Measuring device, coupling system, commercial vehicle with a measuring device, method for manufacturing a measuring device and method for determining a measured quantity

Abstract

The present invention relates to a measuring device (1), in particular for a commercial vehicle (40), for determining a measured quantity (α), in particular an angle of rotation, between a first rotating partner (10) and a second rotating partner (30). The measuring device (1) comprises a rotary encoder (12) and a wheel (14). The rotary encoder (12) has a rotatable longitudinally extending axle element (13) to which the wheel (14) can be attached and / or fixed, in particular at a distal end. The wheel (14) is designed to roll on a complementary running surface (16). The rotary encoder (12) and / or the axis element (13) are fixed relative to the first rotating partner (10), wherein the complementary running surface (16) is fixed to the second rotating partner (30), and wherein the complementary running surface (16) is rotatably mounted about a center of rotation (Z) relative to the rotary encoder (12) and / or the axis element (13).The present invention further comprises a coupling system, a commercial vehicle (40) with a measuring device (1), a method for manufacturing a measuring device (1), and a method for determining a measured quantity (α).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device, a commercial vehicle with a measuring device and a method for acquiring measured quantities.

[0002] A typical commercial vehicle combination consists of a tractor unit and a semi-trailer mounted on it. More precisely, the tractor unit supports and pulls the semi-trailer. The semi-trailer usually has a kingpin that engages with a fifth wheel coupling on the tractor unit, allowing the tractor unit to be positively connected to the semi-trailer. To allow the commercial vehicle combination to turn, this connection is rotatable when coupled, so that the tractor unit can rotate around the kingpin relative to the semi-trailer, or vice versa. The resulting angle, or articulation angle, between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer is a significant factor influencing the kinematics of the commercial vehicle combination. This not only affects the cornering dynamics of the combination but also, in particular, its turning radius.The articulation angle is usually estimated based on the skill and experience of a truck driver and incorporated into their driving strategy for the vehicle combination. Driverless or autonomous vehicles, in particular, require a reliable, and especially fail-safe, source of information for the articulation angle to ensure safe driving. Furthermore, the articulation angle is also relevant for driver assistance systems.

[0003] Currently, optical systems for detecting the articulation angle of a commercial vehicle combination are known. However, since the coupling area between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer is exposed to heavy contamination from lubricants and / or weather conditions, the reliability of such optical systems suffers and leads to failures.

[0004] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device and a method to increase the reliability in determining the buckling angle.

[0005] The present invention solves the above problem with a measuring device according to claim 1, a coupling system according to claim 10, a commercial vehicle with a measuring device according to claim 13, a method for manufacturing a measuring device according to claim 14 and a method for acquiring a measured quantity according to claim 15.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a measuring device is provided, in particular for a commercial vehicle, for determining a measured quantity, in particular an angle of rotation, between a first rotating partner and a second rotating partner, comprising a rotary encoder and a wheel, wherein the rotary encoder has a rotatable longitudinally extending axle element on which the wheel, in particular at a distal end, can be fixed and / or is fixed, wherein the wheel is configured to roll on a complementary running surface, wherein the rotary encoder and / or the axle element are fixed relative to the first rotating partner, wherein the complementary running surface is fixed to the second rotating partner, and wherein the complementary running surface is rotatably mounted about a center of rotation relative to the rotary encoder and / or the axle element.

[0007] Compared to the prior art, the invention is distinguished by the fact that the articulation angle between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer is determined by a mechanical displacement of a part of the measuring device. Furthermore, it is particularly noteworthy that the mechanical measurement of the angle of rotation is guaranteed even under contamination and weather conditions. The measuring device can be integrated into a vehicle system via communication interfaces and therefore enables the use of the articulation angle information for other vehicle-specific applications.

[0008] The measuring device can comprise an assembly that is arranged on a commercial vehicle and / or forms part of the commercial vehicle. This allows for a particularly advantageous integration of the measuring device. The commercial vehicle within the meaning of the invention can, in particular, be a vehicle that has a permissible gross vehicle weight of more than 3.5 t, preferably more than 7.5 t, particularly preferably more than 15 t, and most preferably more than 35 t. The commercial vehicle can be a tractor unit, a trailer, in particular a semi-trailer, and / or a towed vehicle. The commercial vehicle can, in particular, be a roadworthy and / or road-bound vehicle. Furthermore, the measuring device can also form part of a commercial vehicle combination. A commercial vehicle combination can also be composed of or comprise several commercial vehicles, in particular a tractor unit and a trailer.The measured variable can be stored in memory. In particular, the measured variable can include or represent an angle, especially the angle of rotation. The measured variable can be an indicator of a commercial vehicle's condition, especially a critical condition. Furthermore, a threshold value for the vehicle's condition can be defined based on the measured variable. This allows for simple control of the vehicle dynamics. The first rotating component can be a part or assembly located on a commercial vehicle, especially a semi-trailer. It is also conceivable that the first rotating component forms at least a part of the commercial vehicle, especially the semi-trailer. Moreover, the commercial vehicle, especially the semi-trailer, can also be part of the first rotating component. The first rotating component can, for example, also be or include a housing, such as a kingpin dome.The second rotating component can be a component or assembly arranged on a commercial vehicle, in particular a semi-trailer. For example, the second rotating component can be or comprise a turntable. It is also conceivable that the second rotating component forms at least a part of the commercial vehicle, in particular the semi-trailer. Furthermore, the commercial vehicle, in particular the semi-trailer, can also be part of the second rotating component. The first rotating component and the second rotating component can be configured to rotate relative to each other, whereby the first rotating component and the second rotating component can be essentially immovable relative to each other in a coupled state. Essentially, a play occurring in a coupling between the first and second rotating components can be described. The measuring device can furthermore include a rotary encoder, in particular comprising an encoder or a device configured to, among other things,To detect a rotary motion, the encoder may include a longitudinally extending shaft element. This allows the encoder to easily detect rotation of the longitudinally extending shaft element. Furthermore, a wheel can be attached to or fixed to the longitudinally extending shaft element. This allows rotation of the wheel to be transmitted to the longitudinally extending shaft element or, via the longitudinally extending shaft element, to the encoder. In particular, the wheel and the shaft element are therefore rotationally fixed to each other. This connection can even be achieved cost-effectively by forming these two components as a single piece. The wheel can be attached to or fixed to the distal end of the longitudinally extending shaft element, which is spaced apart from the encoder.This allows the longitudinally extending shaft element to function as an extension and / or bridging element between the other components or the housing of the encoder and the impeller. The encoder and the impeller can be arranged on the first rotating partner and / or at least partially form the first rotating partner. This allows the encoder and impeller to be rotationally fixed relative to the first rotating partner. In other words, the encoder and impeller can rotate in the same direction as the first rotating partner, with no relative rotation between the encoder and the first rotating partner. The complementary running surface can be fixed to the second rotating partner and / or at least partially form the second rotating partner. The impeller of the first rotating partner can be designed to roll, in particular to glide, on the complementary running surface of the second rotating partner.A contact force can be exerted between the impeller and the complementary running surface, acting perpendicularly from the impeller onto the surface of the complementary running surface. This can result in the impeller rotating, rolling, or even simply rolling on the complementary running surface with minimal or no slippage. The complementary running surface can be designed to be complementary to a surface of the impeller. This can further reduce, and in particular eliminate, slippage between this rolling pair. The complementary running surface of the second rotating partner can be rotatable about the center of rotation. Furthermore, the complementary running surface can be point-symmetrical with respect to the center of rotation. This can result in the complementary running surface being oriented, or in particular, oriented, at different angular positions relative to the first rotating partner about the center of rotation.In other words, the center of rotation can be an axis of rotation around which the first rotating partner can rotate relative to the second rotating partner, or vice versa.

[0009] Preferably, the first rotating partner can have a locking element, in particular a kingpin, wherein a longitudinal axis of the locking element defines the center of rotation between the first rotating partner and the second rotating partner. A force transmission element can be associated with the first rotating partner by means of the locking element, which is configured to provide and / or tolerate a force transmission, in particular a compressive and tensile load, with a corresponding counter-device. The locking element, configured as a kingpin, can extend along a longitudinal axis and be symmetrically designed. This allows the locking element to be connected, in particular, to the counter-device in different angular and / or rotational positions.The second rotating partner can be designed to rotate the locking element, specifically to be rotatable relative to the locking element around its center of rotation. In other words, the center of rotation of the second rotating partner can lie on the longitudinal axis of the locking element. This can result in the second rotating partner being able to rotate concentrically around the first rotating partner.

[0010] Preferably, the impeller can roll on a circular arc, particularly one with a constant radius around the center of rotation. This can create the effect that the impeller is movable over a defined area on the complementary running surface of the second rotating partner. It is conceivable that this constant area has a special surface design, in particular an increased contact area. This can increase the adhesion of the impeller in the defined area. Alternatively or additionally, this can also reduce the wear of the impeller or the complementary running surface.

[0011] Preferably, the axle element can extend along an axis that is orthogonal to the center of rotation. This can have the effect that the impeller, which can be arranged and / or is arranged on the longitudinally extending axle element, can advantageously run, and in particular roll, on the complementary running surface around its entire circumference. The axis of the axle element can be oriented essentially horizontally in an operating state, whereas the longitudinal axis of the locking element, which intersects the center of rotation, can be oriented essentially vertically.

[0012] Preferably, the impeller can have a constant diameter. This means that the diameter, particularly the outer diameter, of the impeller can be essentially constant at every point along a common plane that includes a center point of the impeller. It can also include manufacturing tolerances typical for the impeller. This allows the impeller diameter to be used as a constant parameter for determining the relative rotation between the first and second rotating components. In particular, the impeller can be designed as a rotationally symmetrical component. This can result in the impeller being able to exist in different angular positions.

[0013] Preferably, the diameter of the impeller can have a ratio to the diameter of the locking element of 0.05 to 1.2, more preferably 0.1 to 1.1, and particularly preferably 0.15 to 0.6. This ratio can be interpreted such that the diameter of the impeller corresponds to 100%, with the diameter of the locking element being determinable from this. In particular, the reverse is also possible. In the first range, a particularly variable transmission between the rotation of the impeller and the arc path traveled can be provided. This allows for an accuracy of the rotary encoder adapted to the application. In the second range, the resolution of the angle of rotation can be advantageously increased. Advantageously, a particularly precise indication of the angle of rotation can be achieved. The third range can include a free-rolling impeller with reduced inertia of the rotatable locking element.This allows the components to be protected in a particularly advantageous way.

[0014] Preferably, the impeller, and in particular its outer circumference, can comprise a deformable material, especially rubber. The impeller can be formed entirely from the deformable material. This allows for particularly cost-effective manufacturing of the impeller. The impeller can be formed from the deformable material and have an insert made of another material, in particular a metallic insert. This increases the load-bearing capacity of the impeller and the forces it can support. Alternatively or additionally, and preferably, this can also increase the coefficient of friction, thereby reducing slippage, among other things.

[0015] Preferably, the impeller can include a casing that comprises the deformable material, in particular rubber. This can, for example, provide a wear indicator for the impeller.

[0016] Preferably, the complementary running surface can have a structure. The structure can have raised areas and / or depressions. This can reduce the slippage of the wheel rolling, in particular the rolling, on the complementary running surface.

[0017] Preferably, the complementary running surface can have a rougher surface than a smooth one. In other words, the complementary running surface can include a roughened, particularly coarsely ground, area that differs from other finely ground and / or polished areas of the second rotating component. This reduces the slippage of the wheel rolling, particularly on the complementary running surface.

[0018] Preferably, the structure can have a toothed design, which is oriented radially around a center point of the complementary running surface and / or the center of rotation. In other words, the toothed design can be conical. This ensures good power transmission between the impeller and the complementary running surface.

[0019] Preferably, the impeller can be designed as a complementary counterpart to the toothing of the complementary running surface. In other words, the impeller can have an outer circumferential structure that is complementary to the complementary running surface. This allows for a further increase in power transmission between the impeller and the complementary running surface.

[0020] Preferably, the complementary running surface can form a surface of a turntable, wherein the turntable can have a passage, in particular a circular one. The turntable can be part of the second rotating partner, in particular forming the second rotating partner. A center point of the circular passage can coincide with a center point of the turntable. In other words, the circular passage can be arranged concentrically to the turntable, in particular a round one. This can offer the advantage that the turntable can have a locking area around or on the passage, about which the turntable can be rotatably arranged on another element. The passage can be arranged such that the locking element extends through the passage.

[0021] Preferably, the opening can be designed such that the locking element can be received within it and / or the locking element can extend through the opening, in particular through the rotary plate. In other words, the rotary plate, especially with some play, can be arranged or be arranged circumferentially around the locking element. This allows for a very compact arrangement.

[0022] Preferably, the complementary running surface can be rotatable about the center of rotation relative to the locking element. In other words, the locking element and the complementary running surface, which can be arranged on the turntable, can be rotatable relative to each other. This allows the first rotating partner with the locking element and the second rotating partner with the complementary running surface to be rotatable about the center of rotation relative to each other.

[0023] Preferably, the second rotating partner and / or the measuring device can comprise a cantilever, the cantilever being arranged on the complementary running surface and / or on the rotary table. In other words, the cantilever can be part of the second rotating partner and / or the measuring device and / or at least partially form the second rotating partner. The cantilever can be connected to the complementary running surface and / or the rotary table, in particular by bolting, welding, or other means. This allows the cantilever and the complementary running surface and / or the rotary table to be rotationally fixed to one another, and in particular to be rotatable together about the center of rotation. This can have the effect that a relative rotation between the complementary running surface (and / or rotary table) and the first rotating partner can be transmitted to the same relative rotation between the cantilever and the first rotating partner.

[0024] Preferably, the boom can be a sheet metal construction and / or consist of one or more joined sheets, or be partially formed from them. The sheets can be bent. The sheets can have a thickness greater than 1 mm. The sheets are not limited to the specified thickness and can have a different thickness that provides sufficient load-bearing capacity. The boom can be formed from a single sheet. This can reduce the number of joining processes. The sheets can be welded, riveted, bonded, or joined together in any other way. The boom can have a corrosion-inhibiting coating.

[0025] Preferably, the second rotating partner can comprise a plug-in device, wherein the plug-in device can be arranged on the boom and / or facing the center of rotation, in particular the locking element. The plug-in device can be an interface, wherein the interface can be or provide a pneumatic and / or electrical interface. It is also conceivable that the interface may comprise another type of interface. The plug-in device enables a connection to another commercial vehicle, in particular a towing vehicle, so that energy, in particular pneumatic and / or electrical energy, can be transferred between the other commercial vehicle and the plug-in device. In particular, the plug-in device can form part of an automatic coupling system.

[0026] Preferably, the measuring device can comprise a support element, wherein the rotary encoder and / or the axis element can be connected to the first rotating partner via the support element. In other words, the support element can be a bracket. The support element can have one or more openings, in particular notches, designed to support the rotary encoder and / or the axis element. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more openings can be designed such that the axis element projects through them. This allows, for example, the rotary encoder to be arranged on one side of the support element, while the axis element can extend to the opposite side.

[0027] Preferably, the support element and the locking element can be fixed relative to each other in a rotationally fixed manner. In other words, the support element and the locking element can be connected directly or indirectly. In particular, it is conceivable that the support element and the locking element are screwed together. This can facilitate assembly. Furthermore, this can have the effect that the locking element can be rotationally fixed relative to the encoder and / or the longitudinal axis element via the support element. Consequently, the angle of rotation can be defined as the relative rotation of the locking element with respect to the second rotating partner.

[0028] Preferably, the support element can form at least a partial housing that encloses the impeller and / or at least a partial axle element and / or at least a partial encoder. In other words, the support element can act as a shield. In particular, the support element can be designed to enclose the impeller. This can have the effect of at least partially preventing contaminants from penetrating an area where the impeller rolls and / or vibrates on the complementary running surface. The support element can also be part of the first rotating component and / or at least partially form the first rotating component. It is conceivable that the impeller and at least a partial axle element can be arranged in an inner region of the support element, whereas the encoder can be arranged in an outer region of the support element. This can facilitate access to the encoder from the outside.The locking element can be attached to the support element. This allows for a compact unit and saves installation space.

[0029] Preferably, the measuring device can include a control unit, the control unit being configured to communicate with the rotary encoder and to determine the measured quantity, in particular an angle of rotation, between the first and second rotating components. The control unit can be a computer-like device capable of receiving, processing, and outputting data. The control unit can include a memory. The control unit can have a communication interface. The communication interface can be configured for wired and / or wireless communication. The rotary encoder can also have a communication interface. This enables wired and / or wireless communication between the rotary encoder and the control unit. The communication can be unidirectional, from the rotary encoder to the control unit.It is also conceivable that communication can be bidirectional. This can reduce data traffic. The variable of the measured quantity can be stored in memory. Furthermore, the control unit can also communicate with other control units and / or computer-like devices. The control unit can be designed to perform arithmetic operations.

[0030] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a coupling system with a measuring device is provided, wherein the first rotating partner can comprise or partially form a semi-trailer, and the second rotating partner can be coupled to a tractor unit, in particular, can be coupled in a coupled state. The coupling system can be part of the semi-trailer and / or at least partially form the semi-trailer. The coupling system can be bolted together. This simplifies the maintenance and / or assembly of the semi-trailer. The coupled state can, in particular, describe a state in which two commercial vehicles, especially a tractor unit and a semi-trailer, are in contact. In particular, the coupled state describes a relative relationship between the two commercial vehicles. In the coupled state, the two commercial vehicles can form a commercial vehicle combination.

[0031] Preferably, the locking element can engage, particularly rotatably, in a fifth wheel coupling of the tractor unit when coupled. In other words, the fifth wheel coupling, particularly in the coupled state, can be a complementary counterpart to the locking element. The coupling system and the locking element can be designed to provide a force-fit connection between the two vehicles, particularly the tractor unit and the semi-trailer. The fifth wheel coupling can be designed such that the complementary counterpart present in the coupled state can be disengaged. This allows the coupling state to be reversibly changed.

[0032] Preferably, the boom can be designed to engage with or project into the fifth wheel coupling of the tractor unit, whereby the boom can be essentially rotationally fixed relative to the tractor unit in the engaged state. Essentially, a connection with play between the boom and the fifth wheel coupling can be described. In the transition to the engaged state, the boom can be guided by two arms or horns of the fifth wheel coupling. Furthermore, the arms or horns can have a stop surface on both sides, particularly in the engaged state, and the boom can be shaped such that it rests against both stop surfaces. This allows rotation of the tractor unit to be transmitted to the boom via the fifth wheel coupling. In other words, the boom can rotate with the tractor unit in the engaged state. Consequently, the second rotating partner can also rotate with the tractor unit in the engaged state.

[0033] Preferably, a plug-in device can be arranged on the boom, configured such that it can be connected to a complementary mating plug-in device on the tractor unit, particularly in a coupled state. The plug-in device can correspond to the plug-in device already mentioned in connection with the measuring device. The mating plug-in device can also include an interface to provide a pneumatic and / or electrical and / or other type of connection between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer. This enables pneumatic and / or electrical and / or other media exchange between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer. The complementary mating plug-in device can then be movable, in particular linearly displaceable. This allows the mating plug-in device to be coupled to the plug-in device.

[0034] Preferably, the plug-in device and / or the mating device can be displaced by at least one actuator, in particular a pneumatic cylinder or linear drive. The at least one actuator can be configured to compensate for a gap between the plug-in device and / or the mating device by a relative movement of one or both plug-in devices. The pneumatic cylinder or linear drive can be controlled by the control unit and / or another control unit. This allows the coupling of the tractor unit to the semi-trailer without further user intervention, in particular autonomously. Especially when the articulation angle is known, the actuator can be controlled particularly advantageously, so that, for example, no control is triggered in certain angle positions to prevent damage.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a commercial vehicle is provided with a measuring device and / or a coupling system. The commercial vehicle can comprise a tractor unit, a semi-trailer, or a tractor-trailer combination. In the coupled state, the combination can provide a frictional connection between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a measuring device is provided, comprising the steps of: providing a rotary encoder and an impeller, wherein the rotary encoder has a rotatable longitudinally extending axle element to which the impeller, in particular at a distal end, is fixable and / or fixed, such that the rotary encoder and / or the axle element are fixed relative to the first rotating partner, and such that the complementary running surface is fixable in a coupled state relative to the second rotating partner, and / or wherein the complementary running surface is rotatably mounted about a center of rotation relative to the rotary encoder and / or the axle element. The longitudinally extending axle element and the impeller can be manufactured in one piece; in particular, the longitudinally extending axle element and an insert or rim of the impeller can be manufactured in one piece.This allows for an economical and simple manufacturing process. The longitudinal axis element can be clamped into the encoder, in particular screwed and / or glued and / or otherwise connected. It is conceivable that, for easier assembly, the longitudinal axis element could be reversibly detachable from the encoder.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for acquiring a measured quantity in a commercial vehicle is provided, wherein the commercial vehicle comprises a tractor unit and a semi-trailer, and wherein the method comprises the following steps: rotating the coupling between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer, moving a wheel on a complementary running surface, receiving information from a rotary encoder, and determining a measured quantity, in particular an angle of rotation. During the rotation of the coupling, a bracket of the coupling can rest against two arms of a fifth wheel coupling of the semi-trailer and be rotated by at least one of these arms. This causes a first rotating component within the coupling, which is rotationally fixed to the semi-trailer, to be rotated relative to a second rotating component, which is connected to the tractor unit via the bracket and the fifth wheel coupling.This causes the complementary running surface to rotate relative to the wheel around a common pivot point, so that the wheel rolls and / or traverses the complementary running surface. The measured variable, in particular the angle of rotation between the tractor and the semi-trailer, can be determined from the circumferential path traveled by the wheel. Since both the distance of the wheel to a center of rotation and the diameter of the wheel are constant and known values, the measured variable can thus be deduced. Using a communication interface, the rotary encoder can transmit a wheel angle to a control unit. The measured variable, in particular the articulation angle, can be proportional to the wheel angle around which the wheel is rotated. More precisely, the measured variable can be directly proportional to the wheel angle.A proportionality factor can be determined based on the diameter of the impeller and its distance from the center of rotation. In other words, the measured quantity can be directly proportional to the diameter of the impeller divided by its distance from the center of rotation.

[0038] Individual embodiments and features can be combined with other embodiments and features to form new embodiments. The advantages and benefits of the embodiments and features apply analogously to the new embodiments. Furthermore, the advantages and benefits mentioned in connection with the devices also apply analogously to the methods, and vice versa, both within the devices and within the methods.

[0039] In the following, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. These figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a commercial vehicle combination in top view according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the measuring device in a sectional view according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 3 a flowchart of a method according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0040] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the commercial vehicle combination, consisting of a tractor unit (42) and a semi-trailer (44) in a coupled state. A longitudinal axis of the tractor unit (42) forms an angle of rotation with a longitudinal axis of the semi-trailer (44), which is shown as a measured quantity (α). This angle of rotation is also referred to as the articulation angle. The angle of rotation is shown at a center of rotation (Z). The connection between the tractor unit (42) and the semi-trailer (44) is provided by the locking element (18), which is arranged on the semi-trailer (44), and a fifth wheel coupling (34), which is arranged on the tractor unit. In the Fig. In the coupling state shown in Figure 1, the locking element (18) is inserted into the fifth wheel coupling (34) and thus connected, allowing the semi-trailer (44) to move away from the tractor unit (42). The angle of rotation shown can also be referred to as the articulation angle of the vehicle combination.

[0041] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the measuring device (1), which can be attached to, or is located on, a semi-trailer (not shown). The center of rotation (Z) extends along a longitudinal axis that passes centrally through the locking element (18), which is designed as a kingpin. The boom (32) is arranged radially around the locking element (18) and is rotatable relative to it. A complementary running surface (16) is arranged circumferentially around the locking element (18) and is designed, in particular, as part of a turntable [reference numeral], which is rotatable relative to the locking element (18). The complementary running surface (16) and the boom (32) are rotationally fixed to each other and thus form at least a partial second rotating partner (30).A first rotating partner (10) comprises at least the locking element (18) and a support element (20) connected thereto in a rotationally fixed manner. A longitudinally extending axle element (13) with a wheel (14) and a rotary encoder (12) are arranged on the support element (20), which are rotationally fixed relative to the center of rotation (Z). The wheel (14) is rotatable along an axis of the longitudinally extending axle element (13), this axis intersecting the center of rotation (Z) and, in particular, being oriented orthogonally to the axis of the center of rotation (Z). When the second rotating partner (30) rotates relative to the first rotating partner (10), the wheel (14) runs and / or rolls on the complementary running surface (16), whereby a rotation of the wheel (14) and / or the longitudinally extending axle element (13) is transmitted to the rotary encoder (12) and / or detected by it.A control unit (22) can be configured to determine the measured quantity (α) based on the rotation of the impeller (14) or an impeller angle, the distance of the impeller (14) from the center of rotation (Z), and a diameter of the impeller (14). The control unit (22) has a communication interface and can be configured as in . Fig. 2 shown to communicate with the rotary encoder (12) via a wired connection, although wireless communication is also conceivable.

[0042] Fig.Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a procedure for acquiring the measured quantity (α). In a first step, a rotation (S1) occurs between the tractor unit (42) and the semi-trailer (44). Subsequently, the wheel (14) is rotated by a relative movement (S2) of the complementary running surface (16) in contact with it. This causes the wheel (14) to rotate, and consequently, so does the encoder (12), which is connected to the wheel (12) via the longitudinally extending axle element (13). Next, the control unit (22) receives (S3) information, in particular data, from the encoder (12). The control unit (22) can then determine (S4) the measured quantity (α) using the information from the encoder (12). Reference symbol list: 1 measuring device 10 first filming partner 12 rotary encoders 13 longitudinally extending axle element 14 wheel 16 complementary running surfaces 18 Locking element 20 support element 22 Control unit 30 second filming partner 32 outriggers 34 fifth wheel coupling 40 commercial vehicles 42 tractor 44 semi-trailers α measured quantity S1 Turn S2 Move S3 Received S4 Determine Z pivot center

Claims

[1] Measuring device (1), in particular for a commercial vehicle (40), for measuring a quantity (α), in particular an angle of rotation, between a first rotating partner (10) and a second rotating partner (30), comprising a rotary encoder (12) and a wheel (14), wherein the rotary encoder (12) has a rotatable longitudinally extending axle element (13) on which the impeller (14) can be fixed and / or fixed, in particular at a distal end, wherein the wheel (14) is designed to roll on a complementary running surface (16), wherein the rotary encoder (12) and / or the axis element (13) are fixed relative to the first rotating partner (10), wherein the complementary running surface (16) is fixed on the second rotating partner (30), and wherein the complementary running surface (16) is rotatably mounted about a center of rotation (Z) relative to the rotary encoder (12) and / or to the axis element (13). [2] Measuring device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first rotating partner (10) has a locking element (18), in particular a kingpin, and wherein a longitudinal axis of the locking element (18) defines the center of rotation (Z) between the first rotating partner (10) and the second rotating partner (30). [3] Measuring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wheel (14) rolls on a circular arc, in particular with constant radius, around the center of rotation (Z). [4] Measuring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the impeller (14) has a constant diameter. [5] Measuring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the complementary running surface (16) forms a surface of a rotary table, wherein the rotary table has a passage, in particular a circular one. [6] Measuring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second rotating partner (10) comprises a cantilever (32), wherein the cantilever (32) is arranged on the complementary running surface (16) and / or on the rotary table. [7] Measuring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring device (1) comprises a support element (20) and wherein the rotary encoder (12) and / or the axis element (13) are connected to the first rotating partner (10) via the support element (20). [8] Measuring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support element (20) forms at least partially a housing which encloses the impeller (14) and / or at least partially the axle element (13) and / or at least partially the rotary encoder (12). [9] Measuring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring device comprises a control unit (22), wherein the control unit (22) is configured to communicate with the rotary encoder (12), wherein the control unit (22) is configured to determine the measured quantity (α), in particular an angle of rotation, between the first rotating partner (10) and the second rotating partner (30). [10] Coupling system comprising a measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first rotating partner (10) comprises or partially forms a semi-trailer (44) and the second rotating partner (30) is couplingable to a tractor unit (42), in particular coupled in the coupling state. [11] Coupling system according to claim 10, wherein the boom (32) is configured to engage with the fifth wheel coupling (34) of the tractor (42), wherein the boom (32) is substantially rotationally fixed relative to the tractor (44) in the coupled state. [12] Coupling system according to one of claims 10 and 11, wherein a plugging device is arranged on the boom (32) which is designed such that it can be joined with a complementary counter-plugging device of the tractor (42), in particular in a coupling state. [13] Commercial vehicle (40) with a measuring device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9 and / or with a coupling system (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12. (Commercial vehicle may be a tractor unit and / or a semi-trailer or a combination of both) [14] Method for manufacturing a measuring device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the steps: - providing a rotary encoder (12) and a wheel (14), wherein the rotary encoder (12) has a rotatable longitudinally extending axle element (13) on which the wheel (14), in particular at a distal end, can be fixed and / or is fixed, such that the rotary encoder (12) and / or the axle element (13) are fixed relative to the first rotating partner (10), and such that the complementary running surface (16) can be fixed in a coupling state relative to the second rotating partner (30), and / or wherein the complementary running surface (16) is rotatably mounted about a center of rotation (Z) relative to the rotary encoder (12) and / or to the axle element (13). [15] Method for acquiring a measurement variable (α) in a commercial vehicle (40), wherein the commercial vehicle (40) comprises a tractor unit (42) and a semi-trailer (44), the method comprising the following steps: - Rotating (S1) the coupling between tractor unit (42) and semi-trailer (44), - Moving (S2) a wheel (14) on a complementary running surface (16), - Receiving (S3) information from a rotary encoder (12), and - Determination (S4) of a measured quantity (α), in particular an angle of rotation.

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