Drawbar pin for a semi-trailer of a semi-trailer vehicle

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a kingpin for a semi-trailer of a semi-trailer vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1, a semi-trailer with such a kingpin according to patent claim 14 and a semi-trailer vehicle with such a semi-trailer according to patent claim 15.

[0002] Today, various types of motor vehicles are used as road vehicles for the transport of goods. These include articulated vehicles, which are also colloquially known as semi-trailer trucks.

[0003] A semi-trailer vehicle is a combination consisting of a tractor unit, which can also be called a semi-trailer, and a semi-trailer, which can also be called a semi-trailer, semi-trailer or trailer. The tractor unit is a shortened truck without a loading area, whose frame, chassis or chassis instead has a fifth wheel coupling to accommodate a corresponding attachment of the semi-trailer. The semi-trailer is a comparatively long trailer without a front axle, the front of which rests with its top, viewed in the direction of travel, on the fifth wheel coupling of the tractor unit frame and is held in place by the fifth wheel coupling so that it can rotate.The pivoting connection between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer is made possible by a bolt – called a kingpin, king bolt, or kingpin – that secures the semi-trailer and is held by the fifth wheel coupling. The cylindrical and rotationally symmetrical kingpin is fixed in the front area of ​​the frame and points downwards. The semi-trailer can also be referred to as a vehicle combination. The tractor unit can also be referred to as the front vehicle in the direction of towing, travel, or movement, and the semi-trailer can also be referred to as the rear vehicle in the direction of towing, travel, or movement.

[0004] To couple or hitch the semi-trailer to the tractor unit, the fifth wheel coupling is opened to face rearward, and the tractor unit reverses toward the semi-trailer, which is positioned on its fifth wheel supports. This causes the tractor unit frame with the fifth wheel coupling to slide under the front of the semi-trailer frame, and the kingpin to pass through the opening in the fifth wheel coupling into the interior of the semi-trailer. The tractor unit then stops, and the opening in the fifth wheel coupling is closed and locked. The vehicle / trailer combination is ready to drive. Uncoupling or uncoupling is performed in reverse.

[0005] The fixed kingpin of the semi-trailer thus not only enables a positive locking against the closed fifth wheel of the tractor unit against the direction of travel or towing, but also a rotational relative movement between the semi-trailer and the tractor unit, allowing the semi-trailer to follow the movement of the tractor unit even when cornering. Furthermore, the semi-trailer can supply the semi-trailer with electrical and hydraulic power via the rotatable connection between the tractor unit's fifth wheel and the kingpin of the semi-trailer, as described, for example, in DE 20 2007 014 589 U1.

[0006] Due to these relative movements between the kingpin and the fifth wheel coupling, during operation of the articulated vehicle, the material of at least the kingpin is subject to abrasion where the kingpin comes into contact with the fifth wheel coupling or rubs against the fifth wheel coupling. This abrasion or wear of the kingpin reduces its material strength and thus weakens the kingpin as a transmission element in the power flow between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer. This can lead to the kingpin breaking off.

[0007] Therefore, to ensure road safety, it is necessary to check the kingpin for wear on an articulated vehicle regularly, for example at specific intervals such as every six months or depending on the use of the articulated vehicle, for example, the number of kilometers driven. This has previously been done manually, i.e., by a person who measures the dimensions of the kingpin at specific, specified points using a mechanical gauge or template to determine whether the measured dimensions still meet the relevant specifications, i.e., whether the kingpin is already excessively worn and needs to be replaced or not.

[0008] The disadvantage of this is that the assessment of permissible or impermissible wear on the kingpin is left to the individual, and thus there is a certain degree of uncertainty in that the assessment may also depend on the person's attentiveness and / or experience. This can lead to the continued use of an impermissibly worn kingpin, which can endanger the roadworthiness of the articulated vehicle. It can also lead to the premature replacement of a still-usable kingpin, which can cause additional effort, additional costs, and / or unnecessary downtime of the articulated vehicle.

[0009] Another disadvantage is that wear on the kingpin can vary greatly, meaning that within the permissible time or mileage interval between two wear tests, excessive wear can be reached without being detectable at the time. This can also jeopardize the roadworthiness of the articulated vehicle.

[0010] One object of the present invention is to provide a kingpin for a semitrailer of an articulated vehicle of the type described above, so that the inspection of the wear of the kingpin can be simplified and / or improved. In particular, the wear of the kingpin should be able to be monitored more regularly than before and, in particular, even continuously. This should be possible in a way that is as simple, reliable, space-saving, independent of personnel and / or automatically as possible. In any case, the road safety of the articulated vehicle should be improved or increased. At the very least, an alternative to known options for checking the wear of the kingpin should be created.

[0011] The object is achieved according to the invention by a kingpin having the features of patent claim 1, by a semitrailer having the features of patent claim 14, and by a semitrailer vehicle having the features of patent claim 15. Advantageous further developments are described in the subclaims.

[0012] The present invention thus relates to a kingpin for a semitrailer of a semi-trailer vehicle, which kingpin extends substantially along a longitudinal axis. As described above, the kingpin represents a bolt-like, rotationally symmetrical, and usually metallic projection that extends vertically downwards from the underside of the chassis. When used on a semitrailer, the longitudinal axis of the kingpin, as its axis of rotational symmetry, coincides with the axis of the vertical direction in Cartesian coordinates, i.e., with the direction of gravity, which extends perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

[0013] The kingpin according to the invention is characterized by at least one wear detection means arranged in the kingpin perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in such a way that wear of the kingpin perpendicular to the longitudinal axis can be detected visually and / or by sensors. In other words, a wear detection means is arranged within the contour or within the material of the kingpin in such a way that both the material of the kingpin and the material of the wear detection means are reduced in their radial extent by the abrasion or wear that occurs on the part of the kingpin during operation, as described above.

[0014] For this purpose, the at least one wear detection means can be arranged exactly radially or perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis or at least obliquely to the longitudinal axis in the kingpin so that the abrasion or wear can also reduce the wear detection means from the outside.

[0015] The present invention is based on the finding that by designing a part of the kingpin as or with a wear detection device, the extent of abrasion or wear of the kingpin at this point can be made visually visible from the outside and / or detectable by sensors. In any case, the condition of the wear detection device can be detected and monitored more easily in this way than was previously possible through regular manual inspections of the kingpin itself, as described above. This can reduce the effort and thus also the cost of checking the extent of wear on the kingpin. This can also increase the reliability of the inspection result, which can firstly increase the road safety of the articulated vehicle and secondly avoid premature or unnecessary replacement of a still-usable kingpin.Placing the wear detection device within the kingpin can minimize implementation costs and, in particular, the required installation space. In particular, continuous and significantly more regular inspection and monitoring of the extent of kingpin wear can be performed than previously possible, which can increase the road safety of the articulated vehicle and extend the service life of the kingpin.

[0016] Preferably, the wear detection means is arranged in at least one horizontal cavity of the kingpin, wherein the wear detection means comprises at least one first wear element of a first color, which is arranged between the outer edge of the horizontal cavity and a wear limit. The first color of the wear element differs significantly from the color of the material of the kingpin itself. In other words, at least one colored wear element, in particular made of a colored plastic, can be used as the wear detection means. This wear element can be introduced into a corresponding cavity of the kingpin and is flush with the contour or surface of the kingpin on the outside and can be visually recognized by a person.If the colored wear element is not yet completely worn away, the colored wear element can be visually recognized by the person and from this, the permissible wear of the kingpin can be determined. If the colored wear element is no longer visually visible to the person, the person can conclude that the colored wear element is completely worn away and thus the limit of permissible wear has been reached or exceeded. This can represent a particularly simple implementation of the present invention, which can allow a person to regularly visually check the wear. In particular, the driver of the tractor unit, who is to couple an unfamiliar or unknown semitrailer with a kingpin according to the invention, can easily and quickly visually check the wear condition of the kingpin of the semitrailer himself.This can increase the driver’s confidence in transporting the unfamiliar or unknown semi-trailer.

[0017] The wear detection means may also comprise at least two differently colored wear elements arranged radially one behind the other in order to increase the informative value, as will be described in more detail below.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, the wear detection means can enable electronic monitoring of the wear condition or wear limit of the kingpin, as will be described in more detail below.

[0019] In any case, the wear detection device can be arranged at a location in the horizontal plane or in the cross-section of the kingpin where particularly significant abrasion or wear typically occurs, or where unacceptably high wear is typically expected to occur first. This can increase the informative value of the wear detection device accordingly.

[0020] It is also possible, viewed in the horizontal plane or in the cross-section of the kingpin, to use several identical or different wear detection devices in order to be able to implement the previously described wear control at a corresponding number of points on the kingpin. This makes it possible, in particular, to monitor several points that are normally subject to significant wear simultaneously for wear as described above. In this case, for example, at least one sensory wear detection device can be used at a point on the kingpin that is difficult or impossible to visually detect for the person or driver. At least one optical wear detection device can be used at a point on the kingpin that is easy or readily visible to the person or driver.

[0021] Several identical or different wear detection devices can also be arranged offset from one another in the vertical direction, i.e., along the longitudinal axis, in order to monitor different sections of the kingpin and / or multiple locations within a section of the kingpin as described above, as will be described in more detail below. This can also increase the informative value of the wear detection devices accordingly.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the wear detection means is arranged in at least one horizontal cavity of the kingpin, wherein the wear detection means has at least one first wear element of a first color, which is arranged between the outer edge of the horizontal cavity and a wear limit, and at least one second wear element of a second, different color, which is arranged within the wear limit. In this way, the first color of the first wear element can be recognized by the person or the driver and a conclusion can be drawn as to permissible wear of the kingpin. If the person or the driver visually recognizes the second color of the second wear element, this can be concluded as to impermissible wear of the kingpin.

[0023] Thus, as a further development of the previously described single colored wear element, the optically detected second color of the second wear element can be used to conclude that the second wear element is still present. If only a first colored wear element were used, its absence could be due to either the permissible wear limit being reached or the single-colored wear element having become loose and fallen out of the kingpin. In this case, a still-usable kingpin would be classified as worn and unnecessarily replaced. This can be avoided by this aspect of the invention.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the invention, the wear detection means comprises at least one illuminant, which is arranged within the horizontal cavity and / or within a vertical cavity of the kingpin and is designed to illuminate the first wear element through the second wear element. The illuminant can be implemented, in particular, as an LED. The illuminant can be operated, in particular, permanently or continuously in order to be able to monitor the wear status of the kingpin at any time. Furthermore, the corresponding effort of switching the illuminant on and off or having to provide corresponding electrical options for this, such as an externally accessible switch on the kingpin, can be avoided.

[0025] The materials of the first and second wear elements, for example, made of plastic, can be colored and translucent accordingly, so that the materials of the first and second wear elements can be illuminated radially from the inside or "from behind," and the light emerges outward in the color of the last illuminated wear element. This can further improve the previously described aspect of the two-color wear detection device in terms of its recognizability and informative value for the person or driver, as the color can be visually perceived more easily due to the luminescence. This can make it easier or possible for the person or driver to visually recognize the wear detection device itself, and in particular its color, particularly in the dark, in poor visibility conditions, and / or when the surface of the kingpin is dirty.

[0026] Providing the kingpin with a vertical cavity can create sufficient installation space within the kingpin to accommodate at least one light source, and in particular, multiple light sources. In particular, a correspondingly small vertical cavity can sufficiently prevent weakening of the kingpin, allowing the kingpin to perform its force-transmitting function without restriction.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, the wear detection means, preferably within a vertical cavity, has at least one electrical energy store which is designed to electrically supply at least the lighting means, preferably also a detection unit and / or a wireless communication unit. As a result, electrical energy can be supplied to the lighting means and optionally to several or all of the lighting means directly from the kingpin itself, so that an electrically conductive connection to the electrical energy supply from outside the kingpin can be dispensed with. This can correspondingly reduce the effort required for using at least one lighting means, as described above. In particular, when using LEDs as lighting means, which usually have a very low electrical energy requirement, a permanent orContinuous operation of the lamp can be ensured by the electrical energy storage device even over years, eliminating the need for recharging or replacing the electrical energy storage device. If necessary, other electrical or electronic components of the wear detection device can also be powered by the electrical energy storage device, eliminating the need for additional or separate electrical energy storage devices.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the invention, the wear detection means is arranged in at least one horizontal cavity of the kingpin, wherein the wear detection means comprises at least a first wear element arranged between the outer edge of the horizontal cavity and a wear limit, and at least one second wear element arranged within the wear limit, wherein at least one electrically conductive element of an electrical circuit is arranged at the wear limit such that the electrically conductive element is severed by the wear of the kingpin when the wear reaches the wear limit, wherein the wear detection means, preferably within a vertical cavity, comprises a detection unit which is designed to monitor the electrical conductivity of the electrically conductive element and,Preferably, when the electrically conductive element is severed, corresponding information is output. The two wear elements can be the two single-colored first and second wear elements described above, or two wear elements of any desired color.

[0029] This aspect of the invention is based on the finding that, in addition to or as an alternative to the previously described optical wear monitoring options, a sensory monitoring option can also be created. For this purpose, an electrically conductive element, such as an electrical conductor or an electrical conductor loop, can be guided precisely to the wear limit of permissible wear of the kingpin at this point. This can be done, in particular, within the second wear element, for example, a plastic part, which can simultaneously be covered or protected from the outside by the first wear element, for example, a plastic part.

[0030] In this case, the first, outer wear element is abraded or worn along with the kingpin until the wear limit is reached. When the wear limit is reached, the electrically conductive element is also subject to abrasion or wear, which acts externally on the kingpin. The electrically conductive element is abraded to such an extent that it is severed, meaning that the electrically conductive element can no longer transmit electrical current or electrical voltage can no longer be applied via the electrically conductive element, which can be detected by the detection unit. The detection unit can therefore automatically determine that the wear limit has been reached.

[0031] Corresponding information can be output externally by the detection unit. If multiple wear detection devices are used, the information from the detection unit can also contain information identifying the respective worn or severed electrically conductive element or its detection unit, so that the location of the permissible wear reached or exceeded can be identified.

[0032] In any case, the corresponding information can be output via a wireless communication unit, which can at least wirelessly transmit data or information outside the kingpin and preferably also receive data and information from outside. This can be done automatically by the detection unit immediately when the wear limit is reached, so that the person or driver can react immediately. This information can be output continuously or regularly by the detection unit to ensure that this information reaches the person or driver. The output of this information by the detection unit can, if necessary, be terminated by an acknowledgement of receipt from the person or driver in order to save electrical energy on the part of the detection unit.The output of this information by the detection unit may, if necessary, additionally or alternatively only occur upon a query or in response to an external request, as will be described in more detail below.

[0033] In any case, the detection unit can output this information to the person or driver in such a way that this information is transmitted wirelessly to an electronic receiving device, such as a mobile device, for example in the form of a smartphone, a tablet, or the like, of the person or driver. Additionally or alternatively, this information can also be transmitted wirelessly by the detection unit to an electronic receiving device of the tractor unit, where it can be received and further processed, and output or displayed to the driver via an output element, such as a display element of the tractor unit. In this case, this information can, if necessary, be forwarded wirelessly by the tractor unit or its control unit to a fleet management system in order to be able to consider and plan the replacement of the worn kingpin.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the invention, the wear detection means, preferably within a vertical cavity, comprises at least one wireless communication unit, preferably a wireless transmission unit, which is configured to wirelessly transmit at least one piece of information from the detection unit to the outside of the kingpin. This allows the corresponding properties already described above to be implemented.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the invention, the wireless communication unit is configured to be wirelessly requested from outside the kingpin to transmit information from the detection unit. This allows the corresponding properties described above to be implemented.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the invention, the wirelessly transmitted information from the detection unit contains the state of the electrically conductive element and / or information derived from the state of the electrically conductive element. The state of the electrically conductive element can be differentiated at least as to whether the electrically conductive element is severed or not. Information derived from this by the detection unit can be that the corresponding wear limit is recognized as having been reached or not yet reached. However, the latter conclusion can also be drawn where the wirelessly transmitted information from the detection unit is received and further processed, which can simplify the implementation of the detection unit and thus save electrical energy, costs, and / or installation space.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the invention, the kingpin has along its longitudinal axis in this order: a mounting plate which is designed to be connected to the semi-trailer, a transition section which adjoins the mounting plate, a constriction section which adjoins the transition section and which is designed for a positive connection to a fifth wheel coupling of a tractor unit of the articulated vehicle, and a closing collar which adjoins the constriction section and which closes off the kingpin at the bottom, wherein the wear detection means, preferably at least a first wear element and a second wear element, is arranged at least once in the transition section, the constriction section, and / or the end collar. Accordingly, monitoring for wear can be carried out as described above at the corresponding locations of these sections of the kingpin.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the invention, the wear detection means, preferably at least a first wear element and a second wear element, are arranged at least twice, preferably diametrically opposite one another to the longitudinal axis, in the transition section, in the constriction section and / or in the end collar. This can increase the number of locations within the corresponding section of the kingpin that can be monitored for wear as described above. Arranging the two wear detection means diametrically opposite one another to the longitudinal axis, i.e. offset by 180° from one another in the plane of the cross-section, can make it possible to monitor wear with as even a distribution as possible.

[0039] According to a further aspect of the invention, the wear detection means, preferably at least a first wear element and a second wear element, are arranged at least twice in pairs, preferably as a pair diametrically opposite one another to the longitudinal axis and particularly preferably offset in pairs at right angles to one another, in the transition section, in the constriction section, and / or in the end collar. Thus, the total of four wear elements can be arranged in one plane of the cross-section, in particular offset by 90° to one another. This can further increase the uniformity of monitoring the kingpin for wear.

[0040] According to a further aspect of the invention, the detection unit is configured to monitor the electrical conductivity of all electrically conductive elements and, preferably upon severing at least one of the electrically conductive elements, to output corresponding information. This avoids the effort required to use multiple detection units, while simultaneously allowing the single detection unit to be configured to monitor all electrically conductive elements. This can simultaneously reduce electrical energy consumption and / or the required installation space.

[0041] According to a further aspect of the invention, the wirelessly transmitted information from the detection unit further contains an identification of the severed electrically conductive element. This can enable the differentiation of the individual electrically conductive elements even when using a single detection unit.

[0042] The invention also relates to a semi-trailer with a kingpin as described above. This allows the previously described aspects of a kingpin according to the invention to be implemented and used in a semi-trailer.

[0043] The invention further relates to a semi-trailer truck with a semi-trailer as described above. This allows a semi-trailer truck to be created in order to implement and utilize the previously described aspects of a kingpin according to the invention on its semi-trailer.

[0044] Several embodiments and further advantages of the invention are illustrated and explained in more detail below in conjunction with the following figures. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view, partly in section, of a kingpin according to the invention in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment; Figure 2 shows a schematic side view, partly in section, of a kingpin according to the invention in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment; Figure 3 shows a schematic side view, partly in section, of a kingpin according to the invention in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment; and Figure 4 shows a cross section through the transition section of the kingpin according to the first exemplary embodiment of the Figure 1 .

[0045] The above figures are viewed in cylindrical coordinates. A longitudinal axis X extends. A radial direction R extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, away from the longitudinal axis X. A circumferential direction U extends perpendicular to the radial direction R and around the longitudinal axis X.

[0046] Figure 1shows a schematic side view, partially in section, of a kingpin 1 according to the invention according to a first exemplary embodiment. The kingpin 1 can also be referred to as a king pin 1 or king bolt 1. The kingpin 1 or its body is made of one piece metal, i.e., integral, and is rotationally symmetrical to the longitudinal axis X.

[0047] Along the longitudinal axis X from top to bottom, the kingpin 1 has a mounting plate 10, a transition section 11, a constriction section 12 and an end collar 13. The mounting plate 10 extends in the radial direction R well beyond the other sections and is comparatively flat at the edges along the longitudinal axis X. There, the mounting plate 10 has several through openings (not shown) along the longitudinal axis X, through which the mounting plate 10 can be fixedly attached to the underside of a chassis (not shown) of a semi-trailer (not shown). The mounting plate 10 transitions seamlessly into the transition section 11, which extends comparatively far along the longitudinal axis X and is significantly smaller in the radial direction R than the mounting plate 10.The constriction section 12 adjoins the transition section 11 in a stepless manner and has an even smaller extension in the radial direction R. The constriction section 12 transitions seamlessly into the end collar 13, which in the radial direction R approximately corresponds to the transition section 11 and closes the kingpin 1 downwards along the longitudinal axis X.

[0048] When the semitrailer is coupled to a tractor unit (not shown), the constriction section 12 is received by the fifth wheel coupling thereof and is completely enclosed in the circumferential direction U. As a result, when the articulated vehicle with semitrailer and tractor unit is in operation, abrasion or wear of the cylindrical outer surface of the kingpin 1 and in particular of its constriction section 12 can occur, which over time can weaken the cross-section or material thickness of the kingpin 1 to such an extent that reliable power transmission between the semitrailer and tractor unit via the kingpin 1 can no longer be guaranteed.

[0049] According to the invention, the wear of the kingpin 1 in the area of ​​the transition section 11, the constriction section 12 and the end collar 13 according to the first embodiment of the Figures 1 and 4can be checked or monitored more easily, more quickly and / or more frequently than previously known by a person such as the driver of the articulated vehicle by providing a continuous horizontal cavity 16, 17, 18 in the transition section 11, in the constriction section 12 and in the end collar 13, which extends radially from one side of the respective cylindrical outer surface across the longitudinal axis X to the opposite side of the outer surface. A wear detection means 2 is introduced into each horizontal cavity 16, 17, 18 and is held there in a materially bonded manner, for example by an adhesive between the inner surface of the horizontal cavity 16, 17, 18 and the outer surface of the wear detection means 2, or in a force-fitting manner, for example by an at least slight oversize of the outer contour of the wear detection means 2 relative to the horizontal cavity 16, 17, 18.

[0050] Each wear detection means 2 has a first, outer colored wear element 20 on its edge, between which a second, inner colored wear element 21 is arranged. The two first, outer colored wear elements 20 are materially connected, for example by gluing or by a one-piece, i.e. integral, manufacture, to the second, inner colored wear element 21 located therebetween. The two first, outer colored wear elements 20 have a different color than the second, inner colored wear element 21. Preferably, the two first, outer colored wear elements 20 are green, in particular neon green, and the second, inner colored wear element 21 is red, in particular neon red. The transition orthe boundary between a first, outer colored wear element 20 and the corresponding second, inner colored wear element 21 is provided by the dimensioning of the wear elements 20, 21 such that this transition corresponds to the permissible wear limit of the corresponding section 11, 12, 13 of the kingpin 1.

[0051] If the semi-trailer is parked standing only on its fifth wheel supports, i.e., without a tractor unit, the kingpin 1 according to the invention is accessible from almost all sides in the horizontal plane and can be visually inspected from almost all sides, in particular by a person, such as a driver, who wishes to connect the semi-trailer to his tractor unit. This person can visually identify the wear detection means 2 of the transition section 11, the constriction section 12, and the end collar 13 from both sides and determine whether the first, outer colored wear element 20 or the second, inner wear element 21 is visible from the outside.

[0052] If the person recognizes the first, outer colored wear element 20, it can be concluded that at this point in the corresponding section 11, 12, 13 of the kingpin 1, the wear of the material of the kingpin 1, which correspondingly also reduces the radial extent of the respective wear detection means 1, is still within a permissible level. If the person recognizes the second, inner colored wear element 21, it can be concluded that at this point in the corresponding section 11, 12, 13 of the kingpin 1, the first, outer colored wear element 20 has been completely worn away and therefore the second, inner colored wear element 21 radially underneath is visible from the outside. This means that at this point in the corresponding section 11, 12, 13 of the kingpin 1, the permissible wear has already been reached or exceeded.has been exceeded and the semi-trailer can no longer be used safely. Instead, the kingpin 1 must be replaced.

[0053] Figure 2shows a schematic side view, partially in section, of a kingpin 1 according to the invention according to a second exemplary embodiment. In this case, a vertical cavity 14 in the form of a core bore 14 is also provided along the longitudinal axis X, into which the previously described horizontal cavities 16, 17, 18 open radially. Accordingly, in each horizontal cavity 16, 17, 18, a second, inner, colored wear element 21 is arranged as described above, which extends radially outward to the respective first, outer, colored wear element 20 and reaches radially inward to the end of the respective horizontal cavity 16, 17, 18. The wear elements 20, 21 are designed in different colors as described above, wherein the respective material is also designed to be translucent.

[0054] At the radially inner ends of the second, inner colored wear elements 21, a light source 22 in the form of an LED 22 is arranged radially outwardly such that the wear elements 20, 21 are illuminated radially outwardly by the light of the respective LED 22 when the LED 22 is operated. The LEDs 22 can be supplied with electrical energy for continuous or permanent operation by an electrical energy storage device 26 in the form of a battery 26, which is also arranged within the vertical cavity 14. The operation of the LEDs 22 can be started when the kingpin 1 is mounted on the semi-trailer and can continue until the electrical energy of the battery 26 is consumed.

[0055] Also in this case of the second embodiment of the Figure 2the corresponding locations of the sections 11, 12, 13 of the kingpin 1 can be removed by a person as previously with regard to the first embodiment of the Figures 1 and 4 described above. A person can visually perceive a light in the color of the first, outer colored wear element 20, as long as the wear limit is maintained as described above. If the wear limit is reached or exceeded at any point on the sections 11, 12, 13 of the kingpin 1, the first, outer colored wear element 20 is worn away at this point, and the light of the corresponding LED 22 emerges outward in the color of the second, inner colored wear element 21.

[0056] Accordingly, the person can distinguish between permissible and impermissible wear based on the color of the light, which can be visually perceived at the respective location. This allows the inventive wear control of the kingpin 1 according to the first embodiment of the Figures 1 and 4for the person in such a way that the colored wear detection means 2 can be perceived better and more reliably than without this backlighting, especially in the dark or in poor visibility conditions, for example in rain or fog or when the outer surface of the kingpin 1 is dirty. In particular, in the dark or in poor visibility conditions, the person can dispense with illuminating the kingpin 1, for example with a flashlight, in order to be able to visually recognize the wear detection means 2. Likewise, the effort of having to clean or wiping a dirty surface of the kingpin 1 in order to be able to visually recognize the wear detection means 2 can be eliminated.

[0057] Figure 3shows a schematic side view, partly in section, of a kingpin 1 according to the invention according to a third embodiment. In this case, the kingpin 1 is, as in the second embodiment, the Figure 2 described, which also applies to the extension of the wear elements 20, 21, which are colored as in the first embodiment of the Figures 1 and 4 described or can also be formed with the same, indeterminate color.

[0058] In each case, an electrically conductive element 23 in the form of a conductor loop 23 extends through the respective second, inner wear element 21 such that the conductor loops 23 run or reverse at the boundary between the first, outer wear element 20 and the second, inner wear element 21. All conductor loops 23 are electrically conductively connected to a detection unit 24, which is arranged within the vertical cavity 14 and can also be referred to as a control unit 24. The detection unit 24 is connected for signal transmission to a wireless communication unit 25, which is also arranged within the vertical cavity 14 and can at least transmit wireless signals, which is why the wireless communication unit 25 can also be referred to as a transmission unit 25.Both the detection unit 24 and the transmitting unit 25 are electrically conductively connected to the battery 26 and are powered by electrical energy from the battery 26.

[0059] If, in this case, the wear of the kingpin 1 reaches the wear limit at one point in the sections 11, 12, 13, the corresponding conductor loop 23 is abraded and severed. The detection unit 24 can determine for each of the conductor loops 23 whether the conductor loop 23 is electrically conductive throughout or severed. This can be done, for example, by applying a measuring voltage to the detection unit 24. This allows the detection unit 24 to distinguish whether the wear at those points in the sections 11, 12, 13 of the kingpin 1 where the conductor loops 23 are provided is still within an acceptable level or not. Corresponding information can be wirelessly transmitted from the detection unit 24 to the outside of the kingpin 1 via the transmission unit 25.

[0060] This information can be received, for example, by a handheld device such as a mobile device such as a smartphone of a person or the driver of the articulated vehicle and displayed there. This information can be transmitted continuously, although this can increase electrical energy consumption. This information can also only be transmitted when the person or driver requests the kingpin 1 according to the invention to do so by sending appropriate information, which can also be done via the smartphone. This allows the corresponding information to be retrieved as needed, which can reduce the electrical energy consumption of the kingpin 1 according to the invention and thus increase the operating time of the detection unit 24 and the transmission unit 25.

[0061] This information can, for example, also be received by a control unit of the tractor unit and displayed there to the driver. In this case, too, the information can be transmitted by the kingpin 1 according to the invention continuously or only upon request by the tractor unit's control unit. In any case, the received information can be displayed to the tractor unit driver in order to be informed about the roadworthy condition of the kingpin 1, particularly during operation of the articulated vehicle.

[0062] In any case, the detection unit 24 can distinguish between the various conductor loops 23, so that the information transmitted outward can also include an identification of the respective conductor loops 23. Thus, if one of the first, outer wear elements 20 reaches its limit and the corresponding conductor loop 23 is severed, the person or driver can be specifically informed at which point and at which section 11, 12, 13 of the kingpin 1 the permissible wear is reached or exceeded. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS (part of the description)

[0063] Rradial direction Ucircumferential direction XLongitudinal axis 1Kingpin; kingpin; king bolt 10Mounting plate 11Transition section 12Constriction section 13End collar 14Vertical cavity; core bore 16Horizontal cavities of the transition section 11 17Horizontal cavities of the constriction section 12 18Horizontal cavities of the end collar 13 2Wear detection means 20First, outer (colored) wear elements 21Second, inner (colored) wear elements 22Lighting devices; LEDs 23Electrically conductive elements; conductor loops 24Detection unit; control unit 25Wireless communication unit or wireless transmission unit 26Electrical energy storage device; battery

Claims

1. Fifth-wheel kingpin (1) for a semitrailer of a tractor-trailer, extending substantially along a longitudinal axis (X), characterized by at least one wear detection means (2) which is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) in the fifth-wheel kingpin (1) in such a way that wear to the fifth-wheel kingpin (1) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) can be detected visually and / or by sensor.

2. Fifth-wheel kingpin (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the wear detection means (2) is arranged in at least one horizontal cavity (16, 17, 18) of the fifth-wheel kingpin (1), the wear detection means (2) having at least one first wear element (20) of a first color, which is arranged between the outer edge of the horizontal cavity (16, 17, 18) and a wear limit, and having at least one second wear element (21) of a second, different color, which is arranged within the wear limit.

3. Fifth-wheel kingpin (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the wear detection means (2) has at least one lighting means (22) which is arranged and designed within the horizontal cavity (16, 17, 18) and / or within a vertical cavity (14) of the fifth-wheel kingpin (1) to illuminate the first wear element (20) through the second wear element (21).

4. Fifth-wheel kingpin (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the wear detection means (2), preferably within a vertical cavity (14), has at least one electrical energy storage device (26) which is designed to electrically supply at least the lighting means (22), preferably also a detection unit (24) and / or a wireless communication unit (25).

5. Fifth-wheel kingpin (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wear detection means (2) is arranged in at least one horizontal cavity (16, 17, 18) of the fifth-wheel kingpin (1), the wear detection means (2) having at least one first wear element (20) which is arranged between the outer edge of the horizontal cavity (16, 17, 18) and a wear limit, and having at least one second wear element (21) which is arranged within the wear limit, at least one electrically conductive element (23) of an electrical circuit being arranged at the wear limit so that the electrically conductive element (23) is severed by the wear to the fifth-wheel kingpin (1) if the wear reaches the wear limit, the wear detection means (2), preferably within a vertical cavity (14), having a detection unit (24) which is designed to monitor the electrical conductivity of the electrically conductive element (23) and, preferably when the electrically conductive element (23) is severed, to output corresponding information.

6. Fifth-wheel kingpin (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the wear detection means (2), preferably within a vertical cavity (14), has at least one wireless communication unit (25), preferably a wireless transmission unit (25), which is designed to wirelessly transmit at least one item of information from the detection unit (24) to the outside of the fifth-wheel kingpin (1).

7. Fifth-wheel kingpin (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the wireless communication unit (25) is designed to be requested from outside the fifth-wheel kingpin (1) to wirelessly transmit information from the detection unit (24).

8. Fifth-wheel kingpin (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the wirelessly transmitted information from the detection unit (24) contains the state of the electrically conductive element (23) and / or information derived from the state of the electrically conductive element (23).

9. Fifth-wheel kingpin (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fifth-wheel kingpin (1) has along its longitudinal axis (X) in this order: a mounting plate (10) which is designed to be connected to the semitrailer, a transition portion (11) which adjoins the mounting plate (10), a constriction portion (12) which adjoins the transition portion (11) and which is designed for positively connecting to a fifth-wheel coupling of a semitrailer tractor of the tractor-trailer, and a closing collar (13) which adjoins the constriction portion (12) and which adjoins the fifth-wheel kingpin (1) at the bottom, the wear detection means (2), preferably at least a first wear element (20) and a second wear element (21), being arranged at least once in the transition portion (11), in the constriction portion (12) and / or in the closing collar (13).

10. Fifth-wheel kingpin (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that wherein the wear detection means (2), preferably at least a first wear element (20) and a second wear element (21), is arranged at least twice, preferably diametrically opposite one another to the longitudinal axis (X), in the transition portion (11), in the constriction portion (12) and / or in the closing collar (13).

11. Fifth-wheel kingpin (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that wherein the wear detection means (2), preferably at least a first wear element (20) and a second wear element (21), is arranged at least twice in pairs, preferably as a pair diametrically opposite one another to the longitudinal axis (X) and particularly preferably offset in pairs at right angles to one another, in the transition portion (11), in the constriction portion (12) and / or in the closing collar (13).

12. Fifth-wheel kingpin (1) according to any of claims 5 to 8 and according to either of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the detection unit (24) is designed to monitor the electrical conductivity of all electrically conductive elements (23) and, preferably when at least one of the electrically conductive elements (23) is severed, to output corresponding information.

13. Fifth-wheel kingpin (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the wirelessly transmitted information from the detection unit (24) further contains an identification of the severed electrically conductive element (23).

14. Semitrailer having a fifth-wheel kingpin (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

15. Tractor-trailer having a semitrailer according to claim 14.