NL2005376C2

NL2005376C2 - Vehicle system configurable as a tractor with an articulatable semi-trailer and as a tractor with a non-articulatable semi-trailer.

Info

Publication number: NL2005376C2
Application number: NL2005376A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Guus Eilander
Original assignee: Groenewold S Carrosseriefabriek B V
Priority date: 2010-09-21
Filing date: 2010-09-21
Publication date: 2013-01-03
Also published as: NL2005376A

Description

P92161NL00

Title: Vehicle system configurable as a tractor with an articulatable semitrailer and as a tractor with a non-articulatable semi-trailer

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a tractor for towing an articulatable semitrailer and for towing a rigidly coupled semi-trailer. The invention further 5 relates to a semi-trailer to be rigidly connected to such a tractor and to a road vehicle comprising a tractor and a semi-trailer rigidly connected thereto when in operative condition. The rigidly connected semi-trailer is understood to be at least fixed relative to the tractor against rotation about vertical axes and about horizontal axes transverse to the driving direction.

10 A tractor, semi-trailer and road vehicle of the above-identified type are known from Dutch patent 192 255 and from European patent application 1 650 095. Other examples of such tractors, semi-trailers and combined vehicles are disclosed in U.S. patent 3 791 664.

Vehicles of the above-identified type can be operated in at least four 15 different configurations: the tractor can drive separately, with an articulatable semi-trailer attached to its fifth wheel, with a semi-trailer rigidly connected thereto and with a semi-trailer rigidly connected thereto and a trailer coupled to the semi-trailer. Moreover, the trailer coupled to the rigidly connected semitrailer may be of a type having one or more centrally arranged axles or of the 20 type having a steerable front axle and at least one rear axle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a simple solution for 25 establishing a releasable coupling between the pneumatic system of the tractor and the pneumatic system of the rigidly connected semi-trailer, in a safe manner and providing fast pneumatic control.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by providing a tractor according to claim 1 or, when tractor and semi-trailer are in rigidly 30 coupled configuration, by providing a road transport vehicle according to claim 14. The invention may also be embodied in a semi-trailer according to claim 9, which is specifically adapted to be coupled to a tractor according to claim 1.

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By providing that at least one second pneumatic coupling member for releasably coupling to a pneumatic circuit of the rigidly coupled semi-trailer is located behind the rear axle of the tractor - i.e. not at the front of the semitrailer, as is usual, but closely in front of the rear axle of the semi-trailer - the 5 coupling member is arranged in a safely accessible location and to the rear of the pneumatic system of the tractor, so that in coupled condition pneumatic pressure does not have to be transferred via loops that extend forwardly over a substantial distance and would add to the total internal volume of the pneumatic system. Safety is further enhanced, because the location of the 10 pneumatic coupling member of the semi-trailer at a free end of a flexible hose closely in front of the semi-trailer-axle, avoids the risk of the flexible hose becoming entangled with parts at the rear of the tractor, such as the frame and the wheels, for instance during backing-up the tractor frame underneath the semi-trailer for coupling the tractor to the semi-trailer.

15 The invention can further be embodied in a tractor according to claim 5. The dead end shut-off valve proximally of the coupling valve and closes off the pneumatic conduit extending through the coupling member and the flexible hose for connection to a conventional, articulatably coupled semitrailer, in response to a signal indicating that a rigidly coupled semi-trailer is 20 coupled. Such a signal may for instance be an electric or a pneumatic signal. The signal is preferably generated automatically. Closing of the dead end shutoff valve causes the volume of the pneumatic system extending in the relatively flexible conduit for connection to a conventional, articulatably coupled semi-trailer to be separated from the active part of the pneumatic 25 system, so that pressure commands are transferred to the rigidly coupled semitrailer and, if a trailer is coupled behind the rigidly coupled semi-trailer, to the trailer, more quickly and losses in the transfer of such pressure changes are reduced.

Particular embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent 30 claims.

Further features, effects and details of the invention are described with reference to examples of embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a side view of an example of a tractor according to the invention coupled to a semi-trailer of a type that is known as such; 5 Fig. 2 is a side view of the tractor shown in Fig. 1 rigidly coupled to an example of a semi-trailer according to the invention, the combination forming an example of a road transport vehicle according to the invention, a trailer of a type known as such being coupled to the rear of the semi-trailer;

Fig. 3 illustrates the operation of coupling and uncoupling of the 10 tractor of Figs. 1 and 2 and the semi-trailer according to Fig. 2; and

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of an example of a brake system and a suspension system of a tractor and of a semi-trailer according to the invention.

15 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the drawings corresponding parts are designated by mutually identical reference numerals.

The tractor 1 shown in Figs. 1-3 has a front axle 3, a rear axle 4, a 20 cabin 5 and a frame portion 6 projecting rearwardly from the cabin 5.

In the vehicle configuration shown in Fig. 1, the tractor 1 is coupled to a semi-trailer 35 that is articulatable relative to the tractor 1 about a so-called fifth wheel 45. This is the vehicle configuration for which tractors 1 of the present type are conventionally used. A pneumatic coupling Al, A2 is provided 25 for supplying the coupled semi-trailer with pressurized air and a coupling Bl, B2 is provided for providing the semi-trailer 35 with control pressure for actuating operation of the brakes of the trailer under control of a trailer brake effort controller 60 (see Fig. 4).

In the vehicle configuration shown in Figs 2-4, the tractor 1 and a 30 semi-trailer 2 rigidly coupled thereto are fixed to each other such that mutual articulation about vertical axes and about horizontal axes transverse to the driving direction of the vehicle is essentially prevented. In the example shown in Figs. 2-4, the tractor 1 and the semi-trailer 2 are also essentially blocked against mutual articulation about an axis parallel to the driving direction. In 35 practice, the tractor 1 and the semi-trailer 2 will exhibit some normal degree of elastic chassis deformation during driving so that minor amounts of mutual -4- rotation between the tractor 1 and the semi-trailer 2 will occur. Such movements are however so limited that the combination such as tractor 1 and trailer 2 is accepted as a single vehicle that meets the requirements to be fulfilled by a single non-articulated vehicle. This also allows the combination of 5 such as the tractor 1 and the semi-trailer 2 to be used for towing a trailer 37 or a trailer having a steerable front axis near the front of the trailer and a rear axis near the rear end of the trailer.

The semi-trailer 2 has a frame 7 (see Figs. 2 and 3) and a semi-trailer axle 8 including suspension elements 9 (see also Fig. 4) and wheels 10.

10 According to the present example, the suspension elements 9 are provided in the form of air bellows. At a given axle load, the air volume in the bellows 9, and thereby the ride height, may be increased or reduced by increasing or, respectively reducing the amount of air in the air bellows 9. Thus, the compression/load relation of the suspension elements 9 may be changed by 15 changing the amount of air in the bellows. Adding air to the bellows 9 would also entail an increase of the pressure in the bellows 9 and of the axle load since lifting the semi-trailer 2 will also cause the rear end of the tractor 1 to be lifted thereby reducing the load carried by the rear axle 4 of the tractor 1. The suspensions are linked for load distribution in compliance with predetermined 20 vehicle specifications.

The tractor 1 according to the present example is equipped with a ride height control system including ride height sensors at the front axle 3 and ride height sensors at the rear axle 4 that communicate with a ride height control unit 15. The front axle 3 and the rear axle 4 of the tractor 1 are, according to 25 the present example, each equipped with adjustable elastic suspension elements 17 in the form of air bellows. The suspension elements 17 communicate via pressurized air conduits 18 with the control unit 15 that is arranged for controlling the amount of air in the suspension elements 17.

When the ride height sensors detect an average ride height over some time 30 above or below a prescribed ride height, air is supplied to or allowed to flow out of the suspension elements 17 until the ride height is back to the prescribed average.

The tractor 1 is adapted for controlling the load of the semi-trailer axle 8 in accordance with the axle load of the rear axle 4 of the tractor.

35 According to the present example, a conduit 21 is coupled to the suspension elements 17 of the rear axle 4 of the tractor 1 and, via an -5- adjustable pressure reduction valve 19 leads to a pneumatic coupling member Dl. The coupling member D1 is adapted to be coupled to a coupling member D2 of the semi-trailer 2, to which a suspension pressure transfer conduit 22 is connected. A flexible coiled pneumatic hose 115 at a free end of which the 5 coupling member D2 is mounted is provided at a forward end of the suspension pressure transfer conduit 22 for coupling to a permanent pressure supply coupling member Dl of the tractor 1. The suspension pressure transfer conduit 22 extends through a height adjustment valve 61 operable via a lever 63 near the rear end of the semi-trailer 2. The purpose of the height adjustment valve 10 61 is to bring the semi-trailer 2 level with the rear end of a tractor 1, so that the tractor 1 can be coupled to the semi-trailer 2. Coupling of the tractor 1 to the rigidly coupled semi-trailer 2 may for instance be carried out as is illustrated by Fig. 3. For uncoupling the semi-trailer 2, the height adjustment valve 61 allows to lift the semi-trailer 2, so that its weight does not bear on the 15 rear end of the tractor 1 and the tractor 1 can easily be advanced from under the semi-trailer 2. Pressure allowing lifting of the semi-trailer 2 can be supplied to the height adjustment valve 61 via a conduit 64 that is connected to a pressure reservoir 65 of the semi-trailer 2. The pressure reservoir 65 is connected to a permanent pressure transfer conduit 67 via a conduit 66 and a 20 pressure distribution unit 73. A flexible coiled pneumatic hose 114 and a coupling member E2 at a free end of that hose 114 is provided at an end of the permanent pressure transfer conduit 67 for coupling to a permanent pressure supply coupling member El of the tractor 1.

After coupling the semi-trailer 2 to the tractor 1, the pressure in the 25 suspension members 9 of the semi-trailer axle 8 is controlled in accordance with the pressure that is passed on via the suspension pressure transfer conduit 21 to the pressure reduction valve 19.

Thus, in operation, the ride height control system of the tractor 1 controls the ride height of the tractor 1 and the axle load of the axle 8 of the 30 semi-trailer 2 is maintained in proportion with the axle load of the rear axle 4 of the tractor 1. The suspension of the semi-trailer 2 assists the tractor 1 in maintaining the desired vehicle ride height.

The frame portion 6 projecting rearwardly from the cabin 5 is provided with coupling member pairs 41, 42 in positions mutually spaced in driving 35 direction of the tractor 1. The tractor 1 also is provided with a fifth wheel -6- coupling member 45 of the type normally used for coupling semi-trailers 35 as shown in Fig. 1 to the tractor 1.

The semi-trailer 2 is provided with two pairs of coupling members 46, 47 adapted for co-operation with the coupling members 41 and, respectively, 43 5 of the tractor 1. Furthermore, the semi-trailer 2 is equipped with a coupling pin 49 arranged for co-operation with the fifth wheel coupling member 45 and including a flange 50 for engaging the fifth wheel coupling member 45 from below for holding the semi-trailer 2 down against the fifth wheel coupling member 45.

10 Starting from the relative positions of the tractor 1 and the semi-trailer 2 as shown in Fig. 3, the height adjustment valve 61 having been operated to bring the semi-trailer coupling members 46, 47 and 49 level with the coupling members 41, 43 and 45 of the tractor 1, mechanically coupling the tractor 1 to the semi-trailer 2 is carried out by reversing the tractor 1 until the coupling 15 members 41 and 46, 45 and 49 as well as 43 and 47 engage.

In Fig. 4 examples of brake and suspension systems of a tractor 1 and a semi-trailer 2 according to the present example are shown.

A pressure source 55 of the tractor 1 is connected via a common pressure supply conduit 56 to pressure supply conduits 57, 58 and 76. A first 20 one of the pressure supply conduits is a semi-trailer control pressure conduit 57 of which an end portion extends through a coiled, flexible hose 77 and leads to a coupling member Al to which a coupling member A2 of an articulatably coupled semi-trailer 35, for instance of the type shown in Fig. 1, can be coupled. A second one of the pressure supply conduits is a trailer control 25 pressure conduit 58 which leads to a coupling member Gl to which a coupling member G2 of the semi-trailer 2 can be coupled. The pneumatic coupling member G2 of the semi-trailer 2 constitutes the forward end of a trailer pressure supply conduit 59 and is mounted to a free end of a coiled flexible hose 75. The trailer pressure supply conduit 59 is connected to a coupling 30 member J1 to which a pneumatic coupling member of a trailer 37 can be coupled. A pressure supply conduit 78 branches off from the trailer pressure supply conduit 59 and is connected to a trailer brake command pressure backup valve 107. A third one of the pressure supply conduits is a semi-trailer pressure supply conduit 76 which leads to a coupling member El to which a 35 coupling member E2 of the semi-trailer 2 can be coupled. The pneumatic coupling member E2 of the semi-trailer 2 constitutes the forward end of a -7- pressure supply conduit 67 and is mounted to a free end of a coiled flexible hose 114.

For controlling the brake system of the rigidly connected semi-trailer 2 or of an articulatably connected semi-trailer 35 by controlling the pressure of 5 air, the trailer brake effort controller 60 is connected via a common control pressure conduit 68 to control pressure conduits 69, 70, 71. A first one of the control pressure conduits is a trailer control pressure conduit 69 which leads to a coupling member HI to which a coupling member H2 of the semi-trailer 2 can be coupled. The pneumatic coupling member H2 of the semi-trailer 2 10 constitutes the forward end of a brake control pressure conduit 92 and is mounted to a free end of a coiled flexible hose 91. A second one of the control pressure conduits is a semi-trailer control pressure conduit 70 of which an end portion extends through a coiled, flexible hose 72, leads to a coupling member Bl to which a coupling member B2 of an articulatably coupled semi-trailer 35, 15 for instance of the type shown in Fig. 1, can be coupled. A third one of the control pressure conduits is a semi-trailer control pressure conduit 71 which leads to a coupling member FI to which a coupling member F2 of the semitrailer 2 can be coupled. The pneumatic coupling member F2 of the semitrailer 2 constitutes the forward end of a brake control pressure conduit 104 20 and is mounted to a free end of a coiled flexible hose 103. The brake control pressure conduit 104 communicates with a brake force modulator 105 and, via a back-up conduit 106, with the back-up valve 107.

The brake force modulator 105 is connected with wheel velocity sensors 108 for receiving signals indicating the velocity of rotation of the wheels 10 of 25 the axle 8 of the semi-trailer 2. Furthermore, the brake force modulator 105 is connected to the brake cylinders 110 of the wheels 10, via wheel brake command pressure conduits 109. A brake supply pressure conduit 111 connects the brake force modulator 105 with a permanent air pressure source, here in the form of the pressure tank 65. On the basis of brake command pressure 30 received via the brake control pressure conduit 104 and wheel velocity signals received via lines 112 from the sensors 108, the brake force modulator 105 outputs wheel brake command pressure via the wheel brake command pressure conduits 109 such that the brakes of the wheels of the axle of the semi-trailer 2 contribute to braking the vehicle when the vehicle is braked and 35 the brake force is reduced if locking of the brakes is detected.

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Via the back-up conduit 106 brake command pressure is also supplied to the back-up valve 107, so that brake command pressure is also supplied to the trailer 37 via trailer brake command pressure conduit 113 and pneumatic trailer brake command coupling member II. Thus, brake command pressure is 5 also transferred to the trailer 37 in the event a brake command pressure fails to arrive via brake command pressure transfer conduit 92.

Handbrake pressure supply conduits 93 connect the pressure distribution unit 73 to the brake cylinders 110 of the wheels 10 of the semitrailer axle 8. Control circuitry (not shown) is connected to the pressure 10 distribution unit 73 for controlling the handbrake function of the brakes of the wheels 10 of the semi-trailer axle 8.

Via electric wiring 14 connected to the brake force modulator 105, electric power can be supplied to the brake force modulator 105. The wiring has a flexible coiled end portion 25 to which a plug C2 is mounted. The plug C2 15 can be inserted into a socket Cl on the tractor to connect the electric circuitry of the semi-trailer 2 to a power source 16 of the tractor 1 via wiring 20. Wiring 23 connects the socket to a dead end shut-off valve 24 positioned proximally of the coupling member B1 for closing-off the pneumatic conduit 70 extending through that coupling member B1 and the coiled flexible hose 72. The dead 20 end shut-off valve 24 is operatively connected for closing-off the pneumatic conduit 70 extending through the coupling member B1 and the flexible hose 72 in response to a signal via wiring 23 indicating that the rigidly coupled semitrailer 2 is coupled. By closing-off the pneumatic conduit 70 extending through the coupling member B1 and the flexible hose 72, the volume of the pneumatic 25 system extending in the relatively flexible conduit for connection to a conventional, articulatably coupled semi-trailer is separated from the active portion of the pneumatic system, so that pressure commands via brake command pressure conduits 71 and 104 are transferred to the rigidly coupled semi-trailer 2 more quickly and with smaller losses. This is of particular 30 importance if the pressure commands are to be transferred further to a trailer 37 coupled behind the rigidly coupled semi-trailer 2. Instead of an electric signal transferred via wiring, the signal in response to which the dead end shut-off valve is closed may also be a pneumatic signal. Such a signal is preferably generated automatically, for instance in response to presence of a 35 trailer coupling or in response to coupling of pneumatic or electric circuitry of the trailer to a corresponding coupling of the tractor.

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In the present examples, the coiled flexible hoses 75, 91 and wire 25 as well as the coupling members G2, H2 and, respectively, C2 mounted thereto are located in front of the right wheel 10 of the semi-trailer 2 and therefore not visible in Figs. 2 and 3. The coiled flexible hoses 103, 114, 115 and the 5 coupling members F2, E2 and, respectively 115 mounted thereto are located in front of the left wheel 10 of the semi-trailer 2. Although in the present example, separate coiled hoses and couplings are provided for separate conduits, it is also possible to provide that a plurality of conduits extends through a multi-lumen flexible hose and/or to provide multi-conduits couplings 10 with which a plurality of conduits can be coupled simultaneously and be uncoupled simultaneously. Also, instead of coiled flexible hoses, other types of flexible hoses can be provided, preferably with a retractor so that the hoses do not hang down to the ground when uncoupled or sway too much during driving. Such a retractor may for instance be provided in the form of a spring 15 and a drum for elastically rolling up the hose or a spring operated arm that elastically pulls away excess length of the hose in one or more loops.

Because the pneumatic coupling members Dl, El, FI, Gl and HI for releasably coupling to the pneumatic circuit of the rigidly coupled semi-trailer 2 are arranged between the rear axle 4 of the tractor 1 and the semi-trailer-20 axle 8, the couplings are in a safely accessible location and to the rear of the pneumatic circuitry of the tractor 1, so that in coupled condition pneumatic pressure does not have to be transferred via loops that extend forwardly over a substantial distance and would add to the total internal volume of the pneumatic system. Safety is further enhanced, because the location of the 25 pneumatic coupling members D2, E2, F2, G2 and H2 of the semi-trailer 2 at free ends of the flexible hoses 115, 114, 103, 75 and, respectively 91 closely in front of the semi-trailer-axle 8, avoids the risk of the flexible hoses becoming entangled with the frame 6 or the rear wheels of the tractor 1, for instance during backing-up the tractor frame 6 underneath the semi-trailer 2 for 30 coupling the tractor 1 to the semi-trailer 2 as illustrated by Fig. 3. The same principle also applies to the electric connection via coupling members Cl and C2 and flexible power cord 25, but this coupling may also be arranged in a conventional location at the front of the semi-trailer.

A particular advantage of using other couplings for coupling the rigidly 35 coupled semi-trailer than the couplings at the hoses of the tractor for connection to a pneumatic circuit of an articulatably coupled semi-trailer is, -10- that the hoses to which the couplings for coupling the rigidly coupled semitrailer may be shorter than the hoses for connection to an articulatably coupled semi-trailer and do not have to be as flexible, since no significant accommodation to relative movements is required. Thus, the hoses to which 5 the couplings for coupling the rigidly coupled semi-trailer are mounted can have a smaller internal volume and a higher volumetric stiffness than the hoses of the tractor for connection to a pneumatic circuit of an articulatably coupled semi-trailer. This is advantageous for a quick transfer of command pressure and reducing pressure losses.

10 To provide a short free end of flexible hose between the rigidly connected semi-trailer 2 and the coupling member at the rear end of the tractor, the flexible hose is preferably mounted to the semi-trailer 2 rearward of half of the length of the semi-trailer 2 and/or in a position at a distance forwardly of the wheels 10 of semi-trailer-axle 8 which is less than the 15 diameter of the wheels 10.

Because the coupling members Dl, El, FI, Gl and HI for releasably coupling to the pneumatic circuit of the rigidly coupled semi-trailer 2 are mounted to the frame portion 6 of the tractor 1 in a fixed position, these coupling members Dl, El, FI, Gl and HI do not need to be fixed if the tractor 20 is to be driven without a rigidly coupled semi-trailer 2 coupled thereto, for instance in a conventional configuration as shown in Fig. 1. The flexible hoses 115, 114, 103, 75 are mounted to the semi-trailer 2 that can only be driven when connected to a tractor 1, in which configuration the flexible hoses have to be connected to the tractor 1 anyway, and are thereby sufficiently immobilized 25 for driving.

Claims

1. Trekker voor het in een rijrichting voorttrekken van een zwenkbaar gekoppelde oplegger (35) en voor het voorttrekken van een star gekoppelde oplegger (2), omvattende: een voorste as (3) met bestuurbare wielen, 5 ten minste een achterste as (4), een cabine (5), een framedeel (6) dat ten opzichte van de cabine (5) naar achteren toe uitsteekt en dat voorzien is van ten minste twee koppeldelen (41, 42, 43, 44) die in de rijrichting onderling op een afstand van elkaar gelegen zijn, voor het 10 ten minste tegen zwenken om een verticale as en om horizontale assen dwars op de rijrichting van de trekker (1), fixeren van een oplegger (2) ten opzichte van de trekker (1); een opleggerkoppeldeel (45) dat bevestigd is op het framedeel (6); en een pneumatisch circuit met 15. ten minste een pneumatisch koppeldeel (Al, BI) voor het losneembaar koppelen aan een pneumatisch circuit van de zwenkbaar gekoppelde oplegger (35), en ten minste een tweede pneumatisch koppeldeel (Dl, El, Fl, Gl, Hl) voor het losneembaar koppelen aan een pneumatisch circuit van de star 20 gekoppelde oplegger (2), waarbij het ten minste ene, tweede koppeldeel (Dl, El, Fl, Gl, Hl) is gelegen achter de achterste as (4).A tractor for pulling a pivotally coupled trailer (35) in a direction of travel and for pulling a rigidly coupled trailer (2), comprising: a front axle (3) with steerable wheels, at least one rear axle (4) ), a cab (5), a frame part (6) that protrudes backwards relative to the cab (5) and which is provided with at least two coupling parts (41, 42, 43, 44) mutually in the direction of travel being spaced apart for fixing a trailer (2) relative to the tractor (1) at least against pivoting about a vertical axis and about horizontal axes transverse to the direction of travel of the tractor (1); a trailer coupling part (45) mounted on the frame part (6); and a pneumatic circuit with at least one pneumatic coupling part (A1, B1) for releasably coupling to a pneumatic circuit of the pivotally coupled trailer (35), and at least a second pneumatic coupling part (D1, El, Fl, Gl, H1) for releasably coupling to a pneumatic circuit of the rigid coupled trailer (2), the at least one, second coupling part (D1, E1, F1, G1, H1) being located behind the rear axle (4).

2. Trekker volgens conclusie 1, waarbij het ten minste ene, tweede koppeldeel (Dl, El, Fl, Gl, Hl) een koppeldeel (Fl) dat communiceert met een 25 besturingsdrukleiding (71) van het pneumatische circuit van de trekker (1), alsook een koppeldeel (El) dat communiceert met een continu onder druk staande voedingslijn (76) van het pneumatische circuit van de trekker (1) omvat.2. A tractor according to claim 1, wherein the at least one, second coupling part (D1, E1, F1, G1, H1) is a coupling part (F1) which communicates with a control pressure line (71) of the pneumatic circuit of the tractor (1). , as well as a coupling part (E1) that communicates with a continuously pressurized supply line (76) of the pneumatic circuit of the trigger (1).

3. Trekker volgens conclusie 1 of 2, waarbij alle koppeldelen (Cl, Dl, El, Fl, Gl, Hl) voor het koppelen aan pneumatische circuits van de star gekoppelde oplegger (2) zich achter de achterste as (4) bevinden.Tractor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein all coupling parts (C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, H1) for coupling to pneumatic circuits of the rigid coupled trailer (2) are located behind the rear axle (4).

4. Trekker volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het ten minste 10 ene tweede koppeldeel (Dl, El, Fl, Gl, Hl) in een vaste positie op het framedeel (6) is bevestigd.A tractor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one second coupling part (D1, E1, F1, G1, H1) is fixed in a fixed position on the frame part (6).

5. Trekker voor het in een rijrichting voorttrekken van een zwenkbaar gekoppelde oplegger (35) en voor het voorttrekken van een star gekoppelde 15 oplegger (2), omvattende: een voorste as (3) met bestuurbare wielen, ten minste een achterste as (4), een cabine (5), een framedeel (6) dat ten opzichte van de cabine (5) naar achteren toe 20 uitsteekt en dat voorzien is van ten minste twee koppeldelen (41, 42, 43, 44) die in de rijrichting onderling op een afstand van elkaar gelegen zijn, voor het ten minste tegen zwenken om een verticale as en om horizontale assen dwars op de rijrichting van de trekker (1), fixeren van een oplegger (2) ten opzichte van de trekker (1); 25 een opleggerkoppeldeel (45) dat bevestigd is op het framedeel (6); en een pneumatisch circuit met ten minste een eerste pneumatisch koppeldeel (BI) voor het losneembaar koppelen aan een pneumatisch circuit van de zwenkbaar gekoppelde oplegger (35), ten minste een tweede pneumatisch koppeldeel (Dl, El, Fl, Gl, Hl) 5 voor het losneembaar koppelen aan een pneumatisch circuit van de star gekoppelde oplegger (2), waarbij het ten minste ene, eerste koppeldeel (Bl) een koppelklep omvat aan een vrij einde van een flexibele slang (72), waarbij de koppelklep een pneumatisch circuit (70) dat zich uitstrekt door het koppeldeel (Bl) en 10 door de flexibele slang (72) afsluit in reactie op het ontkoppeld zijn van het koppeldeel (Bl), en waarbij het pneumatische circuit verder is voorzien van een doodlopend eind afsluitklep (24), proximaal gepositioneerd ten opzichte van de koppelklep, en ingericht voor het afsluiten van het pneumatische circuit (70) 15 dat zich uitstrekt door het koppeldeel (Bl) en door de flexibele slang (72), waarbij de doodlopend eind afsluitklep (24) werkzaam verbonden is voor het afsluiten van het pneumatische circuit (70) dat zich uitstrekt door het koppeldeel (Bl) en door de flexibele slang (72) in reactie op een signaal dat aangeeft dat de star gekoppelde oplegger (2) is aangekoppeld. 205. Tractor for pulling a pivotally coupled trailer (35) in a direction of travel and for pulling a rigidly coupled trailer (2), comprising: a front axle (3) with steerable wheels, at least one rear axle (4) ), a cab (5), a frame part (6) that protrudes backwards relative to the cab (5) and which is provided with at least two coupling parts (41, 42, 43, 44) mutually in the direction of travel being spaced apart, for at least against pivoting about a vertical axis and about horizontal axes transverse to the direction of travel of the tractor (1), fixing a trailer (2) relative to the tractor (1); A trailer coupling part (45) mounted on the frame part (6); and a pneumatic circuit with at least a first pneumatic coupling part (B1) for releasably coupling to a pneumatic circuit of the pivotally coupled trailer (35), at least a second pneumatic coupling part (D1, E1, F1, G1, H1) for releasably coupling to a pneumatic circuit of the rigid coupled trailer (2), the at least one first coupling part (B1) comprising a coupling valve at a free end of a flexible hose (72), the coupling valve comprising a pneumatic circuit (70) ) which extends through the coupling part (Bl) and closes by the flexible hose (72) in response to being disconnected from the coupling part (Bl), and wherein the pneumatic circuit is further provided with a dead end end shut-off valve (24), positioned proximally to the coupling valve, and adapted to close the pneumatic circuit (70) extending through the coupling part (B1) and through the flexible hose (72), the dead end closing off valve (24) is operatively connected to close the pneumatic circuit (70) extending through the coupling part (B1) and through the flexible hose (72) in response to a signal indicating that the rigidly coupled trailer (2) is mounted. 20

6. Trekker volgens conclusie 5, verder omvattende een elektrisch trailersignaalcontact (Cl) dat werkzaam verbonden is met de doodlopend eind afsluitklep (24), voor het doen doorgeven van het signaal dat aangeeft dat de star gekoppelde oplegger (2) is gekoppeld aan de tractor (1), naar de 25 doodlopend eind afsluitklep (24) indien de star gekoppelde oplegger (2) is gekoppeld aan de trekker (1).The tractor of claim 5, further comprising an electric trailer signal contact (C1) operatively connected to the dead end end valve (24) for passing on the signal indicating that the rigid coupled trailer (2) is coupled to the tractor (1), towards the dead end end shut-off valve (24) if the rigid coupled trailer (2) is coupled to the tractor (1).

7. Trekker volgens conclusie 6, waarbij het elektrische trailersignaalcontact wordt gevormd door een elektrische connector (Cl) waarmee een connector (C2) van een elektrische schakeling van de oplegger (2) kan worden verbonden. 5Tractor according to claim 6, wherein the electric trailer signal contact is formed by an electrical connector (C1) to which a connector (C2) of an electrical circuit of the trailer (2) can be connected. 5

8. Trekker volgens conclusie 6, waarbij het elektrische trailersignaalcontact een schakelaar omvat die is gepositioneerd en ingericht om in een eerste positie te verkeren indien de star gekoppelde oplegger (2) is gekoppeld aan de trekker (1) en in een tweede positie te verkeren indien de 10 star gekoppelde oplegger (2) niet aan de trekker (1) is gekoppeld.Tractor according to claim 6, wherein the electric trailer signal contact comprises a switch that is positioned and arranged to be in a first position if the rigidly coupled trailer (2) is coupled to the tractor (1) and to be in a second position if the rigidly coupled trailer (2) is not coupled to the tractor (1).

9. Oplegger die voortgetrokken kan worden in een rijrichting en die tenminste twee koppeldelen (46, 47, 49-50) omvat die in de rijrichting onderling op afstand van elkaar zijn gelegen, voor het ten minste tegen 15 zwenken om een verticale as en om horizontale assen dwars op rijrichting van de trekker (1) fixeren van de oplegger (2) ten opzichte van de trekker (1), alsook ten minste een opleggeras (8) met wielen (10), en een pneumatisch circuit met ten minste een pneumatisch koppeldeel (D2, E2, F2, G2, H2) voor het losneembaar koppelen aan een pneumatisch circuit van de trekker (1), 20 waarbij het pneumatische koppeldeel (D2, E2, F2, G2, H2) is aangebracht aan een vrij einde van een flexibele slang (75, 91, 103, 114, 115) dicht vóór de opleggeras (8).9. A semi-trailer which can be pulled in a direction of travel and which comprises at least two coupling parts (46, 47, 49-50) which are mutually spaced apart in the direction of travel, for at least pivoting about a vertical axis and about horizontal axes transverse to the direction of travel of the tractor (1) fixing the trailer (2) relative to the tractor (1), as well as at least one trailer axle (8) with wheels (10), and a pneumatic circuit with at least one pneumatic coupling part (D2, E2, F2, G2, H2) for releasably coupling to a pneumatic circuit of the tractor (1), the pneumatic coupling part (D2, E2, F2, G2, H2) being arranged at a free end of a flexible hose (75, 91, 103, 114, 115) close to the trailer axle (8).

10. Oplegger volgens conclusie 9, waarbij de flexibele slang (75, 91, 103, 25 114, 115) achterwaarts van de helft van de lengte van de oplegger (2) is gemonteerd aan de oplegger.10. Trailer as claimed in claim 9, wherein the flexible hose (75, 91, 103, 114, 115) is mounted rearwardly of half the length of the trailer (2) on the trailer.

11. Oplegger volgens conclusie 9 of 10, waarbij de flexibele slang (75, 91, 103, 114, 115) is gemonteerd aan de oplegger (2) in een positie op een afstand vóór de wielen (10) van de opleggeras (8) die kleiner is dan de diameter van de wielen (10). 5Trailer according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the flexible hose (75, 91, 103, 114, 115) is mounted on the trailer (2) in a position at a distance ahead of the wheels (10) of the trailer axle (8) which is smaller than the diameter of the wheels (10). 5

12. Oplegger volgens één der conclusies 9-11, waarbij het pneumatische circuit een remaanstuurleiding (104) van het remsysteem van de oplegger omvat, die zich uitstrekt van een koppeldeel (F2) voor het koppelen aan het remsysteem van de trekker tot de remcilinders (110) van de oplegger, voor het 10 in bedrijf overbrengen van remdruk van het remsysteem van de trekker naar de remcilinders (110) van de oplegger.A semi-trailer according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein the pneumatic circuit comprises a brake control line (104) of the trailer's braking system, which extends from a coupling part (F2) for coupling to the brake system of the tractor to the brake cylinders ( 110) of the trailer, for transmitting in operation brake pressure from the brake system of the tractor to the brake cylinders (110) of the trailer.

13. Oplegger volgens conclusie 12, waarbij het pneumatische circuit bovendien een overbrengleiding (92, 113) voor besturingsdruk omvat die een 15 koppeldeel (H2) voor koppeling aan het pneumatische circuit van de trekker, verbindt met een koppeldeel (Jl) achteraan de oplegger (2), voor het koppelen aan een pneumatisch circuit van een aanhanger, alsook een back-upleiding (106) die een verbinding vormt tussen de aanstuurleiding (104) die verbonden is met de remcilinders van de oplegger, en de overbrengleiding (92, 113) voor 20 de besturingsdruk.13. Trailer as claimed in claim 12, wherein the pneumatic circuit furthermore comprises a control pressure transfer line (92, 113) which connects a coupling part (H2) for coupling to the pneumatic circuit of the tractor, with a coupling part (J1) at the rear of the trailer ( 2), for coupling to a pneumatic circuit of a trailer, as well as a back-up line (106) which forms a connection between the control line (104) connected to the brake cylinders of the trailer and the transfer line (92, 113) for 20 the control pressure.

14. Voertuig voor wegtransport omvattende een trekker volgens conclusie 1 en een oplegger die in een rijrichting voortgetrokken kan worden, met ten minste twee koppeldelen (46, 47, 49-50) die in de rijrichting onderling op 25 afstand van elkaar gelegen zijn, voor het ten minste tegen een zwenken om een verticale as en om horizontale assen dwars op de rijrichting van de trekker (1), losneembaar fixeren van de oplegger (2) ten opzichte van de trekker (1), alsook ten minste een opleggeras (8) met wielen (10), en een pneumatisch circuit met ten minste een pneumatisch koppeldeel (D2, E2, F2, G2, H2) voor het losneembaar koppelen aan het pneumatische circuit van de trekker (1), waarbij het pneumatische koppeldeel (D2, E2, F2, G2, H2) is opgesteld aan een vrij einde van een flexibele slang (75, 91, 103, 114, 115) en is gemonteerd 5 tussen de achteras (4) van de trekker (1) en de opleggeras (8).14. A road transport vehicle comprising a tractor as claimed in claim 1 and a trailer which can be pulled in a direction of travel, with at least two coupling parts (46, 47, 49-50) which are mutually spaced apart in the direction of travel, for detachably fixing the trailer (2) relative to the tractor (1) against at least one pivotal movement about a vertical axis and about horizontal axes transverse to the direction of travel of the tractor (1), as well as at least one trailer axle (8) with wheels (10), and a pneumatic circuit with at least one pneumatic coupling part (D2, E2, F2, G2, H2) for releasably coupling to the pneumatic circuit of the tractor (1), the pneumatic coupling part (D2, E2 , F2, G2, H2) is arranged on a free end of a flexible hose (75, 91, 103, 114, 115) and is mounted between the rear axle (4) of the tractor (1) and the trailer axle (8) .