Vehicle coupling system with wireless emitter-receiver unit

Abstract

A vehicle coupling system with a wireless emitter-receiver unit (40) is described, having a coupling device (10) secured to a towing vehicle, and a trailer coupling means (30) which is secured to a trailer vehicle and which is insertable into the coupling device (10) and lockable in a bearing section (20) of the coupling device (10), wherein the locked trailer coupling means (30) is held movably about a pivot axis (Z) relative to the coupling device (10), the emitter-receiver unit (40) has at least one first transmitter (41a, 41b, 41c) arranged in a fixed position with respect to the coupling device (10) relative to the pivot axis (Z) and at least one second transmitter (42a, 42b, 42c) assigned to the trailer vehicle, wherein the at least one second transmitter (42a, 42b, 42c) is arranged in a fixed position relative to the trailer coupling means (30). The problem addressed is solved by the fact that a plurality of first transmitters (41a, 41b, 41c) are provided which are arranged offset relative to one another in the circumferential direction about the bearing section (20), and / or a plurality of second transmitters (42a, 42b, 42c) are provided which are arranged offset in the circumferential direction about the pivot axis (Z).

Description

[0001] Vehicle coupling system with wireless transmitter-receiver unit

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The invention relates to a vehicle coupling system with a wireless transmitter-receiver unit according to the features in the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] A vehicle coupling system is understood in particular to be a mechanical connecting device between a towing vehicle and a trailer vehicle, as is typically used in commercial freight transport. The coupling device of the towing vehicle can be, for example, a fifth wheel coupling, and the trailer coupling means a kingpin permanently installed on a semi-trailer. To couple the vehicles, the towing vehicle approaches the stationary semi-trailer from behind and contacts the kingpin with its fifth wheel coupling until the kingpin is locked in its end position in the fifth wheel coupling. In ferry operation, the semi-trailer pivots around its kingpin, which is rotatably held in the fifth wheel coupling, when cornering.

[0005] Systems are already known from the prior art that allow the mechanical coupling and uncoupling of the semi-trailer to simultaneously connect the supply lines, or to disconnect it during uncoupling. DE 10 2018 117 584 A1 discloses such a plug-in coupling system with a connector for electrical and pneumatic supply lines. A socket of the connector is arranged on the fifth wheel coupling of the towing vehicle, and a plug arranged on the semi-trailer is pivotally mounted around the kingpin. In addition to data transmission, the plug and socket have at least one transmitter and at least one receiver of a short-range contactless communication system.However, the relatively low data rate and high susceptibility to interference of the contactless communication system have proven to be disadvantageous due to its structural proximity to electrical cables and contacts of the on-board electrical system.

[0006] DE 10347 561 B3 discloses a semi-trailer truck with a wireless signal transmitter. A voltage generator for generating a periodically fluctuating power signal is provided in the tractor unit. A first transmitter is arranged near the fifth wheel of the tractor unit to transmit the power signal to a second transmitter near the coupling pin of the semi-trailer. The overall signal, transmitted by inductive coupling, is applied to the power supply line of the semi-trailer to supply power to a component. Control signals can also be modulated onto the carrier voltage if necessary.

[0007] EP 3 059 103 A1 describes a control unit for a trailer coupling for a towing vehicle, wherein the control unit has a reading device for communication with an RFID transponder arranged in particular on a coupling of the trailer or the load carrier, in which at least one identification code is stored, and evaluation means for evaluating the at least one identification code.

[0008] DE 10 2017 130 957 A1 relates to a system for connecting a tractor to a trailer. Among other things, a light signal transmitter / receiver 92 is arranged within the kingpin, which interacts with a light signal transmitter / receiver 94 aligned on the fifth wheel coupling below the kingpin. Both light signal transmitter / receivers 92, 94 are aligned opposite each other in the axial extension of the kingpin. DE 102 44 298 A1 discloses a system for connecting a tractor to a trailer. The trailer is intended to have a separate, automatically operating power generation device for generating electrical and / or pneumatic energy. The control of the trailer's traffic-related equipment is achieved by means of signals transmitted wirelessly between the tractor and the trailer.

[0009] The object of the invention was to provide a vehicle coupling system whose wireless transmitter-receiver unit enables a high-frequency data rate with lower susceptibility to interference.

[0010] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1. With the help of the transmitter-receiver unit, large signal volumes can be transmitted reliably and without significant external interference due to the particularly short range between the first and second transmitters. The range between the at least one first transmitter and the nearest, at least one second transmitter is preferably between 3.00 mm and 30.00 mm. With greater distances, the risk of interference increases, whereas a specified minimum distance reduces the risk of damage from collisions between the first and second transmitters during ferry operation.

[0011] The at least one first and second transmitter is understood to be either a transmitter and / or a receiver.

[0012] For communication from the towing vehicle to the trailer vehicle, the at least one first transmitter is a transmitter and the at least one second transmitter is a receiver. In this configuration, only data transmission from the towing vehicle to the semi-trailer is possible. It is also possible for data to be transmitted exclusively from the semi-trailer to the towing vehicle. In this case, the at least one second transmitter is a transmitter and the at least one first transmitter is a receiver. However, a configuration with bidirectional data transmission in full-duplex operation between the towing vehicle and the trailer vehicle is preferred. For this purpose, the at least one first transmitter has a transmitter and a receiver, and the at least one second transmitter also has a transmitter and a receiver.The respective transmitters and receivers of the first or second transmitter can also be functionally combined in one component as a transceiver.

[0013] The at least one first and second transmitter can preferably operate based on radio frequency identification (RFID), near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), optical signal transmission, or short-range radio technology. Radio transmission in the mm-wave range is particularly preferred. The carrier frequency can be, for example, 60 GHz. Data transmission is preferably possible at up to 6.25 Gbit / s. The power transmission can be realized with up to 30 watts per first and / or second transmitter.

[0014] Typically, both the at least one first transformer and the at least one second transformer are connected to the respective data network of the towing vehicle or trailer vehicle via a cable connection.

[0015] A plurality of first transformers are provided which are arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction around the bearing section. As a rule, it is sufficient for fast data transmission if the plurality of first transformers interact with one or, if appropriate, several second transformers. A plurality of first and / or second transformers advantageously increases the data rate and creates redundancy during operation. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of second transformers can also be arranged offset in the circumferential direction around the pivot axis and interact with at least one first transformer. All embodiments have in common that the relative position of the first and second transformers changes during ferry operation, for example when negotiating a curve. In particular, the data transmission switches to the pairing of first and second transformers that is geometrically closest during a rotary relative movement.

[0016] Advantageously, the at least one second transmitter is attached to the trailer coupling means. For this purpose, the second transmitter can be inserted into the trailer coupling means and flush with the surrounding surface or slightly recessed from it for collision avoidance purposes.

[0017] Conveniently, the trailer coupling means is a kingpin, and the at least one second transmitter is attached to a cylindrical portion of the kingpin. The cylindrical portion of the kingpin comprises, in particular, an upper collar, which usually merges into a kingpin flange, a reduced-diameter collar, which serves to lock the kingpin with a locking hook of the fifth wheel coupling, and a lower collar, which terminates at the bottom of the kingpin.

[0018] Preferably, the at least one first transmitter is offset with respect to the at least one second transmitter in the radial direction of the pivot axis and arranged opposite each other at the same height in the direction of the pivot axis. The data transmission therefore takes place in a plane spanned by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis of the fifth wheel coupling plate. The cylindrical section can be formed from an upper collar of the kingpin, and the at least one first transmitter is inserted into a wear ring or wall section of the coupling device that at least partially surrounds the bearing section. By means of the wireless data transmission between the at least one first transmitter and the at least one second transmitter, a gap between the wear ring or the wall section of the coupling device and the upper collar of the kingpin can be bridged.

[0019] According to an alternative embodiment, the cylindrical section is formed from a lower collar of the kingpin, and the at least one first transformer is inserted into a wall section of the coupling device that at least partially surrounds the bearing section. This region of the coupling device lies below the wear ring and, on the part of the kingpin, also requires a lower position for the at least one second transformer, so that the corresponding first and second transformers face each other at the same height in the radial direction of the kingpin and are separated only by the gap between the lower collar of the kingpin and the opposite wall section of the coupling device.

[0020] In the two variants mentioned above, the at least one first transformer is preferably inserted into a wall section of the wear ring or wall section facing the cylindrical section of the kingpin. For this purpose, a recess can be formed for each first transformer in the wall section of the wear ring or the coupling device facing the kingpin, into which recess the associated at least one first transformer is inserted and held in place. Preferably, the at least one first transformer is also flush with the surrounding surface or is slightly set back from it to avoid collisions. It is also possible for the at least one first transformer to be offset with respect to the at least one second transformer in the direction of the pivot axis and to be arranged opposite one another in the radial direction. In this embodiment, data transmission takes place in the direction of the pivot axis.

[0021] For this purpose, it is particularly advantageous for the at least one first transformer to be inserted into a wear ring or wall section of the coupling device that at least partially surrounds the bearing section, and for the at least one second transformer to be inserted into a kingpin flange or a retaining ring of the kingpin. The kingpin flange is usually an integral part of the kingpin. A retaining ring is understood to be an annular component that either serves to fasten the kingpin or is part of a pivot bearing for an alignment wedge of a comfort coupling system. The kingpin flange and / or retaining ring projects beyond the wear ring in the radial direction of the kingpin and, if applicable, also beyond the wall section of the fifth wheel plate surrounding it.If the at least one second transformer is arranged in the kingpin flange or a retaining ring, the first transformer should be arranged at the same radial distance from the pivot axis in the wear ring or, if applicable, in the wall section of the fifth wheel plate located behind it. The at least one first and second transformer are essentially spaced apart by the gap between the top side of the fifth wheel plate or the wear ring and the kingpin flange or retaining ring, which is usually set back from the trailer plate.

[0022] Preferably, the trailer coupling means is a kingpin, and the at least one first transmitter is attached to a locking hook of the fifth wheel coupling. The locking hook is pivotally mounted on the fifth wheel coupling plate and, in a plan view, has a U-shape with two essentially parallel legs. Before receiving the kingpin, the locking hook is in an open position, in which both legs are oriented rearward toward the retraction opening of the fifth wheel coupling plate. When the kingpin reaches the storage section provided for this purpose in the fifth wheel coupling plate, the kingpin is located between the two legs of the locking hook, and the locking hook pivots approximately 90 degrees. In this closed position of the locking hook, the kingpin is held rotatably about its pivot axis, but cannot escape from the fifth wheel coupling plate via the retraction opening.When the locking position is reached, the locking hook is in a fixed position relative to the fifth wheel coupling plate and thus also the at least one first transmitter attached to it.

[0023] According to a further alternative embodiment, the coupling device has a support arm that engages below the bearing section and to which the at least one first transformer is attached. The support arm is also fixedly attached to the towing vehicle-side coupling device, and thus also the at least one first transformer attached thereto.

[0024] Advantageously, the trailer coupling means is a kingpin, and the at least one second transformer is arranged on the underside of a lower collar of the kingpin, thus very close to the pivot axis of the kingpin. With the aid of the support arm, the at least one first transformer can also be positioned particularly close to the pivot axis of the kingpin, resulting in minimal or no rotational offset when cornering compared to the at least one second transformer, which is movably arranged relative to the at least one first transformer.If the coupling device is a fifth wheel coupling, the support arm can preferably engage a fifth wheel coupling plate and / or a web of the fifth wheel coupling plate and / or a stiffening rib of the fifth wheel coupling plate or one of two bearing blocks or a mounting plate arranged under the bearing blocks or a cross member running between the bearing blocks or a frame component of the towing vehicle.

[0025] Advantageously, several second transformers are arranged on the underside of the lower collar, offset around the pivot axis. When the kingpin rotates, the second transformer, originally positioned above the at least one first transformer, moves away; however, a neighboring second transformer moves closer by the same amount, so that the distance required for wireless data transmission is always maintained between the first and one of the second transformers.

[0026] It is particularly expedient if the at least one first transformer is arranged in a projected area below the lower collar of the kingpin. In this area, the at least one first transformer is located particularly close to the pivot axis of the kingpin and also in a particularly protected area under the fifth wheel coupling plate.

[0027] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to 14 figures.

[0028] FIG. 1: a plan view of a coupling device in the form of a fifth wheel coupling with a transmitter-receiver unit arranged in the wall section of a bearing area and in the upper collar of the kingpin according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2: a longitudinal section through the

[0029] Coupling device with transmitter-receiver unit according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 3: a longitudinal section through a

[0031] Coupling device with a transmitter-receiver unit arranged in the wear ring and in the upper collar of the kingpin according to a second embodiment;

[0032] FIG. 4: a longitudinal section through a

[0033] Coupling device with a transmitter-receiver unit arranged in the wall section of the storage area and in the lower collar according to a third embodiment;

[0034] FIG. 5: a longitudinal section through a

[0035] Coupling device with a transmitter-receiver unit arranged in the wear ring and in the retaining ring according to a fourth embodiment;

[0036] FIG. 6: a longitudinal section through a

[0037] Coupling device with a transmitter-receiver unit arranged in the wall section of the bearing area and in the retaining ring according to a fifth embodiment; FIG. 7: an exploded view of a kingpin with retaining ring and pivot bearing of a comfort coupling system;

[0038] FIG. 8: a cross section through a

[0039] The transmitter-receiver unit arranged between the locking ring and the upper collar of the kingpin as shown in FIG. 3 when the towing vehicle is traveling straight ahead;

[0040] FIG. 9: a cross-section according to FIG. 6 at approximately 45°

[0041] Articulation angle between towing vehicle and trailer vehicle;

[0042] FIG. 10: a cross-section according to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 at an approximately 90° articulation angle between the towing vehicle and the trailer vehicle;

[0043] FIG. 11 : a longitudinal section through a

[0044] Coupling device with a transmitter-receiver unit arranged in the locking hook and in the reduced-diameter collar according to a sixth embodiment;

[0045] FIG. 12: a cross section through a

[0046] FIG. 11 shows a slightly modified coupling device with a transmitter-receiver unit when the towing vehicle is traveling straight ahead. FIG. 13 shows a longitudinal section through a

[0047] Coupling device with a transmitter-receiver unit arranged on a support arm and on an underside of the lower collar according to a seventh embodiment and

[0048] FIG. 14: a cross section through the

[0049] Coupling device with transmitter-receiver unit as shown in FIG. 13 when the towing vehicle is traveling straight ahead.

[0050] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a coupling device 10 in the form of a fifth wheel coupling 11. The fifth wheel coupling 11 has a fifth wheel coupling plate 12, which can be mounted directly to frame components 18 of a towing vehicle (not shown here) arranged underneath by means of two bearing blocks 15 attached to both sides. Alternatively, it is also possible to attach the bearing blocks 15 to a common mounting plate 16 located underneath, which in turn is placed on top of the frame components 18 and connected to them.

[0051] A trailer coupling means 30 in the form of a kingpin 31 (see FIG. 2) for coupling a trailer vehicle not shown here, enters a storage section 20 of the coupling device 10 via an entry opening 19 of the fifth wheel coupling plate 12 that widens conically in the distal direction. In the storage section 20, the kingpin 31 is held by a locking hook 26 that can pivot between an open position and a locked position. In the locked position shown in FIG. 1, the kingpin 31 can nevertheless pivot in both directions about a pivot axis Z while the towing vehicle is cornering. In the coupled state, the semitrailer rests with its trailer plate 38 on the upper side of the fifth wheel coupling plate 12.

[0052] A web 13 extends through the entry opening 19 and engages the fifth wheel coupling plate 12 on both sides. The web 13 is arranged at a height in the direction of the pivot axis Z such that a kingpin 31 can pass over it without collision while passing through the entry opening 19.

[0053] As can be seen in the illustration in FIG. 2, one or more stiffening ribs 14 extend / extend on the underside of the fifth wheel coupling plate 12 on both sides of the bearing section 20 up to the bearing blocks 15 for stiffening purposes.

[0054] The fifth wheel coupling 11 can be further stabilized by a cross member 17 extending beneath the fifth wheel coupling plate 12, which is frictionally connected to the facing inner sides of the bearing blocks 15. The cross member 17 typically extends beneath the bearing section 20 of the coupling device 10.

[0055] The bearing section 20 of the coupling device 10 has a wear ring 21, which is inserted from above into the fifth wheel coupling plate 12 and detachably connected to it. The coupled kingpin 31, which is fixed by means of the locking hook 26, rests against the wear ring 21 and is subject to a not inconsiderable loss of material during ferry operation, particularly due to cornering and deceleration of the towing vehicle, and thus to an increasing play of the kingpin 31 relative to the fifth wheel coupling plate 12 over the service life. If this play becomes excessive, the wear ring 21 can be replaced without major assembly effort. In FIG. 1, three first transmitters 41a, 41b, 41c of a transmitter-receiver unit 40 are arranged in a wall section 22 of the fifth wheel coupling plate 12 surrounding the bearing section 20 and aligned in a star shape around the bearing section 20.The first transformers 41a, 41b, 41c are in particular inserted into a wall section 23 formed below the wear ring 21 on the fifth wheel coupling plate 12 and facing a cylindrical section 32 of the kingpin 31. The wall section 23 is oriented substantially vertically and runs parallel to the pivot axis Z.

[0056] Of the first transformers 41a, 41b, 41c, only the first transformer 41a, which is located at the front along a longitudinal axis X of the fifth wheel coupling plate 12, is visible in the longitudinal section of FIG. 2. This first transformer interacts with a second transformer 42a of the transmitter-receiver unit 40. The second transformer 42a is fixedly mounted on an upper collar 33 of the cylindrical section 32 formed on the kingpin 31. The first transformer 41a and the second transformer 42a are aligned at the same height in the direction of the pivot axis Z and are directly opposite one another when the towing vehicle is traveling straight ahead.

[0057] In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 and 9, a comfort coupling system 50 is installed to connect the supply lines between the towing vehicle and the trailer, for example, for the pneumatic or electrical power supply. With the help of this system, the corresponding supply lines are automatically coupled during the mechanical coupling of the trailer. For this purpose, the comfort coupling system 50 comprises an alignment wedge 51 rotatably mounted on the kingpin 31 by means of a pivot bearing 53. After the kingpin 31 is locked, the alignment wedge 51 is positioned within the bearing section 20 in the entry opening 19 and is supported laterally on the fifth wheel coupling plate 12.When driving through curves, the kingpin 31 pivots relative to the alignment wedge 51 held stationary in the entry opening 19, so that plug-in couplings 52 for the supply lines (not shown) arranged at the distal end of the alignment wedge 51 with respect to the kingpin 31 can remain permanently connected and are decoupled from the relative movement between the towing vehicle-side coupling device 10 and the trailer coupling means 30.

[0058] FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the invention, in which the first transformer 41a of the transmitter-receiver unit 40 is integrated into the wear ring 21. The first transformer 41a is inserted in particular into the substantially vertical wall section 23 facing the cylindrical section 32 of the kingpin 31 and is arranged at the same height in the direction of the pivot axis Z as the second transformer 42a. The transformer 42a is located in an upper collar 33 of the kingpin 31 and, when the towing vehicle is traveling straight ahead, is preferably aligned directly opposite the first transformer 41a in the longitudinal axis X.

[0059] FIG. 4 illustrates a further, alternative arrangement of the transmitter-receiver unit 40 in a further exemplary embodiment. The first transformer 41a is also accommodated in the wall section 22 of the bearing section 20, which, as wall section 23, faces the cylindrical section 32 of the kingpin 31. However, the first transformer 41a is located further down in the direction of the pivot axis Z, at the level of a lower collar 34 of the kingpin 31. A second transformer 42a is provided in the lower collar 34, which is directly opposite the first transformer 41a when the towing vehicle is traveling straight ahead. FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment in which the first transformer 41a is located in the wear ring 21.

[0060] The kingpin 31 is inserted into a kingpin receptacle 39, which is set back relative to the trailer plate 38, with its kingpin flange 36 and is fastened to the semitrailer. A retaining ring 37 is inserted between the kingpin flange 36 and the kingpin receptacle 39, which forms the stationary part of the pivot bearing 53 of the alignment wedge 51. The retaining ring 37 simultaneously supports a second transformer 42a of the trailer vehicle in the longitudinal axis X in front of the upper collar 33 of the kingpin 31. In principle, it would also be possible to arrange the second transformer 42a in the underlying kingpin flange 36.

[0061] The first transformer 41a is arranged on a wall section 24 of the wear ring 21 facing the kingpin flange 36 and is located vertically offset in the direction of the pivot axis Z below the second transformer 42a.

[0062] The embodiment of FIG. 6 differs from the variant shown in FIG. 5 in that the first transformer 41a is not inserted into the wear ring 21, but rather into the wall section 24 of the fifth wheel coupling plate 12 facing the kingpin flange 36. In the radial direction to the pivot axis Z, the first transformer 41a is arranged behind the wear ring 21. In the embodiment according to FIG. 6, the first transformer 41a is also aligned below the second transformer 42a in the direction of the pivot axis Z and preferably overlaps it at least partially.

[0063] The exploded view of FIG. 7 illustrates the structure of the kingpin 31 with the retaining ring 37 and the pivot bearing 53 of the alignment wedge 51. The retaining ring 37 is inserted between the kingpin flange 36 and the pivot bearing 53 of the alignment wedge 51, with three second transformers 42a, 42b, 42c inserted into the retaining ring 37, offset in the circumferential direction.

[0064] FIGS. 8 to 10 show, by way of example, the arrangement of a plurality of first transformers 41a, 41b, 41c and second transformers 42a, 42b mounted offset in the circumferential direction around the pivot axis Z. For example, according to the embodiment of FIG. 3, the first transformers 41a, 41b, 41c are mounted in a wall section 23 in the wear ring 21 facing the cylindrical section 32 of the kingpin 31, and the second transformers 42a, 42b are mounted on the upper collar 33 of the kingpin 31.

[0065] The presence of multiple first transformers 41a, 41b, 41c and multiple second transformers 42a, 42b not only provides redundancy but also improves signal transmission when the towing vehicle is cornering. During cornering, the relative position of the first transformers 41a, 41b, 41c to the second transformers 42a, 42b, which are fixedly mounted relative to the trailer coupling means 30, changes, as the kingpin 31 also rotates within the fifth wheel plate 12 and changes its position. It is provided that, in the radial direction, there is always a functional overlap of at least one second transformer 42a, 42b with the nearest first transformer 41a, 41b, 41c for reliable data transmission.

[0066] In the situation shown in FIG. 8, the towing vehicle and the semi-trailer are aligned with each other along the longitudinal axis X of the fifth wheel coupling plate 12. Of the three first transformers 41a, 41b, 41c arranged in the wear ring 21, the first transformer 41a is positioned along the longitudinal axis X, and the two first transformers 41b, 41c are positioned opposite each other on opposite sides of the kingpin 31 along a transverse axis Y of the fifth wheel coupling plate 12. Two second transformers 42a, 42b are provided on either side of the longitudinal axis X in the upper collar 33 of the kingpin 31. The two second transformers 42a, 42b are each inserted into a recess open in the direction of the wear ring 21 and are opposite the first transformer 41a with their inner ends facing each other, so that the distance to be overcome wirelessly between the first transformer 41a and the two second transformers 42a, 42b is minimal.

[0067] The first transformers 41b, 41c, which are opposite one another in the transverse axis Y, are, in contrast, comparatively further apart from the second transformers 42a, 42b and, in the illustrated orientation of the kingpin 31 to the wear ring 21, are not involved in wireless data transmission.

[0068] In FIG. 9, the towing vehicle is negotiating a left-hand bend and is aligned at an approximately 45° angle to the trailer vehicle. In this situation, which is common during driving and shunting operations, the second transmitter 42a, located in the upper collar 33 of the kingpin 31, is positioned closely opposite the first transmitter 41a arranged along the longitudinal axis X, so that wireless data transmission can take place via the first transmitter 41a and 42a. At the same time, the second transmitter 42b has also moved toward the first transmitter 41c and is positioned directly opposite it, so that, alternatively or additionally, wireless data transmission can also take place via this pairing of the first transmitter 41c and the second transmitter 42b. The first transmitter 41b is relatively further apart from the two second transmitters 42a, 42b and therefore does not participate in wireless data transmission.

[0069] In FIG. 10, the articulation angle between the towing vehicle and the semitrailer has increased even further and is approximately 90°. In this orientation, both second transformers 42a, 42b located in the upper collar 33 of the kingpin 31 have moved toward the first transformer 41c and are directly opposite it, at least in some sections. Wireless data transmission now occurs via one or both of the second transformers 42a, 42b and the first transformer 41c.

[0070] Even in all conceivable intermediate positions of first transmitters 41a, 41b, 41c in ferry operation, these are distributed in the circumferential direction with respect to the second transmitters 42a, 42b in such a way that wireless data transmission is always possible via at least one spatially close pairing of at least one of the first transmitters 41a, 41b, 41c with at least one of the second transmitters 42a, 42b.

[0071] FIGS. 11 and 12 show a further embodiment in which the first transmitters 41a, 41b, 41c are attached to a locking hook 26 arranged on the underside of the fifth wheel coupling plate 12. The locking hook 26, prior to the entry of the kingpin 31, is oriented with its free legs toward the entry opening 19. Upon entry of the kingpin 31 into the bearing section 20, the locking hook pivots approximately 90°, thereby continuously engaging a reduced-diameter collar 35 of the kingpin 31. In the locked end position of the kingpin 31, the locking hook 26 remains in a fixed position relative to the fifth wheel coupling plate 12.

[0072] According to FIG. 11, second transformers 42a, 42b, which interact with the first transformers 41a, 41b, 41c, are integrated into the reduced-diameter collar 35 of the kingpin 31 for wireless data transmission. The second transformers 42a, 42b are arranged at the same height level in the direction of the pivot axis Z as the first transformers 41a, 41b, 41c. The visible first transformers 41a, 41c are each located on the mutually facing inner sides of the U-shaped locking hook 26 and are thus offset from the nearest second transformers 42a, 42b in the radial direction of the pivot axis Z. In FIG. 12, the positioning of the first transformers is slightly changed, and only a single second transformer 42a is installed on the side of the kingpin 31.In the straight-ahead driving position of the towing vehicle and semi-trailer shown, the second transmitter 42a is aligned in the transverse axis Y of the fifth wheel coupling plate 12 and is directly opposite the first transmitter 41b, so that a wireless data transmission takes place between the first transmitter 41b and the second transmitter 42a.

[0073] When negotiating a curve, the kingpin 31 rotates about its pivot axis Z, and the second transmitter 42a moves together with the kingpin 31, depending on the direction of the curve, either into the spatial proximity of the first transmitter 41a or into the spatial proximity of the first transmitter 41c. Wireless data transmission then takes place either via the first transmitter 41a and the second transmitter 42a or via the first transmitter 41c and the second transmitter 42a.

[0074] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the invention using a further exemplary embodiment, in which the first transformers 41a, 41b assigned to the coupling device 10 are attached to a support arm 25 extending below the kingpin 31. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 13, the support arm 25 is fixedly attached to the web 13 of the fifth wheel coupling plate 12 by one end.

[0075] The two first transformers 41a, 41b are attached to the free end of the support arm 25, in particular on its upper side, and are directly opposite a lower side 34a of the lower collar 34 of the kingpin 31. In this fixed position, the first transformers 41a, 41b are always arranged in a projected area A below the lower collar 34 when the kingpin 31 is locked in the fifth wheel coupling 10. The second transformers 42a, 42b, 42c assigned to the trailer coupling means 30 are inserted into the lower collar 34 of the kingpin 31 offset from one another in the circumferential direction and protrude at least partially from the lower side 34a of the kingpin 31 or are inserted into the lower side 34a in an exposed manner.

[0076] During ferry operation, depending on the direction of travel around a curve, changes in the position of the first transformers 41a, 41b, which are stationary with respect to the coupling device 10, occur relative to the second transformers 42a, 42b, 42c, which are rotationally movable with respect to the coupling device 10 when traveling around a curve.

[0077] In FIG. 14, the towing vehicle with the semitrailer is in a stretched, straight-ahead position. The second transmitter 42b, attached to the lower collar 34 of the kingpin 31, overlaps between the two first transmitters 41a, 41b, mounted side by side on the underlying support arm 25. Wireless data transmission occurs via one or both of the first transmitters 41a, 41b and the second transmitter 42b. During a pivoting movement of the towing vehicle and thus of the support arm 25, the latter, together with the two first transmitters 41a, 41b, moves either under the second transmitter 42a or the second transmitter 42c, depending on the direction of the curve. As the swivel angle increases, the distance from at least one of the first transmitters 41a, 41b to the respective second transmitter 42a, 42c is shorter, so that wireless data transmission is also realized via this.

[0078] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0079] Coupling device

[0080] fifth wheel coupling

[0081] fifth wheel plate

[0082] Web fifth wheel plate

[0083] Stiffening rib fifth wheel plate

[0084] bearing block

[0085] Mounting plate

[0086] Crossbeam

[0087] Frame component of towing vehicle

[0088] Entrance opening

[0089] Bearing section coupling device

[0090] Wear ring

[0091] Wall section Bearing section Cylindrical section facing wall section

[0092] Wall section facing the kingpin flange

[0093] Support arm

[0094] locking hook

[0095] Trailer coupling means

[0096] Kingpin cylindrical section Kingpin upper collar Kingpin lower collar Kingpin a underside lower collar reduced diameter collar

[0097] Kingpin flange

[0098] retaining ring

[0099] Trailer plate 39 King pin holder trailer plate

[0100] 40 transmitter-receiver unit

[0101] 41a-c first transformer towing vehicle

[0102] 42a-c second transformer trailer vehicle

[0103] 50 Comfort coupling system

[0104] 51 Alignment wedge

[0105] 52 plug-in coupling supply lines

[0106] 53 swivel bearings

[0107] A projected area

[0108] X Longitudinal axis

[0109] Y transverse axis

[0110] Z swivel axis

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Vehicle coupling system with wireless transmitter-receiver unit (40), comprising a coupling device (10) attached to a towing vehicle and a trailer coupling means (30) attached to a trailer vehicle, which can be retracted into the coupling device (10) and in a Bearing section (20) of the coupling device (10) is lockable, wherein the locked trailer coupling means (30) is held movable about a pivot axis (Z) relative to the coupling device (10), the transmitter-receiver unit (40) has at least one first transmitter (41a, 41b, 41c) arranged stationary relative to the coupling device (10) with respect to the pivot axis (Z) and at least one second transmitter (42a, 42b, 42c) assigned to the trailer vehicle, wherein the at least one second transmitter (42a, 42b, 42c) is arranged stationary relative to the trailer coupling means (30), characterized in that a plurality of first transmitters (41a, 41b, 41c) are provided, which are arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction around the bearing section (20), and / or that a plurality of second transmitters (42a, 42b, 42c) are provided, which are arranged offset in the circumferential direction around the pivot axis (Z).

2. Vehicle coupling system according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one second transmitter (42a, 42b, 42c) is attached to the trailer coupling means (30).

3. Vehicle coupling system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the trailer coupling means (30) is a kingpin (31) and the at least one second transmitter (42a, 42b, 42c) is attached to a cylindrical portion (32) of the kingpin (31).

4. Vehicle coupling system according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one first transformer (41a, 41b, 41c) is offset with respect to the at least one second transformer (42a, 42b, 42c) in the radial direction of the pivot axis (Z) and is arranged opposite one another at the same height level in the direction of the pivot axis (Z).

5. Vehicle coupling system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the cylindrical section (32) is formed from an upper collar (33) of the kingpin (31) and the at least one first transformer (41a, 41b, 41c) is inserted into a wear ring (21) or wall section (22) of the coupling device (10) which at least partially surrounds the bearing section (20).

6. Vehicle coupling system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the cylindrical section (32) is formed from a lower collar (34) of the kingpin (31) and the at least one first transformer (41a, 41b, 41c) is inserted into a wall section (22) of the coupling device (10) which at least partially surrounds the bearing section (20).

7. Vehicle coupling system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the at least one first transformer (41a, 41b, 41c) is inserted into a wall section (23) of the wear ring (21) or wall section (22) facing the cylindrical section (32) of the kingpin (31).

8. Vehicle coupling system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one first transformer (41a, 41b, 41c) is offset with respect to the at least one second transformer (42a, 42b, 42c) in the direction of the pivot axis (Z) and is arranged opposite one another in the radial direction.

9. Vehicle coupling system according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one first transformer (41a, 41b, 41c) is inserted into a wear ring (21) or wall section (22) of the coupling device (10) which at least partially surrounds the bearing section (20) and the at least one second transformer (42a, 42b, 42c) is inserted into a kingpin flange (36) or a retaining ring (37) of the kingpin (31).

10. Vehicle coupling system according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one first transmitter (41a, 41b, 41c) is inserted into a wall section (24) of the wear ring (21) or wall section (22) of the coupling device (10) facing the kingpin flange (36) or retaining ring (37) of the kingpin (31).

11. Vehicle coupling system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the trailer coupling means (30) is a kingpin (31) and the at least one first transmitter (41a, 41b, 41c) is attached to a locking hook (26).

12. Vehicle coupling system according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling device (10) has a support arm (25) which engages below the bearing section (20) and to which the at least one first transmitter (41a, 41b, 41c) is fastened.

13. Vehicle coupling system according to claim 12, characterized in that the coupling device (10) is a fifth wheel coupling (11), wherein the support arm (25) engages a fifth wheel coupling plate (12) and / or a web (13) of the fifth wheel coupling plate (12) and / or a stiffening rib (14) of the fifth wheel coupling plate (12) or one of two bearing blocks (15) or a mounting plate (16) arranged under the bearing blocks (15) or a cross member (17) running between the bearing blocks (15) or a frame component (18) of the towing vehicle.

14. Vehicle coupling system according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the trailer coupling means (30) is a kingpin (31) and the at least one second transmitter (42a, 42b) is arranged on the underside (34a) of a lower collar (34) of the kingpin (31).

15. Vehicle coupling system according to claim 14, characterized in that on the underside (34a) of the lower collar (34) a plurality of second transformers (42a, 42b) are arranged offset about the pivot axis (Z).

16. Vehicle coupling system according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the at least one first transmitter (41a, 41b, 41c) is arranged in a projected area (A) below the lower collar (34) of the kingpin (31).

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