Multi-unit articulated road train propulsion system

• US 6,419,037 B1
• Filed: 07/19/2000
• Issued: 07/16/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 07/19/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC (Meritor, Inc. (Nevada))
• Original Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC (Meritor, Inc. (Nevada))
• Inventors: McKenzie, Jack R., Mueller, Brian J., Keeney, Christopher S., Kramer, Dennis A., Brissette, Ronald N., Bell, Dale
• Primary Examiner(s): Hurley, Kevin
• Application Number:
  US09/619,145
• Time in Patent Office: 727 Days
• Field of Search: 180/14.1, 180/14.2, 180/14.6, 180/14.3
• US Class Current: 180/14.2
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 6/52 Driving a plurality of drive axles, e.g. four-wheel drive
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 7/0007 the motor being electric
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 7/0015 the motor being hydraulic
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2530/207 Towing force
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 53/005 Combinations with at least three axles and comprising two or more articulated parts articulated buses B62D47/025
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/62 Hybrid vehicles

Abstract

A distributed propulsion system is provided for a multi-unit articulated road train. The distributed propulsion system includes a tractor having a first propulsion system for propelling the tractor. A trailer is secured to the tractor at an articulated joint, such as a fifth wheel or draw bar connection. The tractor has a second propulsion system for substantially propelling the trailer. A load sensor for detecting a load between the tractor and the trailer, preferably the tensile load, is associated with the articulated joint. The load sensor produces a load signal. An input device produces a request signal for actuating the second propulsion system. An electronic control mechanism is electrically connected to the input device and the load sensor for coordinating the various sensors and inputs. The control mechanism commands the second propulsion system in response to the load signal and the request signal such that the trailer is propelled in a controlled manner relative to the tractor.

Claims

1. A distributed propulsion system for a multi-unit articulated road train, said system comprising:

a tractor having a first propulsion system for propelling said tractor;

a trailer secured to said tractor at an articulated joint, said trailer having a second propulsion system for substantially propelling said trailer, wherein said second propulsion system includes an internal combustion engine;

a load sensor for detecting a load between said tractor and said trailer associated with said articulated joint and producing a load signal;

an input device for producing a request signal for actuating said second propulsion system; and

an electronic control mechanism electrically connected to said input device and said load sensor, said control mechanism commanding said second propulsion system in response to said load signal and said request signal.

2. A distributed propulsion system for a multi-unit articulated road train, said system comprising:

a tractor having a first propulsion system for propelling said tractor;

a trailer secured to said tractor at an articulated joint, said trailer having a second propulsion system for substantially propelling said trailer, wherein said second propulsion system includes an electric motor;

a load sensor for detecting a load between said tractor and said trailer associated with said articulated joint and producing a load signal;

an input device for producing a request signal for actuating said second propulsion system; and

an electronic control mechanism electrically connected to said input device and said load sensor, said control mechanism commanding said second propulsion system in response to said load signal and said request signal.

3. A distributed propulsion system for a multi-unit articulated road train, said system comprising:

a tractor having a first propulsion system for propelling said tractor;

a trailer secured to said tractor at an articulated joint, said trailer having a second propulsion system for substantially propelling said trailer wherein said trailer further includes a removable dolly with said second propulsion system supported in said removable dolly;

a load sensor for detecting a load between said tractor and said trailer associated with said articulated joint and producing a load signal;

an input device for producing a request signal for actuating said second propulsion system; and

an electronic control mechanism electrically connected to said input device and said load sensor, said control mechanism commanding said second propulsion system in response to said load signal and said request signal.

4. A distributed propulsion system for a multi-unit articulated road train, said system comprising:

a tractor having a first propulsion system for propelling said tractor;

a trailer secured to said tractor at an articulated joint, said trailer having a second propulsion system for substantially propelling said trailer wherein said trailer includes a drawbar;

a load sensor for detecting a load between said tractor and said trailer associated with said articulated joint and producing a load signal and said load sensor is positioned along said drawbar;

an input device for producing a request signal for actuating said second propulsion system; and

an electronic control mechanism electrically connected to said input device and said load sensor, said control mechanism commanding said second propulsion system in response to said load signal and said request signal.

5. A distributed propulsion system for a multi-unit articulated road train, said system comprising:

a tractor having a first propulsion system for propelling said tractor;

a trailer secured to said tractor at an articulated joint, said trailer having a second propulsion system for substantially propelling said trailer;

a load sensor for detecting a load between said tractor and said trailer associated with said articulated joint and producing a load signal;

an input device for producing a request signal for actuating said second propulsion system wherein said input device is an accelerator pedal; and

an electronic control mechanism electrically connected to said input device and said load sensor, said control mechanism commanding said second propulsion system in response to said load signal and said request signal.

6. A distributed propulsion system for a multi-unit articulated road train, said system comprising:

a tractor having a first propulsion system for propelling said tractor;

a trailer secured to said tractor at an articulated joint, said trailer having a second propulsion system for substantially propelling said trailer;

a load sensor for detecting a load between said tractor and said trailer associated with said articulated joint and producing a load signal;

an input device for producing a request signal for actuating said second propulsion system; and

an electronic control mechanism electrically connected to said input device and said load sensor, said control mechanism commanding said second propulsion system in response to said load signal and said request signal wherein said control mechanism is a single control module located on said tractor.

7. A distributed propulsion system for a multi-unit articulated road train, said system comprising:

a tractor having a first propulsion system for propelling said tractor;

a trailer secured to said tractor at an articulated joint, said trailer having a second propulsion system for substantially propelling said trailer;

a load sensor for detecting a load between said tractor and said trailer associated with said articulated joint and producing a load signal;

an input device for producing a request signal for actuating said second propulsion system; and

an electronic control mechanism electrically connected to said input device and said load sensor, said control mechanism commanding said second propulsion system in response to said load signal and said request signal, wherein said control mechanism is software.

8. A distributed propulsion system for a multi-unit articulated road train, said system comprising:

a tractor having a first propulsion system for propelling said tractor;

a trailer secured to said tractor at an articulated joint, said trailer having a second propulsion system for substantially propelling said trailer;

a load sensor for detecting a load between said tractor and said trailer associated with said articulated joint and producing a load signal;

an input device for producing a request signal for actuating said second propulsion system;

an electronic control mechanism electrically connected to said input device and said load sensor, said control mechanism commanding said second propulsion system in response to said load signal and said request signal; and

a weight sensor located on said trailer for detecting the weight of said trailer and producing a weight signal, said weight sensor electrically connected to said control mechanism with said control mechanism commanding said second propulsion system in response to said weight signal.

9. A distributed propulsion system for a multi-unit articulated road train, said system comprising:

a tractor having a first propulsion system for propelling said tractor;

a trailer secured to said tractor at an articulated joint, said trailer having a second propulsion system for substantially propelling said trailer;

a load sensor for detecting a load between said tractor and said trailer associated with said articulated joint and producing a load signal;

an input device for producing a request signal for actuating said second propulsion system;

an electronic control mechanism electrically connected to said input device and said load sensor, said control mechanism commanding said second propulsion system in response to said load signal and said request signal; and

a second trailer having a third propulsion system for substantially propelling said second trailer, said second trailer secured to said trailer at a second articulated joint with a second load sensor for detecting a second load between said trailer and said second trailer associated with said second articulated joint and producing a second load signal, said request signal actuating said third propulsion system, said second load sensor electrically connected to said control mechanism, and said control mechanism further actuating said third propulsion system in response to said second load signal and said request signal.

10. The distributed system according to claim 9, further comprising a third trailer having a fourth propulsion system for substantially propelling said third trailer, said third trailer secured to said second trailer at a third articulated joint with a second load sensor for detecting a third load between said second trailer and said third trailer associated with said third articulated joint and producing a third load signal, said request signal actuating said fourth propulsion system, said third load sensor electrically connected to said control mechanism, and said control mechanism further actuating said fourth propulsion system in response to said third load signal and said request signal.

11. A propulsion system for use with a trailer in a multi-unit articulated road train, said propulsion system comprising:

a framed structure with a fifth wheel for supporting the trailer and a drawbar for connecting to another unit of the road train;

a load sensor associated with said framed structure for detecting a tensile load in said framed structure;

a drive system having a drive unit driving a drive wheel; and

an electronic control mechanism having an input for receiving signals from an input device and said load sensor, said control mechanism commanding said drive system in response to said signals.

12. The propulsion system according to claim 11, wherein said drive system, said load sensor, and said electronic control system are supported on said framed structure.

13. A distributed propulsion system for a multi-unit articulated road train, said system comprising:

a tractor having a first propulsion system for propelling said tractor;

a trailer secured to said tractor at an articulated joint, said trailer having a second propulsion system for substantially propelling said trailer;

a load sensor for detecting a load between said tractor and said trailer associated with said articulated joint and producing a load signal;

an input device for producing a request signal for actuating said second propulsion system wherein said input device provides a desired rate of acceleration for the road train; and

an electronic control mechanism electrically connected to said input device and said load sensor, said control mechanism commanding said second propulsion system in response to said load signal and said request signal.