Wheel alignment adjustment assistance system

Abstract

The present invention provides a wheel alignment adjustment assistance system that enables simple and quick adjustment of wheel alignment. The wheel alignment adjustment assistance system has an alignment device provided at each of at least three points on an outer side surface of a wheel that is substantially orthogonal to an axis of rotation and at least three points on a placement surface that is substantially orthogonal to a plumb axis, and a processing device that calculates a camber angle as an inclination angle of the outer side surface with respect to the placement surface based on position information input from the alignment device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a wheel alignment adjustment auxiliary system. Background Technology

[0002] Wheel alignment refers to the alignment of the wheels of a vehicle, such as a car. Wheel alignment includes parameters such as toe angle and camber angle. Previously, during vehicle assembly, the toe angle or camber angle of the wheels was measured and adjusted for wheel alignment.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method and wheel alignment system for adjusting the camber angle of a steerable wheel. The system described in Patent Document 1 includes: a camber angle measuring device configured to generate a toe angle signal representing the toe angle of the steerable wheel; a camber angle measuring device configured to generate a camber angle signal representing the camber angle of the steerable wheel; and a computer configured to be coupled to the camber angle measuring device and the camber angle measuring device.

[0004] Then, the computer is pre-programmed to perform the following steps: during the second position when the steerable wheel turns from inside or outside the toe box (i.e., position 1), if the steerable wheel is inside the toe box in position 1, then the steerable wheel is outside the toe box; and if the steerable wheel is outside the toe box in position 1, then the steerable wheel is inside the toe box; receiving signals representing the camber angle and toe angle of the steerable wheel; determining the amount of camber angle of the steerable wheel when it is inside the toe box; and calculating the adjustment amount of the camber angle based on the camber angle inside the toe box and the specified camber angle.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-501830 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Improper wheel alignment can negatively impact straight-line performance and turning ability during driving. Therefore, high-precision wheel alignment adjustment is required. Furthermore, during vehicle assembly, it is preferable to adjust the wheel alignment before assembling the wheel unit to the vehicle body. Especially in assembly vehicles that undergo frequent assembly / disassembly, wheel alignment may sometimes need to be adjusted each time assembly is performed. Therefore, a wheel alignment measurement technique that enables simple and rapid wheel alignment adjustment is required.

[0007] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the measuring devices used for measuring the toe-in angle and camber angle include optical devices such as cameras and laser displacement meters, which has the following problems: adjusting these settings or postures takes time and the system becomes bulky.

[0008] On the other hand, there are also known technologies that use measuring instruments such as rulers to measure wheel alignment, but such measurement technologies require time-consuming operations, and therefore have the problems of time-consuming measurement and low accuracy.

[0009] This invention was made to solve this problem, and its purpose is to provide a wheel alignment adjustment auxiliary system that can achieve simple and rapid wheel alignment adjustment.

[0010] The wheel alignment adjustment auxiliary system of the present invention comprises: a positioning device disposed at at least three points on a wheel surface substantially orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the wheel and at each of at least three points on a reference plane substantially orthogonal to the vertical axis; and a processing device that calculates the tilt angle of the wheel surface relative to the reference plane as the camber angle based on the position information input from the positioning device.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to the present invention, a wheel alignment adjustment auxiliary system is provided that enables simple and rapid wheel alignment adjustment. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates the overall structure of the wheel alignment adjustment assistance system involved in this invention.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a diagram used to illustrate the points where the positioning device is set.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the wheel alignment adjustment process using the wheel alignment adjustment auxiliary system involved in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Implementation Method 1

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, for clarity, the following description and drawings have been appropriately simplified. The contents shown in the drawings are only a part of the whole and actually include many other structures not shown. In addition, in the following description, the same or equivalent elements are marked with the same symbols, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall structure of the wheel alignment adjustment assistance system according to the present invention. For example, in the process of assembling vehicles such as automobiles, multiple parts are combined to form a unit, which is then assembled onto the vehicle body. One such unit is... Figure 1 The suspension unit 100 shown.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the suspension unit 100 includes a suspension 101 and a wheel 102 mounted on the suspension 101. The suspension device 101 is a device for suspending the wheel 102. The suspension 101 includes a wheel support member that rotatably supports the wheel 102, a suspension member connected to the wheel support member, and a camber adjustment member for adjusting the camber angle, etc. The wheel 102 includes a rim 103 supported by the wheel support member of the suspension 101 and rotatable about a rotation axis Ax1, and a tire 104 mounted on the rim 103, etc. (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0020] In such a suspension unit 100, the wheel alignment of the wheel 102 is adjusted by operating the camber adjustment component of the suspension 101. However, in vehicles assembled with the suspension unit 100 in a state where the wheel alignment of the wheel 102 has not been properly adjusted, the wheel alignment of the wheel 102 sometimes fails after assembly. In particular, in the case of a vehicle that can be assembled / disassembled, the gaps between components designed for easy assembly / disassembly can cause the wheel alignment of the wheel 102 to be easily compromised after assembly. Therefore, it is preferable to adjust the wheel alignment of the wheel 102 before assembling the suspension unit 100 to the vehicle body. Furthermore, in vehicles that are frequently assembled / disassembled, the wheel alignment of the wheel 102 sometimes needs to be adjusted each time assembly is performed. Therefore, a wheel alignment measurement technique that can achieve simple and rapid wheel alignment adjustment is required.

[0021] Therefore, the wheel alignment adjustment auxiliary system involved in this invention, namely System 1, measures one of the wheel alignments of the wheel 102 installed on the suspension 101, namely the camber angle, and can achieve simple and rapid wheel alignment adjustment.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the system 1 involved in this invention includes a platform 10, multiple positioning devices 20, a buzzer 30, a keyboard 40, a display 50, and a processing device 60.

[0023] The mounting platform 10 is a plate that is at least larger than the planar shape of the wheel 102. Of the two plates of the mounting platform 10, the upward-facing plate is a smooth mounting surface 10a. The wheel 102, which is mounted on the suspension 101, is mounted on the mounting surface 10a. The contact patch of the tire 104 of the wheel 102, mounted on the mounting surface 10a, is in contact with the mounting surface 10a.

[0024] The positioning device 20 acquires position information representing the current position of the set point and outputs the acquired position information to the processing device 60. The position information acquired by the positioning device 20 includes, for example, the three-dimensional coordinates of the point where the positioning device 20 is set.

[0025] The positioning device 20 can determine the location of a set point and obtain location information related to that location through positioning methods such as Wi-Fi positioning, base station positioning, and GPS positioning. The positioning device 20 has an IC chip or circuit module that can obtain location information using these positioning methods.

[0026] Wi-Fi positioning determines location based on the strength or time of arrival of radio waves transmitted from multiple Wi-Fi access points. Cell tower positioning determines location based on the azimuth and delay of responses to signals periodically generated by base stations such as mobile phone base stations. GPS positioning retrieves location information from Global Positioning System (GPS) signals.

[0027] If an access point is set up within the work area, existing equipment can be used for indoor positioning with minimal measurement error. Therefore, the positioning device 20 preferably uses Wi-Fi positioning to obtain the location information of the set point. Furthermore, the positioning device 20 can arbitrarily combine various positioning methods.

[0028] The buzzer 30 is an example of a notification device that indicates whether the camber angle is within a preset acceptable range. The buzzer 30 outputs a notification tone to the operator under control from the processing unit 60. Specifically, when the camber angle calculated by the processing unit 60 is within the preset acceptable range, the buzzer 30 outputs a notification tone to inform the operator that the camber angle is within the acceptable range. The operator performing wheel alignment adjustments can easily confirm that the camber angle is within the acceptable range by hearing the notification tone emitted by the buzzer 30.

[0029] In addition, the notification device is not limited to the buzzer 30 that outputs a notification tone. For example, a speaker that outputs sound, a light that lights up / blinks, a vibrating vibrator, or a display device such as an LCD that displays characters or patterns can also be used.

[0030] Keyboard 40 is an example of an input device for inputting the acceptable range, etc., used in the judgment processing described later. Display 50 is an example of a display device for displaying position information input into processing device 60, calculation results based on the tilt angle of processing device 60, acceptable ranges, etc. stored in processing device 60.

[0031] Here, Figure 2 This is a diagram used to illustrate points where positioning devices are installed. Figure 2 (a) shows a side view of the wheel 102 as viewed from the outer side 103a. Figure 2(b) shows a perspective view of the platform 10 as viewed from an obliquely upward angle. Hereinafter, individual symbols will be used to describe the multiple positioning devices 20, such as positioning devices 21 to 28.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown in (a), the wheel 102 has a rim 103 and a tire 104. Positioning devices 21 to 24 are respectively provided at four points on the outer surface 103a of the rim 103. The outer surface 103a is an example of a wheel surface that is approximately orthogonal to the axis of rotation Ax1 of the wheel 102. The outer surface 103a is a plane that is approximately orthogonal to the axis of rotation Ax1 of the wheel 102, so the tilt angle of the wheel 102 can be determined by observing the tilt angle of the outer surface 103a. Hereinafter, the points on the outer surface 103a are sometimes referred to as wheel points. The four wheel points are set at positions spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the outer surface 103a. For example, the four wheel points are set at equal distances from the center of the outer surface 103a and at equal intervals along the circumference on the periphery of the outer surface 103a.

[0033] Furthermore, the wheel surface is not limited to the outer side 103a; for example, it can be the inner side 103b of the rim 103 (see reference). Figure 1 The wheel surface can be any other surface. However, the outer surface 103a is the surface of the suspension 101 without the wheel rim 103 installed, making it easy to install positioning devices 21 to 24. Therefore, the outer surface 103a is preferred. Furthermore, it is also possible to have three or four or more wheel points and install a corresponding number of positioning devices 20 for each wheel point. However, since the camber angle can be measured with high efficiency and high accuracy, it is preferable to have four wheel points and four positioning devices 20.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown in (b), the mounting platform 10 is formed into a rectangular shape, for example, from metal. A workbench can be used as the mounting platform 10, for example. In addition, the mounting platform 10 has the strength to prevent the mounting surface 10a from deforming or tilting when the wheel 102 mounted on the suspension 101 is placed on the mounting surface 10a, and there are no particular limitations on the material or shape as long as the wheel 102 can be placed in a stable posture.

[0035] Positioning devices 25 to 28 are respectively provided at four points on the mounting surface 10a. The mounting surface 10a is an example of a reference surface that is approximately orthogonal to the vertical axis Ax2. Hereinafter, the points on the mounting surface 10a will sometimes be referred to as reference points. The four reference points are set at positions spaced apart from each other in a manner that surrounds the wheel 102. For example, the four reference points are set at the four corners of the rectangular mounting surface 10a, which is equidistant from the center of the mounting surface 10a.

[0036] Furthermore, the reference surface is not limited to the mounting surface 10a of the mounting platform 10; it can also be a mounting surface other than the mounting platform 10 (e.g., the ground). The reference surface can also be a surface where the wheel 102 is not mounted. However, since the system 1 can be miniaturized, the reference surface is preferably the mounting surface 10a where the wheel 102 is mounted. Furthermore, three or more reference points can be set, and a corresponding number of positioning devices 20 can be provided for each reference point. However, since the camber angle can be measured efficiently and with high accuracy, it is preferable to set four reference points and provide four positioning devices 20.

[0037] Return to Figure 1 The processing device 60 is an information processing device such as a personal computer (hereinafter, PC), a laptop PC, or a tablet PC, and can be used to add a program for executing the processing shown in the wheel alignment adjustment assistance method described later to a general information processing device. Furthermore, the processing device 60 can be configured as a dedicated information processing device capable of executing the program and specifically for the functions of System 1.

[0038] The processing device 60 includes a processing unit 61, a storage unit 62, and an interface (I / F) unit 63. Furthermore, the processing unit 61, the storage unit 62, and the I / F unit 63 are interconnected via a bus.

[0039] The processing unit 61 is composed of a processor that performs various arithmetic operations. The storage unit 62 includes storage devices such as random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The storage unit 62 may include other storage devices such as hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), and other storage devices. The storage unit 62 stores various information for the processing performed by the processing unit 61, various information acquired through the processing, and programs for performing the processing. The I / F unit 63 performs input / output with the outside of the processing device 60. The I / F unit 63 has interface circuitry for connecting the processing device 60 and external devices. External devices such as a positioning device 20, a buzzer 30, a keyboard 40, and a display 50 are connected to the I / F unit 63.

[0040] The processing unit 61 includes a position information acquisition unit 61a, a camber angle calculation unit 61b, a determination unit 61c, and a notification control unit 61d. The position information acquisition unit 61a, the camber angle calculation unit 61b, the determination unit 61c, and the notification control unit 61d are functional units implemented by the processing unit 61 through executing a program stored in the storage unit 62. Each functional unit will be described in turn.

[0041] The position information acquisition unit 61a acquires position information input from each positioning device 20. Specifically, the position information acquisition unit 61a acquires the position information of each of the four wheel points positioned by positioning devices 21 to 24 and the position information of each of the four reference points positioned by positioning devices 25 to 28. Then, the position information acquisition unit 61a sends the acquired position information to the camber angle calculation unit 61b.

[0042] The camber angle calculation unit 61b calculates the camber angle as the tilt angle of the outer surface 103a relative to the mounting surface 10a based on the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 61a. Here, the position information includes three-dimensional coordinates of the X, Y, and Z axes. Therefore, the camber angle calculation unit 61b can determine the outer surface 103a as the plane containing the four wheel points based on the position information of the four wheel points acquired by the position information acquisition unit 61a. Furthermore, the camber angle calculation unit 61b can determine the mounting surface 10a as the plane containing the four reference points based on the position information of the four reference points acquired by the position information acquisition unit 61a. Then, the camber angle calculation unit 61b calculates the tilt angle of the outer surface 103a relative to the mounting surface 10a, i.e., the camber angle, by calculating the tilt angle of each specific outer surface 103a relative to the mounting surface 10a. The camber angle calculation unit 61b sends the calculated camber angle information to the determination unit 61c.

[0043] The determination unit 61c performs a determination process, which determines whether the camber angle calculated by the camber angle calculation unit 61b is within a preset acceptable range. Specifically, the determination unit 61c compares the camber angle calculated by the camber angle calculation unit 61b with the acceptable range stored in the storage unit 62 to determine whether the camber angle is within the acceptable range. Then, the determination unit 61c sends the determination result information to the notification control unit 61d. Specifically, when the camber angle is within the acceptable range, the determination unit 61c sends the determination result information, i.e., acceptable information, to the notification control unit 61d. On the other hand, when the camber angle is not within the acceptable range, the determination unit 61c sends the determination result information, i.e., unacceptable information, to the notification control unit 61d.

[0044] The notification control unit 61d controls the operation of the buzzer 30 based on the determination result of the determination unit 61c. Specifically, when the notification control unit 61d receives a qualified signal from the determination unit 61c, it controls the operation of the buzzer 30 by outputting a notification tone. On the other hand, when it receives a failed signal from the determination unit 61c, the notification control unit 61d controls the operation of the buzzer 30 to stop the notification tone. The notification control unit 61d can also control the operation of the buzzer 30 to stop the notification tone if it receives a failed signal from the determination unit 61c after the buzzer 30 has output a notification tone.

[0045] Furthermore, the aforementioned position information acquisition unit 61a, tilt angle calculation unit 61b, determination unit 61c, and notification control unit 61d can each be implemented using dedicated hardware. Moreover, some or all of the components of each device can be implemented using general-purpose or dedicated circuitry, processors, or combinations thereof. These can be constructed using a single chip or multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components of each device can be implemented using the aforementioned circuitry and programs. Furthermore, the processor (processing unit 61) can be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like.

[0046] Furthermore, when some or all of the components of the processing device 60 are implemented by multiple information processing devices or circuits, these devices or circuits can be centrally or distributed. For example, the information processing devices or circuits can be implemented as client-server systems, cloud computing systems, etc., connected separately via communication networks. Moreover, the functionality of the processing device 60 can be provided in the form of Software as a Service (SaaS).

[0047] The system 1 involved in this invention is used, for example, in the process of adjusting the wheel positioning of the wheel 102 during vehicle assembly. Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the wheel alignment adjustment process using the wheel alignment adjustment auxiliary system involved in this invention.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, firstly, the operator places the wheel 102 of the suspension unit 100 onto the mounting platform 10 (step S1). Next, the operator installs positioning devices 21-24 at each of four points on the outer surface 103a of the wheel rim 103 of the wheel 102, and positioning devices 25-28 at each of four points on the mounting surface 10a on which the wheel 102 is placed (step S2). Then, the positioning devices 21-28 locate the current position of each of the set points and output the acquired position information to the processing device 60 (step S3).

[0049] Next, the position information acquisition unit 61a acquires the position information input from each positioning device 21 to 28 (step S4). The tilt angle calculation unit 61b calculates the tilt angle of the outer surface 103a relative to the mounting surface 10a based on the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 61a (step S5). The determination unit 61c determines whether the tilt angle calculated by the tilt angle calculation unit 61b is within a preset acceptable range (step S6). If the determination unit 61c determines that the tilt angle is within the acceptable range (step S6: Yes), it sends acceptable information indicating this to the notification control unit 61d. When the determination result based on the determination unit 61c indicates that the tilt angle is within the acceptable range, the notification control unit 61d, based on the acceptable information from the determination unit 61c, causes the buzzer 30 to output a notification tone (step S7). Then, the buzzer 30 outputs a notification tone to the operator (step S8).

[0050] The operator confirms that the camber angle is within the acceptable range by the notification tone output by the buzzer 30, and completes the wheel alignment adjustment (step S9). After completing the wheel alignment adjustment, the operator removes the positioning devices 21 to 28 from each point on the outer side 103a and each point on the mounting surface 10a (step S10).

[0051] On the other hand, if the determination unit 61c determines that the camber angle is not within the acceptable range (step S6: No), it sends a non-compliance message indicating this to the notification control unit 61d. If the notification control unit 61d determines, based on the determination result of the determination unit 61c, that the camber angle is not within the acceptable range, it controls the buzzer 30 to stop the notification sound according to the non-compliance message from the determination unit 61c (step S11). Then, the buzzer 30 stops issuing notification sounds to the operator (step S12).

[0052] In this case, the operator adjusts the wheel alignment by operating the camber adjustment component of the suspension 101 so that the camber angle is within the acceptable range (step S13).

[0053] The processing device 60 can repeatedly execute the wheel alignment adjustment assistance method shown in steps S4 to S7. Furthermore, the processing device 60 can display the position information input into the processing device 60, the calculation results of the camber angle based on the processing device 60, and the acceptable range stored in the processing device 60 on the display 50 at appropriate times. The operator can adjust the wheel alignment while checking the display 50.

[0054] As described above, the system 1 of the present invention includes: a positioning device 20, each of which is provided at least three points on the outer surface 103a of the wheel 102 that is substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis Ax1 and at least three points on the mounting surface 10a that is substantially orthogonal to the vertical axis Ax2; and a processing device 60, which calculates the tilt angle of the outer surface 103a relative to the mounting surface 10a as the camber angle based on the position information input from the positioning device 20.

[0055] If the system 1 according to the present invention is used, the camber angle can be determined simply by placing the positioning device 20 at arbitrary points on the outer surface 103a and the mounting surface 10a, and by processing the position information input from the positioning device 20 by the processing device 60. Therefore, for example, compared with the case of using a measuring instrument such as a ruler to determine wheel alignment, wheel alignment adjustment can be achieved with high precision, simplicity, and speed. Furthermore, for example, compared with systems that include optical devices such as cameras and laser displacement meters for measuring camber angle, wheel alignment adjustment can be achieved on a small scale, simply, and quickly.

[0056] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the above embodiments, the present invention has been described as a hardware structure, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention can also achieve arbitrary processing by having the CPU execute a computer program.

[0057] In the examples above, programs are stored using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media and are supplied to the computer. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., floppy disks, magnetic tapes, hard disks), optical-magnetic recording media (e.g., optical discs), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, programmable ROMs (PROMs), erasable EPROMs, flash memory ROMs, random access memory (RAMs)). Furthermore, programs can be supplied to the computer using various types of transitory computer-readable media. Examples of transitory computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Temporary computer-readable media can provide programs to a computer via wired or wireless communication paths such as wires and optical fibers.

[0058] Symbol Explanation

[0059] 1-System, 10-Platform, 10a-Platform surface, 20, 21-28-Positioning devices, 30-Buzzer, 40-Keyboard, 50-Display, 60-Processing device, 61-Processing unit, 61a-Position information acquisition unit, 61b-Camber angle calculation unit, 61c-Decision unit, 61d-Notification control unit, 62-Storage unit, 63-I / F unit, 100-Suspension unit, 101-Suspension, 102-Wheel, 103-Rim, 103a-Outer side, 103b-Inner side, 104-Tire, Ax1-Rotation axis, Ax2-Vertical axis.

Claims

1. A wheel alignment adjustment auxiliary system, characterized in that, have: A positioning device, disposed at at least three points on a wheel surface substantially orthogonal to the wheel's axis of rotation and at least three points on a reference plane substantially orthogonal to the vertical axis; and The processing device calculates the camber angle of the wheel surface relative to the reference surface based on the position information input from the positioning device.

2. The wheel alignment adjustment auxiliary system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It has a notification device that notifies whether the outward tilt angle is within a preset acceptable range.

3. The wheel alignment adjustment auxiliary system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wheel surface is the outer side of the wheel rim.

4. The wheel alignment adjustment auxiliary system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reference plane is the mounting surface on which the wheel is placed.

5. The wheel alignment adjustment auxiliary system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning device uses Wi-Fi positioning to obtain the location information of the set point.

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