Kingpin Assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a kingpin assembly (1) for a semi-trailer of articulated vehicles, comprising a kingpin (2) defining a pivot axis (A), the kingpin (2) having a kingpin flange (3) for directly or indirectly connecting the kingpin (2) to the semi-trailer. The kingpin assembly further comprises a shaft (17) rotatably mounted about the pivot axis (A), and a drive unit (18) connected to the shaft (17) rotatable about the pivot axis (A), and an angle measuring device (15) at least partially embedded in the kingpin (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a kingpin assembly for a semi-trailer of a articulated vehicle, comprising a kingpin defining a rotation axis, which has a kingpin flange for connecting the kingpin directly or indirectly to the semi-trailer.

Background Art

[0002] Such kingpin assemblies are known, for example, from the published patent publications DE202022106659U, EP3891051A1, EP1918179A1, and DE102004024333A1.

[0003] A towing vehicle and a semi-trailer (also simply called a trailer) constitute an articulated vehicle (also called a tractor-semitrailer combination). A fifth-wheel coupling plate is arranged on the towing vehicle, by which a kingpin located on the bottom surface of the semi-trailer is engaged and locked. For the connection of the semi-trailer, the fifth-wheel coupling plate is usually designed to have a wedge-shaped inlet opening that tapers in the direction of travel, and this inlet opening has a free installation space of sufficient depth for the kingpin to enter and exit without being obstructed by the fifth-wheel coupling plate. During connection, the semi-trailer slides on the surface of the fifth-wheel coupling plate together with a semi-trailer plate to which the kingpin is directly or indirectly fixedly attached, thereby determining the vertical position. The lateral guides are securely guided within the mating opening during connection and are ensured by the kingpin until the locking position is reached. The lower end of the insertion opening is determined by the length of the kingpin. Therefore, components located below the insertion opening, such as reinforcing ribs, do not come into contact with the kingpin during connection and disconnection of the semi-trailer.

[0004] Unless otherwise specified, terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," and "lower" refer to the direction of gravity. Therefore, "lower surface" refers to the surface that faces downward relative to the direction of gravity (e.g., the kingpin surface), and "upper surface" refers to the surface that faces upward relative to the direction of gravity. Unless otherwise specified, terms such as "axial direction," "radial direction," and "tangential direction" refer to the axis of rotation defined by the kingpin.

[0005] When a tractor vehicle and a semi-trailer are coupled, it is desirable to determine the angular position of the semi-trailer relative to the tractor vehicle as accurately as possible and transmit this information to the control devices on the tractor vehicle and / or semi-trailer. This information is relevant, for example, to the steerable axles of the semi-trailer and to the optimization of driver assistance systems during reverse and forward operation. Numerous methods exist for determining the so-called articulation angle between the towing vehicle and the semi-trailer. For example, see references CN112298383A, EP3162665A1, EP3210857B1, DE202012008717U1, DE19964 059A1, US5152544A, WO2020 / 248035A1, US2013 / 082453A1, US2015 / 084311A1, GB2470610A, and DE 102018123642A1. Many known systems use magnets and magnetic field sensors. The sensor is usually attached directly or indirectly to the fifth wheel connecting plate, and the magnet is attached to the kingpin. The drawback of this configuration is that the measurement results depend not only on the connection angle but also on the misalignment between the sensor and magnet after connection, and on the play between the kingpin and the fifth wheel connecting plate during connection, and these two influencing factors can result in incorrect angle values. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a kingpin assembly that provides the conditions for easily and accurately determining the connection angle. This object is achieved by the kingpin assembly described in claim 1. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present invention, the kingpin assembly has an axis rotatable about a rotation axis, and a driver rotatably fixed to the axis and capable of rotating and pivoting about the rotation axis (A), and includes an angle measuring device that is at least partially inserted into the kingpin.

[0008] In contrast to an angle sensor with an external angle encoder, the angle measuring device is a unit integrated into a housing, consisting of an angle encoder and a corresponding angle sensor, which is rotatable relative to the angle encoder around a rotation axis. Here, for the purpose of transmitting rotational motion, the axis is rotatably fixed to either the angle encoder or the angle sensor and is rotatably supported within the housing. The opposing part of the unit, i.e., the angle sensor or angle encoder, is rotatably fixed to the housing. This allows the axis and angle encoder to rotate together relative to the angle sensor and housing, or conversely, the axis and angle sensor to rotate together relative to the angle encoder and housing. As a result, the operator drives the angle encoder or angle sensor via the axis, while the opposing part remains rotatably fixed and connected to the kingpin via the housing.

[0009] This inventive solution differs from all known solutions in that both the angle sensor and the angle encoder are assigned to the kingpin assembly, i.e., the semi-trailer. Therefore, regardless of the state of the fifth wheel coupling plate or its spatial position relative to the kingpin after the tractor vehicle is coupled to the semi-trailer, the relative positions of the angle sensor and the angle encoder are always the same, except for the coupling angle being detected. The solution according to the present invention also has the great advantage of being very easy to retrofit, as only the semi-trailer needs to be modified.

[0010] In this context, a driver refers to a means designed such that one end is rotatably fixed to the shaft of an angle measuring device, and the other end is directly or indirectly supported by a component of the towing vehicle (e.g., a fifth wheel coupling plate, its bearing block, support frame, connecting unit (plug socket), or its support), thereby transmitting the relative rotation of the component around its axis of rotation to the shaft. For example, this driver is designed to interact with the fifth wheel coupling plate in a coupled state, so that the relative rotation between the kingpin and the fifth wheel coupling plate is transmitted to the shaft with as little play as possible. For this purpose, reliable indirect or direct contact between the driver and the fifth wheel coupling plate or any element fixed thereto is considered.

[0011] The driver preferably includes a positioning element for positioning the driver relative to the insertion opening of the fifth wheel coupling plate of the towing vehicle.

[0012] In this design, the positioning element is supported on the fifth wheel connecting plate, thereby transmitting the relative rotation of the kingpin around its axis of rotation to the axis.

[0013] The shaft is preferably led out to the bottom of the kingpin, away from the kingpin flange, and connected to the driver.

[0014] The shaft is "derivated" when it protrudes from the bottom surface of the housing and / or kingpin of the angle measuring device, allowing radial access to the shaft, for example, to connect a driver to the shaft radially.

[0015] Preferably, the kingpin has at least one projection on its bottom surface that protrudes axially downward, beyond the driver and the shaft.

[0016] This projection serves to protect the axle and driver from collisions with components of the tractor vehicle, particularly the fifth wheel coupling plate, its bearing block, or substructure, especially when the kingpin is inserted into or removed from the insertion opening of the fifth wheel coupling plate.

[0017] An angle measuring device is advantageous if it is non-contact, and preferably comprises a non-contact angle sensor, particularly a magnetic field sensor or Hall sensor, a capacitive sensor or an optical sensor.

[0018] Non-contact sensor technology offers several advantages, particularly its immunity to wear and tear, virtually slip-free operation, and the ability to instantly acquire electronic signals for subsequent processing.

[0019] Therefore, it is advantageous to design angle encoders to generate magnetization patterns, which in particular may include one or more magnets or magnetic sections or magnetic coatings, optically detectable marking patterns, especially in color applications or color changes.

[0020] The angle sensor should preferably have or generate a pattern that changes in the circumferential and / or radial directions.

[0021] This change allows the evaluation electronics to assign the sensor signal to the angular position even when there is no relative motion between the angle sensor and the angle encoder, i.e., when the kingpin is not rotating relative to the fifth wheel connecting plate.

[0022] It is desirable for the pattern to define the center position.

[0023] In a particularly advantageous improved form, the angle measuring device comprises a magnetic angle sensor and an angle encoder that generates a magnetization pattern.

[0024] As an alternative to non-contact angle measuring devices, potentiometric angle measuring devices can also be installed.

[0025] The kingpin assembly preferably has a welded plate that can be connected to or connected to a semi-trailer, which is designed for connection to the kingpin flange.

[0026] The welding plate is a known plate-shaped mounting part, usually welded to the semi-trailer plate of a semi-trailer, and has a mounting surface that fits the kingpin flange and a mounting hole for fixing the kingpin. The welding plate enables the non-destructive removal and replacement of the kingpin.

[0027] In a first alternative design, the angle measuring device preferably enters the kingpin on the upper surface belonging to the kingpin flange, and the shaft is rotatably mounted or accommodated in a hole that axially penetrates the kingpin.

[0028] The advantage of this design is that the angle measuring device is well protected from mechanical damage because it is enclosed between the kingpin and the welding plate. Damage to the device during connection is virtually impossible. Furthermore, since the shaft is guided over a longer distance within the kingpin, a radially acting load is not transmitted or is only slightly transmitted to the shaft bearing within the angle measuring device.

[0029] Particularly preferred is that the angle measuring device enters above the kingpin and is configured such that in the state where the welding plate and the kingpin are connected, the angle measuring device maintains a distance d > 1 mm (preferably > 2 mm) from the bottom surface of the welding plate. Even more particularly preferred is that the angle measuring device enters flush with the upper side of the kingpin.

[0030] Thereby, the angle measuring device fits completely within the installation space between the kingpin and the welding plate and is protected from damage before and during installation.

[0031] In a second alternative design, the angle measuring device preferably enters the kingpin on the bottom side away from the kingpin flange.

[0032] This design has the advantage that the hole axially penetrating the kingpin can be omitted. Furthermore, since the angle measuring device is easily accessible from the outside on this side, it is not necessary to remove the kingpin in advance for replacement or repair. Finally, the cable wiring to the angle measuring device is also simplified.

[0033] Preferably, the kingpin assembly has a pivot bearing positioned around the axis of rotation, the bearing comprising a bearing ring or fixed bearing ring segment fixed to the kingpin and a rotatable bearing ring ring or rotatable bearing ring segment relative thereto, where the driver is rotatably fixed directly or indirectly to this rotatable bearing ring or rotatable bearing ring segment.

[0034] Such rotating bearings are known, for example, from the aforementioned documents DE202022106659 U, EP3891051A1, EP1918179A1, and DE102004024333A1. The present invention provides using this rotating bearing to guide a driver that is normally connected only to the shaft of an angle measuring device. This reduces the load on the shaft bearing within the housing of the angle measuring device when a radial load occurs, and ensures that the angle sensor and angle encoder perform a defined rotational motion relative to each other. "Indirectly or directly fixed to a rotatable bearing ring or rotatable bearing ring segment" means that, if necessary, the driver is also connected to the bearing ring or rotatable bearing ring segment via other components and does not have degrees of freedom of motion other than normal elasticity.

[0035] It is desirable that the rotating bearings be positioned radially away from the kingpin. Therefore, it is desirable that the driver be supported radially away from the rotating bearing ring or rotating bearing ring segment, particularly at its free end.

[0036] It should be noted that rotary bearings can be configured with both a fixed bearing ring and a rotary bearing ring having a 360° circumference, or simply a "bearing ring segment," or a combination of a bearing ring on one side and a "bearing ring segment" on the other. Bearing ring segments are generally sufficient to ensure the degrees of freedom of rotational motion and to fix the position in all other dimensions. This is particularly true for fifth-wheel coupling devices, which only allow rotational motion within a partial circumference of approximately 260° at most. However, full annular fixed and rotary bearing rings are generally preferred because they have the advantage of higher rigidity, which ensures more precise positional definition, especially when tilt moments occur.

[0037] Preferably, the kingpin assembly also includes a support frame fixed to a rotatable bearing ring or rotatable bearing ring segment, and the driver is fixed to the support frame and therefore indirectly to the rotatable bearing ring or rotatable bearing ring segment.

[0038] Preferably, the support frame is further designed to accommodate coupling means for connecting the towing vehicle to the corresponding coupling unit, particularly electrical and / or electromagnetic and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic coupling means.

[0039] Electrical and / or electromagnetic and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic coupling devices are part of a plug-in coupling system for connecting wiring between a towing vehicle and a semi-trailer, as described, for example, in DE102004024333A1. Plug-in coupling systems are known in various designs. A plug-in coupling system comprises at least a plug and a socket, and usually also comprises other components for automatically connecting and disconnecting the plug and socket when coupling and uncoupling the semi-trailer and the towing vehicle. In this sense, the term “coupling means” comprises at least a plug or a socket. For safety reasons, the energized end of a plug coupling system is usually designed as a socket on the towing vehicle side, with the corresponding plug located on the semi-trailer side. In particular, the socket is fixed to the fifth wheel coupling device below the entry opening and is located in a protected area where it will not collide with the kingpin during entry. The coupling device (usually a plug) is commonly located on the bottom side of the support frame or in a cavity inside the support frame.

[0040] Furthermore, the plug can be positioned on a base plate on the support frame, which is spring-loaded perpendicular to the support frame. Once the semi-trailer is coupled and the plug and socket are finally connected, the spring-loaded base plate or plug is guided into the insertion opening area under pressure from an insertion assist device, thereby automatically performing vertical positioning and ensuring the necessary height compensation.

[0041] In projection onto a horizontal plane, the support frame preferably has a wedge or V-shape, with at least a portion of it being complementary to the wedge-shaped insertion opening of the fifth wheel coupling plate. This allows the support frame to align with the fifth wheel coupling device during insertion, enabling a secure connection between the plug and socket, and, on the other hand, holding the driver fixed to the support frame in a central position through an indirect shape fit with the insertion opening of the fifth wheel coupling plate. In other words, the support frame forms a central element for positioning the driver relative to the insertion opening of the fifth wheel coupling plate of the tractor vehicle.

[0042] The support frame preferably comprises support elements that are axially spaced from the rotatable bearing ring or rotatable bearing ring segment and that directly contact the kingpin.

[0043] The rotatable bearing ring or rotatable bearing ring segment, together with the fixed bearing ring or fixed bearing ring segment, forms an axial and radial rotating bearing, i.e., an upper suspension for the support frame, giving the support frame only one degree of rotational freedom. The position of the support frame is determined radially and axially relative to the kingpin (and trailer plate) by the rotating bearing. However, due to its radial length and unfavorable lever action at the plug-side free end, the support frame may tilt downward, especially when wear occurs. This tilt can only be partially mitigated by the bearing structure and rigidifying the support frame, especially since these components should be as lightweight as possible. For this reason, a support element is provided. This counteracts the tilt by forming a lower support portion of the support frame on the kingpin, spaced axially from the plane of the rotating bearing (defined by the sliding plane of the superimposed bearing ring / bearing ring segment). The support element rests on the kingpin, preferably on a collar above or below the kingpin, and transmits any resulting tilt moment to the kingpin. This defines the vertical position of the support frame and plug relative to the kingpin and trailer plate, ensuring a secure coupling process via vertical and horizontal guides as described above.

[0044] The support element should preferably be adjustable in length radially with respect to the axis of rotation.

[0045] Wear, particularly in retrofitted or replaced kingpin assemblies, can lead to variations in the relative position of the connecting element and the kingpin due to manufacturing tolerances, potentially compromising secure connection even with the support mechanism described above. A radially adjustable support element provides a means for adjusting the inclination angle of the support frame. This allows for fine-tuning of the vertical position of the plug relative to the socket, compensating for manufacturing tolerances, wear, and similar factors to ensure secure connection in the usual manner.

[0046] The support element preferably has a sliding surface that contacts the kingpin. Since the support element is an independent component, its function as a sliding element can be easily optimized. Particularly preferred is that the sliding surface is formed from the surface of a friction-reducing material. In this sense, the sliding element may consist mainly of a friction-reducing material (in this case, called a solid material) or may have a coating made of such a material. A friction-reducing material refers to a material containing a filler (known as a dry lubricant) that has a friction-reducing effect, and preferably includes graphite, PTFE, MoS2, h-BN, lead, tin, etc. Therefore, it has a lower coefficient of friction in interaction with the kingpin compared to aluminum or steel, which do not contain fillers and are commonly used in support frames. For example, plastics, bronze, or aluminum can be considered as the matrix material for such a solid material or coating.

[0047] Therefore, the support element preferably has a plastic matrix, at least on the sliding surface, made of a thermoplastic resin, particularly polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide (PEI), polyoxymethylene (POM), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

[0048] The kingpin preferably has a cylindrical surface of radius r that is coaxially positioned with or at least a portion of the axis of rotation, and is configured to contact the support element. Here again, since the rotation angle of the fifth wheel coupling device is limited, one cylindrical segment is sufficient, but the kingpin generally has one, or by mandatory tapering, multiple circular cross-sections, and in this sense has at least one cylindrical surface that the support element can contact. Since the mandatory tapering is for the purpose of locking with the fifth wheel coupling device, the kingpin may be supported either at its upper part (so-called upper collar) or lower part (so-called lower collar).

[0049] The sliding surface is preferably geometrically designed such that the support element is centrally located relative to the kingpin in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. This is advantageously achieved by designing the sliding surface to form a V-shaped contour in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, or by designing the sliding surface as a concave curved surface with radius r', where the radius r' is between r-5 mm and r+5 mm, more preferably between r-1 mm and r+5 mm, and particularly preferably between r and r+5 mm. In either case, the position of the sliding surface is defined tangentially to the cylindrical surface of the axis of rotation or the kingpin.

[0050] The support element is preferably connected to the support frame via a connecting element whose length is adjustable radially with respect to the axis of rotation. The connecting element, as part of the support element, ensures its radial adjustability. In particular, the support element is connected to the support frame by a threaded rod (as a connecting element) extending radially with respect to the axis of rotation. In alternative embodiments, instead of a threaded rod, a toothed or meshing element is provided, such as a pin or rod combined with a clamping component or clamping screw, a strip with an elongated hole and a connecting screw, a toggle lever mechanism, or a mating part corresponding to a rack.

[0051] The support frame is preferably provided with a cross strut that supports a length-adjustable connecting element and / or threaded rod. This cross strut extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation and is positioned essentially tangentially to the kingpin, while maintaining a sufficient distance to allow length adjustment of the support element.

[0052] The fixed bearing ring or fixed bearing ring segment is preferably mounted directly to the kingpin flange. This allows for easy replacement or retrofitting of the kingpin assembly without structural modifications to the semi-trailer body. For example, the old kingpin can be removed from the semi-trailer plate, and a new kingpin with the same hole pattern can be mounted in its place on the kingpin flange along with the pivot bearing and support frame.

[0053] The fixed bearing ring or fixed bearing ring segment is preferably positioned radially inward with respect to the axis of rotation, while the rotating bearing ring or rotating bearing ring segment is positioned radially outward. This ensures optimal rotational guidance while also facilitating easy replacement or retrofitting of the kingpin assembly, as will be explained with reference to the drawings later.

[0054] Preferably, the support frame is provided with spacers that project upward in the direction of the rotation axis of the support frame. These spacers are designed to support the support frame directly or indirectly on the semi-trailer.

[0055] The length-adjustable support elements are preferably adjusted so that the support frame with spacers contacts the trailer plate, thereby reducing the vibration tendency of the support frame and further precisely determining the position of the free end of the support frame where the coupling means are located. To avoid mechanical tension when the support frame rotates around the kingpin, the support elements are positioned to advantageously coincide with the lowest point of the semi-trailer plate area that the support frame can cover during rotation.

[0056] The rotatable bearing ring or rotatable bearing ring segment preferably has a cylindrical wall segment extending in the direction of rotation, to which the support frame is fixed. The cylindrical wall segment is also suitable for forming a vertical connection from the axial rotation bearing surface to the support frame and for forming a cross strut that supports a length-adjustable connecting element and / or threaded rod.

[0057] The cylindrical wall segment preferably has a width of <(2.1 × r) in the tangential direction, thereby acting as the radially inner end of the V-shaped support element and guiding the fitting of the connecting means.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the support element is designed to be elastically deformable at least radially with respect to the axis of rotation, or has a spring element acting in this direction, so that the support element contacts the kingpin under an adjustable preload. The spring element can be, for example, a helical compression spring, a bundle of disc springs, or an elastically deformable plastic body. This design, combined with length adjustment of the support element, allows for setting a specific preload, thereby ensuring that the support element always makes contact with the kingpin and the support frame on the trailer plate under a constant contact pressure. This reduces the tension on the support frame while more effectively damping vibrations of the support frame.

[0059] These features, advantages, and other aspects of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The drawings are shown below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0060] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of a kingpin assembly. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the kingpin assembly. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the kingpin assembly. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a bottom view of the kingpin assembly with support frame. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the kingpin assembly. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0061] Figure 1 shows a kingpin assembly 1 for a semi-trailer truck tractor, where the kingpin 2 defines the pivot axis A. The kingpin 2 has a kingpin flange 3 for connection to a weld plate 4. The kingpin flange is typically secured by a number of screws 7 arranged circumferentially around the pivot axis A, with a machined mounting surface 5 resting on a similarly machined mounting surface 6 of the weld plate 4.

[0062] The weld plate 4 is welded to the support plate 9 of a semi-trailer (not shown). This welded joint is indicated by two circumferential weld seams 10 and 11. The first circumferential weld seam 10 is visible along the maximum circumference of the weld plate 4, and the second circumferential weld seam 11 is visible along the inner surface of the through-hole 12 in the trailer plate 9. The kingpin 2 protrudes downward through this through-hole 12 and extends into the free space beneath the trailer plate 9.

[0063] The kingpin 2 has an annular bead 14 on its upper surface 13 facing the flange 3, centered on the axis of rotation A. This is typically a machining mark on a forged kingpin. The bead 14 forms the highest point of the upper surface 13 of the kingpin 2 at the illustrated mounting position.

[0064] The kingpin assembly 1 has an angle measuring device 15, which at least partly fits into the kingpin 2 from above. More precisely, the angle measuring device 15 is coplanar with the top surface 13 (i.e., bead 14) of the kingpin 2 and maintains a distance d from the kingpin 2 side bottom surface 16 of the weld plate 4. This mechanically protects the angle measuring device 15 before and during the mounting of the kingpin to the weld plate 4. Furthermore, it is ensured that the angle measuring device 15 fits perfectly into the mounting space between the kingpin 2 and the weld plate 4, eliminating the need for expensive modifications to the weld plate 4, which is firmly attached to the semi-trailer.

[0065] The angle measuring device 15 has a shaft 17 that is rotatably mounted around a rotation axis A, and a driver 18 that is connected to the shaft 17 and is rotatable around the rotation axis A. The shaft 17 is rotatably mounted in a hole that penetrates the kingpin 2 axially. The shaft 17 is drawn out from the bottom surface 19 of the kingpin 2, away from the kingpin flange 3, where it is rotatably and fixedly connected to the driver 18. The driver 18 extends radially from the shaft 17 and is connected directly or indirectly to components of the tractor vehicle in a manner not shown in detail.

[0066] In this embodiment, the shaft 17 and driver 18 are designed as hollow profiles, and the signal line 20 is routed externally while being protected from the angle measuring device 15.

[0067] The kingpin has a projection 21 on its base 19 that protrudes axially downward over the driver 18 and shaft 17, thereby protecting the shaft 17 and driver 18 from collision with components of the towing vehicle when entering or exiting an entry opening. The projection 21 is positioned on the front of the kingpin 2 with respect to the direction of travel 22 and extends in an arc at an angle of approximately 100° in the circumferential direction. The kingpin is offset upward at an angle of approximately 260° to allow the driver a reasonably large swivel range. This generally corresponds to the maximum articulation angle (on both sides) of the trailer relative to the towing vehicle.

[0068] When viewed from above, the kingpin is composed of an upper collar 22, a constricted section 23, and a lower collar 24, similar to conventional technology. The constricted section 23 is the part to which the locking mechanism of the fifth wheel coupling device engages. The upper collar 22, constricted section 23, and lower collar 24 all have a basic cylindrical shape.

[0069] Figure 2 shows a kingpin assembly 1' with a nearly identical structure, differing from the example in Figure 1 only in the following characteristics.

[0070] In this example, the angle measuring device 15 also extends into the upper surface 13 of the kingpin 2, maintaining a distance d > 1 mm (preferably > 2 mm) from the base 16 of the weld plate 4, but it does not become flush with the upper surface 13 and protrudes slightly. If the installation space between the kingpin flange 3 and the bottom surface 16 of the weld plate 7 is sufficient, a shallow extension into the kingpin is adequate, thereby suppressing a reduction in the kingpin's strength.

[0071] In this example, the shaft 17 is designed as a hollow profile, while the driver 18 is not. Therefore, the signal line 20 is protected only within the shaft and is routed externally from the kingpin, but then runs outside the driver 18. A solid-core driver has the advantage of greater strength, particularly bending stiffness, and therefore can transmit equivalent bending forces with a smaller cross-sectional area, thus considering the limited installation space at this location.

[0072] Another difference is that the kingpin assembly 1' includes a pivot bearing 25 positioned around the axis of rotation A, and a support frame 26 connected to the pivot bearing 25 and rotatable around the axis of rotation A. The support frame 26 is again shown in its entirety in the bottom view of Figure 4, and the structure of the pivot bearing 25 is shown in detail in Figure 5.

[0073] As shown in Figure 4, the support frame 26 has a cylindrical wall segment 27 and a mounting base comprising two retaining arms 28 that extend radially from the cylindrical wall segment 27 in a fork-like manner. A protective cover 29 is provided on the upper side of the support frame 26. Below the protective cover 29, inside the free end 30 side of the support frame 26, are connecting means (usually plug-shaped, not shown) that are indirectly attached via a bottom plate. The support frame 26 is designed section by section as a V-shaped frame structure with sides that conform to the angle of the corresponding inlet opening.

[0074] The welded plate 4 has an upward recess toward the bottom surface 16, which accommodates the kingpin flange 3 and part of the pivot bearing 25. The combined depth of this recess and the thickness of the support plate 9 is set so that the pivot bearing 25 does not protrude beyond the bottom surface of the support plate 9, except for the molded cylindrical wall segment 27 of the support frame 26.

[0075] As shown in Figure 5, the pivot bearing 25 consists of a bearing ring 31 fixed to the kingpin 2 and a rotatable bearing ring 32 relative to it. The fixed bearing ring 31 is directly fixed to the kingpin flange 3 by screws 33. This allows for easy replacement of the entire kingpin assembly 1 or a portion of the pivot bearing 25 simply by screwing the flange 3 to the weld plate 7 and screwing the fixed bearing ring 31 to the flange 3. In particular, no structural modifications to the semi-trailer are required when retrofitting. This is because the kingpin assembly 1 of the present invention can be simply installed in place of the old part. This is due to the same screw connection as well as the small installation space required by the pivot bearing 25 and the support frame 26. For this reason, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, it is advantageous to position the fixed bearing ring 31 radially inward with respect to the rotation axis A and the rotatable bearing ring 32 radially outward.

[0076] The rotatable bearing ring 32, together with the fixed bearing ring 31, forms a composite bearing with axial, radial, and rotational support. Axial support is achieved by the contact of the axial sliding surfaces of the bearing rings 31 and 32 with each other. These sliding surfaces define the "rotational surfaces." In the radial direction, the bearing rings contact each other along the cylindrical surface, limiting the degrees of freedom of motion of the support frame 26 to pure rotational motion. The rotatable bearing ring 32 has a circumferential stepped reinforcing edge 34 on its outer circumference.

[0077] The support frame 26 is fixed to the rotatable bearing ring 31. In the illustrated embodiment, the support frame 26 is integrally molded to the rotatable bearing ring 31 by a cylindrical wall segment 27. The cylindrical wall segment 27 forms a vertical connection from the plane of rotation to the support frame 4, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. Thus, the position of the support frame 26 is defined tangentially and axially with respect to the kingpin 2 and the support plate 9 by the pivot bearing 25.

[0078] To prevent the support frame 26 from tilting downward due to its radial length, the kingpin assembly 1 is provided with a support element 35. This is connected to the support frame 26 via a connecting element 36 whose length is adjustable radially R with respect to the rotation axis A. It is positioned axially spaced below the plane of rotation and is directly supported by the circumferential or cylindrical surface 37 of the upper collar 22 of the kingpin 2, which is positioned coaxially with the rotation axis A. The constriction 23 needs to be completely free for locking with the fifth wheel coupling device, although in an alternative design the support element 35 could be supported by the lower collar 24, which would provide a larger overall lever and a more robust support.

[0079] In this example, the connecting element 36 is designed as a threaded rod and is screwed into and supported by the radially outer cylindrical wall segment 27. Alternatively, it can be secured by, for example, material fastening or press-fit connections. On the opposite side, the threaded rod is screwed into the metal block of the support element 35 and secured with a nut. As part of the support element 35, the threaded rod allows for adjustment in the radial direction R. For example, by loosening the threaded rod radially to extend the support element 35, the support frame 26 rises at the free end 30 (where the connecting means or plug (not shown) is located) and conversely, by screwing it in, it descends. This allows the support frame 26 to be precisely adjusted according to, for example, the degree of wear of the kingpin, the structural tolerances of the support frame, plug and support plate, and guide the plug precisely into place vertically.

[0080] The support element 35 also has a sliding surface 38 that directly contacts the cylindrical surface of the kingpin 2. This sliding surface is formed on a plastic block, which is bonded or otherwise fixed to the metal block of the support element 35. The plastic block has a plastic matrix and can disperse tribologically effective filler particles to reduce the coefficient of friction in its interaction with the surface of the kingpin (2).

[0081] The sliding surface 38 is designed as a concave curved surface with radius r, thereby aligning the support element 35 with respect to the rotation axis A or the cylindrical surface 37 of the kingpin 2 in a tangential direction with respect to the kingpin 2.

[0082] In this embodiment, the driver 18 is fixed to the support frame 26, more precisely to the cylindrical wall segment 27. Since the cylindrical wall segment 27 is integrally formed with the pivot bearing ring 25, the driver 18 is also directly fixed to the pivot bearing ring 25. This holds the driver 18 at an end away from the shaft 17 and guides it along a precise circular orbit around the axis of rotation A. This supports the radial bearing of the shaft 17 within the angle measuring device 15 and within the hole of the kingpin 2.

[0083] In this example, the angle measurement signal from the angle measuring device 15 is led radially from the end of the driver 18 to a plug (not shown) via a signal line 20, and then transmitted to the coupled towing vehicle. However, the signal line 20 could also be led directly or additionally within the semi-trailer to a processor that processes the signal, for example, for the purpose of controlling a steerable axle or a driver assistance system.

[0084] The kingpin assembly 1″ in the embodiment shown in Figure 3 has essentially the same structural design as the embodiment shown in Figure 2. The difference lies in the placement of the angle measuring device 15, which enters the kingpin 2 on the bottom surface 19 side, away from the kingpin flange. As a result, the axial hole through the kingpin is omitted, and the shaft 17 is significantly shorter. Otherwise, the driver 18 is also connected to the shaft 17 and operates similarly to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, up to the end fixed to the cylindrical wall segment 27. In this configuration, since the relatively short shaft 17 is attached / supported only by the angle measuring device 15 and not additionally supported by the hole in the kingpin 2, guiding the driver 18 at the end away from the shaft 17 becomes even more important. The signal line 20 runs entirely outside the shaft 17 and is routed along the driver 18. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 1, 1′, 1″ Kingpin Assembly 2 Kingpins 3 Kingpin flange 4 Welding Plates 5 Kingpin flange mounting surface 6. Mounting surface for welding plate 7 screws 9. Support plate 10. First weld seam 11. Second welding seam 12 Through holes 13 Kingpin Top 14 Bead 15 Angle measuring device 16. Bottom surface of welding plate 17 axes 18 Drivers 19 Kingpin underside 20 signal lines 21 Protrusion 22 Top Color 23 Aperture part 24 Lower Color 25 Pivot bearings 26 Support frame 27 Cylindrical wall segments 28 Holding Arm 29 Protective cover 30 Free end of support frame 31 Fixed bearing ring 32 rotatable bearing rings 33 screws 34 Reinforcement edge 35 Support elements 36 Linking elements 37 Cylindrical outer shell surface 38 Sliding surface A rotation axis d distance r radius R Radial direction

Claims

1. A kingpin assembly (1) for a semi-trailer of a motorized vehicle, wherein the kingpin assembly is The kingpin (2) defines the axis of rotation (A), Angle measuring device (15), Equipped with, The kingpin (2) has a kingpin flange (3) for directly or indirectly connecting the kingpin (2) to the semi-trailer. The angle measuring device (15) is characterized by having a shaft (17) that is rotatably mounted about the rotation axis (A), and a driver (18) connected to the shaft (17) and rotatable about the rotation axis (A), and is at least partially inserted into the kingpin (2), as a kingpin assembly.

2. The kingpin assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shaft (17) is led out to the bottom surface (19) of the kingpin (2) away from the kingpin flange (3) and connected to the driver (18).

3. The kingpin assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the kingpin (2) has at least one projection (21) on its lower surface (19) away from the kingpin flange (3) that protrudes axially (R) downward, beyond the driver (18) and the shaft (17).

4. The kingpin assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the driver (18) is provided with a positioning element for positioning the driver (18) with respect to the insertion opening of the fifth wheel coupling plate of the towing vehicle.

5. The kingpin assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the angle measuring device (15) comprises a magnetic angle sensor and an angle encoder that generates a magnetization pattern.

6. The kingpin assembly (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the magnetization pattern defines a central position.

7. A kingpin assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a welded plate (7) that can be connected to or connected to a semi-trailer, wherein the welded plate (7) is designed for connection to the kingpin flange (3).

8. The kingpin assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the angle measuring device (15) is inserted into the kingpin (2) on the upper surface (13) belonging to the kingpin flange (3), and the shaft (17) is rotatably mounted or housed in a hole that penetrates the kingpin (2) in the axial direction.

9. The kingpin assembly (1) according to claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the angle measuring device (15) is inserted into the kingpin (2) at its upper part (13) such that when the kingpin (2) is connected to the welding plate (7), a distance d > 1 mm is maintained from the bottom part (16) of the welding plate (7).

10. The kingpin assembly (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the angle measuring device (15) is set in the same plane as the upper surface (13) of the kingpin (2).

11. The kingpin assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the angle measuring device (15) is inserted into the kingpin (2) on the bottom surface (19) side away from the kingpin flange (3).

12. The pivot bearing (25) is positioned around the aforementioned rotating shaft (A), The pivot bearing (25) has a bearing ring (31) or fixed bearing ring segment fixed to the kingpin (2), and a rotatable bearing ring (32) or rotating bearing ring segment relative to it. The kingpin assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the driver (18) is fixed directly or indirectly to the rotating bearing ring (32) or the rotating bearing ring segment.

13. The kingpin assembly (1) according to claim 12, comprising a support frame (26) fixed to the rotatable bearing ring (32) or rotatable bearing ring segment, wherein the driver (18) is fixed to the support frame (26).

14. The kingpin assembly (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the support frame (26) is designed to accommodate coupling means, in particular electrical and / or electromagnetic and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic coupling means, for connecting a towing vehicle to a corresponding coupling unit.

15. The kingpin assembly (1) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the support frame (26) is positioned axially apart from the rotatable bearing ring (32) or rotatable bearing ring segment and has a support element (35) that directly contacts the kingpin (2).

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