semitrailer

Abstract

A semi-trailer includes an elongated trailer frame having a front and a rear portion, wheel bogies disposed below the trailer frame, and a crane disposed near the rear portion of the trailer frame, wherein the crane is configured to raise and lower the rear portion of the trailer frame. The crane includes an actuator connected to the trailer frame at the rear, a plurality of pivot support arms connected to the ends of the actuator, and a plurality of ground engagement members connected to the ends of the plurality of support arms, wherein the ground engagement members are powered to laterally move the rear portion of the trailer frame.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 846,923, filed April 13, 2020, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. BACKGROUND

[0003] In conventional semi-trailers, a jack arrangement is used at the end of the trailer proximate to the connection with the truck or tractor to lift the trailer when it is not connected with the tractor. These trailers are typically manually operated by a crank that operates to raise or lower the legs or supports that support the free end of the semi-trailer. During use, a typical trailer is connected with the tractor by a kingpin connection at its free end to a mating slot on the tractor. In this use condition, the legs of the trailer jack are typically retracted and the trailer is moved and maneuvered by the movement and maneuvering of the tractor.

[0004] In positioning the trailer to align with a dock for loading or unloading, the tractor will typically perform close maneuvers to align the position of the wheeled end of the trailer with the dock. Depending on the space available in front of the dock for maneuvering, the task of positioning the wheeled end of the trailer relative to the dock can require many close or intensive maneuvers. Given that the position of the trailer is determined by the positioning of the kingpin end of the trailer, the maneuvers that are often performed tend to create excessive stress on the wheels, tires and axles of the wheeled end of the trailer and the overall structure of the trailer itself.

[0005] Various solutions have been proposed in the past to help alleviate the need to maneuver the position of the trailer by the tractor alone. One example of a previously proposed solution can be seen in U.S. Patent No. 3,292,803 to Keller et al. In Keller, the trailer jack opposite the wheeled end of the trailer chassis includes a hydraulic actuator for raising and lowering the jack supports that can replace the conventional manual crank actuator. The trailer of Keller also includes a door on the front side of the trailer (opposite the wheels) so that the front can be lowered using the hydraulic actuator when the trailer is disconnected from the tractor to enable loading of the trailer from the front. While the solution of Keller alleviates the stresses caused in aligning the rear of the trailer with the dock by enabling loading of the trailer from the ground at any position in some respects, it does not provide a viable solution for the industrial loading operations of a parked trailer and does not facilitate trailer maneuvering when the trailer is connected with the tractor. SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention provides a semi-trailer comprising an elongated trailer frame having a front and a rear portion, a wheel bogie disposed below the elongated trailer frame, wherein the wheel bogie includes a plurality of wheels having corresponding axles, and a crane disposed near the rear portion of the elongated trailer frame. The crane is configured to raise and lower the rear portion of the elongated trailer frame. The semi-trailer further includes: a crane frame disposed near the axles of the wheel bogie and configured to lean against and lift the axles when the crane is used; an actuator having a distal end and a proximal end opposite to the distal end, wherein the proximal end is connected to the elongated trailer frame at the rear; a plurality of pivot support arms having a distal end and a proximal end opposite to the distal end, wherein the proximal end is connected to the distal end of the actuator; and a plurality of ground engagement members connected to the distal ends of the plurality of support arms. The ground engagement members are configured to be capable of rotational movement.

[0007] The present invention also provides a semi-trailer comprising an elongated trailer frame having a front and a rear portion; a wheel bogie disposed below the elongated trailer frame, wherein the wheel bogie includes a plurality of wheels having corresponding axles; and a crane disposed near the rear portion of the elongated trailer frame. The crane is configured to raise and lower the rear portion of the elongated trailer frame. The semi-trailer further includes an actuator having a distal end and a proximal end opposite to the distal end, wherein the proximal end is connected to the elongated trailer frame at the rear; and a plurality of pivot support arms having a distal end and a proximal end opposite to the distal end. The proximal end is connected to the distal end of the actuator. The semi-trailer further includes a plurality of ground engagement members connected to the distal ends of the plurality of support arms. The ground engagement members are configured to be capable of rotational movement.

[0008] The present invention further provides a method for operating a semi-trailer, the method comprising: providing a frame having a front portion and a rear portion, the frame including a longitudinal axis, the front portion including a kingpin connector adapted to engage with a slotted engagement on a tractor unit, the rear portion including a wheel bogie having a plurality of wheels connected via respective axles, and providing a crane associated with the wheel bogie. The method further includes selectively actuating the crane to move from a retracted position to an extended position, thereby raising the wheel bogie from the ground to a height such that a gap is formed between the plurality of wheels and the ground, and the crane bears the load of the semi-trailer; and selectively actuating the crane to move from the extended position to a retracted position, thereby lowering the wheel bogie back to the ground such that the plurality of wheels contact the ground to bear the load of the semi-trailer. The method further includes selectively actuating one or more movable ground engagement members of the crane while the crane is in the extended position to move the wheel bogie and the rear portion of the frame in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 It is a side view schematic diagram of the tractor-trailer according to this disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a semi-trailer bogie according to the present disclosure, in which the wheels are removed to show its main components.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a crane arranged below the bogie of a semi-trailer, according to the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a partial schematic diagram of various operating positions of a crane used with a semi-trailer according to the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 7 According to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the movable ground engagement component of the crane.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a tractor-trailer having a laterally movable rear section according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a block diagram of a control system for a crane according to a certain embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Specific embodiments or features will now be referenced in detail, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, corresponding or similar reference numerals will be used in all the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. Furthermore, when there may be more than one element of the same type, references to the various elements described herein will be made jointly or separately. However, such references are merely exemplary in nature. It should be noted that any reference to an element in the singular form, unless expressly stated in the appended claims, may be interpreted as referring to the plural form and vice versa, and not as limiting the scope of this disclosure to the exact number or type of that element.

[0017] Now refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1A schematic diagram of a tractor unit 100 with a semi-trailer 102 is shown from a side view, wherein the semi-trailer is connected to the tractor unit. The tractor unit 100 includes a frame 104 supported by one or more rear wheel sets 108 and a set of steerable front wheels 110 and movable relative to the road surface 106. In known methods, power to drive the wheels 108 is provided by an engine 112, and the operation of the truck is performed automatically or by an operator occupying an operator's cab 114. A kingpin connector 116 pivotally connects the tractor unit frame 104 to the semi-trailer frame 118. The semi-trailer frame 118 includes a front portion 120 and a rear portion 122 connected to the tractor unit 100 at the kingpin connector 116. A semi-trailer bogie 200 is connected to the rear portion 122 of the semi-trailer frame 118 and includes one or more wheel sets 202 that support the rear of the semi-trailer 102 on the road surface 106 during travel. As is well known, and further see Figure 2 Each wheelset 202 may include two or more single or side-by-side tires with air brakes and supported on an axle 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the semi-trailer 102 includes a housing 124 accessible through a door 126, but other configurations may also be used. Known configurations of semi-trailers can take on a variety of shapes and structures depending on the application of the semi-trailer, including flatbed trailers, tank trailers, loose aggregate hopper trailers, and special purpose trailers. In connection with this disclosure, the systems and methods described herein can be applied to any type of trailer, including at least one semi-trailer or a self-supporting "drawer seat" trailer, the semi-trailer or self-supporting "fifth wheel" trailer comprising a frame supported on the road surface by two or more wheels.

[0018] like Figure 2 As shown, the semi-trailer bogie 200 includes a mounting flange 206, which can be connected to the semi-trailer frame 118. Figure 1 The bottom surface of the axle is rigidly or slidably connected. The bogie 200 includes two axles 204, although one or more axles may be used in some known bogie configurations. A suspension arrangement 208 connects the axles 204 to the bogie body 210, and a swivel rod 212 allows the axles 204 to swing back and forth relative to the body 210, as is well known. It should be noted that although a leaf spring suspension arrangement is shown, air cushion, pneumatic and / or other suspension arrangements may also be used. In the illustrated embodiment, each axle 204 includes a hub 214, on which a rim 216 and a tire 218 (e.g., ...) are mounted at either end. Figure 1 (As shown). In known arrangements, the hub may also include drum brakes for each hub.

[0019] According to this disclosure, the crane is connected to the axle 204 of the semi-trailer bogie, such as...Figure 3 A schematic diagram from a bottom view is shown. In this diagram, and in the following description, for simplicity, structures and features that are identical or similar to the corresponding structures and features already described are indicated by the same reference numerals used previously. Now refer to... Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a crane 10 connected to axle 204 and disposed below the rear portion 122 of a semi-trailer 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The crane 10 is a device integrated into or connectable to the semi-trailer 102, specifically, a device integrated into or connectable to the semi-trailer bogie 200. In other words, as described below, the primary function of the crane 10 can be provided as an add-on or kit for mounting to an existing bogie, or alternatively, it can be provided by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the bogie.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the lifting device 10 is an addition to the existing bogie 200. The lifting device 10 mainly includes a frame 15, an actuator 20, multiple support arms 25, and multiple ground engagement members 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the ground engagement members can be implemented as wheels or rollers capable of lateral movement along the ground, or fixed outriggers. See further details. Figure 7 In some embodiments, each of the plurality of ground engagement members 30 is implemented as a wheel or roller, such as a forklift or a solid rubber wheel, including an axle 40 connected to a motor 45 to rotate the respective ground engagement member 30 when it contacts the ground. In some embodiments, the motor 45 may be connected to a power and control conduit 50 for operation control. The conduit 50 may deliver electrical, mechanical motion, and / or pneumatic or hydraulically actuated fluid, depending on the type of power required to selectively operate the motor 45 in each direction.

[0021] Now back Figure 3The illustration shows a frame 15 consisting of two crossbars extending parallel to the front-rear axis or longitudinal axis A of the semi-trailer 102, attached to the semi-trailer bogie 200 using clamps 220, and specifically, to the axle 204. However, it should be understood that other attachment methods, such as welded and / or bolted flanges, can also be used. The connection between the frame 15 and the axle 204 enables the axle, and thus the rear end of the trailer, to be supported on the crane 10. The actuator 20 in the illustrated embodiment is a pneumatic actuator, but other types of actuation can also be used. This actuator operates to raise and lower one or more support arms 25, each having a ground engagement member 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 20 is supported on the frame 15 and includes an actuation device that operates to extend or retract the arms 25 and members 30 vertically away from and toward the ground in a direction L perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. Furthermore, when the arm 25 is in the retracted position, the actuator 20 can further pivot about the pivot axis 222 to fully retract the arm 25 and provide ground clearance in the space between the wheels 218.

[0022] In one embodiment, which can be described as a simple lifting device, the ground engagement member 30 is a foot or landing pad that, when extended, distributes the weight of the semi-trailer 102 evenly across the ground. In some embodiments, the ground engagement member 30 is a driven wheel sized to support the weight of the rear portion 122 of the semi-trailer 102 when the support arm 25 is lowered or extended. In some embodiments, the wheel at 30 is also configured to allow translational movement of the rear portion of the semi-trailer 102 in a direction transverse to the length of the trailer frame 118, powered by a motor 45, for example by electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic power. Rotation of the ground wheel 30 causes the rear portion 122 of the semi-trailer 102 to move in a direction parallel to the axle 204, such that the trailer 102 rotates about its kingpin connection to the tractor when the tractor is stationary.

[0023] During operation, the lifting device 10 can typically be in multiple positions, some of which are... Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in [the image]. Figure 4 The image shows the crane 10 in a retracted position, which can be used, for example, when the semi-trailer 102 is traveling at high speed on the road during normal use. In this retracted position, the actuator 20 rotates about axis 222, causing the arm 25 to rotate upward (in the longitudinal direction) to lift the member 30 off the ground or road surface 106. During this operation, the arm 25 is preferably in its retracted position.

[0024] When the semi-trailer 102 is stopped or stationary and it is desired to deploy the crane 10, the actuator 20 rotates about axis 222 in the opposite direction to its rotation to present a retracted position, causing the boom 25 to rotate downwards to present a generally vertical orientation (as well as...). Figure 3 (As shown). At this deployment location, as Figure 5 As shown, arm 25 remains retracted, such that ground engagement member 30 is away from or just in contact with the ground 106, but does not bear any weight of semi-trailer 102. In the deployed state, wheels 202 still bear the load of the trailer weight.

[0025] When the crane is to be used, for example, to provide ground clearance between trailer wheels 202 and the ground for tire changing, or for the rear of a motorized trailer, boom 25 extends and begins to push ground engagement member 30 toward the ground and against it. Boom 25 can be fully extended to lift wheels 202 off the ground and provide a lifting clearance h between the wheels and the ground, such as... Figure 6 As shown. In this extended position, the weight of the trailer borne by the wheels has now been transferred to the ground engagement member 30. After use, the crane 10 can be retracted again by first retracting the boom 25 to raise the ground engagement member from the ground, and then rotating the actuator 20 to swing the boom 25 and the ground engagement member 30 closer to the frame 118. It should be understood that, depending on the linear travel of the boom 25, the function of rotating the boom for retraction can be omitted when the retracted boom provides sufficient ground clearance between the road surface and the ground engagement member.

[0026] In some embodiments, the lifting device 10 includes a ground engagement member 30 as described above. The ground engagement member 30 may include, for example, Figure 7 The motorized wheel 30 shown is connected to a motor 45 and a support arm 25 via a shaft 40. In some embodiments, the motor 45 can be controlled and powered via a conduit 50 disposed within the support arm 25.

[0027] Now see Figure 9 A block diagram of a control system for a crane 10 according to an embodiment is shown. In some embodiments, the crane 10 may include an actuator 20 configured to deploy the crane 10 from a retracted position substantially parallel to the ground or road below the semi-trailer 102 to a deployed or operating position substantially perpendicular to the ground or road. The crane 10 may also include a crane controller 60 electrically connected to a pressure cylinder 55, which is integrated with the boom 25 and configured to extend and retract the boom 25 between the deployed and extended positions. In some embodiments, the pressure cylinder 55 may be pneumatic or hydraulic and configured to be supplied by or connected to an air compression system or braking system of the semi-trailer 102.

[0028] Now see Figure 8 According to embodiments of this disclosure, the tractor 100 and semi-trailer 102 have a rear section that is laterally movable at points B and B'. The ability to lift the rear section of the semi-trailer 102 (whether or not the rear section is also configured to be movable) is advantageous because it allows for maintenance in the field and while the semi-trailer 102 is loaded, such as changing tires or brake pads and other components. The ability to move the semi-trailer 102 laterally or sideways (e.g. Figure 8 (As indicated by the middle arrows B and B') allows the semi-trailer 102 to be maneuvered in a tight space where it might otherwise be unable to park, or in most cases, when forced to make tight turns in such a space, for example when the semi-trailer 102 is positioned in a loading berth, the semi-trailer 102 maneuvers in a manner that causes high stress on the frame 118 and wheel bogie 200 and wear on the tires 218.

[0029] All references cited in this article, including publications, patent applications and patents, are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that each reference is individually and specifically cited and fully elaborated herein.

[0030] In the context of describing the invention (particularly in the context of the following claims), the use of the terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and “at least one,” and similar indicators, should be interpreted as covering both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise stated herein or obviously contradicted by the context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (e.g., “at least one of A and B”) should be interpreted as indicating a selection of one item from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more items from the listed items (A and B), unless otherwise stated herein or obviously contradicted by the context. Unless otherwise specified, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” should be interpreted as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including but not limited to”). Unless otherwise specified herein, the enumeration of numerical ranges herein is intended only as a concise expression for individual reference to each individual value falling within the range, and each individual value is incorporated herein as if it were individually enumerated herein. All methods described herein may be implemented in any suitable order, unless otherwise stated herein or obviously contradicted by the context. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "for example") provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention unless otherwise required. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating that any unclaimed element is necessary for practicing the invention.

[0031] This document describes preferred embodiments of the invention, including the best modes known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of these preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect those skilled in the art to appropriately employ these variations, and the inventors intend to practice the invention in ways other than those specifically described herein. Therefore, the invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter described in the appended claims as permitted by applicable law. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by the context, the invention covers any combination of the foregoing elements in all possible variations.

Claims

1. A semi-trailer, comprising: A slender trailer frame having a front and a rear section; A wheel bogie, disposed beneath the elongated trailer frame, wherein the wheel bogie includes a plurality of wheels having corresponding axles; and A lifting device, disposed near the rear of the elongated trailer frame, wherein the lifting device includes one or more arms capable of extending toward and retracting away from the ground relative to the elongated trailer frame, each of the one or more arms having a ground engagement member disposed thereon, wherein the extension of the one or more arms is configured to allow the ground engagement member of each of the one or more arms to contact the ground to raise and lower the rear of the elongated trailer frame; and Each of the ground engagement components lifts the wheel bogie and its plurality of wheels off the road surface, thereby lifting the rear of the elongated trailer frame off the ground.

2. The semi-trailer according to claim 1, wherein, The extensions of the one or more arms are configured to lift the plurality of wheels off the ground to a height h.

3. The semi-trailer according to claim 1, wherein, The lifting device also includes a frame connected to the corresponding axle of the plurality of wheels.

4. The semi-trailer according to claim 3, wherein, The lifting device also includes an actuator connected between the frame and the one or more arms, the actuator being operated to rotate the one or more arms to and from a vertical deployment position and a retracted position.

5. The semi-trailer according to claim 1, wherein, The ground-connecting component consists of multiple motorized wheels.

6. The semi-trailer according to claim 5, wherein, Each of the plurality of motorized wheels includes a load-bearing wheel connected to an axle, the axle being connected to a motor, the motor being electrically connected to a controller configured to guide the movement of the motorized wheel.

7. The semi-trailer according to claim 6, wherein, When the semi-trailer is lifted by the crane, the crane, which includes the plurality of motorized wheels, is configured to allow the rear of the semi-trailer to move laterally relative to the front of the semi-trailer via the controller.

8. The semi-trailer according to claim 4, wherein, The actuator is a pneumatic pivot arm in fluid communication with the pneumatic system of the air brakes of the plurality of wheels.

9. The semi-trailer according to claim 1, wherein, The ground engagement member moves the rear of the elongated trailer frame in a direction transverse to the elongated trailer frame.

10. A semi-trailer, comprising: A frame having a front and a rear, the frame including a longitudinal axis, the front including a kingpin connector adapted to engage with a slot arranged on a tractor, and the rear including a wheel bogie having a plurality of wheels connected via corresponding axles. A lifting device associated with the wheel bogie, the lifting device being configured to: The wheel bogies are raised off the ground into an extended position at a height that creates a gap between the plurality of wheels and the ground, and the crane bears the load of the semi-trailer. The wheel bogies are lowered back to the ground and placed in the retracted position, so that the multiple wheels are in contact with the ground to bear the load of the semi-trailer. The lifting device further includes a movable ground engagement member. When the lifting device is in the extended position, the ground engagement member moves the rear of the wheel bogie and the frame in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and Each of the ground engagement components lifts the wheel bogie and its plurality of wheels off the road surface, thereby lifting the rear of the frame off the ground.

11. The semi-trailer of claim 10, further comprising an actuator associated with the crane, the actuator having a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, wherein, The proximal end is connected to the frame of the jack, and the frame of the jack is connected to the corresponding axle of the wheel bogie.

12. The semi-trailer according to claim 11, further comprising a plurality of pivot support arms, each pivot support arm having a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, wherein, The proximal end of the pivot support arm is connected to the distal end of the actuator.

13. The semi-trailer according to claim 12, wherein, The crane also includes a plurality of ground engagement members connected to the distal ends of the plurality of pivot support arms, wherein the ground engagement members are configured to rotate when the crane is in the extended position and when the ground engagement members bear the load of the semi-trailer on the ground, the rotation causing movement of the rear of the trailer.

14. The semi-trailer according to claim 13, wherein, The ground-connecting component consists of multiple motorized wheels.

15. A method for operating a semi-trailer, comprising: A frame having a front and a rear is provided, the frame including a longitudinal axis, the front including a kingpin connector adapted to engage with a slotted joint disposed on a tractor, and the rear including a wheel bogie having a plurality of wheels connected via respective axles. Provide a crane associated with the wheel bogie; The crane is selectively activated to move from a retracted position to an extended position to raise the wheel bogies off the ground to a height such that a gap is formed between the plurality of wheels and the ground, and the crane bears the load of the semi-trailer. Selectively activate the crane to move from the extended position to the retracted position to lower the wheel bogie back to the ground, so that the plurality of wheels contact the ground to bear the load of the semi-trailer; as well as When the crane is in the extended position, one or more movable ground engagement members of the crane are selectively activated to move the wheel bogie and the rear of the frame in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing an actuator associated with the lifting device, the actuator having a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, wherein, The proximal end is connected to the frame of the crane, and the frame is connected to the corresponding axle of the wheel bogie.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a plurality of pivoting support arms, each pivoting support arm having a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, wherein, The proximal end of the pivot support arm is connected to the distal end of the actuator.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising providing a plurality of ground engagement members connected to the distal ends of the plurality of pivot support arms, wherein, When the crane is in the extended position and when the ground engagement member bears the load of the semi-trailer on the ground, the ground engagement member is configured to rotate, which causes movement of the rear of the trailer.

19. A semi-trailer, comprising: A slender trailer frame having a front and a rear section; A wheel bogie, disposed beneath the elongated trailer frame, wherein the wheel bogie includes a plurality of wheels having corresponding axles; and A lifting device, disposed near the rear of the elongated trailer frame, wherein the lifting device includes one or more arms capable of extending toward and retracting away from the ground relative to the elongated trailer frame, each of the one or more arms having a ground engagement member disposed thereon, wherein the extension of the one or more arms is configured to allow the ground engagement member of each of the one or more arms to contact the ground to raise and lower the rear of the elongated trailer frame; and The ground engagement member is configured to allow the rear portion of the elongated trailer frame to move in a direction transverse to the elongated trailer frame.

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