DE102021200601A1 - vehicle combination - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle combination (2) with a towing vehicle (4) and a trailer (6) coupled to it by means of a coupling (8). The tractor (4) has a main drive (12) with an electric motor (14) which is powered by an electric battery (16). The trailer (6) comprises an energy store (18) which is electrically connected to the main drive (12) via the clutch (8) and has a fuel cell (26) fed by a hydrogen store (22).

Description

The invention relates to a vehicle combination with a towing vehicle and a trailer coupled to it by means of a coupling.

Vehicle combinations with a tractor and a trailer coupled to it are usually used to transport goods over long distances. Here, the goods are loaded into the trailer, and this is transported by means of the tractor from the loading point to the destination. There it is possible to unload the goods from the trailer, or to uncouple the trailer from the tractor and tow another trailer with the tractor to another destination. The tractor is usually equipped with a diesel engine and has a tank for diesel, usually for several 100 l. This means that the trailer can also be towed over long distances.

In order to be able to operate the tractor without local emissions, it is necessary to equip it with a main drive that includes an electric motor. To operate this, an electric battery is required. Now, if the diesel engine is to be completely replaced by the electric motor, it is necessary to provide the electric battery with a comparatively large capacity, so that a weight of the tractor is excessively increased. Consequently, an increased energy requirement is required for the operation of the tractor, which reduces efficiency. Manufacturing costs for such a tractor are also comparatively high. Furthermore, with such an electric battery, a charging time is comparatively long, so that the tractor cannot be used continuously.

As an alternative to this, it is envisaged to install a catenary network so that the electric motor of the tractor is fed via a catenary. It is thus possible to equip the tractor with only a comparatively small electric battery, so that the tractor can be moved between different overhead line networks. In this case, however, it is necessary to provide the overhead line infrastructure, which in turn leads to comparatively high costs.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a particularly suitable vehicle combination, in which case a range is advantageously increased and/or a refueling process is accelerated.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments and refinements are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

The vehicle combination has a towing vehicle and a trailer which is coupled to the towing vehicle by means of a coupling. The clutch is, for example, part of the towing vehicle, part of the trailer or a separate component. Most preferably, however, part of the hitch is part of the tractor and another part of the hitch, especially the remainder, is part of the trailer. In other words, the coupling is formed partly by means of the tractor and partly by means of the trailer. Here, the coupling is preferably designed to be detachable, so that the trailer can be decoupled from the tractor.

The vehicle combination is suitably land-bound and preferably designed with multiple lanes. In particular, the vehicle combination is not rail-guided and it is possible to position the vehicle combination essentially anywhere on a roadway/lane. In particular, both the tractor and the trailer are land-bound and suitably not rail-guided.

The towing vehicle preferably has one or more wheels by means of which contact is made with the possible roadway. Furthermore, the trailer includes in particular a number of wheels, by means of which there is also contact with the roadway.

In particular, the tractor includes a driver's cab with an interior space that is provided for a driver of the tractor to stay in it. Control elements for controlling the tractor are expediently provided in the interior. The tractor itself has a main drive, which is controlled or at least set in particular by means of the operating elements in the interior of the tractor. Steering is also preferably provided so that the tractor can be suitably oriented. The main drive includes an electric motor or, for example, several electric motors. The electric motor is preferably designed to be brushless, so that wear is reduced. The main drive acts, for example, on one of the wheels of the tractor, preferably on at least two or, for example, on all of them. In particular, one of the electric motors, which are driven by the main drive, is assigned to each of the wheels. For example, the electric motor or motors is designed as a wheel hub motor. In particular, the main drive is free of an internal combustion engine.

Furthermore, the main drive comprises an electric battery, by means of which the electric motor/electric motors are supplied with current. A converter is present, for example, so that the amount of energy delivered by the electric battery to the electric motor can be adjusted. When the tractor is braked, the electric motor is preferably operated as a generator and electrical energy is fed from the electric motor into the electric battery, preferably via the converter, if any. The capacity of the electric battery is preferably comparatively small and, for example, it is only possible to move the tractor a maximum of 50 km, 20 km, 10 km, 5 km when the electric battery is fully charged. After the tractor has been moved according to this distance, no further movement of the tractor is possible because of the empty electric battery. It is thus possible to design the electric battery to be comparatively small and light in weight, so that the weight of the towing vehicle and the installation space required are not excessively increased. The main drive is preferably arranged between any longitudinal members of any ladder frame of the tractor, so that the main drive is comparatively protected.

The trailer is suitable, in particular provided and set up, for goods to be transported by means of it. The goods are, for example, liquid or particularly preferably solid. The trailer is particularly adapted to this. For example, the trailer is formed by means of a flatbed or is intended to hold a container. As an alternative to this, the trailer is provided for receiving pallets, in particular Euro pallets.

The trailer has an energy storage device that includes a hydrogen storage device and a fuel cell. The hydrogen storage device is suitable for storing hydrogen, in particular it is provided and set up. The hydrogen is expediently present in gaseous form, it being possible to preferably store the hydrogen at several 10 bars or up to several 100 bars within the hydrogen store. The hydrogen is present, for example, in gaseous or liquid form. The fuel cell is powered by the hydrogen storage. Thus, when the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage device is introduced into the fuel cell, electrical energy is released. In particular, the fuel cell includes a supply for oxygen, preferably ambient air, for this purpose. The hydrogen storage device comprises, for example, only a single tank or a number of individual tanks which are fluidically connected to one another.

The energy store is electrically connected to the main drive of the tractor via the clutch. The electrical energy released by means of the fuel cell is thus made available to the main drive, so that the electric motor of the main drive is also operated by means of the energy store if electrical energy is released by means of the fuel cell. For example, in the case of the main drive, it is possible to switch between whether the electric motor is operated by means of the electric battery or by means of the energy store. Appropriately, if the energy store is present, ie the trailer is coupled to the towing vehicle, a withdrawal of electrical energy from the electric battery is prevented and this is preferably charged by means of the energy store.

Due to the energy store, it is thus possible to cover comparatively large distances with the vehicle combination, with the weight of the main drive being comparatively low. Since the energy density of the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage is larger than the energy density of the electric battery, the weight of the complete vehicle combination is not excessively increased. In addition, it is possible to refill the hydrogen storage tank with hydrogen within a comparatively short period of time, so that a refueling process is also accelerated.

The vehicle combination is preferably configured as a tractor-trailer and the tractor is consequently a tractor-trailer. Thus, the trailer is at least partially on the tractor and is stabilized by this. Consequently, maneuverability is increased and it is possible to provide the trailer for transporting comparatively many goods.

In particular, any ancillary units of the trailer are also powered by the energy store. In particular, any lights, such as an area light, brake light or direction indicator, are powered by the energy store. Alternatively or in combination with this, a cooling unit or refrigeration unit is fed by means of the energy store, for example, so that any goods are cooled by means of the auxiliary unit. It is thus possible to operate the trailer essentially independently and, for example, to park it and to use the tractor separately, with any ancillary units also continuing to be operated.

In a further development, the trailer includes a further drive, which serves to propel the trailer forward. The additional drive includes an electric motor, which is also fed by means of the energy store. This is where the control takes place of the electric motor of the further drive expediently by means of the tractor, with corresponding control commands preferably being created by means of any control elements in the possible interior. Thus, in the vehicle combination, both the tractor and the trailer are driven, which is why traction is improved. For example, each of the wheels of the trailer is associated with a respective electric motor, or just one or two wheels located on opposite sides. For example, the electric motor or motors is designed as a wheel hub motor.

The trailer preferably has a ladder frame comprising at least two side rails aligned along the longitudinal direction of the trailer. In this way, on the one hand, the stability of the trailer is comparatively high. On the other hand, production can be modularized and simplified. The hydrogen accumulator is preferably located between any longitudinal members of the ladder frame. The hydrogen storage is thus protected by the lead frame, which increases robustness.

The trailer preferably has a filler neck that is fluidly connected to the hydrogen storage device. The filler neck serves to fill hydrogen into the hydrogen accumulator and includes in particular a tank neck, which is preferably formed by means of a pipe or some other line that is fluidically connected to the hydrogen accumulator. In addition to the tank neck, the filler neck has other components, for example, such as a movable flap for covering the tank neck, so that foreign particles are prevented from entering the hydrogen accumulator.

For example, the filler neck is located laterally with respect to a longitudinal direction of the trailer. In this way, a refueling process is simplified. Most preferably, however, the filler neck is located at the end of the trailer opposite the towing vehicle. In other words, the filler neck is located at the rear end of the vehicle combination if it is to be moved in the longitudinal direction as intended. It is thus possible to move the filler neck towards a stationary tank infrastructure by maneuvering the trailer backwards, so that the refueling process can be automated. The requirements for the stationary tank infrastructure are comparatively low, since the filler neck is moved to the stationary tank infrastructure by maneuvering the trailer. Thus, no manual activities are required.

Preferably, the trailer includes a loading sill. For loading the trailer with goods and for unloading, the trailer is brought backwards against a stationary loading ramp. Appropriately, the loading sill is essentially flush with the loading ramp. The loading sill is formed, for example, by means of a loading floor of the trailer, which is used to hold goods, in particular Euro pallets. In this case, the goods are loaded onto or into the trailer from the loading ramp via the loading edge of the trailer, in particular by means of a corresponding charging device, such as a forklift or other industrial truck.

Conveniently, the filler neck is located below the sill of the trailer, i.e. offset vertically downwards with respect to the sill of the trailer. Since the filler neck is below the loading sill of the trailer, it is also below the loading ramp during a loading process and is therefore protected from damage by the loading ramp and the loading sill. Preferably, the stationary tank infrastructure is also arranged below the loading ramp, so that after the trailer has been moved towards the loading ramp, both the loading/unloading of goods and the refueling process can take place.

For example, the filler neck or at least the tank neck is made of a hardened metal, so that wear is reduced. As an alternative to this, it is designed to be at least partially exchangeable, so that it can be replaced relatively easily after wear has taken place.

For example, the filler neck is rigidly connected to other components of the trailer. However, the filler neck is particularly preferably mounted in a floating manner, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the trailer. Due to the floating storage, a refueling process is also possible if the trailer is slightly offset in relation to the stationary tank infrastructure. In this case, the tank neck is preferably also stabilized by means of the filler neck, so that it is likewise mounted in a floating manner by means of the filler neck. Thus, there is a tolerance compensation for the filler neck, and there are no high demands on a stationary tank infrastructure, so that it can be provided cost-effectively.

Alternatively or in combination with this, the filler neck has a receptacle for a positioning bolt of the stationary tank infrastructure. The recording is therefore suitable for this, expediently provided and set up. In particular, the uptake is essentially hori zontal. Thus, when the trailer is maneuvered horizontally, the positioning bolt is picked up by the receptacle and the trailer is thus positioned in such a way that the refueling process can take place using the stationary refueling infrastructure. In particular, the filler neck is floating so that it is aligned with the stationary tank infrastructure. Appropriately, when maneuvering, there is first a mechanical contact between the receptacle and the positioning bolt before a fluid connection is established between the tank nozzle and the stationary tank infrastructure. Thus, security is increased.

The positioning bolt is suitably beveled at the end so that insertion into the receptacle is facilitated. For example, the filler neck includes a plurality of such receptacles, preferably two, with the stationary tank infrastructure also being expediently assigned a corresponding number of positioning bolts. Positioning of the filler neck with respect to the stationary tank infrastructure is thus improved.

Preferably, the coupling comprises a pin which is arranged vertically and which is associated with the tractor. In particular, the coupling includes an eyelet that is assigned to the trailer and is therefore a part of the trailer. The eyelet is preferably oriented horizontally and the opening of the eyelet is thus vertical. Consequently, the trailer is coupled to the tractor by inserting the bolt into the eyelet. In particular, the tractor has a mounting plate on which the bolt is arranged. The receiving plate is expediently aligned horizontally, and in the coupled state the eyelet rests at least partially on the receiving plate, so that the eyelet is stabilized by means of the receiving plate.

The bolt is preferably beveled at the end, so that insertion into the eyelet is simplified. Alternatively or in combination with this, a clearance fit is formed between the eyelet and the bolt in the coupled state, so that wear is reduced. For example, the eyelet and/or the bolt are made from a hardened metal. Thus wear is reduced. Alternatively or in combination with this, the eyelet and/or the bolt are connected to the trailer or the tractor in an exchangeable manner, so that a relatively simple exchange is made possible in the event of excessive wear.

Furthermore, the coupling has a first connector and a second connector, the first connector being associated with the tractor. The first plug connector is also electrically connected to the electric battery. The second connector is assigned to the trailer and is electrically connected to the energy store. Thus, both the mechanical and the electrical connection between the tractor and the trailer are created by means of the coupling, so that no further components are required. For example, the first and/or second connector are made of a hardened metal. Alternatively or in combination with this, these are detachably attached to the tractor or the trailer, so that replacement in the event of excessive wear is simplified. For example, one of the two connectors is designed as a male connector and the other as a female connector, so that a secure electrical connection between them is made possible.

In particular, when coupling the trailer to the tractor, the bolt is picked up by the eyelet and the two connectors are plugged into one another, which is expediently done in a single step. Thus, a time required for coupling (coupling) is reduced.

In particular, the first connector and the second connector are each arranged in the area of the bolt or the eyelet, and there is in particular only a maximum distance of 5 cm, 2 cm or 1 cm between them. As a result, space requirements are reduced. For example, the first connector is arranged rigidly with respect to the bolt and/or the second connector is arranged rigidly with respect to the eyelet. As an alternative to this, at least one of the two connectors or both are mounted in a floating manner, so that tolerances are compensated, which makes it easier to establish the coupled state.

For example, the bolt is rigidly connected to a body of the tractor and the eyelet is rotatably connected to the trailer. Thus, a relative movement of the tractor with respect to the trailer is possible without excessive stress on the coupling. However, the eyelet is particularly preferably rigidly connected, preferably fastened, to a semi-trailer of the trailer. Thus, it is possible to create the trailer comparatively inexpensive. Maintenance of the trailer is also simplified. The bolt is particularly preferably connected to the body of the tractor, for example to a frame of the tractor, such as the ladder frame, or an auxiliary frame of the tractor. Here, the bolt is rotatably mounted with respect to the body. This also enables the vehicle combination to corner, without the clutch being subject to excessive stress. When cornering namely, the bolt is rotated in relation to the bodywork, so that the connection points of the bolt with the eyelet are always the same.

The bolt is expediently mounted such that it can rotate about its axis of rotation or at least its axis. A movement of the bolt with respect to the body is suitably limited here, for example to 170° in each direction, so that the bolt can be moved through a maximum of 340°. As a result, a construction is simplified. Essentially undisturbed cornering of the vehicle combination is also possible. In this case, the bolt is suitably connected in a rotationally fixed manner to any receiving plate, and this is rotatably mounted with respect to the body. Thus, construction is simplified. In this case, too, when the eyelet rests on the receiving plate, friction there is reduced when cornering.

Preferably, the first connector is also rotatably mounted. For example, this is electrically connected to the electric battery via a sliding rail, so that the electrical contact is maintained even when the tractor unit moves in relation to the trailer, such as when cornering. However, the first plug connector is particularly preferably partially connected to the electric battery by means of a cable. The cable is particularly present in the area of the clutch. The cable itself preferably has a number of wires, so that different electrical potentials are conducted from the first connector to the electrical battery by means of the electrical cable. Particularly preferably, the cable also has additional cores that are used in particular to provide (electrical) signals, so that the tractor unit is coupled to the trailer via the first plug connector and the first cable in terms of signals. For this purpose, the cable is expediently connected to a bus system or an on-board computer of the towing vehicle. Such a signal is, for example, a brake signal and/or a signal for actuating any ancillary unit of the trailer, for example the actuation of a direction indicator.

Because of the cable, the electrical connection between the first connector and the battery is at least partially limp and/or flexible. Thus, on the one hand, cornering and consequently a movement of the towing vehicle with respect to the trailer is possible without the electrical connection between the energy store and the main drive tearing off. In this way, all components of the electrical connection between the main drive and the energy store are electrically isolated or at least can be isolated, so that safety is increased. For example, in this case the first connector is mounted at least partially in a floating manner, so that a connection to the second connector is simplified. Because of the cable, the electrical connection is always available.

The bolt is expediently driven in the vertical direction by means of an auxiliary drive. Here, the bolt is expediently adjustable in the vertical direction and preferably stored accordingly. The possible mounting plate is suitably mounted in the vertical direction, so that the bolt is moved by moving the mounting plate in the vertical direction. The bolt is driven by means of the auxiliary drive, so that manual actuation of the bolt is not necessary. For example, the auxiliary drive is electric and is powered, for example, by means of the electric battery of the main drive. As an alternative to this, the bolt is driven hydraulically and the auxiliary drive is designed hydraulically. The auxiliary drive suitably comprises a lifting piston, by means of which the bolt is moved in the vertical direction. For coupling (coupling) the tractor to the trailer, the eyelet is preferably arranged aligned in the vertical direction below or preferably above the bolt. By moving the bolt in a vertical direction, it is inserted into the eyelet, creating a mechanical connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer. Appropriately, the electrical connection is also created here, preferably in that the two plug-in connections engage in one another. In other words, the first plug connector is preferably also moved in the vertical direction towards the second plug connection. For decoupling, the bolt is moved in the opposite direction, with the two plug-in connections preferably also being moved apart.

For example, there is a sensor that detects the position of the bolt within the eyelet. If a position deviation occurs, for example due to bumps in the ground over which the vehicle combination is being moved, the auxiliary drive is preferably activated so that the position of the bolt is corrected. Appropriately, the control is such that the position of the bolt with respect to the eyelet is always essentially constant. This avoids unintentional uncoupling of the trailer.

Particularly preferably, the bolt protrudes in the vertical direction over the first plug connector, preferably in the direction in which the bolt is brought to establish the connection with the eyelet. When the bolt is lifted in the vertical direction to get positioned inside the eyelet to be, the bolt is thus expediently in the vertical direction upwards over the first connector. Thus, initially there is a mechanical contact between the bolt and the eyelet, so that an alignment between them takes place. Preferably, the bolt is designed conically or at least bevelled. Only after the bolt lies in the eyelet, preferably with the formation of a loose fit, does the contacting of the first connector with the second connector preferably take place. Thus, due to the bolt and the eyelet, these are already aligned with one another and making the electrical connection between them, for example due to a mechanical interlocking of the two connectors, is facilitated. Damage or excessive wear is also avoided in this way.

For example, in the coupled state, the bolt penetrates the eyelet completely and protrudes at least partially beyond it, for example. This prevents the eyelet from becoming detached from the bolt even if the trailer and/or the towing vehicle is shaken, for example due to bumps in the ground. In an alternative to this, the eyelet is closed on the side facing away from the bolt. In other words, the eyelet is pot-shaped. This prevents dirt from penetrating into the eyelet and also prevents foreign particles from accumulating between the eyelet and the bolt, so that friction between them and therefore excessive wear is avoided.

For example, the bolt and the eyelet are designed to be smooth on their common contact surfaces, so that insertion is simplified. Alternatively, the bolt has an external thread and the eyelet has an internal thread corresponding thereto. This makes it possible to screw the bolt inside the eyelet. In this case, the bolt is expediently mounted so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis, expediently around the same axis about which the bolt is possibly mounted so as to be rotatable with respect to the bodywork. The bolt is preferably driven, the bolt being rotated about the vertical axis by means of this drive. This enables automated coupling and uncoupling. Because of the two threads, unintentional loosening of the bolt from the eyelet, for example due to an uneven road, is avoided, which increases safety. For example, the bolt is additionally driven in the vertical direction by means of any auxiliary drive. To couple the trailer, the bolt is expediently first moved in the vertical direction by means of the auxiliary drive, for example until it protrudes through the eyelet at the free end or is at least partially arranged inside it. The bolt is then rotated around the vertical axis so that the bolt is screwed to the eyelet.

Expediently, after the bolt has been screwed to the eyelet, the bolt is still mounted so that it can rotate at least partially with respect to the body, so that the vehicle combination can corner unhindered. In particular, the possible receiving plate is present here, which is rotatable with respect to the body. To screw the bolt to the eyelet, the bolt is rotated with respect to the receiving plate.

The invention also relates to a corresponding tractor and a corresponding trailer. The advantages and developments mentioned in connection with the vehicle combination can also be transferred to the tractor/trailer.

• 1 schematisch vereinfacht ein Fahrzeuggespann mit einer Zugmaschine, an die mittels einer Kupplung ein Anhänger gekoppelt ist,
• 2, 3 schematisch vereinfacht einen Einfüllstutzen des Anhängers und einer ortsfeste Tankinfrastruktur,
• 4, 5 schematisch vereinfacht eine erste Ausführungsform der Kupplung,
• 6, 7 schematisch vereinfacht eine zweite Ausführungsform der Kupplung, und
• 8, 9 schematisch vereinfacht eine dritte Ausführungsform der Kupplung.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. Show in it:

• 1 schematically simplified a vehicle combination with a towing vehicle to which a trailer is coupled by means of a coupling,
• 2 , 3 schematically simplified a filler neck of the trailer and a stationary tank infrastructure,
• 4 , 5 schematically simplified a first embodiment of the clutch,
• 6 , 7 schematically simplified a second embodiment of the clutch, and
• 8th , 9 schematically simplified a third embodiment of the clutch.

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

In 1 a vehicle combination 2 in the form of a tractor-trailer is shown in a schematically simplified manner. The vehicle combination 2 has a tractor 4 and a trailer 6 which is coupled to the tractor 4 by means of a coupling 8 . The tractor 4 includes a plurality of wheels 10, which are used to make contact with a roadway (lane), which is not shown in detail. At least two of the total of four or six wheels 10 of the tractor 4 are driven by a main drive 12, with only the main drive 12 being provided to move the tractor 4 in the longitudinal direction. The main drive 12 comprises one or more electric motors 14, where, if a plurality of electric motors 14 are provided, one of the electric motors 14 is assigned to each of the driven wheels 10. The one or more electric motors 14 are each connected by means of a not shown Converter electrically connected to an electric battery 16 and thus energized by means of this.

The trailer 6 has an energy store 18 which is arranged between two longitudinal members 28 of a ladder frame of the trailer 6 . The energy store 18 has a hydrogen store 22 with a plurality of tanks 24 which are fluidically connected to one another. Furthermore, the energy store 18 includes a fuel cell 26 which is fed by means of the hydrogen store 22 . When the fuel cell 26 is in operation, electrical energy is thus provided, for which purpose the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage device 22 is chemically converted. A further drive 28, which has an electric motor and a converter (not shown in detail), is electrically connected to the energy store 18 and is therefore operated by means of it. In this case, one or more wheels 30 of the trailer 6 are driven when the further drive 28 is in operation.

In addition to the mechanical connection between the towing vehicle 4 and the trailer 6 , the energy store 18 and the main drive 12 are also electrically connected by means of the clutch 8 . Thus, the clutch 8 is used not only for the mechanical connection between the tractor 4 and the trailer 6, but also for the electrical connection. When the fuel cell 26 is in operation, the electrical energy provided is conducted to the electric motor 14 of the main drive 12 so that the vehicle combination 2 is moved. The coupling 8 also establishes a signal connection between the tractor 4 and the trailer 6, and an on-board computer of the tractor 4, not shown in detail, transmits corresponding control signals to the additional drive 28, so that the drive of the wheels 30 of the trailer 6 is coordinated with the Operation of the main drive 12 takes place.

The energy store 18 is arranged in the vertical direction below a loading edge 32 of the trailer 6, by means of which a loading floor 34 is limited in the longitudinal direction at the end opposite the tractor 4. The loading floor 34 is arranged within a structure of the trailer 6 and is used to hold solid goods, in particular pallets. In addition, a filler neck 36 of the trailer 6 is arranged below the loading sill 32 and is fluidically connected to the hydrogen accumulator 22 . The filler neck 26 is thus arranged at the end of the trailer 6 opposite the towing vehicle 4 below the loading sill 32 .

To load/unload the trailer 6 , the end opposite the tractor 4 is brought against a loading ramp 38 of a warehouse 40 , with the loading edge 32 resting flush against the loading ramp 38 . It is thus also possible to load the loading floor 34 via the loading ramp 38 with an industrial truck. A stationary tank infrastructure 42 of the warehouse 40 is arranged below the loading ramp 38 and is fluidically connected to a storage tank 44 . The storage tank 44 is filled with hydrogen, and when the trailer 6 is maneuvered backwards onto the loading ramp 38, the filler neck 36 is fluidically connected to the stationary tank infrastructure 42. This makes it possible to also fill the energy storage device 18 with hydrogen during the loading/unloading process to be filled, so that the vehicle combination 2 can then be used immediately afterwards.

In 2 is a schematically simplified section of the fixed tag infrastructure 42 and the trailer 6 shown, which are spaced apart, and in 3 the fluidic connection of the trailer 6 to the stationary tank infrastructure 42 is shown. The stationary tank infrastructure 42 has two positioning bolts 46 which run horizontally and are bevelled at the free end. A filler neck 48 which is fluidically connected to the storage tank 44 is arranged between these. In this case, the positioning bolts 46 protrude beyond the filler neck 48 in the horizontal direction.

The filler neck 36 includes a tank neck 50 fluidly connected to the tanks 24 . The tank neck 50 is surrounded on opposite sides by two receptacles 52 which are designed like blind holes and each serve to receive one of the positioning bolts 46 . In this case, the filler neck 46, ie the combination of the tank neck 50 and the receptacles 52, is floatingly mounted on other components of the trailer 6, so that the tank neck 46 can be moved perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the trailer 6. The fluidic connection between the tank nozzle 50 and the tanks 24 is flexible, so that the fluidic connection is always maintained. Due to the floating mounting, the filler neck 26 can be displaced by up to 2 cm in each of the directions that are perpendicular to one another.

If the trailer 6 is moved backwards towards the loading ramp 38, the positioning bolts 46 first engage in the respective corresponding receptacle 52, whereby this is also possible due to the conical design of the positioning bolts 46, i.e. due to the respective beveled free end, if the receptacles 52 are not arranged in alignment with the positioning bolts 46. In a further approach, the filler neck 36 is displaced due to the floating mounting in this case. at a further approach will therefore bring the filler neck 50, which is rigid with respect to the seats 52, against the filler neck 48, which is rigid with respect to the positioning bolts 46, as in FIG 3 shown. A secure connection is thus created between them, and hydrogen can be transferred from the storage tank 44 to the hydrogen storage device 22 of the trailer 6 without any risk.

The clutch 8 is in 4 shown when the trailer 6 is decoupled from the tractor 4, and in 5 , when the trailer 6 is coupled to the tractor 4. The coupling 8 has a vertically arranged bolt 54 which is rigidly attached to a receiving plate 56 . The receiving plate 56 is arranged horizontally and is driven in the vertical direction by means of an auxiliary drive 58 and is mounted in a displaceable manner. The auxiliary drive 58 is formed by two reciprocating pistons 60 which are designed electrically and are fed by the electric battery 16 of the main drive 12 . During operation of the auxiliary drive 58, the receiving plate 56 and thus the bolt 54 is moved in the vertical direction. In summary, the bolt 54 is driven in the vertical direction by means of the auxiliary drive 58, namely via the receiving plate 56. On the end opposite the receiving plate 46, the bolt 54 is designed conically and is therefore bevelled.

The receiving plate 56 is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation 62 with respect to a body 64 of the tractor 4 . In this case, the body 64 is formed, for example, by means of a ladder frame or another auxiliary frame of the tractor 4 . The axis of rotation 62 is concentric with the pin 54 and the movement of the receiving plate 56 is limited to only 170° in each direction, so that the receiving plate 56 can only be rotated about the axis of rotation 62 a total of 340°. Thus, the bolt 54 is also rotatably mounted with respect to the body 64, and the bolt 54 is connected to the body 64.

Also accommodated by the receiving plate 56 is a first plug connector 66 which has a plurality of female plugs. The first connector 66 is disposed adjacent to the bolt 54, with the bolt 54 protruding from the first connector 66 in the vertical direction. The first plug connector 66 is connected to the electric battery 16 of the main drive 12 by means of a cable 68, which has a plurality of wires, namely at least one for each of the plugs of the first plug connector 66, as well as any other components and is thus electrically contacted with it.

The hitch 8 also includes an eyelet 70 associated with the trailer 6 and rigidly attached to a semi-trailer 72 of the trailer. The upper side of the trailer 72 forms the loading floor 34. The eyelet 70 is aligned horizontally, so that the opening formed by means of the eyelet runs in the vertical direction. A second connector 74 is arranged next to the eyelet 70 and thus surrounds the eyelet 70 on the peripheral side. The second plug connector 74 has a number of male plugs that corresponds to the number of female plugs of the first plug connector 66 and makes electrical contact with the energy store 18 . Rigid busbars are used for this, for example.

To couple the trailer 6 , the towing vehicle 4 is positioned in such a way that the bolt 54 is located below the eyelet 70 in the vertical direction, and the eyelet 70 is expediently arranged essentially concentrically with the axis of rotation 62 . Due to the electric battery 16, operation of the electric motor 14 of the tractor 4 is possible, even if only for a comparatively short period of time. When this is done, the auxiliary drive 58 is activated and the receiving plate 56 and the bolt 54 is moved upwards in the vertical direction until it engages in the eyelet 70 . The cable 68 prevents the electrical connection between the first plug connector 66 and the electric battery 16 from being torn off. Due to the conical design of the free end of the bolt 54, insertion is also possible if the eyelet 70 is not arranged exactly concentrically to the axis of rotation 62.

As the bolt 54 is inserted further, the trailer 6 is moved relative to the towing vehicle 4 so that the eyelet 70 is aligned concentrically with the bolt 54, as in FIG 5 shown. In this case, a loose fit is realized between the eyelet 70 and the bolt 54 . After the mechanical alignment has taken place, the receiving plate 56 is moved until the trailer 72 rests on the receiving plate 56 and is thus partially stabilized by means of it. The bolt 54 then protrudes through the eyelet 70 . There is also a mechanical and therefore also electrical contact between the first connector 66 and the second connector 74. Due to the positioning of the two connectors 66, 74 to one another by means of the bolt 54 and the eyelet 70, damage to these is avoided. Due to the electrical connection by means of the plug connectors 66, 74, a transfer of electrical energy from the energy store 18 to the main drive 12 is made possible. It is also possible to use the connectors 66, 74 to exchange signals between the tractor 4 and the trailer 6, which are used in particular for the operation of the additional drive 28.

When the vehicle combination 2 corners, the trailer 6 is pivoted with respect to the towing vehicle 4 . Since the receiving plate 56 can be rotated with respect to the axis of rotation 62, there is no relative movement of the bolt 54 with respect to the eyelet 70, so that there is no wear. Rather, in this case the receiving plate 56 is rotated with respect to the axis of rotation 62 . Thus, there is also no relative movement of the receiving plate 56 with respect to the trailer 72, which is why wear is avoided there as well. Due to the cable 68 tearing of the electrical connection between the first connector 66 and the electric battery 16 is avoided.

In 6 and 7 is according to the 4 and 5 a modification of the clutch 8 is shown. In this embodiment, in comparison to the previous variant, only the eyelet 70 is closed on the side facing away from the bolt 54, so that the eyelet 70 is cup-shaped. The length of the bolt 54 is also shorter in the vertical direction, so that the semi-trailer 72 also rests on the mounting plate 56 in the coupled state. The two connectors 66, 74, however, are not modified

Due to the closed design of the eyelet 70, penetration of foreign particles between the edge of the eyelet 70 and the bolt 54 is avoided, which could otherwise lead to contamination and the increased wear caused thereby. Also, for example, pinching an object, such as an object or a living being.

In 8th and 9 a further modification of the clutch 8 is shown. The bolt 54 has compared to the 4 and 5 illustrated embodiment an external thread 76 on. The eyelet 70 is provided with a corresponding internal thread 78 . In addition, the bolt 54 is rotatably mounted with respect to the receiving plate 76 about a vertical axis which coincides with the axis of rotation 62 . In other words, the bolt 54 is rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation 62 with respect to the receiving plate 56 . To couple the trailer 6 to the tractor 2, the bolt 54 is raised by means of the auxiliary drive 58 until it enters the eyelet 70 and the two threads 76, 78 engage. As soon as this has taken place, the bolt 54 is driven by a drive, not shown in detail, so that the bolt 54 is screwed to the eyelet 70, with the receiving plate 56 being raised by means of the auxiliary drive 58 or as a result of the screwing. Unintentional detachment of the trailer 6 from the tractor 4 is prevented because of the screw connection.

In a variant not shown in detail in the 6 and 7 Variant of the coupling 8 shown has the internal thread 78 and the external thread 76 .

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 individual exemplary embodiments can also be combined with one another in other ways without departing from the subject matter of the invention.

Reference List

2

vehicle combination

4

tractor

6

follower

8th

coupling

10

wheel

12

main drive

14

electric motor

16

electric battery

18

energy storage

20

side members

22

hydrogen storage

24

tank

26

fuel cell

28

further drive

30

wheel

32

sill

34

cargo floor

36

filler neck

38

loading dock

40

warehouse

42

stationary tank infrastructure

44

storage tank

46

positioning bolts

48

filler neck

50

filler neck

52

recording

54

bolt

56

recording plate

58

auxiliary drive

60

reciprocating

62

axis of rotation

64

body

66

first connector

68

Cable

70

eyelet

72

trailer

74

second connector

76

external thread

78

inner thread

Claims (10)

Vehicle combination (2) with a tractor (4) and a trailer (6) coupled to it by means of a coupling (8), the tractor (4) having a main drive (12) with an electric motor (14) which is powered by an electric battery ( 16) is energized, and wherein the trailer (6) comprises an energy store (18) electrically connected to the main drive (12) via the clutch (8) and having a fuel cell (26) fed by a hydrogen store (22). Vehicle combination (2) after claim 1 , characterized in that the trailer (6) has a filler neck (26) which is fluidly connected to the hydrogen accumulator (22), the filler neck (26) at the end of the trailer (6) opposite the tractor (4) below a Loading sill (32) is arranged. Vehicle combination (2) after claim 2 , characterized in that the filler neck (36) is mounted floating, and / or that the filler neck (36) has a receptacle (52) for a positioning bolt (46) of a stationary tank infrastructure (42). Vehicle combination (2) according to one of Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the coupling (8) has a vertically arranged bolt (54) assigned to the tractor (2) and an eyelet (70) assigned to the trailer (6), and in that the coupling (8) has one of the tractor (4 ) associated first connector (66), which is in electrical contact with the electric battery (16), and the trailer (6) associated with the second connector (74) which is electrically contacted with the energy storage device (18). Vehicle combination (2) after claim 4 , characterized in that the eyelet (70) is rigidly connected to a trailer (72) of the trailer (6) and the bolt (54) to a body (64) of the tractor (2), the bolt (54) being rotatable with respect the body (64) is mounted. Vehicle combination (2) after claim 5 , characterized in that the first plug connector (66) is at least partially electrically connected to the electric battery (16) by means of a cable (68). Vehicle combination (2) according to one of Claims 4 until 6 , characterized in that the bolt (54) is driven in the vertical direction by means of an auxiliary drive (58). Vehicle combination (2) according to one of Claims 4 until 7 , characterized in that the bolt (54) protrudes in the vertical direction over the first connector (66). Vehicle combination (2) according to one of Claims 4 until 8th , characterized in that the eyelet (70) is closed on the side facing away from the bolt (54). Vehicle combination (2) according to one of Claims 4 until 9 , characterized in that the bolt (54) has an external thread (76) and the eyelet (70) has an internal thread (78) corresponding thereto, the bolt (54) being rotatably mounted about a vertical axis.

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