Device for inductive energy transfer for a semi-trailer truck

Abstract

Device (12) for inductive energy transfer between a traction battery (10) and an electric motor (8) of a semi-trailer truck (2) with a tractor unit (4) and with a semi-trailer (6), wherein the tractor unit (4) has the traction battery (10) or the electric motor (8), comprising - a kingpin (14) formed by means of a ferromagnetic first core (22) which is provided with a first transformer winding (24), and - a fifth wheel coupling (18) with a seat (20) for the kingpin (14), wherein the fifth wheel coupling (18) has a ferromagnetic second core (30) with a second transformer winding (32), - wherein the ferromagnetic first core (22) is I-shaped and the ferromagnetic second core (30) is U-shaped, - wherein its U-shaped legs (34) face the seat (20) of the fifth wheel coupling (18), so that when the kingpin (14) is received in the seat (20) a transformer core is formed by means of the ferromagnetic first core (22) and by means of the ferromagnetic second core (30), and - wherein the second core (30) is curved inwards on its U-shaped legs (34) at the free end.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for inductive energy transfer between a traction battery and an electric motor of a semi-trailer truck with a tractor unit and a semi-trailer, wherein the tractor unit comprises the traction battery or the electric motor.

[0002] A semi-trailer truck is a combination of a tractor unit and a semi-trailer. For the mechanical coupling of the tractor unit to the semi-trailer, a so-called fifth wheel coupling is typically fitted to the tractor unit, into the seat of which a kingpin located on the semi-trailer is received.

[0003] An electrically powered semi-trailer truck has a traction battery that provides the electrical energy necessary to drive the truck. For example, the semi-trailer could have the traction battery and the tractor unit the electric motor, or vice versa. Therefore, it is necessary to transfer the electrical energy required to operate the electric motor, and thus drive the truck, from the semi-trailer to the tractor unit.

[0004] To transmit electrical energy to power the semi-trailer truck via a power cable, the cable would need to have a comparatively large cross-section and, consequently, a relatively high weight. Furthermore, such a power cable would be subjected to considerable tensile stress during relative movement of the semi-trailer and the tractor unit, for example, during steering maneuvers. Therefore, the risk of cable breakage, and consequently the risk of a short circuit and / or fire, would be comparatively high with such a power cable.

[0005] From DE 103 47 561 B3, a semi-trailer truck is known in which a ring coil or an antenna is arranged in a U-shaped groove on the upper side of the fifth wheel coupling and another ring coil or another antenna is arranged in a groove located in the area of ​​the kingpin. The coils enable inductive energy transfer from a battery located on the tractor unit to a component located on the semi-trailer, for example, a lamp or an actuator of a braking system of the semi-trailer.

[0006] Furthermore, WO 2018 / 051320 A1 discloses a system with a fifth wheel coupling and a kingpin for a semi-trailer truck, in which a panel with first induction coils is arranged in the area of ​​the kingpin and second induction coils are arranged in the upper part of the fifth wheel coupling. These coils inductively transfer electrical energy from a circuit of the tractor unit to a circuit of the semi-trailer, enabling the operation of the semi-trailer's lamps.

[0007] From EP 0 823 716 A2, a charging device for electric vehicles is known, which serves to charge the energy storage system of an electric vehicle using a charging source. A primary coil is inserted into a receiving unit of the electric vehicle, in which a secondary coil is located. The connecting surfaces of the primary and secondary coils are designed in the insertion direction of the primary coil.

[0008] German patent DE 101 59 503 A1 describes a monitoring and control device for articulated vehicles with a tractor unit equipped with a remotely controlled fifth wheel coupling and a semi-trailer with at least one electrically operated unit. This device comprises a control unit mounted on the tractor unit, which is electrically connected to the fifth wheel coupling, and at least one second communication device mounted on the semi-trailer, which is connected to the at least one electrically operated unit, wherein the control unit and the communication device are wirelessly connected to each other.

[0009] DE 10 2012 108 768 A1 relates to a semi-trailer truck for ISO containers comprising a tractor unit and a coupling trailer. The tractor unit includes at least one electric drive motor powered by a battery located within the semi-trailer truck. To create an improved, fully electric portal lifting device, the battery is located in the tractor unit. For charging outside the tractor unit, the battery is detachably connected to the tractor unit and can be moved in and out of the tractor unit and replaced with a charged battery.

[0010] US Patent 6,222,443 B1 describes a system for transmitting operating signals between a towing vehicle and a trailer. This system comprises a main control unit, whose circuitry generates the operating signals, and a wireless transmitter located in a trailer hitch or receiver on the towing vehicle and connected to the main control unit. The transmitter receives the operating signals from the main control unit and forwards them to the trailer.

[0011] The invention is based on the objective of providing a suitable device for a semi-trailer truck by means of which energy can be inductively transferred from a traction battery to an electric motor of the semi-trailer truck. In particular, the aim is to enable the highest possible power to be inductively transferred. Furthermore, such a semi-trailer truck with such a device, as well as a semi-trailer and a tractor unit of such a semi-trailer truck, are to be specified.

[0012] With regard to the device, the problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1. With regard to the semi-trailer, the problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 6, with regard to the tractor unit by the features of claim 7, and with regard to the tractor-trailer combination by the features of claim 8. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims. The descriptions relating to the device also apply mutatis mutandis to the tractor-trailer combination, the tractor unit, and the semi-trailer, and vice versa.

[0013] For this purpose, a device for inductive energy transfer between a traction battery and an electric motor of a semi-trailer truck is provided and configured. In particular, the electric motor is intended to drive the semi-trailer truck. Furthermore, the semi-trailer truck comprises a tractor unit and a semi-trailer, wherein either the tractor unit has the traction battery and the semi-trailer the electric motor, or alternatively, the tractor unit has the electric motor and the semi-trailer the traction battery. The traction battery is hereinafter also referred to simply as the battery. If the semi-trailer has the electric motor, it is used, in particular, in addition to a further drive train of the tractor unit, to accelerate the semi-trailer truck.

[0014] The device features a kingpin for the semi-trailer. The kingpin is formed by means of a ferromagnetic first core, which is provided with a first transformer winding. In particular, the first transformer winding is wound around the first core. Preferably, the first transformer winding has a winding axis (coil axis) that corresponds to an axis of the first ferromagnetic core. In particular, the first transformer winding is thus arranged concentrically to the first core. The ferromagnetic first core is expediently made of iron. The first transformer winding is referred to here and in the following as the first winding, and the ferromagnetic first core is also referred to as the first core. The kingpin can be suitably attached to a frame or chassis of the semi-trailer.

[0015] Furthermore, the device features a fifth wheel coupling, also known as a fifth wheel plate, for the tractor unit. The fifth wheel coupling, in turn, has a receptacle for the kingpin, referred to as a seat, so that when the kingpin is inserted into the seat, the fifth wheel coupling and the kingpin are mechanically coupled. With the kingpin inserted, the first core and the first transformer winding are located within the seat. For example, to secure the mechanical coupling, the fifth wheel coupling has a so-called coupling hook, which holds the kingpin in the seat.

[0016] Furthermore, the fifth wheel coupling has a ferromagnetic second core, which is equipped with a second transformer winding. This ferromagnetic second core is also expediently made of iron. The second transformer winding is referred to here and in the following simply as the second winding, and the ferromagnetic second core is also referred to simply as the second core.

[0017] The two transformer windings enable inductive coupling, allowing energy to be inductively transferred between the traction battery and the electric motor connected to the device. Advantageously, this eliminates the need for a power cable to electrically connect the semi-trailer to the tractor unit.

[0018] In summary, the kingpin fulfills a dual function. Firstly, it serves for the mechanical coupling to the fifth wheel coupling. Secondly, it serves for inductive energy transfer.

[0019] The first ferromagnetic core is I-shaped, specifically cylindrical, and the second ferromagnetic core is U-shaped. The second core has two spaced-apart and parallel U-shaped legs and a connecting U-shaped leg. The free ends of the U-shaped legs face the fifth wheel coupling seat. Specifically, the two U-shaped legs and the connecting U-shaped leg define a plane encompassing the central axis of the fifth wheel coupling seat. The second core is located, for example, in or alternatively beneath a mounting plate of the fifth wheel coupling for the semi-trailer.

[0020] With the kingpin seated and thus in a mechanically coupled state, the first core is arranged in the plane defined by the second core. In this way, a common transformer core is formed by means of the ferromagnetic first core and the ferromagnetic second core. In particular, a closed magnetic circuit is thus realized.

[0021] Due to the formation of a common transformer core by means of the first and second cores, a comparatively high efficiency can be achieved in inductive power transfer. Accordingly, a comparatively large electrical power can be transmitted inductively.

[0022] Particularly during the operation of the articulated lorry, comparatively large forces can act on the kingpin, which is mounted in the fifth wheel coupling. To prevent or at least reduce the risk of such forces and any resulting damage to the transformer winding and / or the first core, the kingpin, according to a suitable embodiment, has a hollow cylindrical casing arranged coaxially to the ferromagnetic first core. In other words, the casing encompasses or encloses the first core and the first transformer winding along one circumferential direction of the first core. The casing thus forms a receptacle for the first core and the first transformer winding. For example, the casing may also have a bottom section that covers the receptacle on its end face (free end), i.e., on the side facing the ground.The casing thus protects the first transformer winding and the first core enclosed by it from the impact of a force.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the casing has a ferromagnetic section. The casing is therefore at least partially ferromagnetic. Furthermore, the casing is mechanically connected to the first core, which is particularly I-shaped, by means of its ferromagnetic section. In particular, the casing, or at least its ferromagnetic section, forms a section of the transformer core. In summary, the casing fulfills a dual function. Firstly, it serves to protect the transformer winding it contains; secondly, due to its at least partial construction from ferromagnetic material and the mechanical coupling, the casing acts as a guide for a magnetic field generated by the first or second transformer winding, thus preventing stray fields.

[0024] Furthermore, the second core is curved inwards, towards the U-connecting leg, at its free ends (i.e., at its ends facing the seat), particularly in an arc-shaped, preferably semicircular, form. Preferably, the inwardly curved free ends are flush with the seat. Due to the curvature, the contact area between the first core or the casing connected to it and the second core is increased. In particular, this prevents the formation of an (air) gap between the first core or the casing and the second core, or at least reduces the extent of this gap. Consequently, the formation of a magnetic stray field during operation of the device is avoided or at least significantly reduced, thus advantageously improving the efficiency of the device with regard to inductive energy transfer.

[0025] The device suitably also includes a voltage converter. This is connected to the first transformer winding if the traction battery is intended for the semi-trailer. Alternatively, if the traction battery is intended for the tractor unit, the voltage converter is connected to the second transformer winding. The purpose of the voltage converter is to convert the direct current (DC) supplied by the traction battery into the alternating current (AC) necessary for inductive power transfer, and / or the AC induced in the transformer winding connected to the traction battery into a DC voltage or current suitable, in particular, for charging the traction battery.

[0026] Furthermore, the device includes an inverter connected to the first transformer winding if the electric motor is intended for the semi-trailer. Alternatively, if the electric motor is intended for the tractor unit, the inverter is connected to the second transformer winding. The inverter serves, firstly, to convert the alternating voltage or current supplied by the electric motor during recuperation, particularly during braking of the semi-trailer, into an alternating voltage or current whose frequency is suitable for inductive power transfer via the transformer windings. Preferably, this frequency is constant and / or selected such that the efficiency of the inductive power transfer is as high as possible, depending on the design of the first transformer winding, the second transformer winding, the first core, and the second core.Furthermore, the converter serves the purpose of converting the alternating voltage or alternating current induced in the transformer winding connected to the electric motor into an alternating voltage or corresponding alternating current suitable, in particular for operating the electric motor.

[0027] In summary, the device features a battery-side voltage converter and a motor-side inverter.

[0028] According to a suitable further development of the device, it has two modulation / demodulation units. One of these modulation / demodulation units is connected to the first transformer winding, and the other is connected to the second transformer winding. In particular, data and / or signals can be modulated onto the alternating current by means of the primary-side modulation / demodulation unit, i.e., the modulation / demodulation unit connected to the transformer winding that is supplied with an alternating current to generate a corresponding induced current in the other transformer winding. By means of the other (secondary-side) modulation / demodulation unit, i.e., the modulation / demodulation unit connected to the transformer winding in which a voltage or current is supplied, data and / or signals can be modulated onto the alternating current used.When a current is induced, the data and / or signals from the induced alternating current can be extracted (demodulated) and are expediently extracted. The extracted data and / or signals can be fed to a control unit connected to the secondary-side modulation / demodulation equipment, which, for example, controls the electric motor, a battery control system containing the traction battery, or other components. These other components include, in particular, actuators, such as for a brake, or lights, such as taillights or turn signals. For example, the inductively transferred energy is also used to operate these other components.

[0029] In summary, during operation of the device, a signal and / or data is modulated onto the (carrier) alternating current used for inductive transmission by means of the primary-side modulation / demodulation devices. The modulated alternating current induces a corresponding current in the secondary-side transformer winding, which is then fed to the secondary-side modulation / demodulation devices. These devices extract (separate) the data and / or signal from the induced current. The demodulated alternating current, i.e., the current generated by extracting the data and / or signal from the induced current, is supplied, in particular via the voltage converter or inverter, to the traction battery or electric motor connected to the secondary-side transformer winding.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, a semi-trailer has a kingpin for mechanical coupling to a fifth wheel coupling of a tractor unit. The semi-trailer has a kingpin of a device according to one of the variants described above. Optionally, the kingpin is formed by means of an I-shaped ferromagnetic (first) core, which is provided with a (first) transformer winding.

[0031] Preferably, the kingpin of the semi-trailer has a ferromagnetic coating which is mechanically connected to the first core. If the semi-trailer has a traction battery for an electric motor mounted on the tractor unit, a voltage converter is connected to the first transformer winding, in particular between the first transformer winding and the traction battery. If the semi-trailer has an electric motor which is or is to be supplied by a traction battery mounted on the tractor unit, an inverter is connected to the first transformer winding, in particular between the first transformer winding and the electric motor. Additionally or alternatively, a modulation / demodulation device is connected between the first transformer winding and the inverter or the voltage converter.

[0032] Furthermore, according to an advantageous embodiment, a tractor unit has a fifth wheel coupling of a device according to one of the variants described above, for mechanical coupling with a kingpin of a semi-trailer, which is designed in particular according to one of the variants described above. The fifth wheel coupling has a U-shaped ferromagnetic (second) core provided with a (second) transformer winding, the legs of which face a seat for the kingpin.

[0033] For example, in analogous to the above descriptions regarding the semi-trailer, an inverter or a voltage converter and additionally or alternatively a modulation / demodulation device are connected to the second transformer winding.

[0034] In a practical configuration, a semi-trailer truck comprises a tractor unit in one of the variants described above and a semi-trailer in one of the variants shown above. The tractor unit and the semi-trailer are mechanically and inductively coupled to each other by means of the fifth wheel coupling and the kingpin.

[0035] In the first operating mode, which serves to propel the semi-trailer truck, the transformer winding connected to the traction battery—that is, depending on the semi-trailer truck's configuration, either the first or the second transformer winding—is subjected to a voltage between 0 V and 1500 V and / or carries a current between 0 A and 1500 A. A voltage between 0 V and 1500 V and / or a current between 0 A and 1500 A is induced in the second or first transformer winding connected to the electric motor.

[0036] Additionally or alternatively, in a second operating mode, which serves the recuperative charging of the traction battery, the first or second transformer winding connected to the electric motor is subjected to a voltage between 0 V and 1500 V and / or a current between 0 A and 1500 A flows through it. A voltage between 0 V and 1500 V or a current between 0 A and 1500 A is induced in the second or first transformer winding connected to the traction battery.

[0037] The voltages and currents depend in particular on the design of the electric motor and the traction battery, the vehicle electrical system comprising the electric motor or the traction battery, and the electrical power required by the electric motor.

[0038] In particular, the device is designed to transmit energy, data and / or control signals both from the semi-trailer to the tractor unit and from the tractor unit to the semi-trailer.

[0039] In summary, it is possible to supply the electric motor with electrical energy via inductive energy transfer to power the semi-trailer truck. For example, the electric motor uses only the inductively transferred energy to drive the semi-trailer truck. Alternatively, the semi-trailer truck has a second traction battery connected to the electric motor, which is located in the tractor unit if the electric motor is located in the tractor unit, or in the semi-trailer if the electric motor is located in the tractor unit. In this case, the inductively transferred energy supplements the second traction battery. In other words, the inductively transferred energy is used to operate the electric motor in addition to the energy provided by the second traction battery, particularly during acceleration of the semi-trailer truck.

[0040] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 in a schematic side view a semi-trailer truck with a semi-trailer and a tractor unit, wherein the semi-trailer has a kingpin of a device which is mechanically coupled to a fifth wheel coupling of the device for the tractor unit, and wherein the kingpin and the fifth wheel coupling have a first transformer winding and a second transformer winding respectively, by means of which a traction battery arranged in the semi-trailer is inductively coupled to an electric motor arranged in the tractor unit, Fig. 2a in a schematic top view the device with the fifth wheel coupling and with the kingpin in the coupled state, wherein the kingpin is formed by means of an I-shaped first core which is provided with a first transformer winding, and wherein the fifth wheel coupling has a U-shaped second core provided with a second transformer winding, the legs of which of the U are directed towards a seat for the kingpin, Fig. 2b in a schematic top view the fifth wheel coupling and the kingpin in the uncoupled state, and Fig. 3 a sectional view of the device with a sectioning plane according to plane III of the Fig. 2a, wherein the king cone has a sheath for the first core.

[0041] Corresponding parts and sizes are always marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0042] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows a semi-trailer truck 2 with a tractor unit 4 and a semi-trailer 6. The tractor unit 4 has an electric motor 8 for driving the semi-trailer truck 2, which is supplied with electrical energy by a traction battery 10 of the semi-trailer 6. The semi-trailer truck has a device 12 for transferring the electrical energy from the traction battery 10 of the semi-trailer 6 to the electric motor 8.

[0043] The device 12 comprises a kingpin 14, shown in dotted lines, which is attached to a frame or chassis 16 of the semi-trailer 6, and a fifth wheel coupling 18, which is mounted on the tractor unit 4.

[0044] The fifth wheel coupling 18 has a seat 20 for the kingpin 14, so that when the kingpin 14 is received in the seat 20, the semi-trailer 6 is mechanically coupled to the tractor unit 4.

[0045] As in the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b and especially in the Fig. As can be seen from Figure 3, the kingpin 14 is formed by means of a circular cylindrical, i.e. I-shaped, ferromagnetic first core 22, which is provided with a first transformer winding 24.

[0046] To protect the first transformer winding 24, the kingpin 14 has a hollow cylindrical sheath 26 arranged coaxially to the ferromagnetic first core 22. The sheath 26 has a ferromagnetic section 28 which is arranged on the end faces of the I-shaped first core 22 and mechanically connected to it.

[0047] The fifth wheel coupling 18 has a ferromagnetic second core 30 with a second transformer winding 32. The second core 30 is U-shaped. It thus has two spaced-apart and parallel U-shaped legs 34 and a connecting U-shaped leg 36. The second transformer winding 32 encompasses the connecting U-shaped leg 36.

[0048] The U-shaped legs 34 are free-ended, meaning that their ends facing away from the U-connecting leg 36 are oriented towards the seat 20 of the fifth wheel coupling 18. A central axis of the seat 20 is arranged in a plane defined by the two U-shaped legs 34 and the U-connecting legs 36. When the kingpin 14 is received in the seat 20, i.e., when the kingpin 14 is mechanically coupled to the fifth wheel coupling 18, a common transformer core is formed by means of the ferromagnetic first core 22, the sheathing 26, in particular its ferromagnetic section 28, and the ferromagnetic second core 30.

[0049] To avoid or at least reduce a magnetic stray field at the free ends of the U-legs 34, these free ends are curved inwards, i.e., towards the U-connecting leg 36. The curved (free) ends of the U-legs 34 are aligned with the seat 20. The curvature is semicircular, thus increasing the contact area between the sheath 26 and the second core 30.

[0050] The two transformer windings 24 and 32 are in the Fig. 1 not shown for the purpose of improved clarity.

[0051] As further in the Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the fifth wheel coupling 18 has a U-shaped locking hook 38, depicted with a dashed line. This holds the kingpin 14 in the seat 20 when coupled. When coupled, i.e., with the kingpin 14 in the seat 20, one of the locking hook legs 40 is located between the U-shaped legs of the second core 30 and between the sheath 26 of the kingpin 14 and the U-shaped connecting leg 36.

[0052] In summary, the semi-trailer 6 has the kingpin 14 of the device 12 and the tractor unit 4 has the fifth wheel coupling 18 of the device 12.

[0053] Furthermore, the device 12 includes a voltage converter 42, which is connected to the first transformer winding 24. This converter transforms the direct current (DC) supplied by the traction battery 10 into the alternating current (AC) required for inductive power transmission to drive the semi-trailer 2. Additionally, during recuperation, the voltage converter 42 converts the AC voltage (AC) or AC current induced in the first transformer winding 24 into a DC voltage (DC) or DC current suitable for charging the traction battery 10.

[0054] Furthermore, the device 12 includes an inverter 44, which is connected to the second transformer winding. This inverter converts the alternating voltage or current supplied by the electric motor 8 during recuperation into an alternating voltage or current whose frequency is suitable for inductive transmission via the transformer windings 24 and 32. Additionally, for the purpose of driving the semi-trailer 2, the inverter 44 converts the alternating voltage or current induced in the second transformer winding 32 into an alternating voltage or current suitable for operating the electric motor 8.

[0055] In summary, the device 12 has a battery-side voltage converter 42 and a motor-side inverter 44.

[0056] A modulation / demodulation unit 46 is connected between the first transformer winding 24 and the voltage converter 42, and another between the second transformer winding 32 and the inverter 44. The modulation / demodulation unit 46 allows data and / or signals to be modulated onto the alternating current used for inductive power transmission. The primary-side modulation / demodulation unit 46 is used to modulate data and / or signals onto the alternating current. The other (secondary-side) modulation / demodulation unit 46 extracts the data and / or signals.

[0057] For example, in the Fig.Figure 1 shows a control unit 48 of the tractor unit 4, which is connected to the modulation / demodulation device 46 connected to the second transformer winding 32. The data and / or signals extracted by means of this modulation / demodulation device 46 are supplied to the control unit 48 and serve, for example, to control the electric motor 8.

[0058] In a first operating mode for driving the semi-trailer 2, which is also referred to as the drive mode, the transformer winding 24 connected to the traction battery 10 is subjected to a voltage between 0 V and 1500 V and / or a current between 0 A and 1500 A flows through it. A voltage between 0 V and 1500 V and / or a current between 0 A and 1500 A is induced in the transformer winding 32 connected to the electric motor 8.

[0059] In a second operating mode for the recuperative charging of the traction battery 10, the transformer winding 32 connected to the electric motor 8 is subjected to a voltage between 0 V and 1500 V and / or a current between 0 A and 1500 A flows through it. A voltage between 0 V and 1500 V or a current between 0 A and 1500 A is induced in the transformer winding 24 connected to the traction battery 10.

[0060] According to an alternative embodiment of the device 12 and the semi-trailer 2, which is not shown further, the semi-trailer 6 has the electric motor 8 and the tractor unit 4 has the traction battery 10. The descriptions of the device 12, the semi-trailer 2, the semi-trailer 6, and the tractor unit 4 are analogous to the variant described above, with the exception of the following. According to this alternative embodiment, the voltage converter 42 is connected between the second transformer winding 32 and the traction battery 10, and the inverter 44 is connected between the first transformer winding 24 and the electric motor 8 of the semi-trailer 6. Reference symbol list 2 semi-trailer trucks 4 tractor units 6 semi-trailers 8 Electric motor 10 traction batteries 12 Device 14 kingpins 16 chassis 18 fifth wheel coupling 20 seats 22 first core 24 first transformer winding 26 Sheathing 28 floor section 30 second core 32 second transformer winding 34 U-leg 36 U-connecting legs 38 locking hooks 40 locking hook legs 42 voltage converters 44 inverters 46 Modulation / Demodulation Unit 48 Control unit

Claims

Device (12) for inductive energy transfer between a traction battery (10) and an electric motor (8) of a semi-trailer truck (2) with a tractor unit (4) and with a semi-trailer (6), wherein the tractor unit (4) comprises the traction battery (10) or the electric motor (8), comprising: - a kingpin (14) formed by means of a ferromagnetic first core (22) provided with a first transformer winding (24), and - a fifth wheel coupling (18) with a seat (20) for the kingpin (14), wherein the fifth wheel coupling (18) comprises a ferromagnetic second core (30) with a second transformer winding (32), - wherein the ferromagnetic first core (22) is I-shaped and the ferromagnetic second core (30) is U-shaped, - wherein the leg (34) of the U is connected to the seat (20) of the fifth wheel coupling (18). are facingso that, with the kingpin (14) received in the seat (20), a transformer core is formed by means of the ferromagnetic first core (22) and by means of the ferromagnetic second core (30), and the second core (30) is curved inwards at its free ends on its U-shaped legs (34). Device (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that the kingpin (14) has a hollow cylindrical sheath (26) arranged coaxially to the ferromagnetic first core (22). Device (12) according to claim 2, characterized in that the casing (26) has a ferromagnetic section (28) by means of which the casing (26) is mechanically connected to the first core (22). Device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by: - ​​a voltage converter (42) connected to the first transformer winding (24) if the traction battery (10) is provided for the semi-trailer (6), or connected to the second transformer winding (32) if the traction battery (10) is provided for the tractor unit (4), and - an inverter (44) connected to the first transformer winding (24) if the electric motor (8) is provided for the semi-trailer (6), or connected to the second transformer winding (32) if the electric motor (8) is provided for the tractor unit (4). Device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by two modulation / demodulation devices (46) which are connected to the first transformer winding (24) and to the second transformer winding (32), wherein data and / or signals can be modulated onto the alternating current used for inductive energy transmission by means of the modulation / demodulation devices (46). Semi-trailer (6) with a kingpin (14) of a device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 5 for mechanical coupling with a fifth wheel coupling (18) of a semi-trailer tractor (4), wherein the kingpin (14) is formed by means of an I-shaped ferromagnetic core (22) which is provided with a first transformer winding (24). Tractor unit (4) with a fifth wheel coupling (18) of a device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 5 for mechanical coupling with a kingpin (14) of a semi-trailer (6), wherein the fifth wheel coupling (18) has a U-shaped ferromagnetic second core (30) provided with a second transformer winding (32), the U-legs (34) of which are directed towards a seat (20) for the kingpin (14). A semi-trailer truck (2) with a tractor unit (4) according to claim 7 and with a semi-trailer (6) according to claim 6, wherein the tractor unit (4) and the semi-trailer (6) are mechanically and inductively coupled to each other by means of the fifth wheel coupling (18) and by means of the kingpin (14), wherein in a first operating mode for driving the semi-trailer truck (2) the transformer winding (24 or 32) connected to the traction battery is supplied with a voltage with a value between 0 V and 1500 V and / or is supplied with a current with a current intensity with a value between 0 A and 1500 A, wherein a voltage with a value between 0 V and 1500 V or a current with a current intensity with a value between 0 A and 1500 A is induced on the transformer winding (32 or 24) connected to the electric motor (8).is, and / or- wherein in a second operating mode for recuperative charging of the traction battery (10) the transformer winding (24 or 32) connected to the electric motor (8) is supplied with a voltage with a value between 0 V and 1500 V and / or is supplied with a current with a current strength with a value between 0 A and 1500 A, wherein a voltage with a value between 0 V and 1500 V or a current with a current strength with a value between 0 A and 1500 A is or is induced on the transformer winding (32 or 24) connected to the traction battery (10).

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