Turntable trolley for hybrid operation

Abstract

Turntable trolley (1) for hybrid operation, wherein the turntable trolley (1) has a front axle (2) with wheels (12) and a rear axle (3) with wheels (13), wherein the front axle (2) is connected to a turntable assembly (4), wherein the turntable assembly (4) has a drive device (5), a power pack (6), a control device (7) and a drawbar (9) and is rotatable about a pivot point (10), characterized in that a steering device (14) is provided which causes the turntable assembly (4) to rotate about the pivot point (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a turntable trolley which can be operated both in trailer operation in conjunction with a towing vehicle and independently. In particular, the turntable trolley can be controlled by an operator or autonomously in the independent operating mode.

[0002] DE 102 24 939 A1 concerns drive axle trailers and guide vehicles for use in agriculture, in particular an unmanned and autonomously driving drive axle trailer that can be wirelessly controlled by a conventional tractor as a guide vehicle and / or in relation to it.

[0003] DE 10 2016 010 574 A1 concerns a road vehicle-traction combination. A road vehicle-traction combination is proposed, comprising a steerable tractor unit with at least one driven axle in combination with at least one vehicle coupled to the tractor unit, in particular in combination with at least one semi-trailer and / or with at least one dolly with semi-trailer and / or with at least one trailer as a transport trailer.According to the invention, in the road vehicle-train combination, in particular formed by a long truck, Euro Combi or Roadtrain, at least one axle of the vehicle coupled to the towing vehicle is designed as a drive module and temporarily drive axle, wherein the drive module has a drive unit which is designed to be automatically controlled and switched on for a limited time by means of a control unit depending on the determined driving operating state and the determined drive requirement of the road vehicle-train combination.

[0004] US 2007 040 353 A1 concerns transport vehicles for moving attached trailers, and in particular an all-terrain vehicle for moving trailers off-road. In various configurations, the all-terrain vehicle can serve as a propulsion system and be remotely controlled.

[0005] Based on the known state of the art, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a turntable trolley which is capable of operating both independently and in trailer operation and which has a particularly robust steering system.

[0006] The problem is solved with a turntable trolley according to the invention. The turntable trolley has a front axle with wheels and a rear axle with wheels. The front axle is connected to a turntable assembly, the turntable assembly comprising a drive device, a power pack, a steering device, and a drawbar. The turntable assembly is rotatable about a pivot point. Furthermore, a steering device is provided which causes the turntable assembly to rotate about the pivot point.

[0007] The turntable trailer can be used, for example, as a trailer or semi-trailer in agriculture, construction, or forestry. Specifically, these are often two-way, three-way, or tipper trailers for harvested crops or bulk materials, such as building materials or excavated soil, or as timber trailers. However, other configurations are also possible, for example, when the turntable trailer is used as a tool carrier.

[0008] In one possible embodiment, the steering device includes a motor, which can, for example, be an electric motor. This motor has a pinion on an output shaft, which engages with a ring gear. The ring gear is connected to the turntable carriage, so that a rotational movement of the pinion causes the turntable assembly to rotate. The ring gear can have a partially formed toothing. This means that the toothing is not fully formed, but rather covers a circular segment of the ring gear. The partial formation is due to the fact that a 360° rotation of the turntable assembly is not required. In particular, the partial formation of the toothing results from the steering angle to be set for the steering device. The toothing can be located on the inside or outside of the ring gear.Accordingly, the motor is arranged with the pinion gear in relation to the ring gear.

[0009] In an alternative embodiment, the steering device describes an actuating mechanism that generates a force, causing a change in the length of the steering device, which in turn causes the turntable assembly to rotate around its pivot point. For this purpose, the steering device is connected to the turntable trolley at a first fixed point and to the turntable assembly at a second fixed point. Advantageously, the steering device is articulated to the fixed points, for example, by means of a ball joint. Alternatively, the steering device can also be articulated to the fixed points, for example, by means of a bolt or pin with a corresponding receptacle, such as a fork. All embodiments have in common that at least one degree of freedom of the connection is provided for each fixed point.A steering mechanism that is offset from the pivot point, i.e., not aligned with it, results in rotational movement when the steering mechanism's length changes, causing a steering input and thus cornering. A neutral position of the steering mechanism corresponds to driving straight ahead; a change in length in one direction (e.g., increasing the length) causes the turntable assembly to rotate in that direction; and a change in length in a second direction (e.g., decreasing the length) causes the turntable assembly to rotate in that second direction. The first and second directions of rotation are opposite to each other.

[0010] According to the invention, the turntable assembly includes a drive device. The drive device can be in the form of an electric machine. Alternatively, it can also be an internal combustion engine. The drive device powers the wheels of the front axle, thereby enabling the turntable trolley to operate autonomously, allowing it to move without the assistance of the towing vehicle.

[0011] In an alternative configuration, the drive system can also provide support during trailer operation by continuing to drive the wheels. This improves the traction of the vehicle combination, particularly on difficult terrain, and also reduces soil compaction. The steering system can also be active during trailer operation, providing a locking torque, especially when speed-dependent, as a damping element. This prevents or reduces the oscillation of the turntable trailer, particularly at higher speeds, thus minimizing or eliminating swaying and ultimately improving driving stability and safety.

[0012] Furthermore, the turntable assembly includes a power pack and a control device. The power pack can, for example, be designed as an electrical energy storage device and / or a pneumatic pressure accumulator. A generator unit with an internal combustion engine as the drive element can also be provided, supplying electrical energy to the electrical energy storage device and / or the drive unit. Likewise, the generator unit can fill a pneumatic or hydraulic pressure accumulator or, as a compressor or pump, directly provide a pressure supply for a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid.

[0013] The control device is designed and configured to control the power pack, steering device, and drive unit, and to execute methods for controlling the turntable trolley and, in particular, the turntable assembly. Furthermore, the control device can include or integrate a communication interface. In addition to a human-machine interface for inputting driving and / or control commands directly at the turntable trolley, the communication interface can also receive inputs from a remote input device, either wired or wirelessly. The input device can be, for example, a remote control for driving commands or an interface for data exchange, whereby driving and / or control commands are received by a transmitting unit. This transmitting unit can be located in a vehicle, in a decentralized data center, or cloud-based.Furthermore, the control device may include a sensor interface or a sensor unit for generating, providing, and inputting sensor data. In particular, the sensors are those that enable lane guidance, object and / or obstacle detection. Therefore, these include, but are not limited to, radar, lidar, and / or ultrasonic sensors. Imaging sensors such as cameras, sometimes depth or stereo cameras, may also be used. Especially when object detection is applied, the sensors may be designed to detect a moving object, such as a harvesting vehicle. This can be achieved through image recognition or by identifying unique markers, allowing the turntable trolley to follow the moving object. For this purpose, a temporary assignment to the object that the turntable trolley is to follow may be implemented.

[0014] In a further developed embodiment of the turntable trolley, the steering device can be deactivated, thus rendering it force-neutral. This means that the steering device can be deactivated in such a way that it is decoupled from the force exerted. This is particularly advantageous when the turntable trolley is in towing operation. In this case, a towing vehicle and at least one turntable trolley form a vehicle combination, with the turntable trolley coupled to and pulled by the towing vehicle. In towing operation, the turntable trolley follows the towing vehicle, with the rotational movement effected via a drawbar connected to the turntable of the turntable assembly when the towing vehicle negotiates a curve. Vehicle combinations are also conceivable in which a first turntable trolley is coupled to a towing vehicle and a second turntable trolley is coupled to the first.

[0015] In possible embodiments of the present invention, the steering device is designed as a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. A piston is displaceable within the cylinder. The piston is displaced by pressurizing it with a pneumatic fluid (compressed air) or hydraulic fluid (oil), whereby the displacement of the piston causes a change in length between the first and second fixed points. In particular, a valve assembly can be provided, which is controlled by the control device and uses inlet and outlet valves to pressurize the steering device. The valve assembly is pressurized with pneumatic or hydraulic fluid by the power pack.

[0016] In an alternative version of the steering device, it is designed as a linear motor, specifically an electric linear motor, instead of a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. The linear motor is responsible for the change in length between the first and second fixed points. It is controlled by the control unit and supplied with electrical energy by the power pack.

[0017] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it relates to a vehicle combination consisting of a towing vehicle and at least one turntable trailer according to the invention. The at least one turntable trailer is coupled to the towing vehicle by means of the drawbar.

[0018] The present invention also includes a method for operating a turntable trolley according to the invention, wherein it is possible to switch between trailer operation and stand-alone or autonomous operation. This switch can be effected, for example, via the human-machine interface or specified via the communication point. Automatic detection and activation / deactivation of the respective operation can also be performed. For example, it can be provided that trailer operation is activated when it is detected that the turntable trolley has been coupled to the towing vehicle.

[0019] In a further development of the method according to the invention, it is provided that in self-sufficient operation of the turntable trolley, driving and / or control specifications are specified by an operator or in autonomous operation by the control device.

[0020] Advantageously, the system provides for both trailer operation on public roads and self-sufficient or autonomous operation on fields or farmyards. This can sometimes be sensor-supported, for example, using a position sensor. In autonomous mode, the turntable trailer drives and steers independently. For example, the harvested crop can thus be transported autonomously from the field or farmyard. A concrete example is the corn harvest, where a tractor unit transports the trailers from the field, while on the field itself, the trailers or turntable trailers according to the invention can drive under their own power and, in particular, autonomously, thus taking over the harvested crop from a harvesting machine. A sensor arrangement can be provided for this purpose. This arrangement can combine various types of sensors.The signals are combined and provided to the control device as raw data or as already processed data. The control device is designed and configured to process the sensor data and send control commands or control signals to the drive device, and, if present, the valve device and the steering device.

[0021] The invention will be further explained with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures. These show: Fig. 1: a first embodiment of a turntable trolley; Fig. 1A: a first embodiment of a turntable trolley in a steered state; Fig. 2: a second embodiment of a turntable trolley.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows a highly simplified and not-to-scale representation of a turntable trailer 1, for example, a two-axle vehicle trailer, in a top view. The turntable trailer 1 has a front axle 2 and a rear axle 3, the front axle 2 being connected to a turntable assembly 4. The turntable assembly 4 includes a drive unit 5, a power pack 6, a control unit 7, and a valve unit 8 and is connected to a drawbar 9. The turntable trailer 1 can be coupled to a towing vehicle by means of the drawbar 9, thus enabling trailer operation. The turntable assembly 4 is rotatably connected to a frame or chassis of the turntable trailer 1 about a pivot point 10.By means of the direction of rotation 11 of the turntable arrangement 4 indicated by arrows, the wheels 12 of the front axle 2 can be positioned in such a way that they do not align with the wheels 13 of the rear axle 3, thereby enabling the turntable trolley 1 to turn or to be steerable.

[0023] Furthermore, it shows Fig. 1. A steering device 14, which is connected at a first fixed point 15 to the frame, chassis, or loading platform of the turntable trolley 1 and at a second fixed point 16 to the turntable assembly 4. In the embodiment shown, the steering device 14 is designed as a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder 17, wherein a piston 18 is displaceable within the cylinder 17. The displacement of the piston 18 is effected by the application of a pneumatic or hydraulic fluid (e.g., air or oil) and causes a change in length between the first and second fixed points 15, 16. Since the steering device 14, and in particular the second fixed point 16, are arranged laterally offset from the pivot point 10, the change in length between the first and second fixed points 15, 16 of the steering device 14 results in the rotation of the turntable assembly 4 about the pivot point 10.

[0024] The drive device 5 is designed as an electric motor, by means of which the wheels 12 of the front axle 2 are driven. The drive device 5 may also include a transfer case or differential gear, which is not shown. Alternatively, the drive device 5 may also include a hydraulic or pneumatic motor, which drives the wheels 12 of the front axle 2. The power pack 6 is designed as an energy storage device. In particular, the power pack 6 provides electrical energy for the operation of the drive device 5 and the control device 7. Alternatively or additionally, the power pack 6 may include a hydraulic and / or pneumatic pressure accumulator. Pressure generators in the form of compressors or hydraulic pumps may also be provided, which either directly provide hydraulic or pneumatic pressure or supply the pressure accumulator.Alternatively, a power generator in the form of a generator can be provided, which either directly supplies electrical current for the operation of the control device 7 and / or drive device 5 or supplies it to the energy storage device.

[0025] The control device 7 has a communication interface, a sensor array, and a processing unit, which are not shown separately. In particular, the processing unit processes signals from the communication interface, the sensor array, the power pack 6, the steering device 14, and the drive device 5.

[0026] The drive unit 5, the power pack 6, the control unit 7, the valve unit 8, and the steering unit 14 are interconnected in such a way that signals can be transmitted, electrical energy can be supplied, and pneumatic or hydraulic fluid can be applied. The connections are shown by dashed lines. Within the control unit 7, the communication interface, the sensor array, and the processing unit are also interconnected accordingly.

[0027] In Fig. 1A is the one previously in Fig. Figure 1 shows the embodiment of the turntable trolley 1 in a steered state. This means that the steering device 14 has been actuated with a pneumatic or hydraulic fluid such that the piston 18 in the cylinder 17 has moved to the left, resulting in a change in length between the first and second fixed points 15, 16 such that the distance between the fixed points 15, 16 has increased. In other words, the steering device 14 is longer than shown in the illustration. Fig. 1. This caused the turntable assembly 4 to rotate counterclockwise. As a result, the turntable trolley 1 makes a turn, in this case a left turn.

[0028] Fig. Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a turntable trolley 1. The present embodiment differs from the one shown in Figure 2. Fig. 1 and Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 1A differs in that the steering device 14 is designed as a linear motor. Accordingly, the change in length between the first and second fixed points 15, 16 is effected by the, for example, electrically operated linear motor. Consequently, the present embodiment does not have a valve device 8. Apart from the differing design of the steering device 14, the assemblies and components are identical to those shown in Figure 1A. Fig. 1. The embodiment described is identical, with the same reference numerals referring to the same components or features. Reference sign 1 turntable trolley 2 Front axle 3 Rear axle 4 turntable arrangement 5 Drive device 6 Powerpack 7 Control device 8 Valve device 9 Drawbar 10 Pivot point 11 Direction of rotation 12 wheels 13 wheels 14 Steering device 15 First fixed point 16 Second fixed point 17 cylinders 18 pistons QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102 24 939 A1

[0002] DE 10 2016 010 574 A1

[0003] US 2007 040 353 A1

[0004]

Claims

Turntable trolley (1) for hybrid operation, wherein the turntable trolley (1) has a front axle (2) with wheels (12) and a rear axle (3) with wheels (13), wherein the front axle (2) is connected to a turntable assembly (4), wherein the turntable assembly (4) has a drive device (5), a power pack (6), a control device (7) and a drawbar (9) and is rotatable about a pivot point (10), characterized in that a steering device (14) is provided which causes the turntable assembly (4) to rotate about the pivot point (10). Turntable trolley (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the steering device (14) has a motor which engages with a pinion in a toothed ring, wherein the toothed ring is connected to the turntable trolley (1), so that a rotational movement of the pinion causes a rotation of the turntable arrangement (4). Turntable trolley (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the steering device (14) is connected to the turntable trolley (1) at a first fixed point (15) and to the turntable assembly 4 at a second fixed point (16), and wherein a change in length of the steering device (14) between the first and second fixed points (15, 16) causes a rotation of the turntable assembly (4) about the pivot point (10). Turntable trolley (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the steering device (14) can be deactivated, whereby the steering device (14) is force-neutral. Turntable trolley (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the steering device (14) is designed as a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder (17), wherein a piston (18) is displaceable in the cylinder (17) and the displacement of the piston (18) is effected by applying a pneumatic or hydraulic fluid, wherein the displacement of the piston (18) causes a change in length between first and second fixed point (15, 16). Turntable trolley (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the steering device (14) is designed as a linear motor, wherein the change in length between first and second fixed point (15, 16) is effected by the linear motor. Vehicle combination consisting of a towing vehicle and a turntable trolley (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the turntable trolley (1) is coupled to the towing vehicle by means of the drawbar (9). Method for operating a turntable trolley (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein it is possible to switch between trailer operation and self-sufficient operation. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that in autonomous operation of the turntable trolley (1) driving instructions are specified by an operator or autonomously by the control device (7). Method according to one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that the trailer operation on public roads and the self-sufficient operation on arable land or company yards is activated.

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