Coupling system for a commercial vehicle, commercial vehicle with a coupling system, method and use

Abstract

The present invention relates to a coupling system (10) comprising a fifth wheel coupling (11) for a commercial vehicle, wherein the fifth wheel coupling (11) comprises: a coupling region (12) configured to receive a pin (13), in particular a kingpin of a semi-trailer; at least one coupling element (14) movable between an open position and a closed position and, in the closed position, delimiting the pin (13) in the coupling region (12); an actuator (15) signal-connected to a control unit (16) and coupled to the coupling element (14) in an at least indirectly force-transmitting manner, wherein the control unit is configured to apply a force to the pin (13) via the actuator (15) in the closed position and, upon reaching a limit value of the force, to move the coupling element (14) away from the pin (13), such that a predefined distance is set between the pin (13) and the coupling element (14).

Description

The present invention relates to a clutch system for a utility vehicle comprising a fifth wheel clutch. The present invention further relates to a utility vehicle having such a clutch system, a method and a use.Coupling systems with fifth wheel clutches are known from the prior art. These serve to connect a towing vehicle to a trailer, in particular a semi-towing vehicle to a semi-trailer. For this purpose, a king pin of the semi-trailer is introduced into the fifth wheel coupling and then held there by a locking mechanism in such a way that the king pin can no longer be moved out of the fifth wheel coupling and coupling or pulling forces can be transmitted between the towing vehicle and the trailer. It is necessary that the king pin has sufficient play in order not to prevent a rotational movement of the king pin and / or to cause a high level of wear. Further, wear occurs on the king pin over time. Therefore, it is required that the clearance is newly adjusted at each clutch operation. Consequently, a different play has to be set in a clutch operation than in a preceding clutch operation. If the clearance is too high, a significant additional loading of the components can result. In order to avoid this, the play on the fifth wheel clutch is adjusted manually in the known clutch systems. This is expensive, since the fifth wheel coupling is difficult to access in the coupled state and also entails the risk that the play set is too large or too small.Thus, it has been found that there is a need to provide a clutch system that enables better lash adjustment.The object of the present invention is to provide an improved clutch system. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a clutch system which enables an at least partially automatic setting of a play.According to one aspect of the invention, a coupling system comprising a control unit and a fifth wheel for a commercial vehicle can be provided, wherein the fifth wheel preferably comprises: a coupling region which is configured to receive a pin, in particular a king pin of a semi-trailer; at least one coupling element which is movable between an open position and a closed position and, in the closed position, delimits the pin in the coupling region; an actuator which is signal-connected to a or the control unit and is coupled to the clutch element in a force-transmitting manner at least indirectly, wherein the control unit is configured to apply a force to the pin via the actuator in the closed position and / or when being transferred into the closed position and, when a limit value of the force is reached, to move the clutch element away from the pin, in particular by a predefined value or distance, in order preferably to set or achieve a predefined distance between the pin and the clutch element.The coupling system is preferably provided for use on or in a commercial vehicle, in particular a truck, for example a tractor-trailer. The clutch system is not limited to such use alone and may be used with other types of vehicles. The clutch system includes a fifth wheel clutch and a control unit. The control unit can be realized or arranged on the fifth wheel clutch or in a component of the fifth wheel clutch, in particular in or on the actuator. Alternatively or additionally preferably, the control unit can also not be arranged on or in the fifth wheel clutch.The coupling region is the region which is provided for receiving the pin. The coupling region can thus also be referred to as a receiving region. The coupling region is designed to be at least partially open for receiving the pin, in particular through an access which extends between coupling horns of the fifth-wheel coupling. The pin is inserted into the coupling region to produce a coupling with a semi-trailer.The pin can be, in particular, a king pin of a semi-trailer. The pin preferably has a cylindrical geometry at least in sections. In particular, the pin can have a wider diameter in an axial end region which faces the fifth wheel coupling in the assembled state. As a result, the pin can be held securely in the coupling in an axial direction of the pin.The coupling element is arranged movably on the fifth wheel coupling and can project or be guided in particular into the coupling region, in particular in the closed position. The coupling element serves to positively delimit and / or retain the pin in the coupling region. In other words, the pin is positively held by the coupling element in the coupling region. It is also conceivable for the coupling element to be movable into and out of the coupling region.The clutch element can be moved into an open position and into a closed position, which can also be referred to as a closed position. In the open position, which may also be the open position, the coupling region is open or free to receive the pin. In the closed position, the coupling region is closed or delimited by the coupling element, so that the pin is held at least positively by the coupling element and / or is prevented or prevented positively from leaving the coupling region.The actuator is connected or coupled to the clutch element in a force-transmitting manner at least indirectly. Alternatively, the actuator can be connected or coupled directly to the clutch element. In other words, the actuator can therefore exert a force on the clutch element, such that the latter can be transferred from the closed position into the open position and / or vice versa. Therefore, in other words, the actuator may open and / or close the fifth wheel clutch. Various types of actuators are possible for applying a force to the clutch element. The actuator is signal-connected to the control unit. In other words, the actuator is controlled by the control unit via electrical signals.The control unit may be arranged on the fifth wheel clutch. Alternatively, the control unit can be arranged at a position outside the fifth wheel on the commercial vehicle, for example on the tractor. The control unit is configured to actuate the actuator to apply a force to the clutch element. The coupling element is arranged movably in the coupling region. This means that the clutch element is moved by the actuator when it exerts a force on the clutch element. The control unit can have a connection for the information communication with further units, in particular a cable-bound and / or cable-free connection.In the present case, it is assumed that a pin is arranged in the coupling region and the coupling element is arranged in the closed position. In the closed position, the actuator exerts a force on the clutch element. In other words, the actuator applies a force to the clutch element. The force which the actuator exerts on the clutch element is directed in particular in the direction of the clutch region or of the pin-as viewed from the clutch element. Consequently, the coupling element moves in the direction of the coupling region or toward the pin. In other words, in this situation, the coupling element presses on the pin with until a limit force is reached. This means that the coupling element is moved by the actuator in the direction of the pin. It is conceivable that the coupling element in the closed position already adjoins the pin or is in contact with the pin. The coupling element applies a force to the pin. More specifically, the coupling element transmits the force applied by the actuator to the pin. When a limit value of the force is reached, the force transmission of the actuator stops in the direction of the clutch region. This ensures adequate contact with the pin.Subsequently, the actuator exerts a force on the clutch element directed away from the clutch region or from the pin. In other words or alternatively, this means that the coupling element is moved away from the pin. The movement of the coupling element away is effected by applying a force directed away from the pin to the coupling element. The coupling element is moved away from the pin until the coupling element has covered a predetermined distance or a predefined distance is established between the pin and the coupling element. The predefined distance is predefined and corresponds to the provided or predefined play between the pin and the coupling element. Therefore, the predefined distance is in particular in a range from 0.1 mm to 1 mm.The limit value of the force is to be understood as a predefined amount of the force which is applied by the actuator. The limit value of the force applied by the actuator is preferably selected such that, when the limit value is reached, contact between the coupling element and the pin can be assumed. In other words, the predefined limit value represents an indicator for determining whether a contact is established between the coupling element and the pin. The applied force can preferably be measured directly at the actuator. Alternatively, it is possible to measure the force at another suitable position of the fifth wheel coupling between the actuator and the journal or to determine it indirectly, in particular by the absorption power, current or pressure of an operator medium of the actuator. Therefore, the force need not be determined directly, but rather can also be determined indirectly.Compared to the known prior art, the advantage of the coupling system according to the invention is that manual adjustment of the play of the fifth wheel coupling, which is difficult to access in the coupled state, is no longer necessary. Thereby, the time required for the clutch operation can be shortened. Furthermore, by automatically adjusting the play, the accuracy is improved and thus the susceptibility to errors of the fifth wheel clutch is reduced.In one embodiment, the control unit and the actuator are configured to automatically adjust the distance between the clutch member and the connection member. In other words, the operation is automatically carried out to adjust the predetermined distance between the pin and the coupling member. In particular, the process for establishing the predefined distance can be automatically triggered immediately after arranging the coupling element in the closed position. Alternatively, the process for setting the predefined distance can be triggered, for example, by a button press. The automatic setting of the predefined distance is time-saving, since it may only be necessary to check whether the clutch process is successful.In one embodiment, the fifth wheel clutch comprises a mechanism operatively connected to the clutch element and / or the actuator and configured to shift the clutch element into the open position and the closed position. The mechanism can be connected, for example, to an actuating element, in particular a handle. The mechanism can be realized, for example, by a stand and / or a lever construction.In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to adjust the predefined distance between the clutch element and the connection element based on a measurement of the force applied by the actuator. For example, the actuator can comprise a measuring unit or a sensor in order to measure the applied force. This makes it possible to determine the applied force precisely. Alternatively, the applied force may be measured at another point.In one embodiment, the actuator comprises a piston-cylinder arrangement, in particular a double-acting cylinder. The piston-cylinder arrangement can be used to set the predefined distance by the stroke movement. A double-acting cylinder can transmit or exert a force to the coupling element in two directions.It is particularly advantageous if the actuator is hydraulically and / or pneumatically actuatable or is a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator. For example, the actuator can thus be connected to a pneumatic or hydraulic network or system which is arranged on the commercial vehicle.In one embodiment, the actuator comprises an electric drive. For example, the actuator can have an electric motor. It is particularly advantageous if the actuator comprises an electric linear drive or another linear drive. With an electric drive, in particular an electric linear drive, it is also possible to set small distances precisely. Furthermore, an electric drive allows an active and accurate adjustment of the coupling element in two directions. The response behavior of an electric drive is also particularly precise.In one embodiment, the coupling element comprises at least one closure hook or is formed by a closure hook. The locking hook preferably comprises a contour which is adapted to the pin. For example, the locking hook can have a contour or geometry on a surface facing the coupling region, which contour or geometry corresponds to the pin. In particular, the contour can be circular in sections. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the coupling element to have two closure hooks arranged opposite one another.In one embodiment, the actuator is configured to shift the clutch element into an open position and / or a closed position. For example, the actuator can be operatively connected to the mechanism in order to transfer the coupling element from the open position into the closed position or vice versa.The fifth wheel coupling is preferably designed in such a way that, after the predefined distance of the coupling element from the pin has been reached, the coupling element can preferably be locked or fixed in the end position. The locking can be realized in particular by a locking mechanism of the fifth wheel coupling. For example, the locking mechanism can comprise or be a brake or retaining element which interacts with the coupling element and / or the mechanism and / or the actuator in order to fix or lock the coupling element in the end position. The fixing of the coupling element can thus take place in a force-fit and / or form-fit manner. Alternatively or additionally, the locking mechanism can also be formed by or comprise valves for the power lines of the actuator.A further aspect of the present invention relates in particular to a commercial vehicle, in particular a tractor-trailer vehicle, having a clutch system according to one of the preceding embodiments.A further aspect of the present invention relates in particular to a method for setting a predefined distance between a coupling element of a commercial vehicle and a pin, in particular a king pin of a semi-trailer, having in particular a coupling system according to one of the preceding or following embodiments comprising: arranging the pin in the coupling region; arranging the coupling element in the closed position or transferring the coupling element into the closed position; applying a predefined force to the pin via the coupling element by the actuator and setting a predefined distance by moving the coupling element away from the pin when a limit value of the applied force of the actuator is reached.In other words, in the case of the method mentioned above, the coupling element can be displaced in the direction of the pin by means of the actuator. When a contact or a predefined limit value of the force applied by the actuator is reached, the coupling element is preferably displaced away from the pin by means of the actuator. The movement is defined. This means that the distance covered by the movement is predefined. This creates a defined distance between the pin and the coupling element. This distance corresponds to the desired play to be set.A further aspect of the present invention relates in particular to a use of a double-acting cylinder and / or an electric drive in a fifth wheel clutch according to one of the preceding embodiments for setting a predefined distance between the clutch element and the journal. The double-acting cylinder and the electric drive are preferably used as an actuator in the fifth wheel clutch system.A further aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a fifth wheel clutch in a fifth wheel clutch system according to the preceding and / or following embodiments.Further advantages and features of the present invention are evident from the following description with reference to the figures. Individual features of the illustrated embodiments can also be used in other embodiments, provided that this has not been explicitly excluded. The following are shown: FIG. 1 : a view of a fifth wheel coupling from below; FIG. 2 : a schematic view of a clutch system; and FIG. 3 : a schematic view of a method.In FIG. 1, a fifth wheel coupling 11 is shown, wherein the fifth wheel coupling 11 comprises a fifth wheel coupling plate 23. The fifth wheel clutch 11 comprises a clutch region 12 arranged centrally in the fifth wheel clutch plate 16. the fifth wheel clutch plate 23 is illustrated from below in FIG. 1, so that a trailer surface of the fifth wheel clutch plate 23, which is provided for supporting a fifth wheel, is not illustrated in FIG. 1. In other words, the side of the fifth wheel plate 23 shown faces the trailer surface of the commercial vehicle in the mounted state.The fifth wheel plate 23 has two legs 17, which can also be referred to as horns or fifth wheel horns or coupling horns. The two legs 17 are arranged opposite each other. The two legs 17 delimit a retraction region 18. In other words, the retraction region 18 merges into the clutch region 12. The retraction region 18 narrows in the direction of the coupling region 12.The retraction region 18 is provided to receive a pin, in particular a kingpin of a semi-trailer. Due to the shape of the retraction region 18 tapering in the direction of the coupling region 12, the pin can be easily guided into the coupling region 12.In FIG. 1, the coupling region 12 is shown without pins arranged therein. In the coupled state, the pin extends perpendicularly to the coupling plate 23.In the coupling region 12 or protruding into the coupling region 12, a coupling element 14 is arranged which is mounted on the fifth wheel coupling plate 23 in a rotationally movable manner. The coupling element 14 is movable and can be moved from an open position to a closed position. In FIG. 1, the coupling element 14 is shown in a closed position. In the closed position, the pin is positively delimited or held by the coupling element 14 in the coupling region 12 and thus prevents the pin from being disengaged or moved out of the coupling region 12 counter to the direction of retraction E.The coupling element 14 is hook-shaped or comprises a hook-shaped geometry. The coupling element 14 comprises a geometry which corresponds at least in sections to a geometry of the pin. More specifically, the hook has a circular outer surface concave toward the coupling portion 12 corresponding to a cylindrical outer surface of the pin toward the coupling portion 12. A concave outer surface is understood to mean a curvature away from the coupling region 12.The coupling element 14 is coupled to a mechanism 19. The mechanism 19 can be moved or transferred from the closing position into the open position via an actuating device 20. This can be achieved, for example, by an actuating cylinder 21 or by manual actuation of the actuating device 20. For this purpose, the actuating device 20 has an actuating region which, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, can be formed by a handle with a hand-engaging eye.The clutch element 14 is coupled to an actuator 15 in a force-transmitting manner, wherein the actuator is an actuating cylinder 21 in the exemplary embodiment. The coupling element 14 can be coupled to the coupling element 14 directly or indirectly, i.e. via a further component(s), in particular a further component of the mechanism 19. The actuator 15 can correspond to or replace the actuating cylinder 21, for example. Alternatively, another type of actuator 15 may be used to apply a force to the clutch member 14. The actuator 15 can transmit a force to the coupling element 12 via the mechanism 19 in order to move the coupling element 12 in the direction of the pin or in the direction of the coupling region 14.The actuator 15 and / or the control unit 16 are / is configured to establish a predetermined distance or a predetermined play between the pin and the coupling element 14. For this purpose, the actuator 15 is connected to the control unit 16 in a signal-transmitting manner, in particular wirelessly or by wire.FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of a clutch system 10. The clutch system 10 preferably comprises a fifth wheel clutch 11, which may substantially correspond to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The fifth wheel clutch 11 comprises in particular the actuator 15 which is coupled to the control unit 16 for adjusting the distance.The control unit 16 is connected to the actuator 15 in a signal-transmitting manner. This means that the control unit 16 can be connected to the actuator 15 in a signal-transmitting manner via a cable or wirelessly. The control unit 16 may be disposed directly on the fifth wheel 11 or disposed outside the fifth wheel 11. It is possible that the control unit 16 is part of a central control module which is arranged on the utility vehicle or a component thereof outside the fifth wheel coupling 11. The fifth wheel clutch 11 can comprise an interface for connecting the actuator 15 to a control unit 16, in particular an external control unit, or a control module. The central control module can be provided, for example, to control or monitor a plurality of regions of the utility vehicle.FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a method for setting a predefined distance between the coupling element 14 of a utility vehicle and a pin. The method shown can be carried out, for example, in a system according to FIG. 2. However, the method is not limited thereto.In a first step S 1, the pin is arranged in the coupling region 12 of the fifth wheel coupling 11. The insertion of the pin takes place in particular by moving the utility vehicle and thus the fifth wheel coupling 11 in the direction of the stationary pin.In a second step S 2, the arrangement of the coupling element 14 in the closed position or the transfer of the coupling element 14 into the closed position takes place. The arrangement of the coupling element 14 in the closed position is preferably effected automatically when the pin is arranged completely in the coupling region 12. The movement of the coupling element 14 into the closed position takes place in particular by the mechanism 19. The restoring force can preferably be provided by a spring element.Subsequently, in the third step S 3, the application of a force to the pin via the coupling element 12 by the actuator 15 and setting a predefined distance by moving the coupling element 12 away from the pin when a limit value of the applied force of the actuator 15 is reached.The coupling element 14 is moved away up to an end position after reaching the limit value of the force. The end position of the coupling element 14 corresponds to the predefined distance of the coupling element 14 from the pin. In other words, in the end position of the coupling element 14, the predetermined clearance is established between the coupling element 14 and the pin. The end position is therefore visible relative to the pin and in particular not relative to the fifth wheel plate.After the predefined distance of the coupling element 14 from the pin has been reached, the coupling element 14 is preferably locked or fixed in the end position. The locking can be realized in particular by a locking mechanism. For example, the locking mechanism can comprise brake or retaining elements which cooperate with the coupling element 14 and / or the mechanism 19 and / or the actuator 15 in order to fix or lock the coupling element 14 in the end position. The fixing of the coupling element 14 can thus take place in a force-fit and / or form-fit manner.Other embodiments of the present invention are possible and may be understood and carried out by those skilled in the art upon application of the claimed subject matter from a study of the figures, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In particular, the respective parts / functions of the respective embodiment described above can also be combined with one another. Further, various steps of the method may be performed in a different order than disclosed herein. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are mentioned in mutually dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures may not be advantageous. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.List of reference charactersE Retraction direction 10 Clutch system 11 Fifth wheel clutch 12 Clutch region 14 Clutch element 15 Actuator 16 Control unit 17 Limb 18 Retraction region 19 Mechanism 20 Actuating device 21 Disengagement cylinder 23 Fifth wheel clutch plate

Claims

A coupling system (10) comprising a control unit (16) and a fifth wheel coupling (11) for a commercial vehicle, wherein the fifth wheel coupling (11) comprises: - a coupling region (12) which is configured to receive a pin (13), in particular a king pin of a semi-trailer; - at least one coupling element (14) which is movable between an open position and a closed position and, in the closed position, delimits the pin (13) in the coupling region (12); an actuator (15) which is signal-connected to the control unit (16) and is coupled to the clutch element (14) in a force-transmitting manner at least indirectly, wherein the control unit (16) is configured to apply a force to the pin (13) via the actuator (15) in the closed position and / or when being transferred into the closed position and, when a limit value of the force is reached, to move the clutch element (14) away from the pin (13), in particular by a predefined value, in particular in order to set a predefined distance between the pin (13) and the clutch element (14).Clutch system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fifth wheel clutch (11) comprises a mechanism (19) which is operatively connected to the clutch element (14) and / or the actuator (15) and is configured to shift the clutch element (14) into the open position and into the closed positionThe clutch system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (16) is configured to adjust the predefined distance between the clutch element (14) and the pin based on a measurement of the force applied by the actuator (15).Clutch system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (15) comprises a piston-cylinder arrangement, in particular a double-acting cylinder.Clutch system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (15) can be actuated hydraulically and / or pneumatically.Clutch system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (15) comprises an electric drive.The coupling system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling element (14) comprises at least one locking hook.Commercial vehicle, in particular a tractor-trailer vehicle, having a clutch system (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 7.Method for setting a predefined distance between a coupling element (14) of a commercial vehicle and a pin, in particular a kingpin of a semi-trailer, having a coupling system (10), in particular according to one of Claims 1 to 7, comprising the steps: - arranging the pin in the coupling region (12); - arranging the coupling element (14) in the closed position; - applying a force to the pin via the coupling element (14) by the actuator (15), and setting a predefined distance by moving the coupling element (14) away from the pin when a limit value of the applied force of the actuator (15) is reached.Use of a double-acting cylinder and / or an electric drive in a clutch system (10) according to one of the sprays 1 to 7 for setting a predefined distance between the clutch element (14) and the journal and / or use of a fifth wheel clutch (11) in a clutch system (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 7.

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