Wear ring for fifth wheel coupling unit

Abstract

Present disclosure relates to a wear ring (100) for a fifth wheel coupling unit of a vehicle, such as a heavy vehicle or a towing vehicle. The wear ring (100) comprises of a main body (104) adapted to be disposed on a top plate (102) of the fifth wheel coupling unit. The main body (104) is provided with a locator (126) extending downwardly of the wear ring (100) from the main body (104). The locator (126) is adapted to be inserted with an insertion slot of the top plate (102). This ensuring that the wear ring (100) is secured on the top plate (102) even when the forces are exerted on the wear ring (100) by a king pin.

Description

[0001] TITLE OF THE INVENTION

[0002] WEAR RING FOR FIFTH WHEEL COUPLING UNIT

[0003] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0004]

[0001] Present invention relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a wear ring for a fifth wheel coupling unit of a heavy vehicle.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006]

[0002] Vehicles such as a heavy vehicle or a towing vehicle (also called towing tractors) are specialized handling equipment designed for the transportation of goods through towing. The towing vehicle is coupled to a trailer holding or carrying the goods to be transported. The towing vehicle pulls the trailer for transportation. The coupling or linkage of the towing vehicle and the trailer is critical to provide stability and evenly distribute the load during the transportation.

[0007]

[0003] Typically, a fifth wheel coupling unit has been used to link the towing vehicle to the trailer. The fifth wheel coupling unit engage with a king pin fitted on to the trailer, thereby establishing a linkage between the towing vehicle and the trailer. The fifth wheel coupling unit helps in providing stability to the trailer especially when undertaking heavy loads. Also, without the fifth wheel coupling unit, making turns or manoeuvring the vehicle. In addition, the fifth wheel coupling unit evenly distributes weight between the trailer and towing vehicle, leading to smooth navigation.

[0008]

[0004] The fifth wheel coupling unit typically includes a wear ring within an insertion slot provided on a top plate. The wear ring contacts the king pin, during engagement of the towing vehicle with the trailer. Also, the wear ring during the operation of the vehicle, bears the linear load during braking and cross loads during manoeuvring of the vehicle.

[0009]

[0005] The wear ring also has to bear shocks, bumps and swivelling of the vehicle which results in various forces / loads acting on the wear ring from various directions through the king pin which leads to the cracking / wearing out of the wear ring under frictional forces. Conventional wear ring provided in the fifth wheel coupling unit are incapable of handling these loads from the king pin, and may be subjected to premature failure, which may lead to failure of the fifth wheel coupling unit, which is undesirable.

[0006] In the view of the above, there is a need of a wear ring for a fifth wheel coupling unit, that overcomes one or more limitations stated above.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011]

[0007] In an aspect, a wear ring for a fifth wheel coupling unit is disclosed. The wear ring comprises a main body. The main body is adapted to be disposed on a top plate of the fifth-wheel coupling. Further, the main body is provided with a locator extending downwardly of the wear ring from the main body. The locator is adapted to be inserted within an insertion slot of the top plate.

[0012]

[0008] In an embodiment, the main body is provided with one or more mounting units disposed on the main body. The one or more mounting units are adapted to engage with one or more mounting members disposed on the top plate of the fifth-wheel coupling. Further, the one or more mounting units are angularly displaced from one another on the main body.

[0013]

[0009] In an embodiment, the main body is an arcuate shaped member.

[0014]

[0010] In an embodiment, the main body has an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface. The outer peripheral surface and inner peripheral surface is adapted to conform to dimensions of an insertion slot provided on the top plate.

[0015] [Oi l] In an embodiment, the main body comprises of a first leg and a second leg. The first leg extends rearwardly from a left portion of the main body. The second leg extends rearwardly from a right portion of the main body. Further, the first leg comprises of a first trailing end and a first bevelled edge. The first bevelled edge is provided at an angle 0i with respect to a central axis A-A’ of the wear ring. Furthermore, the angle 0i of the first bevelled edge is between 10 degrees to 12 degrees. Additionally, the second leg comprises of a second trailing end and a second bevelled edge. The second bevelled edge is provided at an angle 02 with respect to a central axis A-A’ of the wear ring. Also, the angle 02 of the second bevelled edge is between 10 degrees to 12 degrees.

[0016]

[0012] In an embodiment, the first leg comprises an inner surface. The inner surface is continuous with an inner peripheral surface of the main body. Further, the inner surface forming a first curved stepped profile with the inner peripheral surface. Furthermore, the second leg comprises an inner surface. The inner surface is continuous with the inner peripheral surface of the main body. The inner surface forms a second curved stepped profile with the inner peripheral surface.

[0017]

[0013] In an embodiment, the wear ring is manufactured from a forged steel material. The wear ring being made of forging process.

[0018]

[0014] In an embodiment, the locator is tapered at an angle 03 with respect to a central axis A-A’ . The angle O3 is between 30 degrees to 35 degrees.

[0019]

[0015] In another aspect, the fifth wheel coupling unit is disclosed. The fifth wheel coupling unit comprises a wear ring comprising a main body. The main body is adapted to be disposed on the top plate of the fifth-wheel coupling. Further, the main body is provided with the locator extending downwardly of the wear ring from the main body. The locator is adapted to be inserted within an insertion slot of the top plate.

[0020]

[0016] In another aspect, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a fifth wheel coupling unit having a wear ring. The wear ring comprises a main body. The main body is adapted to be disposed on the top plate of the fifth-wheel coupling. Further, the main body is provided with the locator extending downwardly of the wear ring from the main body. The locator is adapted to be inserted within an insertion slot of the top plate.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]

[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.

[0023] Figure l is a top view of a wear ring disposed on a top plate of a fifth wheel coupling unit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 is a top view of the wear ring, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 is a left-side view of the wear ring, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026]

[0018] The present disclosure relates to a wear ring for a fifth wheel coupling unit of a vehicle, such as a heavy vehicle or a towing vehicle. The wear ring is disposed on a top plate of the fifth wheel coupling unit. Specifically, the wear ring is disposed in an insertion slot provided on the top plate. The wear ring is a component made of forged steel. As such, the load bearing characteristics of the wear ring of the present invention is high, thereby enhancing workability.

[0027]

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

[0028]

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

[0029]

[0021] Figure 1 is a top-view of a wear ring 100 mounted on a top plate 102 of a fifth wheel coupling unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The wear ring 100 is adapted to contact with a king pin (not shown) of a trailer (not shown) during engagement between the fifth wheel coupling unit of a vehicle and the trailer.

[0030]

[0022] The wear ring 100 comprises a main body 104 adapted to be disposed on the top plate 102 of the fifth wheel coupling unit. Specifically, the main body 104 is adapted to be disposed on a mounting groove (not shown) surrounding an insertion slot (not shown) of the top plate 102. The insertion slot may be provided at a central portion (not shown) of the top plate 102. Accordingly, the wear ring 100 is disposed at the central portion of the top plate 102.

[0031]

[0023] In an embodiment, the main body 104 is provided with one or more mounting units 106 (shown in Figure 2) that engage with corresponding mounting members (not shown) provided on the top plate 102 for receiving and engaging with the main body 104. In the present embodiment, the one or more mounting units 106 are slots provided on the main body 104. In an embodiment, four slots are provided on the main body 104. Each slot is adapted to receive a fastener for engaging the main body 104 with the top plate 102.

[0032]

[0024] In an embodiment, each of the one or more mounting units 106 are angularly displaced from one another on the main body 104. In an embodiment, the four slots are angularly displaced or angularly spaced apart by 45 degrees from a center of the main body 104. It is to be noted that, the angular spacing between the four slots can be considered as per design feasibility and mounting requirement of the main body 104 on the top plate 102.

[0033]

[0025] Referring to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 1, a top view of the wear ring 100 is depicted. As depicted, the main body 104 is an arc shaped or an arcuate shaped member, having the outer peripheral surface 104a and an inner peripheral surface 104b. The outer peripheral surface 104a and the inner peripheral surface 104b of the main body 104 are adapted to conform to dimensions of the insertion slot provided on the top plate 102. Thus, the inner peripheral surface 104b is capable of uniformly fit around a neck (not shown) of the king pin. Further, the thickness between the outer peripheral surface 104a and the inner peripheral surface 104b of the main body 104 is selected based on dimensions of the mounting groove provided on the top plate 102.

[0034]

[0026] Further, a first leg 114 extends rearwardly from a left portion 114c of the main body 104, such that, an inner surface 114b of the first leg 114 is continuous with the inner peripheral surface 104b of the main body 104. In an embodiment, the first leg 114 extends along the same plane (horizontal plane) as that of the main body 104. As such, the first leg 114 facilitates uninterrupted entry of the king pin into the insertion slot. Also, the first leg 114 comprises an outer surface 114a that is continuous with the outer peripheral surface 104a of the main body 104. Accordingly, the first leg 114 conforms with the contour of the main body 104.

[0035]

[0027] In an embodiment, the inner surface 114b of the first leg 114 forms a first curved stepped profile 128 with the inner peripheral surface 104b. The first curved stepped profile 128 facilitates unrestricted movement of the king pin to and from the insertion slot on the top plate 102.

[0036]

[0028] The first leg 114 comprises a first trailing end 116. To the inner surface 114b at the first trailing end 116, a first bevelled edge 118 is provided. The first bevelled edge 118 is oriented towards the left portion of the main body 104. The first bevelled edge 118 is an edge provided at an angle 0i with respect to a central axis A-A’ of the wear ring 100. The first bevelled edge 118 ensures smooth entry of the king pin into the insertion slot. In an embodiment, the first bevelled edge 118 is a chamfered edge or a fillet provided on the first trailing end 116. In an embodiment, the angle 0i of the first bevelled edge 118 is 10 degrees to 12 degrees.

[0037]

[0029] Furthermore, a second leg 120 extends rearwardly from a right portion 114d of the main body 104, such that, an inner surface 120b of the second leg 120 is continuous with the inner peripheral surface 104b of the main body 104. In an embodiment, the second leg 120 extends along the same plane (horizontal plane) as that of the main body 104. As such, the second leg 120 facilitates uninterrupted entry of the king pin into the insertion slot. Also, the second leg 120 comprises an outer surface 120a that is continuous with the outer peripheral surface 104a of the main body 104. Accordingly, the second leg 120 conforms with the contour of the main body 104.

[0038]

[0030] In an embodiment, the inner surface 120b of the second leg 120 forms a second curved stepped profile 130 with the inner peripheral surface 104b. The second curved profile 130 facilitates unrestricted movement of the king pin to or from the insertion slot. In an embodiment, the second curved stepped profile 130 is positioned symmetrically opposite to the position of the first curved stepped profile 128. Alternatively, the second curved profile 130 and the first curved stepped profile 128 can be positioned as per design feasibility and requirement in the wear ring 100.

[0039]

[0031] In an embodiment, the second leg 120 extends parallelly to the first leg 114, and is spaced apart by a distance equal to diameter of the inner peripheral surface 104b. As such, entry of the king pin to the insertion slot is uninterrupted.

[0040]

[0032] The second leg 120 comprises a second trailing end 122. To the inner surface 120b at the second trailing end 122, a second bevelled edge 124 is provided. The second bevelled edge 124 is oriented towards the right portion of the main body 104. The second bevelled edge 124 is an edge provided also at the angle 02 with respect to a central axis A-A’ of the wear ring 100. The second bevelled edge 124 also ensures smooth entry of the king pin into the insertion slot. In an embodiment, the second bevelled edge 124 is a chamfered edge or a fillet provided on the second trailing end 122. In an embodiment, the angle of the second bevelled edge 124 is 10 degrees to 12 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle 02 of the second bevelled edge 124 matches or can vary from the angle 0i of the first bevelled edge 118 corresponding to design requirements in the wear ring 100.

[0041]

[0033] In an embodiment, rearward extension of the first leg 114 and the second leg 120 from the main body 104 is identical. Thus, the main body 104, the first leg 114 and the second leg 120 form a C-shaped structure of the wear ring 100.

[0042]

[0034] In an embodiment, on the outer peripheral surface 104a of the main body 102, a cutout (not shown) can be provided for accommodating a lock jaw bolt 112 of the fifth wheel coupling unit. In the present embodiment, the cutout is a C shaped cutout or an arc shaped cutout to accommodate the lockjaw bolt 112. Such a construction ensures that the wear ring 100 is mounted without the need for altering mounting points or alter construction of components in the fifth wheel coupling unit. Accordingly, ensure retrofittability of the wear ring 100 on the top plate 102. In an embodiment, the cutout is provided on a left-side (when seen in a top view of the wear ring 100) of the main body 104.

[0043]

[0035] In an embodiment, the main body 104 is provided with a locator 126 (as shown in Figure 3). The locator 126 extends downwardly (in a top-down direction of the wear ring 100) from the main body 104 and is adapted to be inserted or accommodated within the insertion slot, while the main body 104 rests on the mounting groove. As such, the dimensions of the locator 126 conform to dimensions of the insertion slot. Also, the locator 126 is provided with a tapered at an angle 03 for ease of mounting the wear ring 100 on the top plate 102. In an embodiment, downward extension of the locator 126 is considered to enabling seating of the main body 104 in the insertion slot of the top plate 104. In an embodiment, the angle 03 ranges from 30 degrees to about 35 degrees based on seating requirements of the wear ring 100.

[0044]

[0036] In an embodiment, the wear ring 100 is manufactured from a forged steel material. In another embodiment, the wear ring 100 is made of forging process. Such material selection and manufacturing technique enhances load bearing capacity of the wear ring 100.

[0045]

[0037] In an operational embodiment, the main body 104 is mounted onto the mounting groove on the top plate 102, such that, the inner peripheral surface 104b and the inner surfaces 114b, 120b are inline with the insertion slot. As such, during engagement of the towing vehicle with the trailer, the king pin enters the top plate and the insertion hole uninterrupted or smoothly. The inner peripheral surface 104b and the inner surfaces 114b, 120b of the wear ring 100 contact and uniformly surround the neck of the king pin. Thus, the forces exerted by the king pin on the fifth wheel coupling unit is dissipated by the wear ring 100, thereby enhancing life of the fifth wheel coupling unit.

[0046]

[0038] 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 claimed aspect of the main body being provided with a locator ensures that the wear ring is secured on the top plate of the fifth wheel coupling even when forces are exerted on the wear ring by the king pin. Furthermore, the claimed aspect of the locator the one or more mounting units on the main body ensures retrofittability of the wear ring in the fifth wheel coupling unit. Also, the one or more mounting units facilitates easy assembly or dismantling of the wear ring from the fifth wheel coupling unit. Additionally, the claimed aspect of the first leg and the second leg being provided with bevelled edges facilitates smooth entry of the king pin into the insertion slot. Additionally, the claimed aspect of the wear ring being made of forged steel and by forging process enhances load bearing capacity, the strength and durability.

[0047]

[0039] The foregoing description of the invention has been set merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since the modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to the person skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the disclosure.

[0048] Reference Numerals

[0049] 100 - Wear ring

[0050] 102 - Top plate

[0051] 104 - Main body

[0052] 104a - Outer peripheral surface

[0053] 104b - Inner peripheral surface 114 - First leg 114a - Outer surface

[0054] 114b - First inner surface 114c - Left portion of the main body

[0055] 116 - Trailing end

[0056] 118 - Bevelled edge

[0057] 120 - Second leg 120a - Outer surface

[0058] 120b - Second inner surface

[0059] 122 - Second trailing end

[0060] 124 - Bevelled edge

[0061] 126 - Locator 128 - First curved stepped profile

[0062] 130 - Second curved stepped profile

Claims

CLAIMS1. A wear ring (100) for a fifth wheel coupling unit, the wear ring (100) comprising: a main body (104) adapted to be disposed on a top plate (102) of the fifthwheel coupling unit, wherein the main body (104) being provided with a locator (126) extending downwardly of the wear ring (100) from the main body (104), the locator (126) being adapted to be inserted within an insertion slot of the top plate (102).

2. The wear ring (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body (104) being provided with one or more mounting units (106), the one or more mounting units (106) being disposed on the main body (104), the one or more mounting units (106) being adapted to engage with one or more mounting members disposed on the top plate (102) of the fifth-wheel coupling, wherein the one or more mounting units (106) being angularly displaced from one another on the main body (104).

3. The wear ring (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body (104) being an arcuate shaped member.

4. The wear ring (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body (104) has an outer peripheral surface (104a) and an inner peripheral surface (104b), the outer peripheral surface (104a) and the inner peripheral surface (104a) being adapted to conform to dimensions of an insertion slot provided on the top plate (102).

5. The wear ring (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body (104) comprising of a first leg (114) and a second leg (120), the first leg (114) extending rearwardly from a left portion (114c) of the main body (104), the second leg (120) extending rearwardly from a right portion (114d) of the main body (104), wherein the first leg (114) comprising of a first trailing end (116) and a first bevelled edge (118), the first bevelled edge (118) being provided at an angle 0iwith respect to a central axis A-A’ of the wear ring (100), the angle 0i of the first bevelled edge (118) being between 10 degrees to 12 degrees; and the second leg (120) comprising of a second trailing end (122) and a second bevelled edge (124), the second bevelled edge (124) being provided at an angle 02 with respect to a central axis A-A’ of the wear ring (100), the angle 02 of the second bevelled edge (124) being between 10 degrees to 12 degrees.

6. The wear ring (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first leg (114) comprises an inner surface (114b), the inner surface (114b) being continuous with an inner peripheral surface (104b) of the main body (104), the inner surface (114b) forming a first curved stepped profile (128) with the inner peripheral surface (104); and the second leg (120) comprises an inner surface (120b), the inner surface (120b) being continuous with the inner peripheral surface (104b) of the main body (104), the inner surface (120b) forming a second curved stepped profile (128) with the inner peripheral surface (104).

7. The wear ring (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wear ring (100) is manufactured from a forged steel material, the wear ring (100) being made of forging process.

8. The wear ring (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locator (126) being tapered at an angle 03 with respect to a central axis A-A’, the angle 03 being between 30 degrees to 35 degrees.

9. A fifth wheel coupling unit comprising: a wear ring (100) comprising: a main body (104) adapted to be disposed on a top plate (102) of the fifthwheel coupling unit,wherein the main body (104) being provided with a locator (126) extending downwardly of the wear ring (100) from the main body (104), the locator (126) being adapted to be inserted within an insertion slot of the top plate (102).

10. A vehicle comprising: a fifth wheel coupling unit comprising: a wear ring (100) comprising: a main body (104) adapted to be disposed on a top plate (102) of the fifthwheel coupling unit, wherein the main body (104) being provided with a locator (126) extending downwardly of the wear ring (100) from the main body (104), the locator (126) being adapted to be inserted within an insertion slot of the top plate (102).

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