Measuring bar

Abstract

The invention relates to a measuring bar (14) according to the invention for optical measurement of a chassis and / or preparation of calibration of a driver assistance system of a vehicle (6), the measuring bar being intended and designed to be arranged on a measuring station (2) in front of a vehicle (6) with substantially horizontal alignment. At least one measuring camera (16) for capturing images of measurement boards on the vehicle wheels (8) is arranged at each of left and right outer regions of that side of the measuring bar (14) which is directed toward the vehicle (6). On that side of the measuring bar (14) which is directed toward the vehicle (6), in a region between the left and the right measuring cameras (16), at least one luminous strip (22, 24) is arranged with horizontal alignment, for displaying signals for optical measurement of the chassis and / or preparation of calibration of a driver assistance system of the vehicle (6). The at least one luminous strip (22, 24) makes it possible to display a large number of optical signals which are readily discernible to the operator, namely optical feedback messages and optical operator aids, for the measurement and / or for the preparation of calibration.

Description

[0001] measuring bar

[0002] The present invention relates to a measuring bar for optically measuring a chassis and / or preparing the calibration of a driver assistance system of a vehicle, and to a system and method for optically measuring a chassis and / or preparing the calibration of a driver assistance system of a vehicle using such a measuring bar.

[0003] With conventional wheel alignment systems, operation is often complex and time-consuming. For example, an operator standing to one side of a large vehicle being aligned, or an operator performing adjustment work underneath the vehicle, often has difficulty determining the current wheel alignment status or determining the next step to be performed.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a measuring bar for optically measuring a chassis of a vehicle and / or for preparing the calibration of a driver assistance system of a vehicle, as well as a corresponding system with which the performance of an optical measurement and an optical calibration preparation of a driver assistance system is / are facilitated and improved for the user.

[0005] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous further developments arise from the dependent claims.

[0006] A measuring bar according to the invention comprises the features of claim 1.

[0007] According to a basic concept of the present invention, the area of ​​the measuring bar between the left and right measuring cameras is used to display signals for optically measuring a motor vehicle's chassis and / or preparing for calibration of a driver assistance system of a motor vehicle, specifically by means of at least one light strip arranged there in a horizontal orientation. According to a finding underlying the invention, this area of ​​the measuring bar is typically clearly visible to an operator from a variety of positions inside, on, next to, and underneath the vehicle, and in particular, is more clearly visible than, for example, a display of a chassis measurement system arranged next to the measuring station.

[0008] By means of the at least one light strip according to the invention, a plurality of optical signals, in particular optical feedback and optical operating aids, can be displayed to the user, which are relevant to the operator during the current measuring process and which the operator can easily recognize and immediately understand intuitively.

[0009] These optical signals can be an indication of the current status of the measuring system, feedback, operating aids or assistance for specific measuring processes and actions to be carried out, as well as an indication of error messages, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0010] The optical signals displayed by the at least one light strip are also more easily recognizable than symbols, numbers and the like shown on a display of a measuring system, which are often quite small and whose recognizability can be impaired by light incidence and reflections.

[0011] The light strip according to the invention can thus replace or supplement a conventional display of the measuring system, for example a monitor or a tablet computer of an axle measuring system.

[0012] The fact that at least one light strip is integrated into the measuring bar results in a compact design and effective protection against damage. The space already occupied by the measuring bar is effectively used for an important additional function.

[0013] The light strip according to the invention can be implemented simply and cost-effectively. Furthermore, a measuring bar designed according to the invention has an attractive and user-friendly design and also represents a design element.

[0014] The at least one luminous strip according to the invention can also be referred to as a pilaster strip.

[0015] The measuring beam according to the invention and the measuring system / measurement method according to the invention enable the calibration object to be positioned in a specific position relative to the vehicle and thus to the geometric driving axis, so that the driver assistance system in the vehicle can subsequently be calibrated. This is also referred to herein as calibration preparation of a driver assistance system of a vehicle.

[0016] A measuring bar according to the invention is understood to be a measuring arrangement for the optical measurement of a chassis of a motor vehicle and / or calibration preparation of a driver assistance system of a motor vehicle, which is intended and designed to be arranged on a measuring station in front of a vehicle in a substantially horizontal orientation, which has at least one measuring camera on its left and right outer region of the side facing the vehicle for recording images of measuring plates on the vehicle wheels, and in which at least one light strip is arranged in a horizontal orientation on the side of the measuring bar facing the vehicle in an area between the left and right measuring cameras, for displaying signals for the optical measurement of the chassis of the motor vehicle and / or for calibration preparation of a driver assistance system of the vehicle.

[0017] The at least one light strip in horizontal alignment does not have to be at the same height as the measuring cameras, but can also be arranged slightly offset above or below the measuring cameras.

[0018] The measuring bar according to the invention has in particular an elongated shape and a shape whose width is greater than its height.

[0019] The external shape of the measuring beam can be of any desired design, in particular square or round. The measuring beam according to the invention does not have to be strictly beam-shaped, but can also have a curved shape.

[0020] The measuring beam according to the invention can also be mounted on a wall, in particular a front wall in front of the measuring station. It is also possible for the measuring beam according to the invention to be integrated on or in a wall, in particular on or in a front wall in front of the measuring station.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the measuring beam according to the invention is beam-shaped and is supported in particular by a column.

[0022] According to a first embodiment, the measuring bar comprises a first, left-hand light strip arranged in a horizontal orientation in a region between the left measuring camera and a central region of the measuring bar, and a second, right-hand light strip arranged in a horizontal orientation in a region between the right-hand measuring camera and a central region of the measuring bar.

[0023] This provides two separate display areas for the left and right sides of the vehicle, allowing for individual display options. Furthermore, the middle section of the measuring bar between the first, left, and second, right, light strips can be used to place another element, such as a sign, especially an illuminated sign.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the measuring bar has a housing with at least one horizontal recess on the front side facing the vehicle, within which the at least one light strip is arranged. The housing can also be a front cover.

[0025] A first horizontal housing recess can be provided on the front side of the measuring bar facing the vehicle, in an area between the left measuring camera and a central area of ​​the measuring bar, within which the first, left-hand light strip is arranged. A second horizontal housing recess can be provided on the front side of the measuring bar facing the vehicle, in an area between the right-hand measuring camera and a central area of ​​the measuring bar, within which the second, right-hand light strip is arranged. This represents an advantageous, compact design.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, the luminous strip is designed such that luminous signals can be displayed in different colors and / or that at least two sections per luminous strip can be illuminated in different colors.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, the light strip comprises a plurality of individual light elements, in particular LED light elements, arranged horizontally next to one another.

[0028] The individual lighting elements can be illuminated in different colors.

[0029] This allows a variety of different optical signals to be generated and displayed to a user.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, a diffuser element for scattering the light, in particular an elongated diffuser element, is arranged in front of the light strip. This can improve the visibility of the optical signals for the operator.

[0031] According to a further, very stable and robust embodiment, the light strip is arranged on a carrier element, in particular an aluminum sheet.

[0032] According to a further, very stable and robust embodiment, the light strip and / or the carrier element is attached to the base body of the measuring bar by means of a holder.

[0033] According to a further embodiment, the measuring bar further comprises a control unit for the at least one light strip and its light elements.

[0034] Such a control unit can be located in a central area of ​​the measuring bar behind a cover. Alternatively, the control unit can also be located in the computing unit of the measuring system. This control unit communicates with the computing unit of the measuring system and receives signals from the computing unit of the measuring system, which the control unit uses to specifically control the light elements of the light strips so that they light up or flash in the desired color.

[0035] Alternatively, the control unit is part of the measuring system's processing unit. The signals for specifically controlling the light elements of the light strips, so that they light up or flash in the desired color, are generated by the measuring system's processing unit.

[0036] According to a further embodiment, the control unit is designed such that at least some lighting elements, in particular LED lighting elements, of at least one light strip can be illuminated in at least two different colors in order to display different signals for an operator.

[0037] According to a further embodiment, the control unit is designed such that at least some lighting elements, in particular LED lighting elements, of at least one light strip can be individually illuminated, in particular in at least two different colors.

[0038] This makes it possible to generate a variety of individual optical signals and output them to an operator.

[0039] According to a further embodiment, the luminous strip is designed such that the optical signals can be displayed with a light wavelength that is visible to the human eye, in particular with a light wavelength in the range of 400-780 nm.

[0040] According to a further embodiment, the light strip comprises a plurality of individual light elements, in particular LED light elements, arranged horizontally next to one another, which are designed such that optical signals can be displayed with a light wavelength that is visible to the human eye, in particular with a light wavelength in the range of 400-780 nm. Specific optical signals for the respective operating states and the respective measuring processes are specified in detail below.

[0041] According to a further embodiment, the control unit is designed such that at least some, in particular all, of the lighting elements, in particular LED lighting elements, of at least one light strip are illuminated in a specific color, for example green or red, in order to give the operator optical feedback on the progress achieved in a measuring process of the vehicle.

[0042] According to a further embodiment, the control unit is designed such that at least some, in particular all, of the lighting elements, in particular LED lighting elements, of at least one light strip are illuminated in a specific color, for example green, at a repeating interval and then switched off in order to indicate to the operator by means of a flashing signal the ongoing execution or the successful completion of a process, in particular a measuring process.

[0043] According to a further embodiment, the control unit is designed such that at least some, in particular all, of the lighting elements, in particular LED lighting elements, of at least one light strip, are illuminated in a specific color, for example red, at a repeating interval and are then switched off in order to indicate to the operator by means of a flashing signal an optical error message or the completion of a measuring process, for example the wheel alignment carried out.

[0044] According to a further embodiment, the control unit is designed such that at least some, in particular all, of the light elements of at least one light strip can be illuminated, in particular from the inside outwards, in order to give the operator an optical operating aid when driving the motor vehicle onto the measuring station as to whether the vehicle should be steered further to the left or further to the right.

[0045] At least some, in particular all, of the light elements of the left light strip can be illuminated from the inside outwards in order to give the operator a visual operating aid that the vehicle should be steered further to the left, and at least some, in particular all, of the light elements of the right light strip can be illuminated from the inside outwards in order to give the RP operator a visual operating aid that the vehicle should be steered further to the right.

[0046] In order to give the operator visual feedback that the motor vehicle is / has just been driven into the vehicle, the same number of light elements of the right light strip and the left light strip can be illuminated / light up or flash in a specific color, particularly green.

[0047] According to a further embodiment, the control unit is designed such that at least some, in particular all, of the light elements of at least one light strip can be illuminated, in particular from the inside to the outside, in order to give the operator an optical operating aid as to the direction in which the motor vehicle should be pushed during a calibration process.

[0048] At least some, in particular all, of the light elements of the left light strip can be illuminated from the inside outwards in order to give the operator a visual operating aid that the motor vehicle should be pushed backwards, and at least some, in particular all, of the light elements of the right light strip can be illuminated from the inside outwards in order to give the operator a visual operating aid that the motor vehicle should be pushed forwards.

[0049] In order to give the operator optical feedback that the motor vehicle is in the center, the same number of light elements of the right light strip and the left light strip, in particular all light elements, can be illuminated or flash in a certain color, in particular green.

[0050] According to a further embodiment, the control unit is designed such that at least some, in particular all, of the light elements of both light strips are illuminated, in particular from the inside to the outside and / or from the outside to the inside, in order to give the operator a visual operating aid as to the direction in which the vehicle should be pushed during a calibration process.

[0051] At least some, in particular all, of the light elements of the left light strip and the right light strip can be illuminated from the outside to the inside in order to give the operator a visual operating aid that the motor vehicle should be pushed forward, analogous to driving into a tunnel.

[0052] In order to give the operator a visual operating aid that the motor vehicle should be pushed backwards, at least some, in particular all, of the light elements of the left light strip and the right light strip can be illuminated from the inside outwards, analogous to driving out of a tunnel.

[0053] In order to give the operator optical feedback that the motor vehicle is in the center, the same number of light elements of the right light strip and the left light strip, in particular all light elements, can be illuminated or flash in a certain color, in particular green.

[0054] According to a further embodiment, the control unit is designed such that when setting up the motor vehicle, at least some, in particular all, of the lighting elements of at least one light strip can be illuminated, in particular from the inside outwards, in order to give the operator optical feedback - according to the principle of a spirit level - as to whether the motor vehicle is upright or crooked.

[0055] In this case, more light elements of the left light strip can be illuminated than light elements of the right light strip, in particular from the inside outwards, in order to give the operator optical feedback that the motor vehicle is tilted diagonally to the left; and more light elements of the right light strip can be illuminated than light elements of the left light strip, in particular from the inside outwards, in order to give the operator optical feedback that the motor vehicle is tilted diagonally to the right.

[0056] In order to give the operator visual feedback that the motor vehicle is standing upright, the same number of light elements of the right light strip and the left light strip, in particular all light elements, can be illuminated / light up or flash in a specific color, in particular green.

[0057] According to a further embodiment, the control unit is designed such that at least some, in particular all, of the lighting elements of at least one light strip can be illuminated, in particular from the inside outwards, in order to give the operator optical feedback of the respective steering wheel turn. At least some, in particular all, of the lighting elements of the left light strip can be illuminated from the inside outwards in order to give the operator optical feedback of the respective steering wheel turn to the left, and at least some, in particular all, of the lighting elements of the right light strip can be illuminated from the inside outwards in order to give the operator optical feedback of the respective steering wheel turn to the right.

[0058] In order to give the operator visual feedback that the desired steering angle has been reached, the same number of light elements of the right light strip and the left light strip can be illuminated / light up or flash in a specific color, particularly green.

[0059] In all the embodiments described above, the illumination of the light elements of a light strip can be implemented in the manner of a running light, in which the light elements are extinguished after being illuminated when the next light element(s) are illuminated. In this case, the number of light elements illuminated at one time remains approximately the same.

[0060] Alternatively, the illumination of luminous elements of a luminous strip in all embodiments described above can also be carried out in such a way that the already illuminated luminous elements continue to light up when the next luminous element(s) are illuminated, so that the number of luminous elements that light up increases.

[0061] This also allows a progress indicator to be realized.

[0062] According to a further embodiment, the control unit is designed such that a customer-specific lighting pattern is displayed by the lighting elements during startup.

[0063] According to a further embodiment, the control unit is designed such that, in the event that the computing unit of the system has recognized the license plate of the motor vehicle to be measured, the control unit illuminates at least some of the light elements of at least one light strip in a predetermined color and at a predetermined interval, for example, at least a number of the light elements of both light strips flash green twice in order to give the operator optical feedback that the motor vehicle has been recognized.

[0064] This extends the functionality of the optical signals of the measuring bar.

[0065] According to a further embodiment, an area of ​​the lighting elements, for example an inner area of ​​the lighting elements, is provided for displaying certain chassis parameters such as track or camber.

[0066] By illuminating or flashing the light elements in this area in a specific first color, e.g., green, the operator can be signaled that the measured toe or camber is within the specified tolerance. Conversely, by illuminating or flashing the light elements in this area in a specific second color, e.g., red, the operator can be signaled that the measured toe or camber is outside the specified tolerance.

[0067] This extends the functionality of the optical signals of the measuring bar.

[0068] The invention also relates to a system for optically measuring a chassis and / or calibration preparation of a driver assistance system of a vehicle, having the features of claim 17.

[0069] The respective optical displays by the luminous elements of at least one luminous strip are controlled by this system.

[0070] When the system carries out a measuring process, when the system has successfully completed a measuring process, when the system has detected an error, when the system has finished a measuring process, when the system observes a motor vehicle driving onto the measuring station, when the system is carrying out a calibration process, a setup process or a steering wheel turn, corresponding signals are transmitted from the system’s computing unit to the measuring bar’s control unit so that this control unit controls the light elements of the at least one light strip and illuminates them or flashes them as described above. If the measuring bar’s control unit is part of the system’s computing unit itself, it controls the light elements of the at least one light strip and illuminates them / flashes them as described above.

[0071] The advantages and embodiments described above with reference to the measuring bar apply equally to the system according to the invention.

[0072] These advantages and embodiments are hereby incorporated by reference and are not listed again to avoid repetition. The applicant reserves the right to base system patent claims dependent thereon.

[0073] The invention also relates to a method for optically measuring a chassis and / or preparing the calibration of a driver assistance system of a vehicle, which comprises the structural features of measuring station, measuring beam, measuring panels, cameras and computing unit according to system claim 17.

[0074] This method comprises the method steps of transmitting signals from the computing unit of the system to the control unit of the measuring bar when the system is carrying out a measuring process, when the system has successfully completed a measuring process, when the system has detected an error, when the system has completed a measuring process, when the system observes a motor vehicle driving onto the measuring station, and / or when the system is carrying out a calibration process, a setup process or a steering wheel turn, and that the control unit controls the lighting elements of the at least one light strip and illuminates or flashes them as described above.

[0075] If the control unit of the measuring bar is part of the computing unit of the system itself, it controls the light elements of at least one light strip and illuminates them / flashes them as described above.

[0076] The advantages and embodiments described above with reference to the measuring beam apply equally to the inventive method. These advantages and embodiments are hereby incorporated by reference and are not listed again to avoid repetition. The applicant reserves the right to base an independent method claim and dependent method claims thereon.

[0077] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0078] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a measuring station with a motor vehicle standing on two rails, the chassis of which is to be measured or the driver assistance system of which is to be calibrated, and with a measuring unit in front of the measuring station, which is designed in the form of a measuring beam supported by a column.

[0079] Figure 2 shows an isolated front view of the measuring bar from Figure 1.

[0080] Figure 3 shows an enlarged front view of a right section of the measuring bar from Figures 1 and 2.

[0081] Figure 4 is a front plan view of a right end portion of the left light strip of the measuring bar from Figures 1, 2 and 3, without the housing.

[0082] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a measuring station 2 with a motor vehicle 6 standing on two rails 4, the chassis of which is to be measured or the driver assistance system of which is to be calibrated, and with a measuring unit standing in front of the measuring station 2.

[0083] The measuring unit is designed in the form of a measuring beam 14, which is supported by a column 12.

[0084] The motor vehicle 6 is shown schematically and in dashed lines, so that the left running rail 4 can also be seen, virtually through the vehicle.

[0085] The guide rails 4 can also be the guide rails 4 of a lifting platform, allowing the motor vehicle 6 to be moved up and down. The motor vehicle has two front wheels, of which the right front wheel 8 is shown, and two rear wheels, which are not shown in Figure 1. Measuring plates or measuring targets, which are not shown in Figure 1, can be attached to all four wheels, if necessary using suitable wheel holders / wheel adapters. Such measuring plates are to be attached to the motor vehicle wheels in such a way that their front sides, with optical features / measurement mark patterns, face substantially forward and toward the left and right measuring cameras 16 on the measuring beam 14. The measuring plates on the right front wheel 8 and the right rear wheel are in the field of view of the right measuring cameras 16, and the measuring plates on the left front wheel and the left rear wheel of the motor vehicle are also in the field of view of the left measuring cameras 16.

[0086] The measuring beam 14 is mounted on the support column 12 in such a way that it is horizontally aligned and located above the vehicle wheels and thus above the measuring plates on the vehicle wheels. The left measuring cameras 16 are arranged at a left end of the measuring beam 14, and the right measuring cameras 16 are arranged at a right end of the measuring beam 14.

[0087] The measuring beam 14 has a width that typically corresponds at least to the width between the left end of the left rail 4 and the right end of the right rail 4. However, the measuring beam does not have to be as wide as the widest platform, but can also be narrower / less wide.

[0088] The measuring bar 14 is in particular designed to be so wide and arranged so that its left measuring camera(s) 16 has / have the measuring plates on the front left and the rear left vehicle wheel in its field of view, and that its right measuring camera(s) 16 has / have the measuring plates on the right front wheel 8 and the right rear wheel in its field of view.

[0089] Figure 1 shows only the upper portion of the support column 12. The support column 12 can be secured or supported on the floor in any manner.

[0090] The system for optically measuring a chassis and / or for preparing the calibration of a driver assistance system of a vehicle, also abbreviated to the measuring system, comprises, in addition to the measuring beam 14, the stand column 12 and the measuring panels on the front and rear wheels of the motor vehicle 6, a computing unit which is set up and designed in such a way that it can calculate chassis parameters such as track, camber and the like from the images of the measuring panels taken by the measuring cameras 16, and optionally at least one display unit, which are not shown here.

[0091] This computing unit can be located in the measuring beam 14 itself, in a display module, e.g., a Raspberry Pi, in the support column 12, or, if the measuring beam is wall-mounted, elsewhere, for example, on a monitor or on a computer of the wheel alignment and / or calibration preparation system. It is also possible for the computing unit to be distributed, for example, comprising a first preprocessing unit in the measuring beam 14 itself and a final processing unit at a different location.

[0092] On the front side, which in this case refers to the side of the measuring beam 14 facing the motor vehicle 6 or the measuring station with the rails 4, the measuring beam 14 has a housing 18, or a left and a right housing section, and a central cover 26. The housing or housing sections 18, which can also be referred to as a cover or cover sections, can be made of metal, in particular aluminum, or plastic. Likewise, the central cover 26 can be made of metal, in particular aluminum, or plastic.

[0093] The housing sections 18 thus each extend between the middle cover 26 and the left and right measuring cameras 16, respectively, and in the present, non-limiting exemplary embodiment, occupy at least 75% of the respective width of the left and right halves of the measuring bar 14. The housing sections 18 each have a left and right horizontal groove-like recess 20, which is approximately central in the vertical direction and extends from the area of ​​the left and right measuring cameras 16 to the middle cover 26, and within which a left light strip 22 and a right light strip 24 are arranged, respectively.

[0094] The left and right horizontal recesses 20 as well as the left and right light strips 22 and 24 are arranged approximately at the middle height of the measuring bar 24 and have a continuous straight line. As can be clearly seen from the illustration in Figure 1, the left and right light strips 22 and 24 are clearly visible from a variety of positions, in particular from a position on or in the motor vehicle 6, from positions next to the motor vehicle 6, and even from positions below the motor vehicle 6, for example, when an operator is performing adjustment work below the motor vehicle 6.

[0095] By means of the left and right light strips 22 and 24, an operator of the measuring station 2 and the measuring system can be given optical signals, in particular optical feedback and optical operating aids, as will be explained below.

[0096] Such optical signals directly on the measuring beam 14 in front of the measuring station 2 are usually more visible to an operator than displays, for example on a screen of a wheel alignment system, which is often located next to the measuring station and for which the operator has to look to the side.

[0097] The improved visibility is particularly evident when carrying out adjustment work underneath the vehicle, when manually adjusting the steering angle in larger vehicles or when driving the vehicle onto the measuring area.

[0098] Figure 2 shows an isolated front view of the measuring beam 14.

[0099] Figure 3 shows an enlarged front view of a right section of the measuring beam 14.

[0100] Figure 2 clearly shows the left and right horizontal recesses 20 and the left and right light strips 22 and 24 arranged therein. The left and right light strips 22 and 24 are designed as LED light strips and comprise a plurality of LED light elements 28 arranged horizontally next to one another, in particular equidistantly next to one another.

[0101] Figure 3 shows the right section of the measuring bar 14 between the right end of the middle cover 26 and the right measuring cameras 16. It can be seen that the right light strip 24 comprises a plurality of LED lighting elements 28 arranged equidistantly horizontally next to one another. In the present, purely exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the right light strip 24 comprises approximately 95 individual LED lighting elements.

[0102] Behind the middle cover 26, a control unit for the left and right light strips 22 and 24 can be arranged, which is in signal connection with the computing unit of the wheel alignment system.

[0103] The control unit is designed in such a way that it can illuminate or light up the left and right light strips 24 and in particular their LED light elements 28 as will be described in detail below.

[0104] Figure 4 is a front plan view of a right end portion of the left light strip 22, without the housing 18.

[0105] The light strip 22 is designed as an LED strip with a plurality of essentially rectangular LED light elements 28 arranged horizontally and equidistantly next to one another.

[0106] The LED light strip 22 has a carrier 30 which is held by a holder 34 which is connected to the base body of the measuring bar 14.

[0107] In the present, purely exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the carrier for the LED light strip 24 is designed as a strip-shaped aluminum sheet to which the LED light strip 24 is fastened, in particular glued.

[0108] Furthermore, the LED light strip 22 comprises a diffuser 32 for scattering the light emitted by the LED light elements 28, which diffuser has a right, outer fixing piece 33 and on the left, opposite side another left, outer fixing piece (not shown).

[0109] These fixing pieces 33 are accommodated in a corresponding recess in the right, outer bracket 34 and in a corresponding recess in the left, outer bracket (also not shown). Extending between these fixing pieces 33 is the diffuser 32 for scattering the light. In this case, the diffuser is strip-shaped and transparent and is located in the light path in front of the light strip 22 and in front of the LED lighting elements 28.

[0110] In the present, purely exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the diffuser 32 is a transparent plastic strip made of Exolon 150 White.

[0111] The light strips 22 and 24 can be controlled by the control unit in such a way that the LED light elements 28, which are also referred to below as LEDs 28 for short, light up in at least two different colors, for example in the colors green and red.

[0112] Furthermore, the LED lighting elements 28 can be individually controlled by the control unit so that they light up in a specific color, for example green or red, flash, remain dark or are switched off again.

[0113] This allows, for example, all LEDs 28 or a certain number of LED lighting elements 28 of one or both light strips 22 and 24 to light up in one color, for example green or red, in order to give a desired optical signal to the operator.

[0114] It is also possible for a certain number or all of the LEDs 28 of one or both of the light strips 22 and 24 to flash in a certain color, for example, to light up in green or red, then go out again, then light up again, etc., in order to give a further optical signal to the operator.

[0115] It is also possible to display a color gradient as an optical signal to an operator, for example, in the left light strip 22, to illuminate a growing number of LEDs 28 in a certain color from the inside to the outside.

[0116] This provides the operator with a clearly visible entry aid. At least some of the LEDs / all of the LEDs 28 can be illuminated from the inside out to indicate to the operator, when approaching the measuring station 2, whether they need to steer the vehicle 6 further to the left or further to the right in order to drive it approximately centrally onto the measuring station 2 and position it there. If the vehicle is driven centrally onto the measuring station 2, this can be signaled by the LEDs 28 flashing or by the LEDs 28 illuminating in a different color, particularly green.

[0117] Furthermore, this can make it easier for the operator to turn the steering wheel. At least some of the LEDs / all of the LEDs 28 of the left light strip 22 can be illuminated from the inside out, for example, in green, to indicate to the operator that they should turn the steering wheel further to the left or right. When the desired steering wheel angle for wheel alignment is reached, this can be signaled by the LEDs 28 flashing or by the LEDs 28 illuminating in a different color.

[0118] The measuring bar 14 and the light strips 22 and 24 can also assist the operator in the calibration process and in determining the straightness / skew of the motor vehicle in the transverse direction, as well as in the corresponding alignment of the vehicle. This is specified in detail in the corresponding general description section and in the corresponding dependent patent claims.

[0119] It is also possible to provide the operator with a visual operating aid indicating that the motor vehicle 6 should be pushed forward by illuminating at least some, in particular all, of the light elements 28 of the left light strip 22 and the right light strip 24 from the outside inward, almost according to the principle of driving into a tunnel. Analogously, the operator can be provided with a visual operating aid indicating that the motor vehicle 6 should be pushed backward by illuminating at least some, in particular all, of the light elements 28 of the left light strip 22 and the right light strip 24 from the inside outward, almost according to the principle of driving out of a tunnel.

[0120] In a further embodiment, the control unit controls the left and right light strips 22, 24 so that some or all of the LEDs 28 light up in a specific color, for example green or red. This function can be selected for a standby waiting function of the wheel alignment, for the indication that the wheel alignment is active or for reaching the measuring position, for example when pushing or driving the vehicle onto the measuring platform or when reaching the desired steering angle during the calibration process.

[0121] According to a further embodiment, the flashing of at least a number or all of the LEDs 28 of the left and right light strips 22, 24, for example in green, can signal to the operator that a specific measuring process, e.g. the calibration process, is running.

[0122] According to a further embodiment, the operator can be signaled that a specific measuring process, e.g. the wheel alignment, has been completed by flashing at least a number or all of the LEDs 28 of the left and right light strips 22, 24 in red.

[0123] A problem occurring during wheel alignment can be indicated to the operator by at least some or all of the LEDs 28 of the left and right light strips 22, 24 flashing red. Such problems can be network issues, a problem with a measurement panel not being recognized, or other problems. Such red flashing of the LEDs 28 thus represents a visual error message.

[0124] According to a further embodiment, during a wheel alignment with license plate recognition, detected or re-detected vehicles can be indicated to the operator by a specific display pattern of at least some or all of the LEDs 28 of the left and right light strips 22, 24. For example, controlled by the control unit, at least some or all of the LEDs 28 of the left and right light strips 22, 24 can flash green twice if a license plate has been detected by the measuring cameras 16, for example, when the motor vehicle 6 drives onto the measuring station 2.

[0125] According to a further embodiment, a region of the light strips 22 and 24, for example, the inner region of the light strips 22 and 24, can be used to display specific measurement results. For example, the innermost 10 to 20 LEDs of the left light strip 22 can indicate the measured toe and camber for the left side, and the innermost 10 to 20 LEDs of the right light strip 24 can indicate the measured toe and camber for the right side. The innermost LEDs can be used to display the measured camber, and the outermost LEDs can be used to display the measured toe.

[0126] The innermost LEDs can also display the measured values ​​for the front axle when you are currently adjusting the front axle. Similarly, the innermost LEDs can also display the measured values ​​for the rear axle when you are currently adjusting the rear axle.

[0127] If the measured toe or camber is within the specified tolerance, the corresponding LEDs 28 light up green, otherwise red.

[0128] With a measuring bar 14 according to the invention, as described above, the operator can be given clearly visible signals, in particular optical feedback, operating aids and measurement results, without the operator having to look at a screen and recognize the displays there.

[0129] Furthermore, the light strips can also be used to indicate a required software update or for calibration.

[0130] The control unit of the measuring bar 14 is in communication connection with the measuring system, in particular with the computing unit of the measuring system, and receives signals from this / these.

[0131] From these signals, the control unit generates the control signals for the light strips 22 and 24 and their light elements 28, in particular to make the respective LEDs 28 light up, flash or go out in a specific color.

[0132] List of reference symbols

[0133] 2 measuring stations

[0134] 4 rails

[0135] 6 Motor vehicle

[0136] 8 Motor vehicle front wheel

[0137] 12 pillar

[0138] 14 measuring bars

[0139] 16 left and right measuring cameras

[0140] 18 front housing

[0141] 20 horizontal recesses

[0142] 22 left light strip

[0143] 24 right light strip

[0144] 26 medium coverage

[0145] 28 LED lighting elements

[0146] 30 supports for LED light strips

[0147] 32 Diffuser to scatter the light

[0148] 34 Bracket

Claims

Patent claims 1. A measuring beam (14) for optically measuring a chassis and / or for preparing the calibration of a driver assistance system of a vehicle (6), which measuring beam is intended and designed to be arranged on a measuring station (2) in front of a vehicle (6) in a substantially horizontal orientation; wherein at least one measuring camera (16) for recording images of measuring plates on the vehicle wheels (8) is arranged on a left and a right outer region of the side of the measuring beam (14) facing the vehicle (6); wherein on the side of the measuring beam (14) facing the vehicle (6), in a region between the left and right measuring cameras (16), at least one light strip (22, 24) is arranged in a horizontal orientation for displaying signals for optically measuring a chassis and / or and / or for preparing the calibration of a driver assistance system of the vehicle (6);and wherein a plurality of optical signals which are clearly recognizable for the operator, namely optical feedback and optical operating aids, for the measurement and / or for the calibration preparation can be displayed by means of the at least one light strip (22, 24); 2. The measuring bar (14) according to claim 1, wherein a first, left-hand light strip (22) is arranged in a horizontal orientation in a region between the left-hand measuring camera (16) and a central region of the measuring bar (14); and wherein a second, right-hand light strip (24) is arranged in a horizontal orientation in a region between the right-hand measuring camera (16) and a central region of the measuring bar (14).

3. Measuring bar (14) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the measuring bar (14) has a housing (18) with at least one horizontal recess (20) on the front side facing the vehicle (6), within which the at least one light strip (22, 24) is arranged; wherein a first horizontal housing recess (20) on the front side of the measuring bar (14) facing the vehicle (6) in a region between the left measuring camera (16) and a central region of the measuring bar (14) is arranged, within which the first, left-hand light strip (22) is arranged; and wherein a second horizontal housing recess (20) is arranged on the front side of the measuring bar (14) directed towards the vehicle (6) in a region between the right-hand measuring camera (16) and a central region of the measuring bar (14), within which the second, right-hand light strip (24) is arranged.

4. Measuring bar (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the luminous strip (22, 24) is designed such that luminous signals can be displayed in different colors and / or that at least two sections per luminous strip (22, 24) can be illuminated in different colors; and / or wherein the luminous strip (22, 24) comprises a plurality of individual luminous elements (28), in particular LED luminous elements, arranged in particular horizontally next to one another; and / or wherein the individual luminous elements (28) can be illuminated in different colors.

5. Measuring bar (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light strip (22, 24) is designed such that the optical signals can be displayed with a light wavelength that is visible to the human eye, in particular with a light wavelength in the range of 400-780 nm; and / or wherein the light strip (22, 24) comprises a plurality of individual light elements (28), in particular LED light elements, arranged horizontally next to one another, which are designed such that optical signals can be displayed with a light wavelength that is visible to the human eye, in particular with a light wavelength in the range of 400-780 nm.

6. Measuring bar (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a diffuser element (28) for scattering the light, in particular an elongated diffuser element (32), is arranged in front of the light strip (22, 24); and / or wherein the light strip (22, 24) is arranged on a support element (30), in particular an aluminum sheet; and / or wherein the light strip (22, 24) and / or the support element (30) is attached to the base body of the measuring bar (14) by means of a holder (34).

7. Measuring bar (14) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control unit for the at least one light strip (22, 24) and its light elements (28), which is arranged in particular in a central region of the measuring bar (14) behind a cover (26).

8. Measuring bar (14) according to claim 7, wherein the control unit is designed such that at least some lighting elements (28), in particular LED lighting elements, of at least one light strip (22, 24) can be illuminated in at least two different colors to display different signals to an operator; and / or that at least some lighting elements (28), in particular LED lighting elements, of at least one light strip (22, 24) can be individually illuminated, in particular in at least two different colors.

9. Measuring bar (14) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the control unit is designed such that at least some, in particular all, of the lighting elements (28), in particular LED lighting elements, of at least one light strip (22, 24) are illuminated in a specific color, for example green or red, in order to give the operator optical feedback of the progress achieved in a measuring process of the vehicle (6).

10. Measuring bar (14) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the control unit is designed such that at least some, in particular all, of the lighting elements (28), in particular LED lighting elements, of at least one light strip (22, 24) are illuminated in a specific color, for example green, at a repeating interval and then switched off, in order to indicate to the operator, by means of a flashing signal, the ongoing execution or successful completion of a process, in particular a measuring process; and / or that at least some, in particular all, of the lighting elements (28) of a light strip (22, 24) are illuminated in a specific color, for example red, at a repeating interval and then switched off, in order to indicate to the operator, by means of a flashing signal, a visual error message or the completion of a measuring process, for example the completed wheel alignment.

11. Measuring bar (14) according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the control unit is designed such that at least some, in particular all, of the lighting elements (28) of at least one light strip (22, 24) can be illuminated, in particular from the inside out, in order to provide the operator with a visual operating aid when driving the vehicle (6) onto the measuring station (2) as to whether the vehicle should be steered further to the left or further to the right; wherein in particular at least some, in particular all, of the lighting elements (28) of the left light strip (22) can be illuminated from the inside out, in order to provide the operator with a visual operating aid that the vehicle (6) should be steered further to the left; and / or wherein in particular at least some, in particular all, of the lighting elements (28) of the right light strip (24) can be illuminated from the inside out, in order to provide the operator with a visual operating aid that the vehicle (6) should be steered further to the right;wherein in particular the same number of light elements (28) of the right light strip (24) and the left light strip (22), in particular all light elements (28), can be illuminated or flash in a specific colour, in particular green, in order to give the operator optical feedback that the vehicle (6) is / has just been driven onto it; 12. Measuring bar (14) according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the control unit is designed such that at least some, in particular all, of the lighting elements (28) of at least one light strip (22, 24) can be illuminated, in particular from the inside out, in order to give the operator a visual operating aid as to the direction in which the vehicle (6) should be pushed during a calibration process; wherein in particular at least some, in particular all, of the lighting elements (28) of the left light strip (22) can be illuminated from the inside out, in order to give the operator a visual operating aid as to the direction in which the vehicle (6) should be pushed backwards; wherein in particular at least some, in particular all, of the lighting elements (28) of the right light strip (24) can be illuminated from the inside out, in order to give the operator a visual operating aid as to the direction in which the vehicle (6) should be pushed forwards;and wherein in particular the same number of luminous elements (28) of the right luminous strip (24) and the left luminous strip (22), in particular all luminous elements (28), can be illuminated in a specific colour, in particular in green, or; flash to give the operator visual feedback that the vehicle (6) is in the center.

13. Measuring bar (14) according to one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the control unit is designed such that at least some, in particular all, of the lighting elements (28) of both light strips (22, 24), in particular from the inside out and / or from the outside in, can be illuminated in order to provide the operator with a visual operating aid indicating in which direction the vehicle (6) should be pushed during a calibration process; wherein at least some, in particular all, of the lighting elements (28) of the left light strip (22) and the right light strip (24) can be illuminated from the outside in to provide the operator with a visual operating aid indicating that the motor vehicle (6) should be pushed forward; and wherein at least some, in particular all, of the lighting elements (28) of the left light strip (22) and the right light strip (24) can be illuminated from the inside out to provide the operator with a visual operating aid indicating that the motor vehicle (6) should be pushed backward.and wherein in particular the same number of light elements (28) of the right light strip (24) and the left light strip (22), in particular all light elements (28), can be illuminated or flash in a specific color, in particular green, in order to give the operator optical feedback that the vehicle (6) is in the center; 14. Measuring bar (14) according to one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the control unit is designed such that, when setting up the vehicle (6), at least some, in particular all, of the lighting elements (28) of at least one light strip (22, 24) can be illuminated, in particular from the inside outwards, in order to give the operator - according to the principle of a spirit level - optical feedback as to whether the vehicle (6) is upright or crooked; wherein, in particular, more lighting elements (28) of the left light strip (22) than lighting elements (28) of the right light strip (24) can be illuminated, in particular from the inside outwards, in order to give the operator optical feedback that the vehicle (6) is tilted diagonally to the left;and / or wherein in particular more lighting elements (28) of the right-hand light strip (24) than lighting elements (28) of the left-hand light strip (22) can be illuminated, in particular from the inside outwards, in order to give the operator optical feedback that the vehicle (6) is tilted diagonally to the right: and / or; wherein in particular the same number of light elements (28) of the right light strip (24) and the left light strip (22), in particular all light elements (28), can be illuminated or flash in a specific colour, in particular in green, in order to give the operator optical feedback that the vehicle (6) is stationary.

15. Measuring bar (14) according to one of claims 7 to 14, wherein the control unit is designed such that at least some, in particular all, of the lighting elements (28) of at least one light strip (22, 24) can be illuminated, in particular from the inside out, in order to provide the operator with visual feedback of the respective steering wheel angle; wherein in particular at least some, in particular all, of the lighting elements (28) of the left light strip (22) can be illuminated from the inside out to provide the operator with visual feedback of the respective steering wheel angle to the left, and at least some, in particular all, of the lighting elements (28) of the right light strip (24) can be illuminated from the inside out to provide the operator with visual feedback of the respective steering wheel angle to the right;wherein in particular the same number of light elements (28) of the right light strip (24) and the left light strip (22) can be illuminated or flashed in a specific colour, in particular green, in order to give the operator optical feedback that the desired steering angle has been reached; 16. Measuring bar (14) according to one of claims 7 to 15, wherein the control unit is designed such that, in the event that the computing unit of the system has recognized the license plate of the vehicle (6) to be measured, the control unit is designed such that it illuminates at least some of the light elements (28) of at least one light strip (22, 24) in a predetermined color and at a predetermined interval, for example at least a number of the light elements (28) of both light strips flashing green twice, in order to give the operator optical feedback that the vehicle (6) has been recognized.

17. Measuring bar (14) according to one of claims 6 to 16, wherein a region of the luminous elements (28), for example an inner region of the luminous elements (28), is provided for the display of certain chassis parameters such as track or camber; and wherein the lighting elements (28) in this area illuminate or flash in a specific first color, e.g., green, signals to the operator that the measured toe or camber lies within the specified tolerance; and / or wherein the lighting elements (28) in this area illuminate or flash in a specific second color, e.g., red, signals to the operator that the measured toe or camber lies outside the specified tolerance.

18. A system for optically measuring a chassis and / or preparing the calibration of a driver assistance system of a vehicle (6), comprising a measuring station (2), in particular with two running rails, for a vehicle (6) whose chassis or driver assistance system is to be measured / calibrated; a measuring beam (14) according to one of the preceding claims, which is arranged on the measuring station (2) in front of the vehicle, in particular by means of a support column, wherein the measuring beam (14) is substantially horizontally aligned and arranged at a position above the vehicle wheels; wherein measuring panels are attached to the front and rear wheels of the vehicle (6), in particular by means of wheel adapters on the vehicle wheels (8); wherein the cameras (16) on the left side of the vehicle are arranged and aligned such that they record images from the measuring panels on the left side of the vehicle;wherein the cameras (16) on the right-hand side of the vehicle are arranged and aligned such that they record images from the measuring panels on the right-hand side of the vehicle; a computing unit for optically measuring the chassis and / or for preparing the calibration of a driver assistance system of the vehicle (6), which is designed such that, based on the images from the measuring panels, the chassis of the vehicle (6) can be optically measured and / or a calibration preparation of a driver assistance system of a vehicle (6) can be carried out; wherein the computing unit is in communication with the control unit of the measuring bar (14), so that at least some of the lighting elements (28) of at least one light strip (22, 24) are caused to light up and / or flash by the control unit, according to patent claims 7 to 17.

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