• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    This invention relates to a trailer 2 for use with a prime mover 1 having a suspension assembly 10 pivotably attached to the trailer 2. The suspension 5 assembly 10 includes a first axial, a second axial and a second articulated connection to allow the first axial to pivot relative to the second axial about the second pivot axis. cco x- L|| ((9
    公开号:AU2013201026A1
    申请号:U2013201026
    申请日:2013-02-20
    公开日:2013-09-12
    发明作者:Graeme J. Elphinstone
    申请人:ELPHINSTONE ENGINEERING AUST Pty Ltd；
    IPC主号:B62D63-06
    专利说明:
    P/00/011 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: ARTICULATED TRAILER FOR USE WITH PRIME MOVER Applicant: Elphinstone Engineering Aust Pty Ltd The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 1 8087 SYC 2 ARTICULATED TRAILER FOR USE WITH A PRIME MOVER FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a trailer for use with a prime mover. The trailer has a 5 particular preferred application being connected to a fifth wheel turntable of a prime mover. It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention whereby the fifth wheel forms part of the prime mover, however it is to be appreciated the invention is not limited to this arrangement. More specifically the fifth wheel may be indirectly connected to the prime mover through a jinker, B Double, converter 10 dolly or a road train and the invention includes these applications also. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The function of a trailer is to carry a payload while being propelled. One form of trailer is a semi-trailer which is generally propelled by a prime mover. A semi 15 trailer includes a frame with a turntable adjacent a front end of the frame for hitching to the prime mover, and an axle group adjacent a rear end of the frame. The axle group will generally include, two, three or four axles, and each axle may have one or two tyres on each side of the frame. The semi trailer will include a landing leg assembly between the axle group and the turntable for 20 supporting the front end of the frame when it is not hitched to the prime mover. The turning circle of an evenly balanced trailer is generally controlled by the distance between the turntable and a centre of the axle group. Whilst it is preferred to maximise the length of the trailer so as to increase the potential 25 payload, this will adversely impact on the turning circle of the trailer. The turning circle of the trailer will in turn impact on manoeuvrability which will dictate in part the routes on which the trailer can run. The weight of the payload is limited by the number of tyres on the trailer. A 30 standard semi-trailer with dual tyres and a single axle can have a gross load of 9 ton, a double axle can have a load of 16.5 ton, a tri axle can have a load of 20 ton and a quad axle can have a load of 27 ton. A reference to a double, tri or quad axle trailer involves the multiple axles fixed to a suspension and aligned to track in the same direction. It will be noted that the relationship between the Articulated Oog Traier oc 3 load and the number of tyres is not linear. This is due to the limitation of spacing of the axles must not exceed a specified load on a standard bridge. On the one hand if the spacing is 2m each axle can carry a 9 ton load, however if the spacing is 2m the lead axle needs to be a steered axle. 5 Another problem with multi axle trailers is that as the axles are fixed the tyres will scrub across the road surface when the trailer is turning. This results in wear on both the tyre and the road surface. The wear on the tyres adds directly to the running costs of the operator. The wear on the road surface causes the 10 premature deterioration of the road surface. The road authorities address this by registration fees that are proportional to the number of axles. Accordingly the wear of the road surface adds indirectly to the costs of the operator. Furthermore the road authorities control the routes available to operators in a 15 manner that is inversely proportional to the number of axles. The road authorities aim to provide a road pavement capable of accommodating a greater load on selected routes. Accordingly there is an advantage in minimizing the number of axels on a trailer. 20 A reference herein to a patent document or other matter which is given as prior art is not to be taken as an admission that that document or matter was, in Australia, known or that the information it contains was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims. 25 According to this invention there is provided a trailer for use with a prime mover, the trailer including a frame, a hitch near a front end of the trailer for hitching to the prime mover, a suspension assembly connected to the frame by a first articulated connection near a rear end of the frame so as to allow the frame to pivot about a first pivot axis relative to the suspension assembly, the 30 suspension assembly having at least two axles, a first axle located in front of the first articulated connection and a second axle located behind the first articulated connection, the suspension assembly including a second articulated connection whereby the first axle can pivot about a second pivot axis relative to the second axle. Articulated Dog Trailer doc 4 It is preferred that the suspension includes a drawbar assembly and a third articulated connection between a front end of the drawbar and the frame, the third articulated connection being located forward of the second articulated 5 connection. It is further preferred that the third articulated connection is indirectly connected to the frame via a landing leg assembly. It is still further preferred that the drawbar is adjustable in a length dimension so as to allow for adjustment of a position of the second articulated connection relative to a position of the third articulated connection. The drawbar assembly preferably 10 includes at least a first bar and a second bar that are configured to allow for movement of the first bar relative to the second bar when adjusting the length dimension of the drawbar assembly. It is preferred that the configuration of the first bar with the second bar allows for telescopic movement. The drawbar may also include a third bar that is aligned so as to be substantially coaxial with the 15 first bar and second bar, however this is not essential. If a third bar is included, it is preferred that the second and third bar are hollow to accommodate the first bar and second bar respectively. It is preferred that the suspension includes a third axle also located behind the 20 first articulated connection. It is preferred that the first articulated connection includes a load cell. It is preferred that the first articulated connection includes a shaft which allows 25 for further pivoting movement of the frame relative to at least the second axle about an axis that is substantially parallel to the frame. It is further preferred that the first articulated connection includes a ball race turntable which allows said pivoting movement of at least the second axle relative to the frame about said first pivot axis which is substantially perpendicular to the frame. It is further 30 preferred that said first pivot axis is spaced from the second axle. It is further preferred that the second axle is spaced from the first pivot axis by a distance that is less than a distance between the first axle from the first pivot axis. It is still further preferred that the distance of the second axle to the first pivot axis is substantially half the distance between the first axle and the first pivot axis. ArtlIated Dog Trailerdoc 5 It is further preferred that the hitch includes a turntable near a front end of the frame with a king pin for hitching the trailer to a fifth wheel coupling of the prime mover. 5 It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention, according to various aspects, by reference to a particular form of semi-trailer assembly attached directly to a prime mover. Each aspect of the invention is also applicable to other forms of trailer assemblies that are indirectly attached to the prime mover. 10 An embodiment of the invention is described in detail in the following passages of the specification which refer to the accompanying drawings. The drawings, however, are merely illustrative of how the invention might be put into effect, so that the specific form and arrangement of the various features shown is not to be understood as limiting on the invention. 15 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a semi-trailer attached to a prime mover according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 20 Figure 2 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with the trailer body and prime mover shown schematically. Figure 3 is a plan view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 with the prime mover turning. 25 Figure 4 is a detailed view of IV from Figure 2. Figure 5 is a detailed view of V from Figure 1. 30 Figure 6 is a detailed view of VI from Figure 2. Figure 7 is a detailed view of VII from Figure 1. Figure 8 is a detailed view of VIII from Figure 2. Ariculated Dog Trailer doc 6 Figure 9 is a detailed view of IX from Figure 1. Figure 10 is a detailed view of X from Figure 3. 5 Figure 11 is a detailed view of the second articulated connection. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring firstly to Figure 1 which illustrates in summary a prime mover 1 and 10 trailer 2. The prime mover 1 includes a cabin 3 and a chassis 4. The chassis 4 includes steered wheels 5 at the front of the prime mover 1, and double axle drive wheels 6 at the rear of the prime mover 1. A fifth wheel coupling 7 is positioned above the double axle 6 for hitching the trailer 2 to the prime mover 1. The trailer 2 the subject of the invention may be suitable for use with a prime 15 mover 1 different to that as hereinbefore described and illustrated. The trailer according to the invention includes a frame 8. The frame 8 of the embodiment illustrated forms part of a container body, however the frame may take other forms and incorporate other features such as a flatbed, tankers, side 20 and end tipper body or skeletal frames for containers. It is to be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the frame 8 forming part of a container as illustrated. The trailer 2 includes a hitch 9 near a front end of the frame 8 for hitching the 25 trailer 2 to the prime mover 1. The preferred form of hitch 9 is a turntable with a kingpin for hitching the trailer to a fifth wheel coupling of the prime mover. This form of hitch 9 is not essential, instead the trailer could be hitched to a prime mover indirectly via a jinker/converter dolly which may include the use of a pole and gimble hitch. The other forms of hitch 9 for hitching a trailer 2 to a prime 30 mover 1 will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, and the invention is not limited to the turntable with kingpin hitch 9. The trailer 2 according to the invention includes a suspension assembly 10 connected to the frame 8 and having at least two axles. In the embodiment Articulated Dog Trller.doc 7 illustrated in Figure 1 the suspension assembly 10 includes a first axle 11 positioned forward of the connection 12, with a second axle 13 and third axle 14 positioned rearwardly of the connection 12. The suspension also includes a chassis 15 on which the axles 11, 13, 14 and connection 12 are mounted. The 5 second axel 13 and third axle 14 may be mounted to the chassis 15 in any suitable manner and in Figure 2 can be appreciated that all axles 11, 13, 14 are fitted with dual tyres 16 on either side of the chassis 15. The trailer according to the invention includes the suspension assembly having 10 a second articulated connection so as to allow the first axle 11 to pivot relative to the second axle 13. Figure 1 illustrates the first articulated connection 12 pivoting about an axis XX whilst the second articulated connection 17 pivots about a second pivot axis YY. The pivoting of the first axle 11 relative to the second axle 13 can be appreciated by comparing Figures 2 and 3. 15 It is a preferred aspect of the invention that the suspension 10 includes a drawbar assembly 18 connecting a front end of the chassis 15 to the frame 8. The drawbar 18 facilitates steering the first axle 11 relative to the frame 8 however this may be replaced by some other form of steering assembly. The 20 preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 has a drawbar assembly 18 indirectly connected to the frame 8 via a landing leg assembly 19. The drawbar assembly 18 may be connected to the frame 8 by some other arrangement that is more or less direct than to the landing leg assembly 19. The function of a landing leg assembly ought to be understood by those in the industry as 25 providing a temporary support to the trailer 2 when disconnected from the prime mover 1. Referring now to Figures 4 and 5 which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the first articulated connection 12 in greater detail. The first articulated connection 30 includes an upper platform 20 and a lower platform 21. Figure 4 indicates that the platforms are circular and it is to be appreciated that this shape is merely preferred. More specifically, the shape of the platform 20, 21 may vary. It can be appreciated from Figure 5 that a shaft 22 provides a pivotal connection allowing pivoting of the upper platform 20 relative to the lower platform 21 about Arliculated Dog Traierdoc 8 an axis ZZ (see Figure 4). The lower platform 21 is in turn connected to the chassis 15 via a ball race 23 (see Figure 5) which allows for pivoting of the suspension 10 relative to the frame 8 about the axis XX. 5 Referring now to Figures 6 and 7 which illustrate the second articulated connection 17. The second articulated connection 17 may take any form and is not limited to the connection as illustrated. Figure 7 illustrates the chassis 15 including a main frame 24 and a dolly frame 25 whereby the dolly frame 25 pivots relative to the main frame 24. Figure 11 illustrates the connection 17 in 10 partial cross section to reveal the dolly frame 25 supporting a kingpin 26 which locates within a bush 27 of the main frame 24. A washer 28, preferably in the form of a nylon disc separates the main frame 24 from the dolly frame 25, allowing the surfaces thereof to slide over the disc 28. A locking mechanism 29 (see Figure 7) on the main frame 24 captures the kingpin 26. Other forms of 15 articulated connection are clearly possible. Referring now to Figures 8 and 9 which illustrate the third articulated connection 30. In particular the landing leg assembly 19 includes a pin 31 to receive a gimble hitch 32 (see Figure 8) to fix one end of the drawbar 18 to the landing 20 leg 19. A pair of struts 33 is included to support the landing leg 19 and prevent it buckling when under load. The other end of the drawbar 18 interacts with the chassis in a manner that can be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 illustrates the suspension 10 pivoting about both the axis XX and YY 25 as would be the case when the prime mover 1 is turning (see Figure 3). This results in the first axle 11, second axle 13 and third axle 14 all swinging out from the alignment as illustrated in Figure 2. The first axle pivots 11 about the third articulated connection 30 in such a manner that the distance between the second articulated connection 17 and the third articulated connection 30 30 increases as the turning circle of the trailer decreases. In order to allow for this, the length of the drawbar 18 needs to be adjustable. This may be achieved by any suitable manner however in the embodiment illustrated the drawbar includes a first bar 34, second bar 35 and third bar 36 with the fist bar 34 and second bar 35 sliding within the second bar 35 and third bar 36 respectively in a Articutated Dog TraIerdoc 9 telescopic manner. Alternatively the drawbar 18 may include a first bar 34 and second bar 35 whereby the first bar 34 slides within the second bar 35 in a telescopic manner. The drawbar of the invention is not limited to the configuration as illustrated. 5 It ought to be appreciated from the foregoing description that providing a suspension 10 with greater articulation increases the turning circle of the trailer 2. Furthermore the ability of transferring the load of the payload through the pivoting shaft 22 enables a more even distribution of the load across all tyres of 10 the suspension 10. Still furthermore, the articulation of the suspension 10 allows for more accurate tracking of the tyres 16 whilst turning, and therefore reducing the likelihood of scrubbing across the road surface. Various alterations and/or additions may be introduced to the arrangement as 15 hereinbefore described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention. Future patent applications may be filed in Australia or overseas on the basis of or claiming priority from the present application. It is to be understood that the 20 following provisional claims are provided by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of what may be claimed in any such future application. Features may be added to or omitted from the provisional claims at a later date so as to further define or re-define the invention or inventionsre Articulated Dog TraIlerdoc
    权利要求:
    Claims (16)
    [1] 1. A trailer for use with a prime mover, the trailer including a frame, a hitch near a front end of the trailer for hitching to the prime mover, a suspension 5 assembly connected to the frame by a first articulated connection near a rear end of the frame so as to allow the frame to pivot about a first pivot axis relative to the suspension assembly, the suspension assembly having at least two axles, a first axle located in front of the first articulated connection and a second axle located behind the first articulated connection, the suspension assembly 10 including a second articulated connection whereby the first axle can pivot about a second pivot axis relative to the second axle.
    [2] 2. A trailer according to claim 1 wherein the suspension includes a drawbar assembly and a third articulated connection between a front end of the drawbar 15 and the frame, the third articulated connection being located forward of the second articulated connection.
    [3] 3. A trailer according to claim 2 wherein the third articulated connection is indirectly connected to the frame via a landing leg assembly. 20
    [4] 4. A trailer according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the drawbar is adjustable in a length dimension so as to allow for adjustment of a position of the second articulated connection relative to a position of the third articulated connection. 25
    [5] 5. A trailer according to claim 4 wherein the drawbar assembly includes at least a first bar and a second bar that are configured to allow for movement of the first bar relative to the second bar when adjusting the length dimension of the drawbar assembly. 30
    [6] 6. A trailer according to claim 5 wherein the configuration of the first bar with the second bar allows for telescopic movement.
    [7] 7. A trailer according to claim 5 or 6 wherein the drawbar includes a third bar that is aligned so as to be substantially coaxial with the first bar and second 35 bar. Articulated Dog Trailer.doc 11
    [8] 8. A trailer according to claim 7 wherein the second and third bar are hollow to accommodate the first bar and second bar respectively.
    [9] 9. A trailer according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the 5 suspension includes a third axle also located behind the first articulated connection.
    [10] 10. A trailer according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first articulated connection includes a load cell. 10
    [11] 11. A trailer according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first articulated connection includes a shaft which allows for further pivoting movement of the frame relative to at least the second axle about an axis that is substantially parallel to the frame. 15
    [12] 12. A trailer according to claim any one of the preceding claims wherein the first articulated connection includes a ball race turntable which allows said pivoting movement of at least the second axle relative to the frame about said first pivot axis which is substantially perpendicular to the frame. 20
    [13] 13. A trailer according to claim 12 wherein said first pivot axis is spaced from the second axle.
    [14] 14. A trailer according to claim 13 wherein the second axle is spaced from 25 the first pivot axis by a distance that is less than a distance between the first axle and the first pivot axis.
    [15] 15. A trailer according to claim 14 wherein the distance of the second axle to the first pivot axis is substantially half the distance between the first axle and the 30 first pivot axis.
    [16] 16. A trailer according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the hitch includes a turntable near a front end of the frame with a king pin for hitching the trailer to a fifth wheel coupling of the prime mover. Ariulated Dog Tailer doc
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    AU2013201026B2|2017-07-27|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    NL6908160A|1969-05-29|1970-12-01|||
    NL7407708A|1974-06-07|1975-12-09|Hulo B V|STEERABLE MULTI-AXLE BOGIE FOR THE TRAILER COMBINATION TRAILER.|
    IL62315D0|1980-03-11|1981-05-20|Damm Sverre|Steering device for many-axled goose-neck trailers|
    BE1006661A5|1992-01-30|1994-11-08|Estepe Special Truck Products|VEHICLE SYSTEM AND CONTAINER FOR IT.|
    NL1030190C2|2005-10-13|2007-04-16|Logi D B V|Semi-trailer.|
    法律状态:
    2017-11-23| FGA| Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent)|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    AU2012900793||2012-02-29||
    AU2012900793A|AU2012900793A0||2012-02-29|Articulated trailer for use with prime mover|
    AU2013201026A|AU2013201026B2|2012-02-29|2013-02-20|Articulated trailer for use with prime mover|AU2013201026A| AU2013201026B2|2012-02-29|2013-02-20|Articulated trailer for use with prime mover|
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