• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    D6757D ABSTRACT A cylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assemblycomprises a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly, a cylinder mount, a hydrauliccylinder, a first longitudinal support, and a second longitudinal support. The slidablyadjustable f1fth wheel hitch assembly has a first longitudinal position and a secondlongitudinal position. The cylinder mount is disposed adjacent at least two sides of a firstframe cross member. The hydraulic cylinder is disposed between the cylinder mount and theslidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly, and is attached to the cylinder mount. Thefirst longitudinal support is disposed between the cylinder mount and a second frame crossmember. The second longitudinal support is disposed between the cylinder mount and thesecond frame cross member. The cylinder mount is adapted to move laterally along the first frame cross member Page 16 of 16
    公开号:SE1150840A1
    申请号:SE1150840
    申请日:2011-09-16
    公开日:2012-03-17
    发明作者:Andrea Brown；John D Fehring；Rudolf Gruber；Paul Dowden；Michael John Eifert
    申请人:Int Truck Intellectual Prop Co；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    [2] [0002] The present disclosure relates to a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assemblyfor a vehicle and a control system for the same. More particularly, the disclosure relates to afifth wheel assembly for a vehicle that automatically adjusts the distance between a trailer and the vehicle under certain appropriate operating conditions.
    [3] [0003] Over the last several years vehicle manufacturers and vehicle operators haveworked to improve fuel efficiency of vehicles, so that vehicles may be less expensive tooperate and meet more stringent fuel economy regulations. In some heavy-duty vehicles,such as semi trucks, or tractor-trailers, a vehicle is used to pull a trailer that contains cargo,and the location where the trailer connects to the vehicle is often referred to as a fifth wheel.One approach to improving fuel economy involves decreasing the distance between thevehicle and the trailer during certain operating conditions by moving the fifth wheel.Positioning the trailer in closer proximity to the vehicle improves aerodynamics of thevehicle and trailer combination, thus increasing fuel economy of the vehicle. However, inother operating conditions, it may be a disadvantage to position the trailer close to thevehicle, such as during a turn, during rapid deceleration, during low speed operations, or ifthe trailer is loaded in a manner that positioning the trailer closer to the vehicle would violateaxle weight restrictions set by government regulations.
    [4] [0004] Therefore, a need exists for a system and method that is capable of automaticallypositioning a trailer relative to a vehicle by moving a fifth wheel assembly based upon operating conditions of the vehicle and trailer.
    [5] [0005] According to one embodiment, a cylinder mount assembly for a slidablyadjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly comprises a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitchassembly, a cylinder mount, a hydraulic cylinder, a first longitudinal support, and a secondlongitudinal support. The slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly has a firstlongitudinal position and a second longitudinal position. The cylinder mount is disposed adj acent at least two sides of a first frame cross member. The hydraulic cylinder is disposedbetween the cylinder mount and the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly, and isattached to the cylinder mount. The first longitudinal support is disposed between thecylinder mount and a second frame cross member. The second longitudinal support isdisposed between the cylinder mount and the second frame cross member. The cylindermount is adapted to move laterally along the first frame cross member.
    [6] [0006] According to another embodiment, a cylinder mount assembly for slidablyadjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly comprises a first frame cross member, as cylindermount, a second frame cross member, a first longitudinal support, and a second longitudinalsupport. The first frame cross member is disposed between a first frame rail and a secondframe rail. The cylinder mount is disposed about a portion of the first frame cross member.The cylinder mount is laterally moveable along the first frame cross member. The secondframe cross member is disposed between the first frame rail and the second frame rail. Thesecond frame rail cross member is disposed at a longitudinally rearward position relative tothe first frame cross member. The first longitudinal support is disposed between the cylindermount and the second frame cross member. The second longitudinal support is disposedbetween the cylinder mount and the second frame cross member. The first longitudinalsupport and the second longitudinal support fixedly position the cylinder mount in alongitudinal direction relative to the first frame cross member.
    [7] [0007] According to a further embodiment, a cylinder mount assembly for slidablyadjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly comprises a cylinder mount, a first longitudinal support,and a second longitudinal support. The cylinder mount is disposed about a portion of a firstframe cross member. The cylinder mount is disposed generally at a lateral center position ofthe first frame cross member. The cylinder mount is laterally moveable along the first framecross member. The first longitudinal support is disposed between the cylinder mount and asecond frame cross member. The first longitudinal support is connected to the second framecross member near a first lateral end of the second frame cross member. The second longitudinal support is disposed between the cylinder mount and the second frame cross Page 2 of 16 D6757D member. The second longitudinal support is connected to the second frame cross membernear a second lateral end of the second frame cross member. The first longitudinal supportand the second longitudinal support fixedly position the cylinder mount in a longitudinal direction relative to the first frame cross member.
    [8] [0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a slidably adjustable fifth wheelhitch assembly in a first position with an attached trailer;
    [9] [0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a movable fifth wheel assemblyof FIG. 1 in a second position with an attached trailer;
    [10] [0010] FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the fifth wheel assembly of FIG. 1;[0011] FIG. 4 is side view of a latch mechanism of an adjustable fifth wheel assemblyaccording to one embodiment; and
    [12] [0012] FIGs. 5a and 5b are detailed views of an over-center pivot for a latch mechanism;[0013] FIG. 6 is side view of a latch pair assembly in a latched position according to oneembodiment;
    [14] [0014] FIG. 7 is a side view of a latch pair assembly in an unlatched position according toone embodiment;
    [15] [0015] FIG. 8 is a side view of a latch pair assembly in an unlatched position according toanother embodiment;
    [16] [0016] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a latch mechanism according to one embodiment;[0017] F IG. 10 is a perspective view of a cylinder mount assembly for a slidablyadjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly according to one embodiment;
    [18] [0018] FIG. ll is a block diagram showing a method moving a slidably adjustable fifthwheel hitch assembly;
    [19] [0019] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a first sub-method of the method of FIG. ll;[0020] F IG. 13 is a block diagram showing a second sub-method of the method of FIG.11; and
    [21] [0021] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an electrical and control system of a vehicle having a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly according to one embodiment.
    [22] [0022] FIG. 1 shows a vehicle and trailer combination 10 having a vehicle 12 and a trailer14. The vehicle has a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16. As shown in FIG. 1,the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 is disposed in a first position. In thefirst position, the trailer 14 is separated from the vehicle 12 a distance A. The distance A issufficient to allow the vehicle 12 to tum without contacting the trailer 14.
    [23] [0023] FIG. 2 shows the vehicle and trailer combination 10 of FIG. 1, with the slidablyadjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 disposed in a second position. In the secondposition, the trailer 14 is separated from the vehicle 12 by a distance B. The distance B isless than the distance A of FIG. 1. In the second position with the trailer 14 closer to thevehicle 12, the aerodynamics of the vehicle and trailer combination 10 is improved. Theimproved aerodynamics of the vehicle and trailer combination 10 reduce the fuelconsumption of the vehicle and trailer combination 10. The distance B between the vehicle12 and the trailer 14 limit the allowable movement between the vehicle 12 and the trailer 14,such that some tums require that the trailer 14 be moved away from the vehicle 12 to preventcontact between the vehicle 12 and the trailer 14.
    [24] [0024] FIG. 3 depicts a detailed perspective view of the slidably adjustable fifth wheelhitch assembly 16. The slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 has a fifth wheelhitch member 18 adapted to receive a pin from the trailer 14 in order to attach the trailer 14 tothe vehicle 12. The fifth wheel hitch member 18 has a plurality of latch mechanismassemblies 20a-20d that releasably attach the fifth wheel hitch member 18 to a first rack 22aand a second rack 22b. As shown in FIG. 3, a first latch mechanism assembly 20a and asecond latch mechanism assembly 20b releasably attach the fifth wheel hitch member 18 tothe first rack 22a, while a third latch mechanism assembly 20c and fourth latch mechanismassembly 20d releasably attach the fifth wheel hitch member 18 to the second rack 22b.[0025] A fifth wheel actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder 24, is provided to adjust theslidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 in a direction generally parallel to alongitudinal axis of the vehicle 12. It is additionally contemplated that the fifth wheelactuator may be a pneumatic actuator, an electric motor, an electromagnetic device, a chaindriven actuator, a pulley system, or other known actuator types, not just a hydraulic cylinder24. The hydraulic cylinder 24 moves the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16when at least some of the plurality of latch mechanisms 20a-20d are released from the firstand second racks 22a, 22b.
    [26] [0026] The hydraulic cylinder 24 attaches Via a cylinder mount assembly 28 to a firstframe cross member 30 that connects to a first frame rail 34a and a second frame rail 34b, asis additionally shown in FIG. 10. The cylinder mount assembly 28 is adapted to movelaterally along the first frame cross member 30, such that additional torsional stress is notdelivered to a first frame rail 34a and a second frame rail 34b of the vehicle 12 by the slidablyadjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16.
    [27] [0027] The cylinder mount assembly 28 is constrained from movement in a longitudinaldirection relative to the first frame cross member 30 by a first longitudinal support 26a and asecond longitudinal support 26b. The first longitudinal suppørt 26a and the secondlongitudinal support 26b connect the cylinder mount assembly 28 to a second frame crossmember 32. The first frame cross member 30 connects to the first frame rail 34a and thesecond frame rail 34b. The second frame cross member 32 additionally connects to the firstframe rail 34a and the second frame rail 34b. The first longitudinal support 26a and thesecond longitudinal support 26b distribute a longitudinal load placed on the cylinder mountassembly 28 to the second frame cross member 32. The first longitudinal support 26aconnects to the second frame cross member 32 near the first frame rail 34a. The secondlongitudinal support 26b connects to the second frame cross member 32 near the secondframe rail 34b. Therefore, the first and second longitudinal supports 26a, 26b distributelongitudinal loads from the hydraulic cylinder 24 to frame rails 34a, 34b of the vehicle 12,avoiding a concentration of stress along the first frame cross member 30.
    [28] [0028] Turning now to FIG. 4, the first latch mechanism assembly 20a is shown ingreater detail. The second, third and fourth latch mechanism assemblies 20b-20d functionsimilarly to the first latch mechanism 20a. While the first latch mechanism assembly 20a isdescribed in use with the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16, it is additionallycontemplated that the first latch mechanism assembly 20a may be utilized with other systemsfor moving equipment along an axis.
    [29] [0029] The first latch mechanism assembly 20a has a latch body 42 and is removablyconnected to the first rack 22a by a latching tooth portion 43 that interacts with a plurality ofrack teeth 48. A locking space 50 is formed between each of the rack teeth 48, such that thelatching tooth portion 43 is disposed within the locking space 50 when the latch mechanism20a is engaged. The latching tooth portion 43 of the latch body 42 is disposed at a first endof the latch body 42.
    [30] [0030] The latch body 42 additionally has a crank opening 45 formed within the latchbody 42. The crank opening 45 is disposed at a second end of the latch body 42. An over- Page 5 of 16 D6757D center pivot 36 is disposed Within the crank opening 45 of the of latch body 42. The latchbody 42 is adapted to pivot about the over-center pivot 36. The over-center pivot 36comprises a crank portion 36a and a ground portion 36b. The crank portion 36a pivots aboutthe ground portion 36b to allow the latch body 42 to pivot about the over-center pivot 36.[0031] As shown in FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b, the crank portion 36a rotates in the direction ofarrow A about the ground portion 36b in order to lock the over-center pivot 36 and preventthe latch body 42 from pivoting about the over-center pivot 36. However, when the crankportion 36a has pivoted about the ground portion 36b as shown in FIG. 5b, the latch body 42may rotate about the over-center pivot 36.
    [32] [0032] Turning to FIG. 4 and FIGs.6-8, a roller actuator assembly 44 is disposed the firstend of the latch body 42. The roller actuator assembly 44 has a wheel 47. The wheel 47 issized to be partially disposed within the locking space 50. The roller actuator assembly 44 ishydraulically operated to position the roller actuator assembly 44 between an extendedposition, as shown in FIG. 7, and a retracted position, as shown in FIG. 6. The movement ofthe roller actuator assembly 44 to the extended position causes the crank portion 36a to rotateabout the ground portion 36b of the over-center pivot 36 to allow the latch body 42 to rotateabout the over-center pivot 36. Once the roller actuator assembly 44 is in the extendedposition, the latching tooth portion 43 of the latch mechanism 20a-20d is removed from thelocking space 50, and the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 may be movedlongitudinally.
    [33] [0033] As the roller actuator assembly 44 is extended, the latching tooth portion 43moves up and out of the locking space 50 as the latch body 42 pivots about the over-centerpivot 36. The roller actuator assembly 44 is disposed in the locking space 50 adjacent thelocking space 50 containing latching tooth portion 43. The latching tooth portion 43 maycontact one of the rack teeth 48 as the latching tooth portion 43 moves out of the lockingspace 50. The latching tooth portion 43 and the roller actuator assembly 44 are designed toprevent contact between a tip of the latching tooth portion 43 and tips of the rack teeth 48 tolimit stress between the latching tooth portion 43 and the rack teeth 48. Once the rolleractuator assembly 44 has moved to an adjacent locking space 50, the roller actuator assembly44 may retract, and the latching tooth portion 43 reengages with an adj acent locking space50.
    [34] [0034] As shown in FIGs. 6-8, the third latch mechanism assembly 20c and the fourthlatch mechanism assembly 20d are shown forming a latch pair assembly 120. As shown in FIG. 6, the roller actuator assembly 44d of the fourth latch mechanism assembly 20d and the Page 6 of 16 D6757D roller actuator assembly 44c of the third latch mechanism assembly 20c are in the retractedposition.
    [35] [0035] As shown in FIG. 7, the roller actuator assembly 44d of the fourth latchmechanism assembly 20d and the roller actuator assembly 44c of the third latch mechanismassembly 20c are in the extended position. Once the roller actuator 44d of the fourth latchmechanism assembly 20d is in the extended position, the latch pair assembly 120 may bemoved in the direction of arrow B.
    [36] [0036] As shown in FIG. 8, the roller actuator assembly 44d of the fourth latchmechanism assembly 20d is in the extended position, while the roller actuator assembly 44cof the third latch mechanism assembly 20c is in the retracted position. Similarly, once theroller actuator 44d of the fourth latch mechanism assembly 20d is in the extended position,the latch pair assembly 120 may be moved in the direction of arrow B.
    [37] [0037] As shown in FIGs. 7 and 8, only the roller actuator assembly 44d of the fourthlatch mechanism assembly 20d is required to be placed into the extended position to allowthe latch pair assembly 120 to move in the direction of arrow B. Conversely, only the rolleractuator assembly 44c of the third latch mechanism assembly 20c is required to be placedinto the extended position to allow the latch pair assembly 120 to move in an oppositedirection of arrow B. This is because the shape of the rack teeth 48 form a generally concavesurface, such that latching tooth portion 43 of the latch mechanism assemblies 20a-20d maycam out of the locking space 50 in one longitudinal direction, but will remain within thelocking space in the other longitudinal direction. Therefore, the use of a latch pair assembly120 prevents movement of the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 in alongitudinal direction unless at least one of the roller actuator assemblies 44c, 44d is in theextended position.
    [38] [0038] Turning back to FIG. 4, the first latch mechanism assembly 20a additionallycomprises a latch valve assembly that comprises a hydraulic valve 37a disposed at the secondend of the latch body 42 that is connected to a cam follower 40 that follows a cam surface 38.The hydraulic valve 37a has an open position and a closed position. The hydraulic valve 37acontrols flow of hydraulic fluid to the roller actuator assembly 44. As the cam follower 40moves along the cam surface 38, the hydraulic valve 37a closes, cutting off the flow ofhydraulic fluid to the roller actuator assembly 44. As the roller actuator assembly 44areaches the next locking space 50, the latching tooth portion 43 of the latch body 42 isreturned to an adj acent locking space 50 to prevent additional movement of the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16, unless the roller actuator assembly 44 is reactivated.Page 7 of 16 D6757D In this way, the hydraulic valve 37a acts as a safety mechanism to secure the latching toothportion 43 into a locking space 50 should a hydraulic failure occur, as a biasing member 46 isadapted to rotate the latch body 42 about the over-center pivot 36 so that the latching toothportion 43 enters the locking space 50. As shown in FIG. 9, a hydraulic passageway 144connects the hydraulic valve 37a with the roller actuator assembly 44, such that the closing ofthe hydraulic valve 37a deactivates the roller actuator assembly 44.
    [39] [0039] A biasing member 46 is provided to bias the latch mechanism assembly 20atowards a latched position. As shown, the biasing member 46 is a spring, however, it iscontemplated that an elastomeric biasing member may be utilized. Should a hydraulic failureoccur with the roller 44 extended, the biasing member 46 will bias the latching tooth portion43 of the latch mechanism assembly 20a towards an engaged position, such that the latchingtooth portion 43 will reenter a locking space 50, securing the latch mechanism 20a.
    [40] [0040] FIG. 14 shows an electrical and control system 300 for a vehicle having a slidablyadjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 according to one embodiment. The electrical andcontrol system comprises a controller 302 that is in communication with a plurality of sensorsto monitor and control operation of the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16.
    [41] [0041] A first rear cab sensor 312 and a second rear cab sensor 314 are additionallyprovided. The first rear cab sensor 312 and the second rear cab sensor 314 determine adistance between a vehicle and a trailer, such as the distance between the rear of a vehicle caband a front surface of the trailer. The controller 302 may additionally utilize a difference inthe distance between the vehicle and the trailer indicated by the first rear cab sensor 312 andthe second rear cab sensor 314 to determine an articulation angle of the trailer relative to thetruck as well as a yaw rate of the trailer.
    [42] [0042] A plurality of sensors are provided near the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitchassembly 16 including a first slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly position andstatus sensor 316 and a second slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly position andstatus sensor 318. The first fifth wheel hitch assembly position and status sensor 316monitors whether a first pair of latch mechanisms are in a latched or released state andmonitors the longitudinal position of the fifth wheel hitch assembly 16. Similarly, the second fifth wheel hitch assembly position and status sensor 318 monitors whether a second pair of Page 8 of 16 D6757D latch mechanisms are in a latched or released state and monitors the longitudinal position ofthe fifth wheel hitch assembly. The controller 302 thus may control an actuator, such as ahydraulic cylinder, to move the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16.
    [43] [0043] A first axle load sensor 324 and a second axle load sensor 326 are additionallyprovided. The first axle load sensor 324 monitors a load on a first rear axle of the vehicle,while the second axle load sensor 326 monitors a load on a second rear axle of the vehicle.The controller 302 monitors the load on the first rear axle and the second rear axle to ensurethat the vehicle does not exceed an axle weight limit in place where the vehicle is Operating.[0044] A first rear vehicle sensor 320 and a second rear vehicle sensor 322 areadditionally provided. The first rear vehicle sensor 320 and the second rear vehicle sensor322 additionally determine a distance between the vehicle and the trailer, such as the distancebetween the rear of the vehicle and an undercarriage of the trailer. The controller 302 mayadditionally utilize a difference in the distance between the vehicle and the trailer indicatedby the first rear vehicle sensor 320 and the second rear vehicle sensor 322 to determine anarticulation angle of the trailer relative to the truck as well as a yaw rate of the trailer. Thearticulation angle and yaw rate based upon the rear vehicle sensors 320, 322 may becompared by the controller 302 to the articulation angle and the yaw rate based upon the rearcab sensors 312, 314 to serve as a additionally parameter the controller utilizes to control theactuator to move the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16.
    [45] [0045] While sensors determining the distance between the vehicle and the trailer havebeen described as being disposed on the vehicle, it is additionally contemplated that sensorsmay be located on the trailer to determine the distance between the vehicle and the trailer andthe articulation angle and yaw rates of the trailer. It is further contemplated that sensors maybe found on both the vehicle and the trailer to determine the distance between the vehicle andthe trailer and the articulation angle and yaw rates of the trailer.
    [46] [0046] Turning now to FIG. ll, a method 200 of controlling a slidably adjustable fifthwheel hitch assembly 16 is depicted. As shown at block 202, the method determines if allsensors are functioning. A decision block 204 directs the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitchassembly 16 to a push back position block 206, i. e., away from a vehicle front, if not all ofthe sensors are functioning. However, if all sensors are functioning, the method progresses toblock 208 to determine if the vehicle speed is more than a first predetermined speed and hasbeen for a first preset time period, such as 45 miles per hour for a 5 minute time period. Adecision block 210 directs the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly to a pull forward position block 212, zIe., towards a vehicle front, if the vehicle is traveling at a speed above the Page 9 of 16 D6757D first predetermined speed for the first preset time period. If the vehicle speed does not satisfythe first predetermined conditions, the decision block 210 moves the method to block 214,where it is determined if the vehicle speed is below a second predetermined speed for asecond preset time period, or if the brakes are being applied. A decision block 216determines if the conditions of the second predetermined speed and preset time period aremet, or if the vehicle°s brakes are being applied, the method again enters the push backposition block 206. However, if the decision block 216 does not meet the conditions of block214, the method determines if trailer movement exceeds preset ranges 218. At decision block220, push back block 206 is selected if the trailer movement exceeds preset ranges, while themethod returns to block 202 if the trailer movement does not exceed preset ranges.
    [47] [0047] Turning now to FIG. 12, push back position block 206 is shown. The method 206confirms that the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 is in at least a partiallyretracted position at block 222. The method unlatches the latch mechanisms 20a-20d at block224. The method moves the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly forward for ashort predetermined period of time at block 226. The method then moves the slidablyadjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 backward at block 228. At block 230, the methoddetermines if the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 is at a fully extendedposition. A decision block 232 reengages the latch mechanisms 20a-20d if the slidablyadjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 is fully extended. If the slidably adjustable fifthwheel hitch assembly 16 is not fully extended, the method determines if a predeterminedperiod of time has been exceeded during the movement of slidably adjustable fifth wheelhitch assembly 16. A decision block 240 generates an error condition at block 238 if thepredetermined period of time has been exceeded, or returns to block 228 to continue to movethe slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly backward.
    [48] [0048] Turning to FIG. 13, pull forward position block 212 is depicted. The method 212confirms that the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 is in an extended positionat block 242. The method unlatches the latch mechanisms 20a-20d at block 244. Themethod moves the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly 16 backward for a shortpredetermined time at block 246. The method then moves the slidably adjustable fifth wheelhitch assembly 16 forward at block 248. The method determines if the trailer is within apredetermined distance of the cab at block 250. A decision block 252 reengages the latchmechanisms 20a-20d if the trailer is within the predetermined distance of the cab. If thetrailer is not within the predetermined distance of the cab, the method determines if an axial load of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold at block 256. A decision block 258Page 10 of 16 D6757D reengages the latch mechanisms 20a-20d if the axial load of the vehicle exceeds thepredetermined threshold. If the axial load of the vehicle does not exceed the predeterminedthreshold, the method determines if a predetermined period of time has been exceeded atblock 262. A decision block 264 generates an error condition at block 266 if thepredetermined time has been exceeded, or returns to block 248.
    [49] [0049] It will be understood that a control system may be implemented in hardware toeffectuate the method. The control system can be implemented with any or a combination ofthe following technologies, which are each well known in the art: a discrete logic circuit(s)having logic gates for implementing logic functions upon data signals, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC) having appropriate combinational logic gates, a programmable gatearray(s) (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.
    [50] [0050] When the control system is implemented in software, it should be noted that thecontrol system can be stored on any computer readable medium for use by or in connectionwith any computer related system or method. In the context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” can be any medium that can store, communicate, propagate, or transportthe program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, ordevice. The computer readable medium can be, for example, but is not limited to, anelectronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus,device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of thecomputer-readable medium would include the following: an electrical connection (electronic)having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette (magnetic), a random access memory(RAM) (electronic), a read-only memory (ROM) (electronic), an erasable programmableread-only memory (EPROM, EEPROM, or Flash memory) (electronic), an optical fiber(optical), and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM) (optical). The controlsystem can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection withan instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system,processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions.
    Page 11 of 16
    权利要求:
    Claims (20)
    [1] 1. What is claimed is:l. A cylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assemblycomprising: a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly having a first longitudinal positionand a second longitudinal position; a cylinder mount being disposed adjacent at least two sides of a first frame crossmember, wherein the cylinder mount being adapted to move laterally along the first framecross member; a hydraulic cylinder being disposed between the cylinder mount and the slidablyadjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly and being attached to the cylinder mount; a first longitudinal support being disposed between the cylinder mount and a secondframe cross member; and a second longitudinal support being disposed between the cylinder mount and the second frame cross member.
    [2] 2. The cylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly ofclaim l, wherein the cylinder mount being disposed generally at a lateral center of the first frame cross member.
    [3] 3. The cylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly ofclaim 2, wherein the first longitudinal support connects to the second frame cross member at a first end of the second frame cross member.
    [4] 4. The cylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly ofclaim 3, wherein the second longitudinal support connects to the second frame cross member at a second end of the second frame cross member.
    [5] 5. The cylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly of claim l, wherein the hydraulic cylinder imparts a longitudinal force on the cylinder mount. Page 12 of 16 D6757D
    [6] 6. The cylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly ofclaim 5, wherein the first longitudinal support and the second longitudinal support transfer the longitudinal force on the cylinder mount to the second frame cross member.
    [7] 7. The cylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly ofclaim 6, further comprising a first frame rail and a second frame rail, the second frame crossmember being connected to the first frame rail and the second frame rail, the first frame railbeing disposed on the first end of the second frame cross member, the second frame railbeing disposed on the second end of the second frame cross member, wherein the secondframe cross member transfers the longitudinal force on the cylinder mount to the first frame rail and the second frame rail.
    [8] 8. The cylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly ofclaim l, wherein the hydraulic cylinder has a third position and a fourth positioncorresponding to the fifth wheel hitch assembly first longitudinal position and second longitudinal position.
    [9] 9. A cylinder mount assembly for slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assemblycomprising: a first frame cross member being disposed between a first frame rail and a secondframe rail; a cylinder mount being disposed about a portion of the first frame cross member, thecylinder mount being laterally moveable along the first frame cross member; a second frame cross member being disposed between the first frame rail and thesecond frame rail, the second frame rail cross member being disposed at a longitudinallyrearward position relative to the first frame cross member; a first longitudinal support being disposed between the cylinder mount and the secondframe cross member; and a second longitudinal support being disposed between the cylinder mount and thesecond frame cross member; wherein the first longitudinal support and the second longitudinal support fixedlyposition the cylinder mount in a longitudinal direction relative to the first frame cross member. Page 13 of 16 D6757D
    [10] 10. The cylinder mount assembly for slidably adjustable fifth Wheel hitch assembly ofclaim 9, Wherein the cylinder mount being disposed generally at a lateral center of the first frame cross member.
    [11] 11. The cylinder mount assembly for slidably adjustable fifth Wheel hitch assembly ofclaim 9, Wherein the first longitudinal support connects to the second frame cross member at a first end of the second frame cross member.
    [12] 12. The cylinder mount assembly for slidably adjustable fifth Wheel hitch assembly ofclaim 11, Wherein the second longitudinal support connects to the second frame cross member at a second end of the second frame cross member.
    [13] 13. The cylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth Wheel hitch assembly ofclaim 12, Wherein the first longitudinal support and the second longitudinal support transfer longitudinal forces on the cylinder mount to the second frame cross member.
    [14] 14. The cylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth Wheel hitch assembly ofclaim 13, Wherein the first frame rail being disposed on the first end of the second framecross member, the second frame rail being disposed on the second end of the second framecross member, and Wherein the second frame cross member transfers the longitudinal forces on the cylinder mount to the first frame rail and the second frame rail.
    [15] 15. The cylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth Wheel hitch assembly ofclaim 9, Wherein the cylinder mount being disposed about a top side, a longitudinally rear side, and a bottom side of the first frame cross member.
    [16] 16. The cylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth Wheel hitch assembly of claim 9, Wherein the cylinder mount being disposed about a top side and a longitudinally rear of the first frame cross member. Page 14 of 16 D6757D
    [17] 17. A cylinder mount assembly for slidably adjustable fifth Wheel hitch assemblycomprising: a cylinder mount being disposed about a portion of a first frame cross member, thecylinder mount being disposed generally at a lateral center position of the first frame crossmember, the cylinder mount being laterally moveable along the first frame cross member; a first longitudinal support being disposed between the cylinder mount and a secondframe cross member, the first longitudinal support being connected to the second frame crossmember near a first lateral end of the second frame cross member; and a second longitudinal support being disposed between the cylinder mount and thesecond frame cross member, the second longitudinal support being connected to the secondframe cross member near a second lateral end of the second frame cross member; Wherein the first longitudinal support and the second longitudinal support fixedlyposition the cylinder mount in a longitudinal direction relative to the first frame cross member.
    [18] 18. The cylinder mount assembly for slidably adjustable fifth Wheel hitch assembly ofclaim 17, Wherein the first longitudinal support and the second longitudinal support transfer longitudinal forces on the cylinder mount to the second frame cross member.
    [19] 19. The cylinder mount assembly for slidably adjustable fifth Wheel hitch assembly ofclaim 18, further comprising a first frame rail and a second frame rail, the second frame crossmember being connected to the first frame rail and the second frame rail, the first frame railbeing disposed on the first end of the second frame cross member, the second frame rail being disposed on the second end of the second frame cross member.
    [20] 20. The cylinder mount assembly for slidably adjustable fifth Wheel hitch assembly of claim 19, Wherein the second frame cross member transfers the longitudinal forces on the cylinder mount to the first frame rail and the second frame rail. Page 15 of 16
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    SE1150830A1|2012-03-17|Sliding adjustable turntable arrangement for a vehicle and steering system for the same
    EP3177515B1|2019-11-06|Active fifth wheel repositioning slider
    KR101290759B1|2013-07-26|Method and system for regulating the linear position of a fifth wheel
    US20060056949A1|2006-03-16|Transport vehicle for aircraft
    US8892307B2|2014-11-18|Vehicle axle control method, device and system
    EP2981448B1|2018-09-19|System for steering a tag axle of a vehicle
    US10479425B2|2019-11-19|Automatic rolling fifth wheel hitch
    SE1150840A1|2012-03-17|Slidably adjustable turntable coupling unit for a vehicle and control system for the same
    GB2524895A|2015-10-07|Fairing assembly for a commercial vehicle
    AU2011205035A1|2013-02-14|Slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly for a vehicle and control system for the same
    AU2011211361A1|2013-02-28|Slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly for a vehicle and control system for the same
    DE102006022744B4|2015-07-16|Truck with a hitch
    US3390735A|1968-07-02|Steering systems for vehicles with two steerable tractor units
    AU2011205008A1|2013-02-14|Slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly for a vehicle and control system for the same
    EP0295589B1|1992-03-25|Short coupling system
    CN213948607U|2021-08-13|Multipurpose transfer trolley
    KR101421229B1|2014-07-22|Auxiliary axis steering system for truck
    NL2014361B1|2016-10-14|Device for applying steering to a castor pivot steered wheel set of a semi-trailer.
    BRPI1104630A2|2013-01-15|fifth wheel slidingly adjustable hitch assembly for one vehicle and control system for same
    CN112356933A|2021-02-12|Multipurpose transfer trolley
    KR102226953B1|2021-03-11|Truck with lowerable bed
    KR200207582Y1|2001-01-15|Control devices for self-steering axles for vans
    US20210331616A1|2021-10-28|Freight transport carrier
    US20200141087A1|2020-05-07|Door activated interlock system for a work vehicle
    CN104309514A|2015-01-28|Underground bidirectional drive side unloading car
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    BRPI1104923A2|2014-03-18|
    CN102398637A|2012-04-04|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    US1668276A|1925-10-30|1928-05-01|Trailmobile Company|Tractor-trailer combination|
    US2807477A|1956-01-30|1957-09-24|Jr Nicholas Tuso|Shiftable fifth-wheel mounting for tractor-trailers|
    US4429892A|1981-06-25|1984-02-07|Frampton William H|Sliding fifth wheel|
    DE102005060124B4|2005-12-16|2011-05-05|Jost-Werke Gmbh|Displacement device for a fifth wheel arranged on a towing vehicle|
    法律状态:
    2013-03-19| NAV| Patent application has lapsed|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US12/883,687|US8333399B2|2009-09-22|2010-09-16|Slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly for a vehicle and control system for the same|
    [返回顶部]