Semitrailer gooseneck linkage hydraulic steering mechanism

Abstract

The invention discloses a semi-trailer gooseneck linkage hydraulic steering mechanism, which adopts a hydraulic linkage technology, and transmits the steering action of a tractor to a first hydraulic cylinder and a second hydraulic cylinder on the two sides of a gooseneck frame through the cooperative linkage action of a traction pin disc assembly, an eccentric shaft, a connecting rod and a swing arm. Hydraulic oil in a first hydraulic cylinder and hydraulic oil in a second hydraulic cylinder are transmitted into steering hydraulic cylinders of walking wheels on the two sides of the semitrailer correspondingly, automatic steering of the walking wheels on the two sides of the semitrailer is achieved, and the semitrailer and a tractor keep steering synchronously; the first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder are symmetrically embedded in the opening of the gooseneck frame on the two sides of the traction pin disc assembly, it is guaranteed that the telescopic amount of the first hydraulic cylinder and the telescopic amount of the second hydraulic cylinder are the same, the steering action of the semitrailer is more accurate and controllable, the structural layout is more compact, and the space utilization rate is increased; and the vehicle can be better kept balanced in the driving process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of transportation vehicle technology and relates to a hydraulic steering mechanism, specifically a gooseneck linkage hydraulic steering mechanism for semi-trailers. Background Technology

[0002] A semi-trailer is a trailer in which the axle is positioned behind the vehicle's center of gravity when the vehicle is evenly loaded. It is equipped with a coupling device that transmits horizontal or vertical forces to the tractor unit. It is a non-powered road vehicle that requires towing to operate normally. It is primarily used for transporting passengers, goods, or for other special purposes. Semi-trailers are typically connected to the tractor unit via a gooseneck. The unique design and function of the gooseneck allow semi-trailers to better adapt to various transportation needs, improving transportation efficiency and safety.

[0003] Semi-trailer gooseneck steering systems are typically equipped with a steering mechanism to achieve synchronized steering with the tractor unit. The type and complexity of the steering mechanism vary depending on the vehicle, but it usually includes components such as a steering coupling plate, steering adjustment cylinders, and suspension steering arms. These components work together to allow the gooseneck to steer synchronously with the tractor unit's steering movements, thereby maintaining vehicle stability and direction of travel. However, existing gooseneck steering mechanisms mainly rely on multiple steering adjustment cylinders and suspension steering arms. While this ensures steering operability, it significantly increases steering complexity and response time, affecting steering sensitivity and accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the technical problems existing in the background art, this invention proposes a gooseneck linkage hydraulic steering mechanism for semi-trailers, which uses hydraulic linkage technology to keep the steering angle of the semi-trailer's traveling wheels coordinated and synchronized with the tractor.

[0005] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0006] A gooseneck linkage hydraulic steering mechanism for a semi-trailer includes: a gooseneck frame, a drawbar assembly, a connecting rod, a swing arm, a first hydraulic cylinder, and a second hydraulic cylinder. The semi-trailer is connected to a tractor unit via the gooseneck frame. The drawbar assembly, embedded in the middle of the gooseneck frame, is connected to the tractor unit's saddle. An eccentric shaft is eccentrically mounted on the drawbar assembly. One end of the connecting rod is hinged to the eccentric shaft, and the other end is hinged to the swing arm. The middle of the swing arm is hinged to the gooseneck frame. The first and second hydraulic cylinders, which are respectively mounted on both sides of the drawbar assembly, are hinged between the two ends of the swing arm and the gooseneck frame. The first and second hydraulic cylinders are respectively connected to the steering hydraulic cylinders of the semi-trailer's side wheels via oil pipes.

[0007] Furthermore, the traction pin disc assembly includes: a traction turntable and a slewing bearing. One side of the traction turntable is connected to the V-groove of the tractor saddle via a connecting pin, and the other side is provided with a coaxially arranged eccentric fixing seat and a second annular plate. The eccentric shaft is eccentrically set on the eccentric fixing seat. The second annular plate is fixedly connected to the inner ring of the slewing bearing, and the outer ring of the slewing bearing is fixedly connected to the gooseneck frame.

[0008] Furthermore, the gooseneck frame includes two opposing longitudinal beams, with a first crossbeam, a second crossbeam, and a third crossbeam connected sequentially between the two longitudinal beams. A first annular plate is connected between the first and second crossbeams, and the first annular plate is fixedly connected to the outer ring of the slewing bearing. Clamping plates are connected to both sides of the third crossbeam, and the swing arm is hinged between the two clamping plates in the middle.

[0009] Furthermore, the first crossbeam has a first through hole and a second through hole at both ends, and the second crossbeam has a third through hole and a fourth through hole at both ends. The first hydraulic cylinder passes through the first through hole and the third through hole in sequence and is connected between one end of the swing arm and the corresponding longitudinal beam. The second hydraulic cylinder passes through the second through hole and the fourth through hole in sequence and is connected between the other end of the swing arm and the corresponding longitudinal beam. A fifth through hole is connected to one side of the third through hole, and the connecting rod passes through the fifth through hole and is connected between the eccentric shaft and the swing arm.

[0010] Furthermore, one end of the connecting rod is provided with a first pivot hole, through which the connecting rod is hinged to the eccentric shaft. The other end of the connecting rod is provided with a second pivot hole. One side of the swing arm is provided with an extension plate, on which a third pivot hole is provided. The connecting rod and the extension plate are hinged together by a first pin that passes through the second pivot hole and the third pivot hole.

[0011] Furthermore, the swing arm has a fourth pivot hole at its center and a fifth pivot hole on the clamping plate. The swing arm and the clamping plate are hinged together by a second pin that passes through the fourth pivot hole and the fifth pivot hole. A wear-resistant copper sleeve fitted on the second pin is installed in the fourth pivot hole.

[0012] Furthermore, the two ends of the swing arm are respectively provided with a sixth rotating hole and a seventh rotating hole, and the first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder are respectively hinged to the sixth rotating hole and the seventh rotating hole.

[0013] Furthermore, the piston rod end of the first hydraulic cylinder is provided with a first collar, and the first hydraulic cylinder and the swing arm are hinged by a third pin that passes through the first collar and the sixth rotating hole. The cylinder body end of the first hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the longitudinal beam through a hinge seat.

[0014] Furthermore, the cylinder end of the first hydraulic cylinder is provided with a second collar, and the hinge seat is fixedly installed on the side wall of the longitudinal beam. An eighth pivot hole is opened on the hinge seat, and the first hydraulic cylinder and the hinge seat are hinged by a fourth pin that passes through the second collar and the eighth pivot hole.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The gooseneck linkage hydraulic steering mechanism for semi-trailers provided in this application adopts hydraulic linkage technology. Through the coordinated linkage of the traction pin assembly, eccentric shaft, connecting rod, and swing arm, the steering action of the tractor is transmitted to the first and second hydraulic cylinders on both sides of the gooseneck frame. The hydraulic oil in the first and second hydraulic cylinders is then transmitted to the steering hydraulic cylinders of the travel wheels on both sides of the semi-trailer, realizing the automatic steering of the travel wheels on both sides of the semi-trailer. This ensures that the semi-trailer and the tractor keep steering synchronously. By setting the hinge point of the eccentrically set eccentric shaft and connecting rod, and cooperating with the first and second hydraulic cylinders symmetrically embedded in the gooseneck frame openings on both sides of the traction pin assembly, the extension and retraction of the first and second hydraulic cylinders are ensured to be the same. This makes the steering action of the semi-trailer more precise and controllable, and the structural layout is more compact, improving space utilization and enabling the vehicle to maintain better balance during driving. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a top view of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection of each linkage component of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the gooseneck frame of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the traction pin assembly and hydraulic cylinder of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the traction pin assembly of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the traction turntable of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the slewing bearing of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting rod of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the swing arm of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the first hydraulic cylinder of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge base of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the present invention provides a gooseneck linkage hydraulic steering mechanism for a semi-trailer, comprising: a gooseneck frame 1, a traction pin assembly 2, a connecting rod 3, a swing arm 4, a first hydraulic cylinder 5, and a second hydraulic cylinder 6. The semi-trailer is connected to a tractor unit via the gooseneck frame 1. The traction pin assembly 2, which is embedded in the middle of the gooseneck frame 1, is connected to the tractor unit's saddle. An eccentric shaft 7 is eccentrically mounted on the traction pin assembly 2. One end of the connecting rod 3 is hinged to the eccentric shaft 7, and the other end is hinged to the swing arm 4. The middle part of the swing arm 4 is hinged to the gooseneck frame 1. The first hydraulic cylinder 5 and the second hydraulic cylinder 6, which are respectively mounted on both sides of the traction pin assembly 2, are respectively hinged between the two ends of the swing arm 4 and the gooseneck frame 1. The first hydraulic cylinder 5 and the second hydraulic cylinder 6 are respectively connected to the steering hydraulic cylinders of the two travel wheels of the semi-trailer via oil pipes. This application utilizes the coordinated action of the traction pin assembly 2, eccentric shaft 7, connecting rod 3, and swing arm 4 to transmit the steering action of the tractor to the first hydraulic cylinder 5 and the second hydraulic cylinder 6 on both sides of the gooseneck frame. The hydraulic oil in the first hydraulic cylinder 5 and the second hydraulic cylinder 6 is then used to transmit the hydraulic oil to the steering hydraulic cylinders of the travel wheels on both sides of the semi-trailer, thereby achieving automatic steering of the travel wheels on both sides of the semi-trailer and keeping the semi-trailer and the tractor in synchronous steering.

[0029] Among them, such as Figure 3-4As shown, the gooseneck frame 1 includes two L-shaped longitudinal beams 11 arranged opposite each other. A first crossbeam 12, a second crossbeam 13, and a third crossbeam 14 are connected sequentially between the two longitudinal beams 11. The two ends of the two longitudinal beams 11 are connected by a front beam 12 and a rear beam 13, respectively. The first crossbeam 12, the second crossbeam 13, and the third crossbeam 14 are all located between the front beam 12 and the rear beam 13. A first annular plate 14 is connected between the first crossbeam 12 and the second crossbeam 13. The traction pin assembly 2 is installed on the first annular plate 14. Clamping plates 8 are connected to both sides of the third crossbeam 14. The swing arm 4 is hinged in the middle between the two clamping plates 8. The first crossbeam 12 has a first through hole 121 and a second through hole 122 at both ends, and the second crossbeam 13 has a third through hole 131 and a fourth through hole 132 at both ends. The first hydraulic cylinder 5 passes through the first through hole 121 and the third through hole 131 and is connected between one end of the swing arm 4 and the corresponding longitudinal beam 11. The second hydraulic cylinder 6 passes through the second through hole 122 and the fourth through hole 132 and is connected between the other end of the swing arm 4 and the corresponding longitudinal beam 11. A fifth through hole 133 is connected to one side of the third through hole 131, and the connecting rod 3 passes through the fifth through hole 133 and is connected between the eccentric shaft 7 and the swing arm 4. By symmetrically embedding the first hydraulic cylinder 5 and the second hydraulic cylinder 6 in the gooseneck frame 1 on both sides of the traction pin disc assembly 2, the structural layout is more compact, the space utilization is improved, and the vehicle can better maintain balance during driving.

[0030] like Figure 5-7 As shown, the traction pin disc assembly 2 includes: a traction turntable 21 and a slewing bearing 22. One side of the traction turntable 21 is connected to the V-groove of the tractor saddle via a connecting pin, and the other side is provided with a coaxially arranged eccentric fixing seat 23 and a second annular plate 24. An eccentric shaft 7 is eccentrically mounted on the eccentric fixing seat 23, and the periphery of the eccentric shaft 7 is fixedly connected to the eccentric fixing seat 23 via angle plates 25 to ensure the firmness of the eccentric shaft 7 installation. The second annular plate 24 is fixedly connected to the inner ring 221 of the slewing bearing 22, and the outer ring 222 of the slewing bearing 22 is fixedly connected to the first annular plate 14. Figure 8 As shown, one end of the connecting rod 3 is provided with a first pivot hole 31, and the connecting rod 3 is hinged to the eccentric shaft 7 through the first pivot hole 31. The other end of the connecting rod 3 is provided with a second pivot hole 32. Thus, by setting the hinge point between the eccentrically set eccentric shaft 7 and the connecting rod 3, the steering action of the semi-trailer is made more precise and controllable.

[0031] like Figure 9As shown, the swing arm 4 has an extension plate 41 on one side, and a third pivot hole 42 on the extension plate 41. The connecting rod 3 is hinged to the extension plate 41 by a first pin that passes through the second pivot hole 32 and the third pivot hole 42. The swing arm 4 has a fourth pivot hole 43 at its center, and the clamping plate 8 has a fifth pivot hole 81. The swing arm 4 and the clamping plate 8 are hinged to each other by a second pin that passes through the fourth pivot hole 43 and the fifth pivot hole 81. A wear-resistant copper sleeve 44 is installed in the fourth pivot hole 43 and fitted onto the second pin. By utilizing the wear-resistant properties of the wear-resistant copper sleeve, the wear resistance of the connection between the second pin and the swing arm 4 and the clamping plate 8 is greatly improved, reducing component wear caused by friction and wear, and extending service life. The swing arm 4 has a sixth pivot hole 45 and a seventh pivot hole 46 at its two ends, respectively. The first hydraulic cylinder 5 and the second hydraulic cylinder 6 are hinged to the sixth pivot hole 45 and the seventh pivot hole 46, respectively.

[0032] like Figure 10-11 As shown, the piston rod end of the first hydraulic cylinder 5 is provided with a first collar 51. The first hydraulic cylinder 5 and the swing arm 4 are hinged by a third pin that passes through the first collar 51 and the sixth rotating hole 45. The cylinder body end of the first hydraulic cylinder 5 is hinged to the longitudinal beam 11 through a hinge seat 9. The cylinder body end of the first hydraulic cylinder 5 is provided with a second collar 52. The hinge seat 9 is fixedly installed on the side wall of the longitudinal beam 11. An eighth rotating hole 91 is opened on the hinge seat 9. The first hydraulic cylinder 5 and the hinge seat 9 are hinged by a fourth pin that passes through the second collar 52 and the eighth rotating hole 91. The structure and installation method of the second hydraulic cylinder 6 are exactly the same as those of the first hydraulic cylinder 5. In this application, all linkage components are connected by a shaft pin, which makes the connection between the connecting rod, the swing arm, the first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder more flexible. This not only simplifies the complexity of the structure, but also reduces friction and wear between components, improves the overall efficiency of the mechanism, and ensures the smoothness and accuracy of steering actions.

[0033] During the use of this invention, when the tractor turns, the tractor saddle rotates synchronously with the turning of the tractor head, causing the traction turntable 21 to rotate. Utilizing the rotation of the slewing bearing 22 and the eccentricity of the eccentric shaft 7, the connecting rod 3, hinged to the traction turntable 21, transmits rotational motion to the swing arm 4, driving the two ends of the swing arm 4 to reciprocate around the center. This, in turn, drives the piston rods of the first hydraulic cylinder 5 and the second hydraulic cylinder 6 to reciprocate. When the piston rod of the first hydraulic cylinder 5 extends, the piston rod of the second hydraulic cylinder 6 retracts; when the piston rod of the first hydraulic cylinder 5 retracts, the piston rod of the second hydraulic cylinder 6 extends... The first hydraulic cylinder 5 and the second hydraulic cylinder 6 have the same relative extension and retraction. The hydraulic oil in the first hydraulic cylinder 5 and the second hydraulic cylinder 6 is squeezed out through the oil pipe and supplied to the steering hydraulic cylinders of the semi-trailer's two side wheels (since the steering hydraulic cylinders of the semi-trailer's side wheels are conventional equipment, their functions and structures are well known in the art, and the connection settings are also common knowledge, so they will not be described in detail here, nor are they shown in the attached drawings), which drives the steering hydraulic cylinders to reciprocate synchronously, and finally realizes the automatic steering of the semi-trailer's two side wheels to keep in sync with the tractor, so that the entire steering process is smooth, fast and accurate, and ensures the stability and safety of the vehicle under various road conditions.

[0034] The above description is merely an example and illustration of the structure of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or additions to the specific embodiments described, or use similar methods to replace them, as long as they do not deviate from the structure of the invention or exceed the scope defined in the claims, all of which should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gooseneck-linked hydraulic steering mechanism for a semi-trailer, characterized in that, include: The semi-trailer is connected to the tractor via the gooseneck frame (1), the towing pin assembly (2), the connecting rod (3), the swing arm (4), the first hydraulic cylinder (5), and the second hydraulic cylinder (6). The towing pin assembly (2), which is embedded in the middle of the gooseneck frame (1), is connected to the tractor saddle. An eccentric shaft (7) is eccentrically set on the towing pin assembly (2). One end of the connecting rod (3) is hinged to the eccentric shaft (7), and the other end is hinged to the swing arm (4). The middle part of the swing arm (4) is hinged to the gooseneck frame (1). The first hydraulic cylinder (5) and the second hydraulic cylinder (6), which are respectively set on both sides of the towing pin assembly (2), are hinged between the two ends of the swing arm (4) and the gooseneck frame (1). The first hydraulic cylinder (5) and the second hydraulic cylinder (6) are respectively connected to the steering hydraulic cylinders of the walking wheels on both sides of the semi-trailer via oil pipes.

2. The steering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The traction pin disc assembly (2) includes: a traction turntable (21) and a slewing bearing (22). One side of the traction turntable (21) is connected to the V-groove of the tractor saddle by a connecting pin, and the other side is provided with an eccentric fixed seat (23) and a second annular plate (24) arranged coaxially. The eccentric shaft (7) is eccentrically set on the eccentric fixed seat (23). The second annular plate (24) is fixedly connected to the inner ring (221) of the slewing bearing (22), and the outer ring (222) of the slewing bearing (22) is fixedly connected to the gooseneck frame (1).

3. The steering mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gooseneck frame (1) includes two opposing longitudinal beams (11), and a first crossbeam (12), a second crossbeam (13) and a third crossbeam (14) are connected between the two longitudinal beams (11) in sequence. A first annular plate (14) is connected between the first crossbeam (12) and the second crossbeam (13). The first annular plate (14) is fixedly connected to the outer ring (222) of the slewing bearing (22). Clamping plates (8) are connected to both sides of the third crossbeam (14). The swing arm (4) is hinged in the middle between the two clamping plates (8).

4. The steering mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first crossbeam (12) has a first through hole (121) and a second through hole (122) at both ends, and the second crossbeam (13) has a third through hole (131) and a fourth through hole (132) at both ends. The first hydraulic cylinder (5) passes through the first through hole (121) and the third through hole (131) in sequence and is connected between one end of the swing arm (4) and the corresponding longitudinal beam (11). The second hydraulic cylinder (6) passes through the second through hole (122) and the fourth through hole (132) in sequence and is connected between the other end of the swing arm (4) and the corresponding longitudinal beam (11). The third through hole (131) has a fifth through hole (133) connected to one side. The connecting rod (3) passes through the fifth through hole (133) and is connected between the eccentric shaft (7) and the swing arm (4).

5. The steering mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, One end of the connecting rod (3) is provided with a first rotating hole (31), and the connecting rod (3) is hinged to the eccentric shaft (7) through the first rotating hole (31). The other end of the connecting rod (3) is provided with a second rotating hole (32). One side of the swing arm (4) is provided with an extension plate (41), and the extension plate (41) is provided with a third rotating hole (42). The connecting rod (3) and the extension plate (41) are hinged by a first pin that passes through the second rotating hole (32) and the third rotating hole (42).

6. The steering mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The swing arm (4) has a fourth pivot hole (43) at its center and a fifth pivot hole (81) on its clamping plate (8). The swing arm (4) and the clamping plate (8) are hinged together by a second pin that passes through the fourth pivot hole (43) and the fifth pivot hole (81). A wear-resistant copper sleeve (44) fitted on the second pin is provided in the fourth pivot hole (43).

7. The steering mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The swing arm (4) has a sixth pivot hole (45) and a seventh pivot hole (46) at its two ends respectively. The first hydraulic cylinder (5) and the second hydraulic cylinder (6) are hinged to the sixth pivot hole (45) and the seventh pivot hole (46) respectively.

8. The steering mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, The piston rod end of the first hydraulic cylinder (5) is provided with a first collar (51). The first hydraulic cylinder (5) and the swing arm (4) are hinged by a third pin that passes through the first collar (51) and the sixth rotating hole (45). The cylinder body end of the first hydraulic cylinder (5) is hinged to the longitudinal beam (11) through the hinge seat (9).

9. The steering mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cylinder body end of the first hydraulic cylinder (5) is provided with a second collar (52), and the hinge seat (9) is fixedly installed on the side wall of the longitudinal beam (11). The hinge seat (9) is provided with an eighth rotating hole (91). The first hydraulic cylinder (5) and the hinge seat (9) are hinged by a fourth pin that passes through the second collar (52) and the eighth rotating hole (91).

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