part of the sensor housing is made of 40CrNiMoA alloy steel. The plastic part of the body is made of impact-resistant and oil and petrol resistant glass-filled polyamide. All internal structural elements are protected by a moisture-resistant damping compound of the Etal-1480TG brand for general protection of the sensor structure from environmental influences. EFFECT: increased service life of the sensor and preservation of elastic characteristics under conditions of constant dynamic loads and critical temperatures, increased measurement accuracy.

The disadvantage of the known device is the lack of functionality, as well as the low reliability of strain gauge bridges, signal processing circuits and low maintainability due to the complexity of mounting the elements of the electrical measuring circuit.

A technical solution is known according to patent RU 134638 U1 G01G 19/00 (2006.01) priority date 04/19/2013, according to which the ON-BOARD MEASURING SYSTEM FOR MEASURING THE WEIGHT OF THE LOAD AND CONTROL OF THE LOADING OF THE VEHICLE contains more than one measuring sensor of the angular position (inclinometer) connected to the on-board computer device, characterized in that at least one angular position sensor is installed in the area of minimum deflection of the vehicle frame under the action of the weight of the load, at least two other angular position sensors are installed in the areas of maximum deflection of the vehicle frame under the action of the weight of the load, and an onboard unit for calculating the weight of the cargo in the vehicle body according to the readings of the said sensors as the sum of the products of the frame stiffness and the difference in the measured angles between the points of the minimum frame deflection and the maximum frame deflections is introduced into the onboard computing device. In addition, a junction box with a secondary power supply for the sensors can be introduced into it, the said sensors are connected through the junction box and the information bus of the CAN network to the on-board unit for calculating the weight of the load in the vehicle body, and the secondary power source is connected to the on-board electrical network through the power bus sensors. The utility model provides a technical result, which consists in increasing the reliability and reducing the measurement error while simplifying the device and reducing its cost.

A disadvantage of the known system is the complexity of the device and its installation due to the need for several measuring elements and ensuring their orientation relative to each other and conditionally determined positions of the points of the vehicle. The disadvantage of this technical solution is also the low reliability and lack of functionality of the system.

Closest to the claimed is a technical solution according to patent RU 2694449 C1, G01G 19/12 (2006.01), priority date 02.11.2018, according to which the ON-BOARD HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE COMPLEX OF THE SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING THE WEIGHT OF THE LOAD AND THE LOAD ON THE AXLE OF CARGO VEHICLES contains measuring sensors, the module data processing, a monitor in the cockpit with access to the CAN terminal equipment unit with the ability to transmit data to remote monitors and devices using CAN, RS232 and RS485 interfaces, characterized in that the measuring sensors are a set of string, strain gauge and pneumatic sensors, and the string sensor consists of a hollow metal rod, inside of which there is a string, and on the rod there is an electronic module that contains a controller for data processing, a transformer coil, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), signal amplifiers, an NTC thermistor, CAN bus driver, NFC/RFID identification a foil-type strain gauge is a Whitson bridge circuit of four strain gauges glued directly to the side surface of the vehicle axle and having a slope of 45 degrees to the horizon line, it contains an electronic processing module integrated inside the sensor with CAN interface, pneumatic pressure sensors are installed in individual pneumatic circuits of each axle of a semi-trailer or trailer and are equipped with electronic data processing modules and outputs to CAN interfaces

The disadvantage of the known technical solution is the low functionality, low reliability of the measurements made by the angular position sensors, as well as the impossibility of using vehicles with mixed suspension, including additional trailers or semi-trailers. The technical solution of the prototype, like all known ones, only measures the load in different versions.

The technical problem to be solved by the claimed invention is the need for high-precision measurement of the load on each specific axle of a freight vehicle, and the rapid remote change of the load on each axle and wheel of the vehicle, including directly when the vehicle is moving, as well as the need for the use of a weighing system on vehicles with different types of suspension (pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, mixed) with up to eight vehicle axles (road train).

The aim of the invention is to increase the reliability of motor transport cargo vehicles, in the possibility of operating vehicles in more difficult road conditions when overcoming various obstacles, due to high-precision measurement of the load on each specific axle of a cargo vehicle, and on-line remote change of the load on each axle and on each wheel of the vehicle .

The prototype (patent RU 2694449 C1) only allows you to control the axle load of the truck. The difference between the proposed technical solution and the prototype is that the on-board measuring system allows not only to measure the load on each axle of the vehicle, but also quickly, including directly in motion, change it due to redistribution between the axles and wheels of the vehicle.

The system consists of the following parts:

1. Microcontroller. It is a general-purpose controller or programmable relay that has the required number of discrete and analog inputs for connecting sensors and the required number of discrete outputs for connecting actuators (for example: Aries PR102 programmable relay for 40 input / output channels).

2. Communication modules. Serve for communication of the microcontroller with the display and control module. Depending on the type of display and control module used, these can be typical: devices using CAN, RS232 and RS485 interfaces; GPS/GSM module; WiFi module; USB controller.

3. Display and control module. Used to display information. Pressure in the suspension circuits, load weight, load on each axle or wheel, operating modes and system settings. And also to control the operation of the system, change settings. It can be a graphic display, a digital indicator, an external on-board computer, a tablet, a smartphone.

4. Executive device. It is installed in individual pneumatic circuits of each semi-trailer axle (3 pieces) or each individual wheel (6 pieces). Installing an actuator on each wheel, on the one hand, increases the cost of the system, but, on the other hand, increases the speed and capabilities of the system, and also minimizes changes to the standard semi-trailer suspension system. It is a separate unit in which a pneumatic analog pressure sensor is mounted, which serves to measure the pressure in the circuit and, accordingly, the load on the axle or wheel. As well as two electro-pneumatic distributors, by turning them on and off, the air pressure in the pneumatic circuit of the axle or in the pneumatic element of each individual wheel is directly changed.

5. Obstacle sensor. Their purpose is to determine the start and end points of the obstacles necessary for the system to work in automatic mode. It can be: a) Metal sensor. It detects the presence of metal in the path of the wheel. This, for example, could be a metal manhole cover that is not strong enough to withstand the pressure of the wheel.

b) Ultrasonic distance sensor (similar to parking sensors) of cars. It determines the presence of any object above or below the level of the road surface: for example, a curb, upon collision with which a heavily loaded wheel can be damaged (tire burst), or vice versa, a sufficiently deep pit, if it hits, the suspension, wheel or hard to get out of it.

c) Video camera. It is used in the case when the operation of the system in automatic mode according to the readings of the sensors is impossible due to the individual characteristics of the obstacle. In this case, the driver, focusing on the image from the video camera, evaluates the complexity of the obstacle and the need for the system to work in this case. And if the work of the system to redistribute the load is necessary, then the driver from the control and display module in manual mode sets the start and end points of the obstacle.

6. Distance sensor. Serves to determine the distance between the start and end points of the obstacle, as well as the distances between the obstacle and the axes. It is a circle mounted on one of the wheels or a hub with protruding metal elements and a typical inductive metal sensor installed opposite these protruding elements. As the wheel rotates, the metal elements of the circle pass next to the inductive metal sensor. At this moment, a pulse appears in the sensor, which enters the microcontroller. That is, while the car is moving, when the wheel rotates and, accordingly, it passes a certain distance from the sensor, a certain number of pulses enter the microcontroller. According to their number, the microcontroller calculates all the necessary distances and, accordingly, the moments of actuation of the actuators.

The technical result from the use of the proposed invention is to increase the reliability and safety of motor vehicles, including the possibility of operating vehicles in more difficult road conditions due to the prompt and safe overcoming of obstacles that the claimed system allows to overcome without damage.

The technical result is achieved by the design of the onboard measuring system of a cargo vehicle, containing measuring sensors, a data processing module, communication modules with the ability to transfer data to remote monitors and devices, characterized in that it contains a microcontroller, communication modules with the ability to communicate the microcontroller with the display and control module, actuators for directly changing the load on each wheel and axle of the vehicle, while each actuator is made as a separate unit that contains a pneumatic analog pressure sensor for measuring pressure in the circuit and, accordingly, the load on the axle and wheel, and electro-pneumatic distributors, which are devices changes in air pressure in the pneumatic circuit of the axle and in the pneumatic element of each individual wheel, also contains an obstacle sensor, a distance sensor with the ability to determine the distance between the start and end points of obstacles actions, while the microcontroller contains a system for processing pulses from measuring sensors with the ability to determine the moments of actuation of actuators. As a special case, the obstacle sensor is made in the form of a metal sensor, a distance sensor, a video camera (it is possible to use other typical sensors when matching the output signals). The microcontroller is a data processing module.

The essence of the technical solution is illustrated by the images in Fig. 12.

Fig. 1. Block diagram of the onboard measuring system of a cargo vehicle with the possibility of pressure distribution.

Fig. 2. Scheme of the actuator.

Where 1 - microcontroller;

2 - communication module;

3 - display and control module;

4 - executive device;

5 - obstacle sensor;

6 - distance sensor;

7 - receiver of standard semi-trailer air suspension system;

8 - semi-trailer suspension pneumatic element;

9 - semi-trailer wheel;

10 - obstacle;

11 - the first electro-pneumatic distributor (normal position open);

12 - second electro-pneumatic distributor (normal closed position);

13 - electronic pneumatic analog pressure sensor.

Implementation example

The on-board measuring system of a cargo vehicle contains a microcontroller 1, a communication module 2 with the ability to communicate the microcontroller with the display and control module 3, an actuator 4, which is a separate unit in which a pneumatic analog pressure sensor 13 is mounted, which serves to measure the pressure in the circuit and respectively, the load on the axle and wheel 9, as well as the obstacle sensor 5, the distance sensor 6 with the ability to determine the distance between the start and end points of the obstacle. The microcontroller 1 contains a system for processing pulses from sensors with the ability to determine the moments of operation of the actuators, and the electro-pneumatic distributors 11, 12 of each actuator 4 are devices for changing the air pressure in the pneumatic circuit of the axle and in the pneumatic element of each individual wheel.

The onboard measuring system of a cargo vehicle operates as follows.

On the example of a three-axle semi-trailer with air suspension.

The obstacle is a metal manhole cover with insufficient mechanical strength.

When the semi-trailer is moving, when the metal cover is in the zone of action of the obstacle sensor (metal sensor), it sends a signal to the microcontroller (point a) (Fig. 1). After the obstacle leaves the sensor coverage area (point b), the signal from the obstacle sensor stops coming.

The microcontroller, using a distance sensor (by the number of pulses received during this time), calculates the length of the obstacle, and knowing the distance from the obstacle sensor to the first axle (which is set initially when installing and configuring the system), when the first wheel approaches the obstacle, it turns on the actuator of the first axle.

The line with compressed air from the standard semi-trailer suspension system is connected to input 11 of the actuator, and input 12 remains free. When the actuator 4 is turned on, both electro-pneumatic distributors 11, 12 are activated. The first distributor 11, which was previously in the normally open position, closes and disconnects the regular pneumatic element 8 of the semi-trailer suspension from the line through which compressed air was supplied to the pneumatic element 8. The second distributor 12, which was previously in the normally closed position, opens and begins to release air from the pneumatic element 8 into the atmosphere. The pressure in it and, accordingly, the pressure of the wheel on the ground begins to decrease. When a predetermined pressure is reached, which is determined by the settings through the display and control module 3 and is controlled by a pneumatic analog pressure sensor 13, which is part of the actuator 4, the second distributor 12 closes. Thus, it fixes the required (reduced) pressure in the pneumatic element 8 of the wheel (pneumatic circuit of the axle). And, accordingly, the reduced pressure of the wheel 9 on the obstacle 10. After the wheel passes the obstacle, which is determined using the distance sensor 6 (by the number of received pulses), the first electro-pneumatic distributor 11 is turned off. Thus, it connects the pneumatic element 8 back to the compressed air line of the semi-trailer. Air again begins to flow into the pneumatic element 8 and the pressure is restored in it, which was originally set in the entire air suspension system of the semi-trailer.

Then, when passing a certain distance, which is set when setting up the system (the distance between the first and second axles of the semi-trailer), the actuator 4 of the second axle is triggered, and then the third axle. The processes are repeated in turn.

There can be two obstacle sensors 5. One is installed in front (in the direction of travel) from the axles of the semi-trailer, the other behind. It is necessary that the system works both when driving forward and when driving in reverse. Switching to work when reversing occurs automatically. This is ensured by connecting a certain control input of the microcontroller 1 of the system to the wire of the standard semi-trailer power supply system, through which voltage is supplied to the reversing lamps in the rear position lamps. It is also possible to install all types of obstacle sensors at once 5. Sensors can be installed in different, most convenient places of the semi-trailer. The distance from each sensor to the axes is adjusted individually after installation during the initial setup of the system. The choice of the sensor on which the system will work in each case is determined by the driver through the settings in the display and control module 3.

The system can operate in several modes, which are selected by the driver from the display and control module.

Weighing mode. In this case, the system does not interfere with the operation of the standard semi-trailer suspension system, but only displays the loads on each axle and the total weight of the load using analog pneumatic sensors included in the actuators. The capabilities of the system can be expanded by installing separate additional pressure sensors on the remaining axles of vehicles included in the road train. Depending on the type of suspension, these can be analog pneumatic sensors similar to those used in actuators. Or general purpose strain gauges for mechanical suspension. (As in known devices, the total weight of the load is calculated in the controller by summing the readings of all axles).

Automatic mode of operation. This is the mode of operation that was described above.

Semi-automatic mode of operation. This mode differs from the automatic one in that the signal controlling the operation of the system does not come from the obstacle sensor, but is set manually by the driver. For example, from a video camera.

Manual mode. In this mode, the driver, in the settings provided in the display and control module, can set different pressure on each axle or wheel (when actuators are installed on each wheel). This feature, for example, allows you to continue driving with insufficient tire pressure or damage to one of the wheels or damage to the hub bearing.

System off. When the system is turned off, or when there is no power supply or some kind of malfunction. The system does not affect, does not interfere with the operation of the standard air suspension system of the semi-trailer. This is due to the fact that the electro-pneumatic distributors (11, 12), which are part of the actuating devices 4, in the absence of power supply, are in a position that does not change the scheme of the standard semi-trailer suspension.

Operation of the system with mechanical suspension.

All components of the system in this case are the same. But for the system to work with a mechanical (spring) suspension, it is necessary to additionally install a standard axle lifting device on each axle or wheel. The type of device is selected individually in each case, depending on the design of the suspension.

The main operation of the system occurs in a similar way. The difference lies in the fact that the actuators 4 are connected and work differently. The compressed air line is connected to input 2, while input 1 remains free (open). When the actuator is turned on, both electro-pneumatic distributors also work. The first valve, previously in the normally open position, is closed to prevent air from escaping to the atmosphere. The second distributor, which was previously in the normally closed position, opens and air begins to flow through it into the pneumatic element of the axle lifting mechanism. The pressure in it increases, the axis begins to rise and, accordingly, the pressure of the axis on the ground begins to decrease. When a predetermined pressure is reached, which is determined by the settings through the display and control module and is controlled by a pneumatic analogue pressure sensor, which is part of the actuator, the second distributor closes. Thus, it fixes the required (high) pressure in the pneumatic element of the axle lifting mechanism. And, accordingly, reduced axle pressure on the obstacle. After the wheel passes the obstacle, which is determined by the distance sensor (by the number of received pulses), the first electro-pneumatic distributor 11 is switched off (opened). Through it, the compressed air from the pneumatic element 8 is released into the atmosphere. Accordingly, the pressure in the pneumatic element 8 is reduced, the axle is lowered and the pressure on the ground is restored. That is, when operating a system with air suspension, the task of the actuator, when passing an obstacle, is to reduce the pressure in the standard pneumatic element to the desired value, and when working with a mechanical suspension, on the contrary, increase (create) pressure in the pneumatic element of the axle lifting mechanism.

The operation of the system with air suspension and axle lifting mechanisms.

On most modern semi-trailers, axle lifting mechanisms are initially installed (on one or two axles). The axles are lifted when moving without a load. This option is designed to save tires from excessive wear. Additionally, it helps to reduce the load on the bearings and improve the controllability of the semi-trailer in corners. If the car goes empty, then up to 10% of the fuel is burned just like that, which is spent on overcoming the resistance of three pairs of wheels located on the semi-trailer. When lifting "extra" axles, fuel consumption is correspondingly reduced. Axle lifting is usually controlled by a manually (mechanically) operated pneumatic valve located at the rear of the semi-trailer. By installing the actuators 4 of this system on the pneumatic elements 8 of the axle lifting mechanisms, it is possible to control the lifting remotely without leaving the cab. And when the lifting mechanisms are installed on all axles of the semi-trailer and, accordingly, the actuators are installed on the pneumatic elements of the axle lifting mechanisms, as well as on the pneumatic elements 8 of the suspension, the capabilities of the system are further expanded. So, when passing an obstacle such as a manhole cover, the system will work according to the principle of alternate pressure reduction on each axle. And when passing an obstacle, such as a curb or a pit, it is possible not only to reduce pressure, but also to alternately raise the axles at the moment of overcoming the obstacle.

In case of possible damage to the wheel (tire rupture, jamming of the hub bearing, etc.), the system allows you to quickly raise the damaged wheel and continue driving.

Claims (5)

1. An on-board measuring system of a cargo vehicle containing measuring sensors, a data processing module, communication modules with the ability to transmit data to remote monitors and devices, characterized in that it contains a microcontroller, communication modules with the ability to communicate the microcontroller with the display and control module, actuators to directly change the load on each wheel and axle of the vehicle, while each actuating device is made as a separate unit that contains a pneumatic analog pressure sensor for measuring pressure in the circuit and, accordingly, the load on the axle and wheel, and electro-pneumatic distributors, which are devices for changing air pressure in the pneumatic circuit of the axle and in the pneumatic element of each individual wheel, it also contains an obstacle sensor, a distance sensor with the ability to determine the distance between the start and end points of the obstacle, while the microcontroller contains a system him to process pulses from measuring sensors with the ability to determine the moments of actuation of actuators. 2. The onboard measuring system of a cargo vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the obstacle sensor is made as a metal sensor. 3. The onboard measuring system of a freight vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the obstacle sensor is designed as a distance sensor. 4. The onboard measuring system of a cargo vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the obstacle sensor is made as a video camera. 5. The on-board measuring system of a cargo vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the microcontroller is a data processing module

Images