KR19990008086A - Device for maintaining vehicle chassis height - Google Patents

Abstract

The device 12 for maintaining a constant chassis height of the trailer consists of a rotatable member 60 mounted to the trailer frames 14, 50 and movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position the axle 16 and wheel 18 of the trailer are free to move within the limits of the suspension. In the extended position, the rotatable member 60 limits the relative movement between the trailer frame 14 and the suspension to limit the creep of the trailer.

Description

Device for maintaining vehicle chassis height

In loading the trailer, the trailer typically retracts against the dock by the tractor. In the storage position, the tractor can be connected to or disconnected from the trailer. Many trailers have a trailing arm suspension with air springs to control the relative position of the frame relative to the axle and also mitigate the relative movement of the axle to the frame due to impact on the road. Although the air spring is pressurized by the tractor's air compressor at transport and stop, the air compressor is usually turned off during loading.

As the trailer is loaded, forces from loading equipment such as forklifts or handcars and the weight of the goods loaded into the trailer lower the rear of the frame rail against the axle. Since the compressor is turned off during loading, the air pressure in the air spring is not adjusted to compensate for the increased load. The rear portion of the trailer frame moves downward, while the front portion of the trailer frame is actually fixed at the height of the dolly and the trailer frame effectively rotates about the point of contact of the ground and the bogie. Downward movement of the rear of the trailer frame causes a pivoting movement of the pivot connection between the trailer frame and the trailing arm. This pivoting causes a slight rotation of the trailing arm wheel to move the trailer forwards away from the dock. In other words, the trailer moves away from the loading dock. This movement is called creep. Creep in the trailer can pose a risk to the trailer loading.

U.S. Patent 5,333,645 on August 2, 1994, discloses a device for overcoming this problem by having a dump valve to allow air to escape from the air spring when the trailer door is opened. Therefore, the trailer reaches the bottom in suspension and does not creep from the dock before loading begins. Although such a system works well to prevent creep, not all vehicles can equip or use such a system. In addition, when the air suspension is lowered to the lowest position, the trailer floor is much lower than the dock, which prevents it from safely entering the load.

Therefore, there is a significant need to reduce or eliminate creep associated with trailers during loading. Anti-creep solutions should be simple, reliable and inexpensive if they are commercially viable. Moreover, the anti-creep solution should not interfere with the normal functioning of the trailing arm suspension during normal operation.

(Summary of invention)

The present invention relates to an anti-creep device that solves the creep problem associated with trailers during loading by movably mounting columns in the trailer for movement between the retracted and extended positions. When the column is in the retracted position, the trailer is free to move vertically in the suspension without interfering with the column. In the extended position, the column actually prevents the trailer's relative movement with respect to the suspension to remove the trailer's creep during loading. Advantageously, the present invention does not depend on the specific type of vehicle suspension.

The support column is preferably mounted to the underride guard of the trailer and can be moved between the retracted and extended positions by an actuator assembly mounted to the trailer. The actuator assembly is connected to the support column by a linkage assembly having a first part connected to the support column and a second part operatively connected to the actuator so that the anti-creep device is mounted to the underride guard of the trailer and the operation of the actuator. As such, the support column moves in the extended position to minimize the creep of the trailer due to load changes and stalls.

The support column is preferably mounted on the cross bar of the underride guard. The wheel may be mounted to the second end of the support column and contact the ground when the support column is in the extended position.

The actuator assembly consists of an air operated actuator with a housing pivotably mounted to the trailer and an arm extending from the housing for reciprocating therewith. The arm is mounted to the support column such that the reciprocating motion of the arm causes the support column to move between the extended and retracted positions.

The link mechanism may consist of a first and a second link, the first link having one end pivotally mounted to the trailer and the second end mounted to the first end of the second link. The second link has a second end, which is pivotally mounted to the support column to connect the actuator to the support column. The first and second links can be bars and / or cables.

In one embodiment of the invention, the support column is comprised of a leg that is movably mounted in the tube for reciprocating motion in response to the actuator assembly, and a tube having one end mounted to the trailer so that the actuator assembly is in the tube. The leg is moved between a first position that causes the support column to contract and a second position where the leg protrudes from the tube and causes the support column to move to an extended position. The support column may be further comprised of a ratchet to lock the position of the leg with respect to the tube. The ratchet consists of a plurality of teeth formed in the leg and a tooth detent coupled to the teeth and pivotally mounted to the tube.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the support column consists of a first tube having one end pivotally mounted to the vehicle and the other end at least partially closed by a first plate having a first hole.

The support column is further comprised of a second tube having one end joined to the first plate and at least partially closed by a second plate having a second hole. The spring extends through the first and second holes of the tube to elastically connect the tube. The spring may be equipped with a positioning pin, which is located in the first and second holes when the first plate joins the second plate.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a trailer vehicle having an underride guard and an anti-creep device mounted to the underride guard.

The present invention provides an anti-creep device for use in stabilizing a trailer by delaying forward and downward movement of the trailer depending on loading, loss of air spring pressure, or otherwise, causing a change in the axle relative to the frame. And more particularly to an apparatus for limiting the relative downward motion of the vehicle frame relative to the axle of the trailer suspension during loading or at other stops to limit the creep of the trailer from the loading dock or parking position. will be.

1 is a side front view of an anti-creep device according to the present invention mounted in a vehicle with a trailing arm suspension and in an elevated position;

2 illustrates the anti-creep device of FIG. 1 in a lowered position;

3 illustrates an alternate mounting for the anti-creep device of FIG. 1;

4 is a side front view of a second embodiment of an anti-creep device according to the present invention mounted on a vehicle with a trailing arm suspension and in an elevated position;

5 illustrates the anti-creep device of FIG. 4 in a lowered position;

6 is a side front view of a third embodiment of an anti-creep device according to the present invention in a lowered position attached to a vehicle with a trailing arm suspension;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the anti-creep device of FIG. 6; FIG.

8 illustrates a third embodiment of an anti-creep device according to the present invention with an alternative spring structure;

(Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments)

1 illustrates a trailing arm suspension 10 in combination with an anti-creep device according to the present invention. The trailing arm suspension 10 supports the axle 16 on which the wheel 18 is mounted at the opposite end of the axle 16 and is mounted to the longitudinal frame 14 of the trailer frame. In a typical trailer application, two trailing arms are used to mount the axle 16 to the frame 14. The trailing arm is mounted on the opposite side of the frame rail and supports the opposite end of the axle 16. Only one trailing arm is described in detail.

The trailing arm suspension 10 is fixedly mounted to the frame 14 and hanger bracket for rotatably mounting the trailing arm 24 by a bush connection 26 at the front end of the trailing arm 24. 22). The rear end of the trailing arm 24 mounts an air spring 30 at the lower end, which is connected to the frame 14 at the upper end. The air spring 30 resiliently resists upward movement of the trailing arm 24 with respect to the frame, and the mounting plate and the piston 34 mounted to the platform 38 at the trailing edge of the trailing arm 24. The airbag 32 is attached to the frame 14 by 36. As the trailing arm 24 rotates, the piston 34 is urged into the airbag 32 to elastically delay the movement of the trailing arm 24 towards the frame 14.

1 to 3, an underride guard 50 consisting of a pair of vertically extending braces 52 laterally spaced is positioned longitudinally behind the trailing arm suspension, each preferably by welding. It has one end mounted on the cross beam (not shown) of the frame. The other end of each brace 52 is equipped with welded horizontally facing and laterally extending cross bars. The underride guard 50 prevents the vehicle following the trailer from driving under the frame 14 and prevents contact with the wheels 18. Underride guards are also used in combination with restraints to connect / lock the trailer to the loading dock.

As illustrated, a typical trailer with underride guard 50 requires two opposing anti-creep devices 12 mounted near the brace 52, respectively. The anti-creep device 12 is identical except for its location, and therefore only one of the anti-creep devices 12 will be described in detail.

1 and 2, the anti-creep device 12 consists of a support column 60 whose upper end is pivotably mounted to the cross bar 54 by a pivot pin 62. Alternatively, the support column 60 may be mounted by any suitable means such as a hinge. The lower end of the support column 60 pivotally mounts the wheel 64, which is adjacent to the ground when the support column is in the downward position as illustrated in FIG.

The anti-creep device 12 also consists of an actuator assembly 70 to move the support column 60 between the extended position (FIG. 2) and the retracted position (FIG. 1). The actuator assembly 70 includes an air operated actuator 72 fastened to the mounting plate 74 via an L-shaped bracket 75, which in turn is fixedly fixed to the frame 14 by welding or other suitable fasteners. It is installed. The air operated actuator 72 consists of a housing 76 connected to a pressurized air source (not shown), from which an arm 78 extends, which arm is pressurized from the housing 76. The housing 76 reciprocates in response to the discharge and application of air. A spring (not shown) is mounted in the housing 76 and presses the arm 78 into the extended position when air is expelled from the actuator 72. Therefore, when pressurized air is applied to the actuator 72, the pressurized air overcomes the force of the spring and retracts the arm 78.

The actuator assembly 70 further comprises a link mechanism 80 having a first link 82 and a second link 84. The first link 82 is pivotally connected at one end to the mounting plate 84 and pivotally connected at the other end to the second link 84. The other end of the second link 84 is pivotally connected to the support column 60. The arm 78 of the air operated actuator 72 is pivotally connected to the first link 82 between the ends of the first link 82.

When the arm 78 extends from the housing 76 by the discharge of pressurized air, the link mechanism 80 is rotated to move the support column 60 to the extended position as illustrated in FIG. As the arm 78 is pushed into the housing 76 as the pressurized air is applied to the air-actuated actuator 72, the link mechanism 80 is moved to the retracted position as illustrated in FIG. 1. ) To contract. In the extended position, the wheel 64 is near or in contact with the ground. If the wheel 64 is not in contact with the ground while the trailer is loaded, the weight of the object loaded on the trailer lowers the frame 14 relative to the ground, thus bringing the wheel 64 into contact with the ground. When the wheel 64 contacts the ground, the frame 14 is prevented from creeping downward.

When the vehicle is fully loaded, the trailer's air system begins to fill the air spring 30 with pressurized and pressurized air to raise the frame 14 relative to the ground. At the same time, the air operated actuator 72 receives pressurized air and the arm 78 is retracted to move the support column 60 to the retracted position.

3 illustrates an alternative mounting for a first embodiment of an anti-creep device 12. The replacement mount is integrated into the same element as the anti-creep device 12. The difference between the anti-creep device illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and 3 is that the mounting plate 74 is mounted perpendicular to the frame 14 instead of being longitudinally relative to the frame 14. Therefore, all elements of the anti-creep device 12 rotate at 90 degrees. Rotation of 90 ° results in a longitudinal access of the cross bar 54 instead of a plane in which the support column 66 is perpendicular to the longitudinal access of the cross bar 54 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Rotate in parallel planes.

4 and 5 illustrate a second embodiment 100 of an anti-creep apparatus according to the present invention. The second embodiment is shown mounted on a vehicle with the same trailing arm suspension and underride guard as shown in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same members are given the same reference numerals. The second embodiment consists of a support column or latching leg assembly 120 and an actuator assembly 104. The latching leg assembly consists of a tube 106 having one end mounted to the frame 14 and the other end mounted to the cross bar 54. The pulley 108 is rotatably mounted within the hollow interior of the tube 106 and supports the line 110, which acts as a link connecting the support column to the actuator assembly. Leg 112 is also located within the hollow of tube 106. One end of the leg 112 is fastened to the line 110 and the other end of the leg 112 pivotally mounts the wheel 114.

The ratchet is formed by a plurality of teeth 116 on one side of the leg 112 and the U-shaped detent 120 is pivotally mounted to the outside of the tube 106 by the pivot pin 122. The detent 120 is composed of an elongated portion 124 extending along the side of the tube 106. The lower end of the elongate portion 124 extends beyond the open lower end of the tube 106. The flange 126 extends laterally between the elongated portions 124 and extends laterally by a sufficient distance to engage the teeth of the leg 112. The air cylinder 132 is pivotally mounted at one end to the outside of the tube 106 and pivotally mounted at the other end to the upper end of the elongated portion 124. The detent 120 is rotated by an air cylinder 132, which is connected to a pressurized air source (not shown) of the vehicle.

The actuator assembly 104 consists of a mounting bracket 140 welded to the frame 14. The link 142 is pivotably mounted to the mounting bracket 140 at one end. Line 110 is fastened to the other end of link 142. The air cylinder 144 is pivotally mounted to the frame 14 at one end and pivotally mounted to the link at the other end. Similar to the air cylinder 32, the air cylinder 144 is fluidly connected to a vehicle pressurized air source (not shown).

During operation, when the air source of the vehicle is pressurized during the normal driving state, the air cylinder 132 is retracted. As the air cylinder 132 contracts, the link 120 pivots away from the teeth 116 of the leg 112. Air cylinder 144 extends to pivot link 142 downward to stand and hold leg 112 within the hollow interior of tube 106 as shown in FIG.

When the vehicle stops and the trailer retracts against the loading dock, the pressurized air source for the trailer is discharged and the air cylinder 132 is extended and the air cylinder 144 is retracted. As the air cylinder 144 contracts, the link 142 moves up to lower the leg 112 from within the hollow interior of the tube 106. As the leg 112 descends, the tooth detent 120 is pivoted toward the leg 112 by the extension of the air cylinder 132. The flange 126 of the tooth detent 120 joins with and runs through the surface of the tooth 116. Leg 112 is free to move downward while flange 126 is latched against tooth 116. When the pressurized air source is discharged, the loading of the trailer engages one of the flanges 126 and the teeth 116 to allow the frame rails to move downward and further away from the dock until the frame rails further prevent further downward movement of the frame rails. Prevents continuous creeping.

When the trailer is finished loading, the trailer's air system is pressurized and the air springs are filled to raise the frame 14 relative to the ground and the legs 112 and the detents from supporting the weight of the loaded trailer ( 120) is released. At the same time, the air cylinder 132 is retracted and the air cylinder 144 is extended to pivot the flange 126 of the detent 120 from the engagement of the detent 116 and the leg 112 to the tube 106. I stand up inside).

6 and 7 illustrate a third embodiment 200 of an anti-creep device according to the present invention. The third embodiment 200 is illustrated mounted on a trailer with trailing arm suspension and underride guards as shown in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same member is given the same number. The anti-creep device 200 is a separate anti-creep device so that when the trailer moves when the anti-creep device is in the lowered position (see FIG. 6), the movement of the trailer will not damage the anti-creep device.

The anti-creep device 200 consists of an actuator assembly 202 that operates the support column 204 between an extended position and a retracted position. The support column prevents the trailer from moving downward relative to the ground. The actuator assembly 202 consists of a housing 214 that pivotally mounts an actuator 212 that is actuated by air. Arm 218 extends from housing 214.

The support column 204 includes a first support member or tube 222 and a second support member or tube 224. Both the first support member 222 and the second support member 224 are preferably cylindrical tubes with a hollow interior. Looking at the first support member 222 in more detail, the upper end of the first support member 222 is pivotally mounted to the cross bar 54 of the underride guard 50 by the pivot pin 226. The lower end of the first member 222 is closed by a cylindrical plate 228 having an opening 230. The spring 232 is positioned inside the hollow of the first member 222 and has one end attached to the inside of the first member 222 by a pin 234. The other end of the first spring 232 is mounted to the positioning pin 236, which extends through the opening 230. Arm mounting plate 240 is fastened to the exterior of first member 222 to which arm 218 is pivotally connected by pin 242.

The second member 224 is closed at the upper end by the circular plate 248, which is an upwardly annular shape forming a circular recess 252 for receiving the circular plate 228 of the first member 222. The flange 250 is provided. The plate 248 of the second member 224 has a centrally located opening 254 axially aligned with the opening 230 of the circular plate 228. In cross section, the opening 254 is stepped with the positioning pin 236 having a large diameter portion 256 of the same diameter and a small diameter portion 258 smaller than the diameter of the positioning pin 236, thereby positioning the pin 236. ) Is prevented from moving in the hollow interior of the second support member 224. The bottom of the second member 224 is sealed by the circular base plate 262 in the hollow interior of the second member 224 and the spring 264, like the spring 232, is mounted at one end by the pins 266. At the other end it is fixed to the positioning pin 236.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the vehicle is in the normal operating mode, the trailer's air system is supplied with pressurized air and the arm 218 is retracted in the housing 214 of the actuator 212 in the retracted position. Pivot and hold the support column 204. When the trailer retracts against the loading dock for loading, the trailer's air system is evacuated and the arm 218 extends from the housing 214 of the actuator 212 so that the support column 204 is illustrated in FIG. 6. Move to the extended position together.

If the support column 204 is in the extended position while the trailer moves away from the dock, the first member 222 will be separated from the second member 224. Circular plate 228 of first member 222 stands up from circular recess 252 while retaining positioning pin 236 within opening 230. As the circular plate 228 rises from the circular recess 252, each of the first and second members 222, 224 can be folded relative to each other, effectively reducing the link of the support column 224. However, as the first and second members 222 and 224 are maintained in connection by the springs 232 and 264, thereby completing the movement of the trailer, the springs 232 and 264 are again aligned with the first and second members 222 and 224. Will be.

8 illustrates a simple alternative structure for the spring of the support column 204, which eliminates the double springs 232, 264 connected by the positioning pins 236. In a simple configuration, circular plates 228 and 248 have coaxial holes 270 and 272, respectively. The holes 270 and 272 have a substantially identical and constant diameter through which a single spring 274 passes. One end of the spring is mounted inside the first support member 222 and the other end is mounted on the second support member 224. In all other respects the simple structure of FIG. 8 is identical to FIG. 7.

Although the anti-creep device according to the invention is illustrated in combination with a trailing arm suspension, the anti-creep device can advantageously be operated independently with the suspension type, since it is not part of the suspension or does not use part of the suspension. Therefore, the anti-creep device can be used in any vehicle with an underride guard regardless of the type of suspension. Suspensions and proprietary anti-creep devices offer significant advantages over previous anti-creep devices because they can be mounted on any trailer with original or modified underride guards.

While certain embodiments of the present invention have been shown, the invention is not limited thereto, since modifications may be made by those skilled in the art in particular in view of teaching. Substantial modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the above description of the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims (20)

In the anti-creep device mounted to the underride guard of the trailer, A support column movably mounted to the trailer for movement between the retracted position to allow downward movement of the trailer relative to the ground and the elongated position to inhibit downward movement of the trailer relative to the ground; An actuator mounted to the trailer; A linkage assembly having a first portion connected to the support column and a second portion operatively connected to the actuator, the first and second portions being movably coupled together to connect the actuator to the support column; It consists of This means that when the anti-creep device is mounted on the underride guard on the trailer, and in response to the operation of the actuator, the support column moves to the extended position and is fixed with minimum creep of the trailer due to changes in the load. Anti-creep device. The anti-creep device of claim 1 wherein the support column further comprises a wheel mounted at a second end and the wheel contacts the ground when the support column is in the extended position. The anti-creep device of claim 1 wherein the actuator has a housing pivotably mounted to the trailer and an arm extending from the actuator housing for reciprocating relative to the housing. 4. The anti-creep device of claim 3 wherein the actuator is a fluid operated actuator. The anti-creep device of claim 3 wherein the actuator is an air operated actuator. 2. The linkage assembly of claim 1, wherein the linkage assembly is further comprised of first and second links, the first link being pivotally mounted to a first end of the second link and the first end pivotally mounted to the trailer. An end creep device, wherein the second link has a second end pivotally mounted to the support column, and the actuator is pivotally mounted to the first link between the first and second ends. . 7. The anti-creep device of claim 6 wherein one of the first and second links is a cable. 8. The anti-creep device of claim 7, wherein the other of the first and second links is a bar. The method of claim 1, wherein the support column, A tube with a near end and an open far end mounted to the trailer; A leg movably mounted in the tube for reciprocating motion corresponding to the actuator assembly; It consists of Thereby, the actuator assembly moves the leg between a first position in the tube to deflate the support column and a second position protruding from the tube so that the leg moves the support column to the extended position. Device. 10. The anti-creep device of claim 9 wherein the actuator has a housing pivotably mounted to the trailer and an arm extending from the actuator housing for reciprocating relative to the housing. 12. The linkage assembly of claim 10, wherein the linkage assembly is further comprised of first and second links, the first link pivotally mounted to a first end of the first link and the second link, the first link pivotally mounted to the trailer. And having a second end, the second link having a second end pivotally mounted to the support column, wherein the arm is pivotally mounted to the first link between the first and second ends. Device. 11. The support column of claim 10, wherein the support column is further comprised of a ratchet for locking the position of the leg relative to the tube, wherein the ratchet is comprised of a tooth detent adapted to engage a plurality of teeth and teeth formed in the leg and pivotally mounted to the tube. Anti-creep device characterized in that. 13. The ratchet of claim 12 wherein the ratchet is further comprised of a fluid actuator for pivoting the detent engaged and disengaged with the tooth, the fluid actuator extending from the housing and the housing pivotably mounted to the tube, An anti-creep device, characterized in that it is pivotably mounted. 14. The anti-creep device of claim 13 wherein the leg is further comprised of a pivotally mounted wheel. The method of claim 1, wherein the support column is: A first tube having a near end pivotally mounted to a vehicle and a far end at least partially closed by a first plate having a first hole: A second tube joined with the far end of the first tube and at least partially closed by a second plate having a second hole and having near and far ends joined with the first plate; And Extending for the first and second holes and having a first end and a second end, one end of which is mounted to the first tube and the other end of which is mounted to the second tube to elastically reinforce the first and second tubes. A spring to connect; Anti-creep device, characterized in that consisting of. 16. The spring of claim 15, wherein the spring is further comprised of a positioning pin connecting the first portion of the spring to the second portion of the spring, and the positioning pin is adapted to the first and second plates when the first plate joins the second plate. An anti-creep device, characterized in that located in the second hole. 16. The anti-creep device of claim 15 wherein the actuator assembly further comprises a housing pivotably mounted to the trailer and an actuator having an arm extending from the actuator assembly housing for reciprocating with respect to the housing. 16. The anti-creep device of claim 15 wherein the linkage assembly further comprises a first link rigidly mounted to the support column and an actuator pivotally mounted to the first link. 19. The anti-creep device of claim 18 wherein the first link is a plate mounted to the first tube. A support column movably mounted to the trailer for movement between the retracted position to allow downward movement of the trailer relative to the ground and the elongated position to inhibit downward movement of the trailer relative to the ground; An actuator mounted to the trailer; A linkage assembly having a first portion connected to the support column and a second portion operatively connected to the actuator, the first and second portions being movably coupled together to connect the actuator to the support column; Consisting of an anti-creep device mounted on the underride guard, As a result of this, according to the operation of the actuator, the support column moves to the extended position and is fixed while minimizing the creep of the trailer due to the change of the load.