Fifth wheel system, traction vehicle, and semi-trailer truck
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-05-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing systems for detecting the bending angle between a towing vehicle and a semi-trailer are inaccurate due to relative movements and rotations between components, leading to measurement errors, and they require specialized kingpins, which are not standardized.
A fifth wheel system with an angle measuring device that includes a rotor and sensor, allowing for at least one degree of freedom relative to the undercarriage and/or the fifth wheel plate, compensating for movements and rotations of the kingpin, using magnetic coupling and elastic deformation to ensure accurate measurements.
The system provides precise detection of the bending angle by minimizing measurement errors caused by relative movements, ensuring accurate data for controlling steerable axles and improving cornering performance.
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a fifth wheel system, a tractor, and a semi-trailer truck.
[0002] A semi-trailer truck generally consists of a tractor equipped with a fifth wheel and a semi-trailer equipped with a kingpin. The semi-trailer is attached to the tractor via the fifth wheel and is towed by the tractor. The force transmission between the tractor and the semi-trailer is carried out via the kingpin. That is, the kingpin forms a central element for connecting the semi-trailer and the tractor.
[0003] When the semi-trailer truck is moving straight ahead, three driving states can occur with respect to the force acting on the kingpin, namely, towing operation, coasting operation, and neutral running state. In the towing operation, the tractor pulls via the kingpin provided on the semi-trailer. This is reversed in the coasting operation, and the semi-trailer pushes the tractor. The coasting operation occurs, for example, when the tractor is actively braked. In the neutral running state, no force occurs between the tractor and the semi-trailer in the driving direction. In reality, the neutral running state rarely occurs and mostly occurs only transiently.
[0004] The basic concern on the part of manufacturers of semi-trailers, tractors, and semi-trailer trucks is to obtain knowledge about the driving state existing at a specific point in time. In particular, there is an interest in the continuous detection of the driving state and in some cases control. Therefore, from the prior art, a plurality of systems that attempt to enable this are known.
[0005] In this regard, British Patent Application Publication No. 2486474 discloses a kingpin in which a piezoelectric element is incorporated into the pin body. The piezoelectric element changes its conductivity when a mechanical load is applied to it. The kingpin has two piezoelectric elements in its edge region. One piezoelectric element is positioned forward in the direction of travel, and the other piezoelectric element is positioned rearward in the direction of travel. In this way, coasting can be detected by the piezoelectric element positioned forward, and traction can be detected by the piezoelectric element positioned rearward.
[0006] A kingpin, known from European Patent Application Publication No. 2899101, is attached to a semi-trailer via a support plate. The kingpin and the support plate share a common vertical hole extending through the center of the kingpin. A lever is positioned within the hole, and during towing and coasting, force is transmitted to the lever by two spring members, causing the lever to pivot. The pivoting motion of the lever is detected by a tactile element, thereby allowing for the detection of the vehicle's state. The spring members are positioned within radial holes connected to the vertical hole. The radial holes significantly weaken the kingpin in this device, creating a risk of kingpin failure.
[0007] When a semi-trailer truck travels around a curve, the kingpin forms the turning point between the towing vehicle and the semi-trailer. It is important to detect the angle (bending angle) between the towing vehicle and the semi-trailer as accurately as possible. The target value is an accuracy of less than 1° deviation. This information can be used to control, for example, the steerable axis of the semi-trailer, thereby assisting in cornering. Various systems are known from the prior art for detecting the angle between the towing vehicle and the semi-trailer.
[0008] International Publication No. 2010 / 019027 discloses a system for detecting the relative position between a towing vehicle and a semi-trailer, in which the fifth wheel of the towing vehicle has a pin and the kingpin has a complementary recess. However, this system was conceived solely for the coupling process and is therefore not suitable for detecting the angle between the towing vehicle and the semi-trailer when traveling around curves.
[0009] In the system described in International Publication No. 2013 / 180562, the kingpin has either a magnet or a coil. The fifth ring has the other elements. This system aims to enable the detection of the relative rotation of the kingpin with respect to the fifth ring.
[0010] Another system for detecting relative rotation between a towing vehicle and a semi-trailer is disclosed in International Publication No. 2009 / 000765. It includes a rotation sensor having a sensor disc that is part of the semi-trailer and positioned around the kingpin. The rotation sensor is connected to the fifth wheel of the towing vehicle when the semi-trailer is coupled to the towing vehicle, and in this case, is rotatable relative to the kingpin. In this case, the sensor unit can detect relative rotation between the sensor disc and the kingpin, thereby also detecting relative rotation between the towing vehicle and the semi-trailer.
[0011] In another embodiment of the aforementioned European Patent Application Publication No. 2899101, the kingpin has a gear which engages with a fifth wheel gear when the towing vehicle and semi-trailer are coupled. The rotation of the fifth wheel gear is detected, thereby allowing for the detection of relative rotation between the towing vehicle and semi-trailer.
[0012] A common characteristic of conventional solutions is that they require a kingpin with a special configuration adapted to each solution. However, it would be desirable if the bending angle could be detected even in a semi-trailer equipped with a standardized kingpin.
[0013] Other systems for detecting bending angles are known from U.S. Patent No. 5,152,544, German Patent Application Publication No. 19964045, and International Publication No. 2020 / 248035. However, these systems are complex and do not lead to precise measurement of bending angles.
[0014] German Patent Application Publication No. 102018123644 relates to a sensor device equipped with a pivot bearing unit.
[0015] German Patent Application Publication No. 102018116192 relates to a towing vehicle coupling sensor device equipped with a friction-connected coupling body.
[0016] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a system that can accurately determine the bending angle between a towing vehicle and a semi-trailer.
[0017] This problem is solved by the fifth wheel system according to the present invention.
[0018] The fifth wheel system comprises a substructure, a fifth wheel plate, and an angle measuring device. The substructure and the fifth wheel plate together form the fifth wheel. The fifth wheel plate has an entry opening for the semi-trailer's kingpin that is passable in the direction of travel F, and a curved section for the kingpin that follows the entry opening in the direction of travel F. The angle measuring device comprises a rotor and a sensor, the rotor being supported so as to be rotatable relative to the sensor about a rotation axis D, and the sensor being configured to detect the rotation of the rotor relative to the sensor about the rotation axis D. The rotor or sensor has a coupling magnet, and via the coupling magnet, the rotor or sensor can be detachably (i.e., temporarily) coupled to the kingpin. The angle measuring device has at least one degree of freedom relative to the substructure and / or the fifth wheel plate.
[0019] This invention is based on the recognition that the inaccuracy of conventional systems is, in particular, a result of relative movement and rotation between the components of the angle measuring device. In the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 5,152,544, for example, the sensor is mounted on the chassis of the towing vehicle, while the rotor in the form of a magnet is suspended from the kingpin. In conventional systems, it has been found that the movement of the semi-trailer while in motion causes the magnet and sensor to move not only relative to each other about the axis of rotation D, but also, for example, laterally to each other. Such movement leads to measurement errors in the sensor, resulting in inaccurate or completely inaccurate measurements of the bending angle.
[0020] The solution according to the present invention assumes that the angle measuring device has at least one degree of freedom with respect to the substructure and / or the fifth wheel plate—in other words, with respect to the fifth wheel. The relative movement / rotation of the semi-trailer with respect to the towing vehicle leads to elastic deformation of the fifth wheel plate and / or the substructure, as well as movement / rotation of the kingpin within the curved portion of the fifth wheel plate. With any degree of freedom, the elastic deformation or movement / rotation along this degree of freedom does not affect the relative position and relative direction of the sensor and rotor. The sensor and rotor both follow the movement of the kingpin in the given degree of freedom. This avoids measurement errors and allows for more accurate measurement of the bending angle.
[0021] Degrees of freedom specifically refer to motion along the lateral axis Q and / or along the longitudinal axis L and / or along the vertical axis H and / or rotation (tilting) around the lateral axis Q and / or rotation (rocking) around the longitudinal axis L. The longitudinal axis L extends in the direction of travel F of the semi-trailer truck when traveling in a straight line. The vertical axis H extends along the direction of gravity. The lateral axis Q extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and the vertical axis H. Degrees of freedom along the lateral axis Q and the longitudinal axis L particularly compensate for kingpin movement due to manufacturing tolerances and wear phenomena. Degrees of freedom along the vertical axis H, degrees of freedom around the rotation axis Q, and degrees of freedom around the rotation axis L particularly compensate for kingpin movement and vibration / deformation of the semi-trailer plate on uneven sections (rough roads).
[0022] The angle measuring device may be mounted on the substructure and / or the fifth wheel plate. In this case, placement on the substructure is preferable because the movement performed by the substructure is less than that of the towing vehicle's chassis.
[0023] Advantageously, the substructure has at least two support blocks. In particular, the substructure has two support blocks and a traverse connecting the support blocks along a lateral axis Q. Angle measuring devices may be positioned on the support blocks and / or the traverse. In this case, positioning on the traverse allows for central positioning of the angle measuring devices, thereby reducing structural complexity.
[0024] The fifth wheel plate is preferably coupled to a substructure, particularly a support block, thereby allowing it to tilt relative to the substructure or support block about the longitudinal axis L and / or the lateral axis Q. This tilt is particularly advantageous on rough roads. The resulting kingpin movement is compensated by the fact that, according to the present invention, the angle measuring device has degrees of freedom that allow rotation around the lateral axis Q and / or the longitudinal axis L relative to the substructure and / or the fifth wheel plate.
[0025] To give the entire angle measuring device the desired degree of freedom, an advantageous modification of the angle measuring device is that the sensor is fixedly positioned and the rotor is rotatably supported in a holder, in which case the holder is movably and / or rotatably coupled to the substructure and / or fifth wheel plate.
[0026] The sensor is preferably a magnetic angle sensor. The rotor may consist entirely of coupling magnets rotatably supported in a holder. The sensor may be configured to directly detect the rotation of the coupling magnets. Alternatively, the sensor may have a sensor magnet coupled to the coupling magnets of the rotor and rotating in the same way as the coupling magnets. In this case, the sensor is configured to detect the rotation of the coupling magnets by detecting the rotation of the sensor magnet.
[0027] Alternatively, the rotor may have a shaft to which coupling magnets are attached. The shaft is rotatably supported by a holder and extends to a sensor. In this embodiment, the sensor is configured to detect the rotation of the shaft. For this purpose, a sensor magnet may be placed on the shaft, and the rotation of the sensor magnet is detected by the sensor. However, the rotation of the shaft may also be detected in another form, for example optically, particularly via a marking placed on the shaft, by the sensor.
[0028] In realizing degrees of freedom, on the one hand, any additional degree of freedom means a more complex structure. On the other hand, any degree of freedom makes it possible to eliminate the cause of interfering with the measurement of the bending angle. Therefore, it is advantageous to consider carefully when realizing degrees of freedom. The same applies to the corresponding dimension setting. Degrees of freedom can, in principle, be provided without limitation, for example, by ball bearings. However, the more extensive the degrees of freedom are given, usually, the more complex the realization of the structure becomes. It has been found that the relative movement between the semi-trailer and the tractor is not so large during driving, although it is sufficient to cause the above-mentioned measurement error. Preferably, the degree of freedom along the transverse axis Q allows movement over a length of more than 0 mm to 30 mm, particularly 10 to 30 mm. The degree of freedom along the longitudinal axis L preferably allows movement over a length of more than 0 mm to 40 mm, particularly 10 to 40 mm. The degree of freedom along the height axis H preferably allows movement over a length of more than 0 mm to 50 mm, particularly 10 to 50 mm. The degree of freedom centered on the transverse axis Q preferably allows rotation by an angle of more than 0° to 30°, particularly 10° to 25°. The degree of freedom centered on the longitudinal axis L preferably allows rotation centered on the longitudinal axis L by an angle of more than 0° to 15°. That is, in one exemplary embodiment, the measuring device is movable relative to the fifth wheel plate over a total interval of 20 mm along the transverse axis Q, over a total interval of 30 mm along the longitudinal axis L, and over an interval of 10 mm along the height axis H.
[0029] The degrees of freedom along the transverse axis Q, the height axis H, and the longitudinal axis L may be caused, for example, by a linear guide provided with a stopper passing through an elongated hole, respectively. The degree of freedom centered on the transverse axis Q and the degree of freedom centered on the longitudinal axis L may be caused, for example, by a hinge provided with a stopper.
[0030] As already explained, relative movement between the sensor and the rotor may lead to measurement errors. Therefore, in an advantageous refinement, the rotor and the sensor are coupled to each other, such that translational relative movement between the rotor and the sensor along the axis of rotation D is prevented. That is, the rotor and the sensor are arranged at a predetermined, non-changeable distance from each other. In a particularly advantageous refinement, the rotor and the sensor have only one degree of freedom relative to each other, namely the degree of freedom of rotation about the axis of rotation D.
[0031] The kingpin enters the entry space during the coupling operation, but does not always enter at the same height. Due to wear and tolerances, it may also shift laterally. This poses a risk of damaging the rotor or the sensor. Therefore, alternatively, it may be assumed that translational relative movement between the rotor and the sensor along the axis of rotation D is possible until a predetermined distance is reached. In this case, for example, the rotor or the sensor may be located outside the entry space when the kingpin is not located within the entry space. Thereby, the rotor or the sensor is protected from damage by the entering kingpin. In this case, the rotor and the sensor may, for example, directly overlap in the initial state. After the kingpin has entered the entry space of the fifth wheel, the rotor or the sensor is attracted towards the kingpin by the coupling magnet, but only until a predetermined distance is reached. Such a distance can be achieved, for example, by means of a linear guide with a stopper. Since this distance is defined by the structure, it always occurs during proper use and can thus be taken into account when evaluating the sensor signal. Based on the defined distance, contact between the coupling magnet and the kingpin can be prevented. Thereby, the kingpin can later be advanced from the fifth wheel without damaging the angle measuring device.
[0032] If translational relative movement between the rotor and the sensor along the axis of rotation D is assumed, it is advantageous to provide a return spring that acts against the increasing separation (reverse motion) between the rotor and the sensor. In such an embodiment, the rotor and the sensor have a predetermined distance from each other in the initial state, and when the kingpin enters, they are able to move away from each other against the spring force of the return spring based on the magnetic attraction between the connecting magnet and the kingpin. When the kingpin is removed from the fifth wheel, the return spring pulls the rotor or sensor back to the initial state.
[0033] The retainer may be connected directly to the substructure and / or the fifth wheel plate, or via another component, particularly an arm. If the retainer is connected directly to the substructure and / or the fifth wheel plate, at least one degree of freedom is preferably obtained by corresponding support of the retainer in the substructure and / or the fifth wheel plate. If an arm is provided, one degree of freedom may be achieved between the retainer and the arm, or between the arm and the substructure or the fifth wheel plate. Particularly preferable is at least one degree of freedom between the retainer and the arm, and at least one other degree of freedom between the arm and the substructure or the fifth wheel plate.
[0034] Any degree of freedom is preferably obtained based on corresponding support. That is, two components that give rise to the degree of freedom, particularly the holder, arm, fifth wheel plate, and / or substructure, are preferably arranged to be relatively movable and / or rotatable relative to each other. These components are preferably further preloaded by spring forces against their movement and / or rotation. In this way, these components are maintained in their initial position or initial orientation. Thus, in particular, it is possible to prevent the angle measuring device from colliding with the kingpin and being damaged during coupling operation. These components may be maintained in their initial position or initial orientation by a plurality of springs, in which case movement / rotation from the initial position or initial orientation against the spring force is possible in two directions. When the kingpin enters the fifth wheel, the angle measuring device or each part is moved from its initial position along the degree of freedom, but preferably not over the entire length / rotation of the degree of freedom, but only to a predetermined operating position. Therefore, when the towing vehicle and the semi-trailer are coupled, the angle measuring device is in the operating position. Next, as the kingpin moves along its degrees of freedom during travel, the angle measuring device or its components move further along its degrees of freedom, i.e., against or in the opposite direction of the spring preload. When the semi-trailer is uncoupled, i.e., when the kingpin is released from the fifth wheel, the angle measuring device or its components are moved or rotated back to their initial positions.
[0035] The holder may be a single unit and may have multiple parts that are connected to each other via at least one flexible region and are relative to each other movable and / or rotatable. In this configuration, the holder is preferably directly connected to the substructure and / or fifth wheel plate, in which case the sensor is fixedly positioned on the holder and the rotor is rotatably supported on the holder. Being a single unit allows multiple degrees of freedom to be achieved without additional undesirable degrees of freedom being introduced, for example, due to play caused by manufacturing tolerances.
[0036] The holder and / or arm are preferably made of a non-magnetizable material, at least partially, and especially entirely, of aluminum, magnesium, brass, (fiber) composites, and / or polymers. This prevents the holder and / or arm from interfering with the sensor device, i.e., impairing the sensor's measurement results. Furthermore, in this case, care is not needed in the configuration of the holder and arm structure to ensure that each component interferes with the sensor device as little as possible, since these components, based on their materials, will not cause damage in any case.
[0037] It has been found that, in order to detect the bending angle, it is advantageous to position the rotor as centrally as possible relative to the kingpin. Therefore, an advantageous improvement is that the angle measuring device has a centering assist means that positions the angle measuring device and / or the rotor and / or the connecting magnet when the kingpin enters. Thus, the centering assist means can perform a guide function. The kingpin comes into contact with the centering assist means during its coupling operation and guides the angle measuring device in the continuing coupling operation. In this case, the positions of the angle measuring device and / or the rotor and / or the connecting magnet relative to the kingpin are precisely adjusted at the same time. This makes the rotor's position relative to the kingpin reproducible, resulting in more accurate measurement results. The centering assist means preferably has at least one centering pin, in particular two centering pins, and / or a centering contour, such as a bent edge. The centering contour provides maximum fit relative to the kingpin, thereby enabling extremely accurate measurements.
[0038] As already mentioned, it is known that it is advantageous for the connecting magnets not to be in direct contact with the kingpin. If they are in direct contact, the holding force of the connecting magnets on the kingpin is extremely large, making it difficult for the connecting magnets to detach when the kingpin moves out of the fifth ring. This could lead to damage to the system. Therefore, an advantageous improvement is envisioned in which the angle measuring device has at least one spacer, in particular a projection, which protrudes from the holder along the height axis H beyond the connecting magnets and prevents the connecting magnets from directly contacting the kingpin and / or causes the connecting magnets to be held at a predetermined distance from the kingpin. The spacer is further used as a means of protection for the connecting magnets when the kingpin enters and exits the fifth ring.
[0039] As already mentioned, it is advantageous to protect the rotor and sensor from damage caused by the entering kingpin. An advantageous improvement is that the angle measuring device has at least one protective projection that protects the angle measuring device or a part thereof from mechanical damage caused by the entering kingpin. The protective projection may be formed in particular as an inclined surface. When the kingpin strikes the inclined surface, the kingpin is pushed out of its path without damaging the angle measuring device. It is particularly advantageous if the protective projection is formed as an inclined surface both in the direction of kingpin entry and in the direction opposite to the direction of entry, i.e., as a double inclined surface. This ensures that the angle measuring device is pushed out of its path both when entering and when exiting. The protective projection and spacer may be formed from a single component.
[0040] The aforementioned problems can also be solved by a towing vehicle for semi-trailers according to the present invention. The towing vehicle has the chassis described above, a running gear, and a fifth wheel system. Optionally, the towing vehicle has mounting plates positioned on the chassis. The mounting plates are used for various configurations, particularly for mounting the fifth wheel.
[0041] In the towing vehicle according to the present invention, the angle measuring device has a holder on which a sensor is arranged and a rotor is rotatably supported, in which case the holder is movably and / or rotatably coupled to the chassis and / or mounting plate. That is, the holder is attached to the chassis or mounting plate in this embodiment and is thereby indirectly coupled to the fifth wheel as well. Based on the movable and / or rotatable arrangement, the angle measuring device also has at least one degree of freedom relative to the substructure and / or fifth wheel plate in this embodiment as well. In these embodiments as well, the angle measuring device as a whole is coupled to the kingpin, so that it can follow the movement and / or rotation of the kingpin, and in particular, there is no lateral displacement between the rotor and the sensor. This makes the measurement of the bending angle more accurate.
[0042] The sensor is advantageously connected to the control unit of the towing vehicle. In this way, the sensor can transmit measurement signals directly to the control unit. Based on this, for example, the bending angle can be displayed to the driver. Particularly advantageous is the use of the system according to the present invention in an autonomous semi-trailer truck, where the control unit can take the sensor's measurement signals into consideration when controlling the drive of the towing vehicle and / or semi-trailer.
[0043] The problems of the present invention can also be solved by a semi-trailer truck equipped with a towing vehicle, as described above, in which case the rotor or sensor, in particular, is detachably coupled to the kingpin via a coupling magnet.
[0044] The present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0045] [Figure 1] This is a side view of a semi-trailer truck. [Figure 2a] This is a plan view showing the fifth ring. [Figure 2b] This is a rear view showing the fifth ring. [Figure 3] This is a schematic side view partially showing a first embodiment of the fifth wheel system according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic side view partially showing a second embodiment of the fifth wheel system according to the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic side view partially showing a third embodiment of the fifth wheel system according to the present invention.
[0046] Figure 1 shows a semi-trailer truck 10 comprising a towing vehicle 20 and a semi-trailer 30. The towing vehicle has a chassis 22, a driver's cab 24, and a running gear 26. The fifth wheel 40 is positioned on the chassis 22. The semi-trailer 30 has a chassis 31, a running gear 32, and a body 34. Furthermore, a height axis H extending in the direction of gravity and a longitudinal axis L extending in the direction of travel F are shown.
[0047] Figures 2a and 2b show the fifth wheel 40 shown in Figure 1 in more detail. The fifth wheel 40 has a fifth wheel plate 42. The fifth wheel plate 42 has an entry opening 44 that can pass through in the direction of travel F, and a curved section 46 follows the entry opening 44. The entry opening 44 is defined by two corners 48. In order to connect the towing vehicle 20 and the semi-trailer 30, a kingpin (not shown here) enters the entry opening 44 along the longitudinal axis L and then enters the curved section 46. There the kingpin is locked.
[0048] As is clear from Figure 2b, the fifth wheel 40 has a substructure 50 consisting of two support blocks 52 and a traverse 54 that extends along the lateral axis Q and connects the support blocks 52. Each support block 52 is positioned on the longitudinal support 23 of the chassis 22. The fifth wheel plate 42 is attached to the support blocks 52.
[0049] Figures 3, 4, and 5 show different embodiments of the fifth-wheel system 60, which can be constructed based on the fifth-wheel 40 shown in Figures 2a and 2b, respectively.
[0050] The fifth wheel system 60 shown in Figure 3 includes an angle measuring device 70. The angle measuring device 70 includes an arm 72 guided along a guide rod 56 and a holder 80. The guide rod 56 is attached to a traverse 54 (not shown in Figure 3) of the substructure 50 of the fifth wheel 40. The arm 72 may be moved translationally relative to the guide rod 56 along the lateral axis Q, that is, perpendicular to the plane of the figure.
[0051] The guide rod 56 has a circular cross-section. The arm 72 has a guide through-hole 74 with a rectangular cross-section that extends along the lateral axis Q, and the guide through-hole 74 houses the guide rod 56. This allows the arm 72 to rotate relative to the guide rod 56 about the lateral axis Q. At the same time, the arm 72 may be moved relative to the guide rod 56 along the height axis H extending in the direction of gravity, based on the geometry of the guide through-hole 74.
[0052] In other words, the arm 72 and the guide rod 56 have three degrees of freedom relative to each other: motion along the lateral axis Q, rotation about the lateral axis Q, and motion along the vertical axis H. All three degrees of freedom are limited, and in this case, the limitation of rotation about the lateral axis Q is achieved by a stopper (not shown here). Since the guide rod 56 is rigidly coupled to the traverse 54, the angle measuring device 70 as a whole has the same three degrees of freedom relative to the substructure 50 of the fifth wheel 40.
[0053] The arm 72 further has a guide block 76, which is guided along the longitudinal axis L within the longitudinal guide 82 of the holder 80. The holder 80 and the arm 72 are immovable relative to each other along the height axis H. In other words, the holder 80 has only one degree of freedom relative to the arm 72, namely motion in the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the angle measuring device 70 has the same degree of freedom relative to the substructure 50 of the fifth wheel 40.
[0054] A spring 78 is positioned between the arm 72 and the holder 80, and the spring 78 applies a preload to the arm 72 and the holder 80 against their movement. If the kingpin 36 is not positioned within the curved portion 46, the holder 80 is pulled to the right toward its initial position by the spring 78.
[0055] The retainer 80 is formed in a fork shape in the front region and has an upper retainer portion 81 and a lower retainer portion 83. The retainer portions 81 and 83 are immovable or immovable relative to each other.
[0056] The angle measuring device 70 further includes a rotor 100 and a sensor 110. The sensor 110 is fixedly positioned on the lower holder portion 83, and the rotor 100 is supported on the upper holder portion 81 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis D. The rotor 100 and sensor 110 are arranged so that the sensor 110 can detect the rotation of the rotor 100 about the rotation axis D. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor 110 is positioned vertically below the rotor 100.
[0057] The rotor 100 has a coupling magnet 120, via which the rotor 100 can be detachably coupled to the kingpin 36 of the semi-trailer 30. As shown here, when the kingpin 36 is located within the curved portion 46 of the fifth wheel 40, the rotor 100 is attached to the kingpin via the coupling magnet 120 and similarly performs all the motion of the kingpin 36 within the curved portion 46.
[0058] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the rotor 100 consists entirely of coupling magnets 120. The sensor 110 further includes a sensor magnet 112 that rotates together with the coupling magnets 120.
[0059] The rotor 100 has vertical play, but its movement is limited. When the kingpin 36 is located within the curved section 46, the rotor is pulled upward to the stopper by the attractive force between the connecting magnet 120 and the kingpin 36. This positions the connecting magnet 120 at a predetermined relative position to the sensor 110.
[0060] When the kingpin 36 rotates about the height axis H, the rotor 100 rotates similarly, and the sensor magnet 112 rotates with the rotor. This is detected by the sensor 110 as a bending angle and can be transmitted, for example, to the control unit of the towing vehicle 20. The movement of the kingpin 36 along the longitudinal axis L, the lateral axis Q, and the height axis H, as well as the tilt of the kingpin 36 about the lateral axis Q, are compensated for based on the degrees of freedom described above, in that no corresponding relative movement or rotation occurs between the rotor 100 and the sensor 110. This reduces the deviation in measuring rotation about the rotation axis D, which in turn leads to a more accurate measurement of the bending angle.
[0061] The angle measuring device 70 further has a centering assist means in the form of a plurality of centering pins 84, and the angle measuring device 70 is positioned when the kingpin enters via the centering pins 84. Of the plurality of centering pins 84, only one is visible. The centering pin 84 is positioned in a part of the holder 80 located in the travel direction F with respect to the rotor 100, and protrudes upward from the holder 80.
[0062] The angle measuring device 70 further has a protective projection 86 to protect the angle measuring device 70 from mechanical damage caused by the entry of the kingpin 36. The protective projection 86 is located on a part of the holder 80 that is in the opposite direction to the travel direction F with respect to the rotor 100, and protrudes upward from the holder 80.
[0063] In the initial state, the kingpin 36 is not located within the fifth wheel 40. The retainer 80 is pulled to the right by the spring 78, that is, in the opposite direction to the direction of travel F, and contacts the front end of the guide block 76. The rotor 100 is mounted on the retainer 80, that is, located at its lower extreme position.
[0064] As described above, when the kingpin 36 enters the entry opening 44 in the travel direction F and then enters the curved portion 46, the kingpin 36 first strikes the protective projection 86 if the retainer 80 is tilted slightly upward or if the kingpin 36 protrudes significantly downward due to manufacturing tolerances compared to that shown in Figure 3. The kingpin 36 then pushes the retainer 80 out of its path via the protective projection 86 and continues to move until it abuts the centering pin 84. At this point, the retainer 80 is aligned relative to the kingpin 36 via the centering pin. This also positions the rotor 100 precisely below the center of the kingpin 36. The rotor 100 is moved upward to its upper pole position based on the presence of the kingpin 36. The retainer 80, rotor 100, and protective projection 86 are designed so that the rotor 100 does not contact the kingpin 36, but rather maintains a gap with respect to the kingpin 36 at its upper pole position. In this case, the protective projection 86 acts as a spacer. This facilitates the subsequent advance of the fifth wheel 40 from the kingpin 36, because in this case, it is not necessary to detach the rotor 100 from the kingpin 36.
[0065] As the kingpin 36 enters the fifth wheel 40, it moves further in the direction of travel F until it abuts against the edge of the curved section 46, which occurs at different times depending on manufacturing tolerances. Up to this point, the kingpin 36 leads the retainer 80, thereby tensioning the spring 78. In this case, the centering pin 84 acts as a guide. In this case, the retainer 80 is in the operating position shown in the figure.
[0066] The angle measuring device 70 is ready for immediate use, and the rotor 100 and sensor 110 detect each rotation of the kingpin 36 about the rotation axis D. The motion of the kingpin 36 along the longitudinal axis L, the height axis H, or the transverse axis Q is compensated by the angle measuring device 70, as is the rotation of the kingpin 36 about the transverse axis Q. From this operating position, the holder 80 may be moved, for example, along the longitudinal axis L in one direction and the opposite direction, thereby compensating for the corresponding motion of the kingpin 36. This ensures that these motions and rotations do not adversely affect the detection of the bending angle.
[0067] The embodiment of the fifth-wheel system 60 according to the present invention, shown in Figures 4 and 5, is partially the same as the embodiment shown in Figure 3. The main differences will be explained below.
[0068] The fifth wheel system 60 shown in Figure 4 also has an angle measuring device 70 equipped with an arm 72, in this case the arm 72 is guided along a guide rod 56. The guide rod 56 is also attached to a traverse 54 (not shown) of the substructure 50 of the fifth wheel 40. The arm 72 may be moved translationally relative to the guide rod 56 along the lateral axis Q, that is, perpendicular to the plane of the figure.
[0069] The guide rod 56 also has a circular cross-section. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the arm 72 has a circular cross-section guide through-hole 74 extending along the lateral axis Q, and the guide through-hole 74 houses the guide rod 56. As a result, the arm 72 is rotatable relative to the guide rod 56, but cannot move relative to it along the height axis H.
[0070] In other words, the arm 72 and the guide rod 56 have two degrees of freedom relative to each other: motion along the lateral axis Q and rotation about the lateral axis Q. In this case as well, the two degrees of freedom are limited, and the limitation of rotation about the lateral axis Q is achieved by a stopper (not shown here). Since the guide rod 56 is rigidly coupled to the traverse 54, the angle measuring device 70 as a whole has the same two degrees of freedom relative to the substructure 50 of the fifth wheel 40.
[0071] The guide between the retainer 80 and the arm 72 is the same as the guide shown in Figure 3. The same applies to the spring 78, the protective projection 86, and the centering pin 84. The retainer 80 is also fork-shaped and has an upper retainer portion 81 and a lower retainer portion 83.
[0072] The rotor 100 here consists of three parts and has a shaft 102 to which a connecting magnet 120 is attached. The shaft 102 is supported within the upper holder portion 81 and extends to the sensor 110. A sensor magnet 112 is also positioned on the shaft 102 and rotates with the shaft 102. The sensor 110 is configured to detect the rotation of the sensor magnet 112, and consequently the rotation of the shaft 102, the connecting magnet 120, and the kingpin 36. The shaft 102 is fixed in the vertical direction, that is, it cannot move relative to the sensor 110 along the height axis H.
[0073] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the holder 80 is directly coupled to the traverse 54. The holder 80 has an L-shaped base 85, which may be fixed in position and attached to the traverse 54, for example, by screws.
[0074] The holder 80 further has a fork-shaped portion 87 which includes an upper holder portion 81 and a lower holder portion 83. The fork-shaped portion 87 is coupled to the base 85 via a flexible region 88. Due to the structural configuration of the flexible region 88, the fork-shaped portion 87 and the base 85 are able to move and rotate relative to each other. As a result, the fork-shaped portion 87 and the base 85 have multiple degrees of freedom relative to each other, and these degrees of freedom may differ depending on the configuration of the flexible region 88. In the illustrated embodiment, the fork-shaped portion 87 and the base 85 are able to move relative to each other along the height axis H and along the longitudinal axis L. Furthermore, the fork-shaped portion 87 and the base 85 may be able to rotate / tilt relative to each other about the lateral axis Q.
[0075] The upper retaining portion 81 also has a protective projection 86 and a centering pin 84.
[0076] The rotor 100 is a single unit and comprises a connecting magnet 120, a shaft 102, and a sensor magnet 112. The sensor 110 is configured to detect the rotation of the rotor 100 around the rotation axis D. This allows the bending angle to be determined, for example, in the control unit of the towing vehicle 20. The movement of the kingpin 36 along the height axis H and the longitudinal axis L, as well as the rotation around the lateral axis Q, is compensated for by the angle measuring device 70 and does not impair the measurement of the sensor 110. This allows the bending angle to be determined accurately. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0077] 10 semi-trailer trucks 20 Towing vehicle 22 Chassis 23 Longitudinal support 24 Driver's cab 26. Running gear 30 Semi-trailer 31 Chassis 32 Traveling device 34 Body 36 Kingpin 40 Fifth Ring 42. Fifth Ring Plate 44 Approach opening 46 Curved section 48 corners 50 Undercarriage 52 Support Blocks 54 Traverse 56 Guide Rod 60. Fifth Ring System 70 Angle measuring device 72 Arms 74 Guide through holes 76 Guide Blocks 78 springs 80 Holder 81 Upper retaining part 82 Longitudinal Guide 83 Lower retaining part 84 Centering pin 85 Base 86 Protective projection 87 Fork-shaped part 88 Flexible Area 100 rotors 102 axis 110 Sensor 112 Sensor Magnet 120 Linked Magnets D Rotation axis F Direction of travel H - Height axis L Longitudinal axis Q Horizontal axis
Claims
1. The fifth ring system (60), Substructure (50) and A fifth wheel plate (42) having an entry opening (44) for the kingpin (36) of a semi-trailer (30) that can pass through in the direction of travel F, and a curved portion (46) for the kingpin (36) that continues from the entry opening (44) in the direction of travel F, An angle measuring device (70) having a rotor (100) and a sensor (110) It is equipped with, The rotor (100) is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the sensor (110) with respect to the rotation axis D. The sensor (110) is configured to detect the relative rotation of the rotor (100) with respect to the sensor (110) about the rotation axis D. In a fifth-wheel system (60), the rotor (100) or the sensor (110) has a connecting magnet (120), and the rotor (100) or the sensor (110) can be detachably coupled to the kingpin (36) via the connecting magnet (120), The fifth-ring system (60) is characterized in that the angle measuring device (70) has at least one degree of freedom with respect to the lower structure (50) and / or the five-ring plate (42).
2. The fifth wheel system (60) according to claim 1, wherein the degrees of freedom are motion along the lateral axis Q and / or motion along the longitudinal axis L and / or motion along the height axis H and / or rotation about the lateral axis Q and / or rotation about the longitudinal axis L.
3. The fifth wheel system (60) according to claim 2, wherein the degrees of freedom enable movement along the lateral axis Q over a length of more than 0 mm to 30 mm and / or movement along the longitudinal axis L over a length of more than 0 mm to 40 mm and / or movement along the height axis H over a length of more than 0 mm to 50 mm and / or rotation about the lateral axis Q at an angle of more than 0° to 30° and / or rotation about the longitudinal axis L at an angle of more than 0° to 15°.
4. The rotor (100) and the sensor (110) are coupled to each other so as to prevent relative movement between the rotor (100) and the sensor (110) along the rotation axis D, or so as to allow relative movement between the rotor (100) and the sensor (110) along the rotation axis D to a predetermined distance, and a return spring is provided that acts against increasing distance between the rotor (100) and the sensor (110), according to claim 1 or 2, the fifth wheel system (60).
5. The fifth-wheel system (60) according to claim 1, wherein the angle measuring device (70) has a holder (80) on which the sensor (110) is fixedly positioned and the rotor (100) is rotatably supported, and the holder (80) is movably and / or rotatably coupled to the lower structure (50) and / or the five-wheel plate (42).
6. The fifth-ring system (60) according to claim 1, wherein the holder (80) is connected to the lower structure (50) and / or the five-ring plate (42) via an arm (72), the holder (80) is movable and / or rotatable relative to the arm (72), and / or the arm (72) is movable and / or rotatable relative to the lower structure (50) and / or the five-ring plate (42).
7. The fifth wheel system (60) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the holder (80) and / or the arm (72) are preloaded by spring force against their movement and / or rotation.
8. The fifth wheel system (60) according to claim 6, wherein the holder (80) is integral and has a plurality of parts that are connected to each other via at least one flexible region (88) and are relative to each other movable and / or rotatable.
9. The fifth-ring system (60) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the holder (80) and / or the arm (72) are made of a non-magnetizable material.
10. The fifth wheel system (60) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the angle measuring device (70) has a centering assisting means for positioning the angle measuring device (70) and / or the rotor (100) and / or the connecting magnet (120) when the kingpin (36) enters.
11. The fifth wheel system (60) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the angle measuring device (70) has at least one spacer which protrudes from the holder (80) beyond the connecting magnet (120) along the height axis H and prevents the connecting magnet (120) from directly contacting the kingpin (36) and / or causes the connecting magnet (120) to be held at a predetermined distance from the kingpin (36).
12. The fifth wheel system (60) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the angle measuring device (70) has at least one protective projection (86) that protects the angle measuring device (70) or a part thereof from mechanical damage caused by the entry of the kingpin (36).
13. A towing vehicle (20) for a semi-trailer (30), Chassis (22) and Traveling device (26) and The fifth wheel system (60) according to claim 1 or 2 and It is equipped with, The angle measuring device (70) has a holder (80) on which the sensor (110) is arranged and the rotor (100) is rotatably supported, and the holder (80) is movably and / or rotatably coupled to the chassis (22) and / or a mounting plate located on the chassis (22), the towing vehicle (20) for a semi-trailer (30).
14. A semi-trailer truck (10) comprising a towing vehicle (20) according to claim 13, wherein the rotor (100) or the sensor (110) is detachably coupled to the kingpin (36) via the connecting magnet (120).