Fifth wheel with a camera

Abstract

Fifth wheel coupling with a camera (30) comprising a coupling plate (10) and a bearing element (20) with which the coupling plate (10) can be fastened to a towing vehicle, wherein the coupling plate (10) has a centrally arranged locking region (11) for receiving a kingpin and an entry opening (12) running in a longitudinal axis (x), which is delimited on both sides by two entry horns (13a, 13b), characterized in that the camera (30) is fastened to the bearing element (20).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fifth wheel coupling with a camera according to the features set out in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The fifth wheel coupling is typically mounted on a tractor unit and serves to mechanically connect a semi-trailer to the tractor unit via a kingpin attached to it. For this purpose, the fifth wheel coupling has a coupling plate which is supported on the tractor unit by bearing elements and typically features a locking mechanism on its underside to secure the kingpin. During coupling, the tractor unit reverses towards the stationary semi-trailer, allowing the kingpin to enter a recess in the fifth wheel coupling and be guided from there into a locking mechanism until it reaches its final position.

[0003] Using a camera mounted on the tractor unit, the approach of the tractor unit to the trailer is to be simplified or even automated for the driver. US 2014 / 0151979 A1 proposes mounting the camera on a crossmember specifically designed for the camera, positioned between the tractor unit's frame rails and running longitudinally between the fifth wheel coupling and the rear of the tractor unit. This allows the camera to be centered along the vehicle's longitudinal axis, enabling precise approach of the tractor unit to the trailer. However, a disadvantage has been found to be that the camera is located behind the tractor unit's wheels and is therefore particularly exposed to dirt and debris, which significantly impairs its optical performance.Furthermore, positioning the camera at the rear of the towing vehicle means that, with the air suspension extended, it can easily be struck and damaged by the kingpin during coupling. Because the rear-facing camera is passed over by the kingpin very early on, and the camera fails to detect the kingpin's proximity as it enters the coupling plate's opening, a second, forward-facing camera is necessary, which makes the overall system relatively expensive.

[0004] A different state of the art is represented by DE 10 2004 029 130 A1, which uses a camera positioned under or within the fifth wheel coupling. The camera's central position allows for significantly easier detection of the kingpin compared to mounting the camera laterally on the coupling. However, a camera position along the vehicle's longitudinal axis has the disadvantage that the camera is always within the kingpin's range of motion, thus increasing its risk of damage. Furthermore, the centrally located shutter area in the coupling plate is constantly supplied with grease, which continuously gets onto the camera and also causes optical impairment.

[0005] The invention was therefore based on the objective of mounting the camera in a position in the area of ​​the fifth wheel coupling with the lowest possible risk of contamination and damage.

[0006] The invention is solved by the features of claim 1. Accordingly, the camera is not connected to the coupling plate, but to a bearing element or component that is directly or indirectly connected to the coupling plate. Typically, the bearing element is arranged in the force transmission path between the coupling plate and the towing vehicle or its vehicle frame. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] At least one section of the camera, or a bracket connected to the camera, is located, or protrudes, at least partially, in an area between the coupling plate and the vehicle frame. This area is typically unobstructed due to the pivoting movements of the coupling plate around a transverse axis during driving. Furthermore, freight forwarders and tractor unit manufacturers require the lowest possible overall height of the fifth wheel coupling system to maximize the trailer's load capacity. Because of the low overall height of the fifth wheel coupling, the available installation space beneath the coupling plate is reduced to a minimum.

[0008] As cameras with increasingly smaller resolution are developed, mounting the camera on a bearing element of the coupling plate offers a particularly secure installation position for the camera in an area covered by the coupling plate.

[0009] By attaching the camera to a bearing element of the fifth wheel coupling, it is located in close proximity to the end position of the kingpin inserted into the coupling, so that it remains visible to the camera for as long as possible during coupling and the phase of a kingpin not visible to the camera is relatively short.

[0010] Advantageously, the camera is positioned laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the coupling plate and is therefore outside the area of ​​influence of a kingpin during coupling or uncoupling of a semi-trailer. A transverse installation position outside the entry opening is particularly beneficial.

[0011] According to a first preferred embodiment, the mounting element consists of two bearing blocks arranged on either side of the locking area, and the camera is attached to one of the bearing blocks. The coupling plate is supported on the towing vehicle by means of the bearing blocks. The bearing blocks are typically fixed to the towing vehicle and allow the coupling plate relative movement about a pivot axis extending in the transverse direction. A significant advantage of mounting the camera on the bearing blocks is that they do not pivot and are typically also fixed along the longitudinal axis of the coupling plate. This places the camera in a fixed position relative to the towing vehicle and also allows for particularly precise calibration. Due to the off-center mounting with respect to the longitudinal axis, the camera image is not obscured by parts of the semi-trailer, especially the kingpin, when the semi-trailer approaches.

[0012] The camera is sensibly mounted on a bearing bracket that attaches to one of the bearing blocks. This further reduces the obstruction of the camera's field of view by components of the fifth wheel coupling.

[0013] The camera can preferably be mounted on the bearing block using the bearing block holder in such a way that the top of the camera has a height difference to the top of the coupling plate located laterally next to it, which is greater than the projection of the kingpin relative to the surrounding support plate. This ensures that a kingpin passing laterally by the coupling plate always passes over the camera and does not damage it. The kingpin projection is typically 84 mm. The height difference between the top of the coupling plate and the camera should therefore be greater than 84 mm.

[0014] The mounting bracket can have at least one first section oriented transversely to its longitudinal axis. This first section shifts the camera's position laterally outwards relative to the coupling plate. A second section of the mounting bracket, oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coupling plate, further shifts the camera's position rearwards, towards the free ends of the entry horns. Due to the angled design of the mounting bracket, neither the camera nor the bracket itself is within the coupling plate's swivel range, allowing for an almost unobstructed rearward field of view.

[0015] Advantageously, the bearing block holder is designed such that the camera is always positioned outside the downward-projected area of ​​the coupling plate. This has the advantage that the camera is neither visually obscured by the coupling plate nor physically captured by the coupling plate during operation due to a swiveling movement.

[0016] According to a second preferred embodiment, the bearing element is a bearing support crossmember connecting the two bearing blocks. The bearing support crossmember is a separate profile beam arranged between the bearing blocks and rigidly connected to them. The presence of a bearing support crossmember stiffens the bearing blocks against each other and allows the fifth wheel coupling to be mounted on a towing vehicle without a mounting plate, so that the bearing blocks can be attached to the vehicle frame either directly or by means of a subframe. Consequently, in this embodiment as well, the camera can be fixed to the towing vehicle and is particularly easy to calibrate. The bearing support crossmember is generally fixed to the towing vehicle and / or fixed to the bearing blocks. It has proven particularly advantageous if the bearing support crossmember engages a bearing block at opposite end sections.

[0017] Advantageously, the camera is arranged on the bearing block crossmember between the bearing blocks. A position laterally offset to the shutter area is particularly preferred. This has the advantage that a kingpin moving into or out of the coupling plate is sufficiently far from the camera to avoid a collision, and also that hardly any lubricating grease from the shutter mechanism installed in the locking area of ​​the coupling plate reaches the camera during operation.

[0018] The camera can, for example, be supported by a bracket mounted on the bearing block crossmember. Advantageously, the bracket is positioned on the side of the bearing block crossmember facing the entry opening. This allows the camera to be mounted relative to the coupling plate in the direction of the free ends of the entry horns. This is advantageous because the bearing block crossmember runs under the locking area, and this area is particularly densely filled due to the locking mechanism also located there. If the coupling plate were to tilt backwards, there would be an increased risk of the camera colliding with components of the locking mechanism and being damaged if the camera were mounted directly on the bearing block crossmember.

[0019] According to a third preferred embodiment, the bearing element is a bearing bridge with which the coupling plate is held to a bearing block. The bearing bridge is located in the immediate vicinity of the respective bearing block and thus within the area of ​​the pivot axis running through the bearing blocks. Due to the large spatial distance between the camera and the entry opening, the closure area, and the free ends of the entry horns, this is an extremely secure mounting position for the camera. Furthermore, the camera can be inspected and, if necessary, repaired particularly well, even with the trailer coupled.

[0020] Advantageously, the bearing bridge extends transversely through the bearing block and is bolted to the underside of the coupling plate. Typically, the bearing bridge has a U-shape, with the two free ends fixed to the coupling plate and an angled section between the free ends passing through an opening in the bearing block.

[0021] The camera is sensibly supported by a bearing bridge bracket that attaches to the bearing bridge. The bearing bridge bracket is securely connected to the bearing bridge, primarily by a screw connection. The bearing bridge bracket serves to further distance the camera from the coupling plate, thus enabling a particularly wide field of view from the camera without any obstruction from the coupling plate. Furthermore, this design offers additional advantages regarding the camera's accessibility for maintenance and repair.

[0022] The bearing bridge bracket can be designed with a first section extending in the transverse direction and a second section extending along the longitudinal axis. The first, transverse section of the bearing bridge bracket allows the camera's position to be determined laterally to the coupling plate, while the second, longitudinal section allows the camera's position to be determined in the direction of the free ends of the entry horns.

[0023] According to a fourth preferred embodiment, the mounting element is a mounting plate. The mounting plate is typically placed on top of the vehicle frame and connected to it by a frictional connection. The bearing blocks usually rest with their undersides on the mounting plate. The force transmission runs from the coupling plate, via the bearing blocks and the mounting plate, to the vehicle frame. Due to its flat surface area, the mounting plate allows for a particularly wide range of camera positions. A further advantage is that the closed surface of the mounting plate prevents components on the towing vehicle side, such as lines or cables, from being routed into the camera's field of view and obstructing the image visible to the camera.

[0024] Advantageously, the camera is mounted on the top side of the mounting plate. This offers the benefit that the camera can capture the kingpin, which always approaches from above, for a longer period during coupling due to the lack of obstruction, particularly from the closed mounting plate itself. Furthermore, when mounted on the top of the mounting plate, the camera does not protrude into the space between the vehicle frame members, which vehicle manufacturers often keep clear for the installation and routing of components on the towing vehicle side.

[0025] The camera can be positioned particularly advantageously beneath one of the entry horns. In this position, the camera is especially securely housed, as the semi-trailer has a largely standardized front contour, preventing any components from entering the vertical area between the entry horns and the mounting plate during the coupling process. Furthermore, the camera's field of view extends into the unobstructed entry opening, ensuring that a kingpin engaging the coupling plate is captured for a sufficient duration.

[0026] For better understanding, the invention is explained in more detail below using four figures. These show the Fig. 1 a perspective view of a fifth wheel coupling according to a first embodiment with a camera attached to a bearing block; Fig. 2 a perspective view of a fifth wheel coupling according to a second embodiment with a camera attached to a bearing block traverse; Fig. 3 a perspective bottom view of a section of a fifth wheel coupling according to a third embodiment with a camera attached to a bearing bridge and Fig. 4 a perspective view of a fifth wheel coupling according to a fourth embodiment with a camera attached to a mounting plate.

[0027] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a fifth wheel coupling, a coupling plate 10 and a bearing element 20, with which the coupling plate 10 is attached to a towing vehicle not shown.

[0028] The coupling plate 10 serves to connect the tractor unit to a semi-trailer, the kingpin of which is rotatably held in a locking area 11 of the coupling plate 10 during driving. During coupling or uncoupling of the semi-trailer, the kingpin moves into and out of the locking area 11 via a radially formed entry opening 12 in the coupling plate 10. The entry opening is conically widened at its end facing away from the locking area 11 to guide the kingpin laterally and is bounded in the transverse direction y of the coupling plate 10 by two entry horns 13a, 13b.

[0029] The bearing element 10 of the fifth wheel coupling comprises two bearing blocks 21a, 21b and a mounting plate 24. The bearing blocks 21a, 21b are arranged transversely y on both sides of the locking area 11 of the coupling plate 10 and are connected to the coupling plate 10 in such a way that the latter is pivotably mounted about the transverse direction y. Both bearing blocks 21a, 21b rest with their undersides on the mounting plate 24, which, in its mounted position, is placed on a vehicle frame of the towing vehicle. The bearing element 10 is always arranged in a rotationally fixed manner relative to the towing vehicle.

[0030] According to the first, in Fig. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1, a camera 30 is attached to the bearing block 21a. For this purpose, a bearing block holder 31 is detachably attached to the bearing block 21a, and its free end is connected to the camera 30. The bearing block holder 31 is thus always fixed in position relative to the bearing block 21a and the towing vehicle.

[0031] The bearing block holder 31 has a first section 34 extending in the transverse direction y and projecting laterally beyond the outer surface of the bearing block 21a and the outer contour of the coupling plate 10, and a second section 35 extending in the longitudinal direction x of the coupling plate 10 on the side of the bearing block 21a facing away from it. The camera 30 and the bearing block holder 31 are thus positioned outside the swivel range of the coupling plate 10 and cannot be detected by it during travel or coupling. Furthermore, the camera 30 is positioned relative to the coupling plate 10 such that a viewing cone 36 of the camera 30 is not obscured by the adjacent entry horn 13a, regardless of the tilt angle of the coupling plate 10.

[0032] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention, in which the camera 30 is attached to another bearing element 20 in the form of a bearing block traverse 22. The bearing block traverse 22 is rigidly connected at its ends to the bearing blocks 21, 21b and stiffens the fifth wheel coupling to such an extent that a mounting plate 24 is not necessary. The bearing block traverse 22 is oriented in the transverse direction y and runs under the locking area 11 of the coupling plate 10. Like the bearing blocks 21a, 21b, the bearing block traverse 22 is also fixedly arranged relative to the towing vehicle.

[0033] The camera 30 is attached to the bearing block traverse 22 by means of a bearing block traverse holder 32. The camera 30 is located laterally offset in the transverse direction y to the entry opening 12 and thus preferably under one of the entry horns 13a. This ensures that the camera 30 is not caught and destroyed by the coupling plate 10 or the kingpin, even if the coupling plate 10 or the kingpin is misaligned.

[0034] The underside of the bearing blocks 21a, 21b and / or the underside of the bearing block crossmember 22 form a plane that, when the fifth wheel coupling is mounted, does not extend below the level of the vehicle frame, as manufacturers typically use this installation space for their own components and frame reinforcements. The camera 30 is also held by the bearing block crossmember holder 32 in such a way that neither the bearing block crossmember holder 32 nor the camera 30 is lowered below the level of the bearing blocks 21a, 21b and / or the bearing block crossmember 22.

[0035] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the invention, in which the camera 30 is attached to a bearing element 20 in the form of a bearing bridge 23. The bearing bridge 23 extends through the bearing block 21a and is connected to the coupling plate 10 on both sides of the bearing block 21a. Typically, the bearing bridge 23 has a U-shape, with the two free ends screwed to the coupling plate 10 and the central section, which is offset by 90° to these ends, resting in an opening of the bearing block 21a. The bearing bridge 23 prevents the coupling plate 10 from lifting off the respective bearing block 21a, 21b.

[0036] The camera 30 is supported by a bearing bridge bracket 33, which is detachably screwed to the bearing bridge 23. The bearing bridge bracket 33 is attached to the bearing bridge 23 by a first section 34 of the bracket, which is aligned in the transverse direction y of the coupling plate 10 and holds the camera 30 laterally to the outer contour of the coupling plate 10. A second section 35 of the bearing bridge bracket 33 runs parallel to the longitudinal axis x of the coupling plate 10, thus holding the camera 30 next to the adjacent entry horn 13a, on the side of the entry opening 12 facing away from the entry opening. The camera 30 is always positioned below the level of a top surface 15 of the coupling plate 10 or of the entry horns 13a, 13b. Due to the positioning of the camera 30 next to the coupling plate 10, it is located in an area protected with respect to the kingpin outside the entry horns 13a, 13b.

[0037] The Fig.Figure 4 illustrates a fourth embodiment in a perspective view, in which the camera 30 is attached to a bearing element 20 in the form of a mounting plate 24. To keep the free installation space within the vehicle frame clear, the camera 30 is mounted on a top surface 25 of the mounting plate 24. In its installed position, the camera 30 is arranged vertically spaced from a bottom surface 14 of the coupling plate 10, in particular from its entry horns 13a, 13b.

[0038] The camera 30 is positioned beneath one of the entry horns 13a and is thus protected along the longitudinal axis x of the coupling plate 10 from an approaching semi-trailer, which, even in the event of incorrect coupling, would always collide with the entry horns 13a, 13b instead of the camera 30. A kingpin of the semi-trailer that is incorrectly aligned in the transverse direction y would be held in the entry opening 12 by the entry horns 13a, 13b or would be scraped against the outer surfaces of the entry horns 13a, 13b, but would not contact the camera 30. Reference symbol list 10 coupling plate 11 Closure area 12 Entrance opening 13a,b Entrance horns 14 Underside of coupling plate 15 Top side of coupling plate 20 storage element 21a,b bearing blocks 22 Bearing block crossbeam 23 Bearing bridge 24 Mounting plate 25 Top side mounting plate 30 Camera 31 bearing block holders 32 bearing block crossbeam holders 33 bearing bridge holders 34 first section 35 second section 36 camera cones x Longitudinal axis coupling plate y transverse direction coupling plate

Claims

[1] Fifth wheel coupling with a camera (30) comprising a coupling plate (10) and a bearing element (20) with which the coupling plate (10) can be attached to a towing vehicle, wherein the coupling plate (10) has a centrally arranged locking area (11) for receiving a kingpin and an entry opening (12) extending in a longitudinal axis (x) which is bounded on both sides by two entry horns (13a, 13b), characterized by that the camera (30) is attached to the storage element (20). [2] Fifth wheel coupling according to claim 1, characterized by , that the camera (30) is arranged laterally offset to the longitudinal axis (x). [3] Fifth wheel coupling according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the bearing element (20) is formed from two bearing blocks (21a, 21b) arranged on both sides of the shutter area (11) and the camera (30) is attached to one of the bearing blocks (21a). [4] Fifth wheel coupling according to claim 3, characterized bythat the camera (30) is supported by a bearing block holder (31) which engages one of the bearing blocks (21a). [5] Fifth wheel coupling according to claim 4, characterized by , that the bearing block holder (31) has at least one first section (34) oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis (x). [6] Fifth wheel coupling according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , that the bearing block holder (31) is designed such that the camera (30) is always arranged outside a downwardly projected surface of the coupling plate (10). [7] Fifth wheel coupling according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the bearing element (20) is a bearing block traverse (22) connecting two bearing blocks (21a, 21b). [8] Fifth wheel coupling according to claim 7, characterized by , that the camera (30) is arranged on the bearing block traverse (22) between the bearing blocks (21a, 21b). [9] Fifth wheel coupling according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by, that the camera (30) is supported by a bearing block traverse holder (32) which engages the bearing block traverse (22). [10] Fifth wheel coupling according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the bearing element (20) is a bearing bridge (23) with which the coupling plate (10) is held on a bearing block (21a, 21b). [11] Fifth wheel coupling according to claim 10, characterized by , that the bearing bridge (23) is passed through the bearing block in the transverse direction (y) and is screwed to the underside (14) of the coupling plate (10). [12] Fifth wheel coupling according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by that the camera (30) is supported by a bearing bridge support (33) that engages the bearing bridge (23). [13] Fifth wheel coupling according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the bearing element (20) is a mounting plate (24). [14] Fifth wheel coupling according to claim 13, characterized bythat the camera (30) is attached to a top (25) of the mounting plate (24). [15] Fifth wheel coupling according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by , that the camera (30) is located under one of the entrance horns (13a).

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