Method and system for detecting presence of trailer

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for detecting the presence of a trailer, comprising: inflating (S1) a trailer supply line (106) and / or using a pressurized trailer supply line (106); venting and / or deflating the trailer supply line (106) (S2); acquiring (S3) a pressure formed in the trailer supply line (106) during inflation (S1) and / or use and / or during deflation and / or deflation (S2); and determining (S4) whether a trailer is connected to the trailer supply line (106) on the basis of the acquired pressure, in particular the acquired pressure profile. The invention further relates to a system (100) for detecting the presence of a trailer and to a vehicle (V) comprising said system (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a system for detecting the presence of a trailer.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a multi-purpose vehicle, which at least comprises the system for detecting the presence of a trailer. Background Art

[0003] In the prior art, trailer detection methods are generally known. In this regard, current trailer detection methods typically rely on electrical connections or on the engine torque required when the vehicle (especially the tractor / trailer head) starts. However, for trailers without an electronic control unit, their connection status may not be reliably checked, so automatic or non-driver-triggered trailer release operations cannot be performed. The lack of trailer connection status detection may cause the vehicle-trailer combination to travel with the trailer parking brake in the engaged state, which may lead to overheating of the trailer and / or cause a fire. Therefore, in current commercial vehicle applications, it is necessary to reliably detect whether a trailer is connected to the (towing) vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system for detecting the presence of a trailer (i.e., whether a trailer exists) to solve the above problems, and in particular to provide a method and a system for detecting the presence of a trailer with higher reliability and / or adaptability.

[0005] According to the present invention, the above object is achieved by the method for detecting the presence of a trailer as described in the independent method claims. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the above object is also achieved by the system for detecting the presence of a trailer as described in the independent system claims. Further embodiments are described in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0006] In this regard, the method for detecting the presence of a trailer comprises:

[0007] Inflating the trailer supply line and / or using a pressurized trailer supply line;

[0008] Exhausting and / or deflating the trailer supply line;

[0009] Obtaining the pressure formed in the trailer supply line during the inflation process and / or during use and / or during the exhaust and / or deflation process; and

[0010] Determining whether a trailer is connected to the trailer supply line based on the obtained pressure, in particular the obtained pressure curve.

[0011] In particular, the present invention is based on the concept that the presence of a trailer can be reliably detected through a pneumatic connection. In this regard, the method can be applied comfortably and / or autonomously to vehicle-trailer combinations commonly used in North America. Since the method applies one or more temporary pneumatic inflations to the trailer supply line when detecting a pressure increase and / or decrease, and distinguishes the trailer connection state based on the pressure characteristics, a simple and reliable way to detect the presence of a trailer is provided for all vehicle-trailer combinations, especially those based on pneumatic (e.g., braking). In particular, the present invention can be applied to all vehicle application scenarios where the tractor / trailer head is equipped with an air handling unit and can be connected to a trailer. In addition, due to the reliable detection achieved by this method, an automatic and / or non-driver-triggered operation can be applied to the trailer parking brake system, which is crucial for comfort and / or autonomous driving functions. Moreover, the determination result of this method can also be independently used to determine the trailer connection state, thus providing additional safety features when using a trailer.

[0012] It is conceivable that the inflation includes applying one or more pneumatic inflation pulses to the trailer supply line, where the inflation pulse includes a constant inflation pulse or an inflation pulse with a predetermined pressure curve. Therefore, since different and / or customizable inflation pulses can induce specific pressure characteristics through the distinguishable inflation pulses, the reliability of trailer detection can be further improved.

[0013] It is conceivable that the determination includes evaluating only the acquired pressure generated by exhaust and / or deflation, especially the acquired pressure curve. Since the determination is only based on the acquired pressure generated by exhaust and / or deflation, the method does not depend on the pneumatic layout (e.g., the generation of inflation) of the vehicle (especially the tractor / trailer head) on which the method is run. In other words, by using the deflation characteristics rather than the inflation characteristics of the trailer supply line, the system (e.g., vehicle) pressure dependence can be eliminated. Therefore, the method can operate on a variety of different vehicles, that is, it has higher adaptability.

[0014] It is conceivable that the determination includes evaluating the acquired pressure, especially the acquired pressure curve, based on the pressure gradient and / or predetermined parameters of the acquired pressure, especially the acquired pressure curve. This can provide a simple, fast and reliable way of pressure analysis. In particular, such parameters can usually be obtained through the sensor unit already installed in the vehicle, so there is no need for physical modification of the target vehicle.

[0015] It is conceivable that the determination includes evaluating the pressure curve based on the duration of the acquired pressure curve and / or one or more of its pressure gradients. By evaluating the acquired pressure curve based on the duration and / or one or more pressure gradients, even minor characteristics can be identified, thus contributing to improving the reliability of detecting the presence of a (e.g., specific) trailer and / or the (e.g., specific) trailer connection state.

[0016] It is conceivable that the method further includes providing a reference pressure, in particular a reference pressure curve, wherein the determination includes comparing the acquired pressure, in particular the acquired pressure curve, with the reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve. In other words, the strategy of the method can be: acquiring a reference characteristic that describes the deflation curve of a vehicle (in particular a tractor / trailer head) when the trailer is disconnected, and comparing this reference curve with the measured pressure curve. Therefore, since the evaluation can be mainly based on (pre-)learned characteristics, the unreliability of predetermined parameters under different vehicle configurations can be reduced, which can further improve the reliability of the provided method.

[0017] It is conceivable that the reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve, is obtained or can be obtained by the following means: inflating the trailer supply line of a trailer that is not connected to a trailer; exhausting and / or deflating the trailer supply line; and acquiring the pressure formed in the trailer supply line during the inflation process and / or during the exhausting and / or deflating process, so as to obtain the reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve. Therefore, the method can be adapted to any vehicle because a separate reference can be generated for each vehicle. There is no need to rely on predetermined parameters anymore. In addition, since a separate reference can be automatically generated for each vehicle, the method can be automatically executed.

[0018] It is conceivable that the reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve, is obtained or can be obtained only by acquiring the pressure formed in the trailer supply line during the exhausting and / or deflating process. Therefore, as described above, the dependence on the pneumatic layout (such as the generation of inflation) of the vehicle (in particular the tractor / trailer head) on which the method is run can be avoided.

[0019] It is conceivable that the determination includes: when a reference pressure, in particular a reference pressure curve, is provided, evaluating it; wherein: when the reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve, is not provided, the determination includes evaluating the acquired pressure, in particular the acquired pressure curve, based on the pressure gradient and / or predetermined parameters of the acquired pressure, in particular the acquired pressure curve; when the reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve, is provided, the determination includes comparing the acquired pressure, in particular the acquired pressure curve, with the reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve. Therefore, the method can further provide additional safety features. For example, in the case where a reference pressure cannot be generated, the presence of the trailer can still be reliably detected by using the pressure gradient and / or predetermined parameters.

[0020] Furthermore, the present invention provides a system for detecting the presence of a trailer, wherein the system is capable of and at least includes a control unit for performing the above and / or the following methods. It should be understood that any features, advantages, and attributes related to the method equally apply to the system or form part of the system, and vice versa.

[0021] It is conceivable that the system further comprises: a unit for inflating the trailer supply line; a unit for exhausting and / or deflating the trailer supply line; and a sensor unit for acquiring the pressure formed in the trailer supply line during the inflation process and / or during the exhaust and / or deflation process, wherein the control unit is configured to determine whether a trailer is connected to the trailer supply line based on the acquired pressure, in particular the acquired pressure curve.

[0022] It is conceivable that the control unit is configured to store one or more reference pressures and / or pressure curves as a basis for determining whether a trailer is connected to the trailer supply line.

[0023] It is conceivable that the control unit is configured to store a database for storing one or more reference pressures and / or pressure curves of different combinations of the vehicle and the trailer. Therefore, since not only the reference pressure of the vehicle but also the reference pressure of the vehicle-trailer combination can be stored, the reliability and accuracy of the trailer connection state detection can be further improved.

[0024] It is conceivable that the system further comprises an alarm unit for providing a notification to the user and / or a superior system to which the system is applicable. Therefore, higher security can be provided to the system user.

[0025] Furthermore, the present invention provides a vehicle, in particular a multi-purpose vehicle, which at least comprises: the above-mentioned and / or the following system; and a trailer supply line. Description of the Drawings

[0026] It should be understood that any features, advantages and attributes related to the method and / or system equally apply to the vehicle or form part of the vehicle, and vice versa. These and other aspects of the present invention will be described in more detail in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention shown in the drawings, wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a method for detecting the presence of a trailer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a method for detecting the presence of a trailer according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing a part of a method for detecting the presence of a trailer according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 4 A schematic diagram schematically showing a system for detecting the presence of a trailer according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0031] In all the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Steering Figure 1 , which shows a schematic diagram of a method for detecting the presence of a trailer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] The method for detecting the presence of a trailer includes a step S1 of inflating a trailer supply line 106. However, it is also conceivable that the method for detecting the presence of a trailer includes a step of using a pre-pressurized trailer supply line 106. It is also conceivable that atmospheric pressure conditions can be applied and / or occur and / or exist.

[0034] In particular, the trailer supply line 106 is included in the vehicle V and can be part of the parking brake system of the vehicle V.

[0035] In particular, the inflation S1 includes applying one or more pneumatic inflation pulses to the trailer supply line 106.

[0036] In this regard, the inflation pulse can be formed as a constant inflation pulse or an inflation pulse having a predetermined pressure curve.

[0037] The method further includes a step S2 of exhausting and / or deflating the trailer supply line 106.

[0038] The method further includes a step S3 of obtaining the pressure formed in the trailer supply line 106 during the inflation S1 and / or during the exhausting and / or deflating S2.

[0039] The method further includes a step S4 of determining whether a trailer is connected to the trailer supply line 106 based on the obtained pressure, in particular the obtained pressure curve.

[0040] Preferably, the obtained pressure, in particular the obtained pressure curve, is evaluated based on step S2.

[0041] In other words, the determination S4 includes evaluating only the obtained pressure, in particular the obtained pressure curve, generated by the exhausting and / or deflating S2.

[0042] During the determination S4, the obtained pressure, in particular the obtained pressure curve, is evaluated based on the pressure gradient and / or predetermined parameters of the obtained pressure, in particular the obtained pressure curve.

[0043] In other words, the step of determination S4 includes evaluating the obtained pressure, in particular the obtained pressure curve, based on the pressure gradient and / or predetermined parameters of the obtained pressure, in particular the obtained pressure curve.

[0044] It is conceivable that the predetermined parameters particularly include time parameters such as duration, maximum and / or minimum parameters, threshold parameters, tolerance parameters, etc.

[0045] In particular, during determination S4, the acquired pressure, in particular the acquired pressure curve, is evaluated based on the duration of the particularly acquired pressure curve and / or one or more of its pressure gradients.

[0046] In other words, the step of determination S4 includes evaluating the pressure or pressure curve based on the duration of the acquired pressure or acquired pressure curve and / or one or more of its pressure gradients.

[0047] Additionally or alternatively, the evaluation of the acquired pressure curve is based on a comparison with a reference curve.

[0048] Therefore, before determination S4, a reference pressure, in particular a reference pressure curve, is provided.

[0049] Thus, the method further includes the step of providing a reference pressure, in particular a reference pressure curve.

[0050] The step of determination S4 includes comparing the acquired pressure, in particular the acquired pressure curve, with the reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve.

[0051] The reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve, is obtained or can be obtained by:

[0052] Inflating the trailer supply line 106 of an unconnected trailer;

[0053] Exhausting and / or bleeding the trailer supply line 106; and

[0054] Obtaining the pressure formed in the trailer supply line 106 during exhaust and / or bleeding, thereby obtaining the reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve.

[0055] In this regard, before step S1, the above steps for obtaining the reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve, are performed or can be performed. It should be understood that the above steps can be included in the method, for example, as a set of steps labeled S0.

[0056] Furthermore, the step of determination S4 includes: evaluating when a reference pressure, in particular a reference pressure curve, is provided.

[0057] When the reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve, is not provided, the step of determination S4 includes evaluating the acquired pressure, in particular the acquired pressure curve, based on the pressure gradient of the acquired pressure and / or predetermined parameters.

[0058] When the reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve, is provided, the step S4 of determination includes comparing the acquired pressure, in particular the acquired pressure curve, with the reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve.

[0059] Turning Figure 2 , which shows a schematic diagram of a method for detecting the presence of a trailer according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 2 The method shown is Figure 1 substantially the same as the method shown, and therefore only the differences will be described below.

[0061] In the present embodiment, the method is performed by a parking brake system operating substantially pneumatically, which is included in the vehicle.

[0062] The step S1 of inflating the trailer supply line 106 continues until a predetermined pressure threshold is reached within the trailer supply line 106.

[0063] When the pressure threshold is reached, the pressure is reduced and / or maintained and / or re - elevated during the inflation step S1, thereby forming a pneumatic inflation pulse having a predetermined pressure curve.

[0064] Subsequently, the parking brake system sets the relay movement to the parking direction for a re - parking operation, thereby initiating the step S2 of exhausting and / or bleeding the trailer supply line 106.

[0065] At the same time, the step S3 of acquiring the pressure formed within the trailer supply line 106 during the inflation S1 process and / or during the exhaust and / or bleed S2 process is performed.

[0066] Subsequently, during the step S4 of determination, it is evaluated whether a reference pressure, in particular a reference pressure curve, is provided.

[0067] In other words, it is evaluated whether the evaluation strategy is based on a learned / pre - learned bleeding curve (i.e., the reference pressure and / or the reference pressure curve).

[0068] When the reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve, is not provided, the step S4 of determination includes evaluating the acquired pressure, in particular the acquired pressure curve, based on the pressure gradient and / or predetermined parameters of the acquired pressure, in particular the acquired pressure curve.

[0069] When the reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve, is provided, the step S4 of determination includes comparing the acquired pressure, in particular the acquired pressure curve, with the reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve.

[0070] Based on the evaluation or comparison of the pressure characteristics of the acquired pressure (especially the acquired pressure curve), it is determined or determinable whether a trailer is connected to the trailer supply line 106.

[0071] Steering Figure 3 , which shows a schematic diagram of a part of a method for detecting the presence of a trailer according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 3 The method shown basically constitutes Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 a part of the method shown. In particular, Figure 3 the method shown shows the generation of a reference pressure (especially a reference pressure curve) as described herein. Therefore, only the differences and / or additional details are described below.

[0073] As mentioned before, Figure 3 the method shown may be included in group step S0.

[0074] First, ensure that no trailer is connected to the vehicle V.

[0075] Subsequently, the process for acquiring a reference pressure, especially a reference pressure curve, can be started.

[0076] In other words, start or be able to start the trailer detection learning process.

[0077] If a successful learning cycle has been completed (i.e., the reference pressure has been acquired), the characteristics of the reference pressure are evaluated in the system log (such as the control unit 102), thus forming the basis for determining step S4.

[0078] If a successful learning cycle has not been completed (i.e., the reference pressure has not been acquired), the trailer supply line 106 is inflated until a predetermined pressure threshold is reached inside the trailer supply line 106.

[0079] When the pressure threshold is reached, the pressure is reduced and / or maintained and / or re - increased to form a pneumatic inflation pulse with a predetermined pressure curve.

[0080] Subsequently, the parking brake system sets the relay movement to the parking direction for a re - parking operation, thereby starting the exhaust and / or deflation of the trailer supply line 106.

[0081] At the same time, the pressure formed inside the trailer supply line 106 during the inflation process S1 and / or during the exhaust and / or deflation process S2 is acquired. Finally, the pressure / pressure curve and its characteristics acquired during deflation are recorded and / or stored, thereby generating a reference pressure, especially a reference pressure curve, for determining step S4.

[0082] Combined withFigures 1 to 3 , the present invention is particularly based on the following concept: the presence of a trailer can be reliably detected through a pneumatic connection. Since this method applies one or more temporary pneumatic inflations to the trailer supply line 106 when detecting pressure increase and / or decrease, and distinguishes the trailer connection state based on the pressure characteristics, it provides a simple and reliable way to detect the presence of a trailer for all vehicle-trailer combinations, especially those based on pneumatic (such as braking). In addition, due to the reliable detection achieved by this method, automatic and / or non-driver-triggered operations can be applied to the trailer parking brake system, which is crucial for comfort and / or autonomous driving functions. Moreover, the determination result of this method can also be independently used to determine the trailer connection state, thus providing additional safety features when using a trailer.

[0083] Steering Figure 4 , which schematically shows a schematic diagram of a system 100 for detecting the presence of a trailer according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] It should be understood that any features, advantages, and properties related to the method also apply to the system 100 or form part of the system 100, and vice versa.

[0085] The system 100 can be installed in or on the vehicle V, or has been installed in or on the vehicle V.

[0086] In other words, the vehicle V at least includes the system 100.

[0087] Specifically, the vehicle V is a multi-purpose vehicle, a tractor, and / or a towing head.

[0088] It should also be understood that any features, advantages, and properties related to the method and / or the system 100 also apply to the vehicle V or form part of the vehicle V, and vice versa. The vehicle V also includes an air handling device 112, which has a separate sensor unit 114 and a connector device 116 for pneumatically connecting the trailer supply line 106 of the vehicle V to the trailer (see the trailer side 118 of the supply line).

[0089] The connector device 116 can be, for example, a pneumatic line connector.

[0090] The trailer supply line 106 is included in the vehicle V in which the system 100 can be installed or has been installed. In other words, the vehicle V includes the trailer supply line 106, which is configured to supply pneumatic pressure to the trailer.

[0091] It is conceivable that the trailer supply line 106 is a pressurized trailer supply line 106.

[0092] System 100 and the air handling device 112 are arranged in and / or on and / or at the trailer supply line 106.

[0093] The system (at least) includes a control unit 102 for performing the methods described herein, in particular in combination with Figure 1 , Figure 2 and / or Figure 3 the methods described.

[0094] System 100 includes a unit 104 for inflating the trailer supply line 106.

[0095] System 100 includes a unit 108 for exhausting and / or bleeding the trailer supply line 106.

[0096] System 100 includes a sensor unit 110. It is conceivable that system 100 includes one or more sensor units 110 configured as the above-mentioned sensor unit 110.

[0097] Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the sensor unit 114 of the air handling device 112 can be used as the sensor unit 110 of system 100, and / or the sensor unit 114 of the air handling device 112 can form part of system 100 as an additional sensing unit. The pressure formed in the trailer supply line 106 during inflation and / or exhaust and / or bleeding can be acquired by the sensor unit 110.

[0098] In other words, the sensor unit 110 is configured to acquire the pressure formed in the trailer supply line 106 during the inflation process and / or during the exhaust and / or bleeding process.

[0099] The acquired pressure, in particular the acquired pressure curve, can be analyzed by the control unit 102 to determine whether a trailer is connected to the trailer supply line 106.

[0100] In other words, the control unit 102 is configured to determine whether a trailer is connected to the trailer supply line 106 based on the acquired pressure, in particular the acquired pressure curve.

[0101] In particular, the control unit 102 is configured to store one or more reference pressures and / or pressure curves as a basis for determining whether a trailer is connected to the trailer supply line 106.

[0102] In this regard, the control unit 102 is configured to store a database for storing one or more reference pressures and / or pressure curves for different vehicle V and trailer combinations.

[0103] The reference pressure and / or reference pressure curve can be acquired in the manner described in connection with Figures 1 to 3 the methods described.

[0104] In addition, system 100 includes an alarm unit for providing notifications to the user and / or a superior system to which the system applies. In this embodiment, as Figure 4 shown, the superior system is vehicle V. For example, the notification may relate to the presence of the trailer and / or its connection status. Thus, system 100 provides additional safety features when using a trailer.

[0105] List of reference numerals

[0106] S0 Method step

[0107] S1 Method step

[0108] S2 Method step

[0109] S3 Method step

[0110] S4 Method step

[0111] 100 System

[0112] 102 Control unit

[0113] 104 Inflating unit

[0114] 106 Trailer supply line

[0115] 108 Unit for exhausting and / or deflating

[0116] 110 Sensor unit

[0117] 112 Air handling device

[0118] 114 Sensor unit of the air handling device

[0119] 116 Connector device

[0120] 118 Trailer side

[0121] V Vehicle

Claims

1. A method for detecting the presence of a trailer, comprising: - inflating the trailer supply line (106) (S1) and / or using a pressurized trailer supply line (106); - venting and / or deflating the trailer supply line (106) (S2); - obtaining (S3) the pressure formed within the trailer supply line (106) during inflation (S1) and / or in use and / or during venting and / or deflating (S2); and - determining (S4) whether a trailer is connected to the trailer supply line (106) based on the obtained pressure, in particular the obtained pressure curve.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inflation (S1) includes applying one or more pneumatic inflation pulses to the trailer supply line (106), wherein the inflation pulse includes a constant inflation pulse or an inflation pulse having a predetermined pressure curve.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The determination (S4) includes evaluating only the obtained pressure, in particular the obtained pressure curve, generated by venting and / or deflating (S2).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The determination (S4) includes evaluating the obtained pressure, in particular the obtained pressure curve, based on the pressure gradient and / or predetermined parameters of the obtained pressure, in particular the obtained pressure curve.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The determination (S4) includes evaluating the obtained pressure curve based on the duration of the obtained pressure curve and / or one or more of its pressure gradients.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The method further includes providing a reference pressure, in particular a reference pressure curve, wherein the determination includes comparing the obtained pressure, in particular the obtained pressure curve, with the reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein The reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve, is obtained or can be obtained by: - inflating the trailer supply line (106) not connected to a trailer; - venting and / or deflating the trailer supply line (106); and - obtaining the pressure formed within the trailer supply line (106) during inflation and / or during venting and / or deflating, thereby obtaining the reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein The reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve, is obtained or can be obtained only by obtaining the pressure formed within the trailer supply line (106) during venting and / or deflating.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The determination (S4) includes: when a reference pressure, in particular a reference pressure curve, is provided, evaluating it, wherein: when the reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve, is not provided, the determination includes evaluating the obtained pressure, in particular the obtained pressure curve, based on the pressure gradient and / or predetermined parameters of the obtained pressure, in particular the obtained pressure curve; and when the reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve, is provided, the determination includes comparing the obtained pressure, in particular the obtained pressure curve, with the reference pressure, in particular the reference pressure curve.

10. A system (100) for detecting the presence of a trailer, at least including a control unit (102), the control unit (102) being configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The system (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that The system (100) further comprises: - a unit (104) for inflating the trailer supply line (106); - a unit (108) for exhausting and / or deflating the trailer supply line (106); and - a sensor unit (110) for acquiring the pressure formed in the trailer supply line (106) during the inflation process and / or during the exhaust and / or deflation process, wherein the control unit (102) is configured to determine whether a trailer is connected to the trailer supply line (106) based on the acquired pressure, in particular the acquired pressure curve.

12. The system (100) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The control unit (102) is configured to store one or more reference pressures and / or pressure curves as a basis for determining whether a trailer is connected to the trailer supply line (106).

13. The system (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The control unit (102) is configured to store a database for storing one or more reference pressures and / or pressure curves of different combinations of the vehicle (V) and the trailer.

14. The system (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, The system (100) further comprises an alarm unit for providing a notification to the user and / or a superior system (V) to which the system (100) applies.

15. A vehicle (V), in particular a multi-purpose vehicle, at least comprises: - the system (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 14; and - a trailer supply line (106).

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