THREE-DIMENSIONAL MONITORING SYSTEM FOR KINGPIN ON FIFTH WHEEL

Abstract

“THREE-DIMENSIONAL MONITORING SYSTEM FOR KINGPIN ON FIFTH WHEEL” describes an invention patent, for a monitoring system of Kingpin/Fifth Wheel articulation presented on trucks, with a great applicability for autonomous steering systems and vehicle dynamics control. This system allows the precise monitoring of translational, rotational movements and the relative accelerations of the king pin (5) in relation to the fifth wheel (3) on the X, Y and Z axes, totaling measurements in six degrees of freedom. The present patent presents two ways to make this monitoring of the three-dimensional position of the kingpin (5): The first through a set of sensors (6) accelerometers and gyroscope integrated to an electromagnet (4) that when electrified, is coupled to the king pin (5) by magnetic attraction. The second mode through a reference device (20) that is magnetic, identifiable, independent and easy to apply to the kingpin (4).

Claims

1-7. (canceled)

8. “THREE-DIMENSIONAL MONITORING SYSTEM FOR KINGPIN ON FIFTH WHEEL” characterized by system for detection and monitoring the six degrees of freedom king pin's (5) movements, relatives to the fifth wheel (3): the king pin's (5) translational displacements (TX, TY, TZ) and rotational movements (RX, RY, RZ) on X, Y, and Z axes in relation of the fifth wheel (3); system for detection and monitoring the accelerations of the king pin (5) (AX, AY and AZ) on X, Y, and Z axes in relation of fifth wheel (3).

9. “THREE-DIMENSIONAL MONITORING SYSTEM FOR KINGPIN ON FIFTH WHEEL” according to claim 8, characterized by a king pin's (5) monitor system fully present in the fifth wheel (3) consisting of two electronical devices:—a fifth wheel electronic central (10) that contains accelerometers and gyroscopic sensors; —and connected to this central (10), an electromagnet device (4) that contains a set of sensors (6) with accelerometers and gyroscopes.

10. “THREE-DIMENSIONAL MONITORING SYSTEM FOR KINGPIN ON FIFTH WHEEL” according to claim 8 characterized by a fifth wheel electronic central (10) that monitors the fifth wheel (3) hitched and pre-disengagement conditions, through a sensor (16) monitoring position and movements of the locking bar mechanism (14); this central (10) controls the electrical supply of the electromagnet device (4) for:—On hitched conditions, the central (10) electrify the electromagnet (4) for it (4) couples to the king pin (5) by magnetic attraction (13) and follows all movements of this pin (5), and for the set of sensors (6) presents on this device (4) detects and monitors all movements and accelerations of the pin (5) on the X, Y and Z axes; —On pre-disengagement conditions, the central (10) cut off the electrical supply of the electromagnet device (4) for disconnect it (4) from the king pin (5).

11. “THREE-DIMENSIONAL MONITORING SYSTEM FOR KINGPIN ON FIFTH WHEEL” according to claim 8, with the two electronical devices characterized by a system that: read the absolute values of the sensors presents on the fifth wheel electronic central (10) and of the sensors (6) presents on the electromagnet device (4); make a comparison of these sensors' data (6 and 10) for measure the relative movements on X, Y and Z axes of the sensor (6) that is coupled on the king pin (5), in relation of the sensors of the central (10) that is on the fifth wheel (3); from this comparative data, the system detects rotation angles and translational clearances of the king pin (5) hitched on fifth wheel (5).

12. “THREE-DIMENSIONAL MONITORING SYSTEM FOR KINGPIN ON FIFTH WHEEL” according to claim 8, characterized by a monitor system consisting of a central of the magnetic sensor (21) positioned and fixed at the bottom of the fifth wheel (3b) close to the fifth wheel hole (3c), that contains a tag reader and a magnetometer sensor; and an independent magnetic reference device (20), easy attachable and fixable to the king pin (5) that contains a magnetic element with poles (20a) north and south and a tag (20b) coded.

13. “THREE-DIMENSIONAL MONITORING SYSTEM FOR KINGPIN ON FIFTH WHEEL” according to claim 8 and when the vehicle is hitched, characterized that the central of the magnetic sensor (21): monitoring the three-dimensional position of the poles (20a) of the magnetic reference device (20) and identifies the relative position of the king pin (5) hitched in the fifth wheel (3) on the X, Y and Z axes; this central (21) identifies the hitch and unhitch condition of the king pin (5) by the intensity of the magnetic field, through the proximity or distance (23) of the magnetic reference device (20) to the central of the sensor (21) respectively; and this central (21) identify the semitrailer (2) hitched by the read of the coded tag (20b) present in the reference device (20).

14. “THREE-DIMENSIONAL MONITORING SYSTEM FOR KINGPIN ON FIFTH WHEEL” according to claim 9 characterized by a fifth wheel electronic central (10) that monitors the fifth wheel (3) hitched and pre-disengagement conditions, through a sensor (16) monitoring position and movements of the locking bar mechanism (14); this central (10) controls the electrical supply of the electromagnet device (4) for:—On hitched conditions, the central (10) electrify the electromagnet (4) for it (4) couples to the king pin (5) by magnetic attraction (13) and follows all movements of this pin (5), and for the set of sensors (6) presents on this device (4) detects and monitors all movements and accelerations of the pin (5) on the X, Y and Z axes; —On pre-disengagement conditions, the central (10) cut off the electrical supply of the electromagnet device (4) for disconnect it (4) from the king pin (5).

15. “THREE-DIMENSIONAL MONITORING SYSTEM FOR KINGPIN ON FIFTH WHEEL” according to claim 9, with the two electronical devices characterized by a system that: read the absolute values of the sensors presents on the fifth wheel electronic central (10) and of the sensors (6) presents on the electromagnet device (4); make a comparison of these sensors' data (6 and 10) for measure the relative movements on X, Y and Z axes of the sensor (6) that is coupled on the king pin (5), in relation of the sensors of the central (10) that is on the fifth wheel (3); from this comparative data, the system detects rotation angles and translational clearances of the king pin (5) hitched on fifth wheel (5).

16. “THREE-DIMENSIONAL MONITORING SYSTEM FOR KINGPIN ON FIFTH WHEEL” according to claim 10, with the two electronical devices characterized by a system that: read the absolute values of the sensors presents on the fifth wheel electronic central (10) and of the sensors (6) presents on the electromagnet device (4); make a comparison of these sensors' data (6 and 10) for measure the relative movements on X, Y and Z axes of the sensor (6) that is coupled on the king pin (5), in relation of the sensors of the central (10) that is on the fifth wheel (3); from this comparative data, the system detects rotation angles and translational clearances of the king pin (5) hitched on fifth wheel (5).

17. “THREE-DIMENSIONAL MONITORING SYSTEM FOR KINGPIN ON FIFTH WHEEL” according to claim 12 and when the vehicle is hitched, characterized that the central of the magnetic sensor (21): monitoring the three-dimensional position of the poles (20a) of the magnetic reference device (20) and identifies the relative position of the king pin (5) hitched in the fifth wheel (3) on the X, Y and Z axes; this central (21) identifies the hitch and unhitch condition of the king pin (5) by the intensity of the magnetic field, through the proximity or distance (23) of the magnetic reference device (20) to the central of the sensor (21) respectively; and this central (21) identify the semitrailer (2) hitched by the read of the coded tag (20b) present in the reference device (20).

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] FIG. 1 shows the articulated truck, its fifth wheel (articulation), the cutting plane and the coordinate axes.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows the section view of the fifth wheel before engaging of the kingpin—for the three-dimensional measurement proposal by coupling with an electromagnet.

[0020] FIG. 3 shows the section view of the fifth wheel with the king pin in the engaged and unlocked position—for the three-dimensional measurement proposal by coupling with an electromagnet.

[0021] FIG. 4 shows the section view of the fifth wheel with the king pin in the engaged and locked position—for the three-dimensional measurement proposal by coupling with an electromagnet.

[0022] FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the fifth wheel—for the three-dimensional measurement proposal by coupling with an electromagnet.

[0023] FIG. 6 shows the complete system in coupling condition, with the electromagnet coupled to the king pin and the fifth wheel hidden—for the three-dimensional measurement proposal by coupling with an electromagnet.

[0024] FIG. 7 shows the identifiable magnetic reference disc for king pin.

[0025] FIG. 8 shows a sectional view of the articulation between the king pin and fifth wheel—for three-dimensional measurement proposal by magnetic disk.

[0026] FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of the king pin and fifth wheel joint with clearance on the X axis—for three-dimensional measurement proposal by magnetic disk.

[0027] FIG. 10 shows the bottom view, seen below the hole of the fifth wheel, of the proposal—for three-dimensional measurement proposal by magnetic disk.

[0028] FIG. 11 shows a sectional view of the fifth wheel king pin joint in the vehicle's disengagement situation— for three-dimensional measurement proposal by magnetic disk.

[0029] With reference to FIG. 1, for better understanding, the articulated truck and its fifth wheel articulation are presented (3). This consists at least one tractor truck (1) and a semi-trailer (2). This figure also shows the top view of the fifth wheel (3) and the X, Y and Z coordinate system convention for vehicles.

[0030] Description of the Proposal by Electromagnet Device:

[0031] FIG. 2 shows the view of the fifth wheel (3) in section AA referenced in FIG. 1 in the condition of disengaged vehicle. In this figure it is possible to verify the components of the three-dimensional measurement proposal, the electromagnet device (4) that will be coupled to the king pin (5) in the sequence, to allow its (5) integral movements and kinematic conditions monitoring: the set of sensors (6) present on the electromagnet device (4) connected to an electronic central (10) by a communicator cable (8). These components are arranged be at the bottom of the fifth wheel (3), mounted on a support (7) connected to a set of springs (9) which is fixed to the fifth wheel (3) by a fixing device (11). Still on the FIG. 2, it presents the king pin (5) on movement, in direction (12) for engagement. At this time, the electromagnet device (4) is on a static and on the lowest position and de-energized.

[0032] FIG. 3 it presents the situation that the king pin (5) is in pre-engaged position, where the fifth wheel (3) has not yet been locked yet. In this condition, the electromagnet device (4) will remain in its lowest Z axis position and de-energized, as the same condition in the previous figure in the disengaged position.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows a condition immediately after the pre-engagement. In this condition the king pin (5) is locked, through a locking mechanism (14) of the fifth wheel (3). At this moment, the system will detect this locking through a sensor (16) which monitor the position of the locking mechanism (14) (shown in FIG. 5) or by sensors of the presence of the king pin (5) in the fifth wheel (3). Upon detecting this locking condition, the electronic central (10) controls the electrification of the electromagnet device (4). When the central (10) turns on this device (4), it will be magnet attracted (13) for the metallic mass of the kingpin (5) above and will couple magnetically to the pin (5). This electromagnet (4) is in a centralized position in relation to the king pin (5) for ensuring the repeatability of this couple processing.

[0034] FIG. 6 shows the system with the fifth wheel (3) hidden, for a better understanding. In this condition the electromagnet (4) is electrified and coupled to the king pin (5) by magnetic attraction. The electromagnet (4) has a set of sensors (6) integrated in the body, composed of accelerometers and gyroscope, which when is coupled, will fully monitor the movements of the king pin (5). These sensors (6) will also measure translational displacements (18 and 19) and accelerations of the pin (5). If the sensor (6) monitors all rotational, translational and the displacement accelerations (AX, AY and AZ) of the king pin's (5) movements, can be said that will monitor the king pin's (5) kinematic conditions in relation of the fifth wheel (3).

[0035] The mainly monitored axes is indicated on FIG. 6:—X axis translation (TX) (19), that indicates the presence of clearances in the longitudinal direction; Z axis translation (TZ) (18) that presents tendencies of vehicle rollover. These sensors (6) also measure the rotation around Z axis (RZ) (17), the relative articulation angle between king pin (5) and fifth wheel (5), through a gyroscope of the set of sensors (6). These movements explained in FIG. 6 are the most relevant for monitoring automotive control systems, but sensors (6) also allow rotations and translations on X and Y axes to be monitored, totaling the measurement king pin's (5) movements on six degrees of freedom (RZ, RX, RY and TZ, TX, TY).

[0036] To allow these measurements, the set of electromagnet (4) and sensors (6) needs to work freely for fully monitoring the movements of the king pin (5). The electromagnet (4) is arranged on a support (7) that allows its free mechanical rotation (17) and translation (18) on Z axis. This support (7) is connected to the fixing device (11) of the fifth wheel (3) by a set of springs (9), which allows free mechanical translational and rotational movements on X (19) and Y axes.

[0037] On this proposal, the king pin's (5) movement measurements are relative to the fifth wheel (3). For this reason, the electronic central (10) is located on the fifth wheel (3). As the sensor set (6) will move in solidarity with the king pin (5), the readings by these sensors (6) will be in absolute values, these will be compared with the sensor (accelerometers and gyroscopes) present in the electronic central (10) present in the fifth wheel (3), that can also be called the Fifth Wheel Electronical Central (10). Finally, measurements of relative movements and accelerations between the set of sensors (6) and the central (10) will be generated on reference to the movements between the king pin (5) and the fifth wheel (3). Another advantage of the system is that this electronic central (10) serves not only to read the king pin's (5) movements, but also to monitor movements of the fifth wheel (3), even when the vehicle is disengaged.

[0038] Finally, to disengage the semi-trailer (2) it is necessary to unlock the fifth wheel (3). This is a usual procedure for truck drivers where simply pull the unlock lever (15). When performing this procedure, the locking mechanism (14) will move to allow the disengagement movement of the king pin (5). At this point, the sensor (16) will detect the movement of the mechanism (14). The fifth wheel electronic central (10) will cut off the electrical supply to the electromagnet device (4) which will disengage from the king pin (5) by gravity, allowing the safe disengagement movement without the electromagnet (4) damages.

[0039] In general, according to its functionalities and advantages, this proposal is based on a concept of monitoring the articulation where its components are arranged exclusively present in the fifth wheel (3). This system will perform the integral monitoring of the movements and accelerations of the king pin (5) by an electromagnet device (4) coupled on this pin (5).

[0040] Description of the Proposal by a Referential Device:

[0041] FIG. 7 initially presents the identifiable magnetic reference device (20), essential for this proposal. This reference device (20) is an independent component, fixable and attachable to the king pin (5). Basically, it has a permanent magnet on its body with its north and south poles (20A) and also with a coded tag (20B).

[0042] FIG. 8 represents (in section view) the king pin (5) when engaged on the fifth wheel (3) (upper 3A and lower part 3B) seen from the rear position, in ZY plane. This figure also shows the magnetometer sensor center (21) and the identifiable magnetic reference device (20).

[0043] In general, and with reference to FIG. 9, this proposal is based on a magnetometer sensor central (21), fixed at the bottom of the fifth wheel (3b), which monitors the three-dimensional position of the magnetic poles (20A) of the reference (20), through the variation of the magnetic field (22A and 22B). Because this device (20) that is attached in the king pin (5), the system is able to monitoring the pin (5) movements on the X (19), Z (18) and Y axes, an example is when there are clearances and the king pin (5) moves from its ideal working position (5A).

[0044] With reference to FIG. 10, view on the hole of the fifth wheel (3c), from the combined variation of the X and Y displacements (TX and TY) of the king pin (5B), it is also possible to measure the relative angle between (RZ) the pin (5) and the fifth wheel (3).

[0045] Finally, with reference to FIG. 11, this system propose allows checking the vehicle's engagement/disengagement by varying the intensity of the magnetic field, which is higher engagement and practically zero when disengaged. In the condition of the figure, when the king pin (5) moves in the direction of disengagement (23), a considerable distance from the reference device (20) in relation to the sensor (21), the intensity of the magnetic field will drop sharply.

[0046] This proposal has an advantage, this device (20) can be identifiable with the presence of a coded TAG (20B), that can indicate which trailer (2) is attached on the truck (1) by reading of this data by the central of the sensor (21).

[0047] Another great advantage of this proposal is that the reference device (20) can be easily attached to the king pin (5) and the central sensor (21) also simple to be fixed on the fifth wheel (3). Even if there is a need to place a reference device (20) on the semi-trailer (2), it is easy to apply, without structural changes in the parts and very interesting for application in tracking systems in vehicles already in circulation. As it is a contact-less system between the central sensor (21) and the reference device (20), it allows the constant engagement and disengagement of the vehicle without interference and mechanical wears.

[0048] In general, both solutions are a three-dimensional king pin's (5) monitoring, reveals systems that king pin (5) has six degrees of mechanical freedom for movements, moreover by the sensors (6 and 20), is monitored and measure the king pin's (5) movements in all these six degrees of freedom (RZ, RX, RY and TZ, TX, TY). This patent reveals an innovative and disruptive technology compared to the current state of the art which only presents solutions to measure angles, are more complex and have technical restrictions. The solutions now present have industrial applicability, affordable cost and great potential to meet technological needs for safety, automation and dynamic control on articulated vehicles.