Coupler connecting device for truck chassis

Abstract

The coupler connecting device for the truck chassis comprises a bearing connecting base and a coupler mounting support which are rotationally connected through a pin shaft, the support can rotate in the vertical plane around the pin shaft, and the far end of the support is fixed to a coupler. The bearing connecting seat comprises a connecting main plate and a connecting seat which are welded and fixed through a reinforcing rib plate, the main plate is detachably connected with the chassis girder, and the connecting seat is provided with a pin hole; the mounting bracket consists of a first bracket body and a second bracket body, the first bracket body is rotationally connected with the bearing connecting seat through a connecting block, and a reinforcing beam is arranged between supporting arms of the connecting block; the end part of the second frame body is provided with a mounting rod, the large end is provided with a transverse connecting beam, and the transverse connecting beam and the mounting rod form a closed frame through supporting rods; a telescopic adjusting space is arranged between the two frame bodies and is welded and fixed through angle iron after being adjusted. And upper and lower limiting structures are arranged between the side plates of the bearing connecting seat to limit the rotating angle of the bracket. The device solves the problems of poor shock and vibration resistance, weak adaptability of main hanging height and butt joint distance, and low structural strength and reliability of the existing connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of trailer connection technology, and in particular to a coupler connection device for truck chassis. Background Technology

[0002] In trailer transportation operations, the reliability of the connection between the truck and the trailer directly determines transportation safety and efficiency. Currently, the industry generally relies on the coupler as a core component for this connection. At present, the connection between the coupler and the truck chassis is mostly achieved by directly fastening with bolts or fixing with simple brackets. Although these structures can meet the basic fixing requirements, many problems related to connection adaptability and structural stability arise in practical applications, making it difficult to match the usage requirements of complex transportation scenarios.

[0003] On the one hand, it is difficult to balance the impact resistance and structural strength of traditional connection structures. Directly fastened rigid connections cannot buffer the impact and vibration during driving, which can easily lead to stress concentration and bolt loosening. Although some simple brackets attempt to be lightweight, they lack effective reinforcement structures and are prone to problems such as frame deformation and breakage when bearing heavy loads, which accelerates the wear of the coupler and chassis connection parts, seriously affecting service life and driving safety.

[0004] On the other hand, the existing structure has extremely poor adaptability and cannot meet the docking needs of various truck and trailer specifications. Due to differences in freight tasks, trailers with different wheelbases and different connection end face distances need to be frequently changed. However, the connection structure with a limited fixed or adjustable range is not only difficult to adapt to the height difference between the main truck and trailer, but also cannot flexibly adjust the docking distance. Forced assembly will cause uneven stress on the connection parts, which will not only increase assembly time and labor costs, but also cause additional structural damage due to assembly deviations.

[0005] Furthermore, in some scenarios, frequent trailer changes are necessary to adapt to different transportation tasks. The coupler, which is fixedly connected to the chassis beam, requires a significant amount of manpower and resources to disassemble and assemble each time. Repeated operation can also wear down the connection holes of the truck chassis beam, further reducing the reliability of the connection. This connection method cannot cope with the structural damage caused by impact and vibration, nor can it meet the needs of multi-specification adaptation and high-efficiency operation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a coupler connection device for truck chassis. This device can solve the problems of poor impact and vibration resistance, poor adaptability of main and trailer height difference and docking distance, and low strength and reliability of connection structure in existing truck and trailer coupler connection methods.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: This coupler connection device for truck chassis includes a load-bearing connection seat, a coupler mounting bracket, and a connecting pin. The load-bearing connection seat and the coupler mounting bracket are rotatably connected through the connecting pin. The coupler mounting bracket rotates around the connecting pin in a vertical plane. The end of the coupler mounting bracket away from the load-bearing connection seat is fixedly connected to the coupler. The load-bearing connecting seat includes a connecting main board, a connecting seat, and a reinforcing rib plate. The connecting main board has multiple connecting holes. The load-bearing connecting seat is detachably connected to the truck chassis beam by fasteners inserted into the connecting holes. The reinforcing rib plate is welded to the connecting main board and the connecting seat respectively. The connecting seat has a three-sided open structure, and its opposite side plates have pin holes for connecting pins to pass through. The coupler mounting bracket includes a first frame and a second frame arranged in a nested configuration. The first frame is rotatably connected to the load-bearing connecting seat via a connecting pin. The end of the first frame near the load-bearing connecting seat has a connecting block extending between the side plates of the connecting seat, and a reinforcing beam is provided between the support arms of the connecting block. The end of the second frame away from the load-bearing connecting seat has a mounting rod fixedly attached. The mounting rod is fixedly connected to the coupler via a reinforcing member. The larger end of the second frame has a transverse connecting beam, and the transverse connecting beam and the mounting rod form a closed frame structure via a support rod. A telescopic adjustment space extending along the truck and trailer docking direction is provided between the first frame and the second frame, and it is fixed by welding angle iron after adjustment. Plate-shaped upper limit structure and lower limit structure are provided between the side plates of the load-bearing connecting seat to limit the rotation angle of the coupler mounting bracket.

[0008] In the above-mentioned technical solution for the coupler connection device for truck chassis, a more specific technical solution may be: the coupler mounting bracket has a structure that tapers towards the end connected to the trailer, and the small end of the second frame is the mounting rod.

[0009] In some possible implementations, a reinforcing member is fixed to the mounting rod, the reinforcing member being two symmetrically arranged retainers inserted into the outside of the mounting rod, and the coupler is mounted on the retainers.

[0010] In some possible implementations, a wire hole is provided on the mounting rod next to the card holder.

[0011] In some possible implementations, the side plate of the card holder is an isosceles trapezoid, and the wire hole is located between the upper and lower side plates.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the coupler mounting bracket is provided with lifting lugs.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the range of rotation of the coupler mounting bracket is within 10° above and 10° below the horizontal reference line.

[0014] In some possible implementations, one end of the connecting pin is provided with a threaded connection and the other end is an anti-disengagement head; the bearing connecting seat is provided with a locking nut that is threadedly connected to the connecting pin.

[0015] In some possible implementations, a bushing is fitted into the pin hole of the coupler mounting bracket.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art: 1. The vertical in-plane swing structure formed by the load-bearing connecting seat and the coupler mounting bracket via connecting pins can automatically compensate for the height difference between the main and trailer connection ends caused by differences in cargo loading and vehicle models, thereby achieving fast and accurate alignment and connection. This significantly reduces assembly difficulty, shortens preparation time, and effectively improves the device's adaptability to different specifications of main and trailer vehicles. During driving, the mounting bracket can adaptively swing slightly, effectively buffering road impacts and reducing stress concentration, thus enhancing long-term reliability and safety. The load-bearing connecting seat and the truck chassis beam are detachably connected, facilitating maintenance and replacement without damaging the beam structure. The rotation range of the mounting bracket is precisely controlled by upper and lower limit structures, ensuring flexible rotation while avoiding connection problems caused by excessive swing. A two-level nested frame design with telescopic adjustment space allows for both rotation to adjust the height difference and telescopic adjustment of the wheelbase, making installation and adjustment more flexible. After adjustment, the frame is fixed by welding to ensure the stability of the overall structure during operation. The first and second frames form an optimized force transmission path through reinforcing beams and closed frame structures, effectively distributing loads and improving load-bearing capacity and fatigue resistance. In addition, the overall structure is reinforced with stiffeners and rigid connections to key parts, which further enhances its rigidity and impact resistance, making it suitable for high-intensity transportation operations.

[0017] 2. The structure of the coupler mounting bracket tapering towards the trailer end allows the load to be transferred in a gradient from the small-end coupler to the large-end load-bearing connector, avoiding localized stress accumulation, reducing the risk of structural fatigue, and improving impact resistance. At the same time, the tapering structure reduces the space occupied by the bracket in the main-trailer connection area, which is especially suitable for scenarios with limited space at the trailer connection end, reducing the risk of assembly interference.

[0018] 3. The coupler mounting rod is equipped with a plug-in type bracket that clamps from the top and bottom, which enhances the stability of the installation and the torsional resistance, and ensures that the coupler is subjected to uniform force.

[0019] 4. The cable passage holes provide a standardized and safe routing path for the trailer's brake, lighting, and other cables, reducing the risk of interference between the cables and moving parts and improving the overall system's operational stability. The cable passage holes are located between the isosceles trapezoidal side plates of the mounting bracket, providing a certain degree of enclosure and protection for the cables, preventing them from shaking, wearing, or interfering with moving parts during operation, thus improving safety and neatness.

[0020] 5. The coupler mounting bracket is equipped with lifting lugs, which can be used with lifting tools to quickly lift and position the bracket, improving the convenience and safety of handling and installation.

[0021] 6. The limited rotation range of the coupler mounting bracket can meet the height difference compensation requirements of most actual road conditions and vehicle modifications, and the mechanical limit prevents excessive and unsafe swaying, ensuring driving stability.

[0022] 7. The fastening structure of the connecting pin can improve the stability of the rotating connection structure and is easy to disassemble and assemble; the bushing used in conjunction with the pin can reduce the fatigue damage of vibration to the pin and pin hole, further improve the impact and vibration resistance, and reduce maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the coupler connection device used in truck chassis.

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of its decomposed structure.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the coupling connection device for truck chassis lowered to its lowest position.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the coupling connection device for truck chassis raised to its highest position.

[0027] The following are the labeling instructions in the diagram: 1. Bearing connector; 1-1 Connecting main board; 1-11 Connecting hole; 1-12 Reinforcing rib; 1-13 Connecting seat; 1-14 Upper limit structure; 1-15 Lower limit structure; 2. Connecting pin; 2-1 Anti-detachment head; 2-2 Threaded connection; 3. Coupler mounting bracket; 3-1 First frame; 3-11 Connecting block; 3-12 Reinforcing beam; 3-13 Support arm; 3-2 Second frame; 3-21 Transverse connecting beam; 3-22 Support rod; 3-23 Mounting rod; 3-3 Bushing; 3-4 Lifting lug; 3-5 Card seat; 3-6 Cable hole; 4. Coupler; 5. Truck chassis beam. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments: Figure 1 and Figure 2 The coupler connection device shown is used to connect a truck and a trailer. It can automatically adapt to the height difference between the truck and the trailer, effectively buffer driving impacts, and is easy to install and maintain. The mechanism mainly includes a load-bearing connecting seat 1, a connecting pin 2, and a coupler mounting bracket 3. The load-bearing connecting seat 1 is connected to the truck chassis beam 5. The load-bearing connecting seat 1 and the coupler mounting bracket 3 are rotatably connected through the connecting pin 2. The coupler mounting bracket 3 rotates around the connecting pin 2 in the vertical plane. The end of the coupler mounting bracket 3 away from the load-bearing connecting seat 1 is fixedly connected to the coupler 4.

[0029] The load-bearing connecting seat 1 includes a vertically arranged connecting main plate 1-1, a connecting seat 1-3, and multiple triangular reinforcing ribs 1-2 connecting the two. The connecting main plate 1-1 is the part connecting the truck chassis beam 5, and its surface has multiple connecting holes 1-11 evenly arranged in rows and columns. The hole positions correspond to the pre-fabricated mounting holes of the truck chassis beam 5, used for fastener insertion to achieve a detachable connection. The reinforcing ribs 1-2 are distributed along a direction perpendicular to the connecting main plate 1-1, with one side welded to the connecting main plate 1-1 and the other side welded to the connecting seat 1-3, thereby strengthening the connection rigidity between the connecting main plate 1-1 and the connecting seat 1-3 and distributing the stress transmitted by the load. The connecting seat 1-3 has a three-sided opening structure, consisting of a rear plate connected by reinforcing ribs 1-2 and two opposing side plates. Corresponding positions on the two side plates have pin holes for the connecting pin 2 to pass through and connect to the coupler mounting bracket 3. The upper limit structure 1-4 and lower limit structure 1-5, used to limit the rotation range of the coupler mounting bracket, are plate-like components, fixed between the two side plates and located above and below the pin holes. See [reference needed]. Figure 3 During installation, high-strength bolts or other fasteners are used to pass through these connection holes 1-11 to securely and detachably fix the entire load-bearing connecting seat 1 to the truck chassis beam 5. This detachable design allows for later maintenance or replacement without damaging the truck chassis beam 5 itself, greatly simplifying the usage process.

[0030] The coupler mounting bracket 3 adopts a two-stage frame structure, including a first frame 3-1 and a second frame 3-2. Both frames are symmetrical structures that taper towards the trailer connection end. The end of the first frame 3-1 closest to the load-bearing connecting seat 1 is the larger end, which has two connecting blocks 3-11. Each connecting block 3-11 extends between the side plates of the load-bearing connecting seat 1, which is fixed to two longitudinal beams. Each connecting block 3-11 extends outward with an arm 3-13. A reinforcing beam 3-12 is connected between the two arms 3-13 near the connecting block 3-11 to enhance the overall structural rigidity of the first frame 3-1. The main body of the first frame 3-1 has a frame structure, with an opening between the two arms 3-13. An internal area is reserved to accommodate the second frame 3-2, providing a basis for their nesting and cooperation. The end of the second frame 3-2 closest to the coupler 4 is the small end, where a mounting rod 3-23 is fixed. This mounting rod 3-23 is used for precise alignment with the installation interface of the coupler 4. The end of the second frame 3-2 furthest from the coupler 4 is the large end, where a transverse connecting beam 3-21 is provided to enhance its structural stability. The transverse connecting beam 3-21 and the mounting rod 3-23 are connected by two support rods 3-22 to form a closed frame structure. The large end of the second frame 3-2 extends into the opening space between the two arms 3-13 of the first frame 3-1, forming a nested arrangement with the first frame 3-1. A telescopic adjustment space extending along the truck-trailer docking direction is formed between the two. In other embodiments, the first frame 3-1 and the second frame 3-2 can also be designed to be stacked vertically. The relative position of the second frame 3-2 is adjusted according to the main-trailer connection requirements. After adjustment, four angle irons are welded to the joints between the first frame 3-1 and the second frame 3-2 to achieve rigid fixation of the two-stage frame. On the mounting rod 3-23 at the small end of the second frame 3-2, two symmetrically arranged brackets 3-5 are fixed as reinforcements. The brackets 3-5 are respectively fitted and fixed to the mounting rod 3-23, with their inner walls tightly fitting against the outer walls of the mounting rod 3-23. The brackets 3-5 have mounting holes corresponding one-to-one with the coupler 4 mounting holes, allowing the coupler 4 to be securely installed on the brackets 3-5 using fasteners. The side plates of the brackets 3-5 can be designed as isosceles trapezoids, thus placing the cable passage 3-6 within a relatively converging space, providing a standardized and safe routing channel for the trailer's brake air lines and electrical cables. The edges of the cable passage 3-6 are rounded to prevent scratches during cable installation or use. A transverse connecting beam 3-21 is provided at the large end of the second frame 3-2. This transverse connecting beam 3-21 is connected to the mounting rod 3-23 by two support rods 3-22, forming a closed frame structure, significantly enhancing the overall rigidity and stability of the second frame 3-2. To further improve the convenience of installation and handling, a lifting lug 3-4 is welded at the middle of the transverse connecting beam 3-21. The lifting lug 3-4 is used to cooperate with the lifting tools to complete the lifting and positioning operation of the entire connecting mechanism.In actual operation, the lifting lugs 3-4 can be connected to the trailer tailgate with the help of steel wire ropes, and the hydraulic cylinder of the tailgate can be used to assist in the smooth movement and positioning of the mechanism.

[0031] The connecting pin 2 is horizontally assembled in the pin hole of the bearing connecting seat 1 and the pin hole of the coupler mounting bracket 3. One end of the connecting pin 2 has a threaded connection part 2-2, and the other end has an anti-disengagement head 2-1. The bearing connecting seat 1 has a locking nut that mates with the threaded connection part 2-2 to secure the connecting pin 2. A bushing 3-3 is embedded in the pin hole of the coupler mounting bracket 3. The bushing 3-3 is fitted with both the pin hole and the connecting pin 2 to reduce wear during rotation. Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the coupler mounting bracket 3 can rotate around the connecting pin 2 in the vertical plane. The rotation range is from 10° upward to 10° downward from the horizontal baseline. The upper limit structure 1-14 and the lower limit structure 1-15 limit its rotation limits respectively.

[0032] Before assembly, adjust the relative positions of the first frame 3-1 and the second frame 3-2 of the coupler mounting bracket 3 according to the wheelbase and connection end face spacing of the trailer to be connected. After positioning, weld the first frame 3-1 and the second frame 3-2 together with four angle irons. Then, symmetrically fix the two mounting brackets 3-5 onto the mounting rods 3-23 of the second frame 3-2 to ensure a stable connection. Align the coupler 4 with the mounting holes of the mounting brackets 3-5, insert the fasteners, and tighten them. During assembly, first place the load-bearing connecting seat 1 against the preset installation position of the truck chassis beam 5, ensuring that the connecting hole 1-11 is aligned with the pre-drilled hole on the beam, insert the fasteners, and tighten them. Next, lift the coupler mounting bracket 3 so that the pin hole of the first frame 3-1 is aligned with the pin hole of the load-bearing connecting seat 1, insert the connecting pin, and lock it in place. Finally, pass the relevant cables of the trailer through the cable passage holes 3-6 on the mounting rod 3-23 and fix them neatly. Manually push the coupler mounting bracket 3 to check its rotation flexibility around the connecting pin 2, and at the same time confirm that the upper and lower limit structures can accurately limit the rotation limit.

[0033] When this coupling connection mechanism is in operation, if a height difference occurs between the truck and trailer at the connection end faces due to differences in cargo loading, vehicle type, or uneven road surface, the coupler can rotate in the vertical plane around the connecting pin shaft with the coupler mounting bracket. The rotation range automatically compensates for the height difference, achieving fast and accurate alignment and connection. During vehicle operation, when encountering bumpy roads and generating impact vibrations, the coupler mounting bracket can perform a small-amplitude adaptive oscillation around the connecting pin shaft. This, combined with the bushing, absorbs some of the impact energy, avoiding stress concentration caused by rigid connections. The two-stage frame structure allows the load to be gradually transferred from the coupler through the second and first frames to the load-bearing connection seat, dispersing localized forces and significantly reducing stress concentration and fatigue damage risks at the connection points, thus improving long-term reliability.

Claims

1. A coupler connection device for a truck chassis, characterized in that: It includes a load-bearing connecting seat, a coupler mounting bracket, and a connecting pin. The load-bearing connecting seat and the coupler mounting bracket are rotatably connected by the connecting pin. The coupler mounting bracket rotates about the connecting pin in a vertical plane. The end of the coupler mounting bracket away from the load-bearing connecting seat is fixedly connected to the coupler. The load-bearing connecting seat includes a connecting main board, a connecting seat, and a reinforcing rib plate. The connecting main board has multiple connecting holes. The load-bearing connecting seat is detachably connected to the truck chassis beam by fasteners inserted into the connecting holes. The reinforcing rib plate is welded to the connecting main board and the connecting seat respectively. The connecting seat has a three-sided open structure, and its opposite side plates have pin holes for connecting pins to pass through. The coupler mounting bracket includes a first frame and a second frame arranged in a nested configuration. The first frame is rotatably connected to the load-bearing connecting seat via a connecting pin. The end of the first frame near the load-bearing connecting seat has a connecting block extending between the side plates of the connecting seat, and a reinforcing beam is provided between the support arms of the connecting block. The end of the second frame away from the load-bearing connecting seat has a mounting rod fixedly attached. The mounting rod is fixedly connected to the coupler via a reinforcing member. The larger end of the second frame has a transverse connecting beam, and the transverse connecting beam and the mounting rod form a closed frame structure via a support rod. A telescopic adjustment space extending along the truck and trailer docking direction is provided between the first frame and the second frame, and it is fixed by welding angle iron after adjustment. Plate-shaped upper limit structure and lower limit structure are provided between the side plates of the load-bearing connecting seat to limit the rotation angle of the coupler mounting bracket.

2. The coupler connection device for a truck chassis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The coupler mounting bracket has a structure that tapers towards the end connected to the trailer, and the smaller end of the second frame is the mounting rod.

3. The coupler connection device for a truck chassis according to claim 2, characterized in that: A reinforcing member is fixed on the mounting rod. The reinforcing member consists of two symmetrically arranged retainers that are inserted into the outside of the mounting rod. The coupler is installed on the retainers.

4. The coupler connection device for a truck chassis according to claim 3, characterized in that: A wire hole is provided on the mounting rod next to the card holder.

5. The coupler connection device for a truck chassis according to claim 4, characterized in that: The side plate of the card holder is an isosceles trapezoid, and the wire hole is located between the upper and lower side plates.

6. The coupler connection device for a truck chassis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The coupler mounting bracket is equipped with lifting lugs.

7. The coupler connection device for a truck chassis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotation range of the coupler mounting bracket is within 10° upward and 10° downward from the horizontal reference line.

8. The coupler connection device for a truck chassis according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the connecting pin is provided with a threaded connection part, and the other end is an anti-disengagement head; the bearing connecting seat is provided with a locking nut that is threadedly connected to the connecting pin.

9. The coupler connection device for a truck chassis according to claim 8, characterized in that: The coupler mounting bracket has a bushing embedded in the pin hole.

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