Semitrailer blind spot inspector

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of blind spot detection technology, specifically disclosing a blind spot detector for a semi-trailer. The detector includes a vehicle body; an adjustment device mounted on the vehicle body, the adjustment device including a folding assembly and a steering assembly, the folding assembly including a limiting ring; a limiting seat and a transmission rod included in the steering assembly, the transmission rod being sleeved with a power assembly; a first slider disposed between the folding assembly and the steering assembly, the first slider having a crossbar assembly hinged to it; and a camera mount and lens mounted at one end of the crossbar assembly. This invention changes the height of the camera and the steering lock state through the folding device. When the folding device is in a steerable state, the position of the camera is changed by the steering assembly, thereby monitoring the side. In normal operation, the camera monitors vehicles approaching from behind from the roof; when a vehicle is detected, it rotates to the side to monitor vehicles on the side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of blind spot detection technology, specifically a blind spot inspector for semi-trailers. Background Technology

[0002] Blind spot inspection of semi-trailers mainly involves the regular inspection and maintenance of visual blind spots that may exist during the operation of semi-trailers to ensure vehicle driving safety. The blind spots of semi-trailers mainly include the front blind spot and the side blind spot. In real-world scenarios, accidents caused by the side blind spot are more common. Therefore, how to collect information on the side blind spot is the technical problem that this application aims to solve. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a blind spot detector for semi-trailers to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A blind spot detector for semi-trailers, the detector comprising:

[0006] Vehicle body;

[0007] An adjustment device installed on the vehicle body, the adjustment device including a folding assembly and a steering assembly, the folding assembly including a limiting ring, and a groove matching the limiting ring being formed on the vehicle body;

[0008] The steering assembly includes a limiting seat and a transmission rod. The limiting seat has a U-shaped groove that fits with one end of the transmission rod, and a power assembly is sleeved on the transmission rod.

[0009] A first slider is disposed between the folding assembly and the steering assembly. The first slider is connected to the folding assembly and slidably connected to the transmission rod. A crossbar assembly is hinged to the first slider. A camera mount and a lens mounted on the camera mount are installed at one end of the crossbar assembly.

[0010] As a further aspect of the present invention: the folding assembly includes:

[0011] The first connecting rod sleeved on the limiting ring;

[0012] A second link is hinged to the end of the first link away from the limiting ring;

[0013] A telescopic rod is hinged to the end of the second link away from the first link, and the telescopic rod is connected to the first slider;

[0014] The vehicle body has a built-in servo motor, the servo motor is externally connected to a key shaft, and the key shaft cooperates with the limiting ring.

[0015] As a further aspect of the present invention: the power assembly includes:

[0016] The worm gear mounted on it;

[0017] The worm that mates with the worm gear;

[0018] A second slider is detachably connected to the output shaft of the worm gear, and the second slider is slidably connected to the transmission rod.

[0019] As a further aspect of the present invention: the crossbar assembly includes:

[0020] A first end unit hinged to the first slider, wherein the first end unit is a base rod with two ends hinged together;

[0021] A cross unit hinged to the end unit; the cross unit includes two cross-connected third links, the middle parts of the two third links being hinged to each other;

[0022] A second end unit, located away from the first end unit, is installed in the cross unit, and the hinge of the second end unit is connected to the camera mount;

[0023] The number of the cross units is at least one, and the hinge of one of the cross units is hinged to the end of the transmission rod away from the limiting seat.

[0024] As a further aspect of the present invention: the telescopic rod includes:

[0025] A first cylinder, a second cylinder, and a third cylinder are coaxial; the third cylinder is connected to the first slider.

[0026] A gear seat is installed on the end of the second cylinder away from the first slider, and a gear is hinged to the gear seat;

[0027] A first rack is mounted on the first cylinder, and a second rack is mounted on the third cylinder. The gear engages with the first rack and the gear engages with the second rack.

[0028] As a further aspect of the present invention: the inspection device includes:

[0029] A valve port is installed on the second cylinder, and a through hole is provided on the second cylinder and the through hole to connect with the valve port; the valve port has a built-in photosensitive element;

[0030] A flow guide block is installed at one end of the transmission rod; the flow guide block has a built-in flow guide path, and the flow guide path is connected to the through hole.

[0031] As a further aspect of the present invention: the inspection device further includes:

[0032] The motor mounted on the vehicle body;

[0033] A lead screw mounted on the output shaft of the motor;

[0034] A third slider is slidably connected to the vehicle body, the third slider cooperates with the lead screw, and the third slider is provided with a transmission seat; the transmission seat has a slot.

[0035] A limiting bracket installed on the vehicle body; the limiting bracket has a slot.

[0036] A support rod is slidably connected to the limiting frame, and the support rod is slidably connected to the transmission seat; wherein, the support rod is limited by a latch to the transmission seat and the limiting frame respectively.

[0037] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: the present invention changes the height and steering lock state of the camera through the folding device. When the folding device is in the steerable state, the position of the camera is changed through the steering component, thereby monitoring the side. The effect of this application is that, in the normal state, the camera monitors the vehicles behind from the roof. When a vehicle is detected, it rotates to the side to monitor the vehicles on the side. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first front view of the semi-trailer blind spot detector.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second front view structure of the semi-trailer blind spot detector.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the rear view structure of a blind spot detector for semi-trailers.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the telescopic rod in the semi-trailer blind spot detector.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the telescopic rod in the semi-trailer blind spot detector.

[0044] In the diagram: 1-Car body, 2-groove, 3-limiting ring, 4-first connecting rod, 5-second connecting rod, 6-telescopic rod, 7-first slider, 8-base rod, 9-third connecting rod, 10-camera mount, 11-lens, 12-limiting seat, 13-second slider, 14-worm gear, 15-worm, 16-transmission rod, 17-motor, 18-lead screw, 19-third slider, 20-transmission seat, 21-support rod, 22-lock, 23-limiting frame, 24-guide block, 25-first cylinder, 2501-first rack, 26-second cylinder, 27-third cylinder, 2701-second rack, 28-gear seat, 29-gear, 30-through hole, 31-valve port. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0046] Please see Figures 1 to 5 In this embodiment of the invention, a blind spot detector for semi-trailers includes:

[0047] Vehicle body 1; The type of vehicle body 1 is not limited. The only requirement for vehicle body 1 in this application is that it has a flat roof. In addition, the area of ​​the flat roof is not limited in this application. Although the inspection device shown in the figure occupies the entire roof, this situation will not occur in actual applications. It will usually only occupy a small area. The situation in the attached figures provided in this application is only for illustrative purposes.

[0048] An adjustment device installed on the vehicle body 1 includes a folding assembly and a steering assembly. The folding assembly includes a limiting ring 3, and a groove 2 matching the limiting ring 3 is formed on the vehicle body 1. The function of the folding assembly is to store the camera when it is not in use. This storage process is not complete storage; it still needs to monitor the scene of the vehicle behind. It stores the camera's inspection function. The function of the steering assembly is to capture images of the blind spots on both sides of the vehicle body 1, acquire image information, and transmit it to the driver.

[0049] It should be noted that the folding component and the steering component are essentially one unit. When the folding component is in the folded state, the steering component resets, the folding component extends, and the steering component can rotate.

[0050] The steering assembly includes a limiting seat 12 and a transmission rod 16. The limiting seat 12 has a U-shaped groove that fits with one end of the transmission rod 16. A power assembly is sleeved on the transmission rod 16. The movement flow of the steering assembly provided in this application is as follows: during rotation, the farther the camera is from the center of rotation, the farther it reaches the outside of the vehicle body 1 to detect blind spots. In the technical solution of this application, the blind spots considered are mainly the side blind spots, especially the right front blind spots.

[0051] In one embodiment of the technical solution of the present invention, the radius is increased during the turning process by means of the limiting seat 12 and its U-shaped groove.

[0052] A first slider 7 is disposed between the folding assembly and the steering assembly. The first slider 7 is connected to the folding assembly and slidably connected to the transmission rod 16. A cross rod assembly is hinged to the first slider 7. A camera mount 10 and a lens 11 are mounted on the camera mount 10 at one end of the cross rod assembly. The first slider 7 is a component that connects the folding assembly and the steering assembly. The folding assembly will drive the first slider 7 to move up and down, thereby changing the state of the steering assembly and determining whether it can rotate.

[0053] In one embodiment of the technical solution of the present invention, when the folding device retracts (the limiting ring 3 rotates to the groove 2), the limiting ring 3, the first connecting rod 4, the telescopic rod 6 and the telescopic rod 6 are embedded in the groove 2. At this time, the first slider 7 is at the low point, the camera seat 10 and the lens 11 are at the low point, and the turning process is restricted. When the folding device extends (the limiting ring 3 rotates from the groove 2 to the outside), the turning component can move, thereby changing the rotation angle of the first slider 7, and then moving to the side of the vehicle body 1.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the technical solution of the present invention, the folding component includes:

[0055] The first connecting rod 4 is sleeved on the limiting ring 3; the first connecting rod 4 and the limiting ring 3 can rotate in the plane where the first connecting rod 4 is located, or they can rotate around the limiting ring 3 (translate on the limiting ring 3).

[0056] A second connecting rod 5 is hinged to the end of the first connecting rod 4 away from the limiting ring 3; the first connecting rod 4 and the second connecting rod 5 are hinged to each other. In order to ensure stability, the second connecting rod 5 generally adopts a symmetrical structure and is installed on both sides of the first connecting rod 4.

[0057] The telescopic rod 6 is hinged to the end of the second link 5 away from the first link 4, and the telescopic rod 6 is connected to the first slider 7; when the limiting ring 3 rotates, the distance between the limiting ring 3 and the first slider 7 actually changes. In order to prevent motion interference, the telescopic rod 6 is a necessary structure.

[0058] The movement of the limiting ring 3 is accomplished by a servo motor built into the vehicle body 1. The servo motor is externally connected to a key shaft, which cooperates with the limiting ring 3 (not shown in the figure).

[0059] In one example of the technical solution of the present invention, the operator controls the servo motor to rotate, which in turn drives the key shaft to rotate, thereby changing the angle between the limiting ring 3 and the top wall of the vehicle body 1. Different angles correspond to different degrees of folding. The telescopic rod 6 continuously changes its length during the folding process to prevent interference in the movement (the reason for the interference is that the position of the second slider 13 in the steering assembly is fixed, which limits the transmission rod 16).

[0060] As a preferred embodiment of the technical solution of the present invention, the power component includes:

[0061] The worm gear 14 is mounted on the 1;

[0062] A worm 15 that cooperates with the worm wheel 14; the worm wheel 14 and the worm 15 form a worm wheel and worm gear mechanism;

[0063] A second slider 13 is detachably connected to the output shaft of the worm gear 14, and the second slider 13 is slidably connected to the transmission rod 16; once the worm gear 14 and the second slider 13 are connected, they are in a relatively fixed state; when the worm gear 14 rotates, it will drive the second slider 13 to rotate, thereby driving the transmission rod 16 to rotate.

[0064] In one embodiment of the technical solution of the present invention, a power source pre-installed on the vehicle body 1 drives the worm gear 15 to rotate. When the worm gear 15 rotates, it drives the worm wheel 14 to rotate. The worm wheel 14 drives the second slider 13 to rotate through the key shaft. The second slider 13 drives the transmission rod 16 to rotate, which in turn drives the first slider 7 and the cross rod assembly to rotate, thereby changing the spatial position of the camera mount 10 and the lens 11.

[0065] Specifically, the crossbar assembly includes:

[0066] The first end unit is hinged to the first slider 7, and the first end unit is a base rod 8 with two ends hinged together;

[0067] A cross unit hinged to the end unit; the cross unit includes two cross-arranged third links 9, the middle parts of the two third links 9 being hinged to each other;

[0068] A second end unit, located away from the first end unit, is installed in the cross unit, and the hinge of the second end unit is connected to the camera mount 10;

[0069] The number of the cross units is at least one, and the hinge of one of the cross units is hinged to the end of the transmission rod 16 away from the limiting seat 12.

[0070] The structure of the crossbar is very simple; it is a simple telescopic structure composed of connecting rods. When the height of the transmission rod 16 changes, it will extend or retract, thereby changing the height of the camera mount 10 and the lens 11.

[0071] At this point, this application constitutes a complete solution, and its working principle is as follows:

[0072] The key shaft is rotated by the servo motor, which can change the angle of the limiting ring 3 relative to the vehicle body 1. Based on this, the limiting ring 3 drives the first slider 7 to slide on the transmission rod 16 through the first connecting rod 4 and the second connecting rod 5 that are hinged to each other, thereby changing the height of the first slider 7. During this process, when the limiting ring 3 is in the groove 2, the first connecting rod 4 cannot move on the limiting ring 3, and the steering assembly is locked. When the limiting ring 3 is outside the groove 2, the first connecting rod 4 can move on the limiting ring 3, and the steering assembly is released.

[0073] Furthermore, the power source drives the worm gear 15 to rotate. When the worm gear 15 rotates, it drives the worm wheel 14 to rotate. When the worm wheel 14 rotates, it drives the second slider 13 to rotate, which in turn drives the transmission rod 16 to rotate. The rotation process of the transmission rod 16 occurs within the U-shaped groove of the limiting seat 12. The larger the rotation angle, the closer the bottom end of the transmission rod 16 is to the second slider 13. That is, when rotating, the transmission rod 16 will rise relative to the second slider 13.

[0074] When the transmission rod 16 rises relative to the second slider 13, the distance between the hinge point of the transmission rod 16 and the cross unit and the first slider 7 increases. At this time, the cross rod extends, and the height of the camera mount 10 and the lens 11 increases, where the height refers to the distance between the camera mount 10 and the first slider 7.

[0075] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the technical solution of the present invention, the telescopic rod 6 includes:

[0076] A first cylindrical body 25, a second cylindrical body 26, and a third cylindrical body 27 are coaxial; the third cylindrical body 27 is connected to the first slider 7.

[0077] A gear seat 28 is installed on the end of the second cylinder 26 away from the first slider 7, and a gear 29 is hinged on the gear seat 28;

[0078] A first rack 2501 is installed on the first cylinder 25, a second rack 2701 is installed on the third cylinder 27, a gear 29 engages with the first rack 2501, and a gear 29 engages with the second rack 2701.

[0079] Based on this, the inspection device also includes:

[0080] A valve port 31 is installed on the second cylinder 26, and a through hole 30 connected to the valve port 31 is provided on the second cylinder 26 and the through hole 30; the valve port 31 has a built-in photosensitive element.

[0081] A flow guide block 24 is installed at one end of the transmission rod 16; the flow guide block 24 has a built-in flow guide path, and the flow guide path is connected to the through hole 30.

[0082] In one embodiment of the technical solution of the present invention, the telescopic rod 6 is specifically defined. The telescopic rod 6 in the technical solution of this application includes three main bodies, namely a first cylinder 25, a second cylinder 26, and a third cylinder 27. Compared with the traditional telescopic rod, it has an additional step, namely the second cylinder 26. The second cylinder 26 can provide a wider range of protection for the third cylinder 27, preventing damage to the third cylinder 27, which has the smallest diameter. In addition, the second cylinder 26 can also provide an interface for cleaning the camera.

[0083] The working principle of the above content is as follows:

[0084] The third cylinder 27 is connected to the first slider 7, and the first cylinder 25 is connected to the second connecting rod 5. When the limiting ring 3 rotates, the bottom of the first cylinder 25 is connected to the head of the third cylinder 27. At this time, the third cylinder 27 drives the gear 29 to rotate on the first rack 2501 through the second rack 2701, thereby driving the second cylinder 26 to move relative to the first cylinder 25, and then extending the through hole 30 out of the first cylinder 25. At this time, the photosensitive element is activated, and the cleaning spray can be introduced through the through hole 30 and the guide path in the guide block 24 to clean the lens 11.

[0085] It should be noted that in practical applications, the telescopic rod 6 will only extend when the limiting ring 3 is placed in the groove 2, and the photosensitive element will only detect sunlight and thus control the relevant cleaning process. The cleaning agent is installed in the vehicle by the staff and connected to the valve port 31 through the through hole 30. In addition, the photosensitive element needs to detect the transition edge signal, that is, it will only open when it detects the change from dark to bright, and then spray out the cleaning spray.

[0086] Specifically, the above cleaning process can also be replaced by other applications, such as blowing hot air to dry lens 11, etc. In addition, there can be other control logic for the application process of photosensitive elements. The photosensitive elements are only used to detect the transition edge signal. After the transition edge signal is detected, which motor to control and how to control it are determined by the staff according to the situation.

[0087] Please see Figures 1 to 3 In a preferred embodiment of the technical solution of the present invention, the inspection device further includes:

[0088] Motor 17 is mounted on the vehicle body 1;

[0089] The lead screw 18 is mounted on the output shaft of the motor 17;

[0090] A third slider 19 is slidably connected to the vehicle body 1. The third slider 19 cooperates with the lead screw 18. A transmission seat 20 is provided on the third slider 19. The transmission seat 20 has a slot.

[0091] A limiting frame 23 is installed on the vehicle body 1; the limiting frame 23 has a slot.

[0092] A support rod 21 is slidably connected to the limiting frame 23, and the support rod 21 is slidably connected to the transmission seat 20; wherein, the support rod 21 is limited to the transmission seat 20 and the limiting frame 23 respectively by a latch 22.

[0093] As the name suggests, the function of the above-mentioned components is to provide a shielding effect. The motor 17 drives the lead screw 18 to rotate, which in turn drives the third slider 19 and the transmission seat 20 to move, thereby causing the support rod 21 to move along the trajectory of the limit frame 23. By setting a soft net between the support rod 21 and the vehicle body 1, the shielding function can be achieved.

[0094] In one embodiment of the technical solution of the present invention, one method for controlling the above-mentioned structure is as follows:

[0095] Real-time acquisition of images captured by the camera;

[0096] The image is recognized to determine the relative direction and relative speed between the vehicle and the current vehicle.

[0097] The control command for the power source is determined based on the relative direction and relative speed.

[0098] The aforementioned power source is used to control the rotation parameters of the worm gear 15, the relative direction is used to control the rotation direction (and thus control the camera's turning direction), and the relative motion speed is used to control the rotation speed (and thus control the camera's turning speed).

[0099] All electrical components mentioned in this article are connected to an external main controller and 220V AC mains power, and the main controller can be a conventional known device such as a computer that can control it.

[0100] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0101] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A blind spot inspection device for a semitrailer, characterized in that The inspection device includes: Vehicle body (1); An adjustment device is installed on the vehicle body (1), the adjustment device includes a folding assembly and a steering assembly, the folding assembly includes a limiting ring (3), and a groove (2) matching the limiting ring (3) is opened on the vehicle body (1). The steering assembly includes a limiting seat (12) and a transmission rod (16). The limiting seat (12) has a U-shaped groove, which fits against one end of the transmission rod (16). The power assembly is sleeved on the transmission rod (16). A first slider (7) is disposed between the folding assembly and the steering assembly. The first slider (7) is connected to the folding assembly and slidably connected to the transmission rod (16). A crossbar assembly is hinged on the first slider (7). A camera mount (10) and a lens (11) mounted on the camera mount (10) are installed at one end of the crossbar assembly. The folding assembly includes: The first connecting rod (4) is sleeved on the limiting ring (3); The second link (5) is hinged to the end of the first link (4) away from the limiting ring (3); A telescopic rod (6) is hinged to the end of the second link (5) away from the first link (4), and the telescopic rod (6) is connected to the first slider (7); The vehicle body (1) has a built-in servo motor, the servo motor is externally connected to a key shaft, and the key shaft is engaged with the limiting ring (3); The power assembly includes: A worm gear (14) is mounted on the vehicle body (1). The worm (15) that cooperates with the worm wheel (14); A second slider (13) is detachably connected to the output shaft of the worm gear (14), and the second slider (13) is slidably connected to the transmission rod (16).

2. The semi-trailer blind spot monitor of claim 1, wherein, The crossbar assembly includes: The first end unit is hinged to the first slider (7), and the first end unit is a base rod (8) with two ends hinged. A cross unit hinged to the first end unit; the cross unit includes two cross-arranged third links (9), the middle parts of the two third links (9) being hinged to each other; A second end unit, located away from the first end unit, is installed in the cross unit, and the hinge of the second end unit is connected to the camera mount (10); The number of the cross units is at least one, and the hinge of one of the cross units is hinged to the end of the transmission rod (16) away from the limit seat (12).

3. The semi-trailer blind spot monitor of claim 1, wherein, The telescopic rod (6) includes: A first cylindrical body (25), a second cylindrical body (26), and a third cylindrical body (27) are coaxial; the third cylindrical body (27) is connected to the first slider (7); A gear seat (28) is installed on the end of the second cylinder (26) away from the first slider (7), and a gear (29) is hinged on the gear seat (28). A first rack (2501) is installed on the first cylinder (25), a second rack (2701) is installed on the third cylinder (27), the gear (29) engages with the first rack (2501), and the gear (29) engages with the second rack (2701).

4. The semi-trailer blind spot monitor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The inspection device also includes: Motor (17) mounted on the vehicle body (1); A lead screw (18) is mounted on the output shaft of the motor (17). A third slider (19) is slidably connected to the vehicle body (1). The third slider (19) cooperates with the lead screw (18). A transmission seat (20) is provided on the third slider (19). The transmission seat (20) has a slot. A limiting frame (23) is installed on the vehicle body (1); the limiting frame (23) has a slot; A support rod (21) is slidably connected to the limiting frame (23), and the support rod (21) is slidably connected to the transmission seat (20); wherein the support rod (21) is limited to the transmission seat (20) and the limiting frame (23) respectively by a latch (22).

Images