SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANEUVERING A VEHICLE-TRAILER UNIT IN REVERSE TRAVEL

摘要

A system and method of maneuvering a vehicle-trailer unit in reverse travel uses at least one sensor generating output information representative of the relative position between the vehicle rear and the trailer front. An electronic processing unit compares the measured quantity with a reference value and determines from the comparison whether the trailer deviates from a straight alignment with the vehicle. If the trailer is not aligned with the vehicle, the system can interfere with the vehicle's steering system, the trailer's brake system, or both.;The sensor can be a distance sensor or a camera, and the quantity can be a distance or a marker position. As a reference value for comparison, the method can use a stored value or previously or simultaneously measured values. The method can be activated automatically or by a switch operated by the vehicle driver.

主权项

1. A method of controlling the steering and path of a motor vehicle and a trailer connected thereto in a reverse direction of travel, the vehicle having at least one axle with steerable wheels, the vehicle and trailer being connected at a hitch point allowing rotational movement of the trailer relative to the vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:
providing an electronic processing unit configured to provide signals for controlling the steerable wheels via a powered steering system operatively coupled to the steerable wheels; providing a driver interface for receiving a directional input from the driver related to an intended direction of travel of the trailer relative to the vehicle; receiving, at the electronic processing unit, the directional input from the driver comprising the intended direction of travel of the trailer relative to the vehicle; receiving, at the electronic processing unit, information regarding a measure of orientation of the trailer relative to the vehicle; determining, at the electronic processing unit, whether the measure of orientation deviates from the intended direction of travel of the trailer relative to the vehicle and determining a deviation; and implementing a path-correcting measure, via the electronic processing unit, to command the powered steering system to steer the wheels to correct for the deviation and correct the orientation of the trailer relative to the vehicle to correspond to the intended orientation of the vehicle relative to the trailer.