Kingpin Assembly

Abstract

A kingpin assembly (1) for a semi-trailer articulated vehicle comprises a kingpin (2) defining a rotation axis (A), a rotary bearing (3) arranged around the rotation axis, and a driver connected to the rotary bearing and rotatable about the rotation axis, wherein the kingpin has a kingpin flange (6) for directly or indirectly attaching the kingpin to the semi-trailer, the rotary bearing has a fixed bearing ring (7) or fixed bearing ring segment fixed to the kingpin, and a rotary bearing ring (8) or rotary bearing ring segment rotatable relative to the kingpin, and the driver is fixed to the rotary bearing ring (8) or rotary bearing ring segment and comprises a pair of components including an angle sensor and an angle encoder, respectively, where one component is disposed on the kingpin, fixed bearing ring (7) or fixed bearing ring segment, and the other component is disposed on the rotary bearing ring (8), rotary bearing ring segment or driver.

Description

Technical Field

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to a kingpin assembly for a semitrailer of a combination vehicle, which kingpin assembly comprises a kingpin defining a rotation axis, a rotary bearing disposed around the rotation axis, and a driver connected to the rotary bearing and capable of pivoting about the rotation axis. The kingpin has a kingpin flange for attaching directly or indirectly to the semitrailer. The rotary bearing has a fixed bearing ring or fixed bearing ring segment fixed to the kingpin and a rotary bearing ring or rotary bearing ring segment rotatable relative thereto, and the driver is fixed to the rotary bearing ring or the rotary bearing ring segment.

Background Art

[0002] This type of kingpin assembly is known, for example, from German Utility Model Publication No. 202022106659U, European Patent Publication No. 3891051A1, European Patent Publication No. 1918179A1, and German Patent Publication No. 102004024333A1.

[0003] A tractor and a semitrailer, that is, a vehicle briefly referred to as a trailer, constitute a combination vehicle, also referred to as a tractor-semitrailer. The tractor is provided with a fifth-wheel coupling plate, and a kingpin provided on the lower surface of the semitrailer engages and is fixed thereto. When connecting the trailer, the fifth-wheel plate usually forms an inlet that tapers wedge-shaped toward the forward direction side, and this inlet has a free space with a predetermined clearance depth for the smooth entry and exit of the kingpin. At the time of connection, a semitrailer plate to which the kingpin is indirectly or directly fixed slides on the surface of the fifth-wheel plate, thereby determining the vertical positioning. The lateral guidance is performed by the kingpin, and at the time of connection, the kingpin is forcibly guided in the inlet and is guided until it reaches the fixed position. The lower part of the inlet is defined by the length of the kingpin. In other words, a member located below the inlet, such as a reinforcing rib, cannot contact the kingpin during the connection and disconnection of the trailer.

[0004] In this specification, terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "up," and "down" are used in relation to the direction of gravity unless otherwise specified. Similarly, terms such as "axial," "radial," and "tangential" are used in relation to the axis of rotation defined by the kingpin unless otherwise specified.

[0005] When a towing vehicle and a semi-trailer are coupled together, it is desirable to determine the angular position of the trailer as accurately as possible and transmit this information to the control devices of the towing vehicle and / or semi-trailer. This information is useful, for example, for optimizing the trailer's steering axis or driver assistance systems, and is important both when reversing and moving forward. Numerous methods are known for determining the so-called bending angle between the towing vehicle and the semi-trailer. Examples include European Patent Publication No. 3162665A1, German Utility Model Publication No. 202012008717U1, German Patent Publication No. 19964059A1, U.S. Patent No. 5,152,544A, International Publication No. 2020 / 248035A1, Austrian Patent Publication No. 514448A1, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 082453A1, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 084311A1, British Patent Publication No. 2470610A, and German Patent Publication No. 102018123642A1. Many known systems utilize magnets and magnetic field sensors. The sensors are typically mounted directly or indirectly to the fifth wheel plate, and the magnets are mounted to the kingpin. The drawback of this configuration is that the measurement results depend not only on the bending angle but also on the misalignment of the sensor and magnet after connection, and on the play between the kingpin and the fifth wheel plate in the connected state. These two factors can cause incorrect angle values ​​to be output. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a kingpin assembly that establishes the preconditions for easily and accurately determining the bending angle. This object is solved by the kingpin assembly described in claim 1. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present invention, a pair of components consisting of an angle sensor and an angle encoder is arranged, with one component on a kingpin or fixed bearing ring or fixed bearing ring segment, and the other on a rotating bearing ring or rotating bearing ring segment or driver.

[0008] This solution differs from all known technologies in that both the angle sensor and angle encoder are located on the kingpin assembly, and therefore on the semi-trailer side. As a result, the relative positions of the angle sensor and angle encoder are always constant, except for the bending angle to be detected, and do not depend on the state of the fifth wheel plate after coupling or the positional relationship of the fifth wheel plate to the kingpin. According to the present invention, since the modification is limited to the semi-trailer side only, retrofitting becomes extremely easy. Furthermore, it is possible to define the relative rotational movement between the angle sensor and angle encoder using existing rotating bearings (fixed / rotating bearing rings or ring segments) around the kingpin.

[0009] Furthermore, for the rotating bearing, it is possible to use a full-circumference (360°) fixed bearing ring and a rotating bearing ring, to use only ring segments, or to use a combination where one side is a ring and the other side is a ring segment. Since the fifth ring coupling only allows relative rotation within a partial circle of up to approximately 260°, the degrees of freedom and positioning accuracy can basically be satisfied with ring segments alone. However, a fully annular fixed and rotating bearing ring is generally desirable because it has high rigidity and improves positioning accuracy, especially when tilt moments are generated.

[0010] The angle sensor is preferably located on the rotating bearing ring, rotating bearing ring segment, or driver, and the angle encoder is preferably located on the kingpin, fixed bearing ring, or fixed bearing ring segment.

[0011] In the connected state, the driver preferably interacts with the fifth wheel plate and is configured so that the relative rotation between the kingpin and the fifth wheel plate is transmitted to the rotary bearing ring or rotary bearing ring segment with as little play as possible. To achieve this, for example, shape-engagement contact between the driver and the fifth wheel plate or a member fixed thereto can be considered.

[0012] Therefore, it is more preferable that the driver is equipped with a centering element to guide the driver to a central position, particularly at the entry point of the fifth wheel plate of the towing vehicle.

[0013] The angle sensor is preferably a non-contact measuring sensor, and in particular, it may be a magnetic field sensor or Hall sensor, a capacitive sensor, or an optical sensor.

[0014] Non-contact sensor technology offers numerous advantages. In particular, it is insensitive to wear, virtually slip-free, and generates electronic signals that can be used directly for post-processing.

[0015] Therefore, it is preferable that the angle encoder comprises a magnetization pattern, particularly one or more magnets or magnetization regions or magnetic coatings, or an optically detectable marking pattern, particularly coloring or discoloration, or a tactile marking pattern, particularly engraving or relief, or a combination thereof.

[0016] Tactile marking patterns can be scanned either by mechanical contact or by non-contact scanning using magnetic field sensors, capacitive sensors, or optical sensors.

[0017] The angle encoder preferably has a pattern that changes in the circumferential and / or radial directions.

[0018] The pattern may vary incrementally or continuously in the circumferential and / or radial directions. This includes, for example, a pattern containing lines that converge or diverge in the circumferential and / or radial directions, where the spacing between these lines allows for the determination of angular position information from an angle sensor signal. Alternatively, the pattern may include at least one line extending diagonally at an acute angle to the circumferential or radial direction, where angular position information can be determined from the angle sensor signal based on the distance between that line and a virtual reference plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. In another embodiment, the pattern may be formed by a circumferentially varying line pattern, where a number of lines extending laterally to the circumferential or radial direction and arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential or radial direction have varying lengths and / or widths and / or spacings, and angular position information can be determined from these lengths and / or widths and / or spacings based on an angle sensor signal.

[0019] These changes allow the evaluation electronics to map the sensor signal to the angular position even when the kingpin is not rotating relative to the fifth wheel plate, i.e., when there is no relative motion between the angle sensor and the angle encoder.

[0020] The pattern preferably defines a center position.

[0021] This means the pattern includes markings that can be uniquely associated with the center position. This makes it extremely easy to detect a straight-line state. Furthermore, when combined with a pattern that varies in the circumferential and / or radial directions, the center position markings provide redundant information that can be used, for example, to calibrate an angle sensor.

[0022] The sensor signal output may be provided to the trailer via a wired connection, or it may be transmitted wirelessly to the trailer, towing vehicle, or outside the vehicle, for example, to a central control center.

[0023] In another embodiment, the angle sensor preferably includes a wheel, and the angle encoder includes a contact surface with which the wheel frictionally engages and abuts.

[0024] The driver is preferably configured as a support frame and indirectly or directly holds electrical and / or electromagnetic and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic connecting means for connecting to the towing vehicle's connecting unit.

[0025] The aforementioned electrical and / or electromagnetic and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic connecting means are part of a plug-in coupling system for connecting lines between a towing vehicle and a trailer, as described, for example, in DE102004024333A1. Various forms of plug-in coupling systems are known and include at least a plug and a plug socket, and typically include additional components for automatic connection and disconnection of the plug and plug socket when coupling and disconnecting the semi-trailer and the towing vehicle. In this sense, the term “connecting means” encompasses at least a plug or plug socket. From a safety standpoint, the power supply end of the plug-in coupling system on the towing vehicle side is typically configured as a plug socket, with a corresponding plug located on the semi-trailer. In particular, the plug socket is fixedly positioned on the fifth wheel coupling located below the inlet, in a protected area where it cannot collide with the kingpin during insertion. The connecting means, typically the plug, is located on the underside or in the internal space of the support frame.

[0026] The support frame performs a dual function: it pivots the connecting mechanism around the kingpin, ensuring it is always oriented toward the corresponding connecting unit of the towing vehicle. To achieve this, the support frame has, at least partially, a wedge-shaped or V-shaped structure in its projection onto the horizontal plane, and is configured to complement the wedge-shaped inlet shape. This ensures that, upon insertion, the support frame aligns in a specified direction relative to the fifth wheel coupling through shape engagement. This configuration allows the driver, in the form of the support frame, to simultaneously incorporate a centering element that seamlessly transmits the relative rotation between the kingpin and the fifth wheel plate to the relative motion between the angle sensor and the angle encoder.

[0027] Furthermore, as a known configuration, there is a configuration in which a plug is disposed on a base plate on a support frame, and the base plate is elastically supported with respect to the support frame in the vertical direction. Until the trailer is connected and the connection between the plug and the plug socket is finally established, the spring-loaded base plate or the plug is guided by the lead-in auxiliary structure in the inlet region, whereby the positioning in the vertical direction is automatically performed and the necessary height correction is ensured.

[0028] The support frame is preferably arranged axially spaced from a rotary bearing ring or a rotary bearing ring segment and comprises a support element that abuts directly against the kingpin.

[0029] The rotary bearing ring or the rotary bearing ring segment is combined with a fixed bearing ring or a fixed bearing ring segment to form an axial and radial rotary bearing, that is, an upper support structure that allows only one degree of freedom (rotation) for the support frame. The position of the support frame is defined radially and axially with respect to the kingpin and the semi-trailer plate by the rotary bearing. However, the support frame can tilt downward, especially when worn, due to its total radial length and the adverse leverage effect at the free end (plug side). This problem can only be partially addressed by stiffening the bearing structure or the support frame, and these components are preferably as lightweight as possible. Therefore, a support element is provided, and the support element forms a lower support of the support frame on the kingpin at a position axially spaced from the plane defined by the sliding surfaces of the rotary bearing, that is, the opposing sliding surfaces of the bearing ring / bearing ring segment. The support element abuts against the kingpin, particularly against the upper collar or the lower collar of the kingpin, and transmits the tilting moment to the kingpin. As a result, the vertical position of the support frame and the plug is defined with respect to the kingpin and the semi-trailer plate, and as described above, the connection operation is safely performed due to the vertical and horizontal guiding effects.

[0030] The support element is preferably adjustable in length radially with respect to the rotation axis.

[0031] When wear occurs, particularly in retrofitted or replaced kingpin assemblies, variations in the relative assembly of the connecting elements and the kingpin may occur due to manufacturing tolerances. These variations can jeopardize the secure connection provided by the support. The radially adjustable length of the support elements provides a means for adjusting the tilt of the support frame. This allows for fine adjustment of the vertical position between the plug and the plug socket, compensating for manufacturing tolerances, wear, etc., and ensuring a secure connection as usual.

[0032] The support element preferably has a sliding surface that contacts the kingpin. Since the support element is an independent component, it can be easily optimized as a sliding component according to its function. This is particularly preferable when the sliding surface is composed of a surface of a friction-reducing material. In this sense, the sliding element may be composed mainly of a friction-reducing material (also called a solid material), or may have a coating of such a material. A friction-reducing material refers to a material that contains tribologically effective fillers, so-called solid lubricants (graphite, PTFE, MoS2, h-BN, lead, tin, etc.), and whose coefficient of friction in interaction with the kingpin is reduced compared to aluminum or steel without fillers, which are usually used in support frames. Examples of matrix materials for such solid materials or coatings include plastics, bronze, or aluminum.

[0033] The support element preferably has a plastic matrix, particularly a thermoplastic resin, such as polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide (PEI), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), etc., at least partially along the sliding surface.

[0034] The kingpin preferably has a cylindrical side surface or a portion thereof having a radius r and arranged concentrically around the axis of rotation. The support element abuts against this side surface. Here again, it should be noted that since the rotation angle of the fifth ring coupling is limited, a cylindrical segment alone may suffice. However, generally, the kingpin has one or more circular cross-sections (multiple due to the required necking shape) along its entire axial length and has at least one cylindrical side surface to which the support element can abut. Since the required necking is provided for locking the fifth ring coupling, the kingpin can abut against either the upper or lower collar.

[0035] The sliding surface is preferably geometrically configured such that the support element is centered relative to the kingpin in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. This is achieved, for example, when the sliding surface forms a V-shaped contour in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, or when the sliding surface is formed as a concave curved surface with radius r', where the radius r' is in the range of r-5 mm to r+5 mm, more preferably r-1 mm to r+5 mm, and particularly preferably r to r+5 mm. In either case, the sliding surface defines the tangential position with respect to the cylindrical side surface of the axis of rotation or the kingpin.

[0036] The support element is preferably connected to the support frame by a connecting element whose length is radially adjustable relative to the axis of rotation. As part of the support element, the connecting element provides a radial adjustment function. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the support element is connected to the support frame by a threaded rod (as a connecting element) extending radially relative to the axis of rotation being screwed to or fixed to the support frame. In another embodiment, instead of a threaded rod, a pin or rod combined with a clamping member or clamping screw, a bar with an elongated hole and a connecting screw, a toggle lever mechanism, or a toothed or latching configuration such as a rack and a mating member that engages therewith may be used.

[0037] The support frame preferably comprises a crossbeam that supports length-adjustable connecting elements and / or threaded rods. The crossbeam extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation and tangentially at a position sufficiently far from the kingpin, allowing for length adjustment of the support elements.

[0038] The fixed bearing ring or fixed bearing ring segment is preferably fixed directly to the kingpin flange. This allows for easy replacement or retrofitting of the kingpin assembly without making structural changes to the semi-trailer itself. For example, the old kingpin can be removed from the semi-trailer plate, and a new kingpin with a kingpin flange having the same hole pattern can be installed in its place, along with the rotating bearing and support frame.

[0039] Preferably, the fixed bearing ring or fixed bearing ring segment is positioned radially inward with respect to the rotating shaft, and the rotating bearing ring or rotating bearing ring segment is positioned radially outward. This configuration not only facilitates the replacement or retrofitting of the kingpin assembly but also provides optimal rotational guidance, as will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0040] Preferably, the support frame is provided with a spacer member that protrudes upward from the support frame in the direction of the rotation axis, and this spacer member is configured to directly or indirectly support the support frame to the semi-trailer.

[0041] The length-adjustable support elements are preferably adjusted so that the support frame contacts the semi-trailer plate by spacer members. This reduces the vibration tendency of the support frame and further improves the positioning accuracy of the free end of the support frame where the connecting means are located. To avoid mechanical preloading when the support frame rotates around the kingpin, the support elements are preferably aligned to the lowest position in the semi-trailer plate area that can be swept within the rotation range of the support frame.

[0042] The rotating bearing ring or rotating bearing ring segment preferably has a cylindrical wall member extending in the direction of rotation, to which a support frame is fixed. The cylindrical wall member constitutes a vertical connection from the axial rotating bearing plane to the support frame and is also suitable for forming a crossbeam that supports length-adjustable connecting elements and / or threaded rods.

[0043] The cylindrical wall member preferably has a tangential width of <(2.1 × r). This allows the cylindrical wall member to serve as the innermost radial circumference of the V-shaped support element, contributing to the guidance of the connecting means during the connection operation.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the support element is configured to be elastically deformable at least radially with respect to the axis of rotation, or comprises a spring element acting in this direction, and is configured to abut the kingpin under an adjustable preload. The spring element may be, for example, a coil compression spring, a laminate of disc springs, or an elastically deformable plastic member. This configuration, when combined with a length adjustment mechanism for the support element, allows for setting a specific preload such that the support element is always in contact with the kingpin and the support frame abuts the semi-trailer plate with a constant contact pressure via a spacer member. As a result, the mechanical preload of the support frame is reduced, and at the same time, vibrations of the support frame are more effectively damped.

[0045] In one embodiment, the angle sensor is positioned on or inside the support element.

[0046] The angle encoder is preferably positioned correspondingly on the circumferential surface of the kingpin or along its periphery.

[0047] The support element contacts the kingpin, ensuring that the area along the circumferential surface of the kingpin where the angle encoder is located is protected from dirt and other interfering factors, allowing the sensor to always output a nearly constant and interference-free signal.

[0048] In another embodiment, the angle encoder is preferably positioned on or along the surface of the fixed bearing ring, or on or along the surface of the kingpin flange.

[0049] Accordingly, the angle sensor is preferably positioned on or inside the rotary bearing ring or rotary bearing ring segment.

[0050] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0051] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a kingpin assembly according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a lateral cross-sectional view of the kingpin assembly shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a kingpin assembly according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a kingpin assembly according to the third embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a kingpin assembly according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a kingpin assembly according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a side cross-sectional view of a kingpin assembly according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a view of the kingpin assembly from below. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a view of the kingpin assembly from below with the support frame attached. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an exploded view of the kingpin assembly. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a schematic side view of a kingpin assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0052] Figures 1, 2, and 8-10 show a kingpin assembly 1 for a semi-trailer articulated vehicle. The kingpin assembly 1 comprises a kingpin 2 defining a rotation axis A, a rotary bearing 3 positioned around the rotation axis A, and a support frame 4 connected to the rotary bearing 3 and pivotable about the rotation axis A. In this multi-component embodiment, the support frame 4 has a mounting base having a cylindrical wall segment 16 and two fork-shaped retaining arms 21 projecting substantially radially from the cylindrical wall segment 16.

[0053] The support frame 4 is equipped with a protective cover 22 on its upper side. Below the protective cover 22, a plug-shaped connecting means is located inside the support frame, indirectly attached to the support frame via a base plate at the free end 23 of the support frame 4. The support frame 4 is formed as a partially V-shaped frame structure so that its sides conform to the angle of the corresponding inlet.

[0054] The kingpin 2 has a kingpin flange 6. The kingpin flange 6 is a flange for mounting to a semi-trailer, more precisely, to a disc 18 welded to a semi-trailer plate 24. Mounting is done by a number of bolts 25 arranged circumferentially along the flange 6, as is known in the prior art. The disc 18 has an upper recess 26. The recess 26 receives the kingpin flange 6 and part of the rotary bearing 3. The depth of the recess 26 and the thickness of the semi-trailer plate 24 are dimensioned so that the rotary bearing 3 does not protrude beyond the lower surface of the semi-trailer plate 24, except for the cylindrical wall segment 16 which is an integral part of the support frame 4.

[0055] Furthermore, as is well known, the kingpin 2 has an upper collar 27, a neck portion 28, and a lower collar 29 from top to bottom, and the upper collar 27, neck portion 28, and lower collar 29 all have a basic cylindrical shape. The kingpin has a radius r in the upper collar. The neck portion 28 is the region in which the lock of the fifth ring coupling engages.

[0056] The rotary bearing 3 comprises a fixed bearing ring 7 fixed to the kingpin 2 and a rotary bearing ring 8 rotatable relative to the fixed bearing ring 7. The fixed bearing ring 7 is directly fixed to the kingpin flange 6 by bolts 30. By fastening the flange 6 to the welded disc 18 and further fastening the fixed bearing ring 7 to the flange 6, the entire kingpin assembly 1 or a part of the rotary bearing 3 can be easily replaced. Especially in the case of retrofitting, there is no need to make structural changes to the semi-trailer side, and the kingpin assembly 1 of the present invention can be installed by replacing the conventional product. This is achieved not only by the same bolt connection but also by the fact that the mounting space required for the rotary bearing 3 together with the support frame 4 is extremely small. For this reason, as is particularly clear in Figures 1 and 4, it is advantageous that the fixed bearing ring 7 is positioned radially inward with respect to the rotation axis A and the rotary bearing ring 8 is positioned radially outward.

[0057] The rotating bearing ring 8, together with the stationary bearing ring 7, forms a rotating bearing in the axial and radial directions. In the axial direction, the opposing axial sliding surfaces of the bearing rings 7 and 8 constitute the bearing. The sliding surface is defined as the "rotation plane" or "rotation bearing plane" 32 (see Figure 4). In the radial direction, both bearing rings abut each other along the cylindrical side surface 34 of the cylindrical shape, limiting the degree of freedom of motion of the support frame 4 to pure rotational motion only. A reinforcing rim 36 recessed in the circumferential direction is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating bearing ring 8.

[0058] The support frame 4 is fixed to the rotating bearing ring 8. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the support frame 4 is integrally formed with the cylindrical wall segment 16. The cylindrical wall segment 16 constitutes a vertical connection from the plane 32 of the axial rotating bearing to the support frame 4. Thus, the position of the support frame 4 is defined by the rotating bearing 3 in the radial and axial directions relative to the kingpin 2 and the semi-trailer plate 24, respectively.

[0059] The kingpin assembly 1 includes a support element 9 so that the support frame 4 does not tilt downward or tilts only slightly due to its radial length. The support element 9 is connected to the support frame 4 by a connecting element 12. The connecting element 12 is length-adjustable in the radial direction R with respect to the rotation axis A. The connecting element 12 is positioned axially downward from the plane 32 of the rotation bearing 3 and directly contacts the cylindrical circumferential surface 11 of the upper collar 27 of the kingpin 2, which is formed concentrically around the rotation axis A. The neck portion 28 needs to be completely open for locking with the fifth wheel coupling. Therefore, in another embodiment, the support element 9 may contact the lower collar 29. In this case, the lever length that acts is increased, and a stronger support is obtained.

[0060] In this example, the connecting element 12 is configured as a threaded rod 13. The threaded rod 13 is screwed into the cylindrical wall segment 16 at its radially outer end. In this example, the cylindrical wall segment 16 forms a crossbeam 14 and is thus supported. In another example, the threaded rod 13 may be fixed by, for example, a body coupling or friction coupling. On one side, the threaded rod 13 is screwed into the metal block 40 of the support element 9 and secured with a nut 42. As part of the support element 9, the threaded rod 12 allows for adjustment in the radial direction R. For example, when the support element is extended radially by screwing out the threaded rod, the support frame 4 rises at the free end 23. A connecting means (not shown) or a plug is positioned at the free end 23. Conversely, the support frame 4 is lowered by screwing in the threaded rod. In this way, the support frame can be precisely adjusted to accurately accommodate, for example, the wear condition of the kingpin, the structural tolerances of the support frame, the plug, or the semi-trailer plate, and to precisely position the plug at the target location.

[0061] The support element 9 further has a sliding surface 10 that directly contacts the cylindrical surface 11 of the kingpin 2. The sliding surface 10 is formed on a plastic block 44 of the support element 9, and the plastic block 44 is bonded to or otherwise fixed to the metal block 40. The plastic block 44 has a plastic matrix that can disperse tribologically effective filler particles to reduce the coefficient of friction due to interaction with the surface of the kingpin 2.

[0062] The sliding surface 10 is formed as a concave curved surface with radius r', thereby orienting the support element 9 tangentially with respect to the cylindrical surface 11 of the rotation axis A or the kingpin 2.

[0063] Angle sensor 52, as a non-contact measuring magnetic field sensor, is positioned on the support element 9 and radially oriented toward the cylindrical side surface 11 of the kingpin 2. In this embodiment, the support frame 4 and the support element 9 constitute the driver on which the angle sensor 52 is positioned. Along the circumferential surface or cylindrical side surface 11 of the kingpin 2, more precisely in the region of the upper collar 27, an angle encoder 54 is positioned circumferentially as a magnetized segment of an annular strip. The angle sensor 52 is oriented toward this angle encoder 54. The angle encoder 54 preferably has a pattern of magnetized segments that vary in the circumferential direction, and as the support frame 4 pivots around the kingpin 2 and the angle sensor 52 scans the angle encoder 54, the angle sensor 52 generates a signal that can be associated with each angular position. In this example, the signal is transmitted radially via a signal line 56 to a plug (not shown) and then to a coupled towing vehicle via the plug. The signal line may, instead or additionally, be routed directly within the semi-trailer and connected to a processor that processes the signal for control of the steering axis or a driver assistance system, for example.

[0064] The kingpin assembly 1 in the embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 7 has the same structural design as that of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, except that the positions of the angle sensor 52 and angle encoder 54 are different.

[0065] In the second embodiment shown in Figure 3, the angle sensor 52 is similarly positioned on the support element 9. In this embodiment, it is axially oriented toward the kingpin flange 6 at a radial distance r1 from the rotation axis A. Correspondingly, the angle encoder 54 is positioned as a magnetized segment flush with the kingpin flange 6, either on or within the kingpin flange 6, at the same radial distance r1 from the rotation axis A.

[0066] In the third embodiment shown in Figure 4, the angle sensor 52 is similarly positioned on the support element 9. In this embodiment, it is axially oriented toward the fixed bearing ring 7 at a radial distance r2 from the rotation axis A. Correspondingly, the angle encoder 54 is positioned as a magnetization segment flush with the fixed bearing ring 7 or within the fixed bearing ring 7 at the same radial distance r2 from the rotation axis A.

[0067] In the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 5, the angle sensor 52 is positioned on the rotating bearing ring 8 and oriented radially inward toward the stationary bearing ring 7. Correspondingly, the angle encoder 54 is positioned as a magnetization segment along the outer circumferential surface of the stationary bearing ring 7.

[0068] In the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 6, the angle sensor 52 is similarly positioned on the rotating bearing ring 8. In this embodiment, it is axially oriented toward the kingpin flange 6 at a radial distance r3 from the rotation axis A. Correspondingly, the angle encoder 54 is positioned flush with the kingpin flange 6 as a magnetization segment at the same radial distance r3 from the rotation axis A.

[0069] In the sixth embodiment shown in Figure 7, the angle sensor 52 and angle encoder 54 are positioned concentrically with the rotation axis A and at the lower end of the kingpin 2. More specifically, the angle encoder 54, as a magnet assembly, is inserted into a counterbore at the lower end of the kingpin 2. The kingpin 2 also has a clearance 55 at its lower end. The angle sensor 52 is inserted within the clearance 55 without protruding axially. This configuration is important because it protects the sensor from mechanical loads and prevents it from contacting, for example, the fifth wheel plate when coupled. In this embodiment, the angle sensor 52 is connected to the support frame 4 by a retaining bracket 58 to prevent rotation. The retaining bracket 58 is positioned within the clearance 55 across the first radial section for protection from mechanical loads. In this teaching, the retaining bracket 58 is considered part of the support frame 4 and therefore part of the driver. The angle sensor 52 is axially oriented toward the angle encoder 54 and is rotatable only relative to the angle encoder 54 around the rotation axis A. The angle encoder 54 has a pattern of radially varying magnetization segments, and as the support frame 4 pivots around the kingpin 2, the angle sensor 52 rotates relative to the angle encoder 54, generating a signal that can be associated with each angular position. In its simplest form, the radially varying magnetization segment pattern may be a radially oriented dipole magnet. However, from the viewpoint of obtaining good angular resolution, it is desirable to have a number of magnetization segments arranged along a circumference. In this embodiment as well, the signal is transmitted via a signal line 56. The signal line 56 is located within a first radial section and protected within a retaining bracket 58.

[0070] Figure 11 schematically shows a kingpin assembly according to the present invention, in which the support frame 4 is oriented radially outward with respect to the rotation axis A. The support frame 4 is provided with a spacer member 46. The spacer member 46 protrudes upward from the support frame 4 in the direction in which the rotation axis A extends. The spacer member 46 is configured to support the support frame 4 on the semi-trailer plate 24 of the semi-trailer.

[0071] As shown by the dashed line, a connecting means 48 is located within the support frame 4 at the free end 23 of the support frame 4.

[0072] In this embodiment, the support element 9 includes a spring element 50 that acts radially R with respect to the rotation axis A. The spring element 50 is schematically shown and may be, for example, a coil compression spring, a laminate of disc springs, or an elastically deformable plastic member. Combined with the length adjustment mechanism of the support element 9, this configuration makes it possible to set a specific preload such that the support element 9 abuts against the kingpin 2 and the support frame 4 abuts against the semi-trailer plate 24 with a constant contact pressure via the spacer member 46. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1 Kingpin Assembly 2 Kingpins 3 Rotary bearings 4. Support frame 6 Kingpin flange 7 Fixed bearing ring 8 Rotating bearing rings 9 Support elements 10 Sliding surface 11 Cylindrical side 12 connection elements 13 threaded rods 14 Crossbeam 16 Cylindrical wall member 18 discs 21 Holding arm 22 Protective Cover 23 Free end (of the support frame) 24 Semi-trailer plate 25 volts 26 recesses 27 Top Color 28 Neck section 29 Lower Color 30 volts 32 Rotating Plane / Rotating Bearing Plane 34 Cylindrical sliding surface 36 Reinforced Rim 40 metal blocks 42 nuts 44 Plastic Blocks 46 Spacer member 48 Connection means 50 spring elements 52 Angle Sensor 54 Angle encoder 55 Clearance 56 Signal Line 58 Retaining bracket A rotation axis r radius R Radial direction

Claims

1. Kingpin assembly (1) for a semi-trailer articulated vehicle, The kingpin (2) defines the axis of rotation (A), A rotating bearing (3) is arranged around the aforementioned rotating shaft (A), A driver connected to the aforementioned rotating bearing (3) and capable of pivoting around the rotation axis (A), Equipped with, The kingpin (2) has a kingpin flange (6) for attaching the kingpin (2) directly or indirectly to the semi-trailer. The aforementioned rotating bearing (3) is A fixed bearing ring (7) or fixed bearing ring segment fixed to the kingpin (2), A rotating bearing ring (8) or rotating bearing ring segment that is rotatable relative to the kingpin (2), It has, The driver is fixed to the rotating bearing ring (8) or the rotating bearing ring segment. It comprises a pair of components, each including an angle sensor and an angle encoder, A kingpin assembly characterized in that one of the pair of components is disposed on the kingpin (2), the fixed bearing ring (7), or the fixed bearing ring segment, and the other of the pair of components is disposed on the rotating bearing ring (8), the rotating bearing ring segment, or the driver.

2. The angle sensor is positioned on the rotating bearing ring (8), the rotating bearing ring segment, or the driver. The kingpin assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle encoder is disposed on the kingpin (2), the fixed bearing ring (7), or the fixed bearing ring segment.

3. The kingpin assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the driver comprises a centering element configured to guide the driver to a central position at the entry point of the fifth wheel plate of the towing vehicle.

4. The kingpin assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the angle sensor is a non-contact measuring sensor, particularly a magnetic field sensor or Hall sensor, a capacitive sensor or an optical sensor.

5. The kingpin assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the angle encoder includes a magnetization pattern, an optically detectable marking pattern, a tactile marking pattern, or a combination thereof.

6. The kingpin assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the angle encoder has a pattern that changes in the circumferential and / or radial direction.

7. The kingpin assembly according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the pattern defines the center position.

8. The kingpin assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the angle sensor is provided with a wheel, and the angle encoder is provided with a contact surface that the wheel frictionally engages with and abuts against.

9. The kingpin assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the driver is configured as a support frame (4) for indirectly or directly holding electrical and / or electromagnetic and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic connecting means for connecting to a corresponding connecting unit of a towing vehicle.

10. The kingpin assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the support frame (4) includes a support element (9) that is axially spaced apart from the rotating bearing ring (8) or the rotating bearing ring segment and in direct contact with the kingpin (2).

11. The kingpin assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the support element (9) is length-adjustable in the radial direction (R) with respect to the rotation axis (A).

12. The kingpin assembly according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the angle sensor is disposed on or within the support element (9).

13. The kingpin assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the angle encoder is arranged on or along the outer circumferential surface of the kingpin (2), or on or along the surface of the kingpin flange (6).

14. The kingpin assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the angle encoder is located on or positioned on the surface of the fixed bearing ring (7), or on or along the surface of the kingpin flange (6).

15. The kingpin assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the angle sensor is disposed on or within the rotating bearing ring (8), or on or within the rotating bearing ring segment.

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