GB2527405A - Overload detection device for an axle of a vehicle - Google Patents

Overload detection device for an axle of a vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2527405A
GB2527405A GB1506065.0A GB201506065A GB2527405A GB 2527405 A GB2527405 A GB 2527405A GB 201506065 A GB201506065 A GB 201506065A GB 2527405 A GB2527405 A GB 2527405A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
axle
detection device
overload
vehicle
overload detection
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1506065.0A
Other versions
GB201506065D0 (en
Inventor
Jai Prathap
Ahmed Zeeshan
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Mercedes Benz Group AG
Original Assignee
Daimler AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Daimler AG filed Critical Daimler AG
Priority to GB1506065.0A priority Critical patent/GB2527405A/en
Publication of GB201506065D0 publication Critical patent/GB201506065D0/en
Publication of GB2527405A publication Critical patent/GB2527405A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L1/00—Measuring force or stress, in general
    • G01L1/25—Measuring force or stress, in general using wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays, microwaves, neutrons
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
    • B60B35/00—Axle units; Parts thereof ; Arrangements for lubrication of axles
    • B60B35/02—Dead axles, i.e. not transmitting torque
    • B60B35/08—Dead axles, i.e. not transmitting torque of closed hollow section
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
    • B60B35/00—Axle units; Parts thereof ; Arrangements for lubrication of axles
    • B60B35/12—Torque-transmitting axles
    • B60B35/16—Axle housings
    • B60B35/163—Axle housings characterised by specific shape of the housing, e.g. adaptations to give space for other vehicle elements like chassis or exhaust system
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B11/00—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques
    • G01B11/16—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. optical strain gauge
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01D5/00—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable
    • G01D5/26—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable characterised by optical transfer means, i.e. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light
    • G01D5/28—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable characterised by optical transfer means, i.e. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light with deflection of beams of light, e.g. for direct optical indication
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L1/00—Measuring force or stress, in general
    • G01L1/24—Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of optical properties of material when it is stressed, e.g. by photoelastic stress analysis using infrared, visible light, ultraviolet
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
    • B60B2900/00—Purpose of invention
    • B60B2900/20—Avoidance of
    • B60B2900/212—Damage

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Braking Arrangements (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to an overload detection device (30) for an axle (10) of a vehicle. At least one laser (38) is mounted on a housing (16) of the axle (10), and emits along a centreline of the housing (16). A reflection surface (52) is arranged inside the housing (16) to reflect the emitted laser radiation. This can indicate overload by sensor or use of a transparent plate with circular marking.

Description

Overload Detection Device for an Axle of a Vehicle The invention relates to an overload detection device for an axle of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle.
Vehicles such as commercial vehicles are well-known from the general prior art. Such a vehicle comprises at least one axle which is configured as, for example, a dead axle.
Usually, a dead axle is also referred to as a lazy axle which is not part of the drive train but is instead free-rotating. It has been shown that problems can occur due to overload of such an axle of a vehicle. For example, overload of the axle can result in a brake drum of the axle coming into contact with a brake lining so that in excessive wear and heat can occur.
US 7 578 199 B2 shows an aircraft including an apparatus for measuring a load on an aircraft component, the apparatus including a processing unit, a watertight housing, a controllable source of light, and a detector able to detect light emitted from said source.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an overload detection device for an axle of a vehicle, by means of which overload detection device an overload of the axle can be detected in a particularly easy way.
This object is solved by an overload detection device having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are indicated in the other patent claims.
The invention relates to an overload detection device for an axle of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle such as, for example, a truck. The overload detection device according to the present invention comprises at least one laser mounted on a housing of the axle, the laser being configured to emit laser radiation into the housing. Furthermore, the overload detection device comprises at least one reflection surface arranged inside the housing, the reflection surface being configured to reflect the emitted laser radiation, wherein the reflected laser radiation is indicative of an overload of the axle. The idea behind the present invention is that, when an axle such as, for example, a dead axle of a vehicle is overloaded, there is a deflection at a hub end of the axle. This deflection is an unwanted deformation of the axle which deformation can result in excessive wear, heat and damage since, for example, a brake drum can come into contact with a corresponding brake lining due to the deflection.
However, such an overload and, thus, deformation of the axle can be detected by the overload detection device in a particularly easy and precise way. For example, the overload detection device can be a visual overload indicator by means of which the driver of the vehicle can observe whether or not the axle is overloaded before going to a weighbridge. A further idea behind the present invention is to use laws of reflection in order to detect whether or not the axle is overloaded. In an overloaded condition of the axle the laser radiation is reflected by the reflection surface in a different way than in a condition in which the axle is not overloaded. Thus, the overloaded condition of the axle can be detected on the basis of the reflected radiation. Thus, the driver of the vehicle can check whether or not the axle is overloaded without using a weighbridge. Moreover, excessive wear, heat and damage resulting from an overloaded condition of the axle can be avoided.
Further advantages, features, and details of the invention derive from the following description of a preferred embodiment as well as from the drawing. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and/or shown in the figures alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention.
The drawing shows in: Fig. 1 a schematic sectional view of an axle in the form of a dead axle of a vehicle, wherein an overload detection device for detecting an overload of the axle is provided; Fig. 2 a schematic exploded view of the overload detection device; Fig. 3 a schematic front view of the overload detection device; Fig. 4 a schematic view of the axle and the overload detection device in a condition which the axle is not overloaded; and Fig. 5 a further schematic view of the axle and the overload detection device in an overloaded condition of the axle.
In the figures the same elements or elements having the same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.
Fig. 1 shows an axle 10 of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle such as a truck.
For example, the axle 10 is configured as a dead axle of the vehicle. As can be seen from Fig. 1 wheels 12 of the vehicle are rotatably mounted on a structure such as a frame of the vehicle by the axle 10 so that the wheels 12 can rotate about a rotation axis 14 in relation to said structure. The axle 10 comprises a housing 16 which is also referred to as an axle housing, wherein, for example, the housing 16 comprises an upper housing part 18 and a lower housing part 20 which are connected with each other. For example, the housing parts 18 and 20 are made of a metallic material and/or welded together. The wheels 12 are rotatably mounted on the housing 16 about the rotation axis 14 so that the wheels 12 can rotate in relation to the housing 16 about a rotation axis 14 when the vehicle is travelling. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the rotation axis 14 corresponds to the centerline of the axle 10, in particular the housing 16, especially in an unloaded condition of the axle 10. In the completely assembled state of the vehicle the rotation axis 14 and, thus, the centerline of the axle 10 extend in the transverse direction of the vehicle.
The weight of the vehicle is supported on the ground by the axle 10 so that loads or forces act upon the axle 10, said loads or forces being illustrated by directional arrows 22 in Fig. 1. For example, said forces or loads acting upon the axle 10 result from respective weights of said structure, at least one body mounted on the structure and, for example, goods to be transported by the commercial vehicle.
Moreover, the axle 10 comprises a braking system 24 having brake drums 26 and corresponding brake linings 28, the brake system 24 being configured to brake the wheels 12 and, thus, the vehicle. In a condition in which the axle 10 is not overloaded and the brake system 24 is not actuated there is a clearance between the respective brake drum 26 and the corresponding brake lining 28. However, when the axle 10 and, thus, the vehicle are overloaded the brake linings 28 are in contact with the corresponding brake drums 26 although the brake system 24 is not actuated. Thus, excessive heat, wear and damages can result from an overloaded condition of the axle 10.
In order to detect an overload or an overload condition of the axle 10 in a particularly easy and precise way, an overload detection device 30 is provided. As can be seen from Figs. 2 and 3 the overload detection device 30 comprises a detection system 32 which is arranged on the axle 10, in particular a hub 34 of the axle 10. The hub 34 is mounted on the housing 16. For example, the hub 34 is rotatably mounted on the housing 16 about the rotation axis 14. As can be seen from Fig. 2, the detection system 32 is mounted on a hub end 36 of the hub 34.
The detection system 32 comprises at least one laser 38 which is also referred to as a laser probe. The laser 38 is mounted on a measuring plate 40 of the detection system 32, wherein the measuring plate 40 is configured as a disk. The measuring plate 40 is a transparent element. In other words, the measuring plate 40 is transparent or translucent.
Moreover, the detection system 32 comprises a mounting plate 42 which is configured as a mounting disk, the mounting plate 42 being light proof. As can be seen from Figs. 2 and 3, the measuring plate 40 is mounted on the mounting plate 42 which is in turn mounted on the hub 34 by means of mounting brackets 44. For example, the mounting brackets 44 can be configured as hinges. The laser 38 is configured to emit laser radiation into the housing 16. In other words, the housing 16 has a cavity 46, wherein the laser 38 is configured to emit laser radiation or laser light into the cavity 46. The laser radiation emitted by the laser 38 is illustrated by a directional arrow 48 in Figs. 4 and 5.
Moreover, the overload detection device 30 comprises at least one reflection element 50 arranged in the housing 16, i.e. the cavity 46. The reflection element 50 has at least one reflection surface 52 arranged inside the housing 16, i.e. the cavity 46. The reflection surface 52 is configured to reflect the emitted laser radiation, wherein the reflected laser radiation is indicative of an overload or overload condition of the axle 10. Said reflected laser radiation is illustrated by a directional arrow 54 in Figs. 4 and 5.
For example, the reflection element 50 is configured as a metal plate, i.e. a plate made of a metallic material, wherein the reflection surface 52 is formed by a polished surface of said metal plate. In the present case, the reflection element 50 is welded to the bottom housing 69, wherein Fig. 1 shows weld seams 56 created by welding the metal plate to the housing 16.
As can be seen from Figs. 3 to 5 the transparent element in the form of the measuring plate 40 faces the reflection surface 52 configured to reflect the laser radiation towards the measuring plate 40. Moreover, a marking in the form of a circular line 58 is arranged on the measuring plate 40, the circular line 58 being indicative of the overload of the axle 10. In other words, said marking arranged on the measuring plate 40 is a circle dividing the measuring plate 40, in particular a surface 60 of the measuring plate 40, into two areas 62 and 64. With respect to the centerline and the radial direction of the axle 10 the area 62 is outside the circular line 58 and the area 64 is inside the circular line 58.
The laser 38, the reflection element 50 with its reflection surface 52 and the measuring plate 40 are arranged in such a way that the laser radiation emitted by the laser 38, i.e. the detection system 32 is reflected back to the measuring plate 40 by means of the reflection element 50 so that the detection system 32 is a laser system capped on one side, i.e. the hub end 36 of the hub 34. For example, the detection system 32 can be mounted on and removed from the axle 10, in particular the hub 34 in a non-destructive manner.
With respect to an unloaded state of the axle 10 or a state or condition in which the axle is not overloaded the centerline of the axle 10 corresponds at least substantially to the centerline of the laser 38 and, thus, the laser radiation emitted by the laser 38. In other words, the laser 36 is placed exactly in the middle or the center point of the axle 10 located on the central line of the axle 10.
Fig. 4 shows a condition or state of the axle 10 in which condition the axle 10 is not overloaded. This condition is also referred to as a normal condition. As can be seen in Fig. 4, in the normal condition the reflected laser radiation is at least substantially in line with the emitted laser radiation. Since the measuring plate 40 is transparent or translucent the reflected laser radiation can be seen by the human eye as a point 66 on the measuring plate 40. In the normal condition said point 66 is within the zone or area 64. In other words, in the normal condition the point 66 is not located in the zone or area 62, but in the area 64 which is also referred to as a safe zone indicative of the normal condition of the axle 10.
Fig. 5 illustrates an overloaded condition of the axle 10. When the axle 10 is overloaded there is a large deflection at the hub end 36 with respect to the middle 68 of the axle 10.
Due to this deflection or deformation of the axle 10 the emitted laser radiation is reflected by the reflection element 50 in a different way than in the normal condition. In other words, in an overloaded condition the laser radiation is reflected by the reflection element with a certain degree deviation with respect to the normal state. Thus, in an overloaded condition the point 66 is located outside the safe zone (area 64). As can be seen from Fig. 5, in an overloaded condition of the axle 10 the point 66 is located in the area 62 which indicates an overloaded condition of the axle 10. Thus, the overload detection device 30 is configured as a visual overload indicator by means of which the driver of the vehicle can check or observe whether or not the axle 10 is overloaded without using a weighbridge.
For example, when the measuring plate 40 is light-proof and/or the reflected laser radiation or laser light cannot be observed by the human eye, the overload detection device 30 can comprise at least one sensor configured to receive and detect the reflected laser radiation. Moreover, the sensor is configured to provide a signal on the basis of the received and detected laser radiation reflected by the reflection element 50, said signal being indicative of the overload of the axle. This means the sensor is configured to detect said deviation of the reflected laser radiation with respect to the normal condition of the axle 10. When the sensor detects such a deviation or when said deviation exceeds a predeterminable threshold value an overloaded state of the axle 10 can be determined.
For example, the sensor is integrated in the laser 38 (laser probe). Moreover, the sensor can be a photoelectric sensor which can detect very small deviations of the reflected laser radiation. For example, said signal provided by the sensor can comprise values indicative of said deviation. When the values exceed respective threshold values, an overloaded condition of the axle 10 can be detected.
Moreover, the signal can be indicative of the load of the axle 10. At least one display can be arranged in a driver's cab of the vehicle, wherein the detected load of the axle 10 can be shown on said display so that the driver can observe the current load of the axle 10 by the display without using a weighbridge.
List of reference signs axle 12 wheels 14 rotation axis 16 housing 16 housing part housing part 22 directional arrow 24 braking system 26 brake drum 26 brake lining overload detection device 32 detection system 34 hub 36 hub end 36 laser measuring plate 42 mounting plate 44 mounting bracket 46 cavity 46 directional arrow reflection element 52 reflection surface 54 directional arrow 56 weld seam 56 circular line surface 62 area 64 area 66 point 66 middle

Claims (6)

  1. Claims An overload detection device (30) for an axle (10) of a vehicle, the overload detection device (30) comprising: -at least one laser (38) mounted on a housing (16) of the axle (10), the laser (38) being configured to emit laser radiation into the housing (16); and -at least one reflection surface (52) arranged inside the housing (16), the reflection surface (52) being configured to reflect the emitted laser radiation, wherein the reflected laser radiation is indicative of an overload of the axle (10).
  2. 2. The overload detection device (30) according to claim 1, wherein the overload detection device (30) comprises at least one transparent element (40) facing the reflection surface (52) configured to reflect the laser radiation towards the transparent element (40).
  3. 3. The overload detection device (30) according to claim 2, wherein at least one marking (58) indicative of the overload is arranged on the transparent element (40).
  4. 4. The overload detection device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the centerline (14) of the axle (10) corresponds to the centerline of the laser radiation emitted by the laser (38).
  5. 5. The overload detection device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the overload detection device (30) comprises at least one sensor configured to receive and detect the reflected laser radiation, and provide a signal on the basis of the received and detected laser radiation, the signal being indicative of the overload of the axle (10).
  6. 6. A vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, having at least one overload detection device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims.
GB1506065.0A 2015-04-10 2015-04-10 Overload detection device for an axle of a vehicle Withdrawn GB2527405A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1506065.0A GB2527405A (en) 2015-04-10 2015-04-10 Overload detection device for an axle of a vehicle

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1506065.0A GB2527405A (en) 2015-04-10 2015-04-10 Overload detection device for an axle of a vehicle

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GB201506065D0 GB201506065D0 (en) 2015-05-27
GB2527405A true GB2527405A (en) 2015-12-23

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GB1506065.0A Withdrawn GB2527405A (en) 2015-04-10 2015-04-10 Overload detection device for an axle of a vehicle

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3298871A1 (en) * 2016-09-26 2018-03-28 CLAAS Tractor S.A.S. Agricultural vehicle, process for detecting a mechanical load on components of an agricultural vehicle

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2237885A1 (en) * 1972-08-02 1974-02-14 Heidenhain Gmbh Dr Johannes DIGITAL ELECTRIC MEASURING ARRANGEMENT
SU1719846A1 (en) * 1989-06-20 1992-03-15 Львовский политехнический институт им.Ленинского комсомола Device for checking loads on supporting roller of rotating furnace
US6817246B1 (en) * 1999-09-06 2004-11-16 Innotec Europe Gmbh Distortion detector
CN201302447Y (en) * 2008-07-05 2009-09-02 汪俊伟 An automobile rear axle bending detection instrument
US20110154907A1 (en) * 2004-08-30 2011-06-30 Messier-Dowty, Inc. Structural Deflection and Load Measuring Device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2237885A1 (en) * 1972-08-02 1974-02-14 Heidenhain Gmbh Dr Johannes DIGITAL ELECTRIC MEASURING ARRANGEMENT
SU1719846A1 (en) * 1989-06-20 1992-03-15 Львовский политехнический институт им.Ленинского комсомола Device for checking loads on supporting roller of rotating furnace
US6817246B1 (en) * 1999-09-06 2004-11-16 Innotec Europe Gmbh Distortion detector
US20110154907A1 (en) * 2004-08-30 2011-06-30 Messier-Dowty, Inc. Structural Deflection and Load Measuring Device
CN201302447Y (en) * 2008-07-05 2009-09-02 汪俊伟 An automobile rear axle bending detection instrument

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3298871A1 (en) * 2016-09-26 2018-03-28 CLAAS Tractor S.A.S. Agricultural vehicle, process for detecting a mechanical load on components of an agricultural vehicle

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Publication number Publication date
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