GB2361975A

GB2361975A - Apparatus for single handedly testing lights and brakes of a vehicle trailer

Info

Publication number: GB2361975A
Application number: GB0010681A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Semo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-05-03
Filing date: 2000-05-03
Publication date: 2001-11-07
Also published as: GB0010681D0

Abstract

A main body 1 of a test apparatus has inputs for compressed air 3 and electrical power 2 supplies, and outputs adapted to transfer pneumatic pressure 10 and electrical power 5,6 to a trailer unit 4. A handheld infrared remote control unit 17 is adapted to transmit signals to a receiver 18 in the main body 1. Control means (23, fig 2) are adapted to be actuated by signals relayed by the receiver 18 to control the outputs. Lights 19 indicate the status of a system under test, any shorts or dangerous faults disconnecting the trailer and activating a buzzer and/or warning light. Thus testing of light and brake systems of a trailer unit may be done single handedly by one inspector without a tractor unit by simulating the effect of a tractor unit. The apparatus may be portable or mounted in a van.

Description

2361975 1 VEHICLE TEST APPARATUS

This invention relates to the field of apparatus for testing electrical and pneumatic systems on vehicles. More particularly, but not exclusively, it relates to apparatus for testing the electrical systems and pneumatic braking systems of trailer units for articulated lorries.

The trailer unit of an articulated lorry is equipped with a pneumatically operated braking system, and an electrical system including, for example, stop lights, side lights, marker lights, directional indicator lights and rear fog lights. A tractor unit of the articulated lorry provides electrical power, conventionally at 24V, and compressed air to operate these systems by means of detachable air lines and cables.

The pneumatic braking system for the trailer is controlled by means of two compressed air lines. A first line, the "emergency line", pressurises the braking system. Should it be disconnected, broken or the air pressure otherwise released, all the brakes of the trailer will operate automatically. A second line, the "service line" or "yellow line", effects controlled 2 braking. Pressure on the foot brake in the cab of the tractor unit will Increase the pressure in the service line, and therefore act on valves in the braking system of the trailer to activate the brakes controllably and in proportion to the pressure exerted on the brake pedal in the tractor cab.

It is frequently necessary to test these systems, either when a fault has been noticed or as preventative maintenance. There is, at present, a legal requirement to inspect these systems on a trailer unit at least once every six weeks. A tractor unit may not always be available when inspecting a trailer's systems, to operate them as though in normal use- In any event testing in this manner requires the co-operation of a driver or an additional operator in the tractor cab to operate the controls, while an inspector walks round (and under) the trailer to observe the lights and brake systems being tested. Tying up extra personnel and an expensive tractor unit in this manner is inconvenient and a waste of time, money and resources.

Attempts have been made to alleviate this problem, such as by providing a test rig to replace the tractor unit. Such a test rig is disclosed in GB] 555 122. This apparatus, connected to a suitable source of compressed air, is capable of simulating the compressed air supply from a tractor unit, pressurising the emergency line and enabling control of the brakes via the service line. It is also capable of testing the electrical systems of the trailer using a rotary switch to select a particular electrical connection. This removes the need for the presence of a tractor unit, but still requires two or more persons; one to operate the appropriate controls of the apparatus and another to cheek their effect on the trailer's various lights and brakes.

3 It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for testing the electrical and pneumatic systems of a trailer unit. which overcomes the above disadvantages, i.e. it may be used without the need to connect to a tractor unit, and may be operable substantially single handedly by one inspector.

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for testing the pneumatic and electrical system of vehicle trailers comprising a main body, input means for compressed air and electrical power supplies, output means adapted to transfer pneumatic pressure and electrical power to a trailer unit, and a control means, wherein a handheld remote control unit is provided, said handheld remote control unit being adapted to transmit signals to receiver means housed in said main body, and wherein said control means are adapted to be actuated by said signals relayed by said receiver means to control said output means in response thereto.

The apparatus may be furnished with a set of indicator lights, each adapted to confirm to an inspector which systems are under test.

In this case, said control means is also adapted to actuate the indicator light corresponding to the system under test.

Preferably, the remote control unit operates by means of an infrared emitter sending signals to an appropriately configured infrared detector unit situated on the main body of the apparatus.

4 The main body is preferably provided with output means adapted to transfer pneumatic pressure and electrical power to the trailer unit via detachably connectable connections, Advantageously, these output means are fully regulated by the control means of the apparatus, in response to the signals originating from the handheld remote control unit.

It may also advantageously be furnished with a safety trip system, optionally coupled with an audible-warning device, to indicate if an electrical short-circuit or any other potentially hazardous faults have been detected in the electrical system.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherem:

Figure I is a schematic view of the apparatus connected to a trailer unit and in use-, Figure 1A shows a typical form of hand-held remote control unit, Figure 2 is a schematic view of the major components of the main body of the - and apparatusl Figure 3 is a plan view of a typical situation where the apparatus is in use.

Referring now to the drawings, in particular Figure 1, the main body I of the apparatus is connected to a suitable power supply, preferably 24V DC, by means of cable 2, and to a suitable source of compressed air, for example, a compressor, an airline or a cylinder, by means of inlet connector 3. The apparatus is provided with two multi-core electrical output cables 5 and 6, provided at their remote ends with plugs 7 and 8 for removable connection to the electrical systems of a trailer unit 4 (which is provided with corresponding sockets). The apparatus is also provided with an "emergency" compressed air line 9 and a "service" compressed air line 10, which are provided at their remote ends with connectors 11 and 12 respectively for removable connection to respective connectors of the pneumatic braking system of the trailer unit.

The main body 1 of the apparatus is furnished with a set of indicator lights 19, each adapted to indicate, optionally through their colour and arrangement, the part of the system under test and its status. These lights are so positioned as to be in view of the inspector 13. working around the trailer unit, and controlled individually by means of a remote control unit 17, which is described in more detail below.

Referring now to Figure 2, the main body 1 of the apparatus is shown in more detail- The body is connected to an electrical power supply at 24V by means of cable 2 and to a source of compressed air via inlet connector 3.

The electrical power supply is connected to a suitable voltage stepping device 22, which serves to convert part of the 24V supply (as is conventionally used in commercial vehicles) to a lower voltage suitable to power the control means and valves within the body 1. A detector unit 18 for infrared or other radiation is provided to receive signals from the remote control unit 17. The signals are passed to a control circuit 23 which issues appropriate commands to the remainder of the apparatus.

For example, a command to test the brake lights of the trailer is received at detector 18 and is issued by control circuit 23, so that a current at 24V is passed via one of multi-core cables 5 and 6 to the trailer 4. The control circuit also controls the set of indicator lights 19, according 6 to the electrical circuit under test, and will in this case illuminate light 19e. The inspector can see light 19e and can see the brake lights, and if both are illuminated, all is well.

In the embodiment illustrated, seven lights 19 are shown. 19a indicating that the left-hand side lights and marker lights are under test, 19b indicating that the right-hand side lights and marker lights are under test., 19c indicating that the left-hand direction indicators are under test; 19d indicating that the right-hand direction indicators are under test, 19e indicating that the brake lights are under test, 19f indicating that the rear fog lights are under test. and 19g indicating that the foot brake pneumatic system is under test.

Any electrical short or dangerous fault in the electrical system of the trailer unit will trip a safety switch to disconnect the supply of power to the trailer 4, and may also activate a buzzer 27 and/or a light indication to alert the inspector to the fault.

Optionally, an on-off switch for the apparatus may be fitted to the main body of the apparatus, as may also a ffirther indicator light (not shown) to confirm the status of the apparatus.

Figure I A shows a typical form of hand-held infra-red remote control unit 17, comprising an infra-red emitter unit 20, and a plurality of control buttons 21, each adapted to control a separate specific function of the apparatus. Infra-red emitter and detector units currently available give a range of operation for the hand-held control unit 17 of at least 50 metres (150 feet), and also allow complete freedom of movement for the inspector. The remote control 7 unit 17 may communicate with the receiver 18 by means other than IR radiation, such as sonic or ultrasonic waves or electromagnetic radiation at other frequencies. Optionally, the remote control unit may be adapted so as additionally to control the onoff status of the apparatus.

Pressure in the compressed air system 24 is regulated by means of relayactuated valve 25, which is adapted to allow compressed air into the system through inlet 3, to seal, or to release the pressure in the system to atmosphere. The compressed air system 24 is connected to that on the trailer unit 4 directly by means of the "emergency" air line 9 and by means of the c'service" air line 10 via a relay actuated valve 26. The pressure in the service line 10 may thus be regulated by operation of valve 26 to simulate the effect of application of the foot brake in a tractor unit.

Referring now to Figure 3, an inspector's van 28, equipped with the main body 1 of the apparatus, a compressor 29 and a 24V power supply 30, is parked adjacent the forward end of the trailer unit 4, and the apparatus is connected to the trailer by means of the cables 5 and 6 and the air lines 9 and 10. The inspector 13 stands where he can check the operation of brake lights 14, direction indicators 15, side marker lights 16, and optionally fog lights and reversing lights. The apparatus may then be controlled with the hand-held infrared remote control unit 17, directed generally towards the detector 18. The inspector can also observe the indicator lights 19 on the apparatus. The "spread" of the signal from the infrared unit 17 is such that the position of the operator 13 is immaterial, within the range of the unit. Similarly, the remote unit 17 may even be used by an inspector under the trailer 4, for example, when examining the operation of the brakes.

8 In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is adapted to test separately the left hand side lights and marker lights, the right hand side lights and marker lights, the left hand direction indicators; the right hand direction indicators; the brake lights; the rear fog lights, and the foot brake pneumatic system itself Optionally, further functions of the trailer could be tested, for example, but not exclusively: reversing lights. audible reversible warnings; interior lights; refrigeration systems, or sensors.

It is preferred that the control circuit and relay actuated valve 26 controlling the pressure in the service line 10 are adapted to vary the pressure smoothly, such that the brakes on the trailer unit may be applied gradually, as would be the case in service. A sudden transition from fully-off to fully-on would be an unrealistic test, and might disguise slowly leaking diaphragms in the pneumatic system.

It will be appreciated that, while the present invention has been described largely in terms of the apparatus being mounted in a van, along with the appropriate set-vices, to act as a mobile testing unit, it is also envisaged that the apparatus could be independently portable, or could alternatively be mounted in a building, for example, a garage or a service bay.

As may be seen, the present invention provides an effective and convenient means to test individually each of the electrical and pneumatic systems of a trailer unit for an articulated lorry, without the need to connect a tractor unit to the trailer unit, and without the need for more than one operator to carry out the tests. The hand-held remote control arrangement embodied in the invention affords the operator greatly improved freedom of movement, and the provision of the indicator lights on the apparatus gives much more complete information 9 about the performance of the system under test, with the result that testing may be carried out much more rapidly, etTectively and economically than hitherto.

Claims

I An apparatus for testing the pneumatic and electrical svstern of vehicle traders comprising a main bod.' input means for compressed air and electrical power supplies, output means adapted to transfer- pneuniatic pressure and electrical power to a trailer unit. a remote control unit adapted to transmit si-nals to receiver means housed in said main bodv, and control means adapted to he actuated by said signals relayed by said receiver means to control said output means in response thereto.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further cornprisin,(,,,, a set of indicator lights, each adapted to indicate to an inspector wh:ch system is under test, and in which said control means is adapted to actuate the indicator fight corresponding to the system under test- An apparatus as claimed in either claim I or claim 2, wherein tho remote control unit comprises an infrared ernitter adapted to send signals to an appropriately configured infrared detector unit situated on the main body of the apparatus.

4. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the remote control unit is manuallv portable.

An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprisino detachably connectable connections adapted to transfer pneumatic pressure and electrical power between the output means and the trailer unit.

11 6. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the output means are fully reLulable by the control means of the apparatus, in response to the signals orl(,lnatino from the remote control unit.

7. An apparatus as clairned in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a safety trip system, optionally coupled with an audible-warning device, to indicate if an electrical short-circuit or any other potentially hazardous faults have been detected in the electrical system.

8. An apparatus for testing the pneumatic and electrical systems of vehicle trailers substantially as described herein with reference to the Figures of the accompanying drawings.

Z3