DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SECURING SWAP BODYWORKS OF DIFFERENT DESIGNS ON A TRAILER FRAME

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for securing swap bodies of different designs, in particular swap bodies or transport containers, on a support frame of a vehicle trailer according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a system for securing swap bodies, its use, and a method for securing a swap body on a support frame of a vehicle trailer. The invention also relates to a securing element and a front beam for a support frame of a vehicle trailer, which are provided for securing swap bodies. A device for securing swap bodies of the type mentioned above is known, for example, from DE 100 47 093 A1, DE 693 00 879 T2, or EP 1 621 399 A1.

[0002] For transporting goods, shipping containers or swap bodies designed according to ISO standards are often used. These swap bodies typically have corner fittings or locking mechanisms that secure them to transport vehicles, such as trailers. The corresponding chassis of the transport vehicles has locking devices that allow the swap bodies to be positively locked to the chassis. These widely used locking devices are known as twistlocks. A twistlock essentially consists of a pin with a mushroom-shaped tip that can be rotated to engage a corner fitting of the swap body, thus creating a positive connection between the twistlock and the swap body in the vertical direction.

[0003] Swap bodies of varying dimensions are used for freight transport. Larger standard ISO swap bodies are 45 feet (45' or 13.716 m) long. These swap bodies are typically transported on roads using semi-trailers. The swap bodies are positively connected to the front and rear of the semi-trailer's frame using the twist-lock mechanisms mentioned earlier. The frame typically has a rear beam and a front beam, with the twist-lock mechanisms located on these beams. The swap body is placed onto the front and rear beams and securely fastened using the twist-lock mechanisms.

[0004] To transport more goods, so-called high-cube swap bodies are still available. Compared to standard ISO swap bodies, these offer a larger transport volume because they have a greater loading height. These high-cube swap bodies are offered in various lengths. The 45-foot high-cube swap bodies achieve a particularly large transport volume.

[0005] The greater cargo space height of high-cube swap bodies has the disadvantage that these swap bodies would exceed the permissible overall height of the commercial vehicle in Europe if they were mounted on the front and rear beams of a trailer like standard swap bodies. Therefore, high-cube swap bodies feature a central, floor-level tunnel at the front that can accommodate a frame neck of the trailer's chassis. Because the chassis neck engages with the tunnel in this way, high-cube swap bodies can be mounted lower on the chassis, thus ensuring that the legally prescribed overall height of the commercial vehicle is not exceeded.

[0006] With such high-cube swap bodies, the front corner fittings can no longer be mounted on the front beam. Instead, the front beam must be moved forward to position the high-cube swap body low enough on the chassis. Therefore, trailers designed to accommodate high-cube swap bodies typically feature an additional locking mechanism on the front beam. This mechanism includes a movable pin that engages horizontally from the front into the corner fittings. The front beam thus rests against the front wall of the swap body, with bolts that move horizontally towards the rear of the chassis engaging in the corner fittings of the swap body. This ensures a positive fit in both the horizontal and vertical directions, even with high-cube swap bodies.

[0007] The legal framework for securing swap bodies on vehicles stipulates that, on land vehicles, securing the swap bodies horizontally is mandatory. For the transport of vehicles or vehicle trailers with swap bodies as cargo on ships (RoRo transport), the law also requires that the swap body be secured vertically to accommodate the rolling motion of the ship due to waves. All of the aforementioned requirements are met by twistlock locking devices, which positively lock the swap body onto the trailer frame in all directions.

[0008] It is therefore evident that for trailer frames intended to accommodate both standard and high-cube swap bodies, a particularly complex locking mechanism is required in the area of ​​the front beam. For standard swap bodies, a locking mechanism is necessary that engages vertically in the corner fitting of the swap body, while for high-cube swap bodies, a locking mechanism is required that engages horizontally in the corner fitting.

[0009] The aforementioned DE 100 47 093 A1 discloses such a complexly designed locking device for the support frame of a vehicle trailer, which features both a twistlock locking mechanism for securing standard ISO swap bodies and a movable pin, referred to as a front-locking pin, for securing high-cube swap bodies. The known locking device is mechanically complex, requires maintenance, and is expensive to manufacture.

[0010] A further problem arises from the fact that the length of a 45' swap body reduces the turning radius between a tractor unit and a semi-trailer. The complex mechanics required in the front beam to accommodate both standard and high-cube swap bodies must therefore be housed in a small space, as otherwise the front beam would become too large at its longitudinal ends and thus exceed the legally prescribed turning radius. This impairs the user-friendliness of the locking mechanisms. In practice, it is also time-consuming to operate all the locks on the frame to secure a swap body. These additional steps, which are particularly necessary for the positive locking between the frame and the swap body in the vertical direction, require additional time that negatively impacts the efficiency of the transport industry.

[0011] Against this background, the object of the invention is to provide a support frame of a vehicle trailer with a device for securing interchangeable bodies on the support frame, which is particularly easy to operate and meets all legal requirements for load securing.

[0012] According to the invention, the aforementioned problem is solved by the subject matter of claim 1.

[0013] Claim 11 relates to the use of a support frame according to claim 1. Claim 12 relates to a method for securing an interchangeable superstructure on a support frame according to claim 1.

[0014] The invention is based on the concept of providing a device for securing swap bodies of different designs, in particular swap bodies or transport containers, to a support frame of a vehicle trailer, wherein the support frame has at least one rear-facing securing device and at least one front-facing securing device. The rear-facing securing device is adapted such that a positive locking connection can be established in both the horizontal and vertical directions to secure a swap body to the support frame. The invention is characterized in that the front-facing securing device is adapted such that a positive locking connection can be established exclusively in the horizontal direction to secure the swap body.

[0015] The invention thus aims to reduce the effort required to secure swap bodies to vehicle chassis by not implementing a positive locking mechanism in the vertical direction. Instead, the device is designed so that such a locking mechanism is not possible.

[0016] It has been shown that, to meet the legal requirements for the transport of swap bodies on vehicle trailers in both road and combined shipping, a positive locking mechanism securing the swap body to the frame in the horizontal direction is sufficient. The vertical securing measures relevant for shipping, on the other hand, can be achieved through frictional locking, with the weight of the swap body being sufficient to meet the legal limits. In other words, the invention is based on the idea of ​​simplifying the previously predominant twist-lock technology, which is characterized by achieving a positive locking mechanism between the frame and the swap body in the vertical direction through a mechanical system, to such an extent that no manual operation is required.Rather, it is sufficient to meet the legal requirements if the positive locking of the swap body is achieved exclusively in a horizontal direction, i.e., securing is achieved in the direction of travel and perpendicular to the direction of travel.

[0017] In particular, the invention may provide that the front-mounted securing device is adapted so that the swap body is freely movable in the vertical direction. By dispensing with a positive locking mechanism in the vertical direction, the front-mounted securing device thus allows vertical movement between the support frame and the swap body. Driving tests with trailers designed in this way have shown that the weight of the swap body is sufficient to hold it on the support frame, at least at vertical acceleration values ​​that are below the legal limits.

[0018] To achieve positive locking in the area of ​​the front-mounted securing device in a purely horizontal direction, the front-mounted securing device may be designed to form a front stop and / or two transverse stops. This ensures that the swap body is positively locked to the support frame both in the direction of travel and transversely to the direction of travel.

[0019] The lateral stops can be formed by a frame neck of the trailer frame. This is particularly relevant for the transport of high-cube swap bodies that have a tunnel. To avoid exceeding the legally permitted maximum height of a trailer with a swap body, the frame neck of the trailer frame engages in the swap body tunnel, which is embedded in the floor at the front of the swap body. The frame neck thus rests between the tunnel walls of the high-cube swap body, forming two lateral stops that prevent the high-cube swap body from sliding laterally. Therefore, a positive locking connection exists transversely to the direction of travel between the swap body tunnel walls and the frame neck of the trailer frame.

[0020] To achieve a positive locking mechanism in the direction of travel for high-cube swap bodies, it is preferably provided that the front stop is formed by a crossbeam, in particular a front beam, of the support frame. This ensures that the high-cube swap body remains in its position on the trailer during braking. The front wall of the swap body thus rests against the front beam, providing a positive locking mechanism in the direction of travel.

[0021] A positive locking mechanism against the direction of travel can also be achieved via the rear corner fittings and a rear locking device on the support frame. The rear locking device can, for example, have rigid locking bolts or a twistlock mechanism, with the locking bolts and / or the twistlock mechanism engaging vertically in the corner fittings of the high-cube swap body.

[0022] To secure standard swap bodies with the front-mounted locking device, which have a lower overall height compared to high-cube swap bodies, it is preferable to provide the crossbeam with at least one additional vertical, particularly rigid, locking bolt whose vertical engagement with a locking receptacle of the swap body is adapted. The locking receptacle can, in particular, be a corner fitting. As mentioned at the outset, standard swap bodies, especially 45' standard swap bodies, are positioned on the support frame in such a way that positive locking is achieved by the vertical engagement of locking elements with the corner fittings. To implement such a design in the invention, in a preferred embodiment the crossbeam is provided with an additional locking bolt.The locking bolt can be oriented vertically upwards, allowing the interchangeable structure to be placed on the crossbeam, with the locking bolt engaging vertically in the corner fitting. In this way, the locking bolt ensures a positive locking mechanism in all horizontal directions: in the direction of travel, against the direction of travel, and perpendicular to the direction of travel.

[0023] This design of the crossbeam or front beam of the front-mounted locking device is particularly advantageous because it allows both 45' high-cube swap bodies with a tunnel and 45' standard swap bodies without a tunnel to be positively secured horizontally. While the positive locking in the horizontal direction for high-cube swap bodies is achieved by the frame neck of the support frame engaging in the tunnel, acting as a transverse stop, and the crossbeam, especially the front beam, of the support frame acting as a front stop, the positive locking in the horizontal direction for 45' standard swap bodies is achieved by the locking bolt mounted on the crossbeam. Thus, with just a few very simple components, and especially without a complex actuating mechanism, essentially all types of swap bodies can be efficiently secured to a support frame using the front-mounted locking device.Therefore, the invention is characterized by high modularity with low operating effort, low maintenance effort and low manufacturing costs.

[0024] To ensure that the swap body is also secured in the vertical direction, the rear securing device can be adapted to provide a positive locking connection in both the horizontal and vertical directions. For example, twist-lock fasteners can be fitted to the rear securing device, enabling a positive locking connection in the vertical direction as well. The rear securing device of the vehicle trailer has less stringent requirements regarding installation space because a swing radius is not critical at the rear of the vehicle. Therefore, the securing elements of the rear securing device can be designed to be comparatively simple. This additional positive locking of the swap body in the vertical direction allows the invention to be used even in countries with stricter requirements for securing swap bodies.

[0025] A secondary aspect of the invention relates to a system for securing swap bodies, in particular swap bodies and / or transport containers, especially ISO containers, of different sizes to a support frame of a vehicle trailer. The system comprises at least one rear-facing securing device and at least one front-facing securing device, each of which creates a positive-locking connection between the respective swap body and the support frame. According to the invention, the front-facing securing device is designed such that its positive-locking connection can only be established in the horizontal direction.

[0026] The advantages and preferred further developments mentioned in connection with the previously described device also apply accordingly to the system described here.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the system, the front-facing locking device may not create, or be able to create, a positive locking connection in the vertical direction. The desired simplification according to the invention is achieved precisely by dispensing with such a positive locking connection in the vertical direction. Therefore, the system is preferably designed such that such a positive locking connection in the vertical direction cannot be established.

[0028] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the front-side locking device has at least one front stop and two transverse stops for securing a high-cube swap body, as well as a locking bolt for engaging a locking receptacle of a standard ISO swap body, wherein the front stop is adapted to form a positive locking connection with a front wall of the high-cube swap body in one direction of travel forward, the transverse stops are adapted to form a positive locking connection with side walls of a bottom-side tunnel of the high-cube swap body transversely to one direction of travel, and the locking bolt is adapted to form a positive locking connection with the locking receptacle of the standard ISO swap body in one direction of travel and transversely to one direction of travel.

[0029] The system according to the invention offers a high degree of flexibility in the selection of the swap bodies to be transported. In particular, high-cube swap bodies and standard ISO swap bodies can be secured to a support frame using the system. Furthermore, all legal requirements are met while simultaneously improving the system's user-friendliness. Specifically, the need for a complex locking mechanism to create a positive fit in the vertical direction is eliminated.

[0030] It is preferred that the front-side locking device has two locking bolts, each adapted to form a positive locking connection with a locking receptacle of the standard ISO interchangeable body in one direction of travel and transversely to one direction of travel.

[0031] Another aspect of the invention relates to a support frame of a vehicle trailer with a previously described device or system. Such support frames can be manufactured particularly easily and cost-effectively, since a particularly complex mechanism for the device or system for securing swap bodies can be dispensed with. A positive locking connection in a purely horizontal direction is achieved with considerably simpler means, so that the previously complex locking mechanisms, such as twist-lock locks or horizontally movable pins (front-locking pins), can be dispensed with.

[0032] The present application also discloses and claims the use of a securing device for a support frame designed to accommodate different swap bodies, in particular swap bodies or transport containers, preferably different ISO containers, for the positive locking connection of a swap body to the support frame exclusively in a horizontal direction, in particular not in a vertical direction.

[0033] In a related aspect, the invention relates to the use of a system designed for securing swap bodies, in particular swap bodies or transport containers, especially ISO containers, on a support frame, and comprising at least one rear securing device and one front securing device, wherein the rear securing device establishes a positive locking connection with the swap body in three spatial directions and the front securing device establishes a positive locking connection with the swap body in at most two, in particular exclusively horizontal, spatial directions. In particular, the system described above can be used in this way to secure swap bodies of different sizes on a support frame of a vehicle trailer.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the inventive use of a system for securing swap bodies, it is provided that in the area of ​​the front-side securing device, the securing of the swap body on the support frame in the vertical direction is effected exclusively by a force-fit, in particular by the weight force of the swap body.

[0035] The invention also relates to the use of a front-mounted securing device of a carrier frame for receiving swap bodies, in particular swap bodies or transport containers, for securing a swap body to the carrier frame by means of a positive locking connection, wherein the swap body is secured to the carrier frame in the vertical direction by means of the front-mounted securing device, in particular exclusively, by a force-fit connection, in particular by the weight of the swap body. The carrier frame can preferably be equipped with a previously described device or system.

[0036] The application also discloses and claims a load securing method. The method described here for securing a swap body, in particular a swap body or a transport container, especially an ISO container, to a trailer frame, in particular a previously described trailer frame, provides that the swap body is positively connected to the trailer frame in both the horizontal and vertical directions by a rear securing device and in the horizontal direction only by a front securing device. When the load securing method is carried out in this way, a sufficient connection is created between the swap body and the trailer frame that meets all legal requirements. This eliminates the need for vertical securing with the front securing device.However, it has been shown that this omission does not result in non-compliance with legal regulations. Rather, the vertical securing is achieved within the framework of legal requirements through the weight of the interlocking structure.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the load securing method according to the invention, it can be provided that the interchangeable superstructure in the area of ​​the front-side securing device is connected to the support frame in the vertical direction exclusively by force-locking, in particular by weight-locking.

[0038] It is particularly preferred if, for carrying out the load securing method according to the invention, i.e., for securing the swap body on the support frame, a device described above for securing swap bodies of different designs or a system described above for securing swap bodies of different sizes is used.

[0039] A further subordinate aspect of the invention relates to a locking element, in particular a front-mounted locking element, for a support frame or the support frame of a vehicle trailer. The support frame can, in particular, be a previously described support frame with a device or system described above. The locking element according to the invention comprises a base body and a locking bolt arranged on the base body, which is designed for positive engagement with a locking receptacle of a swap body, in particular a swap body or a transport container, in particular an ISO container. The base body can have a front surface and a rear surface that are aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis of the locking bolt. Preferably, the locking element is free of moving parts for locking with a swap body.

[0040] The locking element according to the invention is therefore particularly simple in design and thus offers considerable advantages in practical application. Complex mechanics, such as those required by twistlock locking mechanisms known from the prior art, are unnecessary. The swap body is secured as soon as the carrier frame is loaded with the swap body, thus eliminating the need for additional manual steps. This represents a significant simplification for transport service providers.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the locking element according to the invention, the front surface is curved towards the rear surface. Since the locking element does not have complex mechanics for moving parts, its volume can be reduced. This can be achieved, for example, by curving the front surface towards the rear surface. This is advantageous because the curvature of the front surface allows the turning radius of a semi-trailer relative to the tractor unit to be maintained more effectively. This ensures that the tractor unit can rotate sufficiently far relative to the semi-trailer, thus guaranteeing good maneuverability of the entire articulated vehicle.

[0042] The locking bolt is preferably rigidly connected to the base body, in particular by a material bond or monolithically. As already mentioned several times, the locking element does not require an actuating mechanism. The locking bolt can therefore be rigidly connected to the base body. Movement is not necessary to achieve, in accordance with the invention, a purely horizontal securing of a swap body on a support frame. This makes the locking element particularly simple in design and therefore inexpensive to manufacture.

[0043] The invention also relates to a front beam for a support frame of a vehicle trailer, in particular a front beam of a support frame of a vehicle trailer, with at least one previously described locking element, in particular two such locking elements. Preferably, the locking element for the front beam is designed such that the front surface of the locking element, in particular the front surfaces of the two locking elements, are oriented forwards in the direction of travel. This ensures that the front surfaces perform their function, namely to maintain the turning radius between the semi-trailer and the tractor unit.

[0044] The locking bolt is preferably oriented vertically upwards. This is advantageous for engaging with locking receptacles or corner fittings of interchangeable superstructures mounted on the support frame.

[0045] Another variant of the front beam according to the invention provides that the rear surface of the securing element and / or a rear surface of the front beam forms a front stop for a swap body, in particular a high-cube container. Because of its tunnel, the high-cube container sits lower on the vehicle frame, so that the front corner fittings of the high-cube container lie below a horizontal surface of the front beam. The front beam then rests against the front wall of the swap body, thus forming a positive locking mechanism in the direction of travel. Therefore, it is provided that the rear surface of the securing element and / or the rear surface of the front beam forms the front stop for the swap body.

[0046] The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. These show: Fig. 1 shows a side view of a support frame with a device according to the invention for securing swap bodies of different designs according to a preferred embodiment, wherein a 45' standard ISO swap body is secured on the support frame; Fig. 2 shows a side view of the support frame according to Fig. 1 , wherein a 45' high-cube swap body is secured to the support frame; Fig. 3 a side view of the support frame according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 4 a top view of the support frame according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 5 a perspective view of a frame neck of the support frame according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 6 a top view of the frame neck according to Fig. 5 ; Fig. 7 a perspective view of a securing element for the support frame according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 8 a top view of the locking element according to Fig. 7 ; and Fig. 9 a side view of the locking element according to Fig. 7 .

[0047] Fig. 1 shows a standard ISO container on a support frame 10, which is designed according to the present invention or comprises the present invention in the form of a load securing device or a load securing system.

[0048] As shown in the individual illustration of the support frame 10 according to Fig. 3 As can be clearly seen, the support frame 10 has a main frame 11 and a frame neck 12. The main frame 11 and the frame neck 12 are preferably rigidly connected to each other, in particular by a material bond. At the rear, the main frame 11 is extended by a rear extension 14, whereas the frame neck 12 has a front extension 13 at the front. The length of the support frame 10 is adjustable via the front extension 13 and the rear extension 14. In alternative embodiments, the length of the support frame 10 can also be permanently fixed. In particular, the frame neck 12 can have a rigid front beam instead of the front extension 13 and / or a rigid rear beam instead of the rear extension 14.

[0049] The frame neck 12 has a kingpin 15 that extends downwards from the underside of the frame neck 12 and is suitable for coupling the support frame to a semi-trailer tractor. Fig. 3 It is also apparent that the frame neck 12 is offset upwards relative to the main frame 11, forming a bend between the frame neck 12 and the main frame 11. Such a frame neck is also called a gooseneck.

[0050] The support frame 10 includes a rear-facing locking device 200, which is essentially formed on the rear extension 14. A rear-facing cross member 210 is provided for this purpose, which carries two twist-lock locking devices 220. The twist-lock locking devices 220 are height-adjustable via a pivoting or folding mechanism, wherein in Fig. 1 The upper position of the twistlock locking mechanism 220 is shown.

[0051] The support frame 10 also includes a front-facing locking device 100, which is formed in the area of ​​the frame neck 12. The front-facing locking device 100 has, among other things, a crossbeam 120, which is designed as a front beam 102. A locking element 130 is arranged at each of the longitudinal ends of the front beam 102 ( Fig. 4 ). The locking element 130 comprises a locking bolt 133, which extends vertically or perpendicularly to the main extension plane of the support frame 10 and is rigidly connected to the locking element 130 ( Fig. 5 , Fig. 7-8 ). The locking bolt 133 can engage in a locking receptacle 21 of an interchangeable body 20.

[0052] In Fig. 1 A 45' standard ISO container is shown as the interchangeable body 20. Such containers have locking receptacles 21 at their lower corners. The locking receptacles 21 thus form corner fittings suitable for a positive-locking connection with a support frame 10. Fig. 1 It can be seen that the 45' standard ISO container rests on the rear cross member 210, so that the twistlock locks 220 engage vertically in the locking receptacles 21 of the swap body 20.

[0053] The 45' standard ISO container also rests on the frame neck 12 and the front beam 102 of the front securing device 100, so that the locking bolts 133 of the locking elements 130 engage vertically in the front locking receptacles 21 of the swap body 20. The front securing device 100 thus creates a positive connection between the support frame 10 and the swap body 20 exclusively in the horizontal direction. In the vertical direction, the swap body 20 can move freely, at least in the area of ​​the front securing device 100. The vertical securing at the front is achieved solely by the weight of the swap body 20, which holds the swap body 20 firmly against the support frame 10, in particular the frame neck 12.The rear-side securing device 200, on the other hand, comprises the twistlock locks 220, which are preferably moved into the locking position to secure the 45' standard ISO container, so that the twistlock locks 220 also provide a positive locking connection to the interchangeable body 20 in the vertical direction.

[0054] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows the support frame 10, which in this embodiment carries a swap body 20 designed as a high-cube container. The high-cube container differs from the standard ISO container according to [reference to relevant figure]. Fig. 1 Because it has a greater height, it must therefore rest on the main frame 11 of the support frame 10 so that the overall height of the semi-trailer does not exceed the legal maximum. To avoid colliding with the frame neck 12, the high-cube container has a tunnel 23 into which the frame neck 12 can engage. The tunnel 23 encloses the frame neck 12 laterally.

[0055] To accommodate the high-cube container, the support frame 10 is extended by extending the front extension 13 further forward. This shifts the front beam 102 forward, allowing the high-cube container to be lowered past the front beam 102 and onto the main frame 11. As shown in Fig. 2 As can be seen, the front wall 22 of the high-cube container then rests against a rear surface 132 of the front beam 102.

[0056] The high-cube container is secured to the support frame 10 by a front-facing securing device 100 and a rear-facing securing device 200. The rear-facing securing device 200 comprises, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, Fig. 1 the rear cross member 110 and the twistlock locks 220 arranged on it. To accommodate the high-cube container, the twistlock locks 220 on the rear cross member 210 are pivoted or tilted into a lower position. The twistlock locks 220 engage in the corner fittings or locking receptacles of the high-cube container and secure it positively, at least in the horizontal direction, and preferably also in the vertical direction by actuating the twistlock locks 220.

[0057] The front-mounted securing device 100 further comprises the front extension 13 and the securing elements 130 arranged on the front beam 102. The securing bolts 133 are not directly effective in securing the high-cube container. Rather, the high-cube container is secured by the front stop 110, which is formed by the front beam 102. The front beam 102 thus rests against the front wall 22 of the high-cube container, thereby forming a positive fit in the direction of travel.

[0058] To secure the high-cube container laterally to the direction of travel, transverse stops 111 are provided, with the frame neck 12 forming the transverse stops 111. Because the frame neck 12 engages in the tunnel 23, a positive fit is created between the tunnel side walls and the frame neck 12, so that the high-cube container is not significantly movable laterally to the direction of travel. Although some play may exist between the tunnel side walls and the frame neck 12, the high-cube container is nevertheless positively secured to the support frame 10, particularly laterally by means of the frame neck 12.

[0059] In the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the high-cube container is positively secured to the front by the front beam 102 and to the rear by the engagement of the twistlock locks 220 on the rear securing device 200. However, the front securing device 100 does not create a positive connection between the high-cube container and the support frame 10 in the vertical direction. It has been shown that such a positive connection is not necessary to comply with the legal requirements for load securing. At least in road transport, positive securing in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle is sufficient. In the vertical direction, the weight of the swap body 20, in particular the high-cube container, ensures that the securing is sufficient to meet the legal requirements.

[0060] In Fig. 4 The support frame 10 is shown in a top view. It is evident that the main frame 11 of the support frame 10 tapers towards the frame neck 12. The main frame is formed by two longitudinal beams 18, the distance between which is greater in the area of ​​the main frame 11 than in the area of ​​the frame neck 12. The frame neck 12 is therefore narrower than the main frame 11, so that the tunnel 23 of a swap body 20 can be designed to be correspondingly narrow. This creates a larger cargo space in the swap body 20.

[0061] The top view clearly shows that the rear securing device 200, located on the rear extension 14, comprises the rear cross member 201, which carries a twistlock 220 at each of its longitudinal ends. The front securing device 100, which includes the front extension 13, also features the cross member 120, designed as a front beam 102, which carries securing elements 130 at each of its longitudinal ends. The securing elements 130 have a front surface 131 and a rear surface 132, with the front surface 131 curving towards the rear surface 132. This ensures that a clearance radius is maintained between the semi-trailer and a tractor unit.The rounded securing elements 130 allow the front beam 102 to be positioned closer to the cab of the tractor unit without the front beam 102, in particular the securing elements 130, colliding with the cab when there is a small articulation angle between the tractor unit and the semi-trailer.

[0062] The front-mounted safety device 100 is in Fig. 5 und 6 This becomes even clearer. Specifically, the front-mounted safety device 100 comprises several elements. One part of the front-mounted safety device 100 is the frame neck 12, which forms the transverse stops 111 for the tunnel 23 of a swap body 20. The front beam 102 forms another part of the front-mounted safety device 100. The front beam 102 serves as a front stop 110 for swap bodies 20, in particular high-cube swap bodies.

[0063] The locking element 130, arranged on the front beam 102, is also part of the front locking device 100 with its locking bolt 133 and enables the securing of standard ISO swap bodies, which, due to their lower height, can be placed directly on the frame neck 12. As in Fig. 5 und 6 As can be clearly seen, the front beam 102 is arranged on the front extension 13, so that the distance of the front beam 102 from the main frame 11 of the support frame 10 is adjustable.

[0064] In the Fig. 7-9 Figure 130 shows a locking element 130 for a support frame 10 of a vehicle trailer. The locking element 130 has a base body 136 and a locking bolt 133. The base body 136 comprises a front surface 131 and a rear surface 132. The front surface 131 and the rear surface 132 are parallel to a longitudinal axis of the locking bolt 133. Specifically, the front surface 131 and the rear surface 132 are connected to each other by a surface 137 and a bottom surface 138. The locking bolt 133 is arranged on the surface 137 and extends parallel to the rear surface 132 and the front surface 131, respectively. Furthermore, the locking bolt 133 extends parallel to a contact surface 139, which connects the front surface 131, the rear surface 132, the surface 137, and the bottom surface 138. The mounting surface 139 serves for mounting the safety element 130 on a front beam 102.In particular, the securing element 130 can be attached flush with the front beam 120 at its longitudinal end. Corresponding fastening openings 140 are provided for this purpose.

[0065] The securing element 130 is preferably mounted on the front beam 102 such that the front surface 131 points forward in the direction of travel of a vehicle trailer. Since the front surface 131 is curved, as is particularly the case in Fig. 8 It is evident that a legally and technically prescribed turning radius between a semi-trailer and a tractor unit is maintained.

[0066] The locking bolt 133 is preferably firmly, and in particular by a material bond, connected to the base body 136. In particular, the locking bolt 133 and the base body 136 can be formed integrally or monolithically. For example, the entire locking element 130 can be formed as a casting.

[0067] The locking bolt 133 comprises a stem 142 and a mushroom-shaped head 143. The stem 142 connects the mushroom-shaped head 143 to the base body 136. The mushroom-shaped head 143 has a larger circumference than the stem 142. However, the mushroom-shaped head 143 is dimensioned such that it can be inserted into a locking receptacle of an interchangeable body with essentially no play. The mushroom-shaped head 143 therefore does not create an undercut that would positively lock the interchangeable body in the vertical direction. Rather, the mushroom-shaped head prevents the stem 142 from becoming soiled or worn by repeated loading and unloading with an interchangeable body, thus ensuring that the locking bolt 133 permanently retains its intended function. A vertical opening 141 may also be provided in the mushroom-shaped head 143. The vertical opening 141 serves on the one hand to save weight and also makes it possible to insert additional pins or bolts into the locking bolt 133.

[0068] The height of the locking bolt 133 is chosen to be sufficiently large so that the swap body 20, which may be slightly lifted from the support frame 10 during transport due to unevenness in the road surface and vertical acceleration forces, remains positively connected in the horizontal direction. Any potential bouncing of the swap body 20 on the support frame 10 should therefore not cause it to jump over the locking bolt 133. For this purpose, the locking bolt 133 is chosen to be appropriately long. However, the length of the locking bolt 133 is limited by the depth of the corner fittings or locking receptacles 21 of the swap bodies 20.

[0069] The base body 136 has a through-opening 135 below the locking bolt 133. The through-opening 135 extends from the front surface 131 to the rear surface 132. When the locking element 133 is used with a high-cube swap body, the rear surface 132 serves as a stop for the front wall 22 of the swap body. Particularly for transport on a ship, an additional bolt can be inserted through the through-opening 135 at the discretion of the transport personnel to create a vertical, positive-locking connection between the locking element 130 and a corner fitting of the high-cube swap body. The bolt is then inserted through the through-opening 135 into the corner fitting of the swap body 20, thus preventing the swap body 20 from lifting off the support frame 10. Reference symbol list

[0070] 10 Support frame 11 Main frame 12 Frame neck 13 Front extension 14 Rear extension 15 Kingpin 16 Crank 17 Tapered 18 Longitudinal beam 20 Interchangeable body 21 Locking receptacle 22 Front wall 23 Tunnel 100 Front locking device 102 Front beam 110 Front stop 111 Cross stop 120 Cross beam 130 Locking element 131 Front surface 132 Rear surface 133 Locking bolt 135 Through opening 136 Base body 137 Surface 138 Bottom surface 139 Mounting surface 140 Mounting opening 141 Vertical opening 142 Trunk 143 Mushroom head 200 Rear locking device 210 Rear cross member 220 Twist-Lock locking mechanism

Claims

1. A support frame (10) of a vehicle trailer having a device for securing interchangeable structures (20) of different designs, in particular swap bodies or transport containers, on the support frame (10), wherein the support frame (10) has at least one tail-side securing means (200) and at least one front-side securing means (100), and wherein the tail-side securing means (200) is adapted such that a form fit in the horizontal and vertical directions can be produced in order to secure an interchangeable structure (20) on the support frame (10), characterised in that the front-side securing means (100) is adapted such that a form fit solely in the horizontal direction can be produced in order to secure the interchangeable structure (20).

2. The support frame according to Claim 1, characterised in that the front-side securing means (100) is adapted such that the interchangeable structure (20) is freely movable in the vertical direction.

3. The support frame according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the front-side securing means (100) forms a front stop (110) and / or two transverse stops (111).

4. The support frame according to Claim 3, characterised in that the transverse stops (111) are formed by a frame neck (12) of the support frame (10).

5. The support frame according to Claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the front stop (110) is formed by a crossbar (120) of the support frame (10).

6. The support frame according to Claim 5, characterised in that the crossbar (120) has at least one vertical, in particular rigid, securing bolt (133), which is adapted for vertical engagement in a locking receptacle (21) of the interchangeable structure (20).

7. The support frame (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the front-side securing element (130) has a main body (136) and a securing bolt (133), which is arranged on the main body (136) and is designed for form-fitting engagement in a locking receptacle (21) of an interchangeable structure (20), in particular a swap body or a transport container, in particular an ISO container, and wherein the main body (136) has a front face (131) and a rear face (132), which are oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the securing bolt (133), and wherein the front-side securing element (130) is free of movable parts for locking with an interchangeable structure (20).

8. The support frame (10) according to Claim 7, characterised in that the front face (131) is curved towards the rear face (132), and / or the securing bolt (133) is connected rigidly, in particular integrally or monolithically, to the main body (136).

9. The support frame (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by a front bar (102) with at least one front-side securing element (130), in particular two front-side securing elements (130), wherein the front face (131) of the securing element (130), in particular the front faces (131) of the securing elements (130), is oriented forwards in the direction of travel.

10. The support frame (10) according to Claim 9, characterised in that the securing bolt (133) is oriented vertically upwards, and / or the rear face (132) of the front-side securing element (130) and / or a rear face (132) of the front bar (102) forms a front stop (110) for an interchangeable structure (20), in particular a high cube container.

11. The use of a support frame (10) according to Claim 1, wherein the front-side securing means (100) of the support frame (10) is used to secure an interchangeable structure (20) on the support frame (10) by means of a form-fitting connection, wherein securing of the interchangeable structure (20) by means of the front-side securing means (100) on the support frame (10) in the vertical direction is effected solely by the weight force of the interchangeable structure (20).

12. A method for securing an interchangeable structure (20), in particular a swap body or a transport container, in particular an ISO container, on a support frame (10) of a vehicle trailer according to Claim 1, wherein the interchangeable structure (20) is connected to the support frame (10) form-fittingly in the horizontal and vertical directions with the tail-side securing means (200) and form-fittingly only in the horizontal direction with the front-side securing means (100).

13. The method according to Claim 12, characterised in that the interchangeable structure (20) is connected to the support frame (10) solely force-fittingly, in particular weight-force-fittingly, in the vertical direction in the region of the front-side securing means (100).