Coupling device for supply lines, in particular for conveying media from a tractor to a semi-trailer

Abstract

A coupling device for supply lines is used in particular for conveying media from a tractor to a semi-trailer (11) or vice versa. The tractor and the semi-trailer (11) can be coupled and uncoupled by means of a coupling unit (10), which comprises a fifth wheel coupling (15) on the tractor and a support element (22') with a king pin (21) on the semi-trailer (11). Below the fifth wheel coupling (15) and below the king pin (21), there is at least one coupling block (30, 31) each, the coupling blocks each being provided with a plurality of connector elements (37, 38, 77, 78) for connecting the supply lines (33, 34, 35, 36). A rotary element (20) disposed in the support element is provided, to which rotary element the at least one coupling block (30, 31) and a centering device (25) are fastened. During the coupling, the centering device interacts with centering means on the fifth wheel coupling (15) such that the coupling blocks (30, 31) can be aligned with each other and consequently can be connected to each other. The supply lines (35, 36) leading away from the coupling block (31) on the semi-trailer (11) are led, by connecting means (23, 24) in the rotary element (20), to the supply lines (35', 36') disposed in the semi-trailer (11). With said coupling device for said supply lines in particular for exchanging said media, a very compact construction has been achieved which allows the supply lines to be automatically connected when the fifth wheel coupling is coupled to the king pin.

Description

[0001] Coupling device for supply lines, especially for

[0002] Conveying media from a tractor unit to a

[0003] semi-trailer

[0004] The invention relates to a coupling device for supply lines, in particular for conveying media from a tractor unit to a semi-trailer or vice versa, which can be coupled or uncoupled by means of a coupling unit having a fifth wheel coupling on the tractor unit and a support with a kingpin on the semi-trailer, according to the preamble of claim 1. In tractor units, the semi-trailer is coupled to the towing vehicle by means of a fifth wheel coupling. The fifth wheel coupling essentially comprises a fifth wheel coupling plate with a locking device on the towing vehicle and a so-called kingpin on the semi-trailer. In addition, in particular electrical, pneumatic and / or hydraulic connections are coupled between the towing vehicle and the trailer. These connections are usually connected individually and manually via flexible lines.This is laborious and time-consuming for the driver when coupling and uncoupling the tractor-trailer.

[0005] According to the document US-9,085,208, it is also known, in particular, to provide means for transmitting electrical energy from an electrical system of a vehicle to that of a trailer. The trailer has a horizontally arranged sliding plate with a centrally downwardly extending kingpin, wherein an annular electrical contactor is attached to the lower surface of this sliding plate and is connected to the electrical system of the trailer. The fifth wheel coupling comprises an elongated electrical contact element corresponding to the electrical contactor on the trailer, which is positioned at the front end of a support plate of the fifth wheel coupling on the vehicle. This electrical contact element has a plurality of spaced-apart electrical contacts, which are electrically connectable on the one hand to the vehicle's electrical system and on the other hand to the contacts of the contactor on the sliding plate.Such an electrical connection occurs when the kingpin is inserted into the receiving opening of the fifth wheel coupling and locked into place. A disadvantage of this system is that the electrical contactor on the trailer and the contact element with the multiple contacts on the vehicle are poorly protected from the elements and when coupling or uncoupling the vehicle to or from the trailer, resulting in unwanted damage that can lead to malfunctions.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of improving a coupling device for supply lines, in particular for conveying media from a tractor unit to a semi-trailer or vice versa, in such a way that it enables safe and, in particular, automated coupling and uncoupling with a robust design adapted to harsh operating conditions.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1.

[0008] A coupling block is preferably arranged on the underside of the fifth wheel coupling and the kingpin, each of which is preferably provided with a plurality of plug elements for connecting the supply lines. The at least one coupling block and a centering device are fastened to a rotating member arranged in the support of the semi-trailer. During coupling, the centering device interacts with centering means on the fifth wheel coupling such that the coupling blocks can be aligned with one another and thus connected. Furthermore, according to the invention, the supply lines leading from the coupling block on the semi-trailer are guided by connecting means in the rotating member to the supply lines arranged in the semi-trailer.It is very advantageous to have this centering device attached below the rotating element at the support and the coupling block attached underneath, with the supply lines from the coupling block being led through the centering device into the rotating element and from there into the semi-trailer.

[0009] With this inventive coupling device for supply lines, particularly for the exchange of media between a tractor unit and a semi-trailer, a very compact design has been achieved that enables automatic connection of the supply lines when the fifth wheel coupling is coupled to the kingpin. The media to be conveyed are, in particular, electrical energy or electrical signals, pneumatic and / or hydraulic energy or signals, which are transmitted from the tractor unit to the semi-trailer or vice versa.

[0010] According to the invention, this rotating member has at least one base element that can be fastened in a semi-trailer and a slip ring package mounted therein, through which the supply lines to the semi-trailer can be energetically connected.

[0011] This rotary device ensures an extremely safe and reliable connection of the supply lines.

[0012] The invention and further advantages thereof are explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing. Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a coupling unit for coupling or uncoupling a tractor unit with a semitrailer, as well as a coupling device for supply lines according to the invention, each in the uncoupled state;

[0013] Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-section through a rotating element with a kingpin on the underside of the semi-trailer;

[0014] Fig. 3 is a plan view with a partial section of one coupling block in the semi-trailer according to Fig. 1;

[0015] Fig. 4 shows a partial section of the coupling blocks according to Fig. 1 with electrical plug elements in the uncoupled state;

[0016] Fig. 5 shows a partial section of the coupling blocks with the electrical plug elements according to Fig. 4 in the coupled state;

[0017] Fig. 6 shows a partial section of the coupling blocks according to Fig. 1 with plug elements for conveying a medium in the uncoupled state;

[0018] Fig. 7 shows a partial section of the coupling blocks with the plug elements according to Fig. 6 in the coupled state; and

[0019] Fig. 8 is a partial perspective plan view with a partial section of a variant of an insulation plate of the rotary member of the device according to Fig. 1.

[0020] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a coupling unit 10 for coupling or uncoupling a tractor unit with a semi-trailer 11. The coupling unit has a fifth wheel coupling 15 on the upper side near the wheel axles (not shown in detail) of the tractor unit and a kingpin 21 on the lower side of the semi-trailer 11. The arrangement and design of this coupling unit 10 can, of course, vary depending on the model or manufacturer of the tractor unit and the semi-trailer. It is used in particular in road vehicles for the transport of all kinds of goods, living beings, etc., or as work machines. In principle, it could also be used in rail vehicles.

[0021] The fifth wheel coupling 15 is provided with an upper plate 16 having a conical slotted opening 17 at the rear, which is fastened to a bracket 12 or the like. When coupling, the tractor unit is normally driven backward beneath the semitrailer 11, so that the fifth wheel coupling 15, with its conical slotted opening 17, engages the shaft-shaped kingpin 21 and is retracted into this slotted opening 17 as far as it will go and locked. A support plate 22 of the semitrailer 11, which surrounds the kingpin 21 and is located on the underside of the floor wall 13, rests on an upper support surface 16' of the plate 16 of the fifth wheel coupling 15 in the coupled state. Starting from this upper support surface 16', the plate 16 is preferably formed on the rear side with a bevel 16" so that tolerances are compensated during coupling and this plate 16 can be safely guided under the support plate 22 of the semi-trailer 11.

[0022] A centering device 25 is arranged behind and protruding approximately radially from the kingpin 21 below the support 22' of the semi-trailer 11. In the coupled state, wedge-shaped centering means 26 projecting from the front of this centering device 25 wedge into this conical slotted opening 17 of the fifth wheel coupling 15 by being pressed with their wedge surfaces 26' against the flanks 17' of the slotted opening 17 in the plate 16 by spring elements 56. This centering device 25 is mounted on a support plate 22 so as to be rotatable about the rotational axis A of the kingpin 21 attached to the semi-trailer 11, and its longitudinal extent is thus always aligned in the direction of travel of the tractor unit. These wedge-shaped centering means 26 and the spring members 56 are each guided by a guide element 54 in a rod assembly 57 through which the supply lines 35, 36 are preferably guided in a protected manner.It would also be possible to provide only one guide element and one spring element, with the respective spring element being designed as a spiral spring, disc springs, leaf springs, or the like. If leaf springs were used, these could be positioned analogously instead of the guide elements and wedges and inserted directly into this conical slotted opening 17 of the fifth wheel coupling 15 during coupling.

[0023] In addition, the coupling unit 10 is assigned a coupling device for supply lines 33, 34, 35, 36, in particular for conveying media from the tractor unit to the semitrailer 11 or vice versa. These media are electrical, pneumatic and / or hydraulic energies. Compressed air, oil, water and / or other media can be used, which can be supplied from one to the other in a controlled manner by drive elements in the tractor unit or in the semitrailer 11, which can be batteries, generators, hydraulic or pneumatic pumps, pressure vessels or the like, to which the supply lines 33, 34, 35, 36 are connected. Depending on the function, the media can be supplied or conveyed by electrical signal transmission or by pneumatic or hydraulic control pulses.

[0024] According to the invention, a coupling block 30, 31 is arranged on the underside of the fifth wheel coupling 15 and the kingpin 21, each of which is preferably provided with a plurality of plug elements 37, 38 for connecting the supply lines 33, 34, 35, 36. A rotating member 20 is arranged on the underside of the semitrailer 11, to which the at least one coupling block 31 and this centering device 25 are fastened. During coupling, the centering device 25 interacts with the centering means 26 on the fifth wheel coupling 15 in such a way that the coupling blocks 30, 31 can be aligned with one another and, consequently, their plug elements 37, 38, 37, 38 can be plugged into one another. This makes it possible for the coupling blocks 30, 31 to couple automatically when coupling the tractor unit to the semitrailer 11 or to uncouple automatically when separating them.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the invention, the supply lines 35, 36 leading from the coupling block 31 in the semi-trailer 11 are guided by connecting means 23, 24 in the rotary member 20 to the supply lines 35', 36' arranged in the semi-trailer 11.

[0026] According to Fig. 2, the rotating member 20 includes at least one base element 27 fastened in the floor wall 13 of the semitrailer 11 and a slip ring assembly 29 rotatably mounted therein, which is provided with the connecting means 23, 24, which energetically connects the supply lines 33, 34, 35, 36 of the tractor unit via the coupling blocks 30, 31 with those to the consumers in the semitrailer 11. Rotatably mounted in the pot-shaped base element 27 of the rotating member 20 are an at least partially electrically non-conductive insulation plate 28 with the slip ring assembly 29, a stabilization plate 28' arranged below it, and this lower support plate 22. This insulation plate 28, the stabilization plate 28', and the support plate 22 are rotatably connected to one another by at least one positioning element 32, such as by bolts.In addition, the insulation plate 28, together with the stabilizing plate 28', are pressed against the base element 27 by spring elements 39 held in the support plate 22, thus ensuring a permanent seal between the base element 27 and the insulation plate 28. The respective spring element 39 is designed as a spiral spring, disc springs, leaf springs, or the like.

[0027] This insulation plate 28 is advantageously made of a material with good sliding properties, such as plastic such as PTFE or similar, so that it is permanently mounted in the base element 27 with low sliding friction. The base element 27 is very advantageously coated, in particular with chrome, on its contact surface with the insulation plate 28 so that the sliding properties between them are permanently guaranteed. In addition, the base element 27 is made in one piece or from a plate and a ring, as illustrated on the right-hand side of the section in Fig. 2. The support plate 22 is supported externally on an indicated bearing ring 41 in the base element 27 and in the center on a hub 42 of the kingpin 21 fastened to the base element 27.The supply lines 35, 36 are routed through transverse bores 19 in the support plate 22, which are sealed with a sealing material (not shown in detail) so that the support plate 22 serves as a closure cover for the base element 27. The kingpin 21 could alternatively be fastened in the semi-trailer and extend through the base element, or it could be screwed to the underside of a separate holding element contained in the base element, this holding element being provided with the hub (42), although this is not shown in detail.

[0028] The slip ring assembly 29 with the connecting means 23, 24 preferably comprises a plurality of coaxially spaced-apart annular grooves 44 and slip rings 43 with input-side connections 45, 46 of the supply lines 35, 36 leading from the coupling block 31, as well as connecting elements 47 and sliding contacts 48 on the base element 27. These connecting elements 47 each form a passage from the annular groove 44 to the supply line 35', while electrical current is conducted to the supply line 36' and from there to a consumer in the semitrailer 11 or vice versa through the electrically conductive sliding contacts 48, each protected by an insulator 53. One annular groove 44 is arranged on the inside and one on the outside, and three slip rings 43 are arranged spaced apart from one another between them.Of course, the number and arrangement of the ring grooves and slip rings of this slip ring package 29 could be varied depending on the specifics of the loads or drive components in the trailer. It would also be possible to provide only one or only several slip rings or ring grooves.

[0029] Furthermore, an annular recess 49 and at least one transverse bore 51 extending from this through the base element 27 are provided as a pressure equalization device on both sides of the annular grooves 44, by means of which it can be prevented that pressure builds up between the insulation plate 28 and the base element 27, in particular in the event of a leak, and that a gap could form between them, as a result of which the sealing of the connecting means 23 would no longer be guaranteed.

[0030] The invention is thus characterized by this compact arrangement of the coupling device, in which this rotating member 20 is provided at the support with the centering device 25 attached below it and the coupling block 31 below it, as well as the supply lines 35, 36 guided from the latter through the centering device 25 into the rotating member 20 and from there into the semi-trailer 11. This slim design is further facilitated by the low overall height of the box-shaped coupling blocks 30, 31.

[0031] When the tractor unit is moving, the centering device 25 of the fifth wheel coupling 15 is always aligned in the direction of travel. When changing direction, the support plate 22 and, with it, the insulation plate 28 with the slip rings 43 and the annular grooves 44 are rotated by the centering device 25, while the connecting elements 47 and the electrically conductive sliding contacts 48 on the base element 27 remain stationary. This provides a further advantage by allowing the supply lines 35', 36' to be permanently installed in the semi-trailer 11.

[0032] Fig. 3 shows one coupling block 31 in the semitrailer 11, in which two housing parts 60, 61 are held displaceably relative to one another by guide elements 68 with centering points 64 as centering elements and spring elements 69 running parallel to these. These bolt-shaped guide elements 68 are each held in the rear housing part 60 by a fastening element 71, while the front housing part 61 is positioned at the rear near the centering points 64 by stops 64'. On both sides outside the plurality of plug elements 38, at least one spring element 69 and one guide element 68 are arranged on the outside. They are arranged parallel to one another in one or more rows on a horizontal axis plane and thus enable this low overall height of the coupling device. Of course, the number and positions of the plug elements, spring elements, or guide elements can be selected differently depending on requirements.

[0033] The guide elements 68 are provided with centering points 64 projecting toward the housing part 61, which can be inserted into centering openings 55 in the corresponding coupling block 30 on the fifth wheel coupling 15 during coupling, so that centering occurs before the plug elements 37, 38, 77, 78 are coupled. The lines or hoses designed as supply lines 23, 24 are connected to the rear of the latter. The front may contain pivotable locking caps or the like (not shown in detail) that protect the plug elements 38, 77 when uncoupled. Furthermore, the rear housing part 60 also accommodates a transversely arranged compression spring 66 on each side, which allows play of the coupling block 31 transversely to the axial direction of the guide elements 68. Also advantageous are spring elements 66' acting in the z-direction on the housing part 60 of the coupling block 31 (according to Fig.1) are provided so that deviations in the y- and / or z-direction can be compensated for when centering the centering points 64 in the centering openings 55. Instead of these compression springs 66, 66', 69, other spring elements could also be used.

[0034] In the initial state, the housing parts 60, 61 are held spaced apart from one another as shown. During coupling, as shown in Fig. 1, the wedge surfaces 26' of the centering device 25 are first pressed against the flanks 17' 15 of the slotted opening 17. This results in the coupling blocks 30, 31 being aligned with one another and then precisely positioned by the centering means. The housing 30' of the coupling block 30 then moves rearward, displacing the front housing part 60, 61 against the rear housing part 60, 61 over a certain stroke against the spring pressure of the spring elements 69, in order to absorb the impact forces exerted on the housing part 61 when the tractor unit reverses, like a buffer. In addition, any tolerances in the coupled state between the fifth wheel coupling 15 and the semitrailer 11 can be compensated.

[0035] 25

[0036] Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show one of the electrical plug elements 38 contained in the housing parts 60, 61 and one of the plug elements 37 in the housing 30' of the other coupling block 30. Preferably, the plug elements 38 designed as pins are held resiliently displaceably in the rear housing part 60. Expediently, a bushing 63 guided therein and a

[0037] 5 compression spring 64 with a rear stop 67, wherein the bushing 63 is pressed up to a stop surface 62' in the bore 62 and in this the plug element 38 is fastened, extending through the bore 62 and connected at the rear to the supply line 35. In the front housing part 61, this plug element 38 projects in the unmated state of the coupling blocks, as shown in Fig. 4, into the pushed-forward front housing part 61, in which it is tightly enclosed. In addition, the plug element 38 is assigned an insulating sleeve 38' between the housing parts 60, 61. These plug elements 38 are thus protected from the outside in the uncoupled state.

[0038] 15 - The respective corresponding plug element 37 in the housing 30' consists of a metallic socket 65, an insulating sleeve 72 surrounding it, a locking bolt 73 therein and a spring 74 pressing this up to the opening 65' in the socket 65, to which the 20 supply line 35 is connected at the rear.

[0039] When plugging in as shown in Fig. 5 by pressing the housing 30' of the other coupling block 30 against the housing part 61, the plug elements 38 are each pushed out of the housing and plugged into the respective socket 65 with the matching plug opening of this pressing housing, because the housing part 61 is pushed against the stationary housing part 60. In doing so, this plug element 38 pushes the locking bolt 73 located in the socket 65 into a rearward position, and electrical current can be conducted through contact with the socket.

[0040] It is also evident that this plug element 38, held in the rear housing part 60, and the bushing 63 in this bore 62 are pressed rearward against the compression spring 64 as spring elements. This allows tolerance differences of the coupled coupling blocks to be compensated, or in the case of clamping, when the plug elements cannot be pushed into the bushings 65.

[0041] During uncoupling, however, the housing 30' is moved away from the housing part 61 and the spring elements 69 push the latter into the starting position according to Fig. 4, in which the plug elements 38 are again tightly supplied therein and the locking bolt 73 closes the socket 65 by the other spring 74.

[0042] Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 show one of the plug elements 78 contained in the housing parts 60, 61 and one of the plug elements 77 in the housing 30' of the other coupling block 30. These plug elements 77, 78 differ from those according to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 in that they are designed for the passage of a medium, such as air, gas, water, or oil. Only the differences compared to the electrical plug elements 37, 38 are shown below. The plug element 77 extending through the two housing parts 60, 61 is designed as a small tube and is preferably held resiliently displaceably in the rear housing part 60. A compression spring 81 and a stop 82 for the same are contained in a bore 83 in the housing part 60, wherein the plug element 77 extending through the bore 83 and connected at the rear to the supply line 36 is guided therein.

[0043] In the front housing part 61, this plug element 77 projects in the unplugged state of the coupling blocks, as shown in Fig. 6, into the forwardly pushed front housing part 61 in which it is enclosed. Advantageously, the plug element 77 is closed at the front with a cover 77' and is provided with one or more lateral openings 77", which serve as vent holes for the supply line 36 when uncoupled. These plug elements 77 are thus protected from the outside when uncoupled. The respective corresponding plug element 78 in a through-hole 84 in the housing 30' consists of a check valve 75 with a spring element 79 and a connection element 86, to which the supply line 36 is connected. When unplugged, the check valve 75 closes this through-hole 84, as can be seen in Fig. 6.

[0044] When plugging in as shown in Fig. 7 by pressing the housing 30' of the other coupling block 30 against the housing part 61, the plug elements 77 are each pushed out of the housing 30' and inserted into the respective through-bore 84 of this pressing housing 30' because the housing part 61 is pushed against the stationary housing part 60 of the coupling block 31. In doing so, this plug element 77 pushes the check valve 75 into a rearward position in the through-bore 84, thus forming the passage of the medium through this into the supply line 36.

[0045] During coupling, the check valve 75 is pressed against a stop by the plug element 77, as shown in Fig. 7. This creates a counterforce acting on the plug element 77, which can lead to a certain degree of instability. As a result, the plug element 77 has a certain degree of mobility in the coupled state within the housing part 60. Almost no relative movement occurs between the housing part 61, the housing 30', and the plug element 77. The ring seal 87 is thus not subjected to unnecessary wear. The same functional principle applies to the electrical connection.

[0046] Fig. 8 shows a variant of an insulation plate 90 with slip rings 43, which can be used instead of the insulation plate 28 according to Fig. 2 in or on the pot-shaped, plate-shaped, or other-shaped base element 27 of the rotary member 20. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used below for the same components as for the insulation plate 28 explained above. This insulation plate 90 is characterized in that it is provided with a single- or multi-part annular or other-shaped base plate 95 with annular grooves 98, 99 and multi-part insulation rings 93, 94 arranged therein, with slip rings 43 or sealing elements 91, 92 accommodated therein.This base plate 95 is advantageously made of a metallic material, such as aluminum, and in the assembled state it is pressed against the base element 27 by spring elements 39 held in the support plate 22, so that a permanent seal is ensured between it and the base element 27.

[0047] Embedded coaxially in the annular grooves 99 are each these multi-part insulation rings 93, 94 and a slip ring 43 in each of these. These insulation rings 93, 94 are each composed of lined-up ring segments 96, 97, each spaced a apart in the base plate 95 by a distance a. These segments are made of an electrically insulating material, particularly plastic. The purpose of these respective distances a is to allow the resulting expansion of the plastic material to sufficiently accommodate the high temperature differences that may occur during operation, without bending or warping. In principle, however, these insulation rings 93, 94 could also be manufactured in one or two parts, depending on requirements.

[0048] Between these insulation rings 93, 94, a further annular groove 98 is provided in the base plate 95, with sealing elements 91, 92 inserted therein, each for the passage of a non-electrical medium. These sealing elements 91, 92 are ring-shaped, one extending along the inner wall and the other along the stepped outer wall 98', 98" in the annular groove 98. They are preferably V-shaped in cross-section and have outwardly projecting sealing lips 9T, 92', which, when assembled, are pressed in as far as the mutual contact surfaces of the insulation plate 90 and the base element 27 in order to achieve a permanently effective seal in this annular groove 98 as well. This insulation plate 90 could, of course, also be designed differently than shown.For example, as with the insulation plate 28, three or more coaxially arranged slip rings 43 and more than one annular groove 98 could be provided, for example, at least one on the inside and one on the outside of the slip rings. Theoretically, only one annular groove could also be provided, or only one each with a slip ring and a pair of sealing elements.

[0049] The invention is sufficiently illustrated by the exemplary embodiments described. It could, of course, be further illustrated by other variants.

[0050] The coupling blocks 30, 31 on the tractor unit and / or the semi-trailer are mounted resiliently in the x, y, z directions and / or at an angle of rotation relative to one another, so that the dimensional deviations in the positions relative to one another that arise when coupling between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer can be compensated for.

[0051] In order to save space, the plug elements of the coupling blocks are arranged next to one another approximately parallel below the support surface of the fifth wheel coupling or the support of the semi-trailer in one or, if necessary, multiple rows.

[0052] In principle, the coupling blocks could be arranged next to the fifth wheel and the support instead of underneath them, and there could also be a coupling block on either side of them, which could be coupled in pairs.

[0053] The rotating element can, of course, also be designed differently. For example, it could have only a fixed insulation plate in the base element and, below this, a rotating plate with the slip ring contacts and connecting pieces. Or the base element could be mounted on a rotating base with the slip ring assembly inside, in which case the sliding contacts and connecting pieces would have to be mounted separately in the semi-trailer.

[0054] The coupling blocks or the centering devices associated with them could also be positioned the other way around, ie the one for the fifth wheel could be located at the support and the corresponding one at the fifth wheel.

[0055] In addition, the connector elements in the coupling blocks could be arranged in a simplified manner, for example by dispensing with these spring-loaded bearings and fixing them in the respective housing part.

[0056] To save space, the connector elements of the coupling blocks are arranged next to each other, approximately parallel, below the support surface of the fifth wheel coupling or the semi-trailer support, in one or, if necessary, multiple rows. The connector elements 77 in the housing 60, for the passage of a medium such as air, gas, water, or oil, could each additionally contain a check valve so that the medium is securely sealed against the pressure present in line 36 when uncoupled.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Coupling device for supply lines, in particular for conveying media from a tractor unit to a semi-trailer (11) or vice versa, which can be coupled and uncoupled by means of a coupling unit (10) comprising a fifth wheel coupling (15) on the tractor unit and a support (22') with a kingpin (21) on the semi-trailer (11), characterized in that at least one coupling block (30, 31) is arranged on the underside and / or next to the fifth wheel coupling (15) and the kingpin (21), each of which is provided with preferably several plug elements (37, 38, 77, 78) for connecting the supply lines (33, 34, 35, 36), wherein a rotary element (20) is arranged in the support (22') to which the at least one coupling block (30, 31) and a centering device (25) are attached. is, which interacts with centering means during coupling at the fifth wheel coupling (15) in such a way that the coupling blocks (30,31) are alignable with each other and consequently connectable, wherein the supply lines (35, 36) leading away from the coupling block (31) on the semi-trailer (11) are guided by connecting means (23, 24) in the rotating element (20) to the supply lines (35', 36') arranged in the semi-trailer (11).

2. Coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that below the rotating element (20) at the support (22') this centering device (25) and below it the coupling block (31) is attached, wherein the supply lines (35, 36) are led from the coupling block (31) through the centering device (25) into the rotating element (20) and from there into the semi-trailer (11).

3. Coupling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotary element (20) has at least one base element (27) fixed in the semi-trailer (11) and a slip ring assembly (29) mounted therein as a connecting means (23, 24) which energetically connects the supply lines (33, 34, 35, 36) of the tractor unit with those in the semi-trailer (11).

4. Coupling device according to claim 3, characterized in that the slip ring assembly (29) preferably comprises several coaxially spaced slip rings (43) and / or annular grooves (44) with input-side connections (45, 46) with the supply lines (35, 36) leading away from the coupling block (31), while sliding contacts (48) and / or connecting elements (47) are assigned to the base element (27), which are in contact with the slip rings (43) or the annular grooves (44) and to which the supply lines (35, 36) in the semi-trailer (11) are connected.

5. Coupling device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that in the fixed base element (27) of the rotating element (20) an at least partially non-electrically conductive insulating plate (28, 90) with the slip ring pack (29), a stabilizing or base plate (28', 95) and a lower support plate (22) with at least one spring element (39) between them are rotatably mounted, which run coaxially to each other and in their center the kingpin (21) attached to the base element (27) is arranged.

6. Coupling device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the centering device (25) attached to the support plate (22) with the support (22') and the fifth wheel coupling (15) with its slot opening (17) in the plate (16) for the kingpin (21) are each formed with wedge-shaped centering means (26), by which the centering device (25) is aligned in the longitudinal direction of the slot opening (17) during coupling and can be positioned around the kingpin (21) depending on its position by a rotational adjustment, wherein the centering device (25) rotates the support plate (22) and thus the insulation plate (28) with the slip ring assembly (29), while the sliding contacts (48) and connecting elements (47) remain stationary at the base element (27).

7. Coupling device according to claim 6, characterized in that the wedge-shaped centering means (26) of the centering device (25) are formed with two front wedges which are radially adjustable to the direction of rotation by at least one guide element (54) and are pressed into a front end position by at least one spring element (56), while the slot opening (17) of the fifth wheel coupling (15) is formed on the input side with corresponding wedge surfaces (26') on which, in the coupled state, in which the kingpin (21) abuts at the end in the slot opening (17), the wedges bear by pressing in the at least one spring element (56), so that the centering device (25) is positioned non-rotatably in the fifth wheel coupling (15).

8. Coupling device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the coupling blocks (30, 31) each have a housing (30') or housing parts (60, 61) with preferably several plug elements (37, 38, 77, 78) for connecting the supply lines (33, 34, 35, 36), wherein at least one centering element is assigned to each of the corresponding coupling blocks (30, 31), which first centers and then plugs in the plug elements during the plugging process.

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the housing parts (60, 61) of one coupling block (31) are held displaceably against each other by at least one guide element (68) and at least one spring element (69) running parallel to it, wherein the at least one guide element (68) is attached in the rear housing part (60) and the front housing part (61) is pushed forward in the unplugged state up to a stop (64').

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that when the coupling blocks (30, 31) are plugged in, the front housing part (61) can be slid from the housing (30') of the other coupling block (30) against the rear housing part (60) at least as far as the coupled position.

11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the elongated plug elements (38) held in the rear housing part (60) are tightly enclosed by the forward-pushed front housing part (61) when the coupling blocks are unplugged, while when plugging they are pushed out of the housing part (61) by pressing the other coupling block (30) and inserted into suitable plug openings of this pressing coupling block (30).

12. Device according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the elongated plug elements (38, 77) held in the rear housing part (60) are pressed against a front stop surface by means of a spring element and are movable by one stroke in their longitudinal direction to the rear against the spring force when coupling, so that any tolerances or blockages can be compensated for.

13. Device according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the elongated plug elements (38, 77) held in the rear housing part (60) are each designed as electrically conductive metal pins or as tubes for the passage of a medium, such as gas, air, water or oil, while in the other coupling block (30) corresponding plug openings are integrated as electrically conductive sockets (65), which receive the metal pins with approximately no play, or as check valves (75) for the passage of the respective medium.

14. Device according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the centering element is preferably designed as two centering tips (64) at the guide elements (68) of one coupling block (31), which can be inserted into centering openings (55) at the corresponding coupling block (30) during coupling, so that this centering takes place before the plug elements (37, 38, 77, 78) are coupled.

15. Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the coupling blocks (30, 31) of the semi-trailer (11) and / or of the tractor unit are resiliently mounted in the x, y, z direction and / or in the rotational angle of the same relative to each other, so that the dimensional deviations of the coupling positions arising during coupling between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer can be compensated by them.

16. Device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the media to be conveyed are in particular electrical energy or electrical signals, pneumatic and / or hydraulic energies or signals which are conveyed from the tractor unit to the semi-trailer (11) or vice versa.

17. Rotary element preferably for a coupling device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the rotary element (20) has at least one base element (27) that can be attached in a semi-trailer (11) and a slip ring assembly (29) mounted therein, through which supply lines (35, 36) to consumers in the semi-trailer (11) can be energetically connected.

18. Rotating element according to claim 17, characterized in that the slip ring assembly (29) preferably comprises several coaxially spaced slip rings (43) and / or annular grooves (44) with one- includes side-side connections (45, 46) with the supply lines (35, 36), while sliding contacts (48) and connecting elements (47) are assigned to the base element (27), which are connected to the slip rings (43) or ring grooves (44) are in contact and the supply lines are attached to them. 5 ductwork (35, 36, 35', 36') are connected in the semi-trailer (11).

19. Rotating element according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that an insulating plate (90) can be inserted in or on the pot-shaped, plate-shaped or otherwise shaped base element (27), which consists of a one- or multi-part ring-shaped or otherwise shaped base plate (95) with preferably several annular grooves (98, 99), one- or multi-part insulating rings (93, 94) arranged therein with slip rings received in these 15 (43) and / or sealing elements (91 ,) arranged in the annular grooves (98, 99) 92).

20. Rotating element according to claim 19, characterized in that > - . the base plate (95) of the insulation plate (90) is made of a metal 20 and the insulation rings (93, 94) in it are each composed of ring segments (96, 97) arranged in a row with a distance (a) to each other. > 21. Rotating element according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that of the sealing elements (91, 92) in the base plate (95) one extends along the inner wall and the other along the outer wall (98', 98") in the ring groove (98) runs, and each is provided with an outwardly projecting sealing lip (91 92') which, in the assembled state, is pressed in to the mutual contact surfaces of the insulation plate (90) and the base element (27).

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