Combinations, connection systems, and methods for coupling a towing vehicle with a towed vehicle.

Abstract

The present invention provides combinations, connection systems, and methods for coupling a towing vehicle with a towed vehicle. [Solution] The system includes a first plug unit 400 connected to the interface of a towing vehicle 100 and a second plug unit 500 connected to the interface of a towed vehicle 200, wherein the first plug unit is temporarily connectable to the second plug unit to enable the transmission of electrical energy, compressed air and / or data between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle, a transport device 600 is provided to move the first plug unit toward the second plug unit so that a plug connection operation is performed between the first plug unit and the second plug unit, and a support device is provided to support the plug connection operation between the first plug unit and the second plug unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a combination, a connection system, and a method for coupling a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] The combination includes a towing vehicle and at least one towed vehicle. Examples of towing vehicles include tractor vehicles of a tractor-trailer combination, motor vehicles of a combination vehicle, and swap body trucks. Correspondingly, examples of towed vehicles include semi-trailers of a tractor-trailer combination, trailers of a combination vehicle, and swap bodies.

[0003] A tractor vehicle and a semi-trailer form a tractor-trailer combination. In this combination, a mechanical coupling system includes a fifth wheel disposed on the tractor vehicle and a kingpin disposed on the bottom side of the semi-trailer. The kingpin can engage with and lock to the fifth wheel. The coupling plate of the fifth wheel usually has a wedge-shaped entry opening directed in the traveling direction for coupling the semi-trailer. The entry opening provides a free space having at least one mounting space depth so that the kingpin can enter and exit the coupling plate of the fifth wheel. When coupling, the semi-trailer slides on the surface of the coupling plate of the fifth wheel with respect to its vertical alignment. Lateral guidance is ensured by the kingpin. The kingpin is guided in the entry opening during coupling until it reaches the locked position. A method for coupling a tractor unit and a semi-trailer is known from KR20200060650A.

[0004] Similarly, a motor vehicle and a trailer form a combination vehicle. In the combination vehicle, the mechanical coupling system includes a trailer coupling or a pin coupling having a towing bar eye assigned to the motor vehicle and a drawbar having a towing eye assigned to the trailer.

[0005] Such combinations are extremely important in the transport of goods. It is common for the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle not to form a fixed pairing; the towing vehicle is connected to different towed vehicles of the same type as needed. At the end of a trip, the towing vehicle usually parks the towed vehicles. While the towed vehicles are being loaded or unloaded, the towing vehicle is used to move another towed vehicle. Therefore, the towing vehicle and the towed vehicles are connected and disconnected periodically. As a result, there are generally more towed vehicles than towing vehicles. To enable parking of semi-trailers, semi-trailers are usually equipped with landing gear that provides support when the towing vehicle is not coupled to the semi-trailer.

[0006] The above combination is used in both controlled environments such as container terminals and public environments such as roads. Conditions in controlled environments are more strictly defined. There are fewer disruptive factors such as road users not part of the goods transport system, uneven road surfaces, and unexpected road closures. However, reliability requirements are significantly higher in controlled environments.

[0007] In addition to mechanical coupling, towing vehicles and towed vehicles are interconnected to transmit various media, particularly compressed air and electrical energy. In recent years, data connections between towing and towed vehicles have also become increasingly common. For transmitting media, vehicles have plugs and sockets to which transmission lines can be connected.

[0008] Connecting and disconnecting transmission lines is a time-consuming process and is often performed manually. This requires people to enter the space between vehicles and handle the lines manually. In addition to the often dirty conditions in the area between vehicles, there is also a risk of injury. Therefore, automating vehicle connections for the transfer of media such as compressed air, electrical energy, and data is desirable.

[0009] Two automated systems are known from WO2022 / 150720A2 and US11,560,188B2. Both systems are susceptible to environmental influences such as rain or dirt. Furthermore, it is questionable whether the connection shown in Figure 3c of US11,560,188B2 has sufficient flexibility to allow relative movement of the trailer relative to the tractor vehicle, while also having sufficient rigidity to enable the automatic establishment of the plug connection.

[0010] DE10 2021 209 167A1 and US2011 / 0037241A1 disclose connection systems for connecting a tractor and a trailer, respectively.

[0011] US2024 / 0075778A1 and WO2019 / 165147A1 disclose systems for connecting Glad Hand Couplings, respectively. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve the automation of media connection between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle in a combination, and in particular to ensure that the connection is reproducible and meets the mechanical requirements for daily use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] This objective is achieved by the combination described in claim 1.

[0014] The combination includes a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle. Both the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle have interfaces for transmitting electrical energy, compressed air, and / or data, respectively. The term "towed vehicle" does not preclude the possibility that such vehicle has its own engine for the drive shaft.

[0015] The combination further includes a multi-component connection system. The connection system includes a first plug unit connected to the interface of the towing vehicle and a second plug unit connected to the interface of the towed vehicle. An interface can be understood as a component that allows for the rapid disconnection and reconnection of two sections of a conductor, such as a plug or socket; however, an interface can also exist when two components are permanently connected via a conductor. For example, the control unit of the towing vehicle may be permanently wired to the first plug unit.

[0016] The first plug unit can be temporarily connected to a second plug unit to enable the transmission of electrical energy, compressed air, and / or data between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle.

[0017] The combination further includes a transport device. The transport device moves the first plug unit toward the second plug unit so that a plug connection operation is performed between the first plug unit and the second plug unit. The transport device is preferably part of a towing vehicle. The combination further includes a support device. The support device mechanically supports the plug connection operation between the first plug unit and the second plug unit, in particular by applying a force to support the plug connection operation. The support device is preferably partially independent of the transport device. The transport operation and the plug connection operation are part of the overall connection operation of the two plug units. Preferably, a mechanical device supported by an actuator, in particular a motor, is provided as the support device.

[0018] The support device ensures that the plug connection operation is completed so that the medium can be transmitted between vehicles. The support device is configured to satisfy mechanical requirements, especially when it is installed independently of the transport device.

[0019] The plug unit preferably has multiple plug contacts. The plug contacts are, for example, pins and pin receptacles. The pins are suitable for transmitting electrical energy, compressed air, and data. The plug contacts preferably protrude in one direction from the base of the corresponding plug unit. The plug contacts provide resistance to the plug connection operation. This resistance needs to be overcome in order to complete the plug connection operation. The plug contacts of the plug unit are preferably grouped together to form a plug cluster, i.e., connected simultaneously with the plug contacts of the other plug unit. This means that it is neither necessary nor possible to connect individual plug contacts to their corresponding counterparts on the other plug unit.

[0020] In addition to or as an alternative to plug contacts, the plug unit may have other transmission elements, such as transmitters and receivers of a contactless communication system according to WO2020 / 016420A2.

[0021] The transport device preferably includes a handling robot, and more preferably an articulated arm robot. The articulated arm robot enables the transport of the first plug unit to the second plug unit with particularly high precision. This ensures that the plug unit is correctly positioned for the subsequent plug connection operation. The plug connection operation may be partially performed by the transport device. In this case, the articulated arm robot is particularly suitable because it can apply a constant plug connection force in a predetermined direction.

[0022] The conveying device is preferably temporarily connected to the first plug unit and detachable from the first plug unit. This allows the conveying device to move away from the first plug unit, for example, to a standby position, after the plug connection operation. This prevents damage to the conveying device during travel. In particular, the first plug unit has a retaining portion, and the conveying device has a gripper for gripping the retaining portion. This allows the conveying device to repeatedly and reliably grip the first plug unit and convey the first plug unit to the second plug unit or move it away from the second plug unit. When gripping, the gripper and the retaining portion are preferably connected to each other so that their shapes engage.

[0023] The support device is preferably formed by a portion of the first plug unit and a portion of the second plug unit, which cooperate to mechanically support the plug connection operation. Advantageously, these portions cooperate to draw the first and second plug units toward each other in the plug connection direction. In a preferred embodiment, the support device includes two complementary threaded members and a motor. The motor can rotate at least one of the threaded members. As the conveying device moves the first plug unit toward the second plug unit, i.e., brings the plug units closer together, the complementary threaded members come into contact with each other. When one of the threaded members is rotated, the threaded members translate toward each other. If one threaded member is positioned toward the first plug unit and the other threaded member is positioned toward the second plug unit, the plug units thus move toward each other. This mechanically supports the plug connection operation. The threaded members are preferably a threaded pin and an internally threaded member. The internally threaded member is particularly preferably a pin having an internal thread complementary to the threaded pin. The motor is, for example, an electric motor or a pneumatic motor. The threaded pins, pins, and plug contacts are preferably parallel to each other. The threaded members may be a pinion and a rack.

[0024] The support device may also include a lever that is attached to the plug unit and can engage with another plug unit or a member connected thereto. The subsequent deflection of the lever mechanically supports the plug connection operation. The lever enables a large plug connection force to be applied with a smaller force. The lever is, in particular, a toggle lever or a deflection lever.

[0025] The pin preferably projects further from the base body of the corresponding plug unit than all the plug contacts of the plug unit in the plug connection direction. Thereby, the pin becomes the member that first contacts the other plug unit of the plug unit. Thereby, the plug connection operation is mechanically supported from the initial stage and over the entire length of the plug contact.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the threaded pin extends within the hole. The inner diameter of the hole is larger than the outer diameter of the threaded pin. The outer diameter of the pin substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the hole. Thereby, the threaded pin is protected from the surrounding environmental conditions. When the pin is pushed into the hole during the plug connection operation, the pin can easily contact the threaded pin.

[0027] At least one of the threaded members preferably has a centering aid, particularly preferably a centering chamfer or a centering tip, at the end. This is particularly advantageous for both threaded members. The centering aid supports the proximity of the threaded members. Due to manufacturing or assembly variations and wear, the threaded members may not extend precisely along the plug connection direction. Even with the above variations, the centering aid can effectively bring the threaded members closer together.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the threaded members is displaceable along the plug connection direction and is spring-biased. Thereby, the collision between the threaded members is buffered, and after the collision, the threaded members are pressed against each other, and it is ensured that when one of the threaded members is rotated, the threaded members are effectively engaged with each other immediately. Furthermore, the movable support is also used to detect the presence of the other plug unit. For this purpose, it is preferable to provide a sensor. The sensor detects the position of the threaded member along the plug connection direction and transmits a signal to the control unit when a predetermined position is reached. When the predetermined position is reached, the motor is controlled to rotate one of the threaded members. Thereby, the motor is rotated only when the threaded members are surely in contact with each other. Thereby, energy consumption is reduced and premature wear of the threaded members is prevented.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, a sensor is provided that detects the relative position of the plug units along the plug connection direction and transmits a signal to the control unit when a predetermined position is reached. When the predetermined position is reached, the motor is controlled, for example, to rotate one of the threaded members. The sensor includes a sensor element disposed on one of the plug units. The sensor element is configured to detect an element of the other plug unit. The sensor is preferably attached to the plug unit on which the motor is disposed. Thereby, the control of the motor becomes easy. The sensor is preferably disposed on the first plug unit. The first plug unit is energized by a towing vehicle.

[0030] The sensor element is preferably a hall sensor, an inductive sensor, a reed sensor, or an optical sensor, for example, a photocell. The element detected by the sensor element may be an additional element whose main function is to be detected by the sensor element. However, the sensor element can be configured and arranged to detect an existing member of the plug unit, such as a pin. The element to be detected is preferably configured to be compatible with the sensor element, for example, a magnet for a reed sensor or a metal member for an inductive sensor.

[0031] The sensor element can be placed, for example, on the front wall of the plug unit. This allows for early detection when plug units come into contact with each other.

[0032] It is advantageous to place the motor on the towing vehicle side. This is because, in a vehicle fleet, the number of towing vehicles is generally less than the number of towed vehicles. Therefore, some towed vehicles are positioned passively. By placing the motor on the towing vehicle side, the total number of motors that need to be purchased is reduced, thereby lowering the overall cost of the fleet.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, either the motor or the threaded member is permanently attached to the first plug unit. This allows for a compact support device. In another advantageous embodiment, the motor is attached to the transport device, and one of the threaded members is attached to the first plug unit, which has a coupling. The coupling allows the motor to impart torque or force to the threaded member. This allows for a smaller first plug unit and reduces its protrusion from the towed vehicle when positioned. The coupling is, for example, a rectangular coupling of the shape-engagement type.

[0034] Other support devices may be provided instead of, or in addition to, threaded members. For example, a pneumatic cylinder may be provided, attached to one plug unit and engaging with the other plug unit when approaching, particularly by a shape engagement (hook). When the cylinder retracts, the plug units are attracted to each other. Alternatively or additionally, a switchable magnet may be used to mechanically support the plug connection operation. The switchable magnet (electromagnet) includes a coil that is selectively connected to or disconnected from an energy source. When energy is supplied to the coil, the coil generates a magnetic field that attracts the metal members of the other plug unit. This mechanically supports the plug connection operation.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment, a locking device is provided to prevent the first plug unit from separating from the second plug unit after the plugging operation, so that the plug connection is reliably maintained even when the combination is in motion. The lock is preferably formed by a threaded member having a self-locking structure and / or the lock including a latching element. The latching element is preferably one that provides resistance that can be overcome in the plugging direction and in the opposite direction. The resistance is preferably overcome by a support device and is set to be large enough to withstand vibrations that normally occur during motion. Alternatively or additionally, an unlocking device may be provided to release the lock. In this case, the resistance of the locking device may be set to be larger to improve protection against vibrations, etc. The locking device and the unlocking device may be combined as an assembly, for example by a mechanical bolt or electromagnetic lock that can be selectively actuated (locked) and then released (unlocked).

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, to protect the plug contacts from environmental impacts during plug connection, the first plug unit and / or the second plug unit are configured to include a housing. The housing preferably has a cross-section complementary to that of the other plug unit. This allows the housing to be made compact. To compensate for manufacturing tolerances and wear, the housing preferably has funnel-shaped guide elements (ramp tabs) at its ends. The guide elements guide the other plug unit during or before the plug connection operation. This improves the reliability of the plug connection operation.

[0037] The housing is preferably open at the bottom, and more preferably open only at the bottom. This provides particularly good protection from rain for the interior of the housing and all components located inside. However, the open bottom means that the plug connection operation is performed vertically upward, which is not advantageous in itself because gravity provides additional resistance to the plug connection direction. However, the support device allows the vertically upward plug connection operation to be performed without any problems.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, to protect the plug contacts and other elements, such as threaded members as needed, from environmental impacts before the start of the plug connection operation, particularly while the first plug unit is being transported to the second plug unit, the first plug unit and / or the second plug unit have covers for the plug contacts. The covers preferably have a covered state and an open state. In the covered state, the cover covers the plug contacts, and in the open state, the cover does not cover the plug contacts. The covers may be actively switchable. Preferably, they automatically transition from the covered state to the open state during the plug connection operation. For this purpose, the covers may be rotatably mounted and arranged to rotate when the other plug unit engages with them during the plug connection operation. For this purpose, for example, the plug unit with the cover is inserted into the housing of the other plug unit, so that the cover temporarily catches on the housing wall during the plug connection operation and rotates.

[0039] To bring plug units close together, it is useful to know at least their relative positions. For this reason, in advantageous embodiments, a position detection device is provided that can determine the position of the first plug unit and / or the second plug unit, or their relative positions. The position detection device preferably includes an identification mark, such as a QR code (registered trademark), and a detector, such as a camera, that detects the identification mark. The identification mark is preferably placed on the first plug unit or the second plug unit. The position of the first plug unit on the towing vehicle is known. This is especially true when the first plug unit is held by a multi-jointed arm robot. In this case, it is particularly useful to attach the identification mark to the second plug unit and the detector to the towing vehicle, especially the transport device. This allows the detector to determine the position or distance to the identification mark, and the transport device can be controlled to move the first plug unit to the second plug unit.

[0040] Alternatively, the location may be determined by a transmitter / receiver unit such as an RFID element.

[0041] The second plug unit is preferably located at the front of the towed vehicle. This makes the second plug unit relatively easily accessible and easily reachable by the transport device. The towed vehicle may have a container in its understructure for transport. It may be impossible or undesirable to attach the second plug unit to the container. For this reason, it is advantageous to attach the second plug unit to the understructure of the towed vehicle. This makes it possible to replace the container without removing the second plug unit. The second plug unit may be temporarily attached to the towed vehicle, for example, by magnetic connection. However, it may be permanently attached to the towed vehicle by screwing or welding in place.

[0042] The towing vehicle is preferably a terminal tractor, and the towed vehicle is preferably a semi-trailer. In a terminal tractor, the mounting surface behind the cab is larger than that of other tractor vehicles, such as conventional semi-trailer tractors. A terminal tractor is used, for example, in a container terminal to move a semi-trailer and travel only short distances. A terminal tractor is particularly suitable for the present invention because, for example, a multi-jointed arm robot can be accommodated on the larger mounting surface.

[0043] Preferably, a fifth wheel is positioned on the mounting surface of the towing vehicle, and more preferably, a height-adjustable fifth wheel is positioned there. Preferably, the towed vehicle has a kingpin.

[0044] The object of the present invention is also solved by the connection system defined in the above description. The connection system includes a first plug unit connectable to the interface of a towing vehicle and a second plug unit connectable to the interface of a towed vehicle. The first plug unit is temporarily connectable to the second plug unit to enable the transmission of electrical energy, compressed air and / or data between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle. The connection system further includes a support device that mechanically supports the plug connection operation between the first plug unit and the second plug unit.

[0045] Furthermore, the object of the present invention can also be achieved by a method of connecting a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle by mechanical coupling using a coupling system consisting of multiple components as described above. In this method, a first plug unit is moved to a second plug unit by a transport device, and then a plug connection operation is performed between the first plug unit and the second plug unit. The plug connection operation is mechanically supported by a support device. Preferably, the plug connection operation is performed in cooperation with the transport device and the support device.

[0046] The mechanical coupling between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle by mechanical coupling is preferably performed before the plug connection operation between the first plug unit and the second plug unit. This prevents the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle from moving apart from each other during the transport operation or plug connection operation, prevents damage to the coupling device or other parts of the towing vehicle or the towed vehicle, and prevents delays in the connection operation.

[0047] In an advantageous embodiment, to protect the conveying device from damage and to avoid impairing the maneuverability of the combination, the conveying device is separated from the first plug unit after or during the plugging operation. After separation, the conveying device is moved to a standby position that occupies less space.

[0048] Combinations without a support device are also disclosed. Excluding the support device, the plug unit and / or transport device are configured as described above. Combinations without a transport device are also disclosed. Excluding the transport device, the plug unit and / or support device are configured as described above.

[0049] The present invention will be described illustratively with reference to the drawings. The following is a description of the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0050] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of the combination. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the connection system in the isolated state. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the connection system shown in Figure 2, in the connected state. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first plug unit for the connection system shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the inside of the first plug unit in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the second plug unit for the connection system shown in Figure 2. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the inside of the second plug unit in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the connection system in Figure 2 in the separated state. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the connection system in Figure 2 during the transition state. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the connection system shown in Figure 2 in the connected state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0051] The combination 1000 shown in Figure 1 includes a terminal tractor as the towing vehicle 100 and a semi-trailer as the towed vehicle 200. Only the front of the semi-trailer is shown in the figure.

[0052] The towing vehicle 100 includes a substructure 110 equipped with a drive unit (not shown) and four wheels 112, a driver's cab 120, and a loading surface 130. The loading surface 130 is located behind the driver's cab 120. In a terminal tractor, the loading surface 130 is larger than that of other tractor vehicles, such as conventional semi-trailer tractors. A terminal tractor is used, for example, in a container terminal to move semi-trailers and travel only short distances. A fifth wheel 140 is positioned on the loading surface 130. The fifth wheel 140 is height-adjustable.

[0053] The towed vehicle 200 has a substructure 210 and a superstructure 270. In the illustrated embodiment, the superstructure 270 is fixedly connected to the substructure 210. The substructure 210 includes a chassis 220, a running gear 230 including wheels 232, landing gear 240 and a kingpin 250. The landing gear 240 is in the extended position.

[0054] The kingpin 250 is complementary to the fifth wheel 140, enabling the mechanical coupling of the towing vehicle 100 and the towed vehicle 200. When a terminal tractor moves a semi-trailer, the height-adjustable fifth wheel 140 often eliminates the need to raise the landing gear 240. After mechanical coupling, the fifth wheel 140 is raised, thereby lifting the trailer and preventing the landing gear 240 from touching the ground. The combination 1000 can then begin to move. This procedure, which eliminates the need to raise the landing gear 240, is particularly suitable from a time-saving perspective at container terminals and other transshipment points where there are usually no slopes or uneven surfaces.

[0055] The towing vehicle 100 and the towed vehicle 200 each have interfaces for transmitting electrical energy, compressed air, and data.

[0056] The combination 1000 shown in Figure 1 further comprises a connection system 300 including a first plug unit 400, a second plug unit 500, and a transport device 600. The transport device 600 moves the first plug unit 400 relative to the second plug unit 500, after which a plug connection operation is performed between the first plug unit 400 and the second plug unit 500. The transport device 600 includes an articulated arm robot 610 equipped with a gripper 620, which is positioned on the mounting surface 130 of the towing vehicle 100.

[0057] The gripper 620 is configured to be selectively connected to or disconnected from the first plug unit 400. Therefore, the first plug unit 400 has a retaining portion 460. The gripper 620 is suitable for gripping the retaining portion 460.

[0058] The first plug unit 400 is connected to the interface of the towing vehicle 100 via a flexible line 420, and the second plug unit 500 is connected to the interface of the towed vehicle 200 via line 520. The first plug unit 400 is held by a transport device 600. The second plug unit 500 is positioned on the front 274 of the towed vehicle 200. The first plug unit 400 is a plug, and the second plug unit 500 is a socket. The plug units 400 and 500 are configured complementaryly, and by temporarily connecting the first plug unit 400 to the second plug unit 500 during the connection process, electrical energy, compressed air, and data can be transmitted between the towing vehicle 100 and the towed vehicle 200. To connect the plug units 400 and 500, the first plug unit 400 is moved toward the second plug unit 500 by a transport operation (Figure 2). At this point, the plug units 400 and 500 are still separated. Next, the plug units 400 and 500 are connected to each other by the plug connection operation in the plug direction R (vertically upward in this case) (Figure 3).

[0059] The first plug unit 400 is configured as a plug and includes a housing 410 connected to a conductor 420 (see Figure 4). The conductor 420 is a line for electrical energy, compressed air, and data. The conductor 420 is connected to the interface of the towing vehicle 100. The first plug unit 400 further includes plug contacts 430 located at its front end. The plug contacts 430 are connected to the line 420. Each of the multiple plug contacts 430 is suitable for transmitting at least one medium (electrical energy, compressed air, data) to a complementary plug contact 530 of the second plug unit 500. The multiple plug contacts 430 are combined to form a plug group 440. The multiple plug contacts 530 are combined to form a plug group 540 (see Figure 5).

[0060] The first plug unit 400 has a cover 450 at its front end that can be in a covered state and an open state. Figures 4 and 5 show the covered state. In this state, the cover 450 covers the plug contacts 430, protecting them from environmental impacts. To switch to the open state, the cover 450 rotates.

[0061] The second plug unit 500 is configured as a socket and includes a housing 510 to which a conductor 520 is connected (see Figure 6). The housing 510 is open at the bottom, allowing the first plug unit 400 to be pushed into the housing 510 from below upward. The housing 410 of the first plug unit 400 has a guide element 412 with a lead-in chamfer shape, which assists in the insertion of the first plug unit 400 into the housing 510 of the second plug unit 500. The second plug unit 500 has a support portion 550, which is attached to the towed vehicle. The support portion 550 is a plate that forms part of the housing 510. At its upper end, the plate is bent to form a projection 560 that closes the upper part of the housing 510. The projection 560 extends at a predetermined angle, so that, for example, rainwater does not accumulate on the projection 560 but flows off. The housing 510 further includes a receiving portion 512 positioned on a plate. The receiving portion 512, together with the plate, forms a receiving opening 514 for the first plug unit 400. The receiving portion 512 has a guide element 516 in the shape of a guide projection at its lower end, thereby assisting in the insertion of the first plug unit 400 into the second plug unit 500.

[0062] Multiple plug contacts 530 are arranged within the housing 510 of the second plug unit 500 (see Figure 7). The plug contacts 530 are connected to a conductor 520. Each of the multiple plug contacts 530 is suitable for transmitting at least one medium (electrical energy, compressed air, data) to a complementary plug contact 430 of the first plug unit 400. The plug contacts 430 are combined to form a plug group 440. The receiving portion 512 is not shown in Figure 7.

[0063] The plug connection operation connects the plug contacts 430 of the first plug unit 400 to the plug contacts 530 of the second plug unit 500, thereby enabling the transmission of electrical energy, compressed air, and data.

[0064] The plug connection operation is mechanically supported by a support device 700. The components of the support device 700 are partially integrated into the first plug unit 400 and partially integrated into the second plug unit 500. On the first plug unit 400 side, the support device 700 includes a hole 710, a threaded pin 720, a motor 730, a spring 740, and a sensor 750. On the second plug unit 500 side, the support device 700 includes a pin 760.

[0065] The threaded pin 720 extends coaxially within the hole 710. Both the hole 710 and the threaded pin 720 extend along the plug direction R. The hole 710 is part of the plug group 440 of the first plug unit 400.

[0066] The threaded pin 720 has a threaded portion 722 in its front region 721 and a groove 724 in its rear region 723. The rear region 723 has a larger diameter than the front region 721. The tip of the front region 721 is chamfered and formed as a centering tip 726. The groove 724 extends along the plug direction R. The motor 730 has a motor shaft 732 and a carrier 734 positioned within the groove 724. This connects the motor 730 and the threaded pin 720 so that the threaded pin 720 is rotated by the rotation of the motor shaft 732, while relative movement between the threaded pin 720 and the motor 730 along the plug direction R is possible. The motor 730 is an electric motor. A spring 740 is positioned between the threaded pin 720 and the motor 730 and biases the threaded pin 720 forward from the motor 730. The threaded pin 720 is guided linearly, and the maximum distance between the threaded pin 720 and the motor 730 is defined by the rear region 723 contacting the stopper 725.

[0067] Sensor 750 includes a sensor element 752 attached to the first plug unit 400. A sheet metal 754 is positioned inside the housing 510 of the second plug unit 500. The sheet metal 754 protrudes into the interior of the housing 510. The sensor element 752 is a Hall sensor. When plug units 400 and 500 are connected to each other, the sheet metal 754 moves through the sensor element 752 at a predetermined relative position between the plug units 400 and 500. The sensor element 752 detects this movement or the presence of the sheet metal 754 and transmits a signal to a control unit (not shown). When the target position is reached, the motor 730 is controlled to rotate the threaded pin 720.

[0068] Furthermore, a pin sensor 770 is located within the housing 410 of the first plug unit 400. The pin sensor 770 is configured to output a signal when the threaded pin 720 moves a predetermined distance toward the motor 730 against the spring force of the spring 740. Thus, the pin sensor 770 detects the rear region 723 of the threaded pin 720. This signal is transmitted to the control unit. This signal can also be used to control the motor 730 to rotate the threaded pin 720.

[0069] Pin 760 is substantially cylindrical and extends along the plug direction R. Pin 760 is part of the plug group 540 of the second plug unit 500. Unlike the threaded pin 720, the position of pin 760 in the second plug unit 500 is fixed. Pin 760 has an internal thread 762 complementary to the threaded portion 722. An external centering chamfer 764 is formed at the tip of pin 760.

[0070] Two rails 570 are arranged inside the housing 510 of the second plug unit 500. The rails 570 are parallel to each other and extend along the plug direction R. When the first plug unit 400 is pushed into the second plug unit 500, the cover 450 catches on the rails 570 and is released.

[0071] The plug connection operation is shown in detail in Figures 8, 9, and 10. In Figure 8, the first plug unit 400 is already partially pushed into the second plug unit 500. During pushing, the cover 450 contacts the rail 570, thereby rotating it to the open position. Figure 8 shows the state just before the plug groups 440 and 540 come into contact with each other. As the first plug unit 400 moves further in the plug direction R, the pin 760 enters the hole 710 first. Even if the pin 760 and the hole 710 are not perfectly aligned, the centering chamfer 764 centers the pin 760 within the hole 710.

[0072] Pin 760 is pushed into the hole 710 by the relative movement of plug units 400 and 500 in the plug direction R, and enters until it contacts the threaded pin 720. The threaded pin 720 enters the interior of pin 760 by its centering tip 726, thereby centering the pin 760 and the threaded pin 720. When plug units 400 and 500 move further relative to each other in the plug direction R, the threaded pin 720 first moves against the spring force of spring 740, that is, in the direction of motor 730 (Figure 9). This state continues until pin sensor 770 detects the threaded pin 720 and transmits a corresponding signal to control unit (not shown). When the control unit receives the signal, motor 730 is activated. Motor 730 rotates the motor shaft 732, causing the threaded pin 720 to rotate. This rotation causes the threaded portion 722 of the threaded pin 720 to screw into the internal thread 762 of the pin 760. This initially relieves the biasing force of the spring 740 until the rear region 723 of the threaded pin 720 contacts the stopper 725. Subsequently, the plug groups 440 and 540 are attracted to each other and approach each other until they are flush (Figure 10). This connects the plug contacts 430 and 530 of the plug units 400 and 500. The motor 730 is then stopped, for example, by a signal from a limit switch (not shown). This completes the plug connection operation.

[0073] To separate the plug units from each other, motor 730 is first operated in the reverse direction. This causes threaded pin 720 to unscrew from internal thread 762. Once this is complete, the first plug unit 400 is moved in the opposite direction to the plug direction R and pulled out from the second plug unit 500. This separates plug units 400 and 500 from each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 100 Towing Vehicles 110 Undercarriage 112 Wheels 120 Driver's cab 130 Mounting surface 140 Fifth Ring 200 Towed Vehicles 210 Undercarriage 220 Chassis 230 Traveling equipment 232 Wheels 240 Landing Gear 250 Kingpin 270 Superstructure 274 Front 300 connection systems 400 First plug unit 410 Housing 412 guidance elements 420 Conductor 430 Plug Contacts 440 plug group 450 Cover 460 Holding part 500 Second plug unit 510 Housing 512 Receptor part 514 Receptive opening 516 Guidance Elements 520 Conductor 530 Plug Contacts 540 plug group 550 Support part 560 Protrusion 570 rails 600 Conveyor System 610 Multi-jointed arm robot 620 Grippa 700 Support device 710 holes 720 Screw-on pins 721 Anterior area 722 Threaded part 723 Posterior area 724 Groove 725 Stopper 726 Lead-extending tip 730 Motor 732 Motor shaft 734 Carriers 740 spring 750 Sensors 752 Sensor elements 754 Sheet Metal 760 pins 762 Internal thread 764 Centering and chamfering section 770-pin sensor 1000 combinations DB hole inner diameter Outer diameter of DP pin DS threaded pin outer diameter R Plug connection direction

Claims

1. A combination of a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle, The towing vehicle and the towed vehicle each have an interface for transmitting electrical energy, compressed air, and / or data. A connection system consisting of multiple components is provided, and the connection system includes a first plug unit connected to the interface of the towing vehicle and a second plug unit connected to the interface of the towed vehicle. The first plug unit is temporarily connectable to the second plug unit to enable the transmission of electrical energy, compressed air, and / or data between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle. A transport device is provided to move the first plug unit toward the second plug unit so that a plug connection operation is performed between the first plug unit and the second plug unit. A combination characterized in that a support device is provided to support the plug connection operation between the first plug unit and the second plug unit.

2. The combination according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport device includes a handling robot, preferably a multi-jointed arm robot.

3. The transport device is temporarily connected to the first plug unit and is detachable from the first plug unit. The combination according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first plug unit preferably has a holding portion, and the transport device has a gripper for gripping the holding portion.

4. The support device includes two complementary threaded members and a motor. The motor is capable of rotatably connecting one of the threaded members. The threaded member is preferably a threaded pin and an internally threaded member complementary to the threaded pin. The combination according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the internally threaded member is preferably a pin having an internal thread that is complementary to the threaded pin.

5. The combination according to claim 4, characterized in that the pin protrudes further from the base of the corresponding plug unit than all of the plug contacts of the plug unit in the plug connection direction.

6. The threaded pin extends within the hole, and the hole has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the threaded pin. The combination according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the outer diameter of the pin substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the hole.

7. At least one of the threaded members is displaceable along the plug connection direction and is spring-biased, and / or The combination according to any one of 4 to 6, characterized in that at least one, preferably both, of the threaded members has a centering assist portion, preferably a centering chamfer portion or a centering tip portion at its end.

8. The combination according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a sensor is provided that detects the relative position of the plug unit along the plug connection direction and preferably transmits a signal to the control unit when it reaches a predetermined position.

9. Either the motor or the threaded member is permanently attached to the first plug unit, or The combination according to any one of 4 to 8, characterized in that the motor is attached to the conveying device, one of the threaded members is attached to the first plug unit, and the first plug unit has a coupling portion for the motor to apply torque or force to the threaded member.

10. A locking device is provided to prevent the first plug unit from being separated from the second plug unit after the plug connection operation. Preferably, a) The locking device is formed by a threaded member being a self-locking mechanism, and / or b) The locking mechanism is formed by including a latching element and / or, c) The combination according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a release device capable of releasing the locking mechanism is provided.

11. The combination according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the support device includes a pneumatic cylinder, the pneumatic cylinder is attached to one of the plug units and engages with the other of the plug units when approaching.

12. The first plug unit and / or the second plug unit include a housing. The housing preferably has an open bottom and / or preferably has a cross-section complementary to the other of the plug unit. The combination according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the housing preferably has funnel-shaped guide elements at its ends.

13. The first plug unit and / or the second plug unit have plug contacts and covers for the plug contacts, The cover preferably includes both a covered state and an open state. The combination according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the cover covers the plug contacts in the covered state and does not cover the plug contacts in the open state.

14. The combination according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a position detection device capable of identifying the position of the first plug unit and / or the second plug unit, or their relative positions, is provided.

15. The combination according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the second plug unit is located on the front of the towed vehicle.

16. The connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A method of connecting a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle by mechanical coupling, The connection is made using a connection system consisting of multiple components as described in any one of claims 1 to 15. The transport device moves the first plug unit toward the second plug unit, and a plug connection operation is performed between the first plug unit and the second plug unit. The plug connection operation between the first plug unit and the second plug unit is mechanically supported by the support device. The method is characterized in that the mechanical coupling by mechanical coupling is preferably performed before the plug connection operation between the first plug unit and the second plug unit.

18. After or during the plug connection operation, the transport device is separated from the first plug unit. The method according to 17, wherein, after separation, the transport device is preferably moved to a waiting position that occupies less space.

Images