Vehicle service system and operating method thereof

Abstract

Vehicle service system comprising a vehicle lift bridge (4) provided with a mobile platform (6), a plurality of optical reading devices (8) coupled to the platform (6), calibration targets (10) arranged in contact with the ground (S) and an electronic system (100) that determines information regarding the wheel alignment (2) of the vehicle (3) based on images of the wheels (2). The optical reading devices (4) capture the images of the calibration targets (10) when the platform (6) is in the second, position and the electronic system (100) calibrates the optical reading devices (4) based on the images of the calibration targets (10).

Description

[0001] "VEHICLE SERVICE SYSTEM AND RELATED METHOD OF OPERATION"

[0002] Cross-Reference to Related Applications This Patent Application claims priority from Italian Patent Application No . 102025000001668 filed on January 30, 2025, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference .

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to a vehicle service system and the corresponding operating method.

[0005] More specifically, the present invention relates to the calibration of optical reading devices that are mounted on a lifting bridge and configured to determine the alignment of the wheels of a motor vehicle .

[0006] Prior Art

[0007] It is known that some motor vehicle service systems include optical reading devices that are arranged laterally to the motor vehicle placed on the ground to capture images of the motor vehicle ' s wheels, and a processing system that processes the images of the wheels and determines, based on the same, information relating to the alignment of the wheels .

[0008] Generally, the determination of the wheel alignment information is carried out by the service system by the implementation of graphical reconstruction algorithms that treat and process the images of the wheels in order to perform a three-dimensional geometric reconstruction of the wheels themselves .

[0009] In order to perform a sufficiently accurate geometric reconstruction of the wheels, it is necessary that the processing system knows with high precision the systemparameters that geometrically characterise the mutual positioning and the field of view of the optical reading devices, one relative to the other, and with respect to a common reference system.

[0010] To this end, in order to operate correctly, vehicle service systems must perform initial calibration operations of the optical reading devices to accurately determine said system parameters .

[0011] The optical reading devices, however, are perpetually exposed to mutual displacements caused by accidental impacts, thermal expansions, etc . Such displacements, even if slight in magnitude, can significantly alter the system parameters of the optical reading devices and therefore introduce errors in the reconstruction of the three-dimensional image of the wheels, thereby reducing the accuracy in determining the wheel alignment .

[0012] The aforementioned criticalities increase significantly when the motor vehicle wheel alignment inspection is carried out on a motor vehicle mounted on a lifting bridge .

[0013] In order to overcome the aforementioned issues, some solutions have been proposed which, however, to date have proved not entirely satisfactory.

[0014] Description of the Invention

[0015] The aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a vehicle service system that overcomes the technical problems disclosed above and meets the aforementioned requirements . In accordance with this purpose, according to the present invention, a vehicle service system (Vehicle Service System) and a corresponding operating method are provided as defined in the respective independent claims and, preferably but not necessarily, in any one of the dependent claims thereof .The claims describe preferred embodiments of the present invention and form an integral part of this description.

[0016] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a nonlimiting example of embodiment, in which:

[0018] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle service system provided with a lifting bridge in a first position, made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, - Figure 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle service system provided with a lifting bridge shown in Figure 1 in a second position,

[0019] - Figure 3 is a side elevation view of the vehicle service system provided with a lifting bridge shown in Figure 2, - Figure 4 is a plan view of the vehicle service system shown in Figure 2,

[0020] - Figure 5 shows a detail, at an enlarged scale, of the vehicle service system shown in Figure 2,

[0021] - Figure 6 shows a partially exploded, enlarged-scale detail of the vehicle service system provided with a lifting bridge according to the present invention,

[0022] - Figure 7 is a perspective view of the vehicle service system provided with a lifting bridge in a second position made according to a first embodiment variant of the present invention,

[0023] - Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of an optical reader device of the vehicle service system shown in Figure 7,

[0024] - Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view of an optical reading device of the vehicle service system shown in Figure 7,- Figure 10 is a perspective view of the vehicle service system provided with a lifting bridge in a second position made according to a second embodiment of the present invention,

[0025] - Figure 11 is a side elevational view of the vehicle service system provided with a lifting bridge shown in Figure 10, - Figure 12 is a plan view of the vehicle service system equipped with a lifting bridge shown in Figure 10,

[0026] - Figure 13 is a plan view, at an enlarged scale, of an optical reading device of the vehicle service system shown in Figure 10,

[0027] - Figure 14 is an enlarged-scale plan view of an optical reader device of the vehicle service system shown in Figure 10,

[0028] - Figure 15 is a perspective view of the vehicle service system provided with a lifting bridge in a second position realised in a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Preferred Embodiments of the Invention With reference to Figures 1-6, the number 1 indicates in its entirety a vehicle service system, which is arranged in a vehicle service area 5 to check the alignment of the wheels 2 of a vehicle 3.

[0030] The vehicle service system 1 is configured to measure / determine geometric parameters of the wheels 2 of a vehicle 3 and performs said wheel alignment check of the wheels 2, by determining alignment information indicative of alignment of the wheels 2 based on the measured / determined geometric parameters .

[0031] The vehicle service area 5 may comprise, for example, an internal space of a motor vehicle workshop, a body shop or a similar motor vehicle repair / maintenance environment .In the following description, the term wheel 2 will refer to a conventional ground-support wheel of a motor vehicle comprising at least one tyre and a rim.

[0032] Furthermore, in the following discussion the term vehicle 3 shall refer to a motor vehicle, for example a motor vehicle or a car . In the attached Figures, the vehicle 3 shown is a motor car provided with four wheels 2 supporting on the ground S, which are arranged laterally in pairs, on opposite sides . The wheels 2 are coupled to two corresponding axles, front and rear (not shown) . The front and rear axles of vehicle 3 have a predetermined wheelbase (pitch) between them.

[0033] It is understood that the application of the vehicle service system 1 shown in the attached Figures and described in the following description should not be regarded as being limited to a motor vehicle, but may be extended to any type of motor vehicle provided with any number of wheels 2, any number of axles, and any wheelbase . Alternatively to the motor vehicle, the vehicle 3 could be, for example : a lorry, or a truck, or a bus .

[0034] The geometric parameters of wheels 2 determined by the vehicle service system 1 for determining the alignment of wheels 2 may comprise at least the following parameters : the wheel incidence angle or plane, the wheel camber angle or plane, the wheel toe angle or plane . The angles or planes may preferably be determined with respect to at least one predetermined three-dimensional reference system. The characteristic geometric parameters of wheels 2 used by the vehicle service system 1 for determining, for example, of the vehicle' s wheel alignment, are known and will therefore not be further described.The reference system SR is schematically represented in the attached Figures and in the depicted examples, and comprises a series of mutually orthogonal Cartesian axes, three of which are illustrated with x, y, z

[0035] According to the present invention, the vehicle service system 1 comprises a vehicle lifting bridge 4, which is arranged in contact with the ground S in the vehicle service area 5. The vehicle lifting bridge 4 comprises a mobile platform 6 that comprises a longitudinal axis A and is configured to support the vehicle 3 on a support surface, substantially horizontal .

[0036] The vehicle lifting bridge 4 is configured to move, upon command, the mobile platform 6 between a first position adj acent to the ground S, namely a lowered position (Figure 1 ) , and a second position, in which the platform 6 is raised and positioned above the first position at a predetermined height from the ground S (Figure 2 ) .

[0037] As shown in the attached Figures, the vehicle lifting bridge 4 may comprise an actuating mechanism 7 that is pivotally connected to the platform 6 to move it, on the basis of a movement command, between the first and second positions, and vice versa . The movement of the platform 6 may be executed in a known manner, through vertical movement, and / or through a partially rotary lifting motion of the platform 6, during which the support plane remains approximately horizontal . The actuating mechanism 7 may be, for example, with a columnar structure or an articulated scissor-type structure or similar, interposed between the ground S and the platform 6.

[0038] According to the present invention, the vehicle service system 1 comprises a plurality of optical reader devices 8that are coupled on opposite sides of the platform 6 in order to be moved by it during its movement between the first and second positions, and are configured so as to capture initial images of the respective wheels 2 of the vehicle 3.

[0039] In the illustrated example, the vehicle service system 1 comprises four optical reading devices 8 arranged in pairs on the two outer sides 9 of the platform 6, opposite each other, and parallel to the longitudinal axis A. It is understood that alternatively, the vehicle service system 1 may comprise two optical reading devices 8 arranged individually on the two outer sides 9 of the platform 6, preferably corresponding to a respective wheel 2.

[0040] According to the present invention, the vehicle service system 1 further comprises an electronic system 100, which is configured to determine data / information on the wheel alignment 2 of the vehicle 3 based on the initial wheel images 2 (wheel images) captured by the optical reader devices 8 .

[0041] According to the present invention, the vehicle service system 1 further comprises a plurality of calibration targets 8 (calibration targets) which are arranged resting on the ground S in predetermined positions, immediately adj acent to respective optical reading devices 8 when the platform 6 is in the first position (lowered) and remain stationary resting on the ground S in their respective predetermined positions, when the platform 6 moves (is raised) from the first position to the second position.

[0042] According to the present invention, the optical reader devices 8 are configured in order to capture second images of the respective targets 10 (target images) when theplatform 6 is in the second position and / or in the first position .

[0043] According to the present invention, the electronic system 100 is configured to calibrate the optical reader devices 8 based on the second images (target images) . During calibration, the electronic system 100 elaborates the second images to determine, for example, variations in distance and / or angular orientation of the optical reader devices 8 with respect to a given distance and orientation established in a previous calibration condition and / or in an initial calibration ( zero position or auto-zero) . The electronic system 100 is configured to perform the calibration by, for example, correcting the distance and angular orientation of each optical reader device 8 relative to the reference system RS based on the variations determined by the analysis of the target images 10.

[0044] A technical effect achieved is of ensuring a high level of precision of the vehicle service system 1 in determining the configuration even when the optical reader devices 8 are mounted directly on the vehicle lift 4 and due to their mechanical play, are particularly prone to making small displacements during the movement of the lift .

[0045] Furthermore, the mounting of the optical reader devices 8 directly on the platform 6 and concurrently the use of the targets 10 on the ground S has the technical effect of eliminating the need to install in each optical reader device 8, a camera movement device for carrying out the calibration when the platform 6 is raised. Thanks to this, a simplification and a reduction in the manufacturing costs of the optical reader devices 8 is thus achieved.The vehicle service system 1 preferably further comprises a control unit 101 and a user interface unit 102 (schematically illustrated in the attached figures) . The control unit 102 may comprise, for example, a control panel configured to allow the user to input commands to activate calibration and / or to activate the control of the wheel alignment 2 and / or to communicate to the electronic system 100 the commands selected / imparted by the user . The user interface unit 102 may comprise, for example, a display (touch screen) , a monitor or similar, and is configured to communicate to the user data / inf ormation relating to the commands imparted and / or the calibration performed and / or the outcome of the wheel alignment control . The electronic system 100, the control unit 101 and the user interface unit 103 may be comprised in a system or control unit 103 of the vehicle service system 1, for example a computer .

[0046] With reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 1-6, the vehicle service system 1 comprises a plurality of support structures 13, each of which extends in a cantilever manner from a corresponding outer side 9 of the platform 6 along a longitudinal axis B transverse to the longitudinal axis A and supports on its own distal end an optical reading device 8 at a predetermined distance from the outer side 9.

[0047] The actuator mechanism 7 shifts, via the platform 6, and through the support structures 13, the optical reading devices 8 between the first and the second position, and vice versa .

[0048] With reference to a preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the platform 6 may preferably but not necessarily support the front wheels 2 of the vehicle 3 by means of respective support plates 18. The support plates 18 may, forexample, be rotating plates . More preferably, the support structure 13 of the optical reading devices 8 that capture the images of the front wheels 2 may be connected on the outer side 9 of the platform 6 in a position immediately adj acent to the plate 18.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying Figures, the optical reading apparatus 8 comprises a housing 16 having an elongated shape . The housing 16 extends along a longitudinal axis C that is substantially vertical, and comprises, on its underside, a base arranged to rest on the support structure support structure 13. The base of the housing 16 may be securely connected (permanently fixed) to the support structure support structure 13. Alternatively, the base of the housing 16 may be connected in a stable but easily removable / detachable manner to the support structure 13.

[0050] The optical reader device 8 also includes an image capture optical assembly 11 which is arranged within, carried by, the housing 16 in order to be able of framing and capturing the first images (at least one) of the wheel 2 of the vehicle 3 arranged on the plane of the platform 6. The image capture optical assembly 11 is additionally disposed within, carried by, the housing 16 in order to frame and capture the second images (at least one) of a corresponding calibration target 10 arranged on the ground S when the platform 6 is raised to the second position. The image capture optical assembly 11 is further arranged within, carried by, the housing 16 to frame and capture the second images (at least one) of a corresponding calibration target 10 placed on the ground S when the platform 6 is lowered to the first position.According to one possible embodiment the image acquisition optical group 11 comprises an image acquisition optical device 22 that is configured to provide initial data / signals encoding the initial images containing the wheel 2. The image acquisition optical device 22 includes one or more cameras (two in the attached Figures) that cooperate with the electronic system 100 in order to preferably implement a binocular stereoscopic vision method to construct a three-dimensional image of the wheel 2. The operation of the binocular stereoscopic vision method via cameras is known and will not be further described. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the image acquisition optical group 11 further comprises an image acquisition optical device 25, which is preferably provided with at least one camera and is configured to capture the second images relating to the underlying target 10 for supplying second data / signals encoding the captured second images . In the accompanying Figures, the housing 16 has an approximately rectangular cross-section and the image acquisition optical device 25 is arranged on a wall of the housing 16 facing the opening 19 and the wheel 2. It is nevertheless understood that, according to an alternative embodiment, the image acquisition optical device 25 may be arranged on any of the three remaining external walls of the housing 16 (not facing the wheel 2 ) and the corresponding target 10 (captured) may be arranged on the ground S so as to be outside the support structure 13 when the bridge is in the first position.

[0051] The target 10 is preferably positioned on the surface S in such a way as to fall within the field of view of the image acquisition optical device 25 when the platform 6 is loweredin the first position and / or when the platform 6 is raised in the second position.

[0052] With reference to the example shown in the attached Figures, according to one possible embodiment, the second optical image acquisition device 25 extends in a cantilevered manner from the housing 16 so that its optical axis is approximately vertical and impinges on target 10 when platform 6 is in the first and / or second position. Conveniently, the second optical image acquisition device 25 is preferably fixed to the housing 16 via a bracket, so as to be arranged cantilevered above the underlying target 10, or vertically aligned above target 10 when platform 6 is in the first and / or second position.

[0053] With reference to an embodiment shown in Figure 6, the support structure 13 of one or more optical reading devices 8 is mechanically coupled on the external side 9 of the platform 6 in a stable but easily removable manner (removable or easily separable) . The removable coupling can be performed, for example, by means of two or more separable fastening mechanisms, such as screws and / or threaded inserts or similar .

[0054] A technical effect achieved is to allow the operator to modify at will the configuration of the lifting bridge 4 based on the requested vehicle services . In fact, the operator can easily and rapidly disassemble / assemble the optical reader devices 8 from the in the vehicle lifting bridge 4 .

[0055] According to a possible additional or alternative embodiment not illustrated, the support structure 13 of one or more optical reading devices 8 may be stably coupled (in a fixed manner) to the external side 9 of the platform 6. Inthis case the support structure 13 forms a single body with the platform 6.

[0056] According to one possible alternative embodiment (not illustrated) , the support structure 13 of one or more optical reading devices 8 comprises a telescopic structure that is designed to vary the distance of the optical reading device 8 relative to the outer side 9 along the B-axis . In this case, for example, the support structure 13 may comprise a series of linear elements which are telescopically coupled to one another along the B-axis so as to conveniently adjust the distance of the optical reading device 8 from the outer side 9 between a rest or minimal profile position in which the distance is a few centimetres and the optical reading device 8 is essentially pressed against side 9, and an operational or deployed position in which the distance is some tens (or a hundred) of centimetres so as to allow the cameras to frame the wheel 2 .

[0057] With reference to a preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the support structure 13 comprises two support portions 14 and 15.

[0058] According to one possible embodiment, the two support portions 14 and 15 are interconnected in an articulated manner to rotate about at least one axis of rotation with respect to one another .

[0059] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the support portion 14 is connected to the external side 9 of platform 6. The support portion 15 comprises a first distal end connected to support portion 15 in order to rotate around a rotation axis and a second distal end, opposite to the first, which is configured to (stably) support the optical reading device 8 .According to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the rotational axis, indicated by D, is horizontal and the support portion 15 is pivotally connected to the support portion 14 in order to rotate about the rotational axis D between an operating position, in which the support portion 15 is approximately horizontal, and a safety position, in which the support portion 15 is rotated upwards into an inclined (raised - not illustrated) position. The support portion 15 is hinged to the support portion 14 so as to be tiltable about the rotational axis D, thereby rotating freely upwards (in a direction opposite to the ground S) when, during the lowering of platform 6, the support portion 15 comes in to contact with an underlying body, for example a person or an obj ect (not illustrated) .

[0060] The technical effect is to increase the safety of things or persons that are located immediately beneath support portion 15, when platform 6 lowers from the second position to the first position.

[0061] Conveniently, the support portion 15 can be structured in order to have a through-opening 19 through which the image capturing optical device 25 frames and captures the underlying target 10. The through-opening 19 of the support portion 15 may be formed adj acent to the housing 16 and is preferably dimensioned to allow the image capturing optical device 25 to capture the target 10 through it in both the second position and the first position of the platform 6, and to at least partially accommodate the target 10 internally when the platform 6 is in the first position.

[0062] The target 10 may be securely fixed to the ground S in the predetermined position. The target 10 may comprise aplate or sheet 12 permanently fixed to the ground by means of fastening means (screws or similar) .

[0063] Conveniently, the vehicle service system 1 may also include a detection system configured to determine a dangerous condition when it detects the presence of a person beneath the support structure 13 when the platform 6 moves from the second to the first position. The electronic system 100 is configured to block / interrupt the movement when the detection system determines the dangerous condition. According to one possible embodiment, the detection system may comprise optical and / or ultrasonic (non-contact) sensor devices and / or anti-crush bars (electromechanical tactile bars with contact) mounted on the support structure 13 and configured to generate a warning signal when they electrically and / or optically or mechanically intercept the person beneath the support structure 13.

[0064] According to one possible embodiment not illustrated, the lifting bridge 4 may be provided with one or more safety enclosures or delimitations or safety frames that are designed to delimit / contain / enclose the optical reader devices 8 and their respective supporting structures 13 in order to prevent contact with users . For example, the safety enclosures or delimitations or safety frames may include a closed cage that externally surrounds the optical reader devices 8 and their respective supporting structures 13. The cage may be provided with an access door .

[0065] According to one possible non-illustrated embodiment, the vehicle service system 1 may also comprise a horizontal signalling system on the floor of a no-entry zone when the lifting bridge is operated, for example yellow / black tapeand warnings, and / or bollards and chains and / or hazard indicators .

[0066] With reference to the attached Figures, the electronic system 100 is operatively connected to the vehicle lifting bridge 4 to command the movement between the first and second positions (and vice versa) and to the optical reading devices 4 to receive the first images of the wheels 2 and / or the second images of the targets 10.

[0067] In operation, the electronic system 100 may perform an initial calibration of the optical reader devices 8 when the platform 6 of the lifting bridge 4 is positioned in the first position. In this phase, the electronic system 100 receives the images of the targets 10 from the image acquisition optical devices 25 of the optical image reading devices 8, processes the images of the targets 10 to determine the system parameters relating to the optical reader devices 8 (mutual positioning and the field of view of the optical reader devices, relative to one another and with respect to a common reference system SR) , and performs the calibration of the optical reader devices 8 with respect to the reference system SR based on the determined system parameters .

[0068] When the wheel alignment control service is carried out, the electronic system 100 commands the vehicle lifting bridge 4 so as to move, via the actuating mechanism 7, the platform 6 with the vehicle 3 loaded from the first to the second position. In this phase, the optical reading devices 8, being mounted on the platform 6, are raised by it into the second position .

[0069] When platform 6 reaches the second position, the optical reading devices 8 are vertically spaced (raised) from the targets 10 remaining fixed on the ground S . The electronicsystem 100 receives from the image acquisition optical devices 25 the second images of the respective underlying targets 10, processes the second images of the targets 10 to determine the system parameters, and recalibrates the optical reading devices 8 arranged in the second position relative to the reference system SR based on the determined system parameters .

[0070] During calibration, the electronic system 100 may determine, for example, the relative position between the fixed target 10 and the optical image acquisition devices 22 and / or optical image acquisition device 25 to determine displacements / positions of the same relative to the displacements / positions determined / measured during the previous calibration and / or initial adjustment, and it performs, for example, a compensation ( for example, mathematical) of the detected displacements relative to a previous condition / position ( zero position condition determined during an initial adjustment and / or the last calibration) calculated with respect to the same target 10.

[0071] Following calibration, the electronic system 100 may control the alignment of the wheels 2 taking into account the detected variations / displacements . During the control of the wheels 2 alignment, the electronic system 100 receives the initial images of the wheels 2 from the optical image acquisition devices 22, processes the initial images of the wheels 2 in order to determine / construct three-dimensional images of the wheels 2 through artificial vision algorithms, with respect to the reference system SR based on the captured images of the wheels 2. The electronic system 100 also processes the three-dimensional images of the wheels 2, determines the geometric parameters of the wheels 2, anddetermines the information on the alignment of the wheels 2 themselves based on the determined geometric parameters of the wheels 2 .

[0072] The above-described vehicle service system is very advantageous as it reduces errors caused by the displacements experienced by the optical readers during the movement of the lifting bridge . Thanks to the movement of the optical readers 8 directly via the bridge platform, the costs for vertically moving the optical readers 8 are reduced.

[0073] Figures 7 to 9 illustrate a vehicle service system 30 that is similar to the vehicle service system 1 shown in Figures 1-6 and whose component parts will, where possible, be designated with the same reference numbers that designate corresponding parts of the vehicle service system 1.

[0074] The vehicle service system 30 shown in Figures 7 to 9 differs from the vehicle service system 1 in that the support structure 13 comprises the support portion 15 which is connected to the support portion 14 via a connecting device 31 designed to allow the support portion 15 to rotate relative to the support position 14 about an axis E that is approximately vertical .

[0075] In the embodiment shown in Figures 7 to 9, the coupling device 31 is configured so that the support portion 15 rotates about the E axis between a first configuration (of maximum bulk) (Figure 8 ) in which the support portion 15 is arranged horizontally and substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis A, and a second configuration (of minimum bulk) , in which the support portion 15 is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A immediately adj acent to the outer side 9 of the platform 6(Figure 9) . The movement of the support portion 15 between the first and second configurations can be manual .

[0076] Conveniently, the electronic system 100 may be configured in such a way as to perform calibration when the configuration of the support structure 13 is altered. Preferably, the electronic system 100 may be configured in such a way as to automatically perform the calibration when the support structure 13 transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration, and / or vice versa .

[0077] When the support portion 15 is in the first configuration, the optical image acquisition device 25 frames the underlying target 10 in such a way as to capture the second image, and the optical image acquisition device 22 frames the wheel 2 in such a way as to capture the first image .

[0078] The technical effect achieved is that of reducing the footprint of the vehicle lift bridge 4 derived from the optical reading devices 8 .

[0079] Figures 10 to 14 illustrate a vehicle service system 40 that is similar to the vehicle service system 1 shown in Figures 1-6, and whose component parts will, where possible, be designated with the same reference numerals that designate corresponding parts of the vehicle service system 1.

[0080] The vehicle service system 40 shown in Figures 10 to 14 differs from the vehicle service system 1 in that the support structure 13 comprises the support portion 15 which is connected to the support portion 14 in an articulated manner through an intermediate arm 41 that comprises a first end pivotally connected to the support portion 14 to rotate about the vertical rotation axis E, and a second end (opposite thefirst end) pivotally connected to the support portion 15 to rotate about a vertical axis F. The arm 41 may comprise a straight rod or bar which has axially opposite ends hinged to the support portion 14 and, respectively, to the support position 15.

[0081] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, support structure 13 is configured in such a way as to permit the rotation of arm 41 about axis E in a first rotational direction (clockwise in Figure 13) and the rotation of support portion 15 relative to arm 41 about axis F in a second rotational direction (anticlockwise in Figure 13) opposite to the first direction between a first configuration in which arm 41 and support portion 15 extend horizontally and parallel to axis B (aligned and extended) , and a second configuration (shown in Figure 14 ) in which arm 41 and support portion 15 are arranged ( folded and retracted) in positions that are approximately parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis A and substantially adj acent to the outer side 9 of platform 6. In the second configuration, arm 41 and the second support portion 15 are overlapped with each other in a position of minimal footprint .

[0082] Suitably, the support structure 13 is configured in such a way that, in the second configuration, the housing 16 of the optical reader apparatus 8 arranged in correspondence with the front wheel 2 is positioned immediately adj acent to the support portion 14 (that is, adj acent to the plate 18 ) .

[0083] The technical effect achieved is to obtain, in addition to a reduction in the overall footprint of the vehicle service system 1 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis A, a reduction in the longitudinal footprint of the support structure 13 in the secondconfiguration. This aspect is particularly important as it completely frees the area adj acent to the front side door of the vehicle 3, thereby allowing the operator to open the door freely and fully to access the cabin at the driver' s position, thus enabling action on the steering wheel during wheel alignment control operations .

[0084] Conveniently, the electronic system 100 can be configured to perform calibration when the configuration of support structure 13 is changed from the first to the second configuration and vice versa . Preferably, the electronic system 100 can be configured to perform calibration when support structure 13 is moved from the first to the second configuration and vice versa .

[0085] Figure 14 shows a vehicle service system 50 that is similar to the vehicle service system 40 shown in Figures 10-14, whose component parts will be designated, where possible, with the same reference numbers that designate the corresponding parts of the vehicle service system 40.

[0086] The vehicle service system 50 shown in Figure 14 differs from the vehicle service system 40 in that the support structure 13 is configured so as to be alternatively connected / coupled to the corresponding side 9 in a stable yet easily removable manner at a series of predetermined connection or anchorage points PCI, PC2, ..., PCi (with i greater than 2 ) associated with the respective spacings of the vehicle . The connection or anchorage points PCI, PC2, ..., PCi are arranged longitudinally along side 9 at predetermined distances from one another .

[0087] The vehicle servicing system 50 shown in Figure 14 further differs from the vehicle servicing system 40 in that it comprises a series of targets 10 arranged on the groundS in respective positions PPI, PP2, PPi (with i greater than 2 ) so as to be individually captured by the same reading device 8 when its support structure 13 is connected on side 9 at the respective connection points PCI, PC2, ..., PCi .

[0088] The technical effect achieved is that the vehicle service system 1 can be adapted in a simple and cost-effective manner to vehicles 3 having different interaxle distances among themselves .

Claims

C L A I M S1 . Vehicle service system ( 1 ) ( 30 ) ( 40 ) ( 50 ) configured to determine alignment information of the wheel ( 2 ) of a motor vehicle ( 3 ) arranged in a vehicle service area ( 5 ) ,in which the vehicle service system ( 1 ) comprises :a vehicle li fting bridge ( 4 ) which is arranged to be supported on the ground ( S ) of the vehicle service area ( 5 ) , and is provided with a mobile platform ( 6 ) on which the vehicle ( 3 ) is supported, the vehicle li fting bridge ( 4 ) has a first longitudinal axis (A) and is configured in order to move the platform ( 6 ) between a first position, in which the platform ( 6 ) is lowered, approximately supported on the ground ( S ) , and at least a second position in which the platform ( 6 ) is raised above the first position to a predetermined height from the ground ( S ) ,a plurality of optical reading devices ( 8 ) which are coupled on the opposite outer sides ( 9 ) of the plat form ( 6 ) in order to be moved by the platform ( 6 ) itsel f during its movement between the first position and the second position, and are configured in order to capture initial images of the respective wheels ( 2 ) of the vehicle ( 3 ) ,an electronic system ( 100 ) which is configured in order to determine the alignment information on the wheel ( 2 ) based on the first images ,wherein said vehicle service system ( 1 ) further comprises :a plurality of calibration targets ( 10 ) arranged in contact with the ground ( S ) in respective predetermined positions , immediately adj acent to respective optical reader devices ( 4 ) when the platform ( 6 ) is in the first position, and remaining stationary in contact with the ground ( S ) inthe corresponding predetermined positions when the platform ( 6) moves from the first position to the second position, said optical reading devices (4 ) are configured in order to capture second images of the respective calibration targets ( 10) , when the platform ( 6) is in the second position and / or in the first position,said electronic system ( 100) is also configured in order to perform a calibration of said optical reading devices (4 ) based on said second images .

2. Vehicle service system according to claim 1, comprising support structures ( 13) , each of which extends cantilever outward from a corresponding external side ( 9) of the platform ( 6) along a second longitudinal axis (B) approximately transverse to the first longitudinal axis (A) and supports, at its own distal end, an optical reading¬ device ( 8 ) at a predetermined distance from the said external side ( 9) of the platform ( 6) .

3. Vehicle service system according to claim 2, wherein the support structure ( 13) supporting the optical reading device ( 8 ) , is connected to the corresponding external side ( 9) of the platform ( 6) in a stable, yet easily removable manner .

4. Vehicle service system according to claim 2, wherein the support structure ( 13) that supports the optical reading device ( 8 ) , is fixedly connected to the corresponding external side ( 9) of the platform ( 6) .

5. Vehicle service system according to claims 2 or 3, wherein the support structure ( 13) of the optical reader device ( 8 ) is configured to be connected, alternately, on its corresponding side ( 9) in a manner that is stable yet easily detachable, in at least two predetermined distinctconnect ion points ( PCI ) ( PC2 ) , wherein a first connection point ( PCI ) is associated with a first axle of the vehicle ( 3 ) and a second connection point ( PC2 ) is associated with a second axle of the vehicle , di f ferent from the first axle .

6. System according to claim 5 , wherein the calibration targets ( 10 ) comprise at least a f irst target ( 10 ) arranged on the ground ( S ) at a first pos ition ( PPI ) in order to be captured by the corresponding optical reading device ( 10 ) when the support structure ( 13 ) is connected to said side ( 9 ) at the first connection point ( PCI ) , and at least a second target ( 10 ) arranged on the ground ( S ) at a second position ( PC2 ) to be captured by the same optical reading device ( 8 ) when said support structure ( 13 ) is connected to said side ( 9 ) at said second connection point ( PC2 ) .7 . Vehicle service system according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the supporting structure ( 13 ) comprises at least two support portions ( 14 ) ( 15 ) , which are connected in an articulated manner to rotate about a rotation axis relative to each other, and wherein a first support portion ( 14 ) is connected to said side ( 9 ) of the platform ( 6 ) and a second support portion ( 15 ) supports said optical reading device ( 8 ) .8 . Vehicle service system according to claim 7 , wherein the rotat ion axis comprises a first rotation axis ( D) about hori zontal or a second rotation axis (E ) about verti cal .9 . Vehicle servi ce system according to claim 8 , wherein the second portion ( 15 ) of the support structure ( 13 ) has an elongated shape and is connected to the first portion ( 14 ) in order to rotate about the second rotation axis (E ) between an operational position, in which the second portion ( 15 ) is hori zontal and approximately transverse to the firstlongitudinal axis (A) , and a rest position, in which the second portion ( 15) is approximately parallel to the first longitudinal axis (A) and adj acent to the said side ( 9) .

10. Vehicle service system according to claim 9, wherein the second support portion ( 15) is connected to the first support portion ( 14 ) in an articulated manner via an intermediate arm (41 ) that comprises a first end rotatably connected to the first support portion ( 14) to rotate about the second axis of rotation (E) , and a second end rotatably connected to the second support portion ( 15) to rotate about a third axis (F) approximately vertical .

11. Vehicle service system according to claim 10, wherein the support structure ( 13) is configured in order to allow the intermediate arm (41 ) to rotate about the second rotation axis (E) in a first rotation direction and the rotation of the second support portion ( 15) about the third rotation axis (F) in a second rotation direction opposite to the first, between a first configuration in which the intermediate arm (41 ) and the second support portion ( 15) extend horizontally coaxial to the second longitudinal axis (B) , and a second configuration in 'which the intermediate arm (41 ) and the second support portion ( 15) are arranged in positions approximately parallel to each other and to the first longitudinal axis (A) and substantially adj acent to the outer side ( 9) of the platform ( 6) .

12. Vehicle service system according to any one of the foregoing claims, comprising a detection system configured to detect a dangerous condition indicative of the presence of a person and / or an obj ect beneath the support structure ( 13) ; the electronic system ( 100) is configured in order tointerrupt and / or inhibit the movement of said platform ( 6) when said dangerous condition is detected.

13. Vehicle service system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the calibration target ( 10) is permanently fixed to the said ground (S) .

14. Operating method of a vehicle system ( 1 ) (30) (40 ) (50) configured to determine wheel alignment information (2 ) for a motor vehicle (3) disposed in a vehicle service area (5) , wherein the vehicle service system ( 1 ) comprises :a vehicle lifting bridge (4 ) which is arranged in contact with the ground (S) of the vehicle service area (5) , and is provided with a mobile platform ( 6) on which the vehicle (3) is placed in contact, the vehicle lifting bridge (4 ) comprises a first longitudinal shaft (A) and is configured in order to move the platform ( 6) between a first position, in which the platform ( 6) is lowered, approximately in contact with the ground (S) , and a second position in which the platform ( 6) is raised above the first position at a predetermined height from the ground (S) ,a plurality of optical reader devices ( 8 ) that are coupled on the opposite external sides ( 9) of the platform ( 6) in order to be shifted by the platform ( 6) during its movement between the first position and the second position, and are configured in order to capture first images of respective wheels (2 ) of the vehicle (3) ,an electronic system ( 100) that is configured order to determine the information on the wheel arrangement (2 ) based on the initial images,wherein said vehicle service system ( 1 ) further comprises :a plurality of calibration targets ( 10) that are arranged resting on the ground (S) in their respective predeterminedpositions, immediately adj acent to respective optical reader devices (4 ) when the platform ( 6) is in the first position and remain stationary resting on the ground (S) in the corresponding predetermined positions when the platform ( 6) moves from the first position to the second position, the method comprises the steps ofcapturing via the optical reading devices (4 ) second images of the respective calibration targets ( 10) , when the platform ( 6) is in the first position and / or second position,performing, via the electronic system ( 100) , a calibration of the said optical reading devices (4 ) based on the said second images .

15. Method according to claim 14, comprising the step of arranging support structures ( 13) , each of which extends cantilevered from a respective external side ( 9) of the platform ( 6) along a second longitudinal axis (B) approximately transverse to the first longitudinal axis (A) and supporting on its own distal end an optical reading device ( 8 ) at a predetermined distance from said external side ( 9) of the platform ( 6) .

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