Height measuring device and method for measuring a height on a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a height measuring device (2) for measuring a height (H0), in particular the height (H0) of a wheel housing (18), on a vehicle (20), comprising: a platform (4) which is designed to support the height measuring device (2) on a base (3); a column (9) which extends upwards from the platform (4) substantially in the vertical direction; a fixed measuring panel (6) which is attached to the column (9) at a constant height (H1) over the platform (4); a variable measuring panel (8) which is attached to the column (9) such that the height (H2) of the variable measuring panel over the base (3) is variable; and a height indicator (10) which is connected to the variable measuring panel (8) such that the height (H0) of the height indicator over the base (3) can be varied together with the height (H2) of the variable measuring panel (8) along the column (9).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Height measuring device and method for measuring a height on a vehicle

[0004] The invention relates to a height measuring device and a method for measuring a height, in particular the height of a wheel house, on a vehicle. The invention also relates to the use of a height measuring device according to the invention for determining the spatial orientation of a measuring station.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Calibrating sensors for driver assistance systems in a vehicle often requires knowing the heights of specific points on the vehicle, especially the vehicle body. These heights are typically measured manually using a tape measure or ruler. Such manual measurement is time-consuming and error-prone.

[0007] Disclosure of the invention

[0008] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device and a method which make it possible to simplify the measurement of heights on a vehicle and to improve the quality of the measurement results.

[0009] A height measuring device according to the invention for measuring a height, for example the height of a wheel arch, on a vehicle, comprises: a base designed to support the height measuring device on a ground; a column extending upwards from the base in a substantially vertical direction; a fixed measuring plate attached to the column at a constant height above the ground; a variable measuring plate attached to the column such that its height above the ground is variable; and a height pointer connected to the variable measuring plate such that its height above the ground is variable along the column together with the height of the variable measuring plate. The invention also comprises a system for measuring a height, in particular the height of a wheel arch, on a vehicle.The system comprises at least one height measuring device according to the invention and an optical vehicle measuring device which is designed to record images of the measuring panels of the at least one height measuring device and to determine the height of the height indicator from the recorded images.

[0010] A method according to the invention for measuring a height, in particular the height of a wheel house, on a vehicle comprises positioning at least one height measuring device according to the invention on the vehicle; positioning the height indicator connected to the variable measuring plate at a height defined by the vehicle; recording images of the variable measuring plate and the fixed measuring plate of the height measuring device; and determining the height of the height indicator from the recorded images.

[0011] A height measuring device according to the invention, a system for measuring a height on a vehicle according to the invention, and a method according to the invention enable the automated determination of a height on a vehicle. The height can be determined, in particular, using an optical vehicle measurement device that has at least one image recording device. This can accelerate the determination of a height on a vehicle, and human errors that can occur during manual measurement of the vehicle can be avoided.

[0012] The measurement can be performed using an optical vehicle measurement device, such as those often found in workshops. By using an existing vehicle measurement device, automated vehicle measurement according to the invention can be implemented cost-effectively.

[0013] In one embodiment, the height measuring device has a wheel center pointer. The wheel center pointer can, in particular, be mounted on the column in a height-adjustable manner. With the aid of a wheel center pointer, the height measuring device can be positioned particularly easily and reliably in a predetermined position on a wheel of a vehicle to be measured. In one embodiment, the height of the wheel center pointer is manually adjustable along the column. A height measuring device in which the height of the wheel center pointer is manually adjustable can be manufactured particularly robustly and cost-effectively.

[0014] In one embodiment, the height of the wheel center indicator is motor-adjustable along the column. A height measuring device in which the height of the wheel center indicator is motor-adjustable can be operated particularly easily and conveniently. The height of the wheel center indicator can, in particular, be adjusted automatically. The height of a motor-adjustable wheel center indicator can, in particular, be adjusted automatically by controlling the motor accordingly via a control device.

[0015] In one embodiment, the height measuring device comprises a centering device designed to center the height measuring device relative to a wheel of the vehicle. The centering device can, in particular, comprise two movable arms designed to bear against the tread of a wheel of the vehicle to be measured. The two movable arms can be coupled to one another in such a way that they can only be moved synchronously with one another relative to the column.

[0016] With the help of a centering device, the height measuring device can be positioned particularly reliably and conveniently in a desired position on a wheel of a vehicle being measured. The height measuring device can be centered, in particular, with respect to the wheel.

[0017] In one embodiment, the height of the height indicator is manually adjustable along the column. A height measuring device in which the height of the height indicator is manually adjustable can be manufactured particularly robustly and cost-effectively.

[0018] In one embodiment, the height of the height indicator is motor-adjustable along the column. A height measuring device in which the height of the height indicator is motor-adjustable can be operated particularly easily and conveniently. The height of a motor-adjustable height indicator can be adjusted, in particular, automatically by controlling the motor accordingly via a control device. In one embodiment, the height measuring device has a fixing device that allows the height indicator and the variable measuring plate to be fixed at a desired height on the column. The operation of the height measuring device can be further simplified with the aid of a fixing device.

[0019] In one embodiment, the height measuring device comprises a support device, in particular a spring-driven support device, which is intended to support an upward movement of the height indicator and the variable measuring plate along the column. Moving the height indicator and the variable measuring plate can be simplified with the aid of a support device, since less force is required to move the height indicator and the variable measuring plate upward against gravity.

[0020] In one embodiment, the height measuring device comprises at least one counterweight coupled to the height indicator and the variable measuring plate in such a way that it supports an upward movement of the height indicator and the variable measuring plate along the column. An upward movement of the height indicator and the variable measuring plate can thereby be simplified because less force is required to move the height indicator and the variable measuring plate upward against gravity.

[0021] In one embodiment, the base of the height measuring device has a stop surface that allows the base to be aligned with a wheel of the vehicle to be measured. With the help of such a stop, the height measuring device can be reliably positioned and aligned with a wheel of the vehicle to be measured.

[0022] In one embodiment, a system according to the invention comprises four height measuring devices according to the invention, which are positioned, for example, on the four wheels of a vehicle. Such a system can be designed to determine a first plane passing through the fixed measuring plates of the four height measuring devices.

[0023] In one embodiment, a system according to the invention is also designed to take images of the fixed measuring panels of the height measuring devices, to determine a second plane passing through the variable measuring panels of the four height measuring devices

[0024] The system can be configured to determine at least one angle between the two planes. In particular, the system can be configured to determine a roll angle and / or a pitch angle between the two planes.

[0025] In one embodiment, a method according to the invention comprises positioning four height measuring devices according to the invention on four wheels of the vehicle; taking images of the fixed and variable measuring plates of the four height measuring devices and determining a first plane passing through the fixed measuring plates of the four height measuring devices

[0026] The method according to the invention further comprises determining a second plane passing through the variable measuring panels of the four height measuring devices and determining at least one angle between the two planes.

[0027] The method may in particular comprise determining a roll angle and / or a pitch angle between the two planes.

[0028] In this way, the alignment of the vehicle body relative to the floor of the measuring station can be determined. In particular, a method according to the invention can be used to determine whether the vehicle body is aligned parallel to the floor of the measuring station or whether the vehicle body is inclined relative to the floor of the measuring station.

[0029] In a further embodiment, a method according to the invention comprises determining the spatial orientation of a measuring station, the method comprising: positioning at least three height measuring devices according to the invention on the measuring station; taking images of the fixed measuring panels of the at least three height measuring devices; and determining a first plane passing through the fixed measuring panels of the at least three height measuring devices.

[0030] The invention also encompasses the use of at least three height measuring devices according to the invention for determining the spatial orientation of a measuring station. The use comprises, in particular: positioning at least three height measuring devices according to the invention on the measuring station; taking images of the fixed measuring panels of the at least three height measuring devices; and determining a first plane passing through the fixed measuring panels of the at least three height measuring devices.

[0031] Since the first plane is aligned parallel to the floor of the measuring station, the orientation of the floor of the measuring station in the gravitational field can be determined by comparing the orientation of the first plane with the gravitational field. In particular, it can be determined whether the floor of the measuring station is horizontal or inclined.

[0032] Short description of the characters

[0033] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a height measuring device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0034] Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of a height measuring device positioned on a wheel of a vehicle to be measured

[0035] Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of the height measuring device shown in Figure 2, wherein the height indicator of the height measuring device is positioned at the lower edge of a wheel house of the vehicle to be measured

[0036] Figure 4 shows a schematic plan view of a measuring station for vehicle measurement with a vehicle and with a system for measuring a height on the vehicle.

[0037] Figure 5 shows a schematic plan view of a vehicle and a centering device arranged on a wheel of the vehicle for centering the height measuring device on the wheel.

[0038] Figure 6 shows a schematic view of a centering device according to the invention.

[0039] Description of the figures An embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the attached figures.

[0040] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a height measuring device 2 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0041] The height measuring device 2 comprises a base 4, which is designed to support the height measuring device 2 on a floor 3. The height measuring device 2 also comprises a column 9, which extends upwards in a substantially vertical direction from the base 4.

[0042] On the foot 4, a stop element 5 is formed with a stop surface 7, which can be brought into abutment with a wheel 16 of a vehicle 20, not shown in Figure 1, in order to position the height measuring device 2 in a defined position on the vehicle 20, as shown in Figure 2.

[0043] Above the base 4, a fixed measuring plate 6 is attached to the column 9 at a constant height above the base 4 or floor 3

[0044] Above the fixed measuring plate 6, a variable measuring plate 8 is attached to the column 9 in such a way that the height of the variable measuring plate 8 above the base 4 or above the floor 3 is variable. In other words, the variable measuring plate 8 can be moved along the column 9 in order to vary the height of the fixed measuring plate 6 above the base 4 or floor 3.

[0045] An optical pattern is formed on each of the fixed measuring panel 6 and the variable measuring panel 8, which can be optically captured by an optical image recording device (camera) 24a, 24b, which is not shown in Figure 1. The optical patterns shown in Figure 1 are shown only as examples. Other optical patterns suitable for being optically captured by an optical image recording device 24a, 24b can also be formed on the measuring panels 6, 8.

[0046] The height measuring device 2 also includes a height indicator 10, which is connected to the variable measuring plate 8 in such a way that its height above the base 4 or floor 3 is only variable in conjunction with the height of the variable measuring plate 8 along the column 9. The height indicator 10 and the variable measuring plate 8 are coupled to each other in such a way that each height of the height indicator 10 above floor 3 is firmly correlated with a corresponding height of the variable measuring plate 8 above floor 3. The height of the variable measuring plate 8 above floor 3 is therefore a unique measure of the height of the height indicator 10 above floor 3.

[0047] The height measuring device 2 may include a fixing device 12 that allows the height indicator 10 and the variable measuring plate 8 to be fixed to the column 9 after the height indicator 10 and the variable measuring plate 8 have been brought to a desired height above the ground 3. The fixing device 12 may, for example, be designed as a clamping device to firmly fix the height indicator 10 and the variable measuring plate 8 to the column 9 by clamping.

[0048] The height measuring device 2 also has a wheel center indicator 14, which is mounted on the column 9 between the fixed measuring plate 6 and the variable measuring plate 8. The wheel center indicator 14 can also be mounted on the column 9 in a height-adjustable manner.

[0049] The altitude indicator 10, the variable measuring plate 8 and the wheel center indicator 14 can be moved manually or motor-driven along the column 9.

[0050] In or on the column 9, an elastic support device (not visible in Figure 1) with an elastic element, e.g. with a spring, can also be provided, wherein the elastic element elastically supports the altitude indicator 10 with the variable measuring panel 8, so that the altitude indicator 10 with the variable measuring panel 8 can be moved upwards more easily against the force of gravity.

[0051] Such an elastic support device can also be provided for the wheel center indicator 14.

[0052] A counterweight (not visible in Figure 1) may also be present in or on column 9. This counterweight is mechanically connected to the altitude indicator 10 and the variable measuring plate 8. This counterweight counteracts the weight of the altitude indicator 10 and the variable measuring plate 8, so that the altitude indicator 10 and the variable measuring plate 8 can be moved upwards more easily against gravity. Such a counterweight may also be provided for the wheel center indicator 14.

[0053] With reference to Figures 2 to 4, the use of a height measuring device 2 according to the invention for measuring a height of a wheel housing 18 on a vehicle 20 is described below.

[0054] Although the use of a height measuring device 2 according to the invention is described using the example of a wheel house 18, a height measuring device 2 according to the invention can also be used to measure other heights on a vehicle 20.

[0055] First, the height measuring device 2 is positioned next to a wheel 16 of the vehicle 20 such that the stop surface 7, which is formed on the base 4 of the height measuring device 2, rests against the outside of the wheel 16, as shown in Figure 2.

[0056] With the aid of a wheel center pointer 14, if present, the height measuring device 2 is aligned along the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle 20 to the center, for example to the hub, of the wheel 16

[0057] After the height measuring device 2 has been positioned next to the wheel 16, the height of the height indicator 10 is varied so that the height indicator 10 rests against the lower edge of a wheel housing 18 of the vehicle 20, as shown in Figure 3. Since the height indicator 10 is firmly connected to the variable measuring plate 8, the variable measuring plate 8 is thereby brought to a corresponding height above the ground 3.

[0058] At least one image of the two measuring panels 6, 8 of the height measuring device 2 is then recorded using at least one optical image recording device 24a, 24b (see Figure 4).

[0059] The distance, ie the height difference AH, between the two measuring panels 6, 8 can then be determined from at least one recorded image of the two measuring panels 6, 8. Since the height Hi of the fixed measuring panel 6 above the ground 3 is constant and known, the height H2 of the variable measuring panel 8 above the ground 3 and thus also the height Ho of the height indicator 10 above the ground 3, which is located on the lower edge of the wheel housing 18, can be determined from the height difference AH.

[0060] The height Ho of the lower edge of the wheel housing 18 above the ground 3 can be determined in this way conveniently, reliably and with high accuracy.

[0061] The at least one optical image recording device 24a, 24b used to record the at least one image may be an optical image recording device 24a, 24b of a device 22 for optical vehicle measurement, as is often present in workshops.

[0062] In other words, a device 22 for optical vehicle measurement, which is already present in a workshop, can be used in combination with a height measuring device 2 according to the invention for determining the height on a vehicle 20.

[0063] The device 22 for optical vehicle measurement can, for example, be a device 22 for optical vehicle measurement as offered by BOSCH under the names DAS3000 or SCT-418.

[0064] Figure 4 shows a schematic plan view of a measuring station 1 for vehicle measurement with a vehicle 20 that is arranged on a floor 3 of the measuring station 1, and with a system 26 for measuring a height Ho, in particular the height of a wheel house 18, on the vehicle 20. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the system 26 comprises four height measuring devices 2 and a device 22 for optical vehicle measurement with two optical image recording devices 24a, 24b.

[0065] A height measuring device 2 is positioned next to each of the wheels 16 of the vehicle 20, as shown in detail in Figures 2 and 3

[0066] With the aid of the device 22 for optical vehicle measurement, which is equipped with two optical image recording devices 24a, 24b, both the positions of the four fixed measuring boards 6, which are attached to the four height measuring devices 2, and the positions of the four variable measuring boards 8, which are attached to the four height measuring devices 2, can be determined, as previously described. A first plane Ei can be laid out using the positions of the four fixed measuring boards 6. Since three points in space that do not lie on a common line are sufficient to uniquely define a plane, the first plane Ei is overdetermined by the four fixed measuring boards 6. The first plane Ei is therefore determined such that the deviations of four points, which are defined by the positions of the four fixed measuring boards 6, from the first plane Ei are minimal.

[0067] Analogously, a second plane E2 can be determined, which is defined by four points defined by the positions of the four variable measuring panels 8.

[0068] Since the heights Hi of the fixed measuring panels 6 above the ground 3 are constant, the first plane Ei runs parallel to the ground 3 of the measuring station 1.

[0069] If the orientation of the device 22 for optical vehicle measurement with respect to gravity or with respect to the horizontal, which is oriented orthogonally to gravity, is known, the orientation of the ground 3, in particular an inclination of the ground 3, of the measuring station 1 with respect to gravity or with respect to the horizontal can be determined from the orientation of the first plane Ei.

[0070] The second level E2 is determined by the vehicle 20, in particular the body of the vehicle 20.

[0071] By comparing the two planes E1, E2 determined in this way, the orientation of the body of the vehicle 20 relative to the ground 3 of the measuring station 1 can be determined. In particular, a roll angle and a pitch angle of the body of the vehicle 20 relative to the ground 3 of the measuring station 1 can be determined.

[0072] These values ​​can be used when checking and / or calibrating sensors of a driver assistance system of the vehicle 20 in order to compensate for a possible inclination of the vehicle 20 on the measuring station 1.

[0073] Optionally, a height measuring device 2 according to the invention can be provided with a

[0074] Centering device 30 may be formed, which makes it easier to

[0075] Height measuring device 2 with respect to a wheel 16 of the vehicle 20. An embodiment of such a centering device 30 is shown schematically in Figures 5 and 6

[0076] The centering device 30 has a central region 32 which is attached to the height measuring device 2, in particular to the column 9 of the height measuring device 2. The central region 32 can in particular be attached to the column 9 of the height measuring device 2 in a height-adjustable manner.

[0077] The centering device 30 has two movable arms 34a, 34b which extend forward and rearward from the central region 32 in the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle 20 when the height measuring device 2 is arranged next to the wheel 16 of the vehicle 20, as shown schematically in Figure 5.

[0078] The two movable arms 34a, 34b each have a claw 36a, 36b at their outer ends, which face away from the central region 32. The two claws 36a, 36b are brought into contact with the running surface of the wheel 16 in order to center the height measuring device 2 on the wheel 16.

[0079] In order to vary the distance a between the two claws 36a, 36b, the two movable arms 34a, 34b of the centering device 30 are movable along the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle 20. The two movable arms 34a, 34b can, for example, be designed as telescopic rods and / or be displaceable or pivotable relative to the central region 32 of the centering device 30.

[0080] The two movable arms 34a, 34b are mechanically coupled to one another in such a way that they can only be moved synchronously relative to the central region 32. This results in the two movable arms 34a, 34b each having the same length L in the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle 2. a , Lb, so that the central region 32 of the centering device 30, which is attached to the column 9 of the height measuring device 2, is always located in the middle between the two claws 36a, 36b.

[0081] In order to correctly position the height measuring device 2 on a wheel 16 of the vehicle 20, the height measuring device 2 is first positioned next to the wheel 16, as shown in Figure 5. The two claws 36a, 36b are spaced apart so that the wheel 16 is arranged between the two claws 36a, 36b.

[0082] Then, the two claws 36a, 36b are moved toward each other until they rest on opposite sides of the tread of the wheel 16. Since the central region 32 of the centering device 30 is always located midway between the two claws 36a, 36b, the column 9 of the height measuring device 2, connected to the central region 32 of the centering device 30, is thus centered in the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle 20 relative to the wheel 16.

[0083] A height measuring device 2 equipped with such a centering device 30 can be centered particularly easily, safely and reliably relative to a wheel 16 of a vehicle 20.

Claims

1. A height measuring device (2) for measuring a height (Ho), in particular the height (Ho) of a wheel arch (18), on a vehicle (20), the height measuring device (2) comprising: a base (4) designed to support the height measuring device (2) on a floor (3); a column (9) extending upwards from the base (4) in a substantially vertical direction; a fixed measuring plate (6) attached to the column (9) at a constant height (Hi) above the base (4); a variable measuring plate (8) attached to the column (9) such that its height (H2) above the floor (3) is variable; and a height indicator (10) connected to the variable measuring plate (8) such that its height (Ho) above the floor (3) is variable along the column (9) together with the height (H2) of the variable measuring plate (8).

2. Height measuring device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the height measuring device (2) additionally comprises a wheel center pointer (14) which is attached to the column (9), wherein the wheel center pointer (14) is attached to the column (9) in particular in a height-adjustable manner.

3. Height measuring device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the height of the wheel center pointer (14) is adjustable manually or by motor along the column (9).

4. Height measuring device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the height of the height indicator (10) and the variable measuring board (8) can be adjusted manually or by motor along the column (9) 5. Height measuring device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, with a fixing device (12) which makes it possible to fix the height indicator (10) and the variable measuring board (8) at a desired height (Ho, Hi) on the column (9).

6. Height measuring device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, with a support device, in particular with a spring-driven support device, and / or with a counterweight, wherein the support device and / or the counterweight are provided to support an upward movement of the height indicator (10) and the variable measuring panel (8) along the column (9).

7. Height measuring device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the foot (4) has a stop surface (7) which enables the foot (4) to be aligned with a wheel (16) of the vehicle (20) to be measured.

8. Height measuring device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, with a centering device (30) which is designed to center the height measuring device (2) relative to a wheel (16) of the vehicle (20).

9. Height measuring device (2) according to claim 8, wherein the centering device (30) has two movable arms (34a, 34b) which are coupled to one another in such a way that they can be moved synchronously with respect to the column (9).

10. System (26) for measuring a height (Ho), in particular the height (Ho) of a wheel arch (18), on a vehicle (20), the system (26) comprising: at least one height measuring device (2) according to one of the preceding claims; and an optical vehicle measuring device (22) designed to record images of the measuring panels (6, 8) of the at least one height measuring device (2); and to determine the height (Ho) of the height indicator (10) above the base (4) from the recorded images.

11. System (26) according to claim 10, wherein the system (26) comprises four height measuring devices (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, and wherein the system (26) is designed to determine a first plane passing through the fixed measuring panels (6) of the four height measuring devices (2) 12. System (26) according to claim 11, wherein the system (26) is additionally configured to determine a second plane passing through the variable measuring panels (8) of the four height measuring devices (2); and to determine at least one angle between the two planes; wherein the system (26) is particularly configured to determine a roll angle and / or a pitch angle between the two planes.

13. A method for measuring a height (Ho), in particular the height (Ho) of a wheel arch (18), on a vehicle (20), the method comprising: to position at least one height measuring device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9 on the vehicle (20); to position the height indicator (10) connected to the variable measuring panel (8) at a height (Ho) defined by the vehicle (20); To take images of the variable measuring plate (8) and the fixed measuring plate (6) of the height measuring device (2); and to determine the height of the height indicator (10) above the ground (3) from the taken images.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the method comprises: positioning four height measuring devices (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9 on four wheels (16) of the vehicle (20); Taking images of the fixed measuring panels (6) and the variable measuring panels (8) of the four height measuring devices (2); determining a first plane passing through the fixed measuring panels (6) of the four height measuring devices (2); determining a second plane passing through the variable measuring panels (8) of the four height measuring devices (2); and determining at least one angle between the two planes; wherein the method comprises, in particular, determining a roll angle and / or a pitch angle between the two planes.

15. Use of at least three height measuring devices (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9 for determining the spatial orientation of a measuring station (1), the use comprising in particular: to position at least three height measuring devices (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9 on a floor (3) of the measuring station (1); images of the fixed measuring panels (6) of the at least three height measuring devices (2); and to determine a plane passing through the fixed measuring plates (6) of the at least three height measuring devices (2)

Images