Utility vehicle having an alarm system

Abstract

The invention relates to a utility vehicle, in particular a battery-operated trailer for coupling to a tractor, having an alarm system (10) for transmitting warning messages to a driver located in a driver cab of the tractor, wherein the alarm system (10) has a central monitoring unit (20) for monitoring an operating state of the utility vehicle, wherein the alarm system (10) comprises at least one warning device (12, 14), wherein the monitoring unit (20) is signal-connected to a control unit (30) which can actuate the at least one warning device (12, 14) in order to warn the driver. According to the invention, the central monitoring unit (20) of the alarm system (10) is independent of an overall system of the utility vehicle, wherein the monitoring unit (20) is designed to detect failures and / or critical states of individual components of the utility vehicle and to transmit a warning signal requirement (20') to the control unit (30) in the event of a failure and / or critical state.

Description

[0001] Commercial vehicle with an alarm system

[0002] The invention relates to a commercial vehicle, in particular a battery-electrically powered trailer for coupling to a tractor unit, with an alarm system for transmitting warning messages according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for operating such a commercial vehicle with an alarm system according to claim 16.

[0003] Systems or alarm systems for alerting a driver or issuing warning signals to a driver are generally known and of very high importance, especially in the field of standard motor vehicles, such as internal combustion engine or battery-electric passenger cars, to ensure safe operation of the vehicle.

[0004] Alarm systems generally and primarily serve to communicate critical operating conditions or complete failures of individual vehicle components to the driver, for example, via audible or visual signals, such as a speedometer display. Trailers (also called semi-trailers, the fifth wheel of a semi-trailer truck, or in English, semitrailers) are used, for example, in freight transport or agriculture for transport and work purposes. For a very long time, trailers were considered unpowered commercial vehicles and were normally attached to the fifth wheel of a diesel-powered tractor unit via a kingpin and towed "without power." Since conventionally powered trailers were simply towed, there was no need for a more complex alarm and monitoring system.

[0005] However, as electromobility has advanced, concepts have emerged that equip the trailer with an additional electric drive unit, high-voltage traction batteries, and power electronics to support the tractor unit. In this context, the electrified drive systems of the trailers also inherently include a temperature control system for the electric drive unit and the high-voltage battery unit.

[0006] With the installation of these additional individual components of the electrified powertrain, the need for reliable monitoring and driver alerting in the event of malfunctions, critical conditions, or failures of these and other powertrain components increases. Because failures or critical conditions of components in an electrified high-voltage powertrain represent an excessively high risk factor and can negatively impact safety during ferry operations, improved alarm systems for electrified commercial vehicles are essential.

[0007] An existing interface between conventional (diesel-powered) tractor units and their drivers, and trailers being towed, unfortunately requires the complex and costly definition of an additional standardized interface between the tractor unit and the trailer. The existing interface between the tractor unit / driver and the trailer in currently known and established semi-trailer trucks is fully utilized and cannot transmit any further signals for this purpose. Even if new signals could be integrated into the system, existing tractor units and semi-trailer trucks would not be able to process and interpret them correctly.

[0008] To integrate this additional interface, the tractor units would require complex and costly modifications in workshops, which is inherent to the system. This is particularly true for older tractor units. Based on current knowledge, there are no known compatible solutions for transmitting warning signals between the driver and the trailer that would not require modifications to a standard semi-trailer truck.

[0009] The aim of the invention is to overcome these and other disadvantages of the prior art and to provide an improved alarm system for the safe transmission of warning messages to a driver located in the cab of a tractor unit, which is simple in design and cost-effective.

[0010] The main features of the invention are specified in the characterizing part of claim 1. Embodiments are the subject of claims 2 to 16.

[0011] In a commercial vehicle, in particular a battery-electrically powered trailer for coupling to a tractor unit, with an alarm system for transmitting warning messages to a driver located in a driver's cab of the tractor unit, wherein the alarm system has a central monitoring unit for monitoring an operating state of the commercial vehicle, wherein the alarm system comprises at least one warning device, wherein the monitoring unit is signal-connected to a control unit which can control the at least one warning device to warn the driver, it is provided according to the invention that the central monitoring unit of the alarm system is independent of an overall system of the commercial vehicle, wherein the monitoring unit is configured to detect failures and / or critical states of individual components of the commercial vehicle and, in the event of a failure and / or critical state, to transmit a warning signal request to the control unit.

[0012] Due to the completely independent, central monitoring system of the alarm system according to the invention, operating states of the commercial vehicle can be reliably monitored without having to define a new separate and uniform interface between the towing vehicle or driver and the trailer.

[0013] The alarm system allows for the reliable monitoring and communication of operating conditions of electrically powered semi-trailers, particularly those requiring the driver's immediate attention and representing increased risk factors, even in electrically powered trailers or commercial vehicles. This system thus represents a significant step in the further development of battery-electric commercial vehicles and trailers, and generally contributes to considerably safer ferry operations with electric powertrain components, especially in the commercial vehicle sector.

[0014] Furthermore, thanks to the independent central monitoring unit and the connected control unit, any tractor unit can be used without requiring prior modifications in a workshop. Moreover, regulatory requirements in the context of electromobility have already created an increased need for appropriate warning signals or warning signal systems, which the invention also addresses.

[0015] Overall, operational safety during ferry operations and / or when the commercial vehicle is stationary is significantly improved. Key advantages lie in the flexibility and compatibility of the tractor unit, as no modifications or preparations to the tractor are required. The independent, central monitoring unit tracks the operating status and system status of the commercial vehicle and interacts dynamically with the driver. If a system error or complete system failure occurs, the monitoring unit can send a warning signal to the driver.

[0016] To detect and record failures or critical conditions of relevant components of the commercial vehicle, the alarm system preferably includes appropriate sensors and / or actuators. Using suitable sensors, the system or monitoring unit can advantageously acquire and process relevant parameters in order to subsequently identify a critical condition or a complete failure of a powertrain component or, more generally, of a component of the commercial vehicle or trailer, and to implement the corresponding activation of the warning device(s).

[0017] Preferably, the standard interface between the tractor unit and trailer, typically a plug-in socket, particularly a 15-pin connector, can be replaced by the alarm system. An adapter can be provided for this purpose. This further facilitates the connection of any tractor unit to the trailer and the system without requiring costly modifications in a workshop. According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit can be configured to transmit a control signal to at least one warning device for generating an acoustic and / or visual signal upon receiving a warning signal request from the central monitoring unit. This advantageously ensures that critical operating conditions requiring the driver's immediate attention are always reliably communicated to the driver.The monitoring unit and control unit can advantageously communicate and exchange data via the signal connection. Preferably, the control unit can be integrated as a sub-unit into the monitoring unit to keep the independent, central monitoring unit as compact as possible. This allows for more flexible system placement on the commercial vehicle or trailer and more efficient power supply for the units.

[0018] Preferably, the central monitoring unit can be designed to continuously monitor the operating status of the commercial vehicle, both while it is in operation and when stationary. This ensures that the alarm system can detect faults, critical conditions, and failures quickly and efficiently immediately after a problem occurs, as there are no time intervals with breaks between individual monitoring phases. Instead, a continuous monitoring phase can be implemented between a start and end point. This increases the overall operational reliability of the commercial vehicle.

[0019] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the central monitoring unit can be powered independently via a separate battery of the alarm system or directly by the operation of the tractor unit. This allows the central monitoring unit to operate autonomously. Overall, this measure further enhances the independence of the monitoring unit. Thus, virtually universal applicability with any tractor-trailer combination can be achieved without having to make structural modifications to tractor units or semi-trailers of older age.

[0020] Preferably, the at least one warning device can be configured to transmit an acoustic and / or a visual warning signal to the driver. This further improves operational safety. Acoustic and / or visual signals are particularly well-suited as warning devices because they can simultaneously attract the driver's attention in the cab on two different levels of perception. This ensures that the driver always receives a reliable and timely warning. The invention is therefore advantageously able to output a variety of warning signals to reliably communicate different operating states of the vehicle to the driver.

[0021] Acoustic signals can be implemented using familiar components such as loudspeakers and their associated components and processors, which are then emitted directly via the warning devices. Signal tones in the driver's cab are also conceivable, sounding when an acoustic warning device transmits a warning message. A classic example of such a signal tone, or such a situation, is the illumination of the engine warning light, which is accompanied by a standard signal tone (beep) in the driver's cab.

[0022] Optical signals could, for example, be implemented using light. This advantageously allows for the implementation of different light or illumination patterns, such as flashing, continuous illumination, pulsing, etc. This enables the different operating states or monitored components of the commercial vehicle to be assigned to the individual patterns. A driver would need to be informed beforehand (e.g., via the user manual) which patterns and / or symbols or sound patterns or tones correspond to which malfunctions. Furthermore, depending on the number of warning devices provided, the invention can implement multiple transmission methods in various combinations. This allows for the implementation of a very broad spectrum of operating states, enabling, for example, the detection of additional pre-critical conditions in advance through predictive analysis.This allows the driver to be prepared for an impending breakdown in advance. This significantly increases the operational reliability of the commercial vehicle.

[0023] According to a further preferred embodiment, the acoustic warning signal of the at least one warning device can have a volume of at least 50 dB, wherein the at least one warning device can be configured to generate a variation of different acoustic warning signals for different failures and / or critical conditions of the commercial vehicle. The noise level in the driver's cab is typically around 40 to 50 decibels with the windows closed. The defined lower limit of the volume of the acoustic warning device or signal thus ensures that the driver can always perceive the emitted acoustic signals. Otherwise, there would be a risk that the standard noise level in the driver's cab would drown out the acoustic warning message.This further increases the operational safety of the commercial vehicle and the efficiency of the alarm system, because the driver can perceive the acoustic warning signal despite traffic noise.

[0024] According to a further preferred embodiment, the optical warning signal of the at least one warning device can be formed by light sources, wherein the at least one warning device can be configured to generate a variation of different optical light patterns for different failures and / or critical conditions of the commercial vehicle. LED lights are preferably suitable because they have a long service life and are relatively inexpensive. At the same time, LED lights are very energy-efficient in operation and contribute overall to improving the overall energy efficiency of a modern, electrified trailer or commercial vehicle.

[0025] According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one warning device can be arranged directly on a side portal of the trailer body, wherein the at least one warning device can be arranged and fixed to the trailer body in such a way that the driver of the tractor unit can visually recognize the at least one warning device during transport operation via the tractor unit's side mirrors. The warning device can be designed to transmit an optical signal, preferably light generated by a light source, to the driver. The driver immediately recognizes the signal in their side mirror. This further increases the efficiency of the alarm system and additionally improves the operational safety of the trailer or commercial vehicle.

[0026] According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one warning device can be arranged directly on a side portal of the trailer body, such that the at least one warning device can be oriented in the direction of travel of the commercial vehicle. The warning device can be designed to transmit an optical signal, preferably light generated by a light source, to the driver. Due to the orientation, the driver can see the signal much more clearly and perceives it immediately in their side mirror. This further increases the efficiency of the alarm system and additionally improves the operational safety of the trailer or commercial vehicle. With acoustic warning signals, the orientation also has the significant advantage that the sound waves are directed towards the driver's cab. Preferably, the at least one warning device can be mounted on the side portal on the driver's side.It should be mounted on the trailer's body. This further increases the efficiency of the alarm system because the driver can perceive the acoustic signal more easily.

[0027] According to a further preferred embodiment, the trailer can have at least two warning devices, wherein the at least two warning devices can be arranged directly on two side panels of a trailer body, such that the driver of the tractor unit can visually recognize the two warning devices via a side mirror of the tractor unit. More preferably, the two warning devices can be arranged substantially opposite each other at the same height or position on the side panels or panels of the trailer body. Additionally or alternatively, a further warning device can preferably be provided in the driver's cab. Further combinations and a higher number of warning devices are also conceivable.Overall, this allows for flexible adaptation to any operating situation of the commercial vehicle, as a warning device can be provided on both the left and right sides, and / or an additional warning device can be installed in the cab. This means that the number of warning devices, combined with the acoustic and / or visual signals, which can also vary in pattern, brightness, duration, sound pattern, etc., significantly improves the system's usability, compatibility, and flexibility.

[0028] Preferably, the at least one warning device can be formed by an additional device, the additional device being located directly in the driver's cab of the towing vehicle.

[0029] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary device can be connected to a standard cigarette lighter socket of the tractor unit, with a control signal from the control unit being transmitted via a 24V electrical system of the trailer to a 24V electrical system of the tractor unit and to the auxiliary device via PLC (Powerline Communication). Advantageously, this utilizes existing infrastructure. Connection via the cigarette lighter socket is particularly well-suited for this purpose. Communication via PLC represents a very efficient and secure method, thus further increasing overall efficiency. The auxiliary device can preferably be configured to emit acoustic and / or optical signals.

[0030] According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one warning device can be signal-connected to an electronic brake control unit, in particular to a TEBS (Trailer Electronic Braking System) of the trailer, wherein the at least one warning device connected to the trailer's TEBS can be configured to send a signal to the tractor unit in the event of a failure and / or critical condition, which can trigger an acoustic and / or visual signal in the driver's cab. This has the significant advantage that existing structures such as the brake control unit are used. For example, an optical signal can be transmitted to the driver via the speedometer display. Furthermore, in combination with this, an alarm signal, i.e., an acoustic signal, can be emitted via existing structures.

[0031] Preferably, the commercial vehicle can be a semi-trailer truck consisting of a tractor unit and a battery-electrically powered trailer that can be coupled to it. The tractor unit can be powered by an internal combustion engine, preferably a diesel engine.

[0032] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the tractor unit could be battery-electric. This would create a fully electric commercial vehicle system.

[0033] Furthermore, a conventional trailer is also conceivable, which is simply towed by the tractor unit and has no independent drivetrain. The alarm system can be used universally for monitoring commercial vehicles because the central monitoring unit is designed to be independent of the rest of the system. Adaptation is therefore straightforward and improves the system's flexibility.

[0034] According to a further preferred embodiment, the battery-electric trailer can comprise at least one high-voltage battery unit, an electric drive unit powered by the electrical energy of the high-voltage battery unit, corresponding power electronics components, and at least one temperature control system for cooling or heating the aforementioned individual components. The monitoring system can be configured to identify failures and / or critical states of the aforementioned individual components of the commercial vehicle. This ensures that the individual components of the commercial vehicle are continuously monitored so that failures and critical states can be reliably detected and transmitted.

[0035] Preferably, the central monitoring system can also be configured to monitor other individual components of the trailer or commercial vehicle in order to report failures and critical conditions to the driver. This could include, for example, an on-board charger for charging the high-voltage battery unit or an additional cooling system. All other conceivable powertrain components can also preferably be reliably monitored by the central monitoring unit in order to detect failures and / or critical conditions.

[0036] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for operating a commercial vehicle, in particular a battery-electrically powered trailer, is proposed, with an alarm system for transmitting warning messages to a driver located in a driver's cab of the tractor unit.

[0037] Preferably, the trailer can be a conventional semi-trailer of a tractor unit with three trailer axles. More preferably, the middle axle of the three trailer axles can be equipped with the described electric drive. Even more preferably, the high-voltage battery unit can be box-shaped and mechanically decoupled from a chassis of the battery-electrically driven trailer.

[0038] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings show:

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a commercial vehicle according to the invention with an alarm system.

[0040] The alarm system, generally designated 10 in Fig. 1, is implemented in a commercial vehicle (not shown), in particular in a battery-electrically powered trailer for coupling to a tractor unit, and serves to transmit warning messages to a driver located in the cab of the tractor unit. The schematically depicted alarm system 10 comprises a central monitoring unit 20 for monitoring the operating status of the commercial vehicle, wherein the alarm system 10 has at least one warning device 12, 14.

[0041] The central monitoring unit 20 is signal-connected to a control unit 30. The control unit 30 connected to the monitoring unit 20 can control at least one warning device 12, 14 to warn the driver.

[0042] The central monitoring unit 20 of the alarm system 10 is designed to operate independently of the overall system of the commercial vehicle. Furthermore, the monitoring unit 20 is designed to detect failures and / or critical conditions of individual components of the commercial vehicle and, in the event of a failure and / or critical condition, to transmit a warning signal request 20' directly to the control unit 30.

[0043] As can be seen from the schematic diagram of the structure and process of the alarm system 10, the control unit 20 can be designed to transmit a control signal 30', 30" to at least one warning device 12, 14 to generate an acoustic signal 11 and / or optical signal 13 after receiving the warning signal request 20' from the central monitoring unit 20.

[0044] The central monitoring unit 20 can continuously monitor the operating status of the commercial vehicle, both while the vehicle is in motion and when stationary. Furthermore, the central monitoring unit 30 can be powered independently via a separate battery (not shown) of the alarm system 10 or directly by the operation of the tractor unit. The at least one warning device 12, 14 can be configured to transmit an acoustic warning signal 11 and / or a visual warning signal 13 to the driver.

[0045] The acoustic warning signal 11 of the at least one warning device 12, 14 can have a volume of at least 50 dB, wherein the at least one warning device 12, 14 can be configured to generate a variation of different acoustic warning signals for different failures and / or critical conditions of the commercial vehicle.

[0046] The optical warning signal 13 of the at least one warning device 12, 14 can be by

[0047] Light sources are formed, wherein at least one warning device 12, 14 may be designed to generate a variation of different optical light patterns for different failures and / or critical conditions of the commercial vehicle.

[0048] The at least one warning device 12, 14 can be arranged directly on a side portal of a trailer body, wherein the at least one warning device 12, 14 can be arranged and fixed on the trailer body in such a way that the driver of the tractor unit can visually recognize the at least one warning device 12, 14 during ferry operation via the tractor unit's side mirrors.

[0049] The at least one warning device 12, 14 can furthermore be arranged directly on a side portal of a body of the trailer in such a way that the at least one warning device 12, 14 is oriented in the direction of travel of the commercial vehicle.

[0050] The trailer may also have at least two warning devices 12 or more, wherein the at least two warning devices 12 may be arranged directly on side portals of a body of the trailer, such that the driver of the tractor unit can visually recognize the two warning devices 12 via the side mirrors of the tractor unit.

[0051] Furthermore, at least one warning device 12, 14 can be formed by an additional device 14", which can be located directly in the driver's cab of the tractor unit. The additional device 14 can be connected to a standard cigarette lighter socket of the tractor unit, and a control signal 30 from the control unit 30 can be transmitted via a 24V electrical system of the trailer to a 24V electrical system of the tractor unit and to the additional device 14" by means of PLC (Powerline Communication) to control the additional device 14" located in the cab.

[0052] The at least one warning device 12, 14 can also be signal-connected to an electronic brake control unit 14', in particular to a TEBS 14' (Trailer Electronic Braking System) of the trailer, wherein the at least one warning device 12, 14 connected to the TEBS 14' of the trailer can be designed to send a signal to the tractor unit in the event of a failure and / or critical condition, which can trigger an acoustic and / or optical signal 11, 13 in the driver's cab.

[0053] The commercial vehicle (not shown), equipped with alarm system 10, can be a semi-trailer truck consisting of a tractor unit and a battery-electric trailer that can be coupled to it. The commercial vehicle or the battery-electric trailer can include at least one high-voltage battery unit, an electric drive unit powered by the electrical energy of the high-voltage battery unit, corresponding power electronics components, and at least one temperature control system for cooling or heating the aforementioned individual components. The monitoring system 20 can be configured to identify failures and / or critical states of the aforementioned individual components of the commercial vehicle.

[0054] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can be modified in a variety of ways. In general, the dynamic alarm and monitoring system is suitable for use in commercial vehicles of all types.

[0055] In particular, the system can be used with articulated lorries that have a conventional tractor unit and a coupled, battery-electrically powered trailer. The system can also be used with completely conventional articulated lorries (diesel tractor unit - semi-trailer) or with fully electric articulated lorries, ensuring reliable monitoring and alarm notification. The independence of the central monitoring unit makes the alarm system according to the invention particularly versatile and compatible.

[0056] All features and advantages arising from the claims, the description and the drawing, including design details, spatial arrangements and process steps, can be essential to the invention both individually and in various combinations.

[0057] Reference symbol list Alarm system acoustic warning signal Warning device (trailer) optical warning signal Warning device (driver's cab) ' electronic brake control unit (trailer braking system TEBS)“ Auxiliary device (cigarette lighter connection, 24V electrical system) Monitoring unit ' Warning signal request (driver in cab) Control unit ' Control signal (trailer warning device) “ Control signal (driver's cab warning device)

Claims

Patent claims 1. Commercial vehicle, in particular a battery-electrically powered trailer for coupling to a tractor unit, with an alarm system (10) for transmitting warning messages to a driver located in a driver's cab of the tractor unit, wherein the alarm system (10) has a central monitoring unit (20) for monitoring an operating state of the commercial vehicle, wherein the alarm system (10) comprises at least one warning device (12, 14), wherein the monitoring unit (20) is signal-connected to a control unit (30) which can control the at least one warning device (12, 14) to warn the driver, characterized in that the central monitoring unit (20) of the alarm system (10) is independent of an overall system of the commercial vehicle, wherein the monitoring unit (20) is designed toto detect failures and / or critical conditions of individual components of the commercial vehicle and, in the event of a failure and / or critical condition, to transmit a warning signal request (20') to the control unit (30).

2. Commercial vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (30) is configured to transmit a control signal (30', 30") to the at least one warning device (12, 14) for generating an acoustic signal (11) and / or optical signal (13) after receiving the warning signal request (20') from the central monitoring unit (20).

3. Commercial vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the central monitoring unit (20) continuously monitors the operating state of the commercial vehicle, wherein the monitoring unit (20) monitors the operating state of the commercial vehicle during ferry operation and when stationary.

4. Commercial vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy supply of the central monitoring unit (20) is provided independently via a separate battery of the alarm system (10) or directly via the operation of the tractor unit.

5. Commercial vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one warning device (12, 14) is designed to is designed to transmit an acoustic warning signal (11) and / or an optical warning signal (13) to the driver.

6. Commercial vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that the acoustic warning signal (11) of the at least one warning device (12, 14) has a volume of at least 50 dB, wherein the at least one warning device (12, 14) is designed to generate a variation of different acoustic warning signals for different failures and / or critical conditions of the commercial vehicle.

7. Commercial vehicle according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the optical warning signal (13) of the at least one warning device (12, 14) is formed by light sources, wherein the at least one warning device (12, 14) is designed to generate a variation of different optical light patterns for different failures and / or critical conditions of the commercial vehicle.

8. Commercial vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one warning device (12, 14) is arranged directly on a side portal of a body of the trailer, wherein the at least one warning device (12, 14) is arranged and fixed on the body of the trailer in such a way that the driver of the tractor unit can visually recognize the at least one warning device (12, 14) during ferry operation via the side mirrors of the tractor unit.

9. Commercial vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one warning device (12, 14) is arranged directly on a side portal of a body of the trailer, such that the at least one warning device (12, 14) is oriented in the direction of a travel direction of the commercial vehicle.

10. Commercial vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the trailer has at least two warning devices (12), wherein the at least two warning devices (12) are arranged directly on side portals of a body of the trailer, such that the The driver of the tractor unit can visually identify the two warning devices (12) via one of the tractor unit's side mirrors.

11. Commercial vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one warning device (12, 14) is formed by an additional device (14"), wherein the additional device (14") is arranged directly in the driver's cab of the towing vehicle.

12. Commercial vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that the auxiliary device (14") can be connected to a standard cigarette lighter of the tractor unit, wherein a control signal (30") of the control unit (30) can be transmitted via a 24V on-board network of the trailer to a 24V on-board network of the tractor unit and to the auxiliary device (14") by means of PLC (Powerline Communication).

13. Commercial vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one warning device (12, 14) is signal-connected to an electronic brake control unit (14'), in particular to a TEBS (Trailer Electronic Braking System) of the trailer, wherein the at least one warning device (12, 14) connected to the TEBS of the trailer is designed to send a signal to the tractor unit in the event of a failure and / or critical condition, which triggers an acoustic and / or optical signal (11, 13) in the driver's cab.

14. Commercial vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the commercial vehicle is a semi-trailer combination consisting of a tractor unit and a battery-electrically operated trailer that can be coupled to it.

15. Commercial vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the battery-electrically operated trailer comprises at least one HV battery unit, an electric drive unit driven by the electrical energy of the HV battery unit, corresponding power electronics components and at least one temperature control system for cooling or heating the said individual components, wherein the monitoring system (20) is configured to identify failures and / or critical states of the said individual components of the commercial vehicle.

16. Method for operating a commercial vehicle, in particular a battery-electrically powered trailer, according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an alarm system (10) for transmitting warning messages to a driver located in a driver's cab of the tractor unit.

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