An automatic tractor and trailer docking device

Abstract

This invention belongs to the technical field of commercial vehicle saddles and electrical systems, specifically relating to an automatic docking device for tractor-trailers. It includes a main vehicle docking system mounted on the tractor and comprising a male connector; a trailer docking system mounted on the trailer and comprising a female connector, wherein the female connector connects to the male connector to achieve docking between the main vehicle docking module and the trailer docking module; and a monitoring system connected to both the main vehicle docking module and the trailer docking module to monitor their relative positions and statuses, ensuring proper docking. The automatic docking device for tractor-trailers provided by this invention can monitor the status of the automatic docking device in real time and display and alert on the cab instrument panel, greatly improving the operational convenience, safety, and overall vehicle intelligence level during tractor-trailer coupling and uncoupling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of commercial vehicle saddles and electrical systems, specifically relating to an automatic docking device for tractors and trailers. Background Technology

[0002] When engaging and disengaging the tractor and trailer, the driver anticipates that the trailer's lead pin will engage the saddle pin hole. Afterward, the driver must dismount and manually operate the saddle handle to fully lock the lead pin. Then, using the ladder and handrails, the driver climbs onto the control platform behind the cab and manually connects the red and yellow air hoses between the tractor and trailer, as well as the electrical connectors for ABS, lights, etc. Once all operations are complete, the driver descends from the control platform and returns to the cab to drive the tractor and trailer away. When disengaging the tractor and trailer, the steps are reversed. After completing these steps, the driver returns to the cab and drives the tractor away.

[0003] Because engaging and disengaging the tractor and trailer requires the driver to frequently enter and exit the cab and chassis operating platform, and manually operate the saddle handle and connect / disconnect cables, the process is complex, time-consuming, labor-intensive, and inconvenient. Furthermore, whether the saddle is fully locked depends entirely on the driver's subjective judgment, increasing the possibility of accidents due to human error. When the vehicle turns, the cables between the tractor and trailer dynamically stretch, contract, and swing, posing risks of wear and dragging, thus compromising safety. With increasing market demand for efficient transportation and the growing need for trailer swapping, the frequency of engagement and disengagement is constantly increasing. Furthermore, improvements in fuel economy and optimization of the clearance between the tractor and trailer are further compressing the layout of spiral air pipes and cables, as well as operating space. These problems become even more pronounced.

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides an automatic docking device for tractor and trailer. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention proposes an automatic docking device for tractor and trailer, which has a simple structure and can flexibly adapt to the requirements of vehicle height and posture under different working conditions.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides an automatic docking device for a tractor and a trailer, characterized in that it includes:

[0007] The main vehicle docking system, which is installed on the tractor, includes a male connector;

[0008] The trailer docking system is installed on the trailer and includes a female connector. After the female connector is connected to the male connector, the docking of the main vehicle docking module and the trailer docking module is realized.

[0009] A monitoring system, which is connected to the main vehicle docking module and the trailer docking module, is used to monitor the relative position and status of the main vehicle docking module and the trailer docking module, so that the two can dock.

[0010] Preferably, the main vehicle docking module includes a saddle, a base, a horizontal soft positioning component, a connecting fork, an actuating device, a guide plate, a male end cover, an upper guide rod, a male end housing, a locking cylinder, and a vertical positioning component.

[0011] The saddle is mounted on the frame, the base is connected to the saddle, one end of the horizontal soft positioning component is connected to the base, and the other end is softly connected to the connecting fork. The actuating device is elastically connected to the male end cover plate. The guide plate and the upper guide rod are respectively fixed to the bottom and top of the male end housing. The male end cover plate is connected to the male end housing. The male end connector is located inside the male end housing. The connecting fork is also connected to the male end housing. The locking cylinder is connected to the male end housing. The top end of the vertical positioning component is connected to the saddle, and the bottom end is connected to the connecting fork.

[0012] Preferably, an elastic pad is fitted between the male connector and the housing to correct for mating deviations during the guiding process.

[0013] Preferably, a cylinder is installed at the bottom of the saddle.

[0014] Preferably, the trailer docking module includes a female end housing, a female end cover plate, a baffle plate, and a female end sealing plate; the female end connector is disposed inside the female end housing, the female end cover plate is connected to the female end housing, the baffle plate is fixed to one side of the female end housing, and the female end sealing plate is movably connected to the female end housing.

[0015] Preferably, a traction pin is integrated on the female end housing, and a through hole is formed inside the traction pin along the axis.

[0016] Preferably, the monitoring system includes a controller, a cylinder solenoid valve, a monitoring sensor, an operating switch, and an instrument; the controller is connected to the cylinder solenoid valve, the monitoring sensor, the operating switch, and the instrument, and the cylinder is connected to the cylinder solenoid valve.

[0017] Preferably, the monitoring sensor includes an angle sensor.

[0018] Preferably, the saddle is V-shaped, forming a V-shaped guide area.

[0019] Preferably, a locking mechanism is installed on the male end housing, and the locking cylinder is connected to the locking mechanism.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0021] 1. This invention provides an automatic docking device for tractor and trailer, eliminating the need for existing spiral air pipes and cables. It eliminates the need for getting on and off the vehicle or plugging and unplugging pipelines. The driver can operate from the cab to achieve automatic docking or disengagement of the tractor and trailer, and automatic locking or unlocking of the towing pin.

[0022] 2. This invention provides an automatic docking device for tractor and trailer. It monitors the status of the automatic docking device in real time and displays and reminds users through the instrument panel in the cab, which greatly improves the convenience, safety and overall intelligence of the vehicle when the tractor and trailer are docked or detached.

[0023] 3. This invention provides an automatic docking device for tractor and trailer, which uses an angle sensor to accurately measure the angle between the tractor and trailer, creating conditions for achieving fully unmanned driving. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic docking device for tractor and trailer described in this invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the saddle structure described in this invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the main vehicle docking system described in this invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the trailer docking system described in this invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the monitoring system described in this invention;

[0029] Among them, 1-main vehicle docking system, 11-male connector, 12-saddle, 13-base, 14-horizontal soft positioning component, 15-connecting fork, 16-actuator, 17-guide plate, 18-male cover plate, 19-upper guide rod, 120-male housing, 121-locking cylinder, 122-vertical positioning component, 123-bearing, 2-trailer docking system, 21-female connector, 22-female housing, 23-female cover plate, 24-baffle, 25-female sealing plate, 26-traction pin, 3-monitoring system, 31-controller, 32-cylinder solenoid valve, 33-monitoring sensor, 34-operating switch, 35-instrument. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can implement it based on the description.

[0031] In this specification, it should be understood that terms such as “having,” “comprising,” and “including” as used herein do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements or combinations thereof.

[0032] like Figure 1 , Figure 5 As shown, in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides an automatic docking device for tractor and trailer, characterized in that it includes:

[0033] The main vehicle docking system 1 is installed on the tractor and includes a male connector 11;

[0034] The trailer docking system 2 is installed on the trailer and includes a female connector 21. After the female connector 21 is connected to the male connector 11, the docking of the main vehicle docking module 1 and the trailer docking module 2 is realized, as well as the transmission and communication of various energy media such as air, electricity and hydraulic between the main vehicle and the trailer.

[0035] The monitoring system 3 is connected to the main vehicle docking module 1 and the trailer docking module 2, and is used to monitor the relative position and status of the main vehicle docking module 1 and the trailer docking module 2 in real time, so that the two can dock.

[0036] Specifically, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the main vehicle docking module 1 includes a saddle 12, a base 13, a horizontal soft positioning component 14, a connecting fork 15, an actuating device 16, a guide plate 17, a male end cover plate 18, an upper guide rod 19, a male end housing 120, a locking cylinder 121, and a vertical positioning component 122.

[0037] The saddle 12 is mounted on the frame and is V-shaped, forming a V-shaped guide area. The base 13 is connected to the saddle 12. One end of the horizontal soft positioning component 14 is connected to the base 13, and the other end is softly connected to the connecting fork 15. The actuating device 16 is elastically connected to the male end cover plate 18. The guide plate 17 and the upper guide rod 19 are respectively fixed to the bottom and top of the male end housing 120. The male end cover plate 18 is connected to the male end housing 120. The male end connector 11 is disposed inside the male end housing 120. The connecting fork 15 is also connected to the male end housing 120. The locking cylinder 121 is connected to the male end housing 120. The top end of the vertical positioning component 122 is connected to the saddle 12, and the bottom end is connected to the connecting fork 15. The male end housing is equipped with a pneumatic or electric locking mechanism with preload. The locking cylinder is connected to the locking mechanism. After the male end connector 11 and the female end connector 21 are in place, the male end housing 120 and the female end housing 22 are reliably locked.

[0038] Based on the above embodiments, specifically, the male connector 11 and the male housing 120 mounting base are bolted together, and an elastic pad is fitted between them to correct the docking deviation during the third-stage guiding process.

[0039] Specifically, a cylinder is installed at the bottom of the saddle 12.

[0040] The automatic docking device for tractors and trailers provided by this invention is used to realize the functions of positioning, guiding, centering, multi-degree-of-freedom adjustment, locking, and unlocking of the automatic docking device. The saddle 12 legs are fixedly connected to the frame, and a cylinder is installed at the bottom. The base is fixedly connected to the reinforcing crossbeam at the bottom of the saddle 12. One end of the horizontal soft positioning device is connected to the base, and the other end is softly connected to the connecting fork, adjusting the X, Y, and Z directions (X is defined as horizontal, Z as vertical, and Y perpendicular to the XZ plane) and rotational degrees of freedom around the X, Y, and Z directions during the docking process. During the docking process, the actuation device opens the male end cover and makes it horizontally overlap the guide plate, facilitating the docking of the main trailer. The guide plate and the upper guide rod are respectively fixed to the bottom and top of the male end housing, used for X, Y, and Z direction guidance during the docking process of the main trailer, ensuring centering. The male end cover is connected to the male end housing by a rotating shaft, closely attached to the end face of the male end housing, used for protection when the male end connector is not docked, ensuring that the male end connector is dry and clean. The male connector 11 is fixed to the mounting base inside the male housing 120 and connected to the male housing 120 via a rotating shaft. The upper and lower end faces of the male housing 120 have rotating shafts, which are connected to the connecting fork 15 via two bearings 123. The male housing 120 can rotate around the bearings 123 and maintain a horizontally centered state under the action of the vertical positioning component 122, and can return to its original position if it deviates. The locking cylinder 121 is used to actuate the locking device to lock or unlock the male housing 120. The top end of the vertical positioning component 122 is connected to the bottom surface of the saddle 12 support plate, and the bottom end is connected to the connecting fork 15. It is used to balance the gravity of the main vehicle docking system 1, ensuring that the male connector 11 is always horizontally centered during docking, and can return to its original position if it deviates.

[0041] Based on the above embodiments, specifically, as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the trailer docking module 2 includes a female end housing 22, a female end cover plate 23, a baffle 24, and a female end sealing plate 25; the female end connector 21 is disposed inside the female end housing 22, the female end cover plate 23 is connected to the female end housing 22, the baffle 24 is fixed to one side of the female end housing 22, and the female end sealing plate 25 is movably connected to the female end housing 22. Specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown, a traction pin 26 is integrated on the female end housing 22, and a through hole is formed inside the traction pin 26 along the axis.

[0042] The trailer docking system 2 consists of a female end housing 22, a female end connector 21, a female end cover 23, a baffle 24, and a female end sealing plate 25. It is used to achieve docking with the main vehicle docking module and to facilitate the transmission and communication of various energy media such as air, electricity, and hydraulics between the main vehicle and the trailer. The upper part of the female end housing 22 integrates a traction pin function, and its interior has a circular through hole along the axial direction for the passage of pipelines. The female end connector 21 is bolted to a mounting base inside the female end housing 22. The female end connector 21 is equipped with a female end cover 23, which is connected to the female end housing 22 via a rotating shaft. A torsion spring is mounted on the rotating shaft. When not docked, the female end cover 23 is tightly fitted against the end face of the female end housing 22 under the force of the torsion spring, providing waterproofing and dustproof sealing. Specifically, it is used to protect the trailer docking system 2 when not docked, ensuring that the female end connector 21 remains dry and clean. The female end cover 23's antennae structure contacts the inclined surface of the guide plate 17, causing the female end cover 23 to rotate around the pivot to a horizontal position and extend into the male end housing 120. A baffle 24 is fixed to one side of the female end housing 22 and is used to push the actuating device 16 in the main vehicle docking system 1 to open the male end cover 18 during docking. The female end sealing plate 25 is used to seal the non-dating ends of the female end housing 22. When not installed, it facilitates observation and installation of the wiring harnesses running through the trailer docking system 2. After the wiring harnesses are installed and adjusted, the female end sealing plate 25 is fixed to the female end housing 22 using bolts.

[0043] After the male connector 11 and the female connector 21 are properly mated, the bearing 123 and the traction pin of the female housing 22 are coaxial. After the male housing 120 and the female housing 22 are locked together, they can rotate around the axis of the bearing 123 as a whole. When there is an angle between the tractor and the trailer, the cable harness will not bend, stretch, or wear.

[0044] The saddle 12, forming a V-shaped area, along with the guide plate 17, upper guide rod 19, and positioning pin of the male connector 11, constitute a three-stage guide. The V-shaped area of ​​the saddle 12 guides the female housing 22's traction pin to the center hole of the saddle 12, completing the first-stage guide. The guide plate 17 and upper guide rod 19 guide the female housing 22 in the X, Y, and Z directions, guiding it into the male housing 120, completing the second-stage guide. The positioning pin of the male connector 11 guides the female connector 21, guiding the gas, electricity, and liquid energy medium transmission connectors to center, completing the third-stage guide.

[0045] Based on the above embodiments, specifically, as follows: Figure 5As shown, the monitoring system 3 includes a controller 31, a cylinder solenoid valve 32, a monitoring sensor 33, an operating switch 34, and an instrument 35. The controller 31 is connected to the cylinder solenoid valve 32, the monitoring sensor 33, the operating switch 34, and the instrument 35. The cylinder is connected to the cylinder solenoid valve 32. In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring sensor includes an angle sensor. It is mounted on the main vehicle docking module, coaxial with the bearing 123, and can accurately measure the angle between the tractor and the trailer.

[0046] The monitoring system 3 consists of a controller 31, a cylinder solenoid valve 32, a monitoring sensor 33, an operating switch 34, and an instrument 35. It is used for monitoring the status of the main trailer during the entire docking process and displays and alerts the driver via the instrument panel in the cab. The controller 31 is the control center of the saddle status monitoring system 3. It receives signals from the monitoring sensor 33 and the operating switch 34 and sends corresponding control commands to the cylinder solenoid valve 32 to control the inflation and deflation of the cylinder installed at the bottom of the saddle 12, thereby locking or unlocking the traction pin on the upper part of the female end housing 22. The cylinder solenoid valve 32 and the monitoring sensor 33 are both installed at the bottom of the saddle 12. The operating switch 34 is installed on the instrument panel in the cab for the driver to operate to unlock or lock the saddle 12. The instrument 35 is used to indicate the current status of the saddle 12 to the driver and display alarm signals.

[0047] An automatic docking device for a tractor and trailer is disclosed, enabling the transmission of pneumatic, electrical, hydraulic, and informational signals between the tractor docking system 1 and the trailer docking system 2. When the tractor docking system 1 and trailer docking system 2 are fully docked, the connectors on the male connector 11 used for transmitting various energy media such as pneumatic, electrical, and hydraulic signals automatically become conductive. When the tractor docking system 1 and trailer docking system 2 are disengaged, the connectors on the male connector 11 automatically close and ensure a complete seal.

[0048] The present invention provides an automatic docking device for tractor and trailer, which can be adapted to different models of towing pins and different drive types of tractor.

[0049] The working principle of this invention is as follows:

[0050] Pressing the coupling button on the operation switch 34 initiates the coupling action between the main vehicle docking system 1 and the trailer docking system 2. The main vehicle docking system 1 gradually approaches the trailer docking system 2. The upper traction pin portion of the female end housing 22 of the trailer docking system 2 begins to enter the V-shaped area of ​​the saddle 12 for primary guidance. The baffle 24 contacts the actuation device 16 of the main vehicle docking module 1, rapidly opening the male end cover 18 of the main vehicle docking module 1 via mechanical linkage and horizontally overlapping it on the guide plate 17. A horizontal channel is formed between the guide plate 17 and the male end housing 120, guiding the female end housing 22 into the interior of the male end housing 120. As the main vehicle docking system 1 moves closer, the guide plate 17 and the upper guide rod 19 sequentially provide secondary guidance to the female end housing 22 in the X, Y, and Z directions, further reducing the docking deviation between the male connector 11 and the female connector 21. As the main vehicle docking system 1 continues to approach, the tentacled structure of the female end cover 23 of the trailer docking system 2 contacts the inclined surface of the guide plate 17, gradually opening the female end cover 23. The main vehicle docking system 1 continues to enter, and the guide positioning pin on the male connector 11 engages with the pin hole on the female connector 21 to complete three-stage guidance, ultimately achieving complete docking of the male connector 11 and the female connector 21. Upon receiving the signal that the connectors are docked, the controller 31 of the saddle status monitoring system 3 controls the solenoid valve to supply air to the locking cylinder 121. The locking cylinder 121 actuates the locking device to reliably lock the male housing 120 and the female housing 22. Finally, the controller 31 receives the signal from the monitoring sensor 33 and sends corresponding control commands to control the cylinder installed at the bottom of the saddle 12 to inflate via the cylinder solenoid valve 32. The upper traction pin portion of the female housing 22 of the trailer docking system 2 is completely locked, and a fully locked icon is displayed on the instrument panel 35.

[0051] When disengaging, pressing the disengagement button on the operation switch 34 initiates the disengagement action between the main vehicle docking system 1 and the trailer docking system 2. Upon receiving the disengagement command, the controller 31 controls the air supply to the cylinder mounted at the bottom of the saddle 12 via the cylinder solenoid valve 32, completely unlocking the upper towing pin portion of the female end housing 22 of the trailer docking system 2. After the controller 31 of the saddle status monitoring system 3 confirms via the monitoring sensor 33 that the upper towing pin portion of the female end housing 22 of the trailer docking system 2 is completely unlocked, it controls the solenoid valve to cut off the air supply to the locking cylinder 121. The locking cylinder 121 actuates the locking device to completely unlock the male end housing 120 and the female end housing 22, simultaneously displaying a fully unlocked icon on the instrument panel 35. Subsequently, the driver can drive the tractor away to complete the complete separation of the main vehicle docking system 1 and the trailer docking system 2. During the separation process, the actuating device 16, under the action of the spring, quickly pushes the male end cover 18 to rotate in the opposite direction through mechanical linkage, tightly fitting it onto the male end housing 120 to protect the male end connector 11 from external contamination. Meanwhile, the female end cover 23, under the action of its own torsion spring, tightly fits onto the female end housing 22 to protect the female end connector 21 from external contamination.

[0052] The automatic docking device for tractors and trailers provided by this invention eliminates the need for existing spiral air pipes and cables compared to traditional docking and undocking methods. It requires no getting on or off the vehicle, and no plugging or unplugging of lines. The driver can operate the device from inside the cab to automatically dock or undo the tractor and trailer, and automatically lock or unlock the towing pin. Simultaneously, the status of the automatic docking device is monitored in real time and displayed and alerted via the cab instrument panel, greatly improving the ease of operation, safety, and overall vehicle intelligence during docking and undoing. Furthermore, the automatic docking device is equipped with an angle sensor to accurately measure the angle between the tractor and trailer, creating conditions for fully autonomous driving.

[0053] Other alternative embodiments of the present invention are available, which will not be described in detail here.

[0054] Although embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. They can be applied to various fields suitable for the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other modifications can be easily made. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and their equivalents, the present invention is not limited to the specific details and illustrations shown and described herein.

Claims

1. An automatic docking device for tractor and trailer, characterized in that, include: The main vehicle docking system, which is installed on the tractor, includes a male connector; The trailer docking system is installed on the trailer and includes a female connector. After the female connector is connected to the male connector, the docking of the main vehicle docking module and the trailer docking module is realized. A monitoring system, which is connected to the main vehicle docking module and the trailer docking module, is used to monitor the relative position and status of the main vehicle docking module and the trailer docking module, so that the two can dock.

2. The automatic docking device for tractor and trailer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main vehicle docking module includes a saddle, a base, a horizontal soft positioning component, a connecting fork, an actuating device, a guide plate, a male end cover, an upper guide rod, a male end housing, a locking cylinder, and a vertical positioning component. The saddle is mounted on the frame, the base is connected to the saddle, one end of the horizontal soft positioning component is connected to the base, and the other end is softly connected to the connecting fork. The actuating device is elastically connected to the male end cover plate. The guide plate and the upper guide rod are respectively fixed to the bottom and top of the male end housing. The male end cover plate is connected to the male end housing. The male end connector is located inside the male end housing. The connecting fork is also connected to the male end housing. The locking cylinder is connected to the male end housing. The top end of the vertical positioning component is connected to the saddle, and the bottom end is connected to the connecting fork.

3. The automatic docking device for tractor and trailer as described in claim 2, characterized in that... An elastic pad is fitted between the male connector and the housing to correct for mating deviations during the guiding process.

4. The automatic docking device for tractor and trailer as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A cylinder is installed at the bottom of the saddle.

5. The automatic docking device for tractor and trailer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The trailer docking module includes a female end housing, a female end cover plate, a baffle plate, and a female end sealing plate; the female end connector is disposed inside the female end housing, the female end cover plate is connected to the female end housing, the baffle plate is fixed to one side of the female end housing, and the female end sealing plate is movably connected to the female end housing.

6. The automatic docking device for tractor and trailer as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The female end housing is integrated with a traction pin, and the traction pin has a through hole along the axis inside.

7. The automatic docking device for tractor and trailer as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The monitoring system includes a controller, a cylinder solenoid valve, a monitoring sensor, an operating switch, and an instrument; the controller is connected to the cylinder solenoid valve, the monitoring sensor, the operating switch, and the instrument, and the cylinder is connected to the cylinder solenoid valve.

8. The automatic docking device for tractor and trailer as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The monitoring sensors include an angle sensor.

9. The automatic docking device for tractor and trailer as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The saddle is V-shaped, forming a V-shaped guide zone.

10. The automatic docking device for tractor and trailer as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A locking mechanism is installed on the male end housing, and the locking cylinder is connected to the locking mechanism.

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