WO2018065988A1 - Trailer for connecting to a vehicle, and trailer coupler - Google Patents
Trailer for connecting to a vehicle, and trailer coupler Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2018065988A1 WO2018065988A1 PCT/IL2017/051136 IL2017051136W WO2018065988A1 WO 2018065988 A1 WO2018065988 A1 WO 2018065988A1 IL 2017051136 W IL2017051136 W IL 2017051136W WO 2018065988 A1 WO2018065988 A1 WO 2018065988A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- trailer
- vehicle
- coupler
- control center
- tow bar
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
- B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
- B60D1/58—Auxiliary devices
- B60D1/62—Auxiliary devices involving supply lines, electric circuits, or the like
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
- B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
- B60D1/24—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions
- B60D1/36—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for facilitating connection, e.g. hitch catchers, visual guide means, signalling aids
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
- B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
- B60D1/58—Auxiliary devices
- B60D1/66—Props
-
- 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
- B60T7/00—Brake-action initiating means
- B60T7/12—Brake-action initiating means for automatic initiation; for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger
- B60T7/20—Brake-action initiating means for automatic initiation; for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger specially for trailers, e.g. in case of uncoupling of or overrunning by trailer
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Regulating Braking Force (AREA)
- Braking Systems And Boosters (AREA)
Abstract
A trailer (102) for connecting to a vehicle (101), comprising a trailer coupler (103), at least one means for support (104) of the trailer (102) when not connected to the vehicle (101), and at least one parking brake (105) further characterized in that a control center (106) is connected to a at least one motor (108) for automatically raising and lowering said at least one means for support (104), and the control center (106) automatically engages and disengages said at least one parking brake (105) via a control mechanism (107) when the trailer coupler (103) is connected to a tow bar (201).
Description
Trailer for connecting to a vehicle, and trailer coupler
Technical field
The present invention regards a trailer, and more particularly an automated trailer that readies itself for use when being connected to a vehicle, and furthermore, readies itself for parking when being disconnected from a vehicle. Background of the invention
Connecting a trailer to a vehicle can be a tiresome and needlessly difficult process. In addition to connecting the trailer to the tow bar of the vehicle, the power cord must be connected, the parking brakes must be disconnected and the support wheel or the support column(s) must be raised, if the trailer has these features. Connecting smaller trailers to the vehicle can also be strenuous, since the user often has to lift the trailer on to the tow bar.
US 20070007749 describes a coupling having a ball neck body pivoted around an axis between the operating and the rest positions. Rotation blocking bodies are placed in connection with an actuation mechanism, in order to direct the reaction forces perpendicular to the pivot axis.
US 20050167945 describes a device which is designed as a ball member to be connected to a fastener located on the trailer. The vehicle has a tow bar mounted behind the rear bumper. The coupling comprises a container fitted to a component that uses a load bearing component and slides into a locked position by means of a spring supported locking element for attaching the device in a resting or working position .
EP 1535765 describes a trailer coupling for motor vehicles which has a coupling arm with drive means acting on a rotary axis element through a rotational bearing . By means of a movement device, the mounting piece is pressed into a recess that holds the coupling to the connector housing in order to lock it therein .
All these documents describe different solutions for a tow bar that can be hidden and retrieved when you need it. The problem with these solutions is that they have an esthetic purpose only. These solutions solve the following problem; how to hide a tow bar on a vehicle when it is not in use. None of these solutions simplify the attaching of a trailer to the tow bar of a vehicle, and none of these solutions give the user any indication whether the trailer is securely and properly attached to the vehicle. This means that the challenges with connecting a trailer to a vehicle are still the same.
Summary of the invention
It is an object of the present invention, as described in the set of claims, to solve the problems mentioned above. The invention discloses an automated trailer 102 that has the ability to raise or lower the support means of the trailer 102 and engage or disengage the parking brake(s) when connected to a tow bar 201. In an embodiment of the present invention the power cord can also be connected automatically.
When the tow bar 201 and the trailer coupler 103 are connected, the link between the vehicle 101 and the trailer 102 will automatically be locked. The parking brakes on the trailer 102 will automatically disconnect and the support means will be raised . Further, you can automatically connect a pneumatic system, safety wire and electric cable.
In order to aid the connection the design of the trailer coupler 103 allows the tow bar 201 to be guided into the fitting on the trailer 102, e.g . by having a conical opening and/or being magnetic.
In a further embodiment, a wireless connection will provide communication between the vehicle 101 and the trailer 102. The vehicle 101 will then be able to send signals to the trailer 102 telling it which lights should be activated . Brief description of the drawings
Figure 1 is a side view image of one embodiment of the invention in which the trailer 102 is connected to the vehicle 101.
Figure 2 is a side view image of one embodiment of the invention wherein the tow bar 201 is activated. Detailed description
Figure 1 is a side view image of one embodiment of the present invention wherein the tow bar 201 is connected to the trailer coupler 103. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the trailer 102 comprises means for attachment to a vehicle 101, at least one switch or at least one sensor 109 for indicating if the attach- ment is correct, a control center 106 for controlling the automated process, at least one motor 108 for controlling the raising and lowering of the support means and a control mechanism 107 for controlling the engaging and disengaging of the parking
brakes. There can be a power source on the trailer 102, or there can be means for transferring power from the vehicle 101 to the trailer 102.
In an additional embodiment of the present invention there can also be means for attaching signal cables for lights etc. on the trailer 102. As an alternative solution all communication between the trailer 102 and the vehicle 101 can also be wireless.
When the vehicle 101 and the trailer 102 are connected, a signal is sent to the control center 106. The signal can be given by at least one switch or at least one sensor 109. The control center 106 can be located either on the trailer 102 or on the vehicle 101 itself. The control center 106 gives a signal to at least one motor 108. The at least one motor 108 raises the support wheel 104 of the trailer 102. This feature can also be applied to support pillars if the trailer 102 has these.
Further the control center 106 sends a signal to a control mechanism 107. This control mechanism 107 disengages the parking brakes 105 on the trailer 102. The parking brakes can either be electric, pneumatic, hydraulic or mechanical . This control mechanism 107 can in an embodiment be an additional motor.
The power for the control center 106, the control mechanism 107 and the motor 108 controlling the support means, can come from a power source on the trailer 102. This power source can be a battery. In an alternative solution the power can be transferred from the vehicle 101. Electrical power can be transferred from the vehicle 101 via the tow bar 201 to the trailer coupler 103 and further to the control center 106.
The control center 106 can further send power to the lights on the trailer 102. The signals controlling the lights can be sent wirelessly to the control center 106. The signals controlling the lights can also be sent via a wire. In this solution the tow bar 201 and the trailer coupler 103 can have a coupling transferring the signals. This coupling can be as a part of the ball connection of the tow bar 201. Alternatively the coupling can be as part of a male/female contact mounted in connection with the tow bar 201/trailer coupler 103. For connection between regular cars and trailers 102 with brakes, it is common to use a safety chain. The connection of this safety chain can also be done automatically. One solution could be using a safety chain that is attached to the trailer cou-
pier 103 and is dropped down when the tow bar 201/trailer coupler 103 are connected . Alternatively the safety chain can be placed correctly by a robotic arm.
A further alternative is that in addition to linking the tow bar 201 and the trailer 102 together, the pneumatic cables for the trailer 102 brakes can also be connected automatically.
In an even further embodiment, the trailer coupler 103 on the trailer 102 and/or the tow bar 201 can be magnetic. This makes it easier for the tow bar 201 to connect to the trailer coupler 103 on the trailer 102.
The trailer coupler 103 may advantageously have a conical collar around the open- ing of the connection point. This is in order to make it easier to guide the tow bar 201 into place.
Figure 2 shows a side view image of one embodiment of the present invention in which the trailer 102 is disconnected from the vehicle 101.
When disconnecting the trailer 102 from the vehicle 101, the user deactivates the tow bar 201. When the signal for disconnecting the trailer 102 from the vehicle 101 is sent, the control center 106 gives a signal to the at least one motor 108. The at least one motor 108 lowers the support wheel 104 or the support column(s).
Further a signal is sent to the control mechanism 107 which engages the parking brake(s) 105. When this is done, the tow bar 201 can be disconnected from the trailer coupler 103.
When coupling trailers 102 of larger types, with e.g. a truck or a dumper truck, it would be natural to imagine a system having an automatic rising of the pillars of the trailer 102.
An additional action that may be made easier by the present invention is the con- necting of security bolts between larger vehicles 101 and trailers 102. When connecting trailers 102 to larger vehicles 101, such as a truck or a dumper truck, one can make use of an automatic triggering of the safety pin when the trailer 102 and the truck or dumper truck are properly connected . A possible solution for this is to have a switch mounted on the link that is only activated when the trailer 102 and the truck or dumper truck are properly connected . Alternatively, this can be controlled from the cabin .
It is further important that the parking brake(s) 105 and the support features 104 are not deactivated before the coupling of the trailer 102 and the vehicle 101 is secured . It is therefore also important that the parking brake(s) 105 and the support features 104 are engaged before the disconnection of the trailer 102 from the vehicle 101.
When connecting all the necessary cables going from the vehicle 101 to the trailer 102, the connection points can be mounted on springs that are stiff when not connected, but become bendable when connected . These can also be lockable joints, switches or similar. This feature makes the automatic connection easier, but still allow for movement of the trailer 102 relative to the vehicle 101 during travel . The automatic connection of cables may also be aided by a robotic arm.
The activation or deactivation of the brakes can be achieved by a motor controlled by the control center 106.
A further technical feature is a confirmation signal that indicates whether the con- nection of the vehicle 101 and the trailer 102 has been correctly carried out. This signal can be either audial, visual or both and gives a confirmation when the connection is properly carried out.
An alarm indicates if the connection of the vehicle 101 and the trailer 102 is not properly carried out. This alarm can be either audial, visual or both . A backing camera, at least one reversing sensor 109 or at least one range finder can be added to the trailer 102. These devices can be automatically activated during reversing when the trailer 102 and the vehicle 101 are connected . The signals from these devices can be programmed to override any similar devices mounted on the vehicle 101 when the trailer 102 is connected to the vehicle 101. The signals are transferred to the cabin during reversing when the trailer 102 and the vehicle 101 are connected . During forward driving no signals are transmitted to the cabin from these devices.
Further the trailer coupler 103 can be resilient.
The control center 106 can be located either on the trailer 102 or on the vehicle 101. If the control center 106 is located on the vehicle 101, this requires a custom fitted system both on the vehicle 101 and on the trailer 102. However, the benefit is that the trailer 102 will be cheaper to produce since the on board computer in the vehicle 101 can be used as a control center 106.
The on board computer located in the vehicle 101 can become the control center 106 by installing additional software to the computer. At least one sensor 109 detects if a tow bar 201 is connected to the trailer coupler 103. This at least one sensor 109 can be located either on the trailer coupler 103 or on the tow bar 201. The at least one sensor 109 sends a signal to the control center 106 when the tow bar 201 and the trailer coupler 103 are correctly connected. The control center 106 gives a signal to at least one motor 108. The at least one motor 108 raises the support wheel 104 of the trailer 102. This feature can also be applied to support pillars if the trailer 102 has these.
Further the control center 106 sends a signal to a control mechanism 107. This control mechanism 107 disengages the parking brakes 105 on the trailer 102. The control mechanism 107 can in an embodiment be an additional motor which can be either electric, pneumatic, hydraulic or mechanical .
When disconnecting a trailer from a vehicle, this process is reversed.
Electrical power can be transferred from the vehicle 101 via the tow bar 201 to the trailer coupler 103 or it can be transferred via a special coupling .
All signals and communications in this system can either be wireless or wired.
Any combination of automatic/manual connecting of lights, hydraulic pipes, safety chains etc. can be used in this system . Anything from a pure manual connection to a pure automatically connecting or any combination of the two.
The present invention is not restricted to a specific tow bar 201 solution, but can be used for all types of couplings between tow bars 201 and trailers 102. The system can be used on both a premounted tow bar 201 and a retrofitted tow bar 201.
Claims
A trailer (102) for connecting to a vehicle (101), comprising a trailer coupler (103), at least one means for support ( 104) of the trailer ( 102) when not connected to the vehicle (101), and at least one parking brake (105) further c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that a control center (106) is connected to a at least one motor (108) for automatically raising and lowering said at least one means for support ( 104), and the control center (106) automatically engages and disengages said at least one parking brake (105) via a control mechanism (107) when the trailer coupler (103) is connected to a tow bar (201).
A trailer (102) according to claim 1 wherein at least one sensor (109) detects if a tow bar (201) is connected to the trailer coupler ( 103) .
A trailer (102) according to the claim 2 wherein said at least one sensor (109) indicates to the control center (106) when a tow bar (201) is connected to the trailer coupler (103).
A trailer (102) according to the claim 3 wherein said control center (106) gives orders to raise the support means and disengage parking brake(s) when said at least one sensor (109) indicates a tow bar (201) is connected to the trailer coupler ( 103).
A trailer (102) according to claim 1 wherein said control center (106) receives a signal from the vehicle (101) when disconnecting the trailer (102) from the vehicle (101).
A trailer (102) according to claim 5 wherein said control center ( 106) gives orders to lower the support means and, engage the parking brake(s) when said control center (106) receives a signal from the vehicle ( 101) when disconnecting the trailer ( 102) from the vehicle ( 101) .
7. A trailer (102) according to claim 1 wherein the trailer coupler (103) mounted on the trailer (102) has a conical opening.
8. A trailer (102) according to claim 1 wherein the trailer coupler (103) mounted on the trailer (102) is magnetic.
9. A trailer (102) according to claim 7 and 8 wherein the trailer coupler ( 103) mounted on the trailer ( 102) can have both a conical opening and be magnetic.
10. A trailer (102) according to claim 1 wherein said at least one support means can be either at least one support wheel or at least one support column .
11. A trailer (102) according to claim 1 wherein said trailer ( 102) has a receiver for receiving a wireless transmission from the vehicle (101) that provides control of the light signals on the trailer (102).
12. A trailer (102) according to claim 1 wherein the trailer (102) coupling has a locking means preventing deactivation during speed .
13. A trailer (102) according to claim 1 wherein when the tow bar (201) and the trailer coupler (103) are connected, the security chains and all cables needed for operating the trailer (102) can be automatically connected.
14. A trailer (102) according to claim 1 wherein the motor ( 108) can be either pneumatic, electric, mechanical or hydraulic.
15. A trailer (102) according to claim 1 wherein there is a system attached to the trailer ( 102) that gives the driver an indication of obstacles behind the trailer (102) when it is backing up.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NO20161592A NO20161592A1 (en) | 2016-10-04 | 2016-10-04 | Trailer for connecting to a vehicle, and trailer coupler |
| NO20161592 | 2016-10-04 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2018065988A1 true WO2018065988A1 (en) | 2018-04-12 |
Family
ID=60164756
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IL2017/051136 WO2018065988A1 (en) | 2016-10-04 | 2017-10-15 | Trailer for connecting to a vehicle, and trailer coupler |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| NO (1) | NO20161592A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2018065988A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2554523B (en) * | 2016-09-24 | 2018-12-19 | Roderick Webster Gary | Automatic Car trailer hitching and unhitching system |
| EP3971045A1 (en) * | 2020-09-17 | 2022-03-23 | Nüwiel GmbH | System of a motor-driven trailer and a towbar |
| US20230236593A1 (en) * | 2022-01-27 | 2023-07-27 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North American, Inc. | Systems and methods for controlling a trailer separately from a vehicle |
Citations (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1535765A1 (en) | 2003-11-27 | 2005-06-01 | Westfalia-Automotive GmbH & Co. KG | Trailer hitch |
| US20050167945A1 (en) | 2004-01-22 | 2005-08-04 | Oris Fahrzeugteile Hans Riehle Gmbh | Trailer coupling |
| US20070007749A1 (en) | 2005-07-07 | 2007-01-11 | Oris Fahrzeugteile Hans Riehle Gmbh | Trailer-coupling arrangement |
| US20090184490A1 (en) * | 2006-03-15 | 2009-07-23 | Jost-Werke Gmbh | Connector Bracket |
| US20110127749A1 (en) * | 2008-07-10 | 2011-06-02 | Jost-Werke Gmbh | Automatic brake |
| WO2013064992A1 (en) * | 2011-11-04 | 2013-05-10 | Sanef | Device for coupling/uncoupling a trailer to/from a towing vehicle and associated method |
| WO2015005795A2 (en) * | 2013-07-11 | 2015-01-15 | Smart Innovation As | System and method for connecting or disconnecting a trailer to a vehicle |
-
2016
- 2016-10-04 NO NO20161592A patent/NO20161592A1/en unknown
-
2017
- 2017-10-15 WO PCT/IL2017/051136 patent/WO2018065988A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1535765A1 (en) | 2003-11-27 | 2005-06-01 | Westfalia-Automotive GmbH & Co. KG | Trailer hitch |
| US20050167945A1 (en) | 2004-01-22 | 2005-08-04 | Oris Fahrzeugteile Hans Riehle Gmbh | Trailer coupling |
| US20070007749A1 (en) | 2005-07-07 | 2007-01-11 | Oris Fahrzeugteile Hans Riehle Gmbh | Trailer-coupling arrangement |
| US20090184490A1 (en) * | 2006-03-15 | 2009-07-23 | Jost-Werke Gmbh | Connector Bracket |
| US20110127749A1 (en) * | 2008-07-10 | 2011-06-02 | Jost-Werke Gmbh | Automatic brake |
| WO2013064992A1 (en) * | 2011-11-04 | 2013-05-10 | Sanef | Device for coupling/uncoupling a trailer to/from a towing vehicle and associated method |
| WO2015005795A2 (en) * | 2013-07-11 | 2015-01-15 | Smart Innovation As | System and method for connecting or disconnecting a trailer to a vehicle |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2554523B (en) * | 2016-09-24 | 2018-12-19 | Roderick Webster Gary | Automatic Car trailer hitching and unhitching system |
| US11179982B2 (en) | 2016-09-24 | 2021-11-23 | Gary Webster | Automatic car trailer hitching and unhitching system |
| EP3971045A1 (en) * | 2020-09-17 | 2022-03-23 | Nüwiel GmbH | System of a motor-driven trailer and a towbar |
| WO2022058119A1 (en) * | 2020-09-17 | 2022-03-24 | Nüwiel GmbH | System of a motor driven trailer and a towbar |
| US20230236593A1 (en) * | 2022-01-27 | 2023-07-27 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North American, Inc. | Systems and methods for controlling a trailer separately from a vehicle |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| NO20161592A1 (en) | 2018-04-05 |
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