Trailer immobilization in a transport refrigeration system
A transport refrigeration system includes a trailer having a brake; a transport refrigeration unit mounted to the trailer, transport refrigeration unit configured to cool a cargo compartment of the trailer; a socket configured to provide a connection with shore power, the socket contained in an enclosure having an access panel; a switch configured to detect opening and closing of the access panel; a controller in communication with the switch, the controller configured to engage or disengage the brake in response to the switch.
1. A transport refrigeration system comprising:
a trailer having a brake;
a transport refrigeration unit mounted to the trailer, the transport refrigeration unit configured to cool a cargo compartment of the trailer
a socket configured to provide a connection with shore power, the socket contained in an enclosure having an access panel;
a switch configured to detect opening and closing of the access panel;
a controller in communication with the switch, the controller configured to engage or disengage the brake in response to the switch.
2. The transport refrigeration system of claim 1 wherein the switch comprises a physical contact switch.
3. The transport refrigeration system of claim 1 wherein the switch comprises a magnetic switch.
4. The transport refrigeration system of claim 1 wherein the brake comprises a trailer electronic brake system.
5. The transport refrigeration system of claim 1 wherein the brake comprises a service brake.
6. The transport refrigeration system of claim 1 wherein the brake comprises a parking brake.
7. The transport refrigeration system of claim 1 wherein the access panel is hingedly attached to the enclosure.
8. The transport refrigeration system of claim 1 wherein the access panel is biased in a closed position.
9. A method of controlling a brake of a trailer, the trailer comprising a transport refrigeration unit mounted to the trailer, the method comprising:
actuating the brake in response to a switch, the switch configured to detect opening and closing of an access panel to a socket, the socket configured to provide a connection between the transport refrigeration unit and shore power.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the switch comprises a physical contact switch.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein the switch comprises a magnetic switch.
12. The method of claim 9 wherein the brake comprises a trailer electronic brake system.
13. The method of claim 9 wherein the brake comprises a service brake.
14. The method of claim 9 wherein the brake comprises a parking brake.
15. The method of claim 9 wherein the access panel is hingedly attached to the enclosure.
16. The method of claim 9 wherein the access panel is biased in a closed position.