Self-locking electrically powered trailer hitch device

Abstract

The application discloses a self-locking electric trailer hook device, and belongs to the technical field of trailer devices. The self-locking electric trailer hook device comprises a trailer hook body rotatable between a static position and a working position, a power system for driving the trailer hook body to rotate, and a mounting bracket fixed on a vehicle. The power system comprises a motor and a transmission assembly driven to rotate by the motor and driving the trailer hook body to rotate. The transmission assembly is mounted on the mounting bracket and rotatable relative to the mounting bracket. A self-locking assembly is arranged between the transmission assembly and the mounting bracket. The trailer hook body is located at the working position, and the self-locking assembly is self-locked to limit the rotation of the transmission assembly. After the self-locking assembly is self-locked, the rotation of the transmission assembly is limited, and the trailer hook body cannot be driven to rotate any more, so that the trailer hook body is stable at the working position, the stability and firmness during towing are improved, and the towing work is ensured to be smoothly performed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to the field of trailer hitch technology, and more specifically to a self-locking electric trailer hitch device. [Background Technology]

[0002] With the continuous changes in people's lifestyles, more and more people have higher demands for the towing performance of their vehicles. Adding an electric tow hook to a car, which is fixed to the rear bumper beam via a mounting bracket, and driven by a motor and gear transmission, generates circumferential rotation, causing the tow hook body to rotate between its initial and towing positions. This greatly improves the car's towing performance and allows for electric opening and closing, enhancing the convenience of use. However, during towing, if the tow hook body rotates or shakes, the towed object can easily detach from it. Therefore, locking the electric tow hook at the towing position to prevent loosening during towing is crucial. However, the load capacity of electric tow hooks is generally over 1500 kg, and the self-locking force of the motor itself is insufficient to meet the locking requirements. [Summary of the Invention]

[0003] The summary section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. The summary section of this invention is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to disclose a self-locking electric trailer hitch device to at least partially solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A self-locking electric trailer hitch device includes a trailer hitch body rotatable between a stationary position and a working position, a power system for rotating the trailer hitch body, and a mounting bracket fixed to a vehicle. The power system includes a motor and a transmission assembly that rotates under the drive of the motor and drives the trailer hitch body to rotate. The transmission assembly is mounted on the mounting bracket and is rotatable relative to the mounting bracket. A self-locking component is provided between the transmission assembly and the mounting bracket. When the trailer hitch body is in the working position, the self-locking component self-locks to limit the rotation of the transmission assembly.

[0007] The beneficial effects of adopting this solution are:

[0008] Given the large load weight and insufficient self-locking force of existing electric trailer hitches, this solution incorporates a self-locking component in its self-locking electric trailer hitch device. When not in use, the device is stationary and concealed within the rear bumper beam, improving aesthetics. When towing is required, the motor is started and rotates forward, driving the transmission component and the trailer hitch body to its working position, where it protrudes from the rear bumper beam. A self-locking component is located between the transmission component and the mounting bracket. Since the mounting bracket is fixed to the vehicle, the self-locking component restricts the rotation of the transmission component, preventing further rotation of the trailer hitch body. This stabilizes the trailer hitch body in its working position, improving stability and secureness during towing and ensuring smooth operation. After towing, the motor is started and rotated in reverse, unlocking the self-locking component. The transmission component then rotates back to its stationary position, and the motor is turned off. Since the device is now unloaded, its self-locking mechanism stabilizes the electric trailer hitch in this position.

[0009] Preferably, the transmission assembly includes a first gear and a transmission shaft threadedly engaged with the first gear. The trailer hook body is rotatably connected to the first gear via the transmission shaft. The transmission shaft passes through the mounting bracket and can rotate relative to the mounting bracket. Under the drive of the motor, the first gear drives the transmission shaft to rotate between a stationary position and a working position, or rotates relative to the transmission shaft and moves axially at the working position. A self-locking assembly is provided between the first gear and the mounting bracket. The axial movement of the first gear toward the mounting bracket pushes the self-locking assembly to self-lock.

[0010] Preferably, a limiting component is further provided between the transmission component and the mounting bracket to limit the rotational stroke of the transmission component.

[0011] Preferably, the self-locking assembly includes a connector that is circumferentially fixed relative to the drive shaft and a bearing that is fixed relative to the mounting bracket. The axial movement of the first gear pushes the connector into the bearing for self-locking.

[0012] Preferably, a spring seat with a connecting column is provided between the first gear and the mounting bracket. The spring seat is circumferentially limited to the transmission shaft. A first through hole is opened on the spring seat. The connecting column is elastically connected to the first through hole by a first spring and can move elastically axially in the first through hole. A limiting seat is fixedly provided on the mounting bracket. The limiting seat is provided with an insertion hole. The axial movement of the first gear pushes the connecting column to be inserted into the insertion hole for self-locking.

[0013] Preferably, an elastic plate is provided between the first gear and the spring seat. The first gear moves axially to compress the elastic plate, and the elastic plate pushes the connecting post into the socket for self-locking.

[0014] Preferably, the limiting assembly includes a guide groove provided on one of the spring seat and the limiting seat, and a guide block provided on the other. When the drive shaft rotates, the guide block slides in the guide groove, and the two ends of the guide groove limit the sliding stroke of the guide block to limit the trailer hook body to a stationary position or a working position.

[0015] Preferably, a limiting bracket with a second through hole is provided between the first gear and the mounting bracket. The limiting bracket is circumferentially limited by the transmission shaft. A limiting ball is provided in the second through hole. The limiting ball is clearance-fitted with the through hole. The first gear and the limiting ball are connected by a second spring. A limiting seat is fixedly provided on the mounting bracket. The limiting seat is provided with an insertion hole. The axial movement of the first gear pushes the limiting ball part into the insertion hole for self-locking.

[0016] Preferably, the trailer hook body is sleeved on the drive shaft and circumferentially limited by the drive shaft, and a limiting nut for axially limiting the trailer hook body is provided on the outside of the trailer hook body.

[0017] Preferably, the transmission assembly further includes a second gear that rotates under the drive of a motor, the second gear meshing with the first gear.

[0018] These features and advantages of the invention will be disclosed in detail in the following specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. [Attached Image Description]

[0019] The invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the self-locking electric trailer hook device of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the self-locking electric trailer hook device of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the self-locking electric trailer hook device of the present invention, with the electric trailer hook device in a self-locking state.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the spring seat of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the limiting seat of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the first gear of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the transmission shaft of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the trailer hook of the present invention.

[0028] Reference numerals: 1. Trailer hook body; 101. Turntable bearing body; 102. Trailer hook ball; 2. Mounting bracket; 3. First gear; 4. Drive shaft; 401. First thread; 402. Second thread; 5. Second gear; 6. Drive rod; 601. Second bevel gear; 7. Motor; 701. First bevel gear; 702. Bearing; 8. End cover; 9. Limiting nut; 10. Spring seat; 11. Connecting column; 1101. First through hole; 1102. First spring; 1103. Guide groove; 1104. Elastic sheet; 12. Limiting seat; 13. Insertion hole; 1301. Guide block; 1302.

Detailed Implementation Methods

[0029] The self-locking electric trailer hook device of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0030] Reference Figures 1 to 8 A self-locking electric trailer hitch device includes a trailer hitch body 1 that can rotate between a stationary position and a working position, a power system that drives the trailer hitch body 1 to rotate, and a mounting bracket 2 fixed on a vehicle. The power system includes a motor 7 and a transmission assembly that rotates under the drive of the motor 7 and drives the trailer hitch body 1 to rotate. The transmission assembly is mounted on the mounting bracket 2 and can rotate relative to the mounting bracket 2. A self-locking assembly is provided between the transmission assembly and the mounting bracket 2. When the trailer hitch body 1 is in the working position, the self-locking assembly self-locks to limit the rotation of the transmission assembly.

[0031] In this design, the self-locking electric trailer hitch is equipped with a self-locking component. When the electric trailer hitch is not in use, it is in a stationary position and is completely hidden inside the rear bumper beam of the vehicle, improving the overall aesthetics. When towing is required, the motor 7 is started and rotated forward, driving the transmission component to rotate and causing the trailer hitch body 1 to rotate to the working position, where the trailer hitch body 1 protrudes outside the rear bumper beam. A self-locking component is provided between the transmission component and the mounting bracket 2. Since the mounting bracket 2 is fixed to the vehicle, the self-locking component, after locking, limits the rotation of the transmission component and prevents it from driving the trailer hitch body 1 to rotate, thus stabilizing the trailer hitch body 1 in the working position to ensure smooth towing. After towing is completed, the motor 7 is started and rotated in reverse, the self-locking component is unlocked, the transmission component rotates in reverse, and the trailer hitch body 1 rotates to the stationary position. Then, the motor 7 is turned off. Since it is unloaded at this time, the electric trailer hitch is stabilized in this position by the self-locking of the motor 7 itself.

[0032] A limiting component is also provided between the transmission component and the mounting bracket 2 to limit the rotational stroke of the transmission component, so as to limit the rotation of the transmission component between the stationary position and the working position.

[0033] like Figure 8 As shown, the trailer hook body 1 includes a turntable bearing body 101 connected to the transmission assembly at one end and a trailer hook ball 102 at the other end.

[0034] Reference Figures 1-3 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the transmission assembly includes a first gear 3, a transmission shaft 4, and a second gear 5.

[0035] The motor 7 includes a motor shaft 701, a transmission rod 6 fixedly mounted on the second gear 5, a first bevel gear 702 at one end of the motor shaft 701 near the transmission rod 6, and a second bevel gear 601 meshing with the first bevel gear 702 at one end of the transmission rod 6 near the motor shaft 701. The motor shaft 701 drives the first bevel gear 702 to rotate synchronously, and the first bevel gear 702 drives the second bevel gear 601 and the transmission rod 6 to rotate, thereby driving the second gear 5 to rotate. At the same time, the second gear 5 meshes with the first gear 3, and the second gear 5 drives the first gear 3 to rotate between the stationary position and the working position.

[0036] The first gear 3 and the trailer hook body 1 are located on both sides of the mounting bracket 2. The drive shaft 4 passes through the mounting bracket 2 and can rotate freely relative to the mounting bracket 2. The two ends of the drive shaft 4 are connected to the first gear 3 and the trailer hook body 1 respectively and perform transmission.

[0037] In this embodiment, in order to achieve the transmission of the drive shaft 4, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the front end of the drive shaft 4 is provided with a first thread 401, the first gear 3 is threadedly engaged with the drive shaft 4, and the turntable bearing body 101 is circumferentially limited to the drive shaft 4. Preferably, the turntable bearing body 101 is splined to the drive shaft 4. In the non-working position, the first gear 3 drives the drive shaft 4 and the trailer hook body 1 to rotate synchronously. In the working position, the first gear 3 rotates helically relative to the drive shaft 4 and moves axially.

[0038] Of course, in other embodiments, the drive shaft can also be a flat post, with a flat hole in the middle of the turntable bearing body for the flat post to pass through.

[0039] Of course, in other embodiments, the drive shaft can also be a multi-prism structure, with a polygonal hole in the middle of the turntable bearing housing that mates with the multi-prism.

[0040] The second gear 5 and the transmission rod 6 are circumferentially limited. Preferably, the second gear 5 and the transmission rod 6 are in a flat engagement. Of course, in other embodiments, the second gear 5 and the transmission rod 6 can also adopt other circumferential limiting methods such as key engagement or spline engagement.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the drive shaft 4 and the mounting bracket 2 are connected by a bearing 8. The bearing 8 includes an inner ring and an outer ring. The inner ring is fixedly connected to the drive shaft 4, and the outer ring is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket 2.

[0042] To prevent the trailer hook body 1 from axially disengaging during towing, the trailer hook body and the transmission assembly are axially limited, specifically, as shown in... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the trailer hook body 1 has an end cap 9 and a limiting nut 10 on its outer side, as... Figure 7 As shown, a second thread 402 is provided on the tail end of the drive shaft 4. The limiting nut 10 is screwed on the second thread 402 at the tail end of the drive shaft 4 to limit the axial movement of the trailer hook body 1. The end cover 9 covers the second thread 402 to improve the aesthetics.

[0043] In this embodiment, the self-locking component is located between the first gear 3 and the mounting bracket 2. In the working position, the first gear 3 moves axially toward the mounting bracket 2 under the action of the second gear 5 and pushes the self-locking component to self-lock.

[0044] The self-locking assembly includes a connector that is circumferentially fixed relative to the drive shaft 4 and a bearing that is fixed relative to the mounting bracket 2. In the non-working position, the connector and the bearing do not contact each other, and the connector can rotate freely relative to the bearing. In the working position, the first gear 3 moves axially to push the connector into the bearing for self-locking.

[0045] Specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, a spring seat 11 is provided between the first gear 3 and the mounting bracket 2. The spring seat 11 is circumferentially limited to the transmission shaft 4, preferably with a spline fit. An elastic plate 12 is provided between the first gear 3 and the spring seat 11. A connecting post 1101 is provided inside the spring seat 11. A first through hole 1102 is provided inside the spring seat 11 for mounting the connecting post 1101. A first spring 1103 is provided inside the first through hole 1102. The connecting post 1101 is mounted in the first through hole 1102 through the first spring 1103 and can move elastically axially within the first through hole 1102. The length of the connecting post 1101 is greater than the thickness of the spring seat 11. A limiting seat 13 is fixedly provided on the mounting bracket 2. The limiting seat 13 is provided with an insertion hole 1301. In the working position, when self-locking is not required, the end of the connecting column 1101 near the elastic plate 12 protrudes out of the spring seat 11, and the end of the connecting column 1101 away from the elastic plate 12 is hidden inside the spring seat 11. In the working position, when self-locking is required, the first gear 3 moves axially to compress the elastic plate 12. When the elastic plate 12 deforms, it pushes the connecting column 1101 to move axially forward elastically and insert into the insertion hole 1301 for rigid self-locking, which improves the self-locking strength so that the self-locking stability can still be maintained under heavy load of the trailer hook device.

[0046] To ensure the strength after self-locking, the spring seat 11 is provided with a number of connecting posts 1101. Preferably, the number of connecting posts 1101 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the spring seat 11.

[0047] The specific structure of the limit component is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the spring seat 11 is provided with a guide groove 1104, preferably an arc-shaped guide groove 1104, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the limiting seat 13 is provided with a guide block 1302. When the drive shaft 4 rotates, the guide block 1302 slides in the guide groove 1104. The upper and lower end walls of the guide groove 1104 form a stroke limiting part, which limits the sliding stroke of the guide block 1302, and then limits the rotation range of the spring seat 11, thereby limiting the rotation stroke of the drive shaft 4 and the trailer hook body 1, so as to limit the trailer hook body 1 to the stationary position or the working position. A limit switch signal is provided at the stationary position. When the motor 7 rotates to this position, it receives the limit switch signal and stops working. When it rotates to the working position, due to the limiting effect, the spring seat 11 stops rotating and limits the drive shaft 4 to stop rotating as well. However, the motor 7 does not stop working and drives the second gear 5 and the first gear 3 to continue rotating. Thus, the first gear 3 rotates spirally and moves axially relative to the drive shaft 4 under the action of torque.

[0048] Of course, in other embodiments, the guide groove can also be provided on the limiting seat, and the guide block can be provided on the guide groove.

[0049] The operation of the self-locking electric trailer hitch device in this embodiment is as follows:

[0050] When towing is required, the motor 7 is started and rotates forward. The motor shaft 701 rotates forward, driving the transmission rod 6 and the second gear 5 to rotate forward. This drives the first gear 3, the transmission shaft 4, and the spring seat 11 to rotate forward. The trailer hook body 1 rotates downward synchronously with the transmission shaft 4. When it reaches the working position, the guide block 1302 is limited by the lower end wall of the guide groove 1104, thus stopping the rotation of the spring seat 11. The transmission shaft 4 and the trailer hook body 1 also stop rotating. The motor 7 drives the second gear 5 and the first gear 3 to continue rotating forward. The first gear 3 loosens from the transmission shaft 4, rotates relative to the thread of the transmission shaft 4, and moves axially towards the elastic plate 12, compressing the elastic plate 12 to deform and push the spring seat 11. The connecting post 1101 moves axially and inserts into the socket 1301 on the limiting seat 13 to lock the trailer hook body 1 in the working position. After the trailer is completed, the motor 7 reverses, driving the transmission rod 6 and the second gear 5 to reverse. Since the transmission shaft 4 is still locked, the second gear 5 drives the first gear 3 to rotate in the opposite direction on the transmission shaft 4 and move axially away from the elastic plate 12. The elastic plate 12 returns to its original shape, the connecting post 1101 is pulled out from the socket 1301 and returns to its original position under the action of the first spring 1103, completing the unlocking. The transmission shaft 4 drives the trailer hook body 1 to follow the first gear 3 to reverse to the stationary position, and the motor 7 stops working.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the specific structure of the self-locking assembly is as follows: a limiting bracket with a second through hole is provided between the first gear and the mounting bracket; the limiting bracket is circumferentially limited with the transmission shaft; a limiting ball is provided in the second through hole; the limiting ball is clearance-fitted with the second through hole; the first gear and the limiting ball are connected by a second spring; a limiting seat is fixedly provided on the mounting bracket; the limiting seat is provided with an insertion hole; the axial movement of the first gear pushes the limiting ball part into the insertion hole for self-locking.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the specific structure of the self-locking assembly is as follows: a spring seat with a connecting column is provided between the first gear and the mounting bracket; the spring seat is circumferentially limited to the transmission shaft; a first through hole is opened on the spring seat; the connecting column is elastically connected to the first through hole by the first spring and moves elastically axially in the first through hole; an insertion hole is provided on the mounting bracket; the axial movement of the first gear compresses the spring seat to push the connecting column into the insertion hole for self-locking.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the specific structure of the self-locking assembly is as follows: a connecting column is fixedly provided on the first gear, and an insertion hole is provided on the mounting bracket. The first gear moves axially to push the pin into the insertion hole for self-locking. At this time, the first gear is axially limited to the transmission shaft and can move axially relative to the transmission shaft. The first gear and the second gear have a certain angle. In the working position, after the transmission shaft is limited, the second gear can give the first gear an axial thrust to push it to move axially.

[0054] The above embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can conceive of other implementation methods that achieve the same function within the scope of the claims of this invention.

Claims

1. A self-locking electrically powered trailer hitch device characterised in that, The trailer hook body can be rotated between the static position and the working position, the power system drives the rotation of the trailer hook body, and the mounting bracket is fixed on the automobile, the power system includes a motor and a transmission assembly rotating under the drive of the motor and driving the rotation of the trailer hook body, the transmission assembly is installed on the mounting bracket and can rotate relative to the mounting bracket, a self-locking assembly is arranged between the transmission assembly and the mounting bracket, the self-locking assembly is self-locked to limit the rotation of the transmission assembly when the trailer hook body is in the working position, the transmission assembly includes a first gear and a transmission shaft in threaded cooperation with the first gear, the trailer hook body is in transmission connection with the first gear through the transmission shaft, the transmission shaft is arranged on the mounting bracket and can rotate relative to the mounting bracket, the first gear drives the transmission shaft to rotate between the static position and the working position or to rotate relative to the transmission shaft and axially move in the working position under the drive of the motor, a self-locking assembly is arranged between the first gear and the mounting bracket, the first gear axially moves towards the mounting bracket to push the self-locking assembly to be self-locked, a limiting bracket with a second through hole is arranged between the first gear and the mounting bracket, the limiting bracket is circumferentially limited with the transmission shaft, a limiting ball is arranged in the second through hole, the limiting ball is in clearance fit with the second through hole, the first gear is connected with the limiting ball through a second spring, a limiting seat is fixedly arranged on the mounting bracket, an insertion hole is arranged on the limiting seat, and the first gear axially moves to push the limiting ball to be partially inserted into the insertion hole to be self-locked.

2. The self-locking electrically powered trailer hitch device of claim 1, wherein, A limiting assembly limiting the rotation stroke of the transmission assembly is further arranged between the transmission assembly and the mounting bracket.

3. The self-locking electrically powered trailer hitch device of claim 1, wherein, The transmission assembly further includes a second gear rotating under the drive of the motor, and the second gear is in mesh with the first gear.

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