CONNECTION DEVICE, CONNECTION SYSTEM AND SADDLE TRAIN

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting device for connecting electrical and pneumatic lines between a towing vehicle and a semi-trailer, a connecting system for a semi-trailer truck with a connecting device, and a semi-trailer truck with a connecting device or a connecting system.

[0002] Semi-trailer trucks are a subgroup of trucks and consist of a tractor unit and a semi-trailer. In conventional semi-trailer trucks, the tractor unit is motorized and the semi-trailer is not. A tractor unit is therefore required to move the semi-trailer.

[0003] Semi-trailer trucks are primarily used for transporting goods. The tractor unit and trailer are detachably coupled. It is therefore possible to park a trailer, i.e., to uncouple the tractor unit from the trailer. This allows the trailer to be loaded or unloaded while the tractor unit and driver are used for other purposes.

[0004] Coupling the tractor unit and trailer involves a mechanical connection, typically achieved using a fifth wheel coupling and a kingpin. Additionally, the tractor unit and trailer are connected via pneumatic and electrical lines. The pneumatic lines supply compressed air from the tractor unit to the trailer's braking system. The electrical lines primarily power the trailer's lighting (turn signals, taillights, etc.), but also provide cooling for the trailer using electrical power supplied by the tractor unit via these lines.

[0005] The electrical and pneumatic connections between the tractor unit and the trailer are made manually. Often, it is the driver who attaches the lines. This process is time-consuming and prone to errors.

[0006] US Patent 5,458,357 discloses a semi-trailer truck in which multiple lines are provided for connecting the tractor unit and the trailer. A multi-coupling device is provided for this connection, allowing several lines to be connected simultaneously.

[0007] US Patent 2011 / 0133430 A1 discloses an air brake connection system in which a hose is provided for connecting a coupling part of the tractor unit to a coupling part of the trailer. The hose has a self-sealing valve at both ends.

[0008] DE 41 35 795 A1 discloses a semi-trailer truck in which a supply coupling is provided between the two sub-vehicles, which closes automatically when the two sub-vehicles are coupled together and opens automatically when the two sub-vehicles are separated from each other.

[0009] German patent DE 10 2004 062 172 A1 describes a system for connecting supply lines between a towing vehicle and a semi-trailer that can be coupled to it. The towing vehicle is equipped with a fifth wheel coupling and an automatable line coupling system with at least one plug socket.

[0010] DE 10 2006 012 800 A1 discloses a coupling assistant for connecting at least one supply line between a first vehicle and a second vehicle that can be coupled to it via a coupling. The coupling assistant includes a supply console arranged on the second vehicle for connecting the at least one supply line.

[0011] DE 10 2008 014 572 A1 discloses a connector element with a housing on which fluid contacts and electrical contacts are arranged. The housing is connected to a terminal base via conductor elements. Terminal posts are arranged on the terminal base.

[0012] EP 3 231 642 A2 discloses an arrangement for determining the insertion position of a hose coupler on a connection panel, comprising a connection panel with a plurality of coupling sockets for connecting associated hose couplers, at least one hose coupler connectable thereto, a data interface and an evaluation unit.

[0013] WO 2010 / 118420 A2 discloses a coupling system for the functional connection of an electrical system and a pneumatic system of a road tractor with a trailer, when the road tractor and the trailer are connected to each other by a fifth wheel coupling arrangement and a kingpin in order to define a generally vertical pivot axis.

[0014] The automation of vehicles can lead to situations where the presence of people is undesirable or prohibited in areas where vehicles are coupled or uncoupled autonomously or automatically. Therefore, the object of the invention is to simplify the production of the electrical and pneumatic connections between the tractor unit and the trailer, or to design them in such a way that this process can be automated, at least in these areas.

[0015] This problem is solved by a connecting device according to the invention.

[0016] The connection device according to the invention for connecting electrical and pneumatic lines between a tractor unit and a semi-trailer has a first end, a second end, and several lines connecting the two ends. At least one pneumatic connector and / or at least one electrical connector is arranged at the first end. A first connector unit is arranged at the second end, which has at least one pneumatic connection element and / or at least one electrical connection element.

[0017] The pneumatic and electrical plug-in elements of the connection device are preferably complementary to the pneumatic and electrical plug-in elements of the trailer.

[0018] The first plug-in unit is preferably complementary to a second plug-in unit of the towing vehicle.

[0019] The connector can be either a socket or a plug. Plugs and sockets are complementary components and together form a connector.

[0020] In advantageous embodiments, the first plug-in unit has a non-rotationally symmetrical housing. This allows a complementary second plug-in unit, which preferably also has a non-rotationally symmetrical housing, to be connected to the first plug-in unit in only one way. This prevents incorrect connections between the plug-in units.

[0021] In alternative embodiments, the first connection elements are preferably provided, at least partially, in a rotationally symmetrical double configuration. In a rotationally symmetrical double configuration, one connection element is present twice and in an identical design. The duplicate connection elements are arranged rotationally symmetrically around a central axis of the first plug-in unit. To establish a connection, however, only one of the duplicate connection elements needs to be connected to a counterpart. The key advantage is that the second plug-in unit, which has only one counterpart for the duplicate connection elements, can be connected to the first plug-in unit in two positions rotated 180° relative to each other. In both positions, the counterpart is coupled to one of the two duplicate connection elements.

[0022] In other embodiments, the first pneumatic and the first electrical connection elements are arranged concentrically, and multiple pneumatic and / or multiple electrical connection elements can also be arranged concentrically. While in the rotationally symmetrical dual configuration only two positions are possible in which the first plug-in unit may be positioned to be connected to the second plug-in unit, rotation about the central axis has no effect in the concentric arrangement. The first and second plug-in units can be coupled to each other regardless of the angle of rotation between them.

[0023] The first plug-in unit has at least one centrally arranged first pneumatic connection element. The centrally arranged pneumatic connection element is preferably rotationally symmetrical about the central axis, and the central axis lies at the center of the centrally arranged pneumatic connection element.

[0024] In a rotationally symmetrical double configuration, the centrally located first pneumatic connection element is not present in a double configuration, as it is independent of rotation around the central axis. However, it is possible to provide additional first pneumatic connection elements in a rotationally symmetrical double configuration, resulting in a total of, for example, three or five first pneumatic connection elements.

[0025] In a concentric arrangement, it is also advantageous to provide a centrally located first pneumatic connection element. Pneumatic connection elements must be sealed. The central arrangement eliminates the need for a seal, as sealing is only required radially outwards, not radially inwards.

[0026] The connecting device has at least one fastening device by means of which the first plug-in unit can be attached to the trailer at a predetermined location. This makes it possible to automate the connection process between the first and second plug-in units. With an automatic connection process, the position of the first plug-in unit at the predetermined location is fixed and does not need to be determined beforehand.

[0027] The fastening device is designed as a single piece or in multiple parts. If the fastening device is designed as a multi-part device, it has a first part that is permanently attached to the trailer and a second part that is detachably connected to the first part. If the fastening device is designed as a single piece, it is attached to the first plug-in unit.

[0028] The fastening device is preferably arranged at least partially on the first plug-in unit. This allows for direct and secure attachment of the first plug-in unit to the trailer.

[0029] It is desirable that the first plug-in unit be attached to the trailer as quickly and easily as possible for the user. In advantageous further developments, the fastening device is therefore at least partially magnetic or has at least one magnetic element.

[0030] The fastening device preferably has two or three plate-shaped side parts arranged at right angles to each other. This allows this part of the fastening device to be positioned on an edge or corner of the trailer. The corner of the trailer thus provides a possible location for the predetermined placement of the plug-in unit.

[0031] The first plug-in unit preferably includes a first locating device. During an automated connection process, the position of the first plug-in unit can be determined in this way. The first locating device preferably includes a radio element with RFID (Radio-frequency identification), NFC (Near-field communication), and / or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) technology. Advantageously, the first locating device is passive, for example, an RFID transponder. This eliminates the need for the connection device to have an energy storage device.

[0032] The connecting device's leads are preferably flexible, in particular at least partially spiral-shaped. This means the lead length is not fixed, which is advantageous, for example, when positioning the first plug-in unit at the predetermined location.

[0033] The first connection elements of the first plug-in unit are preferably plugs and / or sockets.

[0034] In advantageous further developments, the first plug-in unit features a common housing for the first pneumatic and electrical connection elements. This common housing reduces the manufacturing cost of the first plug-in unit.

[0035] In other advantageous embodiments, the first plug-in unit comprises a first housing for the first pneumatic connection elements and a second housing for the first electrical connection elements, the housings preferably being connected to each other. This design allows for greater customization of the first plug-in unit. For example, different embodiments can use identical housings for the pneumatic connection elements and different housings for the electrical connection elements.

[0036] The object of the invention is also solved by a connection system according to the invention.

[0037] The coupling system for a semi-trailer truck comprises a coupling device with the aforementioned features and a coupling system with a second plug-in unit that can be mounted on a tractor unit of the semi-trailer truck. The second plug-in unit is designed to be complementary to the first plug-in unit and has at least one second pneumatic connection element and at least one second electrical connection element.

[0038] In some advantageous further developments, the second plug-in unit has a non-rotationally symmetrical housing. This prevents incorrect connection of the plug-in units, as described above for the first plug-in unit.

[0039] In some embodiments, the second connection elements are preferably provided, at least partially, in a rotationally symmetrical dual configuration. The advantages achieved in this way are essentially identical to those of the rotationally symmetrical dual configuration of the first connector unit. However, it is generally sufficient if only one of the two connector units has connection elements in a rotationally symmetrical dual configuration. If the connection elements of both connector units are provided in a rotationally symmetrical dual configuration, the connection between the connector units is redundant.

[0040] In some embodiments, the second pneumatic and the second electrical connection elements are preferably arranged concentrically. Here, too, the advantages described above regarding the concentric arrangement result.

[0041] The second plug-in unit preferably has at least one centrally arranged second pneumatic connection element. As described above, a central connection element is independent of the rotation of the plug-in unit about its central axis.

[0042] The coupling system preferably includes a locking device for capturing the first plug-in unit. The locking device enables the first plug-in unit to be captured during an automated connection process so that it can be easily connected to the second plug-in unit.

[0043] The catching device preferably includes a catching funnel in which the second plug-in unit is arranged. A catching funnel is generally understood to be a device that guides the first plug-in unit to the second plug-in unit. Preferably, the catching funnel has an opening in a first end region that is larger than the contour of the first plug-in unit. The second plug-in unit is arranged in an opposite second end region.

[0044] The securing device is preferably extendable together with the second plug-in unit by means of a pneumatic and / or hydraulic and / or electric first actuator, and in particular height-adjustable. As described above, the first plug-in unit is preferably attached to the trailer. To connect the two plug-in units, the plug-in unit can be moved towards the first plug-in unit by means of the actuator until the plug-in units are connected.

[0045] The assembly, consisting of the locking device, the second plug-in unit, and the first plug-in unit, can then be retracted. The first plug-in unit is detached from the trailer in the process. Retracting the assembly removes it from the trailer, preventing damage during transport caused by trailer movements (especially when cornering). Advantageously, after retraction, the entire assembly is positioned below the front edge of the trailer. This also protects the first plug-in unit from damage.

[0046] The first and / or the second plug-in unit preferably has at least one locking device for detachably fastening the plug-in units to one another. The locking device ensures that the connection between the plug-in units is not interrupted during travel, for example, by vibrations. The fastening by the locking device is preferably magnetic and / or pneumatic and / or by friction and / or by positive locking.

[0047] The locking devices are preferably automatically releasable. This eliminates the need for manual manipulation of the locking devices when uncoupling a semi-trailer. Advantageously, at least a second actuator is provided to release the locking devices. This second actuator can, for example, be in the form of an ejector that pushes the plug-in units apart, thereby also separating the locking devices. Such an actuator can also be provided even if no locking devices are used.

[0048] The object of the invention is also solved by a semi-trailer truck according to the invention.

[0049] The articulated vehicle comprises a tractor unit, a semi-trailer, and either a coupling device or a coupling system with the aforementioned features. The semi-trailer has secondary pneumatic and electrical connectors that are complementary to the primary connectors of the coupling device.

[0050] The coupling device, with its complementary design, connects the tractor unit to the semi-trailer. First, the coupling elements of the coupling device are connected to the coupling elements of the semi-trailer. Then, the connecting elements of the first and second coupling units are connected to each other. This establishes both a pneumatic and an electrical connection between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer.

[0051] Before connecting the connecting elements, the first plug-in unit can be positioned at a predetermined location on the trailer. The connection process between the first and second plug-in units is then preferably automated, in particular by means of the coupling system.

[0052] The towing vehicle is preferably autonomous, in particular at level 4 or 5 of the SAE J3016 standard of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

[0053] The tractor unit preferably comprises a drive system, a control unit for controlling the drive system, a communication unit for exchanging information with a traffic management system, and a tracking unit for locating the tractor unit. In this way, the articulated truck can be used in a traffic network, for example, that of an airport, a logistics center, or a factory site. The drive system preferably includes, in addition to a drive unit, for example, an electric motor, a chassis with wheels, as well as steering and braking devices.

[0054] The first connector unit is preferably attached to the front wall of the trailer. This places the first connector unit close to the tractor unit, thus reducing the length of the cables. It is preferably attached using the mounting device.

[0055] The first connector unit is preferably attached to the front wall of the trailer above a lower edge. This allows the coupling device to be connected to the trailer before the trailer is coupled to the tractor unit. For example, the coupling device can first be manually attached to the trailer, and an autonomous tractor unit can then pick up the trailer at a later time. Positioning the connector above the lower edge is advantageous to prevent the tractor unit from damaging the coupling device during the coupling process.

[0056] The first connector unit is preferably attached to an edge or one of the front corners of the semi-trailer. Semi-trailers generally have standard dimensions, so positioning it at a front corner ensures that the position of the first connector unit is precisely defined. This precise positioning facilitates the automation of the connection process between the first and second connector units.

[0057] The holding force of the fastening device of the first plug-in unit on the trailer is preferably greater than the insertion forces of the first and second plug-in units. In this way, the first and second plug-in units can be automatically connected to each other without requiring any additional resistance during the insertion process.

[0058] The second plug-in unit preferably has a second locating device that interacts with the first locating device of the first plug-in unit. In this way, the relative position of the second plug-in unit to the first plug-in unit can be determined. This relative position can then be used to automate the connection process.

[0059] The invention is illustrated and explained below using the figures as examples. It shows Figure 1 schematically shows a connecting device, Figure 2 shows a semi-trailer with a connecting device according to Figure 1 in a side view, Figure 2B the semi-trailer with coupling device of the Figure 2A In a frontal view, Figure 3 shows a semi-trailer truck during the coupling process of the tractor unit and trailer; in a side view, Figure 4 shows the semi-trailer truck of the Figure 3 with connected plug-in units in a side view, Figure 5 the semi-trailer truck Figure 3in a ready-to-drive state, Figure 6 a semi-trailer with a connecting device arranged at a front corner in a frontal view, Figure 7 a first plug-in unit and a complementary second plug-in unit in a perspective view, Figure 8 a coupling system of a tractor unit in a partially cutaway view, Figure 9 a semi-trailer according to a third embodiment in a perspective view, Figure 9A detail A of the Figure 9 Figure 10 shows an embodiment of a first plug-in unit in a perspective sectional view, Figure 11 shows a first plug-in unit and a complementary second plug-in unit according to a further embodiment in a side view, and Figure 12 shows a first plug-in unit in a top view according to a further embodiment.

[0060] In Figure 1A connection device 10 is shown. The connection device 10 has a first pneumatic plug-in element 15 and a first electrical plug-in element 16 at a first end 11. At a second end 12, which is arranged opposite the first end 11, the connection device 10 has a first plug-in unit 20. The first plug-in unit 20 has pneumatic and electrical connection elements (not shown here).

[0061] The first plug-in unit 20 is connected to the first pneumatic plug-in element 15 via a pneumatic line 13 and to the first electrical plug-in element 16 via an electrical line 14. The lines 13 and 14 are spiral-shaped and therefore flexible.

[0062] At the in Figure 2AThe semi-trailer 110 shown is a conventional semi-trailer. The semi-trailer 110 has a kingpin 117 by means of which it can be coupled to a tractor unit (not shown here). The semi-trailer 110 also has two landing gear jacks 116 (see Figure 2B The support winches 116 serve to support the semi-trailer 110 when the semi-trailer 110 is not coupled to a towing vehicle.

[0063] On a front wall 114 of the semi-trailer, which is in Figure 2B As can be seen, the semi-trailer 110 has a second pneumatic plug-in element 111 as well as two second electrical plug-in elements 112.

[0064] The first pneumatic connector 15 of the coupling device 10 is connected to the second pneumatic connector 111 of the semi-trailer 110. The first electrical connector 16 is connected to one of the second electrical connectors 112. The first connector unit 20 is suspended from the lines 13, 14. The weight of the first connector unit 20 is such that it is located above a lower edge 115 of the semi-trailer 110. In this way, there is no risk of a tractor unit coupling to the semi-trailer damaging the connector unit 20.

[0065] In Figure 3 Figure 1 shows an intermediate stage of the coupling process between the tractor unit 120 and the semi-trailer 110 of a semi-trailer truck 100. The tractor unit 120 has a lifting fifth wheel coupling 122. The kingpin 117 of the semi-trailer 110 is already mechanically connected to the lifting fifth wheel coupling 122.

[0066] A connecting device 10 is provided for the pneumatic and electrical connection of the semi-trailer 110 and the tractor unit 120. The tractor unit 120 also has a coupling system 50.

[0067] The coupling system 50 has a first actuator 56 to which a second plug-in unit 30 is attached. The second plug-in unit 30 can be extended vertically (parallel to the y-axis of an orthogonal coordinate system) by means of the first actuator 56. The x-axis of the coordinate system extends in the direction of travel of the semi-trailer truck when traveling straight ahead, the y-axis extends in the direction of gravity, and the z-axis lies horizontally.

[0068] The first plug-in unit 20 of the connecting device 10 is arranged above the lower edge 115 of the semi-trailer 110. To connect the first plug-in unit 20 and the second plug-in unit 30, the first actuator 56 is extended in the y-direction, which in Figure 4is shown. Figure 4 The first plug-in unit 20 and the second plug-in unit 30 are connected to each other. In this way, an electrical and a pneumatic connection exists between the semi-trailer 110 and the tractor unit 120. A control unit (not shown) of the tractor unit 120 can now, for example, release and apply the brakes of the semi-trailer 110 and control the vehicle lighting of the semi-trailer 110.

[0069] The connecting device 10 together with the coupling system 50 forms a connecting system 70.

[0070] To prevent damage to the coupling system 50, the first plug-in unit 20, the second plug-in unit 30, or other components during travel, the actuator 56 retracts after the first plug-in unit 20 and the second plug-in unit 30 are connected, which in Figure 5is shown. The first plug-in unit 20 is moved completely below the lower edge 115 of the semi-trailer 110.

[0071] In Figure 5 It is also shown that the semi-trailer 110 was lifted by means of the lifting fifth wheel coupling 122, so that the support jacks 116 no longer have contact with the ground. The articulated lorry 100 is now ready to drive.

[0072] To park the semi-trailer 110, the lifting fifth wheel coupling 122 is first lowered so that the support jacks 116 rest on the ground again. Then, the first plug-in unit 20 and the second plug-in unit 30 are separated from each other. No movement of the actuator 56 is required. The separation of the plug-in units 20 and 30 can be performed manually or automatically. The tractor unit 120 can then perform another task.

[0073] The Figure 6Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of the connection device 10. The connection device 10 has a first pneumatic plug-in element 15 and two first electrical plug-in elements 16. The first plug-in unit 20 is connected to the plug-in elements 15, 16 by means of a pneumatic line 13 and two electrical lines 14.

[0074] The first plug-in unit 20 is located at a front corner 118 of the semi-trailer 110. This arrangement of the first plug-in unit 20 simplifies the automation of the connection process between the first and second plug-in units 20, 30. The plug-in unit 20 is located at a predetermined position and does not need to be located by the first plug-in unit 30 or the coupling system 50 before the connection can be established.

[0075] In Figure 7A first plug-in unit 20 and a second plug-in unit 30 are shown. The plug-in units 20, 30 are complementary to each other and, when used as intended, are connected to each other such that their end faces 27, 37 abut each other.

[0076] The first plug-in unit 20 has a total of three first pneumatic connection elements 21, 21' and four first electrical connection elements 22. The connection elements 21, 21', 22 are combined in a common housing 25. The first electrical connection elements 22 and two of the first pneumatic connection elements 21 are arranged in a rotationally symmetrical double configuration about a first central axis M1. A centrally arranged first pneumatic connection element 21' is not duplicated.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting elements 21, 21', 22 are bushing-shaped. They are therefore formed as cylindrical recesses extending from the first end face 27.

[0078] The second plug-in unit 30 has a central axis M2. When the plug-in units 20 and 30 are connected to each other, the central axes M1 and M2 are aligned. A centrally arranged second pneumatic connection element 31' is provided on the central axis M2. The second plug-in unit 30 also has a further second pneumatic connection element 31 and two second electrical connection elements 32.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting elements 31, 32 are plug-shaped. They are therefore present as cylindrical projections extending from the second end face 37.

[0080] Due to the rotationally symmetrical double occupancy of the first plug-in unit 20, it is possible to connect the first plug-in unit 20 and the second plug-in unit 30 to each other in two different positions rotated 180° relative to each other around the central axes M1, M2.

[0081] The first plug-in unit 20 is cuboid in shape and has two elongated outer sides 28. Advantageously, the first plug-in unit 20 is positioned on the trailer 110 such that one of its outer sides 28 rests against the front wall 114 of the trailer. This ensures a stable position for the first plug-in unit. Due to the rotationally symmetrical double arrangement, it is irrelevant which of the two outer sides 28 of the first plug-in unit 20 rests against the trailer 110. In both cases, a connection between the first plug-in unit 20 and the second plug-in unit 30 is readily possible.

[0082] Figure 8Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the coupling system 50, which is arranged on a towing vehicle 120. The coupling system 50 comprises a catch device 52 with a catch funnel 54, a second plug-in unit 30, and a first actuator 56. The second plug-in unit 30 is arranged at the lower end of the catch funnel 54 and has a second pneumatic connection element 31 and two second electrical connection elements 32. The second plug-in unit 30 is connected to a control unit (not shown) of the towing vehicle 120 by means of a pneumatic line 51 and an electrical line 53.

[0083] The second plug-in unit 30 and the catch funnel 54 can be extended and retracted vertically by means of the first actuator 56. As with regard to the Figure 4As described, the movement of the second plug-in unit 30 enables the connection with the first plug-in unit 20 (not shown here). During the connection process, the catch funnel 54 guides the first plug-in unit 20 to the second plug-in unit 30. This ensures that the first plug-in unit 20 and the second plug-in unit 30 are correctly connected.

[0084] In the Figure 9 and 9A Another embodiment of the connection device 10 is shown. The connection device 10 has a first plug-in unit 20, which is connected via a pneumatic line 13 to the first pneumatic plug-in element 15 and via an electrical line 14 to a first electrical plug-in element 16. The connection device 10 also has a fastening device 40.

[0085] The fastening device 40 has three flat side parts 42, each arranged at a right angle to the other two side parts 42, so that they form a common corner 45. Figure 9A Only two of the three side panels 42 are visible.

[0086] The fastening device 40 is arranged at a front corner 118 of the front wall 114 of the semi-trailer 110. Each of the side parts 42 contains a magnetic element 44, which fixes the fastening device 40 to the semi-trailer 110, which is magnetizable in the area of ​​its front corner 118.

[0087] The first plug-in unit 20 is connected to the fastening device 40, for example by a screw or weld connection. After connecting the plug-in elements 15, 16 to the semi-trailer 110, the fastening device 40 connected to the first plug-in unit 20 is attached to the front corner 118 of the semi-trailer body. This gives the first plug-in unit a defined position on the semi-trailer 110.

[0088] The defined arrangement of the first plug-in unit 20 also simplifies the automation of the connection process between the first plug-in unit 20 and the second plug-in unit 30 with this design of the connection device 10, since the position of the first plug-in unit 20 is fixed at the beginning of the connection process and does not have to be determined first.

[0089] The in Figure 10The first plug-in unit 20 shown has a cylindrical housing 25 with a central axis M1. Two connection elements are provided in the housing 25: a first centrally arranged pneumatic connection element 21' and a first electrical connection element 22. The first centrally arranged pneumatic connection element 21' is a cylindrical socket, and the first electrical connection element 22 is an annular slot. The connection elements 21' and 22 are arranged concentrically. A complementary second plug-in unit (not shown here) has second connection elements in the form of projections that extend into the first connection elements of the first plug-in unit 20 when the plug-in units are connected. For connecting the pneumatic connection elements, at least one of the pneumatic connection elements can be provided with a sealing element.

[0090] Figure 11Figure 1 shows a first plug-in unit 20 with a complementary second plug-in unit 30. A pneumatic line 13 and two electrical lines 14 are connected to the first plug-in unit 20. A pneumatic line 51 and two electrical lines 53 are connected to the second plug-in unit 30.

[0091] The second plug-in unit 30 has a locking device 60 which holds the plug-in units 20, 30 together after they are plugged in and prevents them from separating immediately. In other embodiments, the locking device 60 can also be arranged on the first plug-in unit 20. Furthermore, in other embodiments, individual components of the locking device 60 may be distributed across the plug-in units 20, 30.

[0092] The locking device 60 has two locking hooks 61, which are located in the Figure 11In the depicted state, the first plug-in unit 20 engages positively behind the other. A locking spring 64 prevents the two locking hooks 61 from moving apart and releasing the positive lock. Each locking hook 61 has a chamfer 65. The chamfers 65 cause the locking hooks 61 to move apart when the plug-in units 20, 30 are plugged together, allowing the first plug-in unit 20 to engage between the locking hooks 61. If the Figure 11 Once the illustrated end position of the insertion process is reached, the locking spring 64 creates the positive fit.

[0093] A second actuator 62 is provided for automatically releasing the locking mechanism. This actuator is connected to the two locking hooks 61. The second actuator 62 can be controlled via a control line 63. When the second actuator 62 is activated, the locking hooks 61 are forced apart against the spring force of the locking spring 64, thus releasing the positive locking mechanism. The two plug-in units 20 and 30 can then be pulled apart, thereby releasing their connection.

[0094] The first plug-in unit 20 has a first tracking device 24, and the second plug-in unit 30 has a second tracking device 34. Preferably, one of the tracking devices 24 and 34 is configured as a transmitter and the other as a receiver. The tracking devices 24 and 34 can be based, for example, on RFID, NFC, or Bluetooth Low Energy technology. The tracking devices 24 and 34 can determine whether the plug-in units 20 and 30 are connected to each other in the desired manner.

[0095] In Figure 12Figure 1 shows another embodiment of a first plug-in unit 20. The first plug-in unit 20 has two first pneumatic connection elements 21 and two first electrical connection elements 22 arranged side by side in a row. The first plug-in unit 20 also has a housing 25 with a non-rotationally symmetrical outer contour. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 25 has a pentagonal cross-section. In other embodiments, this cross-section may differ, provided that the cross-section is not rotationally symmetrical in each case. This prevents a complementary second plug-in unit 30 (not shown here) from being connected to the first plug-in unit 20 in two different ways. This avoids an incorrect connection between the two plug-in units 20 and 30. Reference symbol list

[0096] 10 Connection device 11 First end 12 Second end 13 Pneumatic line 14 Electrical line 15 First pneumatic connector 16 First electrical connector 20 first plug-in unit 21 first pneumatic connection element 21' centrally arranged first pneumatic connection element 22 first electrical connection element 24 first locating device 25 housing 27 first end face 28 outer face 30 Second plug-in unit 31 Second pneumatic connection element 31 Centrally arranged second pneumatic connection element 32 Second electrical connection element 34 Second locating device 37 Second end face 40 Fastening device 42 Side panel 44 Magnetic element 45 Corner 50 Coupling system 51 Pneumatic line 52 Catching device 53 Electrical line 54 Catching funnel 56 First actuator 60 Locking device 61 Locking hook 62 Second actuator 63 Control cable 64 Locking spring 65 Inclined 70 connection system 100 semi-trailer truck 110 Semi-trailer 111 Second pneumatic connector 112 Second electrical connector 114 Front wall 115 Lower edge 116 Support winch 117 Kingpin 118 Front corner 120 Tractor unit 122 Lifting fifth wheel coupling M1 Middle axle M2 Middle axle

Claims

1. A connection device (10) for connecting of electrical and pneumatic lines between a tractor (120) and a trailer (110), comprising: a first end (11), a second end (12), and at least two lines (13, 14) connecting the two ends (11, 12), wherein at least a first pneumatic plug element (15) and at least a first electrical plug element (16) is arranged at the first end (11), and wherein a first plug-in unit (20) is arranged at the second end (12), having at least a first pneumatic connecting element (21) and at least a first electrical connecting element (22), wherein the first plug elements (15, 16) are complementary to second pneumatic and electrical plug elements (111, 112) of the trailer (110) and the first plug-in unit (20) is complementary to a second plug-in unit (30) of the tractor (120), characterized in that the connection device further includes a fastening device (40), by which the first plug-in unit (20) can be fastened to a predetermined point on the trailer (110) to enable automation of a subsequent connection process of the first plug-in unit (20) with a second plug-in unit (30), wherein the fastening device (40) is designed in multiple parts and comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the first part can be permanently mounted on the trailer (110) and the second part is detachably connected to the first part, and that the first plug-in unit (20) comprises a first positioning device (24).

2. The connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first plug-in unit (20) comprises a non-rotationally symmetrical housing (25) or the first connecting elements (21, 22) are provided at least partly in rotationally symmetrical double occupancy or the first pneumatic and the first electrical connecting element (21, 22) are arranged concentrically.

3. The connection device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fastening device (40) is arranged at least partly on the first plug-in unit (20).

4. The connection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening device (40) is at least partly magnetic or comprises at least one magnetic element (44).

5. The connection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening device (40) comprises two or three platelike side pieces (42) arranged at right angles to each other.

6. The connection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first plug-in unit (20) has a common housing (25) for the first pneumatic and electrical connecting elements or the first plug-in unit (20) comprises a first housing for the first pneumatic connecting elements (21) and a second housing for the first electrical connecting elements (22), the housings being joined together.

7. A connection system (70) for a tractor-trailer combination (100) having a connection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims and comprising a coupling system (50) which can be arranged on a tractor (120) of the tractor-trailer combination (100), having a second plug-in unit (30) which is designed to be complementary to the first plug-in unit (20) and having at least one second pneumatic connecting element (31) and at least one second electrical connecting element (32).

8. The connection system (70) according to claim 7, characterized in that the second connecting elements (31, 32) are provided at least partly in rotationally symmetrical double occupancy or the second pneumatic and the second electrical connecting element (31, 32) are arranged concentrically.

9. The connection system (70) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the coupling system (50) comprises a catching device (52) for catching the first plug-in unit (20).

10. The connection system (70) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the catching device (52) can be extended together with the second plug-in unit (30) by a pneumatic and / or hydraulic and / or electrical first actuator (56).

11. The connection system (70) according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the first plug-in unit (20) and / or the second plug-in unit (30) comprises at least one arresting means (60) for the releasable fastening of the plug-in units (20, 30) to each other.

12. A tractor-trailer combination (100) having a tractor (120), a trailer (110) and a connection device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6 or a connection system (70) according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the trailer (110) comprises second pneumatic and electrical plug elements (111, 112) which are complementary to the first plug elements (15, 16) of the connection device (10).

13. The tractor-trailer combination (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that the tractor (120) is autonomous and comprises a drive, a control unit for control of the drive, a communication unit for exchanging information with a traffic management system and a locating unit for locating the tractor (120).

14. The tractor-trailer combination (100) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the first plug-in unit (20) is fastened to a front wall (114) of the trailer (110).

15. The tractor-trailer combination (100) according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the force of adhesion of the fastening device (40) of the first plug-in unit (20) to the trailer (110) is greater than the inserting and releasing forces of the first and second plug-in unit (20, 30).

16. The tractor-trailer combination (100) according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the second plug-in unit (30) comprises a second locating device (34), which interacts with the first locating device (24) of the first plug-in unit (20).