Semi-trailer traction train with traction seat coupler with external force operated locking mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a semitrailer traction train comprising a tractor (10) and a semitrailer (12) with a kingpin, the tractor (10) having a traction seat coupling (14), the traction seat coupling (14) has a traction seat coupling plate (15), a locking mechanism for the kingpin, an actuating mechanism for actuating the locking mechanism, and a cylinder-piston device (16) acting on the actuating mechanism for moving the actuating mechanism, the traction vehicle (10) having a compressed air supply line (18), the cylinder-piston device (16) can be directly connected to a compressed air supply line (18) of the tractor (10) by means of a quick coupling consisting of a first coupling element and a mating second coupling element, the semitrailer (12) having a brake system and a compressed air system for supplying the brake system, the cylinder-piston arrangement (16) and the compressed air system of the semitrailer (12) are assigned first coupling elements (22, 24) of the same structure, and the compressed air supply line (18) is assigned a mating second coupling element (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a semitrailer traction train comprising a tractor and a semitrailer with a kingpin, wherein the tractor has a fifth wheel coupling, wherein the fifth wheel coupling has a fifth wheel coupling plate, a locking mechanism for the kingpin, an actuating mechanism for operating the locking mechanism and a cylinder-piston arrangement acting on the actuating mechanism for moving the actuating mechanism, wherein the tractor has a compressed air supply line and wherein the cylinder-piston arrangement can be directly connected to the compressed air supply line of the tractor via a quick coupling. Background Art

[0002] As is known, the fifth wheel coupling plate has an access opening into which the kingpin of the semitrailer can be inserted and locked in its end position in order to form a mechanical connection for towing the semitrailer. For locking, in known embodiments of the fifth wheel coupling, a locking hook which is mounted so as to be rotatable about a bearing pin is arranged below the fifth wheel coupling plate, which locking hook is rotated about the bearing pin against the force of a tension spring into the access opening when engaging with the kingpin. In addition, a substantially translationally movable locking latch is arranged below the fifth wheel coupling plate, which then secures the locking hook in its locked position against rotation back, thus keeping it closed and locking the kingpin. In the open position of the locking latch, the locking latch releases the locking hook, which rotates about the bearing pin and releases the access opening when the kingpin is disengaged. In this embodiment, the locking hook and the locking latch together form a "locking mechanism" in the sense of the content of the present invention.

[0003] Furthermore, embodiments are known, for example, from documents DE 94 01 718 U1 and CH 675 989 A5, in which the locking bolt is moved by means of a one-sided lever hinged thereto. A tension element is hinged at the free end of the lever, via which the torque is introduced into the lever. In this embodiment, the lever and the tension element together form an "actuating mechanism" in the sense of the content of the invention. In this case, the cylinder-piston arrangement can act on the tension element or can act directly on the lever to move the locking bolt. Here, the cylinder-piston arrangement acts in the direction of the open position of the locking bolt, so that the locking mechanism is opened only under pressure. If there is no pressure, the coupling between the kingpin and the fifth wheel coupling is firmly locked and cannot be accidentally released.

[0004] Document EP 1 162 090 B1 relates to a pressure fluid controller for such a cylinder-piston arrangement, in which a pressure fluid supply line is permanently connected to a pressure fluid source and has a shut-off valve which can be adjusted between an open position and a shut-off position under the influence of a control medium.

[0005] The actuation mechanism in the sense of the invention is not limited to this embodiment with a tension element and a rod. The locking mechanism is also not limited to the above-described embodiment with a locking hook and a locking bolt.

[0006] In this article, the locking mechanism to be opened by the cylinder-piston arrangement is also referred to as "external force operation". The actuating mechanism usually also has a manual override. As is known, they are usually designed as a handle arranged on the tensioning element, which allows manual movement of the actuating mechanism or the tensioning element and thus also allows the locking mechanism or the locking bolt to be moved from the locked position into its open position by a pulling movement that overcomes the spring force. In the case of a cylinder-piston arrangement, the manual override can serve as a redundant actuation option if, for example, it fails.

[0007] As is known, a cylinder-piston arrangement is connected to a compressed air source of the tractor vehicle. The compressed air supply is controlled by the operator, for example from the cab of the tractor vehicle, via a valve arrangement that can be actuated electromagnetically, for example. For safety reasons, high requirements must be placed on the components used in order to avoid malfunctions. Some components must be performed twice to ensure their functionality. This applies in particular to valves, in order to prevent accidental opening of the locking mechanism with the highest possible safety in the event of a leak or malfunction of the valve. In addition, it must be ensured that the actuating unit of the valve cannot be operated accidentally, incorrectly or without authorization. Such safety precautions against manipulation of the locking mechanism by external forces therefore significantly increase the costs of the fifth wheel coupling. Summary of the invention

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fifth wheel coupling for a semitrailer traction vehicle having a low-cost external force-operated locking mechanism.

[0009] In a semitrailer traction train having a tractor and a semitrailer of the above type, the object is achieved in that the quick coupler consists of a first coupling element and a matching second coupling element, wherein the semitrailer has a brake system and a compressed air system for supplying the brake system, wherein the cylinder-piston arrangement and the compressed air system of the semitrailer are assigned the first coupling element, and the compressed air supply line is assigned the matching second coupling element. In this way, the compressed air supply line can be optionally connected to the compressed air system of the semitrailer in driving operation or to the cylinder-piston arrangement of the fifth wheel coupling in coupling operation.

[0010] In this context, a quick connector is understood to be a media line connector consisting of a first coupling element and a matching second coupling element. The first and second coupling elements form a coupling pair and can be formed, for example, by a plug, a socket, a coupling head, a sleeve or a plug connector. A quick connector is therefore understood to be any connection between two media lines that can be repeatedly disconnected and connected without the use of tools.

[0011] In this context, "directly" means without the need for inserting a valve. The quick coupling thus functionally replaces the valve arrangement. For example, if the plug and socket are manually inserted into one another, compressed air is applied to the cylinder-piston arrangement. Thus, accidental operation is avoided in a simple manner.

[0012] The invention advantageously utilizes the fact that the tractor vehicle is already provided with a compressed air supply line (e.g. a compressed air hose) for connection to the compressed air system of the semitrailer, for example for supplying the brake system. This connection is usually already established by means of a quick coupler. Since such a connection is not required when the semitrailer tractor vehicle (tractor vehicle with semitrailer) is at a standstill, the driver can remove the compressed air supply line from the semitrailer and connect it to the cylinder-piston device. Therefore, in the semitrailer tractor vehicle, it is advantageous if the coupling element of the quick coupler assigned to the cylinder-piston device is structurally identical to the coupling element connected to the compressed air system of the semitrailer. The manual transfer ensures that the locking mechanism can only be opened when the semitrailer tractor vehicle is at a standstill, so that it is impossible to accidentally open the locking mechanism during driving due to accidental or erroneous operation. As a result, unauthorized operation is also made more difficult.

[0013] Another advantage of this method is that the semitrailer is automatically braked by disconnecting the compressed air supply line to the tractor and cannot roll during the coupling. Typically, semitrailers have a spring energy storage system that can only be opened and kept open by applying pressure that overcomes the spring force.

[0014] Particularly preferably, the fifth wheel coupling has a first coupling element of a quick coupling, which is pneumatically connected to the cylinder-piston arrangement via a pipe, without the need for intervening valves. Optionally, the first coupling element is a plug or a socket, a so-called coupling head, a sleeve, a plug connection, etc. A matching second coupling element (i.e. a socket matching therewith, a plug matching therewith, a coupling head, a plug connection, a sleeve, etc.) is assigned to the compressed air supply line of the tractor vehicle.

[0015] The pipe piece enables the first coupling element assigned to the fifth wheel coupling to be positioned at a freely selectable position of the tractor. The pipe piece can also be arranged together with the first coupling element directly in or on the housing of the cylinder-piston arrangement.

[0016] Advantageously, the first coupling element is fastened directly to the fifth wheel coupling, or directly or indirectly to a frame portion of the tractor, preferably in the vicinity of the fifth wheel coupling.

[0017] The first positioning method allows a compact arrangement and requires only short pipes. At the same time, the assignment of the first coupling element to the locking mechanism is also clearer. The second positioning method enables easier access for the operator. As an indirect fastening to the frame part of the tractor, for example, a fixing plate or an auxiliary frame can be provided.

[0018] Furthermore, the fifth wheel coupling preferably includes a locking sensor configured to output a locking signal when the locking mechanism is properly locked.

[0019] As described above, the compressed air supply line, preferably also with a spiral hose, can be connected on the one hand to the compressed air system of the semitrailer, which is used, for example, to supply the brake system during driving operation, or on the other hand to the cylinder-piston arrangement of the fifth wheel coupling, which is used to open the locking mechanism during coupling operation. In this way, it is impossible to accidentally open the locking mechanism during driving operation.

[0020] If the fifth wheel coupling comprises a locking sensor, the tractor also advantageously has a display device which is connected or connectable to the locking sensor in a wired or wireless manner and which is configured to display the locking signal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Other details of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 The semi-trailer tractor unit is shown in a state ready to travel.

[0023] Figure 2 A semitrailer tractor unit is shown with a transfer compressed air connection for opening the locking mechanism.

[0024] Figure 3 The semi-trailer tractor unit is shown ready to be uncoupled.

[0025] Figure 4 The semitrailer-tractor combination is shown with the tractor disengaged.

[0026] Figure 5 The tractor-trailer combination is shown with the tractor-trailer coupled again. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The semi-trailer traction train is composed of a tractor 10 and a semi-trailer 12. Figure 1In the drawing, a tractor 10 and a semitrailer 12 are coupled to each other in preparation for travel. The semitrailer has its floor 13 placed on the fifth wheel coupling 14 of the tractor 10, wherein the kingpin (not shown) is locked in the end position of the access opening of the fifth wheel coupling plate. The locking is performed pneumatically by means of a cylinder-piston device 16, which is arranged below the fifth wheel coupling plate 15.

[0028] The tractor 10 has a compressed air supply, to which a compressed air supply line 18 is connected via an output-side compressed air terminal 16 on the rear of the cab. Such a compressed air supply line usually has a spiral hose. At the free end of the compressed air supply line 18, a second coupling element 20, for example in the form of a plug, a socket, a coupling head, a sleeve or a plug-in connector is arranged, which, in the ready-to-drive state of the semitrailer tractor shown here, is connected to a first coupling element 22 of the semitrailer 12 that matches it. The first coupling element 22 of the semitrailer is in turn connected to a compressed air system for supplying the brake system of the semitrailer 12. In this way, in driving operation, the brake system of the semitrailer 12 is actuated by a compressed air controller in the tractor 10.

[0029] If the tractor 10 is to be uncoupled from the semitrailer 12, the connection between the second coupling element 20 of the compressed air supply line 18 and the first coupling element 22 of the semitrailer 12 is first manually disconnected and then the second coupling element 20 of the compressed air supply line 18 is manually connected to the first coupling element 24 of the fifth wheel coupling 14, which is fastened, for example, to a frame part of the tractor 10. By disconnecting the compressed air supply line 18, the semitrailer will be automatically braked and cannot roll during the entire uncoupling period. The first coupling element 24 of the fifth wheel coupling 14 and the first coupling element 22 of the semitrailer 12 are identical in structure, so that it is not necessary to provide a separate connecting hose with another coupling element for the compressed air supply of the tractor 10 for the selective connection to the locking mechanism of the semitrailer 12 and the fifth wheel coupling 14.

[0030] The first coupling element 24 on the tractor 10 is fixedly connected to the cylinder-piston arrangement 16 via a pipe 26. Therefore, there is no switchable valve between the output-side compressed air terminal 17 on the tractor 10 and the cylinder-piston arrangement 16 on the fifth wheel coupling 14. The compressed air supply can be interrupted only by removing the second coupling element 20 from the first coupling element 24. Figure 2 In the state shown, compressed air is applied to the cylinder-piston device 16, whereby the cylinder-piston device 16 opens the locking mechanism of the kingpin via the actuating mechanism. The semitrailer traction train is now ready for uncoupling.

[0031] Before the tractor 10 is driven off the semitrailer 12, the second coupling element 20 on the compressed air supply line 18 can first still be removed from the first coupling element 24 of the fifth wheel coupling 14, since for safety reasons the locking mechanism remains open immediately after opening even if the cylinder-piston device 16 is not pressurized. The locking mechanism is then in the so-called ready position, in which the actuating mechanism is mechanically retained. The second coupling element 20 shown here is located in a parking position directly behind the cab of the tractor 10, in which it is secured by a suitable retainer and the compressed air supply line 18 is safely stowed. After these preparatory works, the tractor 10 can be driven off the semitrailer 12. The process is as follows Figure 4 shown.

[0032] For re-coupling, the tractor 10 only needs to be driven back to the semitrailer 12 again so that the kingpin is placed in the end position of the fifth wheel coupling plate, whereby the locking mechanism (not shown) closes by spring force and mechanically securely locks the kingpin. In order to make the semitrailer tractor ready to drive again thereafter, the second coupling element 20 on the compressed air supply line 18 is connected again to the first coupling element 22 of the semitrailer 12, so that the coupling is achieved again. Figure 1 The initial state.

[0033] As Figure 4 As an alternative to the variant shown, the locking mechanism may be provided during the drive-away period (e.g. Figure 2 However, even so, the second coupling element 20 on the compressed air supply line 18 must be separated from the first coupling element 24 at the latest when the semitrailer 12 is coupled again, so that the locking mechanism can be closed.

[0034] The individual steps for coupling and uncoupling are outlined again below:

[0035] Step 1: remove the first coupling element 20 from the second coupling element 22 of the semi-trailer 12, and insert the first coupling element 20 into or connect with the second coupling element 24 of the fifth wheel coupling 14, and the locking mechanism of the fifth wheel coupling 14 is opened;

[0036] Step 2: removing the first coupling element 20 from the second coupling element 24 of the fifth wheel coupling 14 and parking the first coupling element 20 in its parking position, the tractor 10 can be driven away; and

[0037] Step 3: After the tractor 10 has been coupled again, the first coupling element 20 is connected to the second coupling element 22 of the semitrailer 12 .

[0038] These steps 1 to 3 are done manually and therefore do not require safety-related valve control. The implementation of these processes is therefore user-friendly and cost-effective.

[0039] Reference numerals list

[0040] 10 Tractor

[0041] 12 Semi-trailer

[0042] 13 Bottom plate

[0043] 14 Fifth wheel coupling

[0044] 15 traction seat connecting plate

[0045] 16 Cylinder-piston device

[0046] 17 Compressed air terminal

[0047] 18 Compressed air supply line

[0048] 20 Second connecting element

[0049] 22 The first coupling element of the semi-trailer

[0050] 24 First coupling element of the fifth wheel coupling

[0051] 26 Pipe fittings

Claims

1. A semitrailer traction train comprising a tractor (10) and a semitrailer (12) having a kingpin, in, The tractor (10) has a fifth wheel coupling (14), wherein the fifth wheel coupling (14) has a fifth wheel coupling plate (15), a locking mechanism for the kingpin, an actuating mechanism for operating the locking mechanism, and a cylinder-piston arrangement (16) acting on the actuating mechanism for moving the actuating mechanism, wherein the tractor (10) has a compressed air supply line (18), wherein the cylinder-piston device (16) can be directly connected to the compressed air supply line (18) of the tractor (10) via a quick coupling, The quick connector is composed of a first connecting element and a matching second connecting element. The semitrailer (12) has a brake system and a compressed air system for supplying the brake system. The cylinder-piston device (16) and the compressed air system of the semitrailer (12) are assigned the first coupling elements (22, 24) of the same structure, and the compressed air supply line (18) is assigned the matching second coupling element (20).

2. The semi-trailer traction train according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fifth wheel coupling (14) has the first coupling element (24) of the quick coupling, which is pneumatically connected to the cylinder-piston device (16) via a pipe (26) without the need for intervening valves.

3. The semi-trailer traction train according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first coupling element (24) is fastened directly to the fifth wheel coupling (14), or directly or indirectly to a frame portion of the tractor (10), preferably in the vicinity of the fifth wheel coupling (14).

4. The semitrailer traction train according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The fifth wheel coupling (14) includes a lock sensor configured to output a signal when the locking mechanism is properly closed.

5. The semi-trailer traction train according to claim 4, characterized in that: The tractor (10) comprises a display device which is connected or connectable to the locking sensor in a wired or wireless manner and is configured to display the signal.

Images