Kingpin arrangement, semi-trailer, kingpin and method for detecting the driving state of a semi-trailer

Abstract

The present invention relates to a kingpin arrangement, a semi-trailer, a kingpin and a method for detecting a driving state of a semi-trailer

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a kingpin arrangement, a semi-trailer and a method for detecting a driving condition of a semi-trailer.

[0002] Kingpins are used as coupling devices between a semi-trailer and a tractor unit. The semi-trailer and tractor unit together form a semi-trailer truck, also known as a vehicle combination. The kingpin is usually attached to the semi-trailer. During the coupling process, a fifth wheel coupling of the tractor unit slides over the kingpin. A locking mechanism prevents the kingpin from disengaging.

[0003] When a semi-trailer truck is traveling straight ahead, three driving states can occur with regard to the forces acting on the kingpin: pulling, pushing, and neutral. In pulling mode, the tractor unit pulls the semi-trailer via the kingpin. In pushing mode, this is reversed; the semi-trailer pushes the tractor unit. Pushing mode occurs, for example, when the tractor unit is actively braking. In neutral mode, no forces act between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer in the direction of travel. In practice, neutral mode rarely occurs and, as a rule, only temporarily.

[0004] Under normal operating conditions, the kingpin transmits a large portion of the forces between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer, particularly tensile and compressive forces during acceleration and braking. Due to these high forces, the kingpin wears over time. Even if the kingpin is held with minimal play in the fifth wheel coupling at the beginning of its service life, this play increases over time due to wear. Therefore, kingpins are often designed to be replaceable. For this purpose, the kingpin has a pin section and a flange section. The pin section is responsible for force transmission, while the flange section is used to attach the kingpin to the semi-trailer. This attachment is typically achieved using a kingpin plate on the semi-trailer, which has a receptacle for the kingpin and its flange section.The kingpin plate can be welded into a recess in the floor of the semi-trailer. Such an arrangement is known, for example, from DE 1 038 923 B.

[0005] Manufacturers of semi-trailers, tractor units, and articulated lorries have a fundamental interest in gaining knowledge about the driving condition at any given time. In particular, they are interested in the continuous monitoring and, if necessary, control of the driving condition. Several systems are known from the prior art that attempt to achieve this.

[0006] GB 2486474 A discloses a kingpin in which piezoelectric elements are integrated into the pin body. Piezoelectric elements change their electrical conductivity when mechanical stress is applied to them. The kingpin has two piezoelectric elements in its outer region. One piezoelectric element is located at the front in the direction of travel and the other at the rear in the direction of travel. In this way, the forward-positioned piezoelectric element can detect the push-pull operation and the rear-positioned piezoelectric element detects the pull-pull operation. The piezoelectric elements do not allow any further inferences to be drawn.

[0007] From EP 2 899 101 A1, a kingpin is known which is attached to a semi-trailer by means of a support plate. The kingpin and support plate have a common vertical bore that runs centrally through the kingpin. A lever is arranged in the bore, onto which forces are transmitted during traction and compression by means of two spring elements, causing the lever to pivot. The pivoting movement of the lever is detected by sensing elements, allowing the vehicle's condition to be determined. The spring elements are arranged in radial bores that are connected to the vertical bore. These radial bores significantly weaken the kingpin in this device, creating a risk of breakage.

[0008] The sensors mentioned above are insufficient for current purposes. With the increasing automation and autonomization of articulated lorries, it is desirable to obtain more detailed information about the condition of the kingpin and the driving condition of the articulated lorry. Therefore, the object of the invention was to provide such information.

[0009] This problem is solved by a kingpin arrangement according to claim 1.

[0010] The kingpin assembly comprises the following components: a kingpin with a flanged section and a pin section, a kingpin plate with a receptacle for the kingpin, a fastening means by which the kingpin is attached to the kingpin plate, and optionally a measuring sensor. According to the invention, a measuring unit is provided in or on one of the components, which is configured to represent a deformation of the component as an electrical measurement.

[0011] The inventors recognized that the deformation of these components allows for far-reaching and precise conclusions to be drawn about the driving conditions and the force relationships between the semi-trailer and the tractor unit. If the deformation is made electrically measurable, information about its current state can be easily transmitted. In this way, this information can be made available to the tractor unit, for example, without significant effort.

[0012] In the following, an axis running parallel to the direction of travel of a vehicle is referred to as the longitudinal axis. The vertical axis is the axis that runs vertically and centrally through the kingpin. The vertical axis can also be called the central axis and represents the pivot point between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer. An axis referred to as the transverse axis runs perpendicular to both the longitudinal and vertical axes. A longitudinal plane of the vehicle is defined by the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis. A transverse plane of the vehicle is defined by the transverse axis and the vertical axis.

[0013] The kingpin comprises a flange section and a pin section, as described above. The kingpin is preferably substantially rotationally symmetrical. For attachment to the kingpin plate, the kingpin preferably has bores for the fastening elements. These bores are preferably arranged in the flange section. The bores are also preferably arranged uniformly or even rotationally symmetrically on the kingpin. In some embodiments, the flange section of the kingpin does not have any bores for the fastening element. In such embodiments, the kingpin can be pressed onto the kingpin plate by a retaining ring. The retaining ring is preferably fastened to the kingpin plate with screws and, optionally, nuts. In both cases, the kingpin is easily replaceable.

[0014] The kingpin plate preferably has a pan shape, which is inverted during normal use. The receptacle for the kingpin in the kingpin plate is preferably a recess, which is advantageously rotationally symmetrical. However, the receptacle can also consist of a flat surface. For fastening the kingpin, the receptacle preferably has bores through which the fastening elements (screws) can pass.

[0015] Preferably, several fastening means are provided. These fastening means are preferably screws and, optionally, nuts. If only screws are provided, they are preferably inserted from below through the bores in the flange section or the retaining ring and then screwed into the kingpin plate. The bores in the kingpin plate then have an internal thread. In other embodiments, the fastening means comprise screws and nuts. The bores in the kingpin or the retaining ring and the kingpin plate are then simply through holes without threads. The screws can then, for example, be inserted from below through the bores and secured from above by a nut screwed onto the screw.

[0016] To ensure that deformation of the respective component is represented as accurately as possible by the measuring unit, its positioning is crucial. The further the measuring unit is from the component's mounting points, the more pronounced the deformations become. Conversely, the forces causing the deformation are absorbed at the component's mounting points and can be accurately recorded and displayed there, allowing for further conclusions to be drawn about the deformations. For the kingpin, the mounting points are defined by the fasteners. For the kingpin plate, the mounting points are located where the kingpin plate is connected to the rest of the semi-trailer, for example, by welding.

[0017] A preferred location for the measuring unit is an interface between the fastener and either the kingpin or the kingpin plate. For example, the measuring unit can be positioned between the head of a fastener and the flange section, between the head of a fastener and the kingpin plate, between a fastener and the flange section, or between a fastener and the kingpin plate. Deformations of the components are particularly noticeable at these interfaces because some of the forces causing the deformation are absorbed by the fasteners. Another interface where the measuring unit is preferably positioned is the interface between the flange section of the kingpin and the kingpin plate.The measuring unit can be arranged radially or axially along the vertical axis between the flange section and the kingpin plate. Another preferred location for the measuring unit is the transition from the outer circumferential surface of the kingpin section to the flange section. Deformations of the kingpin section are particularly noticeable at this transition, allowing the measuring unit to effectively represent the deformation as an electrical measurement. The measuring unit can also be arranged on an outer circumferential surface of the kingpin section, on a top or bottom surface of the flange section, or in a recess on a top surface of the kingpin plate or the flange section.

[0018] Positioning the measuring unit on the sensor is also highly advantageous. A sensor is a component whose primary function is to amplify the deformation of one of the components to which it is connected. In this way, even small deformations can be detected by a measuring unit attached to the sensor. The sensor can, for example, be a measuring beam and / or connected to the kingpin plate. For instance, the measuring beam can be welded to the kingpin plate at one end and connected to the chassis of the semi-trailer at the other. The measuring beam is suspended freely between these two components. The chassis is very rigid and hardly deforms even under significant forces. If the kingpin plate deforms due to a force acting between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer, this deformation is transferred to the measuring beam and amplified there.The measuring unit arranged on the measuring beam can thus map the deformation of the sensor. From the resulting measured value, conclusions can be drawn about the deformation of the kingpin plate. The measuring unit is preferably arranged centrally on the sensor. Even small deformations of the kingpin plate can be accurately measured in this way. The sensor can also be a sensor shaft arranged in a bore of the kingpin, particularly a central bore.

[0019] Arranging the measuring unit on the kingpin is particularly advantageous, as this often needs to be replaced anyway due to wear. This means that the measuring units according to the invention can also be installed on older vehicles or semi-trailers without requiring major modifications to the semi-trailer. Arranging the measuring unit on the underside of the kingpin plate is also advantageous, as this is easily accessible when replacing the kingpin. This facilitates maintenance or replacement of the measuring unit.

[0020] Positioning the measuring unit on the top side of the flange section is also advantageous, as it simplifies cable routing from the measuring unit. A cover for the measuring unit can also be provided on the top side. This cover protects the measuring unit from environmental influences.

[0021] The measuring unit is preferably arranged in a recess of the component. This has the advantage that the measuring unit does not protrude, so that adjacent components do not need to be extensively adapted to the presence of the measuring unit. This allows standardized or existing components to continue to be used. The recess is preferably a groove or a slot.

[0022] It has been shown that measuring at radii is particularly advantageous, as the stress values ​​due to deformation are greatest there. A preferred location for the measuring unit is therefore the transition from the flange section to the journal section of the kingpin.

[0023] For acquiring and processing the electrical measurement, an evaluation unit is preferably provided, to which the measuring unit is connected. The evaluation unit is preferably part of the semi-trailer and, in particular, the kingpin assembly, so that the evaluation can also take place when there is (still) no electrical or electronic connection to the tractor unit. The evaluation unit is preferably located under the cover or is part of the cover.

[0024] The measuring unit preferably comprises an electrical resistor and two electrical connections. This allows the electrical measurement from the measuring unit to be acquired and processed by the evaluation device connected to the two electrical connections. A strain gauge or a piezoelectric element is particularly preferred as the measuring unit. Piezoelectric elements are especially suitable for use between two components. The piezoelectric elements are preferably provided with a preload between the two components. Deviations from this preload can then be detected, and conclusions about the respective deformations can be drawn from these values. The use of such piezoelectric elements also offers the advantage that the set preload can be recorded. This allows it to be determined during initial assembly whether the desired preload has been achieved or whether, for example, a screw has been forgotten to be tightened.

[0025] The component can have a cable guide, preferably comprising a groove and / or a bore. The cable guide preferably terminates at the electrical connections and / or the evaluation unit. In this way, a cable can be routed through the component from the electrical connections so that the measuring unit can be connected to an evaluation unit. Components without a measuring unit can also have a cable guide. The cable guide can also be connected to a transmitter of a contactless communication system, which transmits the signal from the measuring unit to a receiver, for example, located on the towing vehicle. The receiver is then preferably connected to the evaluation unit. The cable guide can also be connected to a plug of a connector system. The plug is preferably complementary to a plug of the towing vehicle. In this way, too, the measured variable of the measuring unit can be transmitted from the towing vehicle or the evaluation unit.determined by an evaluation unit of the towing vehicle.

[0026] The cables coming from the measuring unit or units can be bundled into a single connector, which can then be connected to the evaluation unit, for example. This allows the evaluation unit to remain in the vehicle while a component with its measuring units can be easily replaced.

[0027] Furthermore, the evaluation unit for the measuring unit or measuring group can also be arranged under the cover, resulting in a compact overall device. The cover can have a central bore for the sensor shaft.

[0028] In some embodiments, several measuring units are used. If measuring units are arranged in comparable locations, they are referred to as identical. For example, several identical measuring units can be arranged around the vertical axis at the transition from the outer circumferential surface of the pin section to the flange section. Additional measuring units can also be arranged at another location, for example, on the sensor. Identically arranged measuring units are preferably evenly distributed, for example, around the vertical axis. At least three identically arranged measuring units are particularly preferred. Three measuring units span a plane and can therefore depict deformations of the respective component particularly well.

[0029] Measuring units can be grouped into measuring groups. The measuring units of a measuring group are evaluated jointly by an evaluation unit. It has proven particularly advantageous if the measuring units within their measuring group are connected to each other in a bridge circuit, especially a Wheatstone full bridge. For this purpose, four measuring units are provided, two of which are connected in series, thus forming one string. The two strings, each with two measuring units, are connected in parallel. By measuring the voltage between the two points located between the measuring units of each string, conclusions can be drawn about the magnitude of the resistances of the measuring units and thus about the deformation of the associated component.

[0030] The measuring unit preferably detects a deformation of the kingpin about its longitudinal or transverse axis. Preferably, the measuring units of a measuring unit are arranged symmetrically to the longitudinal and / or transverse plane. This allows for particularly accurate detection of the kingpin's deformation about its longitudinal or transverse axis. Alternatively or additionally, the measuring units of a measuring unit can be arranged rotationally symmetrically about a central axis of the kingpin. Multiple measuring units can also be provided, each designed to detect different deformations or the deformation of different components, with all measuring units preferably being connected to the same evaluation unit.

[0031] The measuring unit is preferably connected to a power source, which may be part of the tractor unit. During the coupling process between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer, there may not yet be an electrical connection between the two vehicles. To enable the detection of deformations even during the coupling process, a power source is preferably provided that is part of the semi-trailer, in particular the kingpin assembly, and supplies power to the measuring unit and the evaluation unit.

[0032] The object of the invention is also achieved by a semi-trailer with a kingpin assembly according to the above description, as well as by a semi-trailer truck with a tractor unit and this semi-trailer. The object of the invention is also achieved by a kingpin in which a measuring unit is provided in or on the kingpin, which is configured to represent a deformation of the kingpin as an electrical measurement. The kingpin is preferably configured for use in a kingpin assembly. The kingpin is preferably configured as described above.

[0033] The object of the invention is also achieved by a method for detecting the driving condition of a semi-trailer. This involves a kingpin arrangement as described above. The electrical measurement, in particular the resistance, of the measuring unit is detected by the evaluation unit, and the deformation of the associated component is determined from this.

[0034] Due to wear, distortion, temperature influences, and similar factors, the measured values ​​of the measuring unit change over time. The method therefore preferably includes the option of recalibration. A signal is generated when the semi-trailer is uncoupled. This signal is transmitted to the evaluation unit, which then sets the current value of the measured value of the measuring unit as the neutral value. Recalibration improves the accuracy of subsequent measurements. The signal to the evaluation unit can be sent automatically upon uncoupling or triggered manually by an operator. The signal can be transmitted from the tractor unit to the semi-trailer, or the semi-trailer can detect that the tractor unit has uncoupled.

[0035] Preferably, the measuring units determine whether the articulated vehicle is in its neutral position (articulation angle zero), i.e., whether the tractor unit and semi-trailer are aligned in the same direction. For this purpose, several measuring units are provided, preferably connected in a Wheatstone bridge. The determination of the neutral position can be particularly accurate if two measuring groups, each with several, preferably four, measuring units, are provided. The measuring units are preferably arranged uniformly around the vertical axis.

[0036] The invention is illustrated and explained by way of example with reference to the drawings. The following figures are shown in the drawings: Fig. 1 Schematic representation of a kingpin arrangement in a side view Fig. 2 schematically a kingpin in a side view Fig. 3 schematically a kingpin in a top view Fig. 4 schematically a kingpin arrangement in a side view

[0037] The one in Fig. The kingpin assembly 100 shown in Figure 1 comprises a kingpin 10, a kingpin plate 40, fastening means 50, and a measuring sensor 60. The kingpin 10 has a flange section 20 and a pin section 30, which are integral parts and merge into one another at a transition 12. The flange section 20 is disc-shaped, and the pin section 30 is essentially cylindrical and has a constriction 34 in which the kingpin 10 is held by a fifth wheel coupling (not shown). The flange section 20 has a top surface 22 and a bottom surface 24. The bottom surface 24 extends around the pin section 30. The kingpin 10 defines a vertical axis H that runs centrally through the pin section 30 of the kingpin 10 and in a vertical direction.

[0038] The kingpin plate 40 is pan-shaped and has a receptacle 46 on its underside for the kingpin 10. The receptacle 46 is designed such that it can accommodate the flange section 20 of the kingpin 10.

[0039] The kingpin 10 is attached to the kingpin plate by means of the fastening elements 50. A screw 52 and a nut 56 are shown as examples of the fastening elements 50. The kingpin 10 and the kingpin plate 40 have aligned bores through which the screw 52 is inserted from below. The nut 56 is then fastened onto the screw 52, ​​thereby connecting the two components, the kingpin 10 and the kingpin plate 40.

[0040] The kingpin assembly 100 is attached to a trailer floor 200. The trailer floor 200 has an opening 204 for this purpose. The kingpin plate 40 is placed over the opening 204 and welded there. The kingpin 10 can then be attached to the kingpin plate 40 from below.

[0041] Furthermore, a threaded stud 202 is provided on the side of the kingpin plate of the trailer base 200, running parallel to the vertical axis H. The threaded stud 202 is welded to the trailer base 200. The kingpin plate 40 is connected to the threaded stud 202 via a measuring bar 62, which serves as a measuring sensor 60. For this purpose, the measuring bar 62 is placed over the threaded stud 202 through a bore. At one end, the measuring bar 62 is welded to the kingpin plate 40. However, another fastening method between the kingpin plate 40 and the measuring bar 62 is also possible. Subsequently, a nut 56 is screwed onto the threaded stud 202, creating a preload.

[0042] At the in Fig. In the kingpin arrangement 100 shown in Figure 1, measuring units 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e, 70f, 70g, 70h are provided in and on several of the components, each of which is configured to represent a deformation of the respective component as an electrical measurement quantity.

[0043] Two measuring units 70a are installed in the body of the kingpin plate 40. These can be, for example, strain gauges. If the kingpin plate 40 deforms, the electrical resistance of the measuring units 70a changes, which can be detected by an evaluation unit (not shown). The measuring units 70a form a measuring group.

[0044] The measuring unit 70b is a piezoelectric element which is placed around the screw 52 on the upper surface 42 of the kingpin plate 40 before the nut 56 is screwed onto the screw 52. The measuring unit 70b is thus located between the nut 56 and the kingpin plate 40. If the kingpin plate 40 deforms, a force is exerted on the piezoelectric element. This generates an electrical voltage across the piezoelectric element, which can be measured by the evaluation unit.

[0045] The measuring units 70c are arranged radially between the kingpin 10, more precisely the flange section 20, and the kingpin plate 40. Several measuring units 70c are arranged rotationally symmetrically around the vertical axis H in the circumferential direction, of which only two are shown. The measuring units 70c are piezoelectric elements on which a voltage measurement can be performed as described above.

[0046] The measuring unit 70d is arranged in the form of a washer under the head 54 of the screw 52. Thus, the measuring unit 70d is positioned between the head 54 and the flange section 20 of the kingpin 10. The measuring unit 70d is again a piezoelectric element. If a force is exerted on the kingpin 10, a force is ultimately exerted on the piezoelectric element, resulting in a voltage that can be measured.

[0047] The measuring unit 70e is a strain gauge arranged on an outer circumferential surface 32 of the pin section 30. A deformation of the kingpin 10 causes the electrical resistance of the strain gauge to change, which can be measured.

[0048] The measuring unit 70f is also a strain gauge. This is arranged on a lower surface 24 of the flange section 20 of the kingpin 10. If the kingpin 10 deforms, the electrical resistance of the strain gauge also changes, which can be detected by the evaluation unit.

[0049] The 70g measuring unit is positioned between the measuring bar 62 and the nut 56 located on the threaded pin 202. The 70g measuring unit is a piezoelectric element. If the kingpin plate 40 deforms, this deformation is transferred to the measuring bar 62 and amplified there. The measuring bar 62 then exerts a force on the 70g measuring unit, which, due to the piezoelectric effect, generates an electrical voltage that can be detected.

[0050] A measuring unit 70h, which is a strain gauge, is arranged on the measuring bar 62 itself. If the measuring bar 62 deforms due to a deformation of the kingpin plate 40, the resistance of the strain gauge changes, which in turn can be detected by the evaluation unit.

[0051] Each of the measuring units 70a to 70h described here can also be used in other embodiments without the remaining measuring units 70a to 70h or with only a part of the measuring units 70 to 70h.

[0052] The in Fig. The kingpin 10 shown in Figure 2 also has a flange section 20 and a pin section 30, which merge into one another in the area of ​​a transition 12. The kingpin 10 has a central bore 13 within which a sensor shaft 14 is arranged. The sensor shaft 14 is supported at its lower end in a fixed bearing 16. At its upper end, the sensor shaft 14 is surrounded by measuring units 70k.

[0053] The 70k measuring units form a measuring group and are arranged rotationally symmetrically around the main axis H between the sensor shaft 14 and the central bore 13. The 70k measuring units are piezoelectric elements. If the kingpin 10 deforms, particularly the pin section 30, the sensor shaft 14 bends and exerts forces on the 70k measuring units. A voltage is generated at the 70k measuring units due to the piezoelectric effect, which can be detected for each 70k measuring unit. The force exerted on an individual 70k measuring unit depends on the direction of the load. Therefore, the direction of the load can be determined by an evaluation unit (not shown) based on the different forces generated at the 70k measuring units.

[0054] A central recess 26 is provided on the upper surface 22 of the flange section 20. Several measuring units 70m are arranged rotationally symmetrically around the principal axis H at the radially outer edge of the recess 26. These measuring units 70m are strain gauges. The measuring units 70m form a measuring group. It has been shown that measuring at radii, such as here at the edge of the recess 26, is particularly advantageous, since the stress values ​​due to deformation are greatest there. Since several measuring units 70m are present, an evaluation device can determine from which direction the kingpin 10 is loaded.

[0055] A measuring unit 70n is arranged in the area of ​​transition 12. Measuring unit 70n is a strain gauge. Here, too, the deformation is measured in the area of ​​a radius, as the stress values ​​are highest there.

[0056] The measuring units 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e, 70f, 70g, 70h, 70k, 70m, and 70n represent deformations of the components as an electrical measurement. To be able to record the respective electrical measurement, it is advantageous if the measuring units are connected via cables to an evaluation unit (not shown). The measuring units 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e, 70f, 70g, 70h, 70k, 70m, and 70n have electrical connections for this purpose. Both the kingpin 10 according to Fig. 2 as well as the kingpin arrangement 100 according to Fig. 1. They may have a cable guide 80 to route a connection cable to the evaluation unit or to another location. In Fig. The cable guide 80 comprises a groove 82 and a bore 84. The groove 82 and the bore 84 serve to carry the signal from the measuring unit 70m. Starting from the measuring unit 70m, a cable can be routed radially outwards through the groove 82 and then downwards through the bore 84. In the area where the cable exits the bore 84 downwards, many semi-trailers have a connector that is coupled to a complementary connector on the tractor unit. In this way, the signal or electrical measurement from the measuring unit 70m can be directly acquired by the evaluation unit on the tractor unit. However, the evaluation unit can also be part of the semi-trailer.

[0057] At the in Fig. Several measuring groups are provided for the kingpin 10 shown in Figure 3. A first measuring group comprises four measuring units 70x1, 70x2, 70x, and 70x4. A second measuring group comprises four measuring units 70y1, 70y2, 70y3, and 70y4. The measuring units within a measuring group are connected to form a Wheatstone bridge. Within the measuring groups, the measuring units are arranged symmetrically about a longitudinal axis L and a transverse axis Q. The two measuring groups allow deformations of the kingpin in a plane spanned by the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis Q to be determined. Furthermore, the measuring units 70x1–70y4 can determine whether the semi-trailer truck is in its neutral position (articulation angle zero), i.e., whether the tractor unit and semi-trailer are aligned in the same direction. The measuring units 70x1–70y4 are arranged uniformly around the vertical axis H.

[0058] At the in Fig.In the kingpin arrangement 100 shown in Figure 4, a kingpin 10 and a kingpin plate 40 are again provided. The kingpin 10 is essentially rotationally symmetrical and its flange area 20 is received in a receptacle 46 of the kingpin plate 40.

[0059] The kingpin assembly 100 comprises two measuring units 70p and 70r. The measuring units 70p and 70r are arranged on a top surface 22 of the flange section 20. A groove 82 is provided in the top surface 22 of the flange section 20 of the kingpin 10, which serves as part of a cable guide 80. The groove 82 transitions into a horizontal bore 84 in the kingpin plate 40. A cable from the measuring unit 70p can be routed radially outwards, first through the groove 82 and then through the bore 84, and then on to an evaluation unit (not shown), which may be part of the trailer or the tractor unit. The cable can also be connected to a transmitter of a contactless communication system, which transmits the signal from the measuring unit 70p to a receiver, for example, located on the tractor unit. This type of transmission is possible for all measuring units 70a–70r.The kingpin plate 40 also has a vertical bore 84, which serves as a cable guide 80 for the measuring unit 70r. A cable can be routed upwards from the measuring unit 70r through this bore.

[0060] The kingpin 10 has a central bore 13. The central bore 13 can also serve as a cable guide 80. In the embodiment shown here, a rotary angle sensor 90 is provided on the upper surface 22, the signal of which is also guided downwards through the central bore 13. The signal from the rotary angle sensor 90 is guided via a line 92 to a boom 94, from where it can, for example, be routed to a connector of the trailer (not shown). The cable guide 80 of the measuring units can be routed to the connector in the same way in all embodiments. Reference symbol list 10 kingpins 12 Transition 13 Central bore 14 Sensor shaft 16 fixed camps 20 Flange section 22 Top side of the flange section 24 Underside of the flange section 26 In-depth study 30 tap section 32 Outer circumferential surface of the tenon section 34 Constriction 40 King Cone Plates 42 Top of the kingpin plate 46th recording 50 fasteners 52 screws 54 Head of the screw 56 Mother 60 measuring sensors 62 measuring bars 70a measuring unit 70b unit of measurement 70c unit of measurement 70d measuring unit 70e measuring unit 70f measuring unit 70g measuring unit 70h measuring unit 70k unit of measurement 70m measuring unit 70n measuring unit 70p measuring unit 70r measuring unit 72 Cover for the measuring unit 80 Cable routing 82 Nut 84 bore 90° rotary angle sensor 92 Management 94 outriggers 100 Kingpin arrangement 200 semi-trailer floors 202 Threaded pin 204 Breakthrough Q transverse axis L Longitudinal axis H vertical axis QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 1 038 923 B

[0004] GB 2486474 A

[0006] EP 2 899 101 A1

[0007]

Claims

[1] Kingpin assembly with the following components: - a kingpin with a flange section and a pin section - a kingpin plate with a receptacle for the kingpin - a fastening device by which the kingpin is attached to the kingpin plate - optionally a measuring sensor characterized by , that a measuring unit is provided in or on one of the components, which is designed to represent a deformation of the component as an electrical measurement. [2] Kingpin arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that the measuring unit is located at the following location: - between the head of a screw used as a fastening element and the flange section - between the head of a screw used as a fastening element and the kingpin plate - between a nut serving as a fastening means and the flange section - between a nut serving as a fastening device and the kingpin plate - between the flange section and the kingpin plate - at a transition from the outer circumferential surface of the pin section to the flange section - on a top or bottom side of the flange section - (in a recess) on the upper side of the kingpin plate or flange section - on an outer circumferential surface of the tenon section - on the measuring sensor [3] Kingpin arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the measuring sensor is a measuring bar and / or that the measuring sensor is connected to the kingpin plate. [4] Kingpin arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the measuring unit is arranged in a recess of the component. [5] Kingpin arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the measuring unit is located on the top side of the flange section and a cover is provided for the measuring unit. [6] Kingpin arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an evaluation device is provided to which the measuring unit is connected, wherein the evaluation device is preferably arranged under the cover or is part of the cover. [7] Kingpin arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the measuring unit has an electrical resistance and two electrical connections and is preferably a strain gauge or a piezoelectric element. [8] Kingpin arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the component has a cable guide which preferably includes a groove and / or a bore. [9] Kingpin arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least three measuring units arranged in the same manner are provided, which are preferably arranged in a uniformly distributed manner. [10] Kingpin arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that several measuring units form a measuring group, which is preferably connected to the evaluation device, and that the measuring units within their measuring group are connected to each other to form a bridge circuit, preferably a Wheatstone full bridge. [11] Kingpin arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the measuring group detects a deformation of the kingpin about a longitudinal axis or about a transverse axis, wherein the measuring units of a measuring group are preferably arranged mirror-symmetrically to a longitudinal plane and / or a transverse plane and / or rotationally symmetrically about a central axis of the kingpin. [12] Kingpin arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat several measuring groups are provided which are designed to detect different deformations or the deformation of different components, preferably all measuring groups being connected to the same evaluation device. [13] Kingpin arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the measuring unit is connected to a voltage source. [14] Semi-trailer with a kingpin arrangement according to one of the preceding claims. [15] Kingpins, in particular for use in a kingpin arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by , that a measuring unit is provided in or on the kingpin which is designed to represent a deformation of the kingpin as an electrical measurement. [16] Method for detecting the driving state of a semi-trailer solved by means of a kingpin arrangement according to claims 1 to 13, characterized by, that the electrical measured quantity, in particular the resistance, of the measuring unit is detected by the evaluation device and the deformation of the associated component is determined from this, wherein preferably a recalibration is carried out by generating a signal when the semi-trailer is in a detached state, the signal is transmitted to the evaluation device and the evaluation device then sets the current value of the measured quantity of the measuring unit as the neutral value.