System for checking the operating status of components on a vehicle and operating status checking method

Abstract

A system for checking the operating state of a component on a vehicle (5), in particular a commercial vehicle, comprising: a detection device (10) which detects information in the form of a data set in a defined area on the vehicle, the data set being in particular an image data set, the defined area comprising the component to be checked, and an evaluation device (20) provided with the data set, wherein the evaluation device (20) is configured to determine the operating state of the component based on the detected data set, wherein the detection device (10) is arranged outside the vehicle (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a system for checking the operating state of a component on a vehicle and a method for checking the operating state. Background Art

[0002] It is known from the prior art that certain components of a vehicle, in particular components outside the vehicle, can have different operating states. For example, the vehicle is a commercial vehicle, in particular a semitrailer tractor, wherein locking devices are provided on the trailer, in particular on the semitrailer, which should be closed when driving, for example locking devices for locking doors or locking devices on the fifth wheel. Usually, the driver of the commercial vehicle or the vehicle checks whether all locking devices are correctly closed before starting or continuing to drive. Furthermore, the prior art is familiar with devices that automatically or actively transmit signals or information that provide information about, for example, the current operating state of the locking devices.

[0003] EP 1 088 286 B1 proposes a roadside inspection device which detects number plates in order to use them for toll collection purposes. Summary of the invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to determine the operating state of a component desired for driving, wherein in particular compared with the methods known in the prior art, this determination is simplified and less time-consuming. In addition, existing vehicles should also be able to use a corresponding system to check the operating state.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, a system for checking the operating state of a component on a vehicle, in particular on a commercial vehicle, is provided, the system comprising: a detection device for detecting information in the form of a data set, in particular an image data set, in a defined area on the vehicle, the defined area comprising the component to be checked; and an evaluation device provided with the data set, the evaluation device being configured to determine the operating state of the component based on the detected data set, wherein the detection device is arranged outside the vehicle. Compared to the systems for checking the operating state known in the prior art, i.e. visual detection by a user or by means of a device that transmits information directly from the vehicle to the driver, the detection device provided according to the invention is designed or arranged outside the vehicle. In particular, the detection device is aligned or designed so that the detection device detects a vehicle passing the detection device in order to detect a data set, which is then forwarded to the evaluation device in order to evaluate the corresponding passively detected data set. For this purpose, the evaluation device comprises, for example, a microprocessor, which is designed, in particular programmed or configured, to determine the operating state of the corresponding component based on the detected data set. For example, the component is a loading surface of a dump truck, wherein it is determined whether the tippable loading surface is inclined or aligned in a manner substantially parallel to the road as desired for the driving situation. It is also conceivable to determine the operating state of a lifting axle, i.e. an axle that can be lifted when the vehicle is under low load. Here, the lifting axle is the component to be checked. The detection device is preferably a camera, which captures one or more images of a defined area, in particular one or more images of a partial area of ​​the external view of the vehicle. It is also conceivable to provide a detection device for detecting light of other wavelengths or other spectral ranges, such as an infrared camera, for detecting components. For example, the camera captures images in the visible and infrared spectral regions. For example, in brakes, in particular in disc brakes, infrared optics can be used to determine the temperature. For this purpose, for example, when the wheel axle passes through the trigger, an infrared image of the brake disc can be detected with infrared optics in order to detect possible different temperatures of the individual brakes of the vehicle, or to detect whether a defined temperature value is exceeded. In addition, it is conceivable that the detection device and / or the evaluation device is configured to cut out a partial area from the detected image data set, which the evaluation device then uses for evaluation to determine the operating state. Parts of the information in the image data set that cannot provide the operating state to be checked can be deleted. It is also conceivable that the image data set undergoes a preparation step before the evaluation. For example, in such a preparation step, the image data set is transformed into a common coordinate system in order to take into account that individual vehicles may pass the detection device at different angles. Thus, possible distortions in the detection of the image data set are already compensated in this preparation step. Furthermore, preferably, the evaluation device is centralized or part of a network. For example, it is desirable that a plurality of detection devices share the evaluation device arranged on a network server. For example, the evaluation device is part of a network in which a plurality of servers are interconnected in order to identify the operating state.Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that the evaluation device is configured to recognize the type of the respective component. It is therefore desirable that the type of the detected component is first recognized in an identification step before the operating state checking step. In this way, any differences in the respective types of the individual components can be taken into account. For example, the position of the safety lever for the unlocking lever on the fifth wheel differs from type to type, so that only the model name of the respective fifth wheel can be used to determine whether the fifth wheel is in the open state, the partially open state, the locked state or the unlocked state. The commercial trailer or commercial vehicle is in particular a trailer with a permissible total mass of at least 7.51 tons, preferably at least 10.1 tons and particularly preferably at least 15.1 tons.

[0006] In addition, it is particularly preferred that the detection device detects a solid angle of at least 90°, preferably at least 120° and particularly preferably at least 150°. In particular, the detection device is designed or arranged so that the entire side of the vehicle is detected as much as possible. In this way, certain boundaries or edges of the side of the vehicle can be advantageously used as references, in particular in order to use these boundaries or edges accordingly in the case of possible distortion correction. Preferably, the detection device is arranged on one side relative to the road on which the monitored vehicle is traveling, so as to detect the side view and / or rear view of the vehicle. Preferably, the detection device detects two data sets with a time delay, one of which is from the side view and the other is from the rear view. It is also conceivable that, for example, multiple detection devices are placed on the road in order to monitor the two side views of the vehicle. Optionally, the detection device can also be embedded in the road before and after the sensor area, for example to create an all-round image of the vehicle. For example, changes (for example damage) of the body and / or the light frame can be detected by comparing them with the target contour of the vehicle, that is, detection is performed in terms of the length, width and / or height of the vehicle or articulated truck. For example, by using an infrared camera, damage to the insulation of a refrigerated compartment and / or an open hatch can also be detected, since the infrared image here would be offset from the rest of the vehicle side.

[0007] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the detection device is arranged at the height of the component to be monitored or detected in order to detect an image which is as undistorted as possible.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the component comprises a locking device. As a result, it is advantageously possible to check, for example, the locking state of hatches and / or doors on the fifth wheel trailer, the locking state on the fifth wheel, or the locking state of fastening and tensioning belts. Particularly advantageously, it can be determined by the device for checking the operating state whether the vehicle is correctly locked or closed. For example, the detection device captures at least an image portion representing the locking device, and the evaluation device detects, based on the captured image, whether a locking state exists or whether, for example, a rear door or a tarpaulin of the trailer is not correctly locked or closed.

[0009] Preferably, the component is at least partially modified. In particular, the component is modified so that it is easier to identify by the detection device and / or the evaluation device than the unmodified component. The modification of the component can be realized by an indicator element or area, for example, with a color marking, with a reflector and / or with an LED. For example, the locking device is polished and / or provided with a label that facilitates identification. Compared with expensive upgrading measures, in this case, for example, it is only necessary to set the label in a specific color or with a specific code (in particular QR code and / or barcode), and the position and / or type of the respective label is detected by the detection device or the evaluation device based on the recognized color code or barcode. It is also conceivable that the corresponding identification is engraved or painted on the component element.

[0010] According to another embodiment, it is desirable that the detection device is fixed. For example, the detection device is embedded in a column of an automated logistics yard, a service station or a gas station, or is arranged in a beam above the road (e.g. an arch at a yard or a fleet exit) to form in particular a sensor bridge. In particular, a sensor bridge is a system consisting of a plurality of detection devices. In particular, commercial vehicles are forced to pass such a sensor bridge or "gate". It is also conceivable that the detection device is embedded in the ground on which the vehicle is traveling.

[0011] Preferably, such a detection device is coupled, for example, to a barrier system that a vehicle must pass in order to leave a parking lot or a parking garage. Thus, a short standing or waiting time in front of the barrier can be advantageously used to detect the data set. For this purpose, the detection device is advantageously coupled to a functional part of the barrier system. For example, the detection device starts detecting when the barrier system detects that a vehicle has stopped in front of the barrier system.

[0012] Advantageously, the evaluation device is configured to determine the operating state of the component in a type-independent manner based on the locking state.

[0013] According to an alternative embodiment, the detection device can also be mobile, for example, it is placed on a moving or flying drone. Thus, for example, flexible all-round filming of the vehicle can be achieved and it helps to detect parts that are originally difficult to see.

[0014] Preferably, the system comprises a communication device. For example, the communication device informs the vehicle user of the presence of an operating state that is not suitable for the driving conditions. For this purpose, the communication device communicates, for example, with an on-board computer in the vehicle. It is also conceivable that the detection device detects the registration number of the vehicle, or detects a mark for identifying the owner of the commercial vehicle, and informs the driver or owner of the fault, for example by means of a message (e.g., a text message), for example by contacting a corresponding mobile phone whose telephone number is stored together with the registration number of the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the detection device and / or the roadblock system is designed to emit a warning signal, in particular an acoustic or visual warning signal, when an operating state that is undesirable for the driving state is detected.

[0015] Preferably, the evaluation device is connected to a network. In particular, the evaluation device accesses a corresponding database in the network for identification and / or determination of the operating state. For example, by detecting a license plate or registration number, the vehicle can be relatively easily distinguished, identified and confirmed. If the license plate number is obtained, the vehicle can be relatively easily distinguished, identified and confirmed. If the vehicle has passed the detection device, changes in the vehicle body (e.g. damage) can be detected, and an automatic maintenance message can be sent to the maintenance personnel. For this purpose, for example, software specifically used to evaluate the data set from the detection device is synchronized with external software so that images from other vehicles that have not yet passed the detection device are preferably included in the evaluation. For example, the evaluation device performs a simple comparison (before and after comparison) of the image data set detected by the detection device with the image information of the passing vehicle from the external software or database.

[0016] In this way, the evaluation device can advantageously benefit from information about the operating status stored in the network. For example, changes (eg damage) to the vehicle body or the lamp stand can be detected by comparing them with the vehicle object profile available via the network.

[0017] Particularly preferably, the evaluation device determines the operating state and / or the definition area for the detection data set by machine learning, in particular by a neural network. To this end, the evaluation device is trained in particular with corresponding training data sets so that the evaluation device learns the determination and recognition of the operating state as independently as possible. For example, a "deep learning" algorithm is used for this purpose.

[0018] Preferably, the data set, in particular the image data set, detects a temporal progression or comprises a temporal sequence of images. Within the framework of the preparatory work step, it is then conceivable that the detection device and / or the evaluation device performs a preliminary evaluation of the detected image data set and, for example, excludes from further evaluation those image data sets or those parts of the image data set which do not meet certain criteria with regard to resolution and / or contrast. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the detection device only takes into account image data sets in which the detected components, the operating state of which is to be detected, are represented as large and in as much detail as possible. Thus, the evaluation of the optimal image data set, in particular the images, is performed by a suitable preselection of the image data set.

[0019] For example, it is conceivable to switch the detection devices from a rest state to a detection state by means of a light barrier or a motion sensor, wherein the detection devices detect corresponding data sets at fixed time intervals. This reduces the energy consumption of those detection devices that are rarely passed by vehicles.

[0020] Preferably, the detection device is configured to automatically determine the detection of the image data set. For example, the detection device recognizes certain reference points on the vehicle in order to use these respective reference points to trigger the detection device. For example, thereby, the detection device can detect and preferably store a rear view of the vehicle only after the vehicle has passed the detection device. Thereby, the number of detections of the data set is reduced to a minimum, wherein in the first place no data sets that are unnecessarily detected are generated or stored. This proves to be beneficial for the service life of the detection device and advantageously reduces the number of data sets to be transmitted.

[0021] Preferably, the detection device detects further information, in particular further information which is individually associated with the vehicle, wherein the further information is preferably stored or can be stored in the storage device together with the locking state or the determined operating state. In this way, it can be advantageously detected that a specific vehicle passes the detection device at a specific time in a specific operating state at a specific location.

[0022] According to another preferred embodiment, the evaluation device is configured to identify and preferably classify components. In addition, multiple (different) components whose operating states are checked can be detected by the detected data set. For example, the detection device detects multiple components at the same time, checking the operating state of each component. In this way, it can be determined at the same time whether all operating states are in a state that allows driving operation.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the detection device is arranged at the height of the component to be monitored or detected.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment, the vehicle always passes the detection device (in particular the optical detection device) at a predetermined distance and angle to ensure the reliability of the measurement. In this case, it is desirable that the detection device is integrated in a device such as a sensor bridge and / or a roadblock area, which forces the vehicle to pass the detection device within a predetermined range. In addition, if at the same distance from the detection device, the distance between the loading edge and the road on which the vehicle is traveling is less than the distance at arrival or less than the minimum distance, an overload condition can be advantageously easily identified. Preferably, an additional detection device is used to detect a comparison data set, which is preferably compared with the data set detected by the detection device in order to detect changes between the detection of the comparison data set and the data set. To this end, for example, the additional detection device is embedded in the entrance area of ​​the logistics field, service station and / or gas station, and the detection device is embedded at the exit of the logistics field, service station and / or gas station.

[0025] Furthermore, preferably, the detection device detects or detects the rear of the vehicle, in particular a semitrailer. In an alternative or additional embodiment, a side view of the trailer or vehicle is detected. For example, by means of such a side view, a safety bar on the fifth wheel can be detected in order to determine whether the safety bar is fixed or the unlocking bar is unlocked. Furthermore, the side view can be used, for example, to compare the loading status with the loading list. The distance between the loading edge and the road can be used to detect an overload situation. Optionally, the weight can also be measured with a scale and associated to a specific vehicle by comparing it with the detected registration number.

[0026] Another object of the invention is a method for determining the operating state of a component of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, the vehicle having a system for checking the operating state of a component on the vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: (a) detecting information in the form of a data set, which is present in a defined area on the vehicle, and (b) providing the data set to an evaluation device, and (c) determining the operating state of the component by the evaluation device based on the detected data set, wherein the detection device is arranged outside the vehicle. All advantages and features described for the system can be transferred analogously to the method and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Further advantages and features result from the following description of preferred embodiments of the object according to the invention with reference to the attached drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 A system for inspecting vehicle components according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 A fifth wheel suitable for a method for testing a component according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 3 shows a rear view of a trailer suitable for a method for inspecting a component according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0031] Figure 4 A rear view of a trailer suitable for use in a method for inspecting a component according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1A system for checking the operating state of components on a vehicle 5 according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. In the example shown, the vehicle 5 is an articulated vehicle with a tractor unit 6 and a semitrailer 7. Such a vehicle 5 comprises a plurality of components that can be in different operating states. An example of such a component is a lifting axle 9, which is, for example, part of the semitrailer 7 and differs from the other axles 8 of the semitrailer in that the lifting axle 9 can be raised when the load is low, in order to minimize its wear. It has proven to be particularly advantageous that the load conditions do not require all axles 8 to be in contact with the ground, i.e., the lifting axle 9 does not need to be in contact with the ground. Another component is, for example, a locking system, with which the loading area of ​​the semitrailer 7 can be closed. It is desirable that, for a system for checking the operating state, the operating state of individual components on the vehicle 5 is checked even when the vehicle 5 has started to drive, i.e., not only during the preparation phase or the rest period. For example, it can still be determined that an unexpectedly entered, particularly undesirable operating state is maintained during the driving state of the vehicle 5. An essential component of such a system is a detection device 10, which preferably detects information in the form of a data set in a defined area of ​​the vehicle 5, which defines the area, in particular, including the components. For example, the detection device 10 is at least one camera that detects one image or a plurality of images in the form of an image sequence from the vehicle 5, in particular from the component whose operating state is to be checked. For example, such a detection device 10 is mounted on an arch 4, through which a truck or vehicle 5 must pass when leaving a yard or a defined area. In particular, the detection device 10 is arranged in the middle of the road or towards the road. Thus, any distortion can be avoided or minimized when detecting the image data set. It is also conceivable to place the detection device 10 on one side of the road so as to also detect the side view of the vehicle 5. In addition, it is conceivable that, for example, the detection device 10 can be switched between a detection state and a rest state. Preferably, other sensors, such as motion sensors and / or light barriers, are provided to detect the presence of the vehicle 5 in order to switch the detection device 10 from the rest state to the detection state. It is also conceivable to couple a roadblock to the detection device 10 so that the detection device 10 is in a detection state or a rest state depending on the state of the roadblock, wherein advantageously, the detection device 10 can be switched to a rest state periodically to save energy. Preferably, the detection device 10 is arranged more than 3 meters above the road surface. Thus, the detection device 10 can detect an image data set of the vehicle 5 from above. In addition to the detection device 10, the system preferably comprises an evaluation device 20 to which the data set is provided. For example, the data set is provided via a wired connection or a wireless connection, such as via Bluetooth or WLAN. The evaluation device 20 then evaluates the detected data set. For this purpose, the evaluation device 20 is configured to determine the operating state of the component based on the data set detected from the vehicle 5. In particular, the evaluation device 20 compares the operating state determined in the data set with the stored or archived information of the corresponding component.Therefore, the evaluation device 20 is configured to identify the corresponding component and preferably associate it with the corresponding type. After the identification step, it is determined whether the identified component is in a normal operating state for the driving state or the resting state of the vehicle. For this purpose, the evaluation device 20 preferably accesses a database and / or a network 50, on the basis of which the evaluation device 20 can determine the operating state. Particularly preferably, the evaluation device 20 uses a neural network, in particular a machine learning process to identify the component and / or its operating state. For this purpose, the evaluation device 20 is particularly preferably trained with the corresponding data sets from the detection device 10 and / or the network 50 it contains. Through these training data sets, the rich experience of the evaluation device can be optimized so that the operating state can be identified as error-free as possible. Preferably, the determined operating state is stored in the storage device 30, for example, together with other information about the vehicle 5, which is particularly preferably individual. For example, the evaluated operating state is stored together with the license plate or license plate number on the vehicle. Further preferably, the system includes a communication device 40. If, for example, an operating state that is not expected for the driving state is identified on the vehicle 5, the communication device 40 preferably automatically contacts the vehicle. For example, the communication device 40 transmits a corresponding error message to an onboard computer of the vehicle 5, in particular to an onboard computer of the traction unit 6 of an articulated vehicle. The driver is thus informed in a timely manner, in particular in good time, of the presence of a possible fault situation. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the communication device 40 communicates with a corresponding barrier system or a corresponding barrier, so that the vehicle 5 is only allowed to continue its travel when the communication device 40 gives permission. Thus, the risk is minimized in the case where the vehicle 5 continues or starts to travel despite an operating state that is not desired for this driving state. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that an acoustic and / or optical warning message is emitted when an operating state that is not desired for driving is detected. For example, corresponding means are provided for emitting a warning signal at the detection device 10 and / or at the arch 4 in order to inform the user or driver of the vehicle 5 of the fault situation.

[0034] For example, an example of an operating state that is undesirable for the driving state is an open locking device 22. However, it is also conceivable that the operating state checked is the state of the lifting axle 9. Therefore, it can be determined by the detection device 10 and the evaluation device 20 whether the lifting axle 9 is in a raised state, in which the lifting axle is at a distance from the road, or in a lowered state, in which the lifting axle 9 is in contact with the road surface. It is further conceivable that, in addition to the detection device 10, additional sensor devices are provided, which are used, for example, to detect the weight of the articulated truck in order to determine whether the lifting axle 9 is suitable for being in a raised state or a lowered state based on the weight. Therefore, this supplementary information can be used to determine whether the operating state hinders continued driving or is consistent with the intended operation of the vehicle. In addition to the locking state of the lifting axle 9 or the vehicle 5, it is conceivable to use the detection device 10 to determine, for example, the tipping state of a tipping vehicle, i.e. a vehicle with a tipping loading surface. For example, it can be determined whether the loading surface of the vehicle 5 is inclined or essentially parallel to the road.

[0035] Figure 2 A fifth wheel 11 suitable for a method for checking a component according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. In the example shown, it is a fifth wheel 11 with a coupling plate 12, by means of which a connection is usually realized between a tractor unit 6 and a semitrailer 7. In order to fix the kingpin of the semitrailer to the tractor unit, the kingpin is inserted into a slot-shaped opening of the coupling plate 12 and fixed by means of an unlocking lever 13, in particular by means of an automatic lock with an unlocking lever. In addition to the unlocking lever 13, a safety lever 14 is provided to prevent the unlocking lever 13 from being accidentally moved and to prevent the kingpin from coming loose. By means of the detection device 10, the respective orientation of the safety lever 14 can be determined; in particular, the safety lever 14 is tilted about an axis substantially parallel to the road when the safety lever 14 is transferred to a state in which the unlocking lever 13 can be actuated. By means of the detection device 10, it is advantageously also possible to determine by means of the evaluation device 20 which state the safety lever 14 is in. If the safety lever 14 is in a lowered state, the unlocking lever 13 is unlocked. This state is not expected for the driving state, so if the evaluation device 20 detects this situation, a message can be sent to the vehicle, for example.

[0036] Figure 3 A rear view of a semitrailer 7 is shown. Such a view can be used, for example, for the method for inspecting a component according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. In the image shown, which is detected, for example, by the detection device 10, a locking device 21 can be seen at the rear of the semitrailer 7, by which a door for releasing or closing the loading compartment can be locked. In particular, in the embodiment shown, the locking device on the left is closed, while the locking device on the right is open. By means of the detection device 10, it is advantageously possible to also determine by means of the evaluation device 20 that the right locking device is open.

[0037] Figure 4 A rear view of another semitrailer 7 is shown, which is suitable for the method for checking components according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The semitrailer 7 shown here is a loading space closed by a tarpaulin. On the lower side, i.e. at the end of the tarpaulin facing the vehicle frame, corresponding ring-shaped and / or eyelet-shaped devices are provided here, by which the tarpaulin can be attached to the vehicle frame. By means of the detection device 10 and the evaluation device 20, it can be advantageously determined whether those locking devices consisting of eyelets and rings are open or closed. Thereby, it can be advantageously determined whether one of the systems for closing or fastening the tarpaulin to the vehicle body is open. For example, it is conceivable that if a plurality or a prescribed number of rings and eyelets are not closed, the evaluation device 20 instructs the communication device 40 to send information to the driver of the vehicle 5, so that the driver is notified of the fault state of the locking device only when there is a specific safety risk. Therefore, if only one locking device is not closed, the driver will not be notified as long as the unlocked locking device does not endanger the driving operation.

[0038] Furthermore, advantageously, the entire side view and rear view of the vehicle are preferably detected with the detection device. As a result, the degree of deformation relative to a reference point, for example the upper edge of the trailer, can be advantageously determined. Accordingly, corresponding distortions can be taken into account during image processing or evaluation by correspondingly transforming the image data. In this way, for example, after the transformation, the detected area associated with a specific locking device can be used to determine whether the locking device is in a locked state or an open state.

[0039] In a possible embodiment, the tires of the vehicle 5 are located on a control surface, for example, the detection device 10 is embedded in the control surface. In this example, the detection device 10 is at least one optical sensor embedded in the road. When driving on the control surface above the optical sensor, image data of the tire profile can thus be detected and, for example, compared with a target profile. For example, if a worn tire profile is detected, a message can be sent to the driver or the vehicle control center to arrange for a tire replacement. Since such measurements can be made incidentally, the method is an advantageous alternative to manual measurements that saves time and personnel.

[0040] In another possible embodiment, the tires of the vehicle 5, in particular the trailer 7, are located on the control surface. In this example, the detection device 10 comprises a distance sensor, for example an ultrasonic sensor, and / or at least one ultrasonic sensor, which can preferably determine the specific depth of the tread and the tire profile fully automatically. In this way, for example, the tread grooves can be determined and compared with reference values.

[0041] In another possible embodiment, the system checks one or more components of the vehicle 5 having a length, a height and a width. In the present example, the detection device 10 comprises a plurality of cameras, which are respectively mounted on the side or above the vehicle 5 and in front of and behind a sensor area in the road. The sensor area represents the area that the detection device 10 can detect. With the configuration shown here, an all-round image of the vehicle 5 can be created and, for example, can be compared with a target profile of the vehicle 5, in particular the trailer 7. In this way, for example, damage to the body of the vehicle 5, such as damage to the door sills or lamp brackets, can be detected. It is conceivable, in particular for gas stations and / or service stations, that the detection device 10 in the crossbar above the road can, for example, detect snow and / or ice accumulation on the upper side of an articulated truck and issue a warning message, for example in order to reduce the danger to subsequent traffic.

[0042] The detection device 10 may optionally include infrared optics. Thus, the temperature of, for example, brakes, in particular disc brakes, of the vehicle can be detected, for example, each time an axle of the vehicle 5 passes a trigger, for example, by generating an infrared image of the brakes, in particular disc brakes. If the temperatures of the individual brakes of the vehicle 5 deviate from one another and / or if the brakes exceed a defined temperature value, an alarm can be issued, for example to request maintenance.

[0043] Optionally, such an all-round monitoring system can also be used to check loading and ventilation hatches and locking systems 21 on the entire vehicle. For example, the image data set detected by the detection device 10 can be compared with the target contour, so that, for example, open hatches, doors or loose fastening and tensioning straps can be detected. Alternatively or additionally, damage to the insulation of the refrigerator can also be detected by the detection device 10 including an infrared camera. Open hatch covers and damaged insulation can be detected by deviations of the temperature detected in the infrared image relative to the remaining sides of the vehicle 5.

[0044] In another possible embodiment, a control surface located on the road is added compared to the previous embodiment, and the control surface includes a detection device 10 for measuring the tire profile. The detection device 10 may include, for example, an optical camera and / or a distance sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the control surface may also include, for example, a scale that can determine the axle load of the vehicle 5.

[0045] Reference numerals list

[0046] 4 Arch

[0047] 5 Vehicles

[0048] 6 Traction unit

[0049] 7 Semi-trailer

[0050] 8 Axis

[0051] 9 Lifting shaft

[0052] 10. Detection device

[0053] 11 Fifth wheel

[0054] 12 Connecting plate

[0055] 13 Release lever

[0056] 14 Safety bar

[0057] 17 Basic Points

[0058] 18 bullet points

[0059] 20 Evaluation Device

[0060] 21 Closed locking device

[0061] 22 Locking device opened

[0062] 30 Storage Devices

[0063] 40 communication devices

[0064] 50 Network

Claims

1. A system for checking the locking state of a fifth wheel on a vehicle (5), comprising: a detection device (10) for detecting information in the form of an image data set in a defined area on the vehicle, the defined area including the fifth wheel to be inspected, and an evaluation device (20) to which the image data set is provided, the evaluation device (20) being configured to determine the locking state of the fifth wheel based on the detected image data set, The detection device (10) is arranged outside the vehicle (5). wherein the fifth wheel is at least partially modified by indicator elements or regions, i.e. indicator elements or regions with color markings, with reflectors and / or with LEDs, The fifth wheel comprises an unlocking lever (13) and a safety lever (14), and the system is configured to determine the orientation of the safety lever through the detection device (10), the evaluation device and the indication element or area on the safety lever (14); when the safety lever (14) is transformed into an orientation in which the unlocking lever (13) is operable, the fifth wheel is determined to be in an unlocked state.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The fifth wheel comprises a locking device.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The fifth wheel may be modified by color coding, use of reflectors through polishing, use of labels, indicia engraved or painted into the fifth wheel, and / or use of LEDs.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The label is set in a specific color or using a specific code.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein: The specific code is a QR code and / or a barcode.

6. The system according to claim 4, wherein: The detection device and / or the evaluation device are configured to detect the type of the tag and / or the position of the tag.

7. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The detection device (10) is fixed.

8. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The system comprises a communication device (40) by means of which information relating to the locking state can be transmitted to the vehicle (5).

9. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The evaluation device (20) is connected to a network (50).

10. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The system is configured to detect changes in the vehicle body or changes in the light fixture by matching a target profile of the vehicle (5).

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein: The target profile can be referenced via a network (50).

12. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The evaluation device (20) is configured to determine the locking state and / or the defined area for detecting the image data set by means of machine learning.

13. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The image dataset comprises a time series of images.

14. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The detection device (10) is configured to automatically determine a detection of the image data set.

15. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The detection device (10) also detects other information.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein: The other information is other information individually associated with the vehicle (5).

17. The system of claim 15, wherein: The further information can be stored in a storage device (30) together with the detected locking state.

18. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The evaluation device (20) is configured to identify a fifth wheel.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein: The evaluation device (20) is configured to classify fifth wheels.

20. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The system comprises a roadblock in communication with the detection device (10) and / or the evaluation device (20).

21. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The vehicle is a commercial vehicle.

22. A method for determining the locking state of a fifth wheel of a vehicle (5), the vehicle having a system for checking the locking state of a fifth wheel on the vehicle (5), the fifth wheel being at least partially modified by an indicator element or area, the modification of the fifth wheel being provided by the indicator element or area, i.e. an indicator element or area with a color marking, with a reflector and / or with an LED, the method comprising the following steps: (a) detecting, by means of a detection device (10), information in the form of an image data set, said information being present in a defined area on said vehicle, said defined area comprising said fifth wheel to be inspected, (b) providing the image data set to an evaluation device (20), and (c) determining the locking state of the fifth wheel by means of the evaluation device (20) using the detected image data set, The detection device (10) is arranged outside the vehicle (5). The fifth wheel comprises an unlocking lever (13) and a safety lever (14), and the system is configured to determine the orientation of the safety lever through the detection device (10), the evaluation device and the indication element or area on the safety lever (14); when the safety lever (14) is transformed into an orientation in which the unlocking lever (13) is operable, the fifth wheel is determined to be in an unlocked state.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein: The vehicle is a commercial vehicle.

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