Switching device for trailer comprising lighting device for multi-section vehicle, in particular commercial vehicle, and trailer

Abstract

The invention relates to a switching device (100) for a trailer (220a, 220b) of a multi-section vehicle (200a), in particular a commercial vehicle (200b), comprising a lighting device (225), the switching device (100) can be switched between a first reception mode (M1) for receiving a digital first light control signal (115a) according to a first standard (N1) and a second reception mode (M2) for receiving an analog second light control signal (115b) according to a second standard (N2), and the switching device (100) is configured to operate the lighting device (225) in dependence on the reception modes (M1, M2).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a switching device for a trailer including a lighting device for a multi-section vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle. The present invention also relates to a trailer including a lighting device. Background Art

[0002] For applications such as for automated driving functions, autonomous driving, and / or sensor-assisted monitoring of the environment of a trailer (semi-trailer), a digital data interface between the tractor (truck) of a multi-section vehicle and the trailer and / or between multiple trailers of the multi-section vehicle is required. Such a so-called truck-trailer data interface ("TT-Link") is provided for transmitting digital data and has a high bandwidth for transmitting sensor data, for example, from the trailer to the tractor. The data interface can also be provided for receiving a lighting control signal for operating a lighting device from the tractor or transmitting such lighting control signals to the trailer.

[0003] In addition to the existing interfaces for the braking system, such as in accordance with ISO 7638-1:2018-05 "Road vehicles - Plug equipment for the electrical connection of towing and towed vehicles - Part 2: Plug connections for braking systems and braking equipment for vehicles with a nominal voltage of 24 V" (ISO 7638 below), and for lighting devices, such as in accordance with ISO 12098:2020-05 "Road vehicles - Connectors for the electrical connection of towing and towed vehicles - 15-pole connector for vehicles with a 24 V nominal supply voltage" (ISO 12098 below) or ISO 1185:2003-10 "Road vehicles - Connectors for the electrical connection of towing and towed vehicles - 24N type 7-pole plug connector for vehicles with a nominal voltage of 24 V (standard)" (ISO 1185 below), this data interface is another electrical interface that requires an additional cable between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle, between the first trailer and the second trailer, or generally between multiple segments of a multi-articulated vehicle, especially commercial vehicles. The existing interfaces transmit signals and especially lighting control signals in an analog manner. Although a digital CAN interface is defined by the ISO-12098 interface with a data protocol in accordance with ISO 11992-3:2021-05 "Road vehicles - Exchange of digital information regarding the electrical connection between towing and towed vehicles - Part 3: Application layer for equipment other than brakes and chassis" (ISO 11992-3 below), this interface is not used.

[0004] In order to minimize the required interfaces and thus cable connections, for example, between the towing vehicle and the trailer, the data interface should also be able to be used to operate the lighting system or lighting devices. Therefore, the data interface should be set up to transmit digital lighting control signals from the towing vehicle to the trailer and replace the analog transmission. Thereby, the current lighting interfaces according to ISO 12098 and / or ISO 1185 may be dispensed with. However, the following problem then arises: Towing vehicles that are not yet equipped with a data interface must also be able to operate the trailer or its lighting devices using the interfaces according to ISO 12098 and ISO 1185.

[0005] Therefore, it is conceivable to have an adapter that is fed on the input side according to ISO 12098 and provides an output on the output side according to a data interface. Here, this adapter can be carried in the towing vehicle or the trailer. Thereby, the trailer can only have a data interface for operating the lighting system, while the towing vehicle may use an adapter with an ISO-12098 lighting interface without this data interface and may operate the data interface of the trailer through it. This adapter is powered through a line according to ISO 12098, and the lighting state of the line according to ISO 12098 is output as data for the data interface. However, the disadvantage here is that such an adapter must be carried in the towing vehicle or in the trailer, and the driver and / or user must know to use this adapter and where to find it. If there is no adapter, the trailer may not be reliably operated due to the lighting function. The cost of such an "intermediate plug-in adapter" is relatively high.

[0006] For example, if only one flashing signal lamp needs to be turned on, this "ISO 12098 to TT-Link" adapter only receives the flashing lamp voltage with the corresponding interruption: Then, this adapter must start quickly enough to provide the flashing signal as data for the data interface and be able to transfer the flashing lamp voltage as the data interface voltage. This will result in time delays and incorrect flashing signals. In addition, due to other trailer electronics powered via the data interface, the voltage supply may be overloaded. Therefore, this adapter must be powered separately, for example via a permanent power supply line according to ISO 12098, but this permanent power supply line is not available in every towing vehicle. Therefore, a robustly functioning technical implementation is difficult and / or complex.

[0007] DE 10 2017 220 585 A1 discloses a connection system for coupling a vehicle to a trailer, which connection system has: a first plug connection part that is designed to connect this connection system to the vehicle; and a second plug connection part that is designed to connect this connection system to the trailer. This connection system also has a V2X-based communication device that is designed to process at least one signal that can be transmitted from the vehicle to the trailer. Thereby, early production or older vehicles can also be retrofitted using this modern technology so that these vehicles can also be digitally networked with new vehicles of the current generation of vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the task on which the present invention is based is to enrich the prior art. Here, embodiments of the present invention can especially solve the following tasks: to achieve reliable operation of the lighting device of the trailer in a user-friendly and cost-effective manner, especially even if the trailer can be loaded with different lighting control signals depending on the towing vehicle.

[0009] This task is solved by the subject matter of claim 1 and by the subject matter of another independent claim. The dependent claims illustrate optional extensions of the invention.

[0010] According to the invention, a switching device for a trailer comprising a lighting device for a multi-section vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, is provided. Here, the switching device can be switched between a first reception mode for receiving a first digital lighting control signal according to a first standard and a second reception mode for receiving a second analog lighting control signal according to a second standard, and the switching device is designed to operate the lighting device depending on the reception mode.

[0011] Thus, the switching device can be set to be able to operate the lighting device with digital lighting control signals and with analog lighting control signals. The switching device or the adapter can supply power to and / or control the lamps of the lighting device either by a previous analog second lighting control signal according to the second standard or by a digital first lighting control signal according to the first standard. For this purpose, the switching device can operate in two different reception modes. In the first reception mode, a digital first lighting control signal according to the first standard can be received in order to operate the lighting device; and in the second reception mode, an analog second lighting control signal according to the second standard can be received in order to operate the lighting device. Here, the standard can be any document that regulates and / or defines the characteristics of the lighting control signal, the lighting control signal and / or the signal interface for transmitting the lighting control signal, including industry regulations or laws and regulations.

[0012] Thereby, the lighting device can be operated either with digital lighting control signals or with analog lighting control signals, depending on the embodiment of the tractor and / or its signal interface. Here, the switching device can operate the lighting device according to the received lighting control signal. Here, it may not be necessary for the driver and / or the user to make a selection. By means of the switching device, no additional plug-in adapter is required. If the tractor and the trailer are set up for digital and analog actuation of the lighting device, in the event of a failure of one of these lighting control signals, the other of these lighting control signals can ensure the operation of the lighting device. Thus, the digital lighting control signal and the analog lighting control signal can be redundant with respect to the operation of the lighting device.

[0013] Optionally, the switching device has: a first signal interface for receiving a first lighting control signal; and a second signal interface for receiving a second lighting control signal. The first signal interface may include a first plug connection part. The second signal interface may include a second plug connection part, wherein the first plug connection part is different from the second plug connection part. Thereby, the switching device can be loaded with lighting control signals through two different inputs. Thereby, the switching device is effectively matched to the condition of the towing vehicle. If the towing vehicle has, for example, a signal interface according to the second standard, the towing vehicle and the switching device or the trailer can be connected via the second plug connection part. If the towing vehicle has, for example, a signal interface according to the first standard, the towing vehicle and the switching device or the trailer can be connected via the first plug connection part.

[0014] Optionally, the switching device has a data interface, and the switching device is configured for communication of sensor data in a first reception mode. It is recognized here that data, especially sensor data, can also be communicated via the interface for communication of the digital first lighting control signal. In the first reception mode, the trailer is configured for digital communication with the towing vehicle according to the first standard, which enables communication of sensor data. Thereby, comprehensive communication between the trailer and the towing vehicle can be achieved. Thereby, the wiring of the trailer and the towing vehicle can be saved, as well as the loop line.

[0015] Optionally, the data interface is configured for transmitting sensor data from the trailer to the towing vehicle of a multi-section vehicle, especially a commercial vehicle. The sensor data can be transmitted from the trailer to the towing vehicle for environmental monitoring, for driver assistance, and / or for performing automated driving functions. The sensor data may be related to the lighting device. Thereby, feedback of the lighting state can be achieved. Here, the electrical monitoring of the lighting fixture can be integrated in the switching device, or data regarding the lighting state or regarding fault monitoring can be sent to the towing vehicle via the switching device and optionally intermediate electronics through the data interface.

[0016] Optionally, the data interface is configured for receiving the first lighting control signal in the first reception mode. For this purpose, the data interface and the first signal interface can be designed as a common interface and, for example, have a common signal interface for digital data transmission. Thereby, the wiring can be saved, and a common digital interface can be provided for various applications, especially for the operation of the lighting device.

[0017] Optionally, the switching device is a module designed independently of the communication unit that is functionally connected to the braking system of the trailer and is functionally connected to the communication unit. In other words, the switching device can be implemented as a separate electronic device. As a separately designed module, the switching device can have a simple structure and / or be adaptable. Through the modularization, i.e., separation, of the communication unit and the switching device, manufacturing can be carried out more flexibly and efficiently. The switching device can be functionally connected to the communication unit for transmitting data and / or control signals.

[0018] Optionally, the switching device is an integral part of the communication unit that is functionally connected to the braking system of the trailer. In other words, the switching device can be integrated into the communication electronics (Vehicle Communication Unit, VCU), and this communication electronics can also send sensor data to the tractor via a data interface. This can be beneficial for a compact construction and the common power supply of the switching device and the communication unit.

[0019] Optionally, the switching device and the luminaires of the lighting device are designed as a common module. In other words, the switching device can be integrated into the luminaire. Here, for example, the trailer can be upgraded by replacing the luminaire so as to include the switching device and thus be able to operate the switching device together with the tractor using digital or analog lighting control signals.

[0020] Optionally, the switching device has an interface for connecting the switching device to a second trailer of a multi-section vehicle, especially a commercial vehicle. By this means, further integration of the switching device can be achieved. Thus, the switching device can include an optional additional interface for providing lighting for the subsequent second trailer.

[0021] Optionally, the first standard and / or the second standard is an ISO standard and / or an SAE standard. The second standard can in particular be ISO 12098 and / or ISO 1185. By this means, the overall operation of the switching device and the trailer can be achieved. Based on these standards, the signal interface and / or the lighting control signal can be defined.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, a trailer is provided. The trailer includes a lighting device and the above-mentioned switching device. The switching device can have one or more of the above-mentioned optional features in order to achieve the related technical effects. Here, the switching device can be installed in the trailer. Description of the Drawings

[0023] Other features of the present invention and its technical effects are derived from the drawings and the description of the preferred embodiments shown in these drawings. Herein:

[0024] Figure 1Schematic view of a multi - articulated vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, with a trailer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 Schematic view of a trailer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 Schematic view of a trailer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 Schematic view of a trailer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 Schematic view of a trailer according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0029] Figure 6 Schematic view of a signal related to a trailer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Embodiment

[0030] Figure 1 Schematic view of a multi - articulated vehicle 200a, in particular a commercial vehicle 200b, with trailers 220a, 220b according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multi - articulated vehicle 200a, in particular the commercial vehicle 200b, is a land vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the multi - articulated vehicle 200a, in particular the commercial vehicle 200b, includes a tractor 210 (truck) and two trailers 220a, 220b (semi - trailers), namely a first trailer 220a and a second trailer 220b. The second trailer 220b can be towed by the first trailer 220a. In another embodiment (not shown), the multi - articulated vehicle 200a, in particular the commercial vehicle 200b, can have one or more than two trailers 220a, 220b.

[0031] The tractor 210 has a control device 215. The control device 215 is configured to: output a light control signal 115 based on, for example, a braking requirement, gear selection, signal function, function of the lamps 226, and / or an automated driving function, in order to transmit the light control signal 115 to one or more trailers 220a, 220b. Here, depending on the embodiment of the tractor 210, the light control signal 115 can be a digital first light control signal 115a or an analog second light control signal 115b (see Figures 2 to 6 ).

[0032] According to Figure 1The first trailer 220a has a switching device 100 and a lighting device 225. The switching device 100 is configured to receive a light control signal 115 from the tractor 210. The switching device 100 can switch between a first reception mode M1 for receiving a digital first light control signal 115a according to a first standard N1 and a second reception mode M2 for receiving an analog second light control signal 115b according to a second standard N2.

[0033] The switching device 100 is configured to operate the lighting device 225 depending on the reception mode M1, M2 or the received light control signal 115. Thereby, the lighting device 225 of the first trailer 220a can operate without being limited to either the light control signal 115 or any one of the standards N1, N2 of the tractor 210.

[0034] The switching device 100 of the first trailer 220a has an interface 125 for connecting the switching device 100 to a second trailer 220b of a multi - vehicle 200a, in particular a commercial vehicle 200b. The second trailer 220b has a switching device 100 designed similar to the switching device 100 of the first trailer 220a and a lighting device 225. Thereby, the lighting device 225 of the second trailer 220b can operate without being limited to either of the standards N1, N2 of the light control signal 115.

[0035] Reference Figures 2 to 5 describes an embodiment of the switching device 100, the first trailer 220a and / or the second trailer 220b.

[0036] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of trailers 220a, 220b according to an embodiment of the invention. Here, the trailers 220a, 220b are trailers 220a, 220b for a multi - vehicle 200a, in particular a commercial vehicle 200b as described in reference Figure 1 described. With reference Figure 1 and its description, Figure 2 is described.

[0037] According to Figure 2 the trailers 220a, 220b have a switching device 100, a braking system 221, a braking interface 222, a sensor device 235 and a communication unit 230.

[0038] The braking interface 222 is configured to receive a braking signal 223 from the towing vehicle 210 and transmit it to the braking system 221. For example, the braking interface 222 is an interface according to ISO 7638 with a data protocol according to ISO 11992. Thereby, the trailers 220a, 220b can operate together with a towing vehicle 210 designed according to ISO 7638. The braking system 221 can output a braking requirement (not shown) to the brakes of the trailers 220a, 220b. The braking system 221 is, for example, an electro-mechanical and / or electro-pneumatic braking system 221, the so-called "Trailer Electronic Braking System" (TEBS).

[0039] The sensor device 235 is configured to detect sensor data 118 related to the environment of the trailers 220a, 220b. The sensor device 235 is, for example, configured to detect distance data and / or image data as sensor data 118. For this purpose, the sensor device 235 includes, for example, sensors based on ultrasonic, radar and / or lidar, and / or is configured to detect camera data or image data. The sensor data 118 can be transmitted to the towing vehicle 210 and / or processed in the trailers 220a, 220b for driving assistance and / or for performing automated driving functions.

[0040] The communication unit 230 is also referred to as "Vehicle Communication Unit" (VCU). The communication unit 230 connects the various components of the trailers 220a, 220b to each other and also connects the trailers 220a, 220b to the towing vehicle 210 (not shown in Figure 2 )

[0041] The communication unit 230 is connected to the sensor device 235 and can receive the sensor data 118 from the sensor device 235 and / or request the detection of sensor data 118 by the sensor device 235.

[0042] The communication unit 230 is communicatively connected to the braking system 221 in order to transmit a second braking signal 224 to the braking system 221 and / or receive information related to the braking system 221. Thereby, the communication unit 230 is functionally connected to the braking system 221 of the trailer 210.

[0043] In order to enable the communication unit 230 to connect to the towing vehicle 210 (e.g., its control device 215), the trailer 230 has a data interface 117. The data interface 117 may include a plug connection for coupling to a corresponding connection of the towing vehicle 210. Via the data interface 117, the communication unit 230 can receive data 119 from the towing vehicle 210, e.g., for controlling the braking system 221 and / or the sensor device 235, and / or send it to the towing vehicle 210. The data interface 117 may be designed to conform to an interface of "Automotive Ethernet" and / or "1000BASE-T1".

[0044] The communication unit 230 is connected to the switching device 100 via a signal connection 105' for the communication of digital data. For this purpose, the switching device 100 has a first signal interface 116a for receiving a first lighting control signal 115a. In an embodiment according to Figure 2 the switching device 100 is indirectly connected via the communication unit 230 through the first signal interface 116a for receiving the first lighting control signal 115a. The towing vehicle 210 can transmit the digital first lighting control signal 116a to the switching device 100 via the first signal interface 116a and the communication unit 230. Thereby, the switching device 100 is functionally connected to the communication unit 230.

[0045] Therefore, the data interface 117 and the first signal interface 116a can form a common physical interface between the towing vehicle 210 and the trailers 220a, 220b. Between the communication unit 230 and the switching device 110, control data can be transmitted using any technology (e.g., CAN, LIN, Ethernet, etc.).

[0046] The switching device 100 has a second signal interface 116b for receiving a second lighting control signal 115b. Via the second signal interface 116, the switching device 100 can be indirectly connected to the towing vehicle 210 for receiving the analog second lighting control signal 115b.

[0047] The switching device 100 can switch between a first receiving mode M1 for receiving a digital first lighting control signal 115a according to a first standard N1 and a second receiving mode M2 for receiving an analog second lighting control signal 115b according to a second standard N2. Both the first standard N1 and the second standard N2 are ISO standards. The second standard N2 is ISO 12098 and / or ISO1185.

[0048] The switching device 100 is set up to operate the lighting device 225 depending on the reception modes M1, M2 or the received lighting control signal 115. For this purpose, the switching device 100 is connected to the lighting device 225 or to the luminaire 226 of the lighting device 225 via a signal connection 105. The switching device 100 is set up to supply the lighting device 225 with electrical energy and / or signals for controlling the lighting device 225 via the signal connection 105 in order to operate the lighting device 225. For this purpose, depending on the reception modes M1, M2, the switching device 100 can output the respective lighting control signals 115a, 115b to the lighting device 225 via the signal connection 105 and optionally convert the lighting control signal for output.

[0049] The switching device 100 is a module 120a formed independently of the communication unit 230. For this purpose, the module 120a and the communication unit 230 can have different housings and / or circuit boards from each other and electrically compatible connections.

[0050] The switching device 100 is also set up to enable emergency operation of the braking system 221 via the brake light voltage of the second signal interface 116b if the towing vehicle 210 is not connected to the trailers 220a, 220b either via the data interface 117 or via the braking interface 222. For this purpose, the switching device 100 can provide additional lines for the brake lights and ground.

[0051] Figure 3 A schematic illustration of trailers 220a, 220b according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. With reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the trailers 220a, 220b are described according to Figure 3 . Here, the differences between the trailers 220a, 220b according to Figure 2 and Figure 3 are described.

[0052] According to Figure 3The switching device 100 has: a third signal interface 116c; and an interface 125 for connecting the switching device 100 to the second trailers 220a, 220b of the multi-section vehicle 200a, in particular a commercial vehicle 200b. The third signal interface 116c is, for example, an interface according to ISO 1185 and is configured to receive a third lighting control signal 115c. Here, similar to the second lighting control signal 115b, the third lighting control signal 115c can be an analog signal. The switching device 100 is configured to: according to the reception modes M1, M2, output the third lighting control signal 115c received via the third signal interface 116c to the second trailer 220b via the interface 125 and optionally convert the third lighting control signal for output; and / or output the digital first lighting control signal 116a received via the first signal interface 116a to the second trailer 220b via the interface 125 and optionally convert the digital first lighting control signal for output.

[0053] Figure 4 FIGURES show schematic views of the trailers 220a, 220b according to an embodiment of the present invention. Refer Figures 1 to 3 , to describe the trailers 220a, 220b according to Figure 4 . Here, the differences between the trailers 220a, 220b according to Figure 2 and Figure 4 are described.

[0054] The switching device 100 is part of a communication unit 230 that is functionally connected to the braking system 221 of the trailer 210. Thereby, the switching device 100 has a data interface 117. The switching device 100 is configured for communication of sensor data 118 in a first reception mode M1. That is, the switching device 100 can receive the digital first lighting control signal 115a and can simultaneously transmit the sensor data 118 via the jointly designed data interface 117 and the first signal interface 116a. The data interface 117 or the first signal interface 116a is configured to transmit the sensor data 118 from the trailers 220a, 220b to the tractor 210 of the multi-section vehicle 200a, in particular a commercial vehicle 200b. The data interface 117 is configured to receive the first lighting control signal 115a in the first reception mode M1. In this case of direct connection, the switching device 100 meets the interface specifications of the data interface 117.

[0055] Figure 5 FIGURES show schematic views of the trailers 220a, 220b according to an embodiment of the present invention. Refer Figures 1 to 4 , to describe the trailers 220a, 220b according to Figure 5 . Here, the trailers 220a, 220b according to Figure 2 andFigure 5 Differences between trailers 220a and 220b.

[0056] The switching device 100 and the lamp 226 of the lighting device 225 are designed as a common module 120b. Herein, Figure 5 Two different embodiments are illustrated: In one embodiment, the trailers 220a, 220b include a signal connection 105' between the communication unit 230 and the switching device 100, as referenced Figure 2 and Figure 3 described; In another embodiment, the trailers 220a, 220b include a signal connection 105'' between the braking system 221 and the switching device 100, wherein the switching device 100 is indirectly connected to the communication unit 230 via the braking system 221 here.

[0057] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of signals related to trailers 220a, 220b according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0058] The braking system 221 receives a braking signal 223, for example via an ISO-7638 interface. The communication unit 230 receives data 119, for example from the towing vehicle 210 via the data interface 117. The communication unit 230 and the braking system 221 can exchange data with each other, as referenced Figure 2 described. The switching device 100 is functionally connected to the communication unit 230 and connected to the braking system 221 via the communication unit 230, and can also receive a first lighting control signal 115a and a second lighting control signal 115b. Depending on the application, the switching device can output the first lighting control signal 115a and / or the second lighting control signal 115b for operating the lighting device 225 and / or for transmission to another trailer 220a, 220b.

[0059] Reference Signs (Part of the Specification)

[0060] 100 Switching Device

[0061] 105 Signal Connection

[0062] 105' Signal Connection

[0063] 105'' Signal Connection

[0064] 115 Lighting Control Signal

[0065] 115a First Lighting Control Signal

[0066] 115b Second Lighting Control Signal

[0067] 115c Third Lighting Control Signal

[0068] 116a First signal interface

[0069] 116b Second signal interface

[0070] 116c Third signal interface

[0071] 117 Data interface

[0072] 118 Sensor data

[0073] 119 Data

[0074] 120a Module

[0075] 120b Module

[0076] 125 Interface

[0077] 200a Vehicle

[0078] 200b Commercial vehicle

[0079] 210 Tractor

[0080] 215 Control device

[0081] 220a Trailer

[0082] 220b Second trailer

[0083] 221 Brake system

[0084] 222 Brake interface

[0085] 223 Brake signal

[0086] 224 Second brake signal

[0087] 225 Lighting device

[0088] 226 Lamp

[0089] 230 Communication unit

[0090] 235 Sensor device

[0091] M1 First receiving mode

[0092] M2 Second receiving mode

[0093] N1 First standard

[0094] N2 Second standard

Claims

1. A switching device (100) for a trailer (220a, 220b) of a multi - section vehicle (200a), in particular a commercial vehicle (200b), comprising a lighting device (225), wherein, - The switching device (100) can switch between a first reception mode (M1) for receiving a first digital lighting control signal (115a) according to a first standard (N1) and a second reception mode (M2) for receiving a second analog lighting control signal (115b) according to a second standard (N2), and - The switching device (100) is configured to operate the lighting device (225) depending on the reception mode (M1, M2).

2. The switching device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The switching device (100) has: a first signal interface (116a) for receiving the first lighting control signal (115a); and a second signal interface (116b) for receiving the second lighting control signal (115b).

3. The switching device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The switching device (100) has a data interface (117), and the switching device (100) is configured for communication of sensor data (118) in the first reception mode (M1).

4. The switching device (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The data interface (117) is configured to transfer the sensor data (118) from the trailer (220a, 220b) to the tractor (210) of the articulated vehicle (200a), in particular a commercial vehicle (200b).

5. The switching device (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The data interface (117) is configured to receive the first lighting control signal (115a) in the first reception mode (M1).

6. The switching device (100) according to any one of the above - mentioned claims, wherein, The switching device (100) is a module (120a) designed independently of a communication unit (230) functionally connected to the braking system (221) of the trailer (210) and is functionally connected to the communication unit (230).

7. The switching device (100) according to claims 1 to 5, wherein, The switching device (100) is part of a communication unit (230) functionally connected to the braking system (221) of the trailer (210).

8. The switching device (100) according to any one of the above - mentioned claims, wherein, The switching device (100) and the luminaires (226) of the lighting device (225) are designed as a common module (120b).

9. The switching device (100) according to any one of the above - mentioned claims, wherein, The switching device (100) has an interface (125) for connecting the switching device (100) to a second trailer (220a, 220b) of the articulated vehicle (200a), in particular a commercial vehicle (200b).

10. The switching device (100) according to any one of the above - mentioned claims, wherein, The first standard (N1) and / or the second standard (N2) is an ISO standard and / or an SAE standard.

11. A trailer (220) comprising a lighting device (225) and a switching device (100) according to any one of the above - mentioned claims.

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