Kingpin assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a kingpin assembly (1) for a semitrailer of a truck-trailer combination, comprising a kingpin (2) which defines a rotational axis (A), a pivot bearing (3) which is arranged about the rotational axis (A), and a driver which is connected to the pivot bearing (3) and can be pivoted about the rotational axis (A), wherein the kingpin (2) has a kingpin flange (6) for installing the kingpin (2) directly or indirectly on the semitrailer. The pivot bearing (3) has a bearing ring (7) which is stationary relative to the kingpin (2) or a stationary bearing ring segment and a bearing ring (8) which can be rotated relative thereto or a rotatable bearing ring segment. The driver is fixed to the rotatable bearing ring (8) or the rotatable bearing ring segment. One element of a pair consisting of an angle sensor and an angle transmitter is arranged on the kingpin (2) or the stationary bearing ring (7) or the stationary bearing ring segment, and the respective other element is arranged on the rotatable bearing ring (8) or the rotatable bearing ring segment or the driver.

Description

[0001] Kingpin arrangement

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The invention relates to a kingpin arrangement for a semi-trailer of a truck, comprising a kingpin defining a rotation axis, a pivot bearing arranged about the rotation axis and a driver connected to the pivot bearing and pivotable about the rotation axis, wherein the kingpin has a kingpin flange for mounting the kingpin directly or indirectly on the semi-trailer, wherein the pivot bearing has a bearing ring or a fixed bearing ring segment that is fixed relative to the kingpin and a bearing ring or a rotatable bearing ring segment that is rotatable relative thereto and wherein the driver is fixed to the rotatable bearing ring or rotatable bearing ring segment.

[0004] Such a kingpin arrangement is known, for example, from the documents DE 20 2022 106 659 U, EP 3 891 051 A1, EP 1 918 179 A1 and DE10 2004 024 333 A1.

[0005] The towing vehicle and the semi-trailer, also simply called the semi-trailer, form the truck / trailer combination. A fifth wheel coupling plate is arranged on the towing vehicle, which engages and locks the kingpin located on the underside of the semi-trailer. The fifth wheel coupling plate is usually designed with a wedge-shaped entry opening tapered in the direction of travel for coupling the semi-trailer. The entry opening has a free installation space with a depth that ensures trouble-free insertion and removal of the kingpin into the fifth wheel coupling plate. During coupling, the semi-trailer slides with its semi-trailer plate, to which the kingpin is directly or indirectly mounted, on the surface of the fifth wheel coupling plate, thereby determining the vertical position.Lateral guidance is ensured by the kingpin, which is positively guided in the entry opening during coupling until it reaches its locking position. The entry opening is determined downwards by the length of the kingpin. In other words, components located below the entry opening, such as reinforcing ribs, cannot be caught by the kingpin when the trailer is coupled or uncoupled. Terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "top" and "bottom" refer here, unless explicitly stated otherwise, to the direction of gravity. Terms such as "axial", "radial" and "tangential" refer here, unless explicitly stated otherwise, to the axis of rotation, which is defined by the kingpin.

[0006] When the towing vehicle and semi-trailer are coupled, it is desirable to know the angular position of the trailer relative to the towing vehicle as accurately as possible and to communicate this information to a control device on the towing vehicle and / or the semi-trailer. This information is relevant, for example, for steerable axles on the trailer or for optimizing driver assistance systems, both when reversing and driving forward. There are numerous approaches to determining the so-called articulation angle between the towing vehicle and the semi-trailer. Reference is made, for example, to the documents EP 3 162 665 A1, DE 20 2012 008 717 U1, DE 199 64 059 A1, US 5 152 544 A, WO 2020 / 248 035 A1, AT 514 448 A1, US 2013 / 082 453 A1, US 2015 / 084 311 A1, GB 2 470 610 A, DE 10 2018 123 642 A1. Most known systems use a magnet and a magnetic field sensor.The sensor is usually attached directly or indirectly to the fifth wheel coupling plate, and the magnet to the kingpin. A disadvantage of this arrangement is that the measurement result can depend not only on the articulation angle, but also on a misalignment between the sensor and magnet after coupling, and on play between the kingpin and the fifth wheel coupling plate when coupled. These two factors can therefore result in incorrect angle values.

[0007] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a kingpin arrangement that creates the conditions for simple and accurate articulation angle determination. This object is achieved by a kingpin arrangement according to claim 1.

[0008] According to the invention, one element of a pair consisting of an angle sensor and an angle encoder is arranged on the kingpin or the fixed bearing ring or the fixed bearing ring segment on the one hand and the rotatable bearing ring or the rotatable bearing ring segment or the driver on the other hand.

[0009] This solution differs from all known solutions in that both the angle sensor and the angle encoder are assigned to the kingpin arrangement and thus to the semi-trailer. Apart from the articulation angle to be measured, the relative position of the angle sensor and angle encoder is therefore always the same, regardless of the condition of the fifth wheel coupling plate and its spatial position relative to the kingpin after the towing vehicle has been coupled to the semi-trailer. The solution according to the invention also has the significant advantage that it can be retrofitted very easily, as only a modification to the semi-trailer is required. Elements (stationary and rotating bearing rings or bearing ring segments) of the existing pivot bearing around the kingpin are used to ensure a defined rotational movement of the angle sensor and angle encoder relative to one another.

[0010] It should be noted that both fixed bearing rings and rotating bearing rings with a 360° circumference, as well as just "bearing ring segments," or a combination of a bearing ring and a "bearing ring segment" can be used for the pivot bearing. Bearing ring segments are generally sufficient to ensure the degree of freedom of rotation and to determine the position in all other dimensions, since the fifth wheel coupling only allows rotation over a maximum pitch circle of approximately 260°. However, completely annular fixed and rotating bearing rings have the advantage of greater rigidity, which in turn ensures more precise position definition, especially when tilting moments occur, and are therefore generally preferred.

[0011] Preferably, the angle sensor is arranged on the rotatable bearing ring or the rotatable bearing ring segment or the driver and the angle sensor is arranged on the kingpin or the fixed bearing ring or the fixed bearing ring segment.

[0012] The driver is preferably configured to interact with the fifth wheel coupling plate when coupled in such a way that the relative rotation between the kingpin and the fifth wheel coupling plate is transmitted to the rotating bearing ring or the rotating bearing ring segment with as little play as possible. For this purpose, a positive contact between the driver and the fifth wheel coupling plate or an element fixed to it is considered, for example.

[0013] For this purpose, the driver particularly preferably comprises a centering element which is designed to center the driver in the entry opening of a fifth wheel coupling plate of a towing vehicle.

[0014] The angle sensor is advantageously a non-contact measuring sensor, in particular a magnetic field or Hall sensor, a capacitive sensor or an optical sensor.

[0015] Non-contact sensor technology offers a number of advantages. In particular, it is not susceptible to wear, has virtually no slippage, and provides an immediate electronic signal that can be made available for further processing. The angle sensor can therefore advantageously comprise a magnetization pattern, in particular one or more magnets or magnetic sections or magnetic coatings, an optically detectable marking pattern, in particular a color coating or discoloration, a tactile marking pattern, in particular an engraving or a relief, or a combination of these patterns.

[0016] Regarding the tactile marking pattern, it should be noted that it can be scanned mechanically by touch or contactlessly using a magnetic field sensor, capacitive or optical sensor.

[0017] The angle sensor preferably comprises a pattern that varies in the circumferential direction and / or radial direction.

[0018] The pattern can exhibit an incremental or continuous change in the circumferential and / or radial directions. This includes, for example, patterns containing convergent or divergent lines in the circumferential and / or radial directions, the spacing of which and, from this, information about the angular position being determinable from signals from the angle sensor. Alternatively, the pattern can contain at least one line running at an acute angle oblique to the circumferential or radial direction, the spacing of which from an imaginary reference plane perpendicular to the rotational axis, and, from this, information about the angular position being determinable from signals from the angle sensor.In another alternative, the pattern can be formed by a line pattern that changes in the circumferential direction, wherein a plurality of lines extending transversely to the circumferential direction or to the radial direction and spaced apart in the circumferential direction or in the radial direction vary in their length and / or in their width and / or in their spacing in the circumferential direction or in the radial direction, and wherein the length and / or the width and / or the spacing of the lines and, therefrom, information about the angular position can be determined from signals of the angle sensor.

[0019] Due to the variation, an evaluation electronics is able to assign the sensor signal to an angular position even when there is no relative movement between the angle sensor and the angle encoder, i.e. when the kingpin is not rotating relative to the fifth wheel coupling plate.

[0020] The pattern particularly preferably defines a central position.

[0021] This means that the pattern includes a marking that can be clearly assigned to the center position. This makes it particularly easy to detect straight-ahead travel. In combination with a pattern that varies in the circumferential and / or radial directions, the center position marking provides redundant information that can be used, for example, to calibrate the angle sensor.

[0022] The sensor's signal can be sent via cable to the trailer or wirelessly to the trailer, the towing vehicle or to a location outside the vehicle, for example to a central control center.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the angle sensor preferably comprises a wheel and the angle sensor comprises a contact surface against which the wheel rests in a frictional engagement.

[0024] The driver is preferably designed as a support frame for the indirect or direct mounting, in particular, of an electrical and / or electromagnetic and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic connecting means for connection to a corresponding connecting unit of a towing vehicle.

[0025] The electrical and / or electromagnetic and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic connecting means is part of a plug-in coupling system for connecting lines between the towing vehicle and the semi-trailer, as described, for example, in DE10 2004 024 333 A1. Plug-in coupling systems are known in various designs. The plug-in coupling system contains at least a plug and a socket and usually also other components that serve to automatically connect and disconnect the plug and socket when coupling or uncoupling the semi-trailer and the towing vehicle. The term "connecting means" in this sense therefore includes at least a plug or a socket. For safety reasons, the current-carrying end of the plug-in coupling system is usually designed as a socket on the towing vehicle, while the corresponding plug is arranged on the semi-trailer.In particular, the connector socket on the fifth wheel coupling is fixed below the entry opening and is thus located in a protected area where it cannot collide with the kingpin during entry. The connecting element, usually the connector, is usually located on the underside of the support frame or in a cavity within the support frame.

[0026] As a support frame, the carrier fulfills a dual function. It ensures that the connecting element is pivoted around the kingpin and is always aligned with the corresponding connection unit of the towing vehicle. Advantageously, the support frame has a wedge- or V-shaped configuration, viewed in projection onto a horizontal plane, which is designed at least in sections to complement the wedge-shaped entry opening, so that the support frame is aligned in a defined manner with the fifth wheel coupling during entry through positive engagement. In the form of the support frame, the carrier simultaneously incorporates the centering element in order to transmit the relative rotation between the kingpin and the fifth wheel coupling plate to the relative movement between the angle sensor and the angle encoder with as little play as possible.

[0027] Furthermore, the plug can be mounted on a base plate on the support frame, which is spring-loaded relative to the support frame in the vertical direction. From the coupling of the trailer until the final connection between the plug and socket is established, the spring-loaded base plate or the plug is guided under pressure to an insertion aid in the area of ​​the entry opening, which automatically positions the plug vertically and thus ensures any necessary height compensation.

[0028] The support frame preferably has a support element that is axially spaced from the rotatable bearing ring or the rotatable bearing ring segment and directly adjacent to the kingpin.

[0029] The rotating bearing ring or the rotating bearing ring segment, together with the stationary bearing ring or the stationary bearing ring segment, forms an axial-radial pivot bearing, i.e., an upper suspension for the support frame with only one rotational degree of freedom for the frame. The position of the support frame is determined radially and axially relative to the kingpin and thus to the trailer plate by the pivot bearing. However, due to its radial length and an unfavorable lever at its free, plug-side end, the support frame can tilt downward, particularly when wear occurs. This can only be partially counteracted by stiffening the bearing structure and the support frame, especially since care should be taken to ensure that these components are as lightweight as possible.Therefore, the support element is provided to counteract the tilt by forming a lower support for the support frame on the kingpin, axially spaced from the plane of the pivot bearing—this is defined by the plane of the mutually resting sliding surfaces of the bearing rings / bearing ring segments. The support element rests on the kingpin, and particularly preferably on the upper or lower collar of the kingpin, and transmits any tilting moments to the kingpin. This defines the vertical position of the support frame and the plug relative to the kingpin and the trailer plate, ensuring that the coupling process can be carried out safely in the manner described above through vertical and horizontal guidance.

[0030] Furthermore, the support element is preferably adjustable in length in the radial direction relative to the axis of rotation.

[0031] Due to wear and tear, and particularly in the case of retrofitted or replaced kingpin assemblies, variations in the relative arrangement of the connecting elements and the kingpin due to manufacturing tolerances can occur, jeopardizing secure coupling despite the support described above. The support element, which is radially adjustable in length, provides an adjustment option for the inclination of the support frame. This allows for fine adjustment of the vertical position of the plug relative to the plug socket, which can compensate for manufacturing tolerances, wear, or the like, so that coupling can be carried out safely in the usual way.

[0032] The support element preferably has a sliding surface in contact with the kingpin. Because the support element is a separate component, it can be easily optimized for its function as a sliding element. This is particularly preferably achieved by forming the sliding surface from the surface of a low-friction material. In this sense, the sliding element can be made predominantly of the low-friction material, in which case it would be referred to as a solid material, or it can have a coating made of such a material.A low-friction material refers to a material that contains tribologically effective fillers, so-called dry lubricants such as, preferably, graphite, PTFE, M0S2, h-BN, lead, tin, or the like. Therefore, when interacting with the kingpin, it exhibits a lower coefficient of friction than the aluminum or steel material typically used for the support frame without fillers. Examples of suitable matrix materials for such solid materials or coatings include plastic, bronze, or aluminum.

[0033] Likewise preferably, the support element therefore has a plastic matrix at least along the sliding surface, in particular made of thermoplastic plastic, in particular of polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide (PEI), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

[0034] The kingpin preferably has a cylindrical outer surface arranged coaxially around the axis of rotation with the radius r, or at least a segment thereof, against which the support element rests. Here again, it should be noted that due to the limited angle of rotation of the fifth wheel coupling, one cylinder segment is sufficient, but the kingpin generally has one circular cross-section over its entire axial extent, or several circular cross-sections due to its obligatory constriction, and in this sense has at least one cylindrical outer surface against which the support element can be supported. Since the obligatory constriction is provided for locking with the fifth wheel coupling, the kingpin can be supported either above this, on the so-called upper collar, or below it, on the so-called lower collar.

[0035] The sliding surface is preferably geometrically designed such that the support element is centered relative to the kingpin in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. This is advantageously achieved either by the sliding surface forming a V-shaped contour in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, or by the sliding surface being designed as a concavely curved surface with a radius r', wherein the radius r' is between r - 5 mm and r + 5 mm, more preferably between r - 1 mm and r + 5 mm, and particularly preferably between r and r + 5 mm. In both cases, the position of the sliding surface is defined in the tangential direction relative to the axis of rotation or the cylindrical surface of the kingpin.

[0036] The support element is preferably connected to the support frame by means of a connecting element whose length is radially adjustable relative to the rotation axis. As part of the support element, the connecting element ensures its adjustability in the radial direction. Particularly preferably, the support element is connected to the support frame by means of a threaded rod (as a connecting element) extending radially relative to the rotation axis. Instead of the threaded rod, alternative embodiments provide for pins or rods in conjunction with clamping pieces or clamping screws, strips with elongated holes and connecting screws, a toggle lever arrangement, or toothed or interlocked elements such as a rack and corresponding counterparts engaging in the toothing.

[0037] The support frame preferably has a cross brace on which the length-adjustable connecting element and / or the threaded rod is supported. The cross brace extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation and substantially tangentially at a sufficient distance from the kingpin to allow for length adjustment of the support element.

[0038] The fixed bearing ring or fixed bearing ring segment is preferably attached directly to the kingpin flange. This allows for easy replacement or retrofitting of the kingpin assembly without having to make any structural changes to the semi-trailer itself. For example, an old kingpin can be unscrewed from the trailer plate and a new kingpin with the same hole pattern can be installed in its place in the kingpin flange, including the pivot bearing and support frame.

[0039] The stationary bearing ring or the stationary bearing ring segment is preferably arranged radially inward relative to the rotation axis, and the rotating bearing ring or the rotating bearing ring segment is arranged radially outward. This also contributes to easy replacement or retrofitting of the kingpin arrangement while simultaneously ensuring optimal rotational guidance, as will be explained below with reference to the drawings.

[0040] Preferably, a spacer is arranged on the support frame, projecting upwards from the support frame in the direction of the rotation axis, said spacer being designed to directly or indirectly support the support frame on the semi-trailer. The length-adjustable support element is preferably adjusted so that the support frame rests against the semi-trailer plate with the spacer, thereby reducing the tendency of the support frame to vibrate and allowing the position of the free end of the support frame, on which the connecting means is arranged, to be determined even more precisely. To avoid mechanical stresses when the support frame rotates about the kingpin, the support element is advantageously aligned with the lowest point of the area of ​​the semi-trailer plate that the support frame can cover during rotation.

[0041] The rotatable bearing ring or the rotatable bearing ring segment advantageously has a cylinder wall segment extending in the direction of the axis of rotation, to which the support frame is fixed. The cylinder wall segment forms the vertical connection from the plane of the axial pivot bearing to the support frame and is also suitable for forming the cross strut for supporting the length-adjustable connecting element and / or the threaded rod.

[0042] The cylinder wall segment preferably has a width in the tangential direction of < (2.1 xr) and is thus involved in guiding the connecting means during coupling as the radially innermost part of the V-shaped support element.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the support element is designed to be elastically deformable at least in the radial direction relative to the axis of rotation and / or has a spring element acting in this direction, so that the support element bears against the kingpin with an adjustable preload. The spring element can be, for example, a spiral compression spring, a disc spring assembly, or an elastically deformable plastic body. This design, in conjunction with the length adjustment of the support element, allows a targeted preload to be set, which always ensures that the support element bears against the kingpin and the support frame bears against the trailer plate with constant contact pressure. This reduces any distortion of the support frame and, at the same time, dampens vibrations of the support frame even more effectively.

[0044] In one embodiment, the angle sensor is arranged on or in the support element.

[0045] The angle sensor is therefore preferably arranged on or along a circumferential surface of the kingpin.

[0046] The construction of the support element adjacent to the kingpin ensures that the peripheral surface of the kingpin along the point scanned or read by the sensor is free of contamination or other interfering influences, ensuring that the sensor always outputs a largely consistent, interference-free signal. Alternatively, the angle sensor is preferably arranged on or along the surface of the stationary bearing ring or on or along the surface of the kingpin flange.

[0047] Accordingly, the angle sensor is alternatively preferably arranged on or in the rotatable bearing ring or on or in the rotatable bearing ring segment.

[0048] These and other features and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. They show:

[0049] Figure 1 is a perspective sectional view of a first embodiment of the kingpin arrangement;

[0050] Figure 2 shows the kingpin arrangement according to Figure 1 in section in side view;

[0051] Figure 3 is a perspective sectional view of a second embodiment of the kingpin arrangement;

[0052] Figure 4 is a perspective sectional view of a third embodiment of the kingpin arrangement;

[0053] Figure 5 is a perspective sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the kingpin arrangement;

[0054] Figure 6 is a perspective sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the kingpin arrangement;

[0055] Figure 7 shows a sixth embodiment of the kingpin arrangement in section in side view;

[0056] Figure 8 shows the kingpin arrangement from below;

[0057] Figure 9 the kingpin arrangement from below with supporting frame;

[0058] Figure 10 shows the kingpin arrangement in an exploded view and

[0059] Figure 11 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of the kingpin assembly according to the invention. Figures 1 and 2 as well as 8 to 10 show the same kingpin assembly 1 for a semitrailer of a truck / trailer combination, comprising a kingpin 2 defining a rotation axis A, a pivot bearing 3 arranged about the rotation axis A, and a support frame 4 connected to the pivot bearing 3 and pivotable about the rotation axis A. In this multi-part embodiment, the support frame 4 has a mounting base with a cylinder wall segment 16 and two fork-shaped retaining arms 21 projecting substantially radially from the cylinder wall segment 16.

[0060] On its upper side, the support frame 4 has a protective cover 22. A connecting element, typically in the form of a plug (not shown), is located beneath the protective cover 22 within the support frame 4 at its free end 23 and indirectly attached to it via a base plate. Sections of the support frame 4 are designed as a V-shaped frame construction, the sides of which are adapted to the angle of the corresponding entry opening.

[0061] The kingpin 2 has a kingpin flange 6 for mounting the kingpin 2 on the semi-trailer, and more precisely, on a plate 18 welded to the trailer plate 24. As is known in the art, assembly is carried out by means of screws 25 arranged in a circle along the flange 6. The plate 18 has a recess 26 at the top, in which the kingpin flange 6 and, in part, the pivot bearing 3 are received. The depth of the recess 26 plus the thickness of the trailer plate 24 are dimensioned such that the pivot bearing 3, with the exception of the integrally formed cylinder wall segment 16 of the support frame 4, does not protrude beyond the underside of the trailer plate 24.

[0062] The kingpin otherwise comprises, in a conventional manner, an upper collar 27, a constriction 28, and a lower collar 29, viewed from top to bottom. The upper collar 27, the constriction 28, and the lower collar 29 all have a circular-cylindrical basic shape. At the upper collar, the kingpin has a radius r. The constriction 28 is the section where the locking mechanism of the fifth wheel coupling engages.

[0063] The pivot bearing 3 comprises a bearing ring 7 that is fixed relative to the kingpin 2 and a bearing ring 8 that can rotate relative to it. The fixed bearing ring 7 is fastened directly to the kingpin flange by means of screws 30. By screwing the flange 3 to the weld-in plate 7 and by screwing the fixed bearing ring 31 to the flange 3, the kingpin arrangement 1 as a whole or just parts of the pivot bearing 3 can be easily replaced. In particular, no structural changes to the semi-trailer are required during retrofitting, because the kingpin arrangement 1 according to the invention can simply be installed in place of an old one. This is ensured not only by the identical screw connection, but also by the small installation space required for the pivot bearing 3 including the support frame 4.For this purpose, it is again advantageous if, as can be seen in particular in Figures 1 and 4, the fixed bearing ring 7 is arranged radially inward with respect to the axis of rotation A and the rotatable bearing ring 8 is arranged radially outward.

[0064] The rotating bearing ring 8, together with the stationary bearing ring 7, forms an axial-radial pivot bearing. In the axial direction, the bearing is achieved by the mutually engaging axial sliding surfaces of the bearing rings 7 and 8. The sliding surfaces define the "rotational plane" or "plane of the pivot bearing" 32, see Figure 4. In the radial direction, the bearing rings abut one another along circular-cylindrical surfaces 34, thus limiting the degree of freedom of movement of the support frame 4 to a purely rotary movement. Along its outer circumferential surface, the rotating bearing ring 8 has a circumferentially stepped stiffening edge 36.

[0065] The support frame 4 is fixed to the rotatable bearing ring 8. In the illustrated embodiment, it is integrally formed thereon with its cylinder wall segment 16. The cylinder wall segment thus forms the vertical connection from the plane 32 of the axial pivot bearing to the support frame 4. The position of the support frame 4 is thus determined radially and axially relative to the kingpin 2 and the trailer plate 24 by the pivot bearing 3.

[0066] To ensure that the support frame 4 does not tilt downwards, or only tilts downwards as little as possible, due to its radial length, the kingpin arrangement 1 has a support element 9. This is connected to the support frame 4 by means of a connecting element 12 whose length is adjustable in the radial direction R relative to the axis of rotation A. It is arranged at an axial distance below the plane 32 of the pivot bearing 3 and is supported there directly on a circumferential or cylindrical surface 11 of the upper collar 27 of the kingpin 2, which is arranged coaxially around the axis of rotation A. While the constriction 28 must remain completely free for locking with the fifth wheel coupling, in an alternative embodiment the support element 9 can also be supported on the lower collar 29, which results in an overall larger lever and thus a more secure support.

[0067] In this example, the connecting element 12 is designed as a threaded rod 13 which is screwed into the cylinder wall segment 16 on the radially outer side, which here forms the cross strut 14, and is thus supported thereon. Alternatively, it can also be fixed to the latter, for example by a materially bonded or force-locking connection. On the other side, the threaded rod 12 is screwed into a Meta II block 40 of the support element 9 and locked with a nut 42. As part of the support element 9, the threaded rod 12 ensures its adjustability in the radial direction R. If the support element is extended, for example in the radial direction, by unscrewing the threaded rod, the support frame 4 is raised at its free end 23, at which the connecting means or plug (not shown) is located, and conversely lowered by screwing it in.The support frame can be precisely adjusted, for example, to the degree of wear of the kingpin, structural tolerances of the support frame, plug or trailer plate, so that the plug can be brought vertically into its exact desired position.

[0068] The support element 9 further comprises a sliding surface 10 in direct contact with the cylindrical surface 11 of the kingpin 2. This sliding surface is formed on a plastic block 44, which in turn is glued or otherwise attached to the metal block 40 of the support element 9. The plastic block 44 has a plastic matrix in which tribologically effective filler particles can be dispersed to reduce the friction coefficient in interaction with the surface of the kingpin 2.

[0069] The sliding surface 10 is designed as a concavely curved surface with a radius r', whereby the support element 9 is aligned relative to the kingpin in a tangential direction with respect to the axis of rotation A or the cylindrical surface 11 of the kingpin 2.

[0070] An angle sensor 52 in the form of a non-contact magnetic field sensor is arranged in the support element 9 and is oriented in the radial direction toward the cylindrical surface 11 of the kingpin 2. In this embodiment, the support frame 4, together with the support element 9, forms the driver on which the angle sensor 52 is arranged. Along the circumferential surface or cylindrical surface 11 of the kingpin 2, more precisely here in the area of ​​the upper collar 27, an angle sensor 54 in the form of magnetic sections of an annular band is embedded flush with the circumferential surface. The angle sensor 52 is aligned with this angle sensor 54. The angle sensor 54 preferably comprises a circumferentially varying pattern of magnetic sections so that the angle sensor 52 generates a signal assignable to the respective angular position when the angle sensor 54 is swept over as a result of a pivoting movement of the support frame 4 around the kingpin 2.In this example, the signal is routed radially via a signal line 56 to the connector (not shown), which can then be transferred to a coupled towing vehicle. However, the signal line can also, or additionally, lead directly to a processor within the semi-trailer, which processes the signal, for example, for controlling steerable axles or driver assistance systems.

[0071] The kingpin arrangement 1 of the embodiments according to Figures 3 to 7 has the same structural design as that of the first embodiment according to Figures 1 and 2 and differs in the positioning of the angle sensor 52 and the angle encoder 54. In the second embodiment according to Figure 3, the angle sensor 52 is again arranged in the support element 9, but this time oriented at a radial distance n from the axis of rotation A in the axial direction towards the kingpin flange 6. The angle encoder 54 is accordingly arranged at the same radial distance n from the axis of rotation A, flush with the surface on or in the kingpin flange 6 in the form of magnetic sections.

[0072] In the third embodiment according to Figure 4, the angle sensor 52 is also arranged in the support element 9 and this time is oriented in the axial direction toward the stationary bearing ring 7 at a radial distance r2 from the rotational axis A. The angle sensor 54 is accordingly arranged flush with the surface on or in the stationary bearing ring 7 in the form of magnetic sections at the same radial distance r2 from the rotational axis A.

[0073] In the fourth embodiment according to Figure 5, the angle sensor 52 is arranged in the rotatable bearing ring 8 and oriented radially inward toward the stationary bearing ring 7. The angle sensor 54 is accordingly arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the stationary bearing ring 7 in the form of magnetic sections.

[0074] In the fifth embodiment according to Figure 6, the angle sensor 52 is also arranged in the rotatable bearing ring 8, but this time oriented at a radial distance rs from the rotational axis A in the axial direction toward the kingpin flange 6. The angle sensor 54 is accordingly arranged at the same radial distance rs from the rotational axis A, flush with the surface along the kingpin flange 6 in the form of magnetic sections.

[0075] In the sixth exemplary embodiment according to Figure 7, the angle sensor 52 and the angle encoder 54 are arranged concentrically to the axis of rotation A at the lower end of the kingpin 2. More precisely, the angle encoder 54, in the form of a magnet arrangement, is inserted into a recess in the lower end of the kingpin 2. Also at the lower end, the kingpin 2 has a recess 55 into which the angle sensor 52 is embedded without any axial projection. This is important so that the sensor is protected from mechanical stress and cannot come into contact with the fifth wheel coupling plate when coupling. In this example, the angle sensor 52 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the support frame 4 by means of a retaining bracket 58, which, in a first radial section, is also located within the recess 55 to protect against mechanical stress. The retaining bracket 58 is understood, within the meaning of this teaching, to be part of the support frame 4 and thus of the driver.The sensor 52 is aligned axially with the angle sensor 54 and can only rotate relative to it about the rotation axis A. The angle sensor 54 comprises a pattern of magnetic sections that varies in the radial direction so that the angle sensor 52 generates a signal that can be assigned to the respective angular position as a result of a pivoting movement of the support frame 4 around the kingpin 2 during its rotational movement relative to the angle sensor 54. In the simplest case, the varying pattern of magnetic sections can be a two-pole magnet oriented in the radial direction. However, with regard to good angular resolution, a large number of varying magnetic sections arranged along a circular line are preferred. In this example, the signal is also transmitted via the signal line 56, which runs in a protected manner on its first radial section within the retaining bracket 58.

[0076] Figure 11 schematically shows a kingpin arrangement according to the invention with a radially outwardly directed support frame 4, on which a spacer 46 is arranged, which projects upwards from the support frame 4 in the direction of the axis of rotation A and supports the support frame 4 on the trailer plate 24 of the semi-trailer.

[0077] Within the support frame 4, a connecting means 48, shown in dashed lines, is attached to its free end 23.

[0078] In this embodiment, the support element 9 has a spring element 50 acting in the radial direction R relative to the rotation axis A. The spring element 50 is shown schematically and can be, for example, a spiral compression spring, a disc spring assembly, or an elastically deformable plastic body. In conjunction with the length adjustment of the support element 9, it allows for the setting of a targeted preload, which always ensures that the support element 9 rests against the kingpin 2 and the support frame 4 rests against the trailer plate 24 via the spacer 46 with constant contact pressure.

[0079] List of reference symbols

[0080] 1 kingpin arrangement

[0081] 2 kingpins

[0082] 3 pivot bearings

[0083] 4 supporting frames

[0084] 6 Kingpin flange

[0085] 7 fixed bearing ring

[0086] 8 rotating bearing ring

[0087] 9 Support element

[0088] 10 Sliding surface

[0089] 11 Cylinder surface

[0090] 12 connecting element

[0091] 13 Threaded rod

[0092] 14 Cross brace

[0093] 16 cylinder wall segment

[0094] 18 plates

[0095] 21 Holding arm

[0096] 22 Protective cover

[0097] 23 free end (of the supporting frame)

[0098] 24 trailer plate

[0099] 25 screw

[0100] 26 Deepening

[0101] 27 upper waistband

[0102] 28 Constriction

[0103] 29 lower waistband

[0104] 30 screw

[0105] 32 Rotation plane / plane of the pivot bearing

[0106] 34 circular cylindrical surface

[0107] 36 stiffening edge

[0108] 40 metal blocks

[0109] 42 mother

[0110] 44 plastic block

[0111] 46 spacer

[0112] 48 lanyards

[0113] 50 spring element

[0114] 52 angle sensor

[0115] 54 Angle sensor 55 Clearance

[0116] 56 Signal line

[0117] 58 Retaining bracket A Rotation axis r Radius

[0118] R radial direction

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. Kingpin arrangement (1) for a semi-trailer of a truck / trailer, comprising a kingpin (2) defining a rotation axis (A), a pivot bearing (3) arranged about the rotation axis (A), and a driver connected to the pivot bearing (3) and pivotable about the rotation axis (A), wherein the kingpin (2) has a kingpin flange (6) for mounting the kingpin (2) directly or indirectly on the semi-trailer, wherein the pivot bearing (3) has a bearing ring (7) or a fixed bearing ring segment that is fixed relative to the kingpin (2) and a bearing ring (8) or a rotatable bearing ring segment that is rotatable relative thereto, wherein the driver is mounted on the rotatable bearing ring (8) orrotatable bearing ring segment is fixed, characterized in that on the kingpin (2) or the fixed bearing ring (7) or the fixed bearing ring segment on the one hand and the rotatable bearing ring (8) or the rotatable bearing ring segment or the driver on the other hand, one element of a pair consisting of an angle sensor and an angle encoder is arranged.

2. Kingpin arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle sensor is arranged on the rotatable bearing ring (8) or the rotatable bearing ring segment or the driver and that the angle sensor is arranged on the kingpin (2) or the fixed bearing ring (7) or the fixed bearing ring segment.

3. Kingpin arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the driver comprises a centering element which is designed to center the driver in the entry opening of a fifth wheel coupling plate of a towing vehicle.

4. Kingpin arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle sensor is a non-contact measuring sensor, in particular a magnetic field or Hall sensor, a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor.

5. Kingpin arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle encoder comprises a magnetization pattern, an optically detectable marking pattern, a tactile marking pattern or a combination of these patterns.

6. Kingpin arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle sensor comprises a pattern varying in the circumferential direction and / or radial direction.

7. Kingpin assembly according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the pattern defines a center position.

8. Kingpin arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle sensor comprises a wheel and the angle sensor comprises a contact surface against which the wheel rests frictionally.

9. Kingpin arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the driver is designed as a support frame (4) for the indirect or direct mounting in particular of an electrical and / or electromagnetic and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic connecting means for connection to a corresponding connecting unit of a towing vehicle.

10. Kingpin arrangement according to claim 9, characterized in that the support frame (4) has a support element (9) which is axially spaced from the rotatable bearing ring (8) or the rotatable bearing ring segment and which lies directly against the kingpin (2).

11. Kingpin arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the support element (9) is adjustable in length in the radial direction (R) relative to the axis of rotation (A).

12. Kingpin arrangement according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the angle sensor is arranged on or in the support element (9).

13. Kingpin arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle sensor is arranged on or along the circumferential surface of the kingpin (2) or on or along the surface of the kingpin flange (6).

14. Kingpin arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle sensor is arranged on or along the surface of the fixed bearing ring (7) or on or along the surface of the kingpin flange (6).

15. Kingpin arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle sensor is arranged on or in the rotatable bearing ring (8) or on or in the rotatable bearing ring segment.

Images