SE535999C2 - Method and system for improving vehicle performance of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for improving the vehicle performance of a motor vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises at least one drive shaft (X2) provided with drive wheels (LD, RD) and at least one support shaft (X3) provided with support wheels (LS, RS). comprising the step of: determining (S410) axle load of said at least one drive axle, comprising the steps of: by means of a navigation system determining (S420) the position of the vehicle predetermining the permissible axle load on the current route; comparing (S430) said axle loads with said allowable axle loads; give an indication (S440) concerning the outcome of said comparison; depending on said comparison, control (S450) the position of said support shaft to the out and in engagement with the travel path of said support wheels. The present invention also relates to a system for improving the vehicle performance of a motor vehicle, as well as a motor vehicle comprising such a system. The present invention also relates to a computer program and a computer program product. (Fig. 4)

Description

535,999 operating costs, enables improved operating time and reduces fuel consumption.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a system for improving the vehicle performance of a motor vehicle which entails reduced operating costs, enables improved operating time and reduces fuel consumption.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects, which will become apparent from the following description, are accomplished by a method, system, motor vehicle, computer program and computer program product of the kind initially described and further having the features set forth in the characterizing part of the appended independent claims. 8, 15, embodiments of the method and system are defined in appended dependent claims 2-7 and 9-14. 16 and 17. Preferred According to the invention, the objects are achieved with a method for improving the vehicle performance of a motor vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises at least one drive shaft provided with drive wheels and at least one support shaft provided with support wheels, comprising the step of: determining axle pressure of said at least one drive shaft, and the steps of: by means of a navigation system determining the position of the vehicle for determining the permissible axle load on the current route; comparing said determined axle loads with said allowable axle loads; give an indication concerning the outcome of said comparison; depending on said comparison, control the position of said support shaft to the out and in engagement with the path of said support wheel, respectively. This reduces tire wear in that the support wheels are only down when really needed. Operating costs are consequently reduced. As the tires wear less, fewer tire changes are required, which leads to improved uptime for the vehicle. As the support wheels are only down when needed, fuel consumption will decrease. 10 15 20 25 535 999 Furthermore, said indication of so-called driver support is included as a basis for said control. In this way, the operator / driver receives the information together with other relevant information and can thus more easily and quickly make a decision based on this information whether the position of the support shaft should be changed or not.

According to an embodiment of the method, the position of said support shaft is controlled automatically based on said indication. This relieves the operator / driver of manual steps, reducing the risk of the support axle being in the wrong position, which enables further reduction of tire wear, reduced fuel consumption and improved uptime.

According to an embodiment of the method, the position of said support shaft is controlled via the operator of the vehicle based on said indication. As a result, the vehicle's operator / driver has control over the control of the position of the support shaft and can, according to a variant, choose to steer the support shaft to a different position than that indicated, for example if the passability of the vehicle is otherwise compromised.

According to an embodiment of the method, the step of providing an indication concerning a requested position of the support axle is arranged, which is arranged to exceed the indication concerning the outcome of the comparison between said determined axle pressure and said permissible axle pressure to enable driving of said vehicle, which is intended to be registered. and / or communicated externally. In this way, for example, a haulier can obtain information about the position of the support axle and whether it has been in the correct position during driving, how often it has been lowered, etc.

According to an embodiment of the method, said steering takes place so that said support shaft is brought into engagement with the path of said support wheels when the determined axle pressure exceeds the permissible axle pressure. This avoids the vehicle driving with too high a drive shaft pressure as this is not permitted. This can be done automatically or manually. According to an embodiment of the method, said steering takes place so that said support shaft is brought out of engagement with the path of said support wheels in order to increase the axle pressure of said drive shaft. This improves the vehicle's maneuverability and reduces fuel consumption.

According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: determining the vehicle weight of said vehicle; by means of the navigation system determining the position of the vehicle for determining the permissible vehicle weight on possible routes; comparing said determined vehicle weight with said permissible vehicle weights on possible vehicle roads; give an indication concerning the outcome of the said comparison.

This makes it easier to avoid the vehicle driving on the road / bridge where the vehicle weight exceeds the permitted vehicle weight, thereby consequently facilitating the driving of the vehicle.

According to the invention, the objects are achieved with a system for improving the vehicle performance of a motor vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises at least one drive shaft provided with a drive wheel and at least one support shaft provided with support wheels, comprising: means for determining axle pressure of said at least one drive shaft, comprising a navigation system for determining of the position of the vehicle for determining the permissible axle load on the current route; means for comparing said determined axle load with said allowable axle load; indicating means for giving an indication concerning the outcome of said comparison; control means for, depending on said comparison, controlling the position of said support shaft to the out and in engagement with the travel path of said support wheels.

This reduces tire wear in that the support wheels are only down when really needed. Operating costs are consequently reduced. As the tires wear less, fewer tire changes are required, which leads to improved uptime for the vehicle. As the support wheels are only down when needed, fuel consumption will decrease.

Furthermore, said indicating means is comprised of so-called driver support unit for providing data for said control. In this way, the operator / driver receives the information together with other relevant information and can thus more easily and quickly make a decision based on this information whether the position of the support shaft should be changed or not.

According to an embodiment of the system, said control means is arranged to control the position of said support shaft automatically based on said indication.

This relieves the operator / driver of manual torques, reducing the risk of the support axle being in the wrong position, which enables further reduction of tire wear, reduced fuel consumption and improved uptime.

According to an embodiment of the system, said control means is arranged to control the position of said support shaft via the operator of the vehicle based on said indication.

As a result, the vehicle's operator / driver has control over the control of the position of the support shaft and can, according to a variant, choose to steer the support shaft to a different position than that indicated, for example if the passability of the vehicle is otherwise compromised.

According to an embodiment of the system, said indicating means is arranged to provide information concerning indication of a requested position of the support axle, which is arranged to exceed the indication concerning outcome of the comparison between said determined axle pressure and said permissible axle pressure to enable driving of said vehicle, the system comprising means for registering and / or communicating said information externally. In this way, for example, a haulier can obtain information about the position of the support axle and whether it has been in the correct position during driving, how often it has been lowered, etc.

According to an embodiment of the system, said guide means is arranged to steer said support shaft so that said support shaft is brought into engagement with the path of said support wheels when the determined axle pressure exceeds the permissible axle pressure. This avoids the vehicle driving with too high a drive shaft pressure as this is not permitted. This can be done automatically or manually. According to an embodiment of the system, said guide means is arranged to steer said support shaft so that said support shaft is disengaged from the path of said support wheels in order to increase the axle pressure of said drive shaft. improved in the vehicle and thereby reduces the passability of fuel consumption.

According to one embodiment, the system further comprises means for determining vehicle weight of said vehicle; a navigation system for determining the position of the vehicle for determining the permissible vehicle weight on possible routes; means for comparing said determined vehicle weight with said permissible vehicle weights on possible vehicle roads; indicating means for giving an indication concerning the outcome of said comparison. This makes it easier to avoid the vehicle driving on the road / bridge where the vehicle weight exceeds the permitted vehicle weight, thereby consequently facilitating the driving of the vehicle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be better understood with reference to the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the many views, and in which: Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a motor vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2a schematically shows a system according to an embodiment of the present invention arranged in a motor vehicle; Figs. 2b and 2c schematically show different positions of the support shaft support wheels and the drive shaft drive wheels of motor vehicles; Fig. 3 schematically shows a block diagram of a system for improving vehicle performance according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 schematically shows a block diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Here, the term "link" refers to a communication link which may be a physical line, such as an optoelectronic communication line, or a non-physical line, such as a wireless connection, for example a radio or microwave link.

Referring to Figure 1, a side view of a vehicle 1 is shown. The exemplary vehicle 1 consists of a heavy vehicle in the form of a truck. The vehicle can alternatively be a bus or a car. The vehicle consists of a heavy vehicle such as a truck with a front axle and a rear drive axle and a rear support axle of which right front wheel RF for front axle, right drive wheel RD for drive axle and right support wheel RS for support axle are shown.

Fig. 2 schematically shows a system I for improving the vehicle performance of a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention arranged in an air suspension motor vehicle 1 comprising an air suspension system, said air suspension system being at least partially comprised by said system I for improving vehicle performance.

The motor vehicle comprises a vehicle frame 2, 3 and a front axle X1 with opposite front wheels RF, LF including tires, a rear drive axle X2 with opposing drive wheels RD, LD including tires and a rear support axle X3 with opposing support wheels RS, LS including tires.

The air suspension system of the motor vehicle comprises a bellows configuration comprising a number of bellows units arranged in connection with the respective axle 10 15 20 25 30 535 999 X1, X2, X3. The respective bellows unit B1-B6 is arranged between the vehicle frame 2, 3 and the respective axle, whereby the vehicle can be raised and lowered by regulating air in bellows units. Load transfer between drive shaft X2 and support shaft X3 is also made possible by regulating air in bellows units.

The bellows configuration further comprises a bellows unit B7 arranged in connection with the support shaft X3 to raise and lower it.

The bellows configuration includes means for determining the axle pressure of the axles X1, X2, X3. The bellows units B1 and B2 are arranged in connection with the front axle X1 and comprise means for determining the axle pressure of the front axle X1. The bellows units BS and B4 are arranged in connection with the drive shaft and comprise means for determining the drive shaft pressure.

The bellows units B5 and B6 are arranged in connection with the support shaft and comprise means for determining the support shaft pressure. The bellows configuration further includes means for determining the vehicle weight. The system 1 comprises said axle pressure determining means and said vehicle weight determining means.

The system 1 comprises a tire air pressure configuration P1-P6 for sensing and regulating the air pressure in the tires of the vehicle. Said tire air pressure configuration comprises a first air pressure means P1 arranged to sense and regulate the air pressure in the RF tire of the right front wheel, a second air pressure means P2 arranged to sense and regulate the air pressure in the air pressure PF control unit of the left front wheel L3. the right drive wheel RD tire, a fourth air pressure means P4 arranged to sense and regulate the air pressure in the left drive wheel LD tire, a fifth air pressure means P5 arranged to sense and regulate the air pressure in the right support wheel RS tire, and a sixth pressure means P6 the air pressure in the LS tire of the left support wheel.

The system I further comprises an air valve configuration 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The air valve configuration 100 is connected to the bellows configuration B1, B2, B3, 84, B5, BS, B7 and 535 999 arranged to regulate the air pressure in the bellows housing B1, B2, B3, 84, B5, B6, respectively.

B7 of the bellows configuration. The bellows unit B7 is arranged to raise and lower the support shaft the bellows unit B7 from the air valve configuration 100. The air valve configuration 100 is further connected to the tire air pressure configuration P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6 and arranged to regulate the air pressure in P5, P3, P1, P6 of the tire pressure configuration.

X3 by controlling air in System I further includes an air pressure source 110 for supplying the air valve configuration 100 with air. According to one embodiment, the air valve configuration 100 comprises air valve units including valve means with an air intake connected to a compressed air source, a vent outlet and a supply outlet, and valve means arranged for regulating the air pressure in each bellows.

System I comprises a navigation system 310 for determining the position of the vehicle and providing information, inter alia, on routes and permissible axle loads and vehicle weights on these roads.

The system I comprises an electronic control unit 200 arranged to control in the motor vehicle the position of said support shaft X3 to or out of engagement with the travel path of said support wheels LS, RS in dependence on the permissible axle pressure.

The electronic control unit 200 is connected to the navigation system 310 and arranged to receive signals from the navigation system 310 representing data concerning vehicle position and permissible drive axle pressure and permissible vehicle weight. The electronic control unit 200 is connected to the bellows unit B7 of the bellows configuration, and arranged to receive data support shaft X3. The electronic control unit 200 is connected to the bellows configuration, and arranged to receive signals representing data concerning the axle pressure of the axles, specifically the drive shaft pressure of the drive shaft X2.

The electronic control unit 200 is connected to the tire air pressure configuration P1-P6 and arranged to receive signals from the tire air pressure configuration representing data concerning the air pressure of the tires.

The electronic control unit 200 is connected to the air valve configuration 100 and arranged to send signals to the air valve configuration 100 representing data concerning the desired air pressure of the tires and / or the bellows configuration B1-B7.

The electronic control unit 200 is arranged to compare said determined drive shaft pressure with the allowable shaft pressure and send a signal to the air valve configuration 100 to control the air volume in the bellows unit B7 in dependence on said comparison so as to control said support shaft X3 position out of and engaged with the route support wheels LS, RS.

The electronic control unit 200 is further arranged according to a variant to compare the current vehicle weight of the vehicle with the permitted vehicle weight on the current routes and give an indication thereof.

The electronic control unit 200 is further arranged according to a variant to compare the air pressure of the tires with the condition of the current vehicle road and send a signal to the air valve configuration 100 to regulate the air pressure in the tires via the tire air pressure configuration P1-P6 accordingly.

The air valve configuration 100 together with the bellows unit B7 according to this embodiment constitutes a support shaft control unit for controlling the position of said support shaft X3 to out and in engagement with the travel path of said support wheels LS, RS of the motor vehicle. The support shaft control unit is consequently arranged to steer the support shaft X3 between a raised position in which the support wheels LS, RS are separated from the vehicle path so that the load is absorbed by the drive shaft X2 with a relatively higher axle pressure of the drive shaft X2, and a lowered position. in which the support wheels LS, RS are brought into contact with the travel path so that the load is distributed between the support shaft X3 and the drive shaft X2 with a relatively lower axle pressure of the drive shaft X2.

The bellows configuration this B1-B7 embodiment a shaft pressure determining means including a drive shaft determining means B1- constitutes according to B6 arranged to determine the drive shaft pressure. According to this embodiment, the bellows configuration constitutes a vehicle weight determining means B1-B6 arranged to determine the vehicle weight.

Fig. 2b schematically shows a lowered position of the support shaft X3, where the support shaft support wheel LS engages with the travel path G so that drive wheels LD and support wheels LS have contact with the travel path G so that load is distributed between drive shaft X2 and support shaft X3, whereby consequently the drive shaft pressure is relative lower.

Fig. 2c schematically shows an elevated position of the support shaft X3, where the support shaft LS is out of engagement with the travel path so that only drive wheels LD have contact with the travel path so that load is taken up by drive shaft X2 and not support shaft X3, consequently the drive shaft pressure is relatively higher than when the support shaft X3 is in the lowered position according to Fig. 3a.

Fig. 3 schematically shows a block diagram of a system 11 for improving vehicle performance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The system 11 comprises an electronic control unit arranged to steer in a motor vehicle comprising at least one drive shaft X2 provided with drive wheels LD, RD, for example according to Figs. 2a-c and at least one support shaft X3 provided with support wheels LS, RS, for example according to Figs. 2a-c, support shaft X3 position to the out and in engagement with the travel path of said support wheels in dependence on vehicle parameters.

The system II comprises a navigation system 310 for determining the position of the vehicle and providing information, inter alia, on routes and permissible axle loads and vehicle weights thereon. The navigation system 310 is further arranged according to a variant to provide information on the nature of the roads, for example if the road surface consists of gravel or asphalt or another type of road surface.

The system 11 comprises a drive axle pressure determining means 320 arranged to determine the drive axle pressure of the drive axle X2 of a vehicle. Said drive shaft pressure determining means 320 may be constituted by any suitable means such as one or more pressure sensors arranged in connection with the drive shaft X2. The drive shaft pressure determining means 320 is constituted according to a variant of a drive shaft pressure determining means 320 according to the embodiment described with reference to fi g. 2.

According to a variant, the system II comprises vehicle weight determining means 330.

The vehicle weight determining means 330 may be any suitable means for measuring the weight of the vehicle. The vehicle weight determining means 330 is according to a variant of a vehicle weight determining means according to the embodiment described with reference to Fig. 2a.

According to a variant, the system 11 comprises a first indicating means 340 arranged to provide an indication concerning the outcome of a comparison between the permitted drive axle pressure and the actual drive axle pressure determined by the vehicle to an operator such as a driver. Said indicating means 340 comprises a display unit arranged to indicate said output, and / or an audible alarm unit arranged to emit an audible signal depending on said output, and / or a light unit arranged to emit a flashing or continuous light signal depending on said output. Said indicating means 340 is preferably arranged in connection with the operator / driver of the vehicle.

The system 11 comprises, according to a variant, an operating means 370 for controlling the position of said support shaft X3 to and out of engagement with the travel path of said support wheels, respectively. According to one embodiment, said operating means 370 is arranged to override said electronic control unit so that the control by means of the operating means 370 determines the control of the support shaft X3 over the electronic control unit 300. According to a variant, the operating means is included in said first indicating means 340. alternatively, the actuator 370 is a separate unit. Accordingly, the support shaft X3 by means of the actuator 370 based on output indicated by the first operator / driver can control the indicating means 340. Said actuator 370 is preferably arranged in connection with the operator / driver of the vehicle.

According to a variant, the system 11 comprises a second indicating means 350 which forms part of a driver support unit, also called driver support unit, of the vehicle, the second indicating means 350 being arranged to provide the driver support unit together with other information to the operator / driver regarding said comparison between the determined and permissible drive axle pressure of the vehicle and thus provide a recommendation on the need for the support axle X3.

The driver assistance unit can also provide other vehicle information on how to handle safety considerations, wear considerations, etc. changed position of the driver situations from a fuel economy point of view.

The system 11 according to a variant comprises a third indicating means 360 which comprises an external unit arranged to receive information concerning the progress of the vehicle including information concerning the outcome of comparison between determined and permitted drive shaft pressure of the vehicle, and means for registering and / or communicating said information externally. Said third indicating means 360 includes the Internet, mobile telephone or the like.

The system 11 comprises a support shaft control unit 380 arranged to control the position of said support shaft X3 in or out of engagement with the travel path of said support wheels in dependence on said outcome.

The system 11 comprises, according to a variant, a vehicle tire pressure means 390 arranged to determine and regulate the tire pressure of the wheels provided with pneumatic tires of a vehicle. Said vehicle tire pressure means 390 comprises air pressure sensing means or are arranged to receive air pressure information from air pressure sensing means such as air pressure means P1-P6 according to Fig. 2a to determine air pressure in the tire of the vehicle, and for example to control the valve according to Fig. , The electronic control unit 300 is signal connected to the navigation system 310 via a link 311. The electronic control unit 300 is via the link 311 310 representing vehicle position data as well as data concerning permissible axle pressure in arranged to receive a signal from the navigation system near the vehicle.

The electronic control unit 300 is signal connected to the drive shaft pressure determining means 320 via a link 321. The electronic control unit 300 is arranged via the link 321 to receive a signal from the drive shaft pressure determining means 320 representing drive shaft pressure data.

The electronic control unit 300 is signal connected to the vehicle weight determining means 330 via a link 331. The electronic control unit 300 is arranged via the link 331 to receive a signal from the vehicle weight determining means 330 representing vehicle weight data.

The electronic control unit 300 is signal connected to the support shaft control unit 380 via a 381 link. The electronic control unit 300 is arranged via the link 381 to receive a position of the support shaft X3 representing from 380 the signal support shaft control unit.

The electronic control unit 300 is arranged to compare said permissible axle load data with said current drive axle pressure data so as to determine whether the drive axle pressure of the vehicle exceeds the allowable drive axle pressure on the current route / planned route. Said comparison can be made by means of permissible axle loads on the vehicle's intended route and alternative routes. According to a variant, the electronic control unit 300 is also arranged to compare said data concerning permissible vehicle weight with said current vehicle weight data in order thus to determine whether the vehicle weight exceeds the permissible vehicle weight on the current route / planned route.

The mentioned comparison can be made by means of permitted vehicle weights on the vehicle's intended route and alternative routes.

The electronic control unit 300 is signal connected to the support axle control unit 380 via a link 382. The electronic control unit 300 is arranged via the link 382 to send a signal representing data concerning the outcome of the comparison between the permitted drive axle pressure and the vehicle drive axle pressure.

In this case, the position of the support shaft X3 can be controlled automatically based on said comparison so that the driver does not have to take measures, which reduces the risk that the support shaft is in the wrong position, which facilitates optimization of fuel consumption and minimization of tire wear.

The electronic control unit 300 is signal connected to the first indicating means 340 via a link 341. The electronic control unit 300 is arranged via the link 341 to send a signal to the first indicating means 340 representing data concerning the outcome of the comparison between the permissible drive axle pressure and the vehicle axle pressure. The electronic control unit 300 is arranged via the link to send a signal to the first indicating means 340 representing data concerning the outcome of the comparison between the permissible vehicle weight and the actual weight of the vehicle. the second indicating means 350 via a link 351. The electronic control unit 300 is arranged via the link 351 to send a signal to the second indicating means. The electronic control unit 300 is arranged via the link to send a signal to the second indicating means 350 representing data concerning the indication of the outcome of the comparison between the permissible vehicle weight and the actual weight of the vehicle. By including the second indicating means 350 in the driver support unit of the vehicle, the driver thereby receives the information together with other relevant information and can thus more easily and quickly make a decision based on this information whether the position of the support axle should be changed or not.

The electronic control unit 300 is signal connected to the third indicating means 360 via a link 361. The electronic control unit 300 is arranged via the link 361 to send a signal to the third indicating means 360 representing data concerning the outcome of the comparison between the permissible drive axle pressure and the vehicle axle pressure. The electronic control unit 300 is arranged via the link 361 to send a signal to the third indicating means 360 representing data concerning the outcome of the comparison between the permissible vehicle weight and the actual weight of the vehicle. Because the third indicating means is comprised of an external means such as the Internet and / or mobile telephone and the information is intended to be registered and / or communicated externally, for example a haulier can receive information about the position of the support shaft and whether it has been in the correct position when driving, how often it has been submerged etc.

The electronic control unit 300 is according to a variant connected to the actuator 370 via a link 371. The electronic control unit 300 is arranged via the link 371 to send a signal to the actuator 370 representing data concerning the outcome of the comparison between the permissible drive axle pressure and the vehicle drive axle pressure.

The support shaft controller 380 is signal connected to the actuator 370 via a link 372. The support shaft controller 380 is arranged via the link 372 to receive a signal representing data for the requested position of the support shaft X3.

According to an alternative variant, the electronic control unit 300 is arranged to receive a signal representing the requested position data of the support shaft X3, the electronic control unit 300 transmitting the corresponding signal of the requested position of the support shaft X3 to the support shaft control unit 380. the actuator 370 transmitting to the support shaft control unit 380 the signal representing the requested position of the support shaft X3 is arranged to override signal based on outcome of comparison of permissible and actual drive shaft pressure from the electronic control unit 300 to support shaft X3. This can be useful, for example, when the vehicle is traveling on a road where the actual drive axle pressure of the vehicle exceeds the permissible drive axle pressure when the support axle X3 is in the raised position, but the vehicle cannot be driven with the support axle X3 in the lowered position due to poor road conditions. can steer the support shaft X3 to the raised position so that travel is possible.

The electronic control unit 300, the support shaft control unit 380 and, where applicable, the actuator 370 are comprised of control means for controlling the position of said support shaft X3 out of and in engagement with the path of said support wheels, respectively.

The electronic control unit 300, first indicating means 340, second 350, third 360, the actuating means 370 are comprised of indicating means for dispensing the indicating means indicating means and / or indicating the outcome of the comparison between the current drive axle pressure of the vehicle and the allowable drive axle pressures.

The electronic control unit 300 is according to a variant connected to the vehicle tire pressure means 390 via a link 391. The electronic control unit 300 is arranged via the link 391 to receive a signal from the vehicle tire pressure means 390 representing air pressure data for the current air pressure in the vehicle tires.

The electronic control unit 300 is according to a variant connected to the vehicle tire pressure means 390 via a link 392. The electronic control unit 300 is arranged via the link 392 to send a signal to the vehicle tire pressure means 390 representing air pressure data for the desired air pressure in the vehicle tires. The electronic control unit 300 is arranged to compare said road condition data with said current air pressure in the vehicle tires in order thus to determine whether the air pressure in the tires of the vehicle should have different road conditions different air pressures in the tires. For example, vehicle tires are adjusted due to road conditions. In this case, the pressure means 390 corresponds to arranged to reduce the air pressure in the tires when said data concerning road condition provides information that the road surface is gravel, whereby the passability of the vehicle is improved. Other parameters, such as vehicle weight load, can be considered and constitute a parameter for assessing whether the air pressure in the tires should be changed or not. The control can take place automatically and / or manually via an operating means 370, where the operator / driver based on indication via indicating means such as for example first, second and / or third indicating means 360, where control via the operating means 370 according to a variant overrides the automatic air pressure control based on road conditions and road conditions.

Accordingly, according to the process steps: the air pressure of the vehicle's tires is determined; the current road condition is determined by means of a navigation system; the current road condition is compared with the current air pressure of the vehicle's tires; and the air pressure of the vehicle's tires is controlled based on the outcome of said comparison.

Fig. 4 schematically shows a block diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

According to a method for improving the vehicle performance of a motor vehicle, a first step S410. In this step embodiment, the determined drive shaft pressure of the drive shaft X2 is determined.

According to an improved vehicle performance of a motor vehicle a second stage S420. In this step embodiment, the method for determining by means of a navigation system 310 comprises the position of the vehicle for determining the permissible axle load on the current route. In this case, the navigation system provides permitted 310 through current map data regarding drive shaft pressure on relevant routes. Improve vehicle performance of a motor vehicle a third step S430. In this step, according to one embodiment, the method for comparing said determined axle loads with said allowable axle loads.

According to a vehicle performance of a motor vehicle a fourth stage S440. In this step, the embodiment provided comprises the method for improving indication concerning the outcome of said comparison. The delivery of indication includes direct delivery of signal to the support shaft control unit for automatic control of the support shaft X3, and / or delivery of indication to the first and / or second and / or third indicating means 360 for drawing the operator / driver and / or haulier or equivalent to said outcome. directly or via registration / storage of the information on a suitable medium.

According to one, the method for improving the vehicle performance of a motor vehicle comprises a fifth stage S550. In this step, depending on said comparison, the position of said support shaft X3 is controlled to or out of engagement with the path of said support wheels. Consequently, the steering can take place automatically by means of control units or manually via actuators 370 based on said given indication concerning the outcome of said comparison, where the operator / driver then has the opportunity to consider other parameters which may affect whether the support shaft position such as temperature, road surface.

According to a variant, in a method not shown, step determined axle pressure is compared with axially technically permissible axle pressure for the vehicle, the position of the support axle X3 being controlled in dependence on said comparison to and out of engagement with the route of said support wheels. In this case, the position of the support shaft is controlled in engagement with the route if a certain axle load exceeds the technically permissible axle pressure.

The vehicle described above in connection with Figs. 1 and 2a has a front axle X1, a drive axle X2 and a support axle X3. However, the invention is applicable to any suitable support axle with multi-wheel drive, for example four-wheel drive with front and rear drive axles; two front axles, a drive shaft and a support shaft; or vehicles with additional wheel axles such as ten or twelve wheel axles with operation on one or more axles; vehicles with more than one support axle.

In connection with Fig. 2, an air suspension system has been described above, which includes axle pressure determining means for determining axle pressure such as drive axle pressure of the vehicle, as well as vehicle weight determining means. The vehicle may alternatively have any suitable suspension system. According to a variant, the suspension system consists of a leaf suspension system, wherein said leaf suspension system, said axle pressure determining means / drive axle pressure determining means 320 and / or said vehicle weight determining means. according to a variant, said drive shaft pressure determining means may comprise any suitable means such as one or more pressure sensors arranged in connection with the drive shaft. Said vehicle weight determining means may be any suitable means such as a weight sensor.

According to a variant, one or more drive shafts can also be raised and lowered, whereby when raising such a shaft, the drive is arranged to be disengaged.

Referring to Fig. 5, a diagram of an embodiment of a device 500 is shown. The control units 200; 300 as described with reference to Fig. 2a and Fig. 3 may in one embodiment comprise the device 500. The device 500 comprises a non-volatile memory 520, a data processing unit 510 and a read-write memory 550. The non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory portion 530 in which a computer program, such as an operating system, is configured to control the operation of the device 500. Further, the device 500 includes a bus controller, a serial communication port, I / O means, an A / D converter, a timing controller, and date input and transfer unit, an event counter and an interrupt controller (not shown). The non-volatile memory 520 also has a second memory portion 540. A computer program P is provided which includes routines for improving the vehicle performance of a motor vehicle according to the innovative method.

Program P includes routines for determining axle pressure of at least one drive axle of the vehicle. The program P includes routines for determining the position of the vehicle by means of a navigation system for determining the permissible axle load on the current route. Program P includes routines for comparing said determined axle loads with said allowable axle loads. The program P includes routines for giving an indication concerning the outcome of said comparison.

The program P comprises routines for controlling, in dependence on said comparison, the position of said support axle to out of respective engagement with the route of said support wheels. The program P can be stored in an executable manner or in a compressed manner in a memory 560 and / or in a read / write memory 550.

When it is described that the data processing unit 510 performs a certain function, it is to be understood that the data processing unit 510 performs a certain part of the program which is stored in the memory 560, or a certain part of the program which is stored in the read / write memory 550.

The data processing device 510 can communicate with a data port 599 via a data bus 515. The non-volatile memory 520 is intended for communication with the data processing unit 510 via a data bus 512. The separate memory 560 is intended to communicate with the data processing unit 510 via a data bus 511. Read / write memory 550 is arranged to communicate with the data processing unit 510 via a data bus 514. To the data port 599, e.g. the links connected to the control units 200; 300 connected.

When data is received on the data port 599, it is temporarily stored in the second memory part 540. Once the received input data has been temporarily stored, the data processing unit 510 is arranged to perform code execution in a manner described above. The received signals on the data port 599 can be used by the device 500 to determine the axle pressure of at least one drive axle of the vehicle. The received signals on the data port 599 can be used by the device 500 to determine, by means of a navigation system 10, the position of the vehicle for determining the permissible axle load on the current route. The received signals on the data port 599 may be used by the device 500 to compare said determined axle pressures with said allowable axle loads. The received signals on the data port 599 may be used by the device 500 to provide an indication of the outcome of said comparison. The received signals on the data port 599 can be used by the device 500 to control, depending on said comparison, the position of said support shaft to and out of engagement with the path of said support wheel, respectively.

Parts of the methods described herein may be performed by the device 500 by means of the data processing unit 510 running the program stored in the memory 560 or the read / write memory 550. When the device 500 runs the program, the methods described herein are executed.

The above description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the variations described. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments have been selected and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling one skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications appropriate to the intended use.

Claims (17)

10 15 20 25 30 535 999 23 PATENT REQUIREMENTS A method for improving the vehicle performance of a motor vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises at least one drive shaft (X2) provided with drive wheels (LD, RD) and at least one support shaft (X3) provided with support wheels (LS, RS), comprising the step of: - determining (S410) axle load of the at least one drive axle, characterized by the steps of: - determining by means of a navigation system (S420) the position of the vehicle for determining the permissible axle load on the current route; - comparing (S430) said determined axle load with said allowable axle loads; - give an indication (S440) concerning the outcome of said comparison; depending on said comparison, steer (S450) the position of said support shaft to and out of engagement with the path of said support wheel, said indication being comprised of so-called driver support as a basis for said steering, the driver support comprising providing information concerning the outcome of said comparison between determined and permissible drive axle pressure of the vehicle and also the provision of a recommendation on the need for a change of position of the support axle (X3). A method according to claim 1, wherein the control of the position of said support shaft (X3) takes place automatically based on said indication. A method according to claim 1, wherein the control of said position of said support shaft (X3) takes place via the vehicle operator based on said indication. A method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the method further comprises the step of giving an indication concerning a requested position of the support shaft (X3), which is arranged to exceed the indication concerning the outcome of the comparison between said determined axle pressure and said permissible axle pressure to enable driving said vehicle, which is intended to be registered and / or communicated externally. 10 15 20 25 30 535 599 24 A method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein said steering takes place so that said support shaft (X3) is brought into engagement with the path of said support wheels (LS, RS) when the determined axle pressure exceeds the permissible axle pressure. A method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein said steering takes place so that said support shaft (X3) is disengaged from the path of said support wheels (LS, RS) in order to increase the axle pressure of said drive shaft (X2). A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the steps of: - determining the vehicle weight of said vehicle; - by means of a navigation system determine the position of the vehicle for determining the permissible vehicle weight on possible routes; - comparing said determined vehicle weight with said permissible vehicle weights on possible vehicle roads; and - give an indication concerning the outcome of said comparison. A system (l; ll) for improving the vehicle performance of a motor vehicle, the vehicle comprising at least one drive shaft (X2) provided with drive wheels (LD, RD) and at least one support shaft (X3) provided with support wheels (LS, RS), comprising : - means for determining the axle load of said at least one drive shaft. characterized by - a navigation system (310) for determining the position of the vehicle for determining the permissible axle load on the current route; means (200; 300) for comparing said determined axle loads with said allowable axle loads; indicating means (200; 300, 340, 350, 360) for giving an indication concerning the outcome of said comparison; control means (100, B7, 200; 300, 380, 370) for controlling, depending on said comparison, the position of said support shaft (X3) to and out of engagement with the travel path of said support wheel (LS, RS), said indicating means (350 ) is comprised of a driver support unit for providing support for said steering, wherein the driver's support is comprised of providing information regarding the outcome of said comparison between determined and permissible drive axle pressure of the vehicle and also providing a recommendation on the need for a changed position of the support shaft (X3). A system according to claim 8, wherein said control means (100, B7, 200; 300) is arranged to control the position of said support shaft (X3) automatically based on said indication. The system of claim 8, wherein said control means (370) is arranged to control the position of said support shaft (X3) via the vehicle operator based on said indication. A system according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein said indicating means (360) is arranged to provide information concerning indication concerning a requested position of the support shaft (X3), which is arranged to exceed the indication concerning outcome of the comparison between said determined axle pressure and said permissible axle pressures to enable the driving of said vehicle, the system comprising means for recording and / or communicating said information externally. A system according to any one of claims 8-11, wherein said guide means (100, B7, 200; 300, 380) is arranged to steer said support shaft (X3) so that said support shaft (X3) is engaged with the path of said support wheels (X3). LS, RS) when the determined axle load exceeds the allowable axle load. A system according to any one of claims 8-12, wherein said control means (100, B7, 200; 300, 380, 370) is arranged to control said support shaft (X3) so that said support shaft (X3) is brought into engagement with the route of said support wheels (LS, RS) for the purpose of increasing the axle load of said drive axle (X2). A system according to any one of claims 8-13, further comprising: - means (330) for determining vehicle weight of said vehicle - a navigation system (310) for determining the position of the vehicle for determining permissible vehicle weight on possible routes 535 999 26 means (200; 300) for comparing said determined vehicle weight with said permissible vehicle weights on possible vehicle roads; - indicating means (340; 350; 360) for giving an indication concerning the outcome of said comparison. Motor vehicle comprising a system according to any one of claims 8-14. Computer program (P) for improving the vehicle performance of a motor vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises at least one drive shaft (X2) provided with drive wheels (LD, RD) and at least one support shaft (X3) provided with support wheels (LS, RS), wherein said computer program (P) includes program code which, when run by an electronic control unit (200; 300; 500) or another computer (500) connected to the electronic control unit (200; 300; 500), enables the electronic control unit to perform the steps according to claim 1-7. A computer program product comprising a digital storage medium which stores the computer program according to claim 16.