Kingpin fastening device and its manufacturing process, semi-trailer and chassis manufacturing process.

Abstract

Kingpin fastening device and its manufacturing process, semi-trailer and chassis manufacturing process. The present invention provides a solution to the need to associate and disassociate a kingpin from a semi-trailer chassis in a non-permanent manner. Specifically, the present invention comprises a kingpin fastening device comprising a single piece that allows non-permanent association with the semi-trailer chassis, thus allowing the kingpin to be associated and disassociated in a non-permanent manner, allowing easy removal in case of maintenance, saving time in its assembly and / or disassembly due to being a single piece and reducing tare weight. The present invention falls within the fields of mechanical engineering, materials engineering, road implements and heavy cargo transport vehicles.

Description

1 / 12 Descriptive Report of Invention Patent Kingpin Fastening Device and its Manufacturing Process, Semi-trailer and Chassis Manufacturing Process Field of Invention

[0001] The present invention provides a solution to the need for non-permanent kingpin attachment to semi-trailers by means of a kingpin fastening device to the semi-trailer chassis, where, due to its geometry, it allows the non-permanent attachment of the kingpin, more specifically in the fields of mechanical engineering, materials engineering, road implements and heavy cargo transport vehicles. Background of the Invention

[0002] Among the types of cargo vehicles, one of the road implements used is the semi-trailer. The semi-trailer is coupled to the cargo vehicle by means of its kingpin with the fifth wheel of the cargo vehicle's tractor unit, where such coupling must withstand various stresses and tensions. Due to the need for a more robust coupling, the kingpin is normally welded to the semi-trailer chassis components, so that the kingpin does not detach during the cargo vehicle's journey.

[0003] However, when welding the kingpin to the semi-trailer chassis components, in addition to requiring specialized labor for the welding process, if maintenance is needed, disassembling the kingpin proves to be a costly task, since the coupling must be cut, requiring a considerable amount of time to perform it. Furthermore, the welding process can result in deformations in the metallic material that forms the coupling, due to the heat input inherent in the welding process. Petition 870200044067, dated 06 / 04 / 2020, page 6 / 32 2 / 12

[0004] In this sense, the state of the art has presented some partial solutions to this problem, where the search for modules to couple the kingpin was carried out, which, in addition to the need for structural changes to the semi-trailers, also depends on the welding process for its fixation.

[0005] In the search for the state of the art in scientific and patent literature, the following documents were found that deal with the subject:

[0006] Document DE102006009857 presents a front assembly for a semi-trailer chassis, where this assembly is formed by horizontal and longitudinal beams that reinforce the friction plate that will house a kingpin by means of bolts. The entire assembly, except for the kingpin, is manufactured as a single piece, and the attachment of this assembly to the semi-trailer chassis is done by welding. Document DE102006009857 requires a series of components to subsequently form the front assembly, making adaptation to multiple semi-trailer models difficult or even impossible. Furthermore, the front assembly requires welding (permanent union) for its attachment to the semi-trailer chassis, which may cause deformations in the material resulting from the heat input inherent in the welding process.

[0007] Document WO2019029778 presents a semi-trailer with a kingpin fastening assembly that does not require welding and is manufactured by molding. The assembly consists of a plurality of parts connected to each other and to the road implement by means of bolts. All parts are moldable (including the kingpin) as they are made of composite. However, the kingpin fastening assembly relies on a plurality of composite parts, which, in addition to making adaptation to multiple semi-trailer models difficult, does not possess the same properties and characteristics as metal parts.

[0008] Document CN209320611 presents an aluminum alloy traction assembly for semi-trailers that allows the kingpin to be attached without the Petition 870200044067, dated 06 / 04 / 2020, p. 7 / 32 3 / 12 requires welding of the coupling, the assembly consisting of a first friction plate, a second lower plate, both made of aluminum alloy with a hole for fitting the kingpin, and a kingpin cover that is attached to the plates by means of a non-permanent joint using screws. However, several components are needed to secure the kingpin, requiring a considerable amount of time for its manufacture, assembly and / or disassembly.

[0009] Document EP0823368 presents a kingpin fastening kit without the need for welding, described as being preferably used in "dry cargo" implements. The kit consists of a structure with a complex geometry, a kingpin cover, a plate with a hole for fitting the kingpin, and a square plate for coupling the parts to the structure. However, using the kit described in document EP0823368 requires a structural change to the body of the road implement, as well as permanent fastening of the kit by welding or adhesive. Furthermore, several components are needed to fasten the kingpin, requiring a considerable amount of time for their manufacture, assembly and / or disassembly.

[0010] Document US4946184 presents an assembly for securing the kingpin, consisting of crossed horizontal and longitudinal beams, providing structural reinforcement to the friction plate that will be connected to the kingpin by means of bolts. To secure this assembly to a road implement, bolts are used in the holes located on its sides. However, a plate is required to connect to the friction plate, where its sides are welded to the sides of the friction plate, and also the front and rear parts of the assembly of this document US4946184 are welded to its horizontal beams, making its manufacture more expensive and time-consuming. Petition 870200044067, dated 06 / 04 / 2020, page 8 / 32 4 / 12

[0011] Document CN206374851 presents a kingpin fastening assembly for semi-trailers. The assembly consists of longitudinal and horizontal beams and has a plate with holes for weight reduction. Said weight reduction plate is formed by stamping. However, document CN206374851 does not show how the kingpin, horizontal and vertical beams, and plate are fastened to each other, nor how the assembly is attached to the semi-trailer.

[0012] Thus, as can be inferred from the literature reviewed, no documents were found anticipating or suggesting the teachings of the present invention, so the solution proposed here has novelty and inventive activity compared to the state of the art.

[0013] Thus, it is possible to observe that the state of the art lacks a solution that allows the kingpin to be associated and disassociated from the semi-trailer chassis without the need for permanent joining, such as by welding, and that is not composed of several components, where in these cases, assembly and / or disassembly is difficult, consuming a considerable amount of time. Summary of the Invention

[0014] Thus, the present invention presents a solution to the problems of the prior art by means of a kingpin fastening device to the chassis of a semi-trailer, wherein said device comprises a single piece of non-permanent association with the chassis, thus eliminating the need for welding the kingpin to the chassis, saving production time, facilitating kingpin maintenance and without requiring skilled labor for its manufacture. Furthermore, by comprising a single piece of association, the fastening device allows for assembly and disassembly in less time than the prior art. Petition 870200044067, dated 06 / 04 / 2020, page 9 / 32 5 / 12

[0015] In a first object, the present invention discloses a kingpin fastening device to the chassis of a semi-trailer comprising a single piece of non-permanent association to the chassis.

[0016] In a second object, the present invention discloses a manufacturing process for a kingpin fastening device to the chassis of a semi-trailer comprising at least one of the following steps: selection of at least one mold for the coupling device, with predefined dimensions; selection of at least one metal alloy; heating the selected metal alloy until it melts; pouring the metal alloy inside the selected mold; and demolding the final piece as a single piece.

[0017] In a third object, the present invention provides a semi-trailer comprising in its chassis a kingpin fastening device comprising a single piece of non-permanent association to the chassis.

[0018] In a fourth object, the present invention discloses a process for manufacturing a semi-trailer chassis comprising at least one of the following steps: assembling a semi-trailer floor by means of beams; coupling the suspension; attaching transverse beams to the kingpin coupling end; attaching at least one friction plate to the kingpin coupling end; positioning the kingpin on the coupled friction plate; and attaching a kingpin fastening device to the semi-trailer chassis comprising a single piece of non-permanent attachment to the chassis.

[0019] These and other objects of the invention will be immediately appreciated by those skilled in the art and will be described in detail below. Brief Description of the Figures

[0020] The following figures are presented:

[0021] Figure 1 shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of the single piece (1) of the present invention. Petition 870200044067, dated 06 / 04 / 2020, p. 10 / 32 6 / 12

[0022] Figure 2 shows a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the single piece (1) of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a kingpin (2).

[0024] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the association of a kingpin (2) to the single piece (1) of the fastening device of the present invention, where the arrow indicates the direction for association of the kingpin (2) to the single piece (1).

[0025] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the single coupling piece (1) of the present invention associated with a chassis (3) by means of a non-permanent fitting.

[0026] Figure 6 shows a realization of the virtual analysis of the mechanical tensile strength test of the single coupling piece (1) of the fastening device of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 shows a realization of the virtual analysis of the mechanical tensile strength test of the single coupling piece (1) of the fastening device of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 shows a realization of the virtual analysis of the mechanical tensile strength test of the single coupling piece (1) of the fastening device of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 9a shows an embodiment of the virtual analysis of the mechanical tensile strength test of a semi-trailer with a kingpin coupling (2) of the prior art and Figure 9b the virtual analysis of a semi-trailer with the fastening device of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 10 shows the bottom view of an embodiment of the single piece (1) of the fastening device of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 11 shows a top view of an embodiment of the single piece (1) of the fastening device of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 12 shows a side view in section of an embodiment of a semi-trailer comprising the fastening device of the present invention. Petition 870200044067, dated 06 / 04 / 2020, p. 11 / 32 7 / 12

[0033] Figure 13 shows a front cutaway view of an embodiment of a semi-trailer comprising the fastening device of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 14 shows an embodiment of a kingpin coupling (2) of the prior art associated with a chassis (3). Detailed Description of the Invention

[0035] The following descriptions are given by way of example and are not limiting to the scope of the invention and will make clearer the subject matter of this patent application.

[0036] Semi-trailers are connected to the tractor unit of the cargo vehicle by means of the fifth wheel kingpin coupling (2), where the fifth wheel belongs to the tractor unit and the kingpin (2) to the semi-trailer as illustrated in figure 14. The kingpin (2), as illustrated in figure 3, is fixed to the chassis (3) of the semi-trailer by welding, so as not to come apart during the cargo vehicle's journey. However, welding causes several inconveniences such as, for example, deformation of the part due to the heat input inherent in the process, the need for specialized labor for its execution and, in case of maintenance of the kingpin (2), difficulty in removing it, requiring the destruction of the coupling, due to the permanent union of the welding.

[0037] In a first object, the present invention provides a kingpin fastening device (2) to the chassis (3) of a semi-trailer comprising a single piece (1) of non-permanent association to the chassis (3).

[0038] The single piece (1) comprises a central cavity (1.1) for the kingpin (2) as exemplified in figure 1, where this central cavity (1.1) will accommodate the upper part of the kingpin (2) as exemplified in figure 2. Along at least one of the following: central cavity (1.1); and peripheral region (1.3); there are holes for the attachment of a non-permanent fastening element. In one embodiment, the kingpin (2) is accommodated to Petition 870200044067, dated 06 / 04 / 2020, page 12 / 32 8 / 12 central cavity (1.1) and fixed by means of screws positioned in the association holes.

[0039] Furthermore, the single piece (1) also comprises at least one structural reinforcement rib (1.2) that projects radially from the central cavity (1.1) towards the peripheral region (1.3) of the single piece (1), where these ribs (1.2) allow for a greater distribution of mechanical stresses and greater resistance to the single piece (1).

[0040] At the end of the transverse ribs (1.2), there is the peripheral region (1.3), where said peripheral region (1.3) comprises, in the horizontal plane of that end, protrusions comprising holes for connection with a non-permanent fastening element as exemplified in figure 10 and, in the vertical plane of that end, comprises protrusions comprising holes for connection with a non-permanent fastening element as exemplified in figure 11. Thus, the protrusions will be fixed to a friction plate of a semi-trailer by non-permanent connection and the protrusions will be fixed to the transverse beams of the semi-trailer by non-permanent connection, as exemplified in figure 5.

[0041] Thus, the kingpin fastening device (2) of the present invention eliminates the need for welding to attach the kingpin (2) to the chassis (3) of a semi-trailer, where in addition to using the semi-trailer chassis (3) itself without the need for structural changes, it allows for manufacturing, assembly and disassembly in a shorter period of time compared to the prior art.

[0042] In one embodiment, the coupling module (1) of the present invention can be cast and / or painted and / or assembled in separate production units, enabling decentralized production, allowing for the postponement of manufacturing through the ATO (Assemble to Order) production strategy and allowing the product to be shipped in CKD (Completely Knock-Down) to national and / or international assembly units. Petition 870200044067, dated 06 / 04 / 2020, page 13 / 32 9 / 12

[0043] In a second object, the present invention discloses a manufacturing process for a kingpin fastening device (2) to the chassis (3) of a semi-trailer comprising at least one of the following steps: selection of at least one mold for a kingpin fastening device (2), with predefined dimensions; selection of at least one metal alloy; heating the selected metal alloy until it melts; pouring the metal alloy inside the selected mold; and demolding the final part as a single piece (1).

[0044] In one embodiment, the single piece (1) of the fastening device of the present invention is manufactured by means of the casting process and, in this way, its cost and manufacturing time are reduced.

[0045] In one embodiment, the manufacturing process of the present invention comprises decentralized production. In one embodiment, the single coupling piece (1) of the present invention can be cast and / or painted and / or assembled in separate production units.

[0046] In a third object, the present invention provides a semi-trailer comprising in its chassis (3) a kingpin fastening device (2) comprising a single piece (1) of non-permanent association to the chassis (3).

[0047] In one embodiment, the kingpin (2) is bolted to the coupling module (1) and subsequently the coupling module (1) is bolted to the semi-trailer chassis (3) as illustrated in figures 12 and 13.

[0048] In a fourth object, the present invention discloses a process for manufacturing a semi-trailer chassis (3) comprising at least one of the following steps: assembling a semi-trailer floor by means of beams; coupling the suspension; fixing transverse beams at the kingpin coupling end (2); coupling at least one friction plate at the kingpin coupling end (2); positioning the kingpin (2) on the coupled friction plate; and associating a kingpin fastening device (2) to the semi-trailer chassis (3) comprising a single piece (1) of non-permanent association to the chassis (3). Petition 870200044067, dated 06 / 04 / 2020, page 14 / 32 10 / 12

[0049] Thus, it is possible to observe that the present invention presents several advantages over the state of the art, such as enabling decentralized production, allowing postponement of manufacturing through ATO (Assemble To Order) production strategy, allowing shipment of the device in CKD (Completely Knock-Down) to national and / or international assembly units, allowing modularity of coupling and production, allowing use in 4x2 and 6x2 type semi-trailers, allowing application in various cargo vehicles, allowing CKD assembly, facilitating maintenance of the kingpin (2), reducing the number of kingpin coupling parts (2), reducing costs by reducing raw material in production, reducing tare weight and eliminating the need for kingpin support (2). Examples

[0050] The examples shown here are intended only to illustrate one of the numerous ways of carrying out the invention, however without limiting its scope. Example 1 - Finite element analysis of the kingpin fastening device

[0051] Virtual modeling of the kingpin fastening device (2) of the present invention was performed as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8. After modeling, mechanical stress resistance tests were performed, where the level of mechanical stress intensity was represented by colors. Then, the fastening device fixed to the crossbeams was modeled as illustrated in Figure 6, and then the semi-trailer with the device fixed to its chassis (3) was modeled as illustrated in Figure 9b. A semi-trailer with the kingpin coupling (2) from the prior art was also modeled in order to compare the mechanical stress resistances as illustrated in Figure 9a. For modeling the kingpin (2) and the semi-trailer, a value D (traction value [kN]) was used as a measure of the loads applicable to the coupling systems between the tractor unit and Petition 870200044067, dated 06 / 04 / 2020, p. 15 / 32 11 / 12 road implement, with the value D calculated according to DIN 74080 and DIN 74083 standards using the following equation: 0.6 x T x R D = gx ——-—— [kN] t T+R-UL J(1)

[0052] where g is the acceleration constant of gravity on Earth, T is the maximum permitted weight for the vehicle [t] (including U), R the maximum permitted weight for the semi-trailer [t] and U the maximum permissible vertical load for the fifth wheel [t] and, in this example, t is equivalent to the measurement in tons.

[0053] Bending forces were applied in conjunction with a load between 10 and 60 t on the road implement, in order to be more reliable to the real variables.

[0054] It was thus found that the fastening device of the present invention allowed a greater distribution of mechanical stresses and showed greater resistance compared to the state of the art. Example 2 - Manufacturing process for a kingpin fastening device

[0055] A mold suitable for the casting process was selected with predefined dimensions consistent with the single piece (1) of the kingpin fastening device (2) of the present invention. Inside this mold, grooves were created extending radially from where the central cavity (1.1) of the single piece (1) would later be located. A metal alloy was then selected to be used as the raw material for the single piece (1). After its selection, the metal alloy was heated to its melting point, so that the alloy had adequate malleability and flow for casting. After reaching its melting point, the metal alloy was poured into the mold with predetermined dimensions, so as to fill its interior. Because the mold has grooves inside and each groove creates a rib (1.2) in the single piece (1), when the final piece was demolded as a single piece (1), a single piece (1) was obtained. Petition 870200044067, dated 06 / 04 / 2020, p. 16 / 32 12 / 12 with ribs (1.2) located radially to the central cavity (1.1) of the single piece (1), where these ribs (1.2) served to improve the strength of the single piece (1) and distribution of mechanical stresses.

[0056] It can be seen, then, that the single piece (1) comprised a 25% reduction in tare compared with the state-of-the-art kingpin couplings (2) and a 12% reduction in cost.

[0057] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the knowledge presented here and may reproduce the invention in the forms presented and in other variants and alternatives, covered by the scope of the following claims. Petition 870200044067, dated 06 / 04 / 2020, p. 17 / 32

Claims

1 / 2 Claims 1. Kingpin fastening device (2) to the chassis (3) of a semi-trailer characterized by comprising a single piece (1) of non-permanent association to the chassis (3).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the single piece (1) comprises a central cavity (1.1) for the kingpin (2).

3. Device according to claim 1, characterized by the single piece (1) of association comprising at least one structural reinforcement rib (1.2) that projects radially from the central cavity (1.1) towards the peripheral region (1.3) of the single piece (1).

4. Device according to claim 1, characterized by comprising mounting holes with non-permanent fastening element distributed along at least one of: a. central cavity (1.1); and b. peripheral region (1.3).

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the peripheral region (1.3) comprises, in the horizontal plane of the end of the single piece (1), protrusions comprising holes for association with a non-permanent fastening element and, in the vertical plane, comprises protuberances comprising holes for association with a non-permanent fastening element.

6. Manufacturing process for a kingpin fastening device (2) to the chassis (3) of a semi-trailer characterized by comprising at least one of the following steps: a. selection of at least one mold for kingpin fastening device (2), with predefined dimensions; b. selection of at least one metal alloy; c. heating the selected metal alloy until it melts; Petition 870200044067, dated 06 / 04 / 2020, page 18 / 32 2 / 2 d. flow of the metal alloy inside the selected mold; and e. demolding of the final part as a single piece (1).

7. Manufacturing process for a kingpin fastening device (2), according to claim 6, characterized in the step of selecting at least one mold comprising selecting a mold with at least one groove in its interior, wherein each groove generates a rib (1.2) in the single piece (1).

8. Semi-trailer characterized by comprising in its chassis (3) a kingpin fastening device (2) comprising a single piece (1) of non-permanent association to the chassis (3).

9. Manufacturing process for a semi-trailer chassis (3) characterized by comprising at least one of the following steps: a. assembly of the semi-trailer floor by means of beams; b. suspension coupling; c. fixing of transverse beams at the kingpin coupling end (2); d. coupling of at least one friction plate at the kingpin coupling end (2); e. positioning of the kingpin (2) on the coupled friction plate; and f. association of a kingpin fixing device (2) to the semi-trailer chassis (3) comprising a single piece (1) of non-permanent association to the chassis (3). Petition 870200044067, dated 06 / 04 / 2020, page 19 / 32

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