Replaceable support member for a trailer coupling

Abstract

A replaceable support member for a trailer coupling, which support member is intended to support the shackle of a drawbar when it is secured by a vertically displaceable coupling pin, and which support member is therefore susceptible to wear by the shackle. At least the front support surface of the support member is formed by an elastically deformable portion which has a shape such that, when the support member is arranged in the coupling, there is substantially no gap between the front support surface and the front of the shackle, so that in use, when the drawbar is pushed upwards, the front of the shackle will be pressed downwards and compress the elastically deformable portion of the support member. By making at least a portion of the support member from an elastically deformable / compressible material, no gap is required between the front surface of the support member and the shackle.

Description

[0001] Invention Technology

[0002] The present invention relates to a replaceable support member for a trailer coupling and a trailer coupling including such a support member. Background of the Invention

[0003] Heavy vehicles, such as trucks, are typically equipped with couplings that allow trailers to be attached to the vehicle. Two examples of such couplings are the VBG 795V-2 and the Ringfeder Type 5055, both sold by VBG Group AB under the brands VBG and Ringfeder, respectively. These couplings have a guiding funnel (sometimes called a coupling opening) for receiving the eye of the drawbar attached to the trailer, and a vertically movable pin for securing the eye within the guiding funnel.

[0004] The aforementioned type of connector also features a replaceable support member (sometimes called a "wear plate") arranged within the guide funnel-shaped portion, such that the hook of the drawbar abuts against and slides along this replaceable support member. This avoids contact wear between the guide funnel-shaped portion and the hook. Instead, the support member will wear and eventually require replacement. The support member is made of a wear-resistant material, chosen such that the support member itself, rather than the hook, will wear. The support member is typically made of ductile iron.

[0005] Another requirement for this type of coupler is that it allows angular movement of the drawbar in the vertical plane. Otherwise, there is a risk of damage to the coupler when there is relative vertical movement between the trailer and the towing vehicle. Statutory requirements stipulate that the drawbar can move + / - 20 degrees.

[0006] To allow this movement, the support member has inclined upper surfaces on both the front and rear sides, forming a central ridge aligned with the center of the connecting pin. The hook of the traction rod rests on the ridge, and the inclined surfaces on both sides (front and rear) allow the traction rod to rotate up and down.

[0007] However, the inclined portion of the support member has disadvantages because it introduces a certain gap in the connector, which may cause clicking noise and may also cause the support member to wear out faster. Invention Overview

[0008] In view of the above, one object of the present invention is to provide a replaceable support member for a connecting device that overcomes or at least mitigates the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a replaceable support member is provided for a trailer coupling mounted on a towing vehicle. This support member is designed to support the hook of a tow bar mounted to the trailer when it is secured by a vertically movable coupling pin, thus the support member is susceptible to wear from the hook. At least a front support surface of the support member is formed by an elastically deformable portion having a shape such that, when the support member is arranged in the coupling, there is substantially no gap between the front support surface and the front portion of the hook, such that in use, when the tow bar is pushed upward, the front portion of the hook is pressed downward, compressing the elastically deformable portion of the support member.

[0010] By making at least a portion of the support member from an elastically deformable / compressible material, the upper front surface can be compressed by the front portion of the hook, thus allowing the required rotation of the pull rod. Therefore, no gap is required between the front surface of the support member and the hook. Instead, during use, the upper front surface of the support member can always be in contact with the front end of the hook, thus avoiding the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0011] Note that the towing vehicle where the connector is installed can be a trailer, which is towed by another towing vehicle.

[0012] Elastic deformable materials can be suitable polymer materials, such as polyurethane.

[0013] "Substantially no gap" means that there is no gap that would cause the clicking sound present in the prior art. Specifically, there is no gap that allows the required rotation of the traction rod without deformation of the supporting component. For example, "substantially no gap" can be understood as no gap greater than 2 mm, or no gap greater than 1 mm.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the support member includes an incompressible base portion intended to face downwards when mounted in the connector, wherein an elastically deformable portion is integrally formed with the base portion. An incompressible base portion may be advantageous when the support member rests on a relatively small surface. The base portion may be made of metal (e.g., cast iron).

[0015] "Integrally formed" refers to any type of attachment that is strong and reliable enough. As an example, a deformable (plastic) part can be vulcanized onto a metal part. Both parts are formed with matching protrusions that are used to rotate and hold the parts together when pressed together.

[0016] This embodiment is particularly advantageous for support members intended for installation in connectors with movable guide funnel-shaped portions. In such connectors, the support member typically rests directly on the connecting pin bushing, which carries the risk of deformation of the support member, which is made entirely of an elastically deformable material. An incompressible base portion (e.g., metallic) prevents deformation caused by pressure applied by the bushing.

[0017] In this case, the support member can have a generally annular shape (i.e., similar to a hockey puck with holes for the coupling pin). Such a support member is designed to be held in place by, for example, a separate retaining element made of plastic, which surrounds and secures the annular member. Such an annular support member and its retaining element are typically arranged in an opening of a tiltable guide funnel-shaped portion and directly attached to the coupling jaw, such that the support member rests on the coupling pin bushing as discussed above.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the support member is made of a homogeneous component of an elastically deformable material. This can make production more cost-effective. Furthermore, in this case, the deformation of the deformable material will be distributed over a larger volume, potentially reducing material stress and fatigue.

[0019] This embodiment is particularly advantageous for support members intended for installation in connectors having a fixed guide funnel shape. In such connectors, the support member typically rests at least partially on the lower lip of the guide funnel shape, thereby distributing the load and thus reducing pressure.

[0020] In this configuration, the support member can be elongated to allow it to be attached to the lower lip of the guide funnel shape using a suitable fastening device. Therefore, a separate retaining element is not required. The support member is attached directly to the bottom of the guide funnel shape or to the opening of the guide funnel shape (e.g., using a screw).

[0021] According to a second aspect of the invention, the above-mentioned objective is achieved by a trailer coupling for connecting a trailer to a towing vehicle, the trailer coupling being mounted on the towing vehicle, wherein the trailer coupling is adapted to receive a hook of a drawbar mounted to the trailer to be towed. The towing vehicle may be a trailer towed by another towing vehicle. The trailer coupling includes a vertically movable coupling member having a first position and a second position, in the first position allowing the hook to move in and out of a towing position, and in the second position, securing the hook in the towing position by extending through a central opening in the hook. The coupling also includes a replaceable support member according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the connecting member is arranged to automatically lock in the first position after entering the first position and to be unlocked by an upward push caused by the hook and loop.

[0023] The trailer coupling may include a guide funnel-shaped portion arranged to guide the hook to the towing position.

[0024] The funnel-shaped guide portion can be fixed to the connector (e.g., similar to connectors sold under the brand VBG) or laterally pivotable to further facilitate insertion of the hook (e.g., similar to connectors sold under the brand Ringfeder). In both cases, the support member according to the first aspect of the invention may be advantageous.

[0025] As mentioned above, in the former case (fixed guide funnel shape), the support member can be installed on the lower lip of the guide funnel shape. In the latter case (pivotable guide funnel shape), the support member can be installed onto the connecting jaws and rest on the connecting pin bushing. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0026] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention by way of example.

[0027] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the trailer connector and tow bar according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the connector and traction rod in their assembled state.

[0029] Figure 3a yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the supporting components.

[0030] Figure 3b yes Figure 1 A perspective sectional view of the supporting components.

[0031] Figure 4a and Figure 4b yes Figure 1 The cross-sections of the connector and the tow bar are shown, with the tow bar located in two different positions.

[0032] Figure 5 It is applicable Figure 1 Another example of a support member for a connector in a device.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the trailer connector and tow bar according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Exploded perspective view of the middle connector and the traction rod. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0035] Figures 1 to 2 A trailer coupling 1 is shown, which is adapted to be installed at the rear end of a towing vehicle such as a truck or trailer and engages with the annular portion 3 of a drawbar 2 mounted to the trailer to be towed by the towing vehicle. Figure 1 (The towing vehicle and the trailer to be towed are not shown in the diagram). The annular portion is referred to as the hook 3, and the connector 1 includes a jaw with a vertically translatable connecting member 4 (sometimes referred to as a connecting bolt or connecting pin 4), which is configured to insert into the hook 3 to secure the towing bar. The end of the connecting pin 4 is received by a bushing 7 in the lower portion of the jaw.

[0036] The trailer coupling 1 also includes a guide funnel-shaped portion 5 (sometimes referred to as the coupling opening), which is typically made of a hard and wear-resistant material, such as steel or some other metal with similar properties. The guide funnel-shaped portion 5 has two lips 5a and 5b, which are vertically separated, with the lower lip 5a and upper lip 5b extending obliquely downwards and upwards respectively in a rearward direction away from the truck. The lips 5a and 5b are arranged to guide the hook 3 to a towing position within the guide funnel-shaped portion 5. In this position, the coupling pin 4 can descend into the opening of the hook 3, thereby mechanically securing the drawbar 2 to the coupling 1. Figures 1 to 2 In the illustrated example, the connector port is configured to pivot slightly in the horizontal plane to facilitate the guidance of the pull rod 2 into the connector. Details of the connector design are not provided here, but a relevant example is the RingfederType 5055.

[0037] The lower lip 5a of the guide funnel-shaped portion 5 has an opening 6 that provides an inlet to a bushing 7 for receiving the connecting pin 4. A support member 8 is arranged in this opening, having an opening positioned to receive the connecting pin 4 when it is in its lowered position. The support member 8 is configured such that when the hook 3 is secured in the trailer coupling 1 by the connecting pin 4, the hook 3 rests against the upper surface of the support member 8. The support member 8 is removably arranged so that it can be replaced when worn due to friction between the hook 3 and the support member 8.

[0038] The size and shape of the support member 8 will depend on the requirements of the specific application, such as the size of the connecting member 4 and the size of the hook 3 intended for use with the trailer connector 1. In the illustrated case, the support member 8 has an annular shape and is held in place by a retaining element 9, for example, made of plastic, which is attached to the clamps of the connector by two screws 10. The opening 6 is large enough to allow the funnel-shaped portion to tilt laterally as intended.

[0039] The diameter of the hole in the support member 8 allows the support member 8 to receive the connecting pin 4, and is typically in the range of 30mm to 70mm. The maximum thickness of the support member 8 in its unworn state is typically less than 5cm, for example, about 3cm.

[0040] To attach the trailer to the truck, the coupling pin 4 is first raised (manually or by actuator) to the locked upper position, in which the lower portion of the pin still extends into the guide funnel 5. The truck driver then moves the towing vehicle to position the hook 3 within the guide funnel 5. Upon entering the guide funnel 5, the hook 3 contacts the lower portion of the pin 4, thus slightly pushing the pin upward. This upward movement releases the locking pin, which then automatically descends through the hook 3, thereby locking the hook 3 in the towing position within the guide funnel 5.

[0041] Reference Figure 3a and Figure 3b The annular support member 8 is shown in more detail. In the example shown, the support member 8 has an annular shape, wherein one side 15a of the upper surface is flat (perpendicular to axis A), while the other side 15b is inclined (sloped).

[0042] The support member here comprises two parts 11 and 12: a base part 11 and an elastically deformable upper part 12, for example, made of polyurethane. The base part 11, which will be subjected to high pressure when the support member rests on the bushing 7, is made of a non-deformable material (such as metal, e.g., cast iron). The elastically deformable part 12 forms at least a front upper surface 15a, which supports the front part 3a of the hook.

[0043] Parts 11 and 12 can be attached to each other by vulcanization or by adhesive. To ensure rotational fixation of the attachment, the two parts 11 and 12 can be formed with a set of interlocking matching protrusions 13 and 14, such as... Figure 3a and Figure 3b As shown.

[0044] The inward-facing upper surface 15a of component 8 (i.e., the upper surface of the elastically deformable portion 12) is flat, meaning its surface is perpendicular to the central axis A of component 8. The outward-facing upper surface 15b of component 8 slopes downward to match the slope of the lower lip 5a of the interface 5.

[0045] It should be noted that the elastically deformable portion 12 can extend across the entire upper surface, such that the inclined surface 15b is also part of the elastically deformable portion 12.

[0046] Figure 4a The diagram illustrates how the hook 3 of the tow bar 2 rests on the front surface 15a of the support member 8. When the tow bar 2 rotates (e.g., because the trailer is on a higher ground than the towing vehicle), the front end of the hook 3 is pushed downwards, causing the elastically deformable portion 12 to deform. This... Figure 4b As shown in the image.

[0047] Figure 5 Another example 80 of the support member is illustrated, which is also similar to... Figures 1 to 2 The connector is compatible with the one described above. The support member 80 substantially corresponds to the annular support member 8 having a central portion 81, which has similar requirements for hole diameter and thickness. The support member 80 also has two wings 82 extending on both sides of the central portion 81. The wings 82 are used for attaching to the member 80 and are provided with holes for receiving screws (not shown).

[0048] In the illustrated case, the support member 80 is formed as a homogeneous component of an elastically deformable material (such as polyurethane). Note that member 80 can also be made into two parts of different materials attached to each other.

[0049] Go to Figures 6 to 7 The illustration shows another example of a trailer connector 101 and a tow bar 102. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 Similar to connector 1 in the middle, Figures 6 to 7 The trailer connector 101 has a connecting pin 104 that can descend into the hook 103 of the drawbar 102, and the trailer connector 101 has a guide funnel-shaped portion 105 with a lower lip 105a and an upper lip 105b for guiding the hook 103 to the correct position. In this embodiment, the funnel-shaped portion 105 is fixed relative to the connector 101 and the connecting pin 104.

[0050] The guide funnel-shaped portion 105 includes an opening 106 surrounded by a recess 107, the opening 106 being shaped to receive a support member 108. The support member 108 has a similar function to support members 8 and 80, and is similar in form to support member 80 (i.e., it is elongated and can be formed as a homogeneous member of an elastically deformable material). The support member 108 is directly mounted to the (fixed) lower lip 105a of the guide funnel-shaped portion 105.

[0051] Figures 6 to 7The trailer coupling 101 also includes a protective member 110, which may also be at least partially made of an elastically deformable material (e.g., polyurethane). The protective member 110 is similar to the support member 108, but is arranged vertically opposite to the support member 108 such that when the hook 103 is in the towing position, the hook 103 is located between the support member 108 and the protective member 110. The protective member 110 helps prevent mutual abrasion between the guide funnel-shaped portion 105 and the hook 103. It should be noted that the protective member 110 is optional, and therefore other examples of the trailer coupling 101 do not necessarily have a protective member 110.

[0052] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is by no means limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, many modifications and variations can be made within the scope of the appended claims. For example, depending on the type and design of the trailer coupling, the support member can take different forms. The support member is not necessarily configured to completely surround the coupling pin, but can be configured to be arranged only in front of the coupling pin. The support member can also be attached in other ways than those discussed herein.

[0053] This invention also provides the following provisions:

[0054] 1. A replaceable support member for a trailer coupling mounted on a towing vehicle, the support member being designed to support a hook ring when the hook ring of a tow bar mounted to the trailer is secured by a vertically movable coupling pin, the support member being thus susceptible to wear from the hook ring.

[0055] Its features are,

[0056] At least the front support surface of the support member is formed by an elastically deformable portion.

[0057] The elastically deformable portion has a shape such that, when the support member is arranged in the trailer coupling, there is substantially no gap between the front support surface and the front portion of the hook.

[0058] This means that during use, when the traction rod is pushed upward, the front part of the hook will be pressed downward, compressing the elastically deformable part of the support member.

[0059] 2. The replaceable support member according to Clause 1 further includes a base portion intended to face downward when installed in the trailer coupling, the base portion being made of an incompressible material such as metal, and wherein said resiliently deformable portion is integrally formed with the base portion.

[0060] 3. The replaceable support member as described in Clause 1, wherein the support member is made of a homogeneous component of an elastically deformable material.

[0061] 4. The replaceable support member according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the support member is in the form of an annulus and is designed to rest on the connecting pin bushing and be held in place by a separate retaining element.

[0062] 5. The replaceable support member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the support member has an elongated shape and is configured to be attached using fastening devices.

[0063] 6. The replaceable support member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the elastic deformable material is a polymer material, such as polyurethane.

[0064] 7. A trailer coupling for connecting a trailer to a towing vehicle, the trailer coupling being mounted on the towing vehicle, wherein the trailer coupling is adapted to receive a hook of a drawbar mounted to the trailer to be towed, and wherein the trailer coupling comprises:

[0065] A vertically movable connecting member having a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the connecting member allows the hook to move into and out of a traction position, and in the second position, the connecting member secures the hook in the traction position by extending through a central opening of the hook; and

[0066] The replaceable support member according to any one of the foregoing clauses is arranged such that when the hook is received by the trailer coupling and positioned in the towing position, the front portion of the hook rests against the front support surface of the support member.

[0067] 8. The trailer coupling according to Clause 7, wherein the coupling member is arranged to automatically lock in the first position upon entering the first position and to be unlocked by pushing upward.

[0068] 9. The trailer coupling according to clause 7 or 8 further includes a guide funnel-shaped portion arranged to guide the hook to the towing position, and wherein the support member is arranged in an opening in the lower lip of the guide funnel-shaped portion.

[0069] 10. The trailer coupling as described in Clause 9, wherein the guide funnel-shaped portion is pivotable in a horizontal plane.

Claims

1. A replaceable support member (8; 80; 108) for a trailer coupling (1; 101) mounted on a towing vehicle, said support member (8; 80; 108) being designed to support the hook (3; 103) of a drawbar (2; 102) mounted to the trailer when it is secured by a vertically movable coupling member (4; 104), said support member (8; 80; 108) being thus susceptible to wear on the hook (3; 103), Its features are, At least the front support surface (15a) of the support member is formed by an elastically deformable portion (12). The elastically deformable portion (12) has a shape such that when the support member (8; 80; 108) is arranged in the trailer connector (1; 101) and the hook (3; 103) of the horizontally oriented drawbar is fixed in the trailer connector, the front of the hook (3; 103) rests against the front support surface (15a). This means that during use, when the traction rod is pushed upward, the front part of the hook will be pressed downward, compressing the elastically deformable part of the support member.

2. The replaceable support member of claim 1 further includes a base portion intended to face downward when installed in the trailer coupling, the base portion being made of an incompressible material, and wherein the resiliently deformable portion is integrally formed with the base portion.

3. The replaceable support member according to claim 2, wherein the incompressible material is metal.

4. The replaceable support member according to claim 1, wherein the support member is made of a homogeneous part of an elastically deformable material.

5. The replaceable support member according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the support member is in the form of an annulus and is designed to rest on the bushing (7) and be held in place by a separate retaining element (9).

6. The replaceable support member according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the support member has an elongated shape and is configured to be attached using fastening devices.

7. The replaceable support member according to claim 4, wherein the elastic deformable material is a polymer material.

8. The replaceable support member according to claim 7, wherein the polymer material is polyurethane.

9. A trailer coupling (1; 101) for connecting a trailer to a towing vehicle, the trailer coupling (1; 101) being mounted on the towing vehicle, wherein the trailer coupling (1; 101) is adapted to receive a hook (3) of a drawbar (2; 102) mounted to the trailer to be towed. 103), and wherein the trailer connector (1; 101) comprises: Vertically movable connecting components (4; 104), the connecting member has a first position and a second position, in the first position, the connecting member (4; 104) allows the hook (3; 103) to move into and out of the traction position, and in the second position, the connecting member (4; 104) secures the hook (3; 103) in the traction position by extending through the central opening of the hook (3; 103); and According to any one of claims 1-8, the replaceable support member (8; 80; 108) is arranged such that when the hook (3; 103) is received by the trailer coupling (1; 101) and positioned in the towing position, the front portion of the hook (3; 103) rests against the front support surface (15a) of the support member (8; 80; 108).

10. The trailer coupling (1; 101) according to claim 9, wherein, The connecting member (4; 104) is arranged to automatically lock in the first position when it enters the first position and to be unlocked by pushing upward.

11. The trailer coupling (1; 101) according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a guide funnel (5; 105) arranged to guide the hook (3; 103) to the towing position, wherein the support member (8; 80; 108) is arranged in an opening (6; 106) in the lower lip (5a; 105a) of the guide funnel (5; 105).

12. The trailer connector (1; 101) according to claim 11, wherein the guide funnel-shaped portion (5; 105) is pivotable in a horizontal plane.

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