US 12,337,908 B2
Connecting system and tractor linkage
Jannik Müller, Friedrichshafen (DE); Frank Jauch, Eriskirch (DE); and Thomas Jäger, Meckenbeuren (DE)
Assigned to ZF CV SYSTEMS GLOBAL GMBH, Bern (CH)
Filed by ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Friedrichshafen (DE)
Filed on Aug. 19, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/820,955.
Claims priority of application No. 102021209167.9 (DE), filed on Aug. 20, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0159117 A1, May 25, 2023
Int. Cl. B62D 53/12 (2006.01)
CPC B62D 53/125 (2013.01) 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A connecting system for connecting tractor utility interfaces to corresponding trailer utility interfaces, the connecting system comprising:
a trailer adapter that has a trailer adapter connector and a fastener,
wherein the trailer adapter is configured to be releasably connected to the respective trailer utility interfaces, and
wherein the fastener is configured to releasably fasten the trailer adapter to the trailer; and
a tractor adapter that has a tractor adapter connector and a positioning device,
wherein the tractor adapter connector is configured to be connected to the respective tractor utility interfaces, and
wherein the positioning device is configured to automatically move the tractor adapter connector in relation to the tractor in order to position the tractor adapter connector on the trailer adapter connector to obtain a functional connection between the respective utility interfaces.