Coupling device, in particular for a supply line for transporting media from a tractor to a semi-trailer

Abstract

The coupling device for supply lines is used in particular for transporting media from a tractor to a semi-trailer (11) or vice versa. The tractor and the semi-trailer (11) can be coupled or decoupled by a coupling unit (10) which comprises a fifth wheel (15) on the tractor and a support element (22') with a kingpin (21) on the semi-trailer (11). Below the fifth wheel (15) and below the kingpin (21) there is at least one coupling block (30, 31), respectively, each of which is provided with a number of connector elements (37, 38, 77, 78) for connecting the supply lines (33, 34, 35, 36). A rotating element (20) is provided, arranged in the support element, to which the at least one coupling block (30, 31) and a centering device (25) are fixed. During coupling, the centering device interacts with centering means on the fifth wheel (15) to align and therefore connect the coupling blocks (30, 31) with one another. The supply lines (35, 36) extending from the coupling block (31) on the semi-trailer (11) are guided by connecting means (23, 24) in the rotating element (20) to the supply lines (35', 36') arranged in the semi-trailer (11). By means of the coupling device, in particular for the supply lines for changing the media, a very compact arrangement is achieved which allows automatic connection of the supply lines when coupling the fifth wheel to the kingpin.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coupling device for a supply line, in particular for transporting media from a tractor to a semi-trailer or vice versa, according to the preamble of claim 1, the tractor and the semi-trailer being able to be coupled or decoupled by means of a coupling unit, the coupling device comprising a fifth-wheel coupling on the tractor and a support element with a kingpin on the semi-trailer. [Background technology]

[0002] In tractor-trailers, the semi-trailer is coupled to the tractor by means of the fifth wheel. The fifth wheel essentially consists of a fifth wheel plate with a closing device on the tractor and a so-called kingpin on the semi-trailer. In addition to this, inter alia electrical, pneumatic and / or hydraulic connections are connected between the tractor and the trailer. These connections are usually connected manually with flexible lines. This requires effort and time from the driver during coupling and uncoupling of the tractor-trailer.

[0003] Furthermore, from the patent DE 10 200 03 13 599 A1, a means for transmitting electrical energy from the electrical system of the vehicle to the electrical system of the trailer is known. The trailer has a horizontally arranged sliding plate with a kingpin extending centrally downwards, on the underside of which there is a ring-shaped electrical contact providing device, which is connected to the electrical system of the trailer. The fifth wheel is provided with a longitudinal electrical contact element, which corresponds to said electrical contact providing device on the trailer and is located at the front end of the support plate of the fifth wheel on the vehicle. This electrical contact element comprises a number of spaced apart electrical contacts, which can be electrically connected on the one hand to the on-board network of the vehicle and on the other hand to the contacts of the contact providing device on the sliding plate. Such an electrical connection is provided when the kingpin is pushed into the receiving opening of the fifth wheel and locked in position. A disadvantage of this system is that the electrical contact providing device on the trailer and the contact element with the number of contacts on the vehicle are not sufficiently protected from the effects of weather during coupling or uncoupling of the vehicle to the trailer, which can lead to undesirable damage that can lead to malfunctions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 9,085,208 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The invention is based on the object of improving a coupling device, in particular for supply lines for transporting media from a tractor to a semi-trailer or vice versa, by means of which a particularly automated and reliable coupling and decoupling can be achieved with a robust construction capable of withstanding harsh operating conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by the characterizing portion of claim 1.

[0007] A coupling block is provided below each of the fifth wheel and the kingpin, each of the coupling blocks being provided with a number of plug elements for connecting the supply lines. At least one of the coupling blocks and a centering device are fixed to a rotating element arranged on a support element of the semi-trailer, which interact with centering means on the fifth wheel during coupling to allow the coupling blocks to be aligned with one another and to be subsequently connected. Furthermore, according to the invention, the supply lines extending from the coupling block on the semi-trailer are guided by connecting means in the rotating element to the supply lines arranged on the semi-trailer.

[0008] It is very advantageous to fix this centering device below the rotating element on the support element and to fix the connecting block below it, the supply lines being guided by the centering device into the rotating element and from there into the semi-trailer.

[0009] By means of this coupling device according to the invention, in particular for supply lines for exchanging media between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer, a very compact construction is achieved, which allows automatic connection of the supply lines during coupling of the fifth wheel to the kingpin. The conveyed media are in particular electrical energy or signals, or pneumatic and / or hydraulic energy or signals, which are sent from the tractor unit to the semi-trailer or vice versa.

[0010] According to the invention, the rotating element comprises at least one base element that can be fixed in the semi-trailer and a slip ring packet installed therein, through which the supply lines can be connected for the transport of energy to the semi-trailer.

[0011] By means of this rotating element a very safe and reliable functioning connection of the supply lines is achieved.

[0012] The invention and further advantages thereof will now be explained in more detail on the basis of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a coupling unit for coupling and uncoupling a tractor to a semi-trailer and of a coupling device according to the invention for a supply line, each in the uncoupling state. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view through a rolling element with a kingpin underneath a semi-trailer. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top view, including a partial cross section, of a connecting block on the semi-trailer shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the coupling block shown in FIG. 1 with the electrical plug element in a disconnected state. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the connection block with the electrical plug element shown in FIG. 4 in a connected state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the coupling block shown in FIG. 1, with the plug element for transporting media in a disconnected state. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the coupling block with the plug element shown in FIG. 6 in a coupled state. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view from above with a partial cross-section of a variation of the insulating plate of the rotating element of the device shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a coupling unit 10 for coupling and uncoupling a tractor unit and a semi-trailer 11, which comprises a fifth wheel 15 on the upper side of the axle of the tractor unit and a kingpin 21 on the lower side of the semi-trailer 11. The arrangement and configuration of this coupling unit 10 can of course vary depending on the model or manufacturer of the tractor unit and the semi-trailer. It is used in particular in road vehicles for the transport of all kinds of goods, livestock, etc. or as working machines. In principle it can also be a rail vehicle.

[0015] The fifth wheel 15 is provided with an upper plate 16 with a conical slot opening 17 at the rear, which is fixed to the retaining element 12 or the like. When coupling, the tractor unit is driven rearward under the semi-trailer 11 so that the fifth wheel 15 engages with a shaft-like kingpin 21 by means of its conical slot opening 17 and is then driven back up to an end stop in this slot opening 17 and locked. A support plate 22 of the semi-trailer 11, which is on the underside of the bottom wall 13 surrounding the kingpin 21, lies in the coupled state on an upper support surface 16' of the plate 16 of the fifth wheel 15. The plate 16 is preferably configured to have a slope 16'' starting from this upper support surface 16' at the rear, which allows to compensate for tolerances during the coupling procedure and ensures that this plate 16 can be moved under the support plate 22 of the semi-trailer 11.

[0016] A centering device 25 is arranged behind the kingpin 21 below the support element 22' of the semi-trailer 11 so as to project from the kingpin 21 in a generally radial direction. In the coupled state, a wedge-shaped centering means 26 projecting at the front of this centering device 25 bites into said conical slot opening 17 of the fifth wheel 15, by pressing its wedge surface 26' against the side surface 17' of the slot opening 17 of the plate 16 by means of a spring element 56. This centering device 25 is mounted on the support plate 22 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis A of the kingpin 21 fixed to the semi-trailer 11, so that its longitudinal length is always aligned with the direction of movement of the tractor unit. These wedge-shaped centering means 26 and the spring element 56 are respectively guided by a guide element 54 of a rod 57, through which the supply lines 35, 36 are preferably guided in a protected manner. It is also possible to provide only one guide element and one spring element, each spring element being configured as a coil spring, a disc spring, a leaf spring, etc. If a leaf spring is used, it can also be arranged likewise instead of the guide element and the wedge, and when coupled, it is guided directly into said conical slot opening 17 of the fifth wheel 15.

[0017] Furthermore, coupling devices are assigned to the coupling unit 10, in particular for supply lines 33, 34, 35, 36 for transporting media from the tractor unit to the semi-trailer 11 and vice versa. These media are electrical, pneumatic and / or hydraulic energy. Compressed air, oil, water and / or other media can be used here, which can be transported under control from one to the other by drive elements in the tractor unit or the semi-trailer 11, said drive elements being batteries, generators, hydraulic or pneumatic pumps or pressure vessels etc. to which the supply lines 33, 34, 35, 36 are connected. The supply and transport of the media can also be carried out by the transmission of electrical signals or by pneumatic or hydraulic control pulses, depending on the function.

[0018] According to the invention, the coupling blocks 30, 31 are arranged below with respect to the fifth wheel 15 and the kingpin 21, respectively, and are provided with a number of plug elements 37, 38 for the connection of the supply lines 33, 34, 35, 36, whereby a rotating element 20 arranged below the semi-trailer 11 is provided, to which at least one coupling block 31 and a centering device 25 are fixed. During coupling, the centering device 25 interacts with the centering means 26 of the fifth wheel 15, which allows the coupling blocks 30, 31 to be aligned with one another, so that these plug elements 37, 38, 77, 78 can be plugged into one another and connected. This allows the coupling blocks 30, 31 to be automatically coupled during coupling of the tractor unit to the semi-trailer 11, or automatically decoupled when the tractor-trailer combination is separated.

[0019] Further according to the invention, supply lines 35 , 36 extending from the connecting block 31 on the semi-trailer 11 are guided through connection means 23 , 24 on the rotating element 20 to supply lines 35 ′, 36 ′ arranged on the semi-trailer 11 .

[0020] According to Fig. 2, in the rotating element 20, at least one base element 27 fixed to the bottom wall 13 of the semi-trailer 11 and a slip ring packet 29 rotatably mounted therein are provided with connection means 23, 24, said connection means 23, 24 connecting in an energy-transmitting manner the supply lines 33, 34, 35, 36 of the tractor unit via coupling blocks 30, 31 to lines leading to energy-consuming components on the semi-trailer 11. In the pot-shaped base element 27 of the rotating element 20, an at least partially non-conductive insulating plate 28 with the slip ring packet 29, a stabilizing plate 28' arranged thereunder and the lower support plate 22 are rotatably mounted. The insulating plate 28, the stabilizing plate 28' and the support plate 22 are rotatably connected to one another by at least one positioning element 32, for example by means of bolts or the like. Furthermore, the insulating plate 28 together with the stabilizing plate 28' is pressed against the base element 27 by spring elements 39 held in the support plate 22. A permanent seal is thus ensured between the base element 27 and the insulating plate 28. Each spring element 39 is configured as a coil spring, a disc spring, a leaf spring, or the like.

[0021] This insulating plate 28 is manufactured from a material with good sliding properties, for example a plastic such as PTFE, so that it can be permanently installed with low sliding friction on the base element 27. It is highly advantageous if the base element 27 is coated, in particular with chromium, on its contact surface with the insulating plate 28, so that the sliding properties between these two elements are permanently guaranteed. Furthermore, the base element 27 can be manufactured in one piece or from a plate and a ring, as shown on the right side of the cross-section in FIG. 2.

[0022] The support plate 22 is supported at its outer side on a bearing ring 41 in the base element 27 as shown and in the middle on the hub 42 of the kingpin 21 fixed to the base element 27. The supply lines 35, 36 are guided through transverse holes 19 in the support plate 22, said transverse holes 19 being sealed with a sealing material not shown in further detail, in order for the support plate 22 to act as a closing cover for the base element 27. As an alternative, the kingpin 21 can be fixed in the semi-trailer and extend through the base element or can be fixed to the underside of a separate holding element contained in the base element, which holding element is provided with the hub 42, which is not shown in further detail.

[0023] The slip ring packet 29 with the connection means 23, 24 preferably comprises a number of ring-shaped grooves 44 and slip rings 43 arranged coaxially at a distance from each other, with connections 45, 46 on the inlet side of the supply lines 35, 36 extending from the connecting block 31, as well as plug elements 47 and sliding contacts 48 in the base element 27. These plug elements 47 respectively form a path from the ring-shaped groove 44 to the supply line 35', while the current is transferred through the electrically conductive sliding contacts 48, each protected by an insulator 53, to the supply line 36' and from there to the energy consuming components in the semi-trailer 11 or vice versa. On the inside and on the outside there is provided one ring-shaped groove 44, between which three slip rings 43 are arranged at a distance from each other. Naturally, the number and arrangement of the ring-shaped grooves and slip rings of this slip ring packet 29 can be varied depending on the situation of the energy consuming components or the driving elements in the trailer. Also, only one slip ring or ring-shaped groove may be provided, or only slip rings or ring-shaped grooves may be provided.

[0024] As pressure equalization devices on both sides of the ring-shaped groove 44, a ring-shaped recess 49 and at least one transverse hole 51 extending therefrom through the base element 27 are further provided, which makes it possible to prevent a build-up of pressure between the insulating plate 28 and the base element 27, in particular in the event of a leak, and the possible formation of gaps between them which would impair a secure sealing of the connection means 23.

[0025] The invention is therefore characterized by such a compact configuration of the coupling device, whereby said rotating element 20 is provided on a support element, a centering device 25 is fixed thereunder and a coupling block 31 is fixed thereunder, with supply lines 35, 36 being guided from the coupling block through the centering device 25 into the rotating element 20 and from there into the semi-trailer 11. This slim construction is further strengthened by the low constructive height of the box-shaped coupling blocks 30, 31.

[0026] When the tractor unit is driven, the centering device 25 is always aligned in the direction of movement of the fifth wheel 15. When changing direction, the support plate 22 and thus the insulating plate 28 with the slip ring 43 and the annular groove 44 are rotated by the centering device 25, while the plug element 47 and the conductive sliding contact 48 remain stationary on the base element 27. As a result, the supply lines 35', 36' are permanently installed in the semi-trailer 11, which is a further advantage.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a coupling block 31 on a semi-trailer 11, in which two housing parts 60, 61 are held so as to be slidable relative to one another by guide elements 68 with centering tips 64 as centering elements, and spring elements 69 extend parallel to the guide elements 68. These bolt-like guide elements 68 are each held in the rear housing part 60 by a fixing element 71, while the front housing part 61 is positioned behind the centering tips 64 by a stop element 64'. At least one spring element 69 is arranged on both outer sides of the plug elements 38, and a guide element 68 is arranged on each outer side. These are arranged in one or more rows parallel to one another on a horizontal axis plane, which allows the constructional height of the coupling device to be reduced. Naturally, the number and the position of the plug elements, spring elements or guide elements can be selected in various ways depending on the requirements.

[0028] The guide elements 68 are formed by centering tips 64 projecting towards the housing part 61, which, when coupled, can be inserted into centering openings 55 of the corresponding connecting block 30 on the fifth wheel 15, so that centering takes place before coupling of the plug elements 37, 38, 77, 78. To their rear parts, lines or hoses configured as the supply lines 23, 24 are connected. At the front side, a closing cap or the like, not shown in more detail, can be arranged, which is pivotable and which protects these plug elements 38, 77 in the uncoupled state. Furthermore, a transversely arranged pressure spring 66 is accommodated on each side of the rear housing part 60, which allows a certain amount of play of the connecting block 31 transverse to the axial direction of the guide elements 68. Advantageously, a spring element 66' (shown in FIG. 1) is also provided influencing the housing part 60 of the connecting block 31 in the z-direction, in order to compensate for deviations in the y-direction and / or z-direction when centering the centering tip 64 in the centering opening 55. Instead of these pressure springs 66, 66', 69, other spring elements can also be used.

[0029] In the initial state, the housing parts 60, 61 are held at a distance from each other as shown. During the coupling operation, as shown in FIG. 1, the wedge surface 26' of the centering device 25 is pressed against the side surface 17' of the slot opening 17 as a first movement. This aligns the coupling blocks 30, 31 with respect to each other and then the centering means accurately positions them. The housing 30' of the coupling block 30 then moves backwards, so that the front housing part 61 moves with respect to the rear housing part 60 in a constant stroke movement against the spring pressure of the spring element 69, so that the force of the impact on the housing part 61 occurring during the reversing of the tractor unit is absorbed in a shock-absorbing manner. With this, the tolerances in the coupling state between the fifth wheel 15 and the semi-trailer 11 can be compensated for.

[0030] 4 and 5 show one of the electrical plug elements 38 contained in the housing parts 60, 61 and one of the plug elements 37 in the housing 30' of the other connecting block 30. The plug element 38 in the rear housing part 60, preferably configured as a pin, is held movable under spring pressure. For this purpose, the bore 62 of the housing part 60 contains a sleeve 63 guided in the bore and a pressure spring 64 with a rear stop element 67, the sleeve 63 being pushed into the bore 62 up to a stop face 62' in the bore 62, in which the plug element 38 is fixed, the plug element 38 extending through the bore 62 and connected with its rear side to the supply line 35. In the front housing part 61, the plug element 38 projects into the front housing part 61 pushed forward in the state in which the connecting block is not connected, as shown in FIG. 4, and is tightly sealed therein. Furthermore, an insulating cover 38' between the housing parts 60, 61 is arranged on the plug element 38. As a result, these plug elements 38 are protected from the outside in the disconnected state.

[0031] Each corresponding plug element 37 in the housing 30' comprises a metal sleeve 65, a surrounding insulating cover 72, a closing bolt 73 therein and a spring 74 which presses said bolt into an opening 65' in the sleeve 65, to the rear of which the supply line 35 is connected.

[0032] 5, by pressing the housing 30' of the other connecting block 30 against the housing part 61, the plug elements 38 are respectively pushed out of the housing part and inserted into the respective sleeves 65 by means of the corresponding connection openings of the pressing housing, since the housing part 61 is pressed against the stationary housing part 60. This plug element 38 now comes into contact with the closure bolt 73 in the sleeve 65 and presses it into a rear position, where it can conduct current by contact with the sleeve.

[0033] It can further be seen that this plug element 38 held in the rear housing part 60 and the sleeve 63 in the bore 62 are pressed backwards against the pressure spring 64 as spring element, so that tolerance differences of the joined connecting blocks can be compensated for or jams can be pushed in if the plug element cannot be inserted into the sleeve 65.

[0034] Conversely, when decoupling, the housing 30' is moved away from the housing part 61 and is pushed by the spring element 69 into the initial position shown in FIG. 4, in which the plug element 38 is again firmly seated and the closure bolt 73 closes the sleeve 65 with another spring 74.

[0035] Figures 6 and 7 show one of the plug elements, plug element 78, contained in the housing parts 60, 61, and one of the plug elements, plug element 77, contained in the housing 30' of the other connecting block 30. These plug elements 77, 78 differ from those shown in figures 4 and 5 in that they are configured for the passage of media such as air, gas, water or oil. Hereafter, only the differences with the electrical plug elements 37, 38 are presented. The plug element 77, which extends through both housing parts 60, 61, is configured as a small tube and is preferably held in the rear housing part 60 so that it is movable under spring pressure. A hole 83 in the housing part 60 contains a pressure spring 81 and a stop element 82 for this spring, and in this hole the plug element 77, which extends through the hole 83 and is connected to the supply line 36 at the rear, is guided.

[0036] In the front housing part 61, this plug element 77 projects into the pushed-forward front housing part 61 and is enclosed therein in the uncoupled state of the coupling block as shown in FIG. 6. Advantageously, the plug elements 77 are closed at their front by a cover 77', but in this state are provided with one or more side openings 77" which serve as ventilation holes for the supply lines 36 in the uncoupled state. As a result, these plug elements 77 are protected from the outside in the uncoupled state. Each corresponding plug element 78 in a through hole 84 of the housing 30' consists of a non-return valve 75 with a spring element 79 and a connecting element 86 to which the supply line 36 is connected. In the uncoupled state, the non-return valve 75 closes the through hole 84, as can be seen in FIG. 6.

[0037] 7, by pressing the housing 30' of the other connecting block 30 against the housing part 61, the respective plug element 77 is pushed out of said housing part and into the respective through-hole 84 of this housing 30' under pressure, as the housing part 61 is pressed against the stationary housing part 60 of the connecting block 31. The plug element 77 now presses the non-return valve 75 into its rear position in the through-hole 84, so that a passage of the medium is formed through this hole into the supply line 36.

[0038] During coupling, as can be seen in Fig. 7, the check valve 75 is pushed by the plug element 77 up to the stop element. This results in reaction forces acting on the plug element 77, which may lead to certain instabilities. This causes some movement of the plug element 77 in the housing part 60 in the coupled state. There is almost no relative movement between the housing part 61, the housing 30' and the plug element 77. The ring seal 87 is therefore not unnecessarily worn. A similar principle of operation applies to the electrical connection.

[0039] 8 shows a variant of an insulating plate 90 with slip rings 43, which can be used instead of the insulating plate 28 shown in FIG. 2 in or on the base element 27 of the rotating element 20, pot-shaped, plate-shaped or otherwise configured. The same reference numbers are therefore used hereinafter for the same components as in the insulating plate 28 described above. This insulating plate 90 is characterized in that it comprises a single-part or multi-part, ring-shaped or otherwise configured base plate 95, said base plate 95 having ring-shaped grooves 98, 99 and, arranged therein, multi-part insulating rings 93, 94, in which the slip rings 43 or sealing elements 91, 92 are accommodated. This base plate 95 is advantageously made of a metallic material, such as aluminum, and in the installed state is pressed against the base element 27 by a spring element 39 held in the support plate 22, thereby ensuring a permanent seal between the base plate 95 and the base element 27.

[0040] In the ring-shaped grooves 99, there are embedded respective multi-part insulating rings 93, 94, in which the mutually coaxial slip rings 43 are located. These insulating rings 93, 94 are respectively assembled from a number of ring segments 96, 97 arranged in a row in a base plate 95 at a distance a from each other, and made of an electrically insulating material, in particular plastic. The purpose of each of these distances a is to allow the expansion of the plastic material, which occurs under the large temperature differences that may occur during operation, to occur sufficiently without the material bending or sagging. In principle, however, each of these insulating rings 93, 94 can be manufactured as a single piece or as a multi-piece, depending on the requirements.

[0041] Between these insulating rings 93, 94 in the base plate 95 a further ring-shaped groove 98 is provided in which sealing elements 91, 92 are integrated, allowing the passage of non-electrical media. These sealing elements 91, 92 are configured in the shape of rings, one of which extends along the inner wall in the ring-shaped groove 98 and the other along a stepped outer wall 98', 98". They are preferably configured V-shaped in cross section and equipped with outwardly projecting sealing lips 91', 92' which, in the installed state, are pressed against the opposing contact surfaces of the insulating plate 90 and the base element 27, thereby achieving a permanently effective seal also in this ring-shaped groove 98.

[0042] Naturally, this insulating plate 90 may have a different configuration than that shown, for example, it is possible to provide more than two slip rings 43 arranged coaxially with one another, similar to the insulating plate 28, and more than two ring-shaped grooves 98, for example at least one on the inside and one on the outside of the slip rings. In theory, it is also possible to provide only one ring-shaped groove or one ring-shaped groove with one slip ring and one pair of sealing elements.

[0043] Although the present invention has been fully described with reference to the exemplary embodiments presented above, it will be appreciated that the present invention can also be described with reference to other variations.

[0044] The coupling blocks 30, 31 on the tractor unit and / or semi-trailer are spring-loaded in the x, y, z directions and / or installed with a rotational angle relative to each other, so that dimensional deviations in their position relative to each other that occur when coupling the tractor unit to the semi-trailer can be compensated for.

[0045] In order to save space, the plug elements of the coupling block are arranged generally parallel to one another, optionally in one or more rows, below the contact surface of the fifth wheel or the contact surface of the support element of the semi-trailer.

[0046] In principle, the coupling blocks could also be arranged next to the fifth wheel and the support element rather than underneath them, and also on either side of them and coupled in pairs.

[0047] Of course, the rotating elements may be configured differently: for example, there may be only one fixed insulating plate on the base element, below which there may be a rotatable plate with slip ring contacts and connection parts, or the base element may be installed to rotate with its inner slip ring packet, where the slip contacts and plug elements must be kept separate within the semi-trailer.

[0048] The connecting blocks and the centering means assigned to them can also be arranged in the opposite manner, i.e. the one on the fifth wheel can be arranged on the support element and the one corresponding to the support element can also be arranged on the fifth wheel.

[0049] Furthermore, the plug elements can be arranged in a simplified manner in the connecting block, for example by eliminating the bearings providing the spring support and by fixing these in fixed positions in the respective housing parts.

[0050] In order to save space, the plug elements of the coupling block are arranged generally parallel to one another, optionally in one or more rows, below the contact surface of the fifth wheel or the contact surface of the support element of the semi-trailer.

[0051] Furthermore, the plug elements 77 in the housing 60 for the passage of media such as air, gas, water or oil may each comprise a check valve, which in the disconnected state ensures a tight seal of the medium in the event of an increase in pressure in the line 36.

Claims

1. A coupling device, in particular for a supply line for transporting media from a tractor to a semi-trailer (11) or vice versa, wherein the tractor and the semi-trailer can be coupled or uncoupled by means of a coupling unit (10), the coupling device (10) comprising a fifth wheel (15) on the tractor and a support element (22') with a kingpin (21) on the semi-trailer (11), at least one connecting block (30, 31) is arranged below and / or adjacent to the fifth wheel (15) and the kingpin (21), and each connecting block (30, 31) is provided with preferably a plurality of connector elements (37, 38, 77, 78) for connecting the supply lines (33, 34, 35, 36), respectively; a rotating element (20) disposed within the support element (22'); The at least one connecting block (30, 31) and a centering device (25) are fixed to the rotating element (20), the centering device (25) interacts with a centering means on the fifth wheel (15) during coupling, allowing the coupling blocks (30, 31) to be connected after aligning them with each other; The supply lines (35, 36) extending from the connecting block (31) on the semi-trailer (11) are guided through connecting means (23, 24) in the rotating element (20) to the supply lines (35', 36') arranged in the semi-trailer (11). A coupling device comprising:

2. The centering device (25) is fixed to the support element (22'), and the connecting block (31) is fixed below the centering device (25); The supply lines (35, 36) are guided from the connecting block (31) through the centering device (25) into the rotating element (20) and from the rotating element (20) into the semi-trailer (11). The coupling device of claim 1 .

3. The rotating element (20) comprises: At least one base element (27) fixed within the semi-trailer (11); a slip ring packet (29) installed in the base element (27) as a connecting means (23, 24) for connecting the supply lines (33, 34, 35, 36) of the tractor unit to the supply lines in the semi-trailer (11) in an energy-transmitting manner; The coupling device of claim 1 , comprising:

4. The slip ring packet (29) preferably comprises a plurality of slip rings (43) and / or annular grooves (44) arranged coaxially at a distance from each other, together with inlet connections (45, 46) to the supply lines (35, 36) extending from the connecting block (31), On the other hand, sliding contacts (48) and / or connector elements (47) are assigned to the base element (27), the sliding contacts (48) and / or the connector elements (47) are in contact with the slip rings (43) or the annular grooves (44), and the supply lines (35, 36) in the semi-trailer (11) are connected to the sliding contacts (48) and / or the connector elements (47). The coupling device of claim 3 .

5. 4. The coupling device according to claim 3, characterized in that in the base element (27) of the rotating element (20) an at least partially non-conductive insulating plate (28, 90) with the slip ring packet (29), a stabilizing or base plate (28', 95) and a lower support plate (22) are rotatably arranged via at least one spring element (39) between them, the at least partially non-conductive insulating plate (28, 90) with the slip ring packet (29), the stabilizing or base plate (28', 95) and the lower support plate (22), which extend coaxially with one another and in the center of which is arranged the kingpin (21) fixed to the base element (27).

6. The centering device (25) located on the support plate (22) with the support element (22') and the fifth wheel (15) with a slot opening (17) in the plate (16) for the kingpin (21) are formed with wedge-shaped centering means (26), said wedge-shaped centering means (26) aligns said centering device (25) longitudinally of said slot opening (17) when coupled and allows it to be positioned by rotational adjustment about said kingpin (21) depending on its position; Here, the centering device (25) causes the support plate (22) to rotate, thereby also rotating the insulating plate (28) with the slip ring packet (29), while the sliding contacts (48) and connecting elements (47) remain stationary within the base element (27). The coupling device of claim 1 .

7. the wedge-shaped centering means (26) of the centering device (25) is formed with two front wedge elements, which can be adjusted radially with respect to the direction of rotation by at least one guide element (54) and are pressed into a front end position by at least one spring element (56); On the other hand, the slot opening (17) of the fifth wheel (15) is formed with a corresponding wedge surface (26') on the inlet side, so that when the kingpin (21) hits the end side of the slot opening (17) during coupling, the wedge element comes into contact with the pressure from the at least one spring element (56), and thus the centering device (25) is positioned in the fifth wheel (15) so as not to be rotatable. The coupling device of claim 6 .

8. each of said connecting blocks (30, 31) preferably comprises a housing (30') or housing parts (60, 61) with a plurality of connector elements (37, 38, 77, 78) therein for connecting said supply lines (33, 34, 35, 36); At least one centering element is assigned to each corresponding connecting block (30, 31) for carrying out first a centering operation and then an insertion of the connector element during the connection procedure. The coupling device of claim 1 .

9. the housing parts (60, 61) of one of the connecting blocks (31) are held displaceably relative to each other by at least one guide element (68) and at least one spring element (69) extending parallel to the guide element (68); The at least one guide element (68) is respectively fixed to the rear housing part (60), and the front housing part (61) is pushed forward in the disconnected state up to a stop element (64').

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that

10. 10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that while the connecting blocks (30, 31) are connected, the front housing part (61) of the housing (30') of the other connecting block (30) can be pressed against the rear housing part (60) at least up to the connecting position.

11. the longitudinal connector element (38) held in the rear housing part (60) is tightly enclosed by the housing part (61) pushed forward when the connecting block is not connected; On the other hand, when connecting, the pressure of the other connecting block (30) pushes the connector element (38) out of the housing part (61) and into the connecting opening of the connecting block (30) that is applying the pressure.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that

12. 9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that the longitudinal connector elements (38, 77) held in the rear housing part (60) are pressed against a front stop surface by spring elements and, when coupled, can be moved rearward against the spring force by a longitudinal stroke movement, thereby compensating for tolerances or blockages.

13. the longitudinal connector elements (38, 77) held in the rear housing part (60) are formed as conductive metal pins or as small tubes for passing gas, air, water or oil, respectively; The other connecting block (30) has a corresponding connecting opening formed as a conductive sleeve (65) for receiving the metal pin with almost no play, or as a check valve (75) for passing the respective medium.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that

14. The centering elements are preferably formed as two centering tips (64) on the guide element (68) of one of the connecting blocks (31), During coupling, the centering tips (64) can be pressed into the corresponding centering openings (55) in the coupling blocks (30), thereby performing a centering process before coupling the connector elements (37, 38, 77, 78).

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that

15. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling blocks (30, 31) on the semi-trailer (11) and / or the tractor unit are spring-loaded in the x, y, z directions and / or are installed at a rotational angle relative to each other, thereby compensating for dimensional deviations in the coupling position relative to each other that occur when coupling the tractor unit to the semi-trailer.

16. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveyed medium is in particular electrical energy or signals, or pneumatic and / or hydraulic energy or signals, which are transmitted from the tractor unit to the semi-trailer (11) or vice versa.

17. A rotating element, preferably for a coupling device according to claim 1, comprising: The rotating element (20) comprises: At least one base element (27) fixed in the semi-trailer (11); a slip ring packet (29) installed in the base element (27), by means of which supply lines (35, 36) can be connected so as to transmit energy to energy consuming components in the semi-trailer (11); A rotating element comprising:

18. The slip ring packet (29) preferably comprises a plurality of slip rings (43) and / or annular grooves (44) arranged coaxially at a distance from each other, with connections (45, 46) to the supply lines (35, 36) on the inlet side, On the other hand, sliding contacts (48) and connector elements (47) are assigned to the base element (27), the sliding contacts (48) and / or the connector elements (47) are in contact with the slip rings (43) or annular grooves (44), and the supply lines (35, 36, 35', 36') in the semi-trailer (11) are connected to the sliding contacts (48) and / or the connector elements (47).

18. A rolling element according to claim 17, characterized in that

19. an insulating plate (90) can be arranged in or on said base element (27) in the shape of a pot, a plate or other configuration; The insulating plate (90) is formed from a single-part or multi-part base plate (95) of ring-like or other shape, preferably provided with a plurality of ring-shaped grooves (98, 99); A single-piece or multi-piece insulating ring (93, 94) is disposed within the ring-shaped groove (98, 99); Sealing elements (91, 92) are arranged in the slip ring (43) housed in the insulating ring and / or in the annular grooves (98, 99).

18. A rolling element according to claim 17, characterized in that

20. The base plate (95) of the insulating plate (90) is made of metal; The insulating rings (93, 94) in the plate each consist of adjacently arranged ring segments (96, 97) in a row spaced apart by a distance (a) from each other.

20. A rolling element according to claim 19, characterized in that

21. one of the sealing elements (91, 92) in the base plate (95) extends along the inner wall of the ring-shaped groove (98) and the other along the outer wall (98', 98") of the ring-shaped groove; The sealing elements (91, 92) each comprise an outwardly projecting sealing lip (91', 92') which in the installed state is pressed into the opposing contact surfaces of the insulating plate (90) and of the base element (27).

20. A rolling element according to claim 19, characterized in that

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