Control system and control method for a trailer tug

Abstract

This application discloses a control system and control method for a trailer towing device. During the coupling process, the system first confirms that the central mechanism is open OR activates the drive mechanism to open the towing seat, and then the coupling operation is carried out. When the coupling is completed, the central mechanism automatically resets, and the control system automatically controls the reverse drive to lock and reinforce the central mechanism, preventing abnormal opening of the central mechanism due to vibration during vehicle transportation. This also eliminates the need for the locking mechanism of conventional manual towing devices. During the uncoupling operation, because the locking structure is eliminated, the control system can be directly activated, and the drive mechanism can be used to open the towing device's central mechanism in a forward direction, allowing the tractor to be driven away for uncoupling. This eliminates the need for laborious manual operation, avoiding situations where the operation is difficult due to high operating height and narrow space, requiring the operator to enter the space between the trailer and tractor sideways. It also eliminates the need to manually open the safety lock.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of towing device technology, specifically to a control system and control method for a trailer towing device. Background Technology

[0002] A trailer winch is a towing component used by a cargo tractor to pull a semi-trailer; it is also known as a towing seat or towing device. As the connecting structure between the tractor and the trailer, the trailer winch is a crucial structural component in logistics transportation.

[0003] In existing technology, trailer traction devices are installed on cargo trucks and lock the trailer hook by engaging with the hook using their own wedges, thus enabling towing operations. However, the traditional solution has the following drawbacks:

[0004] The installation space is quite high and the space is relatively narrow, requiring people to enter sideways to operate it;

[0005] The trailer tow bar has a long pulling distance, making it difficult to achieve the requirement of pulling it apart in one go. In addition, personnel need to manually unlock the safety lock before uncoupling and confirm whether the uncoupling is completed during the uncoupling and recoupling process, which poses a risk of misoperation and misjudgment.

[0006] Application content

[0007] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this application discloses a control system and control method for a trailer tractor, which can overcome the deficiencies of existing technologies.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0009] The control system of the trailer traction device includes

[0010] The first cylinder and the second cylinder are used to jointly lock the central mechanism of the trailer puller. The first cylinder is used to open the swing arm of the trailer puller, and the second cylinder is used to open the pull rod of the trailer puller.

[0011] An on-board air source, which is used to supply air to the first cylinder and the second cylinder;

[0012] A three-position five-way central leakage solenoid valve is connected to a vehicle air source. The three-position five-way central leakage solenoid valve is connected to a first cylinder and a second cylinder. The positions of the three-position five-way central leakage solenoid valve include a first position for connecting to the vehicle air source, a second position for disconnecting the vehicle air source, and a third position for connecting to the vehicle air source.

[0013] The control terminal includes a switch, which is electrically connected to the three-position five-way central leakage solenoid valve. The control signals generated by the switch include a first signal for moving the three-position five-way central leakage solenoid valve to a first position, a second signal for moving the three-position five-way central leakage solenoid valve to a second position, and a third signal for moving the three-position five-way central leakage solenoid valve to a third position.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the three-position five-way central leakage solenoid valve includes a first air guide pipe and a second air guide pipe. The first air guide pipe connects to the front end of the first cylinder and the second cylinder, and the second air guide pipe connects to the end of the first cylinder and the second cylinder.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the cylinder diameter of the first cylinder is smaller than that of the second cylinder, and the volume of the first cylinder is smaller than that of the second cylinder.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, magnetic feedback sensing units are provided at the front and rear ends of the first cylinder, and at the front and rear ends of the second cylinder.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, a pressure reducing valve is connected to the vehicle-mounted air source, the pressure reducing valve is connected to a pressure sensor, and the pressure sensor is connected to a three-position five-way central leakage solenoid valve.

[0018] In addition, this application also discloses a control method for a trailer towing device, including the following steps:

[0019] The control terminal switch moves to the first position to generate a first signal. The three-position five-way leakage solenoid valve moves to the first position according to the received first signal and connects to the vehicle air source. The vehicle air source controls the first cylinder and the second cylinder to move synchronously to the retracted position. The first cylinder and the second cylinder jointly lock the central mechanism of the trailer tractor, and the trailer tractor performs loading.

[0020] The control terminal switch moves to the second position to generate a second signal. The three-position five-way leakage solenoid valve moves to the second position according to the received second signal and disconnects the vehicle air supply. The first cylinder and the second cylinder remain in the retracted position, and the trailer tractor remains unloaded.

[0021] The control terminal switch moves to the third position to generate a third signal. The three-position five-way leakage solenoid valve moves to the third position according to the received third signal and connects to the vehicle air source. The vehicle air source controls the first cylinder and the second cylinder to move to the open position step by step. The first cylinder and the second cylinder open the swing arm and the pull arm of the trailer traction device step by step, and the trailer traction device is disengaged.

[0022] The control terminal switch returns to the second position to generate a second signal. The three-position five-way leakage solenoid valve returns to the second position according to the received second signal and disconnects the vehicle air supply. The first and second cylinders remain in the open position, and the trailer tow truck engages.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the on-board air source controls the first cylinder to move to the open position, and the on-board air source controls the second cylinder to move from the retracted position to the open position, while the first cylinder opens the swing arm of the trailer tow bar.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the on-board air source controls the first and second cylinders to move to the open position, thereby opening the swing arm and pull rod of the trailer tractor.

[0025] This application discloses a control system and control method for a trailer tractor, which has the following advantages:

[0026] It can enable the tow unit to open and operate, and at the same time, it uses reverse air supply to lock the central mechanism. No manual operation is required, avoiding the situation where the operation height is high and the space is narrow, requiring the operator to enter the space between the trailer and the tow vehicle sideways to operate. There is no need to manually open the safety lock, making the operation convenient, easy, time-saving and labor-saving. At the same time, by integrating two cylinders into the housing, this invention greatly reduces the probability of cylinder damage and failure.

[0027] Pressure sensors and pressure reducing valves are installed between the entire gas supply system and the gas source to safely monitor the gas pressure inside the entire gas supply system. When high-pressure or low-pressure oil leakage occurs, the driver can receive fault information immediately, then get out of the vehicle to check and ensure safe driving.

[0028] A set of magnetic feedback sensing units is fixedly installed on the second cylinder and the first cylinder respectively. Each set of magnetic feedback sensing units consists of two magnetic feedback sensing units. The signal terminals of the magnetic feedback integration terminal are electrically connected to the signal terminals of the four magnetic feedback sensing units respectively through wires. The control terminal and the external signal terminals of the magnetic feedback integration terminal are electrically connected to the human-machine interaction system through wires. This enables the detection of the working status of the two cylinders and the transmission of the detected data to the external human-machine interaction terminal, facilitating real-time monitoring of the cylinder's working condition.

[0029] During the coupling process, the system first confirms the opening of the central mechanism OR activates the drive mechanism to open the towing seat, then the coupling operation is carried out. Upon completion of coupling, the central mechanism automatically resets, and the control system automatically controls the reverse drive to lock and reinforce the central mechanism, preventing abnormal opening of the central mechanism due to vibrations during vehicle transportation. This also eliminates the need for the locking mechanism of conventional manual towing devices. During the uncoupling operation, because the locking structure is eliminated, the control system can be directly activated, and the drive mechanism can be used to open the towing device's central mechanism in a forward direction, allowing the tractor to be driven away for uncoupling. This eliminates the need for strenuous manual operation, avoiding situations where the operator has to lean sideways into the space between the trailer and tractor to operate the device, and also eliminates the need to manually unlock the safety lock. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below.

[0031] Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without any creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is an electrical schematic diagram of an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the normal driving and mounting state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the states when the device is unloaded and when the connection ends, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the inflation state at the beginning of an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the inflation state in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the inflation state at the end of an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the ready-to-attach state in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of this application.

[0040] In the diagram: 1. Control lever mechanism; 2. Safety lock; 3. Wedge block; 4. Traction hook; 5. Housing; A. First cylinder; B. Second cylinder; C. Pneumatic control terminal; D. Magnetic feedback sensing unit; F. Traction hook / pin position sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of this application, but not all embodiments.

[0042] Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, this application embodiment describes the control system of the trailer tractor.

[0045] The first cylinder is a double-stroke drive cylinder of model MA*-S, and the second cylinder is a double-stroke drive cylinder of model MA*-S. The control terminal controls the operation of the second cylinder and the first cylinder respectively.

[0046] A set of magnetic feedback sensing units is fixedly installed on the second cylinder and the first cylinder respectively. The magnetic feedback sensing units are KN position sensors, and each set of magnetic feedback sensing units consists of two magnetic feedback sensing units. The signal terminals of the magnetic feedback integration terminal are electrically connected to the signal terminals of the four magnetic feedback sensing units respectively through wires. The external signal terminals of the control terminal and the magnetic feedback integration terminal are electrically connected to the human-machine interaction system through wires. The human-machine interaction system is an alarm panel installed in the driver's cab.

[0047] The control terminal is a system consisting of a three-position five-way central leakage solenoid valve and two pressure regulating valves. The vehicle power source provides power to the control terminal, and a safety monitoring and control device is installed between the control terminal and the vehicle power source to monitor the safety of the entire power system.

[0048] The control terminal is a pneumatic control terminal, and the vehicle power source is a vehicle air source. The pneumatic control terminal and the vehicle air source are connected through an air guide pipe. A pressure sensor and a pressure reducing valve are fixedly installed in the air guide pipe in sequence from the pneumatic control terminal to the vehicle air source. The pneumatic control end of the pneumatic control terminal is connected to the air inlets of the second cylinder and the first cylinder through pipes respectively.

[0049] Other undescribed structures are referenced in the Chinese utility model patent with patent number CN202120300246.6, which discloses an automated trailer connector, and will not be elaborated here.

[0050] Example 2

[0051] The control method for the trailer tractor described in this application includes the following steps:

[0052] Under normal driving and loading conditions:

[0053] The switch inside the control terminal is in the first position, the solenoid valve is in the first position, the first cylinder and the second cylinder are both in the retracted state, the air circuit is connected, the cylinder is in the reverse charging state, and the control lever mechanism and wedge block of the central mechanism are locked.

[0054] No-load and connection completed status:

[0055] The switch inside the control terminal is in the second position, the solenoid valve is in the second position, the air circuit is connected to the atmosphere, and the cylinder is in the retracted state. At this time, the traction device can be manually controlled to open and close.

[0056] Preparing to open the traction device and begin inflation:

[0057] Set the switch inside the control terminal to the third position, the solenoid valve to the third position, the air circuit is connected, and the two cylinders begin to fill with air. At this time, due to the size of the cylinder diameter and the resistance it encounters, the first cylinder fills with air first, and the second cylinder fills with air later. The lever begins to move from the locked state to the open state, and the swing arm drives the lever to pull out loosely within the safety lock.

[0058] Inflating status:

[0059] The switch inside the control terminal is in the third position, the solenoid valve is in the third position, the first cylinder is filled with air first because the volume of gas required is small, the second cylinder continues to be filled with air until both cylinders are fully open. At this time, the lever is in the openable state, the swing arm drives the lever into the open state, and the swing arm drives the lever to pull out loosely within the safety lock.

[0060] Fully inflated, finished inflation state:

[0061] The switch inside the control terminal is in the third position, the solenoid valve is in the third position, the air circuit is connected, the cylinder is fully charged, both cylinders are fully open and in a pressure-holding state, the swing arm and pull rod are fully open, and it enters the detachable state.

[0062] Ready to connect:

[0063] As the cargo truck drives away, the trailer's towing pin disengages from the towing hook, the towing hook is in the open state, the towing hook / pin position sensor receives the towing hook open state signal, the system outputs a signal to set the switch inside the control terminal to the state, the solenoid valve is in the second position, the air circuit is disconnected, both cylinders are fully open, the rocker arm and tie rod are fully open and enter the ready-to-hook state.

[0064] Connection in progress:

[0065] When the cargo truck is attached to the trailer, the trailer's traction pin drives the traction hook to return to its original position. The central mechanism, due to the mechanical connection, returns to its original position under the drive of the spring. The traction hook position sensor receives the position signal, and the cylinder retraction sensor receives the signal, thus entering the attachment state.

[0066] Other undescribed structures are described in reference to the Chinese utility model patent for an automated trailer towing device disclosed in patent number CN202120300246.6, and will not be repeated here.

[0067] It should be noted that, in this article, relational terms are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations.

[0068] Moreover, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0069] In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0070] Obviously, those skilled in the art should understand that the modules or steps of this application described above can be implemented using general-purpose computing devices, which can be centralized on a single computing device or distributed on a network of multiple computing devices.

[0071] Alternatively, they can be implemented using computer-executable program code, so that they can be stored in a storage device for execution by a computer, or they can be fabricated as separate integrated circuit modules, or multiple modules or steps can be fabricated as a single integrated circuit module.

[0072] This invention is not limited to any particular combination of hardware and software.

[0073] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. The control system for the trailer traction device, including The first cylinder and the second cylinder are used to jointly lock the central mechanism of the trailer puller. The first cylinder is used to open the swing arm of the trailer puller, and the second cylinder is used to open the pull rod of the trailer puller. An on-board air source, which is used to supply air to the first cylinder and the second cylinder; A three-position five-way central leakage solenoid valve is connected to a vehicle air source. The three-position five-way central leakage solenoid valve is connected to a first cylinder and a second cylinder. The positions of the three-position five-way central leakage solenoid valve include a first position for connecting to the vehicle air source, a second position for disconnecting the vehicle air source, and a third position for connecting to the vehicle air source. The control terminal includes a switch, which is electrically connected to the three-position five-way central leakage solenoid valve. The control signals generated by the switch include a first signal for moving the three-position five-way central leakage solenoid valve to a first position, a second signal for moving the three-position five-way central leakage solenoid valve to a second position, and a third signal for moving the three-position five-way central leakage solenoid valve to a third position. The three-position five-way center leakage solenoid valve includes a first air guide pipe and a second air guide pipe. The first air guide pipe is connected to the front end of the first cylinder and the second cylinder, and the second air guide pipe is connected to the end of the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The cylinder diameter of the first cylinder is smaller than that of the second cylinder, and the volume of the first cylinder is smaller than that of the second cylinder. Magnetic feedback sensing units are provided at the front and rear ends of the first cylinder, and at the front and rear ends of the second cylinder.

2. The control system of a trailer tractor according to claim 1, wherein, A pressure reducing valve is connected to the vehicle-mounted air source, a pressure sensor is connected to the pressure reducing valve, and a three-position five-way central leakage solenoid valve is connected to the pressure sensor.

3. The control method for the control system of the trailer tractor according to any one of claims 1 to 2, comprising the following steps: The control terminal switch moves to the first position to generate a first signal. The three-position five-way leakage solenoid valve moves to the first position according to the received first signal and connects to the vehicle air source. The vehicle air source controls the first cylinder and the second cylinder to move synchronously to the retracted position. The first cylinder and the second cylinder jointly lock the central mechanism of the trailer tractor, and the trailer tractor performs loading. The control terminal switch moves to the second position to generate a second signal. The three-position five-way leakage solenoid valve moves to the second position according to the received second signal and disconnects the vehicle air supply. The first cylinder and the second cylinder remain in the retracted position, and the trailer tractor remains unloaded. The control terminal switch moves to the third position to generate a third signal. The three-position five-way leakage solenoid valve moves to the third position according to the received third signal and connects to the vehicle air source. The vehicle air source controls the first cylinder and the second cylinder to move to the open position step by step. The first cylinder and the second cylinder open the swing arm and pull arm of the trailer traction device step by step, and the trailer traction device is disengaged. The control terminal switch returns to the second position to generate a second signal. The three-position five-way leakage solenoid valve returns to the second position according to the received second signal and disconnects the vehicle air supply. The first and second cylinders remain in the open position, and the trailer tow truck engages.

4. The control method for the control system of the trailer traction device according to claim 3, wherein, The vehicle-mounted air source controls the first cylinder to move to the open position, and the vehicle-mounted air source controls the second cylinder to move from the retracted position to the open position, while the first cylinder opens the swing arm of the trailer tow bar.

5. The control method for the control system of the trailer tractor according to claim 3, wherein, The on-board air source controls the first and second cylinders to move to the open position, and the first and second cylinders open the swing arm and pull arm of the trailer tow bar.

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