DISTANCE MEASURING SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE

Description

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a distance measuring system and a vehicle with a distance measuring system. In general, the invention lies in the field of vehicles, such as mobile construction or work machines, aerial work platforms, fire service turntable ladders, or the like.

[0002] From WO 2017 / 178737 A1, a control panel for a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) with protection against operator crushing is known. The MEWP comprises a work basket with a railing attached to it, the railing being fitted with a control panel for controlling the MEWP's movements. A system is arranged on the control panel for determining whether the control panel is attached to the railing, whether a person is in the work basket next to the control panel or is leaning towards the control panel, or whether an obstacle is present. The system comprises at least one wave transmitter and one receiver, the system detecting disturbance from an external object by having the receiver receive the waves emitted by the transmitter through reflection from the disturbing object.

[0003] EP 3173369 A1 discloses a work platform with a protective device. Furthermore, document JP2013010589A discloses a distance measuring system according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] A disadvantage of the known system is that, depending on the position of the control panel in the work platform, not all obstacles in the vicinity of the platform are detected. This can lead to collisions with undetected obstacles when the platform moves. Furthermore, measurement errors can occur, particularly with upward-facing transmitters and receivers, as rainwater, for example, cannot drain away and instead collects on the sensor heads. This can result in a person leaning towards the control panel not being detected, or not being detected correctly, and potentially becoming trapped.

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to create an improved concept for obstacle detection, for example in the vicinity of a work basket of a mobile elevating work platform.

[0006] The problem is solved by the features specified in independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] The present invention provides a distance measuring system for a vehicle, wherein the distance measuring system has a measuring unit for non-contact determination of a distance to an object, and the measuring unit comprises the following: a sensor unit configured to emit a signal and receive a signal reflected from the object; an evaluation unit which determines a distance between the measuring unit and the object from the signals emitted and received by the sensor unit; and a signal deflection device arranged in the area of ​​the sensor unit, with a reflector surface which deflects the signal emitted by the sensor unit in a direction deviating from the direction of propagation of the signal, in particular at a substantially right angle to the direction of propagation of the signal, towards the object.

[0008] The signal emitted by the sensor unit is reflected upon contact with the object (obstacle). It is advantageous to redirect the signal's propagation direction, particularly when determining the distance to an object located above the distance measuring system. This is because the sensor unit itself does not need to be oriented upwards (towards the object or obstacle being detected), but rather horizontally. In other words, the sensor unit is oriented so that the signals are emitted horizontally. This allows rainwater to run off and prevents it from pooling on the sensor unit. Consequently, the sensor unit's functionality and availability are not impaired by rain.

[0009] The evaluation unit, consisting of a computer unit such as a microcontroller system, calculates a distance value from the signals transmitted and received by the sensor unit. This result is then conveniently output or transmitted to a controller, such as a vehicle or machine control system, for example, via a fieldbus message (CAN, LIN, or similar). The controller can then react accordingly based on the measured distance value, for example, by stopping, slowing down, or otherwise controlling the vehicle or machine. If the distance measuring system is used, for example, on a mobile elevating work platform or a fire department turntable ladder, the controller can be a safety-related controller.

[0010] The signal deflection device is advantageously arranged directly in front of the sensor unit or at a (defined) distance in the measuring direction, i.e., in the transmit and receive directions. When measuring distances, the distance to the reflector surface, which deflects the signal emitted by the sensor unit towards the object or obstacle, must be taken into account. However, this is known in the design of the distance measuring system and can, for example, be stored as a constant in the evaluation unit or the sensor unit. In the context of the present invention, the direction of propagation of the signals emitted and received by the sensor unit refers to the measuring direction, or in other words, the respective direction vector of the emitted or received signal.The signal deflection device redirects the emitted signal towards the object in such a way that the direction vector of the signal arriving at the object is essentially perpendicular to the direction vector of the signal emitted by the sensor unit. The sensor unit transmits and receives the signals in opposite directions.

[0011] According to exemplary embodiments, the reflector surface deflects the signal reflected by the object in a direction deviating from the propagation direction of the reflected signal, in particular at a substantially right angle to the propagation direction of the reflected signal, towards the sensor unit. The signal deflection device deflects the signal reflected by the object towards the sensor unit in such a way that the direction vector of the signal reflected by the object is substantially perpendicular to the direction vector of the signal received by the sensor unit.

[0012] According to exemplary embodiments, the distance measuring system comprises a measuring module on or in which the measuring unit is arranged. Preferably, the measuring module is elongated, for example as a measuring beam, which can have a round, square, rectangular, or similar cross-section. The measuring unit can be arranged on the measuring module, for example screwed, glued, plugged, or similarly attached. However, an integrated version is also possible, i.e., the measuring unit or parts thereof, such as the evaluation unit and / or the sensor unit, are built into or integrated within the measuring module.

[0013] According to the exemplary embodiments, the signal deflection device is detachably, and in particular without tools, attached to the measuring unit or the measuring module. The signal deflection device can be attached to the measuring unit or the measuring module, for example, by a click connection, clamping, plugging, or using a hook-and-loop fastener or similar method. This is particularly advantageous if the signal deflection device is defective, as it can then be easily replaced, possibly even without tools. However, it is also possible for the signal deflection device to be screwed to the measuring unit or the measuring module.

[0014] According to the invention, the signal deflection device comprises a bracket and a reflector unit, which are detachably connected to each other, in particular detachably without tools. The bracket can also be detachably attached to the measuring unit or the measuring module; however, fixed mounting on the measuring module or a mounting mechanism pre-formed on the housing of the measuring module, i.e., a mounting mechanism integrated into the housing of the measuring module, is also conceivable. The reflector unit, which comprises the reflective surface, is also detachably arranged on the bracket. The reflector unit can, for example, be clicked into place (click connection), clamped, plugged in, or attached by means of a hook-and-loop fastener or similar. If the reflector unit is defective, for example, it can advantageously be easily detached from the bracket and replaced.

[0015] According to exemplary embodiments, the reflector unit is slidably, in particular laterally, arranged on the bracket. This allows the measuring direction of the distance measurement to be changed in a simple manner, or the measuring direction of the measuring module or unit to be changed and thus adapted to the conditions of the vehicle or machine. That is, if, for example, a measuring module with two measuring units is to be used on the vehicle or machine for two different measuring directions, the reflector unit of the first measuring unit can be moved directly in front of the sensor unit so that the signal emitted by the sensor unit of the first measuring unit is directed towards the object.of the obstacle is deflected, whereas in the second measuring unit the reflector unit is pushed to the side, so that the signal emitted by the sensor unit of the second measuring unit is not deflected (and accordingly has a different measuring direction).

[0016] According to exemplary embodiments, the bracket has a locking mechanism for securing the reflector unit and / or the reflector unit (52) has a locking mechanism for securing it. This advantageously prevents the reflector unit from accidentally detaching during operation of the vehicle or machine. Advantageously, the locking mechanism can be easily and quickly actuated by finger pressure, so that the reflector unit can be easily detached from the bracket and replaced. The locking mechanism can be located on the bracket and / or on the reflector unit.

[0017] According to the invention, the signal deflection device has at least one opening or at least one gap between the mounting bracket and the reflector unit. This advantageously prevents, for example, rainwater from accumulating in the signal deflection device, particularly when the measuring unit or distance measuring system is oriented to detect an object (obstacle) located above it. This is because the sensor unit is oriented horizontally, meaning that signals are both transmitted and received horizontally. In contrast, the reflector unit of the signal deflection device can act like a funnel, allowing rainwater to accumulate without at least one opening or gap, thus impairing the functionality and availability of the sensor unit.

[0018] According to the exemplary embodiments, the sensor unit has a sensor head designed to transmit the signal and receive the signal reflected by the object. It is possible to use a sensor head that can both transmit and (with a time delay) receive signals, or a sensor head with separate transmitting and receiving units, in which case no switching between transmitting and receiving is necessary.

[0019] Depending on the specific embodiment, the signals emitted and received by the sensor unit are ultrasonic signals, microwave signals, or optical signals. Microwave signals could include, for example, radar signals or similar technologies, while optical signals could include light (e.g., infrared light), lasers, or the like. The reflector surface of the signal deflection device is designed to be matte, glossy, mirrored, or similar, depending on the measurement technology (signals) used.

[0020] Depending on the specific embodiment, the measuring module comprises several measuring units that can be electrically connected to each other via a cable connection. The measuring units can be arranged in or on the measuring module, for example, screwed, glued, plugged in, or fully or partially integrated within it, meaning that measuring units or parts thereof, such as evaluation units and / or sensor units, are built into or integrated within the measuring module. Distance values ​​are calculated from the signals transmitted and received by the sensor units by the evaluation units, each of which consists of a processing unit, for example, a microcontroller system. The result is then output or transmitted via cable connection, for example, via a fieldbus message (CAN, LIN, or similar), to a controller, such as a vehicle or machine control system.The measuring units can perform distance measurements either simultaneously, sequentially (i.e., one after the other), or based on priority. Because the measuring units are electrically connected and can therefore exchange data via fieldbus messages, it is possible to perform simultaneous, sequential, or priority-based (i.e., dependent on the number or arrangement of the measuring units) distance measurements.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the measuring units of a measuring module share a common evaluation unit. For example, if two or three measuring units are arranged in or on a measuring module, it is quite possible for the sensor units to be electrically connected to a common evaluation unit. This advantageously makes the measuring module more cost-effective overall, as it saves on electronic components. However, it is also conceivable that more than two or three measuring units are electrically connected to a common evaluation unit. It is advantageous and cost-effective if all measuring units arranged in or on a measuring module are electrically connected to one and the same evaluation unit of that measuring module.

[0022] Depending on the embodiment, the measuring units are arranged on or in the measuring module such that they determine distances to the same object or distances to different objects. The measuring units can be arranged in or on a measuring module with the same detection direction, so that distances to either the same object (obstacle) or distances to different objects (different obstacles) are determined. Conversely, the measuring units do not necessarily have to be arranged in or on a measuring module with the same detection direction, but can have different detection directions and thus determine distances to different objects (different obstacles).

[0023] According to exemplary embodiments, the distance measuring system comprises several measuring modules which can be connected to each other via an electrical cable connection or a wireless connection. Measuring modules can be cascaded in a distance measuring system via an electrical cable connection or a wireless connection; that is, they can be connected in series or linked together so that the distance measuring system consists of two or more measuring modules. The measuring modules, or the measuring units, or the evaluation units arranged in the measuring units can communicate with each other, for example, via a fieldbus system (CAN, LIN, or similar), and / or output or transmit distance values ​​to a controller, such as a vehicle or machine control system. For this purpose, the fieldbus system of the distance measuring system is advantageously electrically connected to the fieldbus system of the machine or vehicle.This cascading approach is advantageous because the distance measurement system can be designed and configured very flexibly. It can be individually adapted to different vehicles or machines, meaning that, for example, the number of measurement modules or the length of the cable connections between the individual measurement modules can be freely and flexibly configured.

[0024] If a wireless connection between the measuring modules is used, each module still includes at least one battery to ensure the power supply of the individual measuring units. The individual measuring modules in a distance measuring system communicate with each other via radio signals, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or similar technologies. A wireless connection between the measuring modules is advantageous when mounting them on a vehicle or machine, as the elimination of cable routing allows for even more flexible adaptation to the specific conditions of the vehicle or machine.

[0025] The measuring modules can perform distance measurements either simultaneously, sequentially (i.e., one after the other), or based on priority. Because the measuring modules are electrically connected (either wired or wirelessly) and can therefore exchange data, it is possible to perform simultaneous, sequential, or priority-based (i.e., depending on the number or arrangement of the measuring modules) distance measurements.

[0026] Another embodiment relates to a vehicle with a distance measuring system as outlined above. According to these embodiments, the vehicle is a mobile construction or work machine. This could include, for example, construction vehicles, construction machinery (excavators, cranes, etc.), road construction machinery (pavers, feeders, compactors (rollers), etc.), or other mobile vehicles or machines. Vehicles used at airports are also conceivable in this context (e.g., a mobile staircase that moves up to a stationary aircraft, or similar). The distance measuring system according to the invention can be used on all vehicles and machines that approach an obstacle or object during operation and where a collision must be avoided, or where a distance to an obstacle or object needs to be measured, recorded, or determined.

[0027] Depending on the specific embodiment, the vehicle is a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) or a fire service turntable ladder, with a work basket movably mounted on the vehicle, and at least one distance measuring system attached to the work basket. The MEWP is, for example, a work platform with a telescopic crane mechanism or a scissor lift. Fire service turntable ladders often also have a work basket that moves with the extendable ladder. The distance measuring system is located at some point on the work basket and measures distances to one or more objects or obstacles.

[0028] According to exemplary embodiments, the work basket, which is movably mounted on the vehicle, has a floor and a railing, and at least one distance measuring system is arranged on the floor and / or the railing or integrated into the floor and / or the railing. If the at least one distance measuring system is attached to the floor and / or the railing or the railing, this attachment can be detachable, in particular detachable without tools, for example by means of a hook-and-loop fastener, a clamping device, a plug-in device, an adhesive device, or the like. Alternatively, the distance measuring system can be attached to the floor and / or the railing or the railing, for example, by screwing, riveting, or other means. It is also possible to arrange the at least one distance measuring system or parts of the at least one distance measuring system in the floor and / or the railing or the railing. The individual parts of the railing or...The railing of a work basket can be considered a measuring module in which the measuring units or at least parts thereof are built in or integrated, thus advantageously eliminating the need for further mechanisms in the form of separate measuring modules.

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained with reference to the following drawings. They show: Fig. 1a, a schematic representation of the operating principle of the distance measuring system; Fig. 2, a schematic representation (detail) of a measuring module; Fig. 3, a schematic representation of a measuring module; Fig. 4, a schematic representation of a reflector unit and a bracket; and Fig. 5, a lifting platform with a distance measuring system.

[0030] Before exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the figures, it should be noted that elements with the same function are provided with the same reference numerals, so that their descriptions are applicable and interchangeable. When measuring distances, the distance to the reflector surface 55, which deflects the signal S11 emitted by the sensor unit 30 in the direction of the object 70 or the obstacle 70, must be taken into account. Since this distance value should be known during the design of the distance measuring system 10, the value can, for example, be stored as a constant in the evaluation unit 40 or the sensor unit 30.

[0031] Figures 1a and 1bFigures 1 and 2 show a distance measuring system 10 in schematic representation to illustrate the basic operating principle of the distance measurement. The distance measuring system 10 has a measuring unit 20 for non-contact determination of a distance to an object 70 (an obstacle such as a wall, a roof, an overhang, or similar), wherein the measuring unit 20 essentially comprises a sensor unit 30, an evaluation unit 40, and a signal deflection device 50. The sensor unit 30 is configured to emit a signal S11, S12 and to receive a signal S21, S22 reflected from the object 70. The evaluation unit 40 determines a distance between the measuring unit 20 and the object 70 from the signals S11,S12 emitted by the sensor unit 30 and the signals S21,S22 received, for example on the basis of the signal travel time, i.e. on the basis of the time difference between the emitted signals S11,S12 and the received signals S21,S22.The signal deflection device 50, which is arranged in the area of ​​the sensor unit 30, has a reflector surface 55 which is positioned at an angle of approximately 45° to the sensor unit 30, such that the signal S11 emitted by the sensor unit 30 is deflected upon impact with the reflector surface 55 in a direction deviating from the propagation direction of the signal S11, in particular at a substantially right angle to the propagation direction of the signal S11, in the direction of the object 70. The angle at which the reflector surface 55 is positioned relative to the sensor unit 30 can be in the range of approximately 40° to 50° or in the range of approximately 30° to 50°.The deflected signal S12 is reflected by object 70 upon reaching it and, upon reaching the reflector surface 55, is deflected in a direction different from the propagation direction of the reflected signal S21, in particular at a substantially right angle to the propagation direction of the reflected signal S21, towards the sensor unit 30. The signal S22, deflected by the reflector surface 55, then reaches the sensor unit 30 and is received there by a sensor head 31 (not shown). The sensor head 31 can be configured to emit the signal S11 and to receive the signal S22 reflected by object 70 and deflected by the signal deflection device 50. A sensor head capable of both emitting and (with a time delay) receiving signals is possible, as is a sensor head with separate transmitting and receiving units, in which case no switching between transmitting and receiving is necessary.For example, an ultrasonic sensor head can be used, whereby the ultrasonic waves spread out in a "club shape", as in . Figure 5 schematically represented. However, this "club-shaped" propagation plays a less significant role in the signal propagation over the short path (distance) from the sensor unit 30 or the sensor head 31 to the reflector surface 55, since the ultrasonic lobe has not yet been able to spread out in its cross-section over the short path (distance) to such an extent that it negatively affects a measurement, i.e., a distance measurement.

[0032] Figure 2 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation (section) of a measuring module 60, with a measuring unit 20 partially arranged within it. The measuring module 60 is elongated, for example as a measuring bar, and according to Fig. 2The module has a rectangular cross-section. The evaluation unit 40 and the sensor unit 30 (with the sensor head 31) are arranged in the measuring module 60, i.e., built into or integrated within the measuring module 60. The signal deflection device 50 is arranged on the measuring module 60, specifically in the area in front of the sensor unit 30. As shown in Figure 2 As shown, the signal deflection device 50 consists of a bracket 51 and a reflector unit 52, which are detachably connected to each other, in particular detachably without tools. The bracket 51 is either permanently or also detachably attached to the housing of the measuring module 60. The reflector unit 52, which comprises the reflector surface 55, is detachably arranged on the bracket 51, for example, by being plugged in.

[0033] Figure 3Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a measuring module 60, with two measuring units 20 partially arranged within it. Connectors are arranged at the lateral ends of the measuring module 60 to cascade further measuring modules 60 by means of an electrical cable connection, i.e., to connect them in series (daisy chain) or to each other, so that a distance measuring system 10 is formed from two or more measuring modules. Similar to the above. Figure 2 As described, the measuring module 60 is elongated and has a rectangular cross-section. It should be noted that the measuring module 60 can also have a round, square, or similar cross-section. For example, the measuring module 60 has a length of 60 cm, or a length in the range of approximately 40 cm to 100 cm, or in the range of approximately 40 cm to greater than 100 cm. The evaluation unit 40 and the sensor unit 30 (in Figure 3(not shown) are arranged in the measuring module 60, i.e., installed or integrated within the measuring module 60. The signal deflection device 50, consisting of a bracket 51 and a reflector unit 52, is arranged on the measuring module 60 and is detachably connected to each other, in particular detachably without tools. The signal deflection device 50 has an opening 53 or a gap 53 between the bracket 51 and the reflector unit 52, so that, for example, no (rain)water remains in the signal deflection device 50 when the measuring unit 20 or the distance measuring system 10 is aligned to detect an object 70 located above the distance measuring system 10.

[0034] If, for example, an ultrasonic sensor head is used for distance measurement, the ultrasonic waves usually spread out in a "club-shaped" pattern, as in the following example: Figure 5 schematically represented and already above for Figure 1In short, the "club-shaped" propagation of the ultrasound waves must be taken into account when arranging the measuring units 20 in or on a measuring module 60, as signal overlaps can occur if the distance between two measuring units 20 is too small, meaning that the emitted and / or reflected ultrasound beams of two measuring units 20 can overlap. Such an overlap of ultrasound beams occurs (as practical tests have shown), for example, at a measuring distance (between measuring unit 20 and object 70) of approximately 1.80 m when two adjacent measuring units 20 are arranged approximately 40 cm apart in or on a measuring module 60. On the other hand, the "club-shaped" propagation of ultrasound waves offers the advantage of a large detection range for the distance measuring system 10, meaning that as many objects 70 or obstacles 70 as possible are detected by the distance measuring system 10.

[0035] Figure 4 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a reflector unit 52 and an associated bracket 51. The bracket 51 is designed according to Figure 4 The holder 51 is shown as a detachable unit with a click mechanism 57 by means of which it can be detachably attached to the measuring module 60. The holder 51 has an opening 56 in the middle, which is for the (in Figure 4 (not shown) sensor unit 30 is required. Through the opening 56, the sensor unit 30 emits the signal S11,S12 and receives the signal S21,S22 reflected by the object 70. The reflector unit 52 comprises the reflector surface 55 and can be detachably arranged on the holder 51. For this purpose, the reflector unit 52 has two lateral and inwardly directed grooves 59, which allow the reflector unit 52 to be attached to the lateral edges 58 of the holder 51. As already described in Figure 3As shown, the signal deflection device 50 has an opening 53 or a gap 53 when the bracket 51 and the reflector unit 52 are connected to each other.

[0036] Figure 5 Figure 1 shows a mobile elevating work platform 1 with a crane mechanism 2 movably mounted on the platform 1 and a work basket 80, the work basket 80 being movable by means of the crane mechanism 2. The work basket 80 has a floor 81 and a railing 82 as well as a control panel 83 by means of which a person 71 in the work basket can move the work basket. A distance measuring system 10, consisting of two measuring modules 60, is also arranged on the work basket 80 of the mobile elevating work platform 1, or more precisely on the railing 82. The distance measuring system 10, or rather the two measuring modules 60, detect and measure distances to two objects 70, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 5shown, to a wall 70 and to a roof overhang 70. The distance measuring system 10 or the measuring modules 60, which according to Figure 5 The components attached to the railing 82 or the balustrade 82 can be detachably fastened, in particular detachable without tools, for example by means of a hook-and-loop fastener, a clamping device, a plug-in device, an adhesive device, or the like. Alternatively, the distance measuring system 10 or the measuring modules 60 can also be screwed, riveted, or otherwise fastened to the railing 82 or the balustrade 82. It is also possible to arrange the distance measuring system 10 or parts of the distance measuring system 10 on or in the floor 81 and / or in the railing 82 or in the balustrade 82.

[0037] It would also be conceivable that on the aerial work platform 1 according to Figure 5Further measuring modules 60 are arranged, which extend the distance measuring system 10, since all measuring modules 60 arranged on the aerial work platform 1 can be connected to each other by means of an electrical cable connection or a wireless connection. That is, further measuring modules 60 can be arranged on the work basket 80, for example in or on the floor 81, in or on the railing 82, or also in or on the crane mechanism 2 or other, preferably movable, machine parts. By appropriately arranging one or more measuring modules 60 or one or more distance measuring systems 10 on the vehicle or machine, a "virtual space" is created, which means that, for example, all or at least most areas around the work basket 80 of an aerial work platform 1 are covered by the measuring modules 60 or distance measuring systems 10 (if several separate systems 10 are arranged on the vehicle or machine).This is advantageous because, for example, a work platform 80 of a mobile elevating work platform 1 can move in all conceivable directions, whereby obstacles 70 cannot always be seen or detected by the person standing on the work platform 80. The measuring modules 60 can be freely arranged in their orientation on the machine 1, i.e., vertically or horizontally, and in all directions. There are no restrictions here. All measuring modules 60 can be electrically connected to each other and thus form a complete distance measuring system 10. Because the measuring modules 60 can be cascaded by means of an electrical cable connection or a wireless connection, i.e., connected in series (daisy chain) or linked to each other, it is possible for the measuring modules 60 or the measuring units 20 to be used in a single, continuous measurement system.The evaluation units 40 arranged in the measuring units communicate with each other via a fieldbus system (CAN, LIN, or similar) and / or output or transmit distance values ​​to a controller, for example, a vehicle or machine control system. For this purpose, the fieldbus system of the distance measuring system 10 is advantageously electrically connected to the fieldbus system of the machine or vehicle. A cascade of measuring modules 60 as described above is advantageous because the distance measuring system 10 can be designed and configured very flexibly. It can be individually adapted to different vehicles or machines, meaning that, for example, the number of measuring modules 60 or the length of the cable connections between the individual measuring modules can be freely and flexibly configured.If a wireless connection is used for the measuring modules 60, the individual measuring modules 60 in a distance measuring system 10 communicate with each other via radio signals, for example, WLAN, Bluetooth or similar. A wireless connection of the measuring modules 60 is advantageous with regard to mounting on a vehicle or machine, as the elimination of cable routing allows for even more flexible adaptation to the specific conditions of the vehicle or machine.

[0038] The embodiments described above merely illustrate the principles of the present invention. It is understood that modifications and variations of the arrangements and details described herein will be obvious to other people skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of protection set forth in the following claims and not by the specific details presented herein by way of description and explanation of the embodiments.

Claims

1. A distance measurement system (10) for a vehicle, wherein the distance measurement system comprises a measurement unit (20) for non-contact determination of a distance to an object (70), and the measurement unit comprises: a sensor unit (30) configured to emit a signal (S11, S12) in a horizontal direction and to receive a signal (S21, S22) reflected by the object in a horizontal direction; an evaluation unit (40) determining a distance between the measurement unit and the object from the signals emitted and received by the sensor unit; and a signal deflection apparatus (50) arranged in the area of the sensor unit with a reflector surface (55) deflecting the signal emitted by the sensor unit in a direction deviating from the propagation direction of the signal, in particular at an essentially right angle to the propagation direction of the signal, in the direction of the object; wherein the signal deflection apparatus (50) comprises a holder (51) and a reflector unit (52) which are connected to each other in a releasable manner, in particular releasable without any tools, wherein the signal deflection apparatus (50) comprises at least one opening (53) or at least one gap (53) between the holder (51) and the reflector unit (52) which has the effect of a funnel; characterized in that in the funnel without at least one opening or without at least one gap, water, in particular rain water, may remain therein, and in that the gap or the opening (53) is configured such that no water, in particular no rain water, remains in the signal deflection apparatus (50), when the measurement unit (20) or the distance measurement system (10) is oriented such that the object (70) above the distance measurement system (10) is to be detected.

2. The distance measurement system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the reflector surface (55) is arranged at a fixed angle with respect to the propagation direction of the signal and / or the sensor unit (30).

3. The distance measurement system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the reflector surface (55) is arranged at an angle of 45 ° or at an angle in the range of 40 to 50 ° or in a range of 30 to 50 ° to the sensor unit (30) and / or to the propagation direction.

4. The distance measurement system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deflected signal is emitted in a deviating direction, which is perpendicular with respect to the ground and / or in an angle in the range of 70 to 110 or 50 to 140 ° with respect to the ground.

5. The distance measurement system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reflector surface (55) deflects the signal reflected by the object (70) in a direction deviating from the propagation direction of the reflected signal, in particular at an essentially right angle to the propagation direction of the reflected signal, in the direction of the sensor unit (30).

6. The distance measurement system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance measurement system includes a measurement module (60), preferably configured in a longitudinal manner, on or in which the measurement unit (20) is arranged.

7. The distance measurement system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal deflection apparatus (50) is mounted on the measurement unit (20) or on the measurement module (60) in a releasable manner, in particular releasable without any tools.

8. The distance measurement system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reflector unit (52) is arranged on the holder (55) in a slidable manner, in particular slidable to the side.

9. The distance measurement system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder (51) comprises a lock for locking the reflector unit (52) and / or that the reflector unit (52) comprises a lock for locking the same.

10. The distance measurement system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor unit (30) comprises a sensor head (31) configured to emit the signal and to receive the signal reflected by the object.

11. The distance measurement system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signals emitted and received by the sensor unit (30) are ultrasound signals, microwave signals or optical signals.

12. The distance measurement system (10) according to any of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the measurement module (60) comprises several measurement units (20) which can be electrically connected to one another by means of a cable connection.

13. The distance measurement system (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the measurement units (20) of a measurement module (60) comprise a common evaluation unit (40).

14. The distance measurement system (10) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the measurement units (20) are arranged on or in the measurement module (60) such that the same determine distances to the same object or distances to different objects.

15. The distance measurement system (10) according to any of claims 6 to 14, characterized in that the distance measurement system comprises several measurement modules (60) which can be connected to one another by means of an electric cable connection or a wireless connection.

16. A vehicle (1) with a distance measurement system (10) according to any of the preceding claims.

17. A vehicle (1) with a distance measurement system (10) according to any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the vehicle is a mobile construction or work machine.

18. A vehicle (1) with a distance measurement system (10) according to any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the vehicle is an elevating work platform or fire engine turntable ladder with a work cage (80) movably arranged on the vehicle, wherein at least one distance measurement system (10) is arranged on the work cage.

19. The vehicle (1) according to claim 18, wherein the work cage (80) arranged movably on the vehicle comprises a floor (81) and railings (82), and at least one distance measurement system (10) is arranged on the floor and / or on the railings or integrated in the floor and / or in the railings.