Method and system for regulating the linear position of a fifth wheel
US8965635B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 17, 2013 |
| Grant date | Feb 24, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 17, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D53/0814
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and a system for regulating, while the vehicle is in motion, the linear position of a fifth wheel of a vehicle combination which comprises a tractor unit and a semi-trailer, which linear position of the fifth wheel is regulated automatically on the basis of the vehicle speed. Forward movement of the fifth wheel ordered in response to an increase in the vehicle speed, in order to reduce the distance between the driving cab and the semi-trailer, is effected at a faster rate of movement of the fifth wheel at times when the tractor unit is performing a gear change operation than at times when the tractor unit is not performing a gear change operation. When a rearward movement of the fifth wheel to increase the distance between the driving cab and the semi-trailer has to be effected in response to a decrease in the vehicle speed, braking of the semi-trailer relative to the tractor unit is ordered, in order thereby to facilitate the rearward movement of the fifth wheel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.