CA2043427A1 - Lighting and air brake tester - Google Patents
Lighting and air brake testerInfo
- Publication number
- CA2043427A1 CA2043427A1 CA 2043427 CA2043427A CA2043427A1 CA 2043427 A1 CA2043427 A1 CA 2043427A1 CA 2043427 CA2043427 CA 2043427 CA 2043427 A CA2043427 A CA 2043427A CA 2043427 A1 CA2043427 A1 CA 2043427A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- air
- electrical
- truck
- trailer
- tractor
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
- G01R31/005—Testing of electric installations on transport means
- G01R31/006—Testing of electric installations on transport means on road vehicles, e.g. automobiles or trucks
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q11/00—Arrangement of monitoring devices for devices provided for in groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q9/00
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
- B60T17/00—Component parts, details, or accessories of power brake systems not covered by groups B60T8/00, B60T13/00 or B60T15/00, or presenting other characteristic features
- B60T17/18—Safety devices; Monitoring
- B60T17/22—Devices for monitoring or checking brake systems; Signal devices
- B60T17/221—Procedure or apparatus for checking or keeping in a correct functioning condition of brake systems
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Regulating Braking Force (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a new and improved testing device which enables the operator of the device to verify the electrical output of a truck/tractor coupling attachment and which provides an indication of the status of this coupling and/or the individual circuits of the truck/tractor included in the connecting cord. This invention by its design also provides a selectively controlled output function to a trailer in a simulation mode, irrespective of the presence of a truck/tractor, to verify the status of all electrical illumination, air operated brake function, and such accessories as operated by a combination of air and electrical impulses. The source of power required for electrical purposes is supplied by a battery connected to the device. The source of air for the brake function tests is provided by an external source of compressed air rendered usable by a manual regulation in the device. This regulator permits the acurate setting and adjustment of the compressed air pressure. The truck/tractor electrical output is indicated quickly and easily from the drivers seat by selecting the circuit(s) desired and monitoring corresponding lamps on the device. Trailer electrical input is achieved easily by the operator selecting the desired circuit(s) by means of switches that supply voltage through circuit protection to the individual trailer circuits by a supplied coupling cord. Trailer air brake function, related diagnostic checks, and subsequent provision for adjustment are enabled by the manual activation of such valves and controls in this device are necessary, through standard coupling devices attached to it.
This invention relates to a new and improved testing device which enables the operator of the device to verify the electrical output of a truck/tractor coupling attachment and which provides an indication of the status of this coupling and/or the individual circuits of the truck/tractor included in the connecting cord. This invention by its design also provides a selectively controlled output function to a trailer in a simulation mode, irrespective of the presence of a truck/tractor, to verify the status of all electrical illumination, air operated brake function, and such accessories as operated by a combination of air and electrical impulses. The source of power required for electrical purposes is supplied by a battery connected to the device. The source of air for the brake function tests is provided by an external source of compressed air rendered usable by a manual regulation in the device. This regulator permits the acurate setting and adjustment of the compressed air pressure. The truck/tractor electrical output is indicated quickly and easily from the drivers seat by selecting the circuit(s) desired and monitoring corresponding lamps on the device. Trailer electrical input is achieved easily by the operator selecting the desired circuit(s) by means of switches that supply voltage through circuit protection to the individual trailer circuits by a supplied coupling cord. Trailer air brake function, related diagnostic checks, and subsequent provision for adjustment are enabled by the manual activation of such valves and controls in this device are necessary, through standard coupling devices attached to it.
Description
SPECIFIC:ATION
GENRAL CHARACTE~ OF T HE INVENTION
This invention relates to a manually operated device for simulating the air and electrical functions of a truck/tractor and / or trailer, and for 5 assisting in maintenanc~ and repair procedures Of these systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Currently the standard means of transferring electrical and pneumatic signals between a power unit or truc~tractor, and a trailing unit or towed trailer(s) - especially of the class Vlll variety - is achieved 10 by a.) one powet cord, flexible in design, incorporating multiple electrical circuits (typically seven) and b.) pneumatic hoses, usually two in number and also flexible in design. These allow the binary function of air pressure that originates from the truck/tractor to be applied or released throu~h one hose and / or the application of modulated air 15 pressure through Ihe other hose. These electric and air outputs are selectively and individually controlled by the operator of the truck. These coupling devices provide the tractor - trailer combination maximum utility with respect to its intended function and afford the degree of safety in the areas of vehicle braking and illumination (identification and warning) 20 as deemed necessary or as required by legislation.
:: ~ ,: :; : :
~: . , ; - i, :
~ f~
Present practice for dealing with the problems addressed by this invention has included various combinations of home-made devices commonly fashioned as stop-gap measures and awkward arrangements of hoses and valves, typically lacking in accurate means of 5 measurement. Existing patents researched included CDN. pat.
#1,177,122 (Gilles Morin), CDN. pat. #1,134,910 (Clem Carver), and U.S. pat. #3,663,939 (Hans Olsson). These do not acknowledge the relationship between electrical and pneumatic systems in this industry or the distinctly different requirements lor simulation and testing. This 10 ignores making diagnosis of these two systems for purposes of maintenance or repairs, as easy and as accurate as possible in the interests of personal safety and the utility of the equipment involved.
The verification, maintenance, and service of these el0ctrical and air ~, systems are critical to maximizing this utiiity and safety. This invention 15 is designed to be used as a diagnostic aid~and t or simulator by qualified personnel, suitably trained, to help achieve these goals slmui~ansously as generally described in the preceeding abstract.
THE INVENTIVE IDEA OF THE INVENTIVION
The versatility of this invention, enhanced by the deeigned portabillty, 20 plurality of functions and simplicity of operation by one person, allows simulation of a truck/tractor or trailer in th~ absence of one or the other .;
in a manner that is easy, quick and accurate to create a diagnostic environment for purposes of both electrical and pneumatic service and repairs.
,~ ,.
USE AND OPERATION OF THE INVENTION
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention, Figure 1 is an electrical schematic of the components and circuitry by which bot input and output are achieved, and Figure 2 is a pneumatic schematic 5 by which air pressure, modulated or otherwise, is applied to the trailer air brake systems.
Truck/trailer electrical output is verUied by plugging the connector cord into the seven-wire outlet incorporating a standard configuration receptacle, (13). By selecting desired outputs from the cab of the truck 10 and positioning the device within sight, the switch (5) is turned off and circuits are checked as follows:
Application of the lef~ signat transmits current through pin (8c) to illuminate light (8b). Appiication of the right signal transmits current through pin (9c) to illuminate light (9b). Application of the brake lights 1~ transmits current through pin (10c) and illuminates light (10b).
Applica~ion of the park or tail lights transmits; current through pin (6c) and illuminates light (6b). Application of the clearance or marker lights transmits current through pin (7c) and illuminates ~light (7b). Any auxiliary switches if so equipped will, when activated, transmit current : 20 through pin (11c) and illuminate light (11b).
.
, : :: . ~ ,. :.. . . . , -, . :
Trailer electrical input is achieved by initially ensuring positive cable clamp (2) and negative cable clamp (3) are attached tO 12 volt battery (1). When Switch (5) is tumed "on" and solenoid (4) closes, voltage Is available a~ circuit breakers (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), and (11~. When 5 swHch (6a) is closed, lamp (6b) is illuminated and pin (6c) of the trailer cord transmits current to the trailer parkin~ light and taillight circuit.
When switch (7a) is closed, current is transmitted similarly through pln (7c) to the clearance or marker lamp circuit and also lights iamp (7b) of the device. When sw-nch (8a) is closed, current flows to signal flasher 10 (13) and a flashing signal is then transmHted simultaneously to lamp (8b) of the device and pin (8c) of the trailer cord to energize the left signal li~hts. When switch (9a) is closed, current flows to signal flasher (14) and a flashing signal is sent to lamp (9b) of the device and pin (9c) of the trailer cord to turn on the right ~ignal. When ~witch (10a) iS
15 closed, current travels to lamp (lOb) of the dsvice and pin (10c) of the cord to actlvate traller stop lights. When swltch (11a) Is closed, lamp (11b) is lit on the device and any auxiliary or optional accessories controlled electrically on the trailer are now energized through pin (11c) of the conn~cting cord. A short circuit constltuting an amperage draw in 2n excess of the capacity of the above-mentioned circuit breakers will cause the circuit to open and eliminate current in that circuit thereby turning off the power for ~he spec-dic circuit and rendering the circuit breaher open until such time as the operator manually resets d, preferably afler ~pairs have been made.
: 7 6~ ~
Trailer air brake operation is carried out as follows:
Compressed air entering the device at point (14) travels through check valve (15) to pressure regulator (1~). When brake release valve (18) is pushecl in, air is then allowed into trailer emergency line (1sc) through 5 gauge (18a) and pressure can be adjusted by the operator at regulator (16) to the optimum desired pressure of approximately 120 p.s.i. The spring brake mechanism of the trailer, (typically), is now released and adjustment of the brake surfaces can now be verified by operating valve 17) which allows air through pressure gauge (17a) and out through the 10 attached coupling hose at (17c) to the trailer service systems. Upon release of valve (17), pressurized air is exhausted externally of this invention through orifice (17b) and similarly by pulling out valve (18) and applying the trailer sprillg brakes, pressurized air is exhaustecl outside the ~evice through an ordice (18b).
: ~ .. : . - . . . - ~-, , . -, . : ~ : ~ .... .. . . - ........ ,, ,:
. . . .. . . ~ .. . .. , . , . . ~; - .. . :
GENRAL CHARACTE~ OF T HE INVENTION
This invention relates to a manually operated device for simulating the air and electrical functions of a truck/tractor and / or trailer, and for 5 assisting in maintenanc~ and repair procedures Of these systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Currently the standard means of transferring electrical and pneumatic signals between a power unit or truc~tractor, and a trailing unit or towed trailer(s) - especially of the class Vlll variety - is achieved 10 by a.) one powet cord, flexible in design, incorporating multiple electrical circuits (typically seven) and b.) pneumatic hoses, usually two in number and also flexible in design. These allow the binary function of air pressure that originates from the truck/tractor to be applied or released throu~h one hose and / or the application of modulated air 15 pressure through Ihe other hose. These electric and air outputs are selectively and individually controlled by the operator of the truck. These coupling devices provide the tractor - trailer combination maximum utility with respect to its intended function and afford the degree of safety in the areas of vehicle braking and illumination (identification and warning) 20 as deemed necessary or as required by legislation.
:: ~ ,: :; : :
~: . , ; - i, :
~ f~
Present practice for dealing with the problems addressed by this invention has included various combinations of home-made devices commonly fashioned as stop-gap measures and awkward arrangements of hoses and valves, typically lacking in accurate means of 5 measurement. Existing patents researched included CDN. pat.
#1,177,122 (Gilles Morin), CDN. pat. #1,134,910 (Clem Carver), and U.S. pat. #3,663,939 (Hans Olsson). These do not acknowledge the relationship between electrical and pneumatic systems in this industry or the distinctly different requirements lor simulation and testing. This 10 ignores making diagnosis of these two systems for purposes of maintenance or repairs, as easy and as accurate as possible in the interests of personal safety and the utility of the equipment involved.
The verification, maintenance, and service of these el0ctrical and air ~, systems are critical to maximizing this utiiity and safety. This invention 15 is designed to be used as a diagnostic aid~and t or simulator by qualified personnel, suitably trained, to help achieve these goals slmui~ansously as generally described in the preceeding abstract.
THE INVENTIVE IDEA OF THE INVENTIVION
The versatility of this invention, enhanced by the deeigned portabillty, 20 plurality of functions and simplicity of operation by one person, allows simulation of a truck/tractor or trailer in th~ absence of one or the other .;
in a manner that is easy, quick and accurate to create a diagnostic environment for purposes of both electrical and pneumatic service and repairs.
,~ ,.
USE AND OPERATION OF THE INVENTION
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention, Figure 1 is an electrical schematic of the components and circuitry by which bot input and output are achieved, and Figure 2 is a pneumatic schematic 5 by which air pressure, modulated or otherwise, is applied to the trailer air brake systems.
Truck/trailer electrical output is verUied by plugging the connector cord into the seven-wire outlet incorporating a standard configuration receptacle, (13). By selecting desired outputs from the cab of the truck 10 and positioning the device within sight, the switch (5) is turned off and circuits are checked as follows:
Application of the lef~ signat transmits current through pin (8c) to illuminate light (8b). Appiication of the right signal transmits current through pin (9c) to illuminate light (9b). Application of the brake lights 1~ transmits current through pin (10c) and illuminates light (10b).
Applica~ion of the park or tail lights transmits; current through pin (6c) and illuminates light (6b). Application of the clearance or marker lights transmits current through pin (7c) and illuminates ~light (7b). Any auxiliary switches if so equipped will, when activated, transmit current : 20 through pin (11c) and illuminate light (11b).
.
, : :: . ~ ,. :.. . . . , -, . :
Trailer electrical input is achieved by initially ensuring positive cable clamp (2) and negative cable clamp (3) are attached tO 12 volt battery (1). When Switch (5) is tumed "on" and solenoid (4) closes, voltage Is available a~ circuit breakers (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), and (11~. When 5 swHch (6a) is closed, lamp (6b) is illuminated and pin (6c) of the trailer cord transmits current to the trailer parkin~ light and taillight circuit.
When switch (7a) is closed, current is transmitted similarly through pln (7c) to the clearance or marker lamp circuit and also lights iamp (7b) of the device. When sw-nch (8a) is closed, current flows to signal flasher 10 (13) and a flashing signal is then transmHted simultaneously to lamp (8b) of the device and pin (8c) of the trailer cord to energize the left signal li~hts. When switch (9a) is closed, current flows to signal flasher (14) and a flashing signal is sent to lamp (9b) of the device and pin (9c) of the trailer cord to turn on the right ~ignal. When ~witch (10a) iS
15 closed, current travels to lamp (lOb) of the dsvice and pin (10c) of the cord to actlvate traller stop lights. When swltch (11a) Is closed, lamp (11b) is lit on the device and any auxiliary or optional accessories controlled electrically on the trailer are now energized through pin (11c) of the conn~cting cord. A short circuit constltuting an amperage draw in 2n excess of the capacity of the above-mentioned circuit breakers will cause the circuit to open and eliminate current in that circuit thereby turning off the power for ~he spec-dic circuit and rendering the circuit breaher open until such time as the operator manually resets d, preferably afler ~pairs have been made.
: 7 6~ ~
Trailer air brake operation is carried out as follows:
Compressed air entering the device at point (14) travels through check valve (15) to pressure regulator (1~). When brake release valve (18) is pushecl in, air is then allowed into trailer emergency line (1sc) through 5 gauge (18a) and pressure can be adjusted by the operator at regulator (16) to the optimum desired pressure of approximately 120 p.s.i. The spring brake mechanism of the trailer, (typically), is now released and adjustment of the brake surfaces can now be verified by operating valve 17) which allows air through pressure gauge (17a) and out through the 10 attached coupling hose at (17c) to the trailer service systems. Upon release of valve (17), pressurized air is exhausted externally of this invention through orifice (17b) and similarly by pulling out valve (18) and applying the trailer sprillg brakes, pressurized air is exhaustecl outside the ~evice through an ordice (18b).
: ~ .. : . - . . . - ~-, , . -, . : ~ : ~ .... .. . . - ........ ,, ,:
. . . .. . . ~ .. . .. , . , . . ~; - .. . :
Claims (4)
1) A device is claimed inclusive of the following features:
a) Such electrical switches, indicators, lamps and manually resettable breakers as are required to provide selection and testing of individual electrical circuits as commonly exist on truck trailers of the highway type.
b) Such electrical circuitry that is arranged with a receptacle and cord wherein the individual output circuits of a truck/tractor may be verified and/or status determined.
c) Such air fittings, necessary gauges indicating "reservoir" and "apply" pressures, modulation allowing for supplied air pressure, and selective functional capability to allow application of air-operated brake release nechanisms, and/or brake apply nechanisms on trailers of the highway type.
a) Such electrical switches, indicators, lamps and manually resettable breakers as are required to provide selection and testing of individual electrical circuits as commonly exist on truck trailers of the highway type.
b) Such electrical circuitry that is arranged with a receptacle and cord wherein the individual output circuits of a truck/tractor may be verified and/or status determined.
c) Such air fittings, necessary gauges indicating "reservoir" and "apply" pressures, modulation allowing for supplied air pressure, and selective functional capability to allow application of air-operated brake release nechanisms, and/or brake apply nechanisms on trailers of the highway type.
2) A device is claimed that uses the preceding features as described with a remote but connected standard 12 volt battery to achieve electrical impulses and an external source of compressed air to achieve those air impulses as desired.
3) A device is claimed whereby, in addition to the spirit of claims 1 and 2, i.e., that electrical and air requirements are supplied externally and not generated in their origin by this device, the modulation, measurement, and selective controlled application of these forces are housed in a portable, easily operated format, complete in its designed function and capabilities by nature of such affixed coupling attachments for both air and electricity as required.
4) A device is claimed whereby the invention as defined in claims 1, 2, and 3 is designed to be used in a simulation capacity and incorporates in its design and function that aspect which allows one person to create the desired test criteria using air and electrical impulses, maintain that mode, and inspect, analyze and interpret the results without the need for a second operator or in the case of a trailer, without the need for a truck/tractor coupled to it.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2043427 CA2043427A1 (en) | 1991-05-28 | 1991-05-28 | Lighting and air brake tester |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2043427 CA2043427A1 (en) | 1991-05-28 | 1991-05-28 | Lighting and air brake tester |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2043427A1 true CA2043427A1 (en) | 1992-11-29 |
Family
ID=4147685
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2043427 Abandoned CA2043427A1 (en) | 1991-05-28 | 1991-05-28 | Lighting and air brake tester |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2043427A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN108107301A (en) * | 2018-02-28 | 2018-06-01 | 广西玉柴机器股份有限公司 | Optocoupler test device |
-
1991
- 1991-05-28 CA CA 2043427 patent/CA2043427A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN108107301A (en) * | 2018-02-28 | 2018-06-01 | 广西玉柴机器股份有限公司 | Optocoupler test device |
| CN108107301B (en) * | 2018-02-28 | 2023-09-19 | 广西玉柴机器股份有限公司 | Optocoupler testing device |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |