WO2024255954A1 - Roller assembly, vehicle test stand comprising at least one roller assembly, and method for operating such a vehicle test stand - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a roller assembly (100) for a vehicle test stand (1000), having a vertical axis (Z), a transverse axis (Y), and a longitudinal axis (X). The roller assembly (100) comprises a support (10); and a roller set (12) arranged on the support (10), comprising rollers (14, 16) which are arranged parallel to one another and which form a horizontal wheel receiving area. A lifting bar (50) which can be moved in the direction of the vertical axis (Z) is arranged in a clear free space (20) between the two rollers (14, 16), said lifting bar (50) having a floating plate (60) on the upper face. The invention additionally relates to a vehicle test stand (1000) comprising at least one such roller assembly (100), to a method for operating such a vehicle test stand (1000), to a computer program product, to a computer program, and to a computer-readable medium.

Description

Description

title

Roller assembly, vehicle test bench with at least one roller assembly and method for operating such a vehicle test bench

State of the art

The invention relates to a roller assembly, a vehicle test bench with at least one roller assembly and a method for operating such a vehicle test bench.

EP 1143219 B1 discloses a method and a device for positioning a vehicle on a vehicle test bench for measuring and adjusting the toe and camber angles of the wheels. The wheels each stand on, for example, two rollers that form a horizontal wheel mount. To position the vehicle in a lateral direction, the respective wheel mount is mounted so that it can rotate about a pivot point and is positioned relative to the respective wheel plane by rotating about the pivot point.

disclosure of the invention

One object of the invention is to create a flexibly usable roller assembly. A further object of the invention is to provide a vehicle test bench with at least one flexibly usable roller assembly.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method for operating such a vehicle test bench with at least one flexibly usable roller assembly.

The objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Favorable embodiments and advantages of the invention emerge from the further claims, the description and the drawing.

A roller assembly for a vehicle test bench with a vertical axis, a transverse axis and a longitudinal axis is proposed, comprising (a) a carrier; and (b) a roller set arranged on the carrier with rollers arranged parallel to one another, which form a horizontal wheel holder, wherein a lifting threshold movable in the direction of the vertical axis is arranged in a clear space between two of the rollers and the lifting threshold has a floating plate on its upper side.

Optionally, the roller assembly can have a drive unit for driving at least one roller of the roller set, in particular an electric motor. This can be integrated into a roller or be a separate unit. The drive unit can be connected to the roller set in a rotationally fixed manner. In this case, the drive unit can rotate with the roller set if the roller set is rotated about the vertical axis. Alternatively, the drive unit can be connected to the roller set via a coupling so that the roller set can be rotated relative to the drive unit but can remain in operative connection. In this case, the drive unit can be arranged on the carrier or on a base frame on which the roller assembly is arranged when used as intended. The lifting threshold itself is used to easily drive over the roller set of the roller unit. Because the lifting threshold has a floating plate on its upper side, which can come into contact with the wheel of the vehicle, the roller unit advantageously allows a combination of functions from two different test benches.

Advantageously, savings are possible because various devices only need to be present once, such as the base frame of the vehicle test bench. The roller units also only need to be present on one test bench, and a test bench control system only needs to be provided once.

On the one hand, the vehicle test bench is a roller test bench in which the wheels of at least one vehicle axle are driven, braked or can run freely by the rollers. This can be carried out in the usual way for roller testing, in which a general functional test of the vehicle is carried out in dynamic test mode, for gearbox function testing, for testing the vehicle's braking system, for acceleration tests and deceleration tests under road-like conditions and for testing various sensors in the vehicle such as sensors of an anti-lock braking system (ABS), sensors of an electronic stability program (ESP) and sensors of a traction control system (ASR) and the like.

On the other hand, the vehicle test bench is a chassis test bench, where a turnaround measurement on the chassis is carried out and a chassis adjustment can be carried out. The floating plate of the lifting threshold is used for this purpose. The key chassis geometry parameters are the individual track angles and total track angles, the camber angles and the caster angles. The individual track angles of the rear axle determine the direction of travel of the vehicle. A vehicle height can also be determined. In particular, the exact position of the highest position of the wheel house edge can be determined. A vehicle axle with the wheels can be free of mechanical stresses by the floating plate of the lifting threshold adjusting its rotational and translational position accordingly. This is particularly useful when measuring the vehicle. This enables area-based 3D measurement technology on the wheel as well as optionally contactless vehicle positioning. Thanks to the floating plate integrated into the lifting threshold, the wheel mounts can rotate the wheels free of lateral forces and enable the track and camber adjustment on the stationary wheel without significant resistance.

In a conventional chassis test bench, the roller set is typically mounted on a floating plate. However, because the floating plate according to the invention is integrated into the lifting threshold, which can be moved back and forth in the direction of the vertical axis, either the roller set or the floating plate can be used for tests on the same vehicle test bench.

The floating plate integrated into the lifting threshold represents a smaller floating plate compared to the state of the art. Adjustment and measurement of chassis properties are carried out in the raised state on the floating plate or lifting threshold.

For this purpose, the distance between the two rollers between which the lifting threshold is arranged is sufficiently large to ensure safe placement of a wheel on the lifting threshold or the floating plate. It can be advantageous if the floating plate is arranged on at least one side of the lifting threshold. Preferably, it is the side that corresponds to the inside of the wheel where adjustments can be made, for example on a tie rod of the vehicle. This type of placement makes tie rods near the inside of the wheel, for example, easier to access.

The functions of the roller dynamometer and the chassis dynamometer can be carried out in any order or alternatively. Likewise, each individual function of the test can be repeated if necessary.

In this way, a roller assembly can be created for a vehicle test bench that is also advantageous for small series where only a relatively small number of vehicles are manufactured and then tested after assembly. This is particularly true for electric vehicles. For these vehicles, the charging behavior of the battery at moderate speeds is of particular interest. For this purpose, the wheels are expediently driven at around 80-90 km/h during a roller test.

The modular design allows for use as needed. The vehicle test bench can also be expanded if required.

Advantageously, precise measurements or determinations of the chassis parameters, such as track, camber, height, caster, and the like can be carried out, as well as a precise adjustment of the chassis parameters. For a precise measurement of the chassis geometry on the outside of the tire, while taking the rim runout into account, the vehicle wheels can be rotated evenly. This can be done advantageously at a low speed, for example 5 km/h, preferably 2 km/h, particularly preferably in the range between 1-2 km/h. This is done with the help of the driven rollers. Depending on the vehicle, the speed can also be higher.

According to a favorable design of the roller assembly, a positioning device can be present which guides the lifting threshold in a lowered state at least in the direction of the transverse axis into a basic position and/or fixes it in a basic position. Advantageously, the position of the lifting threshold in the lowered state can be reliably adjusted. At the same time, this allows the position of the floating plate to be reproducibly set in a defined manner. Advantageously, this allows a basic position of the lifting threshold to be defined. Advantageously, the lifting threshold can be reliably reset to the defined basic position when the lifting threshold is deflected.

According to a favorable design of the roller assembly, the roller set and the lifting threshold with the floating plate can be mounted together on a rotating device. In this way, the roller set can be steered for a roller test. This can be done actively, in particular, by detecting the position of the wheels and/or a steering wheel of the vehicle on the roller assembly and rotating the rotating device accordingly.

According to a favorable embodiment of the roller assembly, the lifting threshold can have a receiving unit on which the floating plate is mounted in a floating manner. In particular, the floating plate can form at least part of a surface of the lifting threshold. The floating plate can take up the entire top of the lifting threshold. Alternatively, the top can have a rigid segment to which the floating plate is connected in the direction of the transverse axis.

According to a favorable design of the roller assembly, the receiving unit of the lifting sleeper can have at least one recess into which the floating plate engages with at least one guide pin. In particular, a limitation of the at least one recess can form a stop when the floating plate rotates about the vertical axis. In this way, a rotary movement of the floating plate about the vertical axis can be limited in a simple manner.

According to a favorable design of the roller assembly, the receiving unit can have at least one elongated hole extending in the direction of the transverse axis, into which the floating plate engages with a guide pin. In particular, a limitation of the elongated hole can form a stop when the floating plate is displaced in the direction of the transverse axis. In this way, a translational movement of the floating plate in the direction of the transverse axis can be limited in a simple manner.

Advantageously, the elongated hole can be arranged in the direction of the transverse axis between two recesses, which form a stop when the floating plate rotates about the vertical axis. In particular, the recesses and elongated hole are arranged on a straight line in the direction of the transverse axis.

According to a favorable embodiment of the roller assembly, the floating plate can have at least one stop for fixing a wheel in the direction of the longitudinal axis on the floating plate. In particular, the floating plate can have an indentation, the boundaries of which each form a stop in the direction of the longitudinal axis. This can be advantageously provided on a roller assembly that is intended for a rear axle. Instead of an indentation, a raised area or a corresponding contour can also be provided on the floating plate. The wheel can be fixed even with a relatively small stop height.

According to a favorable design of the roller unit, the rotating device for rotating the roller set and lifting beam around the vertical axis can have a spindle lifting cylinder. Alternatively, the rotating device for rotating the roller set and lifting beam around the vertical axis can have a toothing. Alternatively, the rotating device for rotating the roller set and lifting beam around the vertical axis can have a toothed belt. A robust and easy-to-use rotating device can be created to meet requirements.

According to a favorable design of the roller assembly, a displacement device can be provided with which the carrier with the roller set and the lifting sleeper can be displaced in the direction of the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis. On the one hand, the displacement device can be used to adjust the track width, with the help of which the vehicle test bench can be set to the track width of the vehicle to be tested. On the other hand, the displacement device can be used to change the position of the running assembly and thus of the floating plate in relation to the vehicle or the wheel. This allows the position of the lifting sleeper under the wheel of the vehicle to be changed so that either a rigid segment of the surface of the lifting sleeper is placed under the wheel or the floating plate is positioned under the wheel. According to an advantageous design of the roller assembly, the clear space between the rollers can be at least 100 mm, in particular at least 250 mm. The clear space between the rollers can advantageously be matched to a typical wheel diameter of the vehicles to be tested on it. The clear space can be dimensioned such that the respective wheel rests stably on the rollers when the lifting threshold is lowered. For a typical passenger car, for example, a favorable clearance is at least 100 mm, in particular at least 250 mm. For a typical commercial vehicle, the clearance can advantageously be between 300 mm and 400 mm, for example. The floating plate can be large enough to place the vehicle's wheel securely on it, without interference from the rollers on either side.

An adjustment device can be provided as an option, with which the clearance between the two rollers can be variably adjusted. In this way, the roller assembly can be adapted to different wheel sizes.

According to a favorable design of the roller assembly, the extension of the lifting threshold along the longitudinal axis can be at least 90 mm, in particular at least 100 mm. The extension in the direction of the longitudinal axis can expediently be selected so that there is a sufficient tire contact surface so that the wheel of the vehicle to be tested stands stable on the lifting threshold and the lifting threshold can move up and down within the free space without being disturbed by the rollers.

According to a favorable design of the roller assembly, a drive unit for driving the roller set can be arranged stationary to the roller set. Alternatively or additionally, a drive unit for driving the roller set can be arranged stationary to the carrier. In particular, in this case the drive unit can be connected to the roller set by means of a coupling. If the lifting threshold is rotated by means of the rotating device, the coupling can ensure the transfer of power from the drive unit to the roller set. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the rollers can have a roller motor that directly drives the at least one roller. An arrangement and type of drive unit can be selected in each case as required.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a vehicle test bench is proposed with at least one roller assembly which is arranged in a roadway for receiving a vehicle, with a control and/or regulating unit for controlling components and/or for detecting sensor signals from sensor units present on the vehicle test bench.

The roller assembly comprises (a) a carrier; (b) a roller set arranged on the carrier with rollers arranged parallel to one another, which form a horizontal wheel holder, wherein a lifting threshold movable in the direction of the vertical axis is arranged in a clear space between two of the rollers and the lifting threshold has a floating plate on its upper side.

Advantageously, a vehicle test bench is provided in which functions of two conventional test benches are combined, namely the function of a roller test bench and the function of a chassis test bench. The testing of the vehicle on the vehicle test bench can be automated or partially automated. The control and/or regulating unit can advantageously have corresponding automation software that includes the functionalities of system control, management of the drive units of the respective roller set and the displacement device of the respective roller assembly, as well as interface handling for the roller test and for the chassis test. In particular, the control and/or regulating device can have a processor or a computer or be coupled to a computer, wherein the processor or the computer software for operating the vehicle test bench for testing and adjusting a vehicle with at least one roller assembly and for carrying out steps for operating the vehicle test bench in the various test phases.

It is advisable to provide a roller assembly for each wheel of the vehicle.

Using measuring technology, particularly non-contact measuring technology, precise measurements of the chassis parameters such as track, camber, height of the vehicle, caster, etc. can be made. The chassis parameters can also be adjusted precisely.

For precise measurement of the chassis geometry on the outside of the tire, while simultaneously taking into account the so-called rim runout, the vehicle wheels can be rotated evenly. This is done using driven roller pairs of the roller set.

The vehicle position can be measured, for example, using a laser measuring system, whereby measurement and positioning can be carried out with rotating wheels. The vehicle can be positioned by deflecting the roller units with lowered lifting threshold, in particular motor-controlled, until the distance of the wheels to the measuring system is the same on both sides.

To hold the vehicle during adjustment, the floating plates can optionally be equipped with appropriate brakes. These can prevent the vehicle from accidentally moving away from a stable position on the roller unit.

Depending on the vehicle test bench's favorable design, devices can be provided for directly or indirectly recording rolling behavior and/or static or dynamic braking behavior of the vehicle. For example, indirect recording can be carried out using converter data from the roller drive, such as the electrical current through the drive unit of the rollers. Alternatively, force and/or torque sensors can also be used.

According to a favorable design of the vehicle test bench, devices can be provided for directly or indirectly recording a track and camber angle, the track width and/or a chassis geometry and/or chassis parameters of the vehicle and/or a vehicle geometry. The height of the vehicle can advantageously be recorded, in particular the exact position of the highest point of the wheel house edge and the like. For example, optical measuring systems can be used.

In particular, devices can be present that would otherwise have to be provided separately in a separate roller test stand and chassis test stand. For example, an adjustment device for adjusting the distance between the roller units to the wheelbase of the vehicle only needs to be present once, and ultrasonic sensors on the roller unit for determining the vehicle position can be omitted. According to a favorable design of the vehicle test bench, an adjustment device can be provided for adjusting the distance between the roller assemblies to a wheel base. The roller assemblies assigned to an axle of the vehicle can be moved in the direction of the longitudinal axis in the vehicle test bench in order to set the correct distance between the roller assemblies in accordance with the actual wheel base of the vehicle.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a method is proposed for operating a vehicle test bench for testing a vehicle with at least one roller assembly, wherein the roller assembly has a carrier and a roller set arranged on the carrier, with rollers arranged parallel to one another, which form a horizontal wheel holder, and wherein a lifting threshold movable in the direction of a vertical axis is arranged in a clear space between two of the rollers. The vehicle is positioned in a retracted position with at least one wheel of at least one of its axles between the rollers on the roller set above the lifting threshold.

The vehicle test bench comprises at least one roller assembly arranged in a roadway for accommodating a vehicle, as well as a control and/or regulating unit for controlling components and/or for detecting sensor signals from sensor units present on the vehicle test bench.

The roller assembly comprises (a) a carrier; (b) a roller set arranged on the carrier with rollers arranged parallel to one another, which form a horizontal wheel holder, wherein a lifting threshold movable in the direction of the vertical axis is arranged in a clear space between two of the rollers and the lifting threshold has a floating plate on its upper side. In this way, the respective wheel can be safely positioned on the roller set and thus the vehicle can be safely positioned on the vehicle test bench. When the rollers rotate, the roller assembly can rotate around the vertical axis and the respective wheel can be safely positioned on the roller assembly.

According to a favorable embodiment of the method, the lifting threshold for the turning measurement can be lowered and the roller set can be set in a rotating movement in order to carry out a turning measurement. The wheel rests on the rollers and no longer has contact with the lifting threshold. A turning measurement, during which the orientation of the wheel can be recorded, is usually carried out at low speeds. Speeds of no more than 5 km/h are advantageous, preferably no more than 2 km/h, particularly preferably in the range of 1-2 km/h. Depending on the vehicle and the desired accuracy, the speed can also be higher. At higher speeds, the accuracy requirements can usually be lower than at lower speeds.

According to a favorable embodiment of the method, at least one wheel of the vehicle can be positioned on the roller set for chassis adjustment and rests on the floating plate of the raised lifting threshold. The floating plate advantageously allows the wheel axle to be stress-free due to its rotational and translational mobility when the wheels are on the floating plate.

The floating plate can advantageously be arranged on an inner edge of the roller assembly. This allows, for example, the wheels of the vehicle to be positioned on an edge of the roller assembly so that a worker has easier access to tie rods and the like on the inside of the wheel. According to a favorable design of the method, the wheel of the vehicle can be positioned on the roller set and the lifting threshold lowered for a roller test. When lowered, the lifting threshold can be positioned and fixed in a defined position in the direction of the transverse axis. Advantageously, the roller test can be carried out without being disturbed by the lifting threshold, since the wheel or wheels are only in contact with the rollers when the lifting threshold is lowered.

According to a favorable embodiment of the method, the vehicle can be positioned in an extended position with its wheel on the roller set and the lifting threshold can be raised in the extended position. In this way, the vehicle can be easily removed from the roller set in the longitudinal direction despite the relatively large distances between the rollers with the lifting threshold arranged between them.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a computer program product is proposed, comprising instructions which cause a vehicle test bench according to the invention with at least one roller assembly according to the invention to carry out the steps of the method according to the invention.

In particular, the following steps are carried out. In a retracted position of the vehicle, a lifting threshold of the roller assembly between two rollers of a roller set of the roller assembly is raised in the direction of a vertical axis and a wheel of the vehicle is arranged on the roller set. To optionally carry out a turnaround measurement on the vehicle test bench, the lifting threshold is lowered in relation to the vertical axis and the roller set is set in a rotating motion by a drive unit and the wheel is placed on the roller set. At the same time as the turnaround measurement, the vehicle can also be positioned by rotating the roller unit around the vertical axis.

On the vehicle test bench, one wheel of the vehicle is positioned on the roller set for optional chassis adjustment and rests on the floating plate of the raised lifting threshold.

On the vehicle test bench, the lifting threshold is lowered for optional roller testing and the rollers are set in rotation by a drive unit, whereby the roller set is rotated around the vertical axis if necessary.

In an extended position of the vehicle, the vehicle is positioned with its wheel on the roller set and with the lifting threshold raised.

The position of the wheel on the roller set can be central or off-centre in the various steps of the process. Optionally, the wheel can be positioned centrally or off-centre as required in the various steps of the process. To do this, the roller assembly can be moved accordingly in the direction of the transverse axis.

Advantageously, a control and/or regulating unit of the vehicle test bench is designed to carry out the computer-implemented method. In particular, the control and/or regulating unit can have a computer-readable storage medium that includes commands that, when executed by a computer of the control and/or regulating unit, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method. The vehicle test bench comprises at least one roller assembly which is arranged in a roadway for receiving a vehicle, as well as a control and/or regulating unit for controlling components and/or for detecting sensor signals from sensor units present on the vehicle test bench.

The roller assembly comprises (a) a carrier; (b) a roller set arranged on the carrier with rollers arranged parallel to one another, which form a horizontal wheel holder, wherein a lifting threshold movable in the direction of the vertical axis is arranged in a clear space between two of the rollers and the lifting threshold has a floating plate on its upper side.

The vehicle can be automatically driven into or out of the vehicle test bench and lateral movements of the vehicle can be compensated by rotating the roller set around the vertical axis.

Alternatively, the vehicle can be moved in or out manually by pushing the vehicle or moving it with its drive.

Furthermore, a computer program is proposed, comprising instructions which cause a vehicle test bench according to the invention with at least one roller assembly according to the invention to carry out the steps of the method according to the invention.

Furthermore, a computer-readable medium is proposed on which the computer program is stored. A vehicle test bench can advantageously be retrofitted with roller assemblies according to the invention. The computer program product, the computer program and the computer-readable medium allow an existing control and/or regulation unit to be adapted to the vehicle test bench retrofitted in this way.

drawing

Further advantages emerge from the following description of the drawings. The figures show embodiments of the invention. The figures, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into further useful combinations.

Examples include:

Fig. 1 shows a vehicle test bench for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention, in which four roller assemblies are present;

Fig. 2 shows a roller assembly with lifting threshold in detail according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 is a detailed view of the lifting threshold of the roller assembly according to Figure 2 with positioning device of the lifting threshold for a lowered state of the lifting threshold;

Fig. 4 is a cutaway view of the detailed view from Figure 3;

Fig. 5 is a plan view of a detail of the lifting threshold from Figure 2 with the floating plate removed;

Fig. 6 is a side view of a lifting threshold with a concave floating plate according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 shows a roller assembly according to an embodiment of the invention with an indicated vehicle;

Fig. 8 is a view of a vehicle on a roller assembly according to an embodiment of the invention with central positioning;

Fig. 9 is a view of a vehicle on a track roller assembly according to an embodiment of the invention with lateral positioning, with the track roller assembly displaced in the direction of the transverse axis;

Fig. 10 is a representation of a vehicle in the entry position with one wheel on the lifting threshold;

Fig. 11 is a representation of a vehicle with one wheel in position for a turnaround measurement with lowered lifting threshold;

Fig. 12 is a view of a vehicle with a wheel in position for a chassis adjustment with the wheel on a floating plate of the raised lifting sill;

Fig. 13 is a representation of a vehicle with one wheel in the middle position for a roller measurement with lowered lifting threshold;

Fig. 14 is a representation of a vehicle in the extended position with one wheel on the raised lifting threshold;

Fig. 15 shows an arrangement of a drive unit of a roller set according to an embodiment of the invention, in which the drive unit rotates about the vertical axis when the roller set is steered;

Fig. 16 is another view of the arrangement of the drive unit according to Figure 15;

Fig. 17 shows an arrangement of a drive unit of a roller set according to an embodiment of the invention, in which the drive unit is stationary when the roller set is steered about the vertical axis and is connected to the roller set via a cardan shaft; Fig. 18 shows another view of the arrangement of the drive unit according to Figure 17;

Fig. 19 shows an arrangement of a drive unit of a roller set according to an embodiment of the invention, in which the drive unit rotates about the vertical axis when the roller set is steered;

Fig. 20 shows an arrangement of a drive unit of a roller set according to an embodiment of the invention, in which the drive unit is stationary when the roller set is steered about the vertical axis and is connected to the roller set via a cardan shaft;

Fig. 21 shows a partially sectioned view of a rotating device with a rotating plate according to an embodiment of the invention with a spindle lifting cylinder;

Fig. 22 is an isometric view of the rotary plate according to Figure 21;

Fig. 23 in partially sectioned view a rotating device with a rotating plate according to an embodiment of the invention with a rotation via a pairing of toothed grooves and internal teeth of the rotating plate.

embodiments of the invention

In the figures, components of the same type or with the same effect are numbered with the same reference symbols. The figures show only examples and are not to be understood as limiting. Before the invention is described in detail, it should be noted that it is not limited to the particular components of the device and the particular method steps, since these components and methods may vary. The terms used herein are intended only to describe particular embodiments and are not used in a limiting sense. In addition, when the singular or indefinite articles are used in the description or in the claims, this also refers to the plural of these elements, unless the overall context clearly indicates otherwise.

Directional terminology used below with terms such as "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "before", "behind", "after" and the like is intended only to facilitate understanding of the figures and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention. The components and elements shown, their design and use may vary in accordance with the considerations of a person skilled in the art and may be adapted to the respective applications.

To explain the invention, Figure 1 shows a vehicle test bench 1000 for a vehicle 200 according to an embodiment of the invention, in which four roller assemblies 100 are present, on which wheels 202 of the front axle and wheels 204 of the rear axle of the vehicle are placed.

The vehicle test bench 1000 as well as the respective roller assembly 100 have a vertical axis Z, a transverse axis Y and a longitudinal axis X. The vehicle test bench 1000 has a base frame 1010 on which two of the four roller assemblies 100 are arranged in a track 1020, which in this example has two mutually parallel sides 1022, 1024, between which there is a free space in which a worker has access to a chassis of the vehicle 200. In particular, this makes the inside of the wheels 202, 204 accessible, near which the vehicle usually has tie rods, which are thus more easily accessible for adjusting the chassis.

An adjustment device 1030 is provided in the roadway 1020 for adjusting the distance of the roller assemblies 100 to the wheelbase of the vehicle 200. For example, the two roller assemblies 100 assigned to the rear axle can be moved in the direction of the longitudinal axis X in the vehicle test bench in order to set the correct distance of the roller assemblies 100 under the front axle and the rear axle in accordance with the actual wheelbase of the vehicle 200. The device 1030 for adjusting the distance can be telescoped into or pulled out of the respective side 1022, 1024 of the roadway 1020. For this purpose, elements are provided in front of and behind the respective roller assembly 100, which can dip into or emerge from the respective side of the roadway 1020.

Furthermore, devices (not shown) are present with which corresponding measurements can be taken on the vehicle 200. The devices are connected to a control and/or regulating unit in which measured values can be recorded and processed. Likewise, the control and/or regulating unit can control a drive unit assigned to the respective roller assembly 100 and/or a rotating device of the respective roller assembly 100. Furthermore, the control and/or regulating unit can contain a computer program that contains commands with which in particular the existing roller assemblies 100 can behave in a certain way.

Figure 2 shows a roller assembly 100 with a lifting threshold 50 in detail according to an embodiment of the invention. Figures 3 to 5 show different views and details of the lifting threshold 50. The roller assembly 100 comprises a roller set 12 with similar rollers 14, 16, in this example two, arranged with their axes of rotation parallel to one another, which can be driven by a drive unit 30. The two rollers 14, 16 are spaced apart from one another by a clear space 20. The clear space 20 between the rollers 14, 16 is dimensioned such that a wheel of a vehicle is safely positioned on the rollers 14, 16 when the lifting threshold 50 is lowered, and that there is a sufficient wheel contact area on the lifting threshold 50 when the lifting threshold 50 is raised. For cars, a favorable clear space 20 is at least 100 mm, in particular at least 250 mm, for trucks, for example, between 300 mm and 400 mm. The extension of the lifting threshold 50 in the direction of the longitudinal axis X is, for example, 250 mm.

In the clear space 20, between two of the rollers 14, 16, here the two rollers 14, 16, the lifting threshold 50, which can be moved in the direction of the vertical axis Z, is arranged. The lifting threshold 50 has a floating plate 60 on its upper side. The lifting threshold 50 essentially fills the clear space 20, but can be moved up and down in the direction of the vertical axis Z between the two rollers 14, 16 without touching the rollers 14, 16 arranged on either side. In this exemplary embodiment, the lifting threshold 50 has the floating plate 60 on its upper side and a rigid segment 62 next to it. Optionally, it can be provided that the upper side is formed entirely by a floating plate 60. The floating plate 60 can be arranged off-center, in particular on one side of the lifting threshold 50, for example on the inside towards the free space between the sides 1022, 1024 of the roadway 1020, or also centrally in the lifting threshold 50. Due to the extension of the lifting threshold 50 in the direction of the longitudinal axis X, which is adapted to the free space 20, a wheel 202, 204 of a vehicle 200 (Figure 1) can easily stand on the lifting threshold 50 when it is in its raised position, without the rollers 14, 16 on both sides of the lifting threshold 50 being touched by the wheel 202, 204. Thus, with the lifting threshold 50 raised, the chassis of the vehicle 200 can be adjusted, while with the lifting threshold 50 lowered, the respective wheel 202, 204 of the vehicle 200 sits on the rollers 14, 16 and can rotate when they are driven by the drive unit 30. A lifting drive 52 is used to raise or lower the lifting threshold 50.

In this state, a turnaround measurement can be carried out at low speed, in which a camber or other geometric property of the wheel 202, 204 can be detected, or a roller measurement can be carried out, in which considerably higher speeds can be applied and the wheels 202, 204 of the steered axle can be steered if necessary.

Due to the large distance between the two rollers 14, 16, the vehicle 200 can only enter or exit the roller assembly 100 when the lifting threshold 50 is in its raised position.

The roller assembly 100 further comprises a carrier 10 on which the roller set 12 is arranged. The roller set 12 with the lifting threshold 50 is arranged on a rotating device 40, in particular a turntable 42, in order to rotate or pivot the roller set 12 with the lifting threshold 50 about the vertical axis Z.

The rotating device 40 can have a spindle lifting cylinder, an internal toothing or a toothed belt for rotating the roller set 12 with lifting threshold 50 about the vertical axis Z. The carrier 10 has a displacement device 110, for example a lifting cylinder or spindle drive or the like, with which the roller assembly 100 can be moved back and forth in the direction of the transverse axis Y during use. For this purpose, the carrier 10 can be arranged on a base frame 1010 (Figure 1) and move relative to this in the direction of the transverse axis Y.

Figures 3 to 5 show views of the lifting threshold 50 of the roller assembly 100 according to Figure 2. Figure 3 shows a positioning device 80 of the lifting threshold 50 for a lowered state of the lifting threshold 50. Figure 4 shows a cutaway view of the detailed view from Figure 3. Figure 5 shows a top view of a detail of the lifting threshold 50 from Figure 2 with the floating plate 60 removed.

In this embodiment, the lifting threshold 50 has a floating plate 60 on its upper side and a rigid segment 62 next to it, which are arranged on a receiving unit 78. The floating plate 60 is mounted in a floating manner on the receiving unit 78, for example on four balls 64.

The floating plate 60 has convexly rounded sides in the direction of the transverse axis Y, while the rigid segment 60 has a corresponding concave indentation on its side facing the floating plate 60. When rotated about the vertical axis Z on the receiving unit 78, the floating plate 60 can rotate freely accordingly.

In this embodiment, the receiving unit 78 has two recesses 66, 68 into which the floating plate 60 engages with guide pins 72, 74 arranged on its underside. The guide pins 72, 74 can move within the recesses 66, 68. The respective limits 67, 69 of the recesses 66, 68 form a stop when the floating plate 60 rotates about the vertical axis Z.

Furthermore, the receiving unit 78 has an elongated hole 70 extending in the direction of the transverse axis Y, into which the floating plate 60 engages with a guide pin 76 arranged on its underside. The limit 71 of the elongated hole 70 forms a stop when the floating plate 60 is displaced in the direction of the transverse axis Y. At the same time, the guide pin 76 forms an axis of rotation in the direction of the vertical axis Z for the floating plate 60, about which the floating plate 60 can rotate in any position of its guide pin 76 in the elongated hole 70. The guide pin 76 is mounted on a braking device 88 with a flat cylinder that can brake a movement of the floating plate 60.

The floating plate 60 allows a vehicle 200 (Figure 1) to stand on the lifting threshold 50 with a relaxed wheel axle so that measurements and adjustments can be made to the chassis of the vehicle 200.

Furthermore, a positioning device 80 is provided (Figure 3), which centers and/or fixes the lifting threshold 50 in a lowered state at least in the direction of the transverse axis Y. The positioning device 80 has a first positioning element 82, for example on the receptacle 78 of the lifting threshold 50, and a second positioning element 90, for example on a holder of the rollers 14, 16.

The first positioning element 82 has a tab 84 projecting towards the second positioning element 92, from which a guide pin 86 projects in the direction of the longitudinal axis X. In Figure 3, the pin 86 projects into the image plane and is indicated by a broken circle. The second positioning element 92 has a control surface 94 which is V-shaped. A groove 96 is arranged at the minimum of the V-shaped control surface 94. When the lifting threshold 50 is lowered, the pin 86 of the first positioning element 82 slides on the control surface 94 in the direction of the groove 96 and engages in the groove 96. This forced guidance makes it easy to bring and hold the lifting threshold 50 in a defined position when it is lowered.

Figure 6 shows a side view of a variant of the lifting threshold 50 according to an embodiment of the invention, which shows a floating plate 60 with a concave indentation 61 in the surface. The concave indentation 61 extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis X and causes a wheel to be easily fixed on the floating plate 50 in the direction of the longitudinal axis X. The edges of the concave indentation 61 each represent a threshold that the wheel cannot easily overcome by chance.

Figures 7 to 9 each show a detailed view of an individual roller assembly 100 with a wheel 202 of a vehicle 200 arranged thereon. Figure 7 shows an isometric view with the wheel 202 in an exemplary central position on the roller set 12 with the lifting threshold 50 lowered. In this position, the wheel is in contact with the roller set 12 and can be driven indirectly by a drive unit 300 which drives the roller set 12. Figure 8 shows this position as a rear view. Figure 9 shows a rear view in which the roller assembly 100 is displaced outwards in the direction of the transverse axis Y. This is done by the displacement device 110. As a result, the wheel 202 is positioned on the inner edge of the roller set 12 and can stand on the floating plate 60 (Figures 2, 3). If both wheels 202 of an axle are positioned on the respective floating plate 60, the latter is relaxed so that an adjustment of the chassis, for example the tie rod, is possible. By positioning the roller set 12 on the inner edge and the roller assembly 100 accordingly, easier access to the tie rods close to the inside of the wheels is created, for example for a worker.

Figures 10 to 14 show, as a side view, the position in the direction of the vertical axis Z of a wheel 202 of a vehicle (not shown in more detail) on the roller set 12 of a roller assembly (not shown in more detail).

Figure 10 shows a representation of a retraction position with a wheel 202 on the lifting sleeper 50, which is arranged in the clear space 20 between the rollers 14, 16. In the retraction position, the lifting sleeper 50 is in a raised position so that the wheel 202 can easily stop between the rollers 14, 16 on the lifting sleeper 50 when retracting. The lifting sleeper 50 is raised in the direction of the vertical axis Z so that it does not protrude over the roller set 12. The roller set 12 and thus the roller assembly are in a central position with respect to the transverse axis Y, for example. In this representation, this is oriented perpendicular to the image plane. In the central position, the wheel 202 can stand on a rigid segment 62 (Figures 2, 3) of the lifting sleeper 50 if the floating plate 60 is arranged off-center.

Figure 11 shows a representation with a wheel 202 in position for a turnover measurement with lowered lifting threshold 50. The wheel 202 sits on both rollers 14, 16 and can be driven by them. For a turnover measurement, low speeds are advantageous, which can advantageously be in the range of 1 -2 km/h.

Figure 12 shows a representation with a wheel 202 in position for a chassis adjustment. The wheel 202 is placed on a floating plate 60 (Figures 2, 3) of the raised lifting threshold 50. The lifting threshold 50 is raised so far that the wheel 202 is no longer in contact with the rollers 14, 16, but stands completely on the lifting threshold 50. In order that the wheel 202 can stand on the floating plate 60 and not on the rigid segment 62 (Figures 3, 4), the roller assembly (not shown) is offset accordingly in the direction of the transverse axis Y, as described in Figure 9, which is oriented perpendicular to the image plane in the illustration.

Figure 13 shows a representation with a wheel 202 in, for example, a central position on the roller set 12 for a roller measurement with a lowered lifting threshold 50. The wheel 202 sits on the two rollers 14, 16 and can be driven by them. For roller measurement, higher speeds, for example 80-90 km/h or more, are advantageous.

Figure 14 shows a representation of an extended position with a wheel 202 on the raised lifting sleeper 50. The wheel 202 sits on the rigid segment 62 (Figures 3, 4) of the lifting sleeper 50 and can easily extend over one of the rollers 14, 16 in the direction of the longitudinal axis X.

Figures 15 to 18 show various arrangements of a drive unit 30 of the roller set 12 with respect to a rotating device 40 of a roller assembly not shown in detail.

Advantageously, the chassis stand function is integrated into the lifting threshold 50. The floating plate 60, which is integrated into the lifting threshold 50, represents a smaller floating plate 60 compared to the state of the art. Adjustment and measurement of chassis properties are carried out in the raised state on the floating plate 60 or lifting threshold 50.

Figures 15 and 16 show different views of an arrangement of the drive unit 30, in which the drive unit 30 rotates with the roller set 12 when the roller set 12 is steered about the vertical axis Z when the rotating device 40, for example a rotating plate 42, rotates about the vertical axis Z. The drive unit 30 drives a gear 32 via a belt, for example a V-belt or a toothed belt, which in turn drives the two rollers 1, 16 via another belt, for example a V-belt or a toothed belt, which connects the two rollers 14, 16 and the gear 32.

This can advantageously represent a scaled roller test bench in which speeds of the roller set 12 of, for example, 90 km/h are provided. The rotation about the vertical axis Z serves for the steering movement of the roller set 12, with the drive unit 30 also rotating since it is attached in the rotatable area of the arrangement.

Figures 17 and 18 show different views of an arrangement of a drive unit 30 of a roller set 12 according to an embodiment of the invention, in which the drive unit 30 is stationary when the roller set 12 is steered about the vertical axis Z and is connected to the roller set 12 via a universal joint shaft 34. The universal joint shaft 34 allows compensation of the rotation of the roller set 12 about the vertical axis Z relative to the drive 30. The universal joint shaft 34 has a gear 36, 38 on each of the two front sides. One gear 36 is connected to the drive unit 30 via a belt. The other gear 38 drives both rollers 14, 16 via a belt that runs around both front gears of the rollers 14, 16. The belt can be designed, for example, as a V-belt or a toothed belt.

This can advantageously represent a scaled roller test bench, in which speeds of the roller set 12 of, for example, 90 km/h are provided. The rotation around the vertical axis Z serves to steer the roller set 12, whereby the drive unit 30 does not rotate. The universal joint 34 can compensate for the relative movement. The output is stationary. Figure 19 shows an arrangement of a drive unit 30 of a roller set 12, in which the drive unit 30 rotates about the vertical axis Z when the roller set 12 is steered. In this case, only one of the rollers 14, 16 is driven. The drive unit 30 drives the front gear of one of the driven rollers 1 or 16. The other of the rollers 16 or 14 is driven during operation by the wheel of the vehicle placed on it (not shown).

This can advantageously represent a scaled roller test bench in which speeds of the roller set 12 of, for example, 90 km/h are provided. The rotation about the vertical axis Z serves for the steering movement of the roller set 12, whereby the drive unit 30 also rotates. The drive unit 30 is attached in the rotatable area of the arrangement.

Figure 20 shows an arrangement of a drive unit 30 of a roller set 12, in which the drive unit 30 is stationary when the roller set 12 is steered about the vertical axis Z and is connected to the roller set 12 via a universal joint shaft 34. The drive unit 30 drives a front-side gear 36 of the universal joint shaft 34 via a belt, for example with a V-belt or toothed belt. The universal joint shaft 34 is in turn directly connected to one of the rollers 14 or 16, in particular to a shaft of this roller 14 or 16. The other roller 16 or 14 is driven via a belt which connects the two rollers 14, 16. The belt can be designed as a V-belt or toothed belt, for example.

Figures 21 to 23 show different embodiments of the rotating device 40. Figure 21 shows a partially sectioned view of a rotating device 40 with a rotating plate 42 according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 22 shows an isometric view of the rotating plate 42 according to Figure 21. The rotation takes place via a spindle lifting cylinder 44. If the spindle lifting cylinder 44 is deflected, this is converted into a rotation of the rotating plate 42.

Figure 23 shows a partially sectioned view of a rotating device 40 with a rotating plate 42 according to an embodiment of the invention. The rotating plate 42 has an internal toothing 46. A driven pinion 48 can engage in the internal toothing 46 and set the rotating plate 42 in rotation.

A method according to the invention for operating a vehicle test bench 1000 for testing a vehicle 200 with at least one roller assembly 100 provides, in a retracted position of the vehicle 200, for positioning the vehicle 200 with its wheels 202, 204 centrally on the roller set 12 with the lifting threshold 50 raised.

To carry out a turnover measurement, the method provides for positioning the vehicle 200 with its wheel 202, 204, for example, centrally or eccentrically on the roller set 12, lowering the lifting threshold 50 and setting the roller set 12 in a rotary movement.

For a chassis adjustment, the method provides for the roller assembly 100 to be moved in the direction of the transverse axis Y so that at least one wheel 202, 204 of the vehicle 200 is positioned off-center on the roller set 12 and stands on the floating plate 6 of the raised lifting threshold 50. The off-center positioning of the wheel 202, 204 makes the respective tie rod on the inside of the wheel easier to access. For a roller test, the method provides for the roller assembly 100 to be moved in the direction of the transverse axis Y such that the wheel 202, 204 of the vehicle 200 is positioned centrally on the respective roller set 12, wherein the lifting threshold 50 is lowered for the roller test.

For an extended position, the method provides for the roller assembly 100 to be displaced in the direction of the transverse axis Y such that the vehicle 200 is positioned in the extended position with its wheel 202, 204 centrally on the respective roller set 12, wherein the lifting threshold 50 is raised in the extended position.

The central or off-center position of the wheel 202, 204 can be freely selected as required.

reference sign

10 carriers

12 roller sets

14 rolls

16 rolls

20 free space

30 drive unit

32 gears

34 drive shaft

36 gears

38 gears

40 rotating device

42 turntables

44 spindle lifting cylinders

46 internal gearing

48 pinions

50 lifting threshold

52 lifting drive lifting threshold

60 floating plate

61 deepening

62 rigid segment

64 balls

66 recess

68 recess

70 long holes

72 guide pins

74 guide pins

76 guide pins

78 recording unit

80 positioning device

82 positioning element

84 tab

86 cones 2 Positioning element 4 Control surface 6 Groove

100 roller assembly

110 Shifting device carrier 00 vehicle 02 wheel

204 wheels

1000 vehicle test bench

1010 base frame

1020 lane

1022 pages

1024 pages

1030 Adjustment device

Claims

claims 1. A roller assembly (100) for a vehicle test bench (1000), having a vertical axis (Z), a transverse axis (Y) and a longitudinal axis (X), comprising - a carrier (10); - a roller set (12) arranged on the carrier (10) with rollers (14, 16) arranged parallel to one another, which form a horizontal wheel holder, wherein a lifting threshold (50) movable in the direction of the vertical axis (Z) is arranged in a clear space (20) between two of the rollers (1, 16) and the lifting threshold (50) has a floating plate (60) on its upper side. 2. Roller assembly according to claim 1, wherein a positioning device (80) is provided which guides the lifting threshold (50) in a lowered state at least in the direction of the transverse axis (Y) into a basic position and/or fixes it in a basic position. 3. Roller assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the roller set (12) and the lifting threshold (50) with the floating plate (60) are mounted together on a rotating device (40). 4. Roller assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting threshold (50) has a receiving unit (78) on which the floating plate (60) is mounted in a floating manner, in particular wherein the floating plate (60) forms at least part of a surface of the lifting threshold (50). 5. Roller assembly according to claim 4, wherein the receiving unit (78) of the lifting threshold (50) has at least one recess (66, 68) into which the floating plate (60) engages with at least one guide pin (72, 74), in particular wherein a boundary (67, 69) of the at least one recess (66, 68) forms a stop during rotation of the floating plate (60) about the vertical axis (Z). 6. Roller assembly according to one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the receiving unit (78) has at least one elongated hole (70) extending in the direction of the transverse axis (Y), into which the floating plate (60) engages with a guide pin (76), in particular wherein a boundary (71) of the elongated hole (70) forms a stop during a displacement of the floating plate (60) in the direction of the transverse axis (Y). 7. Roller assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the floating plate (60) has at least one stop for fixing a wheel (202, 204) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (X) on the floating plate (60), in particular wherein the floating plate (60) has an indentation (61). 8. Roller assembly according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the rotating device (40) for rotating the roller set (12) and lifting threshold (50) about the vertical axis (Z) has a spindle lifting cylinder, or wherein the rotating device (40) for rotating the roller set (12) and lifting threshold (50) about the vertical axis (Z) has a toothing, or wherein the rotating device (40) for rotating the roller set (12) and lifting threshold (50) about the vertical axis (Z) has a toothed belt. 9. Roller assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a displacement device (110) is provided with which the carrier (10) with the roller set (12) and the lifting threshold (50) can be displaced in the direction of the transverse axis (Y). 10. Roller assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clear space (20) between the rollers (14, 16) is at least 100 mm, in particular at least 250 mm. 11. Roller assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension of the lifting threshold (50) along the longitudinal axis (X) is at least 90 mm, in particular at least 100 mm. 12. Roller assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a drive unit (30) for driving the roller set (12) is arranged stationary to the roller set (12), and/or wherein a drive unit (30) for driving the roller set (12) is arranged stationary to the carrier (10), in particular is connected to the roller set (12) with a coupling (32), and/or wherein at least one of the rollers (14, 16) has a roller motor. 13. Vehicle test bench (1000) with at least one roller assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims, which is arranged in a roadway (1020) for receiving a vehicle (200), with a control and/or regulating unit for controlling components and/or for detecting sensor signals from sensor units present on the vehicle test bench (1000). 14. Vehicle test bench according to claim 13, wherein at least one device for directly or indirectly detecting a rolling behavior and/or a static or dynamic braking behavior of the vehicle (200) is present. 15. Vehicle test bench according to claim 13 or 14, wherein at least one device is present for directly or indirectly detecting a toe and camber angle, track width and/or for directly or indirectly detecting a chassis geometry and/or chassis parameters of the vehicle (200) and/or a vehicle geometry. 16. Vehicle test bench according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein an adjusting device (1030) is provided for adapting a distance of the roller assemblies (100) to a wheelbase of a vehicle (200). 17. Method for operating a vehicle test bench (1000) according to one of claims 13 to 16 for testing and/or adjusting a vehicle (200) with at least one roller assembly (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the roller assembly (100) has a carrier (10) and a roller set (12) arranged on the carrier (10), with rollers (14, 16) arranged parallel to one another, which form a horizontal wheel holder, and wherein a lifting threshold (50) movable in the direction of a vertical axis (Z) is arranged in a clear space (20) between two of the rollers (14, 16) and the lifting threshold (50) has a floating plate (60) on its upper side, wherein the vehicle (200) in a retracted position with at least one wheel (202, 204) of at least one of its axles between the rollers (14, 16) on the roller set (12) is positioned above the lifting threshold (50). 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, in order to carry out a turnover measurement, the lifting threshold (50) is lowered and the roller set (12) is set in a rotary movement. 19. Method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein for a chassis adjustment at least one wheel (202, 204) of the vehicle (200) is positioned on the roller set (12) and stands on the floating plate (60) of the raised lifting threshold (50). 20. Method according to one of claims 17 to 19, wherein for a roller test the wheel (202, 204) of the vehicle (200) is positioned on the roller set (12) and the lifting threshold (50) is lowered for the roller test. 21. Method according to one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the vehicle (200) is positioned in an extended position with its wheel (202, 204) on the roller set (12) and in the extended position the lifting threshold (50) is raised. 22. Computer program product, comprising instructions which cause a vehicle test bench (1000) according to one of claims 13 to 16 with at least one roller assembly (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12 to carry out the steps of the method according to one of claims 17 to 21, in particular wherein in a retracted position of the vehicle (200) a lifting threshold (50) of the roller assembly (100) between two rollers (14, 16) of a roller set (12) of the roller assembly (100) is raised in the direction of a vertical axis (Z) and a wheel (202, 204) of the vehicle (200) is arranged on the roller set (12) with respect to the transverse axis (Y); wherein on the vehicle test bench (1000) the lifting threshold (50) is lowered relative to the vertical axis (Z) for optionally carrying out a turnover measurement and the roller set (12) is set in a rotary movement by a drive unit (30) and the wheel (202, 204) is placed on the roller set (12) and, if necessary, the roller set (12) is rotated about the vertical axis (Z); wherein on the vehicle test bench (1000) a wheel (202, 204) of the vehicle (200) is positioned on the roller set (12) for an optional chassis adjustment and stands on the floating plate (60) of the raised lifting threshold (50); wherein on the vehicle test bench (1000) the lifting threshold (50) is lowered for an optional roller test and the rollers (14, 16) are set in rotation by a drive unit (30) and, if required, the roller set (12) is rotated about the vertical axis (Z); wherein in an extended position of the vehicle (200) the vehicle (200) is positioned with its wheel (202, 204) on the roller set (12) and with the lifting threshold (50) raised. 23. Computer program comprising instructions which cause a vehicle test bench (1000) according to one of claims 13 to 16 with at least one roller assembly (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12 to carry out the steps of the method according to one of claims 17 to 21. 24. A computer-readable medium on which the computer program according to claim 23 is stored.