WO2020119936A1

WO2020119936A1 - Multi-function connector

Info

Publication number: WO2020119936A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/000325
Authority: WO
Inventors: Helmut Fliegl
Original assignee: Helmut Fliegl
Priority date: 2018-12-11
Filing date: 2019-11-27
Publication date: 2020-06-18
Also published as: SG11202105575XA; JP2022513476A; EP3894244A1; MA54441A; IL283863A

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a multi-function connector (1) for a vehicle or a vehicle trailer or a plant or a machine or a device for connecting and disconnecting connection elements (20, 21) of lines (20a, 21a), in particular of electrical lines and/or hydraulic lines and/or pneumatic lines. The multi-function connector (1) has a first receiving element (2) for receiving at least one first connection element (20), a second receiving element (3) for receiving at least one second connection element (21) that can be connected to the first connection element (20), and a parallelogram mechanism (6). The parallelogram mechanism (6) is designed to move the second receiving element (3), relative to the first receiving element (2), substantially linearly along a connection direction of the first connection element (20) and of the second connection element (21) between an open state, in which the first connection element (20) and the second connection element (21) are disconnected from each another, and a closed state, in which the first connection element (20) and the second connection element (21) are connected together.

Description

description

MULTIFUNCTIONAL CONNECTOR

Technical field

The present invention relates to a multi-function connector for a vehicle or a vehicle trailer or a system or a machine or a device (e.g. an agricultural technology, biogas, wood chip or slurry technology system for stationary / mobile operation) for connecting and disconnecting of connecting elements of lines. These lines are in particular electrical lines and / or hydraulic lines and / or pneumatic lines. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a structural unit with a receiving element and a parallelogram mechanism and a receiving element.

background

[02] In addition to a mechanical connection of a trailer to a

For example, a towing vehicle also requires an electrical connection to transmit electrical current for lighting devices of the trailer. Since the electrical connection must be disconnected from the towing vehicle when the trailer is uncoupled, the electrical connection on the towing vehicle side and on the trailer side electrical lines is usually carried out using plugs.

In addition to an electrical connection, for example

In particular in the case of agricultural tractors, hydraulic or pneumatic connections or connections of lines for water or fertilizer between the towing vehicle and the trailer may also be necessary, which are also carried out by means of suitable connecting elements between corresponding hoses on the vehicle side and on the trailer side. Each Depending on the area of application, several connecting elements are used per towing vehicle and trailer, which have to be connected to the towing vehicle each time the trailer is attached and must be separated from the towing vehicle each time the trailer is uncoupled, which is associated with labor. In addition, especially in poor lighting, there is a risk of interchanging the connecting elements of different lines with one another and connecting the connecting elements of two lines that do not belong together.

[04] EP 0 522 493 B2 discloses a quick coupling for the simultaneous establishment or disconnection of connections of several connecting plugs and / or couplings. The quick coupling has two support plates on which socket parts and plug parts of hydraulic, pneumatic and / or electrical energy transmission devices are located. The support plates are pressed together to produce a connection between the plugs and / or couplings by means of a clamping lever. In the case of hydraulic couplings, spring-loaded flat sealing couplings without a locking ball lock are used. The relative arrangement of the support plates to each other is determined by guide pins and matching guide openings in the support plates. DE 10 2017 200 743 A1 discloses a coupling mechanism by means of which two connecting blocks are moved between a receiving and a coupling position. The coupling mechanism has rotatable links and roller pins which are guided in cam slots of the rotatable links.

[05] EP 0 787 905 B1 discloses a unit for distributing a

Pressure medium, which consists of an intermediate plate and a hydraulic block. The intermediate plate and the hydraulic block each have a ground surface. When the intermediate plate and the hydraulic block are connected, the ground surfaces lie on top of each other. Connection pieces protrude from the intermediate plate and can be inserted into corresponding holes formed in the hydraulic block. The intermediate plate is firmly connected to the hydraulic block with the help of screws, so that the ground surface of the intermediate is pressed firmly against the ground surface of the hydraulic block and thus a sealing effect between the intermediate plate and the hydraulic block is achieved.

[06] EP 2 476 941 B1 discloses a device for connecting several hydraulic or power lines at the same time. The device has two plate-like elements, in each of which complementary couplings are provided. The mutually complementary couplings of the two plate-like elements are connected to each other via a lever by which the two plate-like elements are pressed against one another.

[07] WO 2015/086648 A1 discloses a further quick coupling for several hydraulic, power and / or pneumatic lines, which has two plates, through which several couplings are held. The two plates and the couplings held thereby can be connected to one another by a lever. Some of the couplings are specially designed couplings. Instead of connecting the two plates together, individual couplings can also be connected to couplings of one of the two plates if the connections via the further couplings are not required for a specific application.

[08] With the devices mentioned, there is a safe and tight

Connection of the complementary couplings by abutting or pressed plates. In order to ensure that the plates are guided securely when the plates are connected and to prevent the couplings from tilting, guide elements are sometimes required. In some cases, plugs or connecting elements specially designed for the device must be used for the power, hydraulic and / or pneumatic lines, while the use of commercially available plugs or connecting elements is often not possible due to the special design of the devices.

In the unit disclosed in EP 0 787 905 B1, the

Connection of the intermediate plate and the hydraulic block via screws. The Tightening and loosening the screws when connecting or disconnecting the intermediate plate and the hydraulic block requires labor and time.

A problem underlying the invention is to provide a multi-function connector, the simple, fast and safe re connection and disconnection towing vehicle side and trailer side electrical lines and / or hydraulic / pneumatic lines using commercially available connecting elements, in particular plugs and sockets and / or couplings with interlocking plug and socket parts.

Presentation of the invention

[1 1] According to one aspect of the present disclosure

Multifunctional connector for a vehicle or a vehicle trailer for connecting and disconnecting connecting elements of lines, in particular electrical lines and / or hydraulic lines and / or pneumatic lines, a first receiving element for receiving at least one first connecting element, a second receiving element for receiving at least one with the first connecting element connectable second connecting elements, and a parallelogram mechanism (movement mechanism). The parallelogram mechanism is designed to move the second receiving element substantially linearly along a connecting direction of the first connecting element and the second connecting element between an open state in which the first connecting element and the second connecting element are separated from one another and a closed state in which the first connecting element and the second connecting element are interconnected to move relative to the first receiving element. The term “essentially linear” in this context means that the movement takes place approximately along a straight line, for example in the horizontal direction, with a slight deviation from the straight line, for example a deviation of up to 10 mm or up to 5 mm or up to 2 mm or up to 1 mm in the vertical direction is possible. A deviation of up to 10 mm or up to 5 mm or up to 2 mm or up to 1 mm is possible in the horizontal direction.

[12] Under a parallelogram mechanism is general

for example to understand a parallelogram guide that has two parallel to each other guided handlebars. By means of the two links, a first element and a second element are moved relative to one another without changing their alignment with one another, i.e. without being rotated relative to one another. Each of the two links is rotatably connected to the first element at a first pivot point and is rotatably connected to the second element at a second pivot point, the axes of rotation being parallel to one another. The distances between the first pivot point and the second pivot point are the same for both handlebars. In addition, the distance between the first pivot points and the distance between the second pivot points are the same. The fulcrums lie in a plane perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the fulcrums and form the corners of a parallelogram, the two links forming two opposite sides of the parallelogram. The parallelogram can be sheared by synchronously swiveling the handlebars.

In other words, with the aid of a parallelogram mechanism, an element fastened to a lever or double arm can also be held in the original angle of inclination (in the plane of the lever path) even when moving along the path of the lever or double arm. That is, the angular position of the element is maintained during the movement. According to the definition of a parallelogram, two links of the same length are used in a parallelogram mechanism, which are mounted on axles in the load and pivot point and are connected at the other end to each other via another link in the length of the lever arm (see Wikipedia article "Parallelogram guidance "). [14] In the multi-function connector, the first receiving element and the second receiving element are essentially linear along the connecting direction of the first connecting element and the second connecting element, ie in the direction in which the first connecting element and the second connecting element are connected to one another by the parallelogram mechanism ( For example, the direction in which two mutually complementary plugs or hose couplings are inserted into one another) is moved relative to one another without tilting or being twisted. This prevents problems when connecting the connecting elements, such as tilting, for example. The use of additional guide elements, such as guide pins, is not absolutely necessary. Due to the arrangement of the connecting elements on the receiving elements, a fast, safe, in particular exchange-proof, parallel and simultaneous connection and disconnection or coupling and uncoupling of several connecting elements is possible. An unintentional swapping of connecting elements is avoided since the connecting elements can be firmly attached to the receiving elements.

[15] Force can be applied to the parallelogram mechanism

unit for shearing the parallelogram mechanism, i.e. for a transition from the open state to the closed state and vice versa. The force application unit can be, for example, a hand lever or another mechanical, electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic device.

[16] The first receiving element is for receiving at least one first connecting element, i.e. one or more first connecting elements. The second receiving element is for receiving at least one second connecting element, i.e. one or more second connecting elements are formed.

[17] The parallelogram mechanism can be a holder for

Attachment of the second receiving element, a first side element (first Link) which connects the first receiving element and the holder to one another and which is pivotable in a first plane parallel to the connecting direction of the first connecting element and the second connecting element relative to the first receiving element and the holder, and a second side element (second link), which connects the first receiving element and the holder to one another, and which is pivotable relative to the first receiving element and the holder in a second plane, which is identical or parallel to the first plane. The second side element can be offset in the connecting direction of the first connecting element and the second connecting element relative to the first side element.

[18] The first side element can be connected in an articulated manner to the first receiving element at a first connection point and can be connected in an articulated manner to the holder at a second connection point. The second side element can be connected in an articulated manner to the first receiving element at a third connection point and can be connected in an articulated manner to the holder at a fourth connection point. The connection points of the first side element and the second side element with the first receiving element and the holder can be arranged at the corner points of a parallelogram when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first plane and the second plane.

[19] The first side element can be an elongated component, for example a flat iron. A first end of the first side member in the longitudinal direction of the first side member may be articulated to the first receiving member, and a second end of the first side member in the longitudinal direction may be articulated to the bracket. The second side element can be an elongated component, for example a flat iron. A first end of the second side element in the longitudinal direction of the second side element can be articulated to the first receiving element, and a second end of the second side element in the longitudinal direction can be articulated to the holder. The The longitudinal direction of the first side element can run essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second side element.

[20] The parallelogram mechanism may further include a rotating member attached to the first receiving member and rotatable about a first axis perpendicular to the first plane and the second plane relative to the first receiving member, and an intermediate member hinged to the first side member is and is connected in an articulated manner to an eccentric section of the rotary element. The intermediate element can be connected to the first side element such that the first side element is pivoted in relation to the first receiving element in the first plane by a movement of the intermediate element connected to a rotation of the rotary element about the first axis.

[21] The intermediate element and the rotating element can be one

Form the toggle mechanism, the dead center of which is exceeded during the transition between the open state and the closed state. This can ensure that the multifunction connector is not opened unintentionally, for example due to vibrations. The intermediate element and the rotary element do not necessarily have to form a toggle mechanism. An unintentional opening of the multifunction connector can also be ensured, for example, by a lock.

[22] The parallelogram mechanism may have a first sub-mechanism and a second sub-mechanism that are offset in a direction perpendicular to the first plane and the second plane by a third distance from one another. The third distance can be, for example, at least 10 cm or at least 20 cm or at least 30 cm. Each of the first sub-mechanism and the second sub-mechanism can have a first side element and a second side element.

[23] Each of the first sub-mechanism and the second

Part mechanism can have an intermediate element and a rotary element. Each of the first sub-mechanism and the second sub-mechanism may have a bracket. The first sub-mechanism and the second sub-mechanism can together have a holder.

[24] The rotating element of the first sub-mechanism and the

Rotating element of the second sub-mechanism can be connected to one another via a shaft which extends along the first axis, so that they can be rotated integrally with one another about the first axis.

[25] The parallelogram mechanism can have a receptacle for a force application device, and the rotating element can be rotated about the first axis by means of the force application device. The force application device can be a hand lever or another mechanical adjustment device or can be an electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic adjustment device.

[26] The first receiving element can at least accommodate

two first connecting elements. Accordingly, a second receiving element can be used which is designed to receive at least two second connecting elements, the connecting directions of the first connecting elements and the second connecting elements being aligned parallel to one another. In particular, the first connecting elements are aligned coaxially to the respectively opposite complementary second connecting elements, so that the first and the second connecting elements are connected to one another when the second receiving element approaches the first receiving element. For example, mutually complementary plugs are inserted into one another.

[27] With such a configuration, a plurality of connecting elements can be connected to one another or separated from one another easily and quickly in parallel or simultaneously. The number of second connecting elements can correspond to the number of first connecting elements or can be less than the number of first connecting elements. [28] The first receiving element can have a first plate, in which at least one first opening for receiving the at least one first connecting element is formed. The second receiving element can have a second plate, in which at least one second opening for receiving the at least one second connecting element is formed.

[29] The first plate and the second plate can be pressed together when the multifunction connector is closed. Alternatively, in the closed state there can be a first distance between the first plate and the second plate which is at least 1 mm or at least 1 cm.

[30] The first receptacle or bracket may have a tubular sleeve oriented parallel to the direction of connection of the first connector and the second connector, and the other of the first receptacle and bracket may be parallel to the direction of connection of the first connector and the two th connecting element aligned bolt that extends through the sleeve. In particular, the sleeve can be placed on the first receiving element and the bolt can be attached to the holder. With the aid of the bolt running through the sleeve, additional guidance of the movement of the parallelogram mechanism and thus stabilization of the alignment between the first receiving element and the holder or the second receiving element is possible.

[31] The first side element can be two parallel to each other

arranged elongated flat bars, and the first receiving element may have an elongated flat bar, which is oriented in the connecting direction of the first connecting element and the second connecting element, and which passes through a space between the two elongated flat bars of the first side element arranged in parallel to one another. The flat iron of the first receiving element allows the movement of the parallelogram mechanism to be guided and the lateral alignment between the first opening acquisition element and the holder or the second receiving element can be stabilized. The second side element can also have two elongate flat irons arranged parallel to one another, and the flat iron of the first receiving element can pass through a space between the two elongate flat irons of the second side element arranged parallel to one another.

[32] The parallelogram mechanism can be articulated directly or indirectly on the first receiving element.

[33] The second receiving element can be detachably attached to the holder

be attachable. Because of the detachable attachment, the second receiving element can be separated from the holder and thus from the parallelogram mechanism and the first receiving element, for example when a trailer is separated from a towing vehicle.

[34] The second receiving element can have a grip section

exhibit. The handle section facilitates the separation of the second receiving element from the holder, since the handle section can be easily gripped by a user.

[35] The bracket can have two bolts. The second

Receiving element can have two recesses and can be plugged onto the holder by placing the two recesses on the two bolts.

[36] The multifunction connector can be designed with a movement mechanism other than a parallelogram mechanism. A movement mechanism is generally to be understood as a device by means of which two elements can be moved relative to one another. In the multi-function connector of the present disclosure, the movement mechanism causes the first receiving element and the second receiving element to be substantially linear along the connecting direction of the first connecting element and the second connecting element, ie in the direction in which the first connecting element and the second connecting element are connected to one another. which are connected (for example the direction in which two mutually complementary plugs or hose couplings are inserted into one another) are moved relative to one another without being tilted or twisted. That is, the relative orientation or the angular position of the two receiving elements is maintained during the movement. Problems with connecting the connec tion elements, such as tilting, are thereby avoided. The use of additional guide elements, such as guide pins, is not absolutely necessary, since the movement mechanisms disclosed can ensure stable guidance of the receiving elements.

In one embodiment, the movement mechanism comprises a holder for releasably attaching the second receiving element to the movement mechanism, a working cylinder which is a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder or an electric cylinder and has a piston rod which can be displaced in the connecting direction of the first connecting element and the second connecting element . The working cylinder can be attached to the first receiving element. The movement mechanism is designed to move the holder with the second receiving element attached thereto by means of a displacement of the piston rod between the open state and the closed state.

[38] The moving mechanism of this embodiment can be operated using hydraulic fluid or compressed air available on the towing vehicle and ensures stable movement of the second receiving member relative to the first receiving member without changing the orientation of the second receiving member relative to the first receiving member .

[39] The moving mechanism may have a first sub-mechanism and a second sub-mechanism which are offset in a direction perpendicular to the connecting direction of the first connecting element and the second connecting element at a third distance of at least 10 cm or at least 20 cm or at least 30 cm from one another. Everyone from the first sub-mechanism and the second sub-mechanism may have a working cylinder which is a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder or an electric cylinder and has a displaceable piston rod in the connecting direction of the first connecting element and the second connecting element, on which a holder for releasable attachment of the second Receiving element is provided on the movement mechanism. The configuration with two sub-mechanisms enables particularly stable guidance of the movement of the two receiving elements relative to one another.

[40] Each of the first sub-mechanism and the second

Part mechanism can have a holder. The first sub-mechanism and the second sub-mechanism can together have a holder.

The working cylinder can be a double-acting cylinder with a first connection and a second connection, which is designed to move the holder with the attached second receiving element into the closed state when a pressure medium is supplied to the first connection, and at Supply of a pressure medium to the second circuit to move the holder with the attached second receiving element in the open state. In this embodiment, the multifunction connector can both be opened and closed using the pressure medium.

[42] Alternatively, the working cylinder can be a single-acting cylinder. The piston rod of the single-acting cylinder can be pushed out of the cylinder or pulled into the cylinder by a pressure medium is supplied to the cylinder. Movement of the piston rod in the reverse direction can be effected by releasing the pressure medium from the cylinder and returning the piston rod to its original position, for example by a spring.

[43] The bracket can be provided on the piston rod.

In particular, the holder can be formed directly on the piston rod.

The holder can be a separately designed component that is attached to the piston rod is attached, or the bracket may be integrally formed with the piston rod. The bracket can be partially formed by the piston rod. For example, part of the piston rod may have an external thread on which flange sections and nuts for holding the second receiving element are screwed on.

[44] Instead of the working cylinder, the movement mechanism can have a hand lever which is fastened to the first receiving element. The movement mechanism can be designed to move the holder with the second receiving element attached to it by moving the hand lever between the open state and the closed state.

[45] The moving mechanism may further include a shaft rotatably supported on the first receiving member about an axis, a first lever rigidly attached to the shaft at one end and articulated to the piston rod at the other end, and one second lever, which is rigidly attached to the shaft at one end and is pivotally connected to the holder at its other end. The first lever, the shaft and the second lever can be designed to convert a movement of the piston rod into a substantially linear movement of the holder with the second receiving element attached thereto along the connecting direction of the first connecting element and the second connecting element. In particular, the first lever, the shaft and the second lever can deflect the movement of the piston rod. This increases the freedom in the arrangement of the working cylinder compared to an embodiment in which the holder is provided directly on the piston rod.

[46] In another embodiment, the movement mechanism has a pinion which is rotatably mounted on the first receiving element, a toothed rack which is displaceable in the connecting direction of the first connecting element and the second connecting element and is toothed with the pinion, and a holder for releasable attachment of the second receiving element the movement mechanism that is attached to the rack. The movement mechanism is designed to move the holder with the second receiving element attached to it by means of a rotation of the pinion and a corresponding displacement of the toothed rack between the closed state and the open state.

[47] In a further embodiment, the movement mechanism has a holder for releasably attaching the second receiving element to the movement mechanism, and a chain, cable or belt drive. The chain, cable or belt drive has a first wheel, a second wheel and a chain or a cable or a belt which runs around the first wheel and the second wheel and on the or the bracket is attached to and is designed to mount the bracket with the second receiving element attached thereto by means of a rotation of the first wheel and the second wheel and a corresponding movement of the chain or the rope or the belt between the closed state and the open state to move.

[48] The movement mechanism can have an attachment point for a detachably attachable force application device, by means of which the pinion or at least one of the first wheel and the second wheel can be rotated. The force application device can be a hand lever or another mechanical adjustment device. The movement mechanism can be actuated with muscle power by means of the force application device.

[49] The movement mechanisms of the embodiments with the toothed rack or the chain or the rope or the belt can also have a left and a right partial mechanism. The left and right sub-mechanisms can have the same configuration. The left and right sub-mechanisms can be offset from one another in the third distance. Rotary elements, such as pinions or gears, of the left and right sub-mechanisms can be connected to one another via a shaft so that they can be rotated integrally. [50] In a further embodiment, the movement mechanism comprises a holder for releasably attaching the second receiving element to the movement mechanism, and a connecting rod drive with a sleeve which is fastened to the first receiving element, a piston element which is displaceably guided in the sleeve and on which the holder is provided is, and a connecting rod element pivotally connected to the piston element for displacing the piston element in the sleeve and a lever which is rotatably mounted on the first receiving element at one end and is pivotally connected to the connecting rod element at the other end. The movement mechanism is designed to move the holder with the second receiving element attached thereto by means of a rotation of the lever and a corresponding displacement of the piston element by the connecting rod element between the open state and the closed state.

[51] Also in this embodiment, the movement mechanism may have a first sub-mechanism and a second sub-mechanism which are offset in a direction perpendicular to the connecting direction of the first connecting element and the second connecting element at the third distance from one another. The moving mechanism may further include a shaft. Each of the first sub-mechanism and the second sub-mechanism can comprise a connecting rod drive and a lever, the end of which is mounted on the first receiving element and is rigidly connected to the shaft, so that rotational movement of the shaft by the lever and the connecting rod elements is converted into a linear movement of the piston elements becomes.

[52] The movement mechanism can have a starting point for a detachably attachable hand lever, by means of which the lever or the shaft can be rotated. The hand lever can be firmly connected to the lever or the shaft.

[53] Even when using movement mechanisms other than a parallelogram mechanism, the first receiving element or the holder can be parallel to the connecting direction of the first connecting element and the second connecting element aligned tubular sleeve, and the other of the first receiving member and the bracket may have a parallel to the connecting direction of the first connec tion element and the second connecting element which extends through the sleeve.

The movement mechanism can be articulated or fastened directly or indirectly to the first receiving element.

[55] Further aspects relate to an assembly with a first

Receiving element and a parallelogram mechanism or a movement mechanism for attachment to a towing vehicle, and a second receiving element for receiving connecting elements of lines of a vehicle trailer or a system or a machine or a device. The term “vehicle trailer” also includes, for example, agricultural implements, such as a device for applying crop protection agents or a front loader, or a dozer blade.

[56] According to a further aspect, a towing vehicle has one

Multifunction connector on, wherein the first receiving element and the parallel logram mechanism or the movement mechanism are attached to the towing vehicle. The first receiving element receives first connecting elements of cables on the towing vehicle side.

[57] Second connecting elements of lines on the trailer side can be received by the second receiving element. Accordingly, the first receiving element and the parallelogram mechanism or the movement mechanism have to be provided only once, namely on the towing vehicle, while the second receiving element, which can be formed comparatively simply, for example from a plate, on different trailers or other hitching devices that are to be attached to the towing vehicle can be provided. This can save costs.

[58] With this multifunctional connector you can

standardized plugs are used. No special steps are required. cker, in particular seals to be pressed together. This can reduce costs and spare parts costs. Individual ne plugs of individual lines can be connected separately to the corresponding plugs (connecting elements) on a receiving element. That is, the first receiving element can be provided on a towing vehicle, for example, and individual plugs of lines on a vehicle trailer can be connected to the corresponding plugs (first connecting elements) on the first receiving element without the plugs of the lines on the vehicle trailer on one second receiving element must be attached. The first receiving element is compatible with individual second connecting elements. The second receiving element is thus optional and the first receiving element can be used without a second receiving element.

[59] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a multi-function connector has a first receiving element for receiving at least one first connecting element, a second receiving element for receiving at least one second connecting element which can be connected to the first connecting element, and a movement mechanism which is designed to accommodate the second receiving element substantially linearly along a connecting direction of the first connecting element and the second connecting element between an open state in which the first connecting element and the second connecting element are separated from one another and a closed state in which the first connecting element and the second connecting element are connected to one another to move relative to the first receiving element. A quick coupling with a cover that can be opened by means of a hand lever as a first connecting element and a locking element are attached to the first receiving element. The hand lever can be locked by means of the locking element in a position in which the cover for connecting second connecting elements is opened with the quick coupling. The second receiving element is detachably attached to the movement mechanism.

[60] The locking element may be a spring latch with a pin, which is designed to be rotated about an axis in the longitudinal direction of the pin along the axis between a position in which the pin blocks movement of the hand lever and a position in which the pin does not interfere with the movement of the hand lever to be moved.

[61] A multi-function connector according to the present disclosure can be on a sub-coupler vehicle, on a tractor / tractor, on a trailer, on a semi-trailer, an attachment, a machine or any combination of trains with a tractor / tractor or a motor-driven unit and can also be used on self-propelled units (including a self-propelled dolly / reduction axle).

Brief description of the drawings

[62] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 shows a perspective view of a multi-function connector according to a first embodiment in an open state viewed from an elevated position at the rear left,

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the multi-function connector according to the first embodiment in the opened state viewed from the right,

3 shows a side view of the multifunction connector according to the first embodiment in a closed state, viewed from the right,

4 shows a top view of a second receiving element viewed from the rear, 5 shows a perspective view of a multifunction connector according to a second embodiment in the open state viewed from an elevated position at the rear left,

6 shows a perspective view of the multi-function connector according to the second embodiment in the closed state viewed from an elevated position at the rear left,

7 shows a perspective view of a multifunction connector according to a third embodiment in the open state viewed from an elevated position at the rear right,

8 shows a perspective view of a multifunction connector according to a fourth embodiment in the open state viewed from an elevated position at the rear right,

9 shows a side view of the multi-function connector according to the fourth embodiment in the opened state viewed from the right,

10 shows a side view of the multi-function connector according to the fourth embodiment in the closed state viewed from the right,

11 shows a perspective view of a multifunction connector according to a fifth embodiment in the open state viewed from an elevated position at the rear right,

12 shows a side view of the multi-function connector according to the fifth embodiment in the opened state viewed from the right,

13 shows a side view of the multifunction connector according to the fifth embodiment in the closed state viewed from the right,

14 shows a perspective view of a multi-function connector according to a sixth embodiment in the open state viewed from a position at the rear right, 15 shows a side view of the multi-function connector according to the sixth embodiment in the opened state viewed from the right,

16 shows a side view of the multi-function connector according to the sixth embodiment in the closed state, viewed from the right,

17 shows a perspective, partially sectioned view of the multi-function connector according to the sixth embodiment in the closed state viewed from an elevated position at the rear left,

18 shows a perspective, partially sectioned view of a multifunction connector according to a seventh embodiment in the opened state, viewed from an elevated position at the rear left,

19 shows a perspective, partially transparent view of a multifunction connector according to an eighth embodiment in the opened state, viewed from an elevated position at the rear left,

20 shows a perspective, partially transparent view of the multifunction connector according to the eighth embodiment in the closed state viewed from an elevated position at the rear left,

21 shows a perspective view of a multifunction connector according to a ninth embodiment in the closed state viewed from an elevated position at the rear left with a second receiving element shown in a transparent manner,

22 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the multi-function connector according to the ninth embodiment in the opened state as viewed from an elevated and shifted left position.

23 shows a perspective view of the multifunction connector according to the ninth embodiment in the opened state, viewed from a position offset to the left rear above the multifunction connector, 24 shows a perspective view of a multifunction connector according to a tenth embodiment in the closed state viewed from an elevated position at the rear left,

25 shows a perspective view of an assembly with a first receiving element and a parallelogram mechanism according to the tenth embodiment without adapter plates, viewed from an elevated position at the rear right,

26 is a perspective view of the assembly with the first receiving element and the parallelogram mechanism according to the tenth embodiment with adapter plates and hydraulic / pneumatic / compressed air / electrical / electronic or control couplings or connections viewed from an elevated position at the rear right shows,

27 shows a perspective view of a second receiving element according to the tenth embodiment without adapter plates viewed from a raised position right front,

28 shows a perspective view of the second receiving element according to the tenth embodiment with adapter plates and hydraulic / pneumatic / compressed air / electrical / electronic or control couplings or connections, viewed from an elevated position at the front right, and

29 shows a perspective view of a multi-functional connector according to an eleventh embodiment in the closed state viewed from an underlying position at the rear left.

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[63] In the description of this invention, directional indications refer to the directions shown in FIG. 1, which may coincide with the directional indications of a vehicle or a vehicle trailer to which the multi-function connector is attached. For example, the direction referred to as “front” in FIG. 1 can be in a driving direction of the vehicle or driving direction. the trailer, and the direction referred to as "rear" can point in the opposite direction to the direction of travel. However, the directions shown in FIG. 1 do not have to match the directions of the vehicle or the vehicle trailer. For example, the direction referred to as “front” can point in the opposite direction of travel and the direction referred to as “rear” can point in the direction of travel forward. The direction referred to as "front" can also point to the right or left, and the direction referred to as "rear" can accordingly point to the left or right. An oblique or inclined arrangement is also possible.

[64] A first embodiment of the present disclosure is described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

1 shows a multi-function connector 1 in a perspective view from an elevated position at the rear left. The state of the multifunction connector 1 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an open state.

The multifunction connector 1 has a first receiving element 2 and a second receiving element 3.

[66] The first receiving element 2 has a first plate 2a

a plurality of first holes 4 and a left side wall 2b and a right side wall 2c. First connecting elements 20, such as, for example, plugs / connectors / couplings of electrical lines and / or control lines and / or of hydraulic and / or pneumatic hoses 20a, can be attached in the first holes 4. The first connecting elements 20 can be fastened to the first plate 2a, for example by welding or by a positive connection, such as screwing or by means of locking rings.

The second receiving element 3 has a second plate 3 a with a plurality of second holes 5. In the second holes 5, second connecting elements 21 complementary to the first connecting elements 20, such as, for example, plugs / connectors / couplings of electrical lines and / or control lines and / or of hydraulic and / or pneumatic hoses 21a are attached. The second connecting elements 21 can be fastened to the second plate 3a, for example by welding or by a positive connection, such as screwing or by means of locking rings.

[68] Although only a single first connecting element 20 and only a single second connecting element 21 are shown in FIG. 1, first and second connecting elements 20, 21 can be arranged in several, in particular in each of the first holes 4 and the second holes 5 be assigned to the respective lines 20a, 21a. For example, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight or more first connecting elements 20 can be attached to the first receiving element 2. A corresponding or a smaller or a higher number of second connecting elements 21 can be attached to the second receiving element 3.

[69] The connecting elements 20, 21 can, for example, plugs or connectors / couplings of electrical lines or power lines / cables, of hydraulic lines / hoses (including% inches, 14 inches, 1 Ά inches ...), of pneumatic lines / -hoses, of water pipes / hoses, of fertilizer pipes / hoses, or of other pipes / hoses. The connecting elements 20, 21 can be special or standardized

Connection elements, such as SVK or UDK sleeves, as they are listed, for example, in the main catalog 2018/2019 of Fliegl Agro-Center GmbH, Kastl. The connecting elements 20, 21 can be seals that can be pressed onto one another or standardized plugs. Standard hose couplings or standard quick couplings, e.g. B. flat sealing hydraulic sleeves / plug-in couplings, flat-face couplings, etc. can be used. The connecting elements can be separable and / or connectable, for example, under pressure. Flat-sealing hydraulic couplings can be integrated within the second mounting element 3, in addition to the subsequent assembly of SVK sleeves with regard to a trailer-side connection with SVK plugs (corresponds to a “double coupling” - several couplings towards one after the other - as a result of almost no leakage on flat-sealing hydraulic couplings in connection with the widely used SVK coupling (agricultural sector) on trailers, attachments, semitrailers - environmental and operational ideas). Ent neither the first receiving element 2 or the second receiving element 3 is ever mounted on the towing vehicle (truck, tractor, tractor, etc.).

[70] When using the above-mentioned double clutch, the first and / or the second connecting element 20, 21 for the connection between the first and the second receiving element 2, 3 are each a flat sealing coupling. The first and / or the second connecting element 20, 21 is each connected to a SVK sleeve on the opposite side of the respective first or second plate 2a, 3a. A hose 20a, 21a on the towing vehicle side and / or on the vehicle side can be provided with an SVK connector and connected to the SVK sleeve and thus to the respective first or second connecting element 20, 21 via the SVK connector. Thus, the multi-function connector can be attached and used without converting the relevant hoses 20a, 21a to an existing towing vehicle and / or a trailer / trailer / device, the hoses 20a, 21a of which are provided with SVK plugs SVK sleeves are inserted.

The connection between the hoses on the tractor vehicle side and the trailer-side hoses then takes place via the first and second connecting elements designed as flat-sealing couplings. With the multifunctional connector, all trailers, semitrailers and attachments can be attached to the towing vehicle, particularly on the front and rear. Machines etc.

The connecting elements 20, 21 can have a tolerance in the case of a coaxial alignment of the connecting elements 20, 21 required for connection or separation. That is to say, the first connecting element 20 and the second connecting element 21 can be connected to one another or separated from one another in a state in which the respective axes are tilted with respect to one another by no more than an angle which corresponds to the tolerance. The tolerance can be, for example, 1 ° or 2 ° or 3 ° or 5 °. [72] The first plate 2a and the second plate 3a are arranged parallel to one another and lie opposite one another with a first distance Dl (see FIGS. 2 and 3). In the open state of the multifunction connector 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first distance D1 corresponds to a first value, which is for example in a range from 1 cm to 30 cm or from 10 cm to 30 cm, preferably 5 cm to 6 cm. The first distance D1 can be, for example, 5.4 cm.

[73] Each of the second holes 5 is coaxially aligned with an opposite one of the first holes 4. The first connection elements 20 and the second connection elements 21 are aligned in the opposite first holes 4 and second holes 5 such that their connection direction is perpendicular to the first plate 2a and the second plate 3a. That is, the first connecting elements 20 and the second connecting elements 21 can be connected to each other by reducing the first distance D 1 between the first plate 2a and the second plate 3a without tilting or twisting the first plate 2a and the second plate 3a. In the illustration in the figures, the connection direction corresponds to the front-rear direction, i.e. a horizontal direction or a direction perpendicular to the first plate 2a and the second plate 3a.

[74] The first plate 2a has a first flat surface 2af on the side facing the second plate 3a. The second plate 3a has a second flat surface 3af on the side facing the first plate 2a. The connection direction corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the first flat surface 2af or a direction perpendicular to the second flat surface 3af.

The first receiving element 2 and the second receiving element 3 are detachably connected to one another via a parallelogram mechanism 6. In the present embodiment, the parallelogram mechanism 6 is fixedly connected to the first receiving element 2 and the second receiving element 3 is detachably attached to the parallelogram mechanism 6. The parallelo- Gramm mechanism 6 has a right (first) sub-mechanism 6a and a left (second) sub-mechanism 6b.

[76] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the multifunctional connector 1 in the open state from the right. As shown in FIG. 2, the right sub-mechanism 6a has a holder 15A for attaching the second side element 3, an elongated first side element 9 and an elongated second side element 10. In the present embodiment, the first side element 9 consists of two elongated flat bars 9d and 9e arranged parallel to one another, as shown in FIG. 1. The first side element 9 can alternatively consist of a single or a plurality of flat irons or similar components, such as rods. In the present embodiment, the second side element 10 consists of two elongated flat irons 10d and 10e arranged parallel to one another, as shown in FIG. 1. The second side element 10 can alternatively consist of a single or a plurality of flat irons or similar components, such as rods. The first side element 9 and the second side element 10 can have the same length.

[77] The first side member 9 and the second side member 10 are arranged substantially in one plane (the drawing plane in FIG. 2) that is parallel to the connecting direction of the first and second connecting members 20, 21 (ie, the front-back direction ) is. In other words, the first side element 9 and the second side element 10 lie essentially in a plane which is defined by the front-back direction and the up-down direction. Essentially in one plane means that the flat bars 9d and 10d are arranged slightly further to the left than the flat bars 9e and 10e. Alternatively, the first side element 9 and the second side element 10 can be formed in two mutually parallel planes that are parallel to the connecting direction of the first and second connecting elements 20, 21.

[78] The first side element 9 is arranged parallel to the second side element 10. In other words, a longitudinal direction of the flat iron 9d and 9e is parallel to a longitudinal direction of the flat iron sen lOd and lOe. The second side element 10 is offset from the first side element 9 by a fourth distance D4 in the connecting direction of the connecting elements 20, 21. The fourth distance D4 is, for example, at least 1 cm, at least 5 cm, at least 10 cm, at least 20 cm or at least 30 cm. The fourth distance D4 is, for example, 12 cm.

[79] A first (lower) end 9a of the first side member 9 is articulated via a pin at a first connection point 22a to the front portion of a lower rearward extending part of the right side wall 2c of the first receiving member 2 and to a first (front) End 7a of a third side element 7 connected. A second (upper) end 9b of the first side element 9 is connected in an articulated manner to a front section 8a of the holder 15A via a pin at a second connection point 22b.

[80] A first (lower) end 10a of the second side element 10 is articulated via a pin at a third connection point 22c to a rear portion of the lower, rearward-extending part of the right side wall 2c of the first receiving element 2 and to a second ( rear) end 7b of the third side element 7 connected. A second (upper) end 10b of the second side element 10 is connected in an articulated manner to a rear section 8b of the holder 15A via a pin at a fourth connection point 22d.

[81] Due to the articulated connection by means of the pins, the first side element 9 and the second side element 10 are in the drawing plane of Fig. 2, i.e. about respective axes perpendicular to the drawing plane or the plane in which the first side element 9 and the second side element 10 are arranged, relative to the first receiving element 2 and the bracket 15 A or the second receiving element 3 attached to the bracket 15 A . Instead of the pins, screws at the connection points 22a, 22b, 22c,

22d may be provided.

[82] The connection points 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d of the side elements 9, 10 with the first receiving element 2 or the holder 15A form in the Representation in Fig. 2 the corner points of a parallelogram. A line between the first connection point 22a and the second connection point 22b forms a first side of the parallelogram. A line between the third connection point 22c and the fourth connection point 22d forms a second side of the parallelogram parallel to the first side. A line between the first connection point 22a and the third connection point 22c forms a third side of the parallelogram. A line between the second connection point 22b and the fourth connection point 22d forms a fourth side of the parallelogram parallel to the third side. The first side and the second side of the parallelogram have an identical length, ie the distance between the first connection point 22a and the second connection point 22b and the distance between the third connection point 22c and the fourth connection point 22d are identical. The third side and the fourth side of the parallelogram have an identical length, ie the distance between the first connection point 22a and the third connection point 22c and the distance between the second connection point 22b and the fourth connection point 22d are identical.

[83] Between the first page and the third page of the parallelo

an angle a is formed between the second side and the fourth side of the parallelogram. An angle between the first side and the fourth side of the parallelogram and an angle between the second side and the third side of the parallelogram corresponds to 180 ° -a.

The right part mechanism 6a has an elongated intermediate element 11, which is designed as a flat iron in the present embodiment, and a rotating element 12. Alternatively, for example, a rod can be used as the intermediate element 11. The rotating element 12 is connected via the third side element 7 to the first receiving element 2 about a first axis X which is perpendicular to the plane of the parallelogram, i.e. 2, is rotatably connected. A first end 1 1a of the intermediate element

1 1 in a longitudinal direction of extension of the intermediate element 1 1 is at one fifth connection point 22f articulated via a pin to a middle section 9c of the first side element 9. The middle section 9c lies between the first end 9a and the second end 9b in the longitudinal direction of extension of the first side element 9. A second end 11b of the intermediate element 11 is at a sixth connection point 22e via a pin with an eccentric section 12a of the rotary element 12 articulated.

The eccentric section 12a is spaced a fifth distance d from the first axis X. The rotating element 12 and the intermediate element 11 form a toggle mechanism.

[85] Due to the articulated connection of the side elements 9, 10 with the first receiving element 2 and the holder 15 A, the parallelogram can be sheared, i.e. the angle a can be changed. The angle a is variable within a first range. The shear of the parallelogram is restricted to the first region by the intermediate element 11 and the rotating element 12. The first range is, for example, a range from 60 ° to 120 ° or from 70 ° to 110 ° or from 80 ° to 100 °.

[86] In the illustration in FIG. 2, which corresponds to an open state of the multifunction connector 1, the angle a is less than 90 °. For example, the angle a is less than 85 ° or less than 80 °. By rotating the rotating element 12 in a clockwise direction in the illustration in FIG. 2, the eccentric section 12a arranged on the left above the first axis X in FIG. the sixth connection point 22e, moved clockwise around the first axis X. As a result, the intermediate element 11 connected at the second end 11b to the eccentric section 12a is pushed forward (on the right in FIG. 2) in the direction of the first side element 9 and the first plate 2a, and that at the middle section 9c with the first End 1 la of the intermediate element

11 connected first side element 9 is pressed in the direction of the first plate 2a. Since the first end 9a of the first side element 9 is connected in an articulated manner to the right side wall 2c of the first receiving element 2, the first side element 9 is moved clockwise by the force exerted by the intermediate element 11. pivoted around the first end 9a so that the angle a is increased. The parallelogram is sheared, ie the second side element 10 is also pivoted clockwise around the first end 10a or the third connection point 22c. Due to the shearing of the parallelogram, the holder 15 A with the second receiving element 3 attached to it, together with the second plate 3a, is displaced forward (on the right in FIG. 2) in the direction of the first plate 2a, the second receiving element 3 being aligned with the first Aufnah meelement 2 maintains. That is, the third and fourth sides of the parallelogram remain parallel to each other when sheared.

During shear, the first distance Dl between the first plate 2a and the second plate 3a or between the first flat surface 2af and the second flat surface 3af is reduced from the first value in the open state. In other words, by shearing the multifunction connector 1 is placed in a closed state shown in FIG. 3. In the closed state, the first distance D1 corresponds to a second value, which is, for example, in a range from 0 cm to 10 cm or from 1 mm to 10 cm or from 1 cm to 10 cm, and the angle a is at least 100 °, for example or 1 10 °. Preferably, the first distance Dl in the closed state is 5.4 cm. The difference between the first value in the open state of the multifunction connector 1 and the second value in the closed state of the multifunction connector 1 can be, for example, at least 3 cm or at least 5 cm. In the present embodiment, it is not necessary for the first flat surface 2af and the second flat surface 3af to lie on one another in the closed state. In the closed state, there can be a distance of at least 1 mm or at least 1 cm between the first flat surface 2af and the second flat surface 3af. Alternatively, the first flat surface 2af and the second flat surface 3af can lie on one another or be pressed against one another in the closed state, ie the second value can be 0 cm. [88] Since the angle a lies around 90 ° in the first region, a second distance D2 between the third side and the fourth side of the parallelogram is essentially not changed or only slightly changed during shear. That is, the second receiving element 3 moves essentially horizontally along a direction perpendicular to the first flat surface 2af and the second flat surface 3af, ie along the connecting direction of the first connecting elements 20 and the second connecting elements 21, towards the first receiving element 2 essentially does not move or only moves slightly in the vertical direction. The second distance D2 is, for example, at least 10 cm or at least 20 cm and at most 50 cm. The second distance D2 is preferably 16.5 cm. The change in the second distance D2 during shear is, for example, a maximum of 2 cm or a maximum of 5 mm or a maximum of 2 mm, preferably 1.5 mm.

[89] The second receiving element 3 essentially maintains its alignment with the first receiving element 2 during shear, i.e. the first flat surface 2af and the second flat surface 3af are neither tilted nor twisted relative to one another. Due to the attachment of the second receiving element 3 to the holder 15A, the second receiving element 3 can be tilted slightly. The connection directions of the first connection elements 20 and the second connection elements 21 remain essentially parallel to one another. The first connecting elements 20 and the second connecting elements 21 remain largely coaxially opposite one another.

[90] As shown in Fig. 1, the left sub-mechanism 6b

analogous to the right part mechanism 6a, the configuration described above also has a holder 15B, a first side element 9, a second side element 10, a third side element 7, an intermediate element 11 and a rotating element 12.

[91] The rotating element 12 of the right sub-mechanism 6a and the rotating element 12 of the left sub-mechanism 6b are connected via a shaft 14. not connected. The shaft 14 extends along the first axis X and transmits torque between the rotating element 12 of the right partial mechanism 6a and the rotating element 12 of the left partial mechanism 6b, so that the two rotating elements 12 are rotated integrally with one another and the parallelogram of the right partial mechanism 6a and the parallelogram of the left sub-mechanism 6b are sheared synchronously with one another. That is, the angle α between the first side and the third side of the parallelogram is identical at all times in the right sub-mechanism 6a and in the left sub-mechanism 6b. The shaft 14 can be omitted.

[92] The rotating element 12 of the right sub-mechanism 6a and the rotating element 12 of the left sub-mechanism 6b are mounted on the shaft 14 on the third side element 7 of the right sub-mechanism 6a and the third side element 7 of the left sub-mechanism 6b. As shown in FIG. 1, the third side element 7 has a loop configuration 7c in a rear region in front of the second end 7b, through which the shaft 14 is guided. The shaft 14 is supported by the loop configuration 7c together with a lower, rearward-extending section of the corresponding side wall 2b, 2c of the first receiving element 2.

[93] A third distance D3 between the right sub-mechanism 6a and the left sub-mechanism 6b is, for example, at least 5 cm or at least 10 cm or at least 20 cm and at most 60 cm, preferably 31 cm. The length of the shaft 14 essentially corresponds to the third distance D3 or is a few centimeters larger than the third distance D3.

[94] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a hand lever 13 on the

Parallelogram mechanism 6 are attached. A first end 13a of the hand lever 13 is attached to a right end of the shaft 14. The shaft 14 transmits a torque exerted by the hand lever 13 to the rotating element 12 of the right sub-mechanism 6a and to the rotating element 12 of the left sub-mechanism 6b. The above-described rotation of the rotating element 12 from the open state of the multifunction connector shown in FIG. 2 1 clockwise to the closed state of the multifunction connector 1 shown in FIG. 3 can be carried out by pivoting a second end 13b of the hand lever 13 in a clockwise direction along a direction H. By pivoting the second end 13b of the hand lever 13 counterclockwise and the associated rotation of the shaft 14 and the rotating element 12 counterclockwise, the multi-function connector 1 can be returned from the closed state shown in FIG. 3 to the open state shown in FIG. 2 become. That is, a rotation of the Dre helements 12 by means of the hand lever 13 causes the shear of the parallelogram described above.

[95] The hand lever 13 becomes detachable or removable on one

Attachment portion (receptacle) of the shaft 14 attached. In particular, the hand lever 13 can be attached to the attachment portion of the shaft 14 in various positions. Alternatively, the hand lever 13 can be fixedly mounted on the shaft 14. For example, a specially designed lever or a commercially available wrench can be used as the hand lever 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the hand lever 13 is attached to the right end of the shaft 14. In an alternative embodiment, the hand lever 13 can be attached to the left end of the shaft 14 instead of the right end, or a hand lever 13 can be attached to both the left and the right end of the shaft 14.

[96] Furthermore, a device for pressure relief and possibly for oil collection, for example in the case of SVK sockets, can optionally be integrated in the hand lever 13. With such a device, a residual pressure on SVK sleeves can be reduced in order to enable them to be connected.

Instead of the hand lever 13 and instead of the rotary element 12 and the intermediate element 1 1, the parallelogram mechanism 6 can have an alternative, for example another mechanical or an electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic, adjustment mechanism which effects the shearing of the parallelogram. In the open state of the multifunction connector 1 shown in FIG. 2, the sixth connection point 22e, at which the second end 1 lb of the intermediate element 11 is connected to the rotary element 12, is located above a virtual straight line which defines the first axis X and the fifth connection point 22f at which the first end 11a of the intermediate element 11 is connected to the central portion 9c of the first side element 9. In the closed state of the multifunction connector 1 shown in FIG. 3, the sixth connection point 22e is located below this virtual straight line. That is, the sixth connection point 22e crosses the virtual straight line during the transition between the open state and the closed state. The state during the transition, in which the sixth connection point 22e lies exactly on the virtual straight line, corresponds to a dead center of the toggle lever mechanism formed by the rotary element 12 and the intermediate element 11, at which the angle a reaches a maximum value. By exceeding the dead center, the multi-function connector 1 is secured in the closed state, and the closed state can only be left with the use of a torque counterclockwise on the rotating elements 12. Thus, the closed state can be maintained even if the multifunction connector 1 He is subject to vibrations.

The second receiving element 3 has the second plate 3 a.

Instead of the second plate 3a, a differently designed component can alternatively be used. Fig. 4 shows a plan view of the second plate 3 a from behind. The second plate 3 a has on the top a handle portion 3 b, which is formed in the form of a loop, and has a downwardly open recess 3 c on the right side and on the left side. In addition to the handle section 3b, a further (second) handle section can be provided for better operation. The second plate 3 a has a plurality of second holes 5. The second holes 5 are essentially circular and have a diameter in the range from 1 cm to 8 cm, preferably one Diameter of 3 cm. The second holes 5 can also have a different shape, for example a square, rectangular or hexagonal shape. The second holes 5 are designed such that the second connecting elements 21, that is to say, for example, plugs of electrical lines and / or connectors

the / couplings of hydraulic and / or pneumatic hoses, can be attached in the second holes 5. In particular, commercially available plugs or connectors / couplings can be used. It is not necessary to use specially made plugs or connectors / couplings.

[100] As shown in Fig. 1, the first plate 2a has a plurality of first holes 4. The first holes 4 are essentially circular and have a diameter in the range from 1 cm to 8 cm. The first holes 4 can also have a different shape, for example a square, rectangular or hexagonal shape. The first holes 4 are coaxially opposite to the second holes 5, i.e. there is a first hole (first opening) 4 coaxially opposite a second hole (second opening) 5. The first holes 4 are formed so that the first connecting elements 20, i.e. for example, plugs of electrical lines and / or connectors / couplings of hydraulic and / or pneumatic hoses, can be attached in the first holes 4. In particular, commercially available plugs or connectors / couplings can be used. It is not necessary to use specially made plugs or connectors. The first connecting elements 20 arranged in the first holes 4 are each complementary counterparts of the second connecting elements 21 arranged in the opposite second holes 5.

[101] When the multi-function connector 1 is brought from the open to the closed state, the connection members 20, 21 attached in the first holes 4 and the second holes 5 are connected to each other. When the multi-function connector 1 is brought from the closed to the open state, the connecting elements 20, 21 are separated from one another. The fact that the first plate 2a and the second plate 3a parallel lel are aligned with each other and this parallel alignment is largely maintained during the opening and closing of the multifunction connector 1, problems with connecting or disconnecting the connecting elements 20, 21, for example tilting, are avoided. This enables a simple, quick and secure connection of the electrical lines or the hydraulic or pneumatic hoses 20a, 21a. The term “hydraulic hoses” also includes water hoses and fertilizer hoses.

[102] The second plate 3a is detachably attached to the right part mechanism 6a and the left part mechanism 6b via the holder 15A and the holder 15B. Each of the two brackets 15A, 15B has a bolt 15a with an external thread on which two nuts 15m and two flange sections 15b are provided. The nuts 15m and the flange sections 15b each have an internal thread. The positions of the nuts 15m and the flange sections 15b on the bolt 15a are adjustable due to the external thread of the bolt 15a and the internal thread of the nuts 15m and the flange sections 15b by turning the nuts 15m and the flange sections 15b, respectively. A nut 15m and a flange section 15b are countered or braced against each other, so that the position of the flange section 15b on the bolt 15a is fixed. The two flange portions 15b are arranged at a distance which corresponds to the thickness of the second plate 3a on the bolt 15a. The second receiving element 3 with the second plate 3 a is attached to the parallelogram mechanism 6, in that the two recesses 3 c of the second plate 3 a are placed or plugged onto the bolts 15 a of the brackets 15 A, 15 B from above, each between the flange sections 15 b. Conversely, the second receiving element 3 can be released from the parallelogram mechanism 6 by lifting the second receiving element 3 upward from the bolts 15a, for example using the grip section 3b. [103] The second end 13b of the hand lever 13 is optional as

Open-end wrench with a wrench size that fits the nuts 15m. Thus, the hand lever 13 in the state released from the attachment section of the shaft 14 can then be used to adjust, in particular to readjust, the nuts 15m.

[104] As described above, the positions of the

Flange portions 15b in the longitudinal direction of the bolts 15a, i.e. in the front-rear direction, by rotating the flange portions 15b screwed with the internal thread onto the external thread of the bolts 15a. The second plate 3a can be clamped between the flange sections 15b by tightening the flange sections 15b after the second plate 3a has been put in place, for example using the second end 13b of the hand lever 13 designed as an open-ended wrench. Clamping of the second plate 3a by the flange sections 15b is, however, not absolutely necessary. If the distance between the flange sections 15b is essentially set according to the thickness of the second plate 3a, the second plate can be placed on the bolts 15a with a slight clearance between the flange sections 15b. In this case, the positions of the flange sections 15b in the longitudinal direction of the bolts 15a can be adjusted digitally for readjustment. Alternatively, the positions of the flange portions 15b in the longitudinal direction of the bolts 15a may be fixed. In this case, the external thread of the bolts 15a, the internal thread of the flange sections 15b and the nut 15m are not required.

The first receiving element 2 and the parallelogram mechanism 6 form a structural unit. The first receiving element 2 and the parallelogram mechanism 6 can, for example, be fixedly attached to a towing vehicle or to a trailer. Accordingly, electrical cables or hydraulic or pneumatic hoses 20a of the towing vehicle or the trailer to which the first receiving element 2 and the parallelogram mechanism 6 are attached can be firmly connected to the first receiving element 2. On the other hand, electrical cables or hydraulic or pneumatic hoses 21 a of the towing vehicle or the trailer, to which the first receiving element 2 and the parallelogram mechanism 6 are not attached, can be firmly connected to the second receiving element 3. When the towing vehicle and the trailer are separated, the multifunction connector 1 is brought into the open state, in which the towing vehicle-side and the trailer-side cables and hoses 20a, 21a are separated from one another at the corresponding connecting elements 20, 21. The second receiving element is released in the open state of the multi-function connector 1 from the parallelogram mechanism 6 or the brackets 15A, 15B and can, for example, on a corresponding storage bracket on the towing vehicle or the trailer to which the first receiving element 2 and the parallelogram mechanism 6 are not attached are attached. The storage bracket can similar to the brackets 15A, 15B two bolts 15a and flange portions 15b sen, and the recesses 3 c of the second receiving element 3 can be placed on the bolts 15a of the storage bracket. When the towing vehicle and the trailer are connected, the second receiving element can be removed from the storage holder on the towing vehicle or the trailer, to which the first receiving element 2 and the parallelogram mechanism 6 are not attached, and in the above-described manner with the multifunction connector 1 open the parallelogram mechanism 6 or the brackets 15A, 15B. The multifunction connector 1 is then brought into the closed state, so that the cables and hoses 20a, 21a on the towing vehicle side and the trailer side are connected to one another via the connecting elements 20, 21.

[106] A second embodiment of the present disclosure is described below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. A multi-function connector 1 A of the second embodiment essentially corresponds to the multi-function connector 1 of the first embodiment. [107] In the multi-function connector 1A of the second embodiment, a first receiving member 2A, which substantially corresponds to the first receiving member 2 of the first embodiment, has on both sides in the left-right direction on the left side wall 2b and the right side wall 2c at the level of the brackets 15A, 15B each have a tubular sleeve 2d oriented in the front-rear direction, as shown in FIG. 5. In the second embodiment, the bolts 15a of the brackets 15A, 15B project in the direction of the first receiving element 2A. A front end 15c of each of the bolts 15a on the first female member 2A side is inserted into the corresponding sleeve 2d and is passed through the sleeve 2d. A bushing for receiving the front end 15c of the bolt 15a can be integrated in the sleeve 2d.

[108] The length of the bolts 15a is selected such that the front ends 15c also protrude into the corresponding sleeves 2d in the open state of the multifunctional connector 1A shown in FIG. 5. The front ends 15c of the bolts project, for example, by at least 5 cm or 10 cm or 20 cm from the second plate 3a towards the first plate 2a.

[109] The length of the bolts 15a can be chosen so that the front ends 15c do not protrude forwardly from the sleeves 2d in the open state of the multifunction connector 1A shown in FIG. 5. In the closed state of the multifunctional connector 1A shown in FIG. 6, the front ends 15c of the bolts 15a protrude from the sleeves 2d to the front.

In the area of the front ends 15c inserted into the sleeves 2d, the bolts 15a have no external thread. The front ends 15c of the bolts 15a are inserted into the corresponding sleeves 2d with play, that is, an outer diameter of the bolts 15a at the front ends 15c is smaller than an inner diameter of the sleeves 2d. For example, the outer diameter of the bolts 15a at the front ends 15c is 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably 0.5 mm, smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeves 2d. The outside diameter the bolt 15a at the front ends 15c is, for example, in the range from 10 mm to 30 mm. The outer diameter of the bolts 15a at the front ends 15c is preferably 22 mm. The inner diameter of the sleeves 2d is, for example, in the range from 12 mm to 38 mm. The inner diameter of the sleeves 2d is preferably 22.5 mm.

[11 1] Through the front ends 15c of the bolts 15a running in the sleeves 2d, the movement of the brackets 15A, 15B and thus of the second receiving element 3 during the shearing of the parallelogram mechanism 6, i.e. in the transition between the open state and the closed state of the multifunction connector 1 A, performed. The position of the second receiving element 3 is stabilized, for example, in the left-right direction by the guidance.

In the present embodiment, the bolts 15a on which the second receiving element 3 is placed or fitted are identical to the bolts 15a which run through the sleeves 2d to guide the movement of the second receiving element 3. However, separate bolts for attaching or plugging in the second receiving element 3 and for guiding the movement of the second receiving element 3 can also be provided.

[113] A third embodiment of the present disclosure is described below with reference to FIG. 7. A multifunction connector 1B of the third embodiment substantially corresponds to the multifunction connector 1 of the first embodiment.

[114] In the multi-function connector 1B of the third embodiment, a first receiving member 2B, which substantially corresponds to the first receiving member 2 of the first embodiment, has on both sides in the left-right direction on the left side wall 2b and the right side wall 2c at a height between the first connection point 22a and the second connection point 22b or between the third connection point 22c and the fourth connection point 22d in the up-down direction, one projecting from the left side wall 2b and the right side wall 2c to the rear. of the elongated flat iron 2s, as shown in Fig. 7. In the present embodiment, the flat bars 2s are provided at a height between the fifth connection point 22f and the second connection point 22b in the up-down direction.

[115] The flat bars 2s each protrude into a space between the two flat bars 9d and 9e of the first side element 9 arranged parallel to one another and into a space between the two flat bars 10d and 10e of the second side element 10 arranged parallel to one another. The lateral surfaces of the flat bars 2s in the right-left direction, the flat bars 9d and 9e or the flat bars 10d and 10e can rest on the respective opposite lateral surfaces.

[1 16] The length of the flat iron 2s is chosen such that the

The rear ends of the flat bars 2s are also in the open state of the multifunction connector 1B shown in FIG. 7 in the space between the two flat bars 10d and 10e of the second side element 10. However, the flat iron 2s can also be made shorter. For example, the length of the flat bars 2s can be chosen such that the flat bars 2s only protrude into the space between the two flat bars 9d and 9e of the first side element 9, but not into the space between the two flat bars 1 Od and 10e of the second side element 10. The length of the flat iron 2s is, for example, at least 10 cm or at least 20 cm. The length of the flat iron 2s is preferably 18.5 cm.

The flat iron 2s have, for example, a thickness in the range from 3 mm to 10 mm. The thickness of the flat bars 2s is preferably 8 mm. A height of the flat bars 2s in the up-down direction can be in the range from 1 cm to 5 cm. The height of the flat bars 2s is preferably 3 cm. The flat bars 2s can have a substantially rectangular shape, for example with rounded corners, as shown in FIG. 7. The flat bars 2s can be formed integrally with the left or right side wall 2b, 2c or attached there, for example by welding. [118] Due to the flat iron 2s running in the spaces between the flat iron 9d and 9e or lOd and lOe, the movement of the parallelogram mechanism 6 and thus of the second receiving element 3 during shear of the parallelogram mechanism 6, ie during the transition between the open state and the closed state of the multifunction connector 1B. The position of the second receiving element 3 is stabilized in the left-right direction by the guidance.

[119] Stabilization of the parallelogram mechanism 6 can

additionally or alternatively, sections 2g of the left and right side walls 2b, 2c, which are provided in the first to third embodiments and are enlarged in the top-bottom direction and are shown, for example, in FIG. 7. The surfaces of the flat bars 9d and 9e of the first side elements 9 facing inwards towards the interspaces can abut on the opposite surfaces of the enlarged sections 2g. In the area of the enlarged sections 2g, which run through the respective spaces between the flat bars 9d and 9e of the first side elements 9, the side walls 2b, 2c can have a height of at least 3 cm. The height of the side walls 2b, 2c is preferably 3.5 cm.

A fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is described below with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. A multi-function connector IC of the fourth embodiment essentially corresponds to the multi-function connectors 1, 1A, 1B of the first to third embodiments, apart from the parallelogram mechanism 6.

The first receiving element 2 and the second receiving element 3 are detachably connected to one another via a movement mechanism 106. In the present embodiment, the movement mechanism 106 is fixedly connected to the first receiving element 2 and the second receiving element 3 is detachably attached to the movement mechanism 106. The movement mechanism 106 has a right (first) sub-mechanism 106a and a left (second) sub-mechanism 106b. [122] As shown in FIG. 9, the right sub-mechanism 106a has the bracket 15A for attaching the second receiving member 3 and a power cylinder 101. The working cylinder 101 is a hydraulic cylinder and has a movable piston rod 102. Alternatively, the working cylinder 101 can be a pneumatic cylinder or an electric cylinder.

The working cylinder 101 is fastened to the first receiving element 2 and is aligned such that its longitudinal direction of extension is essentially parallel to the connecting direction of the first connecting elements 20 and the second connecting elements 21. The longitudinal direction of the piston rod 102 is essentially parallel to the connecting direction of the first connecting elements 20 and the second connecting elements 21.

The piston rod 102 is movable in the connecting direction of the first connecting elements 20 and the second connecting elements 21. The Arbeitszy cylinder 101 has a first port 103 and a second port 104 for supplying hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid is supplied under pressure.

When the hydraulic fluid is supplied through the first connection 103, the piston rod 102 is drawn into the working cylinder 101, ie the holder 15A with the second receiving element 3 attached to it, together with the second plate 3a, is moved forward (right in FIG. 9). moved in the direction of the first plate 2a, the second receiving element 3 maintaining its alignment with the first receiving element 2.

[125] During the shift, the first distance Dl between the first plate 2a and the second plate 3a or between the first flat surface 2af and the second flat surface 3af is reduced from the first value in the opened state. In other words, the shifting places the multi-function connector IC in a closed state shown in FIG. 10. In the closed state, the first distance D1 corresponds to a second value, for example in a range from 0 cm to 10 cm or from

1 mm to 10 cm or from 1 cm to 10 cm. The first is preferably Distance Dl in the closed state 5.4 cm. The difference between the first value in the open state of the multifunction connector IC and the second value in the closed state of the multifunction connector IC can be, for example, at least 3 cm or at least 5 cm. In the present embodiment, it is not necessary for the first flat surface 2af and the second flat surface 3af to lie on one another in the closed state. In the closed state, there can be a distance of at least 1 mm or at least 1 cm between the first flat surface 2af and the second flat surface 3af. Alternatively, the first flat surface 2af and the second flat surface 3af can lie on one another or be pressed against one another in the closed state, ie the second value can be 0 cm.

[126] The second receiving member 3 moves substantially horizontally along a direction perpendicular to the first flat surface 2af and the second flat surface 3af, i.e. along the connecting direction of the first connecting elements 20 and the second connecting elements 21, towards the first receiving element 2 and does not move substantially or only slightly perpendicular to the connecting direction. The movement in the vertical direction is, for example, a maximum of 5 mm or a maximum of 2 mm.

The second receiving element 3 essentially maintains its alignment with the first receiving element 2 during the displacement, i.e. the first flat surface 2af and the second flat surface 3af are neither tilted nor rotated relative to one another. Due to the attachment of the second receiving element 3 to the holder 15A, the second receiving element 3 can be tilted slightly. The connection directions of the first connec tion elements 20 and the second connection elements 21 remain substantially parallel to each other. The first connecting elements 20 and the second connecting elements 21 remain largely coaxially opposite one another.

When the hydraulic fluid is supplied through the second connection 104, the piston rod 102 is pushed out of the working cylinder 101, that is, the holder 15A with the second receiving element 3 attached to it, together with the second plate 3a, is moved rearward (left in FIG. 10) away from the first plate 2a, the second receiving element 3 essentially maintaining its alignment with the first receiving element 2 .

During the shift, the first distance Dl between the first plate 2a and the second plate 3a or between the first flat surface 2af and the second flat surface 3af is changed from the second value in the closed state to the first value in that opened state enlarged. In other words, the displacement moves the multi-function connector IC to the open state shown in FIG. 9.

[130] Corresponding to the right partial mechanism 106a, the left partial mechanism 106b likewise has the configuration described above with a holder 15B and a working cylinder 101. The right part mechanism 106a and the left part mechanism 106b are operated synchronously.

[131] A third distance D3 between the right part mechanism 106a and the left part mechanism 106b is, for example, at least 5 cm or at least 10 cm or at least 20 cm and at most 60 cm, preferably 31 cm.

[132] The second plate 3a is detachably attached to the right part mechanism 106a and the left part mechanism 106b via the holder 15A and the holder 15B. Each of the two brackets 15A, 15B has the bolt 15a with an external thread on which the two nuts 15m and the two flange sections 15b are provided. In the present embodiment, the bolt 15a corresponds to the piston rod 102. The external thread is formed on the rear section of the piston rod 102. That is, the bracket 15A and 15B is provided in a rear portion of the piston rod 102.

The first receiving element 2 and the movement mechanism 106 form a structural unit. The first receiving element 2 and the movement mechanism 106 can for example be firmly attached to a towing vehicle or on a trailer. [134] A fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is described below with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. A multifunctional connector ID of the fifth embodiment essentially corresponds to the multifunctional connector 1C of the fourth embodiment, apart from the configuration of the movement mechanism 106.

[135] The multi-function connector ID of the fifth embodiment has a movement mechanism 206 instead of the movement mechanism 106 of the fourth embodiment. The right side wall 2c and the left side wall 2b of the first receptacle element 2 each have a section 2e which is elongated to the rear in a lower region. The rearwardly extended section 2e is substantially trapezoidal in a side view, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. An upper leg of the trapezoid extends substantially parallel to the connecting direction of the first connecting elements 20 and the second connecting elements 21. The lower leg of the trapezoid extends obliquely upwards from a lower end of the first receiving element 2 to the rear end 2f of the section which is extended to the rear 2e.

[136] At the rear end 2f of the rearward extended section 2e, a shaft 214 is rotatably supported about an axis X perpendicular to the connecting direction of the first connecting elements 20 and the second connecting elements 21. The shaft 214 extends between the rear ends 2f of the rearward extended portions 2e of the left side wall 2b and the right side wall 2c. The length of the shaft 214 essentially corresponds to the third distance D3 or is a few centimeters larger than the third distance D3.

[137] A first lever (rotary / swivel lever) 21 1 and two second levers (rotary / swivel lever) 212 are rigidly attached to the shaft 214. The first lever 211 is arranged substantially centrally in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 214 and protrudes downward in the illustration in FIGS. 11 to 13. The two second levers 212 are on the right side and the left side in the longitudinal direction, respectively Shaft 214 arranged and ra gene in the illustration in Figures 1 1 to 13 upwards. [138] The movement mechanism 206 also has a working cylinder 201. The working cylinder 201 is a pneumatic cylinder which is operated by supplying compressed air. Alternatively, the working cylinder 201 can be a hydraulic cylinder or an electric cylinder. The working cylinder 201 is fastened to the first receiving element 2. The working cylinder 201 is arranged at a lower end of the first receiving element 2 on the side of the first receiving element 2 facing away from the second receiving element 3. The working cylinder 201 can be arranged centrally in the left-right direction.

The working cylinder 201 has a piston rod 202 which extends through the first receiving element 2 essentially in the front-rear direction. The piston rod 202 is movable in the front-rear direction by supplying compressed air to the working cylinder 201.

[140] A rear end of the piston rod 202 is articulated to an end of the first lever 211 opposite the shaft 214. By moving the piston rod 202 backwards, the shaft 214 is rotated in the Dar position in FIGS. 12 and 13 clockwise. By moving the piston rod 202 forward, the shaft 214 is rotated counterclockwise in the illustration in FIGS. 12 and 13.

[141] The movement mechanism 206 accordingly has that

Movement mechanism 106 on the two brackets 15A, 15B with the bolts 15a, the flange portions 15b and the nuts 15m. The ends of the two second levers 212 opposite the shaft 214 are articulated to the bolts 15a of the first bracket 15A and the second bracket 15B, respectively.

[142] The first receiving element 2 has on both sides in the

Left-right direction on the left side wall 2b and the right side wall 2c in an upper region at the level of the brackets 15A, 15B each have a tubular sleeve 2d aligned in the front-rear direction. A front end 15c of each of the bolts 15a is inserted into the corresponding sleeve 2d and is passed through the sleeve 2d. [143] The length of the bolts 15a is selected such that the front ends 15c also protrude into the sleeves 2d in the opened state of the multifunction connector ID shown in FIG. 12. The front ends 15c of the bolts project, for example, by at least 5 cm or 10 cm or 20 cm from the second plate 3a in the direction of the first plate 2a.

[144] The length of the bolts 15a can be chosen such that the front ends 15c do not protrude forwards from the sleeves 2d in the open state of the multifunction connector ID shown in FIG. 12. In the closed state of the multifunctional connector 1 D shown in FIG. 13, the front ends 15c of the bolts 15a protrude from the sleeves 2d to the front.

In the area of the front ends 15c inserted into the sleeves 2d, the bolts 15a have no external thread. The front ends 15c of the bolts 15a are inserted with play into the sleeves 2d, i.e. an outer diameter of the bolts 15a at the front ends 15c is less than an inner diameter of the sleeves 2d. For example, the outer diameter of the bolts 15a at the front ends 15c is 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably 0.5 mm, smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeves 2d. The outer diameter of the bolts 15a at the front ends 15c is, for example, in the range from 10 mm to 30 mm. The outer diameter of the bolts 15a at the front ends 15c is preferably 22 mm. The inner diameter of the sleeves 2d is, for example, in the range from 12 mm to 38 mm. The inner diameter of the sleeves 2d is preferably 22.5 mm.

[146] The working cylinder 201 can be a single-acting cylinder, in which, for example, the piston rod 202 is pushed back out of the working cylinder 201 by supplying compressed air to the working cylinder 201 through a connection 203. If the compressed air is discharged again from the working cylinder 201, the piston rod 202 is pulled back into its original position by the force of a spring arranged for example in the working cylinder 201. The movement of the piston rods 202 is deflected by the shaft 214, the first lever 211 and the second lever 212. If the working cylinder 201 is actuated by the compressed air so that the piston rod 202 is pushed rearward out of the working cylinder 201, the shaft 214 rotates clockwise in the illustration in FIG. 12. As a result, the bolts 15a together with the brackets 15A, 15B and the second receiving element 3 attached to them are moved forward in the direction of the first receiving element 2 into the closed state shown in FIG. 13. The first distance D1 is reduced from the first value to the second value. The displacement takes place horizontally, parallel to the connecting direction of the first connecting elements 20 and the second connecting elements 21. The orientation of the second receiving element 3 relative to the first receiving element 2 is maintained during the displacement.

[148] The working cylinder 201 becomes when the compressed air is released

For example, actuated by a spring force so that the piston rod 202 is pulled forward into the working cylinder 201, the shaft 214 rotates counterclockwise in the illustration in FIG. 13. As a result, the bolts 15a, together with the brackets 15A, 15B and the second receiving element 3 attached to them, are moved rearward away from the first receiving element 2 into the open state shown in FIG. 12. The first distance D1 is increased from the second value to the first value.

Alternatively, the working cylinder 201 can be a double-acting cylinder, in which the piston rod 202 is pushed out of the working cylinder 201 by supplying compressed air and is also pulled into the working cylinder 201 by supplying compressed air.

Instead of actuation by the working cylinder, manual actuation is also possible, for example using a hand lever.

[151] Through the front ends 15c of the sleeves 2d

Bolt 15a is the movement of the brackets 15A, 15B and thus the second Receiving element 3 performed in the transition between the open state and the closed state of the multifunction connector ID. The position of the second receiving element 3 is stabilized, for example, in the left-right direction and in the up-down direction by the guidance.

A sixth embodiment of the present disclosure is described below with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17. A multifunctional connector IE of the sixth embodiment essentially corresponds to the multifunctional connectors IC, ID of the fourth and fifth embodiment, apart from the configuration of the movement mechanisms 106, 206.

[154] The multifunction connector IE of the sixth embodiment has a movement mechanism 306 instead of the movement mechanisms 106, 206 of the first and the second embodiment.

[155] As with the multi-function connector ID of the fifth embodiment, the right side wall 2c and the left side wall 2b of the first receiving element 2 each have the rearwardly extended section 2e in the lower region. At the rear end 2f of the rearwardly extended sections 2e of both side walls 2b, 2c, a shaft 314 is rotatably mounted about an axis X perpendicular to the connecting direction of the first connecting elements 20 and the second connecting elements 21. The shaft 314 extends between the rear ends 2f of the rearward extended portions 2e of the left side wall 2b and the right side wall 2c. The length of the shaft 314 essentially corresponds to the third distance D3 or is a few centimeters larger than the third distance D3. [156] As shown in Fig. 17 for the left end, a gear 301 is attached to both ends of the shaft 314. The gear wheel 301 is toothed with a toothed rack 302. Rack 302 is above the gear

301 arranged and extends in the connecting direction of the first connec tion elements 20 and the second connecting elements 21. The rack 302 has teeth on its underside, which are toothed with the gear 301. The rack 302 is passed through a sleeve 303, which is attached to the rear end 2f of the rearwardly extended section 2e. The sleeve 303 is open at the bottom, so that the teeth of the gear 301 and the teeth of the rack

302 can interlock. The rack 302 is slidable in the front-rear direction.

[157] Movement mechanism 306 corresponds to that

Movement mechanisms 106 and 206 on the brackets 15A, 15B with the bolts 15a, the flange portions 15b and the nuts 15m. The racks 302 are rigidly connected to the bolts 15a of the brackets 15A, 15B. The racks 302 may alternatively be integrally formed with the bolts 15a.

By rotating the shaft 314 and the gears 301, the racks 302 with the brackets 15A, 15B are displaced in the front-rear direction. 15, the racks 302 are moved forward, so that the stanchions 15A, 15B are moved together with the attached second receiving element 3 in the direction of the first receiving element 2. The first distance D1 is reduced from the first value in FIG. 15 to the second value in FIG. 16, and the multifunctional connector IE is set in the closed state. By rotating the shaft 314 and the toothed wheels 301 counterclockwise, the multifunctional connector IE is returned to the open state.

[158] The hand lever 13 is shown in FIGS. 14 to 17. A first end 13a of the hand lever 13 is attached to a right end of the shaft 314. The shaft 314 transmits a torque practiced by the hand lever 13 ment on the gearwheels 301. The above-described rotation of the gearwheels 301 for displacing the toothed racks 302 can be carried out by pivoting a second end 13b of the hand lever 13 along a direction H. By pivoting the second end 13b of the hand lever 13 clockwise, the multifunctional connector IE is moved from the open state shown in FIG. 15 to the closed state shown in FIG. 16. By pivoting the second end 13b of the hand lever 13 counterclockwise, the multifunction connector IE is returned from the closed state to the open state. That is, rotation of the gear wheels 301 by means of the hand lever 13 causes the racks 302, the brackets 15A, 15B and the second receiving element 3 attached to them to be displaced.

[159] The hand lever 13 is detachable or removable on one

Attachment point 314a attached to shaft 314. In particular, the first end 13a of the hand lever 13 can be attached in different positions to the attachment point 314a of the shaft 314. Alternatively, the hand lever 13 can be fixed to the shaft 314 or connected to it. In the illustrated embodiment, the hand lever 13 is attached to the right end of the shaft 314. In an alternative embodiment, the hand lever 13 can be attached to the left end of the shaft 314 instead of the right end, or a hand lever 13 can be attached to both the left and the right end of the shaft 314.

[160] A seventh embodiment of the present disclosure is described below with reference to FIG. 18. A multi-function connector 1F of the seventh embodiment essentially corresponds to the multi-function connectors IC, ID, IE of the fourth, the fifth and the sixth embodiment, apart from the configuration of the movement mechanisms 106, 206, 306.

[161] The multi-function connector 1F of the seventh embodiment

includes a movement mechanism 406 in place of the movement mechanisms 106, 206, 306 of the first, second and third embodiments. Movement mechanism 406 is similar to movement mechanism 306. Of the Movement mechanism 406 has a shaft 414 and two second gears 408 that substantially correspond to shaft 314 and gears 301 of the third embodiment. The hand lever 13 can be attached to the shaft 414. The shaft 414 or the entire movement mechanism 406 can be actuated electrically and / or pneumatically and / or hydraulically and / or electronically.

[162] The movement mechanism 406 also has two first

Gears 407, which are each arranged in the horizontal direction in front of one of the two second gears 408. The first gears 407 and the two th gears 408 are arranged at the same height. The axes of rotation of the first gear wheels 407 and the second gear wheels 408 are parallel to one another. The first gears 407 are rotatably supported on the rearward extended portions 2e of the left side wall 2b and the right side wall 2c. The distance between the first gears 407 and the second gears 408 in the front-back direction is in the range from 5 cm to 50 cm.

[163] Instead of the toothed racks 302, the movement mechanism 406 has two push rods 402 and two closed chains 409. The

Push rods 402 are guided through sleeves 403 and are displaceable in the front-back direction. The push rods 402 are each attached to one of the two chains 409. The corresponding chain 409 runs around the first gear 407 and the second gear 408 in a left sub-mechanism 406b and a right sub-mechanism 406a of the movement mechanism 406.

[164] The motion mechanism 406 corresponds to that

Movement mechanisms 106, 206 and 306 on the brackets 15A, 15B with the bolts 15a, the flange portions 15b and the nuts 15m. The

Push rods 402 are rigidly connected to the bolts 15a of the brackets 15A, 15B. The push rods 402 may alternatively be formed integrally with the bolts 15a. By rotating shaft 414 and second gears 408, chains 409 run around first and second gears 407, 408 and push rods 402 with brackets 15A, 15B in the front. Rear direction shifted. The first gearwheels 407 rotate approximately synchronously with the second gearwheels 408 due to the movement of the chains 409. By rotating the shaft 414 and the gearwheels 407, 408 counterclockwise in the illustration in FIG. 18, the push rods 402 are moved forward, so that the brackets 15 A, 15B are moved together with the attached second receiving element 3 in the direction of the first receiving element 2. Thereby, the multi-function connector 1F is shifted from the open state shown in FIG. 18 to the closed state. By rotating the shaft 414 and the gears 407, 408 clockwise, the multi-function connector 1F is returned to the open state.

[165] In an alternative embodiment, ropes or belts can be used instead of the chains 409 and instead of the first and second gear wheels 407, 408 winding rollers or wheels can be used for guiding and moving the ropes or wheels for guiding and moving the belts .

[166] An eighth embodiment of the present disclosure is described below with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. A multifunction connector IG of the eighth embodiment essentially corresponds to the multifunction connectors IC, ID, IE, 1F of the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh embodiment, apart from the configuration of the movement mechanisms 106, 206, 306, 406.

[167] The multi-function connector 1 G of the eighth embodiment

includes a movement mechanism 506 in place of the movement mechanisms 106, 206, 306, 406 of the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh embodiments. Movement mechanism 506 is similar to movement mechanism 206 and movement mechanism 406. The movement mechanism 506 has a shaft 514. The shaft 514 is at rear ends 2f of the rearward extended portions 2e of the right side wall 2c and the left side wall 2b about an axis X perpendicular to the connecting direction of the first Connecting elements 20 and the second connecting elements 21 rotatably gela gert. The shaft 514 extends between the rear ends 2f of the rearward extended portions 2e of the left side wall 2b and the right side wall 2c. The length of the shaft 514 essentially corresponds to the third distance D3 or is a few centimeters larger than the third distance D3.

[168] Two levers (rotary / swivel levers) 512 are rigidly attached to shaft 514. One end of each of the two levers 512 is attached to the shaft 514. The two levers 512 are arranged on the right side and the left side in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 514, respectively, and project upwards in the illustration in FIGS. 19 and 20.

[169] Furthermore, the moving mechanism 506 has two

tubular sleeves 503 mounted on top of the rear ends 2f of the rearward extended portions 2e. In the embodiment, the tubular sleeves 503 are open at the bottom. In each of the two sleeves 503, a piston element 502 is slidably guided in the connecting direction of the first connecting elements 20 and the second connecting elements 21. The outer diameter of the piston element 502 is smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeve 503 and can be, for example, 0.1 mm to 2 mm smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeve 503. A rear end of the piston member 502 is pivotally connected to an end of an elongated connecting rod member 513. The other end of the connecting rod element 513 is articulated to the end of one of the two levers 512 that is not attached to the shaft 514. The shaft 514 has an attachment point 514a for the hand lever 13.

[170] At the front ends of the piston elements 502, the bolts 15a of the two brackets 15A, 15B are rigidly attached. The piston elements 502 can alternatively be formed integrally with the bolts 15a. Front ends of the bolts 15a are guided through tubular sleeves 2d, which are attached to the left side wall 2b and the right side wall 2c at the level of the sleeves 503. The inner diameter of the sleeves 2d is larger than the outer diameter diameter of the bolt 15a and can be, for example, 0.1 mm to 2 mm larger than the outer diameter of the bolt 15a.

[171] A rotary movement of the shaft 514 by means of the hand lever 13 is converted into a linear movement of the piston elements 502 by the levers 512 and the connecting rod elements 513. Due to the linear movement of the piston elements 502, the holder 15A, 15B with the attached second receiving element 3 is moved back and forth between the open state shown in FIG. 19 and the closed state shown in FIG. 20. The linear movement of the holder 15A, 15B with the bolts 15a is guided and stabilized by the sleeves 503, 2d.

A ninth embodiment is described below with reference to FIGS. 21 to 23. A multi-function connector 1H of the ninth embodiment essentially corresponds to the multi-function prevent 1, 1A, 1B, IC, ID, IE, 1F, IG of the first to eighth embodiments. The multi-function connector 1H can be one of the movement mechanisms 106, 206, 306, 406 ,

506 or the parallelogram mechanism 6 for moving the second receiving element 3 relative to the first receiving element 2.

[173] The multi-function connector 1H is a quick connector

40 and a locking element 50 in the form of a spring bolt attached to the first receiving element 2 on the second receiving element 3 facing first surface 2af.

In the present embodiment, the quick coupling 40 is a quick coupling of the “DUOMATIC” type (registered trademark), which has two connections for pneumatic lines lying horizontally next to one another. Alternatively, another quick coupling can be used. The quick coupling 40 has a hand lever 41 and a cover 42. The cover 42 can be pivoted by the hand lever

41 opened and closed. In a closed state, in which the hand lever 41 extends vertically upward, the cover 42 covers the two connections for the pneumatic lines. In the representation in the fi guren 21 to 23, the quick coupling 40 is in the open state, in which a connection of second connecting elements 21 with the two connections to the quick coupling 40 is possible. In the open state he stretches the hand lever 41 to the rear.

The locking element 50 is arranged next to the quick coupling 40, in particular next to the hand lever 41. The locking element 50 comprises a holder 51, which is bent in an L-shaped plan view and is fastened to the first receiving element 2, with a sleeve 52. The pin 53 is rotatable about an axis along the longitudinal direction of the pin 53 and displaceable along the axis. At one end of the pin 53 there is an actuating section 54 by means of which the pin 53 can be rotated about the axis. On the side on which the actuating section 54 is attached to the pin 53 (left side in the figures), the sleeve 52 has an oblique edge. The pin 53 is biased towards the other side of the sleeve 52 by a spring, so that the actuating section 54 is pressed against the oblique edge of the sleeve 52. When the pin 53 rotates about the axis, the pin 52 is thus displaced along the axis by the interaction of the actuating section 54 with the oblique edge of the sleeve 52.

[176] In the illustration in FIGS. 21 and 23, the actuating section 54 extends upwards. In this position, the pin 53 protrudes on the right side from the sleeve 52 and blocks the hand lever 41 of the Schnellkup plung 40 in the open state. That is, the hand lever 41 cannot be pivoted upward. The cover 42 is thus opened and second connecting elements 21 can be connected to the quick coupling 40. The second connecting elements 21 can be attached to the second receiving element 3 and can be prestressed in the direction of the quick coupling 40 by wave springs 21b or other elements. FIGS. 21 to 23 show the opened state of the multifunction connector 1H. If the multi-function connector 1H is sheared by the parallelogram mechanism shown Must be placed in the closed state, the wave springs 21 b press the second connecting elements 21 against the connections of the quick coupling 40, so that a - firmly compressed / opened - connection between lines 21a (not shown in FIGS. 21 and 23), which to the second

Connecting elements 21 are attached, and lines 20a (not shown in Figures 21 and 23), which are attached to the connections of the quick coupling 40, is produced. The wave springs 21b compensate for a slight movement away of the second receiving element 3 from the first receiving element 2 after the dead center of the parallelogram mechanism 6 has been reached, and ensure a tight connection between the second connecting elements 21 and the connections of the quick coupling 40. In the embodiment shown, the second receiving element 3 formed a recess through which the hand lever 41 of the quick coupling 40 runs.

[177] The assembly of the first receiving element 2 and the

Parallelogram mechanism 6 can also be used without the second receiving element 3. That is, second connecting elements 21 can be connected to the quick coupling 40, which are not attached to a second receiving element 3. With such a use, it is not necessary that the cover 42 of the quick coupling 40 is open continuously. When the second connecting elements 21 are separated from the quick coupling 40, the cover 42 can be closed in order to protect the connections of the quick coupling 40. For this purpose, the actuating element 54 is rotated from the position shown in FIGS. 21 to 23, so that the pin 53 is displaced to the left along the axis by engagement of the actuating element 54 with the inclined edge of the sleeve 52, ie the right end of the pin 53 is moved in the direction of the sleeve 52. As a result, the locking of the hand lever 41 of the quick coupling 40 is released and the hand lever 41 can be pivoted upwards to close the cover 42.

[178] In the present embodiment, the parallelogram mechanism 6 is used as a moving mechanism. The quick coupling tion 40 and the locking element 50 are, however, also compatible with all other of the movement mechanisms described above.

A tenth embodiment is described below with reference to FIGS. 24 to 28. A multifunctional connector 1J of the tenth embodiment is similar to the multifunctional connectors 1, 1A, 1B, 1H of the first to third and ninth embodiments. The multi-function connector 1 J has the parallelogram mechanism 6 for moving a second receiving element 1003 relative to a first receiving element 1002.

The first receiving element 1002 is designed similarly to the first receiving elements 2, 2A, 2B and has the sleeves 2d, through which the front ends 15c of the bolts 15a are guided, and the flat bars 2s. The second receiving element 1003 is configured similarly to the second receiving element 3.

A horizontally running lower edge of the brackets 15A, 15B lies in each case on the upper edge of the corresponding flat iron 2s, so that the brackets 15A, 15B in addition to guiding the front ends 15c of the bolts 15a when the parallelogram mechanism 6 is sheared are guided horizontally through the sleeves 2d. The pins passed through the second ends 9b of the first side elements 9 and the second ends 10b of the second side elements 10 of the right and left sub-mechanisms 6a, 6b are via ball bearings in respective elongated holes on the front and rear sections 8a, 8b of the brackets 15A, 15B is pivotable and slidable in the vertical direction so that the second ends 9b, 1 Ob can move in the vertical direction when the parallelogram mechanism 6 is sheared, while the brackets 15A passed through the sleeves 2d and through the support on the flat iron 2s , 15B can be displaced horizontally towards or away from the first receiving element 1002. As a result, the second distance D2 can be kept substantially constant during shear.

[181] The flat irons 1 od of the second side elements 10 each have an upward hook 10h on the side facing away from the first receiving element 1002 as a holder for receiving the hand lever 13. Of the Hand lever 13 has a hexagonal hole at its second end 13b, which is designed as an open-ended wrench, which can be used to tighten or loosen nuts. In addition to the hole shown in FIG. 4, further holes with different sizes can be provided for different nuts on the multifunction connector 1J.

The first receiving element 1002 is fastened to a holder 1060, which can be attached to a towing vehicle, for example.

[183] As shown in FIGS. 25 and 27, the first and the second receiving element 1002, 1003 have holes 2m, 3m in the first and the second plate 2a, 3a. In the present embodiment, the holes 2m, 3m are essentially square with rounded corners. The first receiving element 1002 has six holes 2m. The second recording element 1003 has three holes 3m. The number and shape of the holes 2m, 3m can vary. As shown in FIGS. 26 and 28, adapter plates 70, 80 are fastened to the first and second plates 2a, 3a in the area of the holes 2m, 3m, for example by screws. The first and the second holes 4, 5 for receiving the first and the second connecting elements 20, 21 are formed in the adapter plates 70, 80. The adapter plates 80 fastened in the area of the holes 3m project downward beyond the second plate 3a. Also in a lower region of the second receiving element 1003 further adapter plates 80 with second holes 5 for receiving the second connec tion elements 21 can be attached, which protrude downward beyond the second plate 3 a. The adapter plates 70, 80 can be replaced if necessary. Also according to the respective connecting elements 20, 21 adapter plates 70, 80 with different configurations, in particular with different thicknesses and differently shaped first and second holes 4, 5 can be used. Several adapter plates 70, 80 can be stacked one above the other. The quick coupling 40 shown in FIGS. 21 to 23 in connection with the ninth embodiment can be attached to the adapter plates 70, 80, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 26. [184] It is not absolutely necessary that the adapter plates 70, 80 are used both for the first receiving element and for the second receiving element. For example, an adapter plate 70 may be attached to the first receiving element, to which, for example, the part of the quick coupling 40 described in connection with the ninth embodiment is fastened. The trailer-side, complementary part of the Schnellkupp treatment 40 can be attached directly, ie without an adapter plate, to the second receiving element.

[185] A multifunction connector 1K of an eleventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 29. The multifunction connector 1K of the eleventh embodiment is similar to the multifunction connector 1A of the second embodiment. The multi-functional connector 1K has the hook 10h for receiving the hand lever 13. The first receiving element 2 is attached to a bracket 1061, which can be placed, for example, on a towing vehicle. The bracket 1061 is L-shaped in a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction.

In the embodiments shown, the right bracket 15 A and the left bracket 15B are formed separately from one another. However, the right bracket 15A and the left bracket 15B can also be connected to one another and can jointly form a bracket.

[187] The first receiving element 2 and / or the second receiving element 3 can have a built-in or attached collecting container for leak oil / water. The collecting container can be attached below the holes 4, 5 on the first plate 2a and / or the second plate 3a.

[188] The movement mechanisms 106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 6 of the fourth to eighth and tenth embodiments described above are designed to move the second receiving element 3, 1003 linearly relative to the first receiving element 2, 1002.

[189] Although the preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described herein, improvements and modifications may be made herein be incorporated without departing from the scope of the following claims.

[190] The present disclosure also includes the following aspects or further general embodiments, which relate in particular to FIGS. 8 to 23:

_. 1. Multifunctional connector (IC, ID) for a vehicle or a vehicle trailer or a system or a machine or a device for connecting and disconnecting connecting elements (20, 21) from lines (20a, 21a), with:

a first receiving element (2) for receiving at least one first connecting element (20),

a second receiving element (3) for receiving at least one second connecting element (21) which can be connected to the first connecting element (20), and

a movement mechanism (106, 206) which is designed to move the second receiving element (3) substantially linearly along a connecting direction of the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) between an open state in which the first connecting element (20 ) and the second connecting element (21) are separated from one another, and a closed state, in which the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) are connected to one another, to move relative to the first receiving element (2), the Movement mechanism (106, 206) includes:

a holder (15A, 15B) for releasably attaching the second receiving element (3) to the movement mechanism (106, 206), and a working cylinder (101, 201) which is a hydraulic cylinder (101) or a pneumatic cylinder (201) or an electric cylinder and one in the connecting direction of the first connecting member (20) and the second Connecting element (21) has displaceable piston rod (102, 202), where at

the movement mechanism (106, 206) is designed to move the holder (15A, 15B) with the second receiving element (3) attached thereto by means of a displacement of the piston rod (102, 202) between the open state and the closed state.

2. Multi-function connector (IC) according to aspect 1, wherein

the movement mechanism (106) has a first partial mechanism (106a) and a second partial mechanism (106b), which stood in a direction perpendicular to the connecting direction of the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) in a third position (D3 ) are at least 10 cm apart, and

each of the first sub-mechanism (106a) and the second sub-mechanism (106b) comprises a working cylinder (101) which is a hydraulic cylinder (101) or a pneumatic cylinder (201) or an electro cylinder and one in the connecting direction of the first connecting element (20 ) and the second connecting element (21) has a displaceable piston rod (102) on which a holder (15A, 15B) is provided for releasably attaching the second receiving element (3) to the movement mechanism (106).

3. Multi-function connector (IC, ID) according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the working cylinder (101, 201) is a double-acting cylinder with a first connection (103) and a second connection (104), which is designed to

when supplying a print medium to the first connection (103), move the holder (15A, 15B) with the second receiving element (3) attached to it into the closed state, and when supplying a print medium to the second connection (104), move the holder (15A, 15B) with the second receiving element (3) attached to it into the open state.

4. Multi-function connector (IC) according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the holder (15A, 15B) is provided on the piston rod (102).

5. Multifunctional connector for a vehicle or a vehicle trailer or a system or a machine or a device for connecting and disconnecting connecting elements (20, 21) from lines (20a, 21a), with:

a movement mechanism, which is designed to the second receiving element (3) substantially linearly along a connecting direction of the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) between an open state in which the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) are separated from each other, and a closed state in which the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) are connected to each other to move relative to the first receiving element (2), wherein the movement mechanism comprises:

a holder (15A, 15B) for releasably attaching the second receiving element (3) to the movement mechanism, and

a hand lever (13) on the first receiving element

(2) is attached, wherein the movement mechanism is designed to move the holder (15A, 15B) with the second receiving element (3) attached thereto by means of a movement of the hand lever (13) between the open state and the closed state.

6. Multi-function connector (ID) according to one of the aspects 1 to 3 and 5, wherein the movement mechanism (206) further comprises:

a shaft (214) which is attached to the first receiving element (2) so as to be rotatable about an axis (X),

a first lever (211) rigidly attached to the shaft (214) at one end and articulated to the piston rod (202) or the hand lever (13) at the other end, and

a second lever (212) rigidly attached to the shaft (214) at one end and articulated to the bracket (15A, 15B) at the other end,

wherein the first lever (211), the shaft (214) and the second lever (212) are designed to move the piston rod (202) or the hand lever (13) into a substantially linear movement of the holder (15A, 15B) with the attached second receiving element (3) along the connecting direction of the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21).

7. Multi-function connector (IE) for a vehicle or a vehicle trailer or a system or a machine or a device for connecting and disconnecting connecting elements (20, 21) of lines (20a, 21a), with:

a first receiving element (2) for receiving at least one first connecting element (20), a second receiving element (3) for receiving at least one second connecting element (21) which can be connected to the first connecting element (20), and

a movement mechanism (306), which is formed from the second receiving element (3) substantially linearly along a connecting direction of the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) between an open state in which the first connecting element (20 ) and the second connecting element (21) are separated from one another, and a closed state in which the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) are connected to one another, relative to the first receiving element (2), wherein the Movement mechanism (306) includes:

a pinion (301) which is rotatably mounted on the first receiving element (2),

a in the connecting direction of the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) movable rack (302) which is toothed with the pinion (301), and

a holder (15A, 15B) for releasably attaching the second receiving element (3) to the movement mechanism (306), which is fastened to the rack (302),

wherein the movement mechanism (306) is designed to move the holder (15A, 15B) with the second receiving element (3) attached thereto by means of a rotation of the pinion (301) and a corresponding displacement of the rack (302) between the closed state and the opened one Moving state.

8. Multi-function connector (1F) for one vehicle or one

Vehicle trailer or a system or a machine or a device for connecting and disconnecting connecting elements (20, 21) of lines (20a,

21a), with: a first receiving element (2) for receiving at least one first connecting element (20),

a movement mechanism (406) which is designed to move the second receiving element (3) substantially linearly along a connecting direction of the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) between an open state in which the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) are separated from one another, and a closed state in which the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) are connected to one another, relative to the first receiving element (2), wherein the movement mechanism ( 406) includes:

a holder (15A, 15B) for releasably attaching the second receiving element (3) to the movement mechanism (406), and

a chain, cable or belt drive (401), the first wheel (407), a second wheel (408) and a chain (409) or a rope or a belt, the or the the first wheel (407) and the second wheel

(408) and to which the holder (15A, 15B) is fastened, has and is designed to hold the holder (15A, 15B) with the second receiving element (3) attached thereto by means of a rotation of the first wheel ( 407) and the second wheel (408) and a corresponding movement of the chain

(409) or the rope or the belt between the closed state and the open state.

9. Multi-function connector (IE, 1F) according to aspect 7 or 8, wherein the movement mechanism (306, 406) has an attachment point (314a) for a detachably attachable hand lever (13), by means of which the pinion (301) or at least one of the first wheel (407) and the second wheel (408) is rotatable.

10. Multifunctional connector (IG) for a vehicle or one

Vehicle trailer or a system or a machine or a device for connecting and disconnecting connecting elements (20, 21) from lines (20a, 21a), with:

a movement mechanism (506), which is designed to move the second receiving element (3) substantially linearly along a connecting direction of the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) between an open state in which the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) are separated from one another, and a closed state in which the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) are connected to one another relative to the first receiving element (2), wherein the Movement mechanism (506) includes:

a holder (15A, 15B) for releasably attaching the second receiving element (3) to the movement mechanism (506),

a connecting rod drive with a sleeve (503) which is fastened to the first receiving element (2), a piston element (502) which is displaceably guided in the sleeve (503) and on which the holder (15A, 15B) is provided, and one articulated connecting rod element (513) connected to the piston element (502) for displacing the piston element (502) in the sleeve (503), and a lever (512) which is rotatably mounted at one end on the first receiving element (2) and is articulatedly connected to the connecting rod element (513) at the other end,

wherein the movement mechanism (506) is designed to interpose the holder (15A, 15B) with the second receiving element (3) attached thereto by means of a rotation of the lever (512) and a corresponding displacement of the piston element (502) by the connecting rod element (513) to move the open state and the closed state.

11. Multi-function connector (IG) according to aspect 10, wherein

the moving mechanism (506) has at least a first sub-mechanism (506a) and at least a second sub-mechanism (506b) which are in a direction perpendicular to the connecting direction of the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) at a third distance (D3) from are offset by at least 10 cm from one another and have a shaft (514), and

each of the first sub-mechanism (506a) and the second sub-mechanism (506b) comprises a connecting rod drive and a lever (512), the end of which is mounted on the first receiving element (2) is rigidly connected to the shaft (514), so that a rotary movement the shaft (514) is converted into a linear movement of the piston elements (502) by the levers (512) and the connecting rod elements (513).

12. Multifunctional connector (IG) according to aspect 10 or 11, where in the movement mechanism (506) has an attachment point (514a) for a detachably attachable hand lever (13), by means of which the lever (512) can be rotated.

13. Multi-function connector (1 H) for a vehicle or one

Vehicle trailers or a system or a machine or a device for binding and separating connecting elements (20, 21) of lines (20a, 21a), with:

a movement mechanism which is designed to move the second receiving element (3) substantially linearly along a connecting direction of the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) between an open state in which the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) are separated from one another and in a closed state in which the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) are connected to one another, relative to the first receiving element (2), wherein:

a quick coupling (40) with a cover (42) that can be opened by means of a hand lever (41) as a first connecting element (20) and a locking element (50) are attached to the first receiving element (2),

the hand lever (41) can be locked by means of the locking element (50) in a position in which the cover (42) for connecting the second connecting elements (21) to the quick coupling (40) is opened, and

the second receiving element (3) is detachably attached to the movement mechanism.

14. Multi-function connector (1H) according to aspect 13, wherein the locking element (50) is a spring bolt with a locking element, such as a pin (53), which is designed to rotate by a in the longitudinal direction of the locking element (53) extending axis along the axis between a position in which the locking element (53) blocks movement of the hand lever (41) and a position in which the locking element (53) does not interfere with the movement of the hand lever (41).

15. Multifunctional connector (1 C-1 H) according to one of the preceding aspects, the first receiving element (2) for receiving at least two first connecting elements (20) being formed and the second receiving element (3) for receiving at least two second ones Connection elements (21) is formed, wherein the connection directions of the first connection elements (20) and the second connection elements (21) are aligned parallel to each other.

16. Multi-function connector (1 C- 1 H) according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein

the first receiving element (2) or the holder (15A, 15B) has a tubular sleeve (2d) oriented parallel to the connecting direction of the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21), and

the other or the other of the first receiving element (2) and / or the holder (15A, 15B) has a pin (15a) which is aligned parallel to the connecting direction of the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) and which the sleeve (2d) runs.

17. Multi-function connector (1 C- 1 H) according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the second receiving element (3) has a handle section (3 b). 18. Multi-function connector (1 C- 1 H) according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein

the holder (15A, 15B) has two bolts (15a), the second receiving element (3) has two recesses (3 c), and

the second receiving element (3) can be plugged onto the holder (15A, 15B) by placing the two recesses (3 c) on the two bolts (15a).

19. Multi-function connector (1 C- 1 H) according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein

the first receiving element (2) has a first plate (2a) in which at least one first opening (4) for receiving the at least one first connecting element (20) is formed, and

the second receiving element (3) has a second plate (3 a), in which at least one second opening (5) for receiving the at least one second connecting element (21) is formed.

20. Unit, which is formed from to be attached to a towing vehicle, with a first receiving element (2) and a movement mechanism (6, 106, 206, 306, 406, 506) for a multifunction connector (1-1K) after one of the aspects 1 to 19, wherein

the first receiving element (2) has a first plate (2a) with at least one first opening (4) for receiving a first connecting element (20), and

the movement mechanism (6, 106, 206, 306, 406, 506) is articulated on the first receiving element (2) and is designed to be a second receiving element which can be detachably attached to the moving mechanism (6, 106, 206, 306, 406, 506) (3) for receiving at least one second connecting element (21) which can be connected to the first connecting element (20) To move substantially linearly along a connecting direction of the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21).

21. Unit according to aspect 20, wherein:

the hand lever (41) can be locked by means of the locking element (50) in a position in which the cover (42) for connecting second connecting elements (21) with the quick coupling (40) is opened.

22. Second receiving element (3) for a multifunction connector (1-1 K) according to one of the aspects 1 to 19, with:

a second plate (3a), which has at least one second opening (5) for receiving a second connecting element (21), and a handle section (3b).

23. Use of a multifunctional connector (1 - 1 K) according to one of the preceding aspects on a sub-coupler vehicle or a semi-trailer, e.g. a refrigerated vehicle.

24. Multifunctional connector according to one of the aspects 1 to 19 or one of claims 1 to 14, with an identification system (e.g. RF identification system or safety switch with proximity sensor or near-field communication / close-range communication etc.), wherein

a transmitter / reading device / antenna is attached to one of the first or the second receiving element (2, 3), a receiver / transponder / chip is attached to the other element (3, 2), and

the identification system is designed such that

when approaching or connecting or using complementary receiving elements (2, 3) contactless detection or reading of a code, processing (for example in an evaluation unit) together with release of the connecting elements (20, 21) (for example release of a compressed air line or DUOMATIC for operating a brake system; release of power beyond connections for use and control; release of the hydraulic lines, etc.) takes place, and

when approaching or connecting or using non-complementary receiving elements (2, 3) there is no release, so that for example a corresponding trailer or trailer or attachment or machine etc. cannot be used and cannot be used.

25. Multi-function connector according to one of the aspects 1 to 19 and 24, wherein the first receiving element (2) is formed in two or more parts.

26. Multi-function connector according to one of the aspects 1 to 19, 24 and 25, the second receiving element (3) being formed in two or more parts.

[191] A multi-function connector according to aspect 24 above is advantageous, for example, with regard to theft protection and the exclusion of a risk of confusing vehicles (e.g. trailers) in heavily frequented logistics companies, large distribution halls, in automobile groups with a large number of similar trailers and just-in -Time processes (the right trailer with the right load at the right time in the right place). A precise control of the use of certain trailers or machines in the case of a confusing logistics center or unfavorable weather conditions or “language barriers” with regard to foreign drivers by the respective dispatcher via GPS is made possible. If the identification system does not release it, the corresponding trailer cannot be used. If there is no release, for example, an electrical line can be deactivated, for example by a built-in switch, despite the mechanical connection of the associated first connecting element to a second connecting element. The release is only possible when using complementary recording elements. If non-complementary recording elements are used, for example, a warning can be issued. The term “complementary receiving elements” can include an authorization for coupling a trailer or trailer in question with a second receiving element to a tractor with a first receiving element. If authorization is missing, the identification system does not release it. The identification system can be combined with any multifunction connector according to one of the disclosed embodiments.

[192] A multifunction connector according to aspect 25 above

and / or 26 is advantageous, for example, when there is limited space on the rear of tractors or tractors.

Claims

Expectations

1. Multifunctional connector (1) for a vehicle or a vehicle trailer or a system or a machine or a device for connecting and disconnecting connecting elements (20, 21) from lines (20a, 21a), with:

a parallelogram mechanism (6) which is designed to move the second receiving element (3) substantially linearly along a connecting direction of the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) between an open state in which the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) are separated from one another, and to move a closed state, in which the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) are connected to one another, relative to the first receiving element (2).

2. Multi-function connector according to claim 1, wherein the parallelogram mechanism (6) comprises:

a holder (15A, 15B) for releasably attaching the second receiving element (3) to the parallelogram mechanism (6),

a first side element (9) which connects the first receiving element (2) and the holder (15A, 15B) to one another and which is in a first plane parallel to the connecting direction of the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) relative to the first receiving element (2) and the holder (15A, 15B) is pivotable, and

a second side element (10) which connects the first receiving element (2) and the holder (15A, 15B) to one another and which is in a second plane, which is identical or parallel to the first plane, relative to the first receiving element (2 ) and the holder (15A, 15B) is pivotable, wherein the second side element (10) is offset in the connecting direction of the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) relative to the first side element (9).

3. Multi-function connector (1) according to claim 2, wherein

the first side element (9) is connected in an articulated manner to the first receiving element (2) at a first connection point (22a) and is connected in an articulated manner to the holder (15A, 15B) at a second connection point (22b),

the second side element (10) is connected in an articulated manner to the first receiving element (2) at a third connection point (22c) and is connected in an articulated manner to the holder (15A, 15B) at a fourth connection point, and

the connection points (22a-d) of the first side element (9) and the second side element (10) with the first receiving element (2) and the holder (15A, 15B) viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first plane and the second plane Corner points of a parallelogram are arranged.

4. Multi-function connector (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein

the first side element (9) has an elongate component, a first end (9a) of the elongate component of the first side element (9) in the longitudinal direction of the first side element (9) is articulated to the first receiving element (2), and a second The end (9b) of the elongate component of the first side element (9) is connected in an articulated manner in the longitudinal extension direction to the holder (15A, 15B),

the second side element (10) has an elongate component, a first end (10a) of the elongate component of the second side element (10) in the longitudinal direction of the second side element (10) is articulated to the first receiving element (2), and a second End (10b) of the elongate component of the second side element (10) is articulated in the longitudinal direction with the bracket (15A, 15B), and

the direction of longitudinal extension of the elongate component of the first side element (9) runs essentially parallel to the direction of longitudinal extent of the elongate component of the second side element (10).

5. Multi-function connector (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the parallelogram mechanism (6) further comprises:

a rotating element (12) which is attached to the first receiving element (2) and is rotatable about a first axis (X) perpendicular to the first plane and the second plane relative to the first receiving element (2), and

an intermediate element (1 1) which is connected in an articulated manner to the first side element (9) and is connected in an articulated manner to an eccentric section of the rotary element (12),

wherein the intermediate element (11) is connected to the first side element (9) in such a way that the first side element (9) is moved by a movement of the intermediate element (11) associated with a rotation of the rotary element (12) about the first axis (X) first level is pivoted relative to the first receiving element (2), and

wherein the intermediate element (11) and the rotary element (12) form a toggle mechanism, the dead center of which is exceeded during the transition between the open state and the closed state.

6. Multi-function connector (1) according to claim 5, wherein

the parallelogram mechanism (6) has a first partial mechanism (6a) and a second partial mechanism (6b), which are offset in a direction perpendicular to the first plane and the second plane by a third distance (D3) of at least 3 cm from one another,

each of the first sub-mechanism (6a) and the second sub-mechanism (6b) has a first side element (9), a second side element (10), an intermediate element (11) and a rotary element (12), and

the rotating element (12) of the first sub-mechanism (6a) and the rotating element (12) of the second sub-mechanism (6b) are connected to one another via a shaft (14) which extends along the first axis (X).

7. Multi-function connector (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the parallelogram mechanism (6) has a receptacle for a force application device (13), and the rotating element (12) are rotated about the first axis (X) by means of the force application device (13) can.

8. Multi-function connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first receiving element (2) is designed to receive at least two first connecting elements (20) and the second receiving element (3) is designed to receive at least two second connecting elements (21), wherein the connection directions of the first connection elements (20) and the second connection elements (21) are aligned parallel to one another.

9. Multi-function connector (1 A) according to one of claims 2 to 8, wherein one or one of the first receiving element (2A) and the holding tion (15A, 15B) a parallel to the connecting direction of the first connecting element (20) and the second Connecting element (21) aligned tubular sleeve (2d), and

the other of the first receiving element (2A) and the holder (15A, 15B) has a pin (15a, 15c) aligned parallel to the connecting direction of the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21), which runs through the sleeve (2d).

10. Multi-function connector (1B) according to one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the first side element (9) has two elongated flat iron (9d, 9e) arranged parallel to one another, and

the first receiving element (2B) has an elongated flat iron (2s), which is oriented in the connecting direction of the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) of the first side element (9).

11. Multi-function connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second receiving element (3) has a handle portion (3 b).

12. Multi-function connector (1) according to one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the holder (15A, 15B) has two bolts (15a),

the second receiving element (3) has two recesses (3 c), and the second receiving element (3) can be plugged onto the holder (15A, 15B) by placing the two recesses (3c) on the two bolts (15a).

13. Multi-function connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein

the second receiving element (3) has a second plate (3a) in which at least one second opening (5) for receiving the at least one second connec tion element (21) is formed.

14. Multi-function connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the parallelogram mechanism (6) comprises:

a first side element (9) which is pivotable in a first plane parallel to the connecting direction of the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21) relative to the first receiving element (2), and

a second side element (10) which is pivotable in a second plane, which is identical or parallel to the first plane, relative to the first receiving element (2), wherein

the first side element (9) and the second side element (10), viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first and second planes, form two opposite, mutually parallel sides of a parallelogram.

15 assembly, which is designed to be attached to a towing vehicle or a trailer / trailer or an attachment or a system or a device or a machine, with a first receiving element (2) and a parallelogram mechanism (6) for a multifunction connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein

the first receiving element (2) has a first plate (2a) with at least one opening (4) for receiving a first connecting element (20), and the parallelogram mechanism (6) is articulated to the first receiving element (2) and is designed for this purpose , a releasable on the parallelogram mechanism (6) Attachable second receiving element (3) for receiving at least one second connecting element (21) connectable to the first connecting element (20) to move substantially linearly along a connecting direction of the first connecting element (20) and the second connecting element (21).

16. Second receiving element (3) for a multi-function connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, with:

a second plate (3a) which has at least one second opening (5) for receiving a second connecting element (21), and

a handle section (3 b).