System for measuring and indicating the state of charge of a vehicle or vehicle trailer, method and corresponding vehicle

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a system for measuring and indicating the load state of a vehicle or vehicle trailer (10) having a chassis comprising at least one axle and several wheel suspension assemblies (110, 110', 120, 120'), at least one load measuring device (31, 32, 41, 42) disposed at each wheel suspension assembly (110, 110', 120, 120'), each load measuring device (31, 32, 41, 42) comprising: - a load sensor (50) capable of generating at least one measurement representative of the load applied at the level of said corresponding suspension assembly (110, 110', 120, 120'), and - a processing unit (60) capable of acquiring said at least one load measurement and having means for storing calibration data, said processing unit (60) being capable of deliver at least one representative value of a load applied at the level of said suspension assembly (110, 110', 120,120') corresponding according to the stored calibration data and said at least one acquired load measurement, said system further comprising at least one receiving and processing device (80, 81) configured to receive and display said values ​​representative of a load delivered by each of the load measurement devices (31, 32, 41, 42) and at least one value representative of the overall vehicle load (10). Figure 1,

Description

Title of the invention: System for measuring and indicating the load status of a vehicle or vehicle trailer, method and corresponding vehicle Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicles.

[0002] The invention relates to the field of assistance in loading a vehicle, and more particularly, the display of an indication of the load of a vehicle.

[0003] The invention relates to a system for measuring and indicating the payload of a motorized vehicle, for example a utility vehicle, or a non-motorized vehicle such as a vehicle trailer. Prior art

[0004] An unbalanced load or overloading a vehicle can have serious consequences on the vehicle's handling, particularly when braking, cornering and on slopes.

[0005] Other risks associated with overloading are premature wear of the vehicle (mechanical wear and tire wear) and damage to the road surface.

[0006] Failure to comply with regulatory tonnage limitations also constitutes a traffic violation (which is punishable by a fine and immobilization of the vehicle).

[0007] Furthermore, in the field of goods transport, it is necessary to optimize loads and therefore avoid underloading to increase transport productivity and reduce the carbon impact related to the weight transported.

[0008] Multiple solutions have been proposed for measuring and indicating the load state of a vehicle based on the principle that, under the effect of a load, the chassis and suspension of a vehicle undergo mechanical deformations and / or movements / displacements. The measurement of these deformations by means of sensors makes it possible to evaluate the load introduced into the vehicle. Statement of the invention

[0009] The invention aims to provide a system for measuring and indicating the load state of a vehicle or vehicle trailer which is particularly simple and convenient.

[0010] The invention thus relates to a system for measuring and indicating the load state of a vehicle or a vehicle trailer having a chassis comprising at least one axle and several wheel suspension assemblies, said system comprising at least one load measuring device arranged at each wheel suspension assembly,

[0011] each load measuring device comprising:

[0012] - a load sensor capable of generating at least one measurement representative of the load applied to the level of said corresponding suspension assembly, called load measurement, and

[0013] - a processing unit capable of acquiring said at least one load measurement and having means for storing calibration data, said processing unit being capable of delivering at least one value representative of a load applied to said corresponding suspension assembly as a function of the stored calibration data and said at least one acquired load measurement,

[0014] said system further comprising at least one receiving and processing device configured to receive and display said values ​​representative of a load delivered by each of the load measuring devices and at least one value representative of the overall load of the vehicle.

[0015] A system for measuring and indicating the load state of a vehicle or vehicle trailer is therefore proposed in which each load sensor is integrated with a calculator in the same measuring device at each suspension point of the vehicle. The load calculation, in addition to storing the calibration data, is carried out in the measuring device which incorporates the load sensor.

[0016] Because the receiving and processing device(s), such as a smartphone (multifunction mobile in French) or a display screen located in the vehicle, do not contain any information resulting from the calibration, the solution of the invention can be operational with several receiving and processing devices without performing a calibration at each installation. In the case of uninstallation and reinstallation of the software application on a smartphone, the calibration data are always available on the vehicle (in this case in each load measuring device incorporating a load sensor). In this case, therefore, there is no need to redo the calibration.

[0017] According to a particular aspect of the invention, said processing unit of each load measuring device is capable of delivering a load value expressed in units of mass applied at said corresponding suspension assembly and / or a ratio of a maximum permissible load value at said corresponding suspension assembly (i.e. a loading level in kg and / or a loading rate in %).

[0018] According to a particular aspect of the invention, said processing unit of each load measuring device is capable of delivering an alert signal when the load value at said corresponding suspension assembly is greater than a maximum permissible load value at the level of said corresponding suspension assembly.

[0019] According to a particular aspect of the invention, said at least one receiving and processing device is capable of calculating and displaying an overall load value of the vehicle expressed in units of mass equal to the sum of the load values ​​applied to each suspension assembly of the vehicle.

[0020] According to a particular aspect of the invention, said at least one receiving and processing device is capable of calculating and displaying an overall load value per axle and / or per set of wheels located on the same side of the vehicle or trailer when the chassis of the vehicle or trailer comprises several axles.

[0021] According to a particular aspect of the invention, each load sensor is a tilt angle sensor (or inclinometer) capable of generating a measurement relating to the angular deflection of said corresponding suspension assembly as a function of the load applied to said suspension assembly.

[0022] According to a particular aspect of the invention, each load sensor is a multi-axial inclinometer capable of generating a measurement relating to the inclination of the vehicle or trailer, the processing unit associated with said load sensor being configured, in the case where the vehicle or trailer is on an inclined plane (the ground for example), to emit an alert signal when the measured inclination is greater than a first threshold, and not to deliver a measurement relating to the angular deflection of said corresponding suspension assembly when the measured inclination is greater than a second threshold, greater than said first threshold.

[0023] According to a particular aspect of the invention, each load sensor is a strain / strain gauge (or extensometric gauge) capable of generating at least one measurement relating to the mechanical deformation of said corresponding suspension assembly as a function of the load applied to said suspension assembly.

[0024] Mechanical deformation corresponds to an elongation or contraction measured in the gauge bonding point.

[0025] According to a particular aspect of the invention, each load sensor is a distance sensor, which may be an ultrasonic sensor or an optical sensor (laser for example), capable of generating at least one measurement relating to the crushing of said corresponding suspension assembly as a function of the load applied to said suspension assembly.

[0026] According to a particular aspect of the invention, the system further comprises a remote database server adapted to receive and store the representative load values ​​of a fleet of vehicles transmitted by a receiving and processing device associated with each vehicle, and to process these values.

[0027] The invention also relates to a method for measuring and indicating the state of loading a vehicle or vehicle trailer having a chassis comprising at least one axle and a plurality of wheel suspension assemblies, at least one load measuring device being mounted at each wheel suspension assembly, said method comprising the steps of:

[0028] - generation by each load measuring device of at least one measurement representing representative of the load applied to the level of said corresponding suspension assembly, called load measurement,

[0029] - determination by each load measuring device of at least one value re presenting a load applied to said corresponding suspension assembly based on calibration data stored in each load measuring device and said at least one acquired load measurement,

[0030] - reception and display by at least one device for receiving and processing the representative load values ​​delivered by each load measuring device.

[0031] The invention also relates to a computer program product comprising software instructions which, when implemented by a computer, implement the method as described above.

[0032] The invention also relates to a vehicle or vehicle trailer comprising a system for measuring and indicating the state of charge as described above. Brief description of the figures

[0033] The invention, as well as the various advantages that it presents, will be clearly understood on reading the detailed description which follows, of several embodiments given for informational purposes and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings:

[0034] [Fig-1] is a very schematic view of a vehicle for which the system according to the invention;

[0035] [Fig.2] is a very schematic view of a load measuring device of a system according to the invention;

[0036] [Fig.3A] schematically shows the installation of a first type of load sensor, namely an inclinometer, on a leaf suspension of a vehicle;

[0037] [Fig.3B] schematically shows the installation of a first type of load sensor, namely an inclinometer, on a double wishbone suspension of a vehicle;

[0038] [Fig.3C] schematically shows the installation of articulated arms with an angle sensor at the level of a leaf spring suspension of a vehicle;

[0039] [Fig.4A] schematically shows the installation of a second type of load sensor, namely a distance sensor, on a leaf suspension of a vehicle;

[0040] [Fig.4B] schematically shows the installation of a second type of sensor load sensor, namely a distance sensor, on a double wishbone suspension;

[0041] [Fig.5A] schematically shows the installation of a third type of load sensor, namely a strain gauge, on a leaf suspension of a vehicle;

[0042] [Fig.5B] schematically shows the installation of a third type of load sensor, namely a strain gauge, on a vehicle axle provided with leaf spring suspension. Detailed description of the invention

[0043] The present description is given as a non-limiting example of embodiment.

[0044] [Fig.l] schematically represents a vehicle, here a motor vehicle, for which a system for measuring and displaying the vehicle load is implemented. The vehicle has a loading space intended to receive cargo or load. Alternatively, this loading space could correspond to a deep cabin allowing the transport of one or more people and / or equipment (in the case of construction use for example).

[0045] It will be understood that the system of the invention could also equip a trailer or a semi-trailer resting on one or more axles and coupled to a towing vehicle, motorized or not.

[0046] The vehicle comprises a plurality of subassemblies, each subassembly comprising a wheel, a wheel suspension device connecting each wheel to the vehicle body and an electronic load measuring device comprising a sensor delivering a measurement signal representative of the load applied to the corresponding suspension.

[0047] The wheel suspension device may comprise a double wishbone suspension, a leaf spring type suspension or any other type of suspension.

[0048] The vehicle comprises four subassemblies in the embodiment of [Fig.l].

[0049] The vehicle 10 comprises a front axle carrying two front wheels 111, 112 and a rear axle carrying two rear wheels 121, 122, the terms "front" and "rear" being understood in relation to a normal direction of travel of the vehicle 10.

[0050] The suspension devices 110, 110', 120, 120' may be identical or different from each other. In particular, the suspension devices 110, 110' of the front axle, and the suspension devices 120, 120' of the rear axle, are preferably identical or similar two by two.

[0051] The system of the invention allows assistance in loading the vehicle 10, and more particularly, the measurement and continuous display on demand of an indication of the load of the vehicle 10.

[0052] To do this, four load measuring devices 31, 32, 41, 42 are arranged at each wheel suspension assembly. In a first embodiment of the invention, each of these load measuring devices 31, 32, 41, 42 comprises a load sensor 50 ([Fig.2]) which is an angle sensor (an in-clinometer) capable of measuring an angle relative to gravity and generating a measurement signal relating to the angular deflection of said corresponding suspension assembly as a function of the load applied to said suspension assembly.

[0053] More generally, the load sensors of the load measuring devices, whatever their type, are adapted to measure a parameter which varies according to the weight of the vehicle.

[0054] As will be described in detail later, the load measuring devices can implement different load sensor technologies (inclinometers, strain gauges or articulated arm with an angle sensor, for example).

[0055] Each load measuring device 31, 32, 41, 42 also incorporates a processing unit 60 ([Fig.2]) comprising - a microprocessor (or CPU) or controller 601 which is capable of acquiring at least one measurement representative of the load applied to the suspension emitted by the associated load sensor 50 and of determining a value (called "output" in English) proportional to the loading at the point of suspension concerned, - a read-only memory (or ROM) 602, capable of containing one or more programs allowing the implementation of the methods in accordance with the invention when this or these programs are executed by the microprocessor 601, - a random access memory (or RAM) 603, comprising registers adapted to record variables and parameters created and modified during the execution of the aforementioned programs and calibration data,and a communication interface / data transmission module 604 connected to a wired (CAN bus or RS485 link) or wireless (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (registered trademarks)) communication network 70 capable of transmitting digital signals or data to one or more reception and processing devices as described below, possibly via a converter or relay. A communication bus allows communication between the different elements of the load measurement device 31, 32, 41, 42.,

[0056] The processing unit 60 incorporated in each load measuring device is capable of generating one or more values ​​representative of the loading at the suspension point concerned.

[0057] Thus, each load measuring device 31, 32, 41, 42 is capable of recording / storing values ​​resulting from the calibration (in the read-only memory 602) and of calculating in particular an estimate of the mass (in kg) per suspension point and / or a ratio of the maximum load (in %) per suspension point.

[0058] Preferably, each load measuring device 31, 32, 41, 42 is capable of also calculate one or more logical variables (all or nothing). Each logical parameter can be associated with a corresponding alert, for example, to an exceeding of the maximum tolerated load at one or more suspension points of the vehicle 10.

[0059] The system of the invention further comprises at least one receiving and processing device, such as a “smartphone”, configured to receive and display the representative charge value(s) (or the charge condition) from each charge measuring device 31, 32, 41, 42 (display of a vehicle charge indication) of the vehicle 10 and possibly one or more alerts as described previously.

[0060] Each load measuring device 31, 32, 41, 42 is therefore provided with a transmission module 604 of the data which are calculated by the processing unit 60 to one or more reception and processing devices, which comprise in the example of [Fig.l] a “smartphone” 80 and a display device 81 arranged in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10, at the dashboard.

[0061] The system may comprise a single receiving and processing device, which is a “smartphone” or a display device arranged in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, at the dashboard level.

[0062] In the example described, the transmission of data by the transmission module 604 to the “smartphone” 80 and the display device 81 can be done by a wireless communication network 70, which is the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi network (registered trademarks) for example.

[0063] The “smartphone” 80 is configured to allow the visualization of measurements or at least of values ​​representative of a load at each suspension point via a mobile application. The “smartphone” 80 can be configured to send information to a remote database server 90 via the 4G / 5G network, which allows, for example, interoperability with a vehicle fleet management server.

[0064] Furthermore, in a particular embodiment, a converter or adapter or relay 100 receives, via wired connections, the values ​​(measurements in kg and %, as well as possibly alerts) from the load measuring devices 31, 32, 41, 42 via a CAN bus or via an RS485 connection, for example, and transmits them to one or more receiving and processing devices (the “smartphone” 80 and the display device 81 in the example of [Fig. 1]) via the communication network 70, which is the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi network (registered trademarks) for example. In this case, the load measuring devices 31, 32, 41, 42 do not include a transmission module 604.

[0065] Each receiving and processing device, such as the “smartphone” 80 and the display device 81 in the example of [Fig.l], does not contain the calibration information (it therefore does not record any value resulting from the calibration). As previously highlighted, it is the load measuring devices 31, 32, 41, 42 which store calibration information making it possible to translate the angle measurements (when the sensor is an inclinometer as in the example of [Fig.l]) into one or more values ​​representative of a load (mass in mass unit and / or as a percentage % of maximum load for example).

[0066] The load sensors 50 which are multi-axial inclinometers in the example of [Fig.l] measure a deflection angle of a component of the corresponding suspension and the corresponding processing unit 60 acquires the angles measured by each of the sensors 50 to calculate an output proportional to the loading using values ​​from the calibration (angles corresponding to the unladen mass and the maximum permissible laden mass) which are saved in the processing unit 60. These calibration values ​​are therefore used by the processing unit 60 to deduce the loading as a function of the angle measured by the sensors 50 and to generate an output signal representative of the loading condition of the vehicle.

[0067] Each receiving and processing device receives only the value(s) from the processing units integrated with a load sensor in each of the load measuring devices 31, 32, 41, 42 and displays these values. Each receiving and processing device can also calculate and display an overall load value corresponding to the sum of the load values ​​measured in each suspension point of the vehicle.

[0068] By way of example, the following can thus be displayed by a receiving and processing device of the system of the invention:

[0069] - an overall vehicle loading value (equal to the loading sum measured in each suspension point); and / or

[0070] - the actual load status per axle with the actual weight and / or percentage of the load permitted on each axle (this allows the mass distribution per axle to be calculated and displayed, e.g. front axle / rear axle, and / or for the right and left wheels of the vehicle).

[0071] The display by a receiving and processing device is preferably configurable: it may be a global display, by axle or by suspension point for example.

[0072] It should be noted that the maximum permissible overall and axle load values ​​are regulatory and are provided by the vehicle manufacturer. The maximum permissible load value per suspension point is not regulated but is provided for information purposes and may help the user to better distribute the load between the right and left parts of the vehicle.

[0073] An advantage of the architecture of the system of the invention is to have software embedded on the receiving and processing device(s) (a “smartphone” for example) independent of the load sensors 50. The software can thus operate with load sensors 50 of the inclinometer type but also the same software is operational with other types of sensors (such as sensors incorporating gauges which measure the deformation in the points of the suspension).

[0074] Furthermore, because the receiving and processing device(s) do not store any information resulting from the calibration, the solution of the invention can be operational with several receiving and processing devices without carrying out a calibration at each installation.

[0075] In the case of uninstallation and reinstallation of the solution, the calibration data are always available on the vehicle, in this case in each load measuring device incorporating a sensor. Therefore, there is no need to redo the calibration.

[0076] An example of calibration data and calculation formulas that can be stored in each of the load measuring devices 31, 32, 41, 42 of the vehicle 10 of [Fig. 1] is presented below. This calibration data is specific to the vehicle 10 and allows the conversion of the angle measured by a load sensor 50, here an angle sensor (inclinometer), into one or more values ​​representative of a load in the corresponding load measuring device which is then transmitted to the “smartphone” 80 in particular.

[0077] The calibration data saved on a load measuring device 31, 32, 41, 42 are, according to one example: 1. A parameter 1 and a parameter 2 which are two coefficients or constants of a calibration polynomial allowing the load to be calculated at each suspension point according to the angle of inclination measured along the X axis of the angle sensor (load sensor 50); 2. A parameter 3 which corresponds to the maximum permissible or tolerated load or mass in the corresponding suspension point / wheel; 3. A parameter 4 which corresponds to a value of the inclination along the horizontal Y axis of the angle sensor (load sensor 50) which is used for the detection of the inclination of the vehicle (in “pitch and roll” in English, i.e. forward / backward and right / left).

[0078] Obviously, other parameters than these can be saved and their number may differ.

[0079] In a particular implementation, the characteristic between the weight per wheel / suspension point and the inclination is linear. The calibration consists of constructing the correlation line as a function of two extreme points (empty weight and weight at maximum load) and possibly from calibration points other than these two extreme points in order to define calibration parameters.

[0080] In other implementations, the characteristic between the weight per wheel / suspension point and the inclination is multi-linear, or parabolic, for example. According to this correlation the equation saved in the processing unit and the number of calibration parameters are modified.

[0081] It should be noted that in a particular embodiment, beyond a predetermined threshold of the parameter 4 detailed above measured by an inclinometer, an alert message is issued by the processing unit 60 indicating an inaccuracy of the measurement due to an inclination of the vehicle 10 that is too great.

[0082] In another embodiment, the processing unit 60 is configured, in the case where the vehicle is on an inclined plane (ground), to emit an alert signal when the measured inclination is greater than a first threshold, and to deactivate the display of the measurement results on the “smartphone” 80 and the display device 81, in the example of [Fig.l], when the measured inclination is greater than the second threshold, greater than the first threshold.

[0083] In the case where the load sensors 50 are inclinometers, the calculation formulas which are implemented on a load measuring device 31, 32, 41, 42 make it possible to obtain two values ​​(value 1 and value 2) representative of a load applied to the suspension point concerned.

[0084] The processing unit 60 can thus determine:

[0085] - a value 1 corresponding to the loading level in the suspension point in kg: value 1 = parameter 2 x angle_X + parameter 1; and

[0086] - a value 2 corresponding to the loading rate in the suspension point in % : value 2 = value 1 / parameter 3.

[0087] The same calculations are applied in the angle sensors (inclinometers) at each suspension point.

[0088] In summary, in this particular embodiment where the load sensors are inclinometers, the weight of a load in the vehicle 10 is calculated as a function of the inclination measured by each inclinometer. The measurements from each inclinometer are processed by the corresponding processing unit 60 and the results are transmitted via a wireless link to be displayed on the screen of an electronic display device 81 located in the cabin of the vehicle and / or on a mobile telephone or “smartphone” 80 via a mobile application.

[0089] The system of the invention makes it possible to obtain an indication of the value of the load applied to each of the wheels 111, 112, 121, 122 and to each suspension 11, 12, 21, 22 of the vehicle 10 so as to have detailed knowledge of the distribution of the load in the vehicle 10.

[0090] In the case of other types of load sensors, the approach is identical and the angle X for example is replaced by another quantity, namely a distance in the case of a distance sensor as implemented in relation to Figures 4A and 4B, a relative angle of the arm B1 with respect to the arm B2 in the implementation of [Fig.3C], a mechanical deformation of a strain gauge as implemented in relation to Figures 5A and 5B.

[0091] Furthermore, an alert message may be issued by the processing unit 60 of a load measuring device which is transmitted to the “smartphone” 80 and / or the display device 81 in the example of [Fig. 1] to trigger an alarm (light or sound or haptic, for example), when the load level measured at a suspension point or an axle is greater than the load level tolerated at said suspension point or said axle.

[0092] By informing the driver or user on demand, this makes it possible to optimize the loading of the vehicle, and in particular to approach the maximum authorized loading values ​​while taking care not to exceed them.

[0093] This allows the vehicle to be used safely, and therefore optimizes road handling. This also helps avoid overloading and comply with regulatory requirements.

[0094] The system of the invention also makes it possible to propose a transmission of the values ​​representative of overall load and / or by suspension point, and to process them at the level of a remote server, a mobile application or any other storage or processing device.

[0095] The system of the invention also makes it possible to avoid underloading and to optimize loading so as to increase transport productivity. It also makes it possible to avoid overloads which are sources of premature tire wear and mechanical wear, to comply with regulatory tonnage limitations and to preserve the road network.

[0096] Furthermore, the system of the invention can provide extensive knowledge of a fleet of vehicles equipped in the same way and implementing the same method. Thus, the information transmitted to the “smartphone” 80 can also be transmitted to the remote database server 90, allowing centralized control of a plurality of vehicles and detailed analysis of the behavior of a fleet of vehicles equipped in the same way and using the same method.

[0097] Different types of suspension and sensors may be implemented at each wheel and suspension point of the vehicle in which the system is implemented.

[0098] Thus, in the example of [Fig.3A], the axles can comprise leaf suspensions 11, 12, 21, 22 and we measure at the level of each wheel 111, 112, 121, 122 the inclination of the leaf spring as a function of the weight exerted on the vehicle by means of a load measuring device 31, 32, 41, 42 comprising an inclinometer as a load sensor 50.

[0099] [Fig.3B] schematically shows the installation of a load measuring device 31, 32, 41, 42 comprising an inclinometer as a load sensor 50 on a double wishbone suspension of a vehicle. Illustrated schematically in this [Fig.3B] is the angle a measured by the inclinometer extending between the horizontal dotted line corresponding to the unladen angle of the vehicle and the downwardly inclined dotted line corresponding to a load angle of the vehicle.

[0100] [Fig.3C] schematically shows the implementation of a load sensor 50 comprising two articulated arms B1, B2 and an angle sensor C at the level of a leaf spring suspension. The crushing of the suspension 11, 12, 21, 22 due to the loading of the vehicle involves a relative rotation of the arm B1 fixed to the chassis with respect to the arm B2 fixed to the axle. The angular sensor C measures the amplitude of this rotation proportional to the loading of the vehicle.

[0101] Rather than angle sensors or inclinometers, the load measuring devices 31, 32, 41, 42 in which the calibration data and the calculation formulas are saved can implement distance sensors (laser or ultrasound, for example) as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B or strain gauges as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0102] [Fig.4A] schematically shows the implementation of a load measuring device 31, 32, 41, 42 with a load sensor 50 taking the form of a distance sensor, such as an ultrasonic or laser sensor, on the chassis of a vehicle at the level of a wheel equipped with a leaf suspension.

[0103] [Fig.4B] schematically shows the implementation of a load measuring device 31, 32, 41, 42 with a load sensor 50 taking the form of a distance sensor, such as an ultrasonic or laser sensor, on the chassis of a vehicle at the level of a wheel equipped with a double wishbone suspension.

[0104] In these two particular implementations, the distance sensor is configured to measure a displacement distance “d” corresponding to the displacement between the body or chassis of the vehicle and the axis of the axle as a function of the load applied to the suspension point concerned. Indeed, the loading causes the suspension system to be crushed and the distance between the body or chassis of the vehicle and the axle decreases as a function of the loading at the suspension point.

[0105] [Fig.5A] schematically shows the implementation of a load measuring device 31, 32, 41, 42 with a load sensor 50 taking the form of a strain gauge which is arranged on the leaves of a leaf suspension of a vehicle.

[0106] [Fig.5B] schematically shows the implementation of a measuring device load 31, 32, 41, 42 with a load sensor 50 taking the form of a strain gauge which is arranged on an axle of a vehicle provided with leaf suspension.

[0107] In both cases, these strain gauges are capable of measuring the mechanical deformation on the blades or on the axle (in the center for example) respectively. In other words, each strain / strain gauge (also called strain gauge) is capable of generating at least one measurement relating to the mechanical deformation (elongation) of said corresponding suspension assembly as a function of the load applied to said suspension assembly.

[0108] In all these variant embodiments, the load measuring devices 31, 32, 41, 42, once calibrated, are capable of providing the loading state in units of mass (kg) and as a percentage of the maximum authorized mass at the suspension point concerned.

[0109] The system of the invention makes it possible to measure and indicate, continuously or on demand, the payload of a vehicle, for example a utility vehicle or a vehicle trailer, when the vehicle or trailer is stationary and optionally in motion.

[0110] The invention also relates to a method for measuring and indicating the load state of a vehicle or vehicle trailer 10 having a chassis comprising at least one axle and several wheel suspension assemblies 110, 110', 120, 120', at least one load measuring device 31, 32, 41, 42 being mounted at each wheel suspension assembly 110, 110', 120, 120', said method comprising the steps of:

[0111] - generation (SI) by each load measuring device 31, 32, 41, 42 of at least a representative measurement of the load applied to said corresponding suspension assembly 110, 110', 120, 120', called load measurement,

[0112] - determination (S2) by each load measuring device 31, 32, 41, 42 of at least at least one representative value of a load applied to said corresponding suspension assembly 110, 110', 120, 120' as a function of calibration data stored in each load measuring device 31, 32, 41, 42 and of said at least one acquired load measurement,

[0113] - reception and display (S3) by at least one reception and processing device 80, 81 of the representative load values ​​delivered by each load measuring device 31, 32, 41, 42.

Claims

Claims

1. System for measuring and indicating the load state of a vehicle or vehicle trailer (10) having a chassis comprising at least one axle and several wheel suspension assemblies (110, 110', 120, 120'), said system comprising at least one load measuring device (31, 32, 41, 42) arranged at each wheel suspension assembly (110, 110', 120, 120'), each load measuring device (31, 32, 41, 42) comprising: - a load sensor (50) capable of generating at least one measurement representative of the load applied to said corresponding suspension assembly (110, 110', 120, 120'), called a load measurement, and - a processing unit (60) capable of acquiring said at least one load measurement and having means for storing data of calibration, said processing unit (60) being capable of delivering at least one value representative of a load applied to said suspension assembly (110, 110', 120,120') corresponding according to the stored calibration data and said at least one acquired load measurement, said system further comprising at least one receiving and processing device (80, 81) configured to receive and display said values ​​representative of a load delivered by each of the load measuring devices (31, 32, 41, 42) and at least one value representative of the overall load of the vehicle (10).,

2. System according to claim 1, wherein said processing unit of each load measuring device (31, 32, 41, 42) is capable of delivering a load value expressed in unit of mass applied at said corresponding suspension assembly (110, 110', 120, 120') and / or a ratio of a maximum permissible load value at said corresponding suspension assembly (110, 110', 120, 120').

3. System according to claim 2, wherein said processing unit (60) of each load measuring device (31, 32, 41, 42) is capable of delivering an alert signal when the load value at said corresponding suspension assembly (110, 110', 120, 120') is greater than a maximum permissible load value at said corresponding suspension assembly (110, 110', 120, 120').

4. The system of claim 2 or 3, wherein said at least one receiving and processing device (80, 81) is capable of calculating and displaying an overall vehicle load value expressed in mass units equal to the sum of the load values ​​applied to each suspension assembly (110, 110', 120, 120') of the vehicle (10) or the trailer.

5. System according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said at least one receiving and processing device (80, 81) is capable of calculating and displaying an overall load value per axle and / or per set of wheels located on the same side of the vehicle (10) or the trailer when the chassis of the vehicle (10) or the trailer comprises several axles.

6. System according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which each load sensor (50) is a tilt angle sensor or in-clinometer capable of generating a measurement relating to the angular deflection of said corresponding suspension assembly (110, 110', 120, 120') as a function of the load applied to said suspension assembly (110, 110', 120, 120').

7. System according to claim 6, in which each load sensor (50) is a multi-axial inclinometer capable of generating a measurement relating to the inclination of the vehicle (10) or the trailer, the processing unit (60) associated with said load sensor (50) being configured, in the case where the vehicle (10) or the trailer is on an inclined plane, to emit an alert signal when the measured inclination is greater than a first threshold, and not to deliver a measurement relating to the angular deflection of said corresponding suspension assembly (110, 110', 120, 120') when the measured inclination is greater than a second threshold, greater than said first threshold.

8. System according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which each load sensor (50) is a strain or deformation gauge capable of generating at least one measurement relating to the mechanical deformation of said corresponding suspension assembly (110, 110', 120, 120') as a function of the load applied to said suspension assembly (110, 110', 120, 120').

9. System according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which each load sensor (50) is a distance sensor capable of generating at least one measurement relating to the crushing of said corresponding suspension assembly (110, 110', 120, 120') as a function of the load applied to said suspension assembly (110, 110', 120, 120').

10. 0 System according to one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a remote database server (90) adapted to receive and store the representative load values ​​of a fleet of vehicles transmitted by a receiving and processing device (80, 81) associated with each vehicle (10) or trailer, and to process these values.

11. 1 Method for measuring and indicating the load state of a vehicle or vehicle trailer (10) having a chassis comprising at least one axle and several wheel suspension assemblies (110, 110', 120, 120'), at least one load measuring device (31, 32, 41, 42) being mounted at each wheel suspension assembly (110, 110', 120, 120'), said method comprising the steps of: - generation (SI) by each load measuring device (31, 32, 41, 42) of at least one measurement representative of the load applied at said corresponding suspension assembly (110, 110', 120, 120'), called load measurement, - determination (S2) by each load measuring device (31, 32, 41, 42) of at least one value representative of a load applied to said corresponding suspension assembly (110, 110', 120, 120') as a function of calibration data stored in each load measuring device (31, 32, 41,42) and said at least one acquired load measurement, - reception and display (S3) by at least one reception and processing device (80, 81) of the representative load values ​​delivered by each load measurement device (31, 32, 41, 42).,

12. 2 Computer program product comprising software instructions which, when implemented by a computer, implement the method according to claim 11.

13. 13. Vehicle or vehicle trailer (10) comprising a system for measuring and indicating the state of charge according to one of claims 1 to 10.

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