Wear ring and locking hook for semitrailer coupling lock of semitrailer coupling of traction unit of semitrailer truck

Abstract

The invention relates to a wear ring (1) or a locking hook (2) for a semitrailer coupling lock (1, 2) of a semitrailer coupling of a traction unit of a semitrailer truck, said wear ring or locking hook extending substantially around a longitudinal axis (X). The wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2) is characterized by having at least one wear detection member (3) oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) and arranged in the wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2), in this way, the wear of the wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2) can be detected optically and / or by a sensor perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wear ring and a locking hook of a semitrailer coupling lock for a semitrailer coupling of a traction unit of a semitrailer truck according to the preamble of claim 1, a semitrailer coupling lock having such a wear ring and / or such a locking hook according to claim 12, a semitrailer coupling having such a semitrailer coupling lock according to claim 13, a traction unit having such a semitrailer coupling according to claim 14, and a semitrailer truck having such a traction unit according to claim 15. Background Art

[0002] Nowadays, various types of motor vehicles are used as road vehicles for transporting goods, including semi-trailer trucks, which are also colloquially referred to as semi-trailers.

[0003] A semi-trailer truck is a combination of a tractor unit (which may also be referred to as a semi-trailer truck) and a semi-trailer (which may also be referred to as a semi-trailer or trailer). The tractor unit is a short truck without a loading area, the frame or chassis of which instead has a semi-trailer coupling to accommodate the corresponding attachment of the semi-trailer. A semi-trailer is a relatively long trailer without a front axle, the front area of ​​which, viewed in the direction of travel, is located from above on the semi-trailer coupling of the frame of the tractor unit and is rotatably held in place by the semi-trailer coupling. In the direction of traction, travel or movement, the tractor unit may also be referred to as the front vehicle, and in the direction of traction, travel, driving or movement, the semi-trailer may also be referred to as the rear vehicle. A semi-trailer truck may also be referred to as a vehicle combination.

[0004] The rotational connection between the traction unit and the semitrailer can be achieved by means of a bolt, which is called a semitrailer pin, kingpin or king bolt, as a fastener for the semitrailer, which is held by the semitrailer coupling. For this purpose, a cylindrical and rotationally symmetrical semitrailer pin is fixed in the front region of the frame and points downwards. The semitrailer coupling consists of a plate with a built-in locking mechanism, on which the semitrailer rests and into which the semitrailer pin of the semitrailer is coupled. This means that the semitrailer is rotatably but firmly connected to the traction unit.

[0005] The locking mechanism can also be referred to as a trailer coupling lock and has a C-shaped wear ring which is fixedly but replaceably mounted on the trailer coupling plate and is designed and arranged to have an inner space or receiving space which is open to the rear in the longitudinal direction of the traction unit. The locking mechanism also includes a locking hook (also referred to as a coupling hook) which can be pivoted about a vertical axis or longitudinal axis of the inner space or receiving space of the wear ring in order to close the inner space or receiving space of the wear ring and thus retain the trailer pin there. The inner space or receiving space of the locking hook thus corresponds to the inner space or receiving space of the wear ring or, when the locking hook is in the closed state, these inner spaces or receiving spaces coincide. The longitudinal axes of the trailer pin, the wear ring and the locking hook are then superimposed.

[0006] In order to couple or hook up the semitrailer to the traction unit, the traction unit is driven backwards towards the semitrailer positioned on the semitrailer support so that the frame of the traction unit with the semitrailer coupling slides under the front area of ​​the frame of the semitrailer. The semitrailer pin contacts the outside of the locking hook of the semitrailer coupling and thereby elastically pushes the locking hook away, causing it to swing sideways, thereby opening the semitrailer coupling to the rear. The semitrailer pin then passes through the opening of the semitrailer coupling or its wear ring into its inner space or receiving space. The traction unit then stops, and the opening of the semitrailer coupling or its wear ring is closed and locked again by using spring force to swing the locking hook sideways. The combination is ready to drive. Disconnection or uncoupling is performed in reverse.

[0007] The fixed trailer pin of the trailer thus not only enables a closed trailer coupling or its trailer hitch lock to be positively secured to the tractor unit in the opposite direction of travel or towing, but also enables a rotational relative movement between trailer and tractor unit, so that the trailer can follow the movement of the tractor unit even when turning.

[0008] Due to these relative movements of the trailer pin and the trailer coupling with respect to one another, during operation of the trailer truck, at least abrasion of the material of the trailer occurs where the trailer pin contacts or rubs against the trailer coupling. This abrasion or wear of the trailer pin reduces its material thickness and correspondingly weakens the role of the trailer pin as a transmission element in the power flow between the traction unit and the trailer. This can lead to tearing of the trailer pin.

[0009] The relative movement of the trailer pin and the trailer coupling with respect to one another can also affect the wear ring and the locking hook of the locking mechanism or the trailer coupling lock, i.e. wear and therefore also occur on the surfaces of the wear ring and the locking hook which face a specific or common interior space or receiving space and are in contact with the cylindrical outer surface of the trailer pin.

[0010] Therefore, for the road safety of semi-trailer trucks, it is necessary to check the wear of the wear ring and the locking hook of the locking mechanism or the semi-trailer coupling lock regularly (e.g. at certain intervals, such as half a year or according to the use of the semi-trailer truck, such as according to the kilometers traveled). So far, this has been done manually, i.e. by a person measuring the dimensions of the wear ring and the locking hook at certain specified positions using a mechanical test gauge or template in order to determine whether the measured dimensions still meet the corresponding specifications, i.e. whether the wear ring and / or the locking hook have been excessively worn and need to be replaced.

[0011] A disadvantage of this case is that the assessment of the permissible or impermissible wear of the wear ring and the locking hook is performed by a specific person and is therefore subject to a certain uncertainty, since the assessment may also depend on the attention and / or experience of the person. This may result in excessively worn wear rings and / or locking hooks still being used, which may endanger the road safety of the semi-trailer truck. This may also result in still usable wear rings and / or locking hooks being replaced prematurely, which may result in additional work, additional costs and / or unnecessary downtime of the semi-trailer truck.

[0012] Another disadvantage is that the wear of the wear ring and the locking hook may occur very differently and therefore, within the permissible time or kilometre interval between two wear tests, unacceptably high wear may have already been reached without this being detected at that time. This can also jeopardise the road safety of the semi-trailer truck. Summary of the invention

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a wear ring and / or locking hook of a semitrailer coupling lock of a semitrailer coupling of a traction unit of a semitrailer vehicle of the above-mentioned type, so that the inspection of the wear of the wear ring and / or the locking hook can be simplified and / or improved. In particular, the wear of the wear ring and / or the locking hook should be able to be monitored more regularly than before and in particular even continuously. In particular, this should be as simple, reliable, space-saving, independent of personnel and / or carried out separately as possible. In any case, this should improve or increase the road safety of semitrailer trucks. At least an alternative to the known options for checking the wear of the wear ring and / or the locking hook of the semitrailer coupling lock should be produced.

[0014] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a wear ring and / or a locking hook having the features of claim 1, by a trailer coupling lock having the features of claim 12, by a trailer coupling having the features of claim 13, by a traction unit having the features of claim 14 and by a semitrailer truck having the features of claim 15. Advantageous further developments are described in the dependent claims.

[0015] The invention therefore relates to a wearing ring or a locking hook of a trailer coupling for a trailer coupling of a tractor unit of a semitrailer truck, which wearing ring or the locking hook extends substantially around a longitudinal axis.

[0016] The wear ring according to the invention or the locking hook according to the invention is characterized by at least one wear detection member, which is arranged in the wear ring or the locking hook perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, so that wear of the wear ring or the locking hook perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis can be detected visually and / or by a sensor. Thereby, wear radial to the longitudinal axis can be detected away from the longitudinal axis, i.e. from the inner space or receiving space of the wear ring or the locking hook radially outwards and / or also radially facing the longitudinal axis.

[0017] In other words, the at least one wear detection member is arranged within the profile or within the material of the wear ring or the locking hook so that both the material of the wear ring or the locking hook and the material of the wear detection member are reduced over their radial extent by abrasion or wear which occurs due to contact with the trailer pin during operation as described above.

[0018] To this end, at least one wear detection member can be arranged in the wear ring or in the locking hook exactly radially or perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis or at least obliquely to the longitudinal axis, facing inwardly towards the trailer pin, so that wear or abrasion of the trailer pin accommodated in the interior space or receiving space of the trailer lock can also be reduced from the inside by the wear detection member. Alternatively or additionally, at least one wear detection member can be arranged in the locking hook exactly radially or perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis or at least obliquely to the longitudinal axis, facing outwardly towards the trailer pin, so that wear or abrasion that may occur when the locking hook is elastically pushed open or pivoted away due to contact with the trailer pin during coupling or hitching can also be reduced from the outside by the wear detection member of the locking hook.

[0019] The present invention is based on the following discovery: by designing a part of the wear ring or the locking hook as a wear detection member or designing it with a wear detection member, the degree of wear or wear of the wear ring or the locking hook at this point can be visually identified from the outside and / or can be detected by a sensor. In any case, it is easier to detect or monitor the state of the wear detection member in this way than previously possible by regular manual detection of the wear ring or the locking hook itself as described above. This can reduce the workload of checking the degree of wear of the wear ring or the locking hook and correspondingly also reduce the cost of the inspection. This can also improve the reliability of the inspection results, which on the one hand improves the road safety of the semi-trailer truck and on the other hand can avoid premature or unnecessary replacement of the still usable wear ring or locking hook. Arranging the wear detection member inside the wear ring or the locking hook can keep the workload and in particular the required installation space to a minimum. In particular, the inspection or monitoring of the degree of wear of the wear ring or the locking hook can be carried out continuously or more regularly than previously known, which can improve the road safety of the semi-trailer truck and increase the service life of the wear ring or the locking hook.

[0020] Preferably, the wear detection member is arranged in at least one horizontal cavity of the wear ring or the locking hook, wherein the wear detection member has at least a first wear element of a first color, which is arranged between the inner edge of the horizontal cavity and the wear limit. The first color of the wear element is significantly different from the material color of the wear ring or the locking hook itself. In other words, at least one colored wear element, in particular a colored wear element made of colored plastic, can be used as a wear detection member, which can be introduced into the corresponding cavity of the wear ring or the locking hook and ends at a contour or surface of the wear ring or the locking hook facing the outside or facing the inside of the interior space or the receiving space and can be visually recognized by a person. If the colored wear element has not been completely worn off, the colored wear element can be visually recognized by a person, and the permissible wear of the wear ring or the locking hook can be inferred from this. If the colored wear element can no longer be visually recognized by a person, the person can infer from this that the colored wear element has been completely worn off and the limit of permissible wear has been reached or exceeded. This may represent a particularly simple implementation of the invention, which may allow personnel to visually check the wear regularly. In particular, a driver of a tractor unit coupling an unfamiliar or unknown tractor unit with a wear ring and / or locking hook according to the invention may easily and quickly visually check the wear state of the wear ring and / or locking hook of the trailer coupling lock of the tractor unit. This may increase the driver's confidence in using an unfamiliar or unknown tractor unit.

[0021] The wear detection member may also have at least two wear elements of different colors, which are arranged radially one after the other in order to increase the information value, as will be described in more detail below.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the wear detection member may enable electronic monitoring of the wear condition or wear limit of the wear ring or locking hook, as will be described in more detail below.

[0023] In any case, the wear detection member may be arranged at a position in the horizontal plane or in the cross section of the wear ring or locking hook where particularly significant wear or abrasion usually occurs or where unacceptably high wear is usually expected to be reached first. This may therefore increase the information value of the wear detection member.

[0024] It is also possible to use a plurality of identical or different wear detection members observed in a horizontal plane or in a cross section of the wear ring or the locking hook, so as to be able to implement the previously described wear check at a corresponding number of points on the wear ring or the locking hook. In particular, this allows the wear of a plurality of locations that are usually subject to significant wear to be monitored simultaneously as described above. In this case, for example, at least one sensory wear detection member may be used at a location on the wear ring or the locking hook that is difficult or impossible to detect visually for a person or a driver. At least one visual wear detection member may be used at a location on the wear ring or the locking hook that can be easily or conveniently detected visually by a person or a driver.

[0025] A plurality of identical or different wear detection members may also be arranged offset from one another in the vertical direction (i.e. along the longitudinal axis) and / or in the horizontal plane or in cross section, so as to monitor different parts of the wear ring or locking hook and / or a plurality of positions of a part of the wear ring or locking hook as described above, as will be described in more detail below. This may also increase the information value of the wear detection member accordingly.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the wear detection member is arranged in at least one horizontal cavity of the wear ring or the locking hook, wherein the wear detection member has at least a first wear element of a first color, which is arranged between an inner edge of the horizontal cavity and a wear limit; and at least a second wear element of a second different color, which is arranged within the wear limit.

[0027] In this way, the first color of the first wear element can be recognized by a person or driver and the permissible wear of the wear ring or the locking hook can be determined. If the person or driver visually recognizes the second color of the second wear element, this can indicate impermissible wear of the wear ring or the locking hook.

[0028] Thus, as a further development of the previously described only one colored wear element, the visually recognizable second color of the second wear element may indicate that the second wear element is still present. If only a first colored wear element is used, the absence of this first colored wear element may be due to reaching the permitted wear limit or also due to the fact that the single-color wear element has been detached and fallen off the wear ring or locking hook. In this case, the still usable wear ring or locking hook would be considered worn and replaced unnecessarily. This can be avoided by this aspect of the invention.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, the wear detection member has at least one illumination member, which is arranged in the horizontal cavity of the wear ring or the locking hook and is designed to illuminate the first wear element through the second wear element.

[0030] In particular, the illumination means can be implemented as an LED. In particular, the operation of the illumination means can be permanent or continuous, so that the wear condition of the wear ring or the locking hook can be checked at any time. Furthermore, the corresponding effort of switching the illumination means on and off or having to provide corresponding electrical options for this, such as an externally accessible switch on the wear ring or the locking hook, can be avoided.

[0031] The material of the first and second wear elements, for example made of plastic, may be correspondingly colored and translucent, so that the material of the first and second wear elements may be illuminated radially from the inside or "from behind", and light is emitted to the outside in the color of the wear element that was illuminated last. This allows the previously described aspects of the two-color wear detection member to be further improved in terms of its recognizability and its information value for personnel or drivers, since the colors can be visually better perceived due to being illuminated. This may make it easier or possible for personnel or drivers to visually recognize the wear detection member itself and in particular its color, in particular in the dark, in poor visibility conditions and / or when the surface of the wear ring or the locking hook is dirty.

[0032] By providing the wear ring or the locking hook with a horizontal cavity, sufficient installation space can be created in the wear ring or the locking hook to arrange at least one lighting component and in particular a plurality of lighting components there. In particular, a weakening of the wear ring or the locking hook can be substantially avoided by a correspondingly smaller horizontal cavity, so that the wear ring or the locking hook can perform its force transmission function without restriction.

[0033] According to another aspect of the invention, the wear detection component, preferably located in the horizontal cavity, has at least one energy storage device, which is designed to power at least the lighting component, and preferably also the detection unit and / or the wireless communication unit.

[0034] This allows the electrical energy supply of the lighting means and, if applicable, of a plurality or all lighting means to be provided directly by the wear ring or the locking hook itself, so that an electrically conductive connection to an electrical energy supply from outside the wear ring or the locking hook can be dispensed with. This makes it possible to keep the workload for using at least one lighting means as described above correspondingly low. In particular, when using LEDs, which generally have a very low electrical energy requirement, as lighting means, permanent or continuous operation of the lighting means can be ensured by the electrical energy storage device even over several years, so that recharging or replacing the electrical energy storage device can be dispensed with. If necessary, other electrical or electronic components of the wear detection means can also be powered by the electrical energy storage device, so that the use of an additional or separate electrical energy storage device can be dispensed with.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention, the wear detection component is arranged in at least one horizontal cavity of the wear ring or the locking hook, wherein the wear detection component has at least a first wear element, which is arranged between the inner edge of the horizontal cavity and the wear limit; and at least a second wear element, which is arranged within the wear limit, wherein at least one conductive element of the circuit is arranged at the wear limit, so that when the wear of the wear ring or the locking hook reaches the wear limit, the conductive element is cut off by the wear, wherein the wear detection component, preferably located in the horizontal cavity, has a detection unit, which is designed to monitor the conductivity of the conductive element and preferably output corresponding information when the conductive element is cut off.

[0036] The two wear elements may be the first wear element and the second wear element of two single colors as described above, or may be any two wear elements of the same color.

[0037] This aspect of the invention is based on the finding that in addition to or as an alternative to the previously described visual option of wear monitoring by a person or driver, a sensor monitoring option can also be created. To this end, an electrically conductive element such as an electrical conductor or an electrical conductor loop can be guided precisely in this way until the wear limit of the permissible wear of the wear ring or the locking hook at that point is reached, which can occur in particular within a second wear element (e.g. a plastic component), which can at the same time be covered or protected externally by the first wear element (e.g. a plastic component).

[0038] In this case, the first external wear element is worn away or worn away together with the wear ring or the locking hook until the wear limit is reached. When the wear limit is reached, the conductive element is also subject to wear or abrasion, which acts on the wear ring or the locking hook from the outside. The conductive element is worn away so that it is severed, so that the conductive element can no longer transmit current, or a voltage cannot be applied via the conductive element, which can be recognized by the detection unit. The detection unit can thus automatically determine when the wear limit is reached.

[0039] The detection unit may output corresponding information to the outside. If multiple wear detection members are used, the information of the detection unit may also include information including the identification of the specific worn or cut conductive element or its detection unit, so that the position where the allowable wear is reached or exceeded can be identified.

[0040] In any case, the corresponding information can be output by a wireless communication unit, which can wirelessly send data or information at least to the outside of the wear ring or the locking hook and preferably also receive data and information from the outside. This can be done automatically by the detection unit as soon as the wear limit is reached, so that the person or the driver can react to it immediately. The information can be output continuously or repeatedly by the detection unit to ensure that the information reaches the person or the driver. If necessary, the output of this information by the detection unit can be terminated by the person or the driver receiving a confirmation, so as to save electrical energy on the part of the detection unit. If necessary, the output of this information by the detection unit can additionally or alternatively only occur upon inquiry or in response to a request from the outside, as will be described in more detail below.

[0041] In any case, the detection unit can output this information to the person or driver so that the information is wirelessly transmitted to an electronic receiver of the person or driver, such as a mobile device in the form of a smartphone or tablet computer, for example. Additionally or alternatively, the information can also be wirelessly transmitted by the detection unit to an electronic receiver on the traction unit, received and further processed there, and then output or displayed to the driver via an output element, such as a display element, in particular on the traction unit. In this case, if necessary, the information can be wirelessly sent from the traction unit or its control unit to a fleet management system in order to be able to take into account and plan the replacement of worn wear rings or worn locking hooks there.

[0042] According to another aspect of the invention, the wear detection member, preferably located in the horizontal cavity, has at least one wireless communication unit, preferably a wireless transmission unit, which is designed to wirelessly transmit at least one item of information from the detection unit to the outside of the wear ring or the locking hook. This allows the corresponding features mentioned above to be realized.

[0043] According to another aspect of the invention, the wireless communication unit is designed to be wirelessly requested from the outside of the wear ring or the locking hook to transmit the information from the detection unit. This allows the corresponding features described above to be realized.

[0044] According to another aspect of the invention, the wirelessly transmitted information of the detection unit contains the state of the conductive element and / or information derived from the state of the conductive element. The state of the conductive element can be distinguished at least with respect to whether the conductive element is cut off. The information thus derived by the detection unit can be that the corresponding wear limit is identified as having been reached or not reached. However, in the case of receiving and further processing the wirelessly transmitted information of the detection unit, the latter conclusion can also be drawn, which can simplify the specific implementation of the detection unit and correspondingly save the relevant electrical energy, costs and / or installation space.

[0045] According to another aspect of the invention, the wirelessly transmitted information of the detection unit also contains the identification of the severed conductive element.This may enable differentiation of individual conductive elements even when a single detection unit is used.

[0046] According to another aspect of the invention, the wear detection members, preferably at least the first wear element and the second wear element, are arranged at least twice. This may increase the number of locations within the wear ring or locking hook, the wear of which may be monitored as previously described. Arranging the two wear detection members substantially diametrically opposed to each other with respect to the longitudinal axis (i.e. offset from each other by 180° in the plane of the cross section or by as large an angle as possible around the longitudinal axis) may enable monitoring of the wear to be as evenly distributed as possible.

[0047] According to another aspect of the invention, the detection unit is designed to monitor the conductivity of all conductive elements and preferably output corresponding information when at least one of the conductive elements is cut off. This can avoid the workload of using multiple detection units, while one detection unit is designed to monitor all conductive elements. This can also reduce power consumption and / or required installation space.

[0048] The invention also relates to a semitrailer coupling lock having a wear ring and / or a locking hook as described above. In this way, a semitrailer coupling lock can be produced in order to implement and use the previously described aspects of the wear ring according to the invention and / or the locking hook according to the invention.

[0049] The invention also relates to a semitrailer coupling having a semitrailer coupling lock as described above. In this way, a semitrailer coupling can be produced in order to implement and use the previously described aspects of the semitrailer coupling lock according to the invention.

[0050] The invention also relates to a tractor unit having a trailer coupling as described above.In this way, a tractor unit can be produced in order to implement and use the previously described aspects of the trailer coupling according to the invention therein.

[0051] The invention also relates to a semi-trailer truck having a tractor unit as described above.In this way, a tractor unit can be produced so as to implement and use the previously described aspects of the tractor unit according to the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Several exemplary embodiments and further advantages of the present invention are shown and explained in more detail purely schematically in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0053] Figure 1 shows a schematic horizontal section through a wear ring according to the invention according to a first embodiment;

[0054] Figure 2 shows a schematic horizontal section through a locking hook according to the invention according to a first embodiment;

[0055] Figure 3 shows a schematic horizontal section through a wear ring according to the invention according to a second exemplary embodiment;

[0056] Figure 4 shows a schematic horizontal section through a locking hook according to the invention according to a second exemplary embodiment;

[0057] Figure 5 shows a schematic horizontal section through a wear ring according to the invention according to a third exemplary embodiment;

[0058] Figure 6 A schematic horizontal section through a locking hook according to the invention is shown according to a third exemplary embodiment.

[0059] The above figures are all viewed in a cylindrical coordinate system. A longitudinal axis X extends. Perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, a radial direction R extends away from the longitudinal axis X. A circumferential direction U is perpendicular to the radial direction R and extends around the longitudinal axis X. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Figure 1 A schematic horizontal section through a wear ring 1 according to the invention is shown according to a first embodiment. Figure 2 A schematic horizontal section through a locking hook 2 according to the invention is shown according to a first embodiment. The locking hook 2 may also be referred to as a coupling hook 2. The wear ring 1 and the locking hook 2 together with other known components not shown form a semitrailer coupling lock 1, 2 of a tractor unit (not shown). Both the wear ring 1 and the locking hook 2 are made integrally (i.e. monolithically) from metal.

[0061] The wear ring 1 has a wear ring body 10 which is substantially C-shaped or extends about a longitudinal axis X, see Figure 1The wear ring body 10 thus substantially encloses a receiving space 11, which can also be referred to as the inner space 11 of the wear ring 1. The receiving space 11 has an opening (not shown) radially outward. The wear ring body 10 has a plurality of (e.g. three) through-openings 13, which are preferably arranged uniformly in the circumferential direction U or spaced apart from one another, for mounting the wear ring 1 (if necessary via a fastening ring (not shown)) on a plate of a trailer coupling (not shown) by means of screws.

[0062] Similarly, the locking hook 2 has a locking hook body 20 which is also designed to be substantially C-shaped or to extend around the longitudinal axis X, see Figure 2 Therefore, the locking hook body 20 also substantially encloses a receiving space 21, which can also be referred to as the inner space 21 of the locking hook 2. The receiving space 21 also has an opening (not shown) radially outward. The locking hook body 20 has a through opening 23, through which a bolt can be guided as a rotation axis in order to pivot the locking hook 2 about the bolt.

[0063] The pivotable locking hook 2 is held in the closed position by a spring (not shown), but can be pivoted into the open position against the spring force of the spring about a bolt as a pivot axis. The terms "open" and "closed" refer to whether the openings of the wear ring 1 and the locking hook 2 overlap or substantially coincide with each other and whether the overlapping receiving spaces 11, 21 are thus accessible for a trailer pin of a trailer (not shown) ("open or open position") or whether the receiving space 11 of the wear ring 1 is blocked by the locking hook 2 for the trailer pin ("closed position").

[0064] For this purpose, the locking hook 2 on the plate of the trailer coupling is arranged relative to the wear ring 1 so that the locking hook 2 can be elastically pressed or pivoted from the closed position into the open position by contact with the trailer pin, so that the opening of the wear ring 1 is released and the trailer pin of the trailer can thus be received in the receiving space 11 of the wear ring 1 in the longitudinal direction of the tractor unit and the trailer. The locking hook 2, whose opening of the receiving space 21 in the open state points laterally toward the trailer pin, can then be pivoted into the closed position by its tensioned spring, so that the locking hook 2 with one C-shaped side closes the receiving space 11 of the wear ring 1 in the longitudinal direction of the tractor unit and the trailer and thus holds the trailer pin in the receiving space 11 of the wear ring 1. In the closed state, the receiving space 11 of the wear ring 1 and the receiving space 21 of the locking hook 2 thus coincide or overlap with each other.

[0065] According to the invention, on the one hand, the wear of the wear ring 1 can be checked or monitored by a person such as the driver of a semitrailer truck more simply, quickly and / or more frequently than previously known in two locations or in two sections, which are each arranged at approximately 45° to the longitudinal direction of the tractor unit and the semitrailer with respect to the receiving space 11 of the wear ring 1. On the other hand, according to the invention, for the wear of the locking hook 2, this can also be done additionally or alternatively at three points or in three sections, which are arranged evenly distributed around the longitudinal axis X in the circumferential direction U, opposite the receiving space 21 of the locking hook 2 and additionally or alternatively face outwards in the case of crimping of the semitrailer pin with the closed locking hook 2.

[0066] In any case, according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In a first exemplary embodiment, at each point of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 to be monitored for wear, there is a continuous horizontal cavity 12 of the wear ring 1 or a continuous horizontal cavity 22 of the locking hook 2, which extends radially or substantially radially from the interior or inner surface of a specific receiving space 11, 21 to the opposite exterior or outer surface. In each horizontal cavity 12, 22, a wear detection member 3 is introduced, which is directed to the specific receiving space 11, 21 and is materially retained in the horizontal cavity 12, 22, for example by an adhesive between the inner surface of the horizontal cavity 12, 22 and the outer surface of the wear detection member 3, or is press-fitted into the horizontal cavity, for example by an at least slight oversizing of the outer contour of the wear detection member 3 relative to the horizontal cavity 12, 22. The horizontal cavity 22 of the locking hook 2 also has a second radially outwardly facing wear detection member 3, at which the semitrailer pin is crimped with the closed locking hook 2.

[0067] Each wear detection member 3 has a first outer colored wear element 30 and an adjacent second inner colored wear element 31 on the edge. The first outer colored wear element 30 is materially bonded to the second inner colored wear element 31, for example by gluing or by integral (i.e. monolithic) manufacturing. The first outer colored wear element 30 has a different color than the second inner colored wear element 31. Preferably, the first outer colored wear element 30 is green, in particular neon green, and the second inner colored wear element 31 is red, in particular neon red. The transition or boundary between the first outer colored wear element 30 and the corresponding second inner colored wear element 31 is provided by dimensioning of the wear elements 30, 31 so that the transition corresponds to the permissible wear limit of the corresponding part of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2.

[0068] If the tractor unit is parked stationary, i.e. without a semitrailer, the wear ring 1 according to the invention and the locking hook 2 according to the invention are accessible from all sides in a horizontal plane at least at the point or portion with the wear detection member 3 and can be visually observed from all sides, in particular by a person who wants to use the tractor unit, such as a driver. In this case, the person can visually identify the wear ring 1 and the wear detection member 3 of the locking hook 2 and determine whether the first outer colored wear element 30 or the second inner wear element 31 is visible from the outside.

[0069] If the person identifies the first outer colored wear element 30, it can be inferred from this that at this point of the corresponding part of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 the material wear of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 is still within the permitted range, which material wear also therefore reduces the radial extension of the specific wear detection member 3. If the person identifies the second inner colored wear element 31, it can be inferred from this that at this point or this part of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 the first outer colored wear element 30 has been completely worn away and the second inner colored wear element 31 located radially below is therefore visible from the outside. This means that at this point of the corresponding part of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 the permitted wear has been reached or exceeded and the traction unit can no longer be used in a road-worthy manner. Instead, the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 must be replaced.

[0070] Figure 3 A schematic horizontal section through a wear ring 1 according to the invention is shown according to a second embodiment. Figure 4 A schematic horizontal section through a locking hook 2 according to the invention is shown according to a second embodiment.As previously mentioned, the wear elements 30, 31 are designed in different colors, wherein certain materials are also designed to be translucent.

[0071] Within the specific horizontal cavity 12, 22, an illumination member 32 in the form of an LED 32 is arranged at the inner end of the second inner colored wear element 31, such that the illumination member is arranged radially outwards, such that the wear element 30, 31 is illuminated radially outwards by the light of the specific LED 32 when the LED 32 is operated. The LED 32 may be supplied with electrical energy for continuous or permanent operation by an electrical energy storage device 36 in the form of a battery 36, which is also arranged within the specific horizontal cavity 12, 22. The operation of the LED 32 may start when the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 is mounted on the traction unit and may continue until the electrical energy of the battery 36 is exhausted.

[0072] Also in Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this case of the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the corresponding points or parts of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 can be determined by the personnel as previously described. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The wear can be visually checked as described in the first exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 . In this case, as long as the wear limit is maintained as described above, the light of the color of the first outer colored wear element 30 can be visually perceived by the person. If the wear limit is reached or exceeded at a point or part of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2, the first outer colored wear element 30 is worn away at this point or this part, and the light of the corresponding LED 32 is emitted to the outside in the color of the second inner colored wear element 31.

[0073] Thus, a person can distinguish between permissible wear and impermissible wear based on the color of the light that can be visually perceived at a specific point or a specific portion of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The inspection of the wear of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 according to the invention according to the first exemplary embodiment can be improved for personnel, because the colored illuminated wear detection member 3 can be perceived better or more reliably than without such backlighting, in particular in the dark or under poor visibility conditions (such as in rain or fog) or also when the outer surface of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 is dirty. In particular, in the dark or under poor visibility conditions, personnel can refrain from illuminating the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2, for example with a flashlight, in order to be able to visually identify the wear detection member 3. Likewise, the effort of having to clean or wipe the dirty surface of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 in order to be able to visually identify the wear detection member 3 can be omitted.

[0074] Figure 5 A schematic horizontal section through a wear ring 1 according to the invention is shown according to a third embodiment. Figure 6 A schematic horizontal section through a locking hook 2 according to the invention is shown according to a third embodiment. In this case, the wear ring 1 and the locking hook 2 are as shown in FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 4 This also applies to the extension of the wear elements 30, 31, which can be designed as described in the second exemplary embodiment of Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be colored as described in detail in FIG. 1 or can also be designed to have the same, undefined color.

[0075] In each case, an electrically conductive element 33 in the form of a conductor loop 33 extends through the particular second inner wear element 31, such that the conductor loop 33 extends or reverses at the boundary between the first outer wear element 30 and the second inner wear element 31. All conductor loops 33 are individually or jointly electrically conductively connected to a detection unit 34, which is arranged in a particular horizontal cavity 12, 22 and can also be referred to as a control unit 34. The detection unit 34 is connected to send a signal to a wireless communication unit 35, which is also arranged in a particular horizontal cavity 12, 22 and can send at least wireless signals, which is why the wireless communication unit 35 can also be referred to as a transmission unit 35. The detection unit 34 as well as the transmission unit 35 are electrically conductively connected to a particular battery 36 and are operated by the electrical energy of the battery 36.

[0076] In this case, if the wear of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 reaches a wear limit at a point or part of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2, the corresponding conductor loop 33 is thereby worn away and cut off. The detection unit 34 can determine for a specific conductor loop 33 or for each of the conductor loops 33 whether the conductor loop 33 is continuously conductively closed or cut off. This can be done, for example, by the detection unit 34 applying a measuring voltage. This enables the detection unit 34 to distinguish for a point or part of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 where the conductor loop 33 is provided whether the wear there still has an allowable level. The corresponding information can be wirelessly transmitted from the detection unit 34 to the outside of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 via the transmission unit 35.

[0077] This information can be received and displayed, for example, by a handheld device, such as a mobile device, such as a smartphone of a person or driver of the traction unit. This information can be sent continuously, which can however increase the consumption of electrical energy. This information can also be transmitted only when the person or driver requests the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 according to the invention to do so with corresponding information (this can also be achieved by a smartphone). Thus, the corresponding information can be queried when necessary, which can reduce the consumption of electrical energy of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 according to the invention and thus increase the operating time of the detection unit 34 and the sending unit 35.

[0078] This information can also be received by the control unit of the traction unit and displayed there to the driver, for example. In this case as well, the information of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 according to the invention can also be sent continuously or only after a request by the control unit of the traction unit. In any case, the received information can be displayed to the driver of the traction unit in order to inform him of the road conditions of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2, in particular during operation of the traction unit.

[0079] In any case, detection unit 34 can distinguish between different conductor loops 33, so that the information emitted can also contain the identification of a specific conductor loop 33. If one of first outer wear elements 30 thus reaches its limit and the corresponding conductor loop 33 is cut off, a person or driver can be specifically informed at which point or which part of wear ring 1 or locking hook 2 the permissible wear has been reached or not reached. List of reference numerals (part of the description)

[0080] R Radial direction

[0081] U Circumferential direction

[0082] X longitudinal axis

[0083] 1, 2 Fifth wheel coupling lock

[0084] 1 Wear ring of semi-trailer coupling lock 1, 2

[0085] 10 Wear ring body

[0086] 11 Receiving space or interior of wear ring 1

[0087] 12 horizontal cavity of wear ring 1

[0088] 13 through opening 2 semi-trailer coupling lock 1, 2 locking hook or coupling hook 20 locking hook body

[0089] 21 The receiving space or interior of the locking hook 2

[0090] 22 Horizontal cavity for locking hook 2

[0091] 23 Through opening

[0092] 3 Wear detection components

[0093] 30 first outer (colored) wear element 31 second inner (colored) wear element 32 lighting component; LED

[0094] 33 Conductive element; conductor loop

[0095] 34 detection unit; control unit

[0096] 35 wireless communication unit or wireless transmission unit 36 ​​power storage device; battery

Claims

1. A wear ring (1) or a locking hook (2) for a semitrailer coupling lock (1, 2) of a semitrailer coupling of a tractor unit of a semitrailer truck, The wear ring or the locking hook extends substantially around a longitudinal axis (X), It is characterized in that at least one wear detection member (3) which is arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (X) in the wear ring (1) or in the locking hook (2) such that the wear ring (1) Or wear of the locking hook (2) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) can be detected visually and / or by a sensor.

2. The wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that The wear detection member (3) is arranged in at least one horizontal cavity (12, 22) of the wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2), wherein the wear detection member (3) at least one first wear element (30) having a first color, the at least one first wear element being arranged between an inner edge of the horizontal cavity (12, 22) and a wear limit, and At least one second wear element (31) of a second different color, the at least one second wear element being arranged within the wear limit.

3. The wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that The wear detection member (3) has at least one illumination member (32) which is arranged in the horizontal cavity (12, 22) of the wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2) and is designed to illuminate the first wear element (30) through the second wear element (31).

4. The wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that The wear detection component (3), preferably located in the horizontal cavity (12, 22), has at least one energy storage device (36), which is designed to power at least the lighting component (32), and preferably also the detection unit (34) and / or the wireless communication unit (35).

5. Wear ring (1) or locking hook (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The wear detection member (3) is arranged in at least one horizontal cavity (12, 22) of the wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2), wherein the wear detection member (3) at least one first wear element (30) arranged between an inner edge of the horizontal cavity (12, 22) and a wear limit, and at least one second wear element (31), the at least one second wear element being arranged within the wear limit, wherein at least one conductive element (33) of the circuit is arranged at the wear limit so that when the wear of the wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2) reaches the wear limit, the conductive element (33) is cut off by the wear, The wear detection member (3), preferably located in the horizontal cavity (12, 22), has a detection unit (34), which is designed to monitor the conductivity of the conductive element (33) and preferably output corresponding information when the conductive element (33) is cut off.

6. Wear ring (1) or locking hook (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that The wear detection member (3), preferably located in the horizontal cavity (12, 22), has at least one wireless communication unit (35), preferably a wireless transmission unit (35), which is designed to wirelessly transmit at least one item of information from the detection unit (34) to the outside of the wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2).

7. The wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that The wireless communication unit (35) is designed to be wirelessly requested to transmit information from the detection unit (34) from the outside of the wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2).

8. Wear ring (1) or locking hook (2) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that The wirelessly transmitted information of the detection unit (34) contains the state of the conductive element (33) and / or information derived from the state of the conductive element (33).

9. The wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that The wirelessly transmitted information of the detection unit (34) also includes the identification of the cut-off conductive element (33).

10. Wear ring (1) or locking hook (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The wear detection member (3), preferably at least a first wear element (30) and a second wear element (31), is arranged at least twice.

11. A wearing ring (1) or a locking hook (2) according to any one of claims 5 to 9 and according to claim 10, characterized in that The detection unit (34) is designed to monitor the conductivity of all conductive elements (33), and preferably output corresponding information when at least one of the conductive elements (33) is cut off.

12. A semitrailer coupling lock (1, 2) having a wear ring (1) and / or a locking hook (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. A trailer coupling, comprising a trailer coupling lock (1, 2) according to claim 12.

14. A tractor unit having the trailer coupling according to claim 13.

15. A semi-trailer truck having the tractor unit according to claim 14.

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