CN119654273A - Wear ring and locking hook for a semi-trailer coupling lock of a semi-trailer coupling of a traction unit of a semi-trailer truck - Google Patents
Wear ring and locking hook for a semi-trailer coupling lock of a semi-trailer coupling of a traction unit of a semi-trailer truck Download PDFInfo
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- CN119654273A CN119654273A CN202380057734.0A CN202380057734A CN119654273A CN 119654273 A CN119654273 A CN 119654273A CN 202380057734 A CN202380057734 A CN 202380057734A CN 119654273 A CN119654273 A CN 119654273A
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- wear
- locking hook
- wear ring
- ring
- semitrailer
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- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 54
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- 238000004146 energy storage Methods 0.000 claims description 8
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- 238000005299 abrasion Methods 0.000 description 6
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- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 3
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- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 238000004513 sizing Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D53/00—Tractor-trailer combinations; Road trains
- B62D53/04—Tractor-trailer combinations; Road trains comprising a vehicle carrying an essential part of the other vehicle's load by having supporting means for the front or rear part of the other vehicle
- B62D53/08—Fifth wheel traction couplings
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D53/00—Tractor-trailer combinations; Road trains
- B62D53/04—Tractor-trailer combinations; Road trains comprising a vehicle carrying an essential part of the other vehicle's load by having supporting means for the front or rear part of the other vehicle
- B62D53/08—Fifth wheel traction couplings
- B62D53/12—Fifth wheel traction couplings engaging automatically
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
- Hooks, Suction Cups, And Attachment By Adhesive Means (AREA)
Abstract
本发明涉及一种用于半挂式卡车的牵引单元的半挂车联轴器的半挂车联接锁(1,2)的磨损环(1)或锁定钩(2)，所述磨损环或锁定钩基本上围绕纵向轴线(X)延伸。该磨损环(1)或该锁定钩(2)的特征在于具有至少一个磨损检测构件(3)，该至少一个磨损检测构件被定向成垂直于该纵向轴线(X)并且被布置在该磨损环(1)或该锁定钩(2)中，使得该磨损环(1)或该锁定钩(2)的磨损能够在光学上和/或由传感器垂直于该纵向轴线(X)检测到。
The invention relates to a wear ring (1) or a locking hook (2) of a semitrailer coupling (1, 2) of a semitrailer coupling of a tractor unit of a semitrailer truck, the wear ring or the locking hook extending substantially around a longitudinal axis (X). The wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2) is characterized by having at least one wear detection member (3) oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (X) and arranged in the wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2), so that wear of the wear ring (1) or the locking hook (2) can be detected optically and/or by a sensor perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (X).
Description
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a wear ring and locking hook of a semitrailer coupling lock for a towing unit of a semitrailer truck according to the preamble of claim 1, a semitrailer coupling lock with such wear ring and/or such locking hook according to claim 12, a semitrailer coupling with such a semitrailer coupling lock according to claim 13, a towing unit with such a semitrailer coupling according to claim 14 and a semitrailer truck with such a towing unit according to claim 15.
Background
Today, various types of motor vehicles are used as road vehicles for transporting goods. This also includes semi-trailer trucks, also colloquially known as semi-trailers.
A semi-truck is a combination of a traction unit (which may also be referred to as a semi-truck) and a semi-trailer (which may also be referred to as a semi-trailer or trailer). The traction unit is a short truck without a loading area, the frame or chassis of which instead has a semi-trailer coupling to accommodate the corresponding attachment of the semi-trailer. The semitrailer is a comparatively long trailer without a front axle, the front area of which, viewed in the direction of travel, is mounted from above on and rotatably held in place by the semitrailer coupling of the frame of the traction unit. The traction unit may also be referred to as a front truck in the traction, travel, or movement direction, and the semitrailer may also be referred to as a rear truck in the traction, travel, driving, or movement direction. Semi-truck may also be referred to as a vehicle combination.
The swivel connection between the traction unit and the semitrailer can be achieved by means of a bolt, known as a semitrailer pin, kingpin or kingbolt, as a fastening element for the semitrailer, which fastening element is held by the semitrailer coupling. For this purpose, a cylindrical and rotationally symmetrical semitrailer pin is fastened in the front region of the frame and points downward. The coupling of the semitrailer consists of a plate with a built-in locking mechanism, on which the semitrailer rests and into which the semitrailer pins of the semitrailer are coupled. This means that the semitrailer is rotatably but firmly connected to the traction unit.
The locking mechanism may also be referred to as a semitrailer hitch lock and has a C-shaped wear ring which is fixedly but interchangeably mounted on the semitrailer hitch plate and is designed and arranged with an interior or receiving space which opens to the rear in the longitudinal direction of the traction unit. The locking mechanism further comprises a locking hook (also called a coupling hook) pivotable about a vertical or longitudinal axis of the inner space or receiving space of the wear ring in order to close the inner space or receiving space of the wear ring and thus to hold the semitrailer pin there. Thus, the inner spaces or receiving spaces of the locking hooks correspond to the inner spaces or receiving spaces of the wear ring, or when the locking hooks are in the closed state, these inner spaces or receiving spaces coincide. The longitudinal axes of the semitrailer pin, the wear ring and the locking hook are then superimposed.
For coupling or hitching the semitrailer to the traction unit, the traction unit is driven backwards towards the semitrailer positioned on the semitrailer support, so that the frame of the traction unit with the semitrailer coupling slides under the front area of the frame of the semitrailer. The semitrailer pin contacts the outside of the locking hook of the semitrailer coupling and thereby resiliently pushes the locking hook open, so that it swings sideways, and the semitrailer coupling opens rearward. The semitrailer pin then passes through the opening of the semitrailer coupling or its wear ring into its interior or receiving space. The traction unit is then stopped and the opening of the semitrailer coupling or its wear ring is closed and locked again by the locking hook being swung sideways using spring force. The combination is ready for driving. Uncoupling or uncoupling is performed in reverse.
The fixed semitrailer pin of the semitrailer thus not only enables a positive locking of the closed semitrailer coupling or its semitrailer coupling lock to the traction unit against the direction of travel or traction, but also enables a rotational relative movement between the semitrailer and the traction unit, so that the semitrailer can follow the movement of the traction unit even when cornering.
Due to these relative movements of the semitrailer pin and the semitrailer coupling with respect to each other, during operation of the semitrailer, at least material wear of the semitrailer occurs where the semitrailer pin contacts or rubs with the semitrailer coupling. Such wear or abrasion of the semitrailer pin reduces its material thickness and correspondingly weakens the function of the semitrailer pin as a transmission element in the power flow between the traction unit and the semitrailer. This may lead to tearing of the semitrailer pin.
The relative movement of the semitrailer pin and the semitrailer coupling with respect to one another can also affect the wear rings and the locking hooks of the locking mechanism or of the semitrailer coupling lock, i.e. wear can also occur and thus occur on the surfaces of the wear rings and the locking hooks which face the specific or common interior or receiving space and which are in contact with the cylindrical outer surface of the semitrailer pin.
Therefore, for road safety of semi-trailer trucks it is necessary to check the wear ring and the wear of the locking hooks of the locking mechanism or of the semi-trailer coupling lock at regular intervals (for example at intervals, for example half a year or according to the use of the semi-trailer truck, for example according to the kilometers travelled). To date, this has been done manually, i.e. by a person measuring the dimensions of the wear ring and locking hook at certain designated locations using a mechanical test gauge or template, in order to determine whether the measured dimensions still meet the corresponding specifications, i.e. whether the wear ring and/or locking hook have worn excessively and need replacement.
A disadvantage of this is that the evaluation of the permissible or impermissible wear of the wear ring and the locking hook is carried out by a specific person and therefore there is a certain uncertainty, since the evaluation may also depend on the attention and/or experience of the person. This may result in excessively worn wear rings and/or locking hooks still being used, which may jeopardize the road safety of the semi-truck. This may also result in the wear rings and/or locking hooks that are still available being replaced prematurely, which may result in additional effort, additional costs, and/or unnecessary downtime of the semi-truck.
Another disadvantage is that the occurrence of wear of the wear ring and the locking hook may be very different and, thus, an unacceptably strong wear may have been reached within an allowed time or kilometer interval between the two wear tests, which cannot be detected at that moment. This also jeopardizes the road safety of the semi-truck.
Disclosure of Invention
The object of the present invention is to provide a wear ring and/or locking hook for a semitrailer coupling lock of a traction unit of a semitrailer vehicle of the type described above, so that the checking of wear of the wear ring and/or locking hook can be simplified and/or improved. In particular, the wear of the wear ring and/or the locking hook should be able to be monitored more regularly and in particular even continuously than before. In particular, this should be as simple, reliable, space-saving, personnel-independent and/or individual as possible. In any case, this should improve or enhance the road safety of the semi-truck. At least alternatives to the known options for checking the wear ring of the coupling lock of the semitrailer and/or the wear of the locking hook should be produced.
According to the invention, this object is achieved by a wear ring and/or locking hook having the features according to claim 1, by a semitrailer coupling lock having the features according to claim 12, by a semitrailer coupling having the features according to claim 13, by a traction unit having the features according to claim 14 and by a semi-truck having the features according to claim 15. Advantageous further developments are described in the dependent claims.
The invention therefore relates to a wear ring or a locking hook of a semitrailer coupling lock for a semitrailer coupling of a traction unit of a semitrailer truck, which wear ring or locking hook extends substantially around a longitudinal axis.
The wear ring according to the invention or the locking hook according to the invention is characterized by at least one wear detection member arranged in the wear ring or the locking hook perpendicular to the longitudinal axis such that wear of the wear ring or the locking hook perpendicular to the longitudinal axis can be detected visually and/or by a sensor. Thus, wear radial to the longitudinal axis may be detected away from the longitudinal axis (i.e. radially outward from and/or also radially facing the longitudinal axis from the inner space or receiving space of the wear ring or locking hook).
In other words, the at least one wear detection member is arranged within the profile or material of the wear ring or locking hook such that both the material of the wear ring or locking hook and the material of the wear detection member are reduced in their radial extent by wear or abrasion that occurs due to contact with the semitrailer pin during operation as described above.
For this purpose, at least one wear detection member may be arranged in the wear ring exactly radially or perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis or at least obliquely to the longitudinal axis or in the locking hooks facing inwards towards the semitrailer pin, so that wear or abrasion of the semitrailer pin accommodated in the interior space or receiving space of the semitrailer lock may also be reduced from the interior by the wear detection member. Alternatively or additionally, at least one wear detection member may be arranged in the locking hook just radially or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or at least obliquely to the longitudinal axis, facing outwards towards the semitrailer pin, so that wear or abrasion that may occur when the locking hook is pushed or pivoted away elastically due to contact with the semitrailer pin when coupled or articulated may also be reduced from the outside by the wear detection member of the locking hook.
The invention is based on the finding that by designing a part of the wear ring or the locking hook as wear detection member or as having wear detection member, the wear or the extent of wear of the wear ring or the locking hook at this point may be visually identifiable from the outside and/or detectable by the sensor. In any event, detecting or monitoring the condition of the wear detection member in this manner may be easier than previously possible through periodic manual detection of the wear ring or the locking hook itself as described above. This can reduce the effort of checking the degree of wear of the wear ring or the locking hook and correspondingly also reduce the costs of the checking. This may also increase the reliability of the inspection results, which on the one hand increases the road safety of the semi-truck and on the other hand may avoid premature or unnecessary replacement of the wear ring or locking hook that is still available. The arrangement of the wear detection member inside the wear ring or the locking hook may keep the effort to be achieved and in particular the required installation space to a minimum. In particular, the inspection or monitoring of the extent of wear of the wear ring or locking hook may be performed continuously or more periodically than previously known, which may improve road safety of semi-truck and increase the duration of use of the wear ring or locking hook.
Preferably, the wear detection member is arranged in at least one horizontal cavity of the wear ring or the locking hook, wherein the wear detection member has at least a first wear element of a first color arranged between an inner edge of the horizontal cavity and a wear limit. The first color of the wear member is significantly different from the color of the material of the wear ring or the locking hook itself. In other words, at least one colored wear element, in particular made of colored plastic, can be used as a wear detection member which can be introduced into a corresponding cavity of the wear ring or locking hook and which terminates in a contour or surface of the wear ring or locking hook facing outwards or towards the interior facing the interior space or receiving space and which can be visually recognized by a person. If the colored wear element has not been completely worn away, the colored wear element can be visually recognized by a person and from this the permissible wear of the wear ring or the locking hook can be deduced. If the colored wear element is no longer visually identifiable by a person, the person can infer therefrom that the colored wear element has worn away completely and has reached or exceeded the limit of permitted wear. This may represent a particularly simple implementation of the invention, which implementation may allow a person to visually inspect for wear on a regular basis. In particular, a driver of a traction unit that couples an unfamiliar or unknown traction unit with the wear ring and/or locking hook according to the present disclosure can easily and quickly visually check the wear state of the wear ring and/or locking hook of the semi-trailer coupling lock of the traction unit. This may increase the confidence of the driver in using an unfamiliar or unknown traction unit.
The wear detection member may also have at least two wear elements of different colors, which are arranged radially one after the other, in order to increase the information value, as will be described in more detail below.
Alternatively or additionally, the wear detection member may enable electronic monitoring of wear conditions or wear limits of the wear ring or locking hook, as will be described in more detail below.
In any case, the wear detection member may be arranged in the horizontal plane or in the cross-section of the wear ring or locking hook at a location where particularly significant wear or abrasion typically occurs or where unacceptably high wear is typically expected to be reached first. This may thus increase the information value of the wear detection member.
It is also possible to use a plurality of identical or different wear detection members, observed in a horizontal plane or in a cross section of the wear ring or locking hook, in order to be able to achieve the previously described wear check at a corresponding number of points on the wear ring or locking hook. In particular, this allows for simultaneous monitoring of wear at multiple locations that typically experience significant wear, as described above. In this case, the at least one sensory wear detection member may be used, for example, at a location on the wear ring or locking hook that is difficult or impossible for a person or driver to visually detect. At least one visual wear detection member may be used at a location on the wear ring or locking hook that can be easily or conveniently visually detected by a person or driver.
The plurality of identical or different wear detection members may also be arranged offset from each other in a vertical direction (i.e. along the longitudinal axis) and/or in a horizontal plane or cross section in order to monitor the positions of different portions of the wear ring or locking hook and/or one portion of the wear ring or locking hook as described above, as will be described in more detail below. This may also correspondingly increase the information value of the wear detection member.
According to one aspect of the invention, the wear detection member is arranged in at least one horizontal cavity of the wear ring or the locking hook, wherein the wear detection member has at least a first wear element of a first color arranged between an inner edge of the horizontal cavity and a wear limit, and at least a second wear element of a second, different color arranged within the wear limit.
In this way, the first color of the first wear element can be recognized by a person or driver and the permissible wear of the wear ring or the locking hook can be determined. If a person or driver visually recognizes the second color of the second wear member, this may indicate an impermissible wear of the wear ring or locking hook.
Thus, as a further development of only one colored wear element as described previously, the visually identified second color of the second wear element may indicate that the second wear element is still present. If only a first colored wear element is used, the absence of this first colored wear element may be due to the fact that the allowable wear limit is reached or also due to the fact that the monochrome wear element has been disengaged and is detached from the wear ring or locking hook. In this case, the wear ring or locking hook that is still available will be considered worn and replaced unnecessarily. This can be avoided by this aspect of the invention.
According to another aspect of the invention, the wear detection member has at least one illumination member arranged within the horizontal cavity of the wear ring or the locking hook and designed to illuminate the first wear element through the second wear element.
In particular, the illumination member may be implemented as an LED. In particular, the operation of the lighting member may be permanent or continuous, so as to be able to check the wear condition of the wear ring or the locking hook at any time. Furthermore, switching on and off the lighting member or the corresponding effort of having to provide corresponding electrical options for this, such as external accessible switches on the wear ring or locking hook, can be avoided.
The material of the first and second wear elements, for example made of plastic, may be colored and translucent accordingly, such that the material of the first and second wear elements may be illuminated radially from the inside or "from the back", and the light emitted to the outside in the color of the last illuminated wear element. This allows the previously described aspects of the two-color wear detection member to be further improved in terms of its recognizability and its information value to a person or driver, as the color is better visually perceived as illuminated. This may make it easier for a person or driver to visually identify the wear detection member itself and in particular its color, in particular in darkness, under poor visibility conditions and/or when the surface of the wear ring or locking hook becomes dirty.
By providing the wear ring or the locking hook with a horizontal cavity, sufficient installation space can be created within the wear ring or the locking hook to arrange at least one lighting member and in particular a plurality of lighting members therein. In particular, weakening of the wear ring or locking hook can be sufficiently avoided by corresponding smaller horizontal cavities, so that the wear ring or locking hook can perform its force transmitting function without limitation.
According to another aspect of the invention, the wear detection member, preferably located within the horizontal cavity, has at least one electrical energy storage device designed to power at least the lighting member, preferably also the detection unit and/or the wireless communication unit.
This allows the illumination means and, if applicable, the electrical power supply of a plurality or all of the illumination means to be provided directly by the wear ring or the locking hook itself, so that an electrically conductive connection with the electrical power supply from outside the wear ring or the locking hook can be dispensed with. This may keep the effort to use at least one lighting member as described above correspondingly low. In particular, when LEDs, which generally have very low electrical energy requirements, are used as lighting members, permanent or continuous operation of the lighting members may be ensured by the electrical energy storage device even for more than a few years, whereby recharging or replacement of the electrical energy storage device may be omitted. If desired, other electrical or electronic components of the wear detection member may also be powered by the electrical energy storage device, thereby eliminating the use of additional or separate electrical energy storage devices.
According to another aspect of the invention, the wear detection member is arranged in at least one horizontal cavity of the wear ring or the locking hook, wherein the wear detection member has at least a first wear element arranged between an inner edge of the horizontal cavity and a wear limit, and at least a second wear element arranged within the wear limit, wherein at least one conductive element of the electrical circuit is arranged at the wear limit such that when the wear of the wear ring or the locking hook reaches the wear limit, the conductive element is cut off by the wear, wherein the wear detection member, preferably within the horizontal cavity, has a detection unit designed to monitor the conductivity of the conductive element, and preferably to output corresponding information when the conductive element is cut off.
The two wear elements may be the two monochromatic first and second wear elements described above, or may be two wear elements of any same color.
This aspect of the invention is based on the finding that a sensor monitoring option may be created in addition to or as an alternative to the previously described visual option of wear monitoring by a person or driver. For this purpose, it is possible in this way to precisely guide an electrically conductive element, such as an electrical conductor or an electrical conductor circuit, until the wear limit of the permissible wear of the wear ring or the locking hook at this point is reached, which can occur in particular within a second wear element (for example a plastic part), which can at the same time be covered or protected externally by the first wear element (for example a plastic part).
In this case, the first external wear element is worn or worn together with the wear ring or the locking hook until the wear limit is reached. When the wear limit is reached, the conductive element is also subjected to wear or abrasion, which acts externally on the wear ring or the locking hook. The conductive element is worn away so that it is cut off so that it can no longer transmit current or a voltage can no longer be applied via the conductive element, which can be recognized by the detection unit. Thus, the detection unit may automatically determine when the wear limit is reached.
The detection unit may output the corresponding information to the outside. If multiple wear detection members are used, the information of the detection unit may also contain information containing the identity of the specific worn or cut conductive element or its detection unit, so that the location of the allowed wear is or is exceeded can be identified.
In any case, the corresponding information may be output by a wireless communication unit that may wirelessly transmit data or information to at least the outside of the wear ring or the locking hook, and preferably also receive data and information from the outside. This can be done automatically by the detection unit as soon as the wear limit is reached, so that a person or driver can react to this immediately. The information may be continuously output by the detection unit or periodically repeatedly output to ensure that the information reaches the person or driver. If necessary, the output of this information by the detection unit can be terminated by a person or driver receiving a confirmation, in order to save power on the detection unit side. The output of this information by the detection unit may additionally or alternatively take place only upon interrogation or in response to a request from the outside, if necessary, as will be described in more detail below.
In any case, the detection unit may output this information to the person or driver such that the information is wirelessly transmitted to an electronic receiver of the person or driver, such as a mobile device in the form of a smart phone or tablet computer, for example. In addition or alternatively, this information can also be transmitted wirelessly by the detection unit to an electronic receiver on the traction unit, where it is received and further processed and then output or displayed to the driver via an output element, such as in particular a display element on the traction unit. In this case, if necessary, this information can be transmitted wirelessly from the traction unit or its control unit to the fleet management system, in order to be able to take into account and plan the replacement of worn wear rings or worn locking hooks there.
According to another aspect of the invention, the wear detection member, preferably located within the horizontal cavity, has at least one wireless communication unit, preferably a wireless transmission unit, designed to wirelessly transmit at least one item of information from the detection unit to the outside of the wear ring or the locking hook. This allows the corresponding features described above to be implemented.
According to another aspect of the invention, the wireless communication unit is designed to be requested wirelessly from outside the wearing ring or the locking hook to send information from the detection unit. This allows the corresponding features described above to be implemented.
According to another aspect of the invention, the wirelessly transmitted information of the detection unit comprises a state of the conductive element and/or information derived from the state of the conductive element. The state of the conductive element can be distinguished at least with respect to whether the conductive element is cut off. The information derived by the detection unit may be that the corresponding wear limit is identified as having been reached or not. However, in the case of receiving and further processing the wirelessly transmitted information of the detection unit, the latter conclusion can also be drawn, which can simplify the implementation of the detection unit and correspondingly save the associated electrical energy, costs and/or installation space.
According to another aspect of the invention, the wirelessly transmitted information of the detection unit further comprises an identification of the conductive element that was cut off. This may enable distinguishing between individual conductive elements even when a single detection unit is used.
According to another aspect of the invention, the wear detection member, preferably at least a first wear element and a second wear element, is arranged at least twice. This may increase the number of positions within the wear ring or locking hook, which may be monitored for wear as previously described. Arranging the two wear detection members substantially diametrically opposite each other with respect to the longitudinal axis (i.e. offset from each other by 180 ° in the plane of the cross-section or by as large an angle as possible around the longitudinal axis) may enable the wear to be monitored as evenly distributed as possible.
According to another aspect of the invention, the detection unit is designed to monitor the conductivity of all conductive elements and preferably to output corresponding information when at least one of the conductive elements is switched off. This avoids the effort of using multiple detection units, while one detection unit is designed to be able to monitor all conductive elements. This may simultaneously reduce the power consumption and/or the required installation space.
The invention also relates to a semitrailer hitch lock with a wear ring and/or a locking hook as described above. In this way, a semitrailer hitch lock can be created in order to implement and use the previously described aspects of the wear ring according to the invention and/or the locking hook according to the invention.
The invention also relates to a semitrailer coupling with a semitrailer coupling lock as described above. In this way, a semi-trailer coupling may be created in order to implement and use the previously described aspects of the semi-trailer coupling lock according to the invention.
The invention also relates to a traction unit with a semitrailer coupling as described above. In this way, a traction unit can be produced in order to implement and use the previously described aspects of the semitrailer coupling according to the invention therein.
The invention also relates to a semi-truck with a traction unit as described above. In this way, a traction unit may be produced in order to implement and use the previously described aspects of the traction unit according to the present invention.
Drawings
Several exemplary embodiments and further advantages of the invention are shown and described in more detail below, purely schematically, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:
Fig. 1 shows a schematic horizontal section through a wear ring according to the invention according to a first embodiment;
Fig. 2 shows a schematic horizontal section through a locking hook according to the invention according to a first embodiment;
fig. 3 shows a schematic horizontal section through a wear ring according to the invention according to a second exemplary embodiment;
Fig. 4 shows a schematic horizontal section through a locking hook according to the invention according to a second exemplary embodiment;
fig. 5 shows a schematic horizontal section through a wear ring according to the invention according to a third exemplary embodiment;
fig. 6 shows a schematic horizontal section through a locking hook according to the invention according to a third exemplary embodiment.
Each of the above figures is observed in a cylindrical coordinate system. The longitudinal axis X extends. Perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, the radial direction R extends away from the longitudinal axis X. The circumferential direction U is perpendicular to the radial direction R and extends around the longitudinal axis X.
Detailed Description
Fig. 1 shows a schematic horizontal section through a wear ring 1 according to the invention according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a schematic horizontal section through a locking hook 2 according to the invention according to a first embodiment. The locking hook 2 may also be referred to as a coupling hook 2. The wear ring 1 and the locking hook 2 together with other known components not shown form a semitrailer hitch lock 1, 2 of a towing unit (not shown). Both the wear ring 1 and the locking hook 2 are made of metal integrally (i.e. monolithically).
The wear ring 1 has a wear ring body 10 which is substantially C-shaped or extends around a longitudinal axis X, see fig. 1. The wear ring body 10 thus substantially encloses a receiving space 11, which may also be referred to as the inner space 11 of the wear ring 1. The receiving space 11 has a radially outward opening (not shown). The wear ring body 10 has a plurality of (e.g. three) through openings 13 which are preferably arranged uniformly in the circumferential direction U or spaced apart from one another for mounting the wear ring 1 (if necessary by means of a fastening ring (not shown)) on a plate of a coupling of a semi-trailer (not shown) by means of screws.
Similarly, the locking hook 2 has a locking hook body 20 which is also designed to be substantially C-shaped or extend around a longitudinal axis X, see fig. 2. Thus, the locking hook body 20 also substantially encloses a receiving space 21, which may also be referred to as the inner space 21 of the locking hook 2. The receiving space 21 also has a radially outward opening (not shown). The locking hook body 20 has a through opening 23 through which a bolt can be guided as a rotation shaft in order to pivot the locking hook 2 about the bolt.
The pivotable locking hook 2 is held in the closed position by a spring (not shown), but can be pivoted about a bolt as a pivot shaft into the open position against the spring force of the spring. The terms "open" and "closed" refer to whether the openings of the wear ring 1 and the locking hook 2 overlap or substantially overlap each other and thus whether the overlapping receiving spaces 11, 21 are accessible for a semitrailer pin of a semitrailer (not shown) ("open or open position") or whether the receiving space 11 of the wear ring 1 is blocked by the locking hook 2 for a semitrailer pin ("closed position").
For this purpose, the locking hooks 2 on the plates of the coupling of the semitrailer are arranged relative to the wear ring 1 such that the locking hooks 2 can be pressed or pivoted elastically from the closed position into the open position by contact with the semitrailer pins, so that the openings of the wear ring 1 are released and thus the semitrailer pins of the semitrailer can be received in the receiving spaces 11 of the wear ring 1 in the longitudinal direction of the traction unit as well as of the semitrailer. The locking hook 2 (the opening of which receiving space 21 points laterally in the open state towards the semitrailer pin) can then be pivoted into the closed position by means of its tensioned spring, so that the locking hook 2 closes the receiving space 11 of the wear ring 1 with one of its C-shaped sides in the longitudinal direction of the traction unit as well as of the semitrailer and thus holds the semitrailer pin in the receiving space 11 of the wear ring 1. Thus, in the closed state, the receiving space 11 of the wear ring 1 and the receiving space 21 of the locking hook 2 coincide or overlap each other.
According to the invention, the wear of the wear ring 1 can be checked or monitored more simply, more quickly and/or more frequently than previously known by personnel, such as the driver of a semi-trailer truck, in two positions or in two parts, which are each arranged at approximately 45 ° to the longitudinal direction of the traction unit as well as the semi-trailer, with respect to the receiving space 11 of the wear ring 1. On the other hand, according to the invention, this can also additionally or alternatively be done at three points or in three parts which are arranged evenly distributed in the circumferential direction U around the longitudinal axis X, opposite the receiving space 21 of the locking hook 2 and additionally or alternatively face outwards in the event of crimping of the semitrailer pin with the closed locking hook 2.
In any case, according to the first exemplary embodiment of fig. 1 and 2, at each point of wear ring 1 or locking hook 2 where wear is to be monitored, there is a continuous horizontal cavity 12 of wear ring 1 or a continuous horizontal cavity 22 of locking hook 2, which extends radially or substantially radially from the inner or inner surface of a particular receiving space 11, 21 to the opposite outer or outer surface. In each horizontal cavity 12, 22 a wear detection member 3 is introduced which is directed to a specific receiving space 11, 21 and is held in the horizontal cavity 12, 22 material-bonded, for example by an adhesive between the inner surface of the horizontal cavity 12, 22 and the outer surface of the wear detection member 3, or is press-fitted into the horizontal cavity, for example by an at least slightly oversized outer contour of the wear detection member 3 relative to the horizontal cavity 12, 22. The horizontal cavity 22 of the locking hook 2 also has a second radially outwardly facing wear detection member 3 where the semitrailer pin is crimped with the closed locking hook 2.
Each wear detection member 3 has a first outer coloured wear element 30 and an immediately adjacent second inner coloured wear element 31 on the edge. The first outer coloured wear element 30 is material-bonded to the second inner coloured wear element 31, for example by gluing or by integrally (i.e. monolithic) manufacturing. The first outer coloured wear element 30 has a different colour to the second inner coloured wear element 31. Preferably, the first outer coloured wear element 30 is green, in particular neon green, and the second inner coloured wear element 31 is red, in particular neon red. The transition or boundary between the first outer coloured wear element 30 and the corresponding second inner coloured wear element 31 is provided by sizing the wear elements 30, 31 such that the transition corresponds to the allowable wear limit of the corresponding portion of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2.
If the traction unit is parked stationary, i.e. without a semitrailer, the wear ring 1 according to the invention and the locking hook 2 according to the invention are accessible from all sides in the horizontal plane, at least at the point or section with the wear detection member 3, and can be visually observed from all sides, in particular by a person (such as a driver) who wants to use the traction unit. In this case, a person can visually identify the wear ring 1 and the wear detection member 3 of the locking hook 2 and determine whether the first outer colored wear element 30 or the second inner wear element 31 is visible from the outside.
If the person recognizes the first outer coloured wear element 30, it can be inferred therefrom that at this point of the corresponding portion of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 the material wear of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 is still within the permitted range, which material wear also thus reduces the radial extension of the specific wear detection member 3. If the person recognizes the second inner coloured wear element 31, it can thus be inferred that at this point or this part of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 the first outer coloured wear element 30 has worn away completely and that the second inner coloured wear element 31 located radially below is therefore visible from the outside. This means that at this point of the corresponding part of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2, the allowed wear has been reached or exceeded and the traction unit can no longer be used in a manner suitable for the road. Instead, the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 must be replaced.
Fig. 3 shows a schematic horizontal section through a wear ring 1 according to the invention according to a second embodiment. Fig. 4 shows a schematic horizontal section through a locking hook 2 according to the invention according to a second embodiment. As previously mentioned, the wear elements 30, 31 are designed in different colors, wherein the specific material is also designed to be translucent.
Within a particular horizontal cavity 12, 22, an illumination member 32 in the form of an LED 32 is arranged at the inner end of the second inner coloured wear element 31 such that the illumination member is arranged radially outwards such that the wear elements 30, 31 are illuminated radially outwards by the light of the particular LED 32 when the LED 32 is operated. The LEDs 32 may be supplied with electrical energy for continuous or permanent operation by an electrical energy storage device 36 in the form of a battery 36, which is also arranged within the particular horizontal cavity 12, 22. The operation of the LED 32 may begin when the wear ring 1 or locking hook 2 is mounted on the traction unit and may continue until the battery 36 is depleted of power.
Also in this case of the second exemplary embodiment of fig. 3 and 4, the corresponding point or part of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 can be visually checked for wear by a person as described previously in connection with the first exemplary embodiment of fig. 1 and 2. In this case, the light of the color of the first outer colored wear element 30 can be visually perceived by a person as long as the wear limit is maintained as described above. If the wear limit is reached or exceeded at a point or portion of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2, the first outer coloured wear element 30 is worn away at that point or portion and the light corresponding to the LED 32 is emitted to the outside in the colour of the second inner coloured wear element 31.
Thus, a person can distinguish between allowable wear and non-allowable wear based on the color of light that is visually perceivable at a specific point or a specific portion of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2. Thus, the inspection of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 according to the first exemplary embodiment of fig. 1 and 2 can be improved for personnel, because the colored luminous wear detection member 3 can be perceived better or more reliably than without such backlighting, in particular in darkness or under poor visibility conditions (such as in rain or fog) or also when the outer surface of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 becomes dirty. In particular, in darkness or under poor visibility conditions, the person may prohibit the wearing ring 1 or the locking hook 2 from being illuminated, for example, with a flash, so that the wear detection member 3 can be visually identified. Likewise, the effort that has to clean or wipe the dirty surface of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 in order to be able to visually identify the wear detection member 3 can be omitted.
Fig. 5 shows a schematic horizontal section through a wear ring 1 according to the invention according to a third embodiment. Fig. 6 shows a schematic horizontal section through a locking hook 2 according to the invention according to a third embodiment. In this case, the wear ring 1 and the locking hook 2 are designed as described in the second exemplary embodiment of fig. 3 and 4, which also applies to the extension of the wear elements 30, 31, which can be colored as described in the first exemplary embodiment of fig. 1 and 2, or can also be designed with the same, undetermined color.
In each case, the conductive element 33 in the form of a conductor loop 33 extends through a specific second inner wear element 31, such that the conductor loop 33 extends or reverses at the boundary between the first outer wear element 30 and the second inner wear element 31. All conductor loops 33 are electrically conductively connected individually or jointly to a detection unit 34, which is arranged in a particular horizontal cavity 12, 22 and which may also be referred to as a control unit 34. The detection unit 34 is connected to send signals to a wireless communication unit 35 which is also arranged within the particular horizontal cavity 12, 22 and which can at least send wireless signals, which is why the wireless communication unit 35 may also be referred to as a sending unit 35. The detection unit 34 and the transmission unit 35 are electrically connected to a specific battery 36 and operated by the electric power of the battery 36.
In this case, if the wear of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 reaches the wear limit at a point or portion of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2, the corresponding conductor loop 33 is thereby worn away and cut off. The detection unit 34 may determine whether the conductor loop 33 is continuously conductively closed or shut off for a specific conductor loop 33 or for each of the conductor loops 33. This may be done, for example, by the detection unit 34 applying a measurement voltage. This enables the detection unit 34 to distinguish, for the point or part of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 where the conductor loop 33 is provided, whether there is still an allowable level of wear. The corresponding information can be transmitted wirelessly from the detection unit 34 to the outside of the wearing ring 1 or the locking hook 2 by means of the transmission unit 35.
The information may be received and displayed, for example, by a handheld device, such as a mobile device, such as a smart phone of a person or driver of the traction unit. This information may be sent continuously, however this may increase the consumption of electrical energy. This information can also be transmitted only when a person or driver requests to do so with the corresponding information for the wearing ring 1 or the locking hook 2 according to the invention (this can also be achieved by means of a smart phone). Accordingly, the corresponding information can be queried as needed, which can reduce the power consumption of the wearing ring 1 or the locking hook 2 according to the present invention and thus increase the operation time of the detection unit 34 and the transmission unit 35.
This information can also be received, for example, by a control unit of the traction unit and displayed there to the driver. In this case too, the information of the wearing ring 1 or the locking hook 2 according to the invention can be transmitted continuously or only after request by the control unit of the traction unit. In any case, the information received can be displayed to the driver of the traction unit in order to inform the road conditions of the wearing ring 1 or the locking hook 2, in particular during operation of the traction unit.
In any case, the detection unit 34 can distinguish between the different conductor loops 33, so that the information sent can also contain the identity of the specific conductor loop 33. If one of the first external wear elements 30 thus reaches its limit and the corresponding conductor loop 33 is cut off, a person or driver can be informed in a targeted manner at which point or section of the wear ring 1 or the locking hook 2 the permissible wear has been reached or not. List of reference numerals (part of the description)
R radial direction
U circumferential direction
X longitudinal axis
1.2 Fifth wheel connecting lock
1 Wearing ring of semitrailer coupling lock 1,2
10 Wear ring body
11 The receiving space or interior of the wear ring 1
12 Horizontal cavity of wear ring 1
13 Through opening 2 locking hook or coupling hook 20 locking hook body of semitrailer coupling locks 1,2
21 The receiving space or interior of the locking hook 2
22 Horizontal cavity of locking hook 2
23. Through openings
3. Wear detection member
30 First outer (coloured) wear element 31 second inner (coloured) wear element 32 illumination means, LED
33 Conductive element, conductor loop
34 Detection unit, control unit
35 Wireless communication unit or wireless transmitting unit 36 electric energy storage device, battery
Claims (15)
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE102022119205 | 2022-08-01 | ||
| DE102022119205.9 | 2022-08-01 | ||
| DE102022121420.6A DE102022121420A1 (en) | 2022-08-01 | 2022-08-24 | Wear ring and locking hook for a fifth wheel lock of a fifth wheel coupling of a tractor unit of a semi-trailer vehicle |
| DE102022121420.6 | 2022-08-24 | ||
| PCT/EP2023/070723 WO2024028184A1 (en) | 2022-08-01 | 2023-07-26 | Wear ring and locking hook for a semi-trailer coupling lock of a semi-trailer coupling of a tractor unit of a semi-trailer truck |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN119654273A true CN119654273A (en) | 2025-03-18 |
Family
ID=87520088
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN202380057734.0A Pending CN119654273A (en) | 2022-08-01 | 2023-07-26 | Wear ring and locking hook for a semi-trailer coupling lock of a semi-trailer coupling of a traction unit of a semi-trailer truck |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CN (1) | CN119654273A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2024028184A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3612832A1 (en) * | 1986-04-16 | 1987-10-22 | Walter Hunger | Fifth-wheel coupling |
| CN2225413Y (en) * | 1995-04-27 | 1996-04-24 | 青岛优克特种设备配件有限公司 | Traction coupling device for saddle type traction rack |
| EP1749734B1 (en) * | 2005-08-06 | 2008-12-03 | Georg Fischer Verkehrstechnik GmbH | Fifth wheel coupling plate with wear ring. |
| US11428589B2 (en) * | 2017-10-16 | 2022-08-30 | Saf-Holland, Inc. | Displacement sensor utilizing ronchi grating interference |
| DE102018117584A1 (en) * | 2018-07-20 | 2020-01-23 | Jost-Werke Deutschland Gmbh | PLUG-IN COUPLING SYSTEM AND COUPLING SYSTEM |
-
2023
- 2023-07-26 CN CN202380057734.0A patent/CN119654273A/en active Pending
- 2023-07-26 WO PCT/EP2023/070723 patent/WO2024028184A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2024028184A1 (en) | 2024-02-08 |
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