Hydraulic steering control system

Abstract

The present inventions relates to a system that has a short production time, reduces the time required for maintenance and repair, can be retrofitted, and can be adapted to vehicles with different steering geometries with software changes.

Description

[0001] HYDRAULIC STEERING CONTROL SYSTEM

[0002] Field of Invention

[0003] The invention relates to a system for controlling hydraulically steered Lowbed vehicles.

[0004] In particular, the present inventions relates to a system that has a short production time, reduces the time required for maintenance and repair, can be retrofitted, and can be adapted to vehicles with different steering geometries with software modifications.

[0005] State of the Art

[0006] Nowadays, control systems are used for the control of hydraulically steered Lowbed vehicles.

[0007] In the state of the art, 3 different steering control systems are used. However, only 2 options stand out. These are Semi-Automatic Alignment System and Fully Automatic Alignment System.

[0008] The disadvantages of existing systems are as follows:

[0009] • The control boxes are complex because the functions are done with logical circuits.

[0010] • It has long production time due to complexity.

[0011] • Due to its complex structure, after-sales troubleshooting is difficult and requires specialised personnel.

[0012] • It is very difficult to retrofit.

[0013] • Angle sensor calibration takes a long time in a fully automatic alignment system

[0014] • Making new functions and developments are difficult.

[0015] • Automatic alignment does not work correctly on vehicles with different steering geometry.

[0016] In the state of the art, inductive sensors are used in semi-automatic alignment systems, while angle sensors are used in fully automatic alignment systems. In the current situation, since the sensors and alignment functions of both systems are different, their installations and designs are different. For this reason, a vehicle produced with a semi- automatic alignment system requires a lot of labour to convert it to a fully automatic alignment system.

[0017] As a result, due to the above-mentioned disadvantages and the inadequacy of the existing solutions, a development in the relevant technical field has become necessary.

[0018] Purpose of the Invention

[0019] The present invention is inspired by the current situation and aims to solve the above- mentioned negativities.

[0020] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a system that has a short production time, reduces the time required for maintenance and repair, can be retrofitted, and can adapt to vehicles with different steering geometries with software changes.

[0021] Another purpose of the present invention is to design a system that has a simplier electrical installation compared to existing systems and thus allows faster production.

[0022] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a system that can be retrofitted. For example; a vehicle produced with a semi-automatic alignment system can be transformed into a fully automatic alignment system by only changing the sensor and a single cable change on the node card.

[0023] In order to fulfil the above-described purposes, the invention is a semi-automatic system that provides alignment control of hydraulically steered vehicles. Accordingly, the system;

[0024] • pump, which produces pressure in the hydraulic system,

[0025] • EBS modulator, which is found in at least one unit in all vehicles on the highway and manages the braking system and produces a signal when the vehicle speed exceeds a certain speed, thus preventing manual steering control.

[0026] • junction box comprising the electrical installations that make up the system,

[0027] • lighting socket, which is the socket that feeds the lighting system in all trailers on highways and provides the electrical energy necessary to feed the system,

[0028] • hydraulic valve block, which houses the hydraulic system valves and the electro valves with right and left steering valves, • yellow steering indicator light, which informs the user about the angles of the tow truck and hydraulic steering axles,

[0029] • red steering indicator light, which informs the user about the angles of the tow truck and hydraulic steering axles,

[0030] • inductive sensor, which becomes active when a metal part comes in front of it,

[0031] • gooseneck reference point, which is positioned opposite the inductive sensor in the gooseneck area to provide information about the location of the tow truck , and activates the inductive sensor when the angle between the tow truck and the trailer is 0 degrees,

[0032] • axle reference bracket, which is positioned opposite the inductive sensors in order to provide information about the angle of the hydraulically steered axles to the inductive sensors located in the axle area, and which activates the inductive sensors when the angle of the hydraulically steered axles is 0,

[0033] • remote control, which provides wireless remote control of the hydraulic steering system,

[0034] • control socket, which is positioned in the gooseneck and axle area, allows wireless and / or remote controls to be connected to the vehicle,

[0035] • remote control receiver, which is located in the gooseneck and axle area, allows the hydraulic steering system to be controlled via remote control,

[0036] • lubrication unit, which provides lubrication of hydraulic and mechanical parts located in the gooseneck and axle areas that rub against each other,

[0037] • fifth wheel, which allows the tow truck to be connected to the trailer and rotates with the tow truck when it maneuvers left and right,

[0038] • steering hub, which is located in the axle area and is driven by hydraulic cylinders, allows the steering axles to turn right and left,

[0039] • hydraulic cylinders of the axle area, which are located on the steering hub and are driven by the oil and pump transmitted to it, and which enable the steering hub to turn right and left,

[0040] • cylinder shafts, which is located on the fifth wheel and moving when the fifth wheel rotates and the gooseneck hydraulic cylinders, which transfer the hydraulic oil in the cylinder to the hydraulic cylinders of the axle area,

[0041] • inductive sensor holder, which is located on the steering hub and holds the said inductive sensors and ensures that they rotate together with the steering hub,

[0042] • master electronic control unit, which turns on the yellow steering indicator light after detecting that the inductive sensor in question is active, activates the valve that is in the same direction (right I left) as the active inductive sensor from the steering control valves on the hydraulic valve block, and also activates the pump, and runs the alignment algorithm in it when the automatic alignment feature is activated by the user,

[0043] • slave electronic control unit that provides the necessary coordination for the mentioned master electronic control unit to control the activity status of the inductive sensors located in the axle area and sends the signals generated by the mentioned EBS modulator to the master electronic control unit.

[0044] The present invention is also a fully automatic system that provides alignment control of hydraulically steered vehicles. Accordingly, the system comprises the following;

[0045] • A junction box, which comprises the electrical installations that forms the system,

[0046] • a lighting socket, which is the socket that feeds the lighting system in all trailers on highways and provides the electrical energy necessary to feed the system,

[0047] • a yellow steering indicator light, which informs the user about the angles of the tow truck and hydraulic steering axles,

[0048] • a red steering indicator light, which informs the user about the angles of the tow truck and hydraulic steering axles,

[0049] • a pump, which generates pressure in the hydraulic system,

[0050] • a hydraulic valve block, which houses the hydraulic system valves and the electro valves that right and left steering valves,

[0051] • a control socket, which is positioned in the gooseneck and axle area, allows wireless and / or remote controls to be connected to the vehicle,

[0052] • a remote control, which provides wireless remote control of the hydraulic steering system,

[0053] • a fifth wheel, which rotates with the tow truck during the tow truck's right and left maneuvers,

[0054] • a remote control receiver, which is located in the gooseneck and axle area, allows the hydraulic steering system to be controlled via remote control,

[0055] • an EBS modulator, which is found in at least one unit in all vehicles on the highway and manages the braking system and produces a signal when the vehicle speed exceeds a certain speed, thus preventing manual steering control. • A lubrication unit, which provides lubrication of hydraulic and mechanical parts located in the gooseneck and axle areas that rub against each other,

[0056] • A steering hub, which is located in the axle area and is driven by hydraulic cylinders, allows the steering axles to turn right and left,

[0057] • An angle sensor, which is positioned at least one on the fifth wheel and steering hub, measures the angle between two parts rotating around the same center and produces an electrical signal according to the measured angle value,

[0058] • A shaft holder, which is fixed to a place other than the fifth wheel on the gooseneck and prevents it from turning with the fifth wheel, thus providing fixation,

[0059] • A shaft, which is positioned between the rotating part of said angle sensor and the shaft holder, is fixed by said shaft holder

[0060] A hydraulic cylinders of the axle area, which are located on the steering hub and are driven by the oil and pump transmitted to it, and enable the steering hub to turn right and left,

[0061] • A cylinder shaft, which are located on the fifth wheel and moving when the fifth wheel rotates and the gooseneck hydraulic cylinders, which transfer the hydraulic oil in the cylinder to the hydraulic cylinders of the axle area,

[0062] • A master electronic control unit, which operates the algorithm that provides calibration of the said angle sensor, records the electrical signal values produced at the zero degree positions of the fifth wheel and steering hub learned by means of the angle sensors located at the front and rear and turns on the yellow steering indicator lamp, records the electrical signal values produced at the maximum degree positions of the fifth wheel and steering hub learned by means of the angle sensors located at the front and rear and turns on the red steering indicator lamp, calculates the angle at which the steering hub should be at any angle of the fifth wheel, thus detects whether the steering hub angle of a vehicle whose synchronization is disrupted is to the right or left of the angle it should be according to synchronization, operates the algorithm that operates the automatic alignment function and keeps the hydraulic valve block and pump active until the angle of the steering hub reaches the angle it should be according to synchronization, and when the required angle is reached, deactivates the said hydraulic valve block and pump and turns on the yellow and red steering indicator lamps together, • A slave electronic control unit that enables the said master electronic control unit to learn the angle of the steering hub via the angle sensor in the axle area and sends the signals generated by the said EBS modulator to the master electronic control unit.

[0063] The structural and characteristic features of the invention and all its advantages will be understood more clearly thanks to the figures given below and the detailed explanation written by making references to these figures, and therefore the evaluation should be made by taking these figures and the detailed explanation into consideration.

[0064] Figures to Help Understanding the Invention

[0065] Figure-1 , shows the block diagram of the semi-automatic alignment system which is the subject of the invention.

[0066] Figure-2, shows the image of the semi-automatic alignment system, which is the subject of the invention, together with the steering mechanisms.

[0067] Figure-3, shows the block diagram of the fully automatic alignment system which is the subject of the invention.

[0068] Figure-4, shows the image of the fully automatic alignment system, which is the subject of the invention, together with the steering mechanisms.

[0069] Figure-5, gives the hydraulic diagram of the hydraulic steering system.

[0070] Description of Part References

[0071] 1 . Master electronic control unit

[0072] 2. Slave electronic control unit

[0073] 3. Junction box

[0074] 4. Hydraulic valve block

[0075] 5. Pump

[0076] 6. Lighting socket 7. Yellow steering indicator light

[0077] 8. Red steering indicator light

[0078] 9. Inductive sensor

[0079] 10. Gooseneck reference point

[0080] 11 . Axle reference bracket

[0081] 12. Control socket

[0082] 13. Remote control receiver

[0083] 14. Remote control

[0084] 15. EBS modulator

[0085] 16. Lubrication unit

[0086] 17. Angle sensor

[0087] 18. Shaft holder

[0088] 19. Shaft

[0089] 20. Fifth wheel

[0090] 21. Steering hub

[0091] 22. Gooseneck hydraulic cylinders

[0092] 23. Axle area hydraulic cylinders

[0093] 24. Inductive sensor holder

[0094] A: A hose

[0095] B: B hose

[0096] C: C hose

[0097] D: D hose A1 : A1 hose

[0098] B1 : B1 hose

[0099] C1 : C1 hose

[0100] C4: C4 hose

[0101] CAN: Controller Area Network

[0102] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0103] In this detailed description, the preferred embodiments of the system which is the subject of the invention are explained only for the purpose of better understanding the subject.

[0104] The present invention relates to control systems of hydraulically steered vehicles. In this current situation, two different control systems are used. These are Semi- Automatic Alignment System and Fully Automatic Alignment Systems. The two control systems will be discussed respectively below. First, the difference between the two systems will be explained and then one of the most important solutions offered by the invention, retrofitability, will be explained.

[0105] These are the differences between the Semi-Automatic Alignment System and Fully

[0106] Automatic Alignment Systems.

[0107] Automatic Alignment Systems: This process automatically corrects the angle synchronization of the damaged tow truck and hydraulic steering axles after the users manually turn the hydraulic steering axles to the right / left via the remote control (14).

[0108] The Semi-Automatic Alignment System only works when the tow truck is at zero degrees (the angle between the tow truck and the trailer is zero). In other cases, the system will not work even if the user presses the automatic alignment button on the remote control (14). The user must first bring the tow truck to zero degree position and then press the automatic alignment button on the remote control (14). Afterwards, the Semi-Automatic Alignment System will automatically bring the hydraulic steering axles to zero degrees. The reason it is called semi-automatic is because it can automatically align at a single angle (zero degrees).

[0109] The Fully Automatic Alignment System can operate at all angles where the tow truck is located. No matter what angle the tow truck is at, when the user presses the automatic alignment button on the remote control (14), the hydraulic steering axles are automatically brought to the correct position according to the angle of the tow truck. There are no prerequisites for the automatic alignment system to work. In the current state of the art, fully automatic alignment functions only work when the tow truck is within ±35 degrees. It does not work at angles greater than 35 degrees. One of the solutions offered by the invention is that the fully automatic alignment system works at all angle values of the tow truck .

[0110] In the Semi-Automatic Alignment System, inductive sensors (9) are used, while angle sensors (17) are used in the Fully Automatic Alignment System. Currently, the installations and designs of both systems are different because their sensors and alignment functions are different. For this reason, a vehicle produced with a Semi- Automatic Alignment System requires a lot of labor to be converted to a Fully Automatic Alignment system. One of the solutions offered by the invention is that the two systems can be easily converted to each other (retrofitability). In this way, the labor time spent will be reduced a lot.

[0111] For example, in order to convert a vehicle manufactured with a Semi-Automatic Alignment System to a Fully Automatic Alignment System, it is necessary to first remove the inductive sensors (9) located in the gooseneck and axle area, and then connect the angle sensors (17) to the fifth wheel (20) center and the steering hub (21) center. Then, in the junction box (3), remove the cable coming from pin 38 of the master electronic control unit (1) from the negative (GND) terminal and connect it to the positive (+24) terminal. The transformation is completed with the last operation.

[0112] The semi-automatic alignment system which is the subject of the invention:

[0113] The semi-automatic alignment system is a semi-automatic system that provides alignment control of hydraulically powered vehicles. Accordingly the system comprises the following; pump that produces pressure in the hydraulic system (5), EBS modulator (15) is present in at least one piece in all vehicles on the highway, which manages the braking system and produces a signal when the vehicle speed exceeds a certain speed, thus preventing manual control, junction box (3) comprising the electrical installations that make up the system, Lighting socket (6), which is the socket that feeds the lighting system in all trailers on highways and provides the electrical energy necessary to feed the system, hydraulic valve block (4) which houses the hydraulic system valves and the electro valves with right and left steering valves, yellow steering indicator light (7), that informs the user about the angles of the tow truck and hydraulic steering axles, Red steering indicator light (8) that informs the user about the angles of the tow truck and hydraulic steering axles, inductive sensor (9) that becomes active when a metal part comes in front of it, the gooseneck reference point (10), which is positioned opposite the inductive sensor (9) in order to provide information about the position of the tow truck to the inductive sensor (9) located in the gooseneck region, and which activates the inductive sensor (9) when the angle between the tow truck and the trailer is 0 degrees, axle reference bracket (11 ) positioned opposite the inductive sensors (9) to provide information about the angle of the hydraulically steered axles to the inductive sensors (9) located in the axle area, which activate the inductive sensors (9) when the angle of the hydraulically steered axles is 0, remote control (14) that provides wireless remote control of the hydraulic steering system, control socket (12) positioned in the gooseneck and axle area and allowing wireless and / or remote controls (14) to be connected to the vehicle, remote control receiver (13) located in the gooseneck and axle area, which allows the hydraulic steering system to be controlled by means of remote control (14), the lubrication unit (16) provides lubrication of the hydraulic and mechanical parts that rub against each other and are located in the gooseneck and axle areas, the fifth wheel (20) that allows the tow truck to be connected to the trailer and rotates with the tow truck when it maneuvers left and right, the steering hub (21) located in the axle area, which is driven by hydraulic cylinders and allows the steering axles to turn right and left, the steering hub (21 ) located in the axle area, which is driven by hydraulic cylinders and allows the steering axles to turn right and left, driven by the oil transmitted to it and the pump (5), the hydraulic cylinders (23) in the axle area that allow the steering hub (21 ) to turn right and left, the cylinder shafts located on the fifth wheel (20) and moving when the fifth wheel rotates, and the gooseneck hydraulic cylinders (22) that transfer the hydraulic oil in the cylinder to the axle area hydraulic cylinders (23), inductive sensor holder (24) which is located on the said steering hub (21) and holds the said inductive sensors (9) and ensures that they rotate together with the steering hub (21), after detecting that the said inductive sensor (9) is active, it turns on the yellow steering indicator light (7), which activates the valve in the same direction (right I left) with the inductive sensor (9) active from the steering control valves on the hydraulic valve block (4) and also activates the pump (5), the master electronic control unit (1 ) that runs the alignment algorithm when the automatic alignment feature is activated by the user, contains a slave electronic control unit (2) which provides the necessary coordination for the said master electronic control unit (1) to control the activity status of the inductive sensors (9) located in the axle area and sends the signals generated by the said EBS modulator (15) to the master electronic control unit (1).

[0114] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection between the gooseneck hydraulic cylinders (22) and the hydraulic valve block (4) is provided via A, B, C, D hoses (A, B, C, D), and the connection between the axle area hydraulic cylinders (23) and the hydraulic valve block (4) is provided via A1 , B1 , C1 , D1 hoses (A1 , B1 , C1 , D1 ).

[0115] The mentioned junction box (3) is preferably PCB and has 2 mini relays and 2 blade type fuse holders. It also has 11 negative (GND) and 7 positive (+24V) supply terminals, as well as 2 7-way, 12 4-way and 12 2-way empty terminals. The lighting sockets (6) mentioned are preferably either 7-pin sockets (ISO 1185 / ISO 3731 ) or 15- pin sockets (ISO 12098). The mentioned EBS modulator (15) preferably produces a +24V signal when the vehicle speed exceeds 15 km / h.

[0116] The working principle of the semi-automatic alignment system is as follows:

[0117] The system is powered via the lighting socket (6). The supply cables from the lighting socket (6) enter the junction box (3) and feed the following connected to the junction box (3): master electronic control unit (1), yellow and red steering indicator lamps (7, 8), control socket (12), inductive sensor (9), hydraulic valve block (4), lubrication unit (16) and rear junction box (3). When the rear junction box (3) is supplied, the slave electronic control unit (2), inductive sensors (9), control socket (12) and lubrication unit (16) connected to the rear junction box (3) are also supplied. Thus, all functions start working.

[0118] The yellow (7) and red (8) steering indicator lights inform the user about the angles of the tow truck and the hydraulically steered axles. The inductive sensor (9) located on the gooseneck detects the axle reference bracket (11 ) located on the fifth wheel (20) and becomes active when the tow truck is straight (stopped at a zero degree angle). Afterwards, the master electronic control unit (1) detects that the inductive sensor (9) located on the gooseneck is active and turns on the yellow steering indicator light (7). When the yellow steering indicator light (7) is illuminated, the yellow light signal to the control sockets (12) is also activated. Thus, when the remote control receiver unit (13) is plugged into the remote control socket (12) at the front or rear, the yellow lamp on it will light up. The illumination of the yellow steering indicator light (7) is a prerequisite for the operation of the automatic alignment function (algorithm) in the master electronic control unit (1). Unless the condition is met, the alignment function will not work even if the user presses the automatic alignment button on the remote control (14). After the condition is met, when the user presses the automatic alignment button on the remote control (14), the automatic alignment function in the master electronic control unit (1 ) operates.

[0119] The automatic alignment function first checks the status of the inductive sensors (9) located in the axle area via the slave electronic control unit (2). When the hydraulically steered axles are straight (zero degrees), the inductive sensors (9) in the axle area see the axle reference bracket (11) at the same time and both are active. If the hydraulically steered axles turn very little to the right or very little to the left outside this angle, one of the inductive sensors (9) located in the axle area becomes passive. Because the inductive sensor holder (24) located on the steering hub (21) holds the axle area inductive sensors (9) and ensures that they rotate together with the steering hub (21 ). However, the axle reference bracket (11 ) is connected to the bracket that holds the axle area hydraulic cylinders (23) and does not rotate with the steering hub (21). Thus, the alignment function can detect whether the hydraulically steered axles are on the right or left from the status of the inductive sensors (9) located in the axle area. The hydraulic steering axles are in the opposite direction of the active sensor in the axle area, and for alignment, it is necessary to turn the hydraulic steering axles in the direction of the active inductive sensor (9). After the master electronic control unit (1) detects which of the inductive sensors (9) located in the axle area is active via the slave electronic control unit (2), it activates the valve that is in the same direction (right I left) as the active inductive sensor (9) from the steering control valves on the hydraulic valve block (4) and also activates the pump (5). Thus, hydraulic pressure is created by the drive produced by the pump (5) and the created pressure is transferred to the axle area hydraulic cylinders (23) via the A1 , B1 , C1 , D1 hoses (A1 , B1 , C1 , D1 ) coming out of the hydraulic valve block (4). The axle area hydraulic cylinders (23) begin to rotate the steering hub (21) in the relevant direction. The master electronic control unit (1 ) continues to keep the hydraulic valve block (4) and the pump (5) active until both inductive sensors (9) located in the axle area are active simultaneously. When both inductive sensors (9) located in the axle area are active at the same time, the master electronic control unit (1 ) turns the hydraulic valve block (4) and the pump (5) into passive mode and turns on the red steering indicator light (8). When the red steering indicator light (8) lights up, the red light signal to the control sockets (14) is also activated. Thus, when the remote control receiver (13) is plugged into the remote control socket (12) at the front or rear, the red lamp on it will light up. With this last operation, the automatic alignment function is completed. As a result, the yellow (7) and red (8) steering indicator lights come on simultaneously. This indicates that the hydraulic steering axles are straight and that synchronization between the tow truck and the hydraulic steering axles is ensured.

[0120] The fully automatic alignment system which is the subject of the invention:

[0121] The invention, is a fully automatic system that provides alignment control of hydraulically steered vehicles. Accordingly the system; the junction box (3) containing the electrical installations that make up the system, lighting socket (6), which is the socket that feeds the lighting system in all trailers on highways and provides the electrical energy necessary to feed the system, yellow steering indicator light (7) that informs the user about the angles of the tow truck and hydraulic steering axles, red steering indicator light (8) that informs the user about the angles of the tow truck and hydraulic steering axles, pump (5) that produces pressure in the hydraulic system, hydraulic valve block (4) which houses the hydraulic system valves and the electro valves with right and left steering valves, control socket (12) positioned in the gooseneck and axle area and allowing wireless and / or remote controls (14) to be connected to the vehicle, remote control (14) that provides wireless remote control of the hydraulic steering system, the fifth wheel (20) that rotates with the tow truck during the right and left manoeuvres of the tow truck , remote control receiver (13) located in the gooseneck and axle area, which allows the hydraulic steering system to be controlled by means of remote control (14), EBS modulator (15), which is found in at least one piece in all vehicles on the highway and manages the braking system and produces a signal when the vehicle speed exceeds a certain speed, thus preventing manual control, the lubrication unit (16) provides lubrication of the hydraulic and mechanical parts that rub against each other and are located in the gooseneck and axle areas, the steering hub (21) located in the axle area, which is driven by hydraulic cylinders and allows the steering axles to turn right and left, angle sensor (17) positioned at least one on the fifth wheel (20) and the steering hub (21), which measures the angle between two parts rotating around the same center and produces an electrical signal according to the measured angle value, shaft holder (18) which is fixed to a place other than the fifth wheel (20) on the gooseneck and prevents it from rotating with the fifth wheel (20) and thus provides fixation, the shaft (19) positioned between the rotating part of the said angle sensor (17) and the shaft holder (18), which is fixed by the said shaft holder (18), located on the said steering hub (21 ), driven by the oil transmitted to it and the pump (5), the hydraulic cylinders (23) in the axle area that allow the steering hub (21) to turn right and left, the cylinder shafts located on the fifth wheel (20) and moving when the fifth wheel rotates, and the gooseneck hydraulic cylinders (22) that transfer the hydraulic oil in the cylinder to the axle area hydraulic cylinders (23), which operates the algorithm that enables the calibration of the said angle sensor (17), it records the electrical signal values produced at the zero-degree positions of the fifth wheel (20) and steering hub (21) learned through the angle sensors (17) located at the front and rear and turns on the yellow steering indicator light (7), it records the electrical signal values produced at the maximum degree positions of the fifth wheel (20) and steering hub (21) learned through the angle sensors (17) located at the front and rear and turns on the red steering indicator light (8), calculates the angle at which the steering hub (21) should be at any angle of the fifth wheel (20), thus, the steering hub (21) angle of a vehicle whose synchronization is disrupted, can detect whether it is to the right or left of the angle it should be according to synchronization, the angle of the steering hub (21 ) which can operate the algorithm that operates the automatic alignment function, keeps the hydraulic valve block (4) and the pump (5) active until the required angle is reached according to synchronization, when the required angle is reached, the master electronic control unit (1) deactivates the mentioned hydraulic valve block (4) and pump (5) and lights up the yellow and red steering indicator lights (7,8) together, which enables the said master electronic control unit (1) to learn the angle of the steering hub (21) via the angle sensor (17) in the axle area, It contains the slave electronic control unit (2) which sends the signals generated by the said EBS modulator (15) to the master electronic control unit (1 ). In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection between the gooseneck hydraulic cylinders (22) and the hydraulic valve block (4) is provided via A, B, C, D hoses (A, B, C, D), and the connection between the axle area hydraulic cylinders (23) and the hydraulic valve block (4) is provided via A1 , B1 , 01 , D1 hoses (A1 , B1 , 01 , D1 ).

[0122] The mentioned junction box (3) is preferably PCB and has 2 mini relays and 2 blade type fuse holders. It also has 11 negative (GND) and 7 positive (+24V) supply terminals, as well as 2 7-way, 12 4-way and 12 2-way empty terminals. The lighting sockets (6) mentioned are preferably either 7-pin sockets (ISO 1185 / ISO 3731 ) or 15- pin sockets (ISO 12098). The mentioned EBS modulator (15) preferably produces a +24V signal when the vehicle speed exceeds 15 km / h.

[0123] The working principle of the fully automatic alignment system is as follows:

[0124] The system is powered via the lighting socket (6). The supply cables from the lighting socket (6) enter the junction box (3) and feed the following connected to the junction box (3): master electronic control unit (1), yellow (7) and red (8) steering indicator lamps, control socket (12), angle sensor (17), hydraulic valve block (4), lubrication unit (16) and rear junction box (3). When the rear junction box (3) is supplied, the slave electronic control unit (2), angle sensor (17), control socket (12) and lubrication unit (16) connected to the rear junction box (3) are also supplied. Thus, all functions start working.

[0125] The yellow and red steering indicator lights (7, 8) inform the user about the angles of the tow truck and the hydraulically steered axles. The other end of the shaft (19) connected to the rotating part of the angle sensor (17) located in the center of the fifth wheel (20) on the gooseneck is connected to the shaft holder (18) connected to the gooseneck. Thus, with the right / left maneuver of the tow truck, the fifth wheel (20) rotates and the angle sensor (17) located on the fifth wheel (20) also rotates. However, the shaft holder (18) does not rotate because it is on the gooseneck. Thus, the angle sensor (17) produces an electrical signal according to the angle at which the tow truck rotates. Likewise, the angle sensor (17) located on the steering hub (21) is connected to the bracket that holds the axle area hydraulic cylinders (23). However, the shaft holder (18) is connected to the steering hub (21 ). When the steering hub (21 ) rotates, it rotates the shaft holder (18), but the angle sensor (17) does not rotate. Thus, the angle sensor (17) produces an electrical signal according to the angle at which the steering hub (21) rotates.

[0126] At each angle created by the right I left maneuvers of the tow truck , the angle at which the hydraulic steering axles should be is calculated according to Ackerman principles and mechanically applied to the vehicle. This synchronization will not be disrupted unless the user makes manual right / left steering via the remote control (14). However, in order for the automatic alignment system to work correctly, the transfer function of this structure created with Ackerman principles must be created. It does this with the angle sensor calibration function located in the master electronic control unit (1). After the user sets the tow truck to zero degrees and makes sure that the steering hub (21) is also zero degrees, he starts the angle sensor calibration by pressing and holding the calibration button on the remote control (14). When the angle sensor calibration starts, the yellow and red steering indicator lights (7, 8) start flashing slowly at the same time. By pressing the automatic alignment button on the remote control (14), the user temporarily records the electrical signal values generated at the zero-degree positions of the fifth wheel (20) and steering hub (21) learned through the angle sensors (17) located at the front and rear, in the master electronic control unit (1). When the registration process is completed, the master electronic control unit (1) lights the yellow steering indicator light (7) continuously. The red steering indicator light (8) continues to flash.

[0127] Then the user turns the hammer to the maximum degree right or left. Then, by pressing the right or left button on the remote control (14), it temporarily records the electrical signal values produced at the maximum degree positions of the fifth wheel (20) and steering hub (21 ) learned through the angle sensors (17) located at the front and rear, in the master electronic control unit (1). When the registration process is completed, the master electronic control unit (1) lights the red steering indicator light (8) continuously. The user can delete the temporarily recorded values by pressing and holding the calibration button on the remote control (14) at any point during the process. To permanently save and use temporary values, press and hold the automatic alignment and calibration buttons simultaneously on the remote control (14) to permanently save temporary records. Thus, the angle sensor calibration process is completed. One of the solutions offered by the invention is the shortness of the angle sensor calibration process. In the current case, after the zero degree value is recorded, the tow truck must be turned to both the right and left maximums respectively and the record must be taken. However, in the invention solution, it is sufficient to maximize and record only one side. This saves time in angle sensor calibration and simplifies the operation.

[0128] In a vehicle whose angle sensor calibration has been completed, the master electronic control unit (1) can calculate the angle at which the steering hub (21) should be at any angle of the fifth wheel (20). Thus, the master electronic control unit (1) can determine whether the steering hub (21 ) angle of a vehicle whose synchronization is disrupted is to the right or left of the angle it should be according to synchronization. Accordingly, if the steering hub (21) is to the right of the required angle, the red steering indicator light (8) will be on continuously while the yellow steering indicator light (7) will flash. Similarly, if the steering hub (21) is to the left of the required angle, the yellow steering indicator light (7) will be on continuously while the red steering indicator light (8) will flash. This way, the user understands whether the hydraulically steered axles are to the right or left of the required angle.

[0129] When the user presses the automatic alignment button on the remote control (14) in a vehicle with out of synchronization, the automatic alignment function in the master electronic control unit (1) operates. The automatic alignment function first learns the angle of the steering hub (21) via the angle sensor (17) in the axle area, which is connected to the slave electronic control unit (2). The automatic alignment function then detects whether the hydraulically steered axles are to the right or left of the desired angle. The master electronic control unit (1) activates the valve (right / left) opposite to the detected direction from the steering control valves on the hydraulic valve block (4) and also activates the pump (5). Thus, hydraulic pressure is created by the drive produced by the pump (5) and the created pressure is transferred to the axle area hydraulic cylinders (23) via the A1 , B1 , C1 , D1 hoses (A1 , B1 , C1 , D1 ) coming out of the hydraulic valve block (4). The axle area hydraulic cylinders (23) begin to rotate the steering hub (21) in the relevant direction. The Master electronic control unit (1 ) continuously monitors the angle of the steering hub (21) via the angle sensor (17) in the axle area connected to the Slave electronic control unit (2) and continues to keep the hydraulic valve block (4) and the pump (5) active until the angle of the steering hub (21 ) reaches the required angle according to synchronization. When the steering hub (21 ) reaches the required angle according to synchronization, the master electronic control unit (1) turns the hydraulic valve block (4) and the pump (5) into passive mode and turns on the yellow (7) and red (8) steering indicator lights together. When the yellow (7) and red (8) steering indicator lights are on, the yellow and red light signals to the control sockets (12) are also activated. Thus, when the remote control receiver (13) is plugged into the control socket (12) at the front or rear, the yellow and red steering indicator lights (7, 8) located on it also light up. With this last operation, the automatic alignment function is completed. As a result, the yellow and red steering indicator lamps (7, 8) light up simultaneously. This shows that the synchronization of the tow truck and hydraulic steering axles is achieved.

[0130] When the vehicle is moving and its speed exceeds 15 km / h, the EBS booster (15) sends a +24V electrical signal to the slave electronic control unit (2). The slave electronic control unit (2) sends this signal to the ECU (Master) (1) via the communication line. When the Master electronic control unit (1) receives this signal, it prevents the user from manually controlling the steering system via the remote control (14). This function works in both Semi-Automatic Alignment System and Fully Automatic Alignment System.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A semi-automatic system that provides alignment control of hydraulically steered vehicles, characterized by comprising;• A pump (5), which produces pressure in the hydraulic system.• An EBS modulator (15), which is found in at least one piece in all vehicles on the highway and manages the braking system and produces a signal when the vehicle speed exceeds a certain speed, thus preventing manual steering control.• A junction box (3), which comprises the electrical installations that make up the system.• A lighting socket (6), which is the socket that feeds the lighting system in all trailers on highways and provides the electrical energy necessary to feed the system.• A hydraulic valve block (4), which houses the hydraulic system valves and the electro valves with right and left steering valves.• A yellow steering indicator light (7), which informs the user about the angles of the tow truck and hydraulic steering axles.• A red steering indicator light (8), which informs the user about the angles of the tow truck and hydraulic steering axles.• A inductive sensor (9), which becomes active when a metal part comes in front of it.• A gooseneck reference point (10), which is positioned opposite the inductive sensor (9) in order to provide information about the position of the tow truck to the inductive sensor (9) located in the gooseneck area, and activates the inductive sensor (9) when the angle between the tow truck and the trailer is 0 degrees.• A axle reference bracket (11), which is positioned opposite the inductive sensors (9) in order to provide information about the angle of the hydraulically steered axles to the inductive sensors (9) located in the axle area, and which activates the inductive sensors (9) when the angle of the hydraulically steered axles is 0.• A remote control (14), which provides wireless remote control of the hydraulic steering system.• A control socket (12), which is positioned in the gooseneck and axle area and allowing wireless and / or remote controls (14) to be connected to the vehicle.• A remote control receiver (13), which is located in the gooseneck and axle area, which allows the hydraulic steering system to be controlled by means of remote control (14).• A lubrication unit (16), which provides lubrication of the hydraulic and mechanical parts that rub against each other and are located in the gooseneck and axle areas.• A fifth wheel (20), which allows the tow truck to be connected to the trailer and rotates with the tow truck when it maneuvers left and right.• A steering hub (21), which is located in the axle area, which is driven by hydraulic cylinders and allows the steering axles to turn right and left.• A hydraulic cylinders (23) of the axle area, which is located on the steering hub (21), driven by the oil transmitted to it and the pump (5), which enable the steering hub (21) to turn right and left.• A cylinder shafts located on the fifth wheel (20), which is moving when the fifth wheel rotates, and the gooseneck hydraulic cylinders (22) that transfer the hydraulic oil in the cylinder to the axle area hydraulic cylinders (23).• An inductive sensor holder (24), which is located on the said steering hub (21) and holds the said inductive sensors (9) and ensures that they rotate together with the steering hub (21).• A master electronic control unit (1 ), which detects that the inductive sensor (9) mentioned is active and then turns on the yellow steering indicator light (7), activates the valve that is in the same direction (right / left) as the inductive sensor (9) that is active among the steering control valves on the hydraulic valve block (4) and also activates the pump (5), and runs the alignment algorithm within it when the automatic alignment feature is activated by the user.• A slave electronic control unit (2), which provides the necessary coordination for the said master electronic control unit (1) to control the activation status of inductive sensors (9) in the axle area and sends the signals generated by the said EBS modulator (15) to the master electronic control unit (1 )2. A fully automatic system that provides alignment control of hydraulically steered vehicles, characterized by comprising;• A junction box (3), which contains the electrical installations that make up the system.• A lighting socket (6), which is the socket that feeds the lighting system in all trailers on highways and provides the electrical energy necessary to feed the system.• A yellow steering indicator light (7), which that informs the user about the angles of the tow truck and hydraulic steering axles.• A red steering indicator light (8), which informs the user about the angles of the tow truck and hydraulic steering axles.• A pump (5), which produces pressure in the hydraulic system.• A hydraulic valve block (4), which houses the hydraulic system valves and the electro valves with right and left steering valves.• A control socket (12), which is positioned in the gooseneck and axle area and allowing wireless and / or remote controls (14) to be connected to the vehicle.• A remote control (14), which provides wireless remote control of the hydraulic steering system.• A fifth wheel (20), which rotates with the tow truck during the right and left manoeuvres of the tow truck .• A remote control receiver (13), which is located in the gooseneck and axle area, which allows the hydraulic steering system to be controlled by means of remote control (14).• An EBS modulator (15), which is found in at least one piece in all vehicles on the highway and manages the braking system and produces a signal when the vehicle speed exceeds a certain speed, thus preventing manual control.• A lubrication unit (16), which provides lubrication of the hydraulic and mechanical parts that rub against each other and are located in the gooseneck and axle areas.• A steering hub (21), which is located in the axle area, which is driven by hydraulic cylinders and allows the steering axles to turn right and left.• An angle sensor (17), which is positioned at least one on the fifth wheel (20) and the steering hub (21), which measures the angle between two parts rotating around the same center and produces an electrical signal according to the measured angle value.• A shaft holder (18), which is fixed to a place other than the fifth wheel (20) on the gooseneck and prevents it from rotating with the fifth wheel (20) and thus provides fixation.• A shaft (19), which is positioned between the rotating part of the said angle sensor (17) and the shaft holder (18), which is fixed by the said shaft holder (18), hydraulic cylinders (23) of the axle area, which is located on the steering hub (21 ), driven by the oil transmitted to it and the pump (5), which enable the steering hub (21) to turn right and left.• the gooseneck hydraulic cylinders (22) located on the fifth wheel (20), which transfer the hydraulic oil in the cylinder to the axle area hydraulic cylinders (23) by means of cylinder shafts that move when the fifth wheel rotates,• A Master electronic control unit (1 ), which operates the algorithm that enables the calibration of the said angle sensor (17), records the electrical signal values produced at the zero-degree positions of the fifth wheel (20) and steering hub (21 ) learned through the angle sensors (17) located at the front and rear and turns on the yellow steering indicator light (7), records the electrical signal values produced at the maximum degree positions of the fifth wheel (20) and steering hub (21) learned through the angle sensors (17) located at the front and rear and turns on the red steering indicator light (8), calculate the angle at which the steering hub (21) should be at any angle of the fifth wheel (20), thus determining whether the angle of the steering hub (21 ) of a vehicle that is out of synchronisation is to the right or to the left of the angle at which it should be according to synchronisation, able to run the algorithm that operates the automatic alignment function and keeps the hydraulic valve block (4) and pump (5) active until the angle of the steering hub (21 ) reaches the angle required according to the synchronisation, and, when the required angle is reached, deactivates the mentioned hydraulic valve block (4) and pump (5) and lights up the yellow and red steering indicator lights (7,8) together.• A Slave electronic control unit (2), which sends the signals generated by the said EBS modulator (15) to the master electronic control unit (1), which enables the said master electronic control unit (1 ) to learn the angle of the steering hub (21 ) via the angle sensor (17) in the axle area.

3. The system according to Claim-1 or Claim-2, characterized by comprising A, B, C, D hoses (A, B, C, D) that provide the connection between the gooseneck hydraulic cylinders (22) and the hydraulic valve block (4).

4. The system according to Claim-1 or Claim-2, characterized by comprising A1 , B1 , C1 , D1 hoses (A1 , B1 , C1 , D1 ) that provide the connection between the axle area hydraulic cylinders (23) and the hydraulic valve block (4).

5. The system according to Claim-1 or Claim-2, characterized in that; the junction box (3) is preferably a PCB, that junction box (3) with 2 mini relay and 2 blade type fuse holders, 11 negative (GND) and 7 positive (+24V) supply terminals and 2 7-way, 12 4-way and 12 2-way empty terminals.

6. The system according to Claim-1 or Claim-2, characterized in that; the said lighting socket (6) is preferably either a 7-pin or 15-pin socket.

7. The system according to Claim-1 or Claim-2, characterized by comprising an EBS modulator (15) that produces a +24V signal when the vehicle speed exceeds 15 km / h.

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