Locking bar for fifth wheel coupling unit

Abstract

The present invention includes a locking bar (120) of the fifth wheel coupling unit (100). The locking bar (120) includes a main body (130) pivotally mounted to a handlebar member (104). The main body (130) is adapted to secure a lock jaw (118) of the fifth wheel coupling unit (100) in an engaged position. The main body (130) includes a right- side edge (128) and a front edge (122). The right-side edge (128) having a first curved profile (136). The front edge (122) having a first portion (122a). The first portion (122a) having a second curved profile (138) in the top view of the locking bar (120). The first curved profile (136) and the second curved profile (138) are adapted to facilitate smooth engagement and disengagement with the lock jaw (118).

Description

[0001] TITLE OF INVENTION

[0002] LOCKING BAR FOR FIFTH WHEEL COUPLING UNIT

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004]

[0001] Present invention relates to a motor vehicle. More particularly, the present invention particularly relates to a locking bar for a fifth wheel coupling unit of a towing vehicle.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006]

[0002] A fifth-wheel coupling unit is provided to link a trailer with a towing vehicle. The fifth-wheel coupling unit provides stability to the trailer and evenly distributes the weight between the trailer and the towing vehicle, enabling smooth navigation of the trailer and the towing vehicle. The fifth-wheel coupling unit includes a kingpin provided on a front bottom side of the trailer and a fifth-wheel coupling unit provided on the towing vehicle. To couple the trailer with the towing vehicle, the kingpin provided on a bottom surface of the trailer is locked in the fifth-wheel coupling unit of the towing vehicle.

[0007]

[0003] It is of utmost importance to ensure that the fifth -wheel coupling unit has sufficient strength and stiffness to sustain the high stresses acting thereon. Accordingly, a locking mechanism provided in the fifth-wheel coupling unit must be robust enough to keep the trailer and the towing vehicle coupled irrespective of the intensity and direction of forces acting on it. The fifth-wheel coupling unit has to ensure that once the kingpin is locked in the fifth-wheel coupling, the coupling has to remain engaged unless released intentionally.

[0008]

[0004] Conventionally, a locking bar provided in the fifth-wheel coupling unit locks the fifth-wheel coupling when the kingpin gets engaged with a lock jaw of the fifth-wheel coupling unit. The locking bar has to be of sufficient strength and stiffness and must aid in the engagement of the kingpin and the lockjaw. Additionally, the conventional locking bar may be angular or lack contours that facilitate smooth engagement and disengagement with the lock jaw. Further, it is important to ensure that coupling and decoupling of the trailer and the towing vehicle is implemented with ease and minimum effort from a user.

[0005] Hence there is a need in the art for a locking bar for a fifth wheel coupling unit of a towing vehicle which overcomes at least the aforementioned problems.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010]

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention in one aspect provides a locking bar for a fifth wheel coupling unit. The locking bar comprises a main body pivotally mounted to a handlebar member of a locking mechanism in the fifth wheel coupling unit. The main body is adapted to secure a lockjaw of the fifth wheel coupling in an engaged position. The main body also comprises a right-side edge and a front edge. The right-side edge has a first curved profile. The front edge has a first portion. The first portion has a second curved profile in the top view of the locking bar. The first curved profile and the second curved profile are adapted to facilitate smooth engagement and disengagement with the lockjaw.

[0011]

[0007] In an embodiment of the invention, the right-side edge has an outward semicircular profile with a first radius in the top view of the locking bar.

[0012]

[0008] In another embodiment of the invention, the first portion of the front edge having an outwardly curved profile with a second radius in the top view of the locking bar.

[0013]

[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, the front edge has a second portion. The second portion has a slanting profile in the top view of the locking bar.

[0014]

[0010] In another embodiment of the invention, the front edge has a third portion. The third portion of the front edge is parallel to the rear edge of the main body.

[0015] [Oi l] In another embodiment of the invention, the locking bar includes a top face and a bottom face. The top face has a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is slanted towards a central axis of the locking bar in a front view of the locking bar. The bottom face has a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is slanted towards the central axis of the locking bar in a front view of the locking bar.

[0016]

[0012] In another embodiment of the invention, the top face and the bottom face are provided with depressed portions. The depressed portions are adapted to configure the main body to an I-section.

[0017]

[0013] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the second portion of the top face and the second portion of the bottom face are adjacent to the right-side edge in the front view of the locking bar.

[0014] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the right-side edge is adjacent to the first portion of the front edge such that the first curved profile and the second curved profile form a continuous curved profile on the main body.

[0018]

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a fifth wheel coupling unit. The fifth wheel coupling unit includes a lockjaw and a locking bar. The locking bar includes a main body. The main body is pivotally mounted to a handlebar member of a locking mechanism in the fifth wheel coupling unit. The main body is adapted to secure the lock jaw of the fifth wheel coupling unit in an engaged position. The main body includes a right-side edge and a front edge. The right-side edge has a first curved profile. The front edge has a first portion. The first portion has a second curved profile in the top view of the locking bar. The first curved profile and the second curved profile are adapted to facilitate smooth engagement and disengagement with the lockjaw.

[0019]

[0016] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a fifth wheel coupling unit. The fifth wheel coupling unit includes a lock jaw and a locking bar. The locking bar includes a main body. The main body is pivotally mounted to a handlebar member of a locking mechanism in the fifth wheel coupling unit. The main body is adapted to secure the lock jaw of the fifth wheel coupling unit in an engaged position. The main body includes a right-side edge and a front edge. The rightside edge has a first curved profile. The front edge has a first portion. The first portion has a second curved profile in the top view of the locking bar. The first curved profile and the second curved profile are adapted to facilitate smooth engagement and disengagement with the lockjaw.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]

[0017] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

[0022] Figure 1 shows a top view of a locking bar for a fifth-wheel coupling unit of a towing vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a front view of the locking bar, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 shows a sectional side view of the locking bar along an axis I-F as shown in Figure 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a locking pin for the locking bar, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 shows a top view of a fifth wheel coupling unit in a disengaged position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 shows a top view of the fifth wheel coupling unit in an engaged position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028]

[0018] The present invention is directed towards a locking bar for a fifth wheel coupling unit. The locking bar of the present invention enables a robust and sturdy coupling of a trailer and a towing vehicle. The present invention also enables coupling and decoupling of the trailer and the towing vehicle with ease and minimum effort from a user.

[0029]

[0019] For the purpose of the present invention, a longitudinal axis of the towing vehicle refers to an axis along a length of the towing vehicle, a lateral axis of the towing vehicle refers to an axis along a width of the towing vehicle and a vertical axis of the towing vehicle refers to an axis along the height of the towing vehicle.

[0030]

[0020] For ease of reference and explanation, directional indications for the locking bar are provided in Figure 1, basis mounting of the locking bar on the towing vehicle. As such, the directional notations of the locking bar are to be perceived as seen when seated in the towing vehicle, unless stated otherwise. Accordingly, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “top” and “bottom” direction of the locking bar correspond to front, rear, left, right, top and bottom direction respectively of the vehicle.

[0031]

[0021] Figure 1 shows a locking bar 120 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The locking bar 120 is an elongated bar having a main body 130. The main body 130 is pivotably mounted to a handlebar member 104 of a locking mechanism in the fifth wheel coupling unit 100. The main body 130 is adapted to secure a lockjaw 118 of the fifth wheel coupling unit 100 in an engaged position. The main body 130 comprises a front edge 122 and a right-side edge 128. In an embodiment, the main body 130 also comprises a rear edge 126 and a left-side edge 124. The front edge 122 and the rear edge 126 are provided between the left-side edge 124 and right-side edge 128.

[0032]

[0022] Further, the right-side edge 128 has a first curved profile 136. The first curved profile 136 extends outwardly in a top view of the locking bar 120. In an embodiment, the right-side edge 128 has an outward semicircular profile of a first radius R1 in the top view of the locking bar 120. In an embodiment, the first radius R1 ranges from 15 mm to 20 mm. In the present embodiment, the second radius R2 is 18 mm.

[0033]

[0023] The front edge 122 of the main body 130 has a first portion 122a, a second portion 122b and a third portion 122c. The first portion 122a is provided or positioned adjacently to the right-side edge 128, while the third portion 122c is adjacently to the left-side edge 124. The second portion 122b is provided between the first portion 122a and the third portion 122c. In other words, the first portion 122a, the second portion 122b and the third portion 122c correspond to a right-side portion, a central portion and a left-side portion respectively, of the front edge 122.

[0034]

[0024] The first portion 122a of the front edge 122 has a second curved profile 138 in the top view of the locking bar 120. In an embodiment, the first portion 122a has an outwardly curved profile of a second radius R2. In an embodiment, the second radius R2 ranges from 20 mm to 25 mm. In the present embodiment, the second radius R2 is 25 mm. In an embodiment, the right-side edge 128 is adjacent to the first portion 122a of the front edge 122. The first curved profile 136 and the second curved profile 138 form a continuous curved profile on the main body 130. In an embodiment, the first curved profile 136 of the right-side edge 128 has a first leading edge 128a and a first trailing end 128b. The first leading edge 128a starts from a terminal end of the rear edge 126 and continues till the first trailing edge 128b. The second curved profile 138 of the first portion 122a has a second leading edge 122ai and second trailing edge 122a2. The second leading edge 122ai is joined with the first trailing edge 128b, thereby forming a continuous curved profile from the first curved profile 136 and the second curved profile 138. The continuous curved profile guides the lock jaw 118 to rotate the lock jaw 118 into the engaged and disengaged position of the lockjaw 118. The continuous curved profile ensures that the movement of the lockjaw 118 in the fifth wheel coupling unit 100 is smooth and without jerks.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the second portion 122b is provided with a slanted profile in a top view of the locking bar 120. The slanting profile is provided such that, the second portion 122b narrows towards the first portion 122a. In other words, the second portion 122b is larger towards the third portion 122c, while being smaller towards the first portion 122a. In an embodiment, the second portion 122b forms an angle P with an axis B-B’, which can be a lateral axis about a left-right direction of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the angle P ranges about 5 degrees to 10 degrees. In the present embodiment, the angle P is 7 degrees. The slanted profile of the second portion 122b also guides the lockjaw 118 to rotate the lockjaw 108 into the engaged and disengaged position of the lockjaw 118. Further, the slanted profile provides a resting surface for the lockjaw 118 in the engaged position of the lockjaw 118.

[0035]

[0026] In an embodiment, the third portion 122c of the front edge 122 is formed parallel to the rear edge 126 of the main body 130. The left-side edge 124 is a straight edge formed perpendicular to the rear edge 126. The left-side comers of the locking bar 120 are rounded corners.

[0036]

[0027] Referring to figure 2, in an embodiment, the locking bar 120 has a top face 123 and a bottom face 125. The top face 123 has a first portion 123a and a second portion 123b. The second portion 123b is slanted / tapered towards a central axis C-C’ of the locking bar 120 in a front view of the locking bar 120. The central axis C-C’ forms the longitudinal axis of the locking bar 120. The bottom face 125 has a first portion 125a and a second portion 125b. The second portion 125b is slanted towards the central axis C-C’ of the locking bar 120 in a front view of the locking bar 120. In an embodiment, the second portion 123b of the top face 123 and the second portion 125b of the bottom face 125 are adjacently above and below respectively, to the right-side edge 128 in the front view of the locking bar 120.

[0037]

[0028] As shown in figure 3, in an embodiment, the first portions 123a and 125a are provided with depressed portions 132, 134. The depressed portions 132, 134 are adapted to configure the main body 130 to an I-section. The I-section provides strength and stiffness to the locking bar 120.

[0038]

[0029] The locking bar 120 is provided in the fifth wheel coupling unit 100 to lock the lock j aw 118 such that a coupling between the towing vehicle and the trailer is not released unintentionally. The front edge 122 and the right-side edge 128 of the locking bar 120 are contoured to allow a pair of projecting arms of the lockjaw 118 to ride over the right-side edge 128 and the front edge 122 to lock the fifth wheel coupling unit 100. The locking bar 120 is adapted to move in a left-right direction of the fifth wheel coupling unit 100 in a channel provided on a top plate 102 of the fifth wheel coupling unit 100. The locking bar 120 is provided with a hole 121 (as shown in figure 1) through which a locking bar bolt 114 (as shown in Figure 4) is adapted to pass through. The locking bar bolt 114 is also adapted to pass through a pivot member 108 to attach the locking bar 120 to the pivot member 108.

[0039]

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, in an embodiment, the locking bar bolt 114 includes a bolt member 114a, a locking pin 114b and a washer 114c. The bolt member 114a is provided with a hole (not shown) at its distal end adapted to allow the locking pin 114b to pass through and lock the bolt member 114a in position. The washer 114c provides a seating surface for the locking pin 114b.

[0040]

[0031] In an embodiment, the fifth wheel coupling unit 100 is mounted to a towing vehicle (not shown) such that a kingpin 112 provide at a front bottom side of a trailer (not shown) engages with the fifth wheel coupling unit 100 to link the trailer with the towing vehicle. The fifth wheel coupling unit 100 includes the top plate 102 having a flat top surface on which a base portion of the trailer around the kingpin 112 is mounted. The locking mechanism of the fifth wheel coupling unit 100 includes the lockjaw 118 and the locking bar 120 disposed below the top plate 102. As described above, the lockjaw 118 has two spaced apart projecting arms providing an accommodation space for the kingpin 112. The lockjaw 118 is pivotably attached in the fifth wheel coupling unit 100. The lock jaw 118 loaded by a lockjaw spring 110 is adapted to rotate to engage the kingpin 112 between the projecting arms. A distal end of the pivot member 108, to which the locking bar 120 is attached, is pivotably attached to the handlebar member 104. One end of the handlebar member 104 is provided with a pull handle. A distal end of the handlebar member 104 is attached to an extension spring 106. The distal end of the extension spring 106 is attached to the top plate 102.

[0041]

[0032] Figure 5 shows a fifth wheel coupling unit 100 in a disengaged position. In the disengaged position, the handlebar member 104 is pulled outwards from the top plate 102. The pulling of the handlebar member 104 causes the pivot member 108 to pivot and pull the locking bar 120 to a withdrawn position in the channel. The pulling of the handlebar member 104 also causes the extension spring 106 to be stretched and loaded. As the locking bar 120 is pulled to the withdrawn position, the lock jaw 118 rotates to a disengaged position under the effect of the lockjaw spring 110 which returns to its relaxed state. In the disengaged position of the lock jaw 118, the accommodation space for the kingpin 112 is open towards a slot 116 on the top plate 102. To couple the trailer with the towing vehicle, the kingpin 112 is introduced into the fifth wheel coupling unit 100 through the slot 116. As the kingpin 112 gets engaged with the lockjaw 118, the lockjaw 118 is rotated under the force exerted by the kingpin 112 on the lockjaw 118. The lock jaw spring 110 is also stretched and loaded by the rotation of the lock jaw 118. As the lockjaw 118 is rotated, the kingpin 112 gets enclosed between the projecting arms of the lockjaw 118. As the lockjaw 118 is rotated, the projecting arms are adapted to ride over the front edge 122 of the locking bar 120.

[0042]

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, in the engaged position of the fifth wheel coupling unit 100, the locking bar 120 moves into the slot 116 to prevent the lock jaw 118 from rotating back into the disengaged position. The locking of the lockjaw 118 by the locking bar 120 ensures that the coupling between the trailer and the towing vehicle is not disengaged even under dynamic loading conditions. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fifth wheel coupling unit 100 is provided with a threaded stud 119. One end of the threaded stud 119 projects into the slot 116 to limit the movement of the locking bar 120 into the slot 116. The extend of the threaded stud 119 is adjusted by screwing and unscrewing the threaded stud 119. In an embodiment of the invention, the locking bar 120 and the lockjaw 118 are made from forged steel.

[0043]

[0034] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the first curved profile and the second curved profile provided on the front edge forms a continuous curved profile that guides the lockjaw to rotate the lockjaw into the engaged and disengaged position of the lockjaw. The continuous curved profile ensures that the movement of the lockjaw in the fifth wheel coupling unit is smooth and without jerks. The slanted profile of the second portion also guides the lock jaw to rotate the lock jaw into the engaged and disengaged position of the lock jaw. Further, the slanted profile provides a resting surface for the lockjaw in the engaged position of the lockjaw.

[0035] Further, the present invention ensures that the fifth wheel coupling unit has sufficient strength and stiffness to withstand the dynamic loads acting on the fifth wheel coupling unit. The forged steel locking bar and lockjaw adds to the strength and stiffness of the coupling. The locking mechanism of the present invention ensures that the coupling is not disengaged unintentionally. Further, the present invention ensures that the coupling of the trailer and the towing vehicle is achieved with ease and with minimum effort from the user. The profiles and contours provided on the locking bar further ensures that the coupling and locking achieved by the fifth wheel coupling unit of the present invention is smooth and precise.

[0044]

[0036] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

[0045] List of reference numerals

[0046] 100 - Fifth wheel coupling unit

[0047] 102 - Top plate

[0048] 104 - Handlebar member

[0049] 106 - Extension spring

[0050] 108 - Pivot member

[0051] 110 - Lock j aw spring

[0052] 112 - Kingpin

[0053] 114 - Locking bar bolt

[0054] 114a - Bolt member

[0055] 114b - Locking pin

[0056] 114c - Washer

[0057] 116 - Slot

[0058] 118 - Lockjaw

[0059] 119 - Threaded stud

[0060] 120 - Locking bar

[0061] 122 - Front edge of the locking bar

[0062] 122a - First portion of the front edge 122ai - Second leading edge

[0063] 122a2 - Second trailing edge

[0064] 122b - Second portion of the front edge

[0065] 122c - Third portion of the front edge

[0066] 123 - Top face of the locking bar

[0067] 123 a - First portion of the top face

[0068] 123b - Second portion of the top face

[0069] 124 - Left-side edge of the locking bar

[0070] 125 - Bottom face of the locking bar

[0071] 125a - First portion of the bottom face

[0072] 125b - Second portion of the bottom face

[0073] 126 - Rear edge of the locking bar

[0074] 128 - Right-side edge of the locking bar

[0075] 128a - First leading edge

[0076] 128b - First trailing edge

[0077] 130 - Main body

[0078] 132, 134 - Depressed portions

[0079] 136 - First curved profile

[0080] 138 - Second curved profile

[0081] R1 - First radius of the right-side edge

[0082] R2 - Second radius of the first portion of the front edge

[0083] P - Angle

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A locking bar (120) for a fifth wheel coupling unit (100), the locking bar (120) comprising: a main body (130) pivotally mounted to a handlebar member (104) of a locking mechanism in the fifth wheel coupling unit (100), the main body (130) being adapted to secure a lock jaw (118) of the fifth wheel coupling unit (100) in an engaged position, the main body (130) comprising: a right-side edge (128) having a first curved profile (136); and a front edge (122) having a first portion (122a), the first portion (122a) having a second curved profile (138) in the top view of the locking bar (120), wherein the first curved profile (136) and the second curved profile (138) are adapted to facilitate smooth engagement and disengagement with the lockjaw (118).

2. The locking bar (120) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the right-side edge (128) having an outward semicircular profile with a first radius (Rl) in the top view of the locking bar (120); and the first portion (122a) of the front edge (122) having an outwardly curved profile with a second radius (R2) in the top view of the locking bar (120).

3. The locking bar (120) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front edge (122) comprising a second portion (122b), the second portion (122b) having a slanting profile in the top view of the locking bar (120).

4. The locking bar (120) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front edge (122) comprising a third portion (122c), the third portion (122c) being parallel to the rear edge (126) of the main body (130).

5. The locking bar (120) as claimed in claim 1 comprising: a top face (123) having a first portion (123a) and a second portion (123b), the second portion (123b) being slanted towards a central axis (C-C’) of the locking bar (120) in a front view of the locking bar (120); anda bottom face (125) having a first portion (125a) and a second portion (125b), the second portion (125b) being slanted towards the central axis of the locking bar (120) in a front view of the locking bar (120).

6. The locking bar (120) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the top face (123) and the bottom face (125) being provided with depressed portions (132, 134), the depressed portions (132, 134) being adapted to configure the main body (130) to an I-section.

7. The locking bar (120) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second portion (123b) of the top face (123) and the second portion (125b) of the bottom face (125) are adjacent to the right-side edge (128) in the front view of the locking bar (120).

8. The locking bar (120) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the right-side edge (128) is adjacent to the first portion (122a) of the front edge (122) such that the first curved profile (136) and the second curved profile (138) form a continuous curved profile on the main body (130).

9. A fifth wheel coupling unit (100) comprising: a lockjaw (118); and a locking bar (120) comprising: a main body (130) pivotally mounted to a handlebar member (104) of a locking mechanism in the fifth wheel coupling unit (100), the main body (130) being adapted to secure the lock jaw (118) of the fifth wheel coupling unit (100) in an engaged position, the main body (130) comprising: a right-side edge (128) having a first curved profile (136); and a front edge (122) having a first portion (122a), the first portion (122a) having a second curved profile (138) in the top view of the locking bar (120) wherein the first curved profile (136) and the second curved profile (138) are adapted to facilitate smooth engagement and disengagement with the lockjaw (118).

10. A vehicle comprising: a fifth wheel coupling unit (100) comprising: a lockjaw (118); anda locking bar (120) comprising: a main body (130) pivotally mounted to a handlebar member (104) of a locking mechanism in the fifth wheel coupling unit (100), the main body (130) being adapted to secure the lockjaw (118) of the fifth wheel coupling unit (100) in an engaged position, the main body (130) comprising: a right-side edge (128) having a first curved profile (136); and a front edge (122) having a first portion (122a), the first portion (122a) having a second curved profile (138) in the top view of the locking bar (120), wherein the first curved profile (136) and the second curved profile (138) are adapted to facilitate smooth engagement and disengagement with the lock jaw (H8).

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