COUPLING DEVICE FOR A TRACTION VEHICLE WITH AN OBJECT DETECTION MEANS ATTACHED TO IT

Abstract

A coupling device for a towing vehicle with an object detection device attached to the coupling device, wherein the coupling device has a coupling body in form of a fifth wheel plate and a locking mechanism, with which a coupling device in form of a kingpin is releasably held on the coupling body in its end position (E), wherein the coupling body includes an available space which is limited by a coupling device guiding contour and extends along a longitudinal axis (x), wherein the coupling device is at least partially immersed during coupling into the available space until reaching an end position (E).

Claims

1. A coupling device for a towing vehicle with an object detection means attached to the coupling device, comprising: the coupling device having a coupling body in the form of a fifth wheel plate and a locking mechanism, with which a coupling means in form of a kingpin is releasably held on the coupling body in its end position (E), wherein the coupling body comprises an available space which is limited by a coupling means guiding contour and extends along a longitudinal axis (x), wherein the coupling means is at least partially immersed during coupling into the available space until reaching an end position (E), and wherein the object detection means is mounted in the coupling means guiding contour so that it can move between a functional position protruding into the available space and a dodged position sunk into the coupling means guiding contour.

2. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein in the lowered dodged position the object detection means is moved back at least so far that the object detection means terminates with the adjacent section of the coupling means guiding contour.

3. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the object detection means is mounted by means of a spring element along an active axis.

4. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the object detection means is mounted by means of a spring element and/or a lever about one or more axis of rotation (s).

5. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the object detection means can be moved by means of an actuator.

6. The coupling device according to claim 5, wherein the actuator is connected to at least one proximity sensor.

7. The coupling device according to claim 6, wherein the proximity sensor is formed from the object detection means.

8. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the fifth wheel plate in the region of the end position (E) of the kingpin comprises a C-shaped bearing area which is partially enclosing the kingpin in the circumferential direction, wherein the coupling means guiding contour is formed from the C-shaped bearing area.

9. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the fifth wheel plate comprises two coupling horns delimiting an entrance opening in the rearward direction (R), wherein the coupling means guiding contour is formed from flanks of the coupling horns which are facing one another.

10. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the fifth wheel plate has a cross bridge arranged under an entrance opening in the rearward direction (R), wherein the coupling means guiding contour is formed from the transverse bridge.

11. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the fifth wheel plate in the rearward direction (R) has a connector console of a line coupling system, wherein the coupling means guiding contour is formed from the connector console.

12. The coupling device according to claim 1, wherein the object detection means is mounted pivotably with respect to the coupling device about a transverse axis (y) oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis (x).

13. The coupling device according to claim 12, wherein the object detection means can be actively positioned about the transverse axis (y) by means of a servomotor.

14. The coupling device according to claim 2, wherein the object detection means is mounted by means of a spring element along an active axis.

15. The coupling device according to claim 14, wherein the object detection means is mounted by means of a spring element and/or a lever about one or more axis of rotation (s).

16. The coupling device according to claim 2, wherein the object detection means can be moved by means of an actuator.

17. The coupling device according to claim 16, wherein the actuator is connected to at least one proximity sensor, and wherein the proximity sensor is formed from the object detection means.

18. The coupling device according to claim 17, wherein the fifth wheel plate in the region of the end position (E) of the kingpin comprises a C-shaped bearing area which is partially enclosing the kingpin in the circumferential direction, wherein the coupling means guiding contour is formed from the C-shaped bearing area, and wherein the fifth wheel plate comprises two coupling horns delimiting an entrance opening in the rearward direction (R), wherein the coupling means guiding contour is formed from flanks of the coupling horns which are facing one another.

19. The coupling device according to claim 18, wherein the fifth wheel plate has a cross bridge arranged under an entrance opening in the rearward direction (R), wherein the coupling means guiding contour is formed from the transverse bridge, and wherein the fifth wheel plate in the rearward direction (R) has a connector console of a line coupling system, wherein the coupling means guiding contour is formed from the connector console.

20. The coupling device according to claim 19, wherein the object detection means is mounted pivotably with respect to the coupling device about a transverse axis (y) oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis (x), and wherein the object detection means can be actively positioned about the transverse axis (y) by means of a servomotor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] For better understanding, the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to 9 Figures, showing in

[0031] FIG. 1: a rear view and top view of a coupling body with possible installation positions of the object detection means;

[0032] FIG. 2: a longitudinal section through a coupling body with object detection means arranged in the bearing area of a fifth wheel plate in the functional position;

[0033] FIG. 3: a plan view of a coupling body with object detection means arranged in one of the coupling horns of the fifth wheel plate in the functional position;

[0034] FIG. 4: a plan view according to FIG. 3 with object detection means in a dodged position;

[0035] FIG. 5: a longitudinal section through a cross bridge of the fifth wheel plate with object detection means arranged in the cross bridge in the functional position;

[0036] FIG. 6: a longitudinal section according to FIG. 5 with the kingpin approached and object detection means between the functional position and the dodged position;

[0037] FIG. 7: a longitudinal section through a coupling body with object detection means arranged in a connector console of a line coupling system in the functional position;

[0038] FIG. 8: a longitudinal section through a coupling body with object detection means arranged in a cross bridge of the fifth wheel coupling plate according to a second, alternative embodiment; and

[0039] FIG. 9: a longitudinal section through a coupling body with object detection means arranged in a cross bridge of the fifth wheel coupling plate according to a third, alternative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] FIG. 1 shows a rear view and a plan view of a coupling body 30 typically mounted on a towing vehicle, not shown, into which a coupling means 50 (see FIG. 6) of a trailer vehicle can be entered and fixed in a pivotable manner by means of a locking mechanism 31. In the present exemplary embodiment, the coupling body 30 on the towing vehicle is designed as a fifth wheel plate 40 and the coupling means 50 on the trailer is designed as a kingpin 51. In the assembled state, the fifth wheel plate 40 is fastened to the towing vehicle by means of two bearing blocks 47 lying opposite one another in a transverse axis y.

[0041] Before the kingpin 51 is coupled, it is located in the rearward direction R to the fifth wheel plate 40, which has an entrance opening 42 that widens conically in the distal direction on the side facing the kingpin 51. The entrance opening 42 is delimited by two coupling horns 43 which are arranged on both sides of the entrance opening 42 and which in turn are an integral part of the fifth wheel plate 40 in one piece.

[0042] At its proximal end, the entrance opening 42 merges into a bearing area 41 arranged centrally in the fifth wheel plate 40. In the bearing area 41 the kingpin 51 reaches its end position E for the driving operation and is releasably held there by the locking mechanism 31 which can be pivoted into and out of the bearing area 41.

[0043] The bearing area 41 and the entrance opening 42 form a coherent and merging, available space 33, which in an extension in the direction of a transverse axis y and a vertical axis z of the fifth wheel plate 40 is always dimensioned larger than the kingpin 51 provided for entry into the fifth wheel plate 40.

[0044] The available space 33 is delimited laterally in a section of the entrance opening 42 by vertical flanks 44 of the coupling horns 43, the flanks 44 also continuing in the bearing area 41 corresponding to a thickness of the fifth wheel plate 40. The available space 33 is limited in the vertical axis z at the top by the upper side of the fifth wheel plate 40 and at the bottom, in a transition area between the entrance opening 42 and the bearing area 41, by a cross bridge 45. The cross bridge 45 runs under the entrance opening 42 or the bearing area 41 and is run over by the kingpin 51 during coupling and uncoupling.

[0045] A connector console 46 of a line coupling system for the automated connection and disconnection of the supply lines during the mechanical coupling or uncoupling process of the towing vehicle and trailer vehicle can also be attached to the fifth wheel plate 40. The connector console 46 is held in whole or in part in the entrance opening 42 or offset in the rearward direction relative to the entrance opening 42. In the vertical axis z, the connector console 46 can be run over by the kingpin 51 without contact.

[0046] In order to minimize spatial distortions in the image provided by an object detection means 10 and to avoid having to process them computationally at all or only as little as possible, the object detection means 10 should be arranged on the coupling body 30, if possible, in particular on the fifth wheel plate 40, and also in its longitudinal axis x or if possible close to the longitudinal axis x.

[0047] FIG. 1 represents appropriate installation positions for the object detection means 10 in an installation position 1 of the bearing area 41, an installation position 2 at the entrance opening 42, an installation position 3 at the cross bridge 45 and an installation position 4 at the connector console 46. All installation positions 1, 2, 3, 4 are in the area of influence of an incoming and outgoing kingpin 51, which would destroy an object detection means 10 protruding statically into the available space 33 in the event of a collision.

[0048] The FIG. 2 shows a first installation position 1, in which the object detection means 10 is movably mounted in the bearing area 41. The bearing area 41 forms an adjacent coupling means guiding contour 32. In the coupling body 30, in the embodiment shown according to FIG. 2 in the bearing area 41 of the fifth wheel plate 40, a receiving opening 34 is introduced complementory to the object detection means 10. The receiving opening 34 is dimensioned such that the object detection means 10 can lowered completely into the receiving opening 34.

[0049] Before coupling and while the kingpin 51 is approaching, the object detection means 10 is held in a functional position 11 protruding into the available space 33 by means of a spring element 20. It is only when the kingpin 51 hits the object detection means 10 that it is pressed back in an active axis 21 against the preload of the spring element 20 and into the receiving opening 34.

[0050] When the object detection means 10 is aligned in the rearward direction R of the longitudinal axis x, the active axis 21 of the spring element 20 is also aligned in the longitudinal axis x. In this case, the direction of the incoming kingpin 51 corresponds to the active axis 21 of the spring element 20.

[0051] In the case of an offset alignment of the object detection means 10 in the circumferential direction of the bearing area 41, the active axis 21 of the spring element 20 can also be offset radially and is then no longer aligned with the direction of the incoming kingpin 51. Due to the large force of the approaching kingpin 51, a proportional force vector directed in the direction of the active axis 21 is then sufficient to push the object detection means 10 back into its receiving opening 34.

[0052] FIG. 3 relates to an alternative exemplary embodiment in which the object detection means 10 is accommodated in one of the two lateral flanks 44 of the coupling horns 43 according to the installation position 2. The active axis 21 of the spring element 20 and the axial extent of the receiving opening 34 are aligned in the transverse axis y. In the functional position 11 the object detection means 10 protrudes spring-loaded with respect to the coupling means guiding contour 32 formed from the associated flank 44 and protrudes into the entrance opening 42. The functional position 11 enables the identification of the trailer-side coupling means 50, for example the kingpin 51.

[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates the situation of installation position 2 in the event of a collision of the kingpin 51 with the object detection means 10, through which a proportionate force is transmitted in the transverse axis y to the object detection means 10 and this is pushed back within the receiving opening 34 in a direction of movement D to a dodged position 12 so that the kingpin 51 can pass through the otherwise available space 33 in the entrance opening 42. In the dodged position 12, the object detection means 10 has been pushed in so far with respect to the adjacent flank 44 that parts no longer protrude and the kingpin 51, guided by the flank 44, moves in the direction of the bearing area 41.

[0054] In FIG. 5 a further installation position 3 is described, in which the object detection means 10 is accommodated in the cross bridge 45 and dips away downwards in the vertical axis z. The cross bridge 45 forms the lower coupling means guiding contour 32. For this purpose, the object detection means 10 is movably mounted in the receiving opening 34 by means of the spring element 20 and, if a kingpin 51 approaches from an approach sector S, is moved by the kingpin 51 in the direction of movement D, which corresponds to the active axis 21 of the spring element 20, and pressed in the direction of the vertical axis z down out of the way.

[0055] The object detection means 10 has a housing 13 in which a servomotor 26 is also accommodated. The servomotor 26 actively aligns the object detection means 10 about the transverse axis y in such a way that the optical axis x.sub.O of the object detection means 10 points to the rear, ie parallel to the given upper edge of the terrain.

[0056] FIG. 6 shows the same installation position 3 as FIG. 5 immediately during contact of the object detection means 10 with an approaching kingpin 51. In the enlarged representation of FIG. 6 the housing 13 can be seen particularly well, on the section of which protruding with respect to the coupling means guiding contour 32 has a mushroom head shape with two housing impact surfaces 14 which are inclined to the longitudinal axis x.

[0057] The moving-in kingpin 51 first collides with the housing impact surface 14 lying on the left in the image plane, in the rearward direction R, and thereby pushes the object detection means 10 in the direction of its dodged position 12 into the receiving opening 34. When the housing 13 is driven over, the restoring force of the spring element 20 means that the housing 13 continues to be pressed against the kingpin 51 until the kingpin 51 is no longer in active contact.

[0058] After a mechanical opening of the locking mechanism 31, the towing vehicle and the trailer vehicle are separated from one another. The kingpin 51 moves in the rearward direction R and this time first hits the housing impact surface 14 on the right in the image plane and then pushes the housing 13 of the object detection means 10 down into the receiving opening 34.

[0059] FIG. 7 shows an installation position 4 in which the object detection means 10 is movably mounted in the coupling means guiding contour 32 delimited by the connector console 46. A receiving opening 34 oriented with its axial extension in the vertical axis z is formed in the connector console 46, into which the object detection means 10 is inserted with its spring element 20 so that it can move in the active axis 21. The direction of movement D of the object detection means 10 corresponds to the vertical axis z. When the kingpin 51 approaches, it first hits the connector console 46, which is arranged to the rear below the entrance opening 42, and pushes the object detection means 10 temporarily against the resistance of the spring element 20 into the connector console 46, so that the full depth of the entrance opening 42 is available for further coupling of the kingpin 51.

[0060] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment in which an approaching kingpin 51 does not come into direct contact with the object detection means 10 or its housing 13, but rather with a bow-shaped lever 22, one end of which is pivotably connected to the object detection means 10 and the opposite, second end of which is formed with a contact bead 22b. The lever 22 is also pivotally mounted between its first and second end centrally by means of an axis of rotation 23 about the transverse axis y.

[0061] During coupling, the kingpin 51 first hits the contact bead 22b and pivots it clockwise about the axis of rotation 23, as a result of which the object detection means 10 is retracted from its initial functional position 11 in the same direction and moves into the lowered dodged position 12.

[0062] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment in which there is no direct contact between parts of the object detection means 10 and the kingpin 51. In this embodiment, the object detection means 10 is coupled to an actuator 24 which, when a kingpin 51 approaches, retracts the object detection means 10 from the functional position 11 into the receiving opening 34 until the dodged position 12 is reached. The actuator 24 is connected to at least one proximity sensor 25a, 25b, 25c, which provides the actuator 24 with a corresponding signal when the distance falls below a minimum distance. The object detection means 10 itself can serve as the proximity sensor 25a, which in any case identifies the kingpin 51 and can generate a distance value as a function of the visible size. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to provide at least one proximity sensor 25b on an end of the coupling horn 43 or both coupling horns 43 in the rearward direction R. Alternatively or additionally, a proximity sensor 25c should also be arranged in the area of the bearing area 41. This one detects an increase in the distance between the proximity sensor 25c and the kingpin 51, which is particularly important when uncoupling, in order to return the object detection means 10 that may be aligned in the functional position 11 back to the dodged position 12 in good time by means of the actuator 24.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0063] 1 installation position bearing area [0064] 2 installation position entrance opening [0065] 3 installation position cross bridge [0066] 4 installation position connector console [0067] 10 object detection means [0068] 11 functional position [0069] 12 dodged position [0070] 13 housing object detection means [0071] 14 housing impact surface [0072] 20 spring element [0073] 21 active axis spring element [0074] 22 lever [0075] 22b contact bead [0076] 23 axis of rotation lever/spring element [0077] 24 actuator [0078] 25a-c proximity sensor [0079] 26 servomotor [0080] 30 coupling body [0081] 31 locking mechanism [0082] 32 coupling means guiding contour [0083] 33 available space [0084] 34 receiving opening object detection means [0085] 40 fifth wheel plate [0086] 41 bearing area [0087] 42 entrance opening [0088] 43 coupling horn [0089] 44 flank coupling horn [0090] 45 cross bridge [0091] 46 connector console line coupling system [0092] 47 bearing block [0093] 50 coupling means of trailer vehicle [0094] 51 kingpin [0095] D direction of movement of object detection means [0096] E end position [0097] R rearward direction [0098] S approach sector coupling means [0099] x longitudinal axis [0100] x.sub.O optical axis object detection means [0101] y transverse axis [0102] z vertical axis