A method for detecting the driving conditions of a kingpin structure, a semi-trailer, the kingpin, and the semi-trailer.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a kingpin structure, a semi-trailer, a kingpin, and a method for detecting the driving state of the semi-trailer. [Solution] According to the present invention, the kingpin structure comprises a kingpin, a kingpin plate, fixing means, and an optional measuring unit, and the deformation of the components can be detected as an electrically measured quantity by a measuring unit provided in any of these parts. This makes it possible to precisely understand the state of the kingpin and the tractor-trailer coupling and realize highly accurate detection and management of the driving state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a kingpin structure, a semi-trailer, and a method for detecting the running state of a semi-trailer.

Background Art

[0002] The kingpin is used as a connecting means between a semi-trailer and a towing vehicle. The semi-trailer and the towing vehicle constitute a tractor-trailer connection (or a truck-trailer connection). The kingpin is usually attached to the semi-trailer. In the connecting process, the fifth wheel connecting device of the towing vehicle (tractor) slides over the kingpin. At this time, the kingpin is held by a locking mechanism so as not to come off.

[0003] When the connected tractor and trailer are traveling straight, three running states occur in relation to the force acting on the kingpin, namely, a towing mode, a propulsion mode, and a neutral running state. In the towing mode, the tractor towes the semi-trailer via the kingpin. In the propulsion mode, the reverse is true, and the semi-trailer pushes the tractor. The propulsion mode occurs, for example, when the tractor is actively braking. In the neutral running state, no force acts between the tractor and the semi-trailer in the traveling direction. In reality, the neutral running state is rare and usually occurs only temporarily.

[0004] When used for its intended purpose, the kingpin transmits the majority of the force between the tractor and the trailer. In particular, during acceleration and braking, traction and propulsion are transmitted through the kingpin. The kingpin wears down over time due to high loads. Initially, the kingpin is held securely within the fifth wheel, but the play increases as wear progresses over time. For this reason, many kingpins are designed to be replaceable. Thus, the kingpin has a pin section and a flange section, with the pin section used for force transmission and the flange section used to secure the kingpin to the semi-trailer. The kingpin is usually mounted on a kingpin plate of the semi-trailer. The kingpin plate has a housing for receiving the kingpin or flange section. The kingpin plate is welded to an opening in the semi-trailer floor. Such a structure is disclosed, for example, in German Patent No. 1038923.

[0005] Manufacturers of semi-trailers, tractors, and tractor-trailer combinations have a fundamental interest in obtaining information about the driving conditions at a given point in time. In particular, they are interested in continuously recording driving conditions and controlling them as needed. To achieve this objective, various attempts have been made with several conventionally known systems.

[0006] British Patent Publication No. 2486474 discloses a kingpin in which a piezoelectric element is incorporated within the pin body. The piezoelectric element changes its electrical conductivity when mechanical stress is applied. The kingpin has two piezoelectric elements on its periphery. One piezoelectric element is positioned on the forward side in the direction of travel, and the other piezoelectric element is positioned on the rear side in the direction of travel. In this configuration, the forward piezoelectric element detects the propulsion mode, and the rear piezoelectric element detects the traction mode. However, no further results can be obtained from these piezoelectric elements.

[0007] European Patent Publication No. 2899101 discloses a kingpin mounted on a semi-trailer via a support plate. The kingpin and support plate have a common vertical hole that vertically penetrates the center of the kingpin. A lever is positioned in this hole, and two spring elements transmit force to the lever during tension and propulsion modes, causing the lever to rotate. The rotation of the lever is detected by a sensing element, which determines the vehicle state. The spring elements are positioned in radial holes connected to the vertical hole. These radial holes make the kingpin vulnerable and may cause it to break. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Conventional sensors, as described above, are insufficient to meet current requirements. With the advancement of automation and autonomy in tractor-trailer couplings, there is a need to obtain more detailed information regarding the kingpin condition and the driving state of the tractor-trailer coupling. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide such information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The above objective is achieved by the kingpin structure described in claim 1.

[0010] The kingpin structure comprises the following components: a kingpin having a flange section and a pin section; a kingpin plate having a housing section for housing the kingpin; fixing means for fixing the kingpin to the kingpin plate; and optionally a measuring unit. According to the present invention, a measuring unit is provided in one of the components. The measuring unit is configured to map the deformation of the component as an electrically measured quantity.

[0011] The inventors have found that by measuring the deformation of the above-mentioned components, it is possible to make broad and accurate estimates of the force relationship and driving conditions between the semi-trailer and the towing vehicle. By making the deformation electrically measurable, current information regarding the deformation state can be easily transmitted. In this way, it becomes possible to easily provide the above information to the towing vehicle.

[0012] In this specification, the axis extending parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle is referred to as the "longitudinal axis." The vertical axis is the axis extending through the kingpin in a central and vertical direction. The vertical axis is also called the "central axis" and represents the center of rotation between the towing vehicle and the semi-trailer. The transverse axis refers to the axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis. The longitudinal plane of the vehicle is the plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis. The transverse plane is the plane defined by the transverse axis and the vertical axis.

[0013] As described above, the kingpin includes a flange section and a pin section. The kingpin preferably has a generally rotationally symmetric shape. For fixation to the kingpin plate, the kingpin preferably has holes for fastening means. The holes are preferably located in the flange section. The holes are preferably evenly or rotationally arranged. In some embodiments, the flange section of the kingpin does not have holes for fastening means. In such embodiments, the kingpin is press-fitted onto the kingpin plate by retaining rings as fastening means. The retaining rings are preferably fastened to the kingpin plate by screws and optionally by nuts. In any case, the kingpin is easily replaceable.

[0014] The kingpin plate preferably has a dish shape and is positioned upside down when in use. The housing for the kingpin in the kingpin plate is preferably a recess. Advantageously, the recess is rotationally symmetric. However, the housing may consist only of flat surfaces. To secure the kingpin, the housing preferably has a hole through which a fastening means (screw) passes.

[0015] Preferably, multiple fastening means are provided. The fastening means are preferably screws, and optionally nuts. If only screws are used, the screws are preferably inserted from below through a hole in the flange section or retaining ring and then screwed into the kingpin plate. The hole in the kingpin plate has a female thread. In other embodiments, the fastening means include screws and nuts. The holes in the kingpin or retaining ring and kingpin plate are formed as through holes without threads. The screws are fastened, for example, by being inserted through the hole from below and a nut is screwed onto their upper end.

[0016] The placement of the measurement unit is crucial, as it must be selected to most accurately reproduce the deformation of the corresponding component. The further the measurement unit is from the fixed point of the component, the clearer the deformation becomes. On the other hand, the forces causing the deformation are absorbed at the fixed point of each component, and these forces can be easily absorbed and recorded at the fixed point, thereby making it possible to estimate the deformation. In the case of a kingpin, the fixed point is defined by the fixing means. In the case of a kingpin plate, the fixed point is located where the kingpin plate is connected to other parts of the semi-trailer, for example, by welding.

[0017] A preferred location for the measuring unit is the interface between the fixing means and the kingpin or kingpin plate. For example, the measuring unit can be positioned between the screw head (as a fixing means) and the flange section, between the screw head (as a fixing means) and the kingpin plate, between the nut (as a fixing means) and the flange section, or between the nut (as a fixing means) and the kingpin plate. Since some of the force causing deformation is absorbed by the fixing means, the deformation of the components is particularly pronounced at these interfaces. Another interface where the measuring unit is preferably positioned is the interface between the flange section and the kingpin plate. The measuring unit can be positioned axially or radially along the vertical axis between the flange section and the kingpin plate. Another similarly preferred location for the measuring unit is the transition from the outer circumferential surface of the pin section to the flange section. The deformation of the pin section is particularly pronounced at this transition, allowing the deformation to be easily expressed as an electrically measurable quantity by the measuring unit. The measuring unit can also be positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the pin section, on the upper or lower surface of the flange section, or within a recess in the kingpin plate or the upper surface of the flange section.

[0018] It is also very advantageous to place the measurement unit in the measurement provision section. Here, "measurement provision section" refers to a component whose primary function is to amplify and transmit the deformation of the components connected to the measurement provision section. In this way, the measurement unit placed in the measurement provision section can detect even minute deformations. The measurement provision section may be, for example, a measurement bar and / or connected to the kingpin plate. For example, the measurement bar may be welded to the kingpin plate at one end and connected to the semi-trailer chassis at the other end. The measurement bar is positioned to float freely between the two. The chassis is very rigid and hardly deforms even when high forces are applied. When the kingpin plate deforms due to the force acting between the towing vehicle and the semi-trailer, this deformation is transmitted to the measurement bar and amplified there. The measurement unit placed on the measurement bar maps the deformation of the measurement provision section. From the resulting measurements, the deformation of the kingpin plate can be estimated. Preferably, the measurement unit is placed in the center of the measurement provision section. This allows for good detection of even minute deformations of the kingpin plate. The measurement provision section may also be a sensor shaft placed in the kingpin hole, particularly the central hole.

[0019] Placing the measuring unit on the kingpin is particularly beneficial because it can be frequently replaced due to wear. Therefore, the measuring unit according to the present invention can be easily applied to existing vehicles or semi-trailers without significant modifications to the semi-trailer. Placing the measuring unit on the bottom surface of the kingpin plate is also beneficial because it is easily accessible when replacing the kingpin. This facilitates the maintenance and replacement of the measuring unit. Furthermore, by directly mounting the measuring unit on the kingpin, it is possible to perform initial calibration before incorporating it into the kingpin structure or semi-trailer, which is another advantage.

[0020] Placing the measurement unit on the top surface of the flange section is also advantageous because it facilitates cable routing from the measurement unit. Furthermore, a cover may be provided on the top surface of the measurement unit to protect it from the external environment.

[0021] The measuring unit is preferably positioned in a recess of the component. This is advantageous because the measuring unit does not protrude, eliminating the need to adapt adjacent components to accommodate the measuring unit. Thus, standard or existing components can continue to be used. The recess is preferably a groove or an elongated hole.

[0022] The measuring unit is preferably positioned on the radius. Here, the radius refers in particular to the curvature of an edge or corner where a sharp transition between two surfaces is replaced by an arc. The radius refers to a surface, in particular a surface having an arc-shaped cross-section and extending about an axis. The radius can also be referred to as roundness. For example, the radius is often used at the transition from the flange section to the pin section of a kingpin. Measurement at the radius is particularly advantageous because the stress value is maximum due to deformation. Therefore, a preferred location for the measuring unit is the transition from the flange section to the pin section of a kingpin. Another particularly advantageous location for the measuring unit is the radius of a recess formed on the upper surface of the flange section, in particular the edge of the recess.

[0023] It is preferable to provide an evaluation device connected to the measurement unit for detecting and further processing the electrically measured quantities. The evaluation device is preferably provided as part of the semi-trailer, particularly as part of the kingpin structure. This allows evaluation to be performed even if an electrical or electronic connection with the towing vehicle has not yet been established. The evaluation device is preferably located below the cover or constitutes part of the cover.

[0024] The measuring unit preferably has an electrical resistance and two electrical connections. The evaluation device connected to the two electrical connections can detect and further process the electrical measurement values of the measuring unit. The measuring unit is particularly preferably a strain gauge or a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element is particularly suitable for use between two components. The piezoelectric element is preferably provided in a preloaded state between two components. The deviation from this preload can be detected and the deformation can be estimated from that value. By using such a piezoelectric element, the advantage of being able to detect the set preload is also obtained. This makes it possible to confirm whether the desired preload has been reliably applied during initial assembly or whether there has been an oversight in tightening the screws.

[0025] The component preferably has a cable guide. The cable guide preferably includes a groove and / or a hole. The cable guide preferably communicates with the electrical connection and / or the evaluation device. This enables the cable to be routed within the component from the electrical connection to the evaluation device, and the measuring unit can be connected to the evaluation device. A component without a measuring unit can also have a cable guide. Also, the cable guide may be connected to a transmitter of a contactless communication system. This transmitter transmits the signal from the measuring unit to a receiver. The receiver is arranged, for example, on a towing vehicle. The transmitter is preferably connected to the evaluation device. Furthermore, the cable guide may be connected to a plug of a plug system. The plug preferably has a shape complementary to the plug on the towing vehicle side. This makes it possible to identify the measurement values of the measuring unit by the towing vehicle or the evaluation device on the towing vehicle side.

[0026] The cables from one or more measuring units are combined into one plug, and the plug is connected, for example, to the evaluation device. By doing so, it is possible to easily replace the component equipped with the measuring unit while leaving the evaluation device on the vehicle side, for example.

[0027] Alternatively, an evaluation device for a measurement unit or measurement group may be placed under a cover to make the entire device compact. The cover may have a central hole for the sensor shaft.

[0028] In some embodiments, multiple measurement units are used. Measurement units arranged at similar positions are similar measurement units. For example, multiple similar measurement units can be arranged around a vertical axis at the transition from the pinch section to the flange section on the outer peripheral surface. Additionally, additional measurement units may be arranged at other positions, such as a measurement providing section. Preferably, the similarly arranged measurement units are arranged to be uniformly distributed around, for example, a vertical axis. It is particularly preferred to provide at least three measurement units arranged in the same way. The three measurement units span a single plane, thereby enabling good mapping of the deformation of each component.

[0029] Multiple measurement units may be configured as a measurement group. The measurement units within the measurement group are analyzed collectively by the evaluation device. It is particularly preferred that the measurement units within the measurement group are connected to a bridge circuit, particularly a Wheatstone full bridge. For this purpose, four measurement units are provided, two of which are connected in series to form one strand. Then, two strands (each containing two measurement units) are connected in parallel. By measuring the voltage between two points located between the measurement units of the strand, the resistance value of the measurement unit, and thus the amount of deformation of the related component, can be estimated.

[0030] The measurement group preferably detects deformation of the kingpin along the longitudinal or transverse axis. The measurement units of the measurement group are preferably arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal and / or transverse planes. This allows for particularly accurate detection of deformation of the kingpin along the longitudinal or transverse axis. As an alternative or additional example, the measurement units of the measurement group may be arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the kingpin. Multiple measurement groups may be provided, each to detect different deformations or deformations of different components. Multiple measurement groups are preferably connected to the same evaluation device.

[0031] The measuring unit is preferably connected to a voltage source. The voltage source may be part of the tractor. During the coupling process between the tractor and the semi-trailer, there may be no or only partial electrical connection between the tractor and the semi-trailer. Therefore, in order to detect deformation during the coupling process, the voltage source is preferably provided as part of the semi-trailer, particularly as part of the kingpin structure, and supplies power to the measuring unit and evaluation device.

[0032] The object of the present invention can be realized by a semi-trailer equipped with the kingpin structure. It can also be realized by a tractor-trailer combination having a towing vehicle and a semi-trailer. Furthermore, the object of the present invention can also be realized by a kingpin configured to map the deformation of the kingpin as an electrically measured quantity, with a kingpin measuring unit provided inside or on the kingpin. The kingpin is preferably designed for use in a kingpin structure. The kingpin is preferably designed as described above.

[0033] Furthermore, the object of the present invention can also be realized by a method for detecting the driving state of a semi-trailer. The kingpin structure described above is provided. An evaluation device detects the electrical measurement quantity of the measurement unit, particularly the resistance value, and based on this, the deformation of the corresponding component is determined.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the measuring unit is mounted on the kingpin, and initial calibration is performed before the kingpin is incorporated into the kingpin structure or semi-trailer.

[0035] The measured values ​​of the measuring unit change over time due to factors such as wear, strain, and temperature. Therefore, this method preferably includes recalibration. A signal is generated when the semi-trailer is uncoupled, and this signal is transmitted to the evaluation device. The evaluation device then sets the current value of the measured value of the measuring unit as the neutral value. Recalibration allows for more accurate subsequent measurements. The signal is sent to the evaluation device automatically or manually by an operator when the unit is uncoupled. The signal may be transmitted from the tractor unit to the semi-trailer, or the semi-trailer itself may detect that the tractor unit has been uncoupled.

[0036] The measuring unit preferably determines whether the tractor-trailer combination is at the zero position (angle of refraction equal to zero), that is, whether the tractor and semi-trailer are aligned in the same direction. For this purpose, multiple measuring units are provided. The multiple measuring units are preferably connected to a Wheatstone bridge circuit. By using two measuring groups, the zero position can be determined particularly accurately. Each measuring group includes multiple, preferably four, measuring units. The measuring units are evenly distributed around the vertical axis.

[0037] The present invention will be described illustratively with reference to the drawings. The contents shown in the attached drawings are as follows: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of the kingpin structure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the kingpin. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the kingpin. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the kingpin structure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] The kingpin structure 100 shown in Figure 1 comprises a kingpin 10, a kingpin plate 40, a fixing means 50, and a measuring and providing part 60. The kingpin 10 has a flange section 20 and a pin section 30, both of which are integrally formed and continuous with each other by a transition part 12. The flange section 20 is disc-shaped. The pin section 30 is generally cylindrical and has a constricted section 34. At the constricted section 34, the kingpin 10 is held by a fifth wheel connecting part (not shown). The flange section 20 has an upper surface 22 and a lower surface 24. The lower surface 24 is located around the pin section 30. The kingpin 10 defines a vertical axis H. The vertical axis extends vertically through the center of the pin section 30 of the kingpin 10.

[0040] The kingpin plate 40 is dish-shaped, and a receiving portion 46 for accommodating the kingpin 10 is formed on its bottom side. The receiving portion 46 is configured to receive the flange section 20 of the kingpin 10.

[0041] The kingpin 10 is fixed to the kingpin plate 40 by a fixing means 50. In this embodiment, the fixing means 50 is exemplified as a screw 52 and a nut 56. The kingpin 10 and the kingpin plate 40 each have holes. These holes are arranged to coincide with each other and receive the screw 52 inserted from below. By screwing the nut 56 onto the screw 52, ​​both members of the kingpin 10 and the kingpin plate 40 are joined together as a single unit.

[0042] The kingpin structure 100 is attached to the floor 200 of the semi-trailer. Therefore, the floor 200 of the semi-trailer has an opening 204. The kingpin plate 40 is positioned on the opening 204 and fixed by welding. The kingpin 10 is then fixed to the kingpin plate 40 from below.

[0043] A threaded pin 202 is provided on the side of the kingpin plate 40 of the semi-trailer floor 200. The threaded pin 202 extends parallel to the vertical axis H. The threaded pin 202 is fixed to the semi-trailer floor 200 by welding. The kingpin plate 40 is connected to the threaded pin 202 via a measuring bar 62 which serves as a measuring providing section 60. For this purpose, the measuring bar 62 has a hole through which the threaded pin 202 is placed. One end of the measuring bar 62 is welded to the kingpin plate 40. However, other fixing methods may be employed. Subsequently, a nut 56 is screwed onto the threaded pin 202, generating a predetermined preload.

[0044] In the kingpin structure 100 shown in Figure 1, multiple measuring units 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e, 70f, 70g, and 70h are provided within or on multiple components. Each measuring unit is configured to map the deformation of its respective component as an electrically measured quantity.

[0045] Two measuring units 70a are provided on the kingpin plate 40 body. These units are, for example, strain gauges. When the kingpin plate 40 deforms, the electrical resistance of the measuring units 70a changes, and this change is detected by an evaluation device (not shown). The measuring units 70a constitute a measuring group.

[0046] The measuring unit 70b is a piezoelectric element. The measuring unit 70b is positioned on the upper surface 42 of the kingpin plate 40, surrounding the screw 52, ​​before the nut 56 is attached to the screw 52. Thus, the measuring unit 70b is located between the nut 56 and the kingpin plate 40. When the kingpin plate 40 deforms, a force acts on the piezoelectric element. This generates a voltage in the piezoelectric element, and this voltage is measured by the evaluation device.

[0047] The measuring unit 70c is positioned radially between the kingpin 10, more specifically the flange section 20, and the kingpin plate 40. Multiple measuring units 70c are arranged rotationally symmetrically around the vertical axis H, with angles offset from each other (only two are shown in the figure). The measuring unit 70c is a piezoelectric element, and voltage measurement is performed in the same manner as described above.

[0048] The measuring unit 70d has a washer shape and is positioned below the head 54 of the screw 52. That is, the measuring unit 70d is positioned between the head 54 and the flange section 20 of the kingpin 10. The measuring unit 70d is also a piezoelectric element. When a force is applied to the kingpin 10, that force is eventually transmitted to this piezoelectric element, generating a voltage. This voltage is then measured.

[0049] The measuring unit 70e is a strain gauge and is mounted on the outer surface 32 of the pin section 30. When the kingpin 10 deforms, the electrical resistance of the strain gauge changes. This change is then measured.

[0050] The measuring unit 70f is also a strain gauge. The measuring unit 70f is installed on the bottom surface 24 of the flange section 20 of the kingpin 10. When the kingpin 10 deforms, the electrical resistance of the strain gauge changes. The evaluation device then detects this change.

[0051] The measuring unit 70g is positioned between the measuring bar 62 and the nut 56 provided on the screw pin 202. The measuring unit 70g is also a piezoelectric element. When the kingpin plate 40 deforms, the deformation is transmitted to the measuring bar 62 and amplified within the measuring bar 62. The measuring bar 62 exerts force on the piezoelectric element, and as a result, a voltage is generated by the piezoelectric effect, which is detected.

[0052] The measuring unit 70h is a strain gauge and is installed on the measuring bar 62 itself. When the measuring bar 62 deforms due to the deformation of the kingpin plate 40, the resistance of the strain gauge changes. The evaluation device detects this change.

[0053] Each of the measurement units 70a to 70h described herein may not be used together with the other measurement units 70a to 70h in other embodiments, or it may be used together with some of the other measurement units 70a to 70h.

[0054] Furthermore, the kingpin 10 shown in Figure 2 has a flange section 20 and a pin section 30, and the two sections are continuous by a transition section 12. The kingpin 10 has a central hole 13, in which the sensor shaft 14 is positioned. The lower end of the sensor shaft 14 is supported by a fixed bearing 16. At the upper end, a plurality of measuring units 70k are provided around the sensor shaft 14.

[0055] The measurement units 70k constitute a measurement group and are arranged rotationally symmetrically around the vertical axis H between the sensor shaft 14 and the central hole 13. The measurement units 70k are piezoelectric elements. When the kingpin 10, particularly the pin section 30, deforms, the sensor shaft 14 bends, exerting a force on the measurement units 70k. A voltage is generated in each measurement unit 70k due to the piezoelectric effect, and this voltage is measured. The force applied to each measurement unit 70k differs depending on the direction of the load. Therefore, an evaluation device (not shown) can determine the direction of the load based on the difference in the force generated in each measurement unit 70k.

[0056] A central recess 26 is formed on the upper surface 22 of the flange section 20. Multiple measuring units 70m are arranged rotationally symmetrically around a vertical axis H at the radial outer edge of the recess 26. The measuring units 70m are strain gauges. The measuring units 70m form a measuring group. Measurement in the radial direction, for example, at the edge of the recess 26 in this embodiment, is shown to be particularly advantageous because the stress value is maximum due to deformation. Since multiple measuring units 70m are provided, the evaluation device can determine from which direction the kingpin 10 is being loaded.

[0057] Furthermore, a measuring unit 70n is provided in the transition section 12. The measuring unit 70n is a strain gauge. Since the stress is maximum in this region, the deformation is measured in the radius section.

[0058] Measurement units 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e, 70f, 70g, 70h, 70k, 70m, and 70n all map the deformation of a component as an electrically measured quantity. To detect the measured value of each measurement unit, the measurement units are connected to an evaluation device (not shown) via wires. Measurement units 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e, 70f, 70g, 70h, 70k, 70m, and 70n have electrical connection terminals. The kingpin 10 shown in Figure 2 and the kingpin structure 100 shown in Figure 1 are equipped with a cable guide 80 for guiding a connection cable to the evaluation device or another location. In the example in Figure 2, the cable guide 80 includes a groove 82 and a hole 84. The groove 82 and hole 84 function to guide a signal from one measurement unit 70m. The conductor extends radially outward from the measurement unit 70m through the groove 82 and is then guided downward through the hole 84. In the region where the conductor exits downward from the hole 84, many trailers have a plug connector. The plug connector is connected to a complementary plug connector on the towing vehicle side. This allows the evaluation device on the towing vehicle side to directly detect the electrical measurement value or signal of the measurement unit 70m. However, the evaluation device may be provided on the trailer side.

[0059] The kingpin 10 shown in Figure 3 is provided with multiple measurement groups. The first measurement group includes four measurement units 70x1, 70x2, 70x3, and 70x4. The second measurement group includes four measurement units 70y1, 70y2, 70y3, and 70y4. The measurement units within each measurement group are connected to form a Wheatstone measurement bridge. In each measurement group, the measurement units are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis Q. These two measurement groups allow for the determination of the kingpin's deformation in a plane containing the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis Q. Furthermore, measurement units 70x1 to 70y4 can be used to determine whether the tractor-trailer assembly is at the zero position (zero angle of refraction), that is, whether the tractor and semi-trailer are aligned in the same direction. Measurement units 70x1 to 70y4 are evenly distributed around the vertical axis H.

[0060] The kingpin structure 100 shown in Figure 4 comprises a kingpin 10 and a kingpin plate 40. The kingpin 10 is generally rotationally symmetric, and its flange section 20 is received by the housing portion 46 of the kingpin plate 40.

[0061] The kingpin structure 100 comprises two measuring units 70p and 70r. The measuring units 70p and 70r are located on the upper surface 22 of the flange section 20. A groove 82 is formed on the upper surface 22 of the flange section 20 of the kingpin 10. The groove 82 functions as part of a cable guide 80. The groove 82 communicates with a horizontal hole 84 in the kingpin plate 40. The cable from measuring unit 70p is first guided radially outward through the groove 82 and then through the hole 84 to an external evaluation device (not shown). The evaluation device may be located on either a trailer or a towing vehicle. The conductor may be connected to a transmitter of a contactless communication system. The transmitter transmits signals from measuring unit 70p to a receiver located, for example, on the towing vehicle. This configuration is applicable to all measuring units 70a-70r. A further vertical hole 84 is formed in the kingpin plate 40, which functions as a cable guide 80 for measuring unit 70r. A cable can be routed upward from the measuring unit 70r through this hole.

[0062] The kingpin 10 has a central hole 13. The hole 13 can be used as a cable guide 80. In this embodiment, a rotation angle sensor 90 is provided on the upper surface 22, and its signal is guided downward through the central hole 13. The signal from the rotation angle sensor 90 is sent to the boom 94 via a conductor 92, from which it may be guided to a plug (not shown) on the trailer. As in all embodiments, the cable guide 80 of the measuring unit can extend a conductor to the plug. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] 10 Kingpin 12 Transition section 13 Central hole 14 Sensor shaft 16 Fixed underwater 20 Flange Sections 22 Upper surface of flange section 24 Bottom surface of flange section 26 recesses 30-pin section 32 Outer surface of the pin section 34 Stenosis 40 Kingpin Plates 42 Top surface of the kingpin plate 46 Storage Units 50 Fixing means 52 screws 54 Screw head 56 nuts 60 Measurement provider 62 measuring bars 70a Measurement Unit 70b Measurement Unit 70°C measuring unit 70d Measurement Unit 70e Measurement Unit 70f measurement unit 70g measuring unit 70h measurement unit 70k measurement unit 70m measurement unit 70n measurement unit 70p measurement unit 70r measuring unit 72 Cover for measuring unit 80 Cable Guide 82 Groove 84 holes 90° rotation angle sensor 92 Conductor 94 Boom 100 Kingpin Structure 200 Semi-trailer floor 202 Screw pins 204 Opening Q Transverse axis L Longitudinal axis H Vertical axis

Claims

1. A kingpin structure comprising the following components, The aforementioned components are, A kingpin having a flange section and a pin section, A kingpin plate having a housing portion for housing the kingpin, Fixing means for fixing the kingpin to the kingpin plate, A selective measurement provision unit, Includes, A measuring unit is provided in one of the aforementioned components. The kingpin structure is characterized in that the measuring unit is configured to map the deformation of the components as an electrically measured quantity.

2. The measurement unit is positioned in one of the following locations: The aforementioned position is, Between the screw head, which serves as a fixing means, and the flange section, Between the screw head and the kingpin plate as a fixing means, Between the nut as a fixing means and the flange section, Between the nut and the kingpin plate as a fixing means, Between the flange section and the kingpin plate, Radius section, The transition portion from the outer circumferential surface of the pin section to the flange section, The upper or lower surface of the flange section, The kingpin plate or the flange section (recess), The kingpin structure according to claim 1, characterized by including the following:

3. The kingpin structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the measurement providing portion is a measurement bar and / or the measurement providing portion is connected to the kingpin plate.

4. The kingpin structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the measuring unit is disposed within a recess of the component.

5. The kingpin structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the measuring unit is disposed on the upper surface of the flange section and includes a cover that covers the measuring unit.

6. The measurement unit is equipped with an evaluation device connected to the aforementioned measurement unit, The kingpin structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the evaluation device is preferably located under the cover or constitutes a part of the cover.

7. The measurement unit has an electrical resistance and two electrical connection parts, The kingpin structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the measuring unit is preferably a strain gauge or a piezoelectric element.

8. The aforementioned component has a cable guide, The kingpin structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cable guide preferably includes grooves and / or holes.

9. It comprises at least three measuring units, which are arranged similarly. The kingpin structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the measuring units are preferably arranged in an evenly distributed manner.

10. Multiple measurement units form a measurement group. The measurement group is preferably connected to an evaluation device. The kingpin structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the plurality of measuring units are interconnected within the measuring group to form a bridge circuit, preferably a Wheatstone full bridge.

11. The measurement group detects the deformation of the kingpin around the longitudinal axis or the transverse axis, The kingpin structure according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the measurement units of the measurement group are preferably arranged in a mirror-image symmetrical manner with respect to a longitudinal plane and / or a transverse plane, and / or in a rotationally symmetrical manner with respect to the central axis of the kingpin.

12. Multiple measurement groups are provided, and these multiple measurement groups are configured to detect different deformations or deformations of different components. Preferably, the kingpin structure according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that all of the measurement groups are connected to the same evaluation device.

13. The kingpin structure according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the measurement unit is connected to a voltage source.

14. A semi-trailer having a kingpin structure according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A kingpin, in particular a kingpin used in a kingpin structure according to any one of claims 1 to 13, A measuring unit is provided inside or on the kingpin. The kingpin is characterized in that the measurement unit is configured to map the deformation of the kingpin as an electrically measured quantity.

16. A method for detecting the driving state of a semi-trailer not connected by a kingpin structure according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The evaluation device detects the electrical measurement quantity of the measurement unit, particularly the resistance value. From the detection results, we determine the deformation of the corresponding component. Preferably, the method is characterized by generating a signal when the semi-trailer is in an uncoupled state, transmitting the signal to the evaluation device, and performing recalibration by the evaluation device setting the measured quantity of the measurement unit as a neutral value.

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