TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a method for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a control arrangement for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation. The invention also relates to a system for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation. The invention further relates to a vehicle. The invention in addition relates to a computer program and a computer readable medium.

BACKGROUND ART

On certain roads and road segments there may be a maximum allowable axle load policies. Maximum allowable axle loads may vary, e.g. with the road designation. For heavy vehicles such as trucks this is an issue that needs to be taken into account in order to fulfil such axle load policies. Heavy vehicles such as trucks may be provided with a tag axle which may be raised and lowered in order to distribute the vehicle weight onto a relevant number of vehicle axles. Situations may occur where the driver of the vehicle may be driving with an axle load exceeding the maximum allowable axle load due to e.g. a change to a lower maximum allowable axle load during drive of the vehicle.

There is thus a need to facilitate controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control during vehicle operation. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation which facilitates the control of the axle load so as to fulfil axle load policies.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a control arrangement for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation which facilitates the control of the axle load so as to fulfil axle load policies.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system comprising such a control arrangement.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle comprising such a control arrangement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other objects, apparent from the following description, are achieved by a method, a control arrangement, a system, a vehicle, a computer program and a computer readable medium, as set out in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method and the system are defined in appended dependent claims.

Specifically, an object of the invention is achieved by a method for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation. The method comprises the steps of: determining at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the at least one vehicle; determining a specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle; and adapting the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle based on the determined specific vehicle axle load as well as the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone so as to fulfil those policies. Hereby control of the axle load so as to fulfil axle load policies is facilitated.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of adapting the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle comprises the step of distributing the vehicle weight onto a relevant number of vehicle axles. By thus distributing the vehicle weight onto a relevant number of vehicle axles thus vehicle axle load may be efficiently adapted so as to fulfil axle load policies and optimizing driveability.

According to an embodiment of the method the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies comprises an allowable total amount of specific vehicle axle loads, the method further comprising the step of determining an allowable number of the vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined; wherein the step of adapting the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle comprises the step of adapting the number of vehicles in the at least one zone. Hereby the risk of to many vehicles driving in the at least one zone, e.g. a road segment such as a bridge, wherein the risk of not fulfilling the specific vehicle axle load policies of the at least one zone may be minimized. Hereby the risk of damages within a geographical zone such as damages to a bridge due to vehicle overload may be efficiently minimized. Further vehicle safety may herby be improved in that risk of damages e.g. to a road, bridge or the like, which may affect vehicle safety, are minimized.

According to an embodiment of the method the at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle comprises a geographical zone and/or a time zone. Specifically, an object of the invention is achieved by a control arrangement for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation. The control arrangement comprises or is operably connectable to: zone determination means arranged to determine at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the at least one vehicle; vehicle axle load determination means arranged to determine a specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle; and vehicle operation adaption means arranged to adapt the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle based on the determined specific vehicle axle load as well as the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone so as to fulfil those policies.

According to an embodiment of the control arrangement the vehicle operation adaption means comprising a vehicle weight distribution arrangement arranged for distributing the vehicle weight onto a relevant number of vehicle axles.

According to an embodiment of the control arrangement the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies comprises an allowable total amount of specific vehicle axle loads, the control arrangement comprising or being operably connectable to number of vehicles determination means arranged for determining an allowable number of the vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined; wherein the vehicle operation adaption means comprises vehicle number adaption means arranged for adapting the number of vehicles in the at least one zone. According to an embodiment of the control arrangement the at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle comprises a geographical zone and/or a time zone. The control arrangement for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation is adapted to perform the method as set out herein.

The control arrangement according to the invention has the advantages according to the corresponding method.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a system for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation, the system comprising a control arrangement as set out herein. Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a vehicle comprising a control arrangement as set out herein.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a computer program for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation, said computer program comprising program code which, when run on an control arrangement or another computer connected to the control arrangement, causes the control arrangement to perform the method steps as set out herein.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method as set out herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention reference is made to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: Fig. 1 a schematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 1 b schematically illustrates a plan view of the vehicle in fig. 1 a;

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a side view of three vehicles driving on a bridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates framework for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a system for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a method for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION hereinafter the term“link” refers to a communication link which may be a physical connector, such as an optoelectronic communication wire, or a non physical connector such as a wireless connection, for example a radio or microwave link.

Hereinafter the term “zone” in relation to “zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle” refers to a geographical zone and/or a time zone. The term“geographical zone” may refer to any geographical area in connection to which a vehicle may operate, which zone is associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle. The term“geographical zone” may refer to a road or road segment along which the vehicle is travelling during vehicle operation. The term “geographical zone” may refer to a bridge. The term “time zone” may refer to the time during which specific vehicle axle load policies are required. A geographical zone and a time zone may be combined, e.g. a geographical zone is associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle during a certain time zone, e.g. during a certain time of the day.

Hereinafter the term “specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle” in relation to“at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle” may be any policies that may affect the vehicle operation regarding vehicle axle load. A vehicle axle load policy may be defined by one or more attributes describing a wanted behaviour in relation to vehicle operation in connection to a geographical zone and/or time zone. A vehicle axle load policy may be affected by e.g. road conditions, weather situation or the like. A vehicle axle load policy may be static, e.g. a manually drawn geographic zone, i.e. geographic area, where e.g. the axle load during vehicle operation shall not exceed a certain maximum vehicle axle load, e.g. a regulation by law. A vehicle axle load policy may be dynamic, e.g. the policy is automatically created based on rules, e.g. if the road temperature for a certain type of road is x degrees Celsius and the amount of rain is y mm/hour, the policy is to adapt the axle load for that zone, e.g. a road segment. A vehicle axle load policy may be informative or enforcing. An informative policy means that the operator of the vehicle is informed to adapt to a certain vehicle axle load during vehicle operation. An enforcing policy means that adaption of the vehicle axle load during vehicle operation to a vehicle axle load policy is automatic. A vehicle axle load policy may be a rule/regulation set by e.g. authorities, i.e. legal regulation for a certain geographical zone and/or time zone. A vehicle axle load policy may be a regulation set by e.g. a vehicle owner for a certain geographical zone and/or time zone. A vehicle axle load policy may be created in the vehicle. A vehicle axle load policy may be created in an off-board Zone Management system, which may be an external server unit, the so called cloud, an external data centre or any other means suitable for being operably connected to a vehicle, i.e. a control arrangement of a vehicle. A vehicle axle load policy may be created by an external data provider such as a Road Authority, City, Commercial Data provider, Open Data provider, Transport Buyer etc.

Hereinafter the term“vehicle operation” refers to any operation of the vehicle which may be relevant for any zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle. For example driving on a forest road the vehicle axle load that such a road may handle may differ if the road is wet or dry.

Hereinafter the term“allowable total amount of specific vehicle axle loads” comprised in a zone may refer to the total load allowable in that zone. The zone may e.g. be a road portion, a bridge or the like.

Fig. 1 a schematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle V1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The exemplified vehicle V1 is a is a heavy vehicle in the shape of a truck. The vehicle V1 is travelling on a road R.

The vehicle V1 may comprise a system I for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation. The system I may comprise a control arrangement 100 for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation. The vehicle V1 may comprise a control arrangement 100 for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation. The vehicle V1 comprises, according to an embodiment, a system I for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation according to fig. 4.

The vehicle V1 comprises, according to an embodiment, a control arrangement 100 for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation according to fig. 4.

The vehicle V1 is, according to an embodiment, arranged to be operated in accordance with a method M1 for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation according to fig. 5.

Fig. 1 b illustrates the chassis of the vehicle V1. The vehicle V1 comprises a frame 2, 3, a front axle X1 with opposite front wheels RF, LF, a rear axle X2 with opposite rear wheels RD, LD and a tag axle X3 with opposite support wheels RS, LS. The rear axle X2 may be a powered axle with tractive wheels.

The vehicle according to the present invention may have any suitable number of wheel axles. The vehicle according to the present invention may have one or more steerable axles. The vehicle according to the present invention may have one or more powered axles. The vehicle according to the present invention may have one or more tag axles.

The vehicle V1 may be provided with any suitable suspension system. The vehicle is according to an embodiment provided with an air suspension system, not shown. Such an air suspension system may comprise a bellows configuration with bellows arranged in connection to the respective axles, according to an embodiment on both sides of the vehicle.

The vehicle V1 comprises vehicle axle load detection means 122 for detecting vehicle axle load of the vehicle V1. The vehicle axle load detection means 122 may be any suitable axle load detection means for detecting axle load of the vehicle V1. The vehicle axle load detection means 122 may comprise one or more load detection sensors. The vehicle axle load detection means 122 may comprise load detection sensors arranged in connection to or comprised in bellows when the vehicle has a suspension system with a bellows configuration comprising a set of bellows arranged in connection to the respective axle X1 , X2, X3 of the vehicle V1.

The vehicle axle load detection means 122 comprises according to an embodiment a first load detection sensor L1 arranged in connection to the front axel X1 in connection to the right front wheel RF, a second load detection sensor L2 arranged in connection to the front axel X1 in connection to the left front wheel LF, a third load detection sensor L3 arranged in connection to the rear axel X2 in connection to the right rear wheel RD, a fourth load detection sensor L4 arranged in connection to the rear axle X2 in connection to the left rear wheel LD, a fifth load detection sensor L5 arranged in connection to the tag axle X3 in connection to the right support wheel RS, and a sixth load detection sensor L6 arranged in connection to the rear axle X3 in connection to the left support wheel LS.

The axle load detection sensors L1 , L2, L3, L4, L5, L6 are according to an embodiment weight sensors. The axle load detection sensors L1 , L2, L3, L4, L5, L6 are according to an embodiment pressure sensors, which e.g. may be connected to bellows of the respective axle X1 , X2, X3.

The vehicle axle load detection means 122 may comprise any suitable number of load detection sensors. The vehicle axle load detection means 122 may comprise any suitable number of load detection sensors arranged in connection to the respective wheel axle X1 , X2, X3 of the vehicle. There may thus be one or more load detection sensors arranged in connection one or more of said wheel axles.

According to an alternative embodiment there is one load detection sensor arranged in connection to the respective axle X1 , X2, X3, such load detection sensors according to an embodiment being arranged essentially in connection to the centre of the respective axle X1 , X2, X3.

According to an embodiment, for a vehicle having an air suspension system with a bellows configuration comprising a set of bellows arranged in connection to the respective axle X1 , X2, X3 of the vehicle V1 , the pressure of bellows in connection to the respective wheel axle is determined by means of pressure determination means such as one or more pressure sensors. The vehicle weight is then arranged to be determined by means of processing said bellows pressure. The bellows pressure is according to an embodiment put into a function, in which function a weight value is obtained from a predetermined table for pressure and weight for the specific wheel axle of the vehicle v1. This may be adapted to the inclination of the vehicle.

Thus, according to an embodiment the vehicle axle load detection means 122 may comprise means for determining bellows pressure in connection to the respective wheel axle and means for determining the axle load in connection to the respective vehicle axle X1 , X2, X3 and the vehicle weight based on the bellows pressure and the vehicle inclination.

The vehicle axle load of a vehicle may be determined in any suitable way by means of any suitable means such as any suitable load detector, e.g. weight detector or the like.

Control of vehicle axel load may be accomplished by distributing the vehicle weight onto a relevant number of vehicle axles by raising or lowering the tag axle X3.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a side view of three vehicles V1 , V2, V3 driving on a bridge B according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The bridge B is a zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies. The load policies of the bridge comprise an allowable total amount of specific vehicle axle loads. The vehicles V1 , V2, V3 comprise a first vehicle V1 , a second vehicle V2 driving at a distance D1 behind the first vehicle, and a third vehicle V3 driving at a distance D2 behind the second vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the present invention an allowable number of vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined are determined. The determination of an allowable number of vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined may be performed by a number of vehicles determination means, e.g. a number of vehicles determination means in accordance with fig. 4.

The vehicle operation of the vehicles V1 , V2, V3 is arranged to be adapted by adapting the number of vehicles in the zone, here the bride B, so as to fulfil the load policies. The adaption may comprise adapting the distance D1 , D2 between the vehicle V1 , V2, V3, e.g. increase the distance so as to reduce the total amount of specific vehicle axle loads provided by the vehicles V1 , V2, V3. The vehicles may be arranged to communicate with each other within a vehicle-to-vehicle communication arrangement V2V for facilitating adaption of vehicle operation in order to fulfil the load policies.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates framework FW for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle V1 during vehicle operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The vehicle is travelling on a road R. The vehicle comprises a control arrangement 100 for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation. The control arrangement 100 may be a control arrangement 100 according to fig. 4. Zones Z1 , Z2 associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle V1 are illustrated. In this example a geographical zone Z1 in the form of a city and a time zone Z2 are illustrated. The road R or a segment/portion of the road R could also be a zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle V1.

An off-board Zone Management system ZM may be provided. The off-board Zone Management system may be an external server unit, the so called cloud, an external data centre or any other means suitable for being operably connected to a vehicle, e.g. the control arrangement 100 of the vehicle V1.

One or more specific vehicle axle load policies are provided within the framework FW.

The one or more specific vehicle axle load policies may have been created in/by means of any suitable means connectable to the control arrangement 100.

The one or more specific vehicle axle load policies may have been created in/provided to the off-board Zone Management system ZM. In such a Zone Management System ZM axle load policies may be created, updated, and deleted and followed up.

An axle load policy may be created by an external data provider such as a Road Authority RA, City, Commercial Data provider DP, Open Data provider, Transport Buyer TP etc.

The zones Z1 , Z2 associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle are determined. One or more zones associated with axle load policies may be determined by any suitable zone determination means, for example zone determination means as exemplified in fig. 4 described below.

The vehicle operation of the vehicle is then adapted based on the determined specific vehicle axle load as well as the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the zones Z1 , Z2so as to fulfil those policies. The vehicle operation may be controlled as exemplified with the system I described with reference to fig. 4 and the method M1 described with reference to fig. 5. The framework FW may contain means, e.g. the control arrangement 100, to process determined specific vehicle axle load of the vehicle V1 , zones and the associated specific vehicle axle load policies on-board the vehicle V1. The control arrangement 100 may adapt the vehicle operation based on the determined zones Z1 , Z2 associated with axle load policies and the specific vehicle axle load of the vehicle V1. The control of vehicle operation may comprise instructing vehicle functions to perform actions in order to fulfil the specific vehicle axle load policies, e.g. by adapting the vehicle operation of the vehicle V1 by distributing the vehicle weight onto a relevant number of vehicle axles. When the vehicle is no longer in the zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies, i.e. the specific vehicle axle load policies are no longer needed to be fulfilled, the vehicle operation may be adapted to any desired vehicle operation, e.g. normal vehicle operation, vehicle operation optimized for drivability, energy efficient drive, adapting to the vehicle operation mode used prior to having entered the zone or the like.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a system I for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The system I comprises a control arrangement 100 for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation. The control arrangement 100 described herein may be implemented with any suitable means and thus more or less means than described below with reference to fig. 4. The control arrangement 100 may comprise any suitable control arrangement for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation. The control arrangement may also be denoted apparatus. The control arrangement may also be denoted device. The control arrangement may comprise or be comprised in an apparatus or a device. The control arrangement 100 may comprise one or more electronic control units, processing units, computers, server units or the like for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle. The control arrangement 100 may comprise control arrangement such as one or more electronic control units arranged on board the vehicle. The control arrangement 100 may comprise one or more electronic control units of the at least one vehicle. The system I comprises zone determination means 1 10 arranged to determine at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

The control arrangement 100 may comprise or be operably connectable to the zone determination means 1 10. The at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle may comprise a geographical zone and/or a time zone. Thus, according to an embodiment of the system I the at least one zone associated with certain policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle comprises a geographical zone and/or a time zone. The zone determination means 1 10 may be arranged to determine one or more geographical zones associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

The zone determination means 1 10 may be arranged to determine one or more time zones associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

The zone determination means 1 10 may comprise a zone information receiving unit 1 12 arranged to receive information about at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle. The zone information receiving unit 1 12 may be arranged to receive information about at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle from infrastructure via a vehicle-to-infrastructure communication arrangement. The zone information receiving unit 1 12 may be arranged to receive information about at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle from one or more other vehicles via a vehicle-to-vehicle communication arrangement.

The zone determination means 110 may comprise a zone detection arrangement 1 14 arranged to detect the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle. The zone detection arrangement 1 14 may comprise one or more sensors arranged to detect the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle. The zone determination means 110 may thus comprise one or more sensors arranged to detect the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle. The zone detection arrangement 1 14, e.g. one or more sensors, may be arranged on board the vehicle and configured to detect the one or more zones. The zone detection arrangement 1 14, e.g. one or more sensors, may be arranged to detect e.g. a sign with information about axle load policies of a certain zone.

The zone determination means 1 10 may comprise a vehicle position identification device 1 16 for identifying the current position of the vehicle. The vehicle position identification device 1 16 may comprise a Global Navigation satellite System, GNSS, e.g. a global positioning system, GPS, arranged on board the vehicle. The Global Navigation satellite System may be arranged on board the vehicle.

The zone determination means 1 10 may comprise time determination means 1 17 for determining the current time. The time determination means 1 17 may be any suitable means for determining time. The time determination means 1 17 may comprise one or more clocks. The time determination means 117 may be comprised in the control arrangement 100. The time determination means 117 may be comprised in the vehicle position identification device 1 16. The zone determination means 1 10 may comprise retrieving unit 118 arranged to retrieve stored information of the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle. The retrieving unit 1 18 may be arranged to retrieve such information from storage means. The storage means may be internal storage means arranged on board the vehicle and/or external storage means arranged externally to the vehicle. The storage means may comprise any suitable means for storing information/data about zones associated with axle load policies relevant for the operation of vehicles. The retrieving unit 1 18 may be arranged to retrieve such information based on information about the current position of the vehicle from the vehicle position identification device 1 16. The retrieving unit 1 18 may be arranged to retrieve such information based on information about the current time from the time determination means 1 17.

The zone determination means 1 10 may be arranged to determine the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle taking current position of the vehicle and/or current time into consideration.

The system I comprises vehicle axle load determination means 120 arranged to determine a specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle. The vehicle axle load determination means 120 may be arranged to determine the total load of the at least one vehicle.

The control arrangement 100 may comprise or be operably connectable to the vehicle axle load determination means 120.

The vehicle axle load determination means 120 may comprise vehicle axle load detection means 122 for detecting vehicle load.

The vehicle axle load detection means 122 may comprise one or more load detection sensors. The vehicle axle load detection means 122 may comprise one or more load detection sensors arranged in connection to the wheel axles of the vehicle. The vehicle axle load detection means 122 may comprise one or more load detection sensors arranged in connection to or comprised in bellows of a vehicle having a suspension system with a bellows configuration comprising a set of bellows arranged in connection to the respective axles of the chassis of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment the vehicle axle load detection means 122 may comprise means for determining bellows pressure in connection to the respective wheel axle and means for determining the vehicle weight based on the bellows pressure and the vehicle inclination.

The vehicle axle load determination means 120 may be arranged to determine vehicle axle load for more than one vehicle. The vehicle axle load determination means 120 may be arranged to determine vehicle axle load for more than one vehicle so as to determine the total amount of specific vehicle axle loads within the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the at least one vehicle. The vehicle axle load determination means 120 may comprise a communication means for communicating specific vehicle axle loads of the at least one vehicle within the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies. The communication means may be comprised in a vehicle-to-vehicle communication arrangement for communication between the vehicles within the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies so as to determine the total amount of specific vehicle axle loads within the at least one zone. The communication means may comprise a vehicle-to- infrastructure communication arrangement for communicating the total amount of specific vehicle axle loads within the at least one zone to infrastructure such as an off-board Zone Management system which may be an external server unit, the so called cloud, an external data centre or any other means suitable for being operably connected to one or more vehicles within the at least one zone.

According to an embodiment the system I comprises policy fulfilment determination means 130 arranged to determine whether the specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle fulfils specific vehicle axle load policies with which the at least one zone is associated.

The policy fulfilment determination means 130 may be arranged to compare the determined specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle with the specific vehicle axle load policies with which the at least one zone is associated.

The control arrangement 100 may comprise or be operably connectable to the policy fulfilment determination means 130.

According to an embodiment of the control arrangement the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies comprises an allowable total amount of specific vehicle axle loads. An allowable total amount of specific vehicle axle loads comprised in a zone may refer to the total load allowable in that zone. The zone may e.g. be a road portion, a bridge or the like. According to an embodiment the system I comprises number of vehicles determination means 140 arranged for determining an allowable number of vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined.

The number of vehicles determination means 140 may comprise communication means such as e.g. the communication means which may be comprised in the vehicle axle load determination means 120.

The number of vehicles determination means 140 may be arranged to determine the number of vehicles intending to enter the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies and/or being present within the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies. The number of vehicles intending to enter or being present in the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies may be arranged to be determined by means of the communication means. The number of vehicles determination means 140 may be arranged to determine the distance between the determined number of vehicles intending to enter or being present in the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies. The distance between the determined number of vehicles may be determined by means of one or more on-board sensors of one or more of the vehicles within the at least one zone and communicated to other vehicles within a vehicle-to-vehicle communication arrangement and/or infrastructure within a vehicle-to-infrastructure arrangement.

The number of vehicles determination means 140 may be arranged to process data about the total amount of specific vehicle axle loads intending to enter and/or being present in the at least one zone and data of determined information about number of vehicles intending to enter and/or being present in the at least zone and data about specific vehicle axle load policies within the zone so as to determine whether the number of vehicles intending to enter and/or being present in the at least one zone is allowable number of vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined. This may for example be a number of heavy vehicles intending to enter a bridge and driving at a certain distance from each other.

The system I comprises vehicle operation adaption means 150 arranged to adapt the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle based on the determined specific vehicle axle load as well as the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone so as to fulfil those policies.

The control arrangement 100 may comprise or be operably connectable to the vehicle operation adaption means 150. According to an embodiment of the system I the vehicle operation adaption means 150 comprises a vehicle weight distribution arrangement 152 arranged for distributing the vehicle weight onto a relevant number of vehicle axles. The vehicle weight distribution arrangement 152 may be arranged to control one or more tag axles of the vehicle, i.e. raising or lowering the one or more tag axles. The vehicle weight distribution arrangement 152 may comprise or be operably connected to the one or more tag axles for ting the vehicle weight onto a relevant number of vehicle axles.

According to an embodiment of the system I the vehicle operation adaption means 150 comprises an embodiment vehicle number adaption means 154 arranged for adapting the number of vehicles in the at least one zone.

The vehicle number adaption means 154 may comprise or be operably connectable to means for controlling the distance to other vehicles intending to enter or having entered the at least one zone at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

The vehicle number adaption means 154 may adapt the number of vehicles entering the at least one zone or being in the at least one zone based on determined allowable number of vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined. This may for example be a number of heavy vehicles intending to enter a bridge and driving at a certain distance from each other, wherein the adaption involves increasing the distance between the vehicles in order to reduce the number of vehicles within the zone so as to fulfil the specific axle load policies within the zone. According to an embodiment the system I comprises information means 160 arranged to inform a vehicle operator about the vehicle operation adapting the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle based on the determined specific vehicle axle load as well as the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone so as to fulfil those policies. The information means 160 may comprise one or more display units. The one or more display units may comprise the display unit on the instrument panel of the vehicle, a heads up display unit, a display unit providing a display on the front windshield, a display on a smart phone and/or tablet of the operator of the vehicle or the like. The information means 160 may comprise audible information means. The audible information means may be a voice message, an alarm or the like. The information means 160 may comprise tactile information means. The tactile information means may comprise vibrations in the steering wheel, vibrations in the driver seat or the like in order to alert the vehicle operator.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 10, operably connected to the zone determination means 1 10. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 10 arranged to receive a signal from the means 1 10 representing data about one or more zones associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 12, operably connected to the zone information receiving unit 1 12. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 12 arranged to receive a signal from the zone information receiving unit 1 12 representing data about one or more zones associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 14, operably connected to the zone detection arrangement 1 14. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 14 arranged to receive a signal from the zone detection arrangement 1 14 representing data about one or more zones associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 16, operably connected to the vehicle position identification device 1 16. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 16 arranged to receive a signal from the vehicle position identification device 1 16 representing data about the position of the vehicle. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 17, operably connected to the time determination means 1 17. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 17 arranged to receive a signal from the time determination means 117 representing data about current time.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 18a, operably connected to the retrieving unit 1 18. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 18a arranged to send a signal to the retrieving unit 1 18 representing data about position of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 18b, operably connected to the retrieving unit 1 18. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 18b arranged to send a signal to the retrieving unit 1 18 representing data about current time.

The retrieving unit 1 18 may be arranged to process the data about position of the vehicle and/or data about current time so as to determine one or more zones associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 18c, operably connected to the retrieving unit 1 18. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 18c arranged to receive a signal from the retrieving unit 1 18 representing data about one or more zones associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 20, operably connected to the vehicle axle load determination means 120. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 20 arranged to receive a signal from the vehicle axle load determination means 120 representing data about vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 22, operably connected to the vehicle axle load detection means 122. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 22 arranged to receive a signal from the vehicle axle load detection means 122 representing data about detected vehicle axle load of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 30a, operably connected to the policy fulfilment determination means 130. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 30a arranged to send a signal to the policy fulfilment determination means 130 representing data about determined specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 30b, operably connected to the policy fulfilment determination means 130. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 30b arranged to send a signal to the policy fulfilment determination means 130 representing data about specific vehicle axle load policies with which the at least one zone is associated.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 30c, operably connected to the policy fulfilment determination means 130. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 30c arranged to receive a signal from the policy fulfilment determination means 130 representing data about whether the specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle fulfils specific vehicle axle load policies with which the at least one zone is associated. If the policies are not fulfilled, the data may comprise data to what degree the specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle does not fulfil the specific vehicle axle load policies with which the at least one zone is associated.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 40a, operably connected to the number of vehicles determination means 140. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 40a arranged to send a signal to the number of vehicles determination means 140 representing data about determined specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle and data about number of vehicles in the at least one zone.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 40b, operably connected to the number of vehicles determination means 140. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 40b arranged to send a signal to the number of vehicles determination means 140 representing data about specific vehicle axle load policies with which the at least one zone is associated.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 40c, operably connected to the number of vehicles determination means 140. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 40c arranged to receive a signal from the number of vehicles determination means 140 representing data about allowable number of vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined in order to fulfil specific vehicle axle load policies with which the at least one zone is associated. If the policies are not fulfilled, the data may comprise data about adapting the number of vehicles in the at least one zone.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 50a, operably connected to the vehicle operation adaption means 150. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 50a arranged to send a signal to the vehicle operation adaption means 150 representing data about determined specific vehicle axle load.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 50b, operably connected to the vehicle operation adaption means 150. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement

100 is via the link 50b arranged to send a signal to the vehicle operation adaption means 150 representing data about specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone so as to fulfil those policies.

According to an embodiment the control arrangement 100 is arranged to send a signal to the vehicle operation adaption means 150 representing data about required adaption based on information from the policy fulfilment determination means 130.

The vehicle operation adaption means 150 may be arranged to process the data about determined specific vehicle axle load and the data about specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone so as to fulfil those policies so as to determine required adaption. The vehicle operation adaption means 150 is arranged to adapt vehicle operation of said at least one vehicle so as to fulfil vehicle axle load policies.

The vehicle operation adaption means 150 may be arranged to process the data about determined specific vehicle axle load and the data about specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone so as to determine required weight distribution in order to fulfil those policies. The weight distribution arrangement 152 is arranged to distribute the vehicle weight onto a relevant number of vehicle axles based on the determined required weight distribution in order to fulfil the specific vehicle axle load policies.

The vehicle operation adaption means 150 may be arranged to process the data about determined specific vehicle axle load and the data about specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone so as to determine allowable number of vehicles in the at least one zone in order to fulfil those policies. The vehicle number adaption means 154 is arranged to adapt the number of vehicles in the at least one zone based on the determined allowable number of vehicles in the at least one zone in order to fulfil the specific vehicle axle load policies.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is, via a link 60, operably connected to the information means 160. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 100 is via the link 60 arranged to send a signal to the information means 160 representing data about the vehicle operation adapting the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle based on the determined specific vehicle axle load as well as the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone so as to fulfil those policies.

The control arrangement 100 is according to an embodiment arranged to process the data about one or more zones associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle.

The control arrangement 100 is according to an embodiment configured to control adaption of the vehicle operation automatically so as to fulfil the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone. The control arrangement 100 is according to an embodiment configured to control the vehicle operation automatically in such a way that the vehicle operator may not interrupt the automatic control. The control arrangement 100 is according to an embodiment configured to control the vehicle operation automatically in such a way that the automatic control may be overridden by the vehicle operator. The control arrangement 100 is according to an embodiment configured to control the vehicle operation automatically in such a way that the automatic control may be forced or overridden depending on specific vehicle axle load policies and/or the performed automatic adaption of vehicle operation. The control arrangement 100 according to the present invention may comprise or be operably connected to one or more of the means 1 10, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 of the system I. The control arrangement 100 according to the present invention may be operably connected to one or more of the means 1 10, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 of the system I via any suitable link/links. The control arrangement 100 for controlling vehicle operation during operation of the vehicle according to the present invention may comprise or be operably connected to other means.

The control arrangement 100 for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation, according to an embodiment, adapted to perform the method M1 described below with reference to fig. 5.

The system I for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation is according to an embodiment, adapted to perform the method M1 described below with reference to fig. 5.

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a flow chart of a method M1 for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

According to the embodiment the method for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation comprises a step S1. In this step at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle is determined. The at least one zone is arranged to be determined by means of zone determination means.

According to an embodiment of the method the at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle comprises a geographical zone and/or a time zone. According to the embodiment the method comprises a step S2. In this step a specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle is determined. The specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle is arranged to be determined by vehicle axle load determination means. According to the embodiment the method comprises a step S3. In this step the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle is adapted based on the determined specific vehicle axle load as well as the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone so as to fulfil those policies. The adaption of the vehicle operation is performed by vehicle operation adaption means.

According to the embodiment the method comprises the step of determining whether the at least one vehicle fulfils the specific vehicle axle load policies. The step of determining whether the at least one vehicle fulfils the specific vehicle axle load policies may comprise comparing the determined specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle with the specific vehicle axle load policies with which the at least one zone is associated. The comparison may be performed by means of any suitable processor unit such as a control arrangement, e.g. a control arrangement in accordance with fig. 4.

The step S3 of adapting the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle comprises the step of distributing the vehicle weight onto a relevant number of vehicle axles. The step of distributing the vehicle weight onto a relevant number of vehicle axles may comprise controlling, i.e. raising and lowering, at least one tag axle of the at least one vehicle.

The at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies comprises an allowable total amount of specific vehicle axle loads

According to the embodiment the method comprises the step of determining an allowable number of the vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined. The step S3 of adapting the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle comprises the step of adapting the number of vehicles in the at least one zone.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation is performed automatically.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of adapting the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle based on the determined specific vehicle axle load as well as the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone so as to fulfil those policies is performed automatically.

The automatic performance of the control of the vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation may according to an embodiment be forced so that the vehicle operator may not interrupt. The automatic performance of the control of the vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation may according to an embodiment be overridden by the vehicle operator. The automatic performance of the control of the vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation may according to an embodiment be forced or overridden depending on policy and/or the performed automatic adaption of vehicle operation.

According to the embodiment the method vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation is performed without informing the vehicle operator about the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle based on the determined specific vehicle axle load as well as the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone so as to fulfil those policies.

The method M1 for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation is according to an embodiment adapted to be performed by the system I described above with reference to fig. 4.

With reference to figure 6, a diagram of a computer 500/apparatus 500 is shown. The control arrangement 100 described with reference to fig. 3 may according to an embodiment comprise apparatus 500. Apparatus 500 comprises a non-volatile memory 520, a data processing device 510 and a read/write memory 550. Non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory portion 530 wherein a computer program, such as an operating system, is stored for controlling the function of apparatus 500. Further, apparatus 500 comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, l/O-means, an A/D-converter, a time date entry and transmission unit, an event counter and an interrupt controller (not shown). Non-volatile memory 520 also has a second memory portion 540.

A computer program P is provided comprising routines for controlling vehicle operation comprising axle load control of at least one vehicle during vehicle operation.

The program P comprises routines for determining at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle. The at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle may comprise a geographical zone and/or a time zone. The program P may comprise routines for determining a specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle. The program P may comprise routines for adapting the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle based on the determined specific vehicle axle load as well as the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone so as to fulfil those policies. The routines for adapting the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle comprises routines for distributing the vehicle weight onto a relevant number of vehicle axles. The at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies comprises an allowable total amount of specific vehicle axle loads. The program P comprises routines for determining an allowable number of the vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined. The routines for adapting the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle comprises routines for adapting the number of vehicles in the at least one zone. The computer program P may be stored in an executable manner or in a compressed condition in a separate memory 560 and/or in read/write memory 550.

When it is stated that data processing device 510 performs a certain function it should be understood that data processing device 510 performs a certain part of the program which is stored in separate memory 560, or a certain part of the program which is stored in read/write memory 550.

Data processing device 510 may communicate with a data communications port 599 by means of a data bus 515. Non-volatile memory 520 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 512. Separate memory 560 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 51 1. Read/write memory 550 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 514. To the data communications port 599 e.g. the links connected to the control unit 100 may be connected. When data is received on data port 599 it is temporarily stored in second memory portion 540. When the received input data has been temporarily stored, data processing device 510 is set up to perform execution of code in a manner described above. The signals received on data port 599 may be used by apparatus 500 for determining at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies relevant for the operation of the vehicle. The signals received on data port 599 may be used by apparatus 500 for determining a specific vehicle axle load of the at least one vehicle. The signals received on data port 599 may be used by apparatus 500 for adapting the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle based on the determined specific vehicle axle load as well as the specific vehicle axle load policies associated with the at least one zone so as to fulfil those policies. The signals used by apparatus 500 for adapting the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle may comprise signals used for distributing the vehicle weight onto a relevant number of vehicle axles. The at least one zone associated with specific vehicle axle load policies comprises an allowable total amount of specific vehicle axle loads. The signals received on data port 599 may be used by apparatus 500 for determining an allowable number of the vehicles for which the specific vehicle axle load has been determined. The signals used by apparatus 500 for adapting the vehicle operation of the at least one vehicle comprises signals used for adapting the number of vehicles in the at least one zone.

Parts of the methods described herein may be performed by apparatus 500 by means of data processing device 510 running the program stored in separate memory 560 or read/write memory 550. When apparatus 500 runs the program, parts of the methods described herein are executed.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.