MOBILE SAFETY MEASUREMENT DEVICE WITH SENSOR INTENDED TO PREVENT COLLISIONS WITH ENGINEERING STRUCTURES.

Abstract

A mobile safety measuring device with a sensor, designed to prevent collisions with engineering structures, intended to be fitted to a vehicle (1), to prevent collisions with an engineering structure (2) spanning a traffic area and under which said vehicle (1) is traveling, by means of displaying the height measurements on the control unit (10). This device is characterized in that it comprises: A measuring means (5) capable of determining the highest point of the vehicle (1) and / or the load (3). A second measuring means (6, 16) capable of scanning a surface (4, 14) of the engineering structure (2) and determining the lowest point of said surface (4, 14). A control unit (10) connected to the second measuring means (6) incorporating a keyboard-type input device (22) and a screen-type display device (20).

Description

Title of the invention: MOBILE SAFETY MEASURING DEVICE WITH SENSOR INTENDED TO PREVENT COLLISIONS WITH ENGINEERING STRUCTURES. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of safety devices fitted to vehicles such as heavy goods vehicles and exceptional convoy utility vehicles, the load of which may be very high. However, it sometimes happens that the maximum authorized height is not correct or that the driver of the vehicle does not know exactly the height of the engineering structures. Thus, there is a risk of seeing the load of the vehicles being damaged, which can also cause serious traffic accidents.

[0002] The invention is characterized by its ability to be installed solely on the roof of all light or heavy vehicles, or on the high point of the trailer, or of said vehicle.

[0003] The invention is characterized by its primary functionality of being mobile from one vehicle to another without physical and electronic modification of the vehicle to be equipped. Prior art

[0004] Generally speaking, road area measurement devices fitted to vehicles use ultrasonic sensor systems, light beams or with a 3D camera. These devices are essentially characterized by an objective of intelligent driving assistance by means of a 3D camera or a multitude of ultrasounds taking the global environment in order to allow a complete analysis of the environment encountered when approaching the different obstacles. These devices can also be characterized by a mobile device with double sensors fixed on the side, at the front or at the rear of the vehicle.

[0005] These devices perform a height, width or width scan using a 3D camera, or using GPS location interaction searching for contact points such as a work of art spanning the traffic area.

[0006] There are currently devices for measuring the environment of vehicles under the references: • DI - WO 2018 / 076855 Al (NEXTEV LTD [CN]) May 3, 2018 (2018-05-03) • D2 - US 2014 / 218481 Al (HEGEMANN STEPHAN [DE] ET AL) August 7 2014 (2014-08-07) • D3 - US 7 259 660 B2 (BOSH GMBH ROBERT [DE]) August 21, 2007 (2007-08-21) • D4 - FR3132360(LE MOULEC GAEL[FR]) August 4, 2023 (2023-08-04)

[0007] Concerning these intelligent measuring devices, the driver will be warned by an audible device (D3), or by a visual inside the vehicle by a screen using the 3D camera (D2), or by a route calculation device according to the entry of the size of said vehicle in the database of the road route software of the equipped vehicle (D1).

[0008] In other words, these devices are all designed during the manufacture of the vehicle, either by integrating a 3D screen, or by integrating an integrated navigation system, or by integrating a sound device.

[0009] Generally, these devices are manufactured in the vehicle manufacturing plant coupled with a screen incorporated in the dashboard (D1 and D2), or ultrasonic sensors incorporated in the body of the vehicle in order to sound an audible warning when passing through narrow passages.

[0010] A mobile device is also known comprising an articulated arm to which two sensors are fixed, one sensor calculating the distance to the ground and the other the distance to the surface of the structure (D4). The technical problem with this device is the fact that it is installed on the exterior walls of vehicles, either on the lateral sides, or on the front, or at the rear.

[0011] The present invention therefore aims to remedy these drawbacks.

[0012] The aim of the invention is therefore to provide a device that can be installed after the vehicle has been manufactured. Indeed, all heavy or light vehicles can, depending on their needs, install this device without any physical or electronic modification on the highest point of their vehicles or load. Statement of the invention

[0013] The invention therefore relates to a mobile measuring safety device intended to equip industrial vehicles such as trucks and utility vehicles. Such a safety device makes it possible to prevent and avoid collision with a structure, such as a bridge or a tunnel spanning a traffic zone and under which the vehicle is traveling.

[0014] According to the invention, the device is characterized in that it comprises: • A first means of measurement capable of determining the altitude of the highest point of the vehicle and its load. • A second measuring means capable of scanning a surface of the structure and determining the altitude of the lowest point of the scanned surface. • A control unit capable of receiving information from the second measuring means, of comparing in real time the altitude of the lowest point of the swept surface with the highest point of the vehicle and / or its load, and of generating an alarm signal when this comparison is in lower than a predetermined threshold value stored in the control unit.

[0015] In other words, when the vehicle does not know the maximum height of its load, it uses a first measuring means which will allow it to determine the height of the highest point of the load and / or of the vehicle relative to a fixed point of the supporting structure of the vehicle. Once this first measurement has been carried out, the information is then transmitted to a control unit. This transmission can be done directly and manually by entering the height of the highest point on a recording device. The transmission of information can also be done electronically and directly by the wired or wireless connection between the first measuring means and the control unit. Once the vehicle is moving, a second measuring means scans a surrounding volume.Near the structure, a surface of the latter is intercepted, in order to determine the altitude of the lowest point above the roadway and below which the vehicle must travel. The information from this second sensor is then transmitted to the control unit which compares, in real time, the altitude of the lowest point of the scanned surface with the highest point of the vehicle previously stored. When this comparison is below a predetermined threshold, an alarm signal is then generated by the control unit. The driver is then informed of a risk of potential collision between his load and the structure.

[0016] Mobile safety measuring device with sensor intended to prevent collision with engineering structures characterized in that the first measuring means (5) emits a light beam, either by an ultrasonic sensor or a lidar sensor, scanning a plane substantially parallel to the plane defined by three points of contact of the tires of the vehicle (1) with the roadway.

[0017] Advantageously, the first measuring means can emit a light ray which scans a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the road surface which can be defined by three points of contact of the vehicle tires with the road surface.

[0018] Thus, when an obstacle is detected in the plane scanned by the first measuring means, the latter informs the user or the driver of the vehicle that the highest point of the vehicle has not yet been reached. The altitude of the first measuring means is then increased incrementally until no obstacle is detected in the scanned plane. The altitude of the first measuring means then corresponds substantially to the altitude of the highest point of the vehicle and / or its load. This information is then transmitted to the control unit.

[0019] Generally, this measurement is carried out when the vehicle is stationary, positioned on the substantially flat road surface so as not to distort the measurement.

[0020] In practice, the first measuring pole can be arranged on a pole. The mast can be in sliding connection with the structure of the vehicle so as to allow the vertical movement of the first measuring means. It can also be in pivot-sliding connection to allow the rotation of the first measuring means around the axis of the mast and thus carry out scanning in different planes when the first measuring means generates a very directional light ray in a rectilinear manner.

[0021] In other words, the detection distance of an obstacle is adapted according to the speed of the vehicle. Indeed, if the vehicle is traveling at a high speed, it will be necessary to warn the driver of the vehicle in advance to allow him to slow down, or even stop his vehicle if necessary. To do this, it is possible to adapt the angle of inclination of the measuring means so as to move the detection zone from the lowest point of the structure.

[0022] According to a second variant, the second measuring means can scan a lower face of the structure positioned above the vehicle.

[0023] In other words, the detection of the lowest point of the swept surface of the structure is carried out only when the vehicle penetrates below or inside the structure. In this case, the vehicle travels at reduced speed to allow the driver to make a sudden stop in the event of exceeding the safety threshold.

[0024] Advantageously, the second measuring means may comprise an emitting sensor and an ultrasonic receiver or a point cloud lidar sensor. The ultrasonic transmitter makes it possible to generate waves which are reflected on the lower wall of the structure, then captured by the receiver. Calculating the time to complete this journey makes it possible to define its length. In the same way as with the lidar sensor or the light reflection by point cloud pulse makes it possible to calculate the distance measurement from the lower wall to the lidar sensor. Consequently, to warn the driver if the distance from the wall is sufficient.

[0025] According to the first embodiment, the second means can be positioned on the upper wall of a cockpit of the vehicle.

[0026] In this case, the second measuring means is integral with the vehicle tractor and no manipulation of the second measuring means is necessary when changing trailers in particular.

[0027] According to a second embodiment, the second measuring means is positioned in the proximal zone of the highest point of the vehicle determined by the first measuring means.

[0028] In this way, the comparison between the lowest point of the structure and the highest point of the vehicle is obtained by directly comparing the altitude of the lowest point of the structure with the altitude of the second measuring means. In this case, the second means can be self-powered with electrical energy. It can also transfer its measurement data directly to the control unit by means of a wireless communication device or wired data transmission

[0029] In practice, it can be reversibly secured at the highest point of the vehicle or its load by means of a suction cup, magnetic magnet or mechanical fixing system and allow rapid reversible securing, without requiring tools.

[0030] According to a third embodiment, the second measuring means can be positioned on an exceptional convoy pilot vehicle or a utility vehicle, which opens the route of the industrial vehicle such as an exceptional convoy truck having an oversized load. In this case, the control unit can also be installed in the pilot vehicle and transmit information via a wireless communication means to an alarm device located inside the driver's cab of the industrial vehicle. It is also possible for the second measuring means to transmit its measurement information directly to the control unit which is inside the industrial vehicle. It is also possible for the control unit, screen type, to be installed in the driver's cab of the pilot car, which will transmit the measurement information via communication in the very high frequency radio band (VHF) or telecom.

[0031] Regardless of the embodiment of the positioning of the second measuring means, the information that it transmits to the control unit is then processed so as to inform and / or alert the driver of the vehicle.

[0032] Advantageously, the control unit can generate a variable signal representative in real time of the distance between the lowest point of the swept surface of the structure and the highest point of the industrial vehicle. In other words, a display device makes it possible to represent the distance between the lowest point of the structure and the highest point of the vehicle.

[0033] In practice, the industrial vehicle or the vehicle driving the preceding one, can be equipped with several second measuring means positioned at various locations on the vehicle, in particular at the level of the driver's cabin and / or at the level of the highest point of the load with different detection orientations. Thus, it is possible to measure both the lowest point of a work of art at the level of its lower face and its front face.

[0034] Subsequently, it is possible to combine several variants of the embodiments described above to improve the measurement of the lowest point of the structure. Brief description of the figures

[0035] The manner of carrying out the invention as well as the advantages which result therefrom will become clear in the description of the embodiment which follows, given for information purposes only and non-limiting, in support of the attached figures in which: • [Fig. 1][Fig. 1] is a first variant in profile view of a vehicle equipped with a mobile safety measuring device with a sensor intended to prevent collision with engineering structures, in accordance with the invention. • [Fig. 2] is a schematic diagram of the mobile sensor-based safety measuring device intended to prevent collision with the structures fitted to the vehicle in [Fig. 1]. • [Fig.3][Fig.3] is a second variant in profile view of a vehicle equipped with a mobile safety measuring device with a sensor intended to prevent collision with engineering structures, in accordance with the invention. • [Fig.4] is a schematic diagram of the mobile sensor-based safety measuring device intended to prevent collision with the structures fitted to the vehicle in [Fig.3]. • [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a second variant in profile view and in top view of a pilot vehicle equipped with a mobile safety measuring device with a sensor intended to prevent collision with engineering structures, in accordance with the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0036] As already mentioned, the invention relates to a mobile sensor-based safety measuring device intended to prevent collision with civil engineering structures, making it possible to prevent and avoid any risk of collision between a civil engineering structure and a vehicle and / or its excessively high load.

[0037] the invention relates to a mobile measuring security device, the second measuring means of which may comprise an ultrasonic transmitter-receiver sensor or a point cloud lidar sensor.

[0038] As shown in [Fig.l], the load (3) of the industrial vehicle (1) has a height greater than the latter. In this case, the driver of the vehicle (1) generally does not know the exact height of the highest point of his load.

[0039] Furthermore, in some cases when the measurement is carried out, the measured value may have a large inaccuracy and may prove to be inaccurate. This inaccuracy is notably due to the operating method used to measure the height of the highest point.

[0040] Indeed, one method consists of positioning a wooden board at the visually detected high point and measuring the altitude of this board using a measuring system from the ground, such as a gauge or a rangefinder, but without any guarantee that the board is in the same plane as the truck. The error can thus reach several tens of centimeters.

[0041] According to the invention, a first measuring means (5) here positioned on a mast (11) allows to scan planes substantially parallel to the plane defined by the contact of three wheels with the roadway. In the variant shown in this figure, the mast (1) is positioned at the level of the cockpit (13).

[0042] The height of the first measuring means (5) is thus gradually increased until no obstacle is detected in its scanned field. The height of the highest point of the load can then be read on a measuring scale positioned opposite the mast provided with a mark.

[0043] The driver can then note this value and then enter it in his cabin (13) at an input device connected to the control unit (10) which will memorize this value.

[0044] Furthermore, it is also common for a sign relating to the maximum authorized height not to be displayed at the entrance to a structure (2) such as a tunnel or a bridge or for it to be imprecise.

[0045] Therefore, it is important to memorize in real time the height of the lowest point of a work of art (2). To do this, second measuring means (6, 16) are used in combination.

[0046] Indeed, as represented by the second measuring means (16), is positioned close to the highest point of the vehicle so as to scan a surface (14) of a front face of the structure (2). This second means (16) is therefore secured to the load (3) of the vehicle (1) for example by a suction cup system. It emits a light beam substantially parallel to the roadway. It can in particular by means of a wireless communication system, transmit its measurements to the control unit (10).

[0047] The mobile sensor-based safety measuring device intended to prevent collision with civil engineering structures, characterized in that the measurement is carried out when the vehicle (1) is at a predetermined distance from the civil engineering structure (2), varying with the speed of the vehicle (1).

[0048] Similarly, another second measuring means (6) can be positioned at the level of the upper surface (12) of the cabin (13) of the vehicle (1). It can for example make it possible to scan a surface (4) of a lower face of the structure (2). This second measuring means (6) will be provided with an ultrasonic sensor or a lidar sensor in order to scan this surface (4).

[0049] As shown in [Fig.2][Fig.2] the control unit is therefore connected with the two second measuring means (6, 16) in such a way as to improve the safety and precision of the measurement.

[0050] According to this variant, the information from the second measuring means (6) is transmitted to the control unit (10) by wire while the information from the second measuring means (16) is transmitted via a communication device. wireless.

[0051] Information such as the speed of the vehicle can also be transmitted to the control unit (10) which will then adapt the measurements taken. This information comes from various measuring devices (21) capable of providing information on the general dynamics of the vehicle (1).

[0052] The mast (11) is here motorized and controlled by the control unit (10) to move the first measuring means (5). In this variant, the first measuring means (5) is connected by wire to the control unit (10). This configuration thus makes it possible to automatically transfer the altitude of the highest point of the vehicle (1) and / or its load (3).

[0053] The information on the comparison can then be signaled by an audible and / or visual device such as a screen-type display device (20).

[0054] The variant of [Fig.3] [Fig.3] presents a vehicle (1) equipped with three second measuring means (6, 16, 26). Indeed, in this variant two second measuring means (16, 26) are positioned near the highest point of the vehicle (1).

[0055] In this way, the height of the lowest point of the structure is measured on both a surface (14) of a front face using the second measuring means (16) and on a surface (4) of a lower face using the second measuring means (26).

[0056] As shown in [Fig.4][Fig.4], the two second measuring means (16, 26) positioned near the highest point of the vehicle transmit their information via a wireless device.

[0057] Furthermore, the first measuring means (5) makes it possible to provide the user with visual information on the height of the highest point of the vehicle. The user then memorizes this value and enters it on an input member (22) coupled to the control unit (10) by viewing it on a display device (20) positioned inside the cabin (13). Similarly, the mast (11) is in this case not motorized and the vertical elevation movement of the first measuring means (5) is done manually by the user.

[0058] As shown in [Fig.5][Fig.5], the measuring means (6) can be positioned on a utility vehicle such as an exceptional convoy pilot vehicle. This measuring means (6) will be placed on the highest point of the vehicle (1) by a fixing system according to the configuration of the vehicle using a suction cup, magnet or mechanical fixing. This measuring system (6) will be connected by wire to the control unit (10) positioned in the driver's cabin (13). The control unit (10) will be coupled securely to a device incorporating a keyboard-type input member (22) and a screen-type display device (20).

[0059] The measuring means system used in this variant in [Fig.5] [Fig.5] will be configured by the integration of a sensor, either by means of an ultrasonic sensor or by using a lidar sensor.

[0060] It is clear from the above that the mobile sensor-based safety measuring device intended to prevent collision with civil engineering structures, in accordance with the invention, has multiple advantages: • It allows you to sweep any surface of the structure under which the vehicle is traveling. • It eliminates any risk of collision. • It can be fitted to any type of pre-existing industrial or utility vehicle. • It is very quick to install and does not require any complex handling by the driver. • It is, by design, very discreet due to its installation position at the highest point of the vehicle, on the cabin or roof of the vehicle. Industrial application

[0061] This mobile sensor-based safety measuring device intended to prevent collision with engineering structures, in accordance with the invention, is particularly suitable for industrial application.

Claims

Claims

1. Mobile sensor-based measuring safety device intended to prevent collision with civil engineering structures, said device comprising: • A first measuring means (5) capable of determining the altitude of the highest point of a vehicle (1) and / or its load (3). • A second measuring means (6, 16, 26) capable of scanning a surface (4, 14) of a civil engineering structure (2) and determining the altitude of the lowest point of said surface (4, 14). • A control unit (10) integrally coupled to a device incorporating a keyboard-type input member (22) and a screen-type display device (20).

2. Mobile sensor-based measuring safety device intended to prevent collision with engineering structures according to claim 1, characterized in that the first measuring means (5) emits a light beam, either by an ultrasonic sensor or a lidar sensor, scanning a plane substantially parallel to the plane defined by three points of contact of the tires of the vehicle (1) with the roadway.

3. Mobile sensor-based measuring safety device for preventing collision with engineering structures according to claim 2, characterized in that the first measuring means (5) is arranged on a mast (11).

4. Mobile sensor-based measuring safety device for preventing collision with engineering structures according to claim 3, characterized in that a measurement is carried out when the vehicle (1) is at a predetermined distance from the engineering structure (2), varying with the speed of the vehicle (1).

5. Mobile sensor-based measuring safety device for preventing collision with engineering structures according to claim 2, characterized in that the second measuring means (6, 26) scans a surface (4) of a lower face of the engineering structure (2) and positioned above the vehicle (1).

6. Mobile sensor-based safety measuring device for preventing collision with engineering structures according to claim 3, characterized in that the second measuring means (6, 26) comprises a transmitter ultrasonic receiver or lidar sensor.

7. Mobile sensor-based measuring safety device for preventing collision with engineering structures according to claim 1, characterized in that the second measuring means (6, 26) is positioned on the upper surface of a cockpit (13) or the roof of the vehicle (1).

8. Mobile sensor-based measuring safety device intended to prevent collision with civil engineering structures according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (10) is capable of generating a variable signal representative in real time of the distance between the lowest point of the swept surface (4, 14) of the civil engineering structure (2) and the highest point of the vehicle (1).

9. Mobile sensor-based safety measuring device intended to prevent collision with engineering structures according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit incorporates a keyboard-type input member (22) and a screen-type display device (20).

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