A fifth-wheel coupling arrangement includes a primary coupling device of a fifth wheel coupling arrangement or a trailer, in particular a semi-trailer, wherein the primary coupling device includes a base body, a drive and a connector element, wherein the base body is configured to be fixed to the fifth wheel coupling arrangement or the trailer, and wherein the connector element (is configured to be displaceable relative to the base body by the drive in a displacement direction.

A method for coupling a semi-trailer with a top plate to a truck tractor with a coupling plate includes: importing a reference height profile assigning a reference gradient to different actual values for the relative height of the chassis to the rear axle of the truck-tractor; changing the relative height such that the coupling plate approaches the top plate; continuously determining actual height values and height gradients while changing the relative height, wherein an actual height value is assigned the currently determined actual height gradient; checking a coupling criterion by comparing a currently determined actual height gradient with the reference gradient, wherein the reference gradient which in the imported reference height profile is assigned to the same actual height value as the currently determined actual height gradient is applied; and, maintaining the relative height when the currently determined actual height gradient deviates from the reference gradient.

A method for coupling a semi-trailer with a top plate to a truck tractor with a coupling plate includes: importing a reference height profile assigning a reference gradient to different actual values for the relative height of the chassis to the rear axle of the truck-tractor; changing the relative height such that the coupling plate approaches the top plate; continuously determining actual height values and height gradients while changing the relative height, wherein an actual height value is assigned the currently determined actual height gradient; checking a coupling criterion by comparing a currently determined actual height gradient with the reference gradient, wherein the reference gradient which in the imported reference height profile is assigned to the same actual height value as the currently determined actual height gradient is applied; and, maintaining the relative height when the currently determined actual height gradient deviates from the reference gradient.

A hitch is provided. The hitch has a ball adapter including a rod. The hitch also has a receiver adapter including a guide having a pair of rails that define a pathway sized to receive the rod of the ball adapter. The receiver adapter also includes a lock having a pair of fingers spaced apart from one another to receive the rod between the fingers such that, when the rod is in the pathway, the lock is positionable to wrap partly around the rod.

A hitch is provided. The hitch has a ball adapter including a rod. The hitch also has a receiver adapter including a guide having a pair of rails that define a pathway sized to receive the rod of the ball adapter. The receiver adapter also includes a lock having a pair of fingers spaced apart from one another to receive the rod between the fingers such that, when the rod is in the pathway, the lock is positionable to wrap partly around the rod.

A trailer hitch arrangement control system including a trailer sensor for sensing the position of a trailer relative to a trailer hitch assembly, a lock sensor for sensing the position of a locking mechanism, a control valve in fluid communication with a brake assembly of a trailer and operable between closed and open positions, wherein the brake assembly is engaged and disengaged, respectively, and wherein the brake assembly is positively biased toward the engaged position, and a controller coupled to the trailer sensor, the lock sensor and the control valve for determining whether the trailer hitch assembly is properly coupled to the hitch and generating a control signal to the control valve to actuate the control valve from the open position to the closed position when the trailer hitch assembly is improperly coupled to the hitch, such that the brake assembly remains in the engaged position.

A trailer hitch arrangement control system including a trailer sensor for sensing the position of a trailer relative to a trailer hitch assembly, a lock sensor for sensing the position of a locking mechanism, a control valve in fluid communication with a brake assembly of a trailer and operable between closed and open positions, wherein the brake assembly is engaged and disengaged, respectively, and wherein the brake assembly is positively biased toward the engaged position, and a controller coupled to the trailer sensor, the lock sensor and the control valve for determining whether the trailer hitch assembly is properly coupled to the hitch and generating a control signal to the control valve to actuate the control valve from the open position to the closed position when the trailer hitch assembly is improperly coupled to the hitch, such that the brake assembly remains in the engaged position.

Some embodiments include an autonomous yard truck that includes a speed control mechanism; a steering system; a geolocation sensor; a plurality of sensors; a fifth wheel coupling; a robotic arm disposed on the deck; an air hose with a first hose connector; a transceiver; and a controller. The controller may identify a first trailer hose connector location on a specific trailer; determine the location of a first hose connector on an autonomous yard truck; engages the first hose connector with a robotic arm; move the first hose connector from the first hose connector location to the first trailer hose connector location on the specific trailer with the robotic arm; connect the first hose connector with the first trailer hose connector; disengage the first hose connector from the robotic arm; and/or test the connection between the connection between the first hose connector and the first trailer hose connector.

The invention relates to a driverless transport vehicle for moving a semi-trailer. The driverless transport vehicle comprises a base body and a telescopic arm protruding from the base body, said telescopic arm comprising a surroundings detection device on one end facing away from the base body. The invention also relates to a method for moving a semi-trailer using a driverless transport vehicle.

The invention relates to a driverless transport vehicle for moving a semi-trailer. The driverless transport vehicle comprises a base body and a telescopic arm protruding from the base body, said telescopic arm comprising a surroundings detection device on one end facing away from the base body. The invention also relates to a method for moving a semi-trailer using a driverless transport vehicle.