System for testing a vehicle environment sensor and for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle.

Abstract

System for testing a vehicle environment sensor and for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle, wherein the system comprises a base, at least one headlight aiming device and at least one test device, wherein the base defines a horizontal base plane, wherein the at least one headlight aiming device is configured for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight, and wherein the at least one test device is configured for testing a vehicle environment sensor, characterized in that the at least one headlight aiming device is arranged in a headlight aiming device plane that is parallel to the base plane, and the at least one test device is arranged in a test device plane that is parallel to the base plane but different from the headlight aiming device plane.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for testing a vehicle environment sensor and for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle. Furthermore, a method for testing a vehicle environment sensor and for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle is described.

[0002] Today, motor vehicles feature multiple driver assistance systems, such as distance warning systems, distance control systems, brake assist systems, lane keeping assistants, lane change assistants, etc., which are designed to support the driver or even completely take over certain tasks. Driver assistance systems therefore typically include at least one vehicle environment sensor, such as a radar sensor for distance measurement or environment monitoring and / or a camera for optically monitoring the vehicle's surroundings.

[0003] Depending on the vehicle environment sensors used, they may need to be adjusted or tested after installation in the vehicle. A test device is used for this purpose. Calibration of the vehicle environment sensor may also be necessary.

[0004] In addition, motor vehicles have headlights on their front that require adjustment, for which a headlight tester is used. This is typically a separate device. To simplify and speed up workflows in the workshop, it is common practice to mount the tester and headlight tester together on a bracket, allowing more effective use of the space available in a workshop.

[0005] Systems for this purpose, also referred to as calibration tools, are known from the prior art, for example, EP 3 736 555 A1. However, the disadvantages of the prior art system have been found to be its less flexible use and its stability issues, which are associated, among other things, with the different weights of the devices used to test the vehicle's surroundings sensor and adjust the vehicle's headlights.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved system which at least partially overcomes the aforementioned problems.

[0007] The object is achieved according to the invention, among other things, by a system for testing a vehicle surroundings sensor and for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle. The system comprises a base, at least one headlight adjustment device, and at least one test device. The base defines a horizontal base plane. The at least one headlight adjustment device is configured for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight. The at least one test device is configured for testing a vehicle surroundings sensor. The at least one headlight adjustment device is arranged in a headlight adjustment device plane that is parallel to the base plane. The at least one test device is arranged in a test device plane that is parallel to the base plane, but different from the headlight adjustment device plane.

[0008] In particular, the test device at the test device level and the headlight adjustment device at the headlight adjustment device level are located in an operating state of the system in which the motor vehicle is being tested, i.e., the vehicle surroundings sensor is being tested and the vehicle headlight is being adjusted. The system ensures that motor vehicles can be tested efficiently and reliably even if the vehicle headlight and the vehicle surroundings sensor are not located in the same plane, but in at least two different planes.

[0009] In principle, the test device can be a device that is set up to simulate an object for the vehicle environment sensor of the motor vehicle, for example at a certain distance. The simulated object can be simulated as a stationary object or as a moving object. In this respect, the speed and / or acceleration of the object can be simulated using the test device. The size of the object can also be simulated accordingly by the test device. Using the simulated object, the vehicle environment sensor of the motor vehicle can be tested, for example by evaluating whether the vehicle environment sensor of the motor vehicle has correctly detected the simulated object. For this purpose, an additional analysis device can be used to determine the test result. For analysis, the analysis device can be coupled to the test device and the motor vehicle, in particular the vehicle environment sensor, in order to read out the data and compare it with each other.

[0010] One aspect provides that a column extends vertically from the base, wherein a first support for the at least one headlight adjustment device is coupled to the column, and wherein a second support for the at least one test device is coupled to the column. The two devices, i.e. the at least one headlight adjustment device and the at least one test device, are accordingly arranged on two different supports, which can therefore also be referred to as headlight adjustment device supports (first support) and test device supports (second support). The two supports are coupled to the column at different levels, i.e. at different heights (vertical position), thereby ensuring that the headlight adjustment device is arranged in the headlight adjustment device level and the test device is arranged in the test device level, wherein the two levels are different.

[0011] In particular, the first support and the second support are arranged on two opposite sides of the column. This results in a compact and stable structure, as the column is centrally positioned, especially in relation to the base. The two supports, which act as levers due to the weight of the respective devices, thus engage on opposite sides of the column, which positively affects stability.

[0012] The two supports can be of different lengths and / or the respective device can be positioned on the support at a different distance from the column, allowing for different leverage ratios. In particular, the position of the respective device and / or the length of the corresponding support is selected such that essentially equal leverage forces are applied to the column to ensure a stable structure.

[0013] Furthermore, it can be provided that the first support and / or the second support are coupled to the column in a manner that is movable relative to the column. This makes it possible to position the headlight adjustment device (via the first support) and / or the test device (via the second support) at a desired height in order to flexibly adapt the position to the needs of the respective motor vehicle. In this respect, the system is adaptable to different motor vehicles and can therefore be used flexibly.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the first support and / or the second support extend horizontally. Both supports can thus run at right angles to the column. However, only one of the two supports can also run perpendicularly with respect to the direction of extension of the column. If both supports protrude perpendicularly from the column, the two supports are coupled to the column at different vertical positions, i.e., at different heights.

[0015] A further embodiment provides that the first support and / or the second support protrude from the column at an angle other than 90°. In this respect, the supports, or at least one of the supports, can also protrude obliquely from the column, i.e., not perpendicular to the direction of extension of the column.

[0016] In principle, it is also possible for one support to protrude vertically from the column, while the other support protrudes at an angle other than 90°, i.e., diagonally or inclined. In this case, both supports can also be coupled to the column at the same vertical position, i.e., at the same height, since the different levels for the test device and the headlight adjustment device are then created due to the different orientations of the supports. Of course, the supports can also be coupled to the column at different vertical positions.

[0017] For example, the first support and / or the second support form or include an angle between 10° and 80° between themselves and the column. As explained above, this is an angle other than 90°. In other words, the respective support does not extend in a substantially perpendicular direction away from the column or is not substantially horizontal.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, the at least one headlight adjustment device and the at least one test device are stacked one above the other. Both devices are thus arranged one above the other, placing them on different levels. If both devices are mounted on a (common) support extending from the column, a counterweight can be provided for the devices.

[0019] Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention by a system for testing a vehicle surroundings sensor and for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle. The system comprises a base, at least one headlight adjustment device, and at least one test device. The base defines a horizontal base plane. The at least one headlight adjustment device is configured for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight. The at least one test device is configured for testing a vehicle surroundings sensor. A column extends vertically from the base. The at least one headlight adjustment device and / or the at least one test device are / is directly coupled to the column.

[0020] This results in a compact and stable structure for the entire system, as the number of supports can be reduced. If both devices are directly coupled to the column, cross supports can even be dispensed with entirely.

[0021] The devices can have coupling interfaces on the sides, allowing them to be directly coupled to the column, which has counter-coupling interfaces for this purpose. For example, grooves or locking holes are provided in the column, allowing the devices to be directly coupled to the column, i.e., without a support.

[0022] In particular, it is provided that the at least one headlight adjustment device and / or the at least one test device are movably coupled to the column. This allows the system to be adapted to different motor vehicles by moving the at least one headlight adjustment device and / or the at least one test device accordingly, in particular to a specific height. The devices can be guided movably along the column so that their respective vertical position, i.e., the height, can be adjusted. For example, the devices are movably received in grooves provided in the column, wherein the device can be fixed at a desired position along the groove.

[0023] In principle, the respective device can be mechanically coupled to the column or fixed in the corresponding position. A spring-loaded element that interacts with the column can be provided. Likewise, an (electro-)magnetic attachment / fixation for the respective device can be provided.

[0024] Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention by a system for testing a vehicle surroundings sensor and for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle. The system comprises a base, at least one headlight adjustment device, and at least one test device. The base defines a horizontal base plane. The at least one headlight adjustment device is configured for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight. The at least one test device is configured for testing a vehicle surroundings sensor. A column extends from the base at an angle between 15° and 75°. The at least one headlight adjustment device and the at least one test device are both at least indirectly coupled to the column.By tilting the column, i.e., deviating from a substantially vertical alignment, it can be ensured that the forces exerted by the weight of the equipment, especially the lever forces, are better transmitted through the column to the base. The tilted orientation of the column also allows for adaptation to different equipment sizes.

[0025] One aspect involves two columns extending from the base at an angle of between 15° and 75°, with the two columns connected to form a support frame. The support frame provides the desired stability for the devices, making the entire system more stable than a single column.

[0026] In particular, the two columns are connected at their ends facing away from the base. Thus, the columns have no free ends, as each column is connected at its first end to the base and at its second end to the other column. This improves the stability of the supporting frame.

[0027] The at least one headlight adjustment device and the at least one test device can both be connected to the column via a horizontally extending support. Overall, a truss arrangement can be created using the inclined column and the horizontally extending support.

[0028] The at least one headlight adjustment device and the at least one test device can also both be arranged in a common device plane that is parallel to the base plane. In this embodiment, greater stability is ensured compared to the prior art due to the different arrangement of the column.

[0029] The object is further achieved by a system for testing a vehicle surroundings sensor and for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle. The system comprises a base, at least one headlight adjustment device, and at least one test device. The base defines a horizontal base plane. The at least one headlight adjustment device is configured for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight. The at least one test device is configured for testing a vehicle surroundings sensor. The at least one headlight adjustment device and the at least one test device are arranged in a common housing. This results in only a single combination device in which both the headlight adjustment device and the test device are housed. Both devices can be coupled directly to the column via the common housing.A support can also be provided, through which both devices are indirectly coupled to the column via the shared housing. In this case, however, both devices are arranged on one side of the column. A counterweight can therefore be provided to ensure the stability of the system.

[0030] It may also be provided that several rollers are provided on the base. This allows the devices to be moved to a desired position relative to the vehicle being tested.

[0031] Alternatively, at least one robot arm can be provided, wherein the robot arm is coupled to the base. The robot arm can adjust the base and thus the devices in order to position them accordingly.

[0032] Another aspect provides that the at least one test device comprises a radar test device and / or a lidar test device. Thus, two test devices can also be provided, namely a radar test device and a lidar test device. These can be used to test radar sensors and lidar sensors of a motor vehicle.

[0033] In addition to testing the vehicle surroundings sensor, it can also be provided that at least one test device is configured to calibrate the vehicle surroundings sensor. Calibration is particularly necessary if the sensor has been replaced or installed for the first time and calibration has not yet taken place.

[0034] Furthermore, a method for testing a vehicle environment sensor and for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle is provided, the method comprising the steps: - Providing a system of the type mentioned above, - Positioning the system in relation to the motor vehicle, - using the at least one test device to test the vehicle environment sensor of the motor vehicle, and - Using the at least one headlight adjustment device to adjust at least one vehicle headlight of the motor vehicle.

[0035] The method can be used to test the motor vehicle, in particular to test the vehicle's surroundings sensor and adjust the vehicle's headlights. If desired, the vehicle's surroundings sensor can also be calibrated.

[0036] In general, the headlight adjustment device and the test device have a defined geometric relationship with each other, which can be flexibly adapted to different motor vehicles.

[0037] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the drawings, to which reference is made. In the drawings: - Fig. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a system for testing a vehicle environment sensor and for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle, - Fig. 2 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a system for testing a vehicle environment sensor and for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle, - Fig. 3 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a system for testing a vehicle environment sensor and for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle, - Fig. 4 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of a system for testing a vehicle environment sensor and for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle, - Fig. 5 shows a fifth exemplary embodiment of a system for testing a vehicle environment sensor and for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle, and - Fig. 6 shows a sixth exemplary embodiment of a system for testing a vehicle environment sensor and for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle.

[0038] In Fig. 1 shows a system 10 for testing a vehicle environment sensor and for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle.

[0039] The system 10 has a base 12 that defines a horizontal base plane BE. In the embodiment shown, several rollers 14 are provided on the base 12, allowing the base 12 to be moved.

[0040] A column 16 also extends vertically from the base 12. The column 16 is preferably arranged centrally with respect to the base 12.

[0041] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the system 10 comprises a first carrier 18 and a second carrier 20.

[0042] The first carrier 18 carries a headlight adjustment device 22 which is designed to adjust at least one vehicle headlight.

[0043] The second carrier 20 carries a test device 24 which is configured to test a vehicle environment sensor.

[0044] In the embodiment shown, the supports 18, 20 are coupled to the column 16 at different vertical positions, i.e., at different heights. The supports 18, 20 are arranged on two opposite sides of the column 16.

[0045] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the supports 18, 20 extend horizontally. In other words, both supports 18, 20 protrude perpendicularly from the vertically extending column 16.

[0046] Since both supports 18, 20 are coupled to the column 16 at different vertical positions, the headlight adjustment device 22 is arranged in a headlight adjustment device plane SE that is parallel to the base plane BE, whereas the test device 24 is arranged in a test device plane TE that is also parallel to the base plane BE but different from the headlight adjustment device plane SE. In other words, the headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24 are arranged in different planes.

[0047] As indicated by the arrows, both supports 18, 20 can be adjustable relative to the column 16, whereby the headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24 can be brought to different heights.

[0048] In Fig. 2 shows an alternative embodiment, whereby only the differences from the first embodiment will be discussed below.

[0049] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the two supports 18, 20 extend in an inclined direction from the column 16, i.e., no longer substantially horizontally. In other words, both supports 18, 20 extend from the column 16 at an angle α, β different from 90°; in particular, the supports 18, 20 each enclose an angle α, β between 10° and 80° between themselves and the column 16.

[0050] The two supports 18, 20 are, as already shown in the first embodiment, coupled to the column 16 at different vertical positions. Furthermore, both supports 18, 20 are of substantially equal length and protrude from the column 16 at substantially the same angle α, β, thereby ensuring that the headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24 are arranged in different planes, i.e., in the headlight adjustment device plane SE and the test device plane TE.

[0051] It can also be provided that both supports 18, 20 are coupled to the column 16 at the same vertical position, wherein the supports 18, 20 protrude from the column 16 by different lengths and / or at different angles α, β, which further ensures that the headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24 are arranged in different planes, i.e. in the headlight adjustment device plane SE and the test device plane TE.

[0052] In principle, a combination of the first embodiment and the second embodiment is also conceivable, in which one of the two supports 18, 20 runs horizontally and the other of the two supports 18, 20 projects in an inclined direction from the column 16.

[0053] In the case of the inclined supports 18, 20, it can also be provided that the angle α, β enclosed between the respective support 18, 20 and the column 16 is variable, as indicated by the curved arrows in Fig. 2 is indicated.

[0054] In Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment in which only one carrier 18 is provided on which the headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24 are arranged.

[0055] The headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24 are stacked on top of each other, which is why the headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24 are still arranged in different levels, namely in the headlight adjustment device level SE and the test device level TE.

[0056] For example, the headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24 can be housed in a common housing 26. In other words, the headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24 are arranged in the common housing 26.

[0057] Here, too, the headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24 can be moved together along the column 16 by means of the support 18, i.e., their height can be adjusted if desired. Since the headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24 are stacked on top of each other, this ensures that the headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24 are always arranged in different planes that are parallel to the base plane BE.

[0058] However, it can also be provided that the headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24, provided they are arranged in the common housing 26, are arranged horizontally next to one another, i.e., not stacked on top of one another, but arranged side by side. In other words, the assembly comprising the headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24 is then rotated by 90°, which corresponds to the operating orientation of the headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24.

[0059] In Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment in which the headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24 are coupled directly to the column 16, i.e. without a carrier.

[0060] In the present case, the headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24 each have a coupling interface on one of their sides, via which the headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24 are each directly coupled to the column 16, in particular on different sides of the column 16.

[0061] The coupling of the headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24 can be designed such that the headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24 are displaceable with respect to the column 16, as indicated by the arrows.

[0062] In Fig. Figure 5 shows a fifth embodiment in which the column 16 extends from the base 12 at an angle γ between 15° and 75°.

[0063] A common support 18 is provided on the column 16, which extends horizontally, wherein the headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24 are indirectly coupled to the column 16 via the common support 18. The headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24 are thus arranged in a common device plane GE, which is parallel to the base plane BE.

[0064] The support 18 can be slidably mounted on the column 16, as symbolized by the arrow, so that the headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24 can be adjusted, i.e., positioned at different heights. This embodiment is particularly suitable for devices of different weights, for example, when the headlight adjustment device 22 is lighter than the test device 24.

[0065] In Fig. Figure 6 shows a sixth embodiment in which two columns 16a, 16b are provided, which extend from the base 12 at an angle γ, δ between 15° and 75°. The two columns 16a, 16b are connected to each other and form a support frame 28. As shown in Fig. 6, the two columns 16a, 16b are connected to each other at their ends pointing away from the base 12.

[0066] The headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24 are both connected to the columns 16a, 16b via the horizontal support 18. In other words, the horizontal support 18 is part of the support frame 28.

[0067] In principle, the test device 24 can comprise a radar test device and / or a lidar test device. The test device 24 can therefore comprise two test modules, or two different test devices 24 can be provided, each intended for testing a radar sensor or a lidar sensor of the motor vehicle.

[0068] In general, the test device 24 can be configured to calibrate the vehicle environment sensor. In this respect, the vehicle environment sensor is not only tested but also calibrated.

[0069] If more complex tests are planned, the base 12 can also be connected to a robotic arm, via which the base 12 and thus the headlight adjustment device 22 and the test device 24 are adjusted. In this case, the rollers 14 can be omitted, among other things, since the corresponding movement is carried out via the robotic arm.

[0070] With the System 10, which in the Fig.1 to 6, a method for testing a vehicle surroundings sensor and for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle can be performed. For this purpose, such a system 10 is provided and positioned relative to the motor vehicle. The test device 24 is used to test the vehicle surroundings sensor of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the headlight adjustment device 22 is used to adjust at least one vehicle headlight of the motor vehicle. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] EP 3 736 555 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] System for testing a vehicle environment sensor and for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle, wherein the system comprises a base, at least one headlight adjustment device and at least one test device, wherein the base defines a horizontal base plane, wherein the at least one headlight adjustment device is configured for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight, and wherein the at least one test device is configured for testing a vehicle environment sensor, characterized by that the at least one headlight adjustment device is arranged in a headlight adjustment device plane which is parallel to the base plane, and the at least one test device is arranged in a test device plane which is parallel to the base plane but different from the headlight adjustment device plane. [2] System according to claim 1, characterized bythat a column extends from the base in the vertical direction, wherein a first support for the at least one headlight adjustment device is coupled to the column, and wherein a second support for the at least one test device is coupled to the column. [3] System according to claim 2, characterized by that the first support and the second support are arranged on two opposite sides of the column. [4] System according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that the first support and / or the second support are / is coupled to the column in a displaceable manner with respect to the column. [5] System according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by that the first support and / or the second support extend in the horizontal direction. [6] System according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by that the first support and / or the second support protrude from the column at an angle other than 90°. [7] System according to claim 6, characterized by that the first support and / or the second support enclose an angle of between 10° and 80° between themselves and the column. [8] System according to claim 1, characterized by that the at least one headlight adjustment device and the at least one test device are stacked on top of each other. [9] System for testing a vehicle environment sensor and for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle, wherein the system comprises a base, at least one headlight adjustment device and at least one test device, wherein the base defines a horizontal base plane, wherein the at least one headlight adjustment device is configured for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight, and wherein the at least one test device is configured for testing a vehicle environment sensor, characterized bythat a column extends from the base in the vertical direction, wherein the at least one headlight adjustment device and / or the at least one test device are or are directly coupled to the column. [10] System according to claim 9, characterized by that the at least one headlight adjustment device and / or the at least one test device are movably coupled to the column. [11] System for testing a vehicle environment sensor and for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle, wherein the system comprises a base, at least one headlight adjustment device and at least one test device, wherein the base defines a horizontal base plane, wherein the at least one headlight adjustment device is configured for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight, and wherein the at least one test device is configured for testing a vehicle environment sensor, characterized bythat a column extends from the base at an angle between 15° and 75°, wherein the at least one headlight adjustment device and the at least one test device are both at least indirectly coupled to the column. [12] System according to claim 11, characterized by that two columns extend from the base at an angle of between 15° and 75°, the two columns being connected to each other to form a supporting frame. [13] System according to claim 12, characterized by that the two columns are connected at their ends facing away from the base. [14] System according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by that the at least one headlight adjustment device and the at least one test device are both connected to the column via a horizontally extending support. [15] System according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized bythat the at least one headlight adjustment device and the at least one test device are both arranged in a common device plane which is parallel to the base plane. [16] System for testing a vehicle environment sensor and for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight of a motor vehicle, wherein the system comprises a base, at least one headlight adjustment device and at least one test device, wherein the base defines a horizontal base plane, wherein the at least one headlight adjustment device is configured for adjusting at least one vehicle headlight, and wherein the at least one test device is configured for testing a vehicle environment sensor, characterized by that the at least one headlight adjustment device and the at least one test device are arranged in a common housing. [17] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that several rollers are provided at the base. [18] System according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized by that at least one robot arm is provided, wherein the robot arm is coupled to the base. [19] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one test device comprises a radar test device and / or a lidar test device. [20] System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one test device is configured to calibrate the vehicle environment sensor.

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