DE102006039930B4 - Chassis and system and method for producing such a chassis - Google Patents

Abstract

Chassis for a commercial vehicle trailer with a frame (10) for attachment of a chassis, characterized in that the frame (10) at least two frame sections (10a, 10b), which are formed as frame modules (10 ', 10' ') and further are made of different materials, wherein a first frame portion (10a) comprises a fiber composite material and a second frame portion (10b) of another material, wherein the first frame portion (10a) in the front direction of travel arranged neck portion (11) of the frame (10).

Description

The invention relates to a chassis, in particular for a trailer, with the features of the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a system according to claim 13 and, according to claim 14, to a method for producing such a chassis.

Trailers with a chassis of the type mentioned are known from commercial vehicle and have structural steel structures, which are cranked in the neck area. Exemplary will be on the DE 43 36 709 A1 directed. A reduction of the neck height is limited in such steel frame for stability reasons possible. A further reduction of the height in the neck area is technically feasible, but only by the use of high-strength steels and constructions with larger cross-sections, which is associated with correspondingly increased weight.

The neck height is critical for the available useful space of the semitrailer. Semi-trailers with a clear internal height of 3,000 mm are increasingly being used for the economic transport of goods. In compliance with the statutory total vehicle height of max. 4,000 mm, and taking into account the tractor units available on the market, only a small space remaining, which can be used as a support element of the semitrailer in the fifth wheel or in the neck area of the semi-trailer.

Furthermore, chassis frames are known, which are formed entirely of a composite material. Such chassis frame, for example, in DE 697 01 689 T2 or DE 601 00 501 T2 are described are relatively expensive and expensive to manufacture.

The invention has for its object to improve known chassis in terms of Nutzraumausnutzung, taking into account the requirements for economic efficiency. Furthermore, a system and a method for producing such a chassis to be specified.

With regard to the chassis, the object is achieved by the subject of claim 1. With regard to the system or the method, the object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of claim 13 and the method according to claim 14.

An essential idea of the invention is to design at least two frame sections of different materials in a chassis, in particular for a trailer, with a frame for fastening a chassis. In this case, a first frame section comprises a fiber composite material and a second frame section comprises another material, in particular steel and / or aluminum.

This creates the prerequisite for producing the critical frame region (or several critical frame regions), in particular the neck region, from a high-strength fiber composite material which enables a reduction in the height of the neck beyond the previously achievable minimum construction heights or at least achieves these heights with lower weight.

Compared to the conventional steel structures, the invention achieves a payload gain that is particularly significant in comparison to previous frame designs in which neck height reduction has been achieved through the use of high strength steels and elevated cross section designs.

Also with regard to the economic manufacturability and the suitability for mass production, the invention has advantages, since for the second frame section, in which it depends less on the compact height, another material, especially steel and / or aluminum is selected.

The invention is not limited to the use of the fiber composite in the neck area, but is generally based on the idea of producing critical frame sections from this material, whereas uncritical frame sections are made of other materials, in particular of steel and / or aluminum. In addition to the neck region, a critical frame section can include, for example, the region of the axle assembly. It is also possible to manufacture two or more frame sections made of fiber composite material and to produce the remaining frame from a different material.

Although known from the prior art chassis frame, which are made of high-strength fiber composites. Examples of such chassis are in the US 2003 000 13 76 A1 and in the US Pat. No. 6,158,773 disclosed. These are, however, ladder frames made entirely of fiber composite materials. In contrast, according to the invention only selected frame sections or a selected frame section made of fiber composite material, wherein a second different frame section is made of a different material. The achievable with the invention advantages, especially the requirement for a low height of the frame in the neck area, is just achieved through the combination of different materials without compromising the cost-effectiveness of the overall concept.

According to the invention, the first frame section comprises a neck region of the frame arranged at the front in the direction of travel. Thus, the achievable with the present invention advantages are implemented particularly effective, since the achievable in the neck region of the frame low height allows an increase in usable space while maintaining the legal vehicle height.

The second frame portion may comprise a rearwardly arranged in the direction of travel area, in particular a main frame area, so that a comparatively inexpensive material can be used for the less critical in terms of frame height area.

The second frame portion may have a strut construction that is easy to manufacture.

In a preferred embodiment, the first frame portion comprises a sandwich and / or shell construction. As a result, the special material properties of the fiber composite material are used constructively.

The first frame portion may be multi-layered, in particular 3-layer structure, whereby also the strength of the first frame portion is improved.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first frame section has at least one layer with a plurality of longitudinal elements arranged in the direction of travel. The longitudinal elements arranged in the direction of travel contribute to an improvement in the stability of the first frame section.

Likewise, in order to increase the stability, a plurality of transverse elements arranged transversely to the direction of travel can be provided in a region of the first frame section which is subject to higher loads during operation, in particular in the region of a fifth wheel coupling.

The at least one layer may be disposed between a top plate and a bottom plate, whereby the strength of the first frame portion is further improved.

The first frame section, in particular the neck area, may have a wear plate and / or wearing layer made of a wear-resistant material, for example of steel, which terminates at the bottom, so that the first frame section is particularly protected in this area.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention can be provided that the first frame portion comprises at least one, in particular two arranged in the direction of travel longitudinal beams, which are connected to the second frame portion. As a result, a particularly good introduction of force is achieved from the first frame section into the second frame section with the aid of the side members.

The two frame sections can be connected by at least one, in particular two longitudinal strips arranged in the direction of travel, whereby not only the two frame sections are securely coupled with each other, but overall the rigidity of the chassis is increased.

The system according to the invention is essentially based on the fact that at least two frame modules are provided, which are made of different materials. In this case, a first frame module comprises a fiber composite material and a second frame module another material, in particular steel and / or aluminum. The two frame modules can be combined with each other. The provision of this system provides the prerequisite that a variety of different chassis in modular design, or can be made as a modular system, without having to resort to an excessive number of individual modules.

• – Herstellen eines Rahmenmoduls aus einem Faserverbundwerkstoff;
• – Herstellen eines weiteren Rahmenmoduls aus einem anderen Material; und
• – Verbinden der beiden Rahmenmodule.

The inventive method for producing a chassis with a frame for mounting a chassis based essentially on the steps:

• - Making a frame module made of a fiber composite material;
• - Making another frame module made of a different material; and
• - Connect the two frame modules.

The invention will be explained below with reference to embodiments with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings with further details. Show

1 an overall perspective view of a chassis according to an embodiment of the invention;

2 a detailed view of the chassis after 1 in the region of the first frame section with a top plate shown in fracture representation; and

3 a detailed view from below of the chassis according to 1 in the area of the first frame section.

In the 1 - 3 a chassis according to an embodiment of the invention is shown with its main components, as it is mainly used in semi-trailers in flatbed / dry cargo / refrigerated vehicle area. The invention is not limited to semi-trailers, but generally includes chassis for commercial vehicle trailers, for example, for turntable trailers. Other applications, such as motor vehicles are possible.

On the chassis, a chassis and other attachments are attached, which in the 1 - 3 are not shown. The chassis is usually a 3-axis unit. Other suspensions are possible. Furthermore, seat posts, fenders or other attachments may be attached to the chassis (not shown). The chassis may be connected to a superstructure with sliding side and roof tarpaulins or to a trough (not shown).

As in 1 To recognize well, the chassis includes a frame 10 in two frame sections 10a . 10b is divided. The two frame sections 10a . 10b are made of different materials. The frame sections 10a . 10b form in the longitudinal direction of the frame 10 demarcated, especially bearing areas. This means that the transition from the first frame section 10a to the second frame section 10b essentially transverse to the longitudinal extent of the frame 10 done as in 1 to recognize.

Furthermore, the two frame sections form 10a . 10b each area contiguous areas that extend over the entire or at least almost the entire width of the chassis and differ by the use of different materials.

The invention is not limited to two frame sections 10a . 10b but may also comprise three, four, five or more frame sections each delimited from each other with respect to the materials used such that at least two immediately adjacent frame sections are made of different materials.

For example, the front and rear portions of the frame could be made of a fiber composite material and a middle portion therebetween made of another material, such as steel or aluminum.

In the chassis according to the 1 - 3 is the first frame section 10a made of a fiber composite material and the second frame portion made of a different material. The fiber composite may comprise a carbon fiber composite (CFRP) and / or a glass fiber composite (GRP). The second frame portion may be made of steel and / or aluminum.

In the present embodiment, the first frame section corresponds 10a the neck area 11 of the chassis. The second frame section 10b corresponds to the main frame area 12 , which is in the direction of travel at the back of the neck area 11 followed.

In addition to the embodiment according to the 1 - 3 Other embodiments of the invention are also possible, wherein the frame section made of fiber composite material is arranged at the locations or at the location of the chassis, where particularly high loads occur during operation. It is possible, in addition to or instead of the neck area 11 The chassis in the area of the axle unit to produce sections of a fiber composite material. The remaining frame sections, which are less heavily loaded during operation, in particular the section between the neck area 11 and the bogie, may be made of a different material, particularly a less expensive material, such as steel and / or aluminum, so that the bogie can be manufactured economically with improved properties, particularly with regard to utility space utilization.

Specifically, the chassis, especially the neck area 11 , constructed as follows:
As in 3 to recognize, is the chassis in the neck area 11 cranked and used to connect the fifth wheel. The neck area 11 is sandwiched from a fiber composite material, in particular constructed of CFK and comprises three layers, one of which is a middle layer 13 between a top plate 17 (upper layer) and a lower plate 18 (lower layer) is arranged. The top plate 17 is in 2 well recognizable and partially broken, so that the underlying position 13 is also recognizable. The location 13 is made up of several longitudinal elements 14 constructed, which are arranged in the direction of travel F.

The longitudinal elements 14 are formed as web profiles, which are fixedly connected to each other laterally, for example, glued and thus the flat position 13 form at least over a part, especially over the entire neck area 11 can extend ( 3 ). Without being limited thereto, the longitudinal elements 14 Hat profiles or other profiles, such as U, I, T, solid or hollow profiles include. Preferably the longitudinal elements 14 from a fiber composite material, in particular made of CFRP, without being limited thereto. Other materials, such as lightweight materials, such as aluminum, may be used.

It is also possible to use individual longitudinal elements 14 leave out the resulting space between two longitudinal elements 14 filled with a high-strength foam, for example a polystyrene foam or a Polyuretanschaum. The foam and profile strips can be arranged alternately.

The longitudinal elements 14 may define voids which are either free or foamed, for example with the aforementioned materials.

Below the location 13 from the longitudinal elements 14 is a lower plate 18 arranged in 2 can be seen. For the sake of clarity, are out of the situation 13 some longitudinal elements 14 omitted. The lower plate 18 is in 3 transparent, so that the longitudinal elements 14 are recognizable.

The top plate 17 , the location 13 and the lower plate 18 have substantially the same surface extension, so that a uniform, constructed in sandwich construction component is formed, in the neck area 11 of the frame 10 replaced the conventional structural design.

Instead of the one-piece upper and lower plate 17 . 18 It is also possible to use other sandwich components which, for example, are composed of several individual profiles, comparable to the middle layer 13 , The one-piece and multi-part components can be combined.

The connection of the neck area 11 on the other frames 10 , in particular the main frame area 12 takes place, inter alia, by two longitudinal members 20 , which are arranged in the direction of travel F. The two side members 20 are with the lower plate 18 firmly connected and have at the rear end in the direction of travel F a reinforced in terms of the support height connection area 22 (Bend) on, with the main frame area 12 is coupled. The connection between the side member 20 and the main frame area 12 can be done mechanically, for example by screws, rivets or inlays or by an adhesive bond.

The components described above, ie the two side members 20 , the lower plate 18 , the location 13 and the top plate 17 are each made of a fiber composite material, in particular made of CFRP. The production and processing as well as the connection of the components, in the usual way, for example, appropriate fiber composite mats are impregnated with epoxy or polyester resin and cured.

As in 3 illustrated, includes the neck area 11 a wear plate 19 made of steel or other wear-resistant material. The wear plate 19 is in front of the neck in the direction of travel F. 11 arranged and closes flush with the end faces of the two side members 20 so that a longitudinally edge-free underside of the neck area 11 is obtained. Instead of or in addition to the wear plate 19 a wear layer can be sprayed on.

The wear plate 19 can with the lower plate 18 or the complete sandwich construction from lower plate 18 , Location 13 and top plate 17 riveted, bolted or glued. The wear layer may be sprayed on or applied by another coating method.

In addition to the connection of the neck area 11 with the main frame area 12 through the two side members 20 are two longitudinal bars 21 provided, each laterally limit the edge of the chassis in the direction of travel F. The two longitudinal strips 21 overlap both the neck area 11 as well as the main frame area 12 and are with the two areas 11 . 12 firmly connected. The connection between the two longitudinal strips 21 and the two frame areas 11 . 12 can be done mechanically, by screws, rivets or inlays or by adhesive bonds. The two longitudinal strips 21 thus form a partial border of the chassis.

To further increase the stability can be in the range 16 be provided the fifth wheel cross members (not shown) in the form of reinforcing ribs according to the structure 3 support. The transverse elements can be similar or identical to the longitudinal elements 14 be educated. It is also possible to have a complete location of cross elements with the location 13 from longitudinal elements 14 to combine, or combine several such differently oriented layers together.

In the neck area 11 Furthermore, a clutch plate is integrated with kingpins. For a turntable trailer is in the corresponding front area 10a arranged the fifth wheel.

The neck area 11 , or in general the first frame section 10a is not limited to the above-described 3-layer structure. Rather, a 2-layer structure or a 4-layer, 5-layer, etc. structure can be selected. Instead of the sandwich construction, the neck area 11 or in general the first frame section 10a be executed in shell construction. The sandwich construction and the shell construction can be combined.

In addition, it is possible to integrate in the construction of fiber composite metallic components, such as metallic reinforcing struts or ribs, wherein a major part of the supporting elements made of fiber composites. This means that the first frame section 10a a combination of fiber composite material with other materials, in particular steel and / or aluminum may have. By way of example, individual components described above can also be made of materials other than fiber composites, for example of metallic and / or ceramic and / or composite materials. In order to achieve the advantages according to the invention, however, the neck region should be made predominantly of fiber composite materials.

The main frame area 12 is as a structural construction 15 executed.

The structural design 15 For example, may include a vehicle frame structure with longitudinal and transverse beams. Without being limited thereto, a ladder frame may be provided with two, three, four or more longitudinal beams interconnected by cross beams. The components can be welded or bolted. The cross beams can be pushed through.

The vehicle frame construction may also comprise a grid frame, or frames in general, which are suitable for a lightweight construction or a steel or aluminum construction.

The embodiment according to the 1 - 3 has the advantage that in the neck area 11 , in particular in the field of fifth wheel low height can be realized, while maintaining the strength and stability of the neck area 11 is guaranteed. This is primarily due to the use of high-strength fiber composite material in the neck area 11 achieved, it is not excluded that individual components, such as the side members 20 made of a different material, such as aluminum. It is sufficient if the essential load-bearing elements are made of the fiber composite material, so that the material properties of this material for the strength and stability of the neck area 1 are predominantly determinative. The same applies to the use of the fiber composite material in other frame areas, for example in the area of the axle unit. The remaining, less critical frame sections 10b are made of a different material.

The sectional structure of the chassis according to the 1 - 3 offers the further advantage that the individual frame sections 10a . 10b as frame modules 10 ' . 10 '' can be formed, which are combined in the form of a modular system for the flexible production of different chassis with each other. The individual frame modules 10 ' . 10 '' have standardized connection points so that the various modules can be combined with each other as desired by the customer.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

frame

10a

first frame section

10b

second frame section

10 '

first frame module

10 ''

second frame module

11

neck

12

Main frame area

13

location

14

longitudinal elements

15

Structural design

16

Fifth wheel area

17

top plate

18

lower plate

19

Wear plate / wear layer

20

longitudinal beams

21

longitudinal bar

22

connecting area

Claims (14)

Chassis for a commercial vehicle trailer with a frame ( 10 ) for fixing a chassis, characterized in that the frame ( 10 ) at least two frame sections ( 10a . 10b ), which are used as frame modules ( 10 ' . 10 '' ) are formed and which are further made of different materials, wherein a first frame section ( 10a ) a fiber composite material and a second frame section ( 10b ) comprises a different material, wherein the first frame section ( 10a ) a front in the direction of travel arranged neck area ( 11 ) of the frame ( 10 ). Chassis according to claim 1, characterized in that the second frame section ( 10b ) Comprises steel and / or aluminum. Chassis according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second frame section ( 10b ) a rearward in the direction of travel arranged main frame area ( 12 ). Chassis according to at least one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the second frame section ( 10b ) a structural structure ( 15 ). Chassis according to at least one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the first frame section ( 10a ) comprises a sandwich and / or shell construction. Chassis according to at least one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the first frame section ( 10a ) is constructed in several layers. Chassis according to at least one of claims 1-6, characterized in that the first frame section ( 10a ) at least one layer ( 13 ) with a plurality of longitudinal elements arranged in the direction of travel ( 14 ) having. Chassis according to claim 1-7, characterized in that a plurality of transversely to the direction of travel arranged transverse elements at least in a higher-loaded in operation region of the first frame portion ( 10a ) are provided. Chassis according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the at least one layer ( 13 ) between a top plate ( 17 ) and a lower plate ( 18 ) is arranged. Chassis according to at least one of claims 1-9, characterized in that the first frame section ( 10a ) a down-wearing wear plate ( 19 ) and / or wear layer of a wear-resistant material. Chassis according to at least one of claims 1-10, characterized in that the first frame section ( 10a ) at least one arranged in the direction of travel longitudinal beams ( 20 ) connected to the second frame section ( 10b ) are connected. Chassis according to at least one of claims 1-11, characterized in that the two frame sections ( 10a . 10b ) by at least one arranged in the direction of travel longitudinal bar ( 21 ) are connected. System for producing a chassis for a commercial vehicle trailer with a frame ( 10 ) for fastening a chassis comprising at least two frame modules ( 10 ' . 10 '' ), wherein a first frame module ( 10 ' ) a fiber composite material and a second frame module ( 10 '' ) comprises a different material, and the two frame modules ( 10 ' . 10 '' ) can be combined with each other. Method for producing a chassis for a commercial vehicle trailer with a frame ( 10 ) for attaching a landing gear with the steps: - producing a frame module ( 10 ' ) made of a fiber composite material; - manufacture of another frame module ( 10 '' ) made of a different material; and - connecting the two frame modules ( 10 ' . 10 '' ).

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