Connection equipment, connection system and articulated truck trailer

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection device (10) for connecting electrical and pneumatic lines between a tractor unit (120) and a semi-trailer (110) with a first end (11), a second end (12) and at least two lines (13, 14) connecting the two ends (11, 12), where at least one first pneumatic connection element (15) and at least one first electrical connection element (16) are arranged at the first end (11) and where a first connection unit (20) is arranged at the second end (12), which has at least one first pneumatic connection element (21) and at least one first electrical connection element (22).

Description

Connection equipment, connection system and articulated truck trailer The present invention relates to a connection kit for connecting electrical and pneumatic lines between a tractor vehicle and a semi-trailer, to a connection system for an articulated truck trailer with a connection kit, and to an articulated truck trailer with a connection kit or a connection system. Articulated semi-trailer trucks are a subgroup of trucks and comprise a tractor unit and a semi-trailer. In conventional articulated semi-trailer trucks, the tractor unit is motorized and the semi-trailer is not. Therefore, a tractor unit is required to move the semi-trailer. Articulated semi-trailer trucks are primarily used for transporting goods. The tractor unit and the semi-trailer are detachably coupled. Therefore, it is possible to remove the semi-trailer, that is, to uncouple the tractor unit from the semi-trailer. This allows for loading or unloading the semi-trailer, while the tractor unit and driver can be used for other purposes. The coupling of the tractor unit and the semi-trailer involves a mechanical coupling, typically achieved using a fifth wheel and kingpin. Additionally, the tractor unit and semi-trailer are connected by pneumatic and electrical lines. The pneumatic lines supply compressed air to the semi-trailer for its braking system. The electrical lines are primarily used for the semi-trailer's lighting (turn signals, taillights, etc.), but the semi-trailer's cooling is also provided by electricity supplied by the tractor unit through these lines. The electrical and pneumatic connections between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer are established manually. Often, the driver connects the lines. This process is complex and prone to errors. US patent 5,458,357 discloses an articulated truck-trailer with multiple lines planned to connect the tractor unit and the semi-trailer. A multi-coupler is provided for the connection, allowing several lines to be connected simultaneously. US patent 2011 / 0133430 A1 discloses an air brake connection system comprising a hose for connecting a coupling piece of the tractor unit to a coupling piece of the semi-trailer. The hose has a self-sealing valve at both ends. Document DE 41 35 795 A1 discloses an articulated truck trailer in which a supply coupling is provided between the two vehicle parts, which closes automatically when the two vehicle parts are coupled and opens automatically when the two vehicle parts are separated. DE 102004 062 172 A1 discloses a system for connecting supply lines between a tractor unit and a semi-trailer that can be coupled to it. The tractor unit is equipped with a fifth-wheel coupling and an automated line coupling system with at least one female connector. Document DE 102006 012 800 A1 discloses a coupling assistant for connecting at least one supply line between a first vehicle and a second vehicle that can be coupled together. The coupling assistant comprises a supply support arranged on the second vehicle for connecting the at least one supply line. DE 102008 014 572 A1 discloses a plug element with a housing in which fluid contacts and electrical contacts are arranged. The housing is connected to a connection socket via line elements. Connection nozzles are arranged in the connection socket. EP 3231 642 A2 discloses an arrangement for determining the coupling position of a hose coupler to a connection panel, comprising a connection panel with a plurality of coupling sockets for connecting the corresponding hose couplers, at least one hose coupler that can be connected to them, a data interface, and an evaluation unit. WO 2010 / 118420 A2 discloses a coupling system for efficiently connecting an electrical system and a pneumatic system of a road tractor with a trailer when the road tractor and trailer are connected to each other by means of a fifth wheel coupling arrangement and a main pivot to define a generally perpendicular pivot axis. The autonomy of vehicles may mean that, in some areas where vehicles couple or uncouple autonomously or automatically, the presence of people is undesirable or prohibited. Therefore, the objective of the invention is to simplify the establishment of electrical and pneumatic connections between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer, or to design it in such a way that it can be automated, at least in these areas. This objective is achieved through a connection device according to the invention. The connection equipment according to the invention for connecting electrical and pneumatic lines between a tractor unit and a semi-trailer comprises a first end, a second end, and several lines connecting the two ends. At the first end, at least one pneumatic plug element and / or at least one electrical plug element are arranged. At the second end, a first pluggable unit is arranged, which has at least one pneumatic connection element and / or at least one electrical connection element. The pneumatic and electrical plug elements of the connection equipment are preferably complementary to the pneumatic and electrical plug elements of the semi-trailer. The first plug-in unit is preferably complementary to a second plug-in unit of the tractor vehicle. The plug element can be a female connector or a male connector. Male and female connectors are complementary components and together form a plug connection. In advantageous improvements, the first plug-in unit has a non-rotational symmetrical housing. This means that a second, complementary plug-in unit, which preferably also has a non-rotational symmetrical housing, can only be connected to the first plug-in unit in one way. This prevents incorrect connection of the plug-in units. In alternative embodiments, the first connecting elements are preferably provided, at least partially, in a rotationally symmetrical double arrangement. In the case of a rotationally symmetrical double arrangement, there is a duplicate connecting element in an identical embodiment. The double connecting elements are arranged rotationally symmetrically around a central axis of the first plug-in unit. However, to establish a connection, it is only necessary to connect one of the duplicated connecting elements with a complementary piece. The main advantage is that the second plug-in unit, which has only one complementary piece for the double connecting elements, can be connected to the first plug-in unit in two positions rotated 180° relative to each other. In both positions, the complementary piece engages with one of the two duplicated connecting elements. In other embodiments, the first pneumatic and first electrical connecting elements are arranged concentrically, and several pneumatic and / or several electrical connecting elements may also be arranged concentrically. Whereas in the rotationally symmetric double arrangement only two positions are possible for the first plug-in unit to be positioned for connection to the second plug-in unit, in the concentric arrangement, rotation about the central axis has no effect. The first and second plug-in units can be coupled to each other regardless of their respective rotational angles. The first plug-in unit comprises at least one centrally arranged pneumatic connection element. The centrally arranged pneumatic connection element is preferably rotationally symmetric about the central axis, and the central axis is located at the center of the centrally arranged pneumatic connection element. In the case of the rotationally symmetric double arrangement, the centrally located first pneumatic connection element is not present in the double arrangement, as it is independent of rotation around the central axis. However, it is possible to provide additional first pneumatic connection elements in a rotationally symmetric double arrangement, so that there are a total of, for example, three or five first pneumatic connection elements. In the case of the concentric arrangement, it is also advantageous to provide a centrally located first pneumatic connection element. The pneumatic connection elements must be sealed. Thanks to the central arrangement, one seal is unnecessary, as it is only required to seal radially outwards, not radially inwards. The connection equipment includes at least one fastening device by which the first plug-in unit can be secured in a predetermined location on the semi-trailer. This allows for the automation of the connection operation between the first and second plug-in units. In an automatic connection operation, the position of the first plug-in unit in the predetermined location is fixed and does not need to be predetermined. The fastening device is configured as a single piece or in several pieces.If the fastening system consists of several parts, it comprises a first part that is permanently mounted on the semi-trailer and a second part that is detachably attached to the first part. If the fastening system consists of a single piece, it is attached to the first plug-in unit. The fastening equipment is preferably arranged, at least partially, on the first plug-in unit. This allows for direct and secure attachment of the first plug-in unit to the semi-trailer. It is desirable that the attachment of the first plug-in unit to the semi-trailer can be carried out as quickly and easily as possible for the user. In advantageous improvements, the attachment device is therefore at least partially magnetic or has at least one magnetic element. The mounting kit preferably has two or three side plate-shaped parts arranged at right angles to each other. This allows this part of the mounting kit to be positioned on an edge or corner of the semi-trailer. The corner of the semi-trailer therefore represents a possible location for the predetermined positioning of the plug-in unit. The first plug-in unit preferably includes a first location device. In an automated connection operation, the position of the first plug-in unit can be determined in this way. The first location device preferably includes a radio element with RFID (Radio-frequency identification), NFC (Near-field communication), and / or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) technology. Advantageously, the first location device is passive, for example, an RFID transponder. Therefore, the connection device does not need to include an energy storage device. The connection equipment cables are preferably flexible, particularly at least partially spiral. This way, the cable length is not fixed, which is advantageous, for example, when placing the first plug-in unit in the predetermined location. The first connection elements of the first plug-in unit are preferably male and / or female connectors. Among advantageous improvements, the first plug-in unit features a common housing for the first pneumatic and electrical connection elements. This common housing makes manufacturing the first plug-in unit more economical. In other advantageous refinements, the first plug-in unit comprises a first housing for the first pneumatic connecting elements and a second housing for the first electrical connecting elements, the housings preferably being connected to each other. This embodiment allows for greater individualization of the first plug-in unit. For example, different embodiments may use housings of the same type for the pneumatic connecting elements and different housings for the electrical connecting elements. The objective of the invention is also achieved by means of a connection system according to the invention. The connection system for an articulated truck-trailer comprises a connection device with the aforementioned characteristics and a coupling system with a second plug-in unit that can be mounted on a tractor unit of the articulated truck-trailer.The second plug-in unit is configured in a complementary manner to the first plug-in unit and features at least one second pneumatic connection element and at least one second electrical connection element. In some advantageous improvements, the second plug-in unit features a non-rotational symmetric housing. This prevents incorrect connection of the plug-in units, as explained above with regard to the first plug-in unit. In some embodiments, the second connecting elements are preferably provided, at least partially, in a rotationally symmetrical double arrangement. The advantages achieved in this way are essentially identical to those of the rotationally symmetrical double arrangement of the first plug-in unit. In principle, however, it is sufficient for only one of the two plug-in units to have connecting elements in a rotationally symmetrical double arrangement. If the connecting elements of both plug-in units are provided in a rotationally symmetrical double arrangement, the connection between the plug-in units is redundant. In some embodiments, the second pneumatic connection element and the second electrical connection element are preferably arranged concentrically. In this case, the advantages described above over the concentric arrangement are also obtained. The second plug-in unit preferably features at least one second centrally arranged pneumatic connection element. As described above, a central connection element is independent of the rotation of the plug-in unit around its central axis. The docking system preferably features a capture mechanism for capturing the first plug-in unit. This capture mechanism allows the first plug-in unit to be captured during an automated connection operation so that it can be easily connected to the second plug-in unit. The capture mechanism preferably includes a capture funnel in which the second plug-in unit is arranged. A capture funnel is generally understood to be a device that guides the first plug-in unit to the second plug-in unit. Preferably, the capture funnel has an opening at one end that is larger than the circumference of the first plug-in unit. The second plug-in unit is arranged in a second, opposite end. Preferably, the capture mechanism can be extended, in particular adjusted in height, along with the second plug-in unit by means of a first pneumatic and / or hydraulic and / or electric actuator. As described above, the first plug-in unit is preferably fixed to the semi-trailer. To connect the two plug-in units, the plug-in unit can be moved by means of the actuator towards the first plug-in unit until the plug-in units are connected. The assembly consisting of the capture mechanism, the second plug-in unit, and the first plug-in unit can then be retracted. The first plug-in unit is released from the semi-trailer during this process. Retracting the assembly removes it from the semi-trailer, preventing damage during transport due to the semi-trailer's movements (particularly when cornering). Advantageously, after retraction, the entire assembly is positioned beneath a front edge of the semi-trailer. This further protects the first plug-in unit from damage. The first plug-in unit and / or the second plug-in unit preferably have at least one locking mechanism for detachably securing the plug-in units to each other. The locking mechanism ensures that the connection between the plug-in units does not separate during transport, for example, due to shocks. The locking mechanism is preferably magnetic and / or pneumatic and / or friction-fit and / or form-fit. The locking mechanisms can preferably be released automatically. This eliminates the need for manual manipulation of the locking mechanisms when parking a semi-trailer. Advantageously, at least a second actuator is provided for releasing the locking mechanisms. This second actuator, for example, in the form of an ejector, can separate the plug-in units, thereby also separating the locking mechanisms. Such an actuator can also be provided if there are no locking mechanisms. The objective of the invention is also achieved by means of an articulated truck-trailer according to the invention. The articulated truck-trailer comprises a tractor unit, a semi-trailer, and either a connection unit with the aforementioned characteristics or a connection system with the aforementioned characteristics. The semi-trailer has secondary pneumatic and electrical plug elements that are complementary to the primary plug elements of the connection unit. The connection kit can connect the tractor unit to the semi-trailer thanks to its complementary design. To do this, the plug elements of the connection kit are first coupled to the plug elements of the semi-trailer. Then, the connection elements of the first and second plug-in units are connected to each other. This establishes a pneumatic and electrical connection between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer. Before connecting the connecting elements, the first plug-in unit can be positioned in a predetermined location on the semi-trailer. The connection operation between the first and second plug-in units is then preferably carried out automatically, in particular by means of the coupling system. The tractor vehicle is preferably autonomous, in particular level 4 or 5 of the SAE J3016 standard of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The tractor unit preferably comprises a drive system, a control unit for operating the drive system, a communication unit for exchanging information with a traffic management system, and a location unit for tracking the tractor unit. This allows the articulated truck-trailer to be used within a traffic network, such as that of an airport, a logistics center, or a factory. In addition to a drive unit, such as an electric motor, the drive system preferably also includes a wheeled chassis, as well as steering and braking mechanisms. The first plug-in unit is preferably mounted to a front wall of the semi-trailer. This places the first plug-in unit close to the tractor unit, so the cable runs don't need to be very long. Mounting is preferably done using the mounting hardware. The first plug-in unit is preferably fixed to the front wall above a lower edge of the semi-trailer's front wall. This allows the coupling to be attached to the semi-trailer before the semi-trailer is coupled to the tractor unit. For example, the coupling can first be manually attached to the semi-trailer, and then a separate tractor unit can pick up the semi-trailer later. Positioning it above the lower edge is advantageous to prevent damage to the coupling unit during the coupling process. The first plug-in unit is preferably mounted on an edge or one of the front corners of the semi-trailer. Semi-trailers generally have standard dimensions, so mounting it on a front corner ensures that the position of the first plug-in unit is precisely defined. This precise positioning facilitates the automated connection of the first and second plug-in units. The holding force of the first plug-in unit's locking mechanism on the trailer is preferably greater than the locking forces of the first and second plug-in units. This allows the first and second plug-in units to connect automatically without requiring additional resistance during the connection process. The second plug-in unit preferably includes a second locator device, which interacts with the first locator device of the first plug-in unit. This allows the relative position of the second plug-in unit with respect to the first plug-in unit to be determined. This relative position can then be used to automate the connection operation. The invention will now be illustrated and described by way of example with the aid of figures. In this regard, they show Figure 1 schematically shows a connection device, Figure 2A shows a semi-trailer with connecting equipment according to Figure 1 in a side view, and Figure 2B shows the semi-trailer with the connecting equipment of Figure 2A in a front view. Figure 3 shows an articulated truck trailer during the coupling operation of the tractor unit and the semi-trailer in a side view. Figure 4 shows the articulated trailer-truck from Figure 3 with the plug-in units connected in a side view; Figure 5 shows the articulated trailer-truck from Figure 3 in a ready-to-run state. Figure 6 shows a semi-trailer with a connection unit arranged in a front corner, in a front view; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a first plug-in unit and a second complementary plug-in unit. Figure 8 a coupling system of a tractor vehicle in a partially sectional view, Figure 9 a semi-trailer according to a third embodiment in a perspective view, Figure 9A fragment A of Figure 9, Figure 10 shows a sectional and perspective view of one embodiment of a first plug-in unit; Figure 11 shows a first plug-in unit and a complementary second plug-in unit according to another embodiment in a side view; and Figure 12 shows a first plug-in unit in a top view according to another embodiment. Figure 1 shows a connection unit 10. The connection unit 10 has at a first end 11 a first pneumatic plug element 15 and a first electrical plug element 16. At a second end 12, which is arranged opposite the first end 11, the connection unit 10 has a first plug-in unit 20. The first plug-in unit 20 has pneumatic and electrical connection elements (not shown here). The first plug-in unit 20 is connected to the first pneumatic plug element 15 via a pneumatic line 13 and to the first electrical plug element 16 via an electrical line 14. Lines 13, 14 are spiral-shaped and therefore flexible. The semi-trailer 110 shown in Figure 2A is a conventional semi-trailer. The semi-trailer 110 has a kingpin 117 by means of which it can be coupled to a tractor vehicle (not shown here). The semi-trailer 110 also has two support jacks 116 (see Figure 2B). The support jacks 116 are used to support the semi-trailer 110 when it is not coupled to a tractor vehicle. On a front wall 114 of the semi-trailer, which can be seen in Figure 2B, the semi-trailer 110 features a second pneumatic plug element 111 and two second electrical plug elements 112. The first pneumatic plug element 15 of the connection equipment 10 is connected to the second pneumatic plug element 111 of the semi-trailer 110. The first electrical plug element 16 is connected to one of the second electrical plug elements 112. The first plug-in unit 20 is suspended from lines 13 and 14. The weight of the first plug-in unit 20 is such that it is positioned above a lower edge 115 of the semi-trailer 110. In this way, there is no risk of damage to the plug-in unit 20 from a tractor unit coupled to the semi-trailer. Figure 3 shows an intermediate stage of the coupling operation between the tractor vehicle 120 and the semi-trailer 110 of an articulated truck trailer 100. The tractor vehicle 120 has a liftable fifth wheel coupling 122. The kingpin 117 of the semi-trailer 110 is already mechanically connected to the liftable fifth wheel coupling 122. A connection kit 10 has been provided for the pneumatic and electrical connection of the semi-trailer 110 and the tractor vehicle 120. In addition, the tractor vehicle 120 has a coupling system 50. The coupling system 50 features a first actuator 56 in which a second plug-in unit 30 is arranged. The second plug-in unit 30 can be extended vertically (parallel to the y-axis of an orthogonal coordinate system) by means of the first actuator 56. The x-axis of the coordinate system extends in the direction of travel of the articulated truck-trailer when driven in a straight line, the y-axis extends in the direction of gravity, and the z-axis is horizontal. The first plug-in unit 20 of the connection equipment 10 is positioned above the lower edge 115 of the semi-trailer 110. To connect the first plug-in unit 20 and the second plug-in unit 30 to each other, the first actuator 56 is extended in the direction shown in Figure 4. In Figure 4, the first plug-in unit 20 and the second plug-in unit 30 are connected to each other. This establishes an electrical and a pneumatic connection between the semi-trailer 110 and the tractor unit 120. A control unit (not shown) of the tractor unit 120 can now, for example, release and actuate the brake of the semi-trailer 110 and control the vehicle lighting of the semi-trailer 110. The connection equipment 10 together with the coupling system 50 forms a connection system 70. To prevent damage to the coupling system 50, the first plug-in unit 20, the second plug-in unit 30, or other components during operation, the actuator 56 retracts after the first plug-in unit 20 and the second plug-in unit 30 are connected, as shown in Figure 5. In this way, the first plug-in unit 20 moves completely under the lower edge 115 of the semi-trailer 110. Figure 5 also shows that the semi-trailer 110 has been raised by means of the lifting fifth wheel coupling 122, so that the support jacks 116 are no longer in contact with the ground. The articulated truck trailer 100 is now ready for operation. To park the semi-trailer 110, the lifting fifth wheel coupling 122 is first moved downwards so that the outriggers 116 are resting on the ground again. Then, the first plug-in unit 20 and the second plug-in unit 30 are separated from each other. No movement of the actuator 56 is required for this. The separation of the separating units 20 and 30 can be performed manually or automatically. The tractor vehicle 120 can then perform another task. Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the connection equipment 10. The connection equipment 10 comprises a first pneumatic plug element 15 and two first electrical connection elements 16. The first pluggable unit 20 is connected to the plug elements 15, 16 by means of a pneumatic line 13 and two electrical lines 14. The first pluggable unit 20 is arranged in a front corner 118 of the semi-trailer 110. This arrangement of the first pluggable unit 20 simplifies the automation of the connection operation between the first and second pluggable units 20, 30. Specifically, the pluggable unit 20 is in a predetermined location and does not need to be located by the first pluggable unit 30 or by the coupling system 50 before the connection can be established. Figure 7 shows a first plug-in unit 20 and a second plug-in unit 30. The plug-in units 20, 30 are complementary to each other and, when used as intended, are connected to each other in such a way that their front sides 27, 37 are in contact with each other. The first plug-in unit 20 features a total of three first pneumatic connection elements 21, 21' and four first electrical connection elements 22. The connection elements 21, 21', 22 are grouped in a common housing 25. The first electrical connection elements 22, as well as two of the first pneumatic connection elements 21, are arranged in a rotationally symmetrical double arrangement around a first central axis M1. A centrally arranged first pneumatic connection element 21' is not present in duplicate. In the embodiment shown, the connecting elements 21, 21', 22 are shaped like female connectors. Therefore, they appear as cylindrical depressions starting from the first front side 27. The second plug-in unit 30 has a central shaft M2. When plug-in units 20 and 30 are connected together, the central shafts M1 and M2 overlap. A second pneumatic connection element 31' is centrally located on the central shaft M2. In addition, the second plug-in unit 30 has another second pneumatic connection element 31 and two second electrical connection elements 32. In the embodiment shown, the connecting elements 31, 32 are in the form of a male connector. Therefore, they appear as cylindrical projections extending from the second front side 37. Thanks to the double rotationally symmetric arrangement of the first plug-in unit 20, it is possible to connect the first plug-in unit 20 and the second plug-in unit 30 to each other in two different positions, rotated 180° relative to each other around the central axes M1, M2. The first plug-in unit 20 is parallelepiped-shaped and has two elongated outer sides 28. The first plug-in unit 20 is advantageously positioned in the semi-trailer 110 so that one of its outer sides 28 rests against the front wall 114 of the semi-trailer. This ensures a stable position for the first plug-in unit. Due to the rotationally symmetrical double arrangement, it is irrelevant which of the two outer sides 28 the first plug-in unit 20 rests against the semi-trailer 110. In both cases, a connection between the first plug-in unit 20 and the second plug-in unit 30 is easily achievable. Figure 8 shows an embodiment of the coupling system 50, which is arranged on a tractor vehicle 120. The coupling system 50 comprises a capture mechanism 52 with a capture funnel 54, a second plug-in unit 30, and a first actuator 56. The second plug-in unit 30 is arranged at the lower end of the capture funnel 54 and has a second pneumatic connection element 31 and two second electrical connection elements 32. The second plug-in unit 30 is connected by means of a pneumatic line 51 and an electrical line 53 to a control unit (not shown) of the tractor vehicle 120. Using the first actuator 56, the second plug-in unit 30 and the capture funnel 54 can be extended and retracted vertically. As described with reference to Figure 4, the movement of the second plug-in unit 30 allows it to connect to the first plug-in unit 20 (not shown here). The capture funnel 54 guides the first plug-in unit 20 to the second plug-in unit 30 during the connection operation. This ensures that the first plug-in unit 20 and the second plug-in unit 30 are correctly connected. Figures 9 and 9A show another embodiment of the connection equipment 10. The connection equipment 10 has a first pluggable unit 20, which is connected to the first pneumatic plug element 15 via a pneumatic line 13 and to a first electrical plug element 16 via an electrical line 14. The connection equipment 10 also has a fixing device 40. The fastening kit 40 has three flat side parts 42, which are arranged in each case at a right angle to the other two side parts 42, so that they form a common corner 45. In Figure 9A only two of the three side parts 42 are visible. The fixing device 40 is arranged in a front corner 118 of the front wall 114 of the semi-trailer 110. In each side part 42 there is a magnetic element 44, by means of which the fixing device 40 is fixed to the semi-trailer 110, which can be magnetized in the area of ​​its front corner 118. The first plug-in unit 20 is attached to the fastening device 40, for example, by a bolted or welded connection. After connecting the plug elements 15 and 16 to the semi-trailer 110, the fastening device 40, attached to the first plug-in unit 20, is positioned at the front corner 118 of the semi-trailer body. This gives the first plug-in unit a defined orientation within the semi-trailer 110. Thanks to the defined arrangement of the first plug-in unit 20, this embodiment of the connection equipment 10 also simplifies the automation of the connection operation between the first plug-in unit 20 and the second plug-in unit 30, since at the beginning of the connection operation the position of the first plug-in unit 20 is fixed and it is not necessary to determine it beforehand. The first plug-in unit 20 shown in Figure 10 has a cylindrical housing 25 with a central shaft M1. Two connection elements are provided in the housing 25: a centrally arranged first pneumatic connection element 21' and a first electrical connection element 22. The centrally arranged first pneumatic connection element 21' is a cylindrical female connector, and the first electrical connection element 22 is an annular groove. The connection elements 21' and 22 are arranged concentrically. A second complementary plug-in unit (not shown here) has secondary connection elements in the form of protrusions that engage with the first connection elements of the first plug-in unit 20 when the plug-in units are connected together. For connecting the pneumatic connection elements, at least one of the pneumatic connection elements may be provided with a sealing element. Figure 11 shows a first plug-in unit 20 with a complementary second plug-in unit 30. A pneumatic line 13 and two electrical lines 14 are connected to the first plug-in unit 20. A pneumatic line 51 and two electrical lines 53 are connected to the second plug-in unit 30. The second pluggable unit 30 features a locking means 60 that keeps the pluggable units 20, 30 together after coupling and prevents their immediate separation. In other embodiments, the locking means 60 may also be arranged on the first pluggable unit 20. In other embodiments, it is also possible for the individual components of the locking means 60 to be distributed between the pluggable units 20, 30. The locking means 60 has two locking hooks 61 which, in the state shown in Figure 11, engage by form pull behind the first plug-in unit 20. A locking spring 64 prevents the two locking hooks 61 from separating and releasing the form pull connection. Each locking hook 61 has a chamfer 65. The chamfers 65 cause the locking hooks 61 to separate when plug-in units 20 and 30 are coupled, allowing the first plug-in unit 20 to move between the locking hooks 61. Once the final position of the coupling operation, depicted in Figure 11, is reached, the locking spring 64 establishes the form pull connection. To automatically release the lock, a second actuator 62 is provided, which is connected to the two locking hooks 61. The second actuator 62 can be controlled via a control line 63. When the second actuator 62 is activated, the locking hooks 61 separate against the spring force of the locking spring 64, and the connection is released by form pull. The two plug-in units 20, 30 can then be separated, releasing their connection. The first plug-in unit 20 has a first location device 24, and the second plug-in unit 30 has a second location device 34. Of the location devices 24 and 34, one is preferably configured as a transmitter and the other as a receiver. The location devices 24 and 34 can be based, for example, on RFID, NFC, or Bluetooth Low Energy technology. The location devices 24 and 34 can be used to determine whether the plug-in units 20 and 30 are properly connected to each other. Figure 12 shows a further embodiment of a first plug-in unit 20. The first plug-in unit 20 has two first pneumatic connection elements 21 and two first electrical connection elements 22 arranged side-by-side in a row. The first plug-in unit 20 also has a housing 25 with an outer contour that is not rotationally symmetric. In the embodiment shown, the housing 25 has a pentagonal cross-section. In other embodiments, this cross-section may differ, although in each case it must be ensured that the cross-section is not rotationally symmetric. This prevents a second complementary plug-in unit 30 (not shown here) from being connected to the first plug-in unit 20 in two different ways. This prevents incorrect connection of the two plug-in units 20 and 30. List of references 10 Connection equipment 11 First end 12 Second end 13 Pneumatic line 14 Power line 15 First pneumatic plug element 16 First electrical plug element 20 First plug-in unit 21 First pneumatic connection element 21' First centrally arranged pneumatic connection element 22 First electrical connection element 24 First location team 25 Housing 27 First front side 28 Outer side 30 Second plug-in unit 31 Second pneumatic connection element 31' Second centrally arranged pneumatic connection element 32 Second electrical connection element 34 Second location team 37 Second front side 40 Fixing equipment 42 Side part 44 Magnetic element 45 Corner 50 Coupling system 51 Pneumatic line 52 Capture mechanism 53 Power line 54 Capture funnel 56 First actuator 60 Locking Medium 61 Locking hook 62 Second actuator 63 Control line 64 Locking spring 65 Bevel 70 Connection system 100 Articulated Trailer-Truck 110 Semi-trailer 111 Second pneumatic plug element 112 Second electrical plug element 114 Front wall 115 Bottom edge 116 Support Cat 117 Kingpin 118 Front Corner 120 Tractor vehicle 122 Lifting fifth wheel coupling M1 Central axis M2 Central axis

Claims

1. Connection equipment (10) for connecting electrical and pneumatic lines between a tractor vehicle (120) and a semi-trailer (110), having a first end (11), a second end (12) and at least two lines (13, 14) connecting the two ends (11, 12), the first end (11) having at least one first pneumatic plug element (15) and at least one first electrical plug element (16), and the second end (12) having a first plug-in unit (20) having at least one first pneumatic connection element (21) and at least one first electrical connection element (22), the first plug elements (15, 16) being complementary to the second pneumatic and electrical plug elements (111, 112) of the semi-trailer (110) and the first plug-in unit (20) being complementary to a second plug-in unit (30) of the tractor vehicle (120) , characterized in that the connection equipment also features,A fastening device (40) by means of which the first plug-in unit (20) can be fixed in a predetermined location to the trailer (110) to allow an automated connection operation between the first plug-in unit (20) and the second plug-in unit (30), the fastening device (40) being formed by several parts and having a first part and a second part, the first part being permanently affixed to the semi-trailer (110) and the second part being detachably connected to the first part, and in that the first plug-in unit (20) has a first locating device (24).

2. Connection device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first plug-in unit (20) has a non-rotational symmetric housing (25) or the first connecting elements (21,22) are provided at least partially in a rotationally symmetric double arrangement or the first pneumatic connecting element and the first electrical connecting element (21, 22) are arranged concentrically.

3. Connecting equipment (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fastening equipment (40) is at least partially arranged in the first plug-in unit (20).

4. Connecting equipment (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening equipment (40) is at least partially magnetic or has at least one magnetic element (44).

5. Connecting equipment (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening equipment (40) has two or three plate-shaped side parts (42) arranged at right angles to each other.

6. Connecting equipment (10) according to any of the preceding claims,characterized in that the first plug-in unit (20) has a common housing (25) for the first pneumatic and electrical connection elements, or the first plug-in unit (20) has a first housing for the first pneumatic connection elements (21) and a second housing for the first electrical connection elements (22), the housings being joined together.

7. Connection system (70) for an articulated truck trailer (100) with a connection assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims and with a coupling system (50) that can be mounted on a tractor vehicle (120) of the articulated truck trailer (100) with a second plug-in unit (30) that is configured in a complementary manner to the first plug-in unit (20) and that has at least a second pneumatic connection element (31) and at least a second electrical connection element (32).

8. Connection system (70) according to claim 7,characterized in that the second connecting elements (31, 32) are provided at least partially in a double rotationally symmetric arrangement or the second pneumatic connecting element and the second electrical connecting element (31, 32) are arranged concentrically.

9. Connecting system (70) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the coupling system (50) has a grasping mechanism (52) for grasping the first plug-in unit (20).

10. Connecting system (70) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the grasping mechanism (52) can be extended together with the second plug-in unit (30) by means of a first pneumatic and / or hydraulic and / or electric actuator (56).

11. Connecting system (70) according to any one of claims 7 to 10,characterized in that the first plug-in unit (20) and / or the second plug-in unit (30) have at least one locking means (60) for the detachable fastening of the plug-in units (20, 30) to each other.

12. Articulated truck trailer (100) with a tractor vehicle (120), a semi-trailer (110) and a connection set (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or a connection system (70) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, the semi-trailer (110) having second pneumatic and electrical plug elements (111, 112) that are complementary to the first plug elements (15, 16) of the connection set (10).

13. Articulated trailer-truck (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that the tractor vehicle (120) is autonomous and has a drive, a control unit for controlling the drive,A communication unit for exchanging information with a traffic management system and a location unit for locating the tractor vehicle (120).

14. An articulated truck trailer (100) according to claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the first plug-in unit (20) is fixed to a front wall (114) of the semi-trailer (110).

15. An articulated truck trailer (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the holding force of the fastening equipment (40) of the first plug-in unit (20) in the semi-trailer (110) is greater than the locking and release forces of the first and second plug-in units (20, 30).

16. Articulated trailer-truck (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the second plug-in unit (30) has a second locating device (34) that interacts with the first locating device (24) of the first plug-in unit (20).

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