Coupling device for supply line, in particular for conveying medium from saddle tractor to saddle semitrailer

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling device for a supply line, in particular for conveying a medium from a saddle tractor to a saddle semitrailer (11) or vice versa. The saddle tractor and the saddle semitrailer (11) can be coupled or decoupled by means of a coupling unit (10), which has a saddle coupling (15) on the saddle tractor and a bearing (22) with a master pin (21) on the saddle semitrailer (11). At least one coupling block (30, 31) is arranged on the lower side of each of the saddle coupling (15) and the master pin (21), said coupling block being provided with a plurality of plug elements (37, 38, 77, 78) for connecting the supply lines (33, 34, 35, 36). According to the invention, a rotational mechanism (20) is provided which is arranged in the support, to which at least one coupling block (30, 31) and a centering device (25) are fastened, which interacts with centering means on the saddle coupling (15) during coupling in such a way that the coupling blocks (30, 31) can be aligned relative to one another and thus can be connected. A supply line (35, 36) leading out of a coupling block (31) on the saddle-type semitrailer (11) is guided to a supply line (35, 36) arranged in the saddle-type semitrailer (11) through a connecting device (23, 24) in the rotating mechanism (20). A very compact construction is achieved by means of such a coupling device for the supply lines, in particular for exchanging the media, which enables automatic connection of the supply lines when coupling the saddle coupling to the kingpin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coupling device according to the preamble of claim 1, which is used for a supply pipeline, which is particularly used to transport a medium from a saddle tractor to a saddle semitrailer or vice versa, and the saddle tractor and the saddle semitrailer can be coupled or uncoupled by means of a coupling unit, which has a saddle coupling on the saddle tractor and a bearing with a king pin on the saddle semitrailer. Background Art

[0002] In a tractor, the semitrailer is coupled to the towing vehicle by means of a coupling. The coupling essentially comprises a coupling plate with a locking device on the towing vehicle and a so-called kingpin on the semitrailer. In addition, in particular electrical, pneumatic and / or hydraulic connections are coupled between the towing vehicle and the trailer. These connections are usually connected manually individually via flexible pipes. This is troublesome and time-consuming for the driver during the coupling and uncoupling process of the tractor.

[0003] Furthermore, it is known from the publication US-9085208 that a device is provided in particular for transferring electrical energy from the electrical system of a vehicle to the electrical system of a trailer. The trailer has a horizontally arranged slide plate with a centrally downwardly extending kingpin, wherein an annular electrical contactor is mounted on the lower surface of the slide plate, which is connected to the electrical system of the trailer. The saddle coupling comprises an elongated electrical contact element corresponding to the electrical contactor at the trailer, which is positioned at the front end of the support plate of the saddle coupling at the vehicle. The electrical contact element has a plurality of electrical contacts spaced apart from each other, which can be electrically connected to the on-board power grid of the vehicle on the one hand and to the contact of the contactor at the slide plate on the other hand. Such electrical coupling is achieved when the kingpin is inserted into the receiving opening of the saddle coupling and locked therein. A disadvantage in such systems is that the electrical contactors on the trailer and the contact elements with multiple contacts on the vehicle are poorly protected from weather influences and also when the vehicle is coupled or uncoupled from the trailer and in these cases can cause undesired damage which can lead to malfunctions. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to improve a coupling device for a supply line, which is used in particular for conveying a medium from a tractor to a semitrailer or vice versa, so that a reliable and in particular automated coupling or decoupling can be achieved using the coupling device with a robust design and adaptability to harsh operating conditions.

[0005] According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of claim 1 .

[0006] Preferably, coupling blocks are arranged on the underside of the saddle coupling and the kingpin, respectively, and these coupling blocks are respectively provided with preferably multiple plug elements for connecting the supply pipeline. At least one coupling block and a centering device are fastened to a rotating mechanism, which is arranged in the support of the saddle semi-trailer, and the centering device cooperates with the centering device at the saddle coupling during the connection so that the coupling blocks can be aligned relative to each other and thus can be connected. In addition, according to the present invention, the supply pipeline leading out of the coupling block at the saddle semi-trailer is guided to the supply pipeline arranged in the saddle semi-trailer through the connecting device in the rotating mechanism.

[0007] Particularly advantageously, the centering device is fastened below the rotary mechanism on the support element and the coupling block is fastened below the centering device, wherein the supply line is led from the coupling block through the centering device into the rotary mechanism and from the rotary mechanism into the semitrailer.

[0008] With this coupling device according to the invention for supply lines for exchanging media, in particular between a tractor and a semitrailer, a very compact design is achieved, which enables automatic connection of the supply lines when the coupling is coupled to the kingpin. The media to be conveyed are in particular electrical energy or electrical signals, pneumatic and / or hydraulic energy or signals, which are conducted from the tractor to the semitrailer or vice versa from the semitrailer to the tractor.

[0009] According to the invention, the rotary mechanism has at least one base element which can be fastened in the semitrailer and a slip ring assembly which is mounted in the base element and by means of which the supply line can be connected energetically to the semitrailer.

[0010] The pivoting mechanism enables a very safe and reliably operating connection of the supply line. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present invention and its further advantages are explained in detail below based on embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] in:

[0013] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a coupling unit for coupling or uncoupling a tractor with a semitrailer and a coupling device according to the invention for a supply line in a respective uncoupled state is shown;

[0014] Figure 2 A schematic cross section of a swivel mechanism with a kingpin is shown at the underside of a saddle-type semitrailer;

[0015] Figure 3 Shown in accordance with Figure 1 A top view with a partial section of a coupling block at a saddle-type semitrailer;

[0016] Figure 4 Shown according to Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the connection block together with the electrical plug element in the disconnected state;

[0017] Figure 5 shows the connection block together with the Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view of an electrical plug element in a connected state;

[0018] Figure 6 Shown according to Figure 1 A partial sectional view of a connection block together with a plug element for conveying a medium in a disconnected state;

[0019] Figure 7 shows the connection block together with the Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional view of the plug element in a connected state; and

[0020] Figure 8 Shows that according to Figure 1 A partial perspective top view with a partial cutaway view of a variant of an insulating plate of a rotating mechanism of a device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a coupling unit 10 for coupling or uncoupling a saddle tractor with a saddle semitrailer 11 is shown, the coupling unit having a saddle coupling 15 on the upper side of a wheel axle not shown in detail of the saddle tractor and a kingpin 21 on the lower side of the saddle semitrailer 11. Of course, the arrangement and construction of the coupling unit 10 can be designed differently according to the style or manufacturer of the saddle tractor and saddle semitrailer. The coupling unit is particularly used in road vehicles for transporting various types of goods, creatures, etc. or as a working machine. In principle, it can also involve rail vehicles.

[0022] The saddle coupling 15 is provided with an upper plate 16 fastened to the bracket 12 or the like, which has a conical slot opening 17 on the rear side. For coupling, the saddle tractor normally drives backwards under the saddle semitrailer 11, so that the saddle coupling 15 engages with its conical slot opening 17 in the axle-shaped kingpin 21 and until the end stop is moved into and locked in the slot opening 17. The support plate 22 of the saddle semitrailer 11, which is present on the lower side of the bottom wall 13 and surrounds the kingpin 21, rests on the upper support surface 16 'of the plate 16 of the saddle coupling 15 in the coupled state. Starting from this upper support surface 16 ', the plate 16 is preferably configured with an inclined portion 16 '' on the rear side, thereby compensating for tolerances during coupling and the plate 16 can be reliably guided under the support plate 22 of the saddle semitrailer 11.

[0023] A centering device 25 is arranged behind the kingpin 21 in a manner extending away from the kingpin 21 approximately radially below the support 22' of the saddle semitrailer 11. In the coupled state, the wedge-shaped centering means 26 extending at the front side of the centering device 25 wedge into the conical slot opening 17 of the saddle coupling 15 in such a way that these centering means are pushed onto the side 17' of the slot opening 17 in the plate 16 with their wedge surfaces 26' through spring mechanisms 56. The centering device 25 is supported on the support plate 22 in a manner that it can rotate around the rotation axis A of the kingpin 21 fastened to the saddle semitrailer 11, and is therefore always oriented along the driving direction of the saddle tractor by its longitudinal extension. These wedge-shaped centering means 26 and the spring mechanism 56 are respectively guided by guide elements 54 in the rod 57, and the supply lines 35, 36 are preferably guided through the guide elements in a protected manner. It is also possible to provide only guide elements and spring means, wherein the respective spring means are designed as helical springs, disc springs, leaf springs, etc. In the case of leaf springs, these can be placed in a similar manner instead of guide elements and wedges and introduced directly into this conical slot opening 17 of the coupling saddle 15 during coupling.

[0024] In addition, the coupling unit 10 is equipped with a coupling device for supply lines 33, 34, 35, 36, which are particularly used to transport a medium from a saddle tractor to a saddle semitrailer 11 or vice versa. The medium is electrical energy, pneumatic energy and / or hydraulic energy. Compressed air, oil, water and / or other media can be used here, which can be transported from one side to the other in a controlled manner by a drive device in the saddle tractor or in the saddle semitrailer 11, wherein the drive device is a battery, a generator, a hydraulic pump or a pneumatic pump, a pressure vessel or the like, and the supply lines 33, 34, 35, 36 are connected to it. Depending on the function, the supply or delivery of the medium can also be achieved by electrical signal transmission or by pneumatic or hydraulic control pulses.

[0025] According to the present invention, coupling blocks 30, 31 are arranged on the lower side of the saddle coupling 15 and the kingpin 21, respectively, and these coupling blocks are provided with preferably multiple plug elements 37, 38 for connecting supply lines 33, 34, 35, 36, wherein there is a rotating mechanism 20 arranged at the lower side of the saddle semitrailer 11, on which at least one coupling block 31 and the centering device 25 are fastened. During the coupling, the centering device 25 cooperates with the centering device 26 in the saddle coupling 15 so that the coupling blocks 30, 31 can be aligned with each other and thus their plug elements 37, 38, 77, 78 can be plugged into each other. It can therefore be achieved that the coupling blocks 30, 31 can be automatically coupled when the saddle tractor is coupled to the saddle semitrailer 11 or automatically uncoupled when the saddle tractor is separated from the saddle semitrailer.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the invention, supply lines 35 , 36 leading from the coupling block 31 in the semitrailer 11 are guided via connecting means 23 , 24 in the rotary mechanism 20 to supply lines 35 ′, 36 ′ arranged in the semitrailer 11 .

[0027] according to Figure 2 In the rotating mechanism 20, at least one basic element 27 fastened in the bottom wall 13 of the semitrailer 11 and a slip ring assembly 29 rotatably supported in the basic element are provided, the slip ring assembly having connecting means 23, 24, which connect the supply lines 33, 34, 35, 36 of the tractor to the supply lines leading to the load in the semitrailer 11 via the connection blocks 30, 31. An at least partially non-conductive insulating plate 28 with the slip ring assembly 29, a stabilizing plate 28' arranged below the insulating plate and a support plate 22 below are rotatably supported in the pot-shaped basic element 27 of the rotating mechanism 20. The insulating plate 28, the stabilizing plate 28' and the support plate 22 are rotationally connected to each other by at least one positioning element 32, for example by bolts. Furthermore, the insulating plate 28 together with the stabilizing plate 28' is pressed against the base element 27 by means of spring elements 39 held in the support plate 22, thereby ensuring a permanent seal between the base element 27 and the insulating plate 28. The respective spring elements 39 are designed as helical springs, disc springs, leaf springs or the like.

[0028] The insulating plate 28 is advantageously made of a material with good sliding properties, for example of plastic, such as PTFE or the like, so that it is permanently supported in the base element 27 with minimal sliding friction. The base element 27 is very advantageously coated, in particular with chrome, on its contact surface with the insulating plate 28, so that the sliding properties between them are permanently ensured. Furthermore, the base element 27 is made in one piece or from a plate and a ring, as in Figure 2 The cross section is shown on the right.

[0029] The support plate 22 is supported externally on a schematically shown support ring 41 in the base element 27 and centrally on a hub 42 of the kingpin 21 fastened to the base element 27. The supply lines 35, 36 are guided through transverse holes 19 in the support plate 22, which are sealed with a sealing material not shown in detail, so that the support plate 22 serves as a closing cover for the base element 27. Alternatively, the kingpin 21 can be fastened in the semitrailer and extend through the base element therein, or the kingpin can be screwed to the underside of a separate retaining element contained in the base element, wherein the retaining element is provided with a hub (42), but this is not shown in detail.

[0030] The slip ring assembly 29 with the connecting means 23, 24 preferably comprises: a plurality of annular grooves 44 arranged coaxially and spaced apart from each other; and a slip ring 43 having input-side connectors 45, 46 of the supply lines 35, 36 led out of the coupling block 31; and in addition, a connecting element 47 and a sliding contact 48 in the base element 27. These connecting elements 47 respectively form a passage from the annular groove 44 to the supply line 35', and the current is respectively guided to the supply line 36' through the conductive sliding contact 48 protected by the insulator 53, and from the supply line to the load in the saddle semitrailer 11 or vice versa. Annular grooves 44 are arranged on the inside and outside, respectively, and three slip rings 43 are arranged spaced apart from each other between the annular grooves. Of course, the number and arrangement of the annular grooves and slip rings of the slip ring assembly 29 can be changed according to the given conditions of the load or drive in the trailer. It is also possible to provide only one slip ring or annular groove in each case or only slip rings or annular grooves.

[0031] In addition, as pressure compensation devices, annular recesses 49 and at least one transverse hole 51 starting from the annular recess and passing through the basic element 27 are provided on both sides of the annular groove 44, by means of which it is possible to prevent pressure from building up between the insulating plate 28 and the basic element 27, especially in the event of a leakage, and to prevent a gap from forming between them, due to which the seal at the connecting device 23 would no longer be ensured.

[0032] The invention is therefore distinguished by the compact arrangement of the coupling device, wherein the rotary mechanism 20 on the support is provided with: a centering device 25 fastened below the rotary mechanism; a coupling block 31 below the centering device; and supply lines 35, 36 leading from the coupling block through the centering device 25 into the rotary mechanism 20 and from the rotary mechanism into the semitrailer 11. This slender construction is further facilitated by the extremely low construction height of the box-shaped coupling blocks 30, 31.

[0033] When the tractor is traveling, the centering device 25 of the coupling 15 is always oriented in the direction of travel. When the direction changes, the centering device 25 rotates the support plate 22 and the insulating plate 28 together with the slip ring 43 and the annular groove 44, while the connecting element 47 and the conductive sliding contact 48 on the base element 27 remain stationary. Therefore, the supply lines 35 ', 36 ' can be further advantageously fixedly installed in the semitrailer 11.

[0034] Figure 3 The coupling block 31 at the saddle-type semitrailer 11 is shown, wherein two housing parts 60, 61 are held in a manner that can be moved relative to each other by a guide element 68 having a centering tip 64 as a centering mechanism and a spring element 69 extending parallel to the guide element. This bolt-shaped guide element 68 is respectively held in the rear housing part 60 by a fastening element 71, while the front housing part 61 is positioned by a stop 64' behind the centering tip 64. At least one spring element 69 is arranged on both sides outside the plurality of plug elements 38, and guide elements 68 are arranged on the outside. They are arranged parallel to each other in one or more rows on a horizontal axial plane and thus can achieve such a very small structural height of the coupling device. Of course, the number and position of the plug elements, spring elements or guide elements can be selected differently according to requirements.

[0035] Such centering tips 64 are constructed in the guide element 68, which protrude relative to the housing part 61 and can be inserted into the centering openings 55 in the corresponding connecting block 30 at the saddle coupling 15 during connection, so that centering is achieved before the plug elements 37, 38, 77, 78 are connected. The pipes or hoses constructed as supply lines 23, 24 are connected to the latter on the rear side. The front side can include pivotable closure covers, which are not shown in detail, etc., which protect the plug elements 38, 77 in the uncoupled state. In addition, transversely arranged pressure springs 66 are respectively accommodated on both sides in the rear housing part 60, which can achieve a clearance of the connecting block 31 transverse to the axial direction of the guide element 68. Advantageously, a spring element 66' (according to Figure 1 ), so that deviations in the y direction and / or z direction can be compensated when the centering tip 64 is centered in the centering opening 55. Instead of these compression springs 66, 66', 69, other spring elements can also be used.

[0036] In the starting state, the housing parts 60 , 61 are held spaced apart from one another as shown. Figure 1, when coupling, the wedge surface 26' of the centering device 25 is first pushed to the side 17' of the gap opening 17. This allows the coupling blocks 30, 31 to be aligned relative to each other and then accurately positioned by the centering device. Thereafter, the housing 30' that moves backward by the coupling block 30 causes the front housing part to move toward the rear housing parts 60, 61 within a certain stroke range against the spring pressure of the spring element 69, so as to absorb the collision force acting on the housing part 61 when the saddle tractor travels backwards like a buffer. In addition, possible tolerances between the saddle coupling 15 and the saddle semitrailer 11 in the coupled state can be compensated.

[0037] Figure 4 and Figure 5 One of the electrical plug elements 38 contained in the housing parts 60, 61 and one of the plug elements 37 in the housing 30' of the further connection block 30 are shown. Preferably, the plug element 38 designed as a pin is held in the rear housing part 60 in an elastically movable manner. Advantageously, a sleeve 63 guided in the hole and a pressure spring 64 with a rear stop 67 are included in the hole 62 in the housing part 60, wherein the sleeve 63 is pushed up to the stop surface 62' in the hole 62 and the plug element 38 extending through the hole 62 and connected to the supply line 35 at the rear is fastened in the sleeve. In the front housing part 61, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 In the unplugged state of the connection block, the plug element 38 projects into the front housing part 61 that has been moved forward, in which it is enclosed in a sealing manner. In addition, the plug element 38 is provided with an insulating sheath 38 ′ located between the housing parts 60, 61. Thus, the plug elements 38 are protected from the outside in the unplugged state.

[0038] The corresponding corresponding plug element 37 in the housing 30' is composed of a metal sleeve 65, an insulating sheath 72 surrounding the sleeve, a locking bolt 73 located therein, and a spring 74 in the sleeve 65 that pushes the locking bolt into the opening 65'. The supply line 35 is connected to the sleeve at the rear side.

[0039] In accordance with Figure 5 When the housing 30 ′ of the other connection block 30 is pushed toward the housing part 61 for plugging, the plug element 38 is respectively moved out of the housing part and plugged into the corresponding sleeve 65 with the matching plug opening of the pushed housing, because the housing part 61 is moved toward the stationary housing part 60. In this process, the plug element 38 pushes the locking screw 73 located in the sleeve 65 into the rear position and can conduct current due to the contact with the sleeve.

[0040] It can also be seen that the plug element 38 held in the rear housing part 60 and the sleeve 63 in the hole 62 are pressed back against the compression spring 64 as a spring element. This allows compensation for tolerance differences of the connected connection pieces or for compensation in the event that the plug element becomes jammed when it cannot be inserted into the sleeve 65.

[0041] In contrast, during the decoupling, the housing 30 ′ is moved away from the housing part 61 and the housing part is moved in a direction in accordance with the spring element 69. Figure 4 It is pushed into a home position in which the plug element 38 again ensures a seal therein and the locking screw 73 closes the sleeve 65 via a further spring 74 .

[0042] Figure 6 and Figure 7 One of the plug elements 78 contained in the housing parts 60, 61 and one of the plug elements 77 in the housing 30' of the other connection block 30 are shown. These plug elements 77, 78 are connected to the housing parts 60, 61 according to Figure 4 and Figure 5 Plug elements 77 differ from plug elements 77 in that they are designed to allow a medium, such as air, gas, water or oil, to pass through. Only the differences with respect to the electrical plug elements 37, 38 are explained below. The plug element 77 extending through the two housing parts 60, 61 is designed as a small tube and is preferably held in an elastically movable manner in the rear housing part 60. A pressure spring 81 and a stop 82 for the pressure spring are contained in a hole 83 in the housing part 60, wherein the plug element 77 extending through the hole 83 and connected to the supply line 36 at the rear is guided therein.

[0043] In the front housing part 61, as Figure 6 As shown in the unplugged state of the connecting block, the plug element 77 projects into the front housing part 61 that has been moved forwards and is enclosed in the front housing part. Advantageously, the plug element 77 is closed at the front with a cover 77', but one or more lateral openings 77'' are provided here, which serve as ventilation holes for the supply line 36 in the unplugged state. Therefore, the plug element 77 is protected from the outside in the unplugged state. The corresponding corresponding plug element 78 in the through-hole 84 in the housing 30' is composed of a check valve 75 with a spring mechanism 79 and a connecting element 86, to which the supply line 36 is connected. In the unplugged state, the check valve 75 closes the through-hole 84, as shown in Figure 6 As can be seen in.

[0044] In accordance with Figure 7When the housing 30′ of the other connection block 30 is pushed toward the housing part 61 for plugging, the plug element 77 is respectively moved out of the housing part and plugged into the corresponding through-hole 84 of the pushed housing 30′, because the housing part 61 is moved toward the stationary housing part 60 of the connection block 31. In this process, the plug element 77 pushes the check valve 75 into the rear position in the through-hole 84 and thus forms a passage for the medium through the through-hole into the supply line 36.

[0045] During connection, the check valve 75 is pushed by the plug element 77 until it is pressed against the stop. Figure 7 As can be seen in . As a result, a reaction force is generated which acts on the plug element 77, which may cause a certain instability. Therefore, due to this instability, there is a certain mobility in the housing part 60 on the plug element 77 in the coupled state. There is almost no relative movement between the housing part 61, the housing 30 'and the plug element 77. Therefore, the annular seal 87 will not be worn unnecessarily. The same operating principle also applies to the electrical connection.

[0046] Figure 8 A variant of an insulating plate 90 with a slip ring 43 is shown, which replaces the insulating plate according to Figure 2 The insulating plate 28 can be inserted into or at the base element 27 of the rotating mechanism 20 in the form of a pot, plate or other shape. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used below for the same components as in the insulating plate 28 explained above. The insulating plate 90 is distinguished in that it is composed of a one-piece or multi-piece ring-shaped or other shaped base plate 95, which is provided with annular grooves 98, 99 and multi-piece insulating rings 93, 94 or sealing elements 91, 92 arranged in the annular grooves, which have a slip ring 43 received therein. The base plate 95 is advantageously made of a metal material, for example aluminum, and is pressed toward the base element 27 in the assembled state by the spring element 39 held in the support plate 22, so that a permanent seal is ensured between the base plate and the base element 27.

[0047] The multi-piece insulating rings 93, 94 are respectively coaxially embedded in the annular groove 99, and the slip rings 43 are respectively coaxially embedded in the insulating rings. These insulating rings 93, 94 are respectively composed of ring segments 96, 97 arranged with each other at a spacing a relative to each other in the base plate 95, and these ring segments are made of electrically insulating material, especially plastic. The purpose of the corresponding spacing a is to allow the expansion of the plastic material under the possible high temperature difference during operation to be fully stretched without bending or arching. However, in principle, these insulating rings 93, 94 can also be manufactured in one piece or in two pieces according to requirements.

[0048] Between these insulating rings 93, 94, a further annular groove 98 is provided in the base plate 95, which has sealing elements 91, 92 inserted therein, which are used to allow non-dielectrics to pass through. These sealing elements 91, 92 are designed in annular form, one of which extends along the inner wall 98' and the other along the stepped outer wall 98'' in the annular groove 98. These sealing elements are preferably designed in a V-shaped cross section and have outwardly protruding sealing lips 91', 92', which are pressed into the contact surface between the insulating plate 90 and the base element 27 in the assembled state, so as to achieve a permanent seal in the annular groove 98 as well.

[0049] Of course, the insulating plate 90 can also be designed differently from that shown. For example, three or more coaxially arranged slip rings 43 can be provided, as in the insulating plate 28, and more than one annular groove 98 can also be provided, for example, at least one annular groove can also be provided on the inside and outside relative to the slip ring. In theory, only one annular groove or only one annular groove with a pair of slip rings and sealing elements can also be provided.

[0050] The present invention is fully explained by the illustrated embodiments. Of course, the present invention can also be explained by other variants.

[0051] The coupling blocks 30, 31 in the tractor and / or in the semitrailer are supported elastically in the x-, y-, and z-directions and / or at their rotation angles relative to each other, so that dimensional deviations in position relative to each other formed when the tractor and the semitrailer are coupled can be compensated by the coupling blocks.

[0052] For the purpose of saving space, the plug elements of the coupling block are arranged next to one another and almost parallel in one row or, if necessary, in a plurality of rows below the support surface of the coupling or below the support part of the semitrailer.

[0053] As an alternative to being arranged below the coupling saddle and the support, the coupling blocks can in principle be arranged beside the coupling and the support and also on both sides thereof, which coupling blocks can be connected in pairs.

[0054] Of course, the swivel mechanism can also be designed in different ways. For example, there can be only one fixed insulating plate in the base element and a rotatable plate with slip ring contacts and connecting elements below the insulating plate, or the base element can be rotatably supported with the slip ring assembly located therein, wherein the sliding contacts and connecting elements must be held separately in the semitrailer.

[0055] The coupling blocks or their associated centering means can also be arranged in reverse, that is, those coupling blocks or their associated centering means on the coupling can be arranged on the support part, and the corresponding coupling blocks or their associated centering means can be arranged on the coupling.

[0056] Furthermore, the plug elements can be arranged in a simplified manner in the connection block, for example by dispensing with such elastic bearings, and they can be fixedly fastened in the corresponding housing parts.

[0057] For the purpose of saving space, the plug elements of the coupling block are arranged next to one another and almost parallel in one row or, if necessary, in a plurality of rows below the support surface of the coupling or below the support part of the semitrailer.

[0058] The plug elements 77 in the housing 60 for passing a medium such as air, gas, water or oil can additionally each comprise a nonreturn valve, whereby in the uncoupled state a reliable seal is provided against the medium at the pressure prevailing in the line 36 .

Claims

1. A coupling device for a supply pipeline, which is particularly used to convey a medium from a tractor to a semitrailer (11) or vice versa, wherein the tractor and the semitrailer can be coupled or uncoupled by means of a coupling unit (10), the coupling unit having a saddle coupling (15) on the tractor and a bearing (22') on the semitrailer (11), the bearing having a kingpin (21), characterized in that At least one coupling block (30, 31) is arranged on the underside and / or beside the saddle coupling (15) and the kingpin (21), each of which is provided with preferably a plurality of plug elements (37, 38, 77, 78) for connecting the supply lines (33, 34, 35, 36), wherein a rotating mechanism (20) is present, which is arranged in the support (22') and to which the at least one coupling block (30, 31) and the centering device (25) are fastened. The centering device at the rotating mechanism and the centering device at the saddle coupling (15) act together during coupling so that the coupling blocks (30, 31) can be aligned relative to each other and can thus be connected, wherein the supply lines (35, 36) leading from the coupling blocks (31) at the saddle semitrailer (11) are guided via the connecting devices (23, 24) in the rotating mechanism (20) to the supply lines (35', 36') arranged in the saddle semitrailer (11).

2. The coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The centering device (25) is fastened below the rotating mechanism (20) at the support (22'), and the connecting block (31) is fastened below the centering device, wherein the supply pipeline (35, 36) is guided from the connecting block (31) through the centering device (25) into the rotating mechanism (20), and from the rotating mechanism into the saddle semitrailer (11).

3. The coupling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The rotating mechanism (20) has at least one basic element (27) fastened in the semitrailer (11) and a slip ring assembly (29) supported in the basic element as a connecting device (23, 24), which connects the supply pipeline of the semitrailer (11) to the supply pipeline (33, 34, 35, 36) in the semitrailer (11) in terms of energy.

4. The coupling device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The slip ring assembly (29) preferably comprises a plurality of coaxially spaced-apart slip rings (43) and / or annular grooves (44), the annular grooves having input-side connections (45, 46) having supply lines (35, 36) leading from the connecting block (31), and a sliding contact (48) and / or a connecting element (47) associated with the basic element (27), the sliding contact and / or the connecting element being in contact with the slip rings (43) or the annular grooves (44), and the supply lines (35, 36) in the semitrailer (11) being connected to the sliding contact and / or the connecting element.

5. The coupling device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: In a fixed base element (27) of the rotating mechanism (20), an at least partially electrically non-conductive insulating plate (28, 90) with the slip ring assembly (29), a stabilizing plate or base plate (28', 95) and a lower support plate (22) are rotatably supported with at least one spring mechanism (39) therebetween, the two plates extending coaxially with one another and having a main pin (21) arranged in their center and fastened to the base element (27).

6. The coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The centering device (25) is mounted on a support plate (22) having the support member (22'), the saddle coupling (15) having a slot opening (17) for the main pin (21) in the plate member (16), the centering device and the saddle coupling each being constructed with a wedge-shaped centering device (26), by means of which the centering device (25) is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the slot opening (17) during connection and can be positioned according to its position by rotation adjustment around the main pin (21), wherein the support plate (22) and therefore the insulating plate (28) together with the slip ring assembly (29) rotate with the centering device (25), while the sliding contact portion (48) on the basic element (27) and the connecting element (47) remain stationary.

7. The coupling device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The wedge-shaped centering device (26) of the centering device (25) is formed by two front wedge pieces, which can be adjusted radially in the direction of rotation by at least one guide element (54) and pushed into the front end position by at least one spring mechanism (56), and the slot opening (17) of the saddle coupling (15) is constructed with a corresponding wedge surface (26') on the input side. In the connected state where the main pin (21) is stopped at the end side in the slot opening (17), the wedge piece is pressed against the wedge surface by the pressing of at least one spring mechanism (56), so that the centering device (25) is positioned in the saddle coupling (15) in a non-rotatable manner.

8. The coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The connection blocks (30, 31) each have a housing (30') or a housing part (60, 61) having preferably a plurality of plug elements (37, 38, 77, 78) located therein, which are used to connect the supply lines (33, 34, 35, 36), wherein the corresponding connection blocks (30, 31) are each provided with at least one centering device which temporarily causes the plug elements to be centered during the plug-in process and to be subsequently plugged in.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that The housing parts (60, 61) of the connecting block (31) are held in a manner movable relative to one another by at least one guide element (68) and at least one spring element (69) extending parallel to the guide element, wherein the at least one guide element (68) is respectively fastened in the rear housing part (60) and the front housing part (61) is moved forwards in an unplugged state until a stop (64').

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that When the connection blocks (30, 31) are plugged together, the front housing part (61) can be pushed by the housing (30') of the other connection block (30) toward the rear housing part (60) at least into a connection position.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The elongated plug elements (38) held in the rear housing part (60) are sealingly surrounded by the front housing part (61) pushed forward in the unplugged state of the connecting block, and when plugged in, these plug elements are moved out of the housing part (61) by pushing the other connecting block (30) and plugged into the matching plug opening of the pushed connecting block (30).

12. The device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that An elongated plug element (38, 77) held in the rear housing part (60) is pressed toward a front stop surface by means of a spring element and can be moved rearwards against the spring force with a stroke in its longitudinal direction during connection, thereby compensating for possible tolerances or blockages.

13. The device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that The elongated plug elements (38, 77) held in the rear housing part (60) are respectively constructed as conductive metal pins or as small tubes for passing media such as gas, air, water or oil, while the corresponding plug openings in the other connecting block (30) are integrated as conductive sleeves (65) for accommodating the metal pins almost without gaps or as check valves (75) for passing the corresponding media.

14. The device according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that The centering means are preferably configured as two centering tips (64) on the guide element (68) of the connection piece (31), which can be inserted into centering openings (55) on the corresponding connection piece (30) during connection, so that such centering is achieved before the plug elements (37, 38, 77, 78) are connected.

15. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that The coupling blocks (30, 31) on the semitrailer (11) and / or on the tractor are supported elastically in the x-direction, the y-direction, the z-direction and / or at their rotation angle relative to each other, thereby being able to compensate for dimensional deviations of the coupling position generated between the tractor and the semitrailer during coupling by means of the coupling blocks.

16. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that The medium to be conveyed is, in particular, electrical energy or electrical signals, pneumatic and / or hydraulic energy or signals, which are conducted from the tractor to the semitrailer (11) or vice versa.

17. A rotation mechanism, preferably used for a coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that: The rotating mechanism (20) has at least one basic element (27) which can be fastened in a semitrailer (11) and a slip ring assembly (29) supported in the basic element, via which a supply line (35, 36) can be connected energetically to a load in the semitrailer (11).

18. The rotating mechanism according to claim 17, characterized in that: The slip ring assembly (29) comprises a plurality of slip rings (43) and / or annular grooves (44) which are preferably coaxially arranged and spaced apart from each other, the annular grooves having input-side connections (45, 46) with supply lines (35, 36), and a sliding contact (48) and a connecting element (47) associated with the basic element (27), which are in contact with the slip rings (43) or the annular grooves (44), and to which supply lines (35, 36, 35', 36') in the semitrailer (11) are connected.

19. The rotating mechanism according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that: The insulating plate (90) can be inserted into or on a pot-shaped, plate-shaped or other shaped basic element (27), which is composed of a one-piece or multi-piece ring-shaped or other shaped base plate (95), which is provided with preferably multiple annular grooves (98, 99), one-piece or multi-piece insulating rings (93, 94) arranged in the annular grooves and / or sealing elements (91, 92) arranged in the annular grooves (98, 99), and the insulating rings have slip rings (43) respectively received therein.

20. The rotating mechanism according to claim 19, characterized in that: The base plate (95) of the insulating plate (90) is made of metal, and the insulating rings (93, 94) in the base plate are respectively composed of ring segments (96, 97) arranged in relation to each other at a distance (a) from each other.

21. The rotating mechanism according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that: Of the sealing elements (91, 92) in the base plate (95), one sealing element extends along an inner wall in the annular groove (98) and the other sealing element extends along an outer wall (98', 98'') in the annular groove, and the sealing elements are each provided with an outwardly protruding sealing lip (91', 92') which is pressed in until the mutual contact surfaces of the insulating plate (90) and the base element (27) in the assembled state.

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