Device and method for estimating the weight of a vehicle using a vehicle height adjustment device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device and method for estimating a vehicle weight using a vehicle height adjusting device. The device includes a vehicle height adjusting device that respectively raises or lowers four positions of left front (FL) and right front (FR) sides and left rear (RL) and right rear (RR) sides of a vehicle body. A vehicle height controller operates the vehicle height adjusting device to raise or lower the FL and FR sides and the RL and RR sides of the vehicle body. A weight estimating unit measures a time required to raise or lower the vehicle body or a running speed of the vehicle body, and calculates an estimated vehicle body weight value by comparing the required time or the running speed with preset reference data.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for estimating a vehicle weight which varies according to a driving condition of a vehicle, and more particularly, to a technology for estimating a weight distribution of each of a front left side, a front right side, a rear left side, and a rear right side of a vehicle using a vehicle height adjusting device installed in the vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] A vehicle weight value can be used as reference information for body control. According to the prior art, in order to estimate a vehicle weight, a method has been used which performs a process of estimating an engine acceleration using an engine torque value and estimating a predicted weight using a basic weight.

[0003] However, in the process of estimating an engine acceleration using an engine torque value, there are many abnormal external factors (e.g., a road surface condition, a rapid acceleration and deceleration condition, a road inclination angle, etc.). Therefore, there is a deficiency in the accuracy of weight estimation. In addition, when using a conventional method of estimating a vehicle weight, only the weight of the entire vehicle can be estimated, and the weight distribution state of the front side, the rear side, the left side, and the right side of the vehicle cannot be estimated, and thus there is a limitation.

[0004] The above statements are merely intended to help understand the background of the present invention, and are not intended to represent the prior art to which the present invention belongs. SUMMARY

[0005] Therefore, the present invention more accurately estimates the weight of the entire vehicle and the weight distribution of each of the front left side, the front right side, the rear left side, and the rear right side of the vehicle by using a vehicle height adjusting device installed in the vehicle. Therefore, the present invention is helpful in improving the control performance of various systems such as a suspension system, a steering system, a brake system, a powertrain system, etc.

[0006] To achieve the above object, a device for estimating a vehicle weight using a vehicle height adjusting device can include a vehicle height adjusting device configured to respectively raise and lower four positions of a front left (FL) side and a front right (FR) side and a rear left (RL) side and a rear right (RR) side of a vehicle body; a vehicle height controller configured to operate the vehicle height adjusting device to raise or lower the FL side and the FR side and the RL side and the RR side of the vehicle body; and a weight estimation unit configured to measure a time required to raise or lower the vehicle body or a running speed of the vehicle body, and calculate a predicted vehicle weight value by comparing the required time or the running speed with preset reference data.

[0007] The weight estimation unit can be configured to measure the time required to raise the vehicle body or the running speed of the vehicle body and the time required to lower the vehicle body or the running speed of the vehicle body; compare the time required to raise the vehicle body or the running speed of the vehicle body with reference data, thereby calculating a first estimated vehicle weight value according to a predetermined calculation criterion; and compare the time required to lower the vehicle body or the running speed of the vehicle body with reference data, thereby calculating a second estimated vehicle weight value according to a predetermined calculation criterion.

[0008] The weight estimation unit can be configured to calculate a final estimated vehicle weight value by applying predetermined weights to the first estimated vehicle weight value and the second estimated vehicle weight value, respectively. The predetermined weights can be set such that the second estimated vehicle weight value has a greater influence than the first estimated vehicle weight value. The weight estimation unit can be configured to measure the time required or the running speed when sequentially raising or lowering the FL side and the FR side and the RL side and the RR side of the vehicle in a predetermined combination; and compare the time required or the running speed for the predetermined combination with predetermined reference data, thereby calculating the weight distribution of the FL side and the FR side and the RL side and the RR side of the vehicle.

[0009] The vehicle height controller can be configured to first raise or lower one of the combinations of the FL side and the FR side and the RL side and the RR side of the vehicle body, and then raise or lower the other combination. Specifically, the vehicle height controller can be configured to first raise or lower one of the combinations of the FL side and the RL side and the FR side and the RR side of the vehicle body, and then raise or lower the other combination.

[0010] The vehicle height adjustment device can include a pneumatic actuator installed at each of the FL side and the FR side of the vehicle and each of the RL side and the RR side of the vehicle to adjust the relative position of the vehicle body with respect to the wheels by compressed air; a compressor configured to generate compressed air supplied to the pneumatic actuator; and a valve mechanism provided to adjust the compressed air flow path between the compressor and the pneumatic actuator.

[0011] In calculating the estimated vehicle weight value by comparing the required time or running speed with the preset reference data, the weight estimation unit can be configured to calculate the estimated vehicle weight value by reflecting variables of friction, temperature, and chamber cross-sectional area inside the electro-actuator. In addition, in calculating the estimated vehicle weight value by comparing the required time or running speed with the preset reference data, the weight estimation unit can be configured to calculate the estimated vehicle weight value based on the vehicle height at the time of starting to measure the required time or running speed of the body up or down. The vehicle height adjusting device can include an electro-actuator installed at each of the FL and FR sides of the vehicle and each of the RL and RR sides of the vehicle to adjust the relative position of the body with respect to the wheels, and a battery storing power supplied to the electro-actuator.

[0012] In addition, to achieve the above object, a method of estimating a vehicle weight using a vehicle height adjusting device can include raising or lowering the left front (FL) side and the right front (FR) side and the left rear (RL) side and the right rear (RR) side of the body by the vehicle height controller using the vehicle height adjusting device, and calculating an estimated vehicle weight value by the weight estimation unit by measuring the required time or running speed of the body up or down and by comparing the required time or running speed with preset reference data.

[0013] Calculating the estimated vehicle weight value can include measuring the required time or running speed of the body up and the required time or running speed of the body down, calculating a first estimated vehicle weight value according to a preset calculation criterion by comparing the required time or running speed of the body up with reference data, and calculating a second estimated vehicle weight value according to the preset calculation criterion by comparing the required time or running speed of the body down with reference data.

[0014] A preset weight can be applied to the first estimated vehicle weight value and the second estimated vehicle weight value, respectively, so that a final estimated vehicle weight value can be calculated. The preset weight can be set so that the second estimated vehicle weight value has a greater influence than the first estimated vehicle weight value.

[0015] In raising or lowering the body, the FL and FR sides and the RL and RR sides of the body can be sequentially raised or lowered in a predetermined combination, and in calculating the estimated vehicle weight value, the required time or running speed can be measured at the time of sequentially raising or lowering in the predetermined combination, respectively, and by comparing the required time or running speed for the predetermined combination with preset reference data, a weight distribution of the FL and FR sides and the RL and RR sides of the vehicle can be calculated.

[0016] One of the combinations of the FL side and the FR side and the combinations of the RL side and the RR side of the vehicle body can be first raised or lowered, and then the other combination can be raised or lowered. One of the combinations of the FL side and the RL side and the combinations of the FR side and the RR side of the vehicle body can be first raised or lowered, and then the other combination can be raised or lowered.

[0017] In the case where the vehicle height adjusting device uses a pneumatic actuator, when the predicted vehicle weight value is calculated by comparing the required time or the running speed with the preset reference data, the predicted vehicle weight value can be calculated by reflecting variables of the friction, the temperature, and the chamber cross-sectional area inside the pneumatic actuator. When the predicted vehicle weight value is calculated by comparing the required time or the running speed with the preset reference data, the predicted vehicle weight value can be calculated based on the vehicle height at the time when the measurement of the required time to raise or lower the vehicle body or the running speed of the vehicle body is started.

[0018] As described above, the present application more accurately estimates the weight of the entire vehicle and the weight distribution of each of the front left side, the front right side, the rear left side, and the rear right side by using the vehicle height adjusting device installed on the vehicle. Accordingly, the present application improves the control performance of various systems such as a suspension system, a steering system, a brake system, a powertrain system, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present application will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a conventional method of estimating a vehicle weight according to the prior art is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a device for estimating a vehicle weight by using a vehicle height adjusting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example in which the device for estimating a vehicle weight of the present application is applied to a vehicle height adjusting device having a pneumatic actuator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a device for estimating a vehicle weight according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 Embodiments of

[0024] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a graph showing that a speed of raising a vehicle height or a speed of lowering a vehicle height varies according to a change in a vehicle weight according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of estimating a vehicle weight according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of estimating a vehicle weight and a vehicle weight distribution according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] It should be understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicular" or other similar terms used herein generally include motor vehicles, such as passenger cars, including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, boats, ships, including various watercraft, aircraft, and the like, and include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, internal combustion engine vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from non-fossil sources).

[0028] While the exemplary embodiments are described as using a plurality of units to perform the exemplary processes, it should be understood that the exemplary processes can also be performed by one or more modules. In addition, it should be understood that the term "controller / control unit" refers to a hardware device that includes a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store modules and the processor is specifically configured to execute the modules to perform one or more processes described further below.

[0029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present application. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0030] Unless specifically stated otherwise, and as can be apparent from the context, use herein of the term "about" in connection with a value means that the value is within a normal tolerance range of the value, such as within 2 standard deviations of the mean. "About" can be understood to be within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the specified value. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, all numerical values provided herein are modified by the term "about."

[0031] Next, exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present application. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the present application can be modified in various different ways, without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application, and the present application is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown herein.

[0032] In addition, in the drawings, components irrelevant to the description are omitted for the sake of clarity in describing the present application, and the same reference numerals denote the same components throughout the specification. Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, when a certain component is referred to as "including" a certain component, it means that the component can further include other components, without excluding the other components.

[0033] Hereinafter, a device and a method for estimating a vehicle weight by using a vehicle height adjusting device according to exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a conventional method of estimating a vehicle weight is shown. Referring to Figure 1 In the prior art, a vehicle weight is estimated using an engine torque value. Since the engine torque value is used, there is a drawback in that the estimation can be made only when an accelerator pedal is operated, since the engine torque value has a limitation; and in addition, since there are many abnormal external factors (e.g., road surface conditions, rapid acceleration and deceleration conditions, road inclination angles, etc.) in the process of estimating an engine acceleration using the engine torque value, the accuracy of the estimated engine acceleration value is low. In addition, according to the prior art, only the weight of the entire vehicle can be estimated, and the weight distribution state of the front side, the rear side, the left side, and the right side of the vehicle cannot be estimated.

[0035] Referring to Figure 2 The device for estimating a vehicle weight according to the present application can include a vehicle height adjusting device 1 configured to respectively raise and lower four positions of a front left (FL) side and a front right (FR) side and a rear left (RL) side and a rear right (RR) side of a vehicle body, a vehicle height controller 3 configured to operate the vehicle height adjusting device 1 to raise or lower the FL side and the FR side and the RL side and the RR side of the vehicle body, and a weight estimation unit 5 configured to measure a time required to raise or lower the vehicle body or a running speed of the vehicle body, and calculate a predicted vehicle weight value by comparing the required time or the running speed with preset reference data.

[0036] In Figure 2In the present embodiment, the vehicle height controller 3 and the weight estimation unit 5 are implemented in the form of being included in one control electronic control unit (ECU), but of course can be separately configured from each other. The vehicle height controller 3 can be configured to receive a signal from the vehicle height sensor 7, thereby adjusting the height of the vehicle body with respect to the wheels by operating the vehicle height adjusting device 1. The conventional vehicle height adjusting device 1 can employ a method using a pneumatic actuator or an electric actuator, etc.

[0037] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Specifically, an example in which the device for estimating the weight of a vehicle of the present application is applied to a vehicle height adjusting device 1 using a pneumatic actuator is shown. Therefore, hereinafter, the description will be made with reference to the vehicle height adjusting device 1 using a pneumatic actuator. Of course, it should be noted that the present application can be similarly applied to a vehicle height adjusting device using an electric actuator driven by battery power. Specifically, when the pressure of the compressed air supplied to the pneumatic actuator corresponds to the electric current supplied to the electric actuator, the present application can be easily implemented in a vehicle height adjusting device using an electric actuator.

[0038] The vehicle height adjusting device 1 using a pneumatic actuator can include a pneumatic actuator 9 installed at each of the FL and FR sides and the RL and RR sides of the vehicle to adjust the relative position of the vehicle body with respect to the wheels by compressed air, a compressor 11 configured to generate compressed air supplied to the pneumatic actuator 9, and a valve mechanism configured to adjust the flow path of the compressed air between the compressor 11 and the pneumatic actuator 9. In other words, the compressed air generated by the compressor 11 can be supplied to the pneumatic actuator 9 installed at each of the FL and FR sides and the RL and RR sides of the vehicle through the valve mechanism, and discharged from the pneumatic actuator 9 to adjust the relative position of the vehicle body with respect to the wheels, thereby adjusting the vehicle height.

[0039] For the valve mechanism, a solenoid valve 13 can be used. Specifically, the valve mechanism can be configured such that the compressed air generated by the compressor 11 is stored in a gas storage device 15, thereby making it possible to more stably ensure the compressed air, and the pressure of the compressed air generated by the compressor 11 and supplied to the pneumatic actuator 9 can be detected by a gas storage device pressure sensor 17 of the gas storage device 15. Therefore, the vehicle height controller 3 of the control ECU can be configured to detect the current vehicle height by the signal of the vehicle height sensor 7, and to control the compressed air generated in the compressor 11 and stored in the gas storage device 15 to be supplied to or discharged from each of the pneumatic actuators 9 in order to achieve the target vehicle height, thereby adjusting the vehicle height.

[0040] Further, the vehicle height controller 3 can be configured to selectively operate each side of the pneumatic actuators 9 of the four positions of the FL and FR sides and the RL and RR sides of the vehicle, so that the four positions of the FL and FR sides and the RL and RR sides of the vehicle can be raised or lowered respectively or in any combination. As Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the weight estimation unit 5 can include a vehicle height adjustment time measuring unit 5-1, a storage unit 5-2 and a comparison determining unit 5-3. In other words, when the vehicle body is raised or lowered by the vehicle height controller 3, the time required to raise or lower the vehicle body or the running speed of the vehicle body can be measured by the vehicle height adjustment time measuring unit 5-1; the required time or the running speed can be compared with the reference data stored in the storage unit 5-2 by the comparison determining unit 5-3, so as to estimate the vehicle weight.

[0041] Specifically, the "running speed" can be obtained in the following manner. First, the amount of change in the vehicle height raised or lowered by the vehicle height controller 3 can be measured by the vehicle height sensor 7. Next, the measured amount of change in the vehicle height is divided by the required time measured by the vehicle height adjustment time measuring unit 5-1, so that the running speed of the raising or lowering of the vehicle can be obtained. Therefore, in the application of the present application, the required time and the running speed can be practically used in almost the same concept, and thus they are described in alternative expressions as described above.

[0042] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The principle of the present application is shown, in which the change in the speed of the raising of the vehicle height and the speed of the lowering of the vehicle height performed by the vehicle height adjustment device 1 using the pneumatic actuators 9 is represented as a function of the pressure supplied to the pneumatic actuators 9 as the vehicle weight increases. Referring to Figure 5A , as the vehicle weight increases (1 up and 5 up represent the empty weight and the maximum weight, respectively), the speed of the raising of the vehicle height performed by the vehicle height adjustment device 1 decreases, and for the same weight of the vehicle, it can be seen that the higher the pressure supplied to the pneumatic actuators 9, the faster the speed of the raising of the vehicle height.

[0043] Referring to Figure 5BAs the vehicle weight increases (1up and 5up respectively indicate the empty weight and the maximum weight), the speed of the vehicle height lowering performed by the vehicle height adjusting device 1 increases, and for the same weight of the vehicle, the higher the pressure supplied to the pneumatic actuator 9, the slower the speed of the vehicle height lowering. Specifically, it can be seen that the difference in the corresponding speed of the vehicle height lowering is smaller than the difference in the corresponding speed of the vehicle height raising when the same pressure difference is supplied to the pneumatic actuator 9. In other words, when the vehicle body is lowered, the pressure difference supplied to the pneumatic actuator 9 does not significantly affect the speed of the vehicle height lowering.

[0044] In addition, when comparing Figure 5A and Figure 5B , it can be seen that the magnitude of the speed of the vehicle height lowering is greater than the magnitude of the speed of the vehicle height raising for the same level of change in the vehicle body weight. The present application utilizes such a principle that, as the vehicle weight changes, each of the speed of the vehicle height raising and the speed of the vehicle height lowering performed by the vehicle height adjusting device 1 changes, and the required time also changes, as described above.

[0045] Specifically, the concept of estimating the vehicle weight by the comparison determining unit 5-3 comparing the measured required time with the reference data will be described by the following Equation 1.

[0046] Equation 1:

[0047]

[0048] wherein the estimated increased weight refers to the increased weight with respect to the empty weight of the vehicle being raised or lowered.

[0049] In addition, the maximum weight generally refers to the maximum weight that can be added to the corresponding vehicle, and the corresponding value can be freely set according to the vehicle or the development intention.

[0050] is the time required to raise or lower the vehicle height of the vehicle whose weight is to be estimated by the vehicle height controller 3 when the air pressure of the air reservoir 15 of the vehicle height adjusting device 1 is Px, and represents the value measured by the vehicle height adjusting time measuring unit 5-1.

[0051] Here,

[0052] Further, may be: the time required to raise or lower the vehicle height in the same interval as the measurement of the vehicle whose weight is to be estimated is in the state of the maximum weight when the air pressure of the air reservoir 15 of the vehicle height adjusting device 1 is Px.

[0053] In addition, may be: when the air pressure of the air reservoir 15 of the vehicle height adjusting device 1 is Px, the time required to raise or lower the vehicle height in the same interval as the measurement of the vehicle in the state of the empty weight to be estimated.

[0054] Specifically, for example, when the internal pressure of the air reservoir 15 is about 16 bar, it can be assumed that the time required to raise the vehicle height from the lowest vehicle height position 00 mm to a preset vehicle height position of about 30 mm in the state of the empty weight of about 1500 kg is about 4 seconds, and it can be assumed that the time required to raise the vehicle height from the lowest vehicle height position 00 mm to a preset vehicle height position of about 30 mm in the state of the maximum weight of about 2500 kg is about 60 seconds.

[0055] Specifically, 56 seconds (60 seconds - 4 seconds), when the vehicle to be estimated is raised from the initial vehicle height position 00 mm to the preset vehicle height position 30 mm in 20 seconds, the estimated increased weight of the corresponding vehicle is (20 - 4) / 56 x 1000 kg = 285 kg, and the vehicle weight estimation is 1500 kg + 285 kg = 1785 kg.

[0056] Specifically, and corresponding to the reference data pre-stored in the storage unit 5-2 of the weight estimation unit 5, and as described above, the values measured when raising or lowering the vehicle height in the same interval as the measurement will be most preferably stored in the storage unit 5-2.

[0057] When the chamber pressure inside the pneumatic actuator 9 is higher due to a higher initial vehicle height, it can take a considerable amount of time to raise the vehicle height and a relatively short amount of time to lower the vehicle height due to the effects of elastic deformation of the chamber and the like. When the chamber pressure is lower due to a lower initial vehicle height, it can take a relatively short amount of time to raise the vehicle height and a considerable amount of time to lower the vehicle height. This is because the time required to raise and lower the vehicle height by the same height difference measured according to the initial position of the vehicle height is different.

[0058] Therefore, as described above, the reference data pre-measured through experiments in the same interval as the interval in which the vehicle height is raised and lowered to estimate the vehicle weight is pre-stored in the storage unit 5-2. However, since the initial vehicle height position before adjusting the vehicle height to estimate the vehicle weight can be in different situations such as high, default, low, and the like, the pressure of the vehicle height adjusting device 1 can be different, and thus for all possible situations in which the vehicle height is raised and lowered to estimate the weight, the above-described and The storage unit 5-2 can need excessive space.

[0059] Therefore, first, the basic and Next, before adjusting the vehicle height to estimate the vehicle weight, the basic and can be multiplied by a gain obtained by experiment and stored according to the position of the initial vehicle height. Thus, the appropriate values changed above can be used. and The gain can be multiplied by a gain obtained by experiment and stored according to the position of the initial vehicle height. Thus, the appropriate values changed above can be used.

[0060] When the vehicle height control for estimating the vehicle weight is started after initializing the vehicle height to the same position as the measured and stored in the storage unit 5-2, the method of measuring when adjusting the vehicle height on the same interval can be used.

[0061] In addition, in the process of calculating the estimated vehicle weight value by comparing the required time or running speed with the preset reference data, the weight estimation unit 5 can be configured to calculate the estimated vehicle weight value by reflecting variables such as the friction force, temperature, and cross-sectional area of the chamber inside the pneumatic actuator 9. In estimating the vehicle weight as described above, it is assumed that there is a linear relationship between the pressure supplied to the pneumatic actuator 9 and the time required to raise or lower the vehicle body, but the friction force, temperature, and cross-sectional area of the chamber inside the pneumatic actuator 9 can also exhibit a nonlinear relationship.

[0062] In other words, when the friction force applied to each part of the pneumatic actuator 9 is different, a nonlinear relationship can be exhibited. In addition, when the internal temperature of the pneumatic actuator 9 is not constant, a change in pressure can occur, and thus a nonlinear relationship can also be exhibited in this case. Furthermore, when the cross-sectional area of the chamber inside the pneumatic actuator 9 changes under pressure due to the raising or lowering of the vehicle, the time required to raise or lower the vehicle and the pressure can exhibit a nonlinear relationship. Therefore, when there are variables (e.g., the friction force, temperature, cross-sectional area of the chamber inside the pneumatic actuator 9, etc.) that exhibit a nonlinear relationship as described above, a more appropriate estimation of the vehicle weight can be achieved by calculating the influence according to the linear relationship to reflect the influence in the calculation of the estimated vehicle weight value.

[0063] The weight estimation unit 5 can be configured to measure the time required to raise the vehicle body or the running speed of the vehicle body, and measure the time required to lower the vehicle body or the running speed of the vehicle body; compare the time required to raise the vehicle body or the running speed of the vehicle body with reference data, and calculate a first estimated vehicle weight value according to a preset calculation criterion; and compare the time required to lower the vehicle body or the running speed of the vehicle body with reference data, and calculate a second estimated vehicle weight value according to a preset calculation criterion. In addition, the weight estimation unit 5 can be configured to calculate a final estimated vehicle weight value by applying a preset weight to the first estimated vehicle weight value and the second estimated vehicle weight value, respectively. Specifically, the weight can be set so that the second estimated vehicle weight value has a greater influence than the first estimated vehicle weight value.

[0064] The following is the reason for applying the above-described preset weight. As the vehicle body weight increases, the speed of raising the vehicle body slows down, and the speed of lowering the vehicle body increases. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, according to the change in the vehicle body weight, the change in the speed of lowering is greater than the change in the speed of raising. Therefore, it is easier and more accurate to distinguish the change in the vehicle weight by the time required to lower the vehicle body. In addition, since the pressure difference provided to the pneumatic actuator 9 at the time of lowering the vehicle body has the least influence on the speed of lowering, the time required to lower the vehicle body can be used to more accurately estimate the weight of the vehicle body. Figure 5A Figure 5B As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, according to the change in the vehicle body weight, the change in the speed of lowering is greater than the change in the speed of raising. Therefore, it is easier and more accurate to distinguish the change in the vehicle weight by the time required to lower the vehicle body. In addition, since the pressure difference provided to the pneumatic actuator 9 at the time of lowering the vehicle body has the least influence on the speed of lowering, the time required to lower the vehicle body can be used to more accurately estimate the weight of the vehicle body.

[0065] With reference to Figure 6 , the method of estimating the vehicle weight by the vehicle height adjustment device of the present application includes steps S10 and S20, the step S10 raises or lowers the FL side and the FR side and the RL side and the RR side of the vehicle body by the vehicle height controller 3 operating the vehicle height adjustment device 1; the step S20 measures the time required to raise or lower the vehicle body or the running speed of the vehicle body, so as to calculate an estimated vehicle weight value by comparing the required time or the running speed with the preset reference data. In other words, the vehicle height controller 3 can be configured to measure the time required to raise or lower the vehicle height when raising or lowering the vehicle height by the vehicle height adjustment device 1, and compare the required time with the reference data, so as to calculate the vehicle weight.

[0066] ​Further, as described above, when the vehicle weight is estimated by comparing the time required to raise or lower the vehicle height with reference data, the pressure of the air reservoir 15 supplied to the pneumatic actuator 9 can be provided by the air reservoir pressure sensor 17, and information on the initial position of the vehicle height for the vehicle height control used to estimate the vehicle weight can be received from the vehicle height sensor 7. Thus, the vehicle weight can be calculated based on the respective situations by selecting appropriate reference data or multiplying by a gain, thereby enabling more accurate estimation of the vehicle weight.

[0067] Meanwhile, Figure 6 The vehicle weight estimation of the present application is shown as being performed while the vehicle is in a running state. However, the vehicle height adjusting device 1 can operate even when the vehicle engine is started, i.e., even if the vehicle is parked, so that the vehicle weight estimation can be performed. When the vehicle height adjusting device 1 is configured to use a pneumatic actuator, in calculating the predicted vehicle weight value by comparing the time or running speed required with preset reference data, the predicted vehicle weight value can be calculated by reflecting variables of the friction, temperature, and cross-sectional area of the chamber inside the pneumatic actuator.

[0068] The step S20 of calculating the predicted vehicle weight value can include measuring the time required to raise the vehicle body or the running speed of the vehicle body, and measuring the time required to lower the vehicle body or the running speed of the vehicle body; calculating a first predicted value according to a preset calculation criterion by comparing the time or running speed required to raise the vehicle body with reference data; and calculating a second predicted value according to the preset calculation criterion by comparing the time or running speed required to lower the vehicle body with reference data.

[0069] In addition, a preset weight can be applied to the first predicted vehicle weight value and the second predicted vehicle weight value, respectively, so that a final predicted vehicle weight value can be calculated. Specifically, the weight can be set such that the second predicted vehicle weight value has a greater influence than the first predicted vehicle weight value. As described above, since the variation range of the lowering speed is greater than that of the raising speed, it is easier and more accurate to distinguish the change in the vehicle weight by the time required to lower the vehicle body.

[0070] Referring to Figure 7In the method for estimating the weight of the vehicle using the vehicle height adjusting apparatus of the present application in the step S10 of raising or lowering the vehicle body, the FL side and the FR side and the RL side and the RR side of the vehicle body are sequentially raised or lowered in a predetermined combination; and in the step S20 of calculating the estimated weight value of the vehicle, the method can include measuring the time required or the running speed, respectively, while sequentially raising or lowering in the predetermined combination, and comparing the measured time required or the running speed, respectively, with preset reference data, thereby calculating the weight distribution of the FL side and the FR side and the RL side and the RR side of the vehicle.

[0071] In the step S10 of raising or lowering the vehicle body, one of the combinations of the FL side and the FR side and the RL side and the RR side of the vehicle body can be first raised or lowered, and then the other combination of the vehicle body can be raised or lowered. Also, one of the combinations of the FL side and the RL side and the FR side and the RR side of the vehicle body can be first raised or lowered, and then the other combination of the vehicle body can be raised or lowered, or the two combinations can be sequentially performed. In other words, the first combination can be first raised or lowered, and then the second combination can be raised or lowered.

[0072] In other words, the vehicle height controller 3 can be configured to: 1) first raise or lower one of the combinations of the FL side and the FR side and the RL side and the RR side of the vehicle body, and then raise or lower the other combination of the vehicle body; 2) first raise or lower one of the combinations of the FL side and the RL side and the FR side and the RR side of the vehicle body, and then raise or lower the other combination of the vehicle body; or 3) sequentially perform all of the above combinations. At the same time, the vehicle height controller 3 can be configured to operate the weight estimating unit 5 to measure the time required to raise or lower each combination or the running speed of each combination, and compare the time required and the running speed, respectively, with reference data. Accordingly, the weight distribution state of the FL side and the FR side and the RL side and the RR side of the vehicle can be estimated. As a reference, for the vehicle in the driving and parking states, the weight distribution state of the vehicle can be sufficiently estimated in the same manner as described above.

[0073] The exemplary embodiments of the present application are not realized only by the above-described apparatus and / or method. Although the exemplary embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above, the scope of the rights of the present application is not limited thereto, but various modifications and improvements thereof using the basic idea of the present application as defined in the appended claims also belong to the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A device for estimating vehicle weight using a vehicle height adjustment device, comprising: The vehicle height adjustment device is configured to raise and lower the vehicle body to four positions: the left front side, the right front side, the left rear side, and the right rear side. A vehicle height controller configured to operate the vehicle height adjustment device to raise or lower the left front and right front sides, and the left rear and right rear sides of the vehicle body; and The weight estimation unit is configured to measure the time required to raise or lower the vehicle body or the vehicle body's operating speed, and to calculate the estimated vehicle weight value by comparing the required time or operating speed with preset reference data. The weight estimation unit is configured as follows: Measure the time required to raise the vehicle body or the vehicle body's operating speed, and the time required to lower the vehicle body or the vehicle body's operating speed; The time required to raise the vehicle body or the vehicle body's operating speed is compared with reference data to calculate the first estimated vehicle weight value according to preset calculation criteria. The time required to lower the vehicle body or the vehicle's operating speed is compared with reference data to calculate a second estimated vehicle weight value based on preset calculation criteria. The final estimated vehicle weight value is calculated by applying preset weights to the first estimated vehicle weight value and the second estimated vehicle weight value, respectively. The preset weight is set so that the second predicted vehicle weight value has a greater impact than the first predicted vehicle weight value.

2. The device for estimating vehicle weight using a vehicle height adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein, The weight estimation unit is configured as follows: Measure the time or running speed required when the left front and right front sides and the left rear and right rear sides of the vehicle are raised or lowered in sequence according to a predetermined combination. The time or operating speed required for a predetermined combination is compared with preset reference data to calculate the weight distribution on the left front and right front sides, as well as the left rear and right rear sides of the vehicle.

3. The apparatus for estimating vehicle weight using a vehicle height adjustment device according to claim 2, wherein, The vehicle height controller is configured to first raise or lower one of the combinations of the left front and right front sides of the vehicle body and the left rear and right rear sides, and then raise or lower the other of the combinations of the left front and right front sides of the vehicle body and the left rear and right rear sides.

4. The apparatus for estimating vehicle weight using a vehicle height adjustment device according to claim 2, wherein, The vehicle height controller is configured to first raise or lower one of the combinations of the left front and left rear sides of the vehicle body and the right front and right rear sides, and then raise or lower the other of the combinations of the left front and left rear sides of the vehicle body and the right front and right rear sides.

5. The apparatus for estimating vehicle weight using a vehicle height adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein, The vehicle height adjustment device includes: Pneumatic actuators, which are installed on each of the left front and right front sides of the vehicle and on each of the left rear and right rear sides of the vehicle, to adjust the relative position of the vehicle body with respect to the wheels by means of compressed air. A compressor configured to generate compressed air for supplying the pneumatic actuator; and A valve mechanism that regulates the compressed air flow path between the compressor and the pneumatic actuator.

6. The apparatus for estimating vehicle weight using a vehicle height adjustment device according to claim 5, wherein, When calculating the expected vehicle weight value by comparing the required time or operating speed with preset reference data, the weight estimation unit is configured to calculate the expected vehicle weight value by using variables that reflect the friction, temperature and chamber cross-sectional area inside the pneumatic actuator.

7. The apparatus for estimating vehicle weight using a vehicle height adjustment device according to claim 5, wherein, When calculating the expected vehicle weight value by comparing the required time or operating speed with preset reference data, the weight estimation unit is configured to calculate the expected vehicle weight value by taking into account the vehicle height at the time required to start measuring the raising or lowering of the vehicle body or the vehicle body's operating speed.

8. The apparatus for estimating vehicle weight using a vehicle height adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein, The vehicle height adjustment device includes: An electric actuator, mounted on each of the left front and right front sides of the vehicle and on each of the left rear and right rear sides of the vehicle, to adjust the relative position of the vehicle body with respect to the wheels; and A battery configured to store the power supplied to the electric actuator.

9. A method for estimating vehicle weight using a vehicle height adjustment device, comprising: The controller raises or lowers the left and right front sides, as well as the left and right rear sides of the vehicle body by operating the vehicle height adjustment device. The controller calculates the expected vehicle weight by measuring the time required to raise or lower the vehicle body or the vehicle body's operating speed, and by comparing the required time or operating speed with preset reference data. The calculation of the estimated vehicle weight includes: The controller measures the time or speed required to raise the vehicle body and the time or speed required to lower the vehicle body. The controller calculates the first estimated vehicle weight value based on preset calculation criteria by comparing the time or operating speed required to raise the vehicle body with reference data. The controller calculates a second estimated vehicle weight value based on preset calculation criteria by comparing the time or operating speed required to lower the vehicle body with reference data. The preset weights are applied to the first estimated vehicle weight value and the second estimated vehicle weight value respectively to calculate the final estimated vehicle weight value; The preset weight is set so that the second predicted vehicle weight value has a greater impact than the first predicted vehicle weight value.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: When raising or lowering the vehicle body, the left front side, right front side, left rear side, and right rear side of the vehicle body are raised or lowered in sequence according to a predetermined combination; When calculating the expected vehicle weight, the required time or operating speed is measured when the vehicle is raised or lowered in a predetermined combination. The weight distribution on the left front and right front sides, as well as the left rear and right rear sides of the vehicle, is calculated by comparing the time or operating speed required for a predetermined combination with preset reference data.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, First, raise or lower one of the combinations of the left front and right front sides of the vehicle body and the left rear and right rear sides, then raise or lower the other of the combinations of the left front and right front sides of the vehicle body and the left rear and right rear sides.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein, First, raise or lower one of the combinations of the left front and left rear sides of the vehicle body, and the right front and right rear sides. Then raise or lower the other of the combinations of the left front and left rear sides of the vehicle body, and the right front and right rear sides.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein, When a pneumatic actuator is used in a vehicle height adjustment device, the expected vehicle weight value is calculated by comparing the required time or operating speed with preset reference data, and the expected vehicle weight value is calculated by reflecting variables such as friction, temperature and chamber cross-sectional area inside the pneumatic actuator.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein, When calculating the expected vehicle weight value by comparing the required time or operating speed with preset reference data, the expected vehicle weight value is calculated based on the vehicle height at the time required to start measuring the raising or lowering of the vehicle body or the vehicle body's operating speed.

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