Wechseldeichsel

Abstract

Interchangeable drawbar (1) for coupling two transport vehicles (2, 3) for the transport of goods, - wherein the two transport vehicles (2, 3) form a towed rear transport vehicle (2) and a towing front transport vehicle (3) in a train operation, - wherein the interchangeable drawbar (1) has a drawbar unit (4) which can be detachably fixed to a front cross member (9) of the rear transport vehicle (2), - wherein the interchangeable drawbar (1) has a coupling unit (5) which can be detachably fixed to a rear cross member (10) of the front transport vehicle (3), - wherein the interchangeable drawbar (1) has a drawbar rod (6) which has a drawbar end (11) articulated to the drawbar unit (4) and a coupling end (12) articulated to the coupling end (5), - wherein the horizontally oriented drawbar (6) defines a horizontal longitudinal direction (X), a horizontal transverse direction (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) and a vertical vertical direction (Z) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) and perpendicular to the transverse direction (Y), - wherein the drawbar (6) is pivotably connected to the drawbar unit (4) about a drawbar pivot axis (13) running parallel to the transverse direction (Y), - wherein, in the case of a drawbar unit (4) fixed to the front cross member (9) of the rear transport vehicle (2), the drawbar rod (6) is pivotable about the drawbar pivot axis (13) between a vertical position aligned parallel to the vertical direction (Z) and a horizontal position aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction (X), characterized in that - that the drawbar unit (4) and the drawbar rod (6) are coordinated in such a way that the drawbar unit (4) can be attached to or removed from the front cross member (9) of the rear transport vehicle (2) in the vertical direction (Z) when the drawbar rod (6) is pivoted into the vertical position, and that the drawbar unit (4) attached to the front cross member (9) of the rear transport vehicle (2) is secured against removal in the vertical direction (Z) by a securing section (14) of the drawbar end (11) on the front cross member (9) of the rear transport vehicle (2) when the drawbar rod (6) is pivoted into the horizontal position.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an interchangeable drawbar for coupling two transport vehicles for the transport of goods according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Transport vehicles for goods transport are used primarily in intralogistics to move goods within production facilities, such as raw materials, individual parts, partially assembled components, and fully assembled components. These transport vehicles can be configured as trailers or tractor units. To move the transport vehicles, two or more can be coupled together to form a vehicle combination or train. Drawbars, attached to the transport vehicles, are typically used to easily connect two vehicles and can be conveniently pivoted between a vertical or parked position and a horizontal or driving position.

[0003] From DE 10 2015 102 150 A1, a transport vehicle for the transport of goods in the form of a trolley is known, wherein the transport vehicle has a drawbar at its front end which is pivotably mounted on the chassis of the transport vehicle between a vertical parking position and a horizontal driving position.

[0004] A similar transport vehicle is known from EP 2 236 391 A2. There, too, a drawbar is pivotably mounted at a front end of the transport vehicle between a vertical position and a horizontal position.

[0005] Another transport vehicle for the transport of goods is known from DE 10 2013 107 453 B3.

[0006] A material handcart for firefighting operations is known from DE 20 2023 103 391 U1.

[0007] A manually pushable transport trolley is known from DE 20 2020 002 214 U1.

[0008] From DE 20 2021 105 749 U1 a transport vehicle for carrying out maintenance and repair work in connection with residential complexes, agricultural areas or sports facilities is known.

[0009] A disadvantage of drawbars permanently attached to the transport vehicle is that the unused drawbar often creates an obstructive outline and increases the cost of the transport vehicle. Furthermore, the drawbar inevitably dictates the direction of travel for the transport vehicle.

[0010] A type of interchangeable drawbar is known from WO 00 / 46 050 A1. The interchangeable drawbar has a drawbar unit that can be detachably fixed to a front crossmember of the rear transport vehicle via lateral vertical columns. The interchangeable drawbar has a coupling unit that can be detachably fixed to a rear crossmember of the front transport vehicle via lateral vertical columns. Furthermore, the interchangeable drawbar has a drawbar arm with a drawbar end articulated to the drawbar unit and a coupling end articulated to the coupling end. The horizontally oriented drawbar arm defines a horizontal longitudinal direction, a horizontal transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a vertical direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions.The drawbar is pivotally connected to the drawbar unit at its end about a drawbar pivot axis running parallel to the transverse direction. When the drawbar unit is fixed to the front crossmember of the rear transport vehicle, the drawbar can pivot about this axis between a vertical position parallel to the vertical direction and a horizontal position parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0011] Such an interchangeable drawbar can be attached as needed and removed when not required. With the conventional interchangeable drawbar, mounting and dismounting it is relatively time-consuming.

[0012] A similar interchangeable drawbar is also known from WO 97 / 33 764 A1.

[0013] US Patent 3,887,219 A discloses a simple interchangeable drawbar comprising a star-shaped coupling rod and two rear fittings that can be detachably mounted on a front crossbar of a rear vehicle, as well as a front fitting that can be detachably mounted on a rear crossbar of a front vehicle. The coupling rod can then be inserted into the fittings from above to couple the front vehicle to the rear vehicle.

[0014] From DE 10 2021 211 796 A1 an electric towing device for transport vehicles is known which can be attached to a front cross member of a vehicle, so that the vehicle can be towed by an electric drive of the towing device.

[0015] The present invention addresses the problem of providing an improved or at least a different solution for the train operation of transport vehicles, which is characterized in particular by its cost-effectiveness and ease of use.

[0016] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0017] The invention is based on the general concept of providing an interchangeable drawbar for connecting two transport vehicles, which can be detachably attached to both the towed rear transport vehicle and the towing front transport vehicle. This allows the interchangeable drawbar to be completely removed from the respective transport vehicle at its destination, so that it does not create an obstruction. Furthermore, not all transport vehicles need to be equipped with a drawbar, making the transport vehicles less expensive to manufacture. In the case of bidirectionally movable transport vehicles, the interchangeable drawbar can be optionally attached to either of the two opposite ends of the transport vehicle, so that the respective transport vehicle can be easily connected to a train without having to be turned around first.The interchangeable drawbar can be easily attached to the transport vehicles to be connected as needed, so there is no increased effort involved. Since significantly fewer transport vehicles need to be moved simultaneously than are typically present in a production plant, only a comparatively small number of interchangeable drawbars are required to meet all logistical requirements.

[0018] Specifically, the invention proposes an interchangeable drawbar configured for coupling two transport vehicles intended for goods transport, which, in a towing operation, form a trailed rear transport vehicle and a towing front transport vehicle. The interchangeable drawbar comprises a drawbar unit, a coupling unit, and a drawbar connecting the drawbar unit to the coupling unit. The drawbar unit is configured to be detachably fixed to a front crossmember of the rear transport vehicle. The coupling unit is configured to be detachably fixed to a rear crossmember of the front transport vehicle. The drawbar has a drawbar end pivotally connected to the drawbar unit and a coupling end pivotally connected to the coupling end.The three components of the interchangeable drawbar can be implemented in a compact and relatively lightweight manner, so that the interchangeable drawbar can be carried and operated manually by one person (male / female / diverse).

[0019] In the present context, a “configuration” corresponds to a “design” and / or a “setup”, so that the phrase “configured so that” is synonymous with the phrase “designed so that” and / or “set up so that”.

[0020] The drawbar is designed to be elongated, so that the horizontally oriented drawbar defines a horizontal longitudinal direction, a horizontal transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a vertical vertical direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions. In particular, the drawbar can be designed as a straight, flat steel bar.

[0021] According to the invention, the drawbar is pivotably connected to the drawbar unit about a drawbar pivot axis running parallel to the transverse direction. This makes it possible to adjust the interchangeable drawbar, at least temporarily, on the rear transport vehicle between a horizontally oriented driving position and a vertically oriented parking position in order to reduce any obstruction on the rear transport vehicle while the interchangeable drawbar is attached to the rear transport vehicle but not in use.

[0022] According to the invention, the drawbar unit and the drawbar are coordinated such that, with the drawbar pivoted into the vertical position, the drawbar unit can be attached to or removed from the front crossmember of the rear transport vehicle in the vertical direction. Furthermore, when the drawbar is pivoted into the horizontal position, the drawbar unit attached to the front crossmember of the rear transport vehicle is secured against vertical removal by a locking section at the end of the drawbar on the front crossmember of the rear transport vehicle. In other words, the drawbar has a dual function, as it secures the drawbar unit to the front crossmember of the rear transport vehicle in the horizontal position. This locking function is implemented particularly simply, as it only requires pivoting the drawbar from the vertical to the horizontal position.Since the horizontal position is required for driving anyway, securing the drawbar unit to the front cross member of the rear transport vehicle is automatic.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment, the drawbar unit can have a support receptacle with a receiving opening at its lower end, through which the front crossmember of the rear transport vehicle penetrates the support receptacle from below when the drawbar unit is attached. The drawbar unit and the drawbar can then be aligned such that, in the horizontal position of the drawbar, the locking section of the drawbar end blocks the receiving opening below the respective crossmember, and in the vertical position of the drawbar, it releases the receiving opening. This creates a positive locking connection for the crossmember inserted into the support receptacle using simple means, resulting in a high degree of stability and reliability in securing the drawbar unit to this crossmember.

[0024] It is advantageous to provide that the drawbar, in its vertical position, rests against a stop on the drawbar unit and is held there by a permanent magnet. This simplifies the handling of the interchangeable drawbar. In the vertical position of the drawbar, the drawbar unit is not secured to the respective crossbeam, allowing the interchangeable drawbar to be easily detached upwards from the crossbeam. The permanent magnet maintains the relative position between the drawbar unit and the drawbar, enabling the interchangeable drawbar to be easily reattached from above to a crossbeam of another transport vehicle. This allows, in particular, one-handed manipulation of the interchangeable drawbar when attaching it to and removing it from the respective transport vehicle, significantly simplifying its handling. Preferably, the permanent magnet is located at the stop.In another embodiment, the permanent magnet can also be formed on the drawbar.

[0025] In another embodiment, the coupling unit can have a handle for manually lifting the interchangeable drawbar. This handle allows the entire interchangeable drawbar to be carried and easily manipulated.

[0026] It may be advantageous for the handle to be pivotally mounted on the coupling unit about a coupling pivot axis running parallel to the transverse direction, between a release position and a locking position. The coupling unit and the handle are coordinated such that, in the release position of the handle, the coupling unit can be attached to or removed from the rear crossmember of the front transport vehicle, particularly in the vertical direction from above. Meanwhile, in the locking position of the handle, the coupling unit attached to the rear crossmember of the front transport vehicle is secured against removal, particularly in the vertical direction, by a locking section of the handle on the rear crossmember of the front transport vehicle. Thus, the handle has a dual function, as it also serves to secure the coupling unit to the respective crossmember.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment, the coupling unit can have a mounting bracket with a receiving opening at its lower end. When the coupling unit is attached, the rear crossmember of the front transport vehicle enters the mounting bracket from below through this opening. The handle can be designed to fit the coupling unit such that, in the locked position, the locking section of the handle blocks the receiving opening below the crossmember, and in the released position, it releases the receiving opening. This creates a positive fit to secure the coupling unit to the respective crossmember, thus fixing the coupling unit to the crossmember with high strength and stability.

[0028] The handle can be conveniently mounted on the coupling unit in such a way that, when the coupling unit is attached to the rear crossmember of the front transport vehicle, the unactuated handle automatically pivots from the release position to the locking position due to gravity. In other words, as soon as the coupling unit is attached to the respective crossmember by means of a corresponding manual actuation of the handle, in particular by gripping the handle, the handle automatically pivots into the locking position after the manual actuation, especially after the handle is released, so that the coupling unit is automatically secured to the respective crossmember. This significantly simplifies the handling of the interchangeable drawbar.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, the drawbar can be rotatably connected to the coupling unit about an axis of rotation parallel to the vertical direction. The coupling unit can expediently have a bolt parallel to the axis of rotation, which is detachably fixed to the coupling unit. The drawbar can have a bolt opening at the coupling end. When the drawbar is connected to the coupling unit, the bolt passes through the bolt opening, thus rotatably connecting the drawbar to the coupling unit. The removable bolt allows the connection between the drawbar and the coupling unit to be easily released when necessary. This makes it particularly possible to temporarily disconnect the coupling between two transport vehicles created by the interchangeable drawbar without having to completely remove the interchangeable drawbar from either vehicle.For example, the coupling should only be temporarily disconnected to avoid a tripping hazard between the two transport vehicles. Furthermore, with the coupling unit removed, the interchangeable drawbar can also be used with a transport vehicle, particularly a towing vehicle, that is already equipped with a suitable coupling. The drawbar can be detachably connected to the coupling end and bolt opening of this coupling on the transport vehicle.

[0030] The interchangeable drawbar presented here can be operated with one hand, allowing a single person to attach it to the respective transport vehicle with one hand while positioning the vehicle with the other. This applies to attaching the drawbar unit to the rear transport vehicle as well as the coupling unit to the front transport vehicle. Furthermore, the interchangeable drawbar is very easy and quick to attach and remove, as the locking mechanism is integrated into the kinematics of the attachment and removal process. This locking action occurs automatically during attachment, without requiring any special attention from the operator.Accordingly, the unlocking process also occurs automatically when the interchangeable drawbar is removed, without the need for any additional steps or measures by the person concerned.

[0031] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0032] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention. Components of a higher-level unit, such as a device, apparatus, or arrangement, mentioned above and those to be mentioned below, which are designated separately, can form separate parts or components of this unit or be integral areas or sections of this unit, even if this is depicted differently in the drawings.

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0034] They show, schematically, Fig. 1 an isometric view of a reversible drawbar, Fig. 2 an isometric view of a combination of two transport vehicles in the area of ​​the interchangeable drawbar, Fig. 3 an isometric view of a rear transport vehicle in the area of ​​the interchangeable drawbar in a vertical position, Fig. 4 an isometric view of a front transport vehicle in the area of ​​the interchangeable drawbar in a horizontal position.

[0035] According to the Fig. 1 to 4 comprise a drawbar 1, which serves to couple two transport vehicles 2, 3 for the transport of goods, a drawbar unit 4, a coupling unit 5 and a drawbar rod 6. The two transport vehicles 2, 3 form according to Fig. 2 in a train operation, a combination 7. Accordingly, the two transport vehicles 2, 3 in combination 7 or in train operation form a towed rear transport vehicle 2, which in Fig. 2 is shown on the left, and a towing front transport vehicle 3, which is in Fig. 2 is shown on the right. A direction of movement or transport direction 8 of the train 7, which exists during train operation, is shown in Fig. 2 indicated by arrows.

[0036] The drawbar unit 4 can be detachably fixed to a front cross member 9 of the rear transport vehicle 2. In the Fig. 2 and Fig. The drawbar unit 4 is fixed to the front crossmember 9 of the rear transport vehicle 2. The coupling unit 5 is detachably fixed to a rear crossmember 10 of the front transport vehicle 3. In the Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 is coupling unit 5 fixed to the rear crossmember 10 of the front sports vehicle 3. The drawbar 6 connects the drawbar unit 4 to the coupling unit 5 and has, for this purpose, a drawbar end 11 articulated to the drawbar unit 4 and a coupling end 12 located away from the drawbar end 11 and articulated to the coupling end 5. The transport vehicles 2 and 3 are designed here as trolleys that do not have their own drive. At least the front transport vehicle 3 can also be designed as a towing vehicle that has its own drive.

[0037] The drawbar 6 is elongated, in particular designed to be straight, and can be aligned horizontally. When aligned horizontally, the drawbar 6 defines a horizontal longitudinal direction X, a horizontal transverse direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and a vertical vertical direction Z perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y.

[0038] The drawbar 6 is pivotably connected to the drawbar unit 4 at its drawbar end 11 about a drawbar pivot axis 13 running parallel to the transverse direction Y. Provided that the drawbar unit 4 is in accordance with the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 on the front crossbeam 9 of the rear transport vehicle 2, the drawbar 6 can be rotated about the drawbar pivot axis 13 between a vertical position parallel to the height direction Z, which in Fig. 3 is shown, and pivot into a horizontal position aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction X, which is in Fig. 2 is reproduced. Fig. Figure 1 also shows the horizontal position of the drawbar 6, without the drawbar unit 4 being attached to the respective crossbeam 9. The drawbar unit 4 and the drawbar 6 are aligned in such a way that, when the drawbar 6 is pivoted into the vertical position, the drawbar unit 4... Fig. 3 can be attached to or removed from the front crossbeam 9 of the rear transport vehicle 2 in the vertical direction Z. If, however, the drawbar unit 4 is attached to the respective crossbeam 9 and the drawbar 6 is pivoted into its horizontal position, the drawbar unit 4 is secured against removal in the vertical direction Z by a locking section 14 of the drawbar end 11 on the respective crossbeam 9. For this purpose, the drawbar unit 4 can have a mounting bracket 15, which has a receiving opening 16 at its lower end in the vertical direction Z. Through this receiving opening 16, the respective crossbeam 9 can penetrate into the mounting bracket 15 from below when the drawbar unit 4 is attached. The locking section 14 can then, in the horizontal position of the drawbar 6, block the receiving opening 16 in the vertical direction Z below the crossbeam 9.In the vertical position of the drawbar 6, the locking section 14 can, however, release the receiving opening 16 in the vertical direction Z. Fig. Figure 1 shows how the securing section 14 of the drawbar end 11 closes the receiving opening 16 from below in the horizontal position of the drawbar rod 6.

[0039] Furthermore, the drawbar 6 can be in the vertical position according to Fig. 3 come into contact with a stop 17, which is formed on the drawbar unit 4. Furthermore, it can be provided that the drawbar 6, which rests against the stop 17, is held in the vertical position by means of a permanent magnet 18. In the example shown, the permanent magnet 18 is formed on the stop 17.

[0040] According to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 4. The coupling unit 5 can have a handle 19 configured to allow the interchangeable drawbar 1 to be manually lifted. This implies that the interchangeable drawbar 1 is configured with respect to its dimensions and mass so that it can be manipulated by one person and, in particular, lifted using the handle 19, preferably with one hand. Advantageously, the handle 19 can be pivotally mounted on the coupling unit 5 about a coupling pivot axis 20 extending parallel to the transverse direction Y between a release position and a locking position. In the release position of the handle 19, the coupling unit 5 can preferably be attached to or removed from the rear cross member 10 of the front transport vehicle 3 from above in the vertical direction Z.In the locked position, the coupling unit 5 attached to the respective crossbeam 10 is secured against removal in the vertical direction Z. This is achieved in particular by a hook-shaped locking section 21 on the handle 19, which positively engages the respective crossbeam 10 in the locked position. Furthermore, the coupling unit 5 can have a carrier receptacle 22 with a receiving opening 23 at the bottom in the vertical direction Z, through which the respective crossbeam 10 enters the carrier receptacle 22 from below when the coupling unit 5 is attached. The locking section 21 of the handle 19 is configured such that, in the locked position of the handle 19, it blocks the receiving opening 23 in the vertical direction Z below the respective crossbeam 10.In contrast, the handle 19 in the release position can release the receiving opening 23 in the vertical direction Z, so that the respective crossbeam 10 can be inserted into or removed from the beam receptacle 22.

[0041] It may be advantageous to provide that the handle 19 on the coupling unit 5 is mounted in such a way that, when not actuated, the handle 19 is driven by gravity when the coupling unit 5 is attached to the respective cross member 10 and thereby automatically pivots from the release position to the locking position.

[0042] How in particular Fig. As can be seen from Figure 1, the drawbar 6, with its coupling end 12, can be rotatably connected to the coupling unit 5 about a pivot axis 24 running parallel to the vertical direction Z. In particular, the coupling unit 5 can have a bolt 25 running parallel to the pivot axis 24 for this purpose. A configuration in which the bolt 25 is detachably fixed to the coupling unit 5 is particularly advantageous. For example, the bolt 25 can be screwed to the coupling unit 5 or secured with at least one cotter pin. In any case, the drawbar 6 has a bolt opening 26 at its coupling end 12 through which the bolt 25 can pass. When the drawbar 6 is connected to the coupling unit 5, the bolt 25 passes through the bolt opening 26 and is thereby rotatably connected to the coupling unit 5 about the pivot axis 24.

[0043] The handling of the interchangeable drawbar 1 for coupling the two transport vehicles 2, 3 is conveniently carried out such that, in an initial state, the drawbar 6 rests against the stop 17 and is held there by the permanent magnet 18. The spatial orientation of the drawbar 6 is initially irrelevant. A person can lift the entire interchangeable drawbar 1 in the vertical direction Z using the handle 19, which automatically results in a horizontal orientation of the drawbar 6 due to gravity. This allows the interchangeable drawbar 1, with the drawbar unit 4, to be attached from above to the front crossbar 9 of the rear transport vehicle 2, with the respective crossbar 9 penetrating the support receptacle 15 of the drawbar unit 4 from below.Once the respective crossbeam 9 is engaged by the support receptacle 15 of the drawbar unit 4, the person can release the drawbar 6 from the permanent magnet 18 and thus from the stop 17 by pulling the handle 19 in the longitudinal direction X, and align it essentially horizontally. With the handle 19 pivoted into the release position, the person can then place the coupling unit 5 from above onto the rear crossbeam 10 of the front transport vehicle 3, such that the respective crossbeam 10 engages the support receptacle 22 of the coupling unit 5 from below. Once the respective crossbeam 10 is engaged by the support receptacle 22 of the coupling unit 5, the person can release the handle 19, which then automatically pivots into the locking position. The coupling process is then complete. Removing the interchangeable drawbar 1 from the two transport vehicles 2 and 3 is carried out in reverse order.The operator operates handle 19 to pivot it into the release position. The operator can then use handle 19 to pull the coupling unit 5 upwards in the vertical direction Z from the rear cross member 10 of the front transport vehicle 3, pivoting the drawbar 6 upwards until it comes to rest against stop 17 and is held in place by the permanent magnet 18. The operator can then use handle 19 to pull the entire interchangeable drawbar 1 upwards from the front cross member 9 of the rear transport vehicle 2, removing the drawbar unit 4 from the front cross member 9 of the rear transport vehicle 2. The interchangeable drawbar 1 can then be stored in a space-saving manner at a predetermined location or used to couple two other transport vehicles 2, 3.

[0044] In Fig.Figure 1 also shows a positioning element 27 formed on the drawbar unit 4. The positioning element 27 is configured and arranged such that, when attaching the drawbar unit 4 to the front cross member 9, it facilitates finding a predetermined relative position between the drawbar unit 4 and the front cross member 9. Preferably, the drawbar unit 4 is mounted centrally on the front cross member 9 with respect to the transverse direction Y. When attaching the drawbar unit 4, the positioning element 27 forms a kind of stop in the transverse direction Y, which interacts with a structure 28 of the rear transport vehicle 2, such that the predetermined relative position is automatically established when the positioning element 27 rests against the structure 28. This simplifies proper assembly.

Claims

[1] Interchangeable drawbar (1) for coupling two transport vehicles (2, 3) for the transport of goods, - wherein the two transport vehicles (2, 3) form a towed rear transport vehicle (2) and a towing front transport vehicle (3) in a train operation, - wherein the interchangeable drawbar (1) has a drawbar unit (4) which can be detachably fixed to a front cross member (9) of the rear transport vehicle (2), - wherein the interchangeable drawbar (1) has a coupling unit (5) which can be detachably fixed to a rear cross member (10) of the front transport vehicle (3), - wherein the interchangeable drawbar (1) has a drawbar rod (6) which has a drawbar end (11) articulated to the drawbar unit (4) and a coupling end (12) articulated to the coupling end (5), - wherein the horizontally oriented drawbar (6) defines a horizontal longitudinal direction (X), a horizontal transverse direction (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) and a vertical vertical direction (Z) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) and perpendicular to the transverse direction (Y), - wherein the drawbar (6) is pivotably connected to the drawbar unit (4) about a drawbar pivot axis (13) running parallel to the transverse direction (Y), - wherein, with the drawbar unit (4) fixed to the front cross member (9) of the rear transport vehicle (2), the drawbar rod (6) can be pivoted about the drawbar pivot axis (13) between a vertical position aligned parallel to the vertical direction (Z) and a horizontal position aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction (X), characterized by , - that the drawbar unit (4) and the drawbar rod (6) are coordinated in such a way that the drawbar unit (4) can be attached to or removed from the front cross member (9) of the rear transport vehicle (2) in the vertical direction (Z) when the drawbar rod (6) is pivoted into the vertical position, and that the drawbar unit (4) attached to the front cross member (9) of the rear transport vehicle (2) is secured against removal in the vertical direction (Z) by a securing section (14) of the drawbar end (11) on the front cross member (9) of the rear transport vehicle (2) when the drawbar rod (6) is pivoted into the horizontal position. [2] Interchangeable drawbar (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , - that the drawbar unit (4) has a support receptacle (15) which has a receiving opening (16) at the bottom in the vertical direction (Z), through which the front cross member (9) of the rear transport vehicle (2) enters the support receptacle (15) from below when the drawbar unit (4) is attached, - that the locking section (14) of the drawbar end (11) blocks the receiving opening (16) in the horizontal position of the drawbar rod (6) and releases the receiving opening (16) in the vertical position of the drawbar rod (6). [3] Interchangeable drawbar (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , - that the drawbar (6) rests against a stop (17) of the drawbar unit (4) in the vertical position and is held therein by means of a permanent magnet (18). [4] Interchangeable drawbar (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , - that the coupling unit (5) has a handle (19) for manually lifting the drawbar (1), which is pivotably mounted on the coupling unit (5) about a coupling pivot axis (20) running parallel to the transverse direction (Y) between a release position, in which the coupling unit (5) can be attached to or removed from the rear cross member (10) of the front transport vehicle (3), and a locking position, in which the coupling unit (5) attached to the rear cross member (10) of the front transport vehicle (3) is secured against removal by a locking section (21) of the handle (19) on the rear cross member (10) of the front transport vehicle (3). [5] Interchangeable drawbar (1) according to claim 4, characterized by , - that the coupling unit (5) has a support receptacle (22) which has a receiving opening (23) at the bottom in the vertical direction (Z) through which the rear cross member (10) of the front transport vehicle (3) enters the support receptacle (22) from below when the coupling unit (5) is attached, - that the locking section (21) of the handle (19) blocks the receiving opening (23) in the locking position of the handle (19) and releases the receiving opening (23) in the release position of the handle (19). [6] Interchangeable drawbar (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , - that the handle (19) is mounted on the coupling unit (5) in such a way that, when the coupling unit (5) is attached to the rear cross member (10) of the front transport vehicle (3), the unactuated handle (19) automatically pivots from the release position to the locking position due to gravity. [7] Interchangeable drawbar (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , - that the drawbar (6) is rotatably connected to the coupling unit (5) with the coupling end (12) about a pivot axis (24) running parallel to the vertical direction (Z), - that the coupling unit (5) has a bolt (25) running parallel to the axis of rotation (24), which is detachably fixed to the coupling unit (5), - that the drawbar (6) has a bolt opening (26) at the coupling end (12), - that when the drawbar (6) is connected to the coupling unit (5), the bolt (25) penetrates the bolt opening (26).

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