Automatic opening and closing device for trailer carriage tarpaulin
By designing an automatic opening and closing device for the mounting frame, traveling track, traveling wheels, and cover plate assembly, the problems of time-consuming manual operation of trailer tarpaulins and poor adaptability of automated devices have been solved, achieving efficient and stable automatic opening and closing of the tarpaulin, thus improving logistics transportation efficiency and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANDONG CHAMPION SPECIAL VEHICLE MFG CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-05
AI Technical Summary
The current method of opening and closing the tarpaulin of trailer cargo boxes mainly relies on manual operation, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and difficult to operate in bad weather. Automated devices are costly, complex in structure, and have poor adaptability, which affects the efficiency and safety of logistics transportation.
An automatic opening and closing device was designed, comprising a mounting frame, a traveling track, a traveling frame, traveling wheels, and a cover plate assembly. Through the precise guiding design of the traveling track and traveling wheels, combined with the hinge shaft and transmission linkage of the cover plate mounting sub-beam, the tarpaulin can be automatically unfolded and retracted to adapt to different carriage sizes.
It achieves efficient and stable automatic opening and closing of tarpaulins, reduces operational difficulty, improves logistics and transportation efficiency, enhances the adaptability and reliability of the device, and reduces failure rate and maintenance costs.
Smart Images

Figure CN224197669U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of trailer technology, and more specifically, to an automatic opening and closing device for trailer cargo tarpaulin. Background Technology
[0002] In modern logistics and transportation, trailers are a key tool for cargo transport, and their usage frequency and efficiency are crucial to the development of the logistics industry. Trailer tarpaulins play a protective role during transport, preventing goods from being exposed to sun, rain, dust, and other contaminants. However, existing methods for opening and closing trailer tarpaulins have many shortcomings and urgently need improvement.
[0003] Currently, most trailers still rely on manual methods to open and close their tarpaulins. During loading and unloading, workers must climb in and out of the trailer to manually unfold or retract the tarpaulin. This process is time-consuming, especially during periods of frequent loading and unloading, which severely impacts the efficiency of logistics and transportation. Furthermore, manual operation demands significant physical strength from workers; prolonged repetitive labor can lead to fatigue, increase the risk of operational errors, and reduce work efficiency. For example, in large logistics parks, when a large number of trailers are being loaded and unloaded simultaneously, manual tarpaulin operation can prolong vehicle waiting times, affecting overall logistics efficiency.
[0004] Furthermore, in severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain, strong winds, and heavy snow, manually opening and closing tarpaulins becomes more difficult and dangerous. In heavy rain, workers must operate on the slippery roof of the truck, which not only increases the risk of slipping and injury but also wets the goods, affecting their quality. In strong winds, the tarpaulin is easily blown about, making it difficult to accurately unfold and secure, and it may even be torn by the wind. In heavy snow, accumulated snow increases the weight of the tarpaulin, further complicating manual operation. All these factors make it difficult to guarantee the safety and timeliness of cargo transportation under severe weather conditions.
[0005] While some automatic tarpaulin opening and closing devices exist for trailers on the market, most are complex in structure and expensive. This complexity leads to a higher failure rate, making maintenance difficult and costly, thus increasing operating costs for logistics companies. Furthermore, some automatic devices have poor compatibility with different sizes and types of trailers, limiting their widespread application and hindering their adoption. In addition, some automatic devices exhibit poor operational stability and reliability, potentially malfunctioning during actual transportation due to vibrations, bumps, and other factors, affecting normal use.
[0006] In conclusion, developing an automatic opening and closing device for trailer cargo tarpaulins that is easy to operate, cost-effective, stable, and adaptable is of great significance for improving logistics efficiency, reducing labor intensity, and ensuring the safety of cargo transportation. Utility Model Content
[0007] The purpose of this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and propose an automatic opening and closing device for trailer cargo tarpaulins, including a trailer cargo and a push-pull flat cover assembly installed on the top of the trailer cargo; the push-pull flat cover assembly includes:
[0008] Mounting brackets are fixedly installed on both sides of the top of the carriage.
[0009] The travel track is fixedly installed on the mounting frame and is used for guiding and moving the travel wheels;
[0010] The walking frame is generally U-shaped. A walking wheel mounting plate is provided on the walking frame. At least one set of walking wheels is fixedly installed on the walking wheel mounting plate. Each set of walking wheels is distributed above and below the walking track. A recessed area is provided in the middle of the walking wheel, and the recessed area slides with the walking track. An L-shaped mounting plate is also provided on the walking frame.
[0011] The cover plate assembly is fixedly installed on the L-shaped mounting plate and unfolds or retracts as the traveling frame moves.
[0012] Preferably, the cover plate assembly includes a cover plate mounting main beam, which spans across the top of the carriage; multiple cover plate mounting secondary beams are hinged to both sides of the cover plate mounting main beam, and a cover plate is fixedly mounted on the cover plate mounting secondary beams;
[0013] Preferably, the top of the cover plate mounting sub-beam is provided with a hinge hole, and the hinge hole is connected to the hinge hole of the cover plate mounting sub-beam in the adjacent cover plate assembly through a hinge shaft.
[0014] Preferably, each of the cover plate mounting sub-beams has a connecting hole at its top, and a transmission connecting rod is rotatably installed in the connecting hole; the transmission connecting rod can make the cover plate mounting sub-beams move simultaneously, and can also enhance the stability of the cover plate.
[0015] Preferably, a drive device is fixedly installed on the walking frame.
[0016] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0017] 1. The design of the traveling track and the traveling wheels is such that the concave area in the middle of the traveling wheels slides and cooperates with the traveling track, providing precise guidance for the movement of the traveling frame. This ensures that the traveling frame moves smoothly and stably during the movement, and is less prone to problems such as jamming or deviation. This makes the opening and closing of the tarpaulin smoother and more stable, and further improves the operating efficiency.
[0018] 2. The cover plate mounting sub-beams are connected by hinged shafts, and a transmission connecting rod is rotatably installed in the top connecting hole. This connection method not only enables the cover plate mounting sub-beams to move synchronously, ensuring the consistency of the tarpaulin's unfolding and retracting actions, but also enhances the stability of the entire cover plate assembly structure. During transportation, it effectively resists the influence of external forces such as wind and bumps, reduces the risk of tarpaulin damage, and extends the service life of the device.
[0019] 3. The mounting bracket is fixed to the top of the carriage, providing a solid and stable support foundation for the entire push-pull flat cover assembly; the traveling frame is U-shaped and the traveling wheels are reasonably distributed, which enhances the structural strength of the traveling frame itself and the stability of its cooperation with the track, ensuring that the components are tightly connected and not easily loosened during operation, thus improving the overall reliability.
[0020] 4. The main beam for cover plate installation is hinged to multiple secondary beams for cover plate installation on both sides, which allows the cover plate assembly to flexibly adapt to the needs of trailers of different sizes during the unfolding and retraction process. Whether it is a standard size or a trailer with special specifications, a good fit can be achieved by adjusting the number and angle of the secondary beams for cover plate installation. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an automatic opening and closing device for a trailer cargo tarpaulin proposed in this utility model;
[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cover plate assembly structure in an automatic opening and closing device for a trailer cargo tarpaulin proposed in this utility model;
[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram (half unfolded) of the overall structure of an automatic opening and closing device for a trailer cargo tarpaulin proposed in this utility model.
[0024] In the diagram, 1-mounting bracket; 2-travel track; 3-travel frame; 4-travel wheel mounting plate; 5-travel wheel; 6-L-shaped mounting plate; 7-main beam mounted on cover plate; 8-sub-beam mounted on cover plate; 9-cover plate; 10-hinge hole; 11-hinge shaft; 12-connecting hole; 13-transmission link. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.
[0026] Referring to the figure, this embodiment provides an automatic opening and closing device for a trailer cargo tarpaulin, including a trailer cargo and a push-pull flat cover assembly installed on the top of the trailer cargo; the push-pull flat cover assembly includes:
[0027] Mounting bracket 1, which is fixedly installed on both sides of the top of the carriage;
[0028] The travel track 2 is fixedly installed on the mounting frame and is used for guiding and moving the travel wheels;
[0029] The walking frame 3 is generally U-shaped. A walking wheel mounting plate 4 is provided on the walking frame 3. At least one set of walking wheels 5 are fixedly installed on the walking wheel mounting plate 4. Each set of walking wheels 5 is distributed above and below the walking track 2. A recessed area is provided in the middle of the walking wheel 5, and the recessed area cooperates with the walking track 2. An L-shaped mounting plate 6 is also provided on the walking frame 3.
[0030] The cover plate assembly 4 is fixedly installed on the L-shaped mounting plate, and unfolds or retracts accordingly when the traveling frame 3 moves.
[0031] Furthermore, the cover plate assembly includes a cover plate mounting main beam 7, which spans across the top of the carriage; multiple cover plate mounting secondary beams 8 are hinged to both sides of the cover plate mounting main beam, and a cover plate 9 is fixedly installed on the cover plate mounting secondary beams 8.
[0032] Furthermore, the top of the cover plate mounting sub-beam 8 is provided with a hinge hole 10, and the hinge hole 10 is connected to the hinge hole 10 of the cover plate mounting sub-beam 8 in the adjacent cover plate assembly through a hinge shaft 11.
[0033] Furthermore, each of the cover plate mounting sub-beams 8 is provided with a connecting hole 12 at its top, and a transmission connecting rod 13 is rotatably installed in the connecting hole 12; the transmission connecting rod 13 can make the cover plate mounting sub-beams 8 move simultaneously, and at the same time can enhance the stability of the cover plate 9.
[0034] Here, when a traction frame is required, a drive device can be fixedly installed on the traction frame 3, or a traction rope can be fixedly installed on the traction frame 3, with the end of the traction rope connected to a traction motor.
[0035] The above embodiments provide an automatic opening and closing device for trailer cargo tarpaulins, aiming to achieve efficient and convenient automatic opening and closing of trailer cargo tarpaulins, thereby improving protection and operational convenience during cargo transportation. The following detailed description, based on our company's specific implementation and operating methods, provides further details.
[0036] The trailer body in this embodiment is a common freight trailer structure, with its top providing a basic support surface for the installation of the device. The trailer body is 13 meters long, 2.4 meters wide, and 2.6 meters high. Different specifications of trailer bodies can be selected according to actual transportation needs, and this device has good adaptability.
[0037] This device uses a rectangular frame structure mounting bracket made of high-strength steel, which is firmly fixed to the edge of the trailer's roof by welding. The length of the mounting bracket is the same as the length of the trailer's roof, and the width is slightly larger than the width of the trailer's roof to ensure sufficient installation space for subsequent components. Reinforcing ribs are provided at both ends and the middle of the mounting bracket to enhance its structural strength and enable it to withstand various stresses generated by the traveling frame and cover plate assembly during movement.
[0038] Two steel rods of the same length as the mounting frame are selected as the travel track assembly and fixed to both sides of the upper surface of the mounting frame with bolts. The two travel tracks are parallel to each other. The travel tracks are precisely designed according to the dimensions of the recessed area of the travel wheels to ensure that the travel wheels can roll smoothly within the tracks, while also providing good guidance for the travel wheels and preventing them from deviating during movement.
[0039] The traveling frame has an overall U-shaped structure and is made of high-quality aluminum alloy, which ensures structural strength while reducing the overall weight of the device. A traveling wheel mounting plate is welded to each of the two side plates of the traveling frame. Two sets of traveling wheels are bolted to the mounting plates. Each set of wheels includes upper and lower wheels, and each wheel has a recessed area in the center that matches the shape of the traveling track. This ensures a tight fit between the traveling wheel and the track, allowing for smooth movement.
[0040] An L-shaped mounting plate is welded to one side panel of the traveling frame for fixing the cover plate assembly. The horizontal part of the L-shaped mounting plate is firmly welded to the side panel of the traveling frame, and the horizontal part is used to install the main beam for mounting the cover plate assembly.
[0041] There are various methods for the forward and backward movement of the traveling frame, which this applicant will not specifically protect or describe in detail. The driving method for the traveling frame is as follows: A traction rope is fixedly installed at one end of the traveling frame. The traction rope is made of high-strength steel wire rope, one end of which is firmly connected to the traveling frame, and the other end passes over a guide pulley installed at the end of the mounting frame and connects to the reel of the traction motor. The traction motor is installed at the end of the mounting frame and fixed to a specially designed motor mounting bracket with bolts. When the traction motor is working, the rotation of the reel winds up and down the traction rope, thereby pulling the traveling frame forward. The driving device, traction rope, and traction motor can be used individually or simultaneously, depending on the actual usage scenario and requirements, to achieve a more flexible and efficient driving method. When the traction motor rotates forward, the reel begins to wind up the traction rope. Because one end of the traction rope is securely connected to the traveling frame, and the other end passes over a guide pulley and connects to the reel, tension is generated as the traction rope is tightened. This pulls the traveling frame along the traveling track towards the end of the mounting bracket where the traction motor is located, thus achieving forward movement of the traveling frame. When the traveling frame needs to move backward, the traction motor rotates in the opposite direction, and the reel releases the traction rope. At this time, under the action of some auxiliary devices (such as return springs, etc., not mentioned here but can be reasonably added), the traveling frame will move in the opposite direction along the traveling track, thus achieving backward movement. If no auxiliary devices are available, in practical applications, the backward movement of the traveling frame can also be assisted by adjusting electric push rods or other methods. The description here is for reference only, and those skilled in the art can adjust it according to actual conditions where details are not exhaustive.
[0042] The main beam for the cover plate installation is a high-strength rectangular steel pipe, with a length slightly greater than the width of the trailer bed to ensure it can be installed across the top of the bed. Both ends of the main beam are bolted to the vertical portion of the L-shaped mounting plate, and rubber pads are installed at the connection points to reduce vibration and noise.
[0043] Multiple cover plate mounting sub-beams are hinged to both sides of the main cover plate mounting beam. In this embodiment, three cover plate mounting sub-beams are provided on each side, with equal spacing between adjacent cover plate mounting sub-beams. The cover plate mounting sub-beams are made of rectangular aluminum alloy tubes, with hinge holes at their tops. The hinge holes of adjacent cover plate mounting sub-beams are connected by hinge shafts, allowing relative rotation between the cover plate mounting sub-beams. Connecting holes are also provided at the top of the cover plate mounting sub-beams, within which transmission connecting rods are rotatably mounted. The two ends of the transmission connecting rods are connected to rotating shafts within the connecting holes of adjacent cover plate mounting sub-beams. Through the transmission action of the transmission connecting rods, multiple cover plate mounting sub-beams can move simultaneously during unfolding and retraction, maintaining consistency of movement and enhancing the stability of the entire cover plate assembly.
[0044] Each cover plate mounting sub-beam is bolted to a cover plate. The cover plates are made of high-strength waterproof canvas or stainless steel sheets, and their dimensions are customized according to the size of the cover plate mounting sub-beam to ensure complete coverage of the gaps between adjacent cover plate mounting sub-beams. Edge banding and reinforcing ribs are provided at the edges of the cover plates to improve their strength and durability.
[0045] Work process:
[0046] When the tarpaulin needs to be deployed, the drive unit is activated to move the traveling frame along the track towards the rear of the trailer. As the traveling frame moves, the cover plate assembly fixed to it also moves. Since the cover plate mounting sub-beams are connected by hinged shafts and transmission rods, during the movement of the traveling frame, the transmission rods drive each cover plate mounting sub-beam to unfold simultaneously, slowly unfolding along the cover plate mounting main shaft, gradually covering the top of the trailer.
[0047] If a traction motor is used, once started, the reel begins winding up the traction rope, pulling the traveling frame towards the rear of the trailer. This also causes the cover assembly to unfold, completing the tarpaulin covering process. During unfolding, the traveling wheels roll smoothly within the tracks, ensuring smooth movement of the traveling frame and cover assembly.
[0048] When it's necessary to retract the tarpaulin, reverse the operation of the drive unit or traction motor. This moves the traveling frame along the track towards the head of the trailer. Simultaneously, the main beam for mounting the cover plate moves, and under the action of the hinged shaft and transmission linkage, the secondary beams for mounting the cover plate retract sequentially, gradually folding the cover plate up. If using a traction motor, reverse the motor, the reel releases the traction rope, and the traveling frame moves towards the head of the trailer, completing the tarpaulin retraction process.
[0049] In the above embodiments and usage,
[0050] 1. Through the coordinated design of the walking track and the walking wheels, the concave area in the middle of the walking wheels slides and cooperates with the walking track to provide precise guidance for the movement of the walking frame, ensuring that the walking frame is stable and smooth during the movement, and is not prone to problems such as jamming or deviation. This makes the opening and closing of the tarpaulin smoother and more stable, and further improves the operating efficiency.
[0051] 2. The cover plate mounting sub-beams are connected by hinged shafts, and a transmission connecting rod is rotatably installed in the top connecting hole. This connection method not only enables the cover plate mounting sub-beams to move synchronously, ensuring the consistency of the tarpaulin's unfolding and retracting actions, but also enhances the stability of the entire cover plate assembly structure. During transportation, it effectively resists the influence of external forces such as wind and bumps, reduces the risk of tarpaulin damage, and extends the service life of the device.
[0052] 3. The mounting bracket is fixed to the top of the carriage, providing a solid and stable support foundation for the entire push-pull flat cover assembly; the traveling frame is U-shaped and the traveling wheels are reasonably distributed, which enhances the structural strength of the traveling frame itself and the stability of its cooperation with the track, ensuring that the components are tightly connected and not easily loosened during operation, thus improving the overall reliability.
[0053] 4. The main beam for cover plate installation is hinged to multiple secondary beams for cover plate installation on both sides, which allows the cover plate assembly to flexibly adapt to the needs of trailers of different sizes during the unfolding and retraction process. Whether it is a standard size or a trailer with special specifications, a good fit can be achieved by adjusting the number and angle of the secondary beams for cover plate installation.
[0054] The above specific embodiments further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this utility model. It should be understood that the above are only specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of this utility model, should be covered within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0055] Furthermore, it should be understood in the description of this utility model that the terms indicating orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
[0056] Furthermore, in this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
Claims
1. An automatic opening and closing device for a trailer cargo tarpaulin, comprising a trailer cargo, characterized in that, Also installed on the top of the trailer body is the push-pull flat cover assembly; The push-pull flat cover assembly includes: Mounting bracket, which is fixedly installed on the top of the carriage; The travel track is fixedly installed on the mounting frame and is used for guiding and moving the travel wheels; The walking frame is generally U-shaped. A walking wheel mounting plate is provided on the walking frame. At least one set of walking wheels is fixedly installed on the walking wheel mounting plate. Each set of walking wheels is distributed above and below the walking track. A recessed area is provided in the middle of the walking wheel, and the recessed area slides with the walking track. An L-shaped mounting plate is also provided on the walking frame. A cover plate assembly is fixedly installed on an L-shaped mounting plate; the cover plate assembly includes a cover plate mounting main beam, which spans across the top of the carriage; multiple cover plate mounting secondary beams are hinged to both sides of the cover plate mounting main beam, and a cover plate is fixedly installed on the cover plate mounting secondary beams.
2. The automatic opening and closing device for a trailer cargo tarpaulin according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the cover plate mounting sub-beam is provided with a hinge hole, which is connected to the hinge hole of the cover plate mounting sub-beam in the adjacent cover plate assembly through a hinge shaft.
3. The automatic opening and closing device for a trailer cargo tarpaulin according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the cover plate mounting sub-beams has a connecting hole at its top, and a transmission connecting rod is rotatably installed in the connecting hole; the transmission connecting rod can make the cover plate mounting sub-beams move simultaneously, and can also enhance the stability of the cover plate.
4. The automatic opening and closing device for a trailer cargo tarpaulin according to claim 1, characterized in that, A drive device can be fixedly installed on the walking frame to facilitate driving the walking frame.