Top plate for fifth wheel coupling unit

Abstract

Present invention provides a top plate (100) for a fifth wheel coupling unit. The top plate (100) comprises a plate member extending between a front edge (110) and a rear edge (106). The plate member has a top surface (100a) adapted to engage with a trailer and a bottom surface (100b) adapted to engage with a frame of the vehicle. An insertion slot (102) is formed at a central portion of the plate member to accommodate a kingpin of the trailer. A cutout (104) extends from the rear edge (106) to the insertion slot (102) to guide the kingpin to the insertion slot (102) during engagement with the trailer. A depressed portion (114) is provided on the top surface (100a) surrounding the insertion slot (102) to reduce the effective contact area of the top surface (100a) with the trailer.

Description

[0001] TITLE OF INVENTION

[0002] TOP PLATE FOR FIFTH WHEEL COUPLING UNIT

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004]

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

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006]

[0002] Vehicles such as towing vehicles including 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, fifth wheel coupling unit has been used to link the towing vehicle to the trailer. The fifth wheel coupling unit consists of a horseshoe-shaped top plate provided on the rear of the towing vehicle. Below the top plate, a locking mechanism is provided, which is adapted to engage with a kingpin protruding from the bottom of the front of the trailer, As the connected towing vehicle turns, the downward-facing surface of the trailer (with the kingpin at the center) rotates against the upward-facing surface of the top plate, which does not rotate. The top plate helps in providing stability to the trailer especially when undertaking heavy loads. The top plate evenly distributes load between the towing vehicle and the trailer, leading to smoother navigation.

[0008]

[0004] However, the top plate is either a cast or a fabricated plate, that is subjected to a vertical load of the trailer from one end and to cross load during vehicle towing. In addition, shocks, bumps, swiveling or buffeting of the vehicle result in additional forces / loads on the top plate from various directions. Also, the top surface of the top plate continues to experience the frictional forces between the top surface of the plate and the bottom surface of the trailer. All these forces / loads may lead to cracking of the top plate or lead to wearing out of the top plate under frictional forces. This scenario is more pronounced when the vehicle is overloaded, resulting in failure of the fifth wheel coupling unit.

[0005] In view of the above, there is a need for a top plate for a fifth wheel coupling unit to overcome one or more limitations stated above.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010]

[0006] In an aspect, a top plate for a fifth wheel coupling unit is disclosed. The top plate includes a plate member extending between a front edge and a rear edge. The plate member has a top surface adapted to engage with a trailer and a bottom surface adapted to engage with a frame of the vehicle. An insertion slot is formed at a central portion of the plate member. The insertion slot is adapted to accommodate a kingpin of the trailer. A cutout extends from the rear edge to the insertion slot. The cutout is adapted to guide the kingpin to the insertion slot during engagement with the trailer. A depressed portion is provided on the top surface. The depressed portion surrounds the insertion slot for reducing the effective contact area of the top surface with the trailer.

[0011]

[0007] In an embodiment, one or more mounting units are provided on the bottom surface to pivotally engage with one or more pedestals. The one or more pedestals are adapted to mount the top plate onto the frame of the vehicle.

[0012]

[0008] In a further embodiment, a reinforcement plate is provided at location of each of the one or more mounting units to maintain gap between the bottom surface and the pedestal.

[0013]

[0009] In a further embodiment, the reinforcement plate has a shank portion adapted to selectively engage with the one or more pedestals. The shank portion is adapted to engage with the one or more pedestals when a bush surrounding a pivot pin is worn out. An edge portion is adapted to engage with the bottom surface.

[0014]

[0010] In a further embodiment, each of the one or more mounting units comprise a pair of slotted mounting brackets oriented vertically to the bottom surface wherein the reinforcement plate is provided between each of the pair of slotted mounting brackets.

[0015] [Oi l] In a further embodiment, the cutout forms a pair of legs having a tapered V-shape structure adapted to guide the kingpin to the insertion slot during engagement with the trailer, each leg of the pair of legs has a tip portion bent downwardly to facilitate entry of the top plate below the trailer during engagement with the trailer.

[0016]

[0012] In a further embodiment, the top plate is a pierced part made from an 8 mm thick plate of ST-52 steel material. The top plate is being e-coated black for corrosion protection.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the top plate comprises a plurality of ribs provided on the bottom surface. The plurality of ribs includes a first set of ribs and a second set of ribs. The first set of ribs and the second set of ribs intersect with one another. The first set of ribs are lateral plate members oriented along a left-right direction of the top plate and the second set of ribs are longitudinal plate members oriented along a front-rear direction of the top plate.

[0017]

[0014] In another aspect, the fifth wheel coupling unit is disclosed. The fifth wheel coupling unit includes the top plate. Further, the top plate includes a plate member extending between a front edge and a rear edge. The plate member has the top surface adapted to engage with the trailer and the bottom surface adapted to engage with the frame of the vehicle. The insertion slot is formed at a central portion of the plate member and is adapted to accommodate the kingpin of the trailer. Further, a cutout extends from the rear edge to the insertion slot. The cutout is adapted to guide the kingpin to the insertion slot during engagement with the trailer. Also, the depressed portion is provided on the top surface. The depressed portion surrounds the insertion slot for reducing the effective contact area of the top surface with the trailer.

[0018]

[0015] In yet another aspect, the vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a fifth wheel coupling unit. Further, the fifth wheel coupling unit comprises the top plate. Furthermore, the top plate comprises the plate member extending between the front edge and the rear edge. The plate member has the top surface adapted to engage with the trailer and the bottom surface adapted to engage with the frame of the vehicle. The insertion slot is formed at the central portion of the plate member. The insertion slot is configured to accommodate the kingpin of the trailer. The cutout extends from the rear edge to the insertion slot. The cutout is adapted to guide the kingpin to the insertion slot during engagement with the trailer. The depressed portion is provided on the top surface. The depressed portion surrounds the insertion slot for reducing the effective contact area of the top surface with the trailer.

[0019] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]

[0016] 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.

[0021] Figure l is a top view of a top plate for a fifth wheel coupling unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 is a left side view of the top plate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 is a front inverted view of the top plate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the top plate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of the top plate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 is a sectional view of the top plate mounted over a pedestal, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028]

[0017] The present invention relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a top plate for a fifth wheel coupling unit of a vehicle, such as a heavy vehicle. The fifth wheel coupling unit links the heavy vehicle such as a towing vehicle or a truck, to a trailer. The top plate of the present invention is characterised by high strength with high load bearing capacity. As such, the top plate is capable of bearing heavy loads, shocks, bumps during swiveling or buffeting of a trailer.

[0029]

[0018] 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.

[0030]

[0019] For ease of reference and explanation, directional indications for the top plate are provided in Figure 1, basis mounting of the top plate on the vehicle. As such, the directional notations of the top plate 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 top plate correspond towards front, rear, left, right, top and bottom direction respectively of the vehicle.

[0020] Figure l is a top view of a top plate 100 for a fifth wheel coupling unit of a vehicle, such as a heavy vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The top plate 100 is positioned below a trailer (not shown) and adapted to engage with a kingpin (not shown) of the trailer.

[0031]

[0021] The top plate 100 is a plate member that extends from a front edge 110 to a rear edge 106. The top plate 100 may be a pierced part made from an 8 mm thick plate of ST- 52 steel material. The top plate 100 has a top surface 100a adapted to engage with the trailer and a bottom surface 100b (as shown in Figure 4) adapted to engage with a frame (not shown) of the vehicle. The bottom surface 100b may be provided with one or more pedestals 130 (as shown in Figure 6) for enabling mounting of the top plate 100 onto the frame of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the one or more pedestals 130 are mounted to the top plate 100 through one or more mounting units 112 (shown in Figures 2-4) provided on side portions of the bottom surface 100b. The one or more mounting units 112 may be slotted members provided on side portions of the bottom surface 100b, that are capable of pivotally engaging with the one or more pedestals 130. Further, a side wall 118 (shown in Figure 5) is provided along the periphery of the top plate 100.

[0032]

[0022] The top plate 100 is provided with an insertion slot 102 configured to accommodate the kingpin of the trailer. The insertion slot 102 is provided at a central portion of the top plate 100. A cutout 104 is provided from the rear edge 106 of the top plate 100 up to the insertion slot 102. The cutout 104 is adapted to guide the kingpin to the insertion slot 102 during engagement with the trailer. The cutout 104 is provided at the central portion of the top plate 100 to form a pair of legs 108. In an embodiment, the cutout 104 is provided such that, the legs 108 form a tapered V-shape structure (in a top view of the top plate 100). The legs 108 are configured to guide the kingpin to the insertion slot 102 during engagement with the trailer while linking the vehicle to the trailer.

[0033]

[0023] In an embodiment, each leg of the pair of legs 108 comprises a tip portion 108a bent downwardly (also shown in Figure 2). The tip portion 108a facilitates entry of the top plate 100 below the trailer during engagement with the trailer, when the truck is moved rearwardly for engagement of the fifth wheel coupling unit with the kingpin. In an embodiment, the top plate 100 is a horseshoe shaped plate.

[0024] Further, the top surface 100a is provided with a depressed portion 114. The depressed portion 114 surrounds the insertion slot 102. The depressed portion 114 reduces effective contact area of the top surface 100a with the trailer. Consequently, the effective area of wearing of the top surface 100a due to contact with the trailer is reduced, thereby enhancing life of the top surface 100a. Additionally, the depressed portion 114 also retains or traps a lubricant such as grease, that is applied on the top surface 100a. As such, the depressed portion 114 ensures lubrication of the top surface 100a for a longer period of time, while reducing friction related losses.

[0034]

[0025] In an embodiment, the depressed portion 114 is a depressed or reduced step portion provided on the top surface 100a. In another embodiment, the depressed portion 114 surrounding the insertion slot 102 is elliptical in shape. Alternatively, shape of the depressed portion 114 and the extent of depression is selected as per design feasibility and requirement in the top plate 100.

[0035]

[0026] Referring to Figure 5 in conjunction with Figures 1-4, a plurality of ribs 116 are provided on the bottom surface 100b of the top plate 100. Each of the plurality of ribs 116 is a plate member that is strategically mounted on the bottom surface 100b. Each of the plurality of ribs 116 is mounted on the bottom surface 100b through conventional mounting techniques known in the art such as welding, brazing and the like. The plurality of ribs 116 are adapted to enhance structural integrity of the top plate 100, thereby enhancing load bearing capacity as well as longevity of the top plate 100.

[0036]

[0027] The plurality of ribs 116 comprises a first set of ribs 116a and a second set of ribs 116b. The first set of ribs 116a and the second set of ribs 116b are strategically connected with one another while mounting on the bottom surface 100b. In an embodiment, the first set of ribs 116a are lateral plate members that are oriented along a left-right direction of the top plate 100, while the second set of ribs 116b are longitudinal plate members that are oriented along a front-rear direction of the top plate 100. The first set of ribs 116a and the second set of ribs 116b intersect with one another suitably, to ensure optimal structural integrity and load bearing strength of the top plate 100. In an embodiment, the first set of ribs 116a and the second set of ribs 116b intersect with one another to form a rectangular rib structure (not shown) on the bottom surface 100b. Alternatively, the first set of ribs 116a and the second set of ribs 116b intersect with one another as per strength requirement in the top plate 100.

[0028] In an embodiment, the first set of ribs 116a and the second set of ribs 116b may be inclined plate member that are oriented and positioned as per design feasibility and requirement in the top plate 100. In an embodiment, dimensions of each of the first set of ribs 116a and the second set of ribs 116b are selected based on contour of the top plate 100, as well as the mounting requirement on the bottom surface 100b.

[0037]

[0029] Further, a reinforcement plate 120 is provided to the bottom surface 100b of the top plate 100. The reinforcement plate 120 is provided at location of the one or more mounting units 112. Furthermore, a gap ‘G’ is maintained between the bottom surface 100b and the one or more pedestals 130 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 6). The gap ‘G’ enables swivelling of the top plate 100 about the one or more pedestals 130. Such a swivelling enables the top plate 100 to withstand the load transferred by the vehicle and / or the trailer while traversing over undulations on a road surface. In an embodiment, the gap ‘G’ maintained between the bottom surface 100b and the pedestal 130 is 2 mm. This further enhances the life of the top plate 100, as well as the fifth wheel coupling unit.

[0038]

[0030] The reinforcement plate 120 comprises a shank portion 120a and an edge portion 120b. The edge portion 120b is adapted to engage with the bottom surface 100b. The shank portion 120a is adapted to selectively engage with the one or more pedestals 130. The shank portion 120a is adapted to engage with the one or more pedestals 130 when a bush 134 surrounding a pivot pin 132 (shown in Figure 6) is worn out. The bush 134 wears out over time due to swivelling movement of the top plate 100 that occurs during vehicle movement. Due to wearing out of the bush 134, the pivot pin 132 gradually moves downwards about the top-down direction. Eventually, wear of the bush 134 eliminates the gap ‘G’, resulting in contact between the shank portion 120a and the one or more pedestals 130. At this juncture, the shank portion 120a / reinforcement plate 120 is subjected to frictional forces and wear due to contact with the one or more pedestals 130 during swivelling movement of the top plate 100. Thus, wear of the top plate 100 is eliminated due to the reinforcement plate 120, thereby ensuring longer life of the top plate 100.

[0039]

[0031] In an embodiment, the reinforcement plate 120 is a W-shaped member. Accordingly, the shank portion 120a is provided with an arcuate profile so that a relative rotational movement is possible between the pedestal 130 and the top plate 100. Such a construction enables the top plate 100 to swivel about the pedestal 130, thereby withstanding the load transferred by the vehicle and / or the trailer while traversing over undulations on a road surface. In an embodiment, the reinforcement plate 120 or the shank portion 120a is provided with an arcuate shape such that, a tilt angle of 14 degrees is permitted to the top plate 100 with respect to the pedestal 130. Alternatively, the arcuate shape of the reinforcement plate 120 or the shank portion 120a can be considered based on tilt angle requirements for the top plate 100.

[0040]

[0032] In an embodiment, each of the one or more mounting units 112 comprises a pair of slotted mounting brackets 122a, 122b provided on the bottom surface 100b. The slotted mounting brackets 122a, 122b are oriented vertically to the bottom surface 100b, and are adapted to pivotally engage with the one or more pedestals 130. In an embodiment, the slotted mounting brackets 122a, 122b are configured to accommodate the pivot pin 132 of the one or more pedestals 130.

[0041]

[0033] In an embodiment, the top plate 100 can be provided with a coating layer (not shown) for protection against corrosion. In an embodiment the top plate 100 can be e- coated black for protection against corrosion.

[0042]

[0034] Advantageously, the top plate for fifth wheel coupling unit according to the present invention comprises the depressed portion provided on the top surface. The depressed portion reduces an effective area of the top surface that is prone to contact with the trailer. Consequently, the effective area of wearing of the top surface due to contact with the trailer is reduced, thereby enhancing life of the top surface. Additionally, the depressed portion also retains or traps a lubricant such as grease, that is applied on the top surface. As such, the depressed portion ensures lubrication of the top surface for a longer period of time, while reducing friction related losses.

[0043]

[0035] Further, the plurality of ribs provided on the bottom surface enhances structural integrity of the top plate, thereby enhancing load bearing capacity as well as longevity of the top plate.

[0044]

[0036] Additionally, the reinforcement plate is provided above the pedestal. The reinforcement plate facilitates swivelling of the top plate about the pedestal, thereby withstanding the load transferred by the vehicle and / or the trailer while traversing over undulations on a road surface. Moreover, the tilt angle due to the reinforcement plate, provides sufficient inclination for the top plate with respect to the pedestal, thereby enhancing manoeuvrability of the vehicle over the undulations on the roads.

[0037] 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 - Top plate

[0047] 100a - Top surface

[0048] 100b - Bottom surface

[0049] 102 - Insertion slot

[0050] 104 - Cutout

[0051] 106 - Rear edge

[0052] 108 - Legs

[0053] 108a - Tip portion

[0054] 110 - Front edge

[0055] 112 - Mounting units

[0056] 114 - Depressed portion

[0057] 116 - Ribs

[0058] 116a - First set of ribs

[0059] 116b - Second set of ribs

[0060] 118 - Side wall

[0061] 120 - Reinforcement plate

[0062] 120a - Shank portion

[0063] 120b - Edge portion

[0064] 122a, 122b - Pair of Mounting brackets

[0065] 130 - Pedestal

[0066] 132 - Pivot pin

[0067] 134 - Bush

[0068] G - Gap

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A top plate (100) for a fifth wheel coupling unit, the top plate (100) comprising: a plate member extending between a front edge (110) and a rear edge (106), the plate member having a top surface (100a) adapted to engage with a trailer and a bottom surface (100b) adapted to engage with a frame of the vehicle; an insertion slot (102) formed at a central portion of the plate member, the insertion slot (102) adapted to accommodate a kingpin of the trailer; a cutout (104) extending from the rear edge (106) to the insertion slot (102), the cutout (104) adapted to guide the kingpin to the insertion slot (102) during engagement with the trailer; and a depressed portion (114) provided on the top surface (100a), the depressed portion (114) surrounding the insertion slot (102) for reducing effective contact area of the top surface (100a) with the trailer.

2. The top plate (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more mounting units (112) being provided on the bottom surface (100b) to pivotally engage with one or more pedestals (130), the one or more pedestals (130) adapted to mount the top plate (100) onto the frame of the vehicle.

3. The top plate (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a reinforcement plate (120) is provided at location of each of the one or more mounting units (112) to maintain a gap (G) between the bottom surface (100b) and the pedestal (130).

4. The top plate (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the reinforcement plate (120) comprises: a shank portion (120a) adapted to selectively engage with the one or more pedestals (130), the shank portion (120a) adapted to engage with the one or more pedestals (130) when a bush (134) surrounding a pivot pin (132) is worn out; and an edge portion (120b) adapted to engage with the bottom surface (100b).

5. The top plate (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the one or more mounting units (112) comprises a pair of slotted mounting brackets (122a, 122b) oriented vertically to the bottom surface (100b), wherein the reinforcement plate (120) is provided between each of the pair of slotted mounting brackets (122a, 122b).

6. The top plate (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutout (104) forms a pair of legs (108) having a tapered V-shape structure adapted to guide the kingpin to the insertion slot (102) during engagement with the trailer, wherein each leg of the pair of legs (108) comprises a tip portion (108a) bent downwardly to facilitate entry of the top plate (100) below the trailer during engagement with the trailer.

7. The top plate (100) as claimed in claim 1 being a pierced part made from an 8 mm thick plate of ST-52 steel material, the top plate (100) being e-coated black for corrosion protection.

8. The top plate (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a plurality of ribs (116) provided on the bottom surface (100b), the plurality of ribs (116) comprising a first set of ribs (116a) and a second set of ribs (116b), the first set of ribs (116a) and the second set of ribs (116b) intersecting with one another, wherein the first set of ribs (116a) being lateral plate members oriented along a left-right direction of the top plate (100), and the second set of ribs (116b) being longitudinal plate members oriented along a front-rear direction of the top plate (100).

9. A fifth wheel coupling unit comprising: a top plate (100) comprising: a plate member extending between a front edge (110) and a rear edge (106), the plate member having a top surface (100a) adapted toengage with a trailer and a bottom surface (100b) adapted to engage with a frame of the vehicle; an insertion slot (102) formed at a central portion of the plate member, the insertion slot (102) configured to accommodate a kingpin of the trailer; a cutout (104) extending from the rear edge (106) to the insertion slot (102), the cutout (104) adapted to guide the kingpin to the insertion slot (102) during engagement with the trailer; and a depressed portion (114) provided on the top surface (100a), the depressed portion (114) surrounding the insertion slot (102) for reducing effective contact area of the top surface (100a) with the trailer.

10. A vehicle comprising: a fifth wheel coupling unit, the fifth wheel coupling unit comprising: a top plate (100), the top plate (100) comprising: a plate member extending between a front edge (110) and a rear edge (106), the plate member having a top surface (100a) adapted to engage with a trailer and a bottom surface (100b) adapted to engage with a frame of the vehicle; an insertion slot (102) formed at a central portion of the plate member, the insertion slot (102) configured to accommodate a kingpin of the trailer; a cutout (104) extending from the rear edge (106) to the insertion slot (102), the cutout (104) adapted to guide the kingpin to the insertion slot (102) during engagement with the trailer; and a depressed portion (114) provided on the top surface (100a), the depressed portion (114) surrounding the insertion slot (102) for reducing effective contact area of the top surface (100a) with the trailer.

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