DE19744076A1 - System for determining profile depth of vehicle tire - Google Patents

Abstract

The system includes a sensor system (14), which measures at least one parameter of a size that corresponds to or can be converted to correspond to the tire (12) profile depth. The measured parameter is automatically measurable. A signal unit produces at least one perceptible signal, which is a function of at least one measurement parameter.

Description

The invention relates to a device and a Ver drive to measure the profile depth of a vehicle row fens.

As is well known, vehicles use tires of any kind through the operation of the vehicles decreasing. Such wear reduces the tread depth of the tires, if a tread construct tiv is provided.

Especially in vehicles such as motor vehicles or Such a Rei leads motor-driven two-wheelers fen wear to an increasing security risk. In addition - or just because of this increasing Si security risks - are minimum values for the profile fen especially for motor vehicles and motor companies legally standardized two-wheelers.  

For driver and other safety reasons Sweeping participants are therefore required to view the profile deep to check at certain intervals, then then if the minimum profile depth is undershot, the replace the tires in question with new ones.

For the purpose of such inspection measures, meas strips known with scaling that are manually in the profile recess can be inserted in such a way that from the user by soldering the profile elevation Profile depth can be read.

Here, however, the user is with considerable Faced difficulties.

So it is not easy to manually insert the measuring strip into the for a reasonably accurate measurement, to Tire radial to bring position. This will be moreover made more difficult in the motor vehicle in that the freely accessible part of the tire, namely the between lower fender boundary and street arranged, ge has ring dimensions. A measurement in the area of the Tire surrounding fender is also not complete excluded, however, due to the fact that the Fenders in modern vehicles are very close to the tire, for space reasons - as well as due to low light if difficult in this area - and therefore also with the considerable risk of an inaccurate measurement the.  

Another inaccuracy in the measurement process is at Ver use of such a known measuring strip connected that the user the profile depth by mere soldering along the outer surface of the profiler elevation determined on the measuring scale of the measuring strip. This not only improves the accuracy of the measurement process considerably from the prescription and the viewing angle of the ver wenders shaped, but also depends heavily on the shape the aforementioned surface. For example as extending in the direction of the tire width Distortion can distort the measurement result.

Further difficulties arise from the fact that the Factors influencing tire wear are so diverse tig that the user takes the measurements in relative should be performed at short intervals and not on criteria such as the mileage of the vehicle since then last tire change, as a rough guide for the can use the required frequency of the measurements.

For example, in addition to the aforementioned Mileage factors such as those during the trip present tire pressure, setting the track, the respective vehicle speeds or the sub reason on which the vehicle was moved, the Tire wear to a non-negligible extent.

The result of this when using the known measuring streak The resulting consequence is frequent measurements solutions. Since the measuring process with the known ten measuring strips is relatively annoying, however, is too common  fig omitted the measurements, so that a considerable there is a security risk.

The known measuring strips are also insofar as night lig as a user can hardly avoid dirty hands during or after the measurement process.

Furthermore, the user is measured by the deep forced to bend over or to measure kneel. This creates the risk that his clothes is soiled.

The known measuring strips also have the disadvantage assumes that the measurement process when used either insufficiently recorded the tire condition or very long continues.

This disadvantage is based on the fact that the Tires are often worn unevenly. So in Direction of tire width different values for the profile depth is available. To the state of the profile To grasp depth comprehensively would have to be very narrow measuring points in the width direction on each Tire the profile to be measured, which is very time consuming is dig.

Motor vehicle owners feel because of the varied Disadvantages of the known measuring strip, the review the profile depth as so troublesome that it corresponds appropriate measurements - if at all - very rarely to lead. This is how measurements are carried out on many vehicles  only within the framework of legally prescribed vehicle technology African investigations or police checks carried out. In many cases it is unfortunate hence the insufficient tire condition causally for serious accidents, which are often fatal men.

Accordingly, the invention is based on the object a possibility of tread depth measurement for tires create that is less time consuming, more accurate measurement delivers values and a more comprehensive, the tire condition provides a better representative measurement result.

The object is achieved by a pre Direction according to the characteristics of the main and next door as well as a method according to the subsidiary claim. Advantageous embodiments result from each due subclaims.

The fact that according to the invention an automatic measurement the tire tread is provided, the measuring process significantly simplified. A few can do this too Measuring points to guarantee a high level of security Chen, since the measurements are carried out very often without any problems can be led. Furthermore, the measurement results no longer of personal characteristics like the sight Strengthen a person, dependent, so that they clearly ge are closer.  

But also a completely comprehensive measurement of the whole The outer surface of a tire is made possible according to the invention light.

Furthermore, a device according to the invention brings significant time savings with it that go so far can that the user has no time at all Measuring must be used by the measuring device is arranged, for example, on driveways by the Vehicle drivers anyway - at least from time to time - be run over. The device according to the invention can be used both to the driver a sense of security about his tires to give, as well as in the context of police controls to control automatically.

For example, a device according to the invention be embedded in a street and in correspondence as a (speed) radar device Vehicle speed checked, the tire condition check.

But also for service or commercial reasons the device according to the invention are provided. So it makes sense that petrol station owners or departure areas to the fuel pumps a fiction Provide appropriate device that the vehicle passes over tire condition checked. But also alongside the fuel pumps can be of such a type according to the invention Device that both when the tire is at rest  tread depth even when the tires are in motion can be positioned.

With such arrangements is for the drivers associated with the advantage that they can be added without special communicated the condition of their tires relatively regularly to get. For petrol station owners the Vor offers itself part that customers through this special service can attract, and moreover often on tank provide offered tire business can liven up because they can go straight to the customers whose condition is questionable.

A device according to the invention can be used commercially can be used, for example, in which the vehicle guidance The right to use an installation is subject to a fee can buy with the device according to the invention. This can be done by adding barriers that for example, inserting a coin into an automatic machine lift and the access to a route with invent Release device according to the invention, also realized be, as in that the Vorrich invention is only activated by inserting a coin. So it can device according to the invention, for example, only at Be provision of electrical current must be activated and by inserting the coin just this required current for Will be provided. But also check cards, too acquiring chips or similar monetary items can activate the device.  

The arrangement of a device according to the invention in front of car washes or next to in particular commercially Provided vehicle vacuum cleaners is an advantage as well as the arrangement on parking spaces at de Tire air pressure testers are an advantage is imprisoned.

The profile depth is inventively by means of a Sen sensor arrangement detected.

The terms of the sensor arrangement and the sensor are to be understood broadly. So these terms include the actual subject of the survey as well like an arrangement of several components that have the value ei size, like a measure of length.

In principle, the sensors can be of any type. For example, mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, optical, radar or ultrasonic Sensors are used. But also elastic or plastically deformable sensors, for example egg Making an impression of the tire tread can make sense being full.

So it makes sense when using radar or Ultrasonic sensors capture the time that a Si Signal for the outward and return route between the signal generator and on individual parts of the tire circumference. Based on Differences in running time can calculate the tread depth be net and ver in such an evaluation unit work that the profile can be mapped.  

Alternatively, axially displaceable pins can also be used with one end on the circumference of the tire, at for example under the action of a spring force. Depending on Profile condition and measuring point, the pins can un assume different positions in the axial direction, since they differ depending on the profile and measuring point can approach the center of the tire. This pin position dependent on the profile depth at the measuring point can profile in different ways in concrete depth values are converted.

For example, the end facing away from the tire existing in a mechanical arrangement, for example from a rack and gears, engage the linear movement of the pin on the in the gear arrangement engaging rack is transmitted and the gear assembly translating the linear motion into a Converted rotary motion and additionally by choosing high Gear ratio increases the speed so that the last one Gear wheel of the arrangement (quasi output) - with one time connected - on one scale the profile depth displays with high accuracy, with a corresponding Verification is required.

However, the pins can also be on the aforementioned end be guided in a coil, for example, so that over the resulting induction current the profile depth can be determined.

But also intervening in one of two plates one Plate capacitor is possible, with the line  ar movement of the pin the plate distance changed and thus influenced the charge shift which in turn represents the profile depth signal can be converted.

Another option is to use the vorbe drew coupled elements in the end of a pen allow a sliding resistance to engage - whereby between the pin and the element coupled to it an insulator can also be arranged - and such by linear movement of the pin on the tapping point To change sliding resistance. At the given on The sliding resistance of the applied voltage can then be used amperage, the current can be determined and converted into a value indicating the profile depth become.

The arrangement of a spring between a pin above type and a dynamometer is possible. Since the Spring force proportional to the path can be applied to the pro depth can be closed.

But also through a variety of other components or Arrangements of components can be the Invention design advantageous device.

It is essential, however, that not as with the be knew measuring strips a single object manually the profile recess is introduced and then by eye on a scale on this item the profile depth is plumbed. Although an invention  appropriate device not necessarily from the vehicle "run over", so that they can also be used as Handheld device can be carried out on a tire ma is created; the actual measuring process is then carried out automatically.

For the arrangement of the measuring sensors to each other he come according to the invention, a wide variety of designs in Be dress.

So it is possible, for example, only one zigen measuring sensor to provide. In this sense this can be full than the construction effort of a fiction moderate device is kept very low and thus the device can be manufactured extremely inexpensively is. But also a row-shaped arrangement of the measuring sensors sensors can be beneficial. It can also make sense be a surface by the arrangement of the measuring sensors to cover.

With regard to be between the individual measuring sensors the most different distances would be considered, with decreasing Ab the measuring accuracy would be increased, however, manufacturing costs also increase. It can also be useful in essentially the measuring sensors arranged at regular intervals in strips. For example, an arrangement of this type would come into Be tries to make a 30 cm strip of the sensors preferably 20 cm, preferably 10 cm, preferably 5 cm cover 300 cm. This is for example to be  preferred, for example, by the arrangement the tread depth of the tires of this arrangement about rolling motor vehicle to be detected. The measure of 300 cm covers the left side and the right side arranged on the motor vehicle tires, the Driver still has a certain game, so that he doesn’t maneuver his vehicle exactly on the measuring points vriere needs; the size of 30 cm, preferably 20 cm, preferably 10 cm, preferably 5 cm covers a ge know the width of the tire.

Instead of the dimensions 30 cm, 20 cm, 10 cm or 5 cm you can length dimensions above 30 cm can also be selected or below 5 cm or an intermediate value of the stated values.

Furthermore, the tread depths are both on the front row As with the later, these stripes order passing rear tires detected. It plays it does not matter whether a two-axle or multi-axle vehicle the measurement setup happens just as it doesn't matter plays whether two-wheelers or three-wheeled vehicles Pass measuring arrangement. Also on twin wheels with such an embodiment the tire record profile.

An embodiment of the invention can also be useful be the different stripes, areas or has linearly arranged sensor areas, wherein between These areas are areas that are not sen have sensors. For example, in  Designate the direction of travel of a vehicle strip above ter type with stripes that have no measuring sensors, alternate. As a result, the number of measuring points on Tires increased so that a more rounded picture of the Rei state is brought about.

It is also conceivable by means of the device according to the invention tread depth on all tires at the same time to capture.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention design it as a hand-held device. It is thought bar to provide a flexible basic element in which the Sensors are arranged, and that on the tire around catch can be adjusted so that the same at many measuring points automatically record the tread depth of the tire at an early stage leaves.

The device according to the invention is also advantageous in such a way that those assigned to an axis Tires of two spaced apart Rolls are recorded, between which the Meßsenso rik is arranged. The rollers can be from one Motor driven or simply rotatably mounted. In the latter case, the device could only be used in the rear look at the on the drive axle of the vehicle use ordered tires particularly advantageous. Each according to the application, which is definitely on the rollers can be switchable, drive the wheels (in the case of Drive axle) the rollers or the rollers the wheels. Despite the rotational movement of the rä  however, the vehicle does not change its position. The measuring sensor system permanently installed between the rollers can now change the tire tread over the entire tire circumference capture or check catch.

In a preferred embodiment of the fiction moderate device is this with a cover device Mistake. The term cover device is in the to understand this sense very abstractly. So one of the like cover device, for example, an essential Lichen open or essentially closed Housing or a cover plate.

The covering device can have various functions take. So it can simply be used as a protective or summarizing housing, but it can also serve as a carrier for the measurement object. In the latter Function it makes sense, for example, that the cover device "rolled over" when measuring vehicle tires or the vehicle tire on the cover device rests. The measurement can therefore be made when the vehicle is at a standstill be carried out in the same way as in the company. If the Vehicle tires are on the cover device, can touch the profile depth using the measuring sensors be determined without difficulty, d. H. that the measuring sensors Do not touch the tire during the measuring process, or but in such a way that at least some of the measuring sensors with comes into contact with the tire.

This is the case in a preferred embodiment of the invention Example, the cover device as a threshold  executed. This would also result in a threshold with a trapezoidal shape according to the cross section. The measuring points can then on the surface essentially parallel to the subsurface be arranged as on one or both slopes Other cross sections are also conceivable. Think bar is also that at least parts of the device in the driving surface, in particular in the street or in Way, or are integrated into a footprint. In the In this case, the road surface or the parking space assume the function of the covering device. Since al lerdings the integration of the device or Tei len the device can then be expensive, it is useful, an additional cover, as in for example, to provide a metal plate.

Especially when the cover device is housing-like it can be a moisture control device device for guiding moisture away from and / or out Have parts of the device. This can be advantageous be sticky if, for example, measuring pins have an opening penetrate in the cover device and not is isolated. Rivers entering through these openings liquid, such as rainwater, can be Moisture control device back out of the housing be removed.

But also protective devices to protect the sensors and / or certain areas of the device, such as at for example electronic components, can pre will see. Such a protective device can  for example one arranged at the aforementioned opening Be a seal.

The cover device can also be used with transport handles be provided. According to this thought can the entire measuring system from individual transportable Elements - for example in threshold-like design tion - put together by positioning each other can be combined into any size area can be distributed over its entire area Includes sensors. With this in mind, the input and Exit point of the threshold bevels arranged that allow driving while in between horizontal elements can be designed as cuboids. There are any combination options.

The measuring sensors can - at least partially - on the Cover device may be arranged.

However, measuring sensors can also be used transmit a signal despite the existing cover device gene can, which then runs through the cover or is transmitted by it.

Another way to ensure the Si Signal transmission consists in the covering device Provide openings that as recesses or as Through holes can be executed.

The sensors can then - at least partially - in the Cover device or on the abge from the measuring point  facing side of the cover device, for example within a housing or a Threshold.

The through hole or the recess can then be used serve an embodied object, such as assign a pen as part of the measuring sensor is to be seen, the spatial access to the measuring point allow so that the profile depth can be tapped can. But also non-physical signals, as with for example optical signals, can be through passage hole or the recess of the barrel to or from the Measuring point are made possible. The sensor can be used as The transmitter and / or receiver of the signal act. The Signal runtime can - with appropriate standardization - represent the profile depth.

If the tires are removed due to physical contact groped, it may be useful to protect the Vehicle tires the physical scanner, for example wise pens, with a protective device. Such a protective device can, for example be a cap.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it has device according to the invention a control device on. The term "taxes" and derived from it griffe is i.S.d. To understand the invention broadly and include in particular the terms tax and re in the sense of DIN standard.  

By means of the control device, for example Measuring range can be set. For example wise by the control device with a Actuator can be combined, the spatial Location of a pin described above in the axial direction Preset before measuring so that larger Pro depth of film can be recorded. But also the strength of a be Si sent from the sensor to the measuring point without contact gnals or the strength of an electrical or ma gnetic field can be controlled. The An Ordering the sensors in the horizontal direction is tax conceivable. The control device thus creates a very high flexibility achieved.

A registration unit can have different tire parameters ter, such as tire type, tire width, tire circumference measure, determine or calculate. In addition, it can measure the speed of the vehicle. Such Data can be used for a very comprehensive profile depth measurement be important. The registration unit can but also collect such tire data collectively. So For example, a valve cap can be designed in this way be that it has stored corresponding data and the registration unit can call them up there. The Rei fenposition can for example also by detecting the Position of a balancing mass can be determined.

An evaluation facility offers extensive possibilities options regarding the provision of a comprehensive send tire condition assessment.  

In this way, the measured values can be measured in the evaluation device Lengths representing values in the profile depth convert dimensions. But also a comparison with target values for the profile depth can be made here. The Target profile depth can for example in a Spei chereinrichtung be filed, of which also In information such as tire data or old measurements could be.

So the combination of evaluation and memory offers chereinrichtung - possibly in connection with the Erfas unit - also the possibility, depending on the type of tire or type a different summary evaluator tire condition. So at take into account, for example, that the profile depth of trucks as a rule should be larger than that of cars.

The evaluation device can also be based on the determined tread depths determine whether the tire has run evenly. This can be done using a Comparison of different measured values are made perpendicular to the circumferential direction on the tire casing were taken. It can then, for example, return conclusions on the setting of the track.

A display device for displaying the measured values and / or for displaying in the evaluation device Information determined can be in any form such as a monitor, the vehicle leaders convey the quality of their tires. For this  the measured values can be (partially) displayed written instructions can also be given. Further additional information can be displayed. So can for example, a vague type of tire previously recorded Prediction of how long the tires will be given probably still passable without sacrificing safety are. To determine the latter information is the Knowledge of the brand is important because it differs Makes different average lifespan have because they have different gum, for example have facial blends.

When using the device according to the invention in Petrol stations can also the gas station attendant about the measurement result be informed so that if necessary a targeted loading Advice or sales talks about new tires can be done.

Information about the tire condition can be given to the driver witness guides but also communicated via acoustic signals become.

In an advantageous embodiment according to the invention also by using a pressure device and evaluation result in paper form the.

In addition, a guidance device in the form of an egg physical obstacle but also in the form of purely optically perceptible notices can lead the driver to the measuring points.  

The driver does not need to take the measurement to orientate.

It should be noted that the interaction or the combination of the individual Merk invention is useful in any combination.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that over the here illustrated embodiments of the invention a variety of other modifications and designs are conceivable, which are covered by the invention. The In particular, the invention is not only limited to the embodiments shown here.

In the following, the invention will now be described by way of example ter, non-limiting, embodiments of the inventions explained in more detail.

It shows

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention with a first, to be preferred measurement electronics;

Fig. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention with a second, preferred measuring electronics;

Fig. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention with a third, preferred measurement electronics;

Fig. 5 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention with a fourth, preferred measurement electronics;

Fig. 6 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention with a fifth measurement electronics to be preferred; and

Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a tire, is illustrated with reference to, as can be found by means of a device according to the invention misalignments of the tire or a non-uniformly worn tread.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, the device 1 according to the invention has, in a preferred embodiment, a covering device 10 which can accommodate the tire or tires 12 of a vehicle, which is not restricted in terms of its type.

Essentially on the side of the cover device 10 facing away from the tire 12 , a sensor arrangement 14 is arranged, which taps the tire via a physical object 16 a resting against the tire 12 or via a contactlessly transmitted signal 16 b, that is to say the surface contour of the lateral surface at least partially covered.

An evaluation device 18 processes the quantities or measured values determined by the sensor arrangement 14 and, if necessary, accesses data provided by the storage device 20 , such as, for. B. the minimum values for the profile depth, too. But a direct determination of the measured values for the profile depth is also conceivable. The evaluation device 18 can also determine uneven tire wear by comparing different measured values. The values and information ascertained by the evaluation device 18 can then be perceptibly displayed to humans by a warning device 22 and / or by an (optical) display device 24 and / or by a pressure device 26 - with regard to their scope, as desired to the respective requirements will.

The effective range of the sensor arrangement 14 or the sensor position can be set by the control device 28 , for example. It is also possible to change the position of the device according to the invention, which can be mounted on wheels for example.

Fig. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the inven tion with a first, preferred electronics.

The covering device 10 is designed here as a trapezoidal threshold and has a plurality of openings 29 as well as an exemplary moisture guiding device 42 - also designed as an opening. However, the number of openings 29 is not limited and continues in particular perpendicular to the plane of the illustration. Each opening 29 is penetrated by a pin 30 which is substantially free at one end. At its other end, the pin 30 engages in a free end of a spring element 32 . The connection of pin 30 and spring element 32 can be designed differently.

For example, mere resting on the spring element comes into consideration. It would make sense that the pin - for example within the opening 29 - is additionally guided in a linear (sliding) bearing.

The pin 30 can also be hinged to the end of the spring element 32 , wherein an additional position tion of the aforementioned type would also be advantageous.

It is also possible that the pin 30 is rigidly connected to the end der Fe, which makes additional storage unnecessary. The pin is then essentially guided on a circular path. The second end of the Fede element 32 is fixed. Also contemplated are a comb-like arrangement of all the spring elements 32 or the serially arranged Federe here comes ELEMENTS 32 with play.

The spring element is integrated into a switching arrangement in such a way that it, together with a plate 34, constitutes a capacitor-like structure.

In the basic state, ie at times when there is no measurement, the spring element 32 is relaxed and the pin protrudes - based on the respective setting - out of the opening 29 at most. As soon as a tire 12 contacts the pin 30 , the pin 30 is increasingly pressed into the opening 29 against the force of the spring element 32 .

The indentation depth is determined by the space remaining between the surface 36 and the tire 12 . The remaining space is - just like the distance between profile increase 38 and 40 profile deepening - a measure of the profile depth. The further the pin 30 is pressed through the opening 29 , the further the spring element 32 moves away from the fixed plate 34 . Since the capacitance of a plate capacitor behaves inversely proportional to the plate spacing, the capacitance of the capacitor formed from spring element 32 and plate 34 increases with increasing indentation of pin 30 . So there is a characteristic capacity for each profile depth. By measuring the capacitor capacitance, the profile depth can therefore be deduced.

It is advantageous to prevent the pin 30 from jumping out through the opening 29 under the action of the spring element 32 . As a non-illustrated but suitable measure, a disk can be provided here, for example, the diameter of which is larger than that of the opening. In the event that the pin 30 is firmly connected to the spring element 32 , this measure is unnecessary.

Fig. 3 shows a further preferred embodiment of the invention with a second measurement electronics to be preferred.

The cover device 10 shown as an example is essentially the same as that shown in FIG. 1.

The pins 30 , which are guided linearly here and can also be present in any number, have a free end for the purposes mentioned above. At their second end they are supported in a spring element 44 , which can consist of a plastic. There are concentrically arranged around the pins 30 around coils 46 , which change their inductance depending on the immersion depth. Analogous to the example above, the inductance can represent the profile depth.

Fig. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of the inven tion with a third, preferred electronics.

This embodiment is similar to the first, but is based on a mechanical-magnetic measurement and not on a mechanical-capacitive measurement. Thus, instead of the plate 34, a Hall sensor 48 is provided as a "counterpart" to the spring element 32 . To avoid influencing the Hall sensors 48 , these can be arranged offset.

Fig. 5 shows a preferred embodiment of the inven tion with a fourth, preferred measuring electronics.

Here, the profile depth measurement is carried out by means of an ultrasound sensor arrangement 50 , which has an array of ultrasound sensors. The ultrasound sensors send very short ultrasound pulses in the direction of the tire 12 . As soon as a pulse reaches the tire, it is thrown back as an echo. The duration of the pulse can then be recorded. The running time represents the distance covered by the pulse and thus also the profile depth. The greater the profile depth, the longer the pulse runs. The profile depth can thus be deduced by recording the runtime. In the case of a profiled tire, several echoes are thrown back, these ideally being two, namely one from the raised section 38 and one from the recess 40 . The frequency and the pulse length are to be selected or set so that the shortest transit time can still be measured with sufficient accuracy.

From the representation of this embodiment is also seen that the sensors on different Places the threshold can be arranged.

Fig. 6 shows a further preferred embodiment of the invention with a fifth, preferred measurement electronics.

Here, the pin 30 is held under tension by the spring element 52 . In the lower area, the pin 32 is surrounded by an insulating element 54 , which on the other hand takes a tappet 56 of a sliding resistor 58 . Due to the be caused by different profile depth axial displacement of the pin 30 changes the setting of the resistance. The corresponding current Ω value of the sliding resistance can be detected and represents the profile depth.

Fig. 7 illustrates how by means of the inventive device 1 also misalignments of the tire 12 can be placed found, or it can be determined that the tire is worn unevenly 12.

A measurement and evaluation with a device 1 according to the invention would show that the profile depths a and b are not identical.

Since there would be a third value at point 60 which is not identical to the former, the profile has consequently traveled unevenly.

Reference list

1

device according to the invention

10th

Covering device

12th

(Vehicle) tires

14

Sensor arrangement

16

a physical object

16

b signal transmitted without contact

18th

Evaluation device

20th

Storage device

22

Warning device

24th

Display device

26

Printing device

28

opening

30th

pen

32

Spring element

34

plate

36

surface

38

Profile increase

40

Profile deepening

42

Moisture control device

44

Spring element

46

Kitchen sink

48

Hall sensor

50

Ultrasonic sensor arrangement

52

Spring element

54

Insulating element

56

Scraper

58

Sliding resistance

Claims (28)

1. Device for measuring the profile depth of a Rei fens ( 12 )

• - At least one sensor arrangement ( 14 ) through which at least one value of a size is contactless or measurable in contact, which represents a length dimension or represents a length dimension insofar as the value of the measured size can be converted by further devices such that the value the converted size and / or the converted value represents a measure of length,
  wherein the measured length or the length dimension resulting from the conversion corresponds to the value of the profile depth or the length dimension can be converted into a length dimension via further devices so that it corresponds to the profile depth and
  the measured value being automatically measurable; and
• a signal device by means of which at least one signal can be generated which is perceptible to humans, the signal carrying information which at least also depends on the at least one measured value.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor arrangement ( 14 ) at least one me chanical and / or at least one electrical and / or at least one electromechanical and / or at least one optical and / or at least one radar and / or at least has an ultrasonic sensor ( 50 ). 3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, there characterized in that the profile depth to different which measuring points can be measured at the same time. 4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, there characterized in that the device and / or measuring sensors comprehensive elements of the device transpor are tabular and / or with a device and / or the element-receiving surface on a solid or detachable connection are coupled. 5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a signal can be emitted and / or received by the sensor arrangement ( 14 ). 6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a covering device ( 10 ) for receiving the test object, in particular the vehicle or the vehicle gripping device ( 12 ), the covering device ( 10 ) at least a part of the remaining device from the measuring point on Object to be separated. 7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that

• - The cover device ( 10 ) has through holes and / or recesses; and
• - The measuring sensors during operation of the sensor arrangement ( 14 ) are at least partially arranged within the recesses or within the through holes.

8. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that

• - The cover device ( 10 ) has through holes;
• - The measuring sensors during operation of the sensor arrangement ( 14 ) are arranged at least partially on the side of the cover device ( 10 ) facing away from the measuring points; and
• - Of the measuring sensors in operation of the Sensoranord voltage ( 14 ) in each case at least one signal can be brought and / or received in such a way that the signal covers the distance between the respective sensor and the respective measuring point for detecting a measured value at least once, wherein it is this way, at least partially passes through the through hole at least once.

9. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the measuring sensors during operation of the sensor arrangement ( 14 ) are at least partially arranged on the measuring point facing side of the cover device ( 10 ). 10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, there characterized in that by the arrangement of the measuring sensors essentially an area measuring area is spanned, within which the measuring sensors in the we are arranged evenly distributed. 11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that that the measuring area is an area of essentially 5 times Covers 300 cm. 12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, there characterized in that the measuring sensors are such arranges that each by several measuring sensors because an area measuring area is spanned, within which the measuring sensors are essentially uniform ßig are arranged, being between the such spanned measuring ranges are each areas that have no sensors. 13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, there characterized in that the device essentially chen is embedded in a threshold element. 14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, ge characterized by a control device for Control of the measuring sensors with regard to their operation state and / or in terms of their spatial arrangement tion and / or with regard to their measuring range.   15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, ge characterized by a registration unit for registration and / or determination and / or calculation of tire para meters, such as tire type, tire width, tire circumference and / or for speed measurement of the vehicle. 16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a memory device ( 20 ) for storing set values for the tread depth and / or for storing measured values and / or for storing tire parameters. 17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, ge characterized by an evaluation device for evaluation evaluation of the measured values, and / or for comparison with ge stored setpoints and / or to compare the Readings. 18. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a display device ( 24 ) for displaying the measured values and / or for displaying information determined in the evaluation device. 19. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a warning device ( 22 ), such as a device for generating an acoustic signal, from which a signal can be generated if at least one of the measured values deviates to an undesired extent from predetermined values. 20. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a printing device ( 26 ) for printing the results obtained by the measuring and / or evaluating device ( 18 ). 21. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an activation device for activating the sensor arrangement ( 14 ). 22. Device according to one of the preceding claims, ge characterized by a guidance device for the management of the Vehicle to the measuring points. 23. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by

• - At least one protective device for protecting the sensors and / or certain areas of the device, such as electronic components, and / or for protecting the test objects, in particular the vehicle tires ( 12 ) from damage during the measuring process; and or
• - A moisture control device ( 42 ) for carrying away moisture from and / or from parts of the device.

24. Footprint or driving surface for taking a ride stuff characterized in that the positioning or driving surface at least one device according to one of the An claims 1 to 23, wherein the device according to  one of claims 1 to 23 at least partially in the Footprint or driving surface is integrated or on it is ordered. 25. Footprint or driving surface according to claim 24, characterized characterized in that the footprint next to a tap column of a petrol station is arranged or the driving surface che the entry and / or exit path to a petrol pump Gas station is. 26. A method for measuring the tread depth of vehicle tires ( 12 ) with the steps:

• - Application of a measuring device with measuring sensors;
• - Activate the measuring device;
• - Alignment of vehicle tires ( 12 ) and Meßeinrich device to each other such that at least part of the circumferential surface of the vehicle tire ( 12 ) is arranged in a spatial area detectable by the measuring sensors; and
• - Automatic measurement of the tread depth at at least one point on the circumference of the tire.

27. The method according to claim 26 for operating a device device according to one of claims 1 to 25. 28. The method according to any one of claims 26 and 27, characterized in that

• - The step of aligning vehicle tires ( 12 ) and the measuring device to one another consists in that at least one tire ( 12 ) is applied to at least part of the measuring device, contact between the tire ( 12 ) and the part of the measuring device being produced by the application can be or the application is carried out such that the tire ( 12 ) is arranged without contact substantially above the measuring device; and
• - The tire ( 12 ) is moved at the time of measurement or is in a rest position.