Embodiments generally relate to devices for compensating for the roll of a fifth-wheel coupling, such as on a prime mover towing a semi-trailer. Example embodiments relate to a compensator for a fifth-wheel coupling, the compensator comprising: mounting structure for connecting the compensator to a towing vehicle unit; a first support comprising a first mounting pivot and a first coupling pivot, and a second support comprising a second mounting pivot and a second coupling pivot, the mounting pivots each pivotally connected to the mounting structure, and the coupling pivots each configured to be pivotally connected to the fifth-wheel coupling; and a limit assembly configured to exert a force or moment on at least one of the first and second supports to restrict movement of the supports. A first axis extends through the first mounting pivot and the first coupling pivot, and a second axis extends through the second mounting pivot and the second coupling pivot; so that when in use, the first and second supports are pivotally connected to the fifth-wheel coupling to support and allow movement of the fifth-wheel coupling relative to the mounting structure, an intersection of the first and second axes defines a roll centre about which the fifth-wheel coupling moves, and the first and second supports are aligned respective to each other such that the fifth-wheel coupling is positioned between the roll centre and the mounting structure, so that movement of the first and second supports reduces the rotation transferred to the mounting structure
Compensator for fifth-wheel couplings
2022-10-13
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
IPC: | B62D MOTOR VEHICLES , Motorfahrzeuge |