Title of Invention	ARRANGEMENT OF A FIFTH WHEEL COUPLING ON A VEHICLE FRAME
Abstract	A fifth wheel (1) comprises a coupling plate (2) and at least two pillow blocks (5) for the supported mounting of the coupling plate (2) on a vehicle chassis (8) of the tractor vehicle, the pillow block (5) comprising a support region (6) and a mounting region (7). The mounting region (7, 11, 13) is designed for the detachable mounting of the pillow block (5) to a transverse strut (9, 12, 14) of the vehicle chassis (8) of the tractor vehicle.

Title of Invention

ARRANGEMENT OF A FIFTH WHEEL COUPLING ON A VEHICLE FRAME

Abstract

A fifth wheel (1) comprises a coupling plate (2) and at least two pillow blocks (5) for the supported mounting of the coupling plate (2) on a vehicle chassis (8) of the tractor vehicle, the pillow block (5) comprising a support region (6) and a mounting region (7). The mounting region (7, 11, 13) is designed for the detachable mounting of the pillow block (5) to a transverse strut (9, 12, 14) of the vehicle chassis (8) of the tractor vehicle.

Full Text	WO2007/031124 PCT/EP2006/005587 FIFTH WHEEL The invention relates to a fifth wheel, comprising a coupling plate and at least two bearing brackets for supportive mounting of the coupling plate on a vehicle chassis frame of the tractor vehicle, the bearing bracket having at least one support area and one mounting area. In motor vehicle transport increasing use is being made of towing combinations having fifth wheels. The combination consists of a tractor vehicle and at least one trailer. The tractor vehicle has a coupling plate, into which a pin, the so-called kingpin, of the trailer is inserted and coupled. The coupling plate is supportively connected to the vehicle chassis frame of the tractor vehicle. The bearing brackets contain bearing elements, which allow the coupling plate to pivot transversely to the direction of travel of the tractor vehicle. WO 2004/052713 A2 discloses, a fifth wheel of generic type. The coupling plate is connected to the vehicle chassis frame by bearing brackets. The mounting area of the bearing bracket is laterally fixed to the vehicle chassis frame by means of bolts. The lateral forces exerted on the coupling plate by the trailer are fully absorbed by the support area of the bearing bracket. The bearing bracket itself is an integrally formed casting. Proceeding from the state of the art, the object of the present invention is to specify a fifth wheel, which is as simple to manufacture as possible, which is as lightweight as possible and which can transmit the greatest possible forces between the trailer and the tractor vehicle. WO2007/031124 - 2 - PCT/EP2006/005587 This object is achieved by a fifth wheel comprising a coupling plate and at least two bearing brackets for supportive mounting of the coupling plate on a vehicle chassis frame of the tractor vehicle, the bearing bracket having a support area and a mounting area, the mounting area for detachable mounting of the bearing bracket being formed on a transverse strut in the vehicle chassis frame of the tractor vehicle. Preferred developments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims. It is advantageous for the vehicle chassis frame itself to be strengthened, rather than weakened, by the attachment of the fifth wheel. This is achieved in that the mounting area of the bearing bracket is designed for detachable mounting on a transverse strut of the vehicle chassis frame. This is also achieved in that the mounting area is formed on a gusset plate between the transverse strut and the vehicle chassis frame. Attaching the fifth wheel directly to the vehicle chassis frame achieves a direct and precisely defined direction of the trailer forces acting on the tractor vehicle. It is also advantageous for the mounting of the bearing bracket to be as easily fitted and detached as possible. This is achieved in that the transverse strut is embodied as a U-profile member. It is furthermore advantageous for the forces that have to be transmitted between the tractor vehicle and the trailer, and vice versa, to be introduced as directly as possible into the vehicle chassis frame of the tractor vehicle. This is achieved in that the mounting area of the bearing bracket has a U-shaped foot section, the legs of the U-shape being designed to interlock positively around the transverse strut. WO2007/031124 - 3 - PCT/EP2006/005587 Three exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a fifth wheel according to the invention with different left and right-hand variants of the attachment, Fig. 2 shows a view of the fifth wheel in Fig. 1, viewed in the direction of travel, Fig. 3 shows a section through a fifth wheel according to the first variant of the attachment, Fig. 4 shows a section through a fifth wheel according to the second variant of the attachment, Fig. 5 shows a further perspective view of the fifth wheel in Fig. 1, Fig. 6 shows a view of the fifth wheel in Fig. 3, viewed from above and Fig. 7 shows a further view of a fifth wheel with a gusset plate for the direct attachment. Fig. 1 shows a perspective, schematic representation of a fifth wheel 1. In Fig. 1 the fifth wheel 1 is represented with two different exemplary embodiments of the attachment. The fifth wheel 1 comprises a coupling plate 2 with an insertion opening 4 for the kingpin of the trailer, which has not been shown here. The coupling plate 2 is supportively mounted on two bearing brackets 5. The bearing bracket 5 serves for supportive seating of the coupling plate 2 and for detachable mounting on a vehicle chassis frame. The bearing bracket 5 comprises an upper support area 6 and a lower mounting area 7. In Fig. 1, two sections 8 of the WO2007/031124 - 4 - PCT/EP2006/005587 longitudinal members of the vehicle chassis frame are shown running in the direction of travel. A transverse strut 9 is arranged between the sections 8 of the longitudinal members of the vehicle chassis frame. To facilitate comparison of the two exemplary embodiments, the bearing bracket 5 and the transverse strut 9 are represented differently on the left-hand side and on the right-hand side of the vehicle chassis frame 8, viewed in the direction of travel. In reality, the transverse strut 9 is of identical design on left and right-hand sides and the bearing brackets 5 are identical or mirror symmetrical. A completely identical design of the left-hand and right-hand bearing brackets 5 is advantageous, because the two parts are interchangeable and only one part has to be manufactured during production. The transverse strut may also be designed with any other cross-section, for example as a casting or formed part made from sheet steel. Fig. 2 shows the fifth wheel in Fig. 1 again, viewed in the direction of travel. On the left-hand side the bearing bracket 5 is formed with a T-shaped foot section 10. The web 11 of the T-shaped foot section 10 rungs horizontally and parallel to the upper side of the transverse strut 9. On the left-hand side the transverse strut 9 is formed as a double T-profile member 12. On the right-hand side the bearing bracket 5 is formed with a U-shaped foot section 13. The transverse strut 9 is likewise designed as a U-profile member 14. The legs 15, 16 of the U-shaped foot section 13 grip with a positive interlock around the U-profile member 14. In the U-shaped configuration of the foot section 13 and the transverse strut 14, the bearing faces between the bearing bracket and the transverse strut are larger WO2007/031124 - 5 - PCT/EP2006/005587 than in the case of the T-shaped design. The detachable attachment between the coupling plate 2 and the vehicle chassis frame 8 is made by bolts 17 and holes 18, which are disposed running in the direction of travel. The forces acting on the fifth wheel 1 when in motion can be distributed over a larger acting area and over more bolted connections. Because a larger area is available, this type of attachment can be more readily adapted to different types of vehicle chassis frame 8. In Figs. 3 and 4 the fifth wheel 1 is shown divided along the center line in the direction of travel. In Fig. 3 the fifth wheel 1 is shown according to a first exemplary embodiment with U-shaped members 13, 14, and in Fig. 4 the fifth wheel is shown according to the second exemplary embodiment with T-shaped members 10, 12. Fig. 5 again shows a perspective view of the fifth wheel 1 in Fig. 1 from the underside of the vehicle chassis frame 8. A mounting point 19 for the suspension of the rear axle is shown on the U-profile member 14. Fig. 6 shows the right-hand half of the fifth wheel 1 viewed from above. It can be seen from Fig. 6 how the foot section 13 with the legs 15, 16 of the bearing bracket 5 positively interlocks around the U-profile member 14 and how the bolts 17 and holes 18 are arranged on both sides of the U-shaped transverse strut 14. Fig. 7, in a further exemplary embodiment, shows how the mounting area 7 is connected to a gusset plate 20 between the transverse member 14 and the vehicle chassis frame 8. The T-shaped foot section 10 is connected by means of bolts 21, 22 both to the transverse strut 14 and to the gusset plate 20. The WO2007/031124 - 6 - PCT/EP2006/005587 gusset plate 20 itself may be welded to the vehicle chassis frame 8. Overall, the attachment of the fifth wheel 1 to a transverse strut 9, 12, 14 in the vehicle chassis frame 8 is easy to make, it is capable of absorbing large forces and it can be adapted to different types of vehicle chassis frame 8. WO2007/031124 - 7 - PCT/EP2006/005587 Patent claims 1. A fifth wheel (1), comprising a coupling plate (2) and at least two bearing brackets (5) for supportive mounting of the coupling plate (2) on a vehicle chassis frame (8) of the tractor vehicle, the bearing bracket (5) having a support area (6) and a mounting area (7), characterized in that the mounting area (7, 11, 13) for detachable mounting of the bearing bracket (5) is formed on a transverse strut (9, 12, 14) in the vehicle chassis frame (8) of the tractor vehicle. 2. The fifth wheel (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the mounting area (7) is formed on a gusset plate (20) between the transverse strut (9, 12, 14) and the vehicle chassis frame (8). 3. The fifth wheel (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mounting area (7) of the bearing bracket (5) has a U-shaped foot section (13), the legs (15, 16) of the U-shape being designed to interlock positively around the transverse strut (9, 14) . 4. The fifth wheel (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mounting area (7) of the bearing bracket (5) has a T-shaped foot section (10) , the web (11) of the T-shape being formed horizontally and parallel to the upper side of the transverse strut (9, 12). 5. The fifth wheel (1) as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transverse strut (14) is embodied as a U-profile member. WO2007/031124 - 8 - PCT/EP2006/005587 6. The fifth wheel (1) as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transverse strut (12) is embodied as a double T-profile member. 7. The fifth wheel (1) as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the foot section (10, 13) has holes (18) for fixing bolts (17). A fifth wheel (1) comprises a coupling plate (2) and at least two pillow blocks (5) for the supported mounting of the coupling plate (2) on a vehicle chassis (8) of the tractor vehicle, the pillow block (5) comprising a support region (6) and a mounting region (7). The mounting region (7, 11, 13) is designed for the detachable mounting of the pillow block (5) to a transverse strut (9, 12, 14) of the vehicle chassis (8) of the tractor vehicle.

Full Text

WO2007/031124 PCT/EP2006/005587
FIFTH WHEEL
The invention relates to a fifth wheel, comprising a
coupling plate and at least two bearing brackets for
supportive mounting of the coupling plate on a vehicle
chassis frame of the tractor vehicle, the bearing
bracket having at least one support area and one
mounting area.
In motor vehicle transport increasing use is being made
of towing combinations having fifth wheels. The
combination consists of a tractor vehicle and at least
one trailer. The tractor vehicle has a coupling plate,
into which a pin, the so-called kingpin, of the trailer
is inserted and coupled. The coupling plate is
supportively connected to the vehicle chassis frame of
the tractor vehicle. The bearing brackets contain
bearing elements, which allow the coupling plate to
pivot transversely to the direction of travel of the
tractor vehicle.
WO 2004/052713 A2 discloses, a fifth wheel of generic
type. The coupling plate is connected to the vehicle
chassis frame by bearing brackets. The mounting area of
the bearing bracket is laterally fixed to the vehicle
chassis frame by means of bolts. The lateral forces
exerted on the coupling plate by the trailer are fully
absorbed by the support area of the bearing bracket.
The bearing bracket itself is an integrally formed
casting.
Proceeding from the state of the art, the object of the
present invention is to specify a fifth wheel, which is
as simple to manufacture as possible, which is as
lightweight as possible and which can transmit the
greatest possible forces between the trailer and the
tractor vehicle.
WO2007/031124 - 2 - PCT/EP2006/005587
This object is achieved by a fifth wheel comprising a
coupling plate and at least two bearing brackets for
supportive mounting of the coupling plate on a vehicle
chassis frame of the tractor vehicle, the bearing
bracket having a support area and a mounting area, the
mounting area for detachable mounting of the bearing
bracket being formed on a transverse strut in the
vehicle chassis frame of the tractor vehicle.
Preferred developments of the invention are set forth
in the dependent claims.
It is advantageous for the vehicle chassis frame itself
to be strengthened, rather than weakened, by the
attachment of the fifth wheel. This is achieved in that
the mounting area of the bearing bracket is designed
for detachable mounting on a transverse strut of the
vehicle chassis frame. This is also achieved in that
the mounting area is formed on a gusset plate between
the transverse strut and the vehicle chassis frame.
Attaching the fifth wheel directly to the vehicle
chassis frame achieves a direct and precisely defined
direction of the trailer forces acting on the tractor
vehicle.
It is also advantageous for the mounting of the bearing
bracket to be as easily fitted and detached as
possible. This is achieved in that the transverse strut
is embodied as a U-profile member.
It is furthermore advantageous for the forces that have
to be transmitted between the tractor vehicle and the
trailer, and vice versa, to be introduced as directly
as possible into the vehicle chassis frame of the
tractor vehicle. This is achieved in that the mounting
area of the bearing bracket has a U-shaped foot
section, the legs of the U-shape being designed to
interlock positively around the transverse strut.
WO2007/031124 - 3 - PCT/EP2006/005587
Three exemplary embodiments of the invention will be
described with reference to the drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a fifth wheel
according to the invention with different left and
right-hand variants of the attachment,
Fig. 2 shows a view of the fifth wheel in Fig. 1,
viewed in the direction of travel,
Fig. 3 shows a section through a fifth wheel according
to the first variant of the attachment,
Fig. 4 shows a section through a fifth wheel according
to the second variant of the attachment,
Fig. 5 shows a further perspective view of the fifth
wheel in Fig. 1,
Fig. 6 shows a view of the fifth wheel in Fig. 3,
viewed from above and
Fig. 7 shows a further view of a fifth wheel with a
gusset plate for the direct attachment.
Fig. 1 shows a perspective, schematic representation of
a fifth wheel 1. In Fig. 1 the fifth wheel 1 is
represented with two different exemplary embodiments of
the attachment. The fifth wheel 1 comprises a coupling
plate 2 with an insertion opening 4 for the kingpin of
the trailer, which has not been shown here. The
coupling plate 2 is supportively mounted on two bearing
brackets 5. The bearing bracket 5 serves for supportive
seating of the coupling plate 2 and for detachable
mounting on a vehicle chassis frame. The bearing
bracket 5 comprises an upper support area 6 and a lower
mounting area 7. In Fig. 1, two sections 8 of the
WO2007/031124 - 4 - PCT/EP2006/005587
longitudinal members of the vehicle chassis frame are
shown running in the direction of travel. A transverse
strut 9 is arranged between the sections 8 of the
longitudinal members of the vehicle chassis frame.
To facilitate comparison of the two exemplary
embodiments, the bearing bracket 5 and the transverse
strut 9 are represented differently on the left-hand
side and on the right-hand side of the vehicle chassis
frame 8, viewed in the direction of travel. In reality,
the transverse strut 9 is of identical design on left
and right-hand sides and the bearing brackets 5 are
identical or mirror symmetrical. A completely identical
design of the left-hand and right-hand bearing brackets
5 is advantageous, because the two parts are
interchangeable and only one part has to be
manufactured during production. The transverse strut
may also be designed with any other cross-section, for
example as a casting or formed part made from sheet
steel.
Fig. 2 shows the fifth wheel in Fig. 1 again, viewed in
the direction of travel. On the left-hand side the
bearing bracket 5 is formed with a T-shaped foot
section 10. The web 11 of the T-shaped foot section 10
rungs horizontally and parallel to the upper side of
the transverse strut 9. On the left-hand side the
transverse strut 9 is formed as a double T-profile
member 12.
On the right-hand side the bearing bracket 5 is formed
with a U-shaped foot section 13. The transverse strut 9
is likewise designed as a U-profile member 14. The legs
15, 16 of the U-shaped foot section 13 grip with a
positive interlock around the U-profile member 14. In
the U-shaped configuration of the foot section 13 and
the transverse strut 14, the bearing faces between the
bearing bracket and the transverse strut are larger
WO2007/031124 - 5 - PCT/EP2006/005587
than in the case of the T-shaped design. The detachable
attachment between the coupling plate 2 and the vehicle
chassis frame 8 is made by bolts 17 and holes 18, which
are disposed running in the direction of travel. The
forces acting on the fifth wheel 1 when in motion can
be distributed over a larger acting area and over more
bolted connections. Because a larger area is available,
this type of attachment can be more readily adapted to
different types of vehicle chassis frame 8.
In Figs. 3 and 4 the fifth wheel 1 is shown divided
along the center line in the direction of travel. In
Fig. 3 the fifth wheel 1 is shown according to a first
exemplary embodiment with U-shaped members 13, 14, and
in Fig. 4 the fifth wheel is shown according to the
second exemplary embodiment with T-shaped members 10,
12.
Fig. 5 again shows a perspective view of the fifth
wheel 1 in Fig. 1 from the underside of the vehicle
chassis frame 8. A mounting point 19 for the suspension
of the rear axle is shown on the U-profile member 14.
Fig. 6 shows the right-hand half of the fifth wheel 1
viewed from above. It can be seen from Fig. 6 how the
foot section 13 with the legs 15, 16 of the bearing
bracket 5 positively interlocks around the U-profile
member 14 and how the bolts 17 and holes 18 are
arranged on both sides of the U-shaped transverse strut
14.
Fig. 7, in a further exemplary embodiment, shows how
the mounting area 7 is connected to a gusset plate 20
between the transverse member 14 and the vehicle
chassis frame 8. The T-shaped foot section 10 is
connected by means of bolts 21, 22 both to the
transverse strut 14 and to the gusset plate 20. The
WO2007/031124 - 6 - PCT/EP2006/005587
gusset plate 20 itself may be welded to the vehicle
chassis frame 8.
Overall, the attachment of the fifth wheel 1 to a
transverse strut 9, 12, 14 in the vehicle chassis frame
8 is easy to make, it is capable of absorbing large
forces and it can be adapted to different types of
vehicle chassis frame 8.
WO2007/031124 - 7 - PCT/EP2006/005587
Patent claims
1. A fifth wheel (1), comprising a coupling plate
(2) and at least two bearing brackets (5) for
supportive mounting of the coupling plate (2) on a
vehicle chassis frame (8) of the tractor vehicle, the
bearing bracket (5) having a support area (6) and a
mounting area (7), characterized in that the mounting
area (7, 11, 13) for detachable mounting of the bearing
bracket (5) is formed on a transverse strut (9, 12, 14)
in the vehicle chassis frame (8) of the tractor
vehicle.
2. The fifth wheel (1) as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that the mounting area (7) is formed
on a gusset plate (20) between the transverse strut (9,
12, 14) and the vehicle chassis frame (8).
3. The fifth wheel (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that the mounting area (7) of the
bearing bracket (5) has a U-shaped foot section (13),
the legs (15, 16) of the U-shape being designed to
interlock positively around the transverse strut (9,
14) .
4. The fifth wheel (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that the mounting area (7) of the
bearing bracket (5) has a T-shaped foot section (10) ,
the web (11) of the T-shape being formed horizontally
and parallel to the upper side of the transverse strut
(9, 12).
5. The fifth wheel (1) as claimed in at least one
of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transverse
strut (14) is embodied as a U-profile member.
WO2007/031124 - 8 - PCT/EP2006/005587
6. The fifth wheel (1) as claimed in at least one
of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transverse
strut (12) is embodied as a double T-profile member.
7. The fifth wheel (1) as claimed in at least one
of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the foot
section (10, 13) has holes (18) for fixing bolts (17).

A fifth wheel (1) comprises a coupling plate (2) and at least two pillow blocks (5) for the supported mounting of the
coupling plate (2) on a vehicle chassis (8) of the tractor vehicle, the pillow block (5) comprising a support region (6) and a mounting
region (7). The mounting region (7, 11, 13) is designed for the detachable mounting of the pillow block (5) to a transverse strut (9,
12, 14) of the vehicle chassis (8) of the tractor vehicle.

Documents:

01319-kolnp-2008-abstract.pdf

01319-kolnp-2008-claims.pdf

01319-kolnp-2008-correspondence others.pdf

01319-kolnp-2008-description complete.pdf

01319-kolnp-2008-drawings.pdf

01319-kolnp-2008-form 1.pdf

01319-kolnp-2008-form 2.pdf

01319-kolnp-2008-form 3.pdf

01319-kolnp-2008-form 5.pdf

01319-kolnp-2008-international publication.pdf

01319-kolnp-2008-international search report.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-(22-08-2013)-ANNEXURE TO FORM-3.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-(22-08-2013)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-(28-06-2013)-ABSTRACT.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-(28-06-2013)-CLAIMS.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-(28-06-2013)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-(28-06-2013)-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-(28-06-2013)-DRAWINGS.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-(28-06-2013)-FORM-1.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-(28-06-2013)-FORM-2.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-(28-06-2013)-FORM-3.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-(28-06-2013)-FORM-5.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-(28-06-2013)-OTHERS.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-(28-06-2013)-PA.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-(28-06-2013)-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-ASSIGNMENT.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-CORRESPONDENCE 1.2.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 1.1.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-CORRESPONDENCE-1.3.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-CORRESPONDENCE-1.4.pdf

1319-kolnp-2008-form 18.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-FORM 26.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-FORM 3-1.1.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-FORM 3.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-FORM 6.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-OTHERS.pdf

1319-KOLNP-2008-PRIORITY DOCUMENT.pdf

abstract-1319-kolnp-2008.jpg

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Patent Number

261188

Indian Patent Application Number

1319/KOLNP/2008

PG Journal Number

24/2014

Publication Date

13-Jun-2014

Grant Date

10-Jun-2014

Date of Filing

01-Apr-2008

Name of Patentee

GEORG FISCHER VERKEHRSTECHNIK GMBH

Applicant Address

JULIUS-BUHRER-STRASSE 12, 78224 SINGEN, GERMANY

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	CHRISTIAN ROTH-SCHULER	ZINKENGASSE 8, 78224 SINGEN
2	DIRK SCHNEIDER	ADUCHTSTRASSE 3, 50668 KOLN

PCT International Classification Number

B62D 53/08

PCT International Application Number

PCT/EP2006/005587

PCT International Filing date

2006-06-10

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	05020077.3	2005-09-15	EUROPEAN UNION