Transport vehicle, system and procedure for collision monitoring

Abstract

Transport vehicle, with two vehicle sides (4) and a receptacle (1) for a semi-trailer (2) having at least one support leg (3, 3'), for example a semi-trailer or a container chassis, wherein at least one distance sensor (5) is arranged such that a distance between a vehicle side (4) and a support leg (3, 3') of the semi-trailer (2) arranged on the receptacle (1) can be measured, characterized in that at least one distance sensor (5) is arranged on each vehicle side (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transport vehicle, in particular a tractor unit, preferably for use in yard logistics, with two vehicle sides and a receptacle for a trailer having at least one support leg, for example a semi-trailer or a container chassis.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a system with a transport vehicle and a trailer.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for collision monitoring of a transport vehicle, wherein the transport vehicle has two vehicle sides and a receptacle, wherein a semi-trailer is arranged on the receptacle, wherein the semi-trailer has at least one support leg.

[0004] Transport vehicles of various designs have been in use for years and are used to transport a wide variety of equipment and trailers. For example, semi-trailers or container chassis are loaded and transported by the transport vehicle.

[0005] Due to the size of the transport vehicles and the sometimes limited visibility, the driver faces significant demands to avoid collisions with other vehicles and objects. A particular challenge is yard logistics, which is carried out by logistics providers such as courier, express, and parcel services in a logistics yard. This involves transferring trailers from the transport vehicle to the warehouse in a relatively confined space within a short period of time.

[0006] The arrangement of sensors in the area of ​​the taillights of a towing vehicle is already known from DE 10 2018 204 981 A1 and DE 10 2018 204 979 A1. FR 2 965 513 A1 describes the arrangement of sensors on the rear of a towing vehicle.

[0007] The present invention is based on the object of designing and developing a transport vehicle and a system comprising a transport vehicle and a semi-trailer of the type mentioned above in such a way that safe operation is possible using simple structural means. Furthermore, a method for collision monitoring for a transport vehicle is to be specified.

[0008] According to the invention, the above object is achieved by the features of claim 1. According to this invention, a transport vehicle, in particular a tractor unit, preferably for use in yard logistics, with two vehicle sides and a receptacle for a semitrailer having at least one support leg, for example a semitrailer or a container chassis, wherein at least one distance sensor is arranged such that a distance between a vehicle side and a support leg of the semitrailer arranged on the receptacle can be measured, characterized in that at least one distance sensor is arranged on each vehicle side.

[0009] With regard to the system, the underlying object is achieved by the features of claim 8. This provides a system comprising a transport vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 7 and a trailer, for example a semi-trailer or a container chassis, wherein the trailer has at least one support leg.

[0010] With regard to the method, the underlying object is achieved by the features of claim 9. According to this, a method for collision monitoring of a transport vehicle, in particular a transport vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transport vehicle has two vehicle sides and a receptacle, wherein a semi-trailer is arranged on the receptacle, wherein the semi-trailer has at least one support leg, characterized in that a distance between a vehicle side and a support leg of the semi-trailer is measured via at least one distance sensor, wherein at least one distance sensor is arranged on each vehicle side.

[0011] In accordance with the invention, it was first recognized that not only an "external" object or vehicle, but also the semi-trailer arranged on the receptacle, in particular a coupling, of the transport vehicle, i.e. loaded or pulled by the transport vehicle, can collide with this transport vehicle if the semi-trailer has support legs that project downwards to the side. This problem occurs in particular when cornering tightly, where the angle between the transport vehicle and the semi-trailer is relatively small, for example less than 90°, so that the transport vehicle swings in well below the semi-trailer and then collides with the lateral support leg. Such driving maneuvers are particularly common in yard logistics during transshipment operations. It is also possible for the semi-trailer to have a support leg at the level of the kingpin, so that there is a risk of collision even when cornering with a relatively large radius.In a further embodiment of the invention, it has been recognized that the underlying problem can be solved in an astonishingly simple manner by providing at least one distance sensor on each side of the vehicle. It is essential that the distance sensor is arranged or aligned in such a way that the distance between a side of the vehicle and a support leg of the semi-trailer arranged on the support can be measured. In particular, the distance sensor can be arranged at such a height on the side of the vehicle that it lies in the same horizontal plane as part of the support leg. Regardless of the actual arrangement and alignment of the distance sensor, it must be guaranteed that it measures the relevant distance between the support leg and the transport vehicle. By taking the measured distance into account, a collision between the transport vehicle and the loaded semi-trailer or its support leg can thus be prevented.

[0012] The transport vehicle can be a transport vehicle for use in port logistics, yard logistics or industrial intralogistics, or generally a transport vehicle for any material and goods flow within a company premises. For example, the transport vehicle can be designed as a tractor unit, preferably as a terminal tractor or a swap body pallet truck with a fifth wheel plate. Alternatively or additionally, the trailer can be a semi-trailer or a container chassis, which, for example, has two support feet that protrude down next to the sides of the vehicle when the transport vehicle is turning the trailer around a corner. Regardless of its specific design, the trailer can be connected to the transport vehicle, for example, via a mount designed as a fifth wheel coupling or a trailer coupling.It is important to note that when cornering tightly, the transport vehicle swivels relative to the trailer and can therefore collide with a support leg of the trailer.

[0013] The term "support leg" is to be understood in the broadest sense within the scope of this disclosure; it can be any part of a parking facility for the semi-trailer or any other part of the semi-trailer that can collide with the transport vehicle when cornering.

[0014] The term “semi-trailer” is to be understood in the broadest sense within the scope of this disclosure; it can be connected to the transport vehicle in any way, for example by means of a fifth wheel coupling or a trailer coupling, so that the semi-trailer can also be a trailer.

[0015] According to the invention, at least one distance sensor is arranged on each side of the vehicle. This prevents collisions with the trailer's support legs on both sides of the vehicle.

[0016] Another advantageous option is for the distance sensor to be an ultrasonic sensor. An ultrasonic sensor is advantageous because it enables reliable distance measurement with minimal design effort and at a low cost.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment, an acoustic and / or optical and / or haptic display can be arranged to indicate the measured distance between the support foot and the side of the vehicle.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that an acoustic, visual, and / or haptic indicator could be used to issue a warning if a minimum distance between the support leg of the semi-trailer mounted on the support and the side of the vehicle is exceeded. The driver of the transport vehicle is thus warned—for example, by a sound, a display, or a vibration—as soon as a critical minimum distance between the side of the vehicle and the support leg is exceeded, allowing the driver to stop or countersteer in a timely manner to prevent a collision.

[0019] Advantageously, the at least one distance sensor can be manually activated and / or deactivated. The driver can thus only activate the distance sensor when a semitrailer is positioned on the support and / or a tight turn is required. Furthermore, the distance sensor can be deactivated when passing a narrow section.

[0020] In a further advantageous manner, an activation device for the at least one distance sensor can be provided, wherein the activation device has detection means for detecting the coupling of a semitrailer. A corresponding design enables the distance sensor to be automatically activated whenever there is a risk of collision with a coupled semitrailer. Specifically, the detection means could be used to detect the status of a fifth wheel coupling of the receptacle. This makes it particularly easy to detect whether a semitrailer is coupled to the transport vehicle.

[0021] It should be noted that the transport vehicle according to the invention and the system according to the invention comprise features that have a procedural character. These features and the advantages achieved thereby can expressly constitute a part of the method according to the invention.

[0022] There are now various possibilities for advantageously embodying and developing the teaching of the present invention. Reference is made, on the one hand, to the claims subordinate to claims 1 and 9 and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing, the method according to the invention and generally preferred embodiments and developments of the teaching are also explained. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 in a schematic representation, a side view of a transport vehicle according to the invention in a straight-ahead travel, Fig. 2 in a schematic representation, a perspective view of the transport vehicle according to Fig. 1 in a straight line, Fig. 3 in a schematic representation, a side view of the transport vehicle according to Fig. 1 in a curve, Fig. 4 in an enlarged view the detail A from Fig. 3, Fig. 5 in a schematic representation, a perspective view of the transport vehicle according to Fig. 1 in a curve, and Fig. 6 in an enlarged view the detail B from Fig. 5.

[0023] The Fig. Figures 1 to 6 show an embodiment of the teachings of the invention, with the method of the invention also being explained using this embodiment. In the figures, identical components are provided with the same reference numerals; for the sake of clarity, not every component is provided with its own reference numeral in each figure.

[0024] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the transport vehicle is designed as a tractor unit, which has a receptacle 1, in particular a fifth wheel coupling 6, for a semitrailer 2, namely a container chassis. It is expressly pointed out that the transport vehicle or semitrailer does not necessarily have to be designed as a tractor unit or container chassis. The semitrailer 2 has two support legs 3, 3'. Furthermore, the transport vehicle comprises two vehicle sides, of which only one vehicle side 4 is visible in the figures.

[0025] The Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows that the support legs 3, 3' of the semi-trailer 2 are positioned behind the transport vehicle when the transport vehicle is traveling straight ahead, thus eliminating the risk of collision. However, this does not necessarily have to be the case; the support legs 3, 3' can, for example, also extend down the side of a kingpin or at any other location on one of the vehicle sides 4.

[0026] From the Fig. However, it is clearly evident from Figures 3 to 6 that when cornering tightly, the transport vehicle pivots relative to the trailer 2 in such a way that the vehicle side 4 can collide with the respective support leg 3. To prevent such a collision or to warn the driver, a distance sensor 5 is arranged on each of the two vehicle sides 4, with which the distance of the vehicle side 4 to the respective support leg 3, 3' can be measured. Fig.1 to 6, only one of the distance sensors 5 is shown, whereby the distance sensor not shown can be arranged analogously on the second side of the vehicle.

[0027] If, for example, a minimum distance is not maintained, this is detected by the distance sensor 5 and, in particular, an acoustic (warning tone), optical (light display / screen display) or haptic (vibration) warning can be issued to the driver so that he can countersteer accordingly or stop the transport vehicle.

[0028] The distance sensor 5 is preferably arranged at a height such that it lies in a horizontal plane with a portion of the support leg 3, 3'. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the distance sensor 5 to be manually activated or deactivated, so that distance monitoring only occurs when necessary. The activation or deactivation of the distance sensors 5 could also be performed via an activation device (not shown) that has detection means for detecting the coupling of a semitrailer. The detection means could, for example, monitor the condition of the fifth wheel coupling 6.

[0029] With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the appended claims in order to avoid repetition.

[0030] Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the embodiments of the device according to the invention described above serve only to explain the claimed teaching, but do not limit it to the embodiments. List of reference symbols 1 recording 2 trailers 3, 3' support leg 4 Vehicle side 5 Distance sensor 6 fifth wheel coupling

Claims

[1] Transport vehicle, with two vehicle sides (4) and a receptacle (1) for a semi-trailer (2) having at least one support leg (3, 3'), for example a semi-trailer or a container chassis, wherein at least one distance sensor (5) is arranged such that a distance between a vehicle side (4) and a support leg (3, 3') of the semi-trailer (2) arranged on the receptacle (1) can be measured, characterized by that at least one distance sensor (5) is arranged on each side (4) of the vehicle. [2] Transport vehicle according to claim 1, characterized by that the distance sensor (5) is an ultrasonic sensor. [3] Transport vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that an acoustic and / or optical and / or haptic display is arranged to indicate the measured distance between the support foot (3, 3') and the vehicle side (4). [4] Transport vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat if a minimum distance, for example a minimum distance of 1.5 m, between the support foot (3, 3') and the side of the vehicle (4) is not reached, a warning can be issued by an acoustic and / or optical and / or haptic display. [5] Transport vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the at least one distance sensor (5) can be activated and / or deactivated manually. [6] Transport vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that an activation device is arranged for the at least one distance sensor (5), wherein the activation device has detection means for detecting a coupling of a semi-trailer (2). [7] Transport vehicle according to claim 6, characterized by that the state of a fifth wheel coupling (6) of the receptacle (1) can be detected via the detection means. [8] System comprising a transport vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 7 and a trailer (2), for example a semi-trailer or a container chassis, wherein the trailer (2) has at least one support leg (3, 3'). [9] Method for collision monitoring of a transport vehicle, in particular a transport vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transport vehicle has two vehicle sides (4) and a receptacle (1), wherein a semi-trailer (2) is arranged on the receptacle (1), wherein the semi-trailer (2) has at least one support leg (3, 3'), characterized by that a distance between a vehicle side (4) and a support leg (3, 3') of the semi-trailer (2) is measured via at least one distance sensor (5), wherein at least one distance sensor (5) is arranged on each vehicle side (4). [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized bythat the measured distance is displayed by an acoustic and / or optical and / or haptic display. [11] Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by that if the measured distance falls below a minimum distance, a warning is given by an acoustic and / or optical and / or haptic display.

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