Switching device for a trailer, with a lamp device, of a multi-part vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle, and trailer

Abstract

The invention relates to a switching device (100) for a trailer (220a, 22b), with a lamp device (225), of a multi-part vehicle (200a), in particular a utility vehicle (200b), wherein the switching device (100) can be switched between a first receiving mode (M1) for receiving a digital first light-control signal (115a) according to a first standard (N1) and a second receiving mode (M2) for receiving an analogue second light-control signal (115b) according to a second standard (N2), and the switching device (100) is designed to operate the lamp device (225) according to the receiving mode (M1, M2).

Description

[0001] Switching device for a trailer comprising a lighting device of a multi-unit vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, and trailer

[0002] The invention relates to a switching device for a trailer comprising a lighting device of a multi-unit vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle. The invention further relates to a trailer comprising a lighting device.

[0003] For applications such as automated driving functions, autonomous driving, and / or sensor-based monitoring of the trailer's surroundings, a digital data interface is required between a tractor unit (truck) of the multi-unit vehicle and the trailer and / or between multiple trailers of the multi-unit vehicle. This so-called truck-trailer data interface ("TT-Link") is configured to transmit digital data and has a high bandwidth for transmitting sensor data, for example, from the trailer to the towing vehicle. The data interface can also be configured to receive lighting control signals for operating the lighting device from the towing vehicle or to transmit them to the trailer.

[0004] In addition to existing interfaces for a braking system, for example according to ISO 7638-1:2018-05 “Road vehicles - Connectors for the electrical connection of towing and towed vehicles - Part 2: Connectors for braking systems and equipment of vehicles with 24 V nominal supply voltage” (hereinafter ISO 7638), and for the lighting device, for example according to ISO 12098:2020-05 “Road vehicles - Connectors for the electrical connection of towing and towed vehicles - 15-pole connector for vehicles with 24 V nominal supply voltage” (hereinafter ISO 12098) or ISO 1 185:2003-10 “Road vehicles - Connectors for the electrical connection of towing and towed vehicles - 7-pole connectors type 24N (normal) for vehicles with 24 V nominal supply voltage” (hereinafter ISO 1185), the data interface is a further electrical interface that requires an additional cable between the towing vehicle and the trailer,between a first trailer and a second trailer, or generally between several members of a multi-unit vehicle, especially a commercial vehicle. The existing interfaces transmit signals, and in particular the lighting control signal, in analog form. Although a digital CAN interface is defined via the ISO 12098 interface with a data protocol according to ISO 11992-3:2021-05 "Road vehicles - Exchange of digital information on electrical connections between towing vehicles and trailers - Part 3: Application layer for equipment other than brakes and running gear" (hereinafter ISO 11992-3), this is not used.

[0005] To minimize the required interfaces and thus cable connections between, for example, the towing vehicle and the trailer, the data interface should also be usable for operating the lighting system or lighting device. The data interface should thus be configured to transmit digital lighting control signals from the towing vehicle to the trailer, replacing the analog transmission. This would make it possible to dispense with the current lighting interface according to ISO 12098 and / or ISO 1185. However, this creates the problem that a towing vehicle that does not yet have the data interface must also be able to operate the trailer or its lighting device using the interfaces according to ISO 12098 and ISO 1185.

[0006] Thus, an adapter is conceivable that is powered on the input side according to ISO 12098 and provides an output on the output side according to the data interface. The adapter can be carried in the towing vehicle or the trailer. This means that the trailer can only have the data interface to operate the lighting system, while the towing vehicle without the data interface could use the adapter with the ISO 12098 light interface and use it to operate the trailer's data interface. This adapter would be powered via the lines according to ISO 12098 and output the light status of the lines according to ISO 12098 as data for the data interface. The disadvantage, however, is that such an adapter would have to be carried either in the towing vehicle or the trailer, and a driver and / or user would have to know that the adapter is to be used and where it is located.If no adapter is present, the trailer could not be operated legally due to the lack of a lighting function. The cost of such an "intermediate plug-in adapter" would be comparatively high. For example, if only one indicator light is to be switched on, such an "ISO 12098 to TT-Link" adapter would only receive the indicator voltage with corresponding interruptions: the adapter would then have to boot up quickly enough to provide the indicator signal as data for the data interface and to be able to pass the indicator voltage on as data interface voltage. This would lead to delays and an incorrect indicator signal. Furthermore, an overload of a power supply by other trailer electronics powered via the data interface is possible. Therefore, such an adapter must be powered separately, for example via the permanent supply line according to ISO 12098, which, however, is not available on every tractor unit.A robust technical implementation is therefore difficult and / or complex.

[0007] DE 10 2017 220 585 A1 discloses a connection system for coupling a vehicle to a trailer, comprising a first plug connection configured to connect the connection system to the vehicle, and a second plug connection configured to connect the connection system to the trailer. The connection system further comprises a V2X-based communication device configured to process at least one signal that can be transmitted from the vehicle to the trailer. This allows even previously produced or older vehicles to be retrofitted with this modern technology, allowing these vehicles to digitally network with new vehicles of today's vehicle generation.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the object of enriching the state of the art. One embodiment of the invention can, in particular, solve the problem of enabling reliable operation of a trailer's lighting device in a user-friendly and cost-effective manner, especially when the trailer can be subjected to different light control signals depending on the towing vehicle.

[0009] The object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1 and the subject matter of the further independent claim. The subclaims specify optional developments of the invention. According to the invention, a switching device is provided for a trailer comprising a lighting device of a multi-unit vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle. The switching device can be switched between a first reception mode for receiving a digital, first light control signal according to a first standard and a second reception mode for receiving an analog, second light control signal according to a second standard, and the switching device is configured to operate the light device depending on the reception mode.

[0010] The switching device can therefore be provided to enable the lighting device to be operated with a digital light control signal and with an analog light control signal. The switching device or the adapter can supply and / or control lights of the lighting device either via the existing analog, second light control signals according to the second standard or via the digital, first light control signals according to the first standard. For this purpose, the switching device can be operated in two different reception modes. In the first reception mode, the digital, first light control signal according to the first standard can be received in order to operate the lighting device, and in the second reception mode, the analog, second light control signal according to the second standard can be received in order to operate the lighting device.A standard can be a document, including a standard or legal regulation, that regulates and / or defines any feature of the lighting control signal, the lighting control signal and / or a signal interface for transmitting the lighting control signal.

[0011] This allows the lighting device to be operated either with the digital light control signal or with the analog light control signal, depending on the design of the towing vehicle and / or its signal interfaces. The switching device can operate the lighting device according to the received light control signal. A selection by a driver and / or user can be dispensed with. The switching device eliminates the need for an additional plug-in adapter. If the towing vehicle and trailer are set up for both digital and analog control of the lighting device, the other of the light control signals can ensure operation of the lighting device if one of the light control signals fails. The digital light control signal and the analog light control signal can therefore be redundant with regard to operating the lighting device.

[0012] Optionally, the switching device has a first signal interface for receiving the first light control signal and a second signal interface for receiving the second light control signal. The first signal interface can comprise a first plug connection. The second signal interface can comprise a second plug connection, wherein the first plug connection is different from the second plug connection. This allows the switching device to be supplied with light control signals via two different inputs. This effectively adapts the switching device to the conditions of the tractor. If the tractor, for example, has a signal interface according to the second standard, the tractor and the switching device or the trailer can be connected via the second plug connection.For example, if the tractor has a signal interface in accordance with the first standard, the tractor and the switching device or the trailer can be connected via the first plug connection.

[0013] Optionally, the switching device has a data interface, and the switching device is configured for communicating sensor data in the first reception mode. It was recognized that data, in particular sensor data, can also be communicated via an interface for communicating the digital, first light control signal. In the first reception mode, the trailer and the towing vehicle are configured for digital communication according to the first standard, which enables communication of the sensor data. This enables comprehensive communication between the trailer and the towing vehicle. This makes it possible to eliminate the need for cabling between the trailer and the towing vehicle, as well as for spiral cables.

[0014] Optionally, the data interface is configured to transmit sensor data from the trailer to a towing vehicle of the multi-unit vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle. The sensor data can be transmitted from the trailer to the towing vehicle for environmental monitoring, driver assistance, and / or to perform an automated driving function. The sensor data can relate to the lighting device. This allows feedback on the lighting status. Electrical monitoring of the lights can be integrated into the switching device, or data on the lighting status or for error monitoring can be sent to the towing vehicle via the switching device and, optionally, an intermediate electronics unit via the data interface.

[0015] Optionally, the data interface is configured to receive the first light control signal in the first receive mode. For this purpose, the data interface and the first signal interface can be configured as a common interface and, for example, have a common signal interface for digital data transmission. This eliminates cabling and provides a common digital interface for a variety of applications, particularly for operating the lighting device.

[0016] Optionally, the switching device is a module designed separately from a communication unit functionally connected to a trailer braking system and functionally connected to the communication unit. In other words, the switching device can be designed as a separate electronic unit. As a separate module, the switching device can have a simple structure and / or be retrofittable. By modularizing, i.e., separating, the communication unit and the switching device, production can be carried out more flexibly and effectively. The switching device can be functionally connected to the communication unit for transmitting data and / or control signals.

[0017] Optionally, the switching device is part of a communication unit that is functionally connected to a trailer's braking system. In other words, the switching device can be integrated into a communication electronics system (Vehicle Communication Unit, VCU), which can also transmit the sensor data to a towing vehicle via a data interface. This can promote a compact design and a shared power supply for the switching device and the communication unit. Optionally, the switching device and a lamp of the lighting device are designed as a common module. In other words, the switching device can be integrated into the lamp. For example, a trailer can be upgraded by changing the lamp to include the switching device and thus be able to operate with towing vehicles with digital or analog light control signals.

[0018] Optionally, the switching device has an interface for connecting the switching device to a second trailer of the multi-unit vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle. This allows for further integration of the switching device. The switching device can thus include an optional additional interface for lighting for a following second trailer.

[0019] Optionally, the first standard and / or the second standard are an ISO standard and / or an SAE standard. In particular, the second standard can be ISO 12098 and / or ISO 1185. This enables comprehensive operation of the switching device and the trailer. Signal interfaces and / or lighting control signals can be defined based on the standards.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, a trailer is provided. The trailer comprises a lighting device and the switching device described above. The switching device can have one or more of the optional features described above to achieve an associated technical effect. The switching device can be installed in the trailer.

[0021] Further features of the invention and its technical effects emerge from the figures and the description of the preferred embodiments shown in the figures.

[0022] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a multi-unit vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, with a trailer according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a trailer according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a trailer according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a trailer according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0025] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a trailer according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0026] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of signals relating to a trailer according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a multi-unit vehicle 200a, in particular a commercial vehicle 200b, with a trailer 220a, 220b according to one embodiment of the invention. The multi-unit vehicle 200a, in particular a commercial vehicle 200b, is a land vehicle. In the embodiment shown, the multi-unit vehicle 200a, in particular a commercial vehicle 200b, comprises a towing vehicle 210 (truck) and two trailers 220a, 220b (trailer), i.e., a first trailer 220a and a second trailer 220b. The second trailer 220b can be towed by the first trailer 220a. In another embodiment (not shown), the multi-unit vehicle 200a, in particular a commercial vehicle 200b, can have one or more than two trailers 220a, 220b.

[0028] The towing vehicle 210 has a control unit 215. The control unit 215 is configured to output a light control signal 115 based, for example, on a braking request, a gear selection, a signaling function, a function of a light 226, and / or an automated driving function, in order to transmit the light control signal 115 to the trailer(s) 220a, 220b. Depending on the design of the towing vehicle 210, the light control signal 115 can be a digital, first light control signal 115a or an analog, second light control signal 115b (see Figs. 2 to 6).

[0029] The first trailer 220a according to Fig. 1 has a switching device 100 and a lighting device 225. The switching device 100 is configured to receive the light control signal 115 from the towing vehicle 210. The switching device 100 is switchable between a first reception mode M1 for receiving the digital, first light control signal 115a according to a first standard N1 and a second reception mode M2 ​​for receiving the analog, second light control signal 115b according to a second standard N2.

[0030] The switching device 100 is configured to operate the lighting device 225 depending on the reception mode M1, M2 or the received light control signal 115. Thus, the lighting device 225 of the first trailer 220a can be operated without limitation to one of the standards N1, N2 of the light control signal 115 or of the towing vehicle 210.

[0031] The switching device 100 of the first trailer 220a has an interface 125 for connecting the switching device 100 to the second trailer 220b of the multi-unit vehicle 200a, in particular the commercial vehicle 200b. The second trailer 220b has a switching device 100 configured analogously to the switching device 100 of the first trailer 220a and a lighting device 225. Thus, the lighting device 225 of the second trailer 220b can be operated without limitation to one of the standards N1, N2 of the light control signal 115.

[0032] Embodiments of the switching device 100, the first trailer 220a and / or the second trailer 220b are described with reference to Figs. 2 to 5.

[0033] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a trailer 220a, 220b according to an embodiment of the invention. The trailer 220a, 220b is a trailer 220a, 220b for a multi-unit vehicle 200a, in particular a commercial vehicle 200b, as described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 2 is described with reference to Fig. 1 and its description.

[0034] The trailer 220a, 220b according to Fig. 2 has the switching device 100, a braking system 221, a braking interface 222, a sensor device 235 and a communication unit 230.

[0035] The brake interface 222 is configured to receive a brake signal 223 from the towing vehicle 210 and transmit it to the brake system 221. For example, the brake interface 222 is an interface according to ISO 7638 with a data protocol according to ISO 1 1992. This allows the trailer 220a, 220b to be operated with a towing vehicle 210 configured according to ISO 7638. The brake system 221 can output a brake request to the brakes of the trailer 220a, 220b (not shown). The brake system 221 is, for example, an electromechanical and / or electropneumatic brake system 221, a so-called "Trailer Electronic Braking System" (TEBS).

[0036] The sensor device 235 is configured to acquire sensor data 118 relating to the surroundings of the trailer 220a, 220b. The sensor device 235 is configured, for example, to acquire distance data and / or image data as sensor data 118. For this purpose, the sensor device 235 comprises, for example, ultrasound-, radar-, and / or lidar-based sensors and / or is configured to acquire camera data or image data. The sensor data 118 can be transmitted to the towing vehicle 210 for driver assistance and / or to perform an automated driving function and / or can be processed in the trailer 220a, 220b.

[0037] The communication unit 230 is also referred to as the "Vehicle Communication Unit" (VCU). The communication unit 230 connects various components of the trailer 220a, 220b to each other and the trailer 220a, 220b to the towing vehicle 210 (not shown in Fig. 2).

[0038] The communication unit 230 is connected to the sensor device 235 and can receive sensor data 118 from the sensor device 235 and / or request acquisition of sensor data 118 by the sensor device 235.

[0039] The communication unit 230 is communicatively connected to the braking system 221 in order to transmit a second braking signal 224 to the braking system 221 and / or to receive information relating to the braking system 221. Thus, the communication unit 230 is functionally connected to a braking system 221 of the trailer 210.

[0040] To enable the communication unit 230 to be connected to the towing vehicle 210, for example, its control unit 215, the trailer 230 has a data interface 117. The data interface 117 can comprise a plug connection for coupling to a corresponding connection of the towing vehicle 210. Via the data interface 117, the communication unit 230 can receive data 119 from the towing vehicle 210 and / or send it to the towing vehicle 210, for example, for controlling the braking system 221 and / or the sensor device 235. The data interface 117 can be designed as an interface according to "Automotive Ethernet" and / or "1000BASE-T1."

[0041] The communication unit 230 is connected to the switching device 100 for communicating digital data via a signal connection 105'. For this purpose, the switching device 100 has a first signal interface 116a for receiving the first light control signal 115a. In the embodiment according to Fig. 2, the switching device 100 is connected to receive the first light control signal 115a indirectly via the communication unit 230 via the first signal interface 116a. The towing vehicle 210 can transmit the digital, first light control signal 116a to the switching device 100 via the first signal interface 116a and the communication unit 230. The switching device 100 is thus functionally connected to the communication unit 230.

[0042] The data interface 117 and the first signal interface 116a can thus form a common physical interface between the towing vehicle 210 and the trailer 220a, 220b. The control data can be transmitted between the communication unit 230 and the switching device 110 using any technology, for example, CAN, LIN, Ethernet, etc.

[0043] The switching device 100 has a second signal interface 116b for receiving the second light control signal 115b. The switching device 100 can be directly connected to the towing vehicle 210 via the second signal interface 116 for receiving the analog second light control signal 115b.

[0044] The switching device 100 is switchable between a first reception mode M1 for receiving the digital, first light control signal 115a according to a first standard N1 and a second reception mode M2 ​​for receiving the analog, second light control signal 115b according to a second standard N2. The first standard N1 and the second standard N2 are each an ISO standard. The second standard N2 is ISO 12098 and / or ISO 1185.

[0045] The switching device 100 is configured to operate the lighting device 225 depending on the reception mode M1, M2 or the received light control signal 115. For this purpose, the switching device 100 is connected to the lighting device 225 or to the lights 226 of the lighting device 225 via a signal connection 105. The switching device 100 is configured to supply the lighting device 225 with electrical energy and / or a signal for controlling the lighting device 225 via the signal connection 105 to operate the lighting device 225. For this purpose, the switching device 100 can output the respective light control signal 115a, 115b to the lighting device 225 via the signal connection 105, depending on the reception mode M1, M2, and optionally convert it for output.

[0046] The switching device 100 is a module 120a formed separately from the communication unit 230. The module 120a and the communication unit 230 may have different housings and / or circuit boards and mutually compatible electrical connections.

[0047] The switching device 100 is further configured to enable emergency operation of the braking system 221 via a brake light voltage of the second signal interface 116b if a towing vehicle 210 is not connected to the trailer 220a, 220b via either the data interface 117 or the brake interface 222. For this purpose, the switching device 100 can provide additional lines for the brake light and ground.

[0048] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a trailer 220a, 220b according to an embodiment of the invention. The trailer 220a, 220b according to Fig. 3 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. Differences between the trailers 220a, 220b according to Figs. 2 and 3 will be described.

[0049] The switching device 100 according to Fig. 3 has a third signal interface 116c and an interface 125 for connecting the switching device 100 to a second trailer 220a, 220b of the multi-unit vehicle 200a, in particular the commercial vehicle 200b. The third signal interface 116c is, for example, an interface according to ISO 1185 and is configured to receive a third light control signal 115c. The third light control signal 115 can be an analog signal similar to the second light control signal 115b.Depending on the reception mode M1, M2, the switching device 100 is configured to output the third light control signal 115c received via the third signal interface 116c to the second trailer 220b via the interface 125 and optionally convert it for output and / or to output a digital first light control signal 116a received via the first signal interface 116a to the second trailer 220b via the interface 125 and optionally convert it for output.

[0050] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a trailer 220a, 220b according to an embodiment of the invention. The trailer 220a, 220b according to Fig. 4 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. Differences between the trailers 220a, 220b according to Figs. 2 and 4 will be described.

[0051] The switching device 100 is a component of the communication unit 230, which is functionally connected to the braking system 221 of the trailer 210. The switching device 100 thus has the data interface 117. The switching device 100 is configured to communicate sensor data 118 in the first reception mode M1. This means that the switching device 100 can receive the digital, first light control signal 115a and simultaneously transmit sensor data 118 via the jointly formed data interface 117 and first signal interface 116a. The data interface 117 or the first signal interface 116a is configured to transmit the sensor data 118 from the trailer 220a, 220b to the towing vehicle 210 of the multi-unit vehicle 200a, in particular the commercial vehicle 200b. The data interface 117 is configured to receive the first light control signal 115a in the first reception mode M1.With this direct connection, the switching device 100 meets the interface specification of the data interface 117.

[0052] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a trailer 220a, 220b according to an embodiment of the invention. The trailer 220a, 220b according to Fig. 5 is described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. Differences between the trailers 220a, 220b according to Figs. 2 and 5 are described.

[0053] The switching device 100 and a light 226 of the lighting device 225 are configured as a common module 120b. Two different embodiments are illustrated in Fig. 5: In one embodiment, the trailer 220a, 220b comprises a signal connection 105' between the communication unit 230 and the switching device 100, as described with reference to Figs. 2 and 3; in another embodiment, the trailer 220a, 220b comprises a signal connection 105" between the braking system 221 and the switching device 100, wherein the switching device 100 is indirectly connected to the communication unit 230 via the braking system 221.

[0054] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of signals relating to a trailer 220a, 220b according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0055] The braking system 221 receives a braking signal 223, for example, via an ISO 7638 interface. The communication unit 230 receives data 119, for example, from the towing vehicle 210 via the data interface 117. The communication unit 230 and the braking system 221 can exchange data with each other, as described with reference to Fig. 2. The switching device 100 is functionally connected to the communication unit 230 and, via the communication unit 230, to the braking system 221 and can further receive the first light control signal 115a and the second light control signal 115b. Depending on the application, the switching device can output the first light control signal 115a and / or the second light control signal 115b to operate the lighting device 225 and / or for transmission to another trailer 220a, 220b. Reference symbol (part of the description)

[0056] 100 switching device

[0057] 105 Signal connection

[0058] 105' signal connection

[0059] 105" signal connection

[0060] 115 Light control signal

[0061] 115a first light control signal

[0062] 115b second light control signal

[0063] 115c third light control signal

[0064] 116a first signal interface

[0065] 116b second signal interface

[0066] 116c third signal interface

[0067] 117 Data interface

[0068] 118 sensor data

[0069] 119 data

[0070] 120a module

[0071] 120b module

[0072] 125 interface

[0073] 200a vehicle

[0074] 200b commercial vehicle

[0075] 210 towing vehicle

[0076] 215 Control unit

[0077] 220a trailer

[0078] 220b second trailer

[0079] 221 Brake system

[0080] 222 brake interface

[0081] 223 Brake signal

[0082] 224 second brake signal

[0083] 225 Lighting device

[0084] 226 light

[0085] 230 communication unit

[0086] 235 Sensor device M1 first reception mode

[0087] M2 second reception mode

[0088] N1 first standard

[0089] N2 second standard

Claims

Patent claims 1. Switching device (100) for a trailer (220a, 220b) of a multi-unit vehicle (200a), in particular a commercial vehicle (200b), comprising a lighting device (225), wherein the switching device (100) is switchable between a first reception mode (M1) for receiving a digital, first light control signal (115a) according to a first standard (N1) and a second reception mode (M2) for receiving an analog, second light control signal (115b) according to a second standard (N2), and the switching device (100) is configured to operate the lighting device (225) depending on the reception mode (M1, M2).

2. Switching device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the switching device (100) has a first signal interface (116a) for receiving the first light control signal (115a) and a second signal interface (116b) for receiving the second light control signal (115b).

3. Switching device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switching device (100) has a data interface (117) and the switching device (100) is configured to communicate sensor data (118) in the first reception mode (M1).

4. Switching device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the data interface (117) is configured to transmit the sensor data (118) from the trailer (220a, 220b) to a towing vehicle (210) of the multi-unit vehicle (200a), in particular commercial vehicle (200b).

5. Switching device (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the data interface (117) is configured to receive the first light control signal (115a) in the first reception mode (M1).

6. Switching device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching device (100) is a separate device from a device connected to a braking system (221) of the Trailer (210) functionally connected communication unit (230) formed module (120a) and functionally connected to the communication unit (230).

7. Switching device (100) according to claims 1 to 5, wherein the switching device (100) is part of a communication unit (230) functionally connected to a braking system (221) of the trailer (210).

8. Switching device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching device (100) and a lamp (226) of the lighting device (225) are designed as a common module (120b).

9. Switching device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching device (100) has an interface (125) for connecting the switching device (100) to a second trailer (220a, 220b) of the multi-unit vehicle (200a), in particular commercial vehicle (200b).

10. Switching device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first standard (N1) and / or the second standard (N2) is an ISO standard and / or an SAE standard. 1 1 . Trailer (220) comprising a lighting device (225) and a switching device (100) according to one of the preceding claims.

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