COUPLING DEVICE FOR A TOWING VEHICLE WITH AN OBJECT DEVICE ATTACHED TO IT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a coupling device for a towing vehicle with an object recognition means attached thereto according to the features set out in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The object recognition device can be, in particular, a camera that provides the driver with an image of the area behind the vehicle, including the parked trailer, in the driver's cab, especially during coupling of a trailer to the towing vehicle. Using this image, the towing vehicle can be maneuvered more precisely towards the coupling point of the trailer.

[0003] A camera mounted on the coupling plate of a fifth wheel coupling is disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2004 048 139 A1 in connection with a safety device for a semi-trailer truck consisting of a tractor unit and a semi-trailer. With the aid of this safety device, a permissible maximum distance between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer can be monitored and / or maintained when the semi-trailer is coupled to the coupling, the kingpin is unlocked, and the support leg is retracted. The position of the kingpin on the semi-trailer relative to the coupling plate can be determined by means of a camera mounted in or on the coupling plate.

[0004] Another state of the art is represented by DE 10 2004 029 130 A1, which uses a camera mounted as close as possible to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, either laterally, underneath, or inside the fifth wheel coupling. Mounting the camera on or near the vehicle's longitudinal axis has the advantage of providing a largely distortion-free image. However, the closer the camera is positioned to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, the more likely it is to be within the range of influence of the trailer's coupling device, such as a kingpin, and is therefore exposed to an increased risk of damage.

[0005] German patent DE 101 55 056 A1 describes a plug-in coupling system for connecting cables between two vehicles. The system comprises a plug socket that is movable within the insertion opening of the coupling plate. After a semi-trailer is coupled, the plug socket axially contacts a complementary plug held on the semi-trailer. The insertion and retraction of the plug socket is triggered by a signal from a first sensor, which is also stationary within the insertion opening.

[0006] DE 10 2007 053 117 A1 deals with a drive for a moving part in a vehicle, such as a camera, which is movably mounted between an extended position (out of the vehicle) and a retracted position (inside the vehicle). The camera is intended to record the vehicle's roadway.

[0007] EP 3 141 685 A2 discloses a sensor device integrated into a module unit for contactless actuation of a moving part of a motor vehicle, such as a tailgate, side door or hood.

[0008] German patent DE 10 2019 008 918 A1 proposes a fifth wheel coupling with a coupling plate and a camera. The coupling plate features, among other things, two entry horns that laterally define a conically shaped entry opening extending in the rear direction. The camera is to be fixedly mounted on one of the two entry horns of the coupling plate.

[0009] A fixed mounting of the camera on bearing elements of the coupling plate can be found in DE 10 2019 008 919 A1.

[0010] US 3,697,974 A discloses a coupling device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0011] The invention was therefore based on the objective of arranging an object recognition device with a low risk of damage as close as possible to the longitudinal axis of the towing vehicle.

[0012] The problem is solved according to the invention with the features of claim 1.

[0013] An object detection device is understood to be a camera capable of operating in the non-visible spectrum, for example, in the infrared range, and / or in the visible spectrum. In addition to 2D image sensors, imaging sensors capable of capturing 3D information are also suitable. These include, in particular, laser scanners, radar sensors, and ultrasonic sensors. For better protection against external influences, the object detection device may be enclosed in a housing and preferably form a single unit with it.

[0014] The data provided by the object recognition device can be displayed on a screen in the driver's cab, serving as a visual maneuvering aid for the driver when coupling the trailer. However, it is also possible for the data provided by the object recognition device to be fed into the electronic data system of the towing vehicle, allowing the towing vehicle to couple the trailer autonomously or semi-autonomously based on this data.

[0015] Semi-autonomous clutch operation is an assistance system for the driver to support them during maneuvering.

[0016] The coupling element insertion contour surrounds the rearward-facing, open space within the coupling body, which serves for extending and retracting the trailer-side coupling element and for locking it in its final position. Typically, the coupling element insertion contour essentially comprises wall structures of the coupling body extending along the vertical axis, which capture the trailer-side coupling element during coupling and, as the towing vehicle continues to reverse, guide it laterally towards the locking mechanism of the coupling device.

[0017] Due to the movable mounting of the object detection device, it can remain in its functional position within a favorable area on or near the longitudinal axis of the towing vehicle or the coupling device until a late point in time, at which the trailer-side coupling device has already entered the free installation space of the coupling body and is laterally overlapped by the coupling device's insertion contour. Lateral miscoupling of the trailer-side coupling device is no longer to be expected at this point. The movable mounting ensures that the object detection device is removed from the path of movement of the trailer-side coupling device and enters the recessed clearance position. In this clearance position, recessed relative to the coupling device's insertion contour, the trailer-side coupling device passes over the object detection device without causing damage.

[0018] Advantageously, the object detection device is moved back at least far enough in the recessed avoidance position that it is flush with the adjacent section of the coupling device's entry contour. The trailer-side coupling device passes over the object detection device with a sliding contact.

[0019] The object recognition device is designed to be movably mounted along a line of movement.

[0020] According to a first preferred embodiment, the object detection device is mounted by means of a spring element, particularly along an effective axis. The spring element holds the object detection device in the extended functional position under spring tension. Upon contact with the trailer-side coupling device, the coupling device pushes the object detection device against the force of the spring element into the retracted escape position. The retracted escape position and the extended functional position then lie on the effective axis of the spring element. The key advantage of this embodiment is that no additional servomotors or actuators are required.

[0021] According to a second preferred embodiment, the object detection device can be additionally or alternatively mounted around one or more pivot axes by means of a spring element and / or a lever. In this embodiment, the trailer-side coupling device or other components of the trailer also initiate movement of the object detection device between its functional position and the retracted evasive position. However, this movement does not occur directly through contact between the trailer-side coupling device or other components and the object detection device, but rather through contact with the lever, which forms a kinematic chain with the object detection device. The advantage of this embodiment is that, due to the continuous load exerted by the trailer during driving, the object detection device remains in the retracted evasive position and is thus protected against external influences.

[0022] According to a third preferred embodiment, the object detection device is movable by means of an actuator. In this case, the actuator moves the object detection device without contact and mechanically independently of the trailer-side coupling device or other components of the trailer vehicle. In particular, the object detection device can also be used for other tasks as needed, for example as a maneuvering aid when reversing, regardless of whether a trailer vehicle is coupled or not.

[0023] It has proven particularly advantageous if the actuator is connected to at least one proximity sensor. The proximity sensor, in particular, initiates an automated process of the object detection device between the functional position and the avoidance position in both directions by activating the actuator, without any intervention from the driver.

[0024] The proximity sensor is logically integrated into the object detection device. The object detection device already serves to detect the position of the trailer coupling device and can therefore be considered a proximity sensor. When the trailer coupling device is in front of the object detection device and fills the entire field of view, it is time to activate the actuator and move the object detection device from its operating position to its retractable position.

[0025] The fifth wheel coupling plate can have a C-shaped bearing area in the region of the kingpin's end position, partially enclosing the kingpin circumferentially, and the coupling element insertion contour can be formed from this C-shaped bearing area. The C-shaped bearing area, open in the rear direction, is often also designed as a replaceable wear ring.

[0026] In any case, the C-shaped mounting area limits the free installation space in the direction of travel of the fifth wheel coupling plate and thus forms the front end of the coupling element insertion contour in the direction of travel. The movable object detection device is therefore inserted into the C-shaped mounting area.

[0027] Similarly, the fifth wheel coupling plate can have two coupling horns in the rearward direction, defining an entry opening, and the coupling element entry contour can be formed by the opposing flanks of the coupling horns. In this embodiment, the object detection means is inserted into a flank of one of the two coupling horns and, in its functional position, projects laterally into the entry opening. In the retracted, escape position, the object detection means moves into the corresponding coupling horn and preferably terminates flush with its flank.

[0028] Alternatively, the fifth wheel coupling plate can have a transverse bridge arranged below an entry opening in the rearward direction, and the coupling element entry contour can be formed by this transverse bridge. The transverse bridge increases the strength of the fifth wheel coupling plate and is positively connected to the underside of the fifth wheel coupling plate on both sides of the entry opening. The transverse bridge forms a lower boundary of the free installation space along the vertical axis, thereby limiting the coupling element entry contour at the bottom. In this configuration, the object detection device is integrated into the transverse bridge. The transverse bridge can also be connected to the fifth wheel coupling plate only on one side and serve as a holder for the object detection device.

[0029] Another alternative is that the fifth wheel coupling plate has a connector console of a cable coupling system in the rear direction and the coupling center insertion contour is formed from the connector console.

[0030] The connector console typically connects automatically to a complementary connector on the trailer during the coupling process. The connector console also limits the free installation space of the coupling body downwards along the vertical axis and extends the lower coupling element entry contour backwards, allowing an approaching kingpin to pass over the connector console unimpeded during coupling. In this design, the movable object detection device is attached to or within the connector console.

[0031] Advantageously, the object recognition device is pivotably mounted about a transverse axis oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the coupling device. Particularly in the case of digital image recognition, a trailer-side coupling device can be detected and the object recognition device directed at it. For this purpose, the object recognition device is mounted to rotate about the transverse axis and is preferably actively positioned about this axis by means of an actuator.

[0032] For better understanding, the invention is explained in more detail below using 9 figures. These figures show FIG. 1: a rear view and top view of a coupling body with possible installation positions of the object recognition device; FIG. 2: a longitudinal section through a coupling body with an object recognition device arranged in the bearing area of ​​a fifth wheel coupling plate in a functional position; FIG. 3: a top view of a coupling body with an object recognition device arranged in one of the coupling horns of the fifth wheel coupling plate in a functional position; FIG. 4: a top view according to FIG. 3 with object recognition device in evasive position; FIG. 5: a longitudinal section through a transverse bridge of the fifth wheel coupling plate with an object recognition device arranged in the transverse bridge in a functional position; FIG. 6: a longitudinal section according to FIG. 5 with kingpin approaching and object recognition means between functional position and escape position; FIG. 7: a longitudinal section through a coupling body with an object recognition means arranged in a plug console of a cable coupling system in a functional position; FIG. 8: a longitudinal section through a coupling body with an object recognition means arranged in a transverse bridge of the fifth wheel coupling plate according to a second, alternative embodiment and FIG. 9: a longitudinal section through a coupling body with an object recognition means arranged in a transverse bridge of the fifth wheel coupling plate according to a third, alternative embodiment.

[0033] The FIG. 1 shows a rear view and a top view of a coupling body 30 typically mounted on a towing vehicle (not shown), in which a coupling means 50 (see FIG. 6 ) of a trailer vehicle and pivotably fixed by means of a locking mechanism 31. In the present embodiment, the coupling body 30 on the towing vehicle side is designed as a fifth wheel coupling plate 40 and the coupling element 50 on the trailer side as a kingpin 51. In the mounted state, the fifth wheel coupling plate 40 is attached to the towing vehicle by means of two bearing blocks 47 opposite each other in a transverse axis y.

[0034] Before the kingpin 51 is coupled, it is positioned in the rear direction R relative to the fifth wheel coupling plate 40, which has a distally widening, conically expanding entry opening 42 on the side facing the kingpin 51. The entry opening 42 is bounded by two coupling horns 43 arranged on either side of the entry opening 42, which in turn are an integral part of the fifth wheel coupling plate 40.

[0035] At its proximal end, the entry opening 42 transitions into a bearing area 41 located centrally in the fifth wheel coupling plate 40. In the bearing area 41, the kingpin 51 reaches its end position E for driving operation and is held there releasably by the locking mechanism 31, which can pivot in and out of the bearing area 41.

[0036] The bearing area 41 and the entry opening 42 form a continuous and interconnected, free installation space 33, which in an extension in the direction of a transverse axis y and a vertical axis z of the fifth wheel coupling plate 40 is always dimensioned larger than the kingpin 51 provided for entry into the fifth wheel coupling plate 40.

[0037] The free installation space 33 is laterally bounded in a section of the entry opening 42 by vertically oriented flanks 44 of the coupling horns 43, the flanks 44 continuing into the bearing area 41 corresponding to the thickness of the fifth wheel coupling plate 40. The free installation space 33 is bounded upwards along the vertical axis z by the top surface of the fifth wheel coupling plate 40 and downwards, in a transition area between the entry opening 42 and the bearing area 41, by a transverse bridge 45. The transverse bridge 45 extends under the entry opening 42 and the bearing area 41 and is traversed by the kingpin 51 during coupling and uncoupling.

[0038] A connector bracket 46 of a cable coupling system for the automated connection and disconnection of the supply lines during the mechanical coupling or uncoupling process of the towing vehicle and trailer can also be attached to the fifth wheel coupling plate 40. The connector bracket 46 is held wholly or partially within the insertion opening 42 or offset from the insertion opening 42 in a rearward direction. The kingpin 51 can pass over the connector bracket 46 without contact along the vertical axis z.

[0039] In order to minimize spatial distortions of the image provided by an object recognition device 10 and to avoid computational processing altogether or to minimize it, the object recognition device 10 should be arranged as close as possible to the coupling body 30, in particular to the fifth wheel coupling plate 40, and also in its longitudinal axis x or as close as possible to the longitudinal axis x.

[0040] The following are suitable: FIG. 1 The marked installation positions for the object recognition device 10 are located in installation position 1 of the storage area 41, installation position 2 at the insertion opening 42, installation position 3 at the cross bridge 45, and installation position 4 at the connector console 46. All installation positions 1, 2, 3, and 4 are within the area of ​​influence of an incoming and outgoing kingpin 51, which would destroy an object recognition device 10 projecting statically into the free installation space 33 in the event of a collision.

[0041] The FIG. 2 This represents a first installation position 1, in which the object recognition means 10 is movably attached in the bearing area 41. The bearing area 41 forms an adjacent coupling means insertion contour 32. In the coupling body 30, in the embodiment shown according to FIG. 2 In the storage area 41 of the fifth wheel coupling plate 40, a receiving opening 34, shaped complementarily to the object recognition means 10, is provided and dimensioned such that the object recognition means 10 can fully immerse itself in the receiving opening 34.

[0042] Before coupling and during the approach of the kingpin 51, the object detection device 10 is held in a functional position 11 projecting into the free installation space 33 by means of a spring element 20. Only when the kingpin 51 strikes the object detection device 10 is the latter pushed back in an effective axis 21 against the preload of the spring element 20 and into the receiving opening 34.

[0043] When the object detection means 10 is aligned in the rearward direction R of the longitudinal axis x, the effective axis 21 of the spring element 20 is also aligned in the longitudinal axis x. In this case, the direction of the retracting kingpin 51 coincides with the effective axis 21 of the spring element 20.

[0044] In the case of an orientation of the object detection means 10 that is offset in the circumferential direction of the bearing area 41, the effective axis 21 of the spring element 20 can also be radially offset and then no longer aligns with the direction of the retracting kingpin 51. Due to the large force of the approaching kingpin 51, a partial force vector directed in the direction of the effective axis 21 is then sufficient to push the object detection means 10 back into its receiving opening 34.

[0045] The FIG. 3 This relates to an alternative embodiment in which the object detection means 10 is housed in one of the two lateral flanks 44 of the coupling horns 43, according to installation position 2. The effective axis 21 of the spring element 20 and the axial extent of the receiving opening 34 are aligned in the transverse axis y. In the functional position 11, the object detection means 10 projects under spring tension with respect to the coupling element insertion contour 32 formed by the associated flank 44 and extends into the insertion opening 42. The functional position 11 enables detection of the trailer-side coupling element 50, for example, the kingpin 51.

[0046] The FIG. 4 This illustrates the situation in installation position 2 when the kingpin 51 collides with the object detection device 10. This collision transmits a partial force along the transverse axis y to the object detection device 10, pushing it back within the receiving opening 34 in a direction of movement D to an escape position 12. This allows the kingpin 51 to pass through the otherwise unobstructed installation space 33 in the insertion opening 42. In the escape position 12, the object detection device 10 is inserted so far relative to the adjacent flank 44 that no parts protrude, and the kingpin 51, guided by the flank 44, moves towards the bearing area 41.

[0047] In the FIG. 5 A further installation position 3 is described, in which the object detection means 10 is housed in the transverse bridge 45 and dips downwards in the vertical axis z. The transverse bridge 45 forms the lower coupling means insertion contour 32. For this purpose, the object detection means 10 is movably mounted in the receiving opening 34 by means of the spring element 20 and, if a kingpin 51 approaches from an approach sector S, is pushed downwards out of the way by it in the direction of movement D according to the effective axis 21 of the spring element 20 in the direction of the vertical axis z.

[0048] The object detection device 10 has a housing 13 in which a servomotor 26 is also housed. The servomotor 26 actively aligns the object detection device 10 about the transverse axis y such that the optical axis x O of the object detection device 10 points backwards, i.e., parallel to the given terrain surface.

[0049] The FIG. 6 shows the same installation position 3 as FIG. 5 immediately during contact between the object recognition means 10 and an approaching kingpin 51. In the enlarged view of the FIG. 6 The housing 13 is particularly easy to see, on the section of which protrudes with respect to the coupling means entry contour 32 a mushroom head shape with two housing butt surfaces 14 inclined to the longitudinal axis x is formed.

[0050] The retracting kingpin 51 initially collides with the housing contact surface 14, located on the left side of the image plane in the rearward direction R, thereby pushing the object recognition means 10 towards its escape position 12 into the receiving opening 34. As the housing 13 passes over it, the housing is pressed against the kingpin 51 by the restoring force of the spring element 20 until the kingpin is released from contact.

[0051] After the locking mechanism 31 is mechanically opened, the towing vehicle and the trailer are separated. The kingpin 51 then moves backward in direction R and this time first encounters the housing contact surface 14 located on the right side of the image plane, and then pushes the housing 13 of the object recognition device 10 downward into the receiving opening 34.

[0052] In the FIG. 7 Figure 4 shows an installation position in which the object recognition device 10 is movably mounted in the coupling device insertion contour 32, which is limited by the connector console 46. A receiving opening 34 is formed in the connector console 46, its axial extension aligned with the vertical axis z. The object recognition device 10, with its spring element 20, is movably inserted into this receiving opening 34 along its effective axis 21. The direction of movement D of the object recognition device 10 corresponds to the vertical axis z. When the kingpin 51 approaches, it first encounters the connector console 46, which is located in the rearward direction below the insertion opening 42. This temporarily pushes the object recognition device 10 into the connector console 46 against the resistance of the spring element 20, so that the full depth of the insertion opening 42 is available for further coupling of the kingpin 51.

[0053] The FIG. 8 Figure 1 shows another embodiment in which an approaching kingpin 51 does not directly contact the object detection means 10 or its housing 13, but rather a bow-shaped lever 22, one end of which is pivotably connected to the object detection means 10 and the opposite, second end of which is formed with a contact bead 22b. The lever 22 is pivotally mounted between its first and second ends about the transverse axis y by means of a pivot axis 23.

[0054] During coupling, the kingpin 51 initially collides with the contact bead 22b and pivots it clockwise around the axis of rotation 23, causing the object recognition means 10 to be withdrawn from its initial functional position 11 in the same direction and move into the lowered escape position 12.

[0055] The FIG. 9 This represents another embodiment in which there is no direct contact between parts of the object detection means 10 and the kingpin 51. In this embodiment, the object detection means 10 is coupled to an actuator 24, which retracts the object detection means 10 from its functional position 11 into the receiving opening 34 until it reaches the escape position 12 when a kingpin 51 approaches. The actuator 24 is connected to at least one proximity sensor 25a, 25b, 25c, which provides a corresponding signal to the actuator 24 when a minimum distance is breached. The object detection means 10 itself can serve as the proximity sensor 25a, as it already identifies the kingpin 51 and can generate a distance value depending on its visible size.Alternatively or additionally, at least one proximity sensor 25b can be provided at one end of the coupling horn 43 or at both coupling horns 43 located in the rear direction R. Alternatively or additionally, a proximity sensor 25c should also be arranged in the area of ​​the bearing area 41. This detects an increase in the distance between the proximity sensor 25c and the kingpin 51, which is particularly important during uncoupling in order to move an object detection device 10, which may be aligned in the operating position 11, back to the escape position 12 in good time by means of the actuator 24. BEZUGSZEICHENLISTE

[0056] 1. Installation position: storage area 2. Installation position: entry opening 3. Installation position: cross bridge 4. Installation position: connector console 10 Object detection means 11 Functional position 12 Evasion position 13 Housing object detection means 14 Housing impact surface 20 Spring element 21 Actuating axis of spring element 22 Lever 22b Contact bead 23 Rotary axis of lever / spring element 24 Actuator 25a-c Proximity sensor 26 Actuator motor 30 Coupling body 31 Locking mechanism 32 Coupling element insertion contour 33 Free installation space 34 Receiving opening Object recognition means 40 Fifth wheel coupling plate 41 Bearing area 42 Inlet opening 43 Coupling horn 44 Coupling horn flank 45 Crossbar 46 Connector console, cable coupling system 47 Bearing block 50Coupling device trailer vehicle 51King pin D Direction of movement Object detection means E End position Reverse direction S Approach sector Coupling means x Longitudinal axis x O optical axis object recognition means y Transverse axis z Vertical axis

Claims

1. A coupling device for a towing vehicle with an object detection means (10) attached to the coupling device, wherein the coupling device has a coupling body (30) in form of a fifth wheel plate (40) and a locking mechanism (31), with which a coupling means (50) in form of a kingpin (51) is releasably held on the coupling body (30) in its end position (E), wherein the coupling body (30) comprises an available space (33) which is limited by a coupling means guiding contour (32) and extends along a longitudinal axis (x), wherein the coupling means (50) is at least partially immersed during coupling into the available space (33) until reaching an end position (E), characterized in that the object detection means (10) is a camera (10) and the camera (10) is mounted in the coupling means guiding contour (32) so that it can move between a functional position (11) protruding into the available space (33) and a dodged position (12) sunk into the coupling means guiding contour (32).

2. The coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that in the lowered dodged position (12) the object detection means (10) is moved back at least so far that the object detection means (10) terminates with the adjacent section of the coupling means guiding contour (32).

3. The coupling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the object detection means (10) is mounted by means of a spring element (20) along an active axis (21).

4. The coupling device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the object detection means (10) is mounted by means of a spring element (20) and / or a lever (22) about one or more axis of rotation(s) (23).

5. The coupling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the object detection means (10) can be moved by means of an actuator (24).

6. The coupling device according to claim 5, characterized in that the actuator (24) is connected to at least one proximity sensor (25a, 25b, 25c).

7. The coupling device according to claim 6, characterized in that the proximity sensor (25a, 25b, 25c) is formed from the object detection means (10).

8. The coupling device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the fifth wheel plate (40) in the region of the end position (E) of the kingpin (51) comprises a C-shaped bearing area (41) which is partially enclosing the kingpin (51) in the circumferential direction, wherein the coupling means guiding contour (32) is formed from the C-shaped bearing area (41).

9. The coupling device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the fifth wheel plate (40) comprises two coupling horns (43) delimiting an entrance opening (42) in the rearward direction (R), wherein the coupling means guiding contour (32) is formed from flanks (44) of the coupling horns (43) which are facing one another.

10. The coupling device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the fifth wheel plate (40) has a cross bridge (45) arranged under an entrance opening (42) in the rearward direction (R), wherein the coupling means guiding contour (32) is formed from the transverse bridge (45).

11. The coupling device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the fifth wheel plate (40) in the rearward direction (R) has a connector console (46) of a line coupling system, wherein the coupling means guiding contour (32) is formed from the connector console (46).

12. The coupling device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the object detection means (10) is mounted pivotably with respect to the coupling device about a transverse axis (y) oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis (x).

13. The coupling device according to claim 12, characterized in that the object detection means (10) can be actively positioned about the transverse axis (y) by means of a servomotor (26).