Autonomous towing vehicle with foldable air guide element

Abstract

Autonomously driving towing vehicle (10) for towing a trailer (20); wherein the towing vehicle (10) comprises an air guide element (11) movable between a stowed position (S1) and an operating position (S2) for controlling an airflow in the area of ​​the towing vehicle (10), wherein the towing vehicle (10) further comprises a towing vehicle coupling (13) for coupling the trailer (20) and a sliding device (14) for varying the position of the towing vehicle coupling (13) on the towing vehicle (10) along the forward direction of travel; characterized in that the sliding device (14) is configured to a) position the towing vehicle coupling (13) in a forward position with respect to the forward direction of travel if the air guide element (11) is in the stowed position (S1); andb) to position the towing vehicle coupling (13) in a rear position relative to the direction of travel if the air guide element (11) is in the operating position (S2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an autonomously driving towing vehicle for pulling a trailer and to an autonomously driving combination comprising such a towing vehicle and a trailer coupled to it.

[0002] Autonomous or fully automated vehicles, i.e., vehicles in which there is no direct control by a driver, are generally known in the state of the art. These vehicles typically have sensors to detect their surroundings, particularly the road and any obstacles, as well as a self-driving system that, based on the collected information, can autonomously drive the vehicle to a preset destination without driver intervention.

[0003] Furthermore, it is known in the prior art to use such autonomous vehicles for transporting goods, primarily in production facilities or internal logistics systems. Accordingly, the aforementioned transport vehicles or vehicle combinations are generally not designed for extended journeys at high speeds (such as in road traffic) with regard to their aerodynamic properties. Therefore, there is a need for a solution that enables the efficient operation of autonomous vehicles, particularly at higher speeds.

[0004] The object of the invention is therefore to provide such a solution, preferably one that also avoids the disadvantages of previous solutions. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a solution that enables fuel- and energy-saving operation of an autonomous vehicle. Preferably, the corresponding solution should also enable efficient operation of the autonomous vehicle when driving in a platoon.

[0005] These problems can be solved using the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and applications of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description with partial reference to the figures.

[0006] The basic idea of ​​the invention is to improve the aerodynamic behavior of the vehicle by attaching an air guide element to it, thereby reducing its fuel consumption and energy consumption.

[0007] According to a first independent aspect of the invention, an autonomously driving towing vehicle is provided for pulling a trailer. Preferably, the towing vehicle is equipped with a coupling, which will hereinafter also be referred to as the towing vehicle coupling. Particularly preferably, the towing vehicle is a semi-trailer tractor with a fifth wheel coupling for pulling a semi-trailer. The autonomously driving towing vehicle comprises an air guide element movable between a first position, which will hereinafter be referred to as the stowed position, and a second position, which will hereinafter be referred to as the operating position (e.g., by means of a corresponding lifting device), for controlling airflow in the area of ​​the towing vehicle. In other words, the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle (e.g., its drag coefficient) are to be controlled by means of this air guide element. wThe value of the airflow can be varied. The aforementioned "air guide element" can be understood – according to the general understanding – as a component whose primary or exclusive purpose is to influence the airflow around the vehicle while driving. By providing a suitable air guide element, the air resistance of the autonomous towing vehicle, and thus its fuel and energy consumption during driving, can be advantageously reduced, thereby enabling more efficient operation of the vehicle overall.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, the towing vehicle may not include a driver's cab and / or a cabin for accommodating a driver. In other words, "manned operation" of the vehicle is neither possible nor intended. Accordingly, it can also be referred to as a driverless towing vehicle. Preferably, the towing vehicle may have a vehicle height of less than 2 m, particularly preferably less than 1.5 m. By eliminating the corresponding structures for accommodating a driver, weight and installation space can be advantageously saved.

[0009] According to a further aspect of the invention, the air guide element can lie against the towing vehicle in the stowed position and protrude from the towing vehicle in the operating position. Preferably, the air guide element lies against the towing vehicle as flat as possible in the stowed position and / or protrudes obliquely to the rear from the towing vehicle in the operating position. This can be achieved, for example, by pivoting the air guide element to the towing vehicle about an axis extending transversely to the vehicle.

[0010] According to a further aspect of the invention, the air guide element can comprise an air shield assembly, which has a first air shield, which will be referred to below as the "main shield" for clarity. The term "air shield" can be understood to mean a planar component, e.g., similar to a shield, which serves to control or influence the airflow in the area of ​​the vehicle. For example, the air or main shield can be plate-shaped, flat, and / or slightly curved. The aforementioned main shield can be pivotally mounted on the towing vehicle (e.g., in the area of ​​the vehicle front). Preferably, the main shield, or more preferably a frontal area of ​​the main shield, is pivotally mounted on the towing vehicle about an axis extending transversely to the vehicle. Furthermore, the angle of attack of the main shield relative to a horizontal plane of the towing vehicle can be adjusted by means of a lifting device (e.g., a lever or lift).The angle of attack can be varied (in the form of a pneumatic and / or hydraulic actuator), preferably continuously. The angle of attack can be understood as the angle, usually acute, formed by the chord of the main shield profile, the articulated joint, and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the horizontal plane can be understood as a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity, i.e., horizontal. In other words, the main shield can be pivoted, preferably continuously, in the transverse direction of the vehicle by means of a lifting device. This advantageously provides a simple means of varying the position of the air guide element.

[0011] According to a further aspect of the invention, the air deflector assembly can also include a further air deflector, which will be referred to below as a "secondary deflector" for clarity. The aforementioned secondary deflector can be mounted on the main deflector (e.g., by means of retaining rails or a telescopic guide), preferably in a slidable manner. Preferably, the secondary deflector is mounted on a region of the main deflector, preferably at the rear, which is opposite the region by means of which the main deflector is pivotally mounted to the towing vehicle. Furthermore, the secondary deflector can be moved from a retracted position to an extended position (e.g., by means of appropriate actuators) to increase the size of the air deflector in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In other words, in the extended position, the secondary deflector can extend the main deflector (with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle) to the rear.Preferably, the (sliding) movement of the secondary shield is independent of the (pivoting) movement of the main shield. Alternatively, the main and secondary shields can also be moved by a common actuator, thus performing a coupled movement. The multi-part or multi-segment design of the air shield assembly advantageously provides the largest possible air guide element, which can nevertheless be stored in a space-saving manner.

[0012] According to a further aspect of the invention, the air shield assembly can also comprise at least two additional air shields, which will be referred to below as "side shields" for clarity. These at least two side shields can be mounted on the main shield and / or the secondary shield. Preferably, two side shields are mounted on the main shield and / or two side shields are mounted on the secondary shield. Furthermore, the side shields can each be mounted laterally, i.e., in the transverse direction of the vehicle, on the main or secondary shield (e.g., one side shield can be mounted on the left and one on the right of the main or side shield, respectively). The aforementioned side shields can also be moved from a pivoted position to a pivoted position in the transverse direction of the vehicle, preferably via a pivot-slide mechanism, to enlarge the air guide element in the transverse direction of the vehicle.This type of design also allows for the advantageous provision of the largest possible air guide element, which can nevertheless be stored in the stowed position in a space-saving manner.

[0013] According to a further aspect of the invention, the air guide element can comprise at least two textile side surfaces connecting the air shield assembly to the towing vehicle. By way of example only, the textile side surfaces can be, for instance, a fabric made of polyester, acrylic, and / or cotton. The side surfaces, which are preferably foldable and / or rollable, can, together with the aforementioned air shield assembly, define a substantially wedge-shaped airflow element on the towing vehicle in the operating position. An "airflow element" can be understood as a component that modifies the external shape or contour of the towing vehicle in order to improve the vehicle's aerodynamic properties (e.g., its drag coefficient). wto influence the drag coefficient). Preferably, the wedge-shaped airflow element is designed to deflect the airflow in the area of ​​the towing vehicle during its travel, essentially in the vertical and / or lateral direction. In other words, the airflow element can be designed to deflect the air flowing towards the vehicle during forward travel obliquely upwards or to the sides of the vehicle (away from the vehicle). Advantageously, the combination of the air deflector structure and the textile side surfaces provides a virtually closed air guide element, thereby avoiding air turbulence, particularly behind the air deflector structure, which negatively affects air resistance.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the invention, the air shield structure can comprise an air shield support with truss-like struts for stabilizing the air shield structure, wherein preferably at least the main shield is attached to the air shield support. In other words, the air shield support, which can also be referred to as the air shield support structure, can be of a lattice frame construction, i.e., comprise a truss-like system of rods made of tubes and / or semi-finished profiles. In addition to the main shield, the actuator or the sliding mechanism for moving the secondary shield can also be attached to the air shield support. Advantageously, this provides a stable mount for the air shields while minimizing weight.

[0015] According to a further aspect of the invention, the towing vehicle can include a towing vehicle coupling, preferably movable, for coupling the trailer. Preferably, the towing vehicle coupling is a fifth wheel coupling with a fifth wheel plate for coupling a semi-trailer that has a kingpin. Furthermore, the towing vehicle can include a sliding device for varying the position of the towing vehicle coupling on the towing vehicle, preferably along the forward direction of travel. In other words, the sliding device can be designed to vary the position of the towing vehicle coupling on the towing vehicle, preferably along the forward direction of travel. For this purpose, the sliding device can, for example, include a slide movable along guide rails, to which the towing vehicle coupling or fifth wheel plate is attached. The slide can, for example,The coupling can be moved via a motor-driven spindle, although other drive technologies (hydraulic cylinders, etc.) can also be used. In this context, the shifting device can also be designed to vary the position of the coupling on the towing vehicle along the vehicle's vertical axis, i.e., to raise or lower the coupling. The advantage of a coupling that can be moved is that this allows the overall length of a vehicle and trailer combination to be reduced, particularly when the air guide element is in its stowed position.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the invention, the aforementioned sliding device can be configured to position the towing vehicle coupling in a forward position, relative to the direction of forward travel, if the air guide element is in the stowed position. Furthermore, or alternatively, the aforementioned sliding device can also be configured to position the towing vehicle coupling in a rear position, relative to the direction of forward travel, if the air guide element is in the operating position.

[0017] According to a further aspect of the invention, the sliding device can be configured to move the towing vehicle coupling at least one-quarter, preferably one-third, and particularly preferably one-half, of the length of the towing vehicle in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the sliding device's travel distance can be at least one-quarter, preferably one-third, and particularly preferably one-half, of the towing vehicle's length. Additionally or alternatively, the sliding device can also be configured to move the towing vehicle coupling at least over a distance along the forward direction of travel that corresponds to the length of the air guide element (relative to the forward direction of travel) in the stowed position. This advantageously allows for the most flexible possible variation of the towing vehicle coupling and thus the overall vehicle combination length.

[0018] To advantageously increase the displacement range, the air guide element can, according to a further aspect of the invention, have a recess. For example, the main plate and / or the secondary plate can have a recess in the rear edge region, preferably adapted to the contour of the towing vehicle coupling. The towing vehicle coupling can be at least partially movable into this recess (e.g., by means of the displacement device) when the air guide element is in the stowed position. In other words, the towing vehicle can be designed to move the towing vehicle coupling into the recess when the air guide element is in the stowed position. In the retracted position, the towing vehicle coupling can rest against the air guide element and / or be arranged adjacent to or near it.

[0019] According to a further aspect of the invention, the towing vehicle can comprise an outer casing with a receptacle into which the air guide element can be at least partially received and / or inserted in the stowed position. The outer casing, which can also be referred to as the outer skin, can be understood as the shell of the towing vehicle that defines its external shape and can be made, for example, of sheet metal and / or fiber-reinforced composite materials. The receptacle, which can be, for example, a recess adapted to the shape of the air guide element, can be arranged on a region of the outer casing facing the air guide element. If the air guide element comprises textile side panels, these, for example, folded and / or rolled up, can also be at least partially received in the receptacle.This advantageously allows for the provision of an overall vehicle geometry that is as compact and therefore space-saving as possible, if the air guide element is in the stowed position.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, the towing vehicle can be a semi-trailer truck. In other words, the towing vehicle can be a vehicle that is designed or equipped to pull a semi-trailer. Preferably, the towing vehicle includes a fifth wheel coupling with a fifth wheel plate. Additionally or alternatively, the trailer can be a semi-trailer, preferably a multi-axle one. A semi-trailer, which can also be referred to as a trailer, can be understood as a trailer that can transfer part of its weight to the tractor unit. Preferably, the semi-trailer includes a kingpin for connection to a fifth wheel plate of a tractor unit.

[0021] The invention further relates to an autonomously driving vehicle combination comprising a towing vehicle as described in this document and a trailer. As already described in connection with the towing vehicle, the term "autonomously driving" can be understood to mean that the vehicle combination can drive itself to a preset destination without driver intervention, i.e., without direct monitoring of the driving by a driver. The towing vehicle, preferably a semi-trailer truck, has a coupling, where the term "coupling" refers to a coupling arranged on the coupling for attaching a trailer. Preferably, the coupling is a fifth wheel coupling with a fifth wheel plate.Furthermore, the trailer, preferably a semi-trailer, has a trailer coupling, preferably corresponding to the coupling of the towing vehicle, where the term "trailer coupling" is understood to mean a coupling arranged on the trailer for coupling a towing vehicle. Preferably, the trailer coupling is a fifth wheel coupling with a kingpin. The trailer is coupled to the coupling of the towing vehicle by means of the aforementioned trailer coupling. In other words, the invention relates to a coupled, i.e., connected, combination of a towing vehicle and a trailer.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the towing vehicle and the trailer can be configured such that the towing vehicle can be driven under the trailer's loading platform over at least half its length, preferably over two-thirds of its length, and particularly preferably over its entire length, when the air guide element is in the stowed position. Here, "tracting vehicle length" refers to the length of the towing vehicle in its longitudinal direction. In other words, the towing vehicle and the trailer can be configured to reduce the overall length of the vehicle combination relative to each other in its longitudinal direction when coupled. Preferably, the trailer has a ground clearance, particularly in the area of ​​the trailer coupling, between the road surface and the underside of the loading platform, which is greater than the height of the towing vehicle, which is preferably a low-profile vehicle.The loading area, which can also be referred to as the cargo space, is understood to be an area of ​​the trailer intended for loading goods or freight. This advantageously reduces the overall length of the vehicle combination, thus enabling more space-saving storage, particularly when the combination itself is being transported (e.g., on a ferry). Furthermore, the option of "stowing" the towing vehicle under the trailer offers the advantage that, if several of the aforementioned combinations are traveling in a platoon, the distance between the rear vehicles can be significantly reduced by appropriately "stowing" the towing vehicles. Meanwhile, the lead vehicle in the platoon can further improve the platoon's aerodynamic properties by unfolding the corresponding air deflector.

[0023] According to a further aspect of the invention, the trailer can include a sliding device for varying the position of the trailer coupling along the forward direction of travel. In other words, the corresponding sliding device can be designed to vary the position of the trailer coupling along the forward direction of travel. The sliding device can, for example, comprise a carriage movable along guide rails, to which the trailer coupling or kingpin is attached. The carriage can be moved, for example, by means of a motor-driven drive spindle. Furthermore, by varying the position of the trailer coupling, the towing vehicle can be driven under the cargo area of ​​the trailer. In other words, the corresponding relative movement of the towing vehicle and trailer according to this embodiment can be effected by the trailer.

[0024] Alternatively, or in addition, the towing vehicle can also include a corresponding sliding mechanism for varying the position of the coupling on the towing vehicle. This can be designed, for example, as described above. Furthermore, the towing vehicle can be driven under the cargo area of ​​the trailer by varying the position of the coupling. In other words, in this case, the towing vehicle and trailer can be moved relative to each other by the coupling.

[0025] The aspects and features of the invention described above can be combined in any way. Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1: a schematic representation of an autonomously driving towing vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2: Schematic side view representations of an autonomously driving towing vehicle with an air guide element in three different positions according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3: to the representations of Fig. 2 corresponding front view illustrations of the autonomously driving towing vehicle; Fig. 4: a schematic top view of an autonomously driving towing vehicle according to a further embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 5: Schematic side view representations of an autonomously driving vehicle combination in two different positions according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0026] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are described in all figures using the same reference symbols and are sometimes not described separately.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an autonomously driving towing vehicle 10 for pulling a trailer 20 according to an embodiment of the invention. The towing vehicle 10 can have a coupling 13 for attaching the trailer 20. In the present case, the towing vehicle 10 is—only by way of example—designed as a driverless, i.e., without any cab or cabin for accommodating a driver, semi-trailer tractor for pulling a semi-trailer, and the coupling 13 is accordingly designed as a fifth wheel coupling with a fifth wheel plate. In other words, the towing vehicle 10, which in the present embodiment is essentially flat and cuboid in shape, can be considered "only the undercarriage" or "only the chassis" of a conventional semi-trailer truck. In order to advantageously vary the aerodynamic properties of the towing vehicle 10, the towing vehicle 10 has, for example, a...by means of a lifting device 12, an air guide element 11 movable between a stowing position S1 and an operating position S2 for controlling an airflow in the area of ​​the towing vehicle 10.

[0028] According to the present embodiment, the aforementioned air guide element 11 is exemplified in the form of an air shield construction 1, which comprises several air shields 1a-1f - which are described in more detail below - as well as an air shield support 1g with truss-like struts.

[0029] The air shield construction 1 thus includes a first air shield 1a, which will subsequently be referred to as the main shield 1a. The main shield 1a is pivotally mounted to the front of the towing vehicle 10 about an axis extending transversely Q to the vehicle. The angle of attack α of the main shield 1a relative to a horizontal plane E perpendicular to the direction of gravity is HThe position of the towing vehicle 10 can be changed in this case by means of a lifting device 12, for example in the form of hydraulic cylinders.

[0030] Furthermore, the air shield assembly 1 includes another air shield 1b, which will be referred to below as the secondary shield 1b. The secondary shield 1b is slidably mounted (e.g., by means of retaining rails not shown) to a rearward area of ​​the main shield 1a. Furthermore, the secondary shield 1b is, as described in connection with Fig. 2 will be explained in more detail, movable from a retracted position to an extended position in order to enlarge the air guide element 1 in the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle.

[0031] Furthermore, the air shield assembly 1 comprises four additional air shields 1c to 1f, which shall be referred to below as the first, second, third, and fourth side shields 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f. The first side shield 1c and the second side shield 1d are each mounted (e.g., via a pivot-sliding mechanism) on the main shield 1a, with the first side shield 1c being mounted on a left lateral edge of the main shield 1a and the second side shield 1d on a right lateral edge of the main shield 1a. The third side shield 1e and the fourth side shield 1f are each mounted (e.g., also via a pivot-sliding mechanism) on the secondary shield 1b, with the third side shield 1e being mounted on a left lateral edge of the secondary shield 1a and the fourth side shield 1f on a right lateral edge of the secondary shield 1b.In the present case, all the aforementioned side shields 1c-1f are movable from a pivoted position to a pivoted position in order to enlarge the air guide element 1 in the transverse direction Q of the vehicle. Overall, the multi-part design of the air shield construction 1 described above advantageously provides the largest possible air guide element 11, which can nevertheless be stored in the stowed position S1 in the most space-saving way possible, as is achieved by the following. Fig. 2 will be clarified again.

[0032] To enable an even more compact vehicle geometry in the stowed position S1, the towing vehicle 10 can further include a receptacle 15a in its outer casing 15, into which the air guide element 11 can be at least partially received or accommodated in the stowed position S1. In this case, the receptacle 15a is designed as a recess or indentation in the upper surface of the towing vehicle 10, the shape and size of which are adapted to the folded air guide element 11. Furthermore, the towing vehicle coupling 13 of the towing vehicle 10 can be movable. For example, the towing vehicle 10 can include a sliding device 14 for varying the position of the towing vehicle coupling 13 on the towing vehicle 10 along the forward direction of travel. For this purpose, the towing vehicle coupling 13 can be attached to a slide that can be moved along guide rails, which can be moved, for example, by a motor-driven drive spindle.The advantage of the towing vehicle coupling 13, which can be changed in its position, is that in the case that a corresponding trailer is coupled, the overall length of the combination 30 can be advantageously reduced.

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 shows schematic side views of an autonomously driving towing vehicle 10 with an air guide element 11 in three different positions according to a further embodiment of the invention. The upper view shows the air guide element 11 in an extended operating position S2, in which the air guide element 11 projects from the towing vehicle 10 at a maximum angle of attack α. The lower view shows the air guide element 11 in a folded stowed position S1, in which the air guide element 11 rests against the towing vehicle 10 or is received in a receptacle 15a in the outer casing 15 of the towing vehicle 10 (not visible in the side view). The middle view shows the air guide element 11 in an intermediate position S 1 / 2 , in which the air guide element 11 is in a position between the stow position S1 and the operating position S2.

[0034] As already detailed above in connection with the embodiment according to Fig. As in the present embodiment, the air guide element 11 is also designed in the form of an air shield construction 1, which comprises a main shield 1a, a secondary shield 1b and four side shields 1c-1f, of which only the side shields 1c and 1e are visible in the present side view.

[0035] In the unfolded operating position S2 (top), the main shield 1a, which is pivotally mounted on the towing vehicle 10, is thereby (e.g. by means of a lifting device 12) by a maximum angle of attack α relative to a horizontal plane E Hthe towing vehicle 10 is positioned. Furthermore, the secondary sign 1b, which is slidably mounted on the main sign 1a (e.g., by means of retaining rails), is in a fully extended position, in which the secondary sign 1b extends the main sign 1a and thus the entire air guide element 11 to the rear, i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Additionally, the side signs 1c and 1f, which can be attached to the main and secondary signs respectively (e.g., by means of a pivot-slide mechanism), are also in a fully extended position, in which they enlarge the main sign 1a and secondary sign 1b, and thus the entire air guide element 11, to both sides of the vehicle, i.e., in the transverse direction of the vehicle. This, in conjunction with the corresponding front display, Fig. 3 will be illustrated later.

[0036] Overall, in operating position S2, the air shield structure 1 advantageously occupies the largest possible area, thereby deflecting the air flowing towards the vehicle during forward travel diagonally upwards or to the sides of the vehicle, i.e., away from the vehicle. This prevents the air from directly hitting the mostly vertical front of the trailer, particularly when a trailer 20 is coupled to the towing vehicle 10. Furthermore, to avoid air turbulence behind the air shield structure 1, which would negatively affect air resistance, the air guide element 1 can also comprise at least two textile side surfaces 2a, 2b connecting the air shield structure 1 to the towing vehicle 10. In the present side view, only textile side surface 2a is visible.Together with the corresponding air shield construction 1 in the operating position S2, the textile side surfaces 2a, 2b can define a substantially wedge-shaped airflow body on the towing vehicle 10, so that an air guide element 11 that is as closed as possible can be provided in an advantageous way.

[0037] In the intermediate position S 1 / 2 (Center) is the main shield 1a, pivotably mounted on the towing vehicle 10, at an angle α to a horizontal plane E H of the towing vehicle 10, which is smaller than the (maximum) angle of attack α in operating position S2. In other words, the main sign 1a is in the intermediate position S 1 / 2The angle is shallower than in operating position S2. Furthermore, the secondary shield 1b, which is slidably mounted on the main shield 1a, is now in a retracted position in which it rests as flat as possible against the underside of the main shield 1a. In other words, the secondary shield 1b is covered by the main shield 1a in the retracted position. In the present embodiment, the side shield 1e is also retracted along with the secondary shield 1b, so that it now rests as flat as possible against the underside of the side shield 1c. Additionally, the side shields 1c-1f can also be easily pivoted under the main shield 1a (e.g., by means of a pivot or pivot-slide mechanism). Overall, the air guide element 11 can be moved into the intermediate position S by a corresponding movement. 1 / 2its length, i.e. its extension in the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle, can be advantageously reduced, thereby enabling the air guide element 11 to be stored in the stow position S1 in the most space-saving way possible.

[0038] In the folded stow position S1 (below), the air guide element 11, or the folded air shield assembly 1, then rests against the towing vehicle 10. In other words, the air guide element 11 is essentially horizontally oriented, i.e., with an angle of attack α of almost zero. To advantageously enable the most compact geometry possible for the air guide element 11, it can be provided that the side shields 1c-1f, starting from their position in the intermediate position S1, 1 / 2During the transition to the stowed position S1, they are additionally pivoted (e.g. by means of a swivel or swivel-sliding mechanism) under the main shield 1a, i.e. that the side shields 1c-1f are ultimately covered by the main shield 1a.

[0039] Fig. Figure 3 shows the representations of Fig. Two corresponding front view illustrations of the autonomously driving towing vehicle 10. The illustration above again shows the air guide element 11 in the extended operating position S2, in which the air guide element 11 reaches its maximum extension. The illustration below shows the air guide element 11 in the folded stowed position S1, in which the air guide element 11 rests against the towing vehicle 10 or is received in a receptacle 15a in the outer fairing 15 of the towing vehicle 10 (not visible in the front view). The illustration in the middle shows the air guide element 11 again in the intermediate position S 1 / 2, in which the air guide element 11 is in a position between the stow position S1 and the operating position S2.

[0040] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of an autonomously driving towing vehicle 10 for pulling a trailer 20 according to an embodiment of the invention. The towing vehicle 10, which is shown here by way of example as a cabless tractor unit for pulling a semi-trailer, has a coupling 13 for coupling the trailer 20, which is shown here by way of example as a fifth wheel coupling with a fifth wheel plate. In order to be able to advantageously vary the aerodynamic properties of the towing vehicle 10, the towing vehicle 10 again includes an air guide element 11, which can be moved, e.g. by means of a lifting device 12, between a stowed position S1 and an operating position S2 for controlling an airflow in the area of ​​the towing vehicle 10. This air guide element 11 is shown here in the folded stowed position S1.According to the present embodiment, the air guide element 11 is exemplified as an air shield construction 1, which comprises at least one main shield 1a. The main shield 1a is pivotally mounted in a front area of ​​the towing vehicle 10 about an axis extending in the transverse direction Q of the vehicle and can be oriented relative to a horizontal plane E perpendicular to the direction of gravity. H of the towing vehicle 10 (e.g. by means of a lifting device 12).

[0041] In order to advantageously reduce the overall length of the vehicle combination 30, consisting of the towing vehicle 10 and the trailer 20, when a suitable trailer is coupled, the towing vehicle 10 comprises a sliding device 14 for varying the position of the towing vehicle coupling 13 on the towing vehicle 10 along the longitudinal direction L of the vehicle. For example, the sliding device 14 has a carriage 14c, movable along two guide rails 14a, 14b, to which the towing vehicle coupling 13 is attached. Furthermore, the sliding device 14 can include a drive element (e.g., an electric motor) which drives a drive spindle acting on the carriage 14c in order to move the towing vehicle coupling 13.

[0042] In order to advantageously achieve the longest possible travel or displacement path for the displacement device 14, the air guide element 11 has a recess 1h in the form of an indentation in the rear edge region of the main shield 1a. The towing vehicle coupling 13 can be moved into this recess 1h or indentation to position it as far forward as possible with respect to the forward direction of travel. This allows, as described below with reference to Fig. 5 will be carried out, the towing vehicle 10 will be driven under a loading platform 22 of the trailer 21 at least over half the length of the towing vehicle, preferably over the entire length of the towing vehicle.

[0043] Fig. Figure 5 shows schematic side views of an autonomously driving vehicle combination 30 in two different positions according to an embodiment of the invention. The towing vehicle 10 is a vehicle already described in connection with Fig. The variant described in Figure 4 features a towing vehicle coupling 13 whose position can be changed via a (not shown) sliding device 14 and a folded-in air guide element 11 in the stowed position S1. The trailer 20, which is exemplary here designed as a semi-trailer, also has a trailer coupling 21 corresponding to the towing vehicle coupling 13, by means of which the trailer 20 is coupled to the towing vehicle coupling 13. In other words, there is a coupling connection between the trailer coupling 21 and the towing vehicle coupling 13.

[0044] The illustration above shows the vehicle combination 30 in a first position, in which the towing vehicle coupling 13 is located in a rear position relative to the forward direction of travel, whereas the illustration below shows the vehicle combination 30 in a second position, in which the towing vehicle coupling 13 is located in a front position relative to the forward direction of travel. Compared to the embodiments shown above, the towing vehicle coupling 13 can be positioned further forward (in the front third of the vehicle) relative to the forward direction of travel – due to a correspondingly large or long recess 1h in the air guide element 11 (not visible in the side view).Due to the displacement of the coupling connection in the coupled state, and due to the appropriate dimensioning of the towing vehicle 10 and trailer 20, the towing vehicle 10 can be driven under the loading platform 22 of the trailer 21 along its entire length when transitioning to the second coupling position, so that the towing vehicle 10 is completely covered by the trailer 20 or its loading platform 22. In this advantageous way, the overall length of the vehicle combination 30 can be effectively reduced, thus enabling the most space-saving storage of the combination (e.g., at a loading terminal). Alternatively, or in addition to the movement of the coupling connection being mediated by the displacement device 14 of the towing vehicle 10, the trailer 20 can also have a corresponding displacement device 23 for varying the position of the trailer coupling 21 on the trailer 10.

[0045] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is apparent to a person skilled in the art that various modifications can be made and equivalents can be used as substitutes without departing from the scope of the invention. Consequently, the invention is not intended to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather to encompass all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of the dependent claims independently of the referenced claims. Reference symbol list 1 Air shield construction 1a Main sign 1b Side sign 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f Side panel 1g air shield carrier 1h recess 2a, 2b textile side surface 10 Towing vehicle 11 Air guide element 12 Lifting device 13 Towing vehicle coupling 14 Shifting device 14a, 14b Guide rail 14c Sled 15 Exterior cladding 15a Recording α Angle of attack E H Horizontal plane H Vehicle height direction L Vehicle longitudinal direction Q Vehicle transverse direction S1 storage position S 1 / 2 Intermediate position S2 operating position 20 trailers 21 Towbar 22 loading area 23 Shifting device 30 team

Claims

[1] Autonomous towing vehicle (10), preferably a semi-trailer tractor, for towing a trailer (20); characterized by , that the towing vehicle (10) comprises an air guide element (11) movable between a stowing position (S1) and an operating position (S2) for controlling an airflow in the area of ​​the towing vehicle (10). [2] Towing vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the towing vehicle (10) does not include a driver's cab and / or a cabin for accommodating a driver. [3] Towing vehicle (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the air guide element (11) is in contact with the towing vehicle (10) in the stowed position (S1) and is away from the towing vehicle (10) in the operating position (S2). [4] Towing vehicle (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the air guide element (11) comprises an air shield construction (1) having a main shield (1a) which is pivotably mounted on the towing vehicle (10) and whose angle of attack (α) relative to a horizontal plane (E H ) of the towing vehicle (10) can be changed by means of a lifting device (12). [5] Towing vehicle (10) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the air shield construction (1) includes a secondary shield (1b) which is slidably mounted on the main shield (1a) and which can be moved from a retracted position to an extended position in the longitudinal direction (L) of the vehicle in order to enlarge the air guide element (11). [6] Towing vehicle (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by, that the air shield construction (1) comprises at least two side shields (1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) which are mounted on the main shield (1a) and / or on the secondary shield (1b) and which are movable from a pivoted position to a pivoted position in the transverse direction (Q) of the vehicle in order to enlarge the air guide element (1), preferably via a pivot-slide mechanism. [7] Towing vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by , that the air guide element (11) comprises at least two textile side surfaces (2a, 2b) connecting the air shield construction (1) to the towing vehicle (10), which together with the air shield construction (1) define an essentially wedge-shaped airflow body on the towing vehicle (10) in the operating position (S2). [8] Towing vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized by, that the air shield construction (1) comprises an air shield support (1g) with truss-like struts for stabilizing the air shield construction (1). [9] Towing vehicle (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the towing vehicle (10) comprises a towing vehicle coupling (13), preferably a fifth wheel coupling, for coupling the trailer (20) and a sliding device (14) for varying the position of the towing vehicle coupling (13) on the towing vehicle (10) along the forward direction of travel. [10] Towing vehicle (10) according to claim 9, characterized by , that the shifting device (14) is designed, a) to position the towing vehicle coupling (13) in a forward position relative to the direction of travel if the air guide element (11) is in the stowed position (S1); and b) to position the towing vehicle coupling (13) in a rear position relative to the forward direction of travel if the air guide element (11) is in the operating position (S2). [11] Towing vehicle (10) according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized by , that the shifting device (14) is designed to move the towing vehicle coupling (13) at least a quarter, preferably a third, particularly preferably half of the length of the towing vehicle (10) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the vehicle. [12] Towing vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized by , that the air guide element (11) has a recess (1h) into which the towing vehicle coupling (13) can be moved at least partially when the air guide element (11) is in the stowed position (S1). [13] Towing vehicle (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the towing vehicle (10) comprises an outer casing (15) with a receptacle (15a) into which the air guide element (11) can be at least partially received in the stowed position (S1). [14] Towing vehicle (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the towing vehicle (10) is a semi-trailer truck and / or that the trailer (20) is a semi-trailer. [15] Autonomous vehicle combination (30), comprising - a towing vehicle (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the towing vehicle (10) comprises a towing vehicle coupling (13); and - a trailer (20) having a trailer coupling (21) by means of which the trailer (20) is coupled to the towing vehicle coupling (13). [16] Team (30) according to claim 15, characterized by, that the towing vehicle (10) and the trailer (20) are designed such that the towing vehicle (10) can be driven under a loading platform (22) of the trailer (20) at least over half the length of the towing vehicle, preferably over two thirds of the length of the towing vehicle, and particularly preferably over the entire length of the towing vehicle, if the air guide element (11) is in the stowed position (S1). [17] Team (30) according to claim 16, characterized by , that the trailer (20) includes a sliding device (23) for varying the position of the trailer coupling (21) on the trailer (10) along the forward direction of travel, wherein the towing vehicle (10) can be driven under the loading platform (22) of the trailer (20) by varying the position of the trailer coupling (21). [18] Team (30) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized by, that the towing vehicle (10) comprises a sliding device (14) for varying the position of the towing vehicle coupling (13) on the towing vehicle (10) according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the towing vehicle (10) is drivable under the loading platform (22) of the trailer (20) by varying the position of the towing vehicle coupling (13).