status display

Abstract

The invention relates to a status display, in particular for a wheel suspension of a vehicle, comprising a first reference unit and a second reference unit. The first and the second reference unit are mounted or fixed to each other by a holding unit, the first reference unit has a first reference geometry, the second reference unit has a second reference geometry, and, at least in the case of a wear condition of the holding unit, the position of the first reference geometry relative to the second reference geometry can be determined by a user in an optical or haptic manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to status displays (or status indicators), particularly status displays for the chassis of commercial vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Status indicators for various loads and wear conditions are known in commercial vehicles in the prior art. For example, an electrical conductor is used in brake pads; when a certain minimum wear condition is reached, the conductor closes the circuit, signaling to the user that the brake pads are worn. Conversely, other areas in the chassis of commercial vehicles, in particular, are typically not equipped with simple systems for detecting wear conditions. In these areas, the usual practice in the prior art to date has been to remove the relevant components according to a maintenance schedule and replace the corresponding easily worn parts that have been suspected. Furthermore, when unexpected vibrations or noises occur in the chassis area, it is usually necessary to disassemble the corresponding area of ​​the chassis. This incurs significant time and cost for vehicle operators. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of these shortcomings of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a status display that allows for reliable and targeted monitoring of the status of various components in the simplest possible way, without requiring costly modifications to the chassis of a motor vehicle.

[0004] According to the present invention, a status indicator is provided, particularly preferably for a vehicle wheel suspension status indicator, having a first reference unit and a second reference unit, the first and second reference units being mounted or fixed to each other by a retaining unit, wherein the first reference unit has a first reference geometry and the second reference unit has a second reference geometry, wherein, at least in the case of wear of the retaining unit, the position of the first reference geometry relative to the second reference geometry can be determined or read by a user or a detection device visually or tactilely. Thus, the status indicator detects two mutually mounted or fixed components (i.e., the first and second reference units) and the retaining unit connecting the two components, wherein the status indicator is particularly used to provide information about the wear condition of the retaining unit. In the case of wear of the retaining unit resulting in a wear condition, the position of the first reference unit relative to the second reference unit thus changes, wherein this can be read or determined by a user in a simple manner, particularly by means of the two reference geometries, optically or tactilely. In other words, the retaining unit is a support component on the vehicle that positions the reference units relative to each other, and therefore wear on the retaining unit causes a change in the positioning of the reference units relative to each other. As a visual signal of wear condition, it can be provided that, for example, one of two reference geometries can be held in a specific position relative to the other reference geometry, wherein this position signals to the user of the status display the specific state of the holding unit. In this respect, the aim is that, at least in the case of wear condition, the user can detect this position of the first reference geometry relative to the second reference geometry. In other words, it is probably preferable that, in the case that the holding unit is not worn and therefore there is no wear condition, the specific position of the first reference geometry relative to the second reference geometry cannot be detected from the outside, which signals to the user that the vehicle chassis can continue to be used without any problems. Therefore, by means of the status display according to the invention, the presence of wear condition can be detected without disassembling the components of the transmission involved. Particularly in finding the cause of, for example, vehicle chassis vibrations or creaking noises (which are common in the prior art to date), this is a significantly less labor-intensive and time-consuming option for determining the exact wear condition of components in the chassis area.

[0005] Advantageously, the wear condition of the retaining unit is characterized by permanent deformation due to wear. In other words, the wear condition is caused by plastic deformation due to material fatigue or local geometric changes due to sustained loads, or, for example, local material shrinkage due to abrasive wear. This wear condition is typically characterized by a large clearance in the bearings abutting the first and second reference units, which can lead to adverse changes in the vehicle's driving behavior. Therefore, replacement of the retaining unit is recommended under wear conditions.

[0006] Preferably, the first reference geometry is formed as a recess, through which the second reference geometry is visible under wear conditions. In the simplest embodiment of the invention, the first reference geometry is formed as a deliberately arranged recess in the first reference unit, through which the position of the second reference geometry can be determined under wear conditions. The advantage of this embodiment is that, without further mechanical parts or interaction with various chassis components, when the commercial vehicle is parked, the user can easily check for wear on the holding unit through simple observation.

[0007] Preferably, the second reference geometry is formed as a recess or mark on a component of the second reference unit. Therefore, the second reference geometry can be precisely positioned on the second reference unit, improving the accuracy of determining wear conditions.

[0008] Advantageously, the first and / or second reference geometries have scales that allow for determining the position of the second reference unit relative to the first reference unit. The scales are preferably mechanically embossed into the material of the first reference unit within a region of the first reference geometry. Alternatively, it is preferred that the scales be printed on the first or second reference unit in a colored raised manner. In this case, the scales particularly allow for the detection of intermediate stages between a fully functional retaining unit and a retaining unit that is in a state of wear and tear. This allows the user of the status display to plan ahead for any maintenance that may be necessary on the vehicle chassis.

[0009] Advantageously, the second reference geometry is part of the outer surface of a solid fixed to the second reference unit. Advantageously, another component (e.g., a spacer or thrust washer) can be present on the second reference unit, on which a corresponding second reference geometry is provided. When wear conditions are present, this second reference geometry becomes visible in the area of ​​the first reference unit. The advantage of using the other component with the second reference geometry provided is that a special color can be applied to highlight this component, while other areas of the chassis can remain unchanged.

[0010] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the second reference geometry is in the form of a protrusion and is designed to permanently deform and / or deflect the first reference geometry when a wear condition is reached. The deformation or deflection of the first reference geometry signals the wear condition to the user. Specifically, if the worn chassis area is difficult to see in a simple manner, mechanical displacement of the first and second reference geometries can preferably be used to signal the presence of wear to the user in a simple way. For this purpose, the second reference geometry, formed as a protrusion, can correspondingly deform the first reference geometry, i.e., rotate or plastically deform it, thereby allowing the user to determine the presence of wear on the retaining unit based on the state of the first reference geometry, particularly preferably by touch, without having to freely observe the first reference geometry. In particular, the deformation of the first reference geometry can also be used to convert and transmit an electrical signal indicating the wear condition to the vehicle's cab.

[0011] Furthermore, the first reference unit preferably includes a bearing housing of the chassis, and the second reference unit includes a steering element rotatably suspended from the bearing housing. A retaining unit has bolt elements and bushings designed to support the steering element relative to the bearing housing. Therefore, in this particularly preferred embodiment, a status display is integrated into the suspension of the steering element on the chassis, which is typically achieved via a bearing housing. The first reference unit preferably includes a bearing housing, which is advantageously fastened to the frame of the vehicle chassis along with other accessories. The second reference unit includes a control arm, preferably a trailing arm. Thus, the two reference units are connected by a retaining unit, which preferably has bolt elements and bushings fixed to the bearing housing, the bushings in turn allowing for rotatable mounting of the arm element. In this case, rubber bushings or other elastically deformable or wear-reducing metal bushings are preferably used as bushings. In other words, in this preferred embodiment, the bushing is the part whose wear the status display monitors. Therefore, the persistent displacement of the second reference unit relative to the first reference unit due to persistent deformation or damage to the bushing of the retaining unit can serve as an indication of the presence of wear in the retaining unit.

[0012] Advantageously, the first reference geometry is arranged on one leg of the bearing housing, between the fastening area of ​​the bearing housing on the vehicle frame and the receiving area of ​​the bolt element on the bearing housing. The second reference geometry moves under wear conditions due to the weight of the vehicle, allowing its position on or within the first reference geometry to be read or detected tactilely or visually. In other words, the first reference geometry is thus positioned above the mounting area of ​​the bearing bolt, on which the steering element is rotatably suspended from the bearing housing. This allows the direction of movement to be used to detect wear conditions due to the upward push of the steering element relative to the bearing housing, when the steering element or another second reference geometry fixed to the bearing bolt or steering element becomes visible in the first reference geometry, or when the first reference geometry deforms or deflects accordingly. This allows for tactile detection of wear conditions.

[0013] Advantageously, the second reference geometry is also the outer surface of the bearing bore of the steering element. In this particularly simple embodiment of the status indicator, the status indicator consists of only a few components, without the need for other components. The second reference geometry is preferably designed as the outer surface of a color-marked bearing bore of the steering element, wherein, in the event of wear on the retaining element, this outer surface moves to an area visible through the first reference geometry, thus allowing wear conditions to be detected specifically visually.

[0014] In an alternative embodiment, the second reference geometry is the outer surface of a disc element disposed between the bearing housing and the steering element and held by bolt elements. Advantageously, the disc element can be a thrust washer in the arm suspension region, wherein the disc element particularly allows for precise determination of the wear condition by adjusting the outer diameter of the disc element accordingly, so that the outer surface of the disc element serving as the second reference geometry is visible in the first reference geometry at a certain offset of the second reference unit relative to the first reference unit. This allows for setting a precise value for the corresponding wear that must exist at least on the retaining unit in order to represent the wear condition requiring replacement or repair of the retaining unit.

[0015] Advantageously, the first and / or second reference geometry has at least one signal color. Using signal colors (particularly red or yellow) or a mixture of different signal colors allows the user to clearly identify whether the transmission has reached a wear condition and whether maintenance is necessary, or whether this condition has not yet been reached. Signal colors are a cost-effective means of improving the perceptibility of the corresponding positions of the first and second reference geometries, and can be applied to status displays without requiring other devices such as lights. Advantageously, a series of different signal colors can also be used as a scale. A first colored area (e.g., green) on the first or second reference geometry can indicate that there is still no wear, while adjacent yellow and red areas indicate that maintenance should or urgently is needed.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a status display is provided, particularly preferably for a vehicle wheel suspension status display, which has a first reference unit and a second reference unit, the first and second reference units being mounted or fixed to each other by a retaining unit. The first reference unit has a first reference geometry, and the second reference unit has a second reference geometry. The position of the first reference geometry relative to the second reference geometry is an expression of specific wear on the retaining unit. Unlike the status display described above, this preferred status display according to the present invention is characterized in that specific display signals are transmitted to the corresponding display unit reproducing the wear condition using the positions of the first and second reference geometries, rather than directly sensing the wear condition by touch or optics. Therefore, the display unit may include at least one optical and / or acoustic display element, such as a speaker, an LED, or a digital display on a corresponding monitoring screen. The corresponding component for activating or deactivating at least one or more display elements may be a contact that closes or opens due to the relative movement of the first and second reference geometries.

[0017] Advantageously, the display unit has at least one sensor designed to determine the relative position of a first reference geometry and a second reference geometry. For example, such a sensor could be a phototube, preferably non-contact operated. Alternatively, a potentiometer could be used as the sensor, outputting a specific voltage based on the position of the first reference geometry relative to the second reference geometry, through which the display unit can output the wear condition in the most accurate manner. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Other advantages and features of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will become apparent in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 A preferred embodiment of the status display according to the present invention is shown.

[0020] Figure 2It shows the wear condition Figure 1 An embodiment of the status display is shown.

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another preferred embodiment of the status display according to the present invention is shown.

[0022] Figure 4 Another schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the status display according to the present invention is shown.

[0023] Figure 5 Another schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the status display according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] exist Figure 1 In the preferred system shown, which has a status display according to the invention, a first reference unit 2 and a second reference unit 4 are illustrated, the second reference unit 4 being movably mounted relative to the first reference unit 2. The first reference unit 2 includes a bearing housing 24, which can be secured to the vehicle frame via a fastening region 25 on its upper side. Furthermore, the bearing housing 24 has an area where the steering element 44 of the second reference unit 4 can be rotatably secured via a bolt element 62. In this case, the steering element 44 is preferably mounted on the bolt element 62 via a bushing (not shown). An enlarged view of the area above the fastening bolt element 62 shown on the right side shows a first reference geometry 22 formed on the bearing housing 24, which, in this embodiment, is introduced as a circular hole into the material of the bearing housing 24. Figure 1 In the shown state, the outer surface of the second reference cell is not visible through the first reference geometry 22. This means that... Figure 1 The chassis system is not in a worn condition (V).

[0025] Figure 2 The image shows the wear condition V. Figure 1 The chassis system. Here, it is similar to... Figure 1 As can be seen from the enlarged view of the chassis system components described herein, the steering element 44 is moved upward relative to the first reference unit 2, and the corresponding outer surface of the steering element is visible through the second reference geometry 22. This signals to the user of the status display that the retaining unit 6 is worn, making it impossible to guarantee the correct installation of the steering element 44 on the bearing housing 24. Therefore, in the event of… Figure 2 In the indicated condition, it is recommended that the user perform maintenance on the vehicle chassis system.

[0026] Figure 3Another preferred embodiment is shown, wherein the first reference unit 2 further includes a bearing housing 24, and a first reference geometry 22 is inserted into the material of the bearing housing 24 as a rectangular elongated hole. Furthermore, the first reference geometry 22 has a scale 26 by means of which the precise positioning of the second reference unit, and particularly the second reference geometry 42, within the first reference geometry 22 can be read. The bearing hole 45 of the steering element 44, preferably disposed on the second reference unit 4, is shown in dashed lines.

[0027] Figure 4 Another preferred embodiment of the status display according to the invention is shown in two states. The left side of the figure shows the state where the retaining unit 6 is not excessively worn. In this case, the first reference geometry 22 is implemented as a nose-shaped portion on the metal plate component material of the first reference unit 2. The second reference geometry 42 is designed as a protrusion, which is preferably integrally manufactured on one of the components of the second reference unit 4. Advantageously, the corresponding component of the second reference unit 4 is the steering element 44. In the state shown on the left side of the figure, the second reference geometry 42 is disengaged from the first reference geometry 22. Only when the bushing 64 of the retaining unit 6 wears excessively and the corresponding safe installation of the second reference unit 4 cannot be ensured, does the second reference geometry 42 move relative to the first reference unit 2, such that the second reference geometry 42 permanently deforms or deflects the first reference geometry 22, thereby causing the first reference geometry 22 to rotate to the right in the figure. This deformed or deflected state of the first reference geometry 22 allows the user to tactilely determine the wear condition V on the chassis, since the position of the first reference geometry 22 can be determined by simply touching the corresponding area on the first reference unit 2. Figure 4 As an alternative to the plastic deformation shown, the first reference geometry 22 can also be characterized, for example, as a rotatable suspension that allows a specific portion of the first reference geometry 22 to be easily rotated out, so that after the corresponding maintenance work is completed on the chassis, the first reference geometry 22 can be rotated back to a state in which it does not give a wear condition V signal.

[0028] Figure 5 Another preferred embodiment of the status display according to the invention is shown, wherein a second reference geometry 42 is disposed on an additional component, a disk element 66 fixed to a bolt element 62.

[0029] List of reference numerals

[0030] 2 First Reference Unit

[0031] 6 Holding Units

[0032] 4 Second Reference Unit

[0033] 22 First Reference Geometry

[0034] 24 Bearing Housing

[0035] 25 Fastening Area

[0036] 26 rulers

[0037] 42 Second Reference Geometry

[0038] 44 Steering elements

[0039] 45 bearing bore

[0040] 62 Bolt Components

[0041] 64 Bushing

[0042] 66 Disk Components

[0043] V Wear condition

Claims

1. A status indicator for the wheel suspension of a vehicle. in, The status display includes a first reference unit (2) and a second reference unit (4). The first reference unit and the second reference unit (2, 4) are mounted or fixed to each other by a retaining unit (6). The first reference unit (2) has a first reference geometry (22). The second reference unit (4) has a second reference geometry (42). Wherein, at least under the wear condition (V) of the retaining unit (6), the position of the first reference geometry (22) relative to the second reference geometry (42) can be determined optically or tactilely. The wear condition (V) is characterized by the permanent deformation of the retaining unit (6) due to wear, and The status display is adapted to determine the wear condition (V) of the holding unit (6). The first reference geometry (22) is formed as a recess, and under the wear condition (V), the second reference geometry (42) is visible through the recess. The second reference geometry (42) is visible in the first reference geometry (22) only under the wear condition (V).

2. The status display according to claim 1, in, The second reference geometry (42) is formed as a dent or mark on a component of the second reference unit (4).

3. The status display according to claim 1, in, The first reference geometry and / or the second reference geometry (22, 42) include a scale (26) that allows the determination of the position of the second reference unit (4) relative to the first reference unit (2).

4. The status display according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The second reference geometry (42) is part of the outer surface of a solid fixed to the second reference unit (4).

5. The status display according to claim 1, in, The second reference geometry (42) is configured as a protrusion and is configured to permanently deform the first reference geometry (22) when the wear condition (V) is reached. The deformation of the first reference geometry (22) signals to the user that the wear condition (V) exists.

6. The status display according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The first reference unit (2) includes a bearing housing (24) of the chassis. The second reference unit (4) includes a steering element (44) that is pivotally suspended on the bearing housing (24). The retaining unit (6) includes a bolt element (62) and a bushing (64), which are adapted to support the steering element (44) relative to the bearing housing (24).

7. The status display according to claim 6, in, The first reference geometry (22) is arranged on the support leg of the bearing housing (24), located between the fastening area (25) of the bearing housing (24) on the vehicle frame and the receiving area of ​​the bolt element (62) on the bearing housing (24). The second reference geometry (42) moves under the wear condition (V) due to the weight of the vehicle, such that the position of the second reference geometry (42) on or in the first reference geometry (22) can be read by touch or vision.

8. The status display according to claim 6, in, The second reference geometry (42) is the outer surface of the bearing hole (45) of the steering element (44).

9. The status display according to claim 7, in, The second reference geometry (42) is the outer surface of the bearing hole (45) of the steering element (44).

10. The status display according to claim 6, in, The second reference geometry (42) is the outer surface of a disc element (66) arranged between the bearing housing (24) and the steering element (44) and held by the bolt element (62).

11. The status display according to claim 7, in, The second reference geometry (42) is the outer surface of a disc element (66) arranged between the bearing housing (24) and the steering element (44) and held by the bolt element (62).

12. The status display according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The first reference geometry and / or the second reference geometry (22, 42) have signal colors.

13. A status display for the wheel suspension of a vehicle. The status display includes a first reference unit (2) and a second reference unit (4). in, The first reference unit and the second reference units (2, 4) are mounted or fixed to each other by the retaining unit (6). The first reference unit (2) includes a bearing housing, and the second reference unit (4) includes an arm. The first reference unit (2) has a first reference geometry (22). The second reference unit (4) has a second reference geometry (42). The wear condition (V) of the retaining unit (6) changes the position of the first reference geometry (22) relative to the second reference geometry (42). The position of the first reference geometry relative to the second reference geometry (42) indicates a specific wear of the holding unit (6), which is displayed by the display unit. The first reference geometry (22) is formed as a recess, and under the wear condition (V), the second reference geometry (42) is visible through the recess. The second reference geometry (42) is visible in the first reference geometry (22) only under the wear condition (V).

14. The status display according to claim 13, in, The display unit includes at least one sensor adapted to determine the relative position of the first reference geometry (22) and the second reference geometry (42).

15. A method for determining the wear condition of a vehicle's wheel suspension, the method comprising: a) Provide a first reference unit (2), a second reference unit (4), and a holding unit (6), wherein the first reference unit (2) and the second reference unit (4) are mounted or fixed to each other through the holding unit (6). The first reference unit (2) includes a bearing housing, and the second reference unit (4) includes an arm. The first reference unit (2) has a first reference geometry (22), and the second reference unit (4) has a second reference geometry (42). b) Determine the position of the first reference geometry (22) relative to the second reference geometry (42) in an optical or tactile manner; c) Determine the wear condition (V) of the retaining unit (6). The wear condition (V) is characterized by the permanent deformation of the retaining unit (6) due to wear. The first reference geometry (22) is formed as a recess, and under the wear condition (V), the second reference geometry (42) is visible through the recess. The second reference geometry (42) is visible in the first reference geometry (22) only under the wear condition (V).

Images