Wear ring and locking hook for a semi-trailer coupling lock of a semi-trailer coupling of a tractor unit of a semi-trailer truck

Abstract

The invention relates to a wear ring (1) or a locking hook (2) for a semi-trailer coupling lock (1, 2) of a semi-trailer coupling of a tractor unit of a semi-trailer truck, said wear ring or locking hook extending substantially about a longitudinal axis (X). The wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2) is characterized by having at least one wear detection means (3) which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) and is arranged in the wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2) such that wear of the wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2) can be detected optically and / or by sensors perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (X).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Wear ring and locking hook for a fifth wheel coupling lock of a fifth wheel coupling of a

[0003] tractor unit of an articulated vehicle

[0004] The present invention relates to a wear ring and a locking hook for a fifth wheel coupling lock of a fifth wheel coupling of a tractor unit of a semi-trailer vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1, a fifth wheel coupling lock with such a wear ring and / or with such a locking hook according to patent claim 12, a fifth wheel coupling with such a fifth wheel coupling lock according to patent claim 13, a tractor unit with such a fifth wheel coupling according to patent claim 14 and a semi-trailer vehicle with such a tractor unit according to patent claim 15.

[0005] Today, various types of motor vehicles are used as road vehicles for transporting goods. These include articulated vehicles, also known colloquially as semi-trailer trucks.

[0006] 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 on the fifth wheel coupling of the tractor unit's frame from above, viewed in the direction of travel, and is held in place by the fifth wheel coupling so that it can rotate. 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 of the vehicle combination in the direction of towing, travel or movement.The articulated vehicle can also be referred to as a vehicle combination.

[0007] 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 fifth wheel coupling consists of a plate with a built-in locking mechanism on which the semi-trailer rests and into which the semi-trailer's kingpin is coupled. This provides a pivoting but secure connection between the semi-trailer and the tractor unit.

[0008] The locking mechanism can also be referred to as a fifth wheel lock and has a C-shaped wear ring, which is fixed but replaceable and mounted on the fifth wheel plate and is designed and arranged with an interior or receiving space that is open to the rear in the longitudinal direction of the tractor unit. The locking mechanism also includes a locking hook, also called a coupling hook, which can be pivoted around the vertical axis or longitudinal axis of the interior or receiving space of the wear ring in order to close the interior or receiving space of the wear ring and thus hold the kingpin there. An interior or receiving space of the locking hook therefore corresponds to the interior or receiving space of the wear ring or these interior or receiving spaces coincide when the locking hook is closed. The longitudinal axes of the kingpin, the wear ring and the locking hook are then congruent.

[0009] To couple or hitch up the semi-trailer to the tractor unit, the tractor unit reverses towards the semi-trailer which is positioned on its fifth wheel supports, so that the tractor unit frame with the fifth wheel coupling slides under the front section of the semi-trailer frame. The kingpin comes into contact with the outside of the fifth wheel coupling's locking hook and thereby pushes the locking hook away by pivoting it sideways, opening the fifth wheel coupling to the rear. The kingpin now passes through the opening in the fifth wheel coupling or its wear ring into its interior or receiving space. The tractor unit then stops, and the opening in the fifth wheel coupling or its wear ring is closed and locked again by spring force by pivoting the locking hook sideways. The vehicle / trailer combination is ready to drive. Uncoupling or uncoupling is carried out in the reverse order.

[0010] The fixed kingpin of the semi-trailer not only enables a positive hold against the closed fifth wheel of the tractor unit or its fifth wheel lock against the direction of travel or towing, but also a rotational relative movement between the semi-trailer and the tractor unit, so that the semi-trailer can follow the movement of the tractor unit even when cornering.

[0011] Due to these relative movements of the kingpin and the fifth wheel coupling,

[0012] Over the course of the operation of the semi-trailer vehicle, the material of at least the kingpin is subject to abrasion where it comes into contact with the fifth wheel coupling or rubs against it. 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.

[0013] The relative movements of the kingpin and the fifth wheel coupling to each other also affect the wear ring and the locking hook of the locking mechanism or the fifth wheel coupling lock, i.e. abrasion and thus wear also occur on the surfaces of the wear ring and the locking hook which face the respective or common inner or receiving space and are in contact with the cylindrical outer surface of the kingpin.

[0014] Therefore, to ensure road safety, it is necessary to check the wear ring and locking hook of the locking mechanism or fifth wheel lock for wear on a regular basis, for example at specific intervals such as every six months or depending on the use of the articulated vehicle, for example the kilometers driven. This has currently been done manually, i.e. by a person who uses a mechanical gauge or template to measure the dimensions of the wear ring and locking hook at specific, specified points in order to determine whether the measured dimensions still meet the relevant specifications, i.e. whether the wear ring and / or locking hook are already excessively worn and need to be replaced or not.

[0015] The disadvantage of this is that the assessment of permissible or impermissible wear of the wear ring and locking hook 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 wear ring and / or locking hook, which can endanger the roadworthiness of the articulated vehicle. It can also lead to the premature replacement of a still-usable wear ring and / or locking hook, which can cause additional effort, additional costs, and / or unnecessary downtime of the articulated vehicle.

[0016] Another disadvantage here is that the wear of the wear ring and the locking hook can occur very differently and thus an unacceptably high level of wear can be reached within the permissible time or kilometer interval between two wear tests without this being able to be detected at that moment. This can also endanger the road safety of the articulated vehicle. One object of the present invention is to provide a wear ring and / or a locking hook for a fifth wheel lock of a fifth wheel coupling of a tractor unit of a articulated vehicle of the type described at the outset, so that the checking of the wear of the wear ring and / or the locking hook can be simplified and / or improved. In particular, the wear of the wear ring and / oror the locking hook can be monitored more regularly than before, and in particular, continuously. This should be as simple, reliable, space-saving, person-independent, and / or automatic as possible. In any case, this should, in particular, improve or increase the road safety of the articulated vehicle. At the very least, an alternative to known methods for checking the wear of the wear ring and / or the locking hook of a fifth wheel coupling lock should be created.

[0017] The object is achieved according to the invention by a wear ring and / or by a locking hook having the features of patent claim 1, by a fifth wheel coupling lock having the features of patent claim 12, by a fifth wheel coupling having the features of patent claim 13, by a tractor unit having the features of patent claim 14, and by a semi-trailer vehicle having the features of patent claim 15. Advantageous further developments are described in the subclaims.

[0018] Thus, the present invention relates to a wear ring or a locking hook for a fifth wheel coupling lock of a fifth wheel coupling of a tractor unit of a semi-trailer vehicle, which wear ring extends substantially around a longitudinal axis.

[0019] The wear ring or the locking hook according to the invention is characterized by at least one wear detection means arranged in the wear ring or locking hook perpendicular to the longitudinal axis such that wear of the wear ring or locking hook perpendicular to the longitudinal axis can be detected visually and / or by sensors. Wear can thus be detected radially away from the longitudinal axis, i.e., from an interior or receiving space of the wear ring or locking hook radially outward, and / or also radially toward the longitudinal axis.

[0020] In other words, at least one wear detection means is arranged within the contour or within the material of the wear ring or the locking hook in such a way that both the material of the wear ring or the locking hook and the material of the wear detection means are reduced in their radial extent by the abrasion or wear that occurs during operation as described above through contact with the kingpin. For this purpose, the at least one wear detection means can be arranged exactly radially or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis □or at least obliquely to the longitudinal axis in the wear ring or in the locking hook, pointing inwards towards the kingpin, so that the abrasion or wear can also reduce the wear detection means from the inside compared to the kingpin accommodated in the interior or receiving space of the semitrailer lock.Alternatively or additionally, 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 locking hook pointing outwards towards the kingpin, so that the abrasion or wear which can occur when the locking hook is resiliently pushed away or pivoted away due to contact with the kingpin during coupling or hitching up can also be reduced by the wear detection means of the locking hook from the outside.

[0021] The present invention is based on the finding that by designing a part of the wear ring or the locking hook as or with a wear detection means, the extent of the abrasion or wear of the wear ring or the locking hook 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 means can be detected and monitored more easily in this way than was previously possible through regular manual checks of the wear ring or the locking hook itself, as described at the beginning. This can reduce the effort and thus also the cost of checking the extent of wear of the wear ring or the locking hook. This can also increase the reliability of the check result, which on the one hand increases the road safety of the articulated vehicle and on the other hand prevents premature orThis can prevent unnecessary replacement of a still-usable wear ring or locking hook. Arranging the wear detection device within the wear ring or locking hook 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 wear on the wear ring or locking hook can be performed than previously possible, which can increase the road safety of the articulated vehicle and extend the service life of a wear ring or locking hook.

[0022] Preferably, the wear detection means is arranged in at least one horizontal cavity of the wear ring or the locking hook, wherein the wear detection means comprises at least one first wear element of a first color, which is arranged between the inner 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 wear ring or the locking hook 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 wear ring or the locking hook and, towards the outside or inside, terminates with the contour or surface of the wear ring or the locking hook 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 it can be concluded that the wear ring or the locking hook is within the permissible wear limit. 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 that the limit of permissible wear has therefore 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 semitrailer tractor who is to couple up an unfamiliar or unknown semitrailer tractor with a wear ring and / or locking hook according to the invention can easily and quickly determine the wear status of the wear ring and / oror visually inspect the locking hook of the tractor unit's fifth wheel coupling lock. This can increase the driver's confidence in using an unfamiliar or unknown tractor unit.

[0023] 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.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the wear detection means may enable electronic monitoring of the wear condition or wear limit of the wear ring or the locking hook, as will be described in more detail below.

[0025] In any case, the wear detection device can be arranged at a location in the horizontal plane or in the cross-section of the wear ring or locking hook where particularly significant abrasion or wear typically occurs, or where excessive wear is typically expected to first occur. This can increase the predictive value of the wear detection device accordingly.

[0026] It is also possible, viewed in the horizontal plane or in the cross-section of the wear ring or the locking hook, to use a plurality of identical or different wear detection means in order to be able to implement the previously described wear control at a corresponding number of points on the wear ring or the locking hook. This makes it possible, in particular, to monitor a number of points which are normally subject to significant wear simultaneously for wear as described above. In this case, for example, at least one sensory wear detection means can be used at a point on the wear ring or the locking hook which is difficult or impossible to detect visually for the person or the driver. At least one optical wear detection means can be used at a point on the wear ring or the locking hook which is easy or impossible to detect for the person or the driver.is easy to visually detect.

[0027] 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, and / or in the horizontal plane or cross-section, in order to monitor different sections of the wear ring or the locking hook and / or multiple locations within a section of the wear ring or the locking hook as described above, as will be described in more detail below. This can also increase the informative value of the wear detection devices accordingly.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the wear detection means is arranged in at least one horizontal cavity of the wear ring or the locking hook, wherein the wear detection means comprises at least a first wear element of a first color, which is arranged between the inner 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.

[0029] In this way, the first color of the first wear element can be recognized by the person or driver and the wear of the wear ring or locking hook can be determined. If the person or driver visually recognizes the second color of the second wear element, this can be determined as an impermissible wear of the wear ring or locking hook.

[0030] 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 the permissible wear limit being reached or to the single-colored wear element becoming detached and falling out of the wear ring or locking hook. In this case, a still-usable wear ring or locking hook would be considered worn and replaced unnecessarily. This can be avoided by this aspect of the invention.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the invention, the wear detection means comprises at least one

[0032] Illuminant which is arranged within the horizontal cavity of the wear ring or the locking hook and is designed to replace the first wear element by the second

[0033] To examine the wear element.

[0034] The light source can be implemented, in particular, as an LED. The light source can be operated continuously, allowing the wear status of the wear ring or locking hook to be monitored at any time. Furthermore, the associated effort of switching the light source on and off, or the need to provide appropriate electrical means for this, such as an externally accessible switch on the wear ring or locking hook, can be avoided.

[0035] 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 means in terms of its recognizability and informative value for the person or driver, since 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 means itself, and in particular its color, particularly in the dark, in poor visibility conditions, and / or when the surface of the wear ring or locking hook is dirty.

[0036] Providing the wear ring or the locking hook with a horizontal cavity can create sufficient installation space within the wear ring or the locking hook to accommodate at least one illuminating means, and in particular, multiple illuminating means. In particular, a correspondingly small horizontal cavity can sufficiently prevent weakening of the wear ring or the locking hook, allowing the wear ring or the locking hook to perform its force-transmitting function without restriction.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the invention, the wear detection means, preferably within the horizontal cavity, has at least one electrical energy storage device which is designed to electrically supply at least the lighting means, preferably furthermore a detection unit and / or a wireless communication unit.

[0038] In this way, the electrical power supply for the light source and, if applicable, several or all of the light sources can be provided directly by the wear ring or the locking hook itself, so that an electrically conductive connection to the electrical power supply from outside the wear ring or the locking hook is not necessary. This can keep the effort required for using at least one light source as described above to a minimum. In particular, when using LEDs as light sources, which usually have a very low electrical power requirement, permanent or continuous operation of the light source can be guaranteed for years by the electrical energy storage device, so that recharging or replacing the electrical energy storage device is not necessary. If necessary, further electrical orelectronic components of the wear detection device are also supplied with electricity from the electrical energy storage device, so that the use of additional or separate electrical energy storage devices can be dispensed with.

[0039] According to a further aspect of the invention, the wear detection means is arranged in at least one horizontal cavity of the wear ring or the locking hook, wherein the wear detection means comprises at least a first wear element arranged between the inner 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 wear ring or the locking hook when the wear reaches the wear limit, wherein the wear detection means, preferably within the horizontal cavity, comprises a detection unit designed to monitor the electrical conductivity of the electrically conductive element and,preferably when the electrically conductive element is severed, to output corresponding information.

[0040] The two wear elements can be the two single-colored first and second wear elements described above or two wear elements of any same color.

[0041] 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 wear ring or locking hook at this point. This can be achieved, 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.

[0042] In this case, the first, outer wear element is abraded or worn together with the wear ring or the locking hook 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 from the outside on the wear ring or the locking hook. 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 no electrical voltage can be applied via the electrically conductive element, which can be detected by the detection unit. The detection unit can therefore automatically conclude that the wear limit has been reached.

[0043] 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 at which the permissible wear has been reached or exceeded can be identified.

[0044] In any case, the corresponding information can be output using a wireless communications unit, which can at least wirelessly transmit data or information outside the wear ring or the locking hook and preferably also receive data and information from outside. This can occur 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.

[0045] In any case, this information can be output by the detection unit to the person or driver in such a way that this information is sent 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 sent wirelessly by the detection unit to an electronic receiving device on the tractor unit, where it can be received and further processed, and then output or displayed to the driver via an output element, such as a display element on the tractor unit. In this case, this information can, if necessary, be received by the tractor unit or the vehicle.The wear detection means can be wirelessly transmitted from its control unit to a fleet management system in order to consider and plan the replacement of the worn wear ring or worn locking hook. According to a further aspect of the invention, the wear detection means, preferably within the horizontal cavity, has at least one wireless communication unit, preferably a wireless transmission unit, which is designed to wirelessly transmit at least one piece of information from the detection unit to the outside of the wear ring or the locking hook. This allows the corresponding properties already described above to be implemented.

[0046] According to a further aspect of the invention, the wireless communication unit is configured to be wirelessly requested to transmit information from the detection unit from outside the wear ring or the locking hook. This allows the corresponding properties described above to be implemented.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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. This can increase the number of locations within the wear ring or the locking hook that can be monitored for wear as described above. Arranging the two wear detection means approximately diametrically opposite one another to the longitudinal axis, i.e., offset by 180° from one another in the plane of the cross-section, or offset at the largest possible angle around the longitudinal axis, can make it possible to monitor wear as evenly as possible.

[0050] According to a further aspect of the invention, the detection unit is designed 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 expense of using 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.

[0051] The invention also relates to a fifth wheel coupling lock with a wear ring and / or with a locking hook as described above. This allows a fifth wheel coupling lock to be created in order to implement and utilize the previously described aspects of a wear ring according to the invention and / or a locking hook according to the invention.

[0052] The invention further relates to a fifth wheel coupling with a fifth wheel coupling lock as described above. This allows a fifth wheel coupling to be created in order to implement and utilize the previously described aspects of a fifth wheel coupling lock according to the invention.

[0053] The invention further relates to a tractor unit with a fifth wheel coupling as described above. This allows a tractor unit to be created in order to implement and utilize the previously described aspects of a fifth wheel coupling according to the invention.

[0054] The invention further relates to a semi-trailer truck with a tractor unit as described above. This allows a tractor unit to be created in order to implement and utilize the previously described aspects of a tractor unit according to the invention.

[0055] Several embodiments and further advantages of the invention are illustrated schematically below and explained in more detail in conjunction with the following figures.

[0056] Figure 1 shows a schematic horizontal section through a wear ring according to the invention according to a first embodiment;

[0057] Figure 2 shows a schematic horizontal section through a locking hook according to the invention according to the first embodiment;

[0058] Figure 3 shows a schematic horizontal section through a wear ring according to the invention according to a second embodiment;

[0059] Figure 4 shows a schematic horizontal section through a locking hook according to the invention according to the second embodiment;

[0060] Figure 5 shows a schematic horizontal section through a wear ring according to the invention according to a third embodiment;

[0061] Figure 6 shows a schematic horizontal section through a locking hook according to the invention according to the third exemplary embodiment. The above figures are viewed in cylindrical coordinates. A longitudinal axis X extends.

[0062] 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.

[0063] Figure 1 shows a schematic horizontal section through a wear ring 1 according to the invention in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 shows a schematic horizontal section through a locking hook 2 according to the invention in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment. The locking hook 2 can also be referred to as a coupling hook 2. The wear ring 1 and the locking hook 2, together with other known components not shown, form a fifth wheel coupling lock 1, 2 of a tractor unit (not shown). Both the wear ring 1 and the locking hook 2 are formed as a single piece, i.e., integrally, from a metallic material.

[0064] The wear ring 1 has a wear ring body 10, which is essentially C-shaped and extends around the longitudinal axis X, see Figure 1. The wear ring body 10 thus essentially encloses a receiving space 11, which can also be referred to as the interior space 11 of the wear ring 1. The receiving space 11 has an opening (not designated) radially outwards. The wear ring body 10 has several, for example three, through openings 13, preferably evenly arranged in the circumferential direction U or spaced from one another, which serve to mount the wear ring 1, if necessary by means of a fastening ring (not shown), on a plate of the fifth wheel coupling (not shown) by means of screws.

[0065] Similarly, the locking hook 2 has a locking hook body 20, which is also essentially C-shaped and extends around the longitudinal axis X, see Figure 2. The locking hook body 20 thus also essentially encloses a receiving space 21, which can also be referred to as the interior space 21 of the locking hook 2. The receiving space 21 also has an opening (not designated) radially outward. The locking hook body 20 has a through-opening 23 through which a bolt can be guided as a rotation axis in order to pivot the locking hook 2 about the bolt.

[0066] The pivoting locking hook 2 is held in a closed position by a spring (not shown), but can be pivoted into an open position against the spring force of the spring around the bolt as the pivot axis. The designations "open" and "closed" refer to whether the openings of the wear ring 1 and the locking hook 2 overlap or are essentially congruent, thus making the overlapping receiving spaces 11, 21 accessible for a kingpin of a semi-trailer (not shown) ("open or opened position"), or whether the receiving space 11 of the wear ring 1 is blocked by the locking hook 2 for the kingpin ("closed position"). For this purpose, the locking hook 2 is arranged on the plate of the fifth wheel coupling relative to the wear ring 1 in such a way that the locking hook 2 is resiliently pressed from the closed position into the open position by contact with the kingpin.can be pivoted so that the opening of the wear ring 1 is exposed and thus the kingpin of the semi-trailer can be received in the receiving space 11 of the wear ring 1 in the longitudinal direction of the tractor unit and the semi-trailer. The locking hook 2, the opening of the receiving space 21 of which points laterally towards the kingpin in the open state, can then be pivoted into the closed position by means of its tensioned spring so that the locking hook 2 closes the receiving space 11 of the wear ring 1 in the longitudinal direction of the tractor unit and the semi-trailer with its one C-shaped flank and thus holds the kingpin in the receiving space 11 of the wear ring 1. In the closed state, the receiving space 11 of the wear ring 1 and the receiving space 21 of the locking hook 2 coincide or are congruent with one another.

[0067] According to the invention, on the one hand, the wear of the wear ring 1 can be checked or monitored more easily, quickly and / or more frequently than previously known by a person such as the driver of the articulated vehicle at two points or in two sections, each arranged at approximately 45° to the longitudinal direction of the tractor unit and the semi-trailer, opposite the receiving space 11 of the wear ring 1. On the other hand, according to the invention, this can additionally or alternatively also be carried out with regard to the wear of the locking hook 2 at three points or in three sections, which are arranged evenly distributed in the circumferential direction U around the longitudinal axis X, opposite the receiving space 21 of the locking hook 2 and additionally or alternatively pointing outwards where the kingpin comes into pressing contact with the closed locking hook 2.

[0068] In any case, according to the first embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, at each point of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 to be monitored for wear, there is a continuous horizontal cavity 12 of the wear ring 1 or a continuous horizontal cavity 22 of the locking hook 2, which extends radially or substantially radially from the inside or from the inner surface of the respective receiving space 11, 21 to the opposite outside or outer surface.A wear detection means 3 is introduced into each horizontal cavity 12, 22, which points towards the respective receiving space 11, 21 and is held in the horizontal cavity 12, 22 by a material fit, for example by an adhesive between the inner surface of the horizontal cavity 12, 22 and the outer surface of the wear detection means 3, or by a force fit, for example by an at least slight oversize of the outer contour of the wear detection means 3 relative to the horizontal cavity 12, 22. A horizontal cavity 22 of the locking hook 2 further has a second radially outward-pointing projection where the kingpin comes into pressing contact with the closed locking hook 2.

[0069] Wear detection agent 3.

[0070] Each wear detection means 3 has a first, outer colored wear element 30 on the edge and immediately adjacent to it a second, inner colored wear element 31. The first, outer colored wear elements 30 are materially connected, for example by gluing or by a one-piece, i.e. integral, manufacture, to the second, inner colored wear elements 31. The first, outer colored wear elements 30 have a different color than the second, inner colored wear elements 31. Preferably, the first, outer colored wear elements 30 are green, in particular neon green, and the second, inner colored wear elements 31 are red, in particular neon red. The transition orthe boundary between a first, outer colored wear element 30 and the corresponding second, inner colored wear element 31 is provided by the dimensioning of the wear elements 30, 31 such that this transition corresponds to the permissible wear limit of the corresponding section of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2.

[0071] If the tractor unit is parked stationary, i.e., without a semitrailer, the wear ring 1 according to the invention and the locking hook 2 according to the invention are accessible from all sides in the horizontal plane, at least at the locations or sections that have the wear detection means 3, and can be visually inspected from all sides, in particular by a person, such as a driver, who wishes to use the tractor unit. This person can visually identify the wear detection means 3 of the wear ring 1 and the locking hook 2 and determine whether the first, outer colored wear element 30 or the second, inner wear element 31 is visible from the outside.

[0072] If the person recognizes the first, outer colored wear element 30, it can be concluded that at this point in the corresponding section of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2, the wear of the material of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2, which also reduces the radial extent of the respective wear detection means 3 accordingly, is still within a permissible level. If the person recognizes the second, inner colored wear element 31, it can be concluded that at this point or in this section of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2, the first, outer colored wear element 30 has been completely worn away and therefore the second, inner colored wear element 31 radially underneath is visible from the outside. This means that at this point in the corresponding section of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2, the permissible wear has already been reached orhas been exceeded and the tractor unit can no longer be used safely. Instead, the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 must be replaced. Figure 3 shows a schematic horizontal section through a wear ring 1 according to the invention according to a second exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 shows a schematic horizontal section through a locking hook 2 according to the invention according to the second exemplary embodiment. The wear elements 30, 31 are designed in different colors, as described above, with the respective material also being translucent.

[0073] Within the respective horizontal cavity 12, 22, a light source 32 in the form of an LED 32 is arranged at the inner end of the second, inner colored wear elements 31, directed radially outward such that the wear elements 30, 31 are illuminated radially outward by the light of the respective LED 32 when the LED 32 is operated. The LEDs 32 can be supplied with electrical energy for continuous or permanent operation by an electrical energy storage device 36 in the form of a battery 36, which is also arranged within the respective horizontal cavity 12, 22. The operation of the LEDs 32 can be started when the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 is mounted on the tractor unit and can continue until the electrical energy of the battery 36 is used up.

[0074] In this case of the second exemplary embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, the corresponding locations or sections of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 can also be visually inspected for wear by a person, as previously described with regard to the first exemplary embodiment of Figures 1 and 2. In doing so, the person can visually perceive a light in the color of the first, outer colored wear element 30, as long as, as previously described, the wear limit is maintained. If the wear limit is reached or exceeded at a location or section of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2, the first, outer colored wear element 30 is abraded at this location or section, and the light of the corresponding LED 32 emerges outward in the color of the second, inner colored wear element 31.

[0075] Accordingly, a person can distinguish between permissible and impermissible wear based on the color of the light, which can be visually perceived at the respective location or on the respective section of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2. As a result, the inventive wear control of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 according to the first embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 can be improved for the person in that the colored wear detection means 3 can be perceived better and more reliably than without this backlighting, particularly in the dark or in poor visibility conditions such as in rain or fog, or when the outer surface of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 is dirty.

[0076] In particular, in darkness or poor visibility conditions, the person can dispense with illuminating the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2, for example, with a flashlight, in order to be able to visually identify the wear detection means 3. Likewise, the effort of having to clean or wipe a dirty surface of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 in order to be able to visually identify the wear detection means 3 can be eliminated.

[0077] Figure 5 shows a schematic horizontal section through a wear ring 1 according to the invention according to a third exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 shows a schematic horizontal section through a locking hook 2 according to the invention according to the third exemplary embodiment. In this case, the wear ring 1 and the locking hook 2 are designed as described in the second exemplary embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, which also applies to the extension of the wear elements 30, 31, which can be colored as described in the first exemplary embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 or can also be designed with the same, undefined color.

[0078] In each case, an electrically conductive element 33 in the form of a conductor loop 33 extends through the respective second, inner wear element 31 such that the conductor loops 33 run or reverse at the boundary between the first, outer wear element 30 and the second, inner wear element 31. All conductor loops 33 are, individually or jointly, electrically conductively connected to a detection unit 34, which is arranged within the respective horizontal cavity 12, 22 and can also be referred to as a control unit 34. The detection unit 34 is connected for signal transmission to a wireless communication unit 35, which is also arranged within the respective horizontal cavity 12, 22 and can at least transmit wireless signals, which is why the wireless communication unit 35 can also be referred to as a transmission unit 35.Both the detection unit 34 and the transmitting unit 35 are electrically connected to the respective battery 36 and are operated by the electrical energy of the battery 36.

[0079] If, in this case, the wear of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 reaches the wear limit at a point or in a section of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2, the corresponding conductor loop 33 is abraded and severed. The detection unit 34 can determine for the respective conductor loop 33 or for each of the conductor loops 33 whether the conductor loop 33 is continuously electrically conductive or severed. This can be done, for example, by applying a measuring voltage to the detection unit 34. This allows the detection unit 34 to distinguish whether or not the wear at those points or sections of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 at which the conductor loops 33 are provided is still within an acceptable level.Corresponding information can be wirelessly transmitted from the detection unit 34 to the outside of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 by means of the transmitting unit 35. 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 semitrailer tractor 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 the driver requests the wear ring 1 or locking hook 2 according to the invention to do so by means of corresponding information, which can also be done by the smartphone. In this way, the corresponding information can be queried as needed, which increases the electrical energy consumption of the wear ring 1 or locking hook 2 according to the invention.of the locking hook 2 and thus increase the operating time of the detection unit 34 and the transmitting unit 35.

[0080] 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 wear ring 1 or locking hook 2 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 wear ring 1 or locking hook 2, particularly during operation of the tractor unit.

[0081] In any case, the detection unit 34 can distinguish between the various conductor loops 33, so that the information transmitted outward can also include an identification of the respective conductor loops 33. Thus, if one of the first, outer wear elements 30 reaches its limit and the corresponding conductor loop 33 is severed, the person or driver can be specifically informed at which point or at which section of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 the permissible wear is reached or exceeded.

[0082] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS (part of the description)

[0083] R radial direction

[0084] U circumferential direction

[0085] X Longitudinal axis

[0086] 1, 2 fifth wheel lock

[0087] 1 Wear ring of a fifth wheel lock 1, 2

[0088] 10 wear ring bodies

[0089] 11 Receiving space or interior of the wear ring 1

[0090] 12 horizontal cavities of the wear ring 1

[0091] 13 through openings

[0092] 2 locking hooks or coupling hooks of a fifth wheel lock 1, 2

[0093] 20 locking hook bodies

[0094] 21 Receiving space or interior of the locking hook 2

[0095] 22 Horizontal cavities of the locking hook 2

[0096] 23 Passage opening

[0097] 3 Wear detection agents

[0098] 30 first, outer (colored) wear elements

[0099] 31 second, inner (colored) wear elements

[0100] 32 light sources; LEDs

[0101] 33 electrically conductive elements; conductor loops

[0102] 34 Detection unit; control unit

[0103] 35 wireless communication unit or wireless transmitter unit

[0104] 36 electrical energy storage; battery

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Wear ring (1) or locking hook (2) for a fifth wheel coupling lock (1, 2) of a fifth wheel coupling of a tractor unit of a semi-trailer vehicle, which extends substantially around a longitudinal axis (X), characterized by at least one wear detection means (3) which is arranged in the wear ring (1) or locking hook (2) aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) in such a way that wear of the wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) can be detected optically and / or by sensors.

2. Wear ring (1) or locking hook (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the wear detection means (3) is arranged in at least one horizontal cavity (12, 22) of the wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2), wherein the wear detection means (3) has at least a first wear element (30) of a first color, which is arranged between the inner edge of the horizontal cavity (12, 22) and a wear limit, and at least one second wear element (31) of a second, different color, which is arranged within the wear limit.

3. Wear ring (1) or locking hook (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that the wear detection means (3) has at least one illuminating means (32) which is arranged within the horizontal cavity (12, 22) of the wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2) and is designed to illuminate the first wear element (30) through the second wear element (31).

4. Wear ring (1) or locking hook (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that the wear detection means (3), preferably within the horizontal cavity (12, 22), has at least one electrical energy storage device (36) which is designed to electrically supply at least the lighting means (32), preferably furthermore a detection unit (34) and / or a wireless communication unit (35). Wear ring (1) or locking hook (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wear detection means (3) is arranged in at least one horizontal cavity (12, 22) of the wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2), wherein the wear detection means (3) comprises at least a first wear element (30) arranged between the inner edge of the horizontal cavity (12, 22) and a wear limit, and at least one second wear element (31) arranged within the wear limit, wherein at least one electrically conductive element (33) of an electrical circuit is arranged at the wear limit such that the electrically conductive element (33) is severed by the wear of the wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2) when the wear reaches the wear limit, wherein the wear detection means (3), preferably within the horizontal cavity (12, 22),a detection unit (34) configured to monitor the electrical conductivity of the electrically conductive element (33) and, preferably upon severing the electrically conductive element (33), to output corresponding information. Wear ring (1) or locking hook (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that the wear detection means (3), preferably within the horizontal cavity (12, 22), has at least one wireless communication unit (35), preferably a wireless transmission unit (35), configured to wirelessly transmit at least one piece of information from the detection unit (34) outside the wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2). Wear ring (1) or locking hook (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the wireless communication unit (35) is configured,to be wirelessly requested from outside the wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2) to transmit information from the detection unit (34). Wear ring (1) or locking hook (2) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, the wirelessly transmitted information of the detection unit (34) contains the state of the electrically conductive element (33) and / or information derived from the state of the electrically conductive element (33).

9. Wear ring (1) or locking hook (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that the wirelessly transmitted information of the detection unit (34) further contains an identification of the severed electrically conductive element (33).

10. Wear ring (1) or locking hook (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wear detection means (3), preferably at least a first wear element (30) and a second wear element (31), is arranged at least twice.

11. Wear ring (1) or locking hook (2) according to one of claims 5 to 9 and according to claim 10, characterized in that the detection unit (34) is designed to monitor the electrical conductivity of all electrically conductive elements (33) and, preferably when at least one of the electrically conductive elements (33) is severed, to output corresponding information.

12. Fifth wheel coupling lock (1, 2) with a wear ring (1) and / or with a locking hook (2) according to one of the preceding claims.

13. Fifth wheel coupling with a fifth wheel coupling lock (1, 2) according to claim 12.

14. A tractor unit with a fifth wheel coupling according to claim 13.

15. A semi-trailer vehicle with a tractor unit according to claim 14.

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