WO2025252425A1 - Method and system for identification of a proper coupling between a towing vehicle and a trailing vehicle - Google Patents

Method and system for identification of a proper coupling between a towing vehicle and a trailing vehicle

Info

Publication number
WO2025252425A1
WO2025252425A1 PCT/EP2025/063313 EP2025063313W WO2025252425A1 WO 2025252425 A1 WO2025252425 A1 WO 2025252425A1 EP 2025063313 W EP2025063313 W EP 2025063313W WO 2025252425 A1 WO2025252425 A1 WO 2025252425A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
trailer
truck
information
telematics device
central unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/EP2025/063313
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Venkatraman KRISHNAMOORTHY
John Felix CHARLES JOSEPH
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ZF CV Systems Global GmbH
Original Assignee
ZF CV Systems Global GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ZF CV Systems Global GmbH filed Critical ZF CV Systems Global GmbH
Publication of WO2025252425A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025252425A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W12/00—Security arrangements; Authentication; Protecting privacy or anonymity
    • H04W12/06—Authentication
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/02—Services making use of location information
    • H04W4/023—Services making use of location information using mutual or relative location information between multiple location based services [LBS] targets or of distance thresholds

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of commercial vehicles and in particular to a coupling between a towing vehicle and a trailer vehicle.
  • a towing vehicle like a truck, is used to couple and move a trailer vehicle.
  • the towing vehicle and the trailer vehicle are preferably each configured as a commercial vehicle.
  • Towing vehicles referred to herein are for example semi-trailer tractors, which are also referred to as trucks.
  • Trailer vehicles referred to herein are preferably semi-trailers, which are also referred to as trailers.
  • connections are predominantly made when coupling or uncoupling a trailer vehicle to a towing vehicle.
  • a mechanical connection which can also be called a towing connection
  • a towing connection is first realized between the towing vehicle and the trailer vehicle with the aid of a mechanical coupling.
  • further connections namely pneumatic and electrical connections, must be established between the towing vehicle and the trailer vehicle in order to enable various functions of a towing vehicle and a trailer vehicle combination and to make the combination ready for driving.
  • order data is prepared in paper form for the driver.
  • the order data includes, for example, unique identifier of the trailer, such as a license plate or a designation that is attached to outside of the trailer.
  • trailer vehicles and/or towing vehicles include so called telematics systems to send their status to the remote central unit.
  • trailers with their telematics device send loca- tion data to the remote central unit and based on a first location of a towing vehicle a score is calculated, which estimates a measure of association of the trailer with the towing vehicle. Consequently, based on the score, one trailer is associated with the towing vehicle indicating that a trailer with a defined score is physically coupled with the towing vehicle.
  • Fleet operators can thus monitor a coupling status. For example, the fleet operator can dial into the remote central unit and retrieve the data indicating the coupling status and in particular, that the correct trailer was coupled. Depending on the frequency, with which such coupling statuses between trailer and towing vehicle are checked, incorrectly coupled trailers are sometimes detected late. The fleet operator then has the option to contact the driver, for example via a mobile phone and report the error. Such errors can also be detected at the exit gate of a fleet or yard, if it becomes apparent that an incorrect trailer has been coupled. However, resetting the incorrectly coupled trailer and finding and coupling the correct trailer takes a lot of time and is laborious.
  • the purpose of the present invention is therefore to overcome the problems of the prior art.
  • a possibility is to be found to identify an incorrectly coupled trailer as early as possible.
  • an alternative to the known prior art is to be identified.
  • the invention thus relates to a method for identification of a proper truck trailer coupling according to claim 1 .
  • the invention is directed to a method with which a coupling between a towing vehicle, for example a truck, and a trailer vehicle, for example a trailer or a semi-trailer, is identified.
  • a towing vehicle for example a truck
  • a trailer vehicle for example a trailer or a semi-trailer
  • the method comprises several steps.
  • a remote central unit which is for example a central server, in particular of a cloud system, receives truck information from a truck telematics device of the towing vehicle. Consequently, the towing vehicle, namely the truck, sends the truck information to the remote central unit. Further, the method comprises receiving a trailer information of a trailer telematics device by the remote central unit. Consequently, the trailer information is sent by the trailer telematics of the trailer vehicle. Moreover, the method comprises to verify whether the received truck information matches with the received trailer information by the remote central unit.
  • a remote central unit which is remote from the truck and the trailer, and for example a central server of a cloud system or another part of the cloud system, receives, in particular via long distance transmission or remote transmission, the truck information and the trailer information and then verifies whether the received truck information matches with the received trailer information.
  • the method comprises sending a confirmation to the truck telematics device and/or the trailer telematics device by the remote central unit, when the truck information matches with the trailer information and thus the verification is successful.
  • the remote central unit sends an error message or failure notification, if the truck information does not match with the trailer information.
  • the remote central unit comprises a data base, which is for example provided by a fleet manager or fleet management system.
  • the data base comprises data on which the verification is executed.
  • a fleet management system provides an identification number of a trailer and an identification number of a truck, which should be coupled and verification is based on this information and on the information received from the truck and the trailer.
  • the data in the remote central unit based on which verification is executed is sent by the telematics device of the truck or the trailer.
  • the truck comprises in its telematics device an identification number of a trailer, which should be coupled. Therefore, the truck sends the truck information and further information of the trailer to be coupled.
  • the trailer telematics device sends the trailer information to the remote central unit and then the remote central unit executes the verifying step and sends a confirmation or error message to the truck.
  • the verification is based on information received from the truck and information received from the trailer independently. Consequently, without direct connection between the truck and the trailer, for example by near range transmission or cable, it is possible that the verification process can start before such a data connection is established between the trailer and the truck. Consequently, the verification process can start very early.
  • the towing vehicle executes an action.
  • the truck waits for a predefined period of time. If the truck does not receive a confirmation within the period of time, the truck assumes that no proper coupling occurred.
  • an action is executed.
  • the action is to indicate the confirmation to the driver, in particular by a display or a lamp. Moreover, preferably an indication that no proper coupling is displayed when an error message is received.
  • the driver gets an indication, if a proper trailer coupling has occurred and thus, the driver can be sure that he has the correct trailer coupled to the towing vehicle.
  • the truck information comprises a truck identification of the truck and the trailer information comprises an trailer identification of the trailer.
  • An identification is for example a serial number or another letter and/or number code, which is unique for the truck or the trailer, respectively.
  • verification is securely executable.
  • the truck telematics device sends the truck information after the truck telematics device observes an assumed coupling process.
  • the truck information will be sent.
  • the assumed coupling process is observed when a reverse gear of the towing vehicle is engaged.
  • the telematics device gets an information when a reverse gear is engaged, automatically observes this situation as an assumed coupling process and consecutively sends the truck information to the cloud system. Consequently, a defined triggering of the transmission of the truck information is provided and the truck information has not to be send continu- ously. Further, the truck information can be sent before a towing connection is established and thus, the verification of the coupling can be executed very early.
  • the trailer telematics device sends the trailer information for receiving after the trailer telematics device observes an assumed coupling process.
  • the trailer telematics device observes an assumed coupling process, when an acceleration or movement of the trailer vehicle is observed with the trailer telematics device.
  • the acceleration or movement is observed in particular dependent on signals of an inertial measurement unit (IM U) or an accelerometer of the trailer.
  • IM U inertial measurement unit
  • the trailer when a truck approaches the trailer for a mechanical connection between the truck and the trailer, the trailer is pressed back slightly or jerkily by the truck.
  • This movement or acceleration can be detected by an inertial measurement unit of the trailer and be used for example to trigger or to wake up a trailer telematics device, which is in a stand-by or sleep mode. Further, the trailer telematics device can then after wake up or after receiving the information from the inertial measurement unit about the acceleration or the movement send the trailer information to the remote central unit.
  • the truck and/or trailer information is sent when a coupling of an electrical connection and/or a data connection between the truck and the trailer occurs or is detected.
  • a further instance is provided to securely send the information to the remote central unit.
  • the trailer telematics device and/or truck telematics device wakes up from a sleep mode when an assumed coupling or a coupling is observed by the trailer telematics device or the truck telematics device respectively.
  • the truck information comprises a time stamp and/or the trailer information comprises a time stamp based on a navigation satellite time, like GPS-time of a navigation satellite system, like GPS.
  • a navigation satellite time like GPS-time of a navigation satellite system, like GPS.
  • the trailer telematics device observes a coupling or an assumed coupling process, preferably is started or activated, an actual navigation satellite time, like GPS-time, is received.
  • a start of the trailer telematics device corresponds for example to a wake up of the trailer telematics device from a stand-by mode..
  • the trailer information then comprises the received navigation satellite time, for example the GPS-time, as a time stamp.
  • the truck telematics device receives an actual navigation satellite time, like GPStime, from a navigation satellite system, like a GPS, when a coupling or an assumed coupling is observed and sends the received time as a time stamp with the truck information.
  • the trailer information thus comprise a trailer identification and a time stamp based on the navigation satellite time and the truck information comprises the truck identification and a truck time stamp based on the navigation satellite time.
  • the control unit in particular the central server or cloud server of a cloud system, then compares the time stamps.
  • the times or time stamps are not further apart than a specific time threshold, a coupling is assumed in the remote central unit and the verification is carried out.
  • the time stamps are further apart, it is not assumed that the truck and the trailer are coupled and the verification is not carried out.
  • an error message is then sent to the truck telematics device and/or trailer telematics device.
  • the truck information is sent by the truck telematics device to the remote central unit and/or to the trailer telematics device and the trailer information is sent from the trailer telematics device to the truck telematics device and/or the remote central unit.
  • the truck information comprises unique data, which are based on a truck activity, which is preferably received over a CAN from the truck or from components of the truck.
  • the truck activity may for example be a position comprising coordinates of the truck, an actual speed or other data relating to the truck.
  • the trailer information comprise unique data of the trailer based on trailer activity, which are preferably received over a CAN from a component of the trailer by the trailer telematics device.
  • the trailer information received by the truck telematics device is then verified with the truck telematics device and/or the truck information received by the trailer telematics device is verified with the trailer telematics device.
  • a remote central unit for identification of a proper coupling between a towing vehicle and a trailer vehicle.
  • the remote central unit is for example a central server, in particular a central server of a cloud service.
  • the remote central unit is arranged for performing the method according to the first aspect. Consequently, the remote central unit is arranged for receiving a truck information from a truck telematics device of a towing vehicle and receiving a trailer information from trailer telematics device. Further, the remote central unit is configured for verifying whether the received truck information matches with the received trailer information and for sending a confirmation to the truck telematics device and/or the trailer telematics device when the truck information matches with the trailer information.
  • a towing vehicle namely a truck
  • the towing vehicle comprises a truck telematics device, which is arranged to send truck information from the towing vehicle to a remote central unit, in particular by a wireless remote connection, and to receive a confirmation from the remote central unit, if the truck information matches with trailer information of a coupled or to be coupled trailer.
  • the towing vehicle is arranged to execute an action depending on a confirmation received from the remote central unit.
  • the action comprises preferably to indicate the confirmation by an indicator, in particular a display.
  • a system comprising a remote central unit according to the second aspect and a towing vehicle according to the third aspect.
  • the system comprises a trailer vehicle.
  • the system is arranged for executing the method according to the first aspect.
  • Fig. 1 a first embodiment of the method
  • Fig. 2 a second embodiment of the method
  • Fig. 3 a third embodiment of the method
  • Fig. 4 a fourth embodiment of the method.
  • Fig. 1 discloses a first embodiment of the method 150 executed by a system 10.
  • the system 10 comprises a towing vehicle 12, namely a truck, a trailer vehicle 14, namely a trailer, and a remote central unit 16, which is a cloud server 18.
  • the truck 12 comprises a truck telematics device 20 and the trailer 14 comprises a trailer telematics device 22.
  • the remote central unit 16, the truck telematics device 20 and the trailer telematics device 22 are parts of a cloud system 24.
  • a driver 26 is exemplary shown.
  • step 30 the driver 26 engage a reverse gear to initiate a truck trailer coupling and the truck telematics device 20 detects that the reverse gear is initiated.
  • step 30 towing vehicle 12 and trailing vehicle 14 are uncoupled 31. Consequently, the truck 12 observes an assumed coupling process 33 and thus in step 32, the truck 12 sends a truck information 34 from the truck telematics device 20 to the remote central unit 16, wherein the remote central unit 16 receives the truck information 34.
  • step 32 starts the trailer telematics device 22 is still in a standby mode 35.
  • the truck information 34 comprises a truck identification 36.
  • step 38 the remote central unit 16 waits for a trailer information 48.
  • the truck 12 contacts the trailer in step 40.
  • the trailer 14 is coupled 41 after step 40 is finished.
  • an acceleration is detected by the trailer telematics device 22 in step 42.
  • the trailer telematics device 22 wakes up 45 or is powered on from a standby mode 35.
  • the trailer telematics device 22 sends trailer information 48 comprising a trailer identification 50 to the remote central unit 16.
  • the remote central unit 16 verifies whether the received truck information 34 matches with the received trailer information 48.
  • the remote central unit 16 sends a confirmation 55 to the truck telematics device 20 that a proper coupling occurred.
  • the truck telematics device 20 indicates the proper coupling to the driver 26.
  • Fig. 2 shows a similar system 10 and vertical arrow 28, but a method 150 to a second embodiment.
  • step 30 which is similar to Fig. 1
  • a reverse gear is engaged to couple a truck 12 with a trailer 14.
  • the truck 12 starts coupling with the trailer 14. This step is similar to step 40 in Fig. 1 .
  • the truck telematics device 20 in step 65 updates a coupling time as a time stamp 68 based on a satellite navigation time 69 received from a satellite navigation system 64.
  • the truck information 34 is sent in step 66 to the remote central unit comprising the truck identification 36 and further the time stamp 68.
  • the remote central unit 16 waits in step 70 for the trailer information 48. Consequently, this step is similar to step 38 as shown in Fig. 1 .
  • step 72 the trailer telematics device 22 wakes up similar to step 42 in Fig. 1 by an acceleration event after step 62 is finished.
  • step 74 the trailer telematics device 22 generates an actual time stamp 75 from an actual satellite navigation time 69 and sends in step 76 the trailer information 48 to the remote central unit 16 comprising at least the trailer identification 50 and the time stamp 75.
  • step 78 after verification in step 52, a confirmation 55 is sent to the truck telematics device 20 from the remote central unit 16 and in step 80, a driver 26 is informed to the proper coupling.
  • Fig. 3 discloses a third embodiment of the method 150.
  • Fig. 3 shows a similar system 10 as in Figs. 1 and 2 and the vertical arrow 28 as time line.
  • the driver 26 engages the reverse gear to initiate a truck trailer coupling.
  • step 82 which is similar to step 62 and 40, the truck 12 starts to couple with the trailer 14 so that at the end of step 82 the truck 12 contacts the trailer 14 and is coupled 41 mechanically.
  • the driver 26 connects the electrical and pneumatic lines between the truck 12 and the trailer 14.
  • the truck 12 receives a trailer identification 50 via the electrical line in step 85. Consequently, in step 86, the truck 12 sends the truck information 34 to the remote central unit 16.
  • the truck information 34 now comprise the trailer identification 50.
  • step 88 the trailer telematics device 22 is powered on in step 88. Consequently, in step 90 the trailer 14 sends trailer information 48 to the remote central unit 16, which already waits in step 38 for the trailer information 48.
  • step 52 a verification by the remote central unit 16 is executed and in step 96, which is similar to steps 54 and 78, the truck telematics device 20 is informed by a confirmation about a proper coupling.
  • step 98 the driver 26 is indicated that a proper coupling has occurred.
  • Fig. 4 discloses a fourth embodiment of the method 150 executed with a system 10 similar to a system 10 as already shown in the Figs. 1 to 3.
  • step 30 a reverse gear is engaged and in step 100, the truck 12 couples with the trailer 14.
  • Step 100 is similar to steps 40, 60 and 82.
  • step 102 which is similar to step 84 of Fig. 3
  • electrical and pneumatic lines between the truck 12 and the trailer 14 are connected by the driver 26.
  • step 104 which is similar to step 88, the trailer telematics device 22 is powered on by the connection and the truck 12 sends truck information 34 to the remote central unit 16 in step 105.
  • the truck information 34 comprise unique data 106, which are for example based on a truck activity.
  • the trailer 14 sends after being powered on in step 110 trailer information 48 comprising unique data 112, which are unique for the trailer 14 and are based on a trailer activity.
  • trailer information 48 comprising unique data 112, which are unique for the trailer 14 and are based on a trailer activity.
  • the remote central unit 16 verifies in step 52 whether the received truck information 34 matches with the received trailer information 48.
  • the truck telematics device 20 sends the truck information 34 to the trailer telematics device 22 and in step 120, the trailer telematics device 22 sends the trailer information 48 to the truck telematics device 20.
  • steps 122 and 124 the truck telematics device 20 and the trailer telematics device 22 respectively verify the received information 34, 48.
  • step 126 the remote central unit 16 informs the truck telematics device 20 over a proper coupling. If the verification in steps 52, 122 and 124 is successful, the driver 26 is indicated in step 128 that a proper coupling has occurred. List of reference signs (Part of the description)
  • 64 satellite navigation system update coupling time truck information is send to remote central unit time stamp satellite navigation time remote central unit waits for trailer information trailer telematics device wakes up trailer telematics device receives time stamp time stamp trailer telematics device sends trailer information confirmation is sent to the truck driver is informed to the proper coupling truck is coupled with trailer driver connects electrical and pneumatic lines between truck and trailer truck receives trailer identification truck sends truck information trailer telematics device is powered on trailer sends trailer information truck telematics device is informed by confirmation about proper coupling driver is indicated that proper coupling has occurred truck is coupled with trailer electrical and pneumatic lines are connected trailer telematics device is powered on truck sends truck information to remote central unit unique data trailer sends trailer information unique data remote central unit verifies whether truck information matches with trailer information truck telematics device sends truck information trailer telematics device sends trailer information trailer telematics device verify information truck telematics device verify information remote central unit informs truck telematics device driver is indicated that proper coupling has occurred method

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Traffic Control Systems (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (150) for identification of a proper coupling between a towing vehicle (12) and a trailer vehicle (14). In step a) a truck information (34) from truck telematics device (20) of the towing vehicle (12) is received by a remote central unit (16). In step b) a trailer information (48) from trailer telematics device (22) by the remote central unit (16) is received. In step c) the remote central unit (16) verifies whether the received truck information (34) matches with the received trailer information (48). In step d) a confirmation (55) to the truck telematics device (20) and/or the trailer telematics device (22) is sent by the remote central unit (16) when the truck information (34) matches with the trailer information (48). The invention further relates to a remote central unit (16) for identification of a proper coupling between a towing vehicle (12) and a trailer vehicle (14), a towing vehicle (14) and a system (10) for identification of a proper coupling between a towing vehicle (12) and a trailer vehicle (14).

Description

Method and system for identification of a proper coupling between a towing vehicle and a trailing vehicle
The invention relates to the field of commercial vehicles and in particular to a coupling between a towing vehicle and a trailer vehicle. A towing vehicle, like a truck, is used to couple and move a trailer vehicle. The towing vehicle and the trailer vehicle are preferably each configured as a commercial vehicle. Towing vehicles referred to herein are for example semi-trailer tractors, which are also referred to as trucks. Trailer vehicles referred to herein are preferably semi-trailers, which are also referred to as trailers.
According to the prior art, several connections are predominantly made when coupling or uncoupling a trailer vehicle to a towing vehicle. Usually, a mechanical connection, which can also be called a towing connection, is first realized between the towing vehicle and the trailer vehicle with the aid of a mechanical coupling. In addition to the towing connection, further connections, namely pneumatic and electrical connections, must be established between the towing vehicle and the trailer vehicle in order to enable various functions of a towing vehicle and a trailer vehicle combination and to make the combination ready for driving.
The above-mentioned connection between a trailer vehicle and a towing vehicle is made by a driver. The driver must know exactly which trailer to couple, especially at yards, like storage yards, where several trailers are available. For identification purposes, for example, order data is prepared in paper form for the driver. The order data includes, for example, unique identifier of the trailer, such as a license plate or a designation that is attached to outside of the trailer.
Moreover, a large number of systems are known that recognize a connection between a trailer and a towing vehicle after a connection has been established. An established connection is for example communicated to a higher level remote central unit, for example, a cloud service. For this purpose, trailer vehicles and/or towing vehicles include so called telematics systems to send their status to the remote central unit. It is known from document US 10,173,486 B1 that trailers with their telematics device send loca- tion data to the remote central unit and based on a first location of a towing vehicle a score is calculated, which estimates a measure of association of the trailer with the towing vehicle. Consequently, based on the score, one trailer is associated with the towing vehicle indicating that a trailer with a defined score is physically coupled with the towing vehicle.
Fleet operators can thus monitor a coupling status. For example, the fleet operator can dial into the remote central unit and retrieve the data indicating the coupling status and in particular, that the correct trailer was coupled. Depending on the frequency, with which such coupling statuses between trailer and towing vehicle are checked, incorrectly coupled trailers are sometimes detected late. The fleet operator then has the option to contact the driver, for example via a mobile phone and report the error. Such errors can also be detected at the exit gate of a fleet or yard, if it becomes apparent that an incorrect trailer has been coupled. However, resetting the incorrectly coupled trailer and finding and coupling the correct trailer takes a lot of time and is laborious.
The purpose of the present invention is therefore to overcome the problems of the prior art. In particular, a possibility is to be found to identify an incorrectly coupled trailer as early as possible. In any case, an alternative to the known prior art is to be identified.
The invention thus relates to a method for identification of a proper truck trailer coupling according to claim 1 .
According to a first aspect of the invention, the invention is directed to a method with which a coupling between a towing vehicle, for example a truck, and a trailer vehicle, for example a trailer or a semi-trailer, is identified. In particular, it is identified that the coupling is a proper coupling. The method comprises several steps.
According to a first step, a remote central unit, which is for example a central server, in particular of a cloud system, receives truck information from a truck telematics device of the towing vehicle. Consequently, the towing vehicle, namely the truck, sends the truck information to the remote central unit. Further, the method comprises receiving a trailer information of a trailer telematics device by the remote central unit. Consequently, the trailer information is sent by the trailer telematics of the trailer vehicle. Moreover, the method comprises to verify whether the received truck information matches with the received trailer information by the remote central unit.
Thus, a remote central unit, which is remote from the truck and the trailer, and for example a central server of a cloud system or another part of the cloud system, receives, in particular via long distance transmission or remote transmission, the truck information and the trailer information and then verifies whether the received truck information matches with the received trailer information.
Further, the method comprises sending a confirmation to the truck telematics device and/or the trailer telematics device by the remote central unit, when the truck information matches with the trailer information and thus the verification is successful. Preferably, the remote central unit sends an error message or failure notification, if the truck information does not match with the trailer information.
Preferably, the remote central unit comprises a data base, which is for example provided by a fleet manager or fleet management system. The data base comprises data on which the verification is executed. For example, a fleet management system provides an identification number of a trailer and an identification number of a truck, which should be coupled and verification is based on this information and on the information received from the truck and the trailer. According to an preferable alternative, the data in the remote central unit based on which verification is executed, is sent by the telematics device of the truck or the trailer. For example, the truck comprises in its telematics device an identification number of a trailer, which should be coupled. Therefore, the truck sends the truck information and further information of the trailer to be coupled. Preferably independently, the trailer telematics device sends the trailer information to the remote central unit and then the remote central unit executes the verifying step and sends a confirmation or error message to the truck.
Based on the method according to the first aspect, it is possible to identify a proper truck trailer coupling by the confirmation sent to the towing vehicle by the remote central unit. The confirmation is thus available in the towing vehicle directly without sign or login into the remote central unit by a fleet manager or a driver and check a proper coupling. Moreover, the verification is based on information received from the truck and information received from the trailer independently. Consequently, without direct connection between the truck and the trailer, for example by near range transmission or cable, it is possible that the verification process can start before such a data connection is established between the trailer and the truck. Consequently, the verification process can start very early.
According to a development based on the received confirmation or in the absence of a confirmation or based on a received error message, the towing vehicle executes an action. In particular, after the truck sends the truck information via the telematics device, the truck waits for a predefined period of time. If the truck does not receive a confirmation within the period of time, the truck assumes that no proper coupling occurred. However, at least if a confirmation is received by the truck, an action is executed. For example, the action is to indicate the confirmation to the driver, in particular by a display or a lamp. Moreover, preferably an indication that no proper coupling is displayed when an error message is received.
Consequently, during or after coupling the towing vehicle to the trailer, the driver gets an indication, if a proper trailer coupling has occurred and thus, the driver can be sure that he has the correct trailer coupled to the towing vehicle.
According to a further development, the truck information comprises a truck identification of the truck and the trailer information comprises an trailer identification of the trailer. An identification is for example a serial number or another letter and/or number code, which is unique for the truck or the trailer, respectively. Thus, verification is securely executable.
According to a further development, the truck telematics device sends the truck information after the truck telematics device observes an assumed coupling process. In particular, each time after the truck telematics device observes an assumed coupling process, the truck information will be sent. Further, the assumed coupling process is observed when a reverse gear of the towing vehicle is engaged. In particular, the telematics device gets an information when a reverse gear is engaged, automatically observes this situation as an assumed coupling process and consecutively sends the truck information to the cloud system. Consequently, a defined triggering of the transmission of the truck information is provided and the truck information has not to be send continu- ously. Further, the truck information can be sent before a towing connection is established and thus, the verification of the coupling can be executed very early.
According to a further development, the trailer telematics device sends the trailer information for receiving after the trailer telematics device observes an assumed coupling process. The trailer telematics device observes an assumed coupling process, when an acceleration or movement of the trailer vehicle is observed with the trailer telematics device. The acceleration or movement is observed in particular dependent on signals of an inertial measurement unit (IM U) or an accelerometer of the trailer.
In particular, when a truck approaches the trailer for a mechanical connection between the truck and the trailer, the trailer is pressed back slightly or jerkily by the truck. This movement or acceleration can be detected by an inertial measurement unit of the trailer and be used for example to trigger or to wake up a trailer telematics device, which is in a stand-by or sleep mode. Further, the trailer telematics device can then after wake up or after receiving the information from the inertial measurement unit about the acceleration or the movement send the trailer information to the remote central unit.
Consequently, continuous sending of the trailer information is not needed and a trigger is found for start sending the trailer information. Further energy can be saved as the trailer telematics device can be in a less power consuming mode, like a sleep mode, during being uncoupled on the one hand but can send the trailer information in an early process state of a coupling on the other hand.
Independently, triggering of sending the trailer information from sending the truck information is thus possible.
Alternatively or additionally to the previously assumed coupling process, according to a further development the truck and/or trailer information is sent when a coupling of an electrical connection and/or a data connection between the truck and the trailer occurs or is detected. Thus, for example if the movement or acceleration was not sensed by the inertial measurement unit or an accelerometer, a further instance is provided to securely send the information to the remote central unit. According to a further development, the trailer telematics device and/or truck telematics device wakes up from a sleep mode when an assumed coupling or a coupling is observed by the trailer telematics device or the truck telematics device respectively.
According to a further development, the truck information comprises a time stamp and/or the trailer information comprises a time stamp based on a navigation satellite time, like GPS-time of a navigation satellite system, like GPS. Preferably when the trailer telematics device observes a coupling or an assumed coupling process, preferably is started or activated, an actual navigation satellite time, like GPS-time, is received. A start of the trailer telematics device corresponds for example to a wake up of the trailer telematics device from a stand-by mode.. The trailer information then comprises the received navigation satellite time, for example the GPS-time, as a time stamp. Preferably, the truck telematics device receives an actual navigation satellite time, like GPStime, from a navigation satellite system, like a GPS, when a coupling or an assumed coupling is observed and sends the received time as a time stamp with the truck information.
Preferably, the trailer information thus comprise a trailer identification and a time stamp based on the navigation satellite time and the truck information comprises the truck identification and a truck time stamp based on the navigation satellite time. Preferably, the control unit, in particular the central server or cloud server of a cloud system, then compares the time stamps. In example, in the case the times or time stamps are not further apart than a specific time threshold, a coupling is assumed in the remote central unit and the verification is carried out. In the case, the time stamps are further apart, it is not assumed that the truck and the trailer are coupled and the verification is not carried out. Preferably an error message is then sent to the truck telematics device and/or trailer telematics device.
According to a further embodiment, the truck information is sent by the truck telematics device to the remote central unit and/or to the trailer telematics device and the trailer information is sent from the trailer telematics device to the truck telematics device and/or the remote central unit. The truck information comprises unique data, which are based on a truck activity, which is preferably received over a CAN from the truck or from components of the truck. The truck activity may for example be a position comprising coordinates of the truck, an actual speed or other data relating to the truck. Further, the trailer information comprise unique data of the trailer based on trailer activity, which are preferably received over a CAN from a component of the trailer by the trailer telematics device. The trailer information received by the truck telematics device is then verified with the truck telematics device and/or the truck information received by the trailer telematics device is verified with the trailer telematics device.
Consequently, an additional verification by the truck and trailer telematics devices improves the quality of the verification.
According to a second aspect of the invention, a remote central unit for identification of a proper coupling between a towing vehicle and a trailer vehicle is proposed. The remote central unit is for example a central server, in particular a central server of a cloud service. The remote central unit is arranged for performing the method according to the first aspect. Consequently, the remote central unit is arranged for receiving a truck information from a truck telematics device of a towing vehicle and receiving a trailer information from trailer telematics device. Further, the remote central unit is configured for verifying whether the received truck information matches with the received trailer information and for sending a confirmation to the truck telematics device and/or the trailer telematics device when the truck information matches with the trailer information.
According to a third aspect of the invention, a towing vehicle, namely a truck, is proposed. The towing vehicle comprises a truck telematics device, which is arranged to send truck information from the towing vehicle to a remote central unit, in particular by a wireless remote connection, and to receive a confirmation from the remote central unit, if the truck information matches with trailer information of a coupled or to be coupled trailer.
According to a development of the invention according to the third aspect, the towing vehicle is arranged to execute an action depending on a confirmation received from the remote central unit. The action comprises preferably to indicate the confirmation by an indicator, in particular a display.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a system is proposed. The system comprises a remote central unit according to the second aspect and a towing vehicle according to the third aspect. According to a development of the invention according to the fourth aspect, the system comprises a trailer vehicle.
According to a further development of the invention according to the fourth aspect, the system is arranged for executing the method according to the first aspect.
Further advantages, features and details of the invention result from the following description of the preferred embodiments as well as from the drawings, which show in:
Fig. 1 a first embodiment of the method,
Fig. 2 a second embodiment of the method,
Fig. 3 a third embodiment of the method and
Fig. 4 a fourth embodiment of the method.
Fig. 1 discloses a first embodiment of the method 150 executed by a system 10. The system 10 comprises a towing vehicle 12, namely a truck, a trailer vehicle 14, namely a trailer, and a remote central unit 16, which is a cloud server 18. The truck 12 comprises a truck telematics device 20 and the trailer 14 comprises a trailer telematics device 22. The remote central unit 16, the truck telematics device 20 and the trailer telematics device 22 are parts of a cloud system 24. Further, a driver 26 is exemplary shown.
The steps of the method 150 are shown in the chronical order indicated by the vertical arrow 28. In step 30, the driver 26 engage a reverse gear to initiate a truck trailer coupling and the truck telematics device 20 detects that the reverse gear is initiated. During step 30 towing vehicle 12 and trailing vehicle 14 are uncoupled 31. Consequently, the truck 12 observes an assumed coupling process 33 and thus in step 32, the truck 12 sends a truck information 34 from the truck telematics device 20 to the remote central unit 16, wherein the remote central unit 16 receives the truck information 34. When step 32 starts the trailer telematics device 22 is still in a standby mode 35. The truck information 34 comprises a truck identification 36. In step 38, the remote central unit 16 waits for a trailer information 48. Afterwards, the truck 12 contacts the trailer in step 40. The trailer 14 is coupled 41 after step 40 is finished. As a consequence of the contact in step 40, an acceleration is detected by the trailer telematics device 22 in step 42. In step 44, the trailer telematics device 22 wakes up 45 or is powered on from a standby mode 35. In step 46, the trailer telematics device 22 sends trailer information 48 comprising a trailer identification 50 to the remote central unit 16. In step 52, the remote central unit 16 verifies whether the received truck information 34 matches with the received trailer information 48. In step 54, the remote central unit 16 sends a confirmation 55 to the truck telematics device 20 that a proper coupling occurred. In step 56, the truck telematics device 20 indicates the proper coupling to the driver 26.
Fig. 2 shows a similar system 10 and vertical arrow 28, but a method 150 to a second embodiment. In step 30, which is similar to Fig. 1 , a reverse gear is engaged to couple a truck 12 with a trailer 14. In step 62, the truck 12 starts coupling with the trailer 14. This step is similar to step 40 in Fig. 1 . During or directly after starting the coupling in step 62, the truck telematics device 20 in step 65 updates a coupling time as a time stamp 68 based on a satellite navigation time 69 received from a satellite navigation system 64. Thus, the truck information 34 is sent in step 66 to the remote central unit comprising the truck identification 36 and further the time stamp 68. Then, the remote central unit 16 waits in step 70 for the trailer information 48. Consequently, this step is similar to step 38 as shown in Fig. 1 .
In step 72, the trailer telematics device 22 wakes up similar to step 42 in Fig. 1 by an acceleration event after step 62 is finished. In step 74, the trailer telematics device 22 generates an actual time stamp 75 from an actual satellite navigation time 69 and sends in step 76 the trailer information 48 to the remote central unit 16 comprising at least the trailer identification 50 and the time stamp 75. In step 78 after verification in step 52, a confirmation 55 is sent to the truck telematics device 20 from the remote central unit 16 and in step 80, a driver 26 is informed to the proper coupling.
Fig. 3 discloses a third embodiment of the method 150. Fig. 3 shows a similar system 10 as in Figs. 1 and 2 and the vertical arrow 28 as time line. In step 30, the driver 26 engages the reverse gear to initiate a truck trailer coupling. In step 82, which is similar to step 62 and 40, the truck 12 starts to couple with the trailer 14 so that at the end of step 82 the truck 12 contacts the trailer 14 and is coupled 41 mechanically. In step 84, the driver 26 connects the electrical and pneumatic lines between the truck 12 and the trailer 14. The truck 12 receives a trailer identification 50 via the electrical line in step 85. Consequently, in step 86, the truck 12 sends the truck information 34 to the remote central unit 16. The truck information 34 now comprise the trailer identification 50. Further, by the connection, the trailer telematics device 22 is powered on in step 88. Consequently, in step 90 the trailer 14 sends trailer information 48 to the remote central unit 16, which already waits in step 38 for the trailer information 48. In step 52, a verification by the remote central unit 16 is executed and in step 96, which is similar to steps 54 and 78, the truck telematics device 20 is informed by a confirmation about a proper coupling. In step 98, the driver 26 is indicated that a proper coupling has occurred.
Fig. 4 discloses a fourth embodiment of the method 150 executed with a system 10 similar to a system 10 as already shown in the Figs. 1 to 3. In step 30, a reverse gear is engaged and in step 100, the truck 12 couples with the trailer 14. Step 100 is similar to steps 40, 60 and 82. Further, in step 102, which is similar to step 84 of Fig. 3, electrical and pneumatic lines between the truck 12 and the trailer 14 are connected by the driver 26. In step 104, which is similar to step 88, the trailer telematics device 22 is powered on by the connection and the truck 12 sends truck information 34 to the remote central unit 16 in step 105. The truck information 34 comprise unique data 106, which are for example based on a truck activity. Further, the trailer 14 sends after being powered on in step 110 trailer information 48 comprising unique data 112, which are unique for the trailer 14 and are based on a trailer activity. After a wait cycle 38 of the remote central unit 16 waiting for the trailer information 48, the remote central unit 16 verifies in step 52 whether the received truck information 34 matches with the received trailer information 48. Additionally, in step 118, the truck telematics device 20 sends the truck information 34 to the trailer telematics device 22 and in step 120, the trailer telematics device 22 sends the trailer information 48 to the truck telematics device 20. In steps 122 and 124, the truck telematics device 20 and the trailer telematics device 22 respectively verify the received information 34, 48. Further, in step 126, the remote central unit 16 informs the truck telematics device 20 over a proper coupling. If the verification in steps 52, 122 and 124 is successful, the driver 26 is indicated in step 128 that a proper coupling has occurred. List of reference signs (Part of the description)
10 system
12 towing vehicle, truck
14 trailer vehicle, trailer
16 remote central unit
18 cloud server
20 truck telematics device
22 trailer telematics device
24 cloud system
26 driver
28 vertical arrow
30 driver engage reverse gear
31 truck and trailer are uncoupled
32 truck sends truck information
33 assumed coupling process
34 truck information
35 standby mode
36 truck identification
38 remote central units waits for trailer information
40 truck contacts trailer
41 truck and trailer are coupled
42 acceleration is detected
44 trailer telematics device wakes up or is powered on
45 wake up
46 trailer telematics device sends trailer information
48 trailer information
50 trailer identification
52 remote central unit verifies whether received truck information matches with received trailer information
54 remote central unit sends confirmation
55 confirmation
56 truck telematics device indicates proper coupling
62 truck is coupled with trailer
64 satellite navigation system update coupling time truck information is send to remote central unit time stamp satellite navigation time remote central unit waits for trailer information trailer telematics device wakes up trailer telematics device receives time stamp time stamp trailer telematics device sends trailer information confirmation is sent to the truck driver is informed to the proper coupling truck is coupled with trailer driver connects electrical and pneumatic lines between truck and trailer truck receives trailer identification truck sends truck information trailer telematics device is powered on trailer sends trailer information truck telematics device is informed by confirmation about proper coupling driver is indicated that proper coupling has occurred truck is coupled with trailer electrical and pneumatic lines are connected trailer telematics device is powered on truck sends truck information to remote central unit unique data trailer sends trailer information unique data remote central unit verifies whether truck information matches with trailer information truck telematics device sends truck information trailer telematics device sends trailer information trailer telematics device verify information truck telematics device verify information remote central unit informs truck telematics device driver is indicated that proper coupling has occurred method

Claims

Claims
1. Method (150) for identification of a proper coupling between a towing vehicle (12) and a trailer vehicle (14) comprising the following steps: a) receiving a truck information (34) from truck telematics device (20) of the towing vehicle (12) by a remote central unit (16), b) receiving a trailer information (48) from trailer telematics device (22) by the remote central unit (16), c) verifying whether the received truck information (34) matches with the received trailer information (48) by the remote central unit (16), d) sending a confirmation (55) to the truck telematics device (20) and/or the trailer telematics device (22) by the remote central unit (16) when the truck information (34) matches with the trailer information (48).
2. Method (150) according to claim 1 , wherein the towing vehicle (12) executed an action after receiving the confirmation, preferably indicating the received confirmation (55) to a driver (26) by an indicator, preferably a display.
3. Method (150) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the truck information (34) comprises an identification (36) of the towing vehicle (12) and the trailer information (48) comprises an identification (50) of the trailer vehicle (14).
4. Method (150) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the truck information (34) is sent by the truck telematics device (20) after the truck telematics device (20) observed an assumed coupling process (33), wherein the assumed coupling process (33) is observed after a reverse gear of the towing vehicle (12) is engaged.
5. Method (150) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the trailer telematics device (22) sends the trailer information (48) for receiving after an assumed coupling process (33) is observed with the trailer telematics device (22), wherein the assumed coupling process (33) is observed after an acceleration or movement of the trailer vehicle (1 ) is observed with the trailer telematics device (22) in particular depending on a signal of an inertial measurement unit or an accelerometer.
6. Method (150) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the truck information (34) is sent from the truck telematics device (20) and/or the trailer information (48) from the trailer telematics device (22) is sent after an observed coupling process
(33), wherein the observed coupling process (33) is assumed by establishing an electrical or data connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer vehicle.
7. Method (150) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the trailer information (48) and/or truck information (34) comprises a time stamp (68), in particular based on a satellite navigation time (69) received by the respective telematics device (20, 22), wherein in particular when the trailer telematics device (22) observes a coupling or an assumed coupling process (33) an actual satellite navigation time (69) is received and provided as trailer information (48) and wherein in particular when the truck telematics device (20) observes a coupling or an assumed coupling (33), the actual satellite navigation time (69) is received and provided as truck information (34), wherein in particular the remote central unit (16) verifies whether the received truck information
(34) matches with the received trailer information (48) based on the time stamps (68).
8. Method (150) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the truck information (34) comprises unique data (106) of the towing vehicle (12) and is sent from the truck telematics device (20) to the remote central unit (16) and/or to the trailer telematics device (22) and wherein the trailer information (48) comprises unique data (112) of the trailer vehicle (14) and is sent to the remote central unit (16) and/or to the truck telematics device (20) by the trailer telematics device (22) and wherein preferably the trailer telematics device (22) verifies the truck information (34) and/or the truck (14) verifies the received trailer information (48).
9. Remote central unit (16) for identification of a proper coupling between a towing vehicle (12) and a trailer vehicle (14), wherein the remote central unit (16) is arranged for performing the method according to any of the previous claims and is preferably a cloud server (18) of a cloud system (24).
10. Towing vehicle (14), wherein the towing vehicle (14) is arranged to send truck information (34) from a truck telematics device (20) of the towing vehicle (14) to a remote central unit (16) and to receive a confirmation (55) from the remote central unit (16), if the truck information (34) matches with trailer information (48) of a coupled trailer (14).
11. Towing vehicle (14) according to claim 10, wherein the towing vehicle is arranged to execute an action depending on a confirmation (55) received from the remote central unit (16), wherein the action comprises preferably to indicate the confirmation (55) by an indicator, like a display.
12. System (10) for identification of a proper coupling between a towing vehicle (12) and a trailer vehicle (14) comprising a remote central unit (16) according to claim 9 and a towing vehicle according to claim 10 or 11 .
13. System (10) according to claim 12, further comprising a trailer vehicle (14). 14. System (10) according to claim 13 arranged for executing the method (150) according to claims 1 to 8.
PCT/EP2025/063313 2024-06-07 2025-05-15 Method and system for identification of a proper coupling between a towing vehicle and a trailing vehicle Pending WO2025252425A1 (en)

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WO2023094123A1 (en) * 2021-11-25 2023-06-01 Zf Cv Systems Global Gmbh Method for ascertaining the coupling state of a trailer coupling, state ascertaining assembly, and vehicle
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US20230368671A1 (en) * 2022-05-16 2023-11-16 Geotab Inc. Associating a telematics device with an asset tracker
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US10173486B1 (en) 2017-11-15 2019-01-08 Samsara Networks Inc. Method and apparatus for automatically deducing a trailer is physically coupled with a vehicle
US20200070724A1 (en) * 2018-09-04 2020-03-05 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Method and system for automatically detecting a coupling maneuver of a transportation vehicle to a trailer
WO2023094123A1 (en) * 2021-11-25 2023-06-01 Zf Cv Systems Global Gmbh Method for ascertaining the coupling state of a trailer coupling, state ascertaining assembly, and vehicle
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