Motor vehicles for the transport of dangerous goods and procedures

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle (10) for the transport of hazardous goods, with a first optical detection device (12) dependent on the vehicle's electrical system, by means of which, when the vehicle's electrical system (10) is activated, traffic behind the vehicle can be substantially detected, wherein a second optical detection device (14) independent of the vehicle's electrical system is arranged in relation to the first optical detection device (12). The invention further relates to a method for such a motor vehicle (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle for the transport of dangerous goods according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method.

[0002] For the transport of dangerous goods (ADR), there are regulations that every vehicle transporting these goods must comply with. These regulations and corresponding requirements for such dangerous goods are intended to increase road safety. Observing traffic behind the vehicle while transporting dangerous goods can contribute to greater transport safety.

[0003] German patent DE 4019 234 A1 discloses a rearview mirror arrangement on the cab of a commercial vehicle, in which two rearview mirrors are arranged side by side in the driver's field of vision, in the plane of the vehicle's width, at least one of which is adjustable in the plane of the vehicle's width. This allows a driver to monitor traffic behind them and / or the hazardous goods.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a motor vehicle for the transport of hazardous goods and a method by which continuous observation of rear traffic during the transport of the hazardous goods is made possible for increased safety.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by a motor vehicle with the features of claim 1 and by means of a method according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the motor vehicle according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention, wherein the means of the motor vehicle are used to carry out the method steps. Advantageous further developments of the invention are described by the dependent claims, the following description and the figures.

[0006] A first aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle, in particular a truck for the transport of dangerous goods or for carrying out ADR transport, with a first optical detection device dependent on the vehicle's electrical system, by means of which, when the vehicle's electrical system is activated, traffic behind it can be substantially detected. Furthermore, the optical detection device is applicable for monitoring dangerous goods during transport. The optical detection device is thus mounted on the motor vehicle, in particular laterally, and especially on both sides by arranging at least two optical detection devices on each side of the motor vehicle, in order to collect and transmit images and data of the traffic and the dangerous goods during transport.

[0007] To solve the problem of the invention, it is provided according to the invention that a second optical detection device, independent of the vehicle's electrical system, is arranged in relation to the first optical detection device. A distinction is made in particular between the optical detection device dependent on the vehicle's electrical system and the optical detection device independent of the vehicle's electrical system. The first optical detection device dependent on the vehicle's electrical system is only applicable when the vehicle's electrical system is activated, i.e., when the vehicle is in operation, switched on, or in use. In contrast, the second optical detection device independent of the vehicle's electrical system is designed to enable the observation of traffic behind the vehicle, regardless of the vehicle's state and regardless of whether the vehicle is currently moving or not.In other words, both optical detection devices are provided to comply with regulations for the transport of dangerous goods. According to the invention, the two optical detection devices are arranged, for example, as close as possible to the motor vehicle, thereby providing the lowest possible air resistance despite monitoring the traffic behind. In particular, a driver of the motor vehicle can switch between the optical detection devices in order to monitor the traffic behind, depending on the vehicle's operation. This means that while the motor vehicle is in operation, the optical detection devices actively detect the dangerous goods and the traffic behind and make them available to the driver of the motor vehicle for observation.By using machine learning algorithms that are able to automatically check the images for deviations from normal transport conditions, it is possible to detect problems such as leaks or improper handling, as well as potential traffic hazards, at an early stage and, if necessary, to inform monitoring authorities in order to effect a quick and appropriate response.

[0008] The terms "on-board power supply independent" and "on-board power supply dependent" refer specifically to how electronic devices, namely the optical detection devices, are powered. Specifically, the first optical detection device, which is dependent on the vehicle's electrical system, requires an external power source to operate. This can be the vehicle's electrical system or another external power source. Devices that are dependent on the vehicle's electrical system cannot function without a power supply and therefore require a connection to an external power source. Furthermore, the second optical detection device, which is independent of the vehicle's electrical system, has its own power supply and can be used independently of the vehicle's electrical system. Devices that are independent of the vehicle's electrical system are typically equipped with batteries or another type of internal power supply that allows them to operate independently of other power sources.According to the invention, maximum flexibility and availability should be enabled by means of the on-board network-autonomous as well as the on-board network-dependent optical detection device in order to enable particularly safe transport of dangerous goods.

[0009] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first optical detection device is designed as a mirror camera. This means that the first optical detection device can already be represented as an existing mirror camera, which is designed to at least partially detect rear traffic and transported goods. Such a mirror camera is already arranged on an exterior mirror on the door of the vehicle. In particular, mirror cameras are already arranged on the respective exterior mirrors on the left or right side of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction, which can be used to observe rear traffic. The mirror cameras are, for example, electronically coupled to a display device in an instrument panel of the vehicle, allowing the driver to observe rear traffic on the display device.

[0010] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the second optical detection device is designed as a battery-operated mirror camera or as a mirror glass. Furthermore, the second optical detection device can have a mirror camera and a mirror glass. In this case, a mirror camera is to be used which, in contrast to the first optical detection device, is battery-operated, i.e. the second optical detection device has its own energy source, by means of which it can also be used in a designed motor vehicle. In particular, the second optical detection device, which is independent of the on-board power supply, is to be able to be used via the battery or via a further electrical source, wherein in addition to a battery, a photovoltaic system or other energy sources can also be used.As a mirror, the second optical detection device can be significantly smaller than a rearview mirror, since its sole purpose is to observe traffic behind the vehicle while stationary. In particular, this second optical detection device is also self-sufficient in terms of its own electrical system.

[0011] A further embodiment of the invention has proven equally advantageous, in which the second optical detection device is coupled with a battery-powered display device. To enable rear traffic monitoring using the second optical detection device, which is designed as a battery-powered mirror camera, a display device is coupled, which is also battery-powered, thus allowing for monitoring of rear traffic independently of the vehicle's electrical system. This makes it possible, in particular, to monitor rear traffic on the display device and via the second optical detection device using battery power even when the vehicle is switched off.

[0012] Finally, in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second optical detection device is arranged on a section of an exterior mirror of the motor vehicle. Here, the second optical detection device is arranged on the exterior mirror of the motor vehicle, particularly to reduce air resistance. In an embodiment of the first optical detection device as a mirror camera, the first optical detection device is thus arranged on the exterior mirror of the motor vehicle. The second optical detection device, designed as a mirror camera, is, however, arranged on a section of the first optical detection device, thereby enabling a combination of mirror cameras by means of which ADR-compliant observation of rear traffic is possible, even independently of the vehicle's electrical system.

[0013] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is one in which the second optical detection device is smaller relative to the first optical detection device. In this embodiment, the second optical detection device is designed to be particularly small and is arranged, for example, in a corner of the exterior mirror, and especially at a corner of the first optical detection device, whereby the first optical detection device can be significantly larger than the second optical detection device. However, it is ensured that the arrangement of the second optical detection device allows for sufficient observation of traffic behind the vehicle.

[0014] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle for transporting hazardous goods, in which rear traffic is essentially detected by means of a first optical detection device dependent on the vehicle's electrical system and when the vehicle's electrical system is activated. It is provided that the rear traffic is also detected by means of a second optical detection device independent of the vehicle's electrical system and arranged in conjunction with the first optical detection device. The second optical detection device is electronically coupled, in particular, to a battery-operated display device independent of the vehicle's electrical system. This enables the driver of the motor vehicle to observe the rear traffic independently of whether the motor vehicle is operating or not.

[0015] In other words, the invention relates to an ADR-compliant electronic rearview mirror combination by means of which a commercial vehicle is equipped for observing traffic behind it, wherein the rearview mirror combination is mounted externally on the vehicle body on the driver's side. To realize a device that exhibits the lowest possible air resistance and yet enables continuous observation of traffic behind the vehicle, regardless of the vehicle's condition, it is proposed that the device include a mirror camera dependent on the vehicle's electrical system, which essentially takes over the observation when the electrical system is activated, and a self-contained observation unit that is smaller than the mirror camera and functionally attached to the exterior mirror. The observation unit is particularly preferably formed by an exterior mirror with mirror glass.The observation unit is preferably formed by a battery-powered mirror camera connected to a battery-powered display located in the driver's cab.

[0016] If vehicles are to carry out ADR transports, the traffic behind them must be visible even when the vehicle's electrical system is deactivated. Currently, this is not possible with electronic rearview mirrors, exterior mirrors, or mirror cameras, which means that vehicles with these optical detection devices cannot be used for transports. The proposed solution demonstrates that most of the advantages of electronic rearview mirrors can also be utilized for ADR transport tasks. Accordingly, electronic rearview mirrors are installed. In addition, a very small rearview mirror is installed on the driver's side, which only meets the requirements for observing traffic behind the vehicle when stationary. This allows for a significantly smaller size compared to conventional rearview mirrors, which must also meet all the requirements for driver operation.Compared to conventional rearview mirrors, air resistance and therefore energy consumption are reduced. Additionally, electronic rearview mirrors offer further advantages, such as no obstruction of the forward view and dynamic cornering assistance.

[0017] In summary, the motor vehicle and the method according to the invention offer effective monitoring of dangerous goods during transport by using a mirror camera that collects images and data of the dangerous goods and a machine learning algorithm that detects deviations from normal transport conditions.

[0018] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawing. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the single figure alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0019] The single figure shows a diagram illustrating a motor vehicle according to the invention for transporting dangerous goods.

[0020] The single figure shows a diagram illustrating a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention for transporting dangerous goods, with a first optical detection device 12 dependent on the vehicle's electrical system, which is designed as a mirror camera, by means of which, when the vehicle's electrical system is activated, traffic behind the vehicle can be substantially detected. According to the invention, a second optical detection device 14, independent of the vehicle's electrical system, is arranged next to the first optical detection device 12. This second optical detection device 14 is designed as a battery-operated mirror camera and is coupled to a battery-operated display device 16. This makes it possible to observe traffic behind the vehicle even when the vehicle's electrical system is switched off, thereby fulfilling the requirements for the transport of dangerous goods.In particular, the second optical detection device 14 is arranged on a section of an exterior mirror of the motor vehicle 10, wherein the first optical detection device 12, designed as a mirror camera, is arranged on the exterior mirror. Specifically, the second optical detection device 14 is thus arranged in a section of the first optical detection device 12, wherein the second optical detection device 14 is smaller relative to the first optical detection device 12, in order to minimize air resistance.

[0021] In particular, the invention provides for a method for operating the motor vehicle 10 for the transport of dangerous goods, in which, with the activation of the motor vehicle 10's electrical system, rear traffic is essentially detected by means of the first optical detection device 14, which is dependent on the vehicle's electrical system. The invention provides that the rear traffic is detected by means of a second optical detection device 14, which is independent of the vehicle's electrical system and is arranged with the first optical detection device 12, and in particular that the detection is displayed to a user by means of a battery-operated display device 16. Reference symbol list 10 motor vehicles 12 first optical detection device 14 second optical detection device 16 Display device QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 4019 234 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle (10) for the transport of dangerous goods, with a first optical detection device (12) dependent on the on-board network, by means of which rearward traffic can essentially be detected when the on-board network of the motor vehicle (10) is activated, characterized by that a second optical detection device (14) which is independent of the vehicle electrical system is arranged next to the first optical detection device (12). [2] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the first optical detection device (12) is designed as a mirror camera. [3] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the second optical detection device (14) is designed as a battery-operated mirror camera or as a mirror glass. [4] Motor vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second optical detection device (14) is coupled to a battery-operated display device (16). [5] Motor vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second optical detection device (14) is arranged on a partial area of ​​an exterior mirror of the motor vehicle (10). [6] Motor vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second optical detection device (14) is smaller relative to the first optical detection device (12). [7] Method for operating a motor vehicle (10) for transporting dangerous goods, in which rearward traffic is essentially detected by means of a first optical detection device (14) dependent on the on-board network when the on-board network of the motor vehicle (10) is activated, characterized by that the rear traffic is detected by means of a second optical detection device (14) which is arranged in the vehicle electrical system and is independent of the first optical detection device (12).

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