Sensor system for a commercial vehicle and saddle coupling system as well as commercial vehicle with it and method for it

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of commercial vehicles and in particular to the field of determining an articulation angle between a commercial vehicle and a trailer towed by the commercial vehicle.

[0002] In the commercial vehicle sector, it is common practice to record measurements to determine the operating or driving condition of the vehicle itself or of a trailer towed by the vehicle. These measurements of the current operating or driving condition can then be used in driver assistance or safety systems to support and inform the driver, or to automatically counteract unstable or unsafe conditions.

[0003] Besides directly determining measured values ​​with sensors, it is also known to estimate or model variables or variable quantities indirectly using other measured values ​​or known quantities. An example of this is determining the articulation angle between a commercial vehicle and a trailer being towed by the commercial vehicle. Such an articulation angle is modeled, for example, by taking into account the measured speed, the measured yaw rate of the commercial vehicle, and fixed geometric parameters. The articulation angle determined in this way can then be considered, for example, in the vehicle's safety systems, such as electronic stability control (ESP).

[0004] Preferably, monitoring the articulation angle also serves to warn the driver if the trailer is excessively angled relative to the vehicle, for example, when reversing through tight curves. This can prevent, for instance, the tearing of connecting cables or lines between the vehicle and the trailer, provided the driver reacts to the warning.

[0005] Furthermore, a determined articulation angle between a commercial vehicle and a trailer can be used to enable partially autonomous driving of the commercial vehicle to which a trailer is attached, even in a reverse direction.

[0006] Sensor arrangements or sensor systems are known from the prior art to enable direct measurement of the buckling angle in addition to absolute buckling angles determined indirectly by modeling.

[0007] Such sensors can be implemented, for example, as optical sensors, although these have the disadvantage that they may produce no or only partially erroneous readings due to contamination. Furthermore, sensors are known that are mounted on the commercial vehicle and are in direct contact with the trailer, for example via a wheel. These sensors allow at least the measurement of relative movement between the vehicles.

[0008] However, the sensors mentioned last are often only usable within a specific measuring range of the articulation angle, since areas in which only the articulation angle can be measured independently of other relative movements between the trailer and the commercial vehicle are only available to a very limited extent.

[0009] For example, EP 0 471 286 B1 describes integrating a roller sensor into an opening in the fifth wheel of a fifth wheel coupling. However, such a solution presents the problem that the stability of the fifth wheel coupling must be ensured by additional reinforcement due to the opening. Furthermore, an existing trailer coupling, such as one designed as a fifth wheel coupling, cannot be retrofitted using this solution, as a stability-reducing opening for the sensor cannot be easily created.

[0010] The object of the present invention is therefore to find a sensor system that addresses the problems of the prior art. In particular, a sensor system should be found that can be retrofitted without reducing the stability of an existing trailer hitch.

[0011] The invention relates to a sensor system for determining an angular change between a commercial vehicle and a trailer. The commercial vehicle is, for example, a tractor unit and the trailer, for example, a semi-trailer. The sensor system comprises a sensor unit, a mounting bracket, and a positioning mechanism.

[0012] The sensor unit comprises a wheel mounted to rotate about an axis and a rotary encoder connected to the wheel to detect changes in its position. The term "wheel" is used here to generally describe any body of revolution that can rotate about an axis. Thus, the term does not restrict the geometric shape. For example, the wheel could also include a spherical body mounted on a rotating axis or similar object.

[0013] The mounting comprises at least a first fixed part for attaching the system to the commercial vehicle or a part thereof, and at least one movable part connected to the sensor unit and movably mounted on the fixed part. The movable part is preferably rotatably mounted on the fixed part. Alternatively, the movable part is linearly displaceable on the fixed part.

[0014] US20180057052A1 describes a trailer angle measuring arrangement that measures the angle of a trailer relative to a towing vehicle, comprising a mounting base, an armature, a roller wheel, and a rotary encoder. The mounting base is configured to be selectively coupled to the trailer. The armature is rotatably connected to the mounting base about a pivot point. The roller wheel is rotatably connected to the armature and positioned for rotational engagement with the trailer. The rotary encoder measures the rotation of the roller wheel and generates a signal based on the measured rotation that indicates an angular position of the trailer relative to the towing vehicle.

[0015] German patent DE102016012663A1 discloses a coupling device for a truck and trailer combination comprising a towing vehicle and a trailer, with a towing vehicle-side part designed as a fifth wheel or jaw coupling and a trailer-side part of the coupling device designed as a kingpin or coupling eye, which are coupled to each other in trailer operation, and with a sensor device for sensing an articulation angle between the towing vehicle-side part and the trailer-side part of the coupling device. In order to enable the articulation angle to be sensed independently of the trailer, a sensor part of the sensor device is frictionally coupled to the kingpin or the coupling eye.

[0016] The positioning mechanism is designed to support the movable part in at least one operating position, preferably within a range of operating positions. This support is designed as a spring-loaded support. The movable part is thus spring-loaded, so that, depending on a force exerted on the spring, the moving part is positioned in various positions within the operating position range by the positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism serves to support the movable part, at least in its operating position, in particular so that the wheel of the sensor unit connected to the movable part can be brought into contact with a vehicle trailer by means of a spring force.

[0017] The operating position refers in particular to the position of the wheel such that the contact area running around the wheel lies in a plane with the contact surface or friction linings of the contact surface.

[0018] The invention takes advantage of the knowledge that, typically, a contact area of ​​the vehicle trailer, i.e., an area of ​​a contact plate of the vehicle trailer that is adapted to rest on a support surface of a trailer coupling, is usually chosen to be larger than the support surface itself.

[0019] This contact area of ​​the trailer is typically flat and free of irregularities, allowing the sensor unit's wheel to detect relative movement between the vehicle and the trailer without interference. The bracket can therefore be easily retrofitted to an existing trailer hitch without requiring additional stabilization measures or extensive modifications to the hitch.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the mounting is adapted to position the wheel of the sensor unit, particularly when the movable part is in the operating position, outside a support surface of the trailer hitch, but close to the support surface, preferably at a distance of less than 0.2 m or less than 0.1 m from the support surface. This distance is preferably defined as the distance between a contour of the support surface and a contact surface of the wheel extending around the wheel to establish contact with the trailer.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the positioning mechanism is designed to move the movable part of the bracket from its operating position to a rest position and / or to store it in a rest position that differs from the operating position and, in particular, lies outside the operating position range. The rest position is selected such that, preferably, the wheel of the sensor unit connected to the movable part can be positioned at a distance from the vehicle trailer. This allows a force to be exerted on the wheel with a transverse component to the axis of rotation during coupling and uncoupling, preventing damage to the wheel if an approaching or retreating part or coupling component of the vehicle trailer is involved.

[0022] The wheel can therefore be moved into the rest position preferably by means of the positioning mechanism for coupling and uncoupling the vehicle trailer, so that coupling and uncoupling of a vehicle trailer to the commercial vehicle is possible without damage to the sensor system.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the bracket is designed to be connected to or within the area of ​​a trailer coupling designed as a fifth wheel coupling, which has a fifth wheel plate with a holding area into which a kingpin can be engaged. The bracket is adapted in such a way as to hold the wheel of the sensor unit, at least in its operating position, at a distance from the holding area that is less than the maximum distance of a contour of the contact surface from the holding area.

[0024] This ensures that the sensor unit's wheel is always in secure contact with a fifth-wheel coupling contact surface on the trailer, regardless of the articulation angle, within its operating position. This is achieved by utilizing the fact that the trailer's contact surface for the fifth wheel coupling, which can also be described as a base plate, has a minimum diameter such that the contact surface is in contact with the entire support surface, at least at its widest point. Therefore, even in narrower areas of the support surface where the wheel can be positioned according to this embodiment, a portion of the base plate remains in contact with the sensor unit's wheel, even during rotation. This allows for continuous measurement of the trailer's relative movement to the vehicle.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the bracket is adapted to be connected in the area of ​​a trailer coupling designed as a fifth wheel coupling of the commercial vehicle, such that the wheel can be positioned by the movable part of the sensor unit in front of the support surface, at least in the operating position, opposite an opening area of ​​a fifth wheel coupling guide leading to a holding area for a kingpin, or in the area of ​​the guide itself. In this case, the bracket is specifically adapted such that, at least in the operating position, the axis of the wheel runs radially to the holding area.

[0026] This approach utilizes the knowledge that the edge or contour of the contact surface of a fifth wheel coupling on the front of the coupling, corresponding to the side facing the contact surface opposite the coupling end, is closer to the mounting area than on the sides. Since the contact surfaces of trailers are at least large enough to ensure complete contact with the contact surface of a fifth wheel coupling, there is therefore an area on the front of the coupling, which is less robust to save material, that is always covered by the contact surface of the trailer.An arrangement of the sensor unit's wheel in this area thus ensures that, even if the contact surface of a vehicle trailer has exactly the maximum width of the fifth wheel coupling's support surface, at least the front area in front of the fifth wheel coupling is swept over by the contact surface of a vehicle trailer on the support surface during large rotational movements, so that the rotational movement can be reliably detected by the wheel.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the fixed part of the bracket is adapted to be attached using fifth wheel coupling bolts, which are used to secure friction linings. Existing fifth wheel coupling bolts, which hold the friction linings and are easily removable for lining replacement, are used to additionally secure the fixed part of the bracket. Alternatively, instead of directly using the existing bolts, these bolts are replaced with longer ones. The bracket is thus adapted to the existing position of these bolts, allowing the sensor system to be easily attached to a fifth wheel coupling without additional components. In a preferred embodiment, the bolts are reinforced or lengthened using sleeves to reduce elasticity in the bracket.

[0028] According to the invention, the positioning mechanism comprises a connecting element. The connecting element is adapted to be connected to a locking mechanism, in particular an actuating lever for the locking mechanism, of the vehicle's trailer hitch. Preferably, the connecting element is therefore adapted such that the movable part can be moved between an operating position and the rest position by actuating the actuating lever of the locking mechanism.

[0029] This ensures that the moving part is only automatically moved into an operating position by the connecting piece and its positioning mechanism when a trailer is coupled to a commercial vehicle by activating the locking mechanism. Before this, the sensor unit, and in particular its wheel, remains in its rest position, so there is no contact between the trailer and the wheel. Therefore, no forces with a transverse component to the wheel's axis of rotation are exerted on the sensor unit's wheel, which could potentially damage the sensor unit.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, the positioning mechanism includes an adjustment device. This adjustment device is preferably part of the connecting element. The adjustment device serves to vary the operating position and / or the rest position and / or the spring force of the spring-loaded mounting of the movable part. Thus, a connecting element that is connected to a locking mechanism of a commercial vehicle trailer hitch can be adapted to the design of the locking mechanism, in particular the actuating lever, as well as the lever travel, so that the sensor system can be adapted for a large number of different trailer hitches without any design modifications, simply by adjusting it with the adjustment device.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the rotary encoder is an incremental rotary encoder, in particular an incremental encoder, or an absolute rotary encoder. Furthermore, or additionally, the rotary encoder is configured to output a pulse-width modulated signal (PWM signal) with direction detection, in particular an A / B signal, or a data signal, in particular a bus signal, preferably a CAN bus signal, depending on a change in position.

[0032] Furthermore, the invention relates to a fifth wheel coupling system comprising a fifth wheel coupling and a sensor system according to one of the aforementioned embodiments. In this embodiment, the stationary part of the sensor system's mounting bracket is connected to the fifth wheel coupling. Moreover, at least in the operating position, the mounting bracket positions the sensor unit's wheel outside a support surface of the fifth wheel coupling, close to the support surface. Additionally, at least in the operating position, the wheel and mounting bracket are positioned outside the support surface of the trailer coupling, adjacent to the support surface. Preferably, the wheel is arranged such that, in the operating position, the contact surface of the wheel lies in a plane formed by the support surface within an area that can be covered by a base plate of the trailer.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the fifth wheel coupling system, the distance between the contact surface and the wheel is less than 0.2 m or less than 0.1 m.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the bracket is located in the area of ​​or connected to the fifth wheel coupling. The fifth wheel coupling has a holding area into which a kingpin can be engaged. Furthermore, the wheel of the sensor unit is positioned, at least in the operating position, at a distance from the holding area through the bracket that is less than the maximum distance of a contour of the fifth wheel coupling's contact surface to the holding area.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, the bracket is connected in the area of ​​or to the fifth wheel coupling, so that the wheel is positioned by the movable part of the sensor unit, at least in the operating position, in front of the support surface opposite the opening area of ​​the fifth wheel coupling guide leading to the holding area for the kingpin, or in the area of ​​the guide. The axis of the wheel runs radially to the holding area or to the center, in particular to an axis running through the center, in the operating position, as is also the case in all embodiments of the invention.

[0036] According to a further embodiment, the fifth wheel coupling has a locking mechanism designed to engage or disengage a kingpin of a trailer from the fifth wheel coupling. The locking mechanism is connected to the connecting part of the positioning assembly of the sensor system.

[0037] According to another embodiment, the fifth wheel coupling has bolts for attaching friction linings. The fixed part of the bracket is attached to the fifth wheel coupling by these bolts.

[0038] Furthermore, the invention comprises a commercial vehicle with a fifth wheel coupling system according to one of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0039] The invention further relates to a method for attaching a sensor system according to one of the aforementioned embodiments to a fifth wheel coupling for a commercial vehicle. For this purpose, the stationary part of the sensor system's mounting is connected to the bolts for attaching the friction linings of the fifth wheel coupling. In addition, a connecting part of the positioning arrangement is connected to a locking mechanism of the fifth wheel coupling.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the method for arranging the sensor system, an operating position and / or a rest position and / or a spring force of the spring is set in the operating position of a movable part of the holder of the sensor system using an adjustment device of the sensor system.

[0041] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for coupling a semi-trailer to a semi-trailer truck. Here, a kingpin of the semi-trailer is first inserted into a fifth wheel coupling of the semi-trailer truck. The fifth wheel coupling is then locked by means of a locking mechanism, and the movable part of a sensor system mounting bracket is moved from a rest position to an operating position according to one of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the coupling method, the moving part is transferred by locking.

[0043] Further embodiments are shown in the exemplary embodiments explained in more detail in the figures. Here, Fig. 1 a commercial vehicle with a trailer, Fig. 2 a semi-trailer truck with a semi-trailer, Fig. 3 a fifth wheel coupling in top view, Fig. 4 a fifth wheel coupling from below, Fig. 5 a sensor system connected to the fifth wheel coupling from below, Fig. 6 a perspective view of a fifth wheel coupling system, Fig. 7 a view of the sensor system in a rest position, Fig. 8 a view of the sensor system in an operating position, Fig. 9 the steps of a method for attaching a sensor system to a fifth wheel coupling and Fig. 10 the steps of a method for coupling a trailer to a commercial vehicle.

[0044] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a commercial vehicle 10 connected to a trailer 12 via a trailer coupling 14. The commercial vehicle 10 has a drive (not shown) that propels the commercial vehicle 10 and pulls the attached trailer 12 when traveling forward or pushes it when traveling in reverse.

[0045] Fig. 2 Figure 10 also shows a commercial vehicle 10, which here is configured as a tractor unit 16. The tractor unit 16 also pulls a trailer 12, which here is configured as a semi-trailer 18. The semi-trailer 18 is also coupled to the tractor unit 16 via a trailer coupling 14, which is located in Fig. 2 However, it is designed as a fifth wheel coupling 20. The fifth wheel coupling 20 is arranged on the tractor unit 16 and holds a kingpin 21 of the semi-trailer 18, so that the tractor unit 16 can pull the semi-trailer 18 when traveling forward and push it when traveling backward by means of the fifth wheel coupling 20 and the kingpin 21 engaged therein. Fig. 2 Figure 16 shows the tractor unit 16 and the semi-trailer 18 traveling through a left-hand curve. This results, for example, in a change of angle 17 between the tractor unit 16 and the semi-trailer 18. The change of angle 17 is called the articulation angle or articulation angle change and corresponds to the angle between the longitudinal axes of the vehicles, i.e., the vehicle longitudinal axes, in this case the longitudinal axis 15 of the tractor unit 16 and the longitudinal axis 19 of the semi-trailer 18.

[0046] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a top view of a fifth wheel coupling 20. The fifth wheel coupling has a fifth wheel plate 22, which has a bearing surface 24 on its upper side. The bearing surface 24 comprises a contour 26 within which the bearing surface 24 is preferably substantially planar. The bearing surface 24 has friction linings 27, which are attached to the fifth wheel plate 22 by bolts 28 and are replaceable. A retaining area 30 is provided in the center of the fifth wheel plate 22 to receive the kingpin 21 and engage it in the retaining area 30. Engagement or retention is effected by a latch 32 of a locking mechanism 34.

[0047] Accordingly, the kingpin 21 can be inserted longitudinally 36 through an opening 38 and a guide 40 adjoining the opening 38 into the holding area 30, while the bolt 32 is folded away. The kingpin 21 then presses against a plate 42, allowing the bolt 32 to rotate into the position shown. The bolt 32 is then locked via the locking mechanism 34 by means of an actuating lever 44. To release the kingpin 21, the actuating lever 44 is moved to a different position, allowing the bolt 32 to fold away and the kingpin 21 to be disengaged from the holding area 30 via the guide 40 and the opening 38.

[0048] Furthermore, it shows Fig. 3 A base plate 48 has a section 46 that is substantially flat on the semi-trailer 18 in order to rest on the contact surface 24, specifically the friction linings 27. The base plate 48 has at least section 46 with a substantially flat design, which has a radius 50 that corresponds at least to the maximum distance 52 between the center 54 of the holding area 30 and the contour 26 of the contact surface 24. This ensures that, during cornering maneuvers with large articulation angles of the semi-trailer 18, the entire contact surface 24, or the friction linings 27, is always in contact with the base plate 48. The base plate 48 is part 49 of the trailer 12. Section 46 of the base plate 48 thus corresponds to a section 55 of the fifth wheel coupling 20, which is always covered by the trailer 12 during cornering maneuvers.

[0049] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows the saddle coupling 20 from below, with a more detailed illustration of the locking mechanism 34. It can be seen that the actuating lever 44 is movable in the transverse direction 56 of the fifth wheel plate 22 in order to release or lock the latch 32 via various other levers. Also shown in Fig. 4 The bolts 28, each secured with a nut 58 and holding the friction linings 27 on the bearing surface 24, are shown.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bolts 28 in the front area 60 of the fifth wheel coupling 20 serve as attachment points 62 for mounting a sensor system, which will be explained below. Furthermore, the actuating lever 44 has an opening, in particular a bore 64, which also serves as an attachment point 66 for connecting the sensor system described later.

[0051] Fig. 5 Figure 70 now shows the sensor system 70 according to the invention, which is attached to a fifth wheel coupling 20, namely in particular to the bolt 28 of the fifth wheel coupling 20 for fastening the friction linings 27, and to the actuating lever 44.

[0052] The sensor system 70 comprises a bracket 72, which has a fixed part 74 and a movable part 76. The fixed part 74 essentially comprises a web 78, which is connected to both bolts 28, which serve as attachment points 62, as shown in Fig. 4 depicted, serve, is connected.

[0053] The bridge 78 includes a bearing 80 on which the movable part 76 is rotatably mounted. The movable part 76 is connected to the bearing 80 on one side, and a sensor unit 82 is fixedly mounted on the other side. The sensor unit 82 includes a wheel 84, which is connected to a rotary encoder 88 via an axle 86. The axle 86 passes through an opening with a bearing in a mounting plate 85. The mounting plate 85 can be considered part of the sensor unit 82 or of the movable part 76. The wheel 84 has a circumferential contact surface 85 that can be brought into contact with the vehicle trailer 12. A protective cover 90 for the sensor system 70 is also shown; this cover is optionally attached and protects the sensor system 70 from unwanted impacts.

[0054] Furthermore, the sensor system 70 has a positioning mechanism 92. The positioning mechanism 92 includes a connecting part 94, which is connected to the Fig. 4 The connecting part 14 is connected to the illustrated attachment point 66 of the actuating lever 44. The connecting part 14 is connected to a rod 96, which leads through an opening 98 in a lever 100 of the movable part 76. The opening 98 has a larger diameter than the rod.

[0055] Furthermore, a section of the rod 96 is provided with a thread 102 onto which a nut 104 is screwed. A spring 106 is connected to the nut 104 and is also connected to the lever 100 of the movable part 76. The spring 106 is preferably a tension spring. Another spring 108 is arranged on the rod 96. This second spring 108 is preferably a compression spring. In addition, a freely movable disc 110 is arranged opposite the spring 108 and the nut 104 on the rod. The nut 104 and the thread 102 are part of an adjustment device 103.

[0056] Here is in Fig. 5 The movable part 76 is shown in a rest position, in which, compared to an operating position shown later, the sensor unit 82 and the movable part 76 lie below a plane formed by the support surface 24. This position was assumed by pulling the actuating lever 44 outwards, as seen from the center of the fifth wheel coupling 20. This causes the spring 106 to pull the lever 100 with it, so that the movable part 76 is rotated about the bearing 80 into the rest position.

[0057] In the case shown later, where the sensor unit 82 is in an operating position, the actuating lever 44 is pressed inwards towards the center, i.e., in the direction of 112, so that the rod 96 of the positioning mechanism 92 is guided through the opening 98 via the connecting part 94 until the disc 110 is pressed against the edge of the opening 98 onto the lever 100 by the spring 108. By further moving the actuating lever 44 in the direction of 112, a force is then exerted on the lever 100, which rotates the movable part 76 with the bearing 80 about the stationary part 74. Thus, the sensor unit 82 is moved such that the wheel 84 lies above a plane formed by the contact surface 24 of the fifth wheel coupling 20 and can come into contact with the base plate 48 of a semi-trailer 18. In this case, the moving part 76 and the sensor unit 82 are then spring-loaded in the operating position by the spring 108.

[0058] Fig. 6 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a fifth wheel coupling system 114, comprising the fifth wheel coupling 20 and the sensor system 70. A particularly advantageous mounting position of the sensor system 70 in front of the fifth wheel plate 22 of the fifth wheel coupling 20, i.e., on a front face 118 of the fifth wheel coupling 20, is evident. Accordingly, the sensor system 70 is located outside the bearing surface 24 of the fifth wheel coupling 20 and is positioned by the bracket near the bearing surface 24 at a distance 116 from the bearing surface 24 of less than 10 cm. The sensor system 70 is in a rest position here, such that the wheel 84 lies lower than a plane 115 formed by the bearing surface 24. "In front of the fifth wheel coupling 20" therefore means arranged on the front face 118 of the fifth wheel coupling 20, which is defined as the side of the fifth wheel coupling 20 opposite the opening 38 for the kingpin 21.

[0059] Fig. 7 Figure 1 shows another view of the sensor system 70, which is in a rest position 120. To illustrate the rest position 120, the base plate 48 of a semi-trailer 18 is also shown here, resting on the fifth wheel plate 22, specifically on the contact surface 24 of the fifth wheel plate 22 with the friction linings 27. The sensor unit 70 is not in contact with the base plate 48, but is spaced apart from it.

[0060] In contrast, in Fig. 8 An operating position 122 is shown in which the wheel 84 is in contact with the base plate 48 of the semi-trailer 18. A base plate 48 resting on the support surface 24 and moving accordingly causes the wheel 84 to rotate, which can then be detected by means of the rotary encoder 88.

[0061] Fig. 9 Figure 130 illustrates the steps of a method for arranging a sensor system 70. In the first step 130, a fixed part 74 of a bracket 72 of the sensor system 70 is connected to a bolt 28 of a fifth wheel coupling 20. In step 132, a connecting part 94 of a positioning mechanism 92 of the sensor system 70 is connected to a mounting point 66 of an actuating lever 44 of a locking mechanism 34 of a fifth wheel coupling 20. In step 134, a rest position 120 and an operating position 122 are set by means of an adjustment mechanism 103, namely by adjusting a nut 104 on a thread 102.

[0062] Fig. 10Figure 140 shows the steps of a method for coupling a semi-trailer 18 to a tractor unit 16. In step 140, a kingpin 21 of the semi-trailer 18 is moved via a termination area 38 and a guide 40 into a holding area 30 of a fifth wheel coupling 20. In the holding area 30, the kingpin 21 is then locked in step 142 by means of a locking mechanism 34. In step 144, an actuating lever 44 is repositioned to actuate the locking mechanism 34, namely to lock the bolt 32 of the locking mechanism 34, in order to simultaneously move the sensor unit 82 and the movable part 76 of the sensor system 70 into an operating position 122. Reference numeral list (part of the description)

[0063] 10 Commercial vehicle 12 Vehicle trailer 14 Trailer coupling 15 Longitudinal axis 16 Tractor unit 17 Angle change 18 Semi-trailer 19 Longitudinal axis 20 Fifth wheel coupling 21 Kingpin 22 Fifth wheel plate 24 Bearing surface 26 Contour 27 Friction linings 28 Bolt 30 Holding area 32 Latch 34 Locking mechanism 36 Longitudinal direction 38 End area 40 Guide 42 Plate 44 Actuating lever 46 Area 48 Base plate 50 Radius 49 Part of the vehicle trailer 52 Maximum distance 54 Center 55 Area 56 Transverse direction 58 Nut 60 Front area 62 Mounting points 64 Borehole 66 Mounting point 70 Sensor system 72 Bracket 74 Fixed part 76 Moving part 78 Web 80 Bearing 82 Sensor unit 84 Wheel 85 Wheel contact surface 86 Axle 87 Retaining plate 88 Rotary encoder 90 Guard 92 Positioning mechanism 94 Connecting part 96 Rod 98 Opening 100 Lever 102 Thread 103 Adjustment device 104 Nut 106 Spring 108 Additional spring 110 Washer 112 Direction 114 Fifth wheel coupling system 115 Level 116 Spacing 118 Front 120 Rest position 122 Operating position 130-134 Steps of theProcedure for arranging a sensor system 140-144 Steps of the procedure for coupling a semi-trailer

Claims

1. Sensor system (70) for a commercial vehicle (10) having a fifth-wheel coupling (20), which vehicle is designed as a tractor unit (16), for determining an angle change (17) between the commercial vehicle (10) and an attached vehicle trailer (12), in the form of a semi-trailer (18), comprising: - a sensor unit (82) having - a wheel (84) which is rotatably mounted about an axle (86), and - a rotary encoder (88) which is connected to the wheel (84) in order to detect a change in the position of the wheel (84), - a holder (72) having - at least a first stationary part (74) for connecting the sensor system (70) to the commercial vehicle (10) or a part thereof and - at least one movable part (76) which is connected to the sensor unit (82) and is movably, in particular rotatably, mounted on the stationary part (74), - a positioning mechanism (92), at least for spring-mounting the movable part (76) in an operating position (122), in particular such that the wheel (84) of the sensor unit (82) connected to the movable part (76) can be brought into contact with the vehicle trailer (12) or a part (49) of the vehicle trailer (12), the holder (72) being adapted to arrange the wheel (84) of the sensor unit (82) outside a support surface (24) of the fifth-wheel coupling (14) next to the support surface (24), at least in the operating position (122), in particular in such a way that in the operating position (122) a contact surface (49) of the wheel (84) can be brought into a plane (115) formed by the support surface (24), into a region (55) which can be swept over by a base plate (48) of the vehicle trailer (12), characterized in that the positioning mechanism (92) has a connecting part (94) and the connecting part (94) can be connected to a locking mechanism (34), in particular an actuating lever (44) for the locking mechanism (34), of the fifth-wheel coupling (20) of the commercial vehicle (10), in particular such that when the actuating lever (44) of the locking mechanism (34) of the fifth-wheel coupling (20) is actuated, the movable part (76) of the sensor unit can be moved between the operating position (122) and the rest position (120).

2. Sensor system (70) according to claim 1, wherein the holder (72) is adapted to arrange the wheel (84) or the contact surface (49) of the wheel (84) at a distance (116) of less than 0.2 m or less than 0.1 m from a contour (26) of the support surface (24), at least in the operating position (122).

3. Sensor system (70) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the positioning mechanism (92) is configured to move the movable part (76) of the holder (72) into a rest position (120) which is different from the operating position (122), in particular in such a way that the wheel (84) of the sensor unit (82) connected to the movable part (76) of the holder (72) can be spaced apart from the vehicle trailer (12).

4. Sensor system (70) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the holder (72) is adapted to be connected to the fifth-wheel coupling (20) which has a fifth-wheel plate (22) having a holding region (30), in which a kingpin (21) can be coupled, wherein the holder (72) is adapted to hold the wheel (84) of the sensor unit (82), at least in the operating position (122), at a distance to the holding region (30) which is less than the maximum distance (52) from a contour (26) of a support surface (24) of the fifth-wheel plate (22) to the holding region (30).

5. Sensor system (70) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the holder (72) is adapted to be connected to the fifth-wheel coupling (20) of the commercial vehicle (10), with the result that the movable part (76), at least in the operating position (122), can arrange the wheel (84) of the sensor unit (82) in front of the support surface (24) opposite an opening region (38) of a guide (40) of the fifth-wheel coupling (20) for a kingpin (21), which guide leads to the holding region (30), or in the guide (40), in particular such that at least in the operating position (122) the axle (86) of the wheel (84) extends radially with respect to the center (54) of the holding region (30).

6. Sensor system (70) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stationary part (74) of the holder (72) is adapted to be fastened using bolts (28) of the fifth-wheel coupling (20) which are used to fasten friction linings (27).

7. Sensor system (70) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning mechanism (92), in particular the connecting part (94), comprises an adjustment device (103) in order to alter at least the operating position (122) and / or the rest position (120).

8. Fifth-wheel coupling system (114) for a commercial vehicle (10), which vehicle is designed as a tractor unit (16), having a fifth-wheel coupling (20) and a sensor system (70) according to any of the preceding claims, the stationary part (74) of the sensor system (70) being connected to the commercial vehicle (10) or a part (49) thereof, and the wheel (84) being arranged with the holder (72) outside the support surface (24) of the trailer coupling (14) next to the support surface (24), at least in the operating position (122), in particular in such a way that in the operating position (122) a contact surface (49) of the wheel (84) lies in a plane (115) formed by the support surface (24), in a region (55) which can be swept over by a base plate (48) of the vehicle trailer (12), characterized in that the rotatably mounted, rigid connecting part (94) of the positioning mechanism (92) of the sensor system (70), at least for spring-mounting a movable part (76) in an operating position (122), in particular such that the wheel (84) of the sensor unit (82) connected to the movable part (76) can be brought into contact with a vehicle trailer (12) or a part (49) of the vehicle trailer (12), is connected to a locking mechanism (34), in particular an actuating lever (44) of the locking mechanism (34) of the fifth-wheel coupling (20).

9. Fifth-wheel coupling system (114) according to claim 8, wherein the holder (72) arranges the wheel (84) or the contact surface (49) of the wheel (84) at a distance (116) from a contour (26) of the support surface (24) of less than 0.2 m or less than 0.1 m, at least in the operating position (122).

10. Fifth-wheel coupling system (114) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the holder (72) of the sensor unit (82) is connected to the fifth-wheel coupling (20), and the fifth-wheel coupling (20) has a fifth-wheel plate (22) having a holding region (30) into which a kingpin (21) can be coupled, wherein the holder (72) holds the wheel (84), in the operating position (122), at a distance (116) from the holding region (30) which is less than the maximum distance (52) from the contour (26) of the support surface (24) to the holding region (30).

11. Fifth-wheel coupling system (114) according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the fifth-wheel coupling (20) is connected to the holder (72) in such a way that at least in the operating position (122) the wheel (84) is arranged in front of the support surface (24) opposite the opening region (38) of a guide (40) of the fifth-wheel coupling (20), which guide leads to the holding region (30), or in the guide (40), wherein the axle (86) of the wheel (84) extends in particular radially with respect to the center (54) of the holding region (30).

12. Fifth-wheel coupling system (114) according to any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the fifth-wheel coupling (20) has a locking mechanism (34) and the locking mechanism (34) is configured to couple a kingpin (21) of a semi-trailer (18) into the fifth-wheel coupling (20) or to release it therefrom, and the locking mechanism (34) is connected to the connecting part (94) of the positioning mechanism (92) of the sensor system (70) and / or wherein the fifth-wheel coupling (20) has bolts (28) for fastening friction linings (27) and the stationary part (74) of the holder (72) is fastened to the fifth-wheel coupling (20) using the bolts (28).

13. Commercial vehicle (10), specifically a tractor unit (16), having a fifth-wheel coupling system (114) according to any of claims 8 to 12.

14. Method for arranging a sensor system (70) according to any of claims 1 to 7 on a fifth-wheel coupling (20) for a commercial vehicle (10), comprising the steps of: connecting (130) the stationary part (74) of the holder (72) of the sensor system (70) to bolts (28) for fastening friction linings (27) of the fifth-wheel coupling (20) and connecting (132) the connecting part (94) of the positioning mechanism (92) to a locking mechanism (34), in particular an actuating lever (44) of the locking mechanism (34), of the fifth-wheel coupling (20).

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein after the connecting steps an operating position (122) and / or a rest position (120) is set (134) using an adjustment device (103).