System for providing a trailer, trailer and method for manufacturing a trailer

Abstract

A system for providing a trailer, for example a semi-trailer or a trailer with a drawbar, in particular with a payload of more than 30 tonnes, preferably with a payload in the range of 30 tonnes to 100 tonnes, preferably from 30 tonnes to 80 tonnes, comprising a frame (1) including a loading area (2), at least one axle (3) for receiving wheels, a gooseneck (5), and at least two support elements (6, 6') including a loading area (7, 7'), wherein the frame (1) and the at least one axle (3) each have a fastening device (9') to connect the at least one axle (3) to the frame (1) directly or indirectly by positive and / or force-fit connection, wherein the frame (1) and the gooseneck (5) each have a fastening device (10, 10') to connect the gooseneck (5) to the frame (1) directly or indirectly by positive and / or force-fit connection.and wherein the frame (1) and the at least two support elements (6, 6') each have a fastening device (13, 13') to connect the at least two support elements (6, 6') to the frame (1) directly or indirectly by means of a positive and / or force-fit connection, so that the loading area (2) of the frame (1) and the loading areas (7, 7') of the support elements (6, 6') form a common loading area. Furthermore, a semi-trailer and a method for manufacturing a semi-trailer are described.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for providing a trailer.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a trailer.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a pendant.

[0004] Trailers, such as semi-trailers, have been a familiar part of the industry for many years. Semi-trailers typically consist of a frame with a loading platform supported by at least one axle with wheels. A gooseneck is attached to the frame to connect the semi-trailer to the coupling device of a towing vehicle. To facilitate loading, it is also common practice to install ramps at the rear of the frame. This allows, for example, a vehicle being transported to drive onto the loading platform.

[0005] In the event that larger loads need to be accommodated, it is also known to attach support elements to the sides of the frame, thus increasing the loading area.

[0006] The familiar trailers thus make it possible to transport a wide variety of loads safely.

[0007] One disadvantage of these trailers, however, is their difficulty in transporting them. For example, it's necessary to attach the trailer to a towing vehicle so that the combination can be transported to its destination. If the destination is far away, it may be necessary to transport the trailer by cargo ship or similar means. Due to the size of the trailer, such transport is complex and therefore expensive.

[0008] The present invention therefore aims to provide a system for providing a trailer and a trailer itself, which enable simpler handling. Furthermore, an improved method for manufacturing a trailer is to be provided.

[0009] According to the invention, the aforementioned problem is solved with respect to the system by the features of claim 1. This claims a system for providing a trailer, for example a semi-trailer or a trailer with a drawbar, in particular with a payload of more than 30 tonnes, preferably with a payload in the range of 30 tonnes to 100 tonnes, preferably from 30 tonnes to 80 tonnes, comprising a frame including a loading platform area, at least one axle for receiving wheels, a gooseneck, and at least two support elements including a loading platform area, wherein the frame and the at least one axle each have a fastening device for connecting the at least one axle to the frame directly or indirectly in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner, wherein the frame and the gooseneck each have a fastening device.to connect the gooseneck to the frame directly or indirectly in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner, and wherein the frame and the at least two support elements each have a fastening device to connect the at least two support elements to the frame directly or indirectly in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner, so that the loading area of ​​the frame and the loading areas of the support elements form a common loading area.

[0010] With regard to the trailer, the underlying problem is solved by the features of dependent claim 14. This claims a trailer manufactured with a system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the frame is directly or indirectly connected to the at least one axle by a form-fit and / or force-fit connection, wherein the frame is directly or indirectly connected to the gooseneck by a form-fit and / or force-fit connection, and wherein the frame is directly or indirectly connected to the at least one support element by a form-fit and / or force-fit connection.

[0011] With regard to the method, the underlying problem is solved by the features of dependent claim 16. This claims a method for manufacturing a trailer using a system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the following method steps: - Creating an indirect or direct form-fit and / or force-fit connection between the frame and the at least one axle, - Creating an indirect or direct form-fit and / or force-fit connection between the frame and the gooseneck, - Creation of an indirect or direct form-fit and / or force-fit connection between the frame and the at least one support element.

[0012] In accordance with the invention, it has first been recognized that a problem with known trailers is that they can incur considerable transport costs simply by being moved from the manufacturer to the customer, depending on the distance. This is particularly true for trailers with high payloads, for example, more than 30 tons, especially in the range of 30 to 100 tons, preferably from 30 to 80 tons. In a further aspect of the invention, it has been recognized that these transport costs can be significantly reduced by not welding the essential components of the trailer together at the factory, but rather by providing them with fastening devices by means of which the parts can be connected to each other by means of a positive and / or force-fit connection. In other words, at least the frame, the at least one axle, the gooseneck, and the at least two support elements can be individually welded, i.e.,h. not connected to one another. If the system has further components, these can also be advantageously supplied separately. Thus, the system components, which due to their size can be transported much more easily and with a smaller package, can be shipped to the destination and then assembled or connected there in a sophisticated manner. In particular, it can be made possible to make the system, and thus the trailer that can be assembled from it, container-compatible, i.e., transportable in a standard container. It can be advantageous if at least some or all of the system components are detachably connected to one another, so that the already assembled trailer can be easily disassembled for subsequent transport.According to a further advantageous embodiment, the individual components of the system are not connected by detachable joints, but rather by "permanent" connections, i.e., connections that cannot be undone without destruction. This can have the advantage that, after assembly of the trailer, it only needs to be checked once for correct assembly, and thereafter only routine maintenance is required, without necessarily having to inspect the connections.

[0013] It is noted that the system or the pendant according to the invention may have specific procedural features. These features, disclosed in the dependent claims, the general description, and the description of the figures, and the advantages gained thereby, may expressly be part of the method according to the invention. Furthermore, it is essential that claim 16 does not specify an explicit sequence of the process steps, so that the steps of the method according to the invention can be carried out in any order.

[0014] Within the scope of this disclosure, particularly in the description and in the claims, the term “indirect connection” is to be understood as meaning that a first and a second element are each arranged on at least one further element and are not directly connected to each other, so that the connection between the first element and the second element is made via the intermediate element.

[0015] Within the scope of this disclosure, particularly in the description and in the claims, the term "fastening device" is to be understood in the broadest sense and, unless otherwise defined, could also be formed by the component to be fastened as such, to which the further component is, for example, suspended.

[0016] Advantageously, the frame and the support elements or their fastening devices can be designed such that the loading area of ​​the frame and the loading areas of the support elements are flush with each other. This creates a common loading surface that has no "step" but is "flat". Alternatively, the frame and the support elements or their fastening devices can be designed such that the loading area of ​​at least one of the support elements, in particular several or all of the support elements, is / are offset downwards. In other words, in a trailer assembled from the system and placed on a surface, at least the loading area of ​​one of the support elements could be offset towards the surface.This creates a shared loading platform with a "step," allowing, for example, a vehicle being transported to be "low-loaded" onto this platform. It is conceivable that the loading platform area of ​​at least one support element is offset downwards by 1 cm to 60 cm relative to the loading platform area of ​​the frame.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment, the system can have at least one rear cross member, wherein the frame and the at least one rear cross member can each include a fastening device to connect the rear cross member to the frame directly or indirectly in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner.

[0018] Advantageously, the system can comprise at least one ramp, wherein the frame and / or the rear crossmember, as well as the at least one ramp, can each have a fastening device for connecting the at least one ramp directly or indirectly to the frame and / or the rear crossmember in a form-fitting and / or force-fit manner, preferably rotatably. This design feature makes it possible to easily transfer a load to be transported, for example, a vehicle, onto the loading platform formed by the frame and the support elements. Furthermore, the fastening devices allow the system, comprising the ramps, to be easily transported and assembled at the destination.

[0019] Advantageously, the axle fastening device, for example a U-bolt or a bolt, can be configured to create a positive and / or non-positive connection with a spring assembly, for example a leaf spring, that can be connected to the frame, so that the axle can be indirectly connected to the frame via the spring assembly as an intermediate element. The leaf spring could be present in the system as a separate component, connected to the frame, or connected to the axle. Alternatively or additionally, the axle fastening device, for example a receptacle formed on the axle tube, can have at least one opening for connecting the axle directly to the frame, for example by means of screws and / or bolts.Regardless of the design of the fastening devices, two axles or more than two axles can be provided in order to transport a sufficiently large payload, in particular more than 30 tons, preferably in the range of 30 tonnes to 100 tonnes, for example from 30 tonnes to 80 tonnes.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, the corresponding fastening devices of the frame and gooseneck can each have at least one opening, preferably formed within lamellae and / or on a flange, for example, to connect the frame to the gooseneck by means of screws and / or bolts and / or locking ring bolts. The design of such a lamella coupling has the advantage that a secure connection between the frame and the gooseneck can be established in a simple manner. Generally, the gooseneck is the front part of the trailer as viewed in the direction of travel, on which, for example, a kingpin could be formed with which the trailer can be coupled to the towing vehicle. Alternatively, a drawbar could be provided.

[0021] Advantageously, the corresponding fastening devices can each have at least one opening on the frame and the at least two support elements, for example, to connect the frame to the at least two support elements by means of screws and / or bolts and / or rivets and / or locking rings. This allows a secure connection between the components to be achieved using technically simple means. Alternatively or additionally, the corresponding fastening device on the frame can have a hook-shaped receptacle which, when connected, is inserted from the side facing away from the loading platform onto a projection and / or a bolt of the fastening device of the support element and engages behind it to create a positive-locking connection. This creates a locking mechanism for the positive-locking connection, with a pressure strip preferably being provided on the side facing away from the loading platform.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment, the fastening devices for the at least two support elements can be formed on a first frame side and on a second frame side, so that at least one support element can be fixed on the first frame side and at least one support element on the second frame side. This allows a secure connection between the components to be achieved with technically simple means, while the loading area can be significantly increased by the loading surface areas of the support elements in order to transport even bulky loads.

[0023] In a further advantageous manner, the corresponding fastening devices of the frame and the at least one rear crossmember can each have at least one opening, for example, to connect the frame to the at least one rear crossmember by means of screws and / or bolts. This allows a secure connection between the components to be achieved using technically simple means.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment, the corresponding fastening devices of the frame or the at least one rear crossmember and the at least one ramp can each have at least one opening, for example, to connect the frame or the rear crossmember to the at least one ramp, preferably rotatably, by means of screws and / or bolts. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the fastening devices of the rear crossmember and frame are each designed as lamellae or eyelets. If the lamellae or eyelets overlap, the openings can align so that a screw and / or a bolt can be inserted.

[0025] Advantageously, the frame can have a length in the range of 6 m to 14 m, preferably 6 m to 12 m, and / or a width in the range of 1.5 m to 3 m, preferably 2 m to 2.5 m. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the at least one support elements can have a length in the range of 1 m to 3 m, preferably 1.5 m to 2 m, and / or a width in the range of 0.25 m to 1.25 m, preferably 0.5 m to 1 m. Alternatively or additionally, the gooseneck can have a length in the range of 3 m to 4.5 m, preferably 3.5 m to 4 m, and / or a width in the range of 1 m to 3 m, preferably 1.4 m to 1.8 m. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one axis can have a length in the range of 1.3 m to 3 m, preferably from 1.5 m to 2.5 m, and / or a width in the range of 1.8 m to 4 m, preferably from 2.2 m to 3.4 m.Alternatively or additionally, the rear crossmember can have a length in the range of 0.15 m to 0.75 m, preferably from 0.25 m to 0.35 m, and / or a width in the range of 2.5 m to 4 m, preferably from 3.4 m to 3.8 m.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the ramp can have a length in the range of 2 m to 4 m, preferably from 2.8 m to 3.3 m, and / or a width in the range of 0.4 m to 1.8 m, preferably from 1 m to 1.4 m. Particularly advantageously, the length, width, and, if applicable, height of the individual components of the system can be coordinated such that the system can be arranged in a space with an edge length of less than or equal to 13.56 m (length), less than or equal to 2.36 m (width), and less than or equal to 2.70 m (height), preferably in a container with internal dimensions of 12.032 m (length), 2.352 m (width), and 2.385 m (height), in particular a 40-foot ISO container, a 40-foot high-cube container, or a 45-foot ISO container. This has the advantage that the system, and therefore the trailer, can be transported in a particularly cost-effective way over long distances and is therefore particularly easy to handle, as it is container-compatible.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least 4, in particular at least 6, preferably at least 10 and / or at most 16, preferably at most 14, support elements can be arranged. The arrangement of support elements in the aforementioned number offers the advantage that support elements can be positioned on both longitudinal sides of the frame, preferably over the entire length of the frame, and at the same time are sufficiently short so that the individual support elements can be loaded and transported in a very small space, for example in a container.

[0028] Advantageously, at least two support elements can have corresponding fastening devices, in particular comprising openings, for example to connect the support elements to each other by means of screws and / or bolts and / or locking ring bolts, or such a connection can be created. This results in improved stability, creating a loading platform suitable for high payloads, in particular more than 30 tons, especially in the range of 30 to 100 tons, preferably from 30 to 80 tons.

[0029] Advantageously, at least two support elements can be arranged on a first frame side and on a second frame side, wherein the support elements arranged one behind the other (viewed in the direction of travel) can abut each other, so that a continuous support surface is formed. According to an alternative embodiment, the support elements arranged one behind the other (viewed in the direction of travel) can be spaced apart from each other, so that a support surface with interruptions is formed.

[0030] There are now various ways to advantageously elaborate and further develop the teaching of the present invention. For this purpose, reference should be made, on the one hand, to the claims subordinate to claims 1, 14, and 16, and on the other hand, to the following explanation of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing, the pendant according to the invention, as well as the method according to the invention and, in general, preferred embodiments and further developments of the teaching, are also explained. The drawing shows Fig. 1 in a perspective view an embodiment of a system according to the invention, Fig. 2 an enlarged partial view of Fig. 1 to illustrate the connection between frame and axle, Fig. 3 an enlarged detail view of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1. In a different perspective to show the connection between the frame and the gooseneck, Fig. 4 another enlarged detail view of Fig. 1 to illustrate the connection between frame and support element, Fig. 5 another enlarged detail view of Fig. 1 to illustrate the connection between the frame and the rear crossmember, Fig. 6 another enlarged detail view of Fig. 1 to illustrate the connection between the rear crossmember and the ramp, Fig. 7 in a perspective view a trailer manufactured with the system according to Fig. 1, and Fig. 8 a flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

[0031] For the sake of clarity, not every element in the figures is marked with a reference symbol, although identical elements are marked with the same reference symbols.

[0032] The Fig. Figures 1 to 6 show an embodiment of a system according to the invention for providing a trailer, wherein in the embodiment shown here is a semi-trailer. It could also be another type of trailer, for example, a trailer with a drawbar. The trailer can have a payload in the range of more than 30 tons, preferably a payload in the range of 30 to 100 tons, preferably from 30 to 80 tons. The system comprises a frame 1 with a loading platform 2, three axles 3 for receiving wheels 4, a gooseneck 5 for connection to a coupling device of a towing vehicle, support elements 6, 6' each comprising a loading platform 7, 7', and a rear cross member 8. In this embodiment, the rear cross member 8 is formed in one piece.However, it is conceivable that the rear crossmember 8 consists of at least two interconnected parts or that several rear crossmembers 8 are arranged side by side. It is also possible to omit a rear crossmember 8 altogether or to form it as a single unit with the frame.

[0033] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 further shows that the axles 3 have fastening devices 9' designed to establish a positive and / or non-positive connection with a leaf spring 19 that can be connected to the frame 1. Thus, the axle 3 can be indirectly connected to the frame 1 via the leaf spring 19. The fastening device 9' is designed here as a U-bolt, although other designs are also conceivable. Furthermore, a receptacle can be formed on the axle 3, for example on the axle tube, as a fastening device 9', which has at least one opening to connect the axle 3 directly to the frame 1. The frame 1 and the gooseneck 5 also have corresponding fastening devices 10, 10' to establish a positive and / or non-positive connection (see Figure 2). Fig. 1 and Fig. 3) The fastening devices 10 of the frame 1 and the fastening devices 10' of the gooseneck 5 are each designed as lamellae 11, 11', each of which has an opening 12, 12'. When the lamellae 11, 11' are slid into one another, the openings 12, 12' align, allowing a screw or bolt 20 to be inserted to connect the gooseneck 5 to the frame 1. Alternatively, instead of a lamella coupling, a connection could, for example, be made via a flange.

[0034] In addition, the frame 1 and the support elements 6, 6' have corresponding fastening devices 13, 13' which include openings to create a positive and / or force-fit connection, for example via screws and / or bolts, and / or rivets and / or locking ring bolts (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 4) Thus, the loading area 2 of the frame 1 and the loading areas 7, 7' of the support elements 6, 6' form a common loading area. The support elements 6, 6' can be attached to both longitudinal sides of the frame 1. Fig. Figure 1 also shows that the support elements 6, 6' include additional fastening devices 14' which correspond to each other in such a way that each support element 6, 6' can be connected to the adjacent support element 6, 6'. The fastening devices 14' are each designed as openings, for example for screws and / or bolts. It should be noted that, based on the view of Fig. 1 not all fastening devices 14' are visible.

[0035] Furthermore, the frame 1 and the rear cross member 8 have corresponding fastening devices 15, 15' to realize a bolt-flange connection with an additional shear force-absorbing bolt 21 (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 5) Other configurations of the fastening devices 15, 15' are also conceivable here.

[0036] The system additionally includes two ramps 16, although these are not necessarily required. The rear cross member 8 and the ramps 16 have corresponding fastening devices 17, 17' (see Figure 1). Fig. 1 and Fig. 6) The fastening devices 17, 17' are each designed as lamellae or eyelets, respectively, which have an opening. When the lamellae / eyelets are arranged in a closed position, the openings align, so that the respective ramp 16 can be connected to the transverse rear support 8 by means of a screw and / or a bolt 22. The loading platform formed by the frame 1 and the support elements 6' in the rear area of ​​the trailer slopes down towards the underside of the frame 1, so that driving onto the loading platform via the ramps 16 is easier.

[0037] Furthermore, the individual components of the system can preferably be dimensioned such that they can be arranged in a space with an edge length of 13.56 m or less (length), 2.36 m or less (width), and 2.70 m or less (height), for example, in a container with internal dimensions of 12.032 m (length), 2.352 m (width), and 2.385 m (height), in particular a 40-foot ISO container, a 40-foot high-cube container, or a 45-foot ISO container. Such a design makes the system container-compatible and allows for particularly simple and cost-effective transport.

[0038] Additionally, support legs are arranged on frame 1 and on the rear crossmember 8, which are preferably foldable and / or retractable. These are also not mandatory.

[0039] Fig. 7 shows a pendant that is connected to the one in the Fig. The system is manufactured as shown in Figures 1 to 6. The system components are connected to each other by positive and / or non-positive locking, so that the trailer is ready for use. This can be done, for example, after the system has been delivered to the customer, whereby the necessary transport can be considerably simpler and more cost-effective, since the individual system components, and not the already manufactured trailer, are transported. For a further description of the trailer, please refer to the description of the Fig. 1 to 5 referred to, which are analogous for Fig. 6 applies, with the difference that the components of the system are now interconnected.

[0040] Fig. Figure 8 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for manufacturing a pendant using a system according to the invention, for example a system according to the Fig.1 to 6. In step S1, a direct or indirect positive and / or non-positive connection is established between the frame 1 and the axles 3. In step S2, a direct or indirect positive and / or non-positive connection is created between the frame 1 and the gooseneck 5. In step S3, a direct or indirect positive and / or non-positive connection is created between the frame 1 and the at least one support element 6, 6', and in step S4, a direct or indirect positive and / or non-positive connection is created between the frame 1 and the at least one rear crossmember 8. It is expressly noted that step S4 is not mandatory, as a rear crossmember 8 may not be present.

[0041] It is essential to note that steps S1 to S4 can also be performed in any other order.

[0042] Regarding further advantageous embodiments of the teaching according to the invention, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the attached claims in order to avoid repetition.

[0043] Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the exemplary embodiments of the teaching described above serve only to discuss the claimed teaching, but do not limit it to these exemplary embodiments. Reference symbol list 1 frame 2 Loading area 3-axis 4-wheeler 5 swan neck 6, 6' support element 7.7' loading area 8 rear crossmembers 9' fastening device 10, 10' fastening device 11, 11' lamella 12, 12' Opening 13, 13' Fastening device 14' Fastening device 15, 15' fastening device 16 Ramp 17, 17' Fastening device 18, 18' support leg 19 leaf spring 20 bolts 21 bolts 22 bolts S1 step S2 step S3 step S4 step

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