DE102019202784A1 - Trailer for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A trailer (1) for a vehicle (2) is connectable to the vehicle (2). The trailer (1) has an axis (3) on which two wheels (4) are movably mounted on. In addition, it has in each case one electric motor (5) per wheel (4), which is connected to its wheel (4) via a respective transmission (6) and one articulated shaft (7), each electric motor (5) being set up in each case to be operated as a generator or as a motor after the driving situation. It has at least one energy store (8), which is connected to the electric motors (5). It has at least one control device (9) which is set up to control the electric motors (5). It has at least one measuring device (10), which is set up to determine a force which acts on the trailer (1) starting from the vehicle (2). It has a detection device (16), which is adapted to determine the drive type of the vehicle (2). The control device (9) of the trailer (1) is set up to individually control the electric motors (5) on the basis of the determined force and based on the ascertained drive mode of the vehicle (2) in order to support a drive of the vehicle (5) a defined force acts on the vehicle (2).

Description

The present invention relates to a trailer for a vehicle having the features of claim 1.

Trailers and caravans are not powered today and usually need to be carried by a towing vehicle. Applications with powered trailers can be found today in trucks on construction sites, tractors with trailers and on the camping market. The caravans are heavy and therefore burden the vehicle. These are particularly problematic for electric vehicles, because here the attendant range reduction and the associated need for charging infrastructure and time have to be taken into account.

Out DE 20119469 U1 An electric braking device for vehicle trailers is known. These vehicle trailers have a rigid drawbar assembly and a trailer hitch. The braking device has a connectable to a tractor power supply, electric wheel brakes and a measuring device and a controller for determining the required braking forces. The measuring device is designed as a mountable to the rigid drawbar assembly force measuring arrangement which receives the axial forces acting in the drawbar assembly tensile and compressive forces free of movement. The measuring device serves to determine the run-up forces or braking forces. This force measuring arrangement can be formed by means of electrical strain gauges. The force measuring arrangement can preferably be mounted on the rigid drawbar arrangement on the outside, alternatively or additionally, but also on the inside.

Out WO 2017/153413 A1 are a drive unit and a drive method for an auxiliary drive of a vehicle, for. B. a trailer, known. The drive unit has a drive means associated with the axle and a drive train extending along the wheel swing lever. The drive means is z. B. formed as an electric motor. The drive train is z. B. formed as a gear train. The drive unit may include an activation device for activating and deactivating a drive connection with the vehicle wheel on demand. As a result, in another drive of the vehicle wheel, z. B. in driving and Gespannbetrieb a trailer, the drive connection are disabled to relieve the power unit and protect. The activation device can preferably activate and deactivate the drive connection in a controlled manner. You can hereby be switched to a driving mode, a freewheeling operation and a blocking position for an immobilizer. Several drive units can be combined to form the auxiliary drive for a vehicle. They can be acted upon individually or jointly by a controller and, if necessary, activated or deactivated individually or jointly. They can also be actuated and controlled individually or jointly by an actuating device, in particular a wireless remote control. This remote control can eg be a smartphone, tablet o. Ä., So that operation with apps is possible. With separate left and right drive units on the vehicle, a particularly comfortable driving and maneuvering can take place. Here, the drive units and their own drive means can be selectively controlled, which allows driving straight ahead and with any curve radii in forward and reverse and a sensitive steering of the vehicle in driving and maneuvering.

Out DE 3920934 A1 is known an electric drive for caravans or trailers other use, which can drive via a differential gear, the two drive wheels of the trailer.

Out DE 19508301 A1 An electric drive for caravans is known. A toothed pulley with flange is mounted on the rotating, movable part of the brake drum and a drive motor fixedly mounted on the rocker arm by means of mounting plate. A gear unit engages in an internal toothing of the toothed disc.

Out DE 19614752 A1 is drive for caravan or trailer with a powered by a mains or battery electric motor with gearbox and pinion known. This is mounted on the rocker arm and has welded-in bracket in the rim, whereupon a sprocket is attached. An electric cylinder pivots the pinion gear with the engine into the ring gear and is held in this position. The maneuvering is done with a remote control.

Out DE 102010049842 A1 is a device for driving vehicle wheels, z. B. for a caravan, described about the rims. A motor is attached to a flange and can drive a vehicle wheel with its drive shaft, depending on the lever arm and the drivers installed thereon, which engage in the rim spokes of the rim.

Out DE 1681008 U a single drive for trailer wheels is known, wherein all wheels are driven by electric motors whose motor shafts are provided with pinions, which mesh with the shafts, stub axles, brake drums attached to any other suitable location of the wheels gears or sprockets. Between pinion and gear is a transmission gear provided that in the same the engine and gear enclosing housing is located.

Out DE 9418102 U1 is a caravan drive with an electric motor known. Here, a toothed disc is mounted on a rim of an impeller. Another toothed disc is arranged on the motor shaft. The toothed pulleys can be designed for chain, belt or toothed belt.

Out DE 2020050150876 U1 is presented a detachable drive unit for a caravan that has an electric motor. The drive unit includes a downstream of the engine transmission whose output forms the drive member. The transmission is designed as a planetary gear. The motor is designed as an external rotor motor or synchronous motor. On a trailer wheel of the trailer suspends the auxiliary drive device directly.

Out DE 202009008905 U1 a shunting device for a caravan is known. At the hubs of the trailer, a gear is attached, this may have an external or internal toothing, and cooperates with the drive pinion of an electric motor. The shunting device is connected to an axle of the trailer. The electric motor has a transfer case. The rotary motion of the electric motor can be transmitted via a cardan shaft with pinion to the respective wheels.

Out EP 1840019 B1 is known as an auxiliary drive of a caravan. This consists of a drive unit and a gear which is mounted in engagement with the ring gear on the brake drum of the wheel or on another attachment.

Out WO 2009/023931 A1 a trailer with a hydraulic drive motor is known, which is connected by means of a differential gear with wheels.

From FR 916,581 PS a drive for a trailer is known. A mounted on the rim of a trailer gear wheel is driven by a motor via a reduction gear, a propeller shaft and a pinion and in addition via a second pinion of a generator.

Out GB 2305408 A is known a drive for a caravan. A supported by a support arm drive motor with a reduction gear is shown. The arm is linearly displaceable in order to reach a maneuvering position or towing position.

Out DE 102016222024 A1 a trailer truck with a motor vehicle and a trailer is known which is coupled to the motor vehicle, wherein the trailer has a trailer battery module, at least one electric motor, a braking device and a control unit. The trailer battery module, the at least one electric motor, the braking device and the control unit, for a battery electric drive of the at least one trailer, communicate with each other.

From the DE 60104626 T2 is an auxiliary drive for a trailer, z. B. known for a caravan. The auxiliary drive includes a motor, a first frame component that may be rigidly attached to the chassis of the trailer, and a second frame component that is configured to be moved relative to the first frame component. In addition, the auxiliary drive has a drive roller connected to the motor, which is rotatably mounted on the second frame component. The second frame component is movable so that the drive roller can be pressed against a wheel of the caravan, wherein the first and the second component are articulated by only a single axis.

Out EP 1225090 B1 is a device for moving a trailer, z. B. a living trailer known. The device has a pair of drive units that can be mounted on the trailer. The drive units can be drivingly connected to the respective wheels of the trailer. The drive units are reversible and operable in various modes to move the trailer. In this case, a control system for controlling the operation of the drive units is provided. The control system itself controls the supply and interruption of electrical pulses to the drive units to cause any one of the drive units to operate in steps interrupted by brake periods and / or periods of non-operation of the respective drive unit and / or in increments of different speeds.

Out DE 202012006829 U1 is a trailer, z. As a caravan, with a pair of non-powered wheels known. Each wheel is equipped with a steerable drive. This drive has an electric motor.

Out DE 102013107914 B4 is a support device for the cultivation of a Rangierantriebs on a chassis of a vehicle, eg. B. a trailer, known. The chassis has longitudinal members with an upright central web, wherein the support means comprises a plurality, in particular two, carrier parts, which form an angled carrier shoe in conjunction with each other. This has parallel support plates for two-sided system and common attachment to the central web and an underlying widened stiffening box.

Out EP 2289776 B1 is an auxiliary drive for stolen vehicles, z. B. for trailers, known. This auxiliary drive has at least one motor-driven drive element and a motor-driven feed device for the delivery of the drive element to a vehicle wheel and an operating device. The auxiliary drive has a safety device for its function depending on the operating situation. The operating situation is detected by an operator location.

Out EP 2824019 B1 is a drive unit for an auxiliary drive of foreign-moving vehicles, z. B. for trailers, known. The drive unit has a drive train with an electromotive drive drive, a transmission and a drive wheel acting on a vehicle wheel. In this case, the drive unit has a coupling device arranged in the drive train. The coupling device transmits a rotation introduced on the drive side and blocks or brakes a rotation introduced on the output side.

Out EP 2138387 B1 is an auxiliary drive for foreign-moving vehicles z. B. for trailers, known. This consists of at least one storable on the vehicle and deliverable to a vehicle drive unit with a motor-driven drive element. The drive unit has a plurality of drivingly acting on the drive element motors, which may be formed as electric motors.

Out EP 1394024 B1 a vehicle trailer Rangierantrieb is known. This consists of a on a vehicle-fixed bracket by means of a guide movably mounted and deliverable to the vehicle drive unit with a motor and a drive element. The vehicle trailer Rangierantrieb has an automatic and operated by the drive unit feed device with a motor-driven rotating feed member, which runs free at the end of the feed movement.

Out DE 102017104747 A1 a drive unit for an auxiliary drive of a vehicle is known. This vehicle is a trailer having an axle with an axle body, a vehicle wheel and an interposed Radschwinghebel. The drive unit drives the vehicle wheel as needed. The drive unit has a drive means and a drive train and a blowing agent acting on the vehicle wheel. The propellant is formed as a central drive shaft of the vehicle wheel.

Out DE 202014101955 U1 is a splash guard for collecting liquids and / or solid particles, which are thrown by a wheel of a trailer in the opposite direction to the rear, known. The splash guard has one or more attachment means, which are designed to be fastened to a housing of a maneuvering aid arranged behind the wheel.

Out DE 202010008600 U1 is an auxiliary drive for a vehicle, in particular a trailer, known. The auxiliary drive has at least one drive unit with a drive element which can be brought into driving connection with a vehicle wheel. The drive element is driven by an electric motor. The auxiliary drive has an interface for the connection of an external power supply, in particular a local power grid on.

Out DE 202010005650 U1 is auxiliary drive for stolen vehicles, z. B. known for trailers. These vehicles have a deliverable to a vehicle wheel driving drive element. The auxiliary traction drive has its own drive-generating, controllable drive device and a feed device and a relative to the vehicle chassis movable support for the drive drive element. The drive device has a relatively fixedly mounted on the vehicle electric motor and a Zustellweg receiving transmission device for the drive power transmission to the drive drive element.

Out EP 2360543 A1 a remote control for controlling vehicles with a shunting device is known. The remote control has an input device with an at least two-dimensionally movable handle part. The input device provides for rotation of the grip part about its vertical axis with respect to a home position, against which the grip part is deflectable. The input device may provide translation or tilt of the handle portion relative to the home position. The application also relates to a shunting system for vehicles, in particular for trailers, with at least two auxiliary traction drives and a remote control. These auxiliary traction drives can temporarily or permanently drive the wheels of both sides of the vehicle.

Out DE 102017107064 B3 a vehicle trailer is known. This has a combination of an energy recovery device and a backup brake system. At the drawbar a force measuring device for measuring the axial drawbar forces is provided. Furthermore, a co-operating with the pull rod clamping device is provided, which blocks or allows the insertion of the pull rod in the drawbar housing in response to the thrust forces occurring in the drawbar when driving forward of the vehicle trailer.

Out DE 202005020065 U1 is a Rangier auxiliary device for vehicle trailers known. This has with the vehicle wheels operatively connected electric motors that are powered by a battery on. The electric motors are designed as wheel hub motors / generators. There is provided an electrical control system operatively connected to the wheel hub motors / generators, with which the wheel hub motors / generators are switchable between engine operation in which they apply a driving force to the trailer wheels and generator operation in which they generate electrical energy.

Out DE 202014007403 U1 is a backup brake system for motor vehicle trailers known. This comprises a hydraulic brake force transmission device, a control unit, a switching valve arranged in the brake force transmission device, which is connected by the control unit as a function of the direction of movement of the motor vehicle trailer, and a motion detection system for detecting the standstill or a direction of movement of the motor vehicle trailer. The motion detection system comprises a radar unit scanning the road surface.

Out EP 1448421 B1 An electric braking device for vehicle trailers with a rigid drawbar assembly and a trailer hitch is known. The braking device has a connectable to a tractor power supply, electric wheel brakes and a measuring device and a controller for determining the required braking forces. The measuring device is designed as a mountable to the rigid drawbar assembly force measuring arrangement which receives the axial forces acting in the drawbar assembly tensile and compressive forces free of movement.

Out DE 102010019480 A1 A vehicle trailer is known which is equipped with wheel hub motors, steered axle and various sensors to assist the towing vehicle when driving and braking and, in particular when reversing, to maintain or run on a particular track. It is an electrical connection for power supply and control of the trailer provided.

Out DE 102010062979 A1 a push-pull trailer for a vehicle is known. This vehicle is a passenger vehicle with a drive unit of a first drive type and an energy store for the operation of the drive unit. The vehicle comprises a drive unit of a second drive type. The push trailer is mechanically coupled by means of a trailer hitch with the vehicle. The push-pull trailer has sensors for detecting dynamic movement and state variables of the combination of vehicle and trailer for evaluating the sensor signals and for controlling the drive unit thereof. In this case, depending on the movement and state variables detected by the sensors, a drive or braking force acting on the vehicle is generated by the drive unit of the push-in trailer.

Out DE 102010031158 A1 is an electric vehicle with a powered trailer known. The trailer is detachably attached to a drawbar on a trailer hitch of the electric vehicle. The drive torque of the trailer is controlled as a function of an occurring bending angle between the intersecting during cornering longitudinal axes of electric vehicle and trailer. The trailer has an independent from the electric vehicle combustion engine drive.

Out CN 102143880 B is a vehicle trailer is known, which has at each of its wheels an electric motor with control, and various sensors for measuring pressure / train, etc., to follow the vehicle optimally.

Out EP 3037298 A1 is a vehicle trailer with electric motor, battery, controller and sensors known, which is controlled by the influence of pressure / train, speed, torque and battery data.

Out DE 102012016234 A1 is a push trailer with an electric drive unit and an energy storage for the operation of this drive unit known. This can be coupled to a vehicle with an internal combustion or hybrid drive unit by means of a coupling system mechanically, and by means of a coupling system electrically and signal technically. Due to its compact design, the trailer has various adjustment systems for adjusting the drawbar length and drawbar height, a coupling system for mechanical coupling and electrical coupling of the trailer with the vehicle, as well as positioning systems for influencing the center of gravity of the trailer via a chassis positioning system and a component positioning system. The trailer also has a control device for condition detection and control of the various subsystems for influencing the driving dynamics of the trailer and for controlling the modes of the trailer. The trailer is controlled by the driver and can communicate with the vehicle. An adaptive control of the positioning systems ensures optimum thrust and braking force generation with reduced pitching movements. The trailer supplies the on-board network of the vehicle and interacts with systems in the vehicle. Furthermore, the trailer has over Sensors, actuators and a controller enable automatic coupling, coupling, maneuvering, and loading operations in designated exchange and charging stations.

Out CN 103561986 B A system for electrically coupling an e-bike and an electric trailer and method for driving the two motor units is known.

Out DE 102015200458 A1 is known a trailer for a vehicle with a high-voltage traction battery. The trailer may be a self-propelled trailer to substantially conform to vehicle dynamics and minimize impact on the vehicle. Alternatively, the trailer can push the vehicle to simulate a downhill run, or pull on the vehicle to simulate uphill driving. The trailer can provide power for the vehicle. The trailer can supply power to an electrical machine of the vehicle. The trailer can also provide power to charge a vehicle traction battery. The trailer can also charge its own traction battery.

Out DE 102006035911 A1 . DE 202011004585 U1 . US 2008023234 AA . DE 202013001348 U1 . DE102011110917A1 . EP 2418143 A2 . US 2011079453 AA . GB 2330804 A1 . DE 3630031 A1 , an electrically powered bicycle trailer is known.

Out US 8365849 B2 A system is known for pulling a trailer comprising at least one wheel hub motor, at least one battery, a drawbar drawbar, a braking system and a controller for processing the data from the sensor and controlling the engine. The braking system includes mechanical and recuperative brakes. By means of the controller motor and brakes can be controlled.

Out DE 102012011114 A1 is a drive system for land vehicles for transporting people and loads known. The system has at least one electrically driven drive wheel coupled to a frame part, a drive unit, preferably in the form of a wheel hub motor, for driving the drive wheel, an electrical energy store for supplying the drive unit with electrical energy, and a control unit having an operating unit for controlling the drive unit, on. The control unit is designed for wireless control, in particular by means of one or more radio control units.

Out DE 102016108148 A1 A system for electrically coupling an e-bike and an electric trailer and a method for driving the two motor units is known.

Out DE 102015112973 A1 is a tugger trailer equipped with a battery for supplying electrical consumers known. The consumer may be a travel drive and / or a braking device.

Out DE 202016006076 U1 a trailer for a motor vehicle is known. In this, a supporting structure of a trailer frame of the trailer consists essentially of interconnected elements of a composite material, in particular a sandwich composite material. The trailer frame has at least one recess for receiving one or more battery packs. The trailer may have at least one electrically driven axle.

Out DE 10131935 A1 is a distributed drive system for a semitrailer wagon train with several units known. The tractor has a first and the trailer has a second drive system. A load sensor is provided at the respective hinge connection and an input device is connected to a control device. The control device controls the second drive systems in dependence on the load sensor and the input device. The second drive system may be an internal combustion engine, an electric motor or a hydrostatic drive. The input device may be an accelerator pedal.

Out DE 602011019253 D1 is a combination of a tractor unit and a trailer unit known. A connecting pin between both includes a sensor for measuring loads. It is a control system and control device is provided which receives these measurement signals and accordingly drives a, powered by an electrical storage device, drive or brakes recuperatively. The controller and the electrical storage device are provided on the trailer and the control system is independent of the tractor unit.

Out DE 102012107648 B4 is a drive device for towed vehicles with at least one electric motor known. The device has at least one battery electrically connected to the electric motor. In addition, the device has at least one drive train for driving at least one axis of the towed vehicle, wherein the at least one electric motor is designed as a motor-generator converter, through which the battery can be supplied with electrical energy. At least one acceleration sensor is provided on the drive device. There are at least one weight sensor and a GPS receiver are provided which passes position data to a navigation computer.

Out DE 4324211 A1 a method for a towed / pushed vehicle is known, the drive is driven by a force measurement at the junction and the derived therefrom force signal. In this case, an actual value of the force signal is compared with a desired value and the drive is accordingly controlled.

Out DE 102015010749 A1 is a vehicle with a drive device, a control unit and a sensor known. The vehicle can be operated as an autonomous and / or remotely controlled vehicle. The vehicle has a coupling device for coupling the vehicle as a trailer to a towing vehicle.

Out DE 102008001565 A1 a trailer for receiving a semi-trailer is known, in which an electric machine is integrated with energy storage. The energy storage can be charged by recuperative braking. The trailer has a steerable axle and a corresponding actuator unit. The operating unit is used for signal transmission, for actuating the drive and the steering. An input signal is forwarded to the actuator by a user or a host computer for autonomous driving. There is a conversion of the input signals for the actuator for driving stabilization, so when reversing the semitrailer appears as a rigid vehicle. A transmitter is provided on the trailer and on the coupling of the towing vehicle, so that the trailer can move to this.

Out DE 102013014305 A1 is a vehicle trailer for a towing vehicle, in particular a semi-trailer with at least one electric drive system component, known. The electric drive system component can be coupled to the electric drive system of the towing vehicle. The drive system component is an accumulator or a fuel cell. There are interfaces for the connection with towing vehicle and possibly further trailers. It can be a division of energy between the towing vehicle and an electric power unit. The electric unit is z. As a drive of a refrigeration compressor, moving floor or a loading wall.

Out DE 102016119912 A1 For example, an electric drive unit for a powertrain system of a trailer having a first and a second driveline and a prime mover system for transmitting torque to the first driveline is known. A motor acts to generate torque and a pinion is disposed in selective communication therewith. Between the pinion and the second drive train, a differential is arranged to distribute the torque between them. Between the motor and the pinion, a first planetary gear is arranged and between the first planetary gear and the pinion, a second planetary gear is arranged. Disposed between the pinion and the planetary gears is a dog clutch that is movable between a first position where torque is transmitted from the motor through the first planetary gear and the dog clutch to drive the second driveline at a first drive gear ratio and a second position in that torque is transmitted from the engine through both planetary gears and the dog clutch to drive the second driveline at a second drive gear ratio.

Out DE 102017111493 A1 a control device is known. The controller may indicate a low traction mode of a vehicle when a longitudinal trace accumulation exceeds a first threshold and a side reaction accumulation exceeds a second threshold. The longitudinal tracking collection may measure a number of activations of a traction control system over time. The side reaction accumulation may measure a comparison of the vehicle yaw rate with a driver-desired model-based prediction of the yaw rate. The controller may indicate the low traction mode by providing a recommendation to switch to the low traction mode on a human-machine interface screen of the vehicle or by automatically setting the mode of at least one electronic control unit of the vehicle to implement the low traction mode ,

Out DE 102011077593 A1 is known method for determining a critical speed for rolling motions of a team. In the team, a yaw rate signal is determined from trailer sensor data and a critical speed is determined from a damping curve of the yaw rate signal. The critical speed, a combination vehicle speed, is the speed at which amplitudes of the yaw rate signal remain substantially constant.

Out DE 102016000306 A1 For example, a stabilization system is known for reducing tension oscillations in a trailer with a towing vehicle and a trailer towed by the towing vehicle. The towing vehicle has two or more axles with at least two wheels per axle and the stabilizer system has a number of Brakes, each one brake is assigned to one of the wheels of the towing vehicle. The towing vehicle has a number of sensors for detecting the operating condition of the towing vehicle and the trailer and generating corresponding signals. In addition, it comprises a control unit, which determines the frequency of the clamping oscillations from the signals generated by the sensors and acts on the brakes in such a way that the brakes are actuated taking into account the determined frequency of the clamping oscillations.

Out EP 1593552 B1 A system for monitoring a car trailer with a reversing camera is known, wherein detected angle information includes information about the instantaneous yaw angle between the longitudinal axes of towing vehicle and trailer.

Out EP 1375279 B1 a device for reducing the rolling movements of a casserole trailer is known. A combination of an electronic hydraulic stabilizer individually braking the two sides of the trailer in the case of rocking movements and an anti-lock braking system is used.

Out EP 2633452 B1 a system for stabilizing the pendulum of a trailer is known, which is fixed to a vehicle. A torque distribution signal is transmitted to a torque vectoring device to stabilize the pendulum swing without braking the vehicle.

Out DE 102010032685 A1 a trailer pivot engagement system is known. The trailer hitch engagement system includes a trailer having a plurality of wheels, each wheel having a brake, and a vehicle pulling the trailer. The vehicle includes a plurality of sensors configured to detect operating characteristics of the vehicle and a controller. The controller receives the detected operating characteristics from the sensors, determines an error based on a difference between an expected yaw rate and a detected yaw rate, applies asymmetric braking forces to one or more trailer wheels based on the difference, and symmetrically applies braking forces to the trailer wheels when the The amount of difference between the expected yaw rate and the detected yaw rate decreases.

Out EP 0989049 B1 For example, there is known a method of stabilizing a trailer haulage formed by a tractor and at least one trailer connected to the tractor via a coupling. The actual yaw rate of the tractor is determined and compared with a target yaw rate of the tractor. Upon occurrence of a difference between the target yaw rate and the actual yaw rate, the steering angle of the wheels of a steerable vehicle axle of the tractor is changed to reduce the difference, so that the amplitude of the bending angle is reduced.

In addition, an e-caravan is known from a press release by Dethleffs (August 2018). This has an electric drive, which is formed by means of two hub electric motors, a control electronics and a high-performance battery. The e-caravan has a Zugentlastungsmodul, which controls the two electric drive motors so that the trailer load on the coupling head of the towing vehicle to a predetermined value, for. B. 100 kg reduced. This makes it possible that even with small towing vehicles heavy trailers can be pulled, the total mass is far above the permissible trailer load of the car. The drive motors can be operated as generators, so that z. B. when driving down the batteries can recharge by recuperation. In addition, the e-Caravan has a wheel-specific power distribution, which is referred to as "torque vectoring". A central control unit continuously evaluates all driving dynamics data and controls the drive units on the basis of the evaluated data wheel-individually. For example, different speeds of the inside and the outside of the curve wheel can be realized. Also rolling movements can be prevented so. Furthermore, the e-caravan can realize a shunting function on the basis of these wheel-specific drive units so that the e-caravan can be rotated 360 ° in one place. The e-caravan can also be remotely controlled by means of an app and can be parked without towing vehicle. Furthermore, the e-caravan can be equipped with a photovoltaic system on the roof. Furthermore, it is proposed to provide the e-caravan as mobile power storage for buildings.

In addition, a hybrid drive for recreational vehicles such as motorhomes and caravans called Efficiency-Line is presented in a publication by KnausTabbert. This has an additional brake system, by means of which can be recuperated. In addition, the hybrid drive per an electric motor per wheel and a power battery. Furthermore, it is possible to remotely maneuver the caravan in the uncoupled state. In addition, an anti-skid function for active trailer stabilization is implemented.

In another press release by Heise Autos entitled "Schiebebetrieb: Hybrid drive for caravans "(29.03.2011) Hybrid drives for caravans are presented. These can be designed as a plug-in version or as a mild hybrid. It should be noted that by changing the focus of the caravan higher driving stability could be achieved.

The present invention is based on the object of the present invention to propose an alternative embodiment for a powered trailer for a vehicle.

The present invention proposes, starting from the above object, a trailer for a vehicle according to claim 1, before. Further advantageous embodiments and developments will become apparent from the dependent claims.

A trailer for a vehicle is connectable to the vehicle. The trailer has an axis on which two wheels are movably mounted on. In addition, it has in each case one electric motor per wheel, which is connected via a respective gear and a propeller shaft with its wheel, each electric motor is adapted to be operated as a generator or motor depending on the driving situation. He has at least one energy storage, which is connected to the electric motors. He has at least one control device which is adapted to control the electric motors. It has at least one measuring device which is adapted to detect a force acting on the trailer starting from the vehicle. It has a detection device which is set up to determine the drive type of the vehicle. The control device of the trailer is set up to individually control the electric motors on the basis of the determined force and based on the ascertained drive mode of the vehicle in order to support a drive of the vehicle so that a defined force acts on the vehicle.

The vehicle may be a land vehicle, such as a car or commercial vehicle. The vehicle can act as a towing vehicle for the trailer. The trailer may preferably be a living trailer. The trailer has an axle. The axle has in each case two wheels, which lie opposite each other on the axle. Of course, the axle may also have more than two wheels, z. B. two wheels per side. Each wheel is movably mounted on the axle. That is, each wheel can perform at least both rotation about its wheel axis and jounce along its vertical axis. Possibly. For example, each wheel can pivot about its pivot axis. Connected here means that the wheel is so connected to its axis, so that a power transmission between the wheel and the axle can take place. In addition, the trailer on service brakes that can be designed as conventional overrun brakes.

Each wheel is driven drivable and can be driven by means of the associated electric motor. Each wheel is connected via its propeller shaft and its gearbox with its electric motor. The torque is thus transmitted from the electric motor via the transmission via the propeller shaft to the respective wheel. In this case, in a trailer with an axle and two wheels, a first electric motor is connected to a first transmission. The first gear is connected to a first propeller shaft. The first propeller shaft is connected to the first of the two wheels. A second electric motor connected to a second transmission. The second gear is connected to a second propeller shaft. The second propeller shaft is connected to the second of the two wheels.

The electric motors may be designed as external rotor or as internal rotor. Each electric motor can be operated both by motor and generator. In a motorized operation, the electric motors provide energy that is used to drive the respective wheel. In generator mode, the electric motors provide energy to charge the at least one energy storage. The transmission can be designed, for example, as a planetary gear or as a spur gear, which can represent at least two gears. Due to the gearbox, the electric motors can be made smaller than in an electric drive without gearbox.

The at least one energy store is designed as an accumulator. This is connected to the electric motors. The at least one energy storage device can forward energy to the electric motors or the electric motors can transfer energy to the at least one energy storage. This depends on the driving situation. Depending on the driving situation, the electric motors can be operated by motor or generator. A driving situation is present in a driving operation of the trailer, z. B. if this moves along a route and is possibly connected to the vehicle. The at least one energy store can be charged for example by means of that energy which is made available by means of recuperation, z. B. when the trailer is decelerated or moves along a slope. By contrast, when the trailer is not only pulled by the vehicle but driven, energy from the energy storage is used to power the electric motors. This therefore represents different driving situations.

The trailer has the at least one control device which is set up for this purpose to control the electric motors. The control device can be designed, for example, as an ECU or a domain ECU. By means of the control device, the electric motors can be controlled, so that on the one hand from the motor to the regenerative operation can be switched, and on the other hand, an energy supply can be determined by the electric motors. The control device is further configured to control the electric motors individually and independently of each other. For example, the first electric motor may provide a higher torque for the first wheel than the second electric motor. The control device can also be connected to the gears and can control them.

The trailer has the at least one measuring device configured to determine the force acting on the trailer from the vehicle. Of course, the trailer may have more than one measuring device. The measuring device may be formed by means of a sensor or a plurality of sensors. This sensor or these sensors can detect either tensile forces or compressive forces or both. The measuring device may be formed, for example, as a strain gauge. The measuring device is further configured to forward the determined forces to the at least one control device. For this purpose, this is wireless or wired connected to the at least one control device, so that a data and signal exchange can take place.

The trailer has the detection device, which is adapted to determine the drive type of the vehicle. By means of the detection device it can be determined whether the vehicle is a vehicle with an electric drive, with a hybrid drive, with a fuel cell drive or with an internal combustion engine drive, which is operated with diesel, gasoline or gas. By way of example, this detection device can be designed in such a way that a driver of the vehicle inputs what drive type it is in his vehicle. This input can be done for example by means of a mobile terminal or by means of an input device on the trailer, which can be connected to the at least one control device of the trailer wireless or wired. The detection device is thus connected to the at least one control device, so that a data and signal exchange can take place.

If the trailer is in a driving operation and is connected to the vehicle, the at least one control device controls the electric motors individually on the basis of the determined force and on the basis of the determined drive type of the vehicle. That is, depending on the force acting on the trailer from the vehicle, each of the electric motors is driven so that the wheels of the trailer are driven or decelerated. Each wheel can be driven or decelerated to different degrees. Of course, the wheels can be equally driven or braked. The driving or braking of the wheels is carried out so that a defined force acts on the vehicle, which is connected to the trailer, so that the vehicle is supported. The defined force can be defined, for example, at the factory. Alternatively, the defined value can be defined individually depending on the vehicle.

For example, in a ride uphill, where the trailer usually has to be pulled by the vehicle, the electric motors can be controlled so that they drive the trailer and the pulling force acting on the trailer is set to the defined value. When driving downhill, where the trailer presses against the vehicle, the electric motors can be controlled so that they slow down the trailer recuperate, so that the compressive force acting on the trailer is set to the defined value. This defined value can be kept constant, for example, in every driving situation.

For example, when driving in an environmental zone, the trailer can push the vehicle if it has been determined by means of the detection device that the vehicle has an internal combustion engine. The vehicle is not driven, but only the trailer. As a result, a fine dust pollution can be reduced. In addition, the engine can be switched off even when driving downhill and a sailing operation can be taken. In this case, the trailer pushes the vehicle as well.

Furthermore, the vehicle can be pulled in a reverse drive from the trailer. This simplifies maneuvering of the trailer and vehicle combination when reversing. The applied by the trailer drive torque is dependent on a tire slip, which has been determined for example by means of the vehicle's own sensor. The controller controls the electric motors to provide the torque required for each wheel individually.

The advantage of this is that the vehicle pulling the trailer can be relieved. This requires the vehicle to provide less energy to move with the trailer than a conventional non-powered trailer. As a result, the vehicle may have lower engine power than a non-driven trailer. So it is possible that even electric vehicles can pull trailers.

According to a further embodiment, the electric motors and the associated with these gearboxes are arranged near a central axis of the trailer. Here, the first electric motor with its gear is spotted arranged to the second electric motor with its transmission. In addition, the at least one energy store may also be arranged near the center axis or on the center axis of the trailer. The electric motors and the transmission are thus arranged at a distance from the wheels. Each electric motor has an axial offset to its transmission. As a result, the trailer's ground clearance is not restricted by the electric motors and transmissions as compared to trailers with wheel hub drives. It is given by a symmetrical weight distribution. In addition, the unsprung mass of the wheels is not increased compared to trailers with wheel hub drives. The point-mirrored arrangement of the space required for the electric motors and transmissions is used efficiently and kept as low as possible, as a nested arrangement is possible.

According to a further embodiment, the measuring device is arranged in a trailer hitch or in a trailer jaw or on a drawbar of the trailer. The advantage of this is that the measuring device is provided on the trailer side and no additional sensors must be provided on the vehicle.

According to a further embodiment, the electric motors and / or the transmission have a locking device. The locking device is designed such that a rotational movement of the wheels is prevented. The locking device may be formed mechanically or electrically. For example, the locking devices may be formed by means of a respective bolt, a brake, a pawl or a claw. For example, the locking device may be implemented in the manner of a conventional parking lock of a transmission and / or an electric drive.

Alternatively, the locking device for each wheel of the trailer on a sensor by means of which a speed or torque of the wheel is detected. These sensors are designed such that they can communicate the detected rotational speeds or torques to the control device. The control device then controls the corresponding electric motor in such a way that a counter torque is applied to the detected torque of the respective wheel on the corresponding wheel.

This locking device serves to realize a parking brake and / or a theft protection. Therefore, the locking device is automatically activated when the trailer is no longer connected to the vehicle. This can be determined for example by means of the measuring device or another sensor in the trailer mouth. Alternatively, or additionally, this can be determined once the electrical supply between the trailer and the vehicle is disconnected. This can in turn be sensed.

In addition, the trailer jaw can be locked once the vehicle is separated from the trailer. Furthermore, all doors and windows of the trailer are locked as soon as the vehicle is separated from the trailer to ensure improved theft protection.

According to a further embodiment, the control device is connected to a communication device, by means of which the trailer is remotely controllable. Remote controllable means that the trailer without being connected to the vehicle, can be ranked from the outside. The trailer is thus driven and can drive in the directions given by the remote control. This is also called a mover function. If the trailer is remotely controlled, the power provided by the electric motors is limited so that the trailer can travel at maximum walking speed.

The necessary control signals are transmitted wirelessly or possibly wired via the communication device to the controller. In a wireless communication, a wireless standard is preferably used. The input of the control signals is preferably via a mobile terminal, which z. B. operated an app.

According to a further embodiment, the trailer has at least one environment sensor, which detects an environment of the trailer and generates environment data, wherein this environment data can be forwarded to the vehicle. The at least one environment sensor may be, for example, an imaging sensor, for. As a radar, lidar, ultrasonic, or infrared sensor or camera. Of course, the trailer may have more than one environment sensor.

By means of the at least one environment sensor, the environment of the trailer is detected. This environment data is forwarded to the vehicle when the trailer is attached to the vehicle. As a result, z. B. objects that are behind the trailer or are covered by this, and are not visible to the vehicle, are detected. As a result, it is no longer necessary to equip the vehicle with additional caravan mirrors.

By means of the environment data and by means of the control device of the trailer is automatically ranked and parked. In other words, the trailer has an automatic parking and maneuvering function. This is similar implemented as in conventional cars. By the environment data is known at what points in the vicinity of the trailer obstacles or people are and how large the distance of the trailer to these. By means of the control device, the electric motors of the trailer are driven, so that the wheels of the trailer are driven. As already explained, each wheel can be driven individually. This allows the trailer to be steered. The electric motors of the trailer are controlled by the control device such that the trailer can park autonomously on a parking area. This is only possible if the trailer is not connected to the vehicle.

The advantage of this is that no remote control via a mobile device is more necessary. The driver is no longer in charge and no longer has to estimate whether the trailer has enough room in the vicinity to maneuver when parked.

According to a further embodiment, the trailer additionally has at least one energy supply device, which is connected to the at least one energy store. This energy-providing device serves to provide energy that is passed into the at least one energy storage and stored there to be delivered to the electric motors as needed or used for functions of the trailer, the z. B. on a campsite needed. This connection is wired.

The power supply device is preferably arranged on the roof of the trailer. For example, the energy-providing device may be formed by means of solar modules. These can be used both when driving the trailer and when parking the trailer. Alternatively, the energy-providing device may be formed by means of a roller generator and a spoiler on the roof of the trailer. The spoiler serves to amplify an air flow on the roller generator. In this case, the spoiler is preferably formed extendable, so that it directs the air flow to the roller generator only when needed. This configuration of the energy delivery device may be operated when the trailer is parked in high wind regions or when the trailer is downhill.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Gespanns mit einem Anhänger und einem Fahrzeug nach einem Ausführungsbeispiel,
• 2 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung des Anhängers nach dem Ausführungsbeispiel aus 1.

Various embodiments and details of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the figures explained below. Show it:

• 1 a schematic representation of a trailer with a trailer and a vehicle according to an embodiment,
• 2 a schematic sectional view of the trailer according to the embodiment of 1 ,

1 shows a schematic representation of a trailer with a trailer 1 and a vehicle 2 according to an embodiment. The team is very simplified and partially cut. The trailer 1 is designed as a living trailer. The vehicle 2 moves with the trailer 1 in the direction of travel 15 , The trailer 1 has an axis 3 on, with which two wheels 4 are connected. The wheels 4 are on the axis 3 movably mounted, ie the wheels can perform a rotational movement, a compression movement and possibly a pivoting movement. The trailer 1 has a trailer mouth 12 on, by means of which he with a trailer hitch of the vehicle 2 connected is. The trailer 1 is on the vehicle 2 attached.

At the trailer mouth 12 of the trailer 1 is a measuring device 10 arranged. The measuring device 10 serves to determine which forces are on the trailer 1 starting from the vehicle 2 Act. These may be tensile or compressive forces. The measuring device 10 is with a control device 9 of the trailer 1 connected, so that a data and signal exchange can take place. The trailer 1 also has a detection device 16 on that with the controller 9 is connected so that a data and signal exchange can take place. By means of the detection device 16 it is determined which type of drive the vehicle 2 having. This is done for example by means of an input, the driver of the vehicle 2 performs.

The trailer 1 also has environment sensors 13 on, for the sake of clarity, only an environment sensor 13 is drawn. The environment sensors 13 serve the environment of the trailer 1 to monitor. The environment sensors 13 can be radar, lidar, infrared, ultrasonic sensors or cameras. The environment sensors 13 are with the control device 9 connected, so that a data and signal exchange can take place.

Furthermore, the trailer indicates 1 an energy store 8th , two electric motors 5 , two gears 6 and two cardan shafts 7 on. These are in 2 shown in more detail. Here are these components 5 , 6 . 7 . 8th just shown as a block. The trailer also has an energy supply contraption 14 on. The energy storage 8th is with this energy provisioning device 14 connected so that this energy provided by it to the energy storage 8th can forward. The Energy Provisioning Device 14 For example, it can be designed as a solar module or as a roller generator and spoiler.

2 shows a schematic sectional view of the trailer 1 according to the embodiment 1 , It can be clearly seen how the electric motors 5 , the gears 6 , the drive shafts 7 , the wheels 4 and the energy storage 8th connected to each other. A first electric motor 5 is with a first gearbox 6 connected. The first transmission 6 is off-axis to the first electric motor 5 , The first transmission 6 is with a first propeller shaft 7 connected. The first PTO shaft 7 is with a first wheel 4 connected. The first electric motor 5 is also with the energy storage 8th connected. Shall now the first wheel 4 are driven, is from the energy storage 8th Energy to the first electric motor 5 forwarded. This provides a torque which is applied to the first transmission 6 transferred and translated there. The first transmission 6 gives the torque to the first PTO shaft 7 further. This transmits the torque to the first wheel 4 ,

A second electric motor 5 is with a second gearbox 6 connected. The second transmission 6 is off-axis to the second electric motor 5 , The second transmission 6 is with a second propeller shaft 7 connected. The second propeller shaft 7 is with a second wheel 4 connected. The second electric motor 5 is also with the energy storage 8th connected. Shall now the second wheel 4 are driven, is from the energy storage 8th Energy to the second electric motor 5 forwarded. This provides a torque which, to the second transmission 6 transferred and translated there. The second transmission 6 gives the torque to the second propeller shaft 7 further. This transmits the torque to the second wheel 4 ,

Every electric motor 5 is connected to the control device 9 who can manage these individually and independently of each other. In this case, the control device 9 the electric motors 5 so drive that the torque of the first wheel 4 be different to the torque of the second wheel 4 , The electric motors 5 can be operated both as a generator and as a motor. The control device 9 can also with the gears 6 be connected to these transmissions 6 to initiate, for example, to initiate a gear change.

Starting from the determined force on the trailer 1 acts, and the drive of the vehicle 2 controls the controller 9 the electric motors 5 so on the trailer 1 while driving with the vehicle 2 always a uniform force acts. This will make the vehicle 2 supports and may have a lower engine power than a vehicle for a trailer with a non-driven trailer.

The electric motors 5 , the gears 6 and the energy storage 8th are near a central axis 11 of the trailer 1 arranged. The energy storage 8th is even in the middle of the middle axis 11 arranged. The first electric motor 5 and the first transmission 6 are point symmetrical to the second electric motor 5 and to the second transmission 6 arranged. This will increase the ground clearance of the trailer 1 not impaired and the space for electric motors 5 and gear 6 is used efficiently. In addition, a symmetrical weight distribution for the trailer 1 reached.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

pendant

2

vehicle

3

axis

4

wheel

5

electric motor

6

transmission

7

propeller shaft

8th

energy storage

9

control device

10

measuring device

11

central axis

12

trailer Maul

13

ambient sensor

14

Energy Provisioning Device

15

direction of travel

16

detection device

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

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Claims (10)

Trailer (1) for a vehicle (2) which is connectable to the vehicle (2), comprising an axle (3) on which two wheels (4) are movably mounted, - Each one electric motor (5) per wheel (4), which is connected via a respective transmission (6) and one articulated shaft (7) with its wheel (4), wherein each electric motor (5) is adapted to, depending on the driving situation to be operated as generator or motor at least one energy store (8) which is connected to the electric motors (5), at least one control device (9) which is set up to control the electric motors (5), at least one measuring device (10) which is adapted to determine a force which acts on the trailer (1) starting from the vehicle (2), - A detection device (16) which is adapted to determine the drive type of the vehicle (2), wherein the control device (9) of the trailer (1) is adapted to, based on the determined force and on the basis of the determined drive of the vehicle (2) individually to control the electric motors (5) to support a drive of the vehicle (5), so that a defined force acts on the vehicle (2). Trailer (1) to Claim 1 in which the electric motors (5) and the gearboxes (6) connected to them are arranged near a central axis (11) of the trailer (1), and wherein a first of the electric motors (5) with its gearbox (6) is arranged in a spotted manner second of the electric motors (5) with its transmission (6). Trailer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring device (10) in a trailer hitch or in a trailer jaw (12) or on a drawbar of the trailer (1) is arranged. Trailer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric motors (5) and / or the gear (6) have a locking device. Trailer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the trailer jaw (12) comprises an electrical locking device. Trailer (1) to Claim 5 wherein the locking device for each wheel (4) of the trailer (1) comprises a sensor by means of which a rotational speed or torque of the wheel (4) can be detected. Trailer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (9) is connected to a communication device by means of which the trailer (1) can be controlled remotely. Trailer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the trailer (1) at least one environmental sensor (13) which detects an environment of the trailer (1) and generates environmental data, said environmental data to the vehicle (2) can be forwarded. Trailer (1) to Claim 8 , wherein the trailer (1) by means of the environment data and by means of the control device (9) is automatically ranked and parked. Trailer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the trailer (1) additionally comprises at least one energy-providing device (14) which is connected to the at least one energy store (8).

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