DE102019203528B4 - Device for inductive energy transmission for a semitrailer - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (22) for inductive energy transmission between a traction battery (10) and an electric motor (8) of a tractor-trailer (2) with a tractor-trailer (4) and a semi-trailer (6), the tractor-trailer (4) containing the traction battery (TM) or the electric motor (8), and wherein the semitrailer tractor (4) comprises a fifth wheel coupling (18) for mechanical coupling to a kingpin (16) of the semitrailer (6), having- a number of first transmitters (24), each having at least one coil (27), the first transmitters (24) being provided for mounting on the semitrailer tractor (4) in an area adjacent to the fifth wheel coupling (18) which, when the semitrailer tractor (4) is coupled to the semitrailer ( 6) from the semi-trailer (6) in a vertical direction (ZM) of the tractor unit (4) is covered or can be covered, - a number of second transmitters (26), each having at least one coil (27), the second exercises rtrager (26) are provided for mounting in an area of an underside (12) of the semi-trailer (6) adjacent to the kingpin (16), which the semi-trailer tractor (4) in the coupled state of the semi-trailer tractor (4) with the semi-trailer (6) in a Vertical direction (ZA) of the semi-trailer (6) covers or can cover - the first transmitter (24) being tiltable and/or adjustable along the vertical direction (ZM) of the tractor unit (4).

Description

The invention relates to a device for inductive energy transmission between a traction battery and an electric motor of a semi-trailer truck with a semi-trailer tractor and with a semi-trailer, the semi-trailer truck having the traction battery or the electric motor.

A tractor-trailer is a combination of a tractor-trailer and a semi-trailer. For the mechanical coupling of the tractor unit to the semi-trailer, a so-called fifth wheel coupling is typically attached to the tractor unit, in the seat of which a king pin arranged on the semi-trailer is accommodated.

An electric motor-driven articulated lorry has a traction battery, which provides the electrical energy required to drive the articulated lorry for an electric motor. In this case, for example, the semi-trailer can have the traction battery and the semi-trailer truck can have the electric motor, or vice versa. It is therefore necessary to transfer the electrical energy required to operate the electric motor, and thus to drive the articulated lorry, from the semi-trailer to the articulated lorry.

In order to transmit the electrical energy for driving the articulated lorry by means of a power cable, the latter would have to have a comparatively large cross section and, as a result, a comparatively large intrinsic weight. Furthermore, a corresponding tensile load would act on such a power cable in the event of a relative movement of the semitrailer and the semitrailer tractor, for example in the course of a steering movement. Because of this, with such a power cable, the risk of a cable break would be disadvantageous and, associated therewith, the risk of a short circuit and/or a fire would be comparatively high.

From the DE 103 47 561 B3 a semitrailer is known in which a toroidal coil or an antenna is arranged in a U-shaped groove on the top of the fifth wheel coupling and another toroidal coil or another antenna is arranged in a groove arranged in the region of the king pin. The coils are used to inductively transfer energy from a battery arranged on the tractor unit to a component arranged on the semitrailer, for example a lamp or an actuator of a brake system of the semitrailer.

Furthermore, from the WO 2018/051320 A1 a system with a fifth wheel coupling and with a kingpin for a semi-trailer truck is known, in which a panel with first induction coils is arranged in the area of the kingpin and second induction coils are arranged in a top side of the fifth wheel coupling. By means of these, electrical energy is inductively transmitted from a circuit of the tractor unit to a circuit of the semi-trailer, so that lamps of the semi-trailer can be operated.

US 2017/0 098 954 A1 discloses a vehicle with a towing vehicle and a trailer attached thereto, the towing vehicle having a towing vehicle frame and the trailer having a cooling unit. A first inductive charging pad is mounted on the trailer, the first inductive charging pad being electrically connected to a portion of the refrigeration unit. A second inductive charging pad is attached to the tractor, the second inductive charging pad being electrically connected to a portion of the tractor and configured to induce an electrical current in the first inductive charging pad. The first inductive charging pad and the second inductive charging pad are configured such that the second charging pad can induce and sustain the electrical current in the first inductive charging pad over a range of relative rotation.

In the DE 101 59 503 A1 discloses a monitoring and control device for articulated lorries that includes a towing vehicle with a remote-controlled fifth wheel and a trailer with at least one electrically operated device. Furthermore, this device has a control unit arranged on the towing vehicle, which is electrically connected to the fifth wheel coupling, and at least one second communication device arranged on the trailer, which is connected to the at least one electrically operated device, the control unit and the communication device being connected to one another wirelessly are.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a suitable device for a semi-trailer truck, by means of which energy can be inductively transmitted from a traction battery to an electric motor of the semi-trailer truck. In particular, the greatest possible power should be able to be transmitted inductively. Furthermore, such an articulated lorry with such a device, as well as a semi-trailer and an articulated lorry of such an articulated lorry are to be specified.

With regard to the device, the object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1. With regard to the semi-trailer tractor, the object is achieved with the features of claim 7, with regard to the semi-trailer with the features of claim 8 and with regard to the semi-trailer with the features of claim 9 moderately resolved. Advantageous refinements and developments are the subject of the dependent claims. The explanations in connection with the device also apply analogously to the articulated lorry, the articulated lorry and the semi-trailer and vice versa.

The device for inductive energy transfer between a traction battery and an electric motor of a tractor-trailer is provided and set up for this purpose. In particular, the electric motor is provided here to drive the articulated lorry. Furthermore, the tractor unit has a tractor unit and a semi-trailer, with either the tractor unit having the traction battery and the semi-trailer having the electric motor, or alternatively the tractor unit having the electric motor and the semi-trailer having the traction battery. The traction battery is also referred to below as the battery for short. For example, the semi-trailer and/or the semi-trailer train each have a further traction train with a further electric motor and/or with a further traction battery. If the semi-trailer has the electric motor, this is expediently used in addition to the further drive train of the semi-trailer truck to accelerate the semi-trailer truck.

The semi-trailer tractor has a fifth wheel coupling, also known as a fifth wheel plate, and the semi-trailer has a king pin. The semi-trailer and the semi-trailer tractor can be mechanically coupled or coupled to one another by means of the fifth wheel coupling and by means of the kingpin, with the semi-trailer being able to rotate in the coupled state about an axis of rotation formed by means of the kingpin relative to the semi-trailer tractor, in particular in the course of a steering movement of the semi-trailer combination.

The device has a number of first transformers, each with at least one coil. The first transmitters are intended for mounting on the tractor unit in an area adjacent to the fifth wheel coupling. When the tractor unit is coupled to the semi-trailer, this area is covered by the semi-trailer in a vertical direction of the tractor unit or, in particular, can be covered in the course of a rotation of the semi-trailer caused, for example, by a steering movement, with respect to the axis of rotation formed by means of the kingpin.

Furthermore, the device has a number of second transmitters, each with at least one coil, the second transmitters being provided for mounting in an area of an underside of the semi-trailer adjacent to the king pin. The underside is to be understood as meaning a side of the semi-trailer that faces the ground or the side of the semi-trailer that faces the fifth wheel when the semi-trailer is coupled to the semi-trailer tractor. This area covers the tractor unit in the coupled state of the tractor unit with the semi-trailer in a vertical direction of the semi-trailer, or this area can cover the tractor unit in particular in the course of a rotation of the semi-trailer, caused for example by a steering movement, with respect to the axis of rotation formed by means of the kingpin.

A number of transformers is to be understood in each case as a single transformer or more than one transformer.

An inductive coupling is implemented by means of the first transmitter and by means of the second transmitter, so that when the traction battery is connected to the device and the electric motor is connected to the device, energy can be transmitted inductively between them and expediently is. Advantageously, no power cable is required for this, which electrically connects the semi-trailer to the semi-trailer tractor.

The device preferably has a plurality of first and/or second transmitters, so that a comparatively large amount of energy can be transmitted per unit of time, and thus sufficient electrical energy for driving the articulated lorry is transmitted from the traction battery to the electric motor.

According to an expedient embodiment, the coils of the first transmitter are designed as cylindrical coils or as flat coils (spiral coils), the coil axes of which face the underside of the semi-trailer when the first transmitter is installed on the semi-trailer tractor. In particular, these coil axes, ie the coil axes of the coils of the first transformer, are oriented in the vertical direction of the tractor unit.

Furthermore, the coils of the second transmitter are designed as cylindrical coils or as flat coils, the coil axes of which are oriented perpendicular to the underside of the semi-trailer when the second transmitter is installed on the semi-trailer. In particular, the coil axes of the coils of the second transformer are oriented in the vertical direction of the semi-trailer.

If the coils of the first transformer or the second transformer are designed as cylindrical coils, they preferably have a comparatively small height with respect to a direction of their coil axes. In this way, or also if the coils are designed as flat coils, a space-saving device is implemented with regard to the vertical direction of the semi-trailer or semi-trailer tractor.

As an alternative to this, the coils of the first transformer and/or the second transformer are designed as coils with a ring-shaped or U-shaped coil axis, the coil axes preferably extending in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction of the semi-trailer tractor or semi-trailer.

According to a suitable embodiment, the coils of the first transformer and the second transformer are each connected in series with one another. So the coils of the transformers are connected in series. The number of voltage converters or converters for converting an AC voltage suitable for inductive transmission into a DC voltage or into an AC voltage of a different frequency is therefore advantageously comparatively small.

The first transformers are expediently connected to one another in series and/or in parallel in such a way that, depending on the configuration of the coils, the number of coils and/or depending on the number of the first and second transformers and their arrangement on the semi-trailer tractor or semi-trailer, one Operation of the electric motor suitable voltage and / or a current with this suitable amperage is induced in the transformers connected to the electric motor. The same applies to the interconnection of the second transformer with one another.

The first transmitters can be tilted and/or adjusted along the vertical direction of the tractor unit. In particular, the first transmitters can be tilted about a tilting axis, which extends in a transverse direction of the tractor unit, also referred to as the Y-direction.

In this way, the first transmitter can advantageously be positioned and aligned with respect to the second transmitter in such a way that an inductive coupling of the first transmitter and the second transmitter is improved.

In an advantageous embodiment, the device has an actuator for tilting and/or for adjusting the first transmitter along the vertical direction of the semitrailer tractor. The actuator is controlled as a function of a distance between the second transmitters and the first transmitters arranged above them in the vertical direction of the semitrailer tractor and/or as a function of an inclination between the second transmitters and the first transmitters arranged above them in the vertical direction of the semitrailer tractor. In particular, regulation takes place with a preferably predetermined or set distance and/or a predetermined or set inclination as the controlled variable.

In order to determine the distance and/or the inclination, the device expediently has a measuring unit. For example, the measuring unit uses an optical or electrical measuring method to determine the distance or the inclination.

For example, a separate actuator is provided for each of the first transmitters, or alternatively all the first transmitters are adjusted and/or tilted by means of a common actuator.

The or each actuator (actuator) is designed, for example, as a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator.

The distance between the first and the second transmitters is set as small as possible in order to realize the most efficient possible inductive transmission of the electrical energy. However, a minimum distance between the first and the second transmitters is expediently provided so that damage to the transmitters in the event of a vibration or when the articulated lorry is driven uphill is avoided or the risk of this is at least reduced. To control the actuators, for example, navigation data can be used, which include information about an increase or about the state of the road.

Alternatively, the first transducers are pressed against the second transducers. For example, the actuators and/or a spring system are used for this purpose, which causes a spring force on the first transmitter in the direction of the second transmitter arranged above it or vice versa. A lubricant is then expediently used between the first transducer and the second transducer and/or a low-friction material is used for the facing surfaces of the first and/or the second transducer.

Suitably, the device further comprises a voltage converter. This is connected to the first transformer or transformers if the traction battery is intended for the tractor unit. Alternatively, ie if the traction battery is intended for the semi-trailer, the voltage converter is connected to the second transformer or transformers. The purpose of the voltage converter is to convert the DC voltage provided by the traction battery or the DC voltage provided by the traction battery Direct current into an AC voltage required for inductive transmission or the AC current required for inductive transmission and/or the AC voltage induced in the transformer connected to the traction battery or the AC current induced there into a voltage that is particularly suitable for charging the traction battery, To convert DC voltage or a corresponding direct current.

In addition, the device includes a converter which is connected to the first transformer or transformers if the electric motor is provided for the semitrailer tractor. Alternatively, ie if the electric motor is provided for the semi-trailer, the converter is connected to the second transformer or transformers. On the one hand, the converter serves the purpose of converting the AC voltage or alternating current provided by the electric motor in the course of recuperation, in particular during a braking process of the articulated lorry, into an AC voltage or alternating current, the frequency of which can be used for inductive transmission by means of the coils of the transformer is suitable. This frequency is preferably constant and/or selected in such a way that the efficiency of the inductive energy transmission is as high as possible in accordance with the configuration of the first transformer, the second transformer and their coils. Furthermore, the converter serves the purpose of converting the AC voltage induced in the transformer(s) connected to the electric motor or the AC current induced there into an AC voltage or a corresponding alternating current that is particularly suitable for operating the electric motor.

Depending on how the first transformer or the second transformer is connected to one another, a corresponding number of converters or voltage converters is required. For example, a converter or a voltage converter is provided for each transformer. Alternatively, a converter or a voltage converter is provided for each current branch connected in parallel.

In summary, the device suitably has at least one voltage converter on the battery side and at least one converter on the motor side.

According to a suitable development of the device, it has two modulation/demodulation devices. One of these modulation/demodulation devices is connected to at least one of the first transmitters and the other of the two modulation/demodulation devices is connected to at least one of the second transmitters. In particular, by means of the primary side of the two modulation/demodulation devices, i.e. by means of the modulation/demodulation device, which is connected to one of the first transformers, to which an alternating current is applied to generate a corresponding induced alternating current, data and/or signals are transmitted to the alternating current used expandable. The data and/or the signals are from the induced alternating current by means of the other (secondary-side) modulation/demodulation device, i.e. by means of the modulation/demodulation device which is connected to one of the transformers and in which a voltage or current is induced extractable (demodulable) and expediently also extracted. The extracted data and/or signals can be fed to a control unit connected to the secondary-side modulation/demodulation device, which is used, for example, to control the electric motor, a battery control system having the traction battery, or other components. The other components are in particular actuators, for example for a brake, or lights, such as rear lights or indicators. For example, the inductively transmitted energy is also used to operate the other components.

In summary, when the device is in operation, a signal and/or data is modulated onto the (carrier) alternating current used for inductive transmission by means of the modulation/demodulation devices on the primary side. A corresponding current is induced in the secondary-side transformer by means of the modulated alternating current, which current is fed to the secondary-side modulation/demodulation devices. This is used to extract (separate) the data and/or the signal from the induced current. The demodulated alternating current, i.e. the current resulting from the extraction of the data and/or signals from the induced current, is, in particular via the voltage converter or via the converter, the traction battery connected to the secondary-side transformer or the electric motor connected to the secondary-side transformer fed.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a semitrailer tractor has a fifth wheel coupling and at least one first transmitter, in particular a device in one of the variants presented above, for inductive coupling to a second transmitter of a semitrailer. The first transmitter or transmitters are mounted in an area next to the fifth wheel coupling, which area is covered or can be covered by the semitrailer in a vertical direction of the tractor unit when the tractor unit is coupled to the semitrailer.

In particular, the coils of the first transformer are in the form of cylindrical coils or flat coils trained. Additionally or alternatively, the first transmitter can be tilted and/or adjusted along the vertical direction of the semitrailer tractor.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a semi-trailer has a king pin and at least one second transmitter, in particular a device in one of the variants presented above, for inductive coupling to a first transmitter of a tractor unit. The second transmitter or transmitters are mounted in an area of an underside of the semi-trailer next to the kingpin, which area covers or can cover the tractor unit in the coupled state of the tractor unit with the semi-trailer in a vertical direction of the semi-trailer.
In particular, the coils of the second transmitter are in the form of cylindrical coils or flat coils.

In an expedient embodiment, a semi-trailer truck has a semi-trailer tractor in one of the variants presented above and a semi-trailer in one of the variants presented above. The tractor unit and the semi-trailer are mechanically coupled to one another by means of the fifth wheel coupling and by means of the kingpin and inductively by means of the device.

If the longitudinal direction of the semi-trailer and the longitudinal direction of the tractor are the same, ie match, the first transmitter and the second transmitter are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction of the tractor. In this way, inductive coupling is comparatively good.

In particular, the traction battery provides a voltage between 600 V and 700 V and/or a current with a current intensity between -50 A and 50 A for the transformers connected to it in a first operating mode for driving the semi-trailer, whereby by means of the inductive Transmission on the electric motor is provided a voltage between -700 V and 700 V or a current with a current between -50 A and 50A. In a second operating mode for recuperative charging of the traction battery, the electric motor operated as a generator provides a voltage between 600 V and 700 V or a current with a current intensity between 0 A and 50 A for the transformer, with the inductive transmission at the traction Battery is provided a voltage between 0 V and 800 V or a current with a current between 0 A and 50A.

• 1 in einer schematischen Seitenansicht einen Sattelzug mit einem Sattelauflieger und mit einer Sattelzugmaschine, wobei der Sattelauflieger einen Königszapfen aufweist, welcher mit einer Sattelkupplung der Sattelzugmaschine mechanisch gekoppelt ist, wobei benachbart zum Königszapfen an einer Unterseite des Sattelaufliegers zweite Übertrager mit Spulen angeordnet sind und benachbart zur Sattelkupplung an der Sattelzugmaschine erste Übertrager angeordnet sind, mittels welchen Übertragern eine im Sattelauflieger angeordnete Traktions-Batterie mit einem in der Sattelzugmaschine angeordneten Elektromotor induktiv gekoppelt ist,
• 2 den Bereich II der 1 in vergrößertem Maßstab, und
• 3 in schematischer Draufsicht mit Blickrichtung entgegen einer Hochrichtung des Sattelaufliegers auf die Ebene III der 2 die am Sattelauflieger befestigten ersten Übertrager mit unterschiedlichen Varianten deren Spulen.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. Show in it:

• 1 in a schematic side view a semi-trailer truck with a semi-trailer and a semi-trailer tractor, the semi-trailer having a kingpin which is mechanically coupled to a fifth wheel coupling of the semi-trailer tractor, second transformers with coils being arranged adjacent to the kingpin on an underside of the semi-trailer and adjacent to the fifth wheel coupling first transformers are arranged on the semi-trailer tractor, by means of which transformers a traction battery arranged in the semi-trailer is inductively coupled to an electric motor arranged in the semi-trailer tractor,
• 2 the area II of 1 on an enlarged scale, and
• 3 in a schematic plan view looking against a vertical direction of the semi-trailer on the level III 2 the first transformers attached to the semi-trailer with different variants of their coils.

Corresponding parts and sizes are always provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

In the 1 a tractor-trailer 2 with a tractor-trailer 4 and a semi-trailer 6 is shown. The semi-trailer truck 4 has an electric motor 8 for driving the semi-trailer truck 2 , which is supplied with electrical energy by a traction battery 10 of the semi-trailer 6 .

The semitrailer 6 has a king pin 16 fastened to its underside 12 and to its (frame) chassis 14 and the semitrailer tractor 4 has a fifth wheel coupling 18 . This has a seat 20 for the kingpin 16, so that when the kingpin 16 is received in the seat 20, the semitrailer 6 is mechanically coupled to the semitrailer tractor 4. The semi-trailer 6 can be rotated relative to the semi-trailer tractor 4 about an axis of rotation formed by means of the king pin 16 . Furthermore, the fifth wheel coupling 18 is set up, for example when the semi-trailer truck 2 is traveling uphill, to incline about an axis of rotation extending in the transverse direction Y _M of the semi-trailer truck 4 (axis of inclination), so that a vertical direction Z _A of the semi-trailer 6 differs from the vertical direction Z _M of the Tractor 4 can be different.

The semi-trailer truck 2 has a device 22 for transmitting the electrical energy from the traction battery 10 of the semi-trailer 6 to the electric motor 8 .

The device 22 has a plurality of first transmitters 24, each with at least one coil 27, the first transmitters 24 being mounted on the tractor unit 4. The first transmitters 24 are arranged in an area adjacent to the fifth wheel coupling 18, which area is covered by the semitrailer 6 in a vertical direction Z _M of the semitrailer when the semitrailer tractor 4 is coupled to the semitrailer 6, or in the course of a (rotation) rotation of the semitrailer 6 relatively to the truck 4, for example in the course of cornering of the truck 2, can be covered.

In addition, the device 22 has a number of second transmitters 26 corresponding to the number of first transmitters 24 , each of which has at least one coil 27 . The second transmitters 26 are mounted on the underside 12 of the semi-trailer 6 on the chassis 14 of the semi-trailer 6 . The second transmitters 26 are arranged in an area adjacent to the kingpin 16, which area covers or can cover the tractor unit 4 in the coupled state of the tractor unit 4 with the semi-trailer 6 in the vertical direction Z _A of the semi-trailer 6.

According to a variant that is not shown in detail, only a single first transmitter 24 and a single second transmitter 26 are arranged on the semi-trailer tractor 4 or on the semi-trailer 6 . The following then applies in an analogous manner.

In summary, the semi-trailer 6 has the second transmitter 26 of the device 22 and the tractor unit 4 has the first transmitter 24 of the device 22 .

As in particular in the 2 can be seen, the coils 27 of the first transformer 24, if they have more than one coil 27, are connected in series with one another. The coils 27 of the second transmitter 26 are also connected in series with one another if they have more than one coil 27 . Furthermore, the first transformers 24 are connected in series with one another and the second transformers 26 are connected in series with one another. In the 2 the coils 27 of the first transmitter 24 and the second transmitter 26 are shown hatched for the purpose of better visibility.

The first transmitter 24 can each be tilted about an axis of rotation D and/or adjusted along the vertical direction Z _M of the tractor unit 4, which is indicated by corresponding arrows in FIG 2 is shown. For this purpose, the device 22 has an actuator 28 for each first transmitter 24 . The actuators 28 are controlled as a function of a distance d between the first transmitters 24 assigned to them and the second transmitters 26 arranged above the corresponding first transmitters 24 in the vertical direction Z _M of the semitrailer tractor 4 . Additionally or alternatively, the actuators 28 are controlled depending on an inclination between the first transmitters 24 assigned to them and the second transmitters 26 arranged above these first transmitters 24 in the vertical direction Z _M of the semitrailer tractor 4 .

Furthermore, the device 22 has a voltage converter 30 which is connected to the second transformer 26 . This converts the DC voltage provided by the traction battery 10 or the direct current provided by the traction battery 10 into the AC voltage required for inductive transmission or the AC current required for inductive transmission to drive the articulated truck 2 . In addition, in the course of recuperation, the voltage converter 30 converts the AC voltage induced in the second transformer 26 or the AC current induced there into a DC voltage suitable for charging the traction battery 10 or into a corresponding direct current.

In addition, the device 22 includes a converter 32 which is electrically connected to the first transformers 24 . This converts the AC voltage or alternating current provided by electric motor 10 in the course of recuperation into an AC voltage or alternating current whose frequency is suitable for inductive transmission by means of transformers 24 and 26 . Furthermore, the converter 32 converts the AC voltage induced in the second first transformers or the AC current induced there in order to drive the articulated truck 2 into an AC voltage suitable for operating the electric motor 8 or into a corresponding AC current.

In summary, the device 22 has a voltage converter 30 on the battery side and a converter 32 on the motor side.

According to a variant of the semi-trailer truck 2, the semi-trailer truck 4, the semi-trailer 6 and the device 22 which is not shown in detail, the first transformer 24 and/or the second transformer are connected to one another in parallel or in a combination of series and parallel circuits. Accordingly, for each transformer 24 or 26, a converter 32 or a voltage converter 30 is connected. Alternatively, each current branch connected in parallel is connected to a converter 32 or to a voltage converter 30 .

Like in the 1 is shown, between the second transformers 26 and the voltage converter 30 and between the first transformers 24 and the converter 32 in each case a modulation / Demodulation device 34 switched. The modulation/demodulation devices 34 can be used to modulate data and/or signals onto the alternating current used for inductive energy transmission. By means of the primary side of the two modulation/demodulation devices 34, data and/or signals can therefore be modulated onto the alternating current used. The data and/or the signals are extracted by means of the other (secondary-side) modulation/demodulation device 34 .

An example is in the 1 a control unit 36 of the tractor unit 2 is shown, which is connected to the modulation/demodulation device 34 connected to the first transmitters 24 . The data and/or signals extracted by means of this modulation/demodulation device 34 are supplied to the control unit 36 and are used, for example, to control the electric motor 8.

the 3 shows schematically different configurations of the first transmitter 24 attached to the semi-trailer. The coils 27 of the first transmitter 24 are designed as cylindrical coils or as flat coils. In the assembled state, their coil axes face the underside 12 of the semi-trailer 6 and are oriented parallel to the vertical direction Z _A of the semi-trailer 6 . The coils 27 of the first transmitter 24 differ in the amount of their diameter. Furthermore, a different number of coils 27 is accommodated in the first transformers 24 .

The interconnection of the coils 27 is not shown for the sake of clarity.

The second transmitters 26 are, for example, identical in construction to the first transmitters 24 arranged below them with respect to the vertical direction Z _M of the tractor the second transmitter 26. The coils 26 of the second transmitter 26 are therefore designed as cylindrical coils or as flat coils, the coil axes of which are oriented perpendicularly to the underside 12 of the semi-trailer 6 in the assembled state.

If the longitudinal direction X _A of the semi-trailer and the longitudinal direction X _M of the tractor unit 4 are the same, i.e. match, the first transmitter 24 and the second transmitter 26 are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction Z _M of the tractor unit 4 .

According to an alternative embodiment of the device 22 and the semi-trailer truck 2 that is not shown in detail, the semi-trailer 6 has the electric motor 8 and the semi-trailer truck 4 has the traction battery 10 . The statements regarding the device 22, the tractor-trailer 2, the semi-trailer 6 and the tractor-trailer 4 apply analogously to the variant presented above, with the exception of the following. According to this alternative embodiment, the voltage converter 30 is connected between the first transformer 24 and the traction battery 10 and the converter 32 between the second transformer 26 and the electric motor 8 of the semi-trailer 6 .

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. On the contrary, other variants of the invention can also be derived from this by a person skilled in the art without departing from the subject matter of the invention. In particular, all of the individual features described in connection with the exemplary embodiments can also be combined with one another in other ways without departing from the subject matter of the invention.

Reference List

2

articulated lorry

4

tractor unit

6

semi-trailer

8th

electric motor

10

traction battery

12

bottom

14

chassis

16

kingpin

18

fifth wheel

20

Seat

22

contraption

24

first transmitter

26

second transmitter

27

Wash

28

actuator

30

voltage converter

32

converter

34

modulation/demodulation devices

36

control unit

i.e

Distance

D

axis of rotation

XA

Longitudinal direction of the semi-trailer

xm

Longitudinal direction of the tractor unit

yea

Transverse direction of the semi-trailer

YM

Transverse direction of the tractor unit

ZA

Elevation of the semi-trailer

ZM

Elevation of the tractor unit

Claims (9)

Device (22) for inductive energy transmission between a traction battery (10) and an electric motor (8) of a tractor-trailer (2) with a tractor-trailer (4) and a semi-trailer (6), the tractor-trailer (4) containing the traction battery (TM) or the electric motor (8), and wherein the semitrailer tractor (4) comprises a fifth wheel coupling (18) for mechanical coupling to a kingpin (16) of the semitrailer (6), having - a number of first transmitters (24), each having at least one coil (27), the first transmitters (24) being provided for mounting on the semitrailer tractor (4) in an area adjacent to the fifth wheel coupling (18) which, when the semitrailer tractor (4) is coupled to the semitrailer ( 6) covered or can be covered by the semi-trailer (6) in a vertical direction (Z _M ) of the tractor unit (4), - a number of second transmitters (26), each having at least one coil (27), the second Transformers (26) are provided for mounting in an area of an underside (12) of the semi-trailer (6) adjacent to the king pin (16), which, when the semi-trailer tractor (4) is coupled to the semi-trailer (6), transports the tractor unit (4) in a Vertical direction (Z _A ) of the semi-trailer (6) covers or can cover, - the first transmitter (24) being tiltable and/or along the vertical direction (Z _M ) of the tractor unit (4) can be adjusted. device after claim 1 , characterized in that the coils (27) of the first transmitter (24) are designed as cylindrical coils or as flat coils, the coil axes of which face the underside (12) of the semi-trailer (6) in the assembled state, and that the coils (27) of the second Transformers (26) are designed as cylindrical coils or as flat coils, the coil axes of which are oriented perpendicularly to the underside (12) of the semi-trailer (6) when assembled. device after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the coils (27) of the first transmitter (24) and the second transmitter (26) are each connected in series with one another. Device according to one of Claims 1 until 3 , characterized by an actuator (28) or several actuators (28) for tilting and/or for adjusting the first transmitter (24) along the vertical direction (Z _M ) of the tractor unit (4), wherein the actuator (28) or the actuators (28) as a function of a distance (d) between the first transmitters (24) and the second transmitters (26) arranged above them in the vertical direction (Z _M ) of the tractor unit (4) and/or as a function of an inclination between the first transmitters ( 24) and in the vertical direction (Z _M ) of the semitrailer tractor (4) arranged above this second transmitter (26) is controlled. Device (22) according to one of Claims 1 until 4 , characterized by - a voltage converter (30) which is connected to the first transformer (24) if the traction battery (10) is provided for the tractor unit (4), or to the second transformer (26) is connected if the traction battery (10) for the semi-trailer (6) is provided, and - a converter (32) which is connected to the or to the first transformer (24) if the electric motor (8) for the semi-trailer tractor (4) is provided, or is connected to the or to the second transmitter (26) if the electric motor (8) is provided for the semi-trailer (6). Device (22) according to one of Claims 1 until 5 , characterized by two modulation/demodulation devices (34), which are connected to at least one of the first transmitters (24) or to at least one of the second transmitters (26), with the modulation/demodulation devices (34) data and/or Signals can be modulated onto the alternating current used for inductive energy transmission. Tractor unit (4) with a fifth wheel (18) and with at least one first transmitter (24) of a device (22) according to one of Claims 1 until 6 for inductive coupling to a second transmitter (26) of a semitrailer (6), the first transmitters (24) being mounted in an area next to the fifth wheel coupling (18), which area when the semitrailer tractor (4) is coupled to the semitrailer (6 ) is covered or can be covered by the semi-trailer (6) in a vertical direction (Z _M ) of the tractor unit (4). Semi-trailer (6) with a king pin (16) and with at least one second transmitter (26) of a device (22) according to one of Claims 1 until 6 for inductive coupling to a first transmitter (24) of a tractor unit (4), wherein the second transmitters (26) are mounted in an area of an underside (12) next to the king pin (16), which area the semitrailer tractor (4) in the coupled state of the semitrailer tractor with the semitrailer (6) in a vertical direction (Z _A ) of the Semi-trailer covered or can cover. Semitrailer (2) with a semitrailer tractor (4). claim 7 and with a semi-trailer (6). claim 8 , wherein the tractor unit (4) and the semi-trailer (6) are mechanically coupled to one another by means of the fifth wheel coupling (18) and by means of the king pin (16) and inductively by means of the device (22), - wherein, provided that the longitudinal direction of the semi-trailer (6) and the longitudinal direction of the tractor (4) are the same, the first transmitter (24) and the second transmitter (26) are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction (Z _M ) of the tractor (4).

Images