Patent Publication Number: US-2023159117-A1

Title: Connecting system and tractor linkage

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, German Patent Application DE 10 2021 209 167.9, filed Aug. 20, 2021, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a connecting system for connecting respective utility interfaces on a tractor to respective corresponding utility interfaces on a trailer that can be coupled to the tractor. Certain embodiments also relate to a tractor linkage. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A tractor linkage typically includes a tractor to which a trailer can be coupled such that it can be towed and pushed therewith. The trailer is mechanically coupled to the tractor for this. Respective utility interfaces must also be connected, e.g. for supplying the trailer with electricity and pneumatic pressure. This enables operation of the trailer&#39;s brakes for example. These utility interfaces must therefore be connected before the tractor is allowed to move the trailer. To do this, either the driver must exit the tractor, or some other person must make the connections. This involves relatively little effort with transport over longer distances. 
     At loading facilities, however, trails must frequently be moved only short distances for logistical reasons. This results in numerous connecting processes, which can be relatively labor intensive. By way of example, rearranging these trailers is slowed significantly if the driver has to exit the tractor. Other people hired to make the connections could be exposed to greater risks due to limited space and the numerous rearranging procedures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    shows a schematic side view of sections of a tractor linkage with a connecting system. 
         FIG.  2    shows an adapter element of a trailer adapter for the connecting system, in a schematic front view. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a tractor linkage  10  in a schematic side view, comprising a tractor  12  and a trailer  14  coupled to the tractor  12 . The tractor  12  has an operator cab  16  and two axles with respective wheels, at least one of which can be driven with a drive train in the tractor  12 . 
     The trailer  14  also has respective axles and wheels. The trailer  14  is releasably coupled to the tractor  12  with a mechanical coupling system, in order that the tractor  12  can pull the trailer  14 . The coupling system is a trailer coupling.  FIG.  1    shows the state in which this coupling has not yet taken place. The mechanical coupling system in this embodiment is designed such that the trailer  14  can be automatically coupled to the tractor  12 , as soon as the tractor  12  is in the right position in relation to the trailer  14  for this. 
     The trailer  14  must also be supplied by the tractor  12  with electricity and pressurized air, in order to operate the respective systems in the trailer  14 , e.g. brakes and lights, when the tractor  12  is pulling it, and to be able to control them from the tractor  12 . The tractor  12  and trailer  14  have corresponding utility interfaces for transferring electricity, signals and pressurized air when the utility interfaces are functionally connected to one another. 
     There is a connecting system for automating this functional connection. The connecting system  20  contains a trailer adapter  22 . The trailer adapter  22  comprises a trailer adapter element  24 , which shall be explained in greater detail in reference to  FIG.  2   , and a fastener. The trailer adapter element  22  is configured to be releasably connected to the respective trailer utility interfaces. The fastener is configured to releasably attach the trailer adapter  22  to the trailer  14 . The adapter  22  is attached to a superstructure on the trailer  14 , by means of a suction cup or magnet in the illustrated example. The adapter  22  is configured to be releasably attached to various types of trailers, e.g. trailers with and without superstructures. The adapter  22  can therefore be quickly and easily retrofitted to the trailer  14 , or other trailers, in a loading facility, and quickly removed therefrom prior to leaving the facility. 
     The connecting system  20  also comprises a tractor adapter  26  with a tractor adapter element  28  and a positioning device  30 . The tractor adapter element  28  is permanently connected to the respective tractor utility interfaces. The adapter  26  is likewise permanently mounted on the tractor  12 . The positioning device  30  is configured to automatically move the tractor adapter element  28  in relation to the tractor  12 , in order to position the tractor adapter element  28  on the trailer adapter element  24  to obtain a functional connection between the respective utility interfaces. The positioning takes place, for example, as soon as the tractor  12  and the trailer are close enough to one another. In this example, the positioning, and therefore the functional connection, automatically take place as soon as the trailer  14  is coupled to the tractor  12  by the mechanical coupling element on the tractor  12 , such that the tractor  12  can pull the trailer  14 . This requires no manual connecting of the respective utility interfaces. 
     The positioning device  30  has a moving articulated arm  32  that has a first arm element  34  and a second arm element  36 . The first arm element  34  has a sensor device  38  and the adapter element  28  at the end further away from the tractor  12 . The arm element  34  is connected at the other end to the end of the second arm element  36  that is further away from the tractor  12  via a joint  40 . The other end of the second arm element  36  is connected to the tractor  12  via a swivel joint  42 . The joint  40  allows the positioning device  30  to move the tractor adapter element  28  up and down. The swivel joint  42  allows the positioning device  30  to move the tractor adapter element  28  to the right and left. When the tractor  12  is driven while coupled to a trailer  14 , the articulated arm  32  follows the movement of the trailer. In order to functionally connect or disconnect the respective utility interfaces, the articulated arm  32  can be motorized, in order to dock or decouple the tractor adapter element  28  to or from the trailer adapter element  24 . 
     The sensor device  38  is configured to detect the trailer adapter element  24 . The sensor in the sensor device  38  is therefore a camera, which is located on the articulated arm  32  next to the tractor adapter element  28 . The detection comprises an identification of a label on the trailer adapter element  24 , which is formed by two physically separate QR codes  44 . The positioning device  30  is configured to move the tractor adapter element  28  in relation to the detected trailer adapter element  24 , in order to position the tractor adapter element  28  on the trailer adapter element  24 . 
     The connecting system  20  has a coupling device that is configured to releasably connect the tractor adapter element  28  to the trailer adapter element  24  when the tractor adapter element  28  is positioned on the trailer adapter element  24 . The coupling device has at least one magnet  46  for this. In the illustrated example, there are two magnets  46  on the trailer adapter element  24 , which can be seen clearly in  FIG.  2   . The tractor adapter element  28  can be connected to the trailer adapter element  24  by the magnetic fields generated by the respective magnets  46 . 
     Once the trailer  14  is docked, a signal is sent from the tractor  12  to the positioning device  30 . The camera then detects the QR codes  44 , at which point the articulated arm  32  is aligned by the positioning device  30  and the tractor adapter element  28  is coupled to the trailer adapter element  24 . The magnets  46  form a quick and simple connection that enables a precise alignment. Once they are aligned, this can be sent in one embodiment to a control unit for the positioning device  30 , at which point the articulated arm  32  is extended, and the tractor adapter element  28  is mechanically connected to the trailer adapter element  24 . The functional connection between the respective utility interface is conveyed to the control unit in this embodiment, and can then be communicated to the driver of the tractor  12 . 
     There are also magnets on the tractor adapter element  28  in one embodiment, which are electromagnets in this case. The connection between the tractor adapter element  28  and the trailer adapter element  24  can therefore be obtained when a current flows through them. The magnetic fields of these magnets can be reversed by altering the current direction in order to release the connection between the tractor adapter element  28  and the trailer adapter element  24 . When the trailer  14  is to be decoupled, the tractor  12  driver can send a command to the connecting system  20 . The respective electromagnets are then provided with the reversed currents, thus reversing the magnetic fields, such that the mechanical connection between the tractor adapter element  28  and the trailer adapter element is released. This results in a decoupling. The articulated arm  32  is then returned to its initial position by the positioning device  30 . 
       FIG.  2    shows a front view of the trailer adapter element  24  from a side facing away from the trailer. The trailer adapter element  24  has an adapter plate  48 . There is a magnet  46  at each end. The respective QR codes  44  are located next to each magnet. The trailer adapter element  24  has a connection for each of the trailer utility interfaces between these magnets, comprising four pneumatic connections  50  and one centrally located electrical connection  52  in this case. The tractor adapter element  28  can have a similar structure, but without the respective QR codes  44 . The tractor adapter element  28  also has a connection for each tractor utility interface, which corresponds in each case to one of the respective connections  50 ,  52  on the trailer adapter element  24 . In this embodiment, the connections  50 ,  52  on the trailer adapter element  24  are female connectors, and those on the tractor adapter element  28  are male connectors. 
     The following description is included as additional disclosure that is consistent with the claims filed in the priority application. 
     A first aspect relates to a connecting system for connecting respective utility interfaces on a tractor to respective corresponding utility interfaces on a trailer that can be coupled to the tractor. The tractor can be a truck or a semi-tractor, by way of example. The tractor can comprise a drive train, containing a traction motor, and an operator cab. The trailer can be a semi-trailer, for example. The trailer can comprise a chassis and a receiving bed for freight, e.g. a platform for a container. The tractor can have a coupling element for mechanically connecting the trailer. The trailer can a have a corresponding coupling element. By way of example, the tractor can have a fifth wheel coupling plate, which encompasses a kingpin on the trailer when the trailer is connected. This connection allows for tractive forces to be transferred from the tractor to the trailer. 
     A tractor utility interface can be a connecting element with which power can be supplied for operating various devices in or on the trailer. An interface on the trailer can be a connecting element where power for operating the various devices on the trailer can be received. The term, “corresponding” is used for interfaces that are configured to be connected to one another. By way of example, the tractor can have a male connecting element and the trailer can have a corresponding female connecting element. By way of example, a utility interface can transfer electricity, and can be in the form of an electrical connection. This allows electricity to be supplied to the trailer for operating lights in or on the trailer. By way of example, one of the utility interfaces can transfer pneumatic pressure and be designed as a pneumatic connection. In this manner, pneumatic pressure can be provided for adjusting the trailer&#39;s suspension system. By connecting the trailer to the tractor, the trailer&#39;s brake system can also be supplied with the necessary energy. The brake system can also receive respective control signals via the electrical connection. 
     The connecting system has a trailer adapter with a trailer adapter element and a fastener. The trailer adapter element can be releasably connected to the respective utility interfaces on the trailer. The fastener can releasably connect the trailer adapter to the trailer. The fastener can be used to fasten the trailer adapter element to the trailer. The fastener can be configured to attach the trailer adapter element to various types of trailers, e.g. trailers with and without superstructures. 
     The adapter element on the trailer can be retrofitted as needed using the fastener, e.g. when it enters a loading facility. The adapter element can also be removed if necessary, e.g. when leaving the loading facility. It is therefore not necessary to provide each trailer with an adapter, thus reducing the overall costs of the system. It is also not necessary to permanently install the trailer adapter element on a trailer. By way of example, the fastener can have a clamp with which the trailer adapter can be attached to the trailer in a temporary manner. When attaching the adapter to the trailer, is it only necessary to connect the respective utility interfaces to the trailer adapter once. 
     The connecting system comprises a tractor adapter with a tractor adapter element. The tractor adapter element is configured to be connected to the respective tractor utility interfaces. The tractor adapter can be permanently connected to the tractor, i.e. permanently installed thereon. In the intended use, the tractor adapter can be non-releasably attached to the tractor. 
     The respective adapter elements can have a corresponding connection for each utility interface. The respective adapter elements can contain a plate. By way of example, the tractor adapter element can have an adapter plate with plug-in connectors arranged thereon, and the trailer adapter element can have a plate with corresponding plug-in connectors arranged thereon. 
     The tractor adapter contains a positioning device. The positioning device is configured to automatically displace the tractor adapter element in relation to the tractor, in order to position the tractor adapter element in relation to the trailer adapter element in order to functionally connect the respective utility interfaces. By way of example, the functional connection can be obtained automatically when the tractor adapter element is placed on the trailer adapter element. When the tractor adapter element is positioned on the trailer adapter element, they can come in contact with one another, and can also be oriented parallel to one another. The functional connection can enable the tractor to supply the trailer with energy. By way of example, electricity or pressurized air can be supplied once the connection has been established. The positioning device can have at least one motor for moving the tractor adapter element. The tractor adapter element can be connected to the tractor via the positioning device. 
     The positioning device enables the connection of the respective utility interfaces on the tractor and the trailer, without the driver having to exit the tractor, or having to provide a person at the connecting point between the tractor and the trailer. By way of example, the functional connection can be obtained automatically using sensor data. This makes the coupling of trailers to tractors simple, quick and secure. By way of example, it is only necessary to equip one tractor with the tractor adapter in a loading facility in order to rearrange respective trailers that are only temporarily equipped during their stay in the loading facility with a respective trailer adapter. Once a tractor is hooked up to the trailer, the positioning device can align the tractor adapter element and couple it to the trailer adapter element. This can also involve a mechanical connection of the tractor adapter element with the trailer adapter element. Once the trailer is disconnected, the tractor adapter element can also be automatically disconnected from the trailer adapter element, e.g. by the positioning device. The connecting system therefore makes it possible to quickly and easily rearrange the various trailers in the loading facility using a tractor, as long as the trailer adapters are attached to the respective trailers when they arrive. These trailer adapters can then be removed when the trailers leave the facility. 
     In one embodiment of the connecting system the positioning device can have a moving articulated arm. Such an articulated arm can have one or more arm elements. An arm element can be a rod or tube, for example. The articulated arm can have one or more joints. By way of example, the articulated arm can have a first and second arm element, which are then connected to one another at a joint. This articulated arm allows for the tractor adapter element to be moved around with a certain degree of freedom. The articulated arm makes it possible to span a distance between the tractor and the trailer adapter element. The articulated arm can be configured to hold the tractor adapter element. The tractor element can be attached to one end of the articulated arm. The other end of the articulated arm can be attached to the tractor. This allows the articulated arm to move the adapter element to a large extent. 
     In one embodiment of the connecting system the positioning device has a sensor device. The sensor device can be configured to detect the trailer adapter element. The sensor device can also be configured to scan the environment behind the tractor and identify the adapter element therein, e.g. using an image recognition algorithm. The positioning device can be configured to move the tractor adapter element in relation to the trailer element that has been detected, in order to position the tractor adapter element on the trailer adapter element. This results in an automated, sensor-supported, functional connection of the respective utility interfaces. The sensor device can be designed, for example, to generate respective sensor data, and the positioning device can be configured to automatically align the tractor adapter element for a functional connection with the trailer adapter element based on the sensor data. The sensor device can contain a sensor. The sensor can be designed as a camera, by way of example. 
     In one embodiment of the connecting system the sensor device contains a camera. The camera can be located on the articulated arm. This simplifies the positioning of the tractor adapter element on the trailer adapter element. By way of example, the tractor adapter element can be automatically moved such that the trailer adapter element remains in the middle of the image as it is approached. The camera can be located on the end of the articulated arm that is connected to the tractor adapter element. This places the camera near the tractor adapter element, thus simplifying calculation of the relative position of the trailer adapter element. The camera is also near the trailer adapter element when the connection has been established, thus enabling a fine tuning and also making it easier to detect the trailer adapter element. 
     In one embodiment of the connecting system the trailer adapter has a label located on the trailer adapter element. This can facilitate identification of the trailer adapter element. This label can also contain information, for example, regarding the number and types of respective interfaces. The sensor device can be configured to identify the trailer adapter element on the basis of the label attached thereto. By way of example, the label can be on the side of the adapter element facing the tractor adapter element for the functional connection therewith, when the tractor adapter element is also facing toward the trailer. This makes it particularly simple to reliably detect the label. The label can be printed onto the adapter plate on the trailer adapter element, or it can be glued thereto. 
     In one embodiment of the connecting system the label can contain a Quick Response Code. By way of example, the label can comprise a QR code. The QR code can contain a square matrix comprising black and white stripes, which can represent encoded data in a binary manner. The QR code can contain information regarding the trailer, such as a unique ID and the types and number of respective utility interfaces. The QR code can also contain information regard the design of the adapter element. This can facilitate a correct functional connection for supplying the trailer. A QR code can also contain standard orientation marks, which enable identification of the orientation of the QR code and thus the adapter element. These orientation marks can simplify a correct alignment of the tractor adapter element for the coupling. 
     In one embodiment of the connecting system the connecting system has a coupling device that is configured to releasably connect the tractor adapter element to the trailer adapter element when the tractor adapter element is positioned on the trailer adapter element. This makes it possible to prevent an unintended disconnection of the power supply for the trailer from the tractor. By way of example, the coupling device can form a snap-on connection between the tractor adapter element and the trailer adapter element. By way of example, the coupling device can provide a mechanical connection. The coupling device can be configured to automatically disconnect, e.g. in response to a disconnecting signal. The disconnecting signal can be activated by the driver of the tractor, for example. 
     In one embodiment of the connecting system the coupling device has a magnet with which the tractor adapter element can be connected by means of the magnetic field thereof to the trailer adapter element. The magnet can be an element that generates a magnetic field in its proximity. The magnet can be a permanent magnet. The magnet can also be an electromagnet, which only generates the magnetic field when supplied with an electric current. An interruption in the current can therefore release the connection between the tractor adapter element and the trailer adapter element. By reversing the electrical current through the electromagnet, the polarity of the magnet can also be reversed, thus generating a repelling force between the tractor adapter element and the trailer adapter element in order to separate them. When separated, the articulated arm on the tractor can be decoupled from the trailer, and then returned to the starting position. The magnet can be located on tractor adapter element. At least part of the trailer adapter element, in particular its adapter plate, can be made of a ferromagnetic metal. 
     The coupling device can be designed such that the tractor adapter element and the trailer adapter element are automatically correctly aligned when they are connected, thus bringing the respective connections into a functional connection with one another. The respective magnets can be arranged accordingly for this. The tractor adapter element and/or the trailer adapter element can also be mounted such that they can move. By way of example, the trailer adapter element can be mounted on the trailer such that it can pivot horizontally and vertically a few degrees and/or rotate about an axis. By way of example, the magnetic field can align the tractor adapter element with the trailer adapter element. This can enable a precise alignment. 
     In one embodiment of the connecting system the coupling device is designed such that the magnetic field of the magnet can be altered to release the connection between the tractor adapter element and the trailer adapter element. By way of example, the orientation of the magnetic field can be reversed, or the magnetic field can be terminated. The alteration can be caused, for example, by reversing the electrical flow. By way of example, the magnetic field can be shut off such that when the trailer is decoupled from the tractor, the connection is broken in order that the tractor can be driven away from the trailer. 
     In one embodiment of the connecting system, the tractor adapter is configured to be permanently attached to the tractor. The tractor can always have the tractor adapter attached to it. The tractor adapter can be installed permanently. The tractor can therefore be used with all trailers that have been equipped with the trailer adapter. 
     In another embodiment of the connecting system, the tractor adapter element has a connection for every tractor utility interface. The trailer adapter can have a connection corresponding to the respective connections on the tractor adapter element for every trailer utility interface. By way of example, the trailer and tractor connections can always form pairs. By way of example, some of the tractor connections and some of the trailer connections can be electrical contacts. By way of example, some of the tractor connections and some of the trailer connections can be pneumatic connectors. The respective corresponding connections can be designed such that the utility interfaces are functionally connected to one another by the positioning of the tractor adapter element on the trailer adapter element. This results in the functional connection without the need for further steps, e.g. a manual connection. 
     A second aspect relates to a tractor linkage. The tractor linkage can include a connecting system according to the first aspect. Respective advantages and further features can be derived from the explanations regarding the first aspect. 
     The tractor linkage comprises a tractor that has respective tractor utility interfaces, a trailer that can be coupled to the tractor, which has respective trailer utility interfaces, and a connecting system. The connecting system comprises a trailer adapter with a trailer adapter element and a fastener. The trailer adapter element is releasably connected to the respective trailer utility interfaces. The connecting system also comprises a tractor adapter with a tractor adapter element and a positioning device. The tractor adapter element is connected to the respective tractor utility interfaces. The positioning device is configured to automatically move the tractor adapter element in relation to the tractor in order to position the tractor adapter element on the trailer adapter element, thus obtaining a functional connection between the respective utility interfaces. 
     In one embodiment of the tractor linkage, the tractor linkage has a coupling system that is separate from the connecting system, which is configured to transfer a traction force from the tractor to the trailer coupled to the tractor. The coupling system can comprise a kingpin and a fifth wheel coupling plate, for example. The coupling system can also contain a locking device that locks the kingpin in place in the coupling plate. 
     REFERENCE SYMBOLS 
     
         
           10  tractor linkage 
           12  tractor 
           14  trailer 
           16  operator cab 
           20  connecting system 
           22  trailer adapter 
           24  trailer adapter element (or trailer adapter connector) 
           26  tractor adapter 
           28  tractor adapter element (or tractor adapter connector) 
           30  positioning device 
           32  articulated arm 
           34  arm element 
           36  arm element 
           38  sensor device 
           40  joint 
           42  swivel joint 
           44  QR code 
           46  magnet 
           48  adapter plate 
           50  pneumatic connection 
           52  electrical connection