Towing vehicle, combination and method for establishing a media connection

Abstract

Towing vehicle having a plurality of plug connectors, each plug connector for transmitting a medium, the plug connectors being connectable to sockets of a towed vehicle, and further having an operating device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tractor vehicle, a combination of multiple plugs and operating devices, and a method for establishing a medium connection between the tractor vehicle and the towed vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] A towing vehicle is used in combination with a towed vehicle to move the towed vehicle. Examples of towed vehicles include semi-trailers, full trailers, and vehicles with detachable cargo boxes.

[0003] A tractor unit and a semi-trailer form a tractor-trailer combination. Its mechanical coupling system includes a fifth-wheel coupler mounted on the tractor unit and a kingpin located on the underside of the semi-trailer. The kingpin engages with and locks to the fifth wheel. The fifth-wheel plate is typically designed with a wedge-shaped inlet in the direction of travel for coupling with the semi-trailer. This inlet has free mounting space, with at least one mounting space depth ensuring that the kingpin can insert and disengage from the fifth wheel. During coupling, the semi-trailer slides on the surface of the fifth-wheel plate to achieve its vertical alignment. The kingpin ensures lateral guidance, being forward-guided into the inlet during coupling until it reaches its locked position. A method for coupling a tractor unit and a semi-trailer is known in Korean patent application KR20200060650A.

[0004] Similarly, motor vehicles and trailers form articulated vehicles, whose mechanical coupling system includes a trailer coupler or a pin coupler with coupling jaws assigned to the motor vehicle, and a drawbar with a towing hook assigned to the trailer.

[0005] Such combinations are crucial in freight transport. Typically, the tractor and towed vehicles do not form fixed combinations; instead, the tractor is connected to different towed vehicles of the same type as needed. At the end of a trip, the tractor usually parks the towed vehicle. During loading and unloading of cargo on the towed vehicle, the tractor can be used to move another towed vehicle. Therefore, the tractor and towed vehicles are connected and disconnected periodically. This results in the number of towed vehicles often exceeding the number of tractor vehicles. To allow semi-trailers to be parked, they are usually equipped with ground supports that provide support when no tractor is coupled to the semi-trailer.

[0006] The above combination is used in both controlled environments, such as container terminals, and public environments, i.e., roads. Conditions in controlled environments are generally easier to control, meaning there are fewer interfering factors, such as road users not part of the freight transport system, uneven road surfaces, and unexpected road closures. However, the reliability requirements in controlled environments are significantly higher.

[0007] Manually coupling the tractor unit to the semi-trailer is a multi-step and time-consuming process that requires establishing multiple connections manually. First, the tractor unit reverses close to the trailer until the fifth wheel coupler engages with the trailer's kingpin. A click sound indicates that the mechanical connection has been established. A visual inspection is then performed to ensure that the locking device to the fifth wheel is properly engaged.

[0008] In addition to mechanical connections, the tractor and the towed vehicle are also interconnected to transmit various media, particularly compressed air and electrical energy. In recent years, data connections between the tractor and the towed vehicle have also become increasingly common. For media transmission, vehicles typically have plugs and sockets that can be attached to and interconnected with the corresponding media lines.

[0009] Manual connection procedures for media connections are both time-consuming and error-prone. For example, with pneumatic connections, care must be taken to ensure a tight fit to avoid compressed air leaks. Electrical connections between the tractor and trailer are achieved via individual plugs, typically 7-pin or 15-pin plugs for lighting, and additional plugs for control units such as ABS or EBS if necessary. These plugs must be connected individually and checked to ensure they are installed correctly. This requires personnel to climb between the vehicles to manually manipulate the cables. Besides the often dirty area between vehicles, there is a risk of injury. If the trailer has additional systems such as hydraulics or cameras, the corresponding data cables must also be manually connected.

[0010] Once all connections are complete, functional testing will be conducted. This includes testing the trailer's lighting, braking systems, and any additional systems such as hydraulic systems or telematics systems.

[0011] However, this process has many drawbacks. It is extremely labor-intensive because each connection needs to be made and checked individually, which is particularly challenging in adverse weather conditions or under time pressure. The large number of independent connections also increases the risk of errors, such as missing or incorrectly connecting wires. This can lead to malfunctions in systems such as lighting or braking, thereby endangering road safety.

[0012] Therefore, connecting and disconnecting transmission cables is a time-consuming task and usually relies on manual operation. In the past, various methods have been tried to reduce or avoid these problems.

[0013] One solution is to integrate different connections into a single plug. This reduces the number of mating operations. Using modular plug connectors between tractor-trailers and semi-trailers offers advantages in both functionality and efficiency. By integrating different types of connections into a single plug, space and materials are saved, and the amount of work required for manufacturing and maintenance is reduced. Especially in the logistics sector, where fast and reliable coupling is crucial, modular plug systems greatly simplify operational processes. Since only one plug is used to complete all necessary connections, the risk of misconnection or omission is significantly reduced. Furthermore, integration into a single housing ensures better protection against external factors such as dirt, moisture, and mechanical stress. Overall, integrating different connections into a single plug ensures higher reliability, simplified operational processes, and ultimately, economic benefits in operations.

[0014] Furthermore, attempts have been made to automate vehicle connectivity in the transmission of media such as compressed air, electrical energy, and data. Automation systems employing integrated plugs for multiple media connections are known in patent documents EP2013040A1, WO2022 / 150720A2, and US11,560,188B2. However, these systems are susceptible to environmental factors such as rain or dirt. Furthermore, US patent US11,560,188B2... Figure 3 The extent to which the connection shown in c can flexibly adapt to the movement of the trailer relative to the towing vehicle while maintaining sufficient rigidity to achieve automatic establishment of the plug connection is debatable.

[0015] It is foreseeable that the requirements for media transmission between towing and towed vehicles will continue to increase. With the proliferation of autonomous vehicle combinations and the widespread application of recycling systems and electric drive systems, it is essential to ensure the rapid, reliable, and secure transmission of data and electrical energy at all times. Existing systems sometimes exhibit limitations in this regard. Summary of the Invention

[0016] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to ensure reliable transmission of the medium between the tractor and the towed vehicle, even in situations where high transmission performance is required.

[0017] This objective is achieved by the traction vehicle according to claim 1.

[0018] The towing vehicle includes a chassis, a superstructure, and multiple plug connectors for transferring one medium at a time between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle, particularly for transferring exactly one or more media at a time between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle. The plug connectors are combined into multiple individual plugs that can be connected to sockets on the towed vehicle. The number of plugs is less than the number of plug connectors. The towing vehicle includes an operating device configured to operate each plug individually.

[0019] In other words, there are at least two plugs and at least three plug connectors. Therefore, at least one plug has at least two plug connectors.

[0020] Each plug connector connects to a wire used for transmitting the medium. Plug connectors are also provided within the sockets, with each socket's plug connector designed to complement the plug connector of at least one plug.

[0021] The inventors recognized that integrating all connection types into a single plug is not always feasible or reasonable. Each additional connection increases the plug's size and weight, thus raising the requirements for the operating unit used to manipulate the plug. Furthermore, various transmission media can negatively impact each other. This interaction is particularly pronounced when high-voltage lines are combined with data lines. High-voltage lines can cause interference and data loss to data lines, potentially leading to permanent data transmission interruptions. Transmitting these media within the same plug requires robust shielding, further increasing the plug's size and dimensions.

[0022] Therefore, unlike previous systems, this system specifies at least two plugs, each of which can be independently plugged and unplugged relative to the others, and at least one plug is used for transmitting multiple media. Thus, connectors for media that may negatively impact each other can be located in different plugs. Furthermore, the maximum weight the operating device must bear is reduced. This allows for a more compact design of the operating device, saving space and cost.

[0023] The chassis mainly includes the frame, wheels, and drive unit. The superstructure mainly includes the fifth wheel coupler. The superstructure may include a cab. However, the cab may be omitted in autonomous tractor-trailers.

[0024] The tractor preferably includes a control unit for controlling the operating devices. The control method is preferably semi-automatic or fully automatic.

[0025] A single plug connector can include both electrical poles simultaneously.

[0026] The operation specifically refers to actions such as picking up, moving, rotating, placing, inserting and / or pulling out the plug.

[0027] As described above, the operating device is configured to operate each plug individually. For this purpose, the operating device and the plug preferably include complementary retaining devices. More precisely, each of the operating device and the plug includes a retaining device, wherein the retaining device of each plug is individually complementary to the retaining device of the operating device. Through the retaining devices, the operating device can be temporarily connected to a single plug at a time. Complementarity means that the retaining device of the operating device and the retaining device of the plug can be temporarily connected to each other, enabling the operating device to operate the plug. These retaining devices are detachable relative to each other, i.e., they can be disengaged from each other during normal use, especially without manual intervention.

[0028] The retaining device can be formed from the outline or part of the outline of the plug, particularly from the plug housing. This simplifies the plug's structure. If all plugs use the same outline or the same part of the outline, all plugs can be operated by a single, complementary actuating device.

[0029] Each plug preferably has the same retaining device. In this case, it is sufficient for the operating device to include a single retaining device that complements the retaining devices of the same design for each plug. This simplifies the design of the operating device.

[0030] For example, the retaining device can be a mechanical retaining device and / or a magnetic retaining device. The decisive factor is that the retaining device can achieve a temporary connection, i.e., the connection and disconnection of the operating device and the plug. A mechanical retaining device achieves a temporary connection between the operating device and the plug through form-fitting and / or force-fitting. The retaining device may also include a latching element and / or an actuator. A magnetic retaining device may include a permanent magnet and / or an electromagnet. A retaining device means including, for example, a retainer and a clamp, wherein the clamp is capable of gripping the retainer. The clamp may also be designed as a vacuum clamp or a magnetic clamp.

[0031] The plug preferably includes a code, particularly a unique code. The codes for different plugs are preferably different (unique codes). This facilitates the identification of which plug is involved and which plug connectors it includes. Sensors can be provided for this purpose, particularly as components of the operating device. The sensors are capable of detecting the code. The control unit can then determine which plug connectors are included in the plug with the detected code, for example, based on a database. The control unit is preferably part of the traction vehicle. The code is preferably part of the retaining device, but can also be located, for example, on or within the plug housing. The code can include, for example, an RFID chip, a QR code, a mechanical code, and / or a magnetic code. Mechanical codes can be implemented using protrusions of different shapes, which can be optically or mechanically detected by sensors. If all plugs use the same partial profile as the retaining device, another part of the plug profile, particularly the plug connector housing, can be used as the code.

[0032] The medium transmitted by the plug connector is, in particular, compressed air, hydraulic fluid, data, and / or electrical energy, especially electrical energy from vehicle power sources (12V DC and / or 24V DC and / or 48V DC) and / or high-voltage electrical energy (>230V AC or >230V DC, especially 300V or 500V DC). Data transmission is not considered electrical energy transmission, even if a small amount of electrical energy is transferred in the process. As mentioned above, high-voltage electrical energy transmission and data transmission are preferably achieved through two separate plugs.

[0033] Each plug is configured to either transmit exactly one medium between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle, or transmit multiple media. In the latter case, data transmission in conjunction with compressed air or electrical power transmission is specifically provided. For this purpose, data transmission is superimposed during the transmission of compressed air or electrical power. If each plug transmits exactly one medium, a clear separation between the media is created. Transmitting multiple media via a single plug reduces the number of plugs, thereby reducing the size of the relevant plugs. This allows for a more compact design of the operating device.

[0034] The connectors of the plug should ideally be insulated from each other.

[0035] The choice of which plugs are equipped with which connectors can vary depending on the application. Preferably, at least one plug has only a connector for transmitting high-voltage electricity. Advantageously, the plugs are designed differently in terms of their connectors and / or the media they transmit. For example, to prevent interference between high-voltage lines and data lines, a first plug can be connected to the high-voltage line and equipped with a corresponding connector, while a second plug can be connected to the data line and have a corresponding connector. If compressed air transmission is also required, the first or second plug can additionally have a connector for compressed air and be connected to a compressed air line. Since high-voltage lines are relatively heavy, it is advantageous to provide at least one plug with only a connector for transmitting high-voltage electricity and connected to the high-voltage line. To avoid losing all the advantages of integrating multiple connectors into a smaller number of plugs, it is advantageous to provide at least one plug designed for transmitting multiple different media.

[0036] A plug connector is understood, in particular, as an element capable of being connected to another plug connector via a mating operation, especially by mechanical and / or magnetic connection. Direct contact is not necessarily required between components directly involved in the transmission of their respective media; for example, the transmitter and receiver of a contactless communication system can be housed in a plug connector used for data connection, as disclosed in WO2020 / 016420A2. In this case, there are also two plug connectors connected to each other.

[0037] Within the scope of this invention, multiple plugs can be provided, which transmit at least partially the same medium in different combinations. In this way, the system according to the invention can be adapted or prepared for use with different towed vehicles. For example, three different plugs can be provided: a first plug designed for transmitting high-voltage electricity, a second plug for transmitting compressed air and low-voltage electricity (from the vehicle's power supply), and a third plug for transmitting compressed air, low-voltage electricity, and data. Depending on the type of towed vehicle to be connected to the towing vehicle, the second plug may be selected only (for trailers that do not require high-voltage electricity and data connection), or the third plug may be selected only (for trailers that do not require high-voltage electricity but require data connection), or a combination of the first and third plugs may be selected (for trailers that require both high-voltage electricity and data connection), or other combinations may be used.

[0038] The manipulator is preferably operated in an automated manner, particularly autonomously. It preferably includes an articulated robot. This greatly simplifies the operation process, especially the gripping of different plugs. The holding device of the manipulator is preferably located at the end of the manipulator, particularly the end of an articulated robot. This allows the manipulator to have the maximum possible range of motion when manipulating the plugs.

[0039] The towing vehicle advantageously includes a bracket for temporarily storing plugs. When plugs are not in use, particularly when they are not connected to the towed vehicle or operated by the operating device, they can be placed on the bracket. Thus, the plugs are stored in a fixed location, easily accessible to the operating device. These brackets can be mounted on the cab.

[0040] The objective of this invention is also achieved by including a combination of a tractor vehicle and a towed vehicle as described above. The towed vehicle includes a socket to which a plug can be connected. The socket includes a plug connector for connecting to a medium line of the towed vehicle.

[0041] The transfer of medium from the tractor vehicle to the towed vehicle begins at the medium line of the tractor vehicle, passes through the corresponding connector of the tractor vehicle, then through the corresponding connector of the towed vehicle, and finally reaches the medium line of the towed vehicle. The transfer of medium from the towed vehicle to the tractor vehicle begins at the medium line of the towed vehicle, passes through the corresponding connector of the towed vehicle, then through the corresponding connector of the tractor vehicle, and finally reaches the medium line of the tractor vehicle. This allows, for example, the transfer of electrical energy to the energy storage device within the tractor vehicle during energy recovery in the towed vehicle's electrical bridge. Bidirectional transfer is also possible, for example, in the case of signal transmission.

[0042] The towed vehicle is preferably a semi-trailer, a full trailer, or a vehicle with a detachable cargo box.

[0043] The objective of this invention can also be achieved through a combination of the aforementioned plurality of plugs and operating devices. This combination can be installed on the towing vehicle and / or the towed vehicle. It is preferred to install it on the towing vehicle because, typically, a convoy has fewer towing vehicles than towed vehicles, thus resulting in lower costs.

[0044] The object of the present invention can also be achieved by a method for establishing a medium connection between the tractor and the towed vehicle as described above, wherein an operating device sequentially connects plugs to sockets on the towed vehicle. Since the operating device operates each plug individually, they are connected sequentially to the towed vehicle.

[0045] The connection process begins when the operating device picks up the plug, at which point the retaining device of the operating device and the retaining device of the plug are temporarily connected to each other. The connection process ends when the plug is connected to the socket of the towed vehicle and the operating device is disengaged from the plug, at which point the aforementioned retaining devices separate from each other.

[0046] The operating device is also configured to perform a reverse process. The process of disconnecting the connection between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle begins with the temporary connection of the plug's retaining device and the operating device's retaining device to each other. The plug is then pulled out of the socket and placed in a designated location, such as a bracket. When the plug is placed on the bracket, the plug separates from the operating device or its retaining devices, thus completing the disconnection process.

[0047] The connection and disconnection processes used for media transmission can be performed before, during, or after the corresponding mechanical connection process.

[0048] To meet the requirements of autonomous driving systems, data exchange between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle is crucial. Therefore, in a favorable further improvement, it is envisioned that the first connector to be attached to the towed vehicle will be one capable of data transmission between the two vehicles. This could be a pure data connector or a combination connector integrating data connectors, etc. This allows data exchange between the towing and towed vehicles to occur at an earlier point in time. For example, this enables the autonomous towing vehicle to receive information from the towed vehicle, particularly regarding its superstructure and status. Advantageously, after data transmission is enabled, the connectors subsequently required to be attached to the towed vehicle and their connection order are determined based on the data transmitted from the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle. Once the data connection is established, the towing vehicle can determine which further connections are necessary and whether a preferred connection order exists. This process simplifies the connection process between the towing and towed vehicles because it eliminates the need to acquire all information beforehand.

[0049] Once data transmission is enabled, it is advantageous to disable individual or all power-consuming devices before connecting the plugs that enable power transfer between the tractor and the towed vehicle, especially when power-consuming devices are involved. If the power-consuming devices are already operational, voltage spikes, and even arcing and sparking, can occur when connecting electrical plugs. Voltage spikes can damage electrical systems and should be avoided. If multiple power-consuming devices are operating simultaneously, multiple voltage spikes may even overlap. Avoiding arcing and sparking is even more important, as they can damage vehicles or cargo, posing a significant safety hazard, especially when transporting hazardous materials. Disabling power-consuming devices before connection can prevent voltage spikes, arcing, and sparking. This procedure is particularly advantageous when connecting high-voltage cables.

[0050] The system according to the invention also allows, in certain circumstances, the establishment of all pre-defined connections between the tractor and a specific towed vehicle that would otherwise be pre-programmed for the combination of tractor and towed vehicles. For example, during shunting operations, only some possible connections may be established. This shortens the connection process, thereby saving time. For example, during shunting operations, high-voltage power transmission can be omitted because it is not absolutely necessary to transmit recovered electrical energy at this time. In other cases, data lines can be omitted because shunting operations do not require data exchange between the tractor and towed vehicles. Attached Figure Description

[0051] The present invention is illustrated and explained by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. The figures listed below are presented in the drawings as follows: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the combination; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Detailed view of point A; Figure 3 for Figure 1 Detailed view of point B; Figure 4 for Figure 1 Detailed image of point C. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Figure 1 The assembly 10 shown includes a tractor unit as a tractor vehicle 20 and a semi-trailer unit as a towed vehicle 30. Figure 1 The diagram shows the combination 10 of the tractor vehicle 20 and the semi-trailer during the mechanical coupling process.

[0053] The tractor vehicle 20 includes a chassis and a superstructure. The chassis includes wheels 22 and a drive system (not shown). The tractor vehicle 20 has a cab 24 at the front and a fifth wheel 26 at the rear.

[0054] The towed vehicle 30 includes a chassis 32 with wheels 34. A cargo box 36 for loading the transported goods is mounted on the chassis 32. The semi-trailer has a kingpin 38 in its front region. To provide support when the semi-trailer is not connected to the towing vehicle 20, the semi-trailer includes a retractable ground support 39.

[0055] exist Figure 1 In the indicated state, the tractor vehicle 20 has partially driven under the semi-trailer and moves further rearward during mechanical coupling until the kingpin 38 is received into the fifth wheel 26. Since the tractor vehicle 20 has not yet fully supported the semi-trailer, the ground support device 39 is in an extended state.

[0056] A mounting plate 28 is located at the rear of the cab 24. The towing vehicle 20 includes multiple plugs 42 (see...). Figure 2These plugs can be connected to socket 46 on the trailer (see...) Figure 4 ).

[0057] The tractor 20 also includes an articulated robotic manipulator 60. In the embodiment shown here, the manipulator 60 is positioned between the cab 24 and the fifth wheel 26. The manipulator 60 includes a robotic arm 62 and a gripper 64 positioned at the front end of the robotic arm 62 (see...). Figure 3 ).

[0058] Each plug 42 has a base to which an identical retainer 48 is attached. The retainer 48 and the clamp 64 are designed to complement each other. The clamp 64 can grip at most one retainer 48 at any given time, thereby operating at most one plug 42.

[0059] One plug 42 connects to three wires: a data line 52, a pneumatic wire 56, and a low-voltage wire 58. This plug 42 has three connectors 44, each connecting to one wire to transmit the corresponding medium. Another plug 42 is equipped with only one high-voltage wire 54 and its associated connector 44. All wires are designed as spiral wires.

[0060] Each plug 42 is equipped with an RFID chip 82 for coding. Different plugs can be distinguished by the RFID chip 82.

[0061] The mounting plate 28 is only one option for temporarily storing the plug 42. The mounting plate 28 does not have any connection function for media transmission.

[0062] Fixture 64 comprises two halves (see Figure 3 Both halves are pivotable, thereby enabling the clamping of retainer 48. When clamp 64 clamps retainer 48, the two halves are temporarily connected as a retaining device, in which case the connection is achieved through form fit. Subsequently, operating device 60 can operate the relevant plug 42, that is, remove it from fixing plate 28 and move it to the semi-trailer.

[0063] The semi-trailer has two sockets 46 (see Figure 4 One of the sockets 46 has three plug connectors 44, which are respectively connected to the data cable 52, the pneumatic cable 56, and the low-voltage cable 58. When a suitable plug 42 is inserted into the socket 46, the data cable 52, the pneumatic cable 56, and the low-voltage cable 58 of the tractor vehicle 20 are interconnected with each other, enabling the transmission of data, compressed air, and low-voltage electrical energy. The second socket 46 of the semi-trailer has a plug connector 44 connected to the high-voltage cable 54. When a mating plug 42 is inserted into the second socket 46, the high-voltage cable 54 of the tractor vehicle 20 is interconnected with the high-voltage cable 54 of the semi-trailer. This enables the transmission of electrical energy through the high-voltage cable.

[0064] The socket 46 does not necessarily have to be a recessed structure. In other embodiments, the plug may also have a recess, with the protrusion extending into it as the socket 46. In any case, the only determining factor is that the plug 42 and the socket 46 can be temporarily connected to each other through a plugging operation.

[0065] The operating device 60 moves the plug 42 to the socket 46 and inserts the plug 42 therein. The clamp 64 can then be opened to disconnect the temporary connection between the clamp 64 and the retainer 48 of the corresponding plug 42. The clamp 64 can then pick up another plug.

[0066] The clamp 64 includes a sensor 84. The sensor 84 is capable of detecting a code, in this case an RFID chip 82. The control unit (not shown) can then determine which plug connectors have the detected code, for example by querying a database.

[0067] List of reference numerals 10 combinations 20 tractor vehicles 22 wheels 24. Driver's cab 26. Fifth Round 28 Fixing plate 30 Towed Vehicles 32 Chassis 34 wheels 36 enclosures 38 Main Sales 39 Ground support device 42 plug 44 Plug Connector 46 sockets 48 Retaining parts 52 Data Cables 54 High-voltage cables 56 Pneumatic Cables 58 Low-voltage cables 60 Manipulator / Articulated Arm Robot 62 robotic arms 64 Fixtures 82 RFID chips 84 sensors

Claims

1. A traction vehicle having a chassis, a superstructure, and a plurality of plug connectors for transmitting a corresponding medium between the traction vehicle and a towed vehicle, characterized in that: The plug connectors are combined to form multiple individual plugs, which can be connected to sockets on the towed vehicle, and the number of plugs is less than the number of plug connectors. The traction vehicle includes an operating device configured to operate each of the plugs individually.

2. The tractor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The operating device and the plug include complementary retaining devices, the operating device being able to temporarily connect to a single plug each time by means of the retaining devices, the retaining devices preferably being mechanical retaining devices and / or magnetic retaining devices.

3. The tractor vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the plugs has the same retaining device, in particular in the form of having the same outline or partial outline.

4. The tractor vehicle according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The plug, and in particular the retaining device of the plug, includes coding, particularly RFID chips, QR codes, mechanical codes and / or magnetic codes.

5. The tractor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The medium is compressed air, hydraulic fluid, data and / or electrical energy, particularly electrical energy (12V DC and / or 24V DC) and / or high-voltage electrical energy (>230V AC / DC) from an on-board power source.

6. The tractor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: At least one plug is designed for transmitting a variety of different media, and at least one other plug preferably has a plug connector specifically designed for transmitting high voltage electricity.

7. The tractor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The plugs are designed differently in terms of the medium being transmitted and / or their plug connectors.

8. The tractor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The transmission of high-voltage electrical energy and data transmission are accomplished by two different plugs.

9. The tractor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The operating device includes an articulated arm robot with a gripper.

10. A combination of a plurality of plugs and an operating device according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. A method for establishing a medium connection between a tractor vehicle and a towed vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the operating device sequentially connects the plug to a socket on the towed vehicle.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that: First, a plug that enables data transmission between the tractor and the towed vehicle is connected to the towed vehicle.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that: After data transmission is enabled, based on the data transmitted from the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle, it is determined which connectors are subsequently connected to the towed vehicle in what order.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: After data transmission is enabled, one or all power-consuming devices are deactivated via the data transmission, and then a plug that enables power transmission between the tractor and the towed vehicle is connected to the towed vehicle.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that: Only some possible connections are established to enable shunting movements.

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