Patent ID: 6729635
Filing Date: 2004-05-04
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
A fifth wheel coupling for a releasable connection between a semi-trailer and a truck tractor comprising:a fifth wheel plate and a pair of pillow blocks adapted for attaching a fifth wheel coupling to the frame of the truck tractor, wherein the fifth wheel plate is connected to the pillow blocks in such a way that the wheel plate pivots around an axis adapted to run parallel to the foot print of the truck tractor and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the truck tractor; wherein an underside of the fifth wheel plate is equipped with a pair of hollow cylindrical bearing troughs arranged coaxially to the axis, and the pillow blocks have corresponding cylindrical bearing surfaces; wherein the pillow blocks are equipped with an eye located below the bearing surfaces to allow for fasteners to penetrate and form a bridge connecting the fifth wheel plate to the pillow blocks in such a way that the wheel plate swivels around the axis; wherein a bearing shell is disposed between a bearing trough and the bearing surface, while a damping element is disposed between the bridge and an upper interior wall of the eye; wherein the pillow blocks comprise a one-piece casting and are equipped with a vertical mounting flange adapted for a direct lateral attachment to a longitudinal members of the frame of the truck tractor; wherein bridges are equipped with cylindrical fitting surfaces matched to the hollow cylindrical bearing troughs are constructed to be U-shaped and open on top, while having internal contact surfaces disposed essentially perpendicular with respect to the axis and having an axial distance greater than a width of the pillow block in the area encircled by the bridge; wherein the bearing shells are constructed to be U-shaped and open at the bottom and equipped with side walls having internal and external contact surfaces perpendicular to the axis, wherein a distance between the external contact surfaces is adapted to be less than or equal to the distance between the contact surfaces of the bridge and the distance between the internal contact surfaces is adapted to be greater than or equal to the width of the pillow block in the encircled area; and wherein the side walls are constructed with differing thicknesses for the purpose of adjustment to a given mounting width.